JP4174477B2 - Battery, battery pack and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack in which the batteries are integrated, and a method for manufacturing the same.

  In recent years, with the development of transportation equipment such as hybrid cars and electric cars, and portable equipment such as personal computers, the role of batteries has become increasingly important. Competition for development of devices equipped with batteries is fierce, and there is a demand for smaller, higher-power batteries and lower-cost batteries in the market.

  An example of a conventional battery is shown in FIG. A battery 101 shown in FIG. 25 is a so-called cylindrical battery, and is applied to various batteries such as a nickel metal hydride battery and a lithium battery. In the battery 101 shown in FIG. 25, a cylindrical battery case 102 contains a positive electrode group 103 including a positive electrode 103, a negative electrode 104, and a separator 105, and an electrolytic solution. The upper part of the battery case 102 is sealed by a sealing plate 106 that also serves as a terminal and an electrically insulating gasket 107. For example, the battery case 102 is sealed and sealed by fixing the battery case 102 and the sealing plate 106 so as to sandwich the gasket 107. The positive electrode 103 or the negative electrode 104 in the electrode plate group 108 and the sealing plate 106 are electrically connected by a tab 109.

  In addition, a battery having a terminal portion structure different from that of the battery shown in FIG. 25 is generally used (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and the like). Such a battery is often used for a battery having a relatively large capacity for automobiles and the like. In the battery proposed in Patent Document 1, a male screw-shaped terminal member is disposed through the lid, and the terminal member is fixed to the lid by a nut that is screwed into the terminal member. Such a battery, unlike the battery shown in FIG. 25, does not require caulking and fixing to seal the battery case.

In addition, when a single battery, such as an automobile application, has insufficient capacity, voltage, etc., a battery pack in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series may be used. For example, it is conceivable to form a battery pack by connecting cylindrical batteries as shown in FIG. 25 in series. At that time, the bottom surface portion of the battery case is flat, but since the terminal portion of the upper surface portion is convex, it is difficult to stably hold the battery pack in which the batteries are integrated as it is. . For this reason, for example, Patent Document 3 proposes a technique in which a connection body is sandwiched between a bottom surface portion of a battery and an upper surface portion of an adjacent battery, and is welded and fixed.
JP 2000-138054 A JP 2001-52759 A JP-A-10-106533

  However, in the battery shown in FIG. 25, the terminal and the electrode plate group are electrically connected by a tab, and a space for accommodating a member other than the power generation element such as the tab and the lead is required inside the battery. Therefore, the energy density is reduced accordingly.

  The batteries proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 also require a current collecting tab. Further, the male screw-like terminal member is disposed so as to penetrate into the inside of the housing, and a space for arranging the tab and the terminal member is required inside the battery. In addition, in order to form a battery pack by connecting the battery shown in FIG. 25 and the batteries proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 in series, for example, a connection body used in the battery pack proposed in Patent Document 3 Etc. are necessary. However, in the battery pack proposed in Patent Document 3, a space for arranging a connection body for connecting adjacent batteries is required between the batteries, and therefore it is difficult to reduce the size of the battery pack.

  In view of such a situation, the present invention provides a battery and a battery pack that can reduce the volume of a portion that houses a power generation element, and a method for manufacturing the same.

The battery of the present invention
Power generation including a pair of cylindrical bottomed cans, a fastening ring for connecting each open end of the pair of bottomed cans, and a pair of electrodes housed inside the pair of connected bottomed cans Elements and
One of the bottomed cans is electrically connected to one of the electrodes;
The other bottomed can is electrically connected to the other electrode;
In the fastening ring, a region in contact with one bottomed can and a region in contact with the other bottomed can are electrically insulated.

  The battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of the batteries of the present invention described above, and has a structure in which the plurality of batteries are connected in series.

The battery manufacturing method of the present invention comprises:
(I) connecting the open end of the first bottomed can and the fastening ring;
(Ii) storing a plate group including a pair of electrodes inside the first bottomed can;
(Iii) By connecting the fastening ring and the open end of the second bottomed can from the opposite side of the fastening ring to the side connected to the first bottomed can, Connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can,
(A) electrically connecting the first bottomed can and the one electrode;
(B) The method further includes a step of electrically connecting the second bottomed can and the other electrode.

The method for producing the battery pack of the present invention includes:
A method of manufacturing a battery pack having a structure in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series,
(X) arranging a plurality of batteries so that the end faces of the adjacent batteries face each other;
(Y) electrically connecting the end faces together to connect the adjacent batteries in series,
The battery is the battery of the present invention described above.

  According to the present invention, since the number of parts can be reduced more than ever, the volume of the portion that houses the power generation element can be reduced. Thereby, for example, a battery and a battery pack having high energy density and output characteristics can be provided.

  The battery of the present invention includes a pair of cylindrical bottomed cans, a fastening ring that connects each opening end of the pair of bottomed cans, and a pair of bottomed cans that are accommodated inside the pair of bottomed cans connected to each other. A power generating element including an electrode. One bottomed can of the pair of bottomed cans is electrically connected to one electrode (for example, positive electrode), and the other bottomed can is electrically connected to the other electrode (for example, negative electrode). ing. Moreover, the area | region which contact | connects one bottomed can and the area | region which touches the other bottomed can in a fastening ring are electrically insulated. For this reason, for example, a battery having a pair of bottomed cans and / or a fastening ring as a battery case, one bottomed can as a positive electrode, and the other bottomed can as a negative electrode can be configured. In the battery of the present invention, any region in each bottomed can can be used as the terminal portion. For example, the outer surface of the bottom portion of the bottomed can (region corresponding to the end surface of the battery) may be used as the terminal portion. . In addition, a terminal part is a site | part for energizing a battery and the battery exterior. A plurality of terminal portions may be provided.

  In such a battery, members such as tabs and leads that are necessary in the conventional battery can be omitted, so that the battery can be easily downsized. Thereby, for example, since the space that does not contribute to the charge / discharge capacity of the battery inside the battery can be minimized, it is possible to increase the energy density of the battery. Moreover, since the number of members between the electrode plate group and the terminal portion can be reduced, the internal resistance of the battery can be reduced, and a battery having high output characteristics can be obtained. Furthermore, since the manufacturing process can be reduced by reducing the number of members, a battery with high productivity can be obtained. In addition, in the battery of the present invention, a caulking portion as seen in the battery shown in FIG. 25, a terminal member penetrating the housing as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and the like can be omitted. Moreover, since a pair of bottomed cans are used, both end surfaces of a battery can be made into a flat shape. Thereby, when forming a battery pack, a battery can be highly integrated. In addition, the effect mentioned above is a selective effect, and the battery of this invention does not necessarily need to satisfy | fill all the effects mentioned above simultaneously. The effect can be selected by, for example, battery size, capacity design, selection of members to be used, and the like.

  In the battery of the present invention, the opening end of the pair of bottomed cans is connected by the fastening ring, that is, the structure of the fastening ring, the structure of the bottomed can, and the space between the fastening ring and the opening end of the bottomed can. The structure and the like are not particularly limited. What is necessary is just the structure which can seal the inside of a pair of bottomed can used as a battery case at the time of use as a battery. For example, a threaded portion is formed on the peripheral surface of the opening end of the bottomed can and the peripheral surface of the fastening ring, and the threaded portion of the bottomed can and the threaded portion of the fastening ring are screwed together so that the fastening ring is interposed. A pair of bottomed cans may be connected. Further, the shape of the circumferential surface of the fastening ring and the shape of the circumferential surface of the opening end of the bottomed can are set to a predetermined shape, and the fastening ring is fitted by fitting the fastening ring and the opening end of the bottomed can. A structure in which a pair of bottomed cans are connected via each other may be used. At this time, for example, the fastening ring and the open end of the bottomed can may be fitted by reducing the diameter of the bottomed can. In reducing the diameter, it is sufficient that at least the opening end of the bottomed can is reduced in diameter. Moreover, the structure which used together the said screwing and the said fitting may be sufficient. For example, a threaded part is formed on one peripheral surface, and a fastening ring and one bottomed can are connected by screwing by using a fastening ring having a predetermined shape on the other peripheral surface. The other bottomed can may be connected by fitting.

