WO2015068696A1

WO2015068696A1 - Storage cell and method for notification of swelling in storage cell

Info

Publication number: WO2015068696A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/079251
Authority: WO
Inventors: 勝部　恭行
Original assignee: 旭化成Ｆｄｋエナジーデバイス株式会社
Priority date: 2013-11-07
Filing date: 2014-11-04
Publication date: 2015-05-14

Abstract

　A storage cell module (1) holds in place a laminate-material container in which an electrode layered article is sealed, the laminate-material container being held by a first end plate (3A) and a second end plate (3B). A gauge piece (61) for measuring the amount of displacement of the first end plate (3A) is provided on a surface portion of the first end plate (3A). The storage cell module (1) has a detection unit (20C) for detecting swelling of the container on the basis of the amount of displacement obtained by the gauge piece (61). Furthermore, the storage cell module (1) has a notification unit (41) for outputting a notification signal in response to the swelling of the container as detected by the detection unit (20C).

Description

Storage battery and storage battery expansion notification method

The present invention relates to a storage battery and a storage battery expansion notification method.

In recent years, there are power storage devices applied to power storage systems. As an example of the electricity storage device, a lithium ion capacitor has been proposed. A storage cell of a lithium ion capacitor is filled with, for example, an electrode laminate in which positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and separators are alternately laminated in a container of a laminate material such as an aluminum laminate film, and, for example, an organic electrolyte containing lithium ions. It is a sealed structure. The electricity storage cell may deteriorate in electricity storage performance due to vaporization of the internal electrolyte due to aging or the like.

JP 2010-161044 A

However, in an electricity storage device in which an electrode laminate is sealed in a container such as a laminate material, when the electrolyte is vaporized and gas is generated inside the container, the container expands due to gas generation. Cannot detect expansion of material container. Therefore, in the electricity storage device in which the electrode laminate is sealed in the container of the laminate material, there is actually no means for informing the user of the expansion of the container in advance.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage battery that can notify detection of expansion of a container of a laminate material, and a method for notifying expansion of the storage battery.

A storage battery according to an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology outputs a detection unit that detects expansion of a container of a laminate material in which an electrode stack is sealed, and a notification signal according to detection of expansion of the container by the detection unit. And a notification unit. The detection unit includes a displacement sensor that measures a displacement amount of the restraining member in a restraining member that restrains the container, and detects expansion of the container based on the displacement amount obtained by the displacement sensor.

According to an example of the embodiment of the disclosed technology, it is possible to notify the detection of the expansion of the container of the laminate material.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a storage cell according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating an example of a storage cell. FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating an example of the storage cell. FIG. 2C is a side view showing an example of the storage cell. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the first detection unit. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the first opening portion. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the control unit related to the first detection process. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second opening portion of the electricity storage cell according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second detection unit of the storage cell according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the control unit related to the second detection process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the third detection unit of the storage cell according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the control unit related to the third detection process. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the third opening portion of the storage cell according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a power storage module according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of changes in gauge pieces. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the control unit related to the fourth detection process.

Hereinafter, a power storage cell and a power storage module according to an example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the disclosed technology. Further, the following embodiments can be appropriately combined within a consistent range. In the embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted.

[Embodiment 1]
(Configuration of power storage cell according to Embodiment 1)
1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1, FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating an example of the storage cell 10, FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating an example of the storage cell 10, and FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a storage cell 10. FIG. The storage cell 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a lithium ion capacitor cell. The storage cell 10 includes a container 11 made of a laminate material that houses an electrode laminate (not shown) and an electrode terminal 12. The electrode laminate is configured by laminating a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (not shown). The power generation element is one unit, and a plurality of units of power generation elements are stacked.

The positive electrode has, for example, a structure in which a positive electrode made of a material capable of reversibly supporting lithium ions is formed on a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector is a member for collecting current while supporting the positive electrode, and is formed using, for example, a conductive metal plate such as aluminum. The positive electrode current collector is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a structure in which the tab 13A protrudes from one of the four sides. The tab 13A is connected to a positive electrode terminal 12A such as aluminum among the electrode terminals 12.

The negative electrode has, for example, a structure in which a negative electrode made of a material capable of reversibly supporting lithium ions is formed on a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector is a member for collecting current while supporting the negative electrode, and is formed using a conductive metal plate such as copper, for example. The negative electrode current collector is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a structure in which the tab 13B protrudes from one of the four sides. The tab 13B is connected to the negative electrode terminal 12B such as copper, for example, among the electrode terminals 12. Moreover, the negative electrode current collector has a lithium sticking portion (not shown) to which a pre-doping lithium metal foil is stuck. The lithium metal foil dissolves and disappears when the pre-doping is completed.

The container 11 is, for example, a rectangular soft container made of an aluminum laminate film material obtained by laminating an aluminum foil with a resin film. Furthermore, the container 11 has a structure in which the electrode stack is sealed together with an organic electrolyte containing lithium ions, for example. Since the container 11 seals the electrode laminate and the organic electrolyte, the surface of the container 11 has a shape in which the shape of the electrode laminate is raised near the center. The raised surface portion of the container 11 is referred to as a cell main surface 14. In addition, as a layer structure of the aluminum laminate film material, PP (Polypropylene) layer, PPa (polyphthalamide) layer, AL (aluminum) layer, nylon layer, PET (from the inner layer to the outer layer of the storage cell 10 PolyEthyleneTerephthalate) layer. Moreover, as a layer structure of the aluminum laminate film material, for example, a PPa (polyphthalamide) layer, an AL (aluminum) layer, a nylon layer, and a PET (PolyEthyleneTerephthalate) layer are formed from the inner layer to the outer layer of the storage cell 10. You may order. In the electricity storage cell 10, for example, the organic electrolyte in the container 11 is vaporized due to secular change or the like to generate gas, and the container 11 may expand. At this time, in the surface portion of the container 11, gas flows from the cell main surface 14 to the sealing surface 15 side of the container 11, and the sealing surface 15 adjacent to the cell main surface 14 expands.

