JP4691906B2 - Battery pack - Google Patents

Battery pack Download PDF

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Publication number
JP4691906B2
JP4691906B2 JP2004162882A JP2004162882A JP4691906B2 JP 4691906 B2 JP4691906 B2 JP 4691906B2 JP 2004162882 A JP2004162882 A JP 2004162882A JP 2004162882 A JP2004162882 A JP 2004162882A JP 4691906 B2 JP4691906 B2 JP 4691906B2
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case
battery pack
joining
auxiliary member
battery
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JP2005347002A (en
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知一 三田村
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Panasonic Corp
Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Panasonic Corp
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/16—Laser beams
    • B29C65/1629—Laser beams characterised by the way of heating the interface
    • B29C65/1635—Laser beams characterised by the way of heating the interface at least passing through one of the parts to be joined, i.e. laser transmission welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
    • B29C65/16—Laser beams
    • B29C65/1677—Laser beams making use of an absorber or impact modifier
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
    • B29C65/481—Non-reactive adhesives, e.g. physically hardening adhesives
    • B29C65/4815—Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5042—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like covering both elements to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5042—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like covering both elements to be joined
    • B29C65/505—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like covering both elements to be joined and placed in a recess formed in the parts to be joined, e.g. in order to obtain a continuous surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/114—Single butt joints
    • B29C66/1142—Single butt to butt joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/542—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining hollow covers or hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/1282—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one overlap joint-segment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/1284—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment
    • B29C66/12841—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/302—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators
    • B29C66/3022—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/30223—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined said melt initiators being rib-like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/34—Electrical apparatus, e.g. sparking plugs or parts thereof
    • B29L2031/3468—Batteries, accumulators or fuel cells

Description

本発明は、半殻状に形成された少なくとも複数の分割ケースを組合せ、一方の分割ケースに他方の分割ケースが当接する部位を接合した樹脂筐体を備え、この筐体内部に一次もしくは二次電池を収容した電池パックに関する。   The present invention comprises a resin casing in which at least a plurality of split cases formed in a half-shell shape are combined, and a part where the other split case abuts is joined to one split case, and the primary or secondary inside the casing The present invention relates to a battery pack containing a battery.

所望の出力電圧、及び電池容量を得るために複数の一次電池、もしくは二次電池（以下、これらを総称して素電池という）を直列、並列あるいは直並列に接続し、これを樹脂筐体内に収容して電池パックが構成される。樹脂筐体は、素電池、及び接続部材や端子等の関係部品を保持する機能だけでなく、電池パックの外装を形成する機能も担っており、少なくとも一対のケース（以下、これらを分割ケースという）に分割形成されている。分割ケースは、素電池、関係部品を所定位置に収容する工程を実施した後、複数の分割ケースを組み合わせる工程、これらケースを接合する工程を経て完成されるものである。この接合工程では、各分割ケースの接合部分となる分割ケースの開口端面を当接させた後、当接部に超音波または高周波を印加することで、微視的には当接部における分割ケースの先端を溶融させて接合部分としており、巨視的には分割ケース相互を溶着することで、素電池を樹脂容器内に密閉するものである。   In order to obtain a desired output voltage and battery capacity, a plurality of primary batteries or secondary batteries (hereinafter collectively referred to as unit cells) are connected in series, in parallel or in series and parallel, and this is placed in a resin casing. A battery pack is configured by housing. The resin casing has not only a function of holding the related parts such as the unit cell and the connection member and the terminal, but also a function of forming the exterior of the battery pack, and at least a pair of cases (hereinafter referred to as a divided case). ). The divided case is completed through a step of housing the unit cells and related parts in a predetermined position, a step of combining a plurality of divided cases, and a step of joining these cases. In this joining step, the split case at the contact portion is microscopically applied by applying an ultrasonic wave or a high frequency to the contact portion after contacting the opening end surface of the split case that becomes the joint portion of each split case. The unit cell is hermetically sealed in the resin container by welding the divided cases to each other macroscopically.