  In the fastening ring, there is no particular limitation on the structure for electrically insulating between the region in contact with one bottomed can and the region in contact with the other bottomed can. For example, the fastening ring made of resin may be used as the region in contact with the pair of bottomed cans in the fastening ring, or the fastening ring made of resin may be used as a whole. Further, the fastening ring may have a structure including a metal layer and a resin layer, and a structure in which insulation is maintained by the resin layer may be employed. By using a fastening ring including a resin layer and a metal layer, the strength of the fastening ring can be further improved. Note that the resin layer and the metal layer do not necessarily have an integrated structure. For example, the resin layer and the metal layer may be separately disposed when the battery is manufactured. The structure of the fastening ring, the material used, and the like can be arbitrarily set according to the temperature range when used as a battery, the required strength, and the like.

  Resin used for a fastening ring is not specifically limited, For example, polyamide, polyolefin, polystyrene, polysulfone, a fluorine resin, etc. may be used. Especially, when the whole fastening ring consists of resin, it is preferable to use a fluorine resin etc. from viewpoints of mechanical strength, moisture permeability resistance, moldability, etc. The metal used for a fastening ring is not specifically limited, For example, stainless steel, iron-nickel plating steel, aluminum etc. may be used. In addition, it is preferable to apply | coat a sealing agent to the location which contacts the metal part of a bottomed can among the resin parts of a fastening ring. As the sealing agent, for example, polybutene, bron asphalt, fluorine-based coating agent, or the like can be used.

  The structure, material, configuration, etc. of the power generation element are not particularly limited as long as it includes a pair of electrodes (positive electrode and negative electrode). Any power generation element generally used in batteries may be used. For example, the power generation element may include an electrode group including a separator, a positive electrode and a negative electrode that sandwich the separator, and an electrolyte. At this time, the electrode plate group may be wound, and the electrolyte may be an electrolytic solution having ion conductivity. Such a power generation element is the same as a power generation element used for a general alkaline storage battery, a lithium battery, or the like. That is, the battery of the present invention can be made into various batteries such as an alkaline storage battery, a nickel hydride battery, a lithium primary battery, and a lithium secondary battery by selecting the structure, material, configuration, and the like of the power generation element. As a specific example, when the battery of the present invention is applied to a lithium secondary battery, the positive electrode and the negative electrode can reversibly absorb and release lithium (for example, the positive electrode material is an oxide containing lithium, the negative electrode) The electrode material may be an electrode containing a carbon material or a material containing silicon, and the electrolyte only needs to have lithium conductivity (for example, a non-aqueous solution of a lithium salt).

  The structure for maintaining the electrical connection between the bottomed can and the electrode included in the power generation element is not particularly limited. For example, the inner surface of the bottom of the bottomed can and the electrode need only be in stable contact with each other to maintain conductivity when used as a battery. Moreover, the member (for example, collector etc.) which has electroconductivity may be further arrange | positioned between the bottomed can and the electrode. It can be set arbitrarily according to the characteristics required for the battery.

  The material used for the bottomed can is not particularly limited. For example, a material generally used for a battery case may be used. Depending on the type of battery, in the case of a nickel metal hydride battery, for example, iron-nickel plated steel, stainless steel or the like may be used. . You may change the material used between the bottomed can used as a positive electrode, and the bottomed can used as a negative electrode. In the case of the above-described lithium battery, for example, a bottomed can serving as a positive electrode (a bottomed can electrically connected to a positive electrode included in a power generation element), aluminum, and a bottomed can serving as a negative electrode (a negative electrode included in a power generation element) You may use copper for the bottomed can electrically connected. The material to be used may be determined based on, for example, the potential generated in each bottomed can during use as a battery.

  The size of a bottomed can is not specifically limited, For example, what is necessary is just to set according to the capacity | capacitance of a battery. As an example, when a battery with a capacity of 6000 mAh is used, the inner diameter may be in the range of about 30 mmφ to 35 mmφ, and the depth may be a total of a pair of bottomed cans, for example, in the range of about 50 mm to 55 mm. The thickness of the bottomed can is, for example, in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.

  The battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of the batteries of the present invention described above, and has a structure in which the plurality of batteries are connected in series. Thereby, size reduction of a battery pack is easily realizable. Moreover, it can be set as the battery pack which has an effect based on the effect of the battery mentioned above. More specifically, for example, a battery pack having a high energy density or a battery pack having a high output characteristic can be used. Further, for example, by making both end faces of adjacent batteries flat, it is possible to omit a connection body that connects batteries as described in Patent Document 3, for example. Note that the end face of the battery is, for example, a portion corresponding to the outer surface of the bottom of the bottomed can described above.

  The battery manufacturing method of the present invention includes (i) a step of connecting the opening end portion of the first bottomed can and the fastening ring, and (ii) a pair of electrodes inside the first bottomed can. And (iii) an opening end portion of the fastening ring and the second bottomed can from the side opposite to the side connected to the first bottomed can in the fastening ring. Connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can through the fastening ring, and (a) the first bottomed can and one of the electrodes. And (b) electrically connecting the second bottomed can and the other electrode. By setting it as such a manufacturing method, the battery of this invention mentioned above can be obtained. The steps (a) and (b) may be performed at an arbitrary time, and may be completed when the battery is formed. For example, in the step (iii), the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can are connected, and the first bottomed can and one electrode, and the second bottomed can and the other electrode are brought into contact with each other. Thus, the steps (a) and (b) can be completed. Moreover, since the material of the said component is the same as that of the battery of this invention mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The battery pack manufacturing method of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a battery pack having a structure in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series, and (x) a plurality of batteries are arranged so that end faces of adjacent batteries face each other. And (y) connecting the adjacent batteries in series by electrically connecting the end faces. The battery connected in series is the battery of the present invention described above. By setting it as such a manufacturing method, the battery pack of this invention mentioned above can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description may be omitted.

  First, the battery of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are schematic views showing an example of the battery of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 cut along a plane perpendicular to the end face (cut along the plane I shown in FIG. 1). A battery 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a pair of cylindrical bottomed cans 2, a fastening ring 3 that connects open ends of the pair of bottomed cans 2, and a pair of connected bottomed cans 2. And a power generation element including a pair of electrodes housed in the interior. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, each of a pair of bottomed cans 2 may be described as the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b. Hereinafter, the current collector and the like may be similarly described with “a” and “b” appended thereto.

  The power generation element includes an electrode group 4 including a separator 7, a positive electrode 5 and a negative electrode 6 sandwiching the separator 7, and an electrolyte, and the electrode plate group 4 is wound. The electrolyte is accommodated in the bottomed can 2, and a part of the electrolyte is held by the separator 7. A female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3, and a male screw portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can 2. A pair of bottomed can 2a and bottomed can 2b are connected via fastening ring 3 by screwing the female screw portion and the male screw portion. The fastening ring 3 has a structure in which a resin layer 8 and a metal layer 9 are laminated. By using the resin layer 8 as the innermost layer, a region in contact with the bottomed can 2a on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and a bottomed surface are provided. The region in contact with the can 2b is electrically insulated. Further, the positive electrode 5 protrudes from one end face of the electrode plate group 4 so that the inner surface of the bottom of the bottomed can 2 a and the positive electrode 5 are electrically connected, and the negative electrode 6 is connected to the other end face of the electrode plate group 4. Protrudes so that the inner surface of the bottom of the bottomed can 2b and the negative electrode 6 are electrically connected. The amount of protrusion (protrusion amount) of the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6 may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example.