The storage cell 10 has a structure in which the positive electrode terminal 12 A and the negative electrode terminal 12 B protrude from one side of the four sides of the rectangular shape when the electrode stack is accommodated in the container 11. The positive electrode terminal 12A is made of, for example, an aluminum material, and has a structure in which a tip portion thereof is bent at a right angle toward one cell main surface 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The negative electrode terminal 12B is made of, for example, a copper material, and has a structure in which a tip portion thereof is bent at a right angle toward the other cell main surface 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

The tab 13B of the storage cell 10 has a structure that is not displaced by the expansion of the container 11. The first detector 20 is attached to the tab 13B. The first detection unit 20 is a part that detects the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the first detection unit 20. The first detection unit 20 shown in FIG. 3 has a structure having a base 21, a main body 22, and a contact 23. One end of the base portion 21 is fixed to the surface portion of the tab 13B. The main body 22 extends from the base portion 21 at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10. The contact 23 is provided on the surface of the main body 22 facing the sealing surface 15. In response to the expansion of the sealing surface 15 of the container 11, the first detection unit 20 comes into contact with the contact 23 and is turned on to detect the expansion of the container 11.

Furthermore, a first opening 30 is attached to the tab 13B of the storage cell 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2C. The first opening part 30 is a part for opening the container 11 of the electricity storage cell 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the first opening part 30. The first opening portion 30 shown in FIG. 4 has a structure including a base portion 31, a main body 32, a needle portion 33, and a cover 34. One end of the base 31 is fixed to the surface of the tab 13B. The main body 32 extends from the base 31 at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10. Further, the main body 32 is provided with a needle portion 33 at the tip portion thereof. The needle portion 33 is opened by opening a hole in the container 11 when its tip portion is stuck in the surface of the container 11. The cover 34 is configured to be movable in the axial direction of the main body 32 with respect to the main body 32, and has a structure that prevents the needle portion 33 from being exposed from the first opening portion 30. The cover 34 includes a guide groove (not shown), and is movable in the axial direction with respect to the main body 32 by a guide pin (not shown) on the main body 32 side along the guide groove.

The first unsealing portion 30 is configured so that the surface of the container 11 comes into contact with the tip end portion of the cover 34 in accordance with the expansion of the sealing surface 15 of the container 11 and the cover 34 is in the X direction on the tab 13B side which is the axial direction of the main body 32 Move to. Further, in the first opening portion 30, the tip of the needle portion 33 is exposed from the cover 34 when the cover 34 moves in the X direction of the tab 13 B. And the 1st opening part 30 opens a hole in the container 11 by opening the front-end | tip of the needle part 33 in the surface of the container 11 according to expansion | swelling of the sealing surface 15 of the container 11 further, and opens.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the monitoring circuit 40. The monitoring circuit 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a circuit that monitors the state of the storage cell 10. The monitoring circuit 40 includes a first detection unit 20, a notification unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. The alerting | reporting part 41 outputs the alerting | reporting signal which alert | reports various information to an external device, for example. The storage unit 42 stores various information. The control unit 43 controls the entire monitoring circuit 40. When the control unit 43 detects that the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 is ON, the control unit 43 determines that the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10 is detected. When determining that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, the control unit 43 outputs an expansion detection notification signal from the notification unit 41. Note that the notification unit 41 outputs a notification signal such as a display or a sound that can identify expansion detection to an external device (not shown).

(Operation of Power Storage Cell 10 of Embodiment 1)
Next, operation | movement of the electrical storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 3A, the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 is not in contact with the surface of the container 11 and is in an OFF state because the container 11 of the storage cell 10 is not expanded. Further, the cover 34 of the first opening portion 30 is not in contact with the surface of the container 11 and is not exposed from the tip of the container 11 because the container 11 is not expanded as shown in FIG. 33 is protected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 is in the container 11 although the container 11 of the storage cell 10 starts to expand and the sealing surface 15 is gradually expanded. It is in an OFF state without contacting the surface.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3C, the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 comes into an ON state when the surface of the container 11 comes into contact with the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10. As a result, when the control unit 43 detects that the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 is ON, the control unit 43 determines that the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10 is detected.

(Operation of the control unit 43 of the first embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the control unit 43 related to the first detection process. In FIG. 6, the control unit 43 determines whether or not the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 has been turned on (step S11). When the control unit 43 detects the ON of the contact 23 (Yes at Step S11), the control unit 43 determines that the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10 is detected (Step S12). When the control unit 43 determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, the control unit 43 outputs an expansion detection notification signal through the notification unit 41 (step S13), and ends the processing operation illustrated in FIG. If the controller 43 has not detected the contact 23 being turned on (No at Step S11), the controller 43 ends the processing operation shown in FIG.

