JP6749217B2 - Battery case and battery pack - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery case and an assembled battery.

With increasing awareness of the environment, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries have been attracting attention as storage batteries for storing electrical energy.
As an outer casing for accommodating a battery, a container made of a laminated sheet in which a metal foil and a resin layer are laminated is used for downsizing and weight reduction (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In a storage battery for an electric vehicle or the like, an assembled battery configured by connecting a plurality of unit cells is used in order to increase the capacity. For example, there is an assembled battery having a structure in which a plurality of single cells in a container in which the batteries are housed are connected.

JP, 2000-357494, A

In the outer package used for the assembled battery, it is required to improve the loading efficiency of the battery in order to reduce the size of the assembled battery. Further, the exterior body is required to have high durability. However, it has not been easy to improve both loading efficiency and durability. This is because if the structure is simplified to increase the loading efficiency, the durability of the exterior body is reduced, and if a protective structure is provided to increase the durability, it is difficult to improve the loading efficiency.
Further, since the assembled battery needs to have a connection form (series, parallel, etc.) of a plurality of unit cells in accordance with the required specifications, it is desirable that the exterior body can easily support various connection forms. ..

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned current situation, and is capable of enhancing the loading efficiency of a battery, has excellent durability, and is capable of accommodating various connection modes in an assembled battery. And to provide an assembled battery.

In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention includes at least a pair of facing conductor sheets, and one of the facing conductor sheets projects from a conductive first sheet body and the first sheet body. A first conductive portion that is formed by bending and is deformable with respect to the first sheet body, and the other of the facing conductor sheets projects from the conductive second sheet body and the second sheet body. A second conductive portion that is formed by bending and is deformable with respect to the second sheet main body, and the first sheet main body and the second sheet main body are provided at a plurality of adhesive portions separated from each other in the width direction. The non-bonded portions that are partially bonded and that are between the adjacent bonded portions of the first sheet body and the second sheet body form a plurality of tubular portions that extend in the depth direction that intersects the width direction. The tubular portion has an internal space that serves as a battery housing portion, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are formed at one end and the other end of the tubular portion, respectively. The battery outer casing is provided.

The first conductive portion is formed in a tongue shape that is integral with the first sheet body and protrudes from the first sheet body, and has one end of the battery accommodating portion when bent with respect to the first sheet body. The second conductive portion is formed in the shape of a tongue that is integral with the second sheet body and projects from the second sheet body when it is bent with respect to the second sheet body. It is preferable that the battery is arranged so as to face the other end of the battery housing.
It is preferable that the conductor sheet is formed so that at least a part of the other tubular portion can be housed in the external space between the adjacent tubular portions.

In one aspect of the present invention, the conductor sheets may be stacked so as to form a plurality of layers, and at least two conductor sheets may be connected in parallel.
In one aspect of the present invention, the conductor sheets may be stacked and arranged to form a plurality of layers, and at least two conductor sheets may be connected in series.
One aspect of the present invention can be configured such that a space through which a fluid can flow is secured between the conductor sheets that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction.

The non-adhesive portions of the first sheet body and the second sheet body are respectively attached to the substrate portion and to the substrate portion so as to approach the opposite sheet body from both side edges of the substrate portion in the width increasing direction. A pair of side plate portions that extend obliquely, and the tubular portion is formed in a hexagonal tubular shape by the substrate portion and the side plate portions of the first sheet body and the second sheet body. Is preferred.
The conductor sheet is preferably a laminate having a metal layer and a resin layer.

One aspect of the present invention includes a battery exterior body including at least a pair of opposing conductor sheets, and a unit cell exterior to the battery exterior body, wherein one of the opposing conductor sheets is a first conductive sheet. A sheet main body and a first conductive portion that is formed to project from the first sheet main body and is bendable and deformable with respect to the first sheet main body, and the other of the facing conductor sheets has a second conductive sheet. A seat main body; and a second conductive portion formed to project from the second seat main body and bendable and deformable with respect to the second seat main body, wherein the first seat main body and the second seat main body are The non-adhesive portions that are partially adhered to each other in the plurality of adhesive portions that are separated from each other in the width direction, and that are between the adjacent adhesive portions of the first sheet body and the second sheet body intersect in the width direction in the depth direction. A plurality of tubular portions extending to the inside of the tubular portion, the tubular portion having an internal space that serves as a battery housing portion, and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are each the tubular portion. Formed on one end and the other end of the unit cell, the unit cell is housed in the battery housing unit, and a first electrode and a second electrode are connected to the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit, respectively. Provide an assembled battery.
It is preferable that the unit cell is cylindrical and has electrodes at both ends in the axial direction, and is arranged in the tubular portion along the extending direction thereof.

According to one aspect of the present invention, since the connection structure (first and second conductive portions) for the unit cell is located at both ends of the tubular portion, a unit provided with an electrode at each end is provided in the tubular portion. In producing the battery, the structure of the first and second sheet bodies is simplified. Therefore, the loading efficiency of the unit cells in the assembled battery can be improved.
Since the connection structure is provided at both ends of the tubular portion, the connection structure is less likely to be damaged even when a large force is applied to the first and second seat bodies. Therefore, an assembled battery having excellent durability can be obtained.
Furthermore, since the connection structure is at both ends of the tubular portion, there are few restrictions on the structure of the first and second seat bodies. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various connection forms according to the purpose of use without complicating the structure.
Further, since the battery outer package has a simple structure, it can be easily manufactured.