  With such a configuration, the battery 1 having the bottomed can 2a as the positive electrode and the bottomed can 2b as the negative electrode can be obtained. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a space for accommodating tabs, leads, etc. as found in conventional batteries is omitted inside the battery 1, and almost the entire interior of the pair of bottomed cans 2. The electrode plate group 4 is accommodated in the inner wall. For this reason, it can be set as the battery 1 with a high energy density. Moreover, since there is no member such as a tab between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6 and the bottomed cans 2a and 2b, the battery 1 with reduced output and high output characteristics can be obtained.

  Further, the battery 1 can further simplify the manufacturing process as compared with the conventional battery. For example, in the battery 101 shown in FIG. 25, after the power generation element is accommodated in the battery case 102, a step of attaching the tab 109 to the sealing plate 106, a step of folding the tab 109, a step of fixing the sealing plate 106 by caulking and the like are necessary. It is. On the other hand, in the battery 1 shown in FIG. 2, when the process is most simplified, for example, the bottomed can 2b and the fastening ring 3 are screwed together, and the electrode plate group 4 and the like are accommodated in the bottomed can 2b. And it is also possible to obtain the battery 1 by screwing the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed can 2a. For this reason, it can be set as the low-cost battery 1 with high productivity and the minimum component structure. In addition, the example of the manufacturing method of the battery of this invention is mentioned later.

  In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 2, the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6 and the respective bottomed cans 2a and 2b may simply be in contact with each other as long as the electrical connection between them can be maintained for a necessary period. Or the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6 and each bottomed can 2a, 2b may be electrically connected by at least one chosen from welding and brazing. By performing welding or brazing, the internal resistance of the battery 1 can be further reduced, and the battery 1 having higher output characteristics can be obtained. Moreover, it can be set as the battery 1 with higher reliability. The type of welding is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, laser welding or resistance welding.

  Further, in the battery 1 shown in FIG. 2, the fastening ring 3 has an annular contact portion 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region II in battery 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening ring 3 has an annular contact portion 10, and the open ends of the bottomed can 2 a and the bottomed can 2 b are abutted via the contact portion 10. By setting it as such a battery 1, the inside sealing property of the bottomed can 2 can be made higher, and it can be set as the battery 1 with higher reliability. Moreover, since the sealing state of the battery 1 can be managed with the dimensional accuracy of the contact portion 10 in the manufacturing process, the battery 1 with higher productivity can be obtained. In addition, the contact part 10 needs to be electrically insulating, when both the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b are contacting the contact part 10 directly. This is not the case when an electrically insulating material is disposed between the bottomed can 2a and / or the bottomed can 2b and the contact portion 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the contact portion 10 is a part of the resin layer 8.

  Moreover, in the battery 1 shown in FIG. 2, the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 is a separator 7 having electrical insulation. Thus, when the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 is made of an electrically insulating material, the possibility that the bottomed cans 2a and 2b, the fastening ring 3 and the electrodes included in the electrode plate group 4 are in direct contact with each other can be reduced. it can. For this reason, it can be set as the more reliable battery 1 by which generation | occurrence | production of the internal short circuit etc. was suppressed. Further, instead of using the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 as the separator 7, for example, an electrically insulating material such as resin (for example, other than the region that maintains the electrical connection with the bottomed can 2 in the electrode plate group 4 (for example, The same effect can be obtained by coating with a resin film or the like. Moreover, even if it covers other than the area | region which maintains the electrical connection with the electrode contained in the electrode group 4 in the inner surface of the bottomed can 2, it coat | covers with electrically insulating materials (for example, resin films etc.), such as resin. Good.

  In addition, the structure (for example, the pitch of a thread part) of the thread part of the bottomed can 2 or the fastening ring 3 is not specifically limited. Moreover, the screw part of the bottomed can 2 and the screw part of the fastening ring 3 may be a taper screw. When the taper screw is used, the battery 1 having higher sealing performance can be obtained. In this case, when the battery 1 is manufactured, if the torque management is performed when the bottomed can 2 and / or the fastening ring 3 is rotated, for example, the sealing performance of the battery 1 can be improved.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 4, a current collector 11a is further disposed between the positive electrode 5 and the bottom of the bottomed can 2a, and the current collector 11b is disposed between the negative electrode 6 and the bottom of the bottomed can 2b. Furthermore, it is arranged. The positive electrode 5 and the current collector 11a, the current collector 11a and the bottomed can 2a, the negative electrode 6 and the current collector 11b, and the current collector 11b and the bottomed can 2b are electrically connected. By setting it as such a battery 1, the adhesiveness of the bottomed can 2 and the electrode contained in the electrode group 4 can be improved more. For this reason, it can be set as the battery 1 with higher output characteristics and reliability. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 4, the current collectors 11a and 11b are arranged on both the bottomed can 2a side (positive electrode side) and the bottomed can 2b side (negative electrode side). A current collector may be arranged.

  The current collector 11 and the bottomed can 2 may simply be in contact with each other as long as the electrical connection between the current collector 11 and the bottomed can 2 can be maintained for a necessary period. Alternatively, the current collector 11 and the bottomed can 2 may be electrically connected by at least one selected from welding and brazing. By performing welding or brazing, the internal resistance of the battery 1 can be further reduced, and the battery 1 having higher output characteristics can be obtained. Moreover, it can be set as the battery 1 with higher reliability. The type of welding is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, laser welding or resistance welding. The same applies to the relationship between the current collector 11 and the electrodes included in the electrode plate group 4.

  The material used for the current collector 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive and does not easily corrode inside the battery 1. In the case of an alkaline storage battery, for example, nickel or a nickel-plated steel plate may be used, and in the case of a lithium battery, for example, copper (negative electrode side) or aluminum (positive electrode side) may be used. Note that the current collector 11 may be conductive as a whole, and a partially electrically insulating material may be mixed therein. Further, the structure of the current collector 11 is not particularly limited, and for example, a generally used current collector may be used. FIG. 5 shows an example of the current collector 11. The current collector 11 shown in FIG. 5A is a so-called burring current collector obtained by burring. The burring current collector is superior from the viewpoint of current collecting property, welding strength, and the like. The current collector 11 shown in FIGS. 5B to 5D is a so-called disc spring type current collector. The disc spring type current collector is excellent from the viewpoint of being able to absorb the variation in the total height of the electrode plate group 4. FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the current collector 11 shown in FIG. 5B as viewed from the side.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 6, the depth of the bottomed can 2a and the depth of the bottomed can 2b are different from each other. When the depths of the bottomed cans 2a and 2b are different from each other, the fastening ring 3 has a shape close to one end face of the battery 1 as shown in FIG. In such a battery 1, for example, when manufacturing the battery 1, the electrode plate group 4 is accommodated in the deeper bottomed can 2 a and the electrolyte is accommodated in a state where the fastening ring 3 is connected (for example, an electrolyte solution). Can be accommodated in comparison with the case where the depths of the pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b are substantially the same.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 7, a through hole 12 is formed at the bottom of the bottomed can 2a, and the through hole 12 is sealed. Such a through-hole 12 can be used, for example, for accommodating an electrolyte when the battery 1 is manufactured. The through-hole 12 can also serve as a safety valve when an abnormality such as a rise in temperature or an increase in internal pressure occurs when the battery 1 is used, and the battery 1 with higher safety can be obtained. The structure which seals the through-hole 12 is not specifically limited, For example, you may seal with the cover part containing a safety valve. The structure of the safety valve, the structure of the lid, and the like are not particularly limited, and for example, a safety valve used for a general battery may be used. The pressure range at which the safety valve operates may be set arbitrarily.