例えば、図３（ａ）に示す断面構造を有する従来の電池パックでは、超音波溶着を用いて分割ケースの接合を行うものである。図３（ｂ）は超音波溶着前における当接部を示しており、第１ケース１の開口端部には超音波リブ１ａが形成され、第２ケース２にはリブ１ａを受ける棚部２ａが形成されている。これらリブ１ａ、棚部２ａは超音波溶着時の振動によるケースのズレを防止すると共に、溶着バリがケース表面にはみ出るのを防止している。超音波溶着は、第２ケース２の所定位置に電池３を配置し、第１ケース１のリブ１ａと第２ケース２の棚部２ａを嵌合させた後、第１ケース１の天面に超音波ホーンを押し当てることで実施される。この時、超音波ホーンによる振動はリブ１ａまで伝わり、リブ１ａと棚部２ａとの摩擦熱によってリブが融解し、リブ１ａが棚部に溶着される。このような超音波溶着を用いた電池パックは製造コストの低さから一次電池、二次電池を問わず幅広く用いられている。   For example, in the conventional battery pack having the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 3A, the divided cases are joined using ultrasonic welding. FIG. 3B shows a contact portion before ultrasonic welding. An ultrasonic rib 1a is formed at the opening end of the first case 1, and a shelf 2a that receives the rib 1a is formed in the second case 2. FIG. Is formed. The rib 1a and the shelf 2a prevent the case from being displaced due to vibration during ultrasonic welding and prevent the welding burr from protruding from the case surface. In ultrasonic welding, the battery 3 is disposed at a predetermined position of the second case 2, the rib 1 a of the first case 1 and the shelf portion 2 a of the second case 2 are fitted, and then the top surface of the first case 1 is attached. This is done by pressing an ultrasonic horn. At this time, vibration by the ultrasonic horn is transmitted to the rib 1a, the rib is melted by frictional heat between the rib 1a and the shelf 2a, and the rib 1a is welded to the shelf. Battery packs using such ultrasonic welding are widely used regardless of whether they are primary batteries or secondary batteries because of low manufacturing costs.

しかし、昨今では各種携帯機器の高機能化に伴い、電力供給源として充放電可能な二次電池を採用した電池パックが主流となっている。この電池パックは二次電池の充放電等を制御する電子回路を形成した回路基板も内蔵した構成としており、超音波や高周波による接合方法を主に採用している。上述の如く分割ケースの接合工程は、分割ケースに超音波や高周波を印加して溶着を実施するが、この際に分割ケース内に配置された電子回路にも超音波や高周波の振動が波及し、電子回路を構成する電子部品の基板からの脱落、ハンダ付け部分の剥がれ、電子回路の破壊等が生じる問題点があった。そこで前記問題点の回避を目的として、超音波や高周波での溶着に代えて分割ケースの当接面を溶剤により接着する接合手段を用いる方法も実施されている。しかし、接着による接合では超音波等の溶着による接合に比べて接合強度が低下する問題に加え、溶剤塗布に伴う工程の増加、溶剤の処理及び使用環境の整備により生産性が悪化する問題もあった。さらに分割ケースの当接部に溶剤を保持するための溜溝やこの溜溝に組み合わされる凸条部も必要となり、分割ケースの開口端面における形状が複雑化する問題もあった。   However, in recent years, battery packs that use chargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries as power supply sources have become mainstream as various portable devices become more sophisticated. This battery pack also includes a circuit board on which an electronic circuit for controlling charge / discharge of the secondary battery and the like is built, and mainly employs a joining method using ultrasonic waves or high frequencies. As described above, in the joining process of the split case, welding is performed by applying ultrasonic waves or high frequencies to the split case. At this time, ultrasonic waves or high frequency vibrations are also applied to the electronic circuit disposed in the split case. There are problems that the electronic components constituting the electronic circuit are dropped from the substrate, the soldered portion is peeled off, and the electronic circuit is destroyed. Therefore, for the purpose of avoiding the above-described problems, a method of using a joining means for bonding the contact surface of the divided case with a solvent instead of welding with ultrasonic waves or high frequencies has been implemented. However, in addition to the problem that the bonding strength is lower than the bonding by ultrasonic welding or the like, there is a problem that productivity is deteriorated due to an increase in processes accompanying solvent application, solvent treatment, and improvement of the use environment. It was. Furthermore, a retaining groove for holding the solvent at the contact portion of the split case and a protruding strip portion combined with the reservoir groove are required, and there is a problem that the shape of the opening end surface of the split case becomes complicated.