It is a block diagram which shows the assembled battery of embodiment typically. It is a block diagram which decomposed|disassembled a part of assembled battery of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a part of assembled battery of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part of assembled battery of FIG. It is a block diagram which expands and shows the assembled battery of FIG. It is a block diagram which expands and shows the assembled battery of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the cell and the conductor sheet in the assembled battery of FIG. It is a partial cross section figure which shows the cell and the conductor sheet in the assembled battery of FIG. It is an example of the circuit diagram in the assembled battery of FIG. It is another example of the circuit diagram in the assembled battery of FIG. It is a further example of the circuit diagram in the assembled battery of FIG. It is a further example of the circuit diagram in the assembled battery of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the 1st modification of the cylindrical part of a battery exterior body. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the 2nd modification of the cylindrical part of a battery exterior body. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the 3rd modification of the cylindrical part of a battery exterior body.

[Battery case and battery pack]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an assembled battery 10 which is an example of an assembled battery using the battery case 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram in which a part of the assembled battery 10 is disassembled. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the battery pack 10. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the assembled battery 10. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the assembled battery 10. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing the battery pack 10 in a further enlarged manner. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the unit cell 2 and the conductor sheet 3. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the unit cell 2 and the conductor sheet 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the assembled battery 10 includes a battery outer casing 1, a plurality of unit cells 2, and a housing 9 that houses the battery outer casing 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the battery outer casing 1 includes a plurality of conductor sheets 3. The battery outer casing 1 is formed by stacking, for example, a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 8 in eight layers.

The laminated conductor sheets 3 are referred to as the first to sixteenth conductor sheets 31 to 46 in order from the top in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.
As described later, the plurality of conductor sheets 31 to 46 may be separate bodies, and two or more of them may be the same conductor sheet 3. For example, the first conductor sheet 31 and the fourth conductor sheet 34 may be one conductor sheet 3 folded in two. Further, the first, fourth, fifth, and eighth conductor sheets 31, 34, 35, 38 may be one conductor sheet 3 folded into four. The 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th conductor sheets 31, 34, 35, 38, 39, 42, 43, 46 are one folded into eight. The conductor sheet 3 may be used.

As shown in FIG. 6, the conductor sheet 3 (for example, the conductor sheets 31 and 32) is a laminated body in which the inner resin layer 6, the metal layer 7 (conductive layer), and the outer resin layer 8 are laminated in this order. Is. In the conductor sheet 3, the inner resin layer 6 faces the conductor sheet 3 on the other side, and the outer resin layer 8 faces outward.
In the conductor sheet 3, the metal layer 7 is a structure necessary for ensuring conductivity. The conductor sheet 3 may be composed of only the metal layer 7, but it is preferable to have the inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 in order to ensure insulation.

Examples of the metal forming the metal layer 7 include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel, iron, and an alloy containing one or more of these. The metal layer 7 is, for example, a metal foil containing one or more of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, nickel, and iron. The metal may be carbon steel, which is an iron alloy. In particular, aluminum foil, copper foil, and stainless steel foil are preferable from the viewpoints of workability, availability, price, strength (piercing strength, tensile strength, etc.) and corrosion resistance.
The metal layer 7 may have a structure including a base metal layer and a plating layer formed on the surface thereof. The base metal layer and the plating layer are made of, for example, the aforementioned metals.

The stainless steel foil is made of, for example, austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or the like. The austenite-based materials include SUS304, 316, 301 and the like, the ferrite-based materials include SUS430 and the like, and the martensite-based materials include SUS410 and the like.

The thickness of the metal layer 7 is preferably 1 mm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less, and most preferably 200 μm or less from the viewpoint of improving the workability of the conductor sheet 3. The thickness of the metal layer 7 is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and most preferably 40 μm or more from the viewpoint of increasing the mechanical strength of the conductor sheet 3. In addition, the upper limit and the lower limit in the numerical range can be arbitrarily combined.
When a metal layer (O material) softened by annealing is used as the metal layer 7, the flexible performance is improved, and the conductor sheet 3 can be easily formed into the shape described later.

The inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 are, for example, a polyolefin resin such as oriented polypropylene (OPP); a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); nylon (Ny). ) And other polyamide resins; polyimide resins; fluororesins; acrylic resins; thermosetting resins; polyurethane resins and the like. Among them, OPP and thermosetting resin are preferable from the viewpoint of durability.
The thickness of the inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and most preferably 50 μm or less from the viewpoint of improving the processability of the conductor sheet 3. The thickness of the inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 is preferably 1 μm or more, and more preferably 10 μm or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the mechanical strength of the conductor sheet 3.

The inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 may each have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. As examples of the inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 having a multilayer structure, a two-layer film in which a PET film and a biaxially stretched polyamide resin film (ONy) are laminated, a stretched polypropylene film and an unstretched polypropylene film are laminated. Another example is a two-layer film. The inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 may have a multilayer structure of three or more layers.
The inner resin layer 6 and the outer resin layer 8 may have a desired color or design by containing a colorant such as a pigment.

The conductor sheet 3 preferably has flexibility. The use of a flexible conductor sheet facilitates the shape adjustment of the tubular portion 47. Therefore, the unit cell 2 can be reliably accommodated in the tubular portion 47. Further, the loading efficiency of the unit cells 2 can be improved.