  Moreover, the through-hole 12 may be sealed with a thin film. The thin film can play a role as a safety valve by breaking, for example, when a temperature rise or an internal pressure rise occurs in the battery 1. The kind of thin film is not specifically limited, For example, what is necessary is just the thin film which consists of the same material as the material of the bottomed can 2, or resin. Moreover, the thin film which laminated | stacked the different material may be sufficient. The thickness may be in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, for example. By changing the thickness of the thin film and the material used for the thin film, the pressure range in which the thin film breaks can be set. The through hole 12 may be sealed by combining a thin film and a safety valve. For example, a safety valve may be disposed inside the through hole 12 and the through hole 12 may be sealed with a thin film.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the through-hole 12 is formed only in one bottomed can 2a, but may be formed in both bottomed cans 2a and 2b. Moreover, the position where the through-hole 12 is formed is not limited to the bottom of the bottomed can 2, and can be formed at any location of the bottomed can 2. The number of through holes 12 is not limited to one, and a plurality of through holes 12 may be formed. For example, a through hole 12 for accommodating an electrolyte may be provided separately from the through hole 12 functioning as a safety valve. The inner diameter of the through hole 12 is, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm when used for accommodating the electrolyte.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 8, a through hole 12 is formed in the fastening ring 3, and the through hole 12 is sealed with a thin film 121. Thus, even if the through hole 12 is formed in the fastening ring 3, the same effect as when the through hole 12 is formed in the bottomed can 2 can be obtained. The position where the through-hole 12 is disposed in the fastening ring 3 is not particularly limited as long as the pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b can be connected.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 9, the fastening ring 3 has an annular contact portion 10, and an O-ring 13 made of an elastic body is further provided as a sealing member between the contact portion 10 and the bottomed can 2 a. Has been placed. The open ends of the bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b are abutted with each other via the contact portion 10 and the O-ring 13. By setting it as such a battery 1, it can be set as the battery 1 with higher airtightness. In addition, in the battery 1, when the sealing member made of an elastic body such as the O-ring 13 is arranged in a state compressed at a predetermined compression rate, the sealing member functions as a safety valve in addition to the sealing function. It also has the function of The predetermined compression rate may be a compression rate within a range where the safety valve does not operate in the normal state of the battery 1. In addition, the predetermined compression rate can be strictly managed by defining the total height of the battery 1.

  The material used for the sealing member is not particularly limited, and for example, resin, rubber, metal, or the like may be used. However, since it is necessary to prevent the pair of bottomed cans 2 from being electrically short-circuited, when the contact portion 10 is conductive, the sealing member is preferably electrically insulating. The type of the O-ring 13 used as the sealing member in the example of FIG. 9 is not particularly limited, and for example, a generally used O-ring may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the sealing member is disposed only between the contact portion 10 and one bottomed can 2a. However, the sealing member is also sealed between the contact portion 10 and the bottomed can 2b. A stop member may be arranged.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 10, the convex part 14 is formed in the outer surface (end surface) of the bottom part of the bottomed can 2a. According to such a battery 1, when a plurality of batteries 1 are connected to form a battery pack to be described later, the contact area between the adjacent batteries 1 can be controlled by managing the dimensions of the protrusions 14. Thereby, the junction resistance between the adjacent batteries 1 can be reduced. The convex portion 14 may be formed not only on one bottomed can 2a but also on both end faces of the bottomed cans 2a and 2b. The shape of the convex part 14 is not specifically limited, For example, a simple protrusion may be sufficient. Moreover, you may form not only the convex part 14 but a recessed part in the end surface of the bottomed can 2. FIG. For example, if the convex part 14 is formed in the end surface of one battery 1 in the adjacent battery 1 and the concave part is formed in the end surface of the other battery 1, and the positions of the convex part 14 and the concave part are aligned, they are adjacent to each other. The battery 1 can be more closely attached.

  Hereinafter, further variations of the battery of the present invention will be described. The battery of the present invention may be a battery having the following structure, for example. Moreover, even if the battery of this invention is a battery which has a structure as shown below, the effect similar to the effect mentioned above can be acquired. In addition, the battery of this invention is not limited to the specific example of the battery mentioned above, and the variation shown below.

  11A and 11B are enlarged views of a region including the fastening ring 3 in an example of the battery of the present invention. As shown to FIG. 11A, in the battery of this invention, the fastening ring 3 does not need to have the contact part 10 as shown in FIG. In this case, the bottomed cans 2a and 2b may be screwed to the fastening ring 3 so that the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b do not contact each other. From the viewpoint of the sealing performance of the battery 1, when the fastening ring 3 does not have the contact portion 10, the screw portion of the fastening ring 3 and the screw portion of the bottomed can 2 are preferably tapered screws. An example in which the thread portion is a taper screw is shown in FIG. 11B. The specific shape of the taper screw is not particularly limited. 11A and 11B, the fastening ring 3 is made of resin, but may include a metal layer 9 as in the example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 12, a male screw portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3, and a female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the open end portion of the bottomed can 2. A pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b are connected to each other through the fastening ring 3 by screwing the female screw portion with the female screw portion.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 13, a male screw portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end portion of one bottomed can 2a, and a female screw portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the open end portion of the other bottomed can 2b. Is formed. Moreover, the external thread part is formed in one outer peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3, and the internal thread part is formed in the other internal peripheral surface. Then, the male screw part of the bottomed can 2a and the female screw part of the fastening ring 3 and the female screw part of the bottomed can 2b and the male screw part of the fastening ring 3 are screwed together, and a pair is connected via the fastening ring 3. Bottomed cans 2a and 2b are connected.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 14, the pair of bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b are connected via the fastening ring 3 by fitting the fastening ring 3 and the open ends of the bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b. The power generation elements housed inside the pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b are the same as the example shown in FIG. Further, a bundle band (belt) 15 for applying a force in the inner circumferential direction of the fastening ring 3 is further arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3, and the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b are connected by the belt 15. The battery 1 can be more securely fitted. For example, a belt made of metal or resin may be used as the belt 15.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 15, the pair of bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b are connected via the fastening ring 3 by fitting the fastening ring 3 and the open ends of the bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can 2a are fitted, and the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed can 2b The outer peripheral surface of the opening end is fitted. At this time, the bottomed can 2a may have a reduced diameter. Due to the reduced diameter of the bottomed can 2a, the battery 1 in which the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed can 2 are more reliably fitted can be obtained. The area | region which diameter-reduces the bottomed can 2a is not specifically limited. For example, the diameter of the open end of the bottomed can 2a, more specifically, for example, the portion in contact with the fastening ring 3 in the bottomed can 2a may be reduced. When reducing the diameter of the bottomed can 2a, for example, when the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion is 30 mmφ before the diameter reduction, the reduced diameter until the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion becomes, for example, about 29.5 mmφ after the diameter reduction. do it.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 16, a belt 15 for applying a force in the inner peripheral direction of the bottomed can 2a is further disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can 2a of the battery 1 shown in FIG. . Thereby, it can be set as the battery 1 by which the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed cans 2a and 2b were more reliably fitted. In the present configuration, when the diameter of the bottomed can 2a is reduced, the belt 15 may be disposed after the diameter of the bottomed can 2a is reduced, for example.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing still another example of the battery of the present invention. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 17, the pair of bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b are connected via the fastening ring 3 by fitting the fastening ring 3 and the open ends of the bottomed cans 2 a and 2 b. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 17, the outer peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can 2a are fitted, and the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed can 2b The outer peripheral surface of the opening end is fitted. In the battery 1 shown in FIG. 17, the structure near the fastening ring 3 is the same as that of the battery 1 shown in FIG. 15, except that the inner diameter of one bottomed can 2a is different from the inner diameter of the other bottomed can 2b. This is different from the battery 1 shown in FIG.

  The battery 1 shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 can also be a battery having a high energy density or a battery having high output characteristics. The shapes of the peripheral surfaces of the open ends of the bottomed cans 2a and 2b to be fitted and the peripheral surfaces of the fastening ring 3 are not particularly limited.

  The battery 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the battery of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a battery having a fastening ring having a circular outer shape has been described as an example. However, the shape of the fastening ring is not limited thereto, and a fastening ring having a polygonal shape such as a hexagonal shape or an octagonal shape is used. May be used. Thereby, when a plurality of battery packs to be described later are formed, the plurality of battery packs can be integrated while maintaining a certain distance, or the plurality of battery packs can be stably held. If a certain distance can be maintained between the battery packs, for example, cooling air can be passed between the battery packs when the battery pack is used.