そこで上記の各問題に対して、分割ケースの当接部に金属皮膜を形成し、金属皮膜間をレーザ溶接により結合することで、超音波や高周波による溶着を用いることなく、且つ接合強度に優れた電池パックが提案されている（特許文献１）。
特開平１１−３１４８８号公報 Therefore, for each of the above problems, a metal film is formed on the abutting portion of the split case, and the metal films are joined by laser welding, so that welding with ultrasonic waves or high frequencies is not used, and the bonding strength is excellent. A battery pack has been proposed (Patent Document 1).
JP 11-31488 A

上記のような技術的背景に加えて、最近の電池パックは各種携帯機器における小型、軽量化の大幅な進展に伴い、機器側に対応した小型軽量化を要求されている。限られた電池パックの容積内に最大限の電池容量を有する素電池を収容するために、電池パックにはケース厚みを減少させた薄肉の分割ケースを採用するケースが増加している。特許文献１に記載のレーザ溶接による接合を採用した電池パックでは、ケース厚みの減少により接合に供される部位、すなわち分割ケース端面の面積も減少し、接合強度の低下を来たす新たな問題点を生じてしまう。また、ケース接合部分に嵌合構造等を採用し、接合面積の増大を図った場合であってもケース内面側の部位までレーザ光を導入できず、ケース外面側近傍のみの溶着になるため、接合強度の向上は期待できない。さらにケースの当接部に形成された金属皮膜にて分割ケースの接合を行うことから、ケース成型後に溶射や無電解鍍金等の工程を付加し、金属皮膜を形成する必要があり、部品コストの上昇にも繋がってしまう。   In addition to the technical background as described above, recent battery packs are required to be reduced in size and weight corresponding to the device side in accordance with significant progress in reduction in size and weight in various portable devices. In order to accommodate a unit cell having the maximum battery capacity within a limited battery pack volume, the number of cases in which a thin divided case with a reduced case thickness is adopted for the battery pack is increasing. In the battery pack adopting the joining by laser welding described in Patent Document 1, the area used for joining by the reduction of the case thickness, that is, the area of the end face of the divided case is also reduced, and there is a new problem that brings about the reduction of the joining strength. It will occur. In addition, even if it is a case where a fitting structure etc. is adopted for the case joint part and the joint area is increased, laser light cannot be introduced to the part on the case inner surface side, and only the vicinity of the case outer surface side is welded. No improvement in bonding strength can be expected. Furthermore, since the split case is joined with the metal film formed on the contact part of the case, it is necessary to add a process such as thermal spraying and electroless plating after forming the case to form the metal film, which reduces the component cost. It will also lead to a rise.

本発明は、薄肉の分割ケースを用い、これらケースがレーザ溶接にて一体化された樹脂筐体を供えた電池パックにおいて、ケースの接合強度を向上させることを主たる目的とするものであり、さらに電池パック外観の意匠及び面性状を損なうことのない構造を採用した電池パックを提供することを目的とする。   The main object of the present invention is to improve the bonding strength of the case in a battery pack provided with a resin casing in which these cases are integrated by laser welding, using thin divided cases. An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that employs a structure that does not impair the design and surface properties of the appearance of the battery pack.

