JP2019114366A - Power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power storage device which can make manufacturing easy.SOLUTION: In a power storage device 10, a first storage element 100a has a first container 110a having a first surface on which a first electrode terminal 120a is disposed and a second surface facing the first surface, a second storage element 100b has a second container 110b having a third surface on which a second electrode terminal 120b is disposed and a fourth surface facing the third surface, a second spacer 200b has a second spacer main body unit 210b disposed between the first storage element 100a and the second storage element 100b, a second upper protrusion 220b and a second lower protrusion 230b which protrude from the second spacer main body unit 210b and are disposed at a position facing at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface without facing the first surface and the second surface, and at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a and the second spacer main body unit 210b are joined with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device provided with a plurality of power storage elements and a plurality of spacers.

  BACKGROUND Conventionally, a power storage device provided with a plurality of power storage elements and a plurality of spacers is widely known. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of storage elements (battery cells) and a plurality of spacers, and each spacer is an upper wall projecting along the top surface, the side surface, and the bottom surface of the storage elements on both sides sandwiching the spacer. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART The electrical storage apparatus (battery module) of the structure which has a part, a side wall part, and a bottom wall part is disclosed.

JP, 2017-174831, A

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional power storage device, there is a problem that manufacture may become difficult. That is, in the conventional power storage device, since the spacer has the upper wall portion and the bottom wall portion protruding along the top surface and the bottom surface of the storage element on both sides sandwiching the spacer, in the storage element on both sides Movement in the relative height direction is restricted. Therefore, for example, when the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals of the storage elements on both sides thereof are not uniform due to, for example, variations in dimensional accuracy of the storage elements, it becomes difficult to make the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals uniform. An operation of manufacturing a power storage device such as a joint operation of the electrode terminal and the bus bar becomes difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a power storage device that can be easily manufactured.

  In order to achieve the above object, a power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first power storage element, a second power storage element, a first spacer disposed laterally of the first power storage element, and A storage element including a second spacer disposed laterally of the storage element, wherein the first storage element includes a first electrode terminal, a first surface on which the first electrode terminal is disposed, and A first container having a second surface opposed to the one surface, and the second storage element includes a second electrode terminal, a third surface on which the second electrode terminal is disposed, and the third surface A second container having a fourth opposing surface, wherein the second spacer is a main body portion disposed between the first storage element and the second storage element in a first direction, and the main body portion The first surface and the front in a second direction which projects from the first direction and intersects the first direction And a protrusion disposed at a position facing at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface without facing the second surface, and at least one of the first storage element and the first spacer The main body portion is joined to each other.

  According to this, the storage device includes the first storage element, the second storage element, the first spacer on the side of the first storage element, and the second spacer on the side of the second storage element. . Then, the second spacer does not face the main portion between the first storage element and the second storage element, the first surface on the electrode terminal side of the first storage element, and the second surface opposed thereto. It has a projecting portion opposed to at least one of the third surface on the electrode terminal side of the storage element and the fourth surface opposed thereto. Furthermore, at least one of the first storage element and the first spacer and the main body of the second spacer are joined to each other. As described above, since the second spacer has the protruding portion that protrudes toward the second storage element without protruding from the main body toward the first storage element, the second spacer and the second storage element are It can be moved independently of one storage element. Therefore, the second storage element is moved by moving the second spacer and the second storage element to an appropriate position, and joining at least one of the first storage element and the first spacer with the main body of the second spacer. The first storage element can be fixed at an appropriate position. For example, in the case where the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals are not uniform due to differences in the heights of the electrode terminals or the heights of the containers in the first storage element and the second storage element, the surface of the electrode terminals The second storage element can be fixed to the first storage element in a state in which the heights of the second storage element are uniform. Thereby, manufacturing of the power storage device can be facilitated.

  The second storage element and the second spacer may be joined to each other.

  According to this, in the power storage device, the second power storage element and the second spacer move integrally because the second power storage element and the second spacer are joined. Therefore, by joining at least one of the first storage element and the first spacer and the main body of the second spacer, the second storage element can be easily fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the first storage element. it can. Thereby, manufacturing of the power storage device can be facilitated.

  Furthermore, a third storage element sandwiching the second storage element with the first storage element and a third spacer are provided, and the third storage element is a third electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal. And a third container having a fifth surface disposed and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, wherein the third spacer is disposed between the second storage element and the third storage element. And the fifth surface and the sixth surface without facing the third surface and the fourth surface in the second direction. And a protrusion disposed at a position facing at least one of the surfaces, and at least one of the second storage element and the second spacer and the main body of the third spacer are joined to each other. You may

  According to this, the power storage device further includes the third power storage element and the third spacer. Then, the third spacer does not face the main body between the second storage element and the third storage element, the third surface on the electrode terminal side of the second storage element, and the fourth surface opposed thereto. It has a projecting portion opposed to at least one of the fifth surface on the electrode terminal side of the storage element and the sixth surface opposed thereto. Furthermore, at least one of the second storage element and the second spacer, and the main body of the third spacer are joined to each other. As described above, since the third spacer has the projecting portion that protrudes toward the third storage element without projecting from the main body to the second storage element, the third spacer and the third storage element can be It can be moved independently from the dual storage element. For this reason, the third storage element is moved by moving the third spacer and the third storage element to appropriate positions, and joining at least one of the second storage element and the second spacer with the main body of the third spacer. It can be fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the second storage element. In addition, the second storage element can be firmly fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the first storage element and the third storage element between the first storage element and the third storage element. Thereby, manufacturing of the power storage device can be facilitated.