  Next, the battery pack of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the battery pack of the present invention.

  A battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 18 includes a plurality of the batteries 1 of the present invention described above, and has a structure in which the plurality of batteries 1 are connected in series. Thereby, the battery pack 21 can be easily downsized, and the battery pack 21 having an effect based on the effect of the battery 1 described above can be obtained.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, six batteries 1 are connected in series, but the number of batteries 1 connected in series is not particularly limited. What is necessary is just to set arbitrarily as needed. Moreover, although the positive terminal 22 and the negative terminal 23 are arrange | positioned at the both end surfaces in the battery pack 21, respectively, both terminals are not necessarily required and should just arrange | position as needed. When the positive terminal 22 and / or the negative terminal 23 are disposed, for example, the terminal may be welded to the end surface of the battery 1 disposed at the end of the battery pack 21. Note that the outer surface of the battery pack 21 may be coated with a resin. This is because the outer surface of the battery pack 21 can be protected. At this time, the resin to be coated is not particularly limited, and for example, a stretchable resin may be used.

  The structure in which the batteries 1 are connected in series (connection structure) is not particularly limited as long as electrical connection can be maintained between the adjacent batteries 1. Further, the connection structure is not necessarily the same among all the batteries 1 in the battery pack 21, and the plurality of batteries 1 may be connected in series by a plurality of different connection structures. In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of batteries 1 are connected in series by abutting end surfaces of adjacent batteries 1 together.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an example of the battery pack of the present invention. A battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 19 has a plurality of batteries 1 connected in series by directly butting the end faces of adjacent batteries 1 together. Moreover, the end surfaces of the adjacent batteries 1 are welded. In such a battery pack 21, the electrical connection between the adjacent batteries 1 can be more reliably maintained. Further, the strength of the battery pack 21 as a whole can be improved. The type of welding between the end faces is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, laser welding.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the battery 1 may be a battery 1 in which a convex portion 14 is formed on an end surface. In this case, the battery pack 21 in which the adjacent batteries 1 are connected in series via the convex portion 14 is obtained. In addition, since the convex portion 14 can be used as a projection welding projection, when the convex portion 14 is formed on the end face of at least one of the adjacent batteries 1, the welding is projection welding. May be.

  In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 19, the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1 are directly abutted, but another member is further disposed between the end faces, and the end faces are interposed via the members. You may face each other. The member may be of any material and structure as long as electrical connection between adjacent batteries 1 is not hindered.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing another example of the battery pack of the present invention. In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 20, a conductive plate 24 is further disposed between the end faces of adjacent batteries 1, and the adjacent batteries 1 are connected in series via the plate 24. In such a battery pack 21, the electrical connection between the adjacent batteries 1 can be more reliably maintained.

  The material of the plate 24 is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity. For example, the plate 24 made of nickel, iron, nickel-plated steel plate or the like may be used. Similar to the current collector 11 described above, the plate 24 only needs to have conductivity as a whole, and a part thereof may include an electrically insulating material. The size of the plate 24 is not particularly limited, and may be substantially the same as the size of the end face of the battery 1, for example. The thickness of the plate 24 is not particularly limited, and may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, for example. There may be a plurality of plates 24 arranged between the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1.

  In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 20, a convex portion may be formed on at least one main surface of the plate 24. It is because the electrical connection between the adjacent batteries 1 can be made more reliable. Further, the convex portion can be used as a projection welding projection when the end surfaces of the plate 24 and the battery 1 are welded. FIG. 21 shows an example of such a plate 24. As for the plate 24 shown to FIG. 21A-FIG. 21F, the convex part 25 is formed in the at least one main surface. 21B is a side view of the plate 24 shown in FIG. 21A, FIG. 21D is a side view of the plate 24 shown in FIG. 21C, and FIG. 21F is a side view of the plate 24 shown in FIG. Moreover, when the convex part 14 is not formed in the end surface of the battery 1, the convex part 25 is formed in both surfaces of the plate 24 from a viewpoint of hold | maintaining the electrical connection between the adjacent batteries 1 more reliably. It is preferable.

  In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 20, the end surface of the battery 1 and the plate 24 may be welded. In such a battery pack 21, the electrical connection between the adjacent batteries 1 can be more reliably maintained. Moreover, the intensity | strength as the battery pack 21 whole can be improved more. The type of welding between the end faces is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, laser welding. When convex portions are formed on at least one main surface of the battery 1 and the plate 24, projection welding may be used.

  Another example of the battery pack of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 22, a conductive connection ring 26 is further disposed between adjacent batteries 1, and the batteries 1 are connected in series via the connection ring 26. Further, the connection ring 26 is arranged so as to contact the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the end surface of the battery 1. In such a battery pack 21, the strength of the battery pack 21 as a whole can be further improved. For example, the connection ring 26 and the battery 1 may simply be in contact with each other or may be welded. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1 are not in direct contact with each other, but the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1 may be directly abutted as in the example shown in FIG. Moreover, the electroconductive plate 24 may be arrange | positioned between the end surfaces of the adjacent batteries 1 like the example shown in FIG. In other words, in the example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the connection ring 26 may be further arranged as in the example shown in FIG. As long as the connection ring 26 has conductivity, its material, structure, etc. are not particularly limited.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the battery of this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings. FIG. 23 is a schematic process diagram showing an example of the battery manufacturing method of the present invention. First, as shown in FIG. 23A, the male screw portion 31 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end portion of the bottomed can 2b and the female screw portion 32 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 are screwed together. As a result, the bottomed can 2b and the fastening ring 3 are connected (step (i)).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23B, the electrode plate group 4 including a pair of electrodes is accommodated inside the bottomed can 2b (step (ii)).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23C, from the side opposite to the side connected to the bottomed can 2 b in the fastening ring 3, the female thread portion 32 of the fastening ring 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can 2 a The bottomed can 2b and the bottomed can 2a are connected via the fastening ring 3 by screwing the formed male screw portion 33 (step (iii)).

  Furthermore, at any time, the bottomed can 2b and the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 are electrically connected (step (a)), and the bottomed can 2a and the positive electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 are electrically connected. Thus, the battery 1 shown in FIG. 23D can be obtained by connection (step (b)). Note that the order in which the step (i) and the step (ii) are performed can be reversed. Specific examples of the step (a) and the step (b) will be described later.

  The bottomed cans 2a and 2b, the electrode plate group 4 and the fastening ring 3 used in the battery manufacturing method of the present invention may be the same as the above-described bottomed can, electrode plate group and fastening ring. The electrode plate group 4 includes, for example, a separator, a positive electrode and a negative electrode that sandwich the separator, and may have a wound structure.

  In the step (i), the method for screwing the bottomed can 2b and the fastening ring 3 is not particularly limited. The degree of screwing may be, for example, as long as the battery 1 can be sealed when the battery 1 is formed. Further, the degree of screwing may be defined and managed by, for example, the total height of the battery 1 or the like.

  There is no particular limitation on the step of accommodating the electrode plate group 4 in the step (ii) and the method of screwing the bottomed can 2a and the fastening ring 3 in the step (iii). In addition, when it is necessary to accommodate an electrolyte in addition to the electrode plate group 4 as a power generation element, the electrolyte may be accommodated at an arbitrary time. For example, when the electrolyte is solid, the electrode plate group 4 may be accommodated with the electrolyte inserted between the electrodes included in the electrode plate group 4. When the electrolyte is a liquid (that is, an electrolytic solution), for example, a through hole is formed in advance in the bottom of the bottomed can 2a, and the electrolytic solution may be injected after the step (iii). What is necessary is just to seal the said through-hole after the injection of electrolyte solution.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, (c) a step of disposing a current collector between the inside of at least one bottomed can 2 selected from the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b and the electrode plate group 4. May further be included. By arranging the current collector, the electrical connection between the inside of the bottomed can 2 and the electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 can be more reliably maintained, so that the battery 1 having higher characteristics can be obtained. Can do. The current collector to be arranged may be the same as the current collector described above. Moreover, the area | region inside the bottomed can 2 which arrange | positions a collector is not specifically limited, For example, what is necessary is just to arrange | position a collector at the bottom part of the bottomed can 2 as shown in FIG.