In the first detection process shown in FIG. 6, when ON of the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 is detected according to the expansion of the container 11, it is determined that the container 11 is expanded and the expansion detection of the container 11 is detected by an external device. Since the notification output is made, the user can recognize the expansion detection of the laminate material container 11 by the notification output.

Furthermore, when the expansion of the container 11 further proceeds after the control unit 23 determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected by the control unit 23, the surface of the container 11 is covered with the cover 34 as shown in FIG. The cover 34 is moved in the X direction of the tab 13B.

When the expansion of the container 11 further proceeds, the first unsealing part 30 comes into contact with the front end portion of the cover 34 as shown in FIG. The tab 13B moves in the X direction, and the tip of the needle portion 33 is exposed from the cover 34. As a result, the first opening part 30 is opened by making the tip of the needle part 33 pierce the surface of the container 11 and making a hole in the container 11.

(Effect by Embodiment 1)
The control unit 43 of the storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 determines that the expansion of the container 11 has been detected by turning ON the contact 23 of the first detection unit 20 on the surface of the container 11, and notifies the external device of the expansion detection. . As a result, the user can recognize the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10 according to the notification output of the expansion detection. Further, the user can prepare for replacement of the storage cell 10 by recognizing the expansion of the container 11. In addition, since the user can recognize the expansion of the container 11 before the storage performance is reduced to such an extent that the storage cell 10 needs to be replaced, for example, the storage cell 10 that requires high reliability such as an uninterruptible power supply device. It can be secured.

In the storage cell 10, after detecting the expansion of the container 11, the surface of the container 11 moves the cover 34 of the first opening part 30 in the X direction of the tab 13 B in response to further expansion of the container 11, and the tip of the needle part 33. Is exposed from the cover 34, and the needle part 33 is stuck in the surface of the container 11 to open the container 11. As a result, the storage cell 10 can prevent the burst due to the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10 in advance.

The first unsealing part 30 of the electricity storage cell 10 of the first embodiment moves the cover 34 in the X direction of the tab 13B on the surface of the container 11 according to the expansion of the container 11, and the The tip was exposed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and another embodiment will be described below as a second embodiment.

[Embodiment 2]
(Configuration of power storage cell 10A according to the second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second opening unit 30A of the storage cell 10A of the second embodiment. The same components as those of the storage cell 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted. The difference between the electricity storage cell 10A of Embodiment 2 and the electricity storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 is that the first opening portion 30 is substituted for the second opening portion 30A. The second opening portion 30A shown in FIG. 7 has a structure having a base portion 31A, a main body 32A, a blade portion 33A, and a rotation cover 34A. One end of the base portion 31A is fixed to the surface portion of the tab 13B. The main body 32A extends from the base portion 31A at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10. Furthermore, the main body 32A is provided with a blade portion 33A at the tip.

The blade portion 33A is for opening a hole in the container 11 by cutting the surface of the container 11. The rotation cover 34A is configured to be rotatable about the main body 32A, for example, in a range of 0 to 180 degrees, and prevents the blade portion 33A from being exposed from the second opening portion 30A. The rotation cover 34A has a structure having a convex action portion 35A extending to the cell main surface 14 side. The action portion 35A of the rotary cover 34A has one side portion of the two sides as a guide portion 36A. 36 A of guide parts rotate the rotation cover 34A to a Y direction, contacting and sliding on the surface of the container 11 according to expansion | swelling of the sealing surface 15 of 10 A of electrical storage cells. The rotation cover 34A exposes the blade portion 33A from the rotation cover 34A as shown in FIG. 7C as the rotation in the Y direction proceeds. The second opening portion 30A opens the container 11 by opening a hole in the blade portion 33A by cutting the surface of the container 11 of the storage cell 10A according to the exposure of the blade portion 33A from the rotating cover 34A.

(Operation of Power Storage Cell 10A of Embodiment 2)
Next, operation | movement of 10 A of electrical storage cells of Embodiment 2 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 7A, the rotating cover 34A of the second opening portion 30A is not inflated, so that it does not come into contact with the surface of the container 11 and is not exposed from the tip thereof. Is protecting.

Further, after the second detection unit 30A detects the expansion of the container 11 by the first detection unit 20, the expansion of the container 11 starts and the sealing surface 15 further expands as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, the guide portion 36A of the action portion 35A of the rotary cover 34A slides on the surface of the container 11. The second unsealing portion 30A rotates the rotating cover 34A in the Y direction by the guide portion 36A of the action portion 35A of the rotating cover 34A sliding on the surface of the container 11.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the expansion of the container 11 progresses, the second unsealing part 30A makes contact with the action part 35A of the rotating cover 34A so that the rotating cover 34A moves in the Y direction. Rotate further. In the second opening portion 30A, the tip of the blade portion 33A provided on the main body 32A is exposed from the rotation cover 34A according to the rotation of the rotation cover 34A in the Y direction. As a result, the second opening 30A is opened when the tip of the blade 33A cuts the surface of the container 11 to make a hole in the container 11.

(Effect by Embodiment 2)
In the storage cell 10 A, after detecting the expansion of the container 11, the guide part 36 A of the action part 35 A of the rotation cover 34 A of the second opening part 30 A slides on the surface of the container 11 according to the further expansion of the container 11 The cover 34A is rotated in the Y direction to expose the blade portion 33A from the rotary cover 34A. Further, in the storage cell 10 A, the blade portion 33 A is exposed, and the blade portion 33 A cuts the surface of the container 11 to open the container 11. As a result, the storage cell 10A can prevent the explosion due to the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10A.