1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the X direction is the width direction of the conductor sheet 3. The Y direction is the depth direction orthogonal to the X direction in the plane along the conductor sheet 3 (for example, the substrate portion 3C). The Z direction is a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction, and is the thickness direction of the conductor sheet 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, among the conductor sheets 31 to 46, the first and second conductor sheets 31 and 32 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 31 and 32 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the first set 30A. The third and fourth conductor sheets 33 and 34 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 33 and 34 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the second set 30B. The fifth and sixth conductor sheets 35 and 36 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 35 and 36 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the third group 30C. The seventh and eighth conductor sheets 37 and 38 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 37 and 38 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the fourth group 30D. The ninth and tenth conductor sheets 39 and 40 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 39 and 40 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the fifth group 30E. The eleventh and twelfth conductor sheets 41 and 42 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 41 and 42 are called conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the sixth group 30F. The thirteenth and fourteenth conductor sheets 43 and 44 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 43 and 44 are referred to as conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the seventh group 30G. The fifteenth and sixteenth conductor sheets 45 and 46 are a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 arranged to face each other. The conductor sheets 45 and 46 are referred to as the conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the eighth group 30H.
The conductor sheets 3 and 3 of the first to eighth groups 30A to 30H are layered and stacked in the thickness direction (Z direction).

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8, the conductor sheet 3 (for example, the conductor sheet 31) that is one of the pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other has a conductive first sheet body 51. And a first conductive portion 53 that can be electrically connected to the first sheet main body 51.
The first sheet body 51 has, for example, a rectangular shape.
The first conductive portion 53 is formed, for example, in the shape of a tongue protruding from the first sheet main body 51. The first conductive portion 53 is, for example, integral with the first sheet main body 51 and is formed at one edge (front edge 51a) in the Y direction.
A plurality of first conductive portions 53 are formed at intervals in the X direction. The first conductive portion 53 is formed on one end portion 47a of the tubular portion 47 (described later).
The first conductive portion 53 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the unit cell 2 housed in the tubular portion 47, and the shape thereof is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. The shape of the first conductive portion 53 is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a semicircle, a U shape, or the like.
The first conductive portion 53 can be formed on the substrate portion 3C of the intermediate portion 3E of the first sheet body 51, for example.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first conductive portion 53 may have a structure in which the inner resin layer 6 is not provided and the metal layer 7 is exposed on the inner surface side (battery housing portion 5 side).
The first conductive portion 53 is bendable and deformable with respect to the first sheet main body 51 at the base end 53a. The first conductive portion 53 has a bending position (solid line in FIG. 8) at which it is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 of the unit cell 2, and an open position where the bending angle with respect to the first sheet main body 51 is smaller than the bending position (see FIG. 8). 8 virtual lines).
At the bending position, the first conductive portion 53 is bent, for example, perpendicularly to the substrate portion 3C of the first sheet main body 51 and faces the one end portion 5a of the battery housing portion 5. As a result, the metal layer 7 of the first conductive portion 53 contacts the first electrode 21 of the unit cell 2 housed in the battery housing portion 5 and is electrically connected to the first electrode 21.
When the first conductive portion 53 is in the open position, the operation of taking the cell 2 in and out of the tubular portion 47 can be facilitated.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the conductor sheet 3 (for example, the conductor sheet 32), which is the other of the pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other, has a conductive second sheet body 52. And a second conductive portion 54 that can be electrically connected to the second sheet main body 52.
The second sheet main body 52 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape.
The second conductive portion 54 is formed, for example, in the shape of a tongue protruding from the second sheet main body 52. The second conductive portion 54 is, for example, integral with the second sheet main body 52 and is formed on the other edge (rear edge 52a) in the Y direction.
A plurality of second conductive portions 54 are formed at intervals in the X direction. The second conductive portion 54 is formed on the other end portion 47b of the tubular portion 47.
The second conductive portion 54 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the unit cell 2 housed in the tubular portion 47, and the shape thereof is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. The shape of the second conductive portion 54 is not limited to the rectangular shape, and may be a semicircular shape, a U shape, or the like.
The second conductive portion 54 can be formed, for example, on the substrate portion 3C of the intermediate portion 3E of the second sheet main body 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second conductive portion 54 may be configured without the inner resin layer 6 and the metal layer 7 exposed on the inner surface side (battery housing portion 5 side).
The second conductive portion 54 is bendable and deformable with respect to the second sheet main body 52 at the base end 54a. The second conductive portion 54 has a bending position (solid line in FIG. 8) where it is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 of the unit cell 2, and an open position where the bending angle with respect to the second sheet main body 52 is smaller than the bending position (FIG. 8). 8 virtual lines).
At the bending position, the second conductive portion 54 is bent perpendicularly to the substrate portion 3C of the second sheet main body 52 and faces the other end portion 5b of the battery housing portion 5, for example. As a result, the metal layer 7 of the second conductive portion 54 contacts the second electrode 22 of the unit cell 2 housed in the battery housing portion 5 and is electrically connected to the second electrode 22.
When the second conductive portion 54 is at the open position, the operation of taking the cell 2 in and out of the tubular portion 47 can be facilitated.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other are partially bonded by a plurality of linear adhesive layers 4.
The adhesive layer 4 is formed, for example, in a band shape having a constant width along the Y direction. The plurality of adhesive layers 4 are preferably formed at regular intervals in the X direction.
A portion of the conductor sheet 3 that is adhered to the other conductor sheet 3 by the adhesive layer 4 is referred to as an adhesive portion 3A. The adhesive portion 3A is, for example, a strip-shaped portion having a constant width along the Y direction. It is preferable that the plurality of adhesive portions 3A be formed at regular intervals in the X direction.