上記目的を達成するために本発明の電池パックは、複数の分割ケースを組み合わせた樹脂筐体に素電池及びその関係部品を収容して、分割ケース端面の当接部を接合することにより素電池及びその関係部品を樹脂筐体内に密封止する構造を採用してなり、樹脂筐体が、分割ケース端面の当接部を筐体外面から覆い、且つレーザ光に対して透過性を有する樹脂から形成される接合補助部材を有してなり、分割ケースの当接部及び接合補助部材がレーザ光を使用した溶着、いわゆるレーザ溶着が施され、これらを一体化した構成を採用することに特徴を有している。   In order to achieve the above object, the battery pack of the present invention accommodates a unit cell and its related parts in a resin casing in which a plurality of divided cases are combined, and joins the contact portions of the end surfaces of the divided cases. And a structure in which the related parts are tightly sealed in the resin casing. The resin casing covers the abutting portion of the end face of the split case from the outer surface of the casing and is transparent from the laser beam. It has a joining auxiliary member to be formed, and the contact portion of the split case and the joining auxiliary member are subjected to welding using laser light, so-called laser welding, and adopt a configuration in which these are integrated. Have.

この構成では、接合補助部材の透明樹脂を通過したレーザ光は、レーザ光の吸収能を有する部位、すなわちレーザ光が不透過性となる着色が施された分割ケースの端面近傍にて吸収される。さらにレーザ光が吸収された部位において局部的な発熱を生じることで、分割ケースの当接部が溶融されるものである。同時に発熱部分からの熱伝達により透明樹脂も分割ケースに接する微小な部位で溶融され、これらが溶着される。このように本発明の構成は、互いに当接する少なくとも一対の分割ケースと接合補助部材とが一体に接合されており、単に分割ケースのみを接合した構成に比べて接合に供せられる面積が大きくなり、分割ケースの接合強度を大幅に向上させるものである。   In this configuration, the laser light that has passed through the transparent resin of the joining auxiliary member is absorbed in a portion having the ability to absorb laser light, that is, in the vicinity of the end face of the divided case that is colored so that the laser light is impermeable. . Further, local heat generation occurs at the site where the laser beam is absorbed, so that the contact portion of the split case is melted. At the same time, the transparent resin is melted at a minute portion in contact with the divided case by heat transfer from the heat generating portion, and these are welded. As described above, in the configuration of the present invention, at least a pair of divided cases that are in contact with each other and the joining auxiliary member are integrally joined, and an area provided for joining becomes larger than a configuration in which only the divided cases are joined. The joint strength of the split case is greatly improved.

また、従来の超音波溶着による工法を採用した場合に必要であったリブの形成や、接着による工法を採用した場合の溜溝や凸条部の形成を必要せず、分割ケースの薄肉化が可能になることは言うまでもない   In addition, it is not necessary to form ribs that were required when the conventional ultrasonic welding method was used, or to form reservoir grooves and ridges when using the bonding method, making the divided case thinner. It goes without saying that it will be possible

さらに上記の構成においてレーザ溶着は、分割ケース及び接合補助部材が一体に溶融される様にレーザ光の光径が大きい状態、すなわちレーザ光の焦点位置よりレザー光の発振側に変位した位置で実施される。この溶着は通常のレーザ溶着に比較してレーザ光が拡がった状態で溶着が実施されることになり、分割ケースの当接部分にレーザ光を集中させる周知公用の溶着方法のようなエネルギー集中を生じない。このため、レーザ光の集中による分割ケース端面への悪影響、すなわち熱による分割ケース端部の過大な変形（過大な場
合にはレーザ光による焼損）、収縮の発生を防止できるだけでなく、これら変形、収縮に起因する電池パック寸法の精度の悪化も抑制できるものである。またさらに特許文献１では、レザー光による樹脂材料への悪影響を回避するために分割ケースの端部に予め金属皮膜を形成する構成を採用していたが、本発明の構成であれば金属皮膜の形成は必要なく、工程の簡素化も実現できるものである。 Further, in the above configuration, laser welding is performed in a state where the laser beam diameter is large, that is, a position displaced from the laser beam focal position to the laser beam oscillation side so that the split case and the joining auxiliary member are melted together. Is done. In this welding, welding is performed in a state where the laser beam is expanded as compared with the ordinary laser welding, and energy concentration like the well-known public welding method that concentrates the laser beam on the contact portion of the divided case is performed. Does not occur. For this reason, it is possible not only to prevent adverse effects on the end face of the split case due to the concentration of laser light, that is, excessive deformation of the end of the split case due to heat (burnout by laser light in the case of excessive heat) and shrinkage. The deterioration of the accuracy of the battery pack dimension caused by the shrinkage can also be suppressed. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, a configuration in which a metal film is formed in advance on the end portion of the split case in order to avoid an adverse effect on the resin material due to leather light is employed. No formation is necessary, and the simplification of the process can be realized.