  The method for performing the step (a) and the step (b) is not particularly limited. For example, the electrode plate group 4 may be accommodated such that the positive electrode (negative electrode) and the inside of the bottomed can 2a (2b) are in contact, or a pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b may be connected. In addition, the process (c) which arrange | positions the electrical power collector mentioned above can be made into a part of process (a) and / or process (b).

  Step (a) and step (b) may be completed at the stage where the battery 1 is formed (in the example shown in FIG. 23, at the stage shown in FIG. 23D). For example, even when the electrode plate group 4 and the bottomed can 2b are not in close contact with each other before the step (iii), when the bottomed can 2a and the fastening ring 3 are screwed together, the electrode plate group 4 simultaneously. And the bottomed can 2b can be brought into close contact with each other. For this reason, it is not always necessary to maintain the contact between the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2b at the stage of the step (ii), and by screwing in the step (iii) (that is, It suffices that the contact between the negative electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2b can be maintained (when the battery 1 is formed). The same applies to the positive electrode and the bottomed can 2a. The same applies to the specific examples of step (a) and step (b) shown below, including the case where a current collector is arranged.

  Hereinafter, the step (a) and the step (b) in the battery manufacturing method of the present invention will be described more specifically. In the following description, the same applies even if the positive electrode and the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 are reversed.

  For example, in the step (ii), the electrode plate group 4 may be accommodated so that the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 and the bottomed can 2b are in contact with each other. Thereby, a negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b can be electrically connected. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, if the negative electrode protrudes from one end face of the electrode plate group 4, the electrical connection between the negative electrode and the bottom of the bottomed can 2b is made more reliable. Can do. Thereby, the internal resistance of the battery 1 can be reduced or the reliability of the battery 1 can be improved.

  Further, for example, before the step (ii), the method further includes (d) a step of arranging a current collector inside the bottomed can 2b, and the step (ii) includes the current collector and the electrode plate group 4. You may accommodate the electrode group 4 so that a negative electrode may contact | connect. By such a manufacturing method, the negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b can be electrically connected via the current collector. Moreover, electrical connection can be made more reliable by arranging the current collector between the negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, the current collector 11 is disposed in advance at one end of the electrode plate group 4 so as to be in contact with the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4, and in step (ii), The electrode plate group 4 may be accommodated so that the current collector 11 and the inside of the bottomed can 2b are in contact with each other. By such a manufacturing method, the negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b can be electrically connected through the current collector 11. Moreover, electrical connection can be made more reliable by arranging the current collector 11 between the negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b.

  In the case of the specific example described above, for example, in step (iii), the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b are connected so that the positive electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2a are in contact with each other. May be. Thereby, a positive electrode and the bottomed can 2a can be electrically connected. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, if the positive electrode protrudes from the end face on the bottomed can 2a side of the electrode plate group 4, the electrical connection between the positive electrode and the bottom of the bottomed can 2a is further improved. Can be sure.

  Further, for example, between the step (ii) and the step (iii), further includes (e) a step of arranging a current collector so as to contact the positive electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 from the opening of the bottomed can 2b. In step (iii), the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b may be connected so that the current collector disposed in the step (e) contacts the inside of the bottomed can 2a. By such a manufacturing method, the positive electrode and the bottomed can 2a can be electrically connected via the current collector.

  In addition, for example, a first current collector is disposed in advance at one end of the electrode plate group 4 so as to be in contact with the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4, and at the other end of the electrode plate group 4, The second current collector may be arranged in advance so as to be in contact with the positive electrode included in the electrode plate group 4. At this time, in step (ii), the electrode plate group 4 is accommodated so that the first current collector in contact with the negative electrode is in contact with the inside of the bottomed can 2b, and in step (iii), the second current collector in contact with the positive electrode is accommodated. What is necessary is just to connect the bottomed can 2a and the bottomed can 2b so that an electric body may contact | connect the inside of the bottomed can 2a. Thereby, the negative electrode and the bottomed can 2b and the positive electrode and the bottomed can 2a can be electrically connected via the first and second current collectors.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, at least one step selected from step (a) and step (b) may include (f) a step of brazing the electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2. . Moreover, the said at least one process may include the process of welding the (g) electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2. FIG. By setting it as such a manufacturing method, the electrical connection with the electrode contained in the electrode group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2 can be made more reliable. In addition, although the area | region inside the bottomed can 2 which brazes or welds is not specifically limited, For example, the bottom part of the bottomed can 2 should just be.

  Step (f) and step (g) may be performed at any point in step (a) and step (b). For example, after the electrode plate group 4 is accommodated in the bottomed can 2b and the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2b are welded or brazed, the bottomed can 2b and the bottomed can 2a You may connect. Further, after the electrode plate group 4 is accommodated in the bottomed can 2b and the bottomed can 2b and the bottomed can 2a are connected, the negative electrode included in the electrode plate group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2b are welded. Alternatively, brazing may be performed. The same applies to welding or brazing between the positive electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2a. In addition, a process (f) and a process (g) may be performed with respect to both of a pair of electrodes contained in the electrode plate group 4, and may be performed with respect to any one electrode.

  In the step (f), the method for brazing the electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2 is not particularly limited, and a general method may be used. In the step (g), the method for welding the electrode and the inside of the bottomed can 2 is not particularly limited, and may be performed by laser welding or resistance welding, for example.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, when a current collector is disposed between the electrode plate group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2, at least one step selected from the step (a) and the step (b). However, (h) A step of brazing the current collector and the inside of the bottomed can 2 holding the current collector together with the electrode plate group 4 may be included. The at least one step may include a step (j) welding the current collector and the inside of the bottomed can 2 holding the current collector together with the electrode plate group 4. By setting it as such a manufacturing method, the electrical connection with the electrode contained in the electrode group 4 and the inside of the bottomed can 2 can be performed reliably via a collector. The region inside the bottomed can 2 to be brazed or welded may be determined by the position where the current collector is disposed, and may be, for example, the bottom of the bottomed can 2.

  The step (h) and the step (j) may be performed at any point in the step (a) and the step (b) as in the step (f) and the step (g). Further, when the current collector is arranged on both the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side, the step (h) and the step (j) may be performed on both the current collectors, or either one of the current collectors. You may perform with respect to an electric body.

  In the step (h), the method of brazing the current collector and the inside of the bottomed can 2 is not particularly limited, and a general method may be used. In the step (j), the method for welding the current collector and the inside of the bottomed can 2 is not particularly limited, and may be performed by laser welding or resistance welding, for example.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, the winding direction of the electrode plate group 4 accommodated in the step (ii) is preferably the same as the direction in which the bottomed can 2a is rotated in the step (iii). By setting it as such a manufacturing method, generation | occurrence | production of the internal short circuit of the battery 1 can be suppressed. At the time of manufacturing the battery 1, the possibility that a part of the layer located on the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 is broken by the rotation of the bottomed can 2 a is not completely zero. Regardless of whether the layer is an electrode or a separator, there is a possibility that the bottomed can 2a may come into contact with the electrode that has been wound (or exposed) by the layer located on the outermost periphery being rolled. At this time, if the winding direction of the electrode plate group 4 and the direction in which the bottomed can 2a is rotated are made the same, the possibility that the above layer is rolled can be reduced. That is, it is possible to obtain a more reliable battery 1 in which the occurrence of an internal short circuit is suppressed.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, even if the electrode located on the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 accommodated in the step (ii) is an electrode electrically connected to the bottomed can 2a in the step (b). Good. Also with this manufacturing method, the occurrence of an internal short circuit of the battery 1 can be suppressed. As described above, at the time of manufacturing the battery 1, the layer located on the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 is partially drowned by the rotation of the bottomed can 2a, and the dripped (or exposed) electrode and the bottomed can 2a May come into contact. At this time, the occurrence of an internal short circuit can be suppressed by setting the polarity of the drowned (exposed) electrode, that is, the polarity of the electrode located on the outermost periphery, and the polarity of the bottomed can 2a. In order to set the same polarity, the electrode located on the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 may be an electrode that is electrically connected to the bottomed can 2a. The electrode located on the outermost periphery is an electrode located on the outermost periphery in the electrode plate group 4 when considering members other than the electrodes (for example, a separator). It does not necessarily match the outermost layer described above.