In addition, although the 1st detection part 20 of the electrical storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 employ | adopted the mechanical switch which has the contact 23, it is not limited to this, For example, the distance to the surface of the electrical storage cell 10 You may make it detect expansion | swelling of the container 11 using the distance sensor which measures this. Therefore, the embodiment will be described below as a third embodiment.

[Embodiment 3]
(Configuration of power storage cell 10B according to Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the second detection unit 20A of the storage cell 10B of the third embodiment. The same components as those of the storage cell 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted. The difference between the storage cell 10B of Embodiment 3 and the storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 is that the first detection unit 20 is replaced with the second detection unit 20A. The second detection unit 20A is a part that detects the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10B. The second detection unit 20A illustrated in FIG. 8 has a structure including a base 21A, a main body 22A, and a distance sensor 23A. One end of the base portion 21A is fixed to the surface portion of the tab 13B. The main body 22A extends from the base portion 21A at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10. The distance sensor 23 A is provided on a surface portion of the main body 22 A facing the sealing surface 15 and measures the distance to the sealing surface 15. The distance sensor 23A may be configured with, for example, a photo sensor or a magnetic sensor.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit 40A according to the third embodiment. The monitoring circuit 40A illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a second detection unit 20A and a control unit 43A in addition to the notification unit 41 and the storage unit 42. 20 A of 2nd detection parts measure the distance to the sealing surface 15 of the container 11, and notify the measurement distance to 43 A of control parts.

The storage unit 42 stores, for example, a first predetermined distance and a second predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance corresponds to a set distance from the distance sensor 23 A to the sealing surface 15 when detecting the expansion of the container 11. The second predetermined distance is, for example, a state immediately before the cover 34 of the first opening part 30 moves and the needle part 33 is exposed from the cover 34, from the distance sensor 23A to the sealing surface 15 immediately before opening. Corresponds to the set distance.

The control unit 43A determines that the expansion of the container 11 has been detected when the distance to the sealing surface 15 measured by the distance sensor 23A is less than the first predetermined distance. When the control unit 43 A determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, the control unit 43 A outputs a notification signal for detecting the expansion of the container 11 through the notification unit 41.

Furthermore, when the distance to the sealing surface 15 measured by the distance sensor 23A is less than the second predetermined distance, the control unit 43A determines that the container 11 is just before opening. When determining that the container 11 is immediately before opening the container 11, the controller 43 A outputs a notification signal for detecting expansion of the container 11 through the notification unit 41.

(Operation of Control Unit 43A of Power Storage Cell 10B of Embodiment 3)
Next, operation | movement of 43 A of control parts of the electrical storage cell 10B of Embodiment 3 is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing operation of the control unit 43A related to the second detection process. In FIG. 10, the control unit 43A determines whether or not the measurement distance obtained from the measurement result of the distance sensor 23A is less than the first predetermined distance (step S21). When the measurement distance is less than the first predetermined distance (Yes at Step S21), the control unit 43A determines that the container 11 has been detected for expansion as shown in FIG. 8B (Step S22), and the control unit 43A expands through the notification unit 41. A detection notification signal is output to an external device (not shown) (step S23).

The control unit 43A determines whether or not the measurement distance obtained from the measurement result of the distance sensor 23A is less than the second predetermined distance after outputting the notification of the expansion detection (step S24). When the measurement distance is less than the second predetermined distance (Yes at Step S24), the control unit 43A determines that the opening is immediately before opening (Step S25) as shown in FIG. Is output to an external device (not shown) (step S26).

Thereafter, the first opening part 30 opens the hole in the container 11 by exposing the needle part 33 from the cover 34 according to further expansion of the container 11 and the tip of the needle part 33 is stuck in the surface of the container 11. Open. Further, when the measurement distance is not less than the first predetermined distance (No at Step S21), the control unit 43A ends the processing operation illustrated in FIG. If the measurement distance is not less than the second predetermined distance (No at Step S24), the control unit 43A proceeds to Step S24 in order to determine whether the measurement distance is less than the second predetermined distance.

(Effect by Embodiment 3)
When the measurement distance is less than the first predetermined distance, the control unit 43A of the storage cell 10B according to the third embodiment determines that the expansion of the container 11 has been detected, and outputs an expansion detection notification signal through the notification unit 41. As a result, the user can recognize the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10B according to the notification output of the expansion detection. Furthermore, the user can prepare for replacement | exchange of the electrical storage cell 10B by recognizing expansion | swelling of the container 11. FIG.

When the measurement distance is less than the second predetermined distance, the control unit 43A of the storage cell 10B determines that the container 11 is just before opening and outputs a notification signal immediately before opening through the notification unit 41. As a result, the user can recognize in advance the opening of the container 11 of the storage cell 10B according to the notification output of the opening notice.

In addition, the 1st opening part 30 of the electrical storage cell 10B of Embodiment 3 pierced the surface of the container 11 with the needle part 33 according to expansion | swelling of the container 11, and opened the container 11. FIG. However, for example, a heater heating wire is attached to the sealing surface 15 in which the container 11 is sealed by adhesive bonding or the like, and a current is supplied to the heater heating wire in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 43A. Then, the sealing surface 15 to which the container 11 is fused is heated by supplying current to the heater heating wire to melt the adhesive on the sealing surface 15, and the container 11 is opened with the internal pressure due to the expansion of the container 11. good. At this time, the control unit 43A supplies current to the heater heating wire when the measurement distance of the distance sensor 23A becomes less than the second predetermined distance. For example, the heater heating wire may be attached to the cell main surface 14 of the container 11 so as to make a hole in the surface of the container 11 in accordance with current supply.