さらに上記の通り接合補助部材はレーザ光の透過性を有する透明樹脂で形成されており、この補助部材の内面側、すなわち分割ケースに接する部位で溶着されることになる。よって、電池パックの筐体外面側において接合補助部材は当初状態（分割ケースの接合前の状態）を保持しており、接合による外観上の影響を受けないことから、電池パック筐体の外観意匠への影響は極めて小さい。このため、筐体表面の性状を悪化させることは無く、電池パックの商品性を低下させる因子とはなり得ない。併せて電池パックの外形寸法への影響も少ないことから、高い寸法精度が要求される携帯機器用の電池パックであっても高い信頼性を発揮するものである。   Further, as described above, the joining auxiliary member is formed of a transparent resin having a laser beam transmission property, and is welded at the inner surface side of the auxiliary member, that is, at a portion in contact with the divided case. Therefore, since the joining auxiliary member holds the initial state (the state before joining of the divided cases) on the outer surface side of the battery pack casing and is not affected by the appearance due to joining, the appearance design of the battery pack casing The impact on is very small. For this reason, the property of the surface of the casing is not deteriorated, and it cannot be a factor for reducing the commercial property of the battery pack. In addition, since the influence on the outer dimensions of the battery pack is small, even a battery pack for portable equipment that requires high dimensional accuracy exhibits high reliability.

またさらに分割ケースの接合部位が接合補助部材で覆われていることから電池パックの外観からは接合部位を直接確認することはできない。このため、電池パックの分解が極めて困難になり、且つ分解には接合補助部材の破壊が必要になる。例えば、悪意を持った使用者が電池パックを解体し、改造等の実施を試みた場合でも、電池パックの解体が困難であり、解体の有無を接合補助部材の状況から容易に確認できることから、電池パックへの信頼性が大きく向上し、不適切な使用から電池パックを保護し、使用者への悪影響を抑制するものでもある。   Furthermore, since the joining part of the split case is covered with the joining auxiliary member, the joining part cannot be directly confirmed from the appearance of the battery pack. For this reason, it is very difficult to disassemble the battery pack, and it is necessary to destroy the joining auxiliary member for disassembly. For example, even if a malicious user disassembles the battery pack and tries to carry out modifications, it is difficult to disassemble the battery pack, and the presence or absence of disassembly can be easily confirmed from the situation of the joining auxiliary member, This greatly improves the reliability of the battery pack, protects the battery pack from inappropriate use, and suppresses adverse effects on the user.

一方、本発明の電池パックは上記の構成に加えて分割ケースがその外面における端部近傍に段部を有しており、この段部に接合補助部材を配置するものである。この構成であれば、分割ケースと接合補助部材が電池パックの筐体表面でほぼ面一な状態となり、電池パックの外観意匠等を一層向上させるものである。   On the other hand, in the battery pack of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the divided case has a step portion in the vicinity of the end portion on the outer surface thereof, and a joining auxiliary member is disposed on this step portion. If it is this structure, a division | segmentation case and a joining auxiliary member will be in a substantially flush state in the housing | casing surface of a battery pack, and the external appearance design etc. of a battery pack will be improved further.

以上の通り、本発明の電池パックは分割ケースの接合強度を確保できるのでケースの薄肉化が図れ、従来の電池パックに比べて更なる小型化を可能にするものである。さらに筐体表面から接合部位を確認できないことから、電池パックの商品性を向上させると同時に信頼性にも優れるという特有の効果を奏するものである。   As described above, since the battery pack of the present invention can secure the joining strength of the divided case, the thickness of the case can be reduced, and further miniaturization can be achieved as compared with the conventional battery pack. Furthermore, since the joining part cannot be confirmed from the surface of the housing, the product property of the battery pack is improved, and at the same time, the reliability is excellent.