  In the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group 4 accommodated in the step (ii) may be a separator. By setting it as such a manufacturing method, the possibility of the internal short circuit of the battery 1 is reduced and the battery 1 with higher reliability can be obtained.

  Further, in the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, the shape of the peripheral surface of the fastening ring 3 and the shape of the peripheral surface of the open ends of the bottomed cans 2a and 2b are set to a predetermined shape, and the step (i) includes It is a step of connecting the bottomed can 2b and the fastening ring 3 by fitting the opening end of the bottom can 2b and the fastening ring 3, and the step (iii) includes the bottomed can 2b in the fastening ring 3 and The step of connecting the bottomed can 2b and the bottomed can 2a via the fastening ring 3 by fitting the fastening ring 3 and the open end of the bottomed can 2a from the side opposite to the connected side. It may be. According to such a manufacturing method, the battery 1 of the present invention in which the pair of bottomed cans 2a and 2b are connected by fitting with the fastening ring 3 as shown in FIG. 14 can be obtained. In addition, also in the said manufacturing method, what is necessary is just to use the method mentioned above about the method of arrange | positioning a collector or electrically connecting the bottomed can 2 and an electrode or a collector. The same applies to the structure of the electrode plate group 4 and the like.

  In the manufacturing method, the method for fitting the fastening ring 3 and the bottomed cans 2a and 2b is not particularly limited. For example, what is necessary is just to preset so that the shape of the surrounding surface of the fastening ring 3 and the shape of the surrounding surface of the opening edge part of bottomed cans 2a and 2b may fit. Moreover, you may fit the fastening ring 3 and the opening edge part of the bottomed can 2a or the bottomed can 2b by reducing the diameter of the bottomed can 2a or the bottomed can 2b. The bottomed can to be reduced in diameter may be either the bottomed can 2a or the bottomed can 2b, but the bottomed can fitted with the fastening ring 3 in the step (iii) (in the case of FIG. 23C, the bottomed can 2a) is preferred.

  Next, an example of the battery pack manufacturing method of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  The battery pack manufacturing method of the present invention includes (x) a step of arranging a plurality of batteries 1 such that end faces of adjacent batteries 1 face each other, and (y) electrically connecting the end faces. And connecting the adjacent batteries 1 in series.

  In the step (x), the method of arranging the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1 so as to face each other is not particularly limited. What is necessary is just to set arbitrarily the number etc. of the battery 1 to arrange | position.

  In the step (y), the method for electrically connecting the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the end faces may be electrically connected by welding the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1.

  In the battery pack manufacturing method of the present invention, in the step (x), the conductive plate 24 (see FIG. 20) is further disposed between the end faces of the adjacent batteries 1, so that the above-mentioned via the plate 24. A plurality of batteries 1 are arranged so that the end faces face each other, and in step (y), the end face of one battery 1 that is faced through the plate 24 and one main face of the plate 24 are welded. The end surfaces of the other battery 1 and the other main surface of the plate 24 may be welded to electrically connect the end surfaces.

  In the step (y), the welding method is not particularly limited, and for example, laser welding may be used. Further, when a convex portion is formed on the end surface of the battery 1 and / or the main surface of the plate 24, projection welding may be used.

  The battery of the present invention can be applied to various primary batteries and secondary batteries such as an alkaline manganese battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, and a lithium ion battery.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of the battery of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region II in the battery of FIG. 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. AD is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the electrical power collector used for the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. A and B are enlarged views of a region including a fastening ring in an example of the battery of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery pack of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery pack of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery pack of this invention. A to F are schematic views showing examples of plates used in the battery pack of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the battery pack of this invention. AD is a schematic process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the electrode group used for the manufacturing method of the battery of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the conventional battery.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Battery 2, 2a, 2b Bottomed can 3 Fastening ring 4 Electrode plate group 5 Positive electrode 6 Negative electrode 7 Separator 8 Resin layer 9 Metal layer 10 Contact part 11, 11a, 11b Current collector 12 Through-hole 13 O-ring 14, 25 Convex part 15 Belt 21 Battery pack 22 Positive terminal 23 Negative terminal 24 Plate 26 Connection ring 31, 33 Male thread part 32 Female thread part 121 Thin film

Claims (59)