Moreover, although the mechanical switch which has the contact 23 was employ | adopted as the 1st detection part 20 of the electrical storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, it is not limited to this, For example, the expansion | swelling of the surface of the electrical storage cell 10 is carried out. You may employ | adopt the conductive rubber which detects a pressure. Therefore, the embodiment will be described below as a fourth embodiment.

[Embodiment 4]
(Configuration of Power Storage Cell 10C according to Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the third detection unit 20B of the storage cell 10C according to the fourth embodiment. The same components as those of the storage cell 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted. The difference between the storage cell 10C of the fourth embodiment and the storage cell 10 of the first embodiment is that the first detection unit 20 is substituted for the third detection unit 20B. The 3rd detection part 20B is a site | part which detects expansion | swelling of the container 11 of 10 C of electrical storage cells. The third detection unit 20B shown in FIG. 11 has a structure having a base 21B, a main body 22B, and a conductive rubber 23B. One end of the base portion 21B is fixed to the surface portion of the tab 13B. The main body 22B extends from the base 21B at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10C. The conductive rubber 23 B is, for example, a conductive resin that is provided on the surface portion of the main body 22 A that faces the sealing surface 15 and has an electric resistance value that varies according to stress.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit 40B according to the fourth embodiment. The monitoring circuit 40B illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a third detection unit 20B and a control unit 43B in addition to the notification unit 41 and the storage unit 42. The third detection unit 20B presses the conductive rubber 23B by the stress caused by the expansion of the sealing surface 15 of the container 11 to change the electric resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B, and notifies the control unit 43B of the electric resistance value. To do.

The storage unit 42 stores, for example, a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The first threshold corresponds to the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23 B when detecting the expansion of the container 11. The second threshold corresponds to, for example, the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23 B in a state immediately before the cover 34 of the first opening portion 30 moves and the needle portion 33 is exposed from the cover 34.

The control unit 43B determines that the expansion of the container 11 has been detected when the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the first threshold value. When the control unit 43B determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, the control unit 43B outputs a notification signal for detecting the expansion of the container 11 through the notification unit 41.

Furthermore, the control part 43B determines with the container 11 just before opening, when the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the second threshold value. When the control unit 43B determines that the container 11 has just been opened, the control unit 43B outputs a notification signal for opening the container 11 through the notification unit 41.

(Operation of Control Unit 43B of Storage Cell 10C of Embodiment 4)
Next, operation | movement of the control part 43B of the electrical storage cell 10C of Embodiment 4 is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the control unit 43B related to the third detection process. In FIG. 13, the control unit 43B determines whether or not the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B has exceeded the first threshold value (step S31). When the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the first threshold value (Yes at Step S31), the control unit 43B determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected as shown in FIG. 11B (Step S32). The expansion detection is output to an external device (not shown) through the notification unit 41 (step S33).

The control unit 43B determines whether or not the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B has exceeded the second threshold value after the notification output of the expansion detection (step S34). When the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the second threshold value (Yes at Step S34), the control unit 43B determines that it is just before opening (Step S35), as shown in FIG. An opening notice is output to an external device (not shown) through 41 (step S36).

When the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B does not exceed the first threshold value (No at Step S31), the control unit 43B ends the processing operation illustrated in FIG. In addition, when the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B does not exceed the second threshold value (No in step S34), the control unit 43B performs a step to monitor whether or not the electrical resistance value exceeds the second threshold value. The process proceeds to S34.

Thereafter, the first opening part 30 opens the hole in the container 11 by exposing the needle part 33 from the cover 34 according to further expansion of the container 11 and the tip of the needle part 33 is stuck in the surface of the container 11. Open.

(Effect by Embodiment 4)
When the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit 43B of the storage cell 10C according to the fourth embodiment determines that the expansion of the container 11 has been detected, and sends an expansion detection notification signal through the notification unit 41. Output. As a result, the user can recognize the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10C according to the notification output of the expansion detection. Further, the user can prepare for replacement of the storage cell 10 C by recognizing the expansion of the container 11.

When the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 23B exceeds the second threshold, the control unit 43B of the storage cell 10C determines that the container 11 is just before opening and outputs a notification signal immediately before opening through the notification unit 41. As a result, the user can recognize in advance the opening of the container 11 of the storage cell 10C according to the notification output of the opening notice.

[Embodiment 5]
(Configuration of Power Storage Cell 10E according to Embodiment 5)
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the third unsealing unit 30B of the storage cell 10E according to the fifth embodiment. The same components as those of the storage cell 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted. The difference between the electricity storage cell 10E of Embodiment 5 and the electricity storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1 is that the first opening portion 30 is substituted for the third opening portion 30B. The third opening portion 30B shown in FIG. 14 has a structure having a base portion 31B, a main body 32B, a blade portion 33B, and a rotation cover 34B. One end of the base 31B is fixed to the surface of the tab 13B. The main body 32B extends from the base 31B at a right angle in the direction of the cell main surface 14, and extends so as to face the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10E. Further, the main body 32B is provided with a blade portion 33B at the tip thereof.