以下、本発明の実施形態について図面を用いて説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

図１（ａ）は本実施形態における電池ケースの模式断面図である。第１ケース１は黒色のポリカーボネートからなる分割ケースであり、第２ケース２は同じく黒色のポリカーボネートからなる分割ケースである。これらを組み合わせた電池パックの筐体内に電池３を配置している。   FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case in the present embodiment. The first case 1 is a divided case made of black polycarbonate, and the second case 2 is a divided case made of black polycarbonate. The battery 3 is arranged in a battery pack housing that combines these.

第１ケース１、第２ケース２の開口部はいずれも平坦な端面としており、これらケースをつき合わせることで、ケース開口部の端面全体が当接した状態となる。第１ケース１と第２ケース２が当接した当接部の外周側には、接合補助部材４が配置されてる。この接合補助部材４は帯状の透明ポリカーボネート４にて形成されており、レーザ光を透過させる光学的特性を有している。   The opening portions of the first case 1 and the second case 2 are both flat end surfaces, and by bringing these cases together, the entire end surfaces of the case opening portions are in contact with each other. A joining auxiliary member 4 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the contact portion where the first case 1 and the second case 2 are in contact. This joining auxiliary member 4 is formed of a strip-like transparent polycarbonate 4 and has an optical characteristic of transmitting laser light.

図１（ｂ）は、ケース接合部分における拡大図であり、この拡大図を用いて本実施形態における溶着工程を説明する。半導体レーザ光５が照射された当接部では、透明のポリカ
ーボネートからなる接合補助部材４を透過して黒色のポリカーボネートからなる第１ケース１及び第２ケース２に照射される。レーザ光は、接合補助部材４を透過する段階では接合可能な程度の発熱を生ずることは無いが、黒色のポリカーボネートに吸収されることで局所的な発熱を生じ、第１ケース１、及び第２のケースの当接部及びその近傍を溶融状態とする。さらに発熱部位からの伝熱によって透明のポリカーボネートも溶融して、溶融部６によって、第１ケース１、第２ケース２、及び接合補助部材４の三者が互いに接合される。この時、レーザ光５の焦点よりもレーザ側に少し上にずれた位置が第１，２の各ケース１，２、及び接合補助部材４との接する位置になるようにレーザの照射位置が調整され、さらにケースの当接部に沿って照射位置を移動させることでレーザによる溶着が実施され、第１ケース１、第２ケース２の当接部全体が接合された状態となる。 FIG.1 (b) is an enlarged view in a case junction part, The welding process in this embodiment is demonstrated using this enlarged view. In the contact portion irradiated with the semiconductor laser beam 5, the first case 1 and the second case 2 made of black polycarbonate are irradiated through the joining auxiliary member 4 made of transparent polycarbonate. The laser light does not generate heat that can be bonded at the stage of passing through the bonding auxiliary member 4, but is locally absorbed by being absorbed by the black polycarbonate. The contact part of the case and the vicinity thereof are in a molten state. Further, the transparent polycarbonate is also melted by heat transfer from the heat generating portion, and the three parts of the first case 1, the second case 2, and the joining auxiliary member 4 are joined to each other by the melting part 6. At this time, the laser irradiation position is adjusted so that the position slightly shifted to the laser side from the focal point of the laser beam 5 is the position where the first and second cases 1 and 2 and the auxiliary joining member 4 are in contact with each other. Further, the welding position is moved by moving the irradiation position along the contact portion of the case, and the entire contact portions of the first case 1 and the second case 2 are joined.

図２は、本発明の別の実施形態であり、黒色のポリカーボネートからなる第１ケース１及び同じく黒色のポリカーボネートからなる第２ケース２を用いる点で先の実施形態と同じである。さらに第１ケース１、第２ケース２の開口端部外面に段差部（図番なし）を設けており。この段差部には帯状のポリカーボネートからなる接合補助部材４が埋設された状態に配置されている。これら第１ケース１、第２ケース２及び接合補助部材４の接合方法は、先の実施形態と全く同様である。この実施形態では、完成された電池パックの筐体表面から透明ポリカーボネートからなる接合補助部材４が突出することがなく、電池パックの外観意匠を向上させるものである。   FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is the same as the previous embodiment in that a first case 1 made of black polycarbonate and a second case 2 made of black polycarbonate are used. Further, a step (no figure number) is provided on the outer surface of the opening end of the first case 1 and the second case 2. In this stepped portion, a joining auxiliary member 4 made of a strip-like polycarbonate is arranged in a buried state. The joining method of the first case 1, the second case 2, and the joining auxiliary member 4 is exactly the same as in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the joining auxiliary member 4 made of transparent polycarbonate does not protrude from the housing surface of the completed battery pack, and the appearance design of the battery pack is improved.