Examples of the adhesive constituting the adhesive layer 4 include insulation such as polyolefin-based adhesive, urethane-based adhesive, epoxy-based adhesive, acrylic-based adhesive, urethane-based adhesive, nylon-based adhesive, and polyester-based adhesive. Materials can be mentioned.
As the adhesive, a polyolefin-based adhesive made of a polyolefin resin is preferable. Examples of the polyolefin resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-1-butene, polyisobutylene, a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, a copolymer of propylene and an olefin-based monomer, and the like. Among them, maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene is preferable from the viewpoint of adhesiveness, durability and the like. Further, it is preferable that a compound containing a plurality of epoxy groups is included as a crosslinking agent. More specifically, an adhesive containing an acid-modified polyolefin resin (for example, maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene) (A) and an epoxy resin compound (B) can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the portion of the conductor sheet 3 between the adhering portions 3A, 3A that are adjacent to each other in the X direction is referred to as an intermediate portion 3E (non-adhesive portion). The intermediate portion 3E has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 3D, 3D inclined with respect to the substrate portion 3C.
The side plate portions 3D and 3D extend from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C toward the adhesive portions 3A and 3A, respectively. The side plate portions 3D, 3D are inclined and extended from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C so as to gradually approach the mating conductor sheet 3 in the widening direction. The side plate portions 3D, 3D move away from each other as they approach the conductor sheet 3 on the other side.
The intermediate portion 3E has a bent shape that is convex in a direction (outward) away from the conductor sheet 3 on the opposite side with respect to a plane passing through the adjacent adhesive portions 3A and 3A.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate portion 3C is formed along the XY plane.

The intermediate portions 3E, 3E of the conductor sheets 3, 3 facing each other form a hollow rectangular tubular portion 47. The internal space of the tubular portion 47 is the battery housing portion 5. The tubular portion 47 is partitioned by the adhesive portions 3A and 3A.
The side plate portions 3D, 3D have a flat shape in which the XZ cross section is linear, and are inclined at an angle θ1 (0°<θ1<90°) with respect to the substrate portion 3C.
Each of the conductor sheets 3 and 3 is continuously formed in the width direction over the plurality of tubular portions 47.

In the conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other, since the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the intermediate portion 3E of the conductor sheet 3 approach the conductor sheet 3 on the other side in the width increasing direction, the tubular portion 47 has the substrate portion 3C. And a side plate portion 3D are in a hexagonal tubular shape. When the board portion 3C and the side plate portion 3D have the same width, the XY cross-sectional shape of the tubular portion 47 is, for example, a regular hexagon.
One of the intermediate portions has a substrate portion and a pair of side plate portions that are inclined so as to approach the mating conductor sheet in the widening direction, and the other intermediate portion faces the substrate portion and the widening direction. And a pair of side plate portions that are inclined so as to approach the mating conductor sheet, the shape composed of the substrate portion and the side plate portions can be called a hexagonal tubular shape.

The intermediate portions 3E and 3E of the conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other preferably have a small difference in width dimension. For example, the difference in width between the intermediate portions 3E and 3E is preferably, for example, 10% or less of the larger width of the intermediate portions 3E and 3E. It is preferable that the width dimension of the intermediate portion 3E of the conductor sheet 31 and the width dimension of the intermediate portion 3E of the conductor sheet 32 are equal. The width dimension of the intermediate portion 3E is the total width dimension of the substrate portion 3C and the side plate portions 3D, 3D. The width dimension of the intermediate portion 3E is the total width dimension of the substrate portion 3C and the side plate portions 3D, 3D.
The width dimension of the substrate portion 3C is the dimension in the Y direction. The width dimension of the side plate portions 3D, 3D is a dimension in the direction along the side plate portions 3D, 3D.

The conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other have two or more tubular portions 47 arranged in the width direction (X direction). The number of tubular portions formed by the pair of conductor sheets facing each other is preferably 3 or more, and can be, for example, 4 to 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the conductor sheet 3 has a space between the adjacent side plate portions 3D and 3D, that is, an outer surface of the adjacent side plate portions 3D and 3D, and a bond between the side plate portions 3D and 3D. It has a concave external space 3F formed by the outer surface of the portion 3A. The XY cross-sectional shape of the external space 3F is a trapezoid whose width gradually narrows toward the adhesive portion 3A.
The intermediate portion 3E of the conductor sheet 3 of the adjacent layer is housed in the external space 3F.
For example, the adhesive portion 3A and the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the second conductor sheet 32 face the adhesive portion 3A and the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the third conductor sheet 33, respectively. The adhesive portion 3A and the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the second conductor sheet 32 may or may not contact the adhesive portion 3A and the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the third conductor sheet 33, respectively. ..
In FIGS. 1 and 5, the outer space 3F accommodates almost the entire middle portion 3E of the adjacent layer, but only a part of the middle portion 3E may be accommodated.