The blade portion 33B is for opening a hole in the container 11 by cutting the surface of the container 11. The rotating cover 34B is configured to be rotatable about the end portion 35B of the blade portion 33B and to prevent the blade portion 33B from being exposed from the third opening portion 30B. The rotation cover 34B rotates counterclockwise about the end 35B of the blade 33B with the surface of the container 11 coming into contact with the expansion of the sealing surface 15 of the storage cell 10E. The rotating cover 34B exposes the blade portion 33B from the rotating cover 34B as the counterclockwise rotation proceeds. The third opening part 30B opens the container 11 by opening a hole in the blade part 33B by cutting the surface of the container 11 of the storage cell 10E according to the exposure of the blade part 33B from the rotary cover 34B.

(Operation of Power Storage Cell 10E of Embodiment 5)
Next, the operation of the electricity storage cell 10E of Embodiment 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14A, the rotation cover 34B of the third opening portion 30B is not inflated as shown in FIG. 14A, so that the blade portion 33B does not come into contact with the surface of the container 11 and is not exposed from the tip. Is protecting.

Further, after the third detection unit 30B detects the expansion of the container 11 by the first detection unit 20, the expansion of the container 11 starts and the sealing surface 15 further expands as shown in FIG. Then, the surface of the container 11 comes into contact with the tip of the rotary cover 34B. And the 3rd opening part 30B rotates the rotation cover 34B counterclockwise in FIG. 14 centering | focusing on the edge part 35B of the blade part 33B according to contact | abutting with the front-end | tip of the rotation cover 34B.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14C, the third unsealing portion 30B is configured such that when the expansion of the container 11 proceeds, the surface of the container 11 presses the tip of the rotary cover 34B, and the end 35B of the blade 33B is moved. The rotation cover 34B is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.

Further, when the expansion of the container 11 further proceeds, the third unsealing portion 30B causes the surface of the container 11 to further rotate the rotary cover 34B counterclockwise in FIG. 14 as shown in FIG. By doing so, the tip of the blade portion 33B is exposed from the rotary cover 34B. As a result, the third opening part 30B is opened when the tip of the blade part 33B cuts the surface of the container 11 to make a hole in the container 11.

(Effect by Embodiment 5)
In the storage cell 10E, after detecting the expansion of the container 11, the surface of the container 11 presses the rotation cover 34B of the third unsealing portion 30B according to the further expansion of the container 11, and the rotation cover 34B is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. The blade portion 33B is exposed by rotating in the direction. Further, in the storage cell 10E, the blade portion 33B is exposed from the rotary cover 34B, and the blade portion 33B cuts the surface of the container 11 to open the container 11. As a result, the storage cell 10E can prevent the explosion due to the expansion of the container 11 of the storage cell 10E.

Moreover, in Embodiment 3 and 4 mentioned above, although the 1st opening part 30 was employ | adopted, you may employ | adopt 2nd opening part 30A, 3rd opening part 30B, etc. other than this.

In the first embodiment described above, the first detection unit 20 and the first unsealing unit 30 are provided for each power storage cell 10. However, the container 11 of the power storage cell 10 is stored in units of power storage modules that accommodate a plurality of power storage cells 10. It is also possible to detect the expansion of and output a notification. Therefore, an embodiment in this case will be described below as a sixth embodiment.

[Embodiment 6]
(Configuration of power storage module 1 according to Embodiment 6)
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the power storage module 1 of the sixth embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the electrical storage cell 10 of Embodiment 1, and the description of the overlapping structure and operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted. The storage cell 10D illustrated in FIG. 15 is not provided with, for example, the first detection unit 20 and the first opening unit 30.

The power storage module 1 shown in FIG. 15 includes a plurality of power storage cells 10D, a first end plate 3A, a second end plate 3B, and a plurality of brackets 4. The power storage module 1 is, for example, a lithium ion capacitor module.

The power storage module 1 has a plurality of power storage cells 10D in which an electrode laminate in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked is sealed in a container made of a laminate material. In the power storage module 1, the cell main surfaces 14 are overlapped with each other with the adhesive applied to the cell main surface 14 of each power storage cell 10 D, and each cell main surface 14 is pressed in the overlapping direction. They are bonded together.

In the power storage module 1, for example, when a plurality of power storage cells 10D are connected in series, the front end portion of the positive electrode terminal 12A of the power storage cell 10D and the front end of the negative electrode terminal 12B of the opposite power storage cell 10D that is in surface contact with the power storage cell 10D. The part is electrically connected by welding or the like. Further, in the power storage module 1, the tip portion of the negative electrode terminal 12B of the power storage cell 10D is electrically connected to the tip portion of the positive electrode terminal 12A of the power storage cell 10D on the opposite side by welding or the like.

In addition, for example, in the case where a plurality of power storage cells 10D are connected in parallel, the power storage module 1 includes the tip portion of the positive electrode terminal 12A of the power storage cell 10D and the positive electrode terminal 12A of the opposite power storage cell 10D in surface contact with the power storage cell 10D. The tip part is electrically connected by welding or the like. Furthermore, the power storage module 1 electrically connects the tip portion of the negative electrode terminal 12B of the power storage cell 10D and the tip portion of the negative electrode terminal 12B of the opposite storage cell 10D by welding or the like.