Power generation including a pair of cylindrical bottomed cans, a fastening ring for connecting each open end of the pair of bottomed cans, and a pair of electrodes housed inside the pair of connected bottomed cans Elements and
One of the bottomed cans is electrically connected to one of the electrodes;
The other bottomed can is electrically connected to the other electrode;
A battery in which the region in contact with one of the bottomed cans and the region in contact with the other bottomed can of the fastening ring are electrically insulated. A thread portion is formed on the peripheral surface of the fastening ring and the peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the pair of bottomed cans are connected to each other through the fastening ring by screwing the threaded portion of the bottomed can and the threaded portion of the fastening ring. The power generation element includes a separator, an electrode plate group including a positive electrode and a negative electrode sandwiching the separator, and an electrolyte.
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the electrode plate group is wound. An internal thread portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring,
A male screw part is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the open end of the bottomed can,
The battery according to claim 2, wherein the pair of bottomed cans are connected via the fastening ring by screwing the female screw part and the male screw part.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein the electrode and the bottom of the bottomed can are electrically connected.   The battery according to claim 5, wherein the electrode and the bottom of the bottomed can are electrically connected by at least one selected from welding and brazing. A current collector disposed between the electrode and the bottom of the bottomed can;
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the electrode and the current collector are electrically connected, and the current collector and the bottom of the bottomed can are electrically connected.   The battery according to claim 7, wherein the current collector and the bottom of the bottomed can are electrically connected by at least one selected from welding and brazing.   The battery according to claim 7, wherein the current collector is at least one current collector selected from a burring current collector and a disc spring-type current collector.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein the pair of bottomed cans have different depths. A through hole is formed in the bottom of at least one of the bottomed cans,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the through hole is sealed.   The battery according to claim 11, wherein the through hole is sealed by at least one selected from a lid including a safety valve and a thin film. A through hole is formed in the fastening ring;
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the through hole is sealed.   The battery according to claim 13, wherein the through hole is sealed by at least one selected from a lid including a safety valve and a thin film.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein a region of the fastening ring that is in contact with the pair of bottomed cans is made of resin.   The battery according to claim 15, wherein the fastening ring is made of resin. The fastening ring has a structure including a metal layer and a resin layer,
The region of the fastening ring that is in contact with one of the bottomed cans and the region of contact with the other bottomed can are electrically insulated by the resin layer. battery. The fastening ring has an annular contact portion,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the open ends of the pair of bottomed cans are abutted via the contact portion. A sealing member disposed between the contact portion and at least one of the open ends of the pair of bottomed cans;
The battery according to claim 18, wherein the open ends of the pair of bottomed cans are abutted with each other through the contact portion and the sealing member.   The battery according to claim 19, wherein the sealing member is made of an elastic body and is arranged in a compressed state at a predetermined compression rate.   The battery according to claim 2, wherein the screw portion of the bottomed can and the screw portion of the fastening ring are tapered screws.   The battery according to claim 3, wherein an outermost periphery of the electrode plate group is the separator.   The battery according to claim 3, wherein the electrode plate group is coated with an electrically insulating material.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein at least one selected from a convex portion and a concave portion is formed on an outer surface of a bottom portion of at least one of the bottomed cans.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein the fastening ring has a polygonal outer shape.   The battery according to claim 1, wherein the pair of bottomed cans are connected to each other via the fastening ring by fitting the fastening ring and the open end of the bottomed can.   27. The battery according to claim 26, further comprising a bundle band for applying a force in an inner circumferential direction of the fastening ring on an outer circumferential surface of the fastening ring.   27. The battery according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the bottomed cans has a reduced diameter. A plurality of the batteries according to claim 1;
A battery pack having a structure in which the plurality of batteries are connected in series.   30. The battery pack according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of batteries are connected in series by abutting end faces of the adjacent batteries.   The battery pack according to claim 30, wherein end faces of the adjacent batteries are welded. A convex portion is formed on the end face of the battery,
30. The battery pack according to claim 29, wherein the adjacent batteries are connected in series via the convex portion. A conductive plate disposed between the end faces of the adjacent batteries;
30. The battery pack according to claim 29, wherein the adjacent batteries are connected in series via the plate.   34. The battery pack according to claim 33, wherein a convex portion is formed on at least one main surface of the plate.   The battery pack according to claim 33, wherein the end surface and the plate are welded. (I) connecting the open end of the first bottomed can and the fastening ring;
(Ii) storing a plate group including a pair of electrodes inside the first bottomed can;
(Iii) By connecting the fastening ring and the open end of the second bottomed can from the opposite side of the fastening ring to the side connected to the first bottomed can, Connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can,
(A) electrically connecting the first bottomed can and the one electrode;
(B) A method for producing a battery, further comprising a step of electrically connecting the second bottomed can and the other electrode. In the step (i), a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end portion of the first bottomed can and a female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring are screwed together. A step of connecting the first bottomed can and the fastening ring by
In the step (iii), the female threaded portion of the fastening ring and the open end portion of the second bottomed can from the opposite side of the fastening ring connected to the first bottomed can. 37. The step of connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can through the fastening ring by screwing a male thread portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base plate. The manufacturing method of the battery as described.   The battery manufacturing method according to claim 36, wherein the electrode plate group includes a separator, a positive electrode and a negative electrode that sandwich the separator, and is wound.   The battery manufacturing method according to claim 38, wherein an outermost periphery of the electrode plate group is the separator.   (C) It further includes the process of arrange | positioning a collector between the inside of the at least one said bottomed can chosen from the said 1st bottomed can and the said 2nd bottomed can, and the said electrode group. Item 37. The method for producing a battery according to Item 36.   37. The battery production according to claim 36, wherein in the step (ii), the electrode plate group is accommodated so that the one electrode included in the electrode plate group and the inside of the first bottomed can are in contact with each other. Method. Before the step (ii), the method further includes (d) a step of disposing a current collector inside the first bottomed can.
37. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 36, wherein in the step (ii), the electrode plate group is accommodated so that the current collector is in contact with the one electrode included in the electrode plate group. At one end of the electrode plate group, a current collector is disposed in advance so as to contact the one electrode included in the electrode plate group,
37. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 36, wherein in the step (ii), the electrode plate group is accommodated so that the current collector is in contact with the inside of the first bottomed can. At one end of the electrode plate group, a first current collector is disposed in advance so as to contact the one electrode included in the electrode plate group,
At the other end of the electrode plate group, a second current collector is disposed in advance so as to contact the other electrode included in the electrode plate group,
In the step (ii), the electrode plate group is accommodated so that the first current collector is in contact with the inside of the first bottomed can,
In the step (iii), the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can are connected so that the second current collector and the inside of the second bottomed can are in contact with each other. 36. A method for producing a battery according to 36.   In the step (iii), the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can are arranged so that the other electrode included in the electrode plate group and the inside of the second bottomed can are in contact with each other. The method for producing a battery according to claim 36, wherein the batteries are connected. Between the step (ii) and the step (iii), (e) a current collector is disposed in contact with the other electrode included in the electrode plate group from the opening of the first bottomed can. Further comprising the step of:
37. The step (iii), wherein the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can are connected so that the current collector and the inside of the second bottomed can are in contact with each other. Battery manufacturing method.   37. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 36, wherein at least one step selected from the step (a) and the step (b) includes (f) a step of brazing the electrode and the inside of the bottomed can. .   37. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 36, wherein at least one step selected from the step (a) and the step (b) includes (g) a step of welding the electrode and the inside of the bottomed can.   49. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 48, wherein the step (g) is performed by at least one selected from laser welding and resistance welding. (C) further comprising the step of disposing a current collector between at least one of the bottomed cans selected from the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can and the electrode plate group;
At least one step selected from the step (a) and the step (b) includes (h) the inside of the bottomed can holding the current collector together with the current collector and the electrode plate group. 37. A method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 36, further comprising a step of brazing. (C) further comprising the step of disposing a current collector between at least one of the bottomed cans selected from the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can and the electrode plate group;
At least one step selected from the step (a) and the step (b) includes (j) the inside of the bottomed can holding the current collector together with the current collector and the electrode plate group. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 36, comprising a step of welding the two.   52. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 51, wherein the step (j) is performed by at least one selected from laser welding and resistance welding. In the step (i), a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end portion of the first bottomed can and a female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring are screwed together. A step of connecting the first bottomed can and the fastening ring by
The electrode plate group accommodated in the first bottomed can in the step (ii) includes a separator and a positive electrode and a negative electrode sandwiching the separator, and is wound.
In the step (iii), the female threaded portion of the fastening ring and the open end portion of the second bottomed can from the opposite side of the fastening ring connected to the first bottomed can. A step of connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can through the fastening ring by screwing a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of
The battery manufacturing method according to claim 36, wherein a winding direction of the electrode plate group accommodated in the step (ii) is the same as a direction in which the second bottomed can is rotated in the step (iii). Method. In the step (i), a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opening end portion of the first bottomed can and a female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening ring are screwed together. A step of connecting the first bottomed can and the fastening ring by
The electrode plate group accommodated in the first bottomed can in the step (ii) includes a separator and a positive electrode and a negative electrode sandwiching the separator, and is wound.
In the step (iii), the female threaded portion of the fastening ring and the open end portion of the second bottomed can from the opposite side of the fastening ring connected to the first bottomed can. A step of connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can through the fastening ring by screwing a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of
The electrode located on the outermost periphery of the electrode plate group accommodated in the step (ii) is the other electrode electrically connected to the second bottomed can in the step (b). 36. A method for producing a battery according to 36. The step (i) is a step of connecting the first bottomed can and the fastening ring by fitting the opening end portion of the first bottomed can and the fastening ring;
In the step (iii), the fastening ring and the opening end of the second bottomed can are fitted from the side opposite to the side connected to the first bottomed can in the fastening ring. 37. The method of manufacturing a battery according to claim 36, wherein the battery is a step of connecting the first bottomed can and the second bottomed can through the fastening ring.   56. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 55, wherein the fastening ring and the open end of the second bottomed can are fitted by reducing the diameter of the second bottomed can. A method of manufacturing a battery pack having a structure in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series,
(X) arranging a plurality of batteries so that the end faces of the adjacent batteries face each other;
(Y) electrically connecting the end faces together to connect the adjacent batteries in series,
The method of manufacturing a battery pack, wherein the battery is the battery according to claim 1.   58. The method of manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 57, wherein in the step (y), the end faces are electrically connected by welding the end faces of the adjacent batteries. In the step (x), by further arranging a conductive plate between the end faces of the adjacent batteries, the plurality of batteries are arranged so that the end faces face each other through the plate,
In the step (y), the end face of one of the batteries butted through the plate is welded to one main face of the plate, and the end face of the other battery and the other end of the plate 58. The method of manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 57, wherein the end surfaces are electrically connected to each other by welding the main surfaces.

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