以上のように本発明は、主として携帯機器用の電源と使用される電池パックの分野に使用されるものであり、電池パックの筐体を構成する分割ケースにおける接合部の接合強度を高めると同時に、ケース肉厚の薄肉化を図り、従来の電池パックに比べ更に小型化を可能にした電池パックを提供するものである。   As described above, the present invention is mainly used in the field of battery packs that are used for power supplies for portable devices, and at the same time increases the joint strength of the joints in the divided case that forms the casing of the battery pack. The present invention provides a battery pack in which the case thickness is reduced and the size can be further reduced as compared with the conventional battery pack.

（ａ）本発明の実施形態における電池ケースの模式断面図（ｂ）同電池ケースにおける接合部分の構造を示す模式断面図(A) Schematic sectional view of a battery case in an embodiment of the present invention (b) Schematic sectional view showing a structure of a joint portion in the battery case （ａ）本発明の別の実施形態における電池ケースの模式断面図（ｂ）同電池ケースにおける接合部分の構造を示す模式断面図(A) Schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case according to another embodiment of the present invention (b) Schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a joint portion in the battery case （ａ）従来例における電池ケースの模式断面図（ｂ）同電池ケースにおける接合部分の構造を示す模式断面図(A) Schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case in a conventional example (b) Schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a joint portion in the battery case

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 第１ケース（黒色ポリカーボネート）
２ 第２ケース（黒色ポリカーボネート）
３ 電池
４ 接合補助部材
５ レーザ光 1 First case (black polycarbonate)
2 Second case (black polycarbonate)
3 Battery 4 Joining auxiliary member 5 Laser light

Claims (2)

複数の分割ケースを組み合わせた樹脂筐体に素電池及びその関係部品を収容し、分割ケース端面の当接部を接合して前記素電池、関係部品を樹脂筐体内に密封止した電池パックであって、
前記樹脂筐体は、分割ケース端面の当接部を樹脂筐体の外面側から覆い、且つレーザ光に対して透過性を有する樹脂からなる接合補助部材を備えており、前記分割ケース及び前記接合補助部材がレーザ光により溶着、接合されたことを特徴とする電池パック。 A battery pack in which a unit cell and its related parts are accommodated in a resin casing in which a plurality of divided cases are combined, and the unit cell and related parts are tightly sealed in the resin casing by joining the contact portions of the end faces of the split case. And
The resin housing includes a joining auxiliary member made of a resin that covers the contact portion of the end surface of the split case from the outer surface side of the resin housing and is transparent to laser light. The split case and the joint A battery pack, wherein the auxiliary member is welded and joined by laser light. 分割ケースはその外面における端部近傍に段部を有し、前記段部に接合補助部材を配置する請求項１記載の電池パック。   The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the split case has a step portion in the vicinity of an end portion on an outer surface thereof, and a joining auxiliary member is disposed on the step portion.
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JPH04102580A (en) * 1990-08-13 1992-04-03 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Heat bonding of butt joint of fluororesin film
JPH08230043A (en) * 1995-02-27 1996-09-10 Aisamu:Kk Welding of synthetic resin material
JPH1131488A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-02-02 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Pack battery and its manufacture

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04102580A (en) * 1990-08-13 1992-04-03 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Heat bonding of butt joint of fluororesin film
JPH08230043A (en) * 1995-02-27 1996-09-10 Aisamu:Kk Welding of synthetic resin material
JPH1131488A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-02-02 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Pack battery and its manufacture

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