The first end plate 3A shown in FIG. 15 is formed of a sheet metal member having a rectangular shape in plan view, and has a flat surface. The flat surface is a surface portion that is in surface contact with the cell main surface 14 of the storage cell 10D. The flat surface is in surface contact with the cell main surface 14 of the energy storage cell 10D arranged at the lowermost part in the stacking direction of the energy storage cell 10D. Since the second end plate 3B has the same configuration as the first end plate 3A shown in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are given, and the description of the overlapping configuration and operation is omitted. The flat surface of the second end plate 3B is in surface contact with the cell main surface 14 of the power storage cell 10D arranged at the uppermost part in the stacking direction of the power storage cells 10D.

The bracket 4 shown in FIG. 15 has two brackets having a substantially U-shaped cross section, a first bracket 4A that holds a cell assembly, which will be described later, from one side surface on the short side, and a short cell assembly. And a second bracket 4B held from the other side of the hand side. The cell aggregate is an aggregate in which the first end plate 3A, the plurality of power storage cells 10D, and the second end plate 3B are overlapped. The first bracket 4A is sandwiched and held between the flat surface of the first end plate 3A and the flat surface of the second end plate 3B in the cell assembly. The second bracket 4B sandwiches and holds the surface of the flat surface of the first end plate 3A and the surface of the flat surface of the second end plate 3B in the cell assembly.

The flat surface of the second end plate 3B is provided with a screw hole (not shown) at a portion that contacts the end surface of the first bracket 4A. The screw 51 is screwed into the screw hole, and the tip of the screw 51 is the first end portion. The end face of one bracket 4A is pressed. Thus, in the second end plate 3B, the first bracket 4A moves to the first end plate 3A side in response to the pressing of the tip portion of the screw 51, and pressurizes the cell assembly.

The flat surface of the second end plate 3B is provided with a screw hole (not shown) at a portion that abuts the end surface of the second bracket 4B, and the screw 51 is screwed into the screw hole so that the tip of the screw 51 is the first end portion. The end face of the second bracket 4B is pressed. Accordingly, in the second end plate 3B, the second bracket 4B moves to the first end plate 3A side in accordance with the pressing of the tip portion of the screw 51, and pressurizes the cell aggregate. The first bracket 4A and the second bracket 4B pressurize the cell assembly from both sides using the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B. The first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B are, for example, restraining members that pressurize the cell assembly from both sides.

On the surface portion of the first end plate 3A, a strain sensor gauge piece 61 which is the fourth detection unit 20C is provided. For example, the gauge piece 61 has a structure in which a flexible thin plate-like insulator made of a conductive metal is surface-treated. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring circuit 40C according to the fifth embodiment. A monitoring circuit 40 C illustrated in FIG. 16 is a circuit that monitors the state of each power storage cell 10 D in the power storage module 1. The monitoring circuit 40C includes a fourth detection unit 20C and a control unit 43C in addition to the notification unit 41 and the storage unit 42. The control unit 43C controls the entire monitoring circuit 40C.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in the gauge piece 61. When the container of the internal storage cell 10D is not expanded, the storage module 1 is in a state where the first end plate 3A is not bent as shown in FIG. In the power storage module 1, when the container 11 of the internal power storage cell 10D is expanded, the first end plate 3A is bent and the gauge piece 61 is also bent as shown in FIG. The electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 increases as the gauge piece 61 bends.

The control unit 43C measures the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 through the fourth detection unit 20C, and when the electrical resistance value exceeds the third threshold value, the expansion detection of the container 11 of the storage cell 10C in the storage module 1 is detected. Is determined. When determining that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, the control unit 43C outputs a notification signal indicating the detection of the expansion of the container 11 to the external device through the notification unit 41. The control unit 43C measures the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 through the fourth detection unit 20C, and determines that it is immediately before opening the container 11 of the storage cell 10D when the electrical resistance value exceeds the fourth threshold value. When it is determined that the control unit 43 C is immediately before opening, the control unit 43 C outputs a notification signal indicating opening notification to the external device through the notification unit 41.

(Operation of Control Unit 43C of Power Storage Module 1 of Embodiment 6)
Next, operation | movement of 43 C of control parts of the electrical storage module 1 of Embodiment 6 is demonstrated. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the control unit 43C related to the fourth detection process. In FIG. 18, the control unit 43C determines whether or not the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 measured by the fourth detection unit 20C exceeds the third threshold value (step S41). When the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 exceeds the third threshold value (Yes at Step S41), the control unit 43C determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected (Step S42), and the expansion detection is illustrated through the notification unit 41. To an external device (step S43).

The control unit 43C determines whether or not the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 measured by the fourth detection unit 20C exceeds the fourth threshold value after the notification output of the expansion detection (Step S44). When the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 exceeds the fourth threshold value (Yes at Step S44), the control unit 43C determines that it is just before opening (Step S45), and notifies the opening notification through the notification unit 41 to an external device (not shown). (Step S46).

When the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 does not exceed the third threshold value (No at Step S41), the control unit 43C ends the processing operation illustrated in FIG. In addition, when the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 does not exceed the fourth threshold value (No at Step S44), the control unit 43C monitors whether the electrical resistance value exceeds the fourth threshold value at Step S44. Migrate to

(Effect by Embodiment 6)
When the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 exceeds the third threshold value, the control unit 43C of the power storage module 1 of Embodiment 6 determines that the expansion of the container 11 of the power storage cell 10D in the power storage module 1 has been detected. The control unit 43C determines that the expansion of the container 11 is detected, and outputs a notification signal indicating the expansion detection. As a result, the user can recognize the expansion of the container 11 of the power storage cell 10D in the power storage module 1 according to the notification output of the expansion detection. And since the user can recognize expansion | swelling of the container 11 of the electrical storage cell 2 in the electrical storage module 1, the electrical storage module 1 can be replaced | exchanged before a failure.