The intermediate portion 3E of the third conductor sheet 33 of the second set 30B is housed in the external space 3F of the second conductor sheet 32 of the first set 30A. The intermediate portion 3E of the second conductor sheet 32 of the first set 30A is housed in the external space 3F of the third conductor sheet 33 of the second set 30B. The intermediate portion 3E of the fifth conductor sheet 35 of the third set 30C is housed in the outer space 3F of the fourth conductor sheet 34 of the second set 30B. The intermediate portion 3E of the fourth conductor sheet 34 of the second set 30B is housed in the outer space 3F of the fifth conductor sheet 35 of the third set 30C. The intermediate portion 3E of the seventh conductor sheet 37 of the fourth set 30D is housed in the outer space 3F of the sixth conductor sheet 36 of the third set 30C. The outer space 3F of the seventh conductor sheet 37 of the fourth set 30D accommodates the intermediate portion 3E of the sixth conductor sheet 36 of the third set 30C. The intermediate portion 3E of the eleventh conductor sheet 41 of the sixth group 30F is housed in the outer space 3F of the tenth conductor sheet 40 of the fifth group 30E. The intermediate portion 3E of the tenth conductor sheet 40 of the fifth group 30E is housed in the outer space 3F of the eleventh conductor sheet 41 of the sixth group 30F. The outer space 3F of the twelfth conductor sheet 42 of the sixth set 30F accommodates the intermediate portion 3E of the thirteenth conductor sheet 43 of the seventh set 30G. The outer space 3F of the thirteenth conductor sheet 43 of the seventh group 30G accommodates the intermediate portion 3E of the twelfth conductor sheet 42 of the sixth group 30F. The intermediate portion 3E of the 15th conductor sheet 45 of the 8th set 30H is housed in the external space 3F of the 14th conductor sheet 44 of the 7th set 30G. The intermediate portion 3E of the 14th conductor sheet 44 of the 7th set 30G is housed in the external space 3F of the 15th conductor sheet 45 of the 8th set 30H.
Among the first set 30A to the eighth set 30H, the nth set (n is any one of 1 to 8) and the (n+1)th set are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction of the conductor sheets 3.

The middle portion 3E of the eighth conductor sheet 38 of the fourth set 30D and the middle portion 3E of the ninth conductor sheet 39 of the fifth set 30E are abutted against each other, and the substrate portion 3C of the eighth conductor sheet 38 and the ninth portion are contacted. The conductor sheet 39 faces the substrate portion 3C. The substrate portion 3C of the eighth conductor sheet 38 and the substrate portion 3C of the ninth conductor sheet 39 may or may not be in contact with each other.
Since the board portions 3C and 3C of the intermediate portions 3E and 3E of the eighth conductor sheet 38 and the ninth conductor sheet 39 are attached to each other, the external space 3F of the eighth conductor sheet 38 and the ninth conductor sheet 39 are The external space 3F forms a cylindrical space 3G.
The cylindrical space 3G is a space formed between the fourth set 30D and the fifth set 30E, and includes the board portion 3C and the side plate portions 3D and 3D of the eighth conductor sheet 38, and the ninth conductor sheet 39. It is a hexagonal cylindrical space formed by the base plate portion 3C and the side plate portions 3D, 3D.

The cylindrical space 3G can be used as a flow passage through which a heat medium (for example, cooling water or cooling air) that is a liquid, a gas, or the like supplied by a supply mechanism (not shown) is circulated. Thereby, the temperature of the assembled battery 10 can be adjusted.
Further, in the battery exterior body 1, the cylindrical portion 47 in which the unit cell 2 is not housed can also be used as a heat medium flow passage.
Since the tubular space 3G and the tubular portion 47 are adjacent to the battery housing portion 5, the temperature of the unit cell 2 in the battery housing portion 5 can be efficiently adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 1, a space 3H between the conductor sheet 3 and the inner surface of the housing 9, for example, a space 3H1 between the first conductor sheet 31 and the inner surface of the housing 9, a sixteenth conductor sheet 46. The space 3H2 between the housing and the inner surface of the housing 9 can be used as a flow passage for circulating the heat medium.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the plurality of conductor sheets 3 (for example, the first to sixteenth conductor sheets 31 to 46) may be separate bodies, and two or more of them have the same conductivity. It may be the body sheet 3.
The plurality of sets of conductor sheets 3 may be connected in parallel or in series.
For example, the wiring connection inside the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1 may be connected as shown in the electric circuit diagram of FIG. The electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. 9 is the first, fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth, twelfth, thirteenth, sixteenth conductor sheets 31, 34, 35, 38, 39, 42, shown in FIG. 43, 46 is one conductor sheet 3 folded into eight, and is the second, third, sixth, seventh, tenth, eleventh, fourteenth, and fifteenth conductor sheet in FIG. When 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, and 45 are one conductor sheet 3 folded in eight, the first set 30A to the eighth set 30H are connected in parallel. Form. Therefore, the assembled battery 10 (10A) has a configuration in which 44 unit cells 2 are connected in parallel, and has a wiring as shown in FIG.

Wiring connections inside the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1 may be connected as shown in the electric circuit diagram of FIG. The electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. 10 is one conductor sheet 3 in which the first, fourth, fifth and eighth conductor sheets 31, 34, 35, 38 shown in FIG. 1 are folded into four, When the second, third, sixth and seventh conductor sheets 32, 33, 36, 37 shown in FIG. 1 are one conductor sheet 3 folded into four, the first set 30A to The fourth set 30D is connected in parallel.
The ninth, twelfth, thirteenth, and sixteenth conductor sheets 39, 42, 43, and 46 shown in FIG. 1 are one conductor sheet 3, and the tenth, eleventh, fourteenth, and fifteenth conductor sheets are included. When 40, 41, 44 and 45 are one conductor sheet 3, the fifth set 30E to the eighth set 30H are connected in parallel.
If the conductor sheets 3 of the first group 30A to the fourth group 30D and the conductor sheets 3 of the fifth group 30E to the eighth group 30H are connected in series by the connecting portion 48A, the battery pack 10 (10B) becomes. The 22 unit cells 2 connected in parallel and the 22 unit cells 2 connected in parallel are connected in series, and the wiring is as shown in FIG.