When the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 exceeds the fourth threshold value, the control unit 43C determines that the container 11 of the power storage cell 10D in the power storage module 1 has just been opened, and outputs a notification signal for opening notification. As a result, the user can recognize in advance the opening of the container 11 of the storage cell 10D in the storage module 1 in accordance with the notification output of the opening notification.

(Other variations of the embodiment)
Although the 1st detection part 20, 2nd detection part 20A, or 3rd detection part 20B of the said embodiment adhered to the surface part of the tab 13B of the electrical storage cell 10, you may adhere to the surface part of the tab 13A, for example. . Further, the first detection unit 20, the second detection unit 20A, and the third detection unit 20B may be fixed to the surface portions of the positive electrode terminal 12A and the negative electrode terminal 12B, which are electrodes of the storage cell 10, for example. The container 11 may be fixed at a position that does not displace due to the expansion of the container 11.

Although the 1st opening part 30, 2nd opening part 30A, or 3rd opening part 30B of the said embodiment was arrange | positioned in parallel with the 1st detection part 20 in the surface part of the tab 13B of the electrical storage cell 10, in parallel It is not necessary to arrange, and you may make it arrange | position to the surface part on the opposite side to the surface part to which the 1st detection part 20 fixed of the surface part of the tab 13B. In addition, the first opening part 30, the second opening part 30A, or the third opening part 30B are provided with, for example, the tab 13A, the positive terminal 12A, the negative terminal 12B, and the like at positions that are not displaced by the expansion of the container 11. It may be fixed.

The control unit 43C of the power storage module 1 of the sixth embodiment determines the expansion detection of the container 11 using the electrical resistance value of the gauge piece 61 of the fourth detection unit 20C. However, for example, using a pressure sensor that measures a change in pressure applied to the first end plate 3A, the control unit 43C stores power when the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure value. You may determine with the expansion | swelling detection of the container 11 of cell 10D. The predetermined pressurization value is set in advance as a pressurization value that can be determined as the expansion of the container 11. Further, when the pressure sensor is used, the control unit 43C compares the pressure value on the first end plate 3A side with the predetermined pressure value, but compares it with the pressure value on the second end plate 3B side. You may do it.

Further, for example, using a bending sensor that measures a bending change applied to the first end plate 3A, the control unit 43C causes the container 11 of the storage cell 10D when the bending amount measured by the bending sensor exceeds a predetermined bending amount. It may be determined that the expansion is detected. The predetermined bending amount is set in advance to a bending amount that can be determined as the expansion of the container 11. In addition, when the bending sensor is used, the control unit 43C compares the bending amount on the first end plate 3A side with the predetermined bending amount, but may compare it with the bending amount on the second end plate 3B side. .

The control unit 43 of the storage cell 10 of the above embodiment outputs a notification signal indicating the opening notice of the storage cell 10, but when the opening of the container 11 is completed, the notification signal indicating the completion of opening is externally transmitted through the notification unit 41. You may output to an apparatus.

The storage cell 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) of the above embodiment has a structure in which the positive electrode terminal 12A and the negative electrode terminal 12B are drawn in one direction from one side of the rectangular shape. It is good also as a structure pulled out from a side, or a structure pulled out from two sides which intersect at right angles.

The power storage cell 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) of the above embodiment is exemplified by a lithium pre-doped type lithium ion capacitor. For example, an alkaline metal ion capacitor of a type in which an alkali metal other than lithium is pre-doped. Is also applicable. Moreover, it is applicable also to the electrical storage cell of a non-aqueous secondary battery and an electrical double layer capacitor.

In the said embodiment, although the container 11 of the electrical storage cell 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) was formed with aluminum foil, such as an aluminum laminate film material, it is a metal laminate film material of metal foil other than aluminum foil. It may be formed.

In the above embodiment, the cell main surface 14 is PET, but may be nylon, PP (Polypropylene), or the like.

In the above embodiment, the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B are formed of a metal member. However, for example, the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B may be formed of a flame-retardant resin material such as flame-retardant polypropylene or glass-filled nylon. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1

Power storage module

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E Power storage cell 11 Container 20 1st detection part 20A 2nd detection part 20B 3rd detection part 20C 4th detection part 30 1st opening part 30A 1st 2 opening part 30B 3rd opening part 41 Informing

part

43, 43A, 43B, 43C Control part

Claims

A detection unit for detecting expansion of a container of a laminate material in which the electrode laminate is sealed;
A notification unit that outputs a notification signal in response to detection of expansion of the container by the detection unit;
The detector is
A storage battery comprising: a restraining member that restrains the container; a displacement sensor that measures a displacement amount of the restraining member; and detecting expansion of the container based on the displacement amount obtained by the displacement sensor.
The detector is
The storage battery according to claim 1, wherein expansion of a sealing surface that seals the electrode stack adjacent to the main surface of the container is detected as expansion of the container.
Measure the amount of displacement of the restraining member to the restraining member that restrains the container of the laminate material sealing the electrode laminate,
Based on the measured displacement, the expansion of the container is detected,
A method for reporting expansion of a storage battery, comprising: performing a process of outputting a notification signal in response to detection of expansion of the container.