The wiring connection inside the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1 may be connected as shown in the electric circuit diagram of FIG. The electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. 10 is one conductor sheet 3 in which the first and fourth conductor sheets 31 and 34 shown in FIG. 1 are folded in two, and the second and third conductor sheets 32, When 33 is one conductor sheet 3 folded in two, the first set 30A and the second set 30B are connected in parallel. In addition to this, the third group 30C and the fourth group 30D shown in FIG. 1 are connected in parallel, the fifth group 30E and the sixth group 30F are connected in parallel, and the seventh group 30G and the eighth group 30H are connected. Can be connected in parallel.
Further, the second set 30B and the third set 30C shown in FIG. 1 are connected in series by the connecting portion 48B, the fourth set 30D and the fifth set 30E are connected in series by the connecting portion 48C, and the sixth set 30F. And the seventh group 30G are connected in series by the connecting portion 48D, the first and second groups 30A and 30B, the third and fourth groups 30C and 30D, and the fifth and sixth groups 30E and 30F. , And the seventh and eighth sets 30G and 30H are connected in series. Therefore, the assembled battery 10 (10C) has a configuration in which four battery groups each including 11 unit cells 2 connected in parallel are connected in series, and the wiring is as shown in FIG. 11.

The assembled battery 10 may have a configuration in which the first set 30A to the eighth set 30H are not connected in parallel.
If the first set 30A to the eighth set 30H are connected in series by the connecting portions 48E to 48K, as in the electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. 12, the battery pack 10 (10D) may include five batteries 10 or 10 connected in parallel. This is a form in which eight battery groups each including six unit cells 2 are connected in series.

In the battery exterior body 1, since the plurality of tubular portions 47 are arranged side by side in the width direction (X direction) of the conductor sheet 3, a honeycomb-shaped structure in which the plurality of tubular portions 47 are regularly arranged. Is.

The number (the number of sets) of the conductor sheets 3 and 3 facing each other is preferably 3 or more, and can be, for example, 4 to 200 sets.
When the battery case 1 has two or more sets of conductor sheets 3 and 3, an assembled battery 10 in which a plurality of single cells 2 arranged in parallel are arranged in series is obtained.

The connection between the conductor sheets 3 and 3 is performed by removing a part of the outer resin layer 8 of the conductor sheets 3 and 3, exposing the metal layer 7, and bringing the exposed metal layers 7 and 7 into contact with each other. Can be done by A conductor such as a metal wiring may be used to connect the conductor sheets 3 and 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the unit cell 2 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a first electrode 21 at one axial end and a second electrode 22 at the other end. ..
The unit cell 2 is arranged in the tubular portion 47 along the extending direction (Y direction) thereof.
The unit cell is not limited to a lithium ion battery, and may be an electric double layer capacitor or the like.

[Battery exterior manufacturing method]
Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the battery outer casing 1 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 is produced. The one conductor sheet 3 has a first sheet main body 51 and a plurality of first conductive portions 53. The other conductor sheet 3 has a second sheet main body 52 and a plurality of second conductive portions 54.
A battery package including a pair of conductor sheets 3 and 3 adhered by an adhesive layer 4 made of the above-mentioned adhesive by superposing the conductor sheets 3 and 3 and adhering them at a plurality of places at intervals with an adhesive. Get body 1.
The assembled battery 10 is obtained by accommodating the unit cells 2 in the battery accommodating portion 5.

According to the battery exterior body 1, since the conductive portions 53 and 54 are formed at the one end portion 47a and the other end portion 47b of the tubular portion 47, respectively, the unit cell 2 having the electrodes 21 and 22 at the end portions is tubular. The assembled battery 10 provided in the groove 47 can be manufactured.
In the battery exterior body 1, since the connection structure (conductive parts 53, 54) for the unit cell 2 is located at both ends of the tubular part 47, the structure of the sheet main bodies 51, 52 is simplified, so that the unit structure of the battery pack 10 is reduced. The loading efficiency of the battery 2 can be improved.
Further, in the battery outer casing 1, since the connection structure (conductive portions 53, 54) is at both ends of the tubular portion 47, the connection structure is less likely to be damaged even if a large force is applied to the sheet bodies 51, 52. Become. Therefore, the assembled battery 10 having excellent durability can be obtained.
Furthermore, since the connection structure (conductive parts 53, 54) is located at both ends of the tubular part 47, there are few restrictions on the structure of the seat bodies 51, 52. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various connection forms according to the purpose of use without complicating the structure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, a plurality of types of connection forms can be supported.
Moreover, since the battery outer package 1 has a simple structure, it can be easily manufactured.

Since the plurality of tubular portions 47 are formed by the common conductor sheet 3, the battery outer casing 1 has a portion such as a connection structure, compared with a plurality of outer casings that individually wrap the cells. Since it can be omitted, the structure can be simplified. Therefore, the battery pack 10 can be reduced in size and weight.
Further, since the battery housing 1 has the plurality of battery accommodating portions 5 formed by the common conductor sheet 3, it is superior in mechanical strength as compared with the plurality of outer housing containers that individually wrap the cells. ing. For example, damage occurs when a tensile force in the width direction (X direction) of the conductor sheet 3, a shear force in the bonded portion length direction (Y direction), or a shear force in the thickness direction (Z direction) is applied. Hateful. Further, since the battery outer casing 1 has the plurality of cylindrical portions 47 formed continuously by the common conductor sheet 3, it is possible to enhance the durability against the compressive force in the adhesive portion length direction (Y direction).
Since the assembled battery 10 using the battery outer package 1 is small and lightweight, it can be applied to applications where the installation space is limited or where weight is likely to be a problem. For example, it can be suitably used as a battery for vehicles, houses, etc.

Since the battery exterior body 1 has a bent shape in which the middle portion 3E of the conductor sheet 3 is convex outward, the dimension in the thickness direction (Z direction) can be easily adjusted. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size and thickness.

In the battery exterior body 1, the first conductive portion 53 and the second conductive portion 54 are formed so as to be bendable and deformable with respect to the first sheet body 51 and the second sheet body 52, respectively. Can secure a reliable connection to. Therefore, the reliability of the connection between the conductor sheet 3 and the unit cell 2 can be improved.
In the open position, it is possible to facilitate the operation of taking in and out the unit cell 2. Therefore, it is easy to replace the unit cell 2.

In the battery exterior body 1, since the conductor sheet 3 has the external space 3F capable of accommodating the intermediate portion 3E of the other conductor sheet 3, the space inside the housing 9 is effectively used to form the tubular portion 47. Can be placed. Therefore, the assembled battery 10 having a high loading efficiency of the unit cells 2 can be obtained.

Since the tubular portion 47 of the battery outer casing 1 has a hexagonal tubular shape, the tensile force in the width direction (X direction) of the conductor sheet 3, the shearing force in the adhesive portion length direction (Y direction), or the thickness. The strength against the shearing force in the direction (Z direction) can be increased. Further, since the tubular portion 47 has a hexagonal tubular shape, it is possible to secure a sufficient volume inside the tubular portion 47.

The tubular portion 47 of the battery outer casing 1 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a hexagonal XZ cross-sectional shape, but the tubular portion 47 does not have to have a strict hexagonal cross-sectional shape. It can be said that the tubular portion has a hexagonal XZ sectional shape even if it has the shape shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, for example.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a tubular portion 97 that is a first modification of the tubular portion 47. The intermediate portion 91E1 of the first conductor sheet 31 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 91D1 and 91D1.
The side plate portions 91D1 and 91D1 have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape in cross section) that is convex outward of the tubular portion 97, and gradually approach the second conductor sheet 32 in the widening direction from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C. It is inclined and extends. The middle portion 91E1 has a bent shape that is convex in a direction (outward) away from the second conductor sheet 32.

The middle portion 92E1 of the second conductor sheet 32 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 92D1 and 92D1. The side plate portions 92D1 and 92D1 have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape in cross section) that is convex outward of the tubular portion 97, and gradually approach the first conductor sheet 31 from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C in the width increasing direction. It is inclined and extends. The middle portion 92E1 has a bent shape that is convex in a direction (outward) away from the first conductor sheet 31.
The intermediate portions 91E1 and 92E1 of the conductor sheets 31 and 32 form a tubular portion 97.
The tubular portion 97 is a preferable configuration when the battery housing portion 5 is made large and it is desired to increase the volume ratio of the batteries in the assembled battery.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a tubular portion 107 that is a second modification of the tubular portion 47.
The middle portion 91E2 of the first conductor sheet 31 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 91D2 and 91D2. The side plate portions 91D2 and 91D2 have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape in cross section) that is convex inward of the tubular portion 107, and gradually approach the second conductor sheet 32 from the both side edges of the substrate portion 3C in the widening direction. It is inclined and extends. The intermediate portion 91E2 has a bent shape that is convex in a direction (outward) away from the second conductor sheet 32.

The middle portion 92E2 of the second conductor sheet 32 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 92D2 and 92D2. The side plate portions 92D2 and 92D2 have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape in cross section) that is convex inward of the tubular portion 107, and gradually approach the first conductor sheet 31 from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C in the width increasing direction. It is inclined and extends. The intermediate portion 92E2 has a bent shape that is convex in a direction (outward) away from the first conductor sheet 31.
The intermediate portions 91E2 and 92E2 of the conductor sheets 31 and 32 form the tubular portion 107. The tubular portion 107 is a preferable configuration when it is desired to enlarge the external space 3F (see FIG. 5).

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a tubular portion 117 which is a third modified example of the tubular portion 47.
The middle portion 91E3 of the first conductor sheet 31 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 91D3 and 91D3.
The side plate portion 91D3 includes a first curved portion 91D31 having a curved shape (for example, an arc shape in cross section) that is convex outward of the cylindrical portion 117, and a curved shape that is convex inside the cylindrical portion 117 (for example, a circular cross section). It is S-shaped in combination with the second curved portion 91D32 having an arc shape. The first curved portion 91D31 is continuous with the substrate portion 3C, and the second curved portion 91D32 is continuous with the adhesive portion 3A. The side plate portions 91D3 and 91D3 are inclined and extended from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C so as to gradually approach the second conductor sheet 32 in the widening direction.

The middle portion 92E3 of the second conductor sheet 32 has a substrate portion 3C and a pair of side plate portions 92D3 and 92D3.
The side plate portion 92D3 includes a first curved portion 92D31 having a curved shape (for example, an arcuate cross section) that is convex outward of the tubular portion 117, and a curved shape that is convex inside the tubular portion 117 (for example, a circular cross section). It is S-shaped in combination with the second curved portion 92D32 having an arc shape. The first curved portion 92D31 is connected to the substrate portion 3C, and the second curved portion 92D32 is connected to the adhesive portion 3A. The side plate portions 92D3 and 92D3 extend obliquely from both side edges of the substrate portion 3C so as to gradually approach the first conductor sheet 31 in the widening direction.
The intermediate portions 91E3 and 92E3 of the conductor sheets 31 and 32 form a tubular portion 117.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
In the battery exterior body 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, although the conductor sheets 31 and 32 are continuously formed in the width direction over the plurality of tubular portions 47, the conductor sheets facing each other are not formed. A configuration in which only one of them is continuously formed in the width direction over a plurality of tubular portions is also possible.
As the conductor sheet, a sheet having no flexibility may be used.
In the battery exterior body 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the intermediate portion 3E has a bent shape in which the whole is convex outward, but at least a part of the intermediate portion is convex outward. Any bent shape can be used.
Although the conductor sheet 3 has the metal layer 7 which is a conductor layer, the conductor layer of the conductor sheet 3 is not limited to the metal layer, and may be formed of a conductor material (conductive resin or the like) other than metal.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Battery exterior body, 2... Single cell, 3,31-46... Conductor sheet, 3A... Adhesive part, 3C... Substrate part, 3D, 91D1, 91D2, 91D3, 92D1, 92D2, 92D3... Side plate part, 3E, 91E1, 91E2, 91E3, 92E1, 92E2, 92E3... Intermediate part (non-adhesive part), 3F... External space, 3G... Cylindrical space (space through which fluid can flow), 4... Adhesive layer, 5... Battery accommodating part 5a... One end, 5b... The other end, 10... Battery pack, 6... Inner resin layer, 7... Metal layer, 8... Outer resin layer, 21... First electrode, 22... Second electrode, 47, 97, 107, 117... Cylindrical part, 47a... One end part, 47b... Other end part, 51... First sheet body, 52... Second sheet body, 53... First conductive part, 54... Second conductive part.

Claims (10)

At least a pair of opposing conductor sheets,
One of the facing conductor sheets has a conductive first sheet body, and a first conductive portion that is formed to project from the first sheet body and is bendable and deformable with respect to the first sheet body.
The other of the conductor sheets facing each other has a conductive second sheet main body, and a second conductive portion formed to project from the second sheet main body and bendable and deformable with respect to the second sheet main body.
The first sheet main body and the second sheet main body are partially adhered at a plurality of adhering portions separated from each other in the width direction,
The non-adhesive portion between the adjacent adhering portions of the first sheet main body and the second sheet main body forms a plurality of tubular portions extending in the depth direction intersecting the width direction,
The tubular portion has an internal space that serves as a battery housing portion,
The first outer conductor and the second outer conductor are formed on one end and the other end of the tubular portion, respectively. The first conductive portion is formed in a tongue shape that is integral with the first sheet body and protrudes from the first sheet body, and has one end of the battery accommodating portion when bent with respect to the first sheet body. It is placed facing the department,
The second conductive portion is formed in the shape of a tongue piece that is integral with the second sheet body and projects from the second sheet body. The battery exterior body according to claim 1, which is arranged so as to face an end portion. The battery exterior body according to claim 1, wherein the conductor sheet is formed so as to be able to accommodate at least a part of another tubular portion in an external space between the adjacent tubular portions. The conductor sheets are stacked and arranged to form a plurality of layers,
The battery exterior body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two layers of the conductor sheets are connected in parallel. The conductor sheets are stacked and arranged to form a plurality of layers,
The battery exterior body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two layers of the conductor sheets are connected in series. The battery exterior body according to claim 4, wherein a space through which a fluid can flow is secured between the conductor sheets that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction. The non-adhesive portions of the first sheet body and the second sheet body are respectively attached to the substrate portion and to the substrate portion so as to approach the opposite sheet body from both side edges of the substrate portion in the width increasing direction. Having a pair of side plate portions that extend at an inclination,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the tubular portion is formed into a hexagonal tubular shape by the substrate portion and the side plate portion of the first sheet body and the second sheet body. Exterior body. The battery exterior body according to claim 1, wherein the conductor sheet is a laminate having a metal layer and a resin layer. A battery exterior body having at least a pair of opposing conductor sheets, and a single cell packaged in the battery exterior body,
One of the facing conductor sheets has a conductive first sheet body, and a first conductive portion that is formed to project from the first sheet body and is bendable and deformable with respect to the first sheet body.
The other of the conductor sheets facing each other has a conductive second sheet main body, and a second conductive portion formed to project from the second sheet main body and bendable and deformable with respect to the second sheet main body.
The first sheet main body and the second sheet main body are partially adhered at a plurality of adhering portions separated from each other in the width direction,
The non-adhesive portion between the adjacent adhering portions of the first sheet main body and the second sheet main body forms a plurality of tubular portions extending in the depth direction intersecting the width direction,
The tubular portion has an internal space that serves as a battery housing portion,
The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are respectively formed at one end and the other end of the tubular portion,
The unit battery is housed in the battery housing part, and a first electrode and a second electrode are connected to the first conductive part and the second conductive part, respectively. The assembled battery according to claim 9, wherein the unit cell is cylindrical and has electrodes at both ends in the axial direction, and is arranged in the tubular portion along the extending direction thereof.

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