  Further, the surface of the first electrode terminal and the surface of the second electrode terminal are disposed on the same plane, and the first spacer and the second spacer are disposed at different positions in the second direction. It may be done.

  According to this, in the storage device, the surface of the electrode terminal of the first storage element and the surface of the electrode terminal of the second storage element are disposed on the same plane, and the first spacer and the second spacer are high. In the longitudinal direction, they are arranged at different positions. Thus, for example, even if the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals are not uniform due to the difference in the heights of the electrode terminals or the heights of the containers in the first storage element and the second storage element, for example, The heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals can be made uniform by making the heights at which the first spacer and the second spacer are arranged different. Thereby, manufacturing of the power storage device can be facilitated.

  Further, the surface of the first electrode terminal and the surface of the second electrode terminal are disposed on the same plane, and the first surface and the third surface are disposed on different planes, or The second surface and the fourth surface may be disposed on different planes.

  According to this, in the storage device, the surface of the electrode terminal of the first storage element and the surface of the electrode terminal of the second storage element are disposed on the same plane, and the first surface of the first storage element or the second surface The surface and the third surface or the fourth surface of the second storage element are disposed on different planes. Thus, for example, even if the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals are not uniform due to the difference in the heights of the electrode terminals or the heights of the containers in the first storage element and the second storage element, for example, The heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals can be made uniform by making the heights of the first surface or the second surface of the one storage element different from the height of the third surface or the fourth surface of the second storage element. Thereby, manufacturing of the power storage device can be facilitated.

  The present invention can not only be realized as such a power storage device, but also can be realized as a power storage element and a spacer included in the power storage device.

  According to the power storage device of the present invention, manufacturing can be facilitated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a power storage device according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the electrical storage element which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the spacer concerning an embodiment. It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of the electrical storage element which concerns on embodiment, and a spacer. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of an electrical storage element in case the heights of the electrode terminal of the electrical storage element which concern on embodiment differ. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of an electrical storage element in case the height of the container of the electrical storage element which concerns on embodiment differs. It is a side view which shows the positional relationship of the electrical storage element which concerns on the modification of embodiment, and a spacer.

  Hereinafter, a power storage device according to an embodiment (and its modification) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, the manufacturing process, the order of manufacturing processes, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest concept are described as arbitrary components. Further, each drawing is a schematic view, and the dimensions and the like are not necessarily illustrated exactly. Furthermore, in each of the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the following description and drawings, the direction in which the electrode terminals (that is, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal) in one storage element are aligned or the opposing direction of the short side of the storage element container is defined as the X-axis direction. Further, the direction in which the storage element and the spacer are arranged, the opposing direction of the long side of the container of the storage element, the thickness direction of the container, or the thickness direction of the spacer is defined as the Y-axis direction. Further, the direction in which the outer package body and the lid of the storage device are aligned, the direction in which the container body and the lid of the storage device are aligned, the longitudinal direction of the short side of the container of the storage device, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are directions intersecting with each other (orthogonal in the present embodiment). Although it may be considered that the Z-axis direction is not in the vertical direction depending on the mode of use, the Z-axis direction is hereinafter described as the vertical direction for the convenience of description. Further, in the following description, for example, the X axis direction plus side indicates the arrow direction side of the X axis, and the X axis direction minus side indicates the opposite side to the X axis direction plus side. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

Embodiment
[1. General Description of Power Storage Device 10]
First, general description of power storage device 10 in the present embodiment will be made. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that, in the figure, the exterior body 400 of the power storage device 10 is shown by a dotted line and the exterior body 400 is seen through, and the inside of the power storage device 10 is shown.

  Power storage device 10 is a device capable of charging electricity from the outside and discharging electricity to the outside. For example, the power storage device 10 is a battery module (assembled battery) used for a power storage application, a power supply application, and the like. Specifically, the storage device 10 is, for example, a car such as an electric car (EV), a hybrid electric car (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric car (PHEV), a motorcycle, a watercraft, a snowmobile, an agricultural machine, a construction It is used as a battery for driving a moving body such as a machine or for starting an engine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the storage device 10 includes a plurality of storage elements 100, a plurality of spacers 200, a plurality of bus bars 300 electrically connecting the plurality of storage elements 100, and a plurality of storage elements 100 and the like. And an exterior body 400 for housing. Power storage device 10 includes a bus bar frame for positioning the bus bar, a constraining member or end plate for locking power storage element 100, and a circuit board for monitoring the charge state or discharge state of power storage element 100 or an electrical device such as a relay. These may also be provided, but the illustration thereof is omitted and the detailed description is also omitted.

  Storage element 100 is a secondary battery (unit cell) capable of charging and discharging electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery . Storage element 100 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped (square) shape, and in the present embodiment, four storage elements 100 (first storage element 100a to fourth storage element 100d) are in the Y-axis direction. Are arranged in series and connected in series.

  Note that the number of storage elements 100 is not limited to four, and may be a plurality other than four. In addition, although the rectangular parallelepiped (square) storage element 100 is illustrated in the present embodiment, the shape of the storage element 100 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be a long cylinder, a cylinder, or the like. It is also possible to use a laminate type storage element. Further, the storage element 100 is not limited to the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. Further, the storage element 100 may not be a secondary battery, but may be a primary battery that can use the stored electricity without charging by the user. Furthermore, the storage element 100 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The detailed description of the configuration of the storage element 100 will be described later.

  The spacer 200 is a plate-like member which is disposed on the side (plus side in the Y-axis direction) of each storage element 100 and insulates the storage element 100 from other members. That is, the spacer 200 is arranged in the Y-axis direction and arranged between two adjacent power storage elements 100 or the like, and insulates between the two power storage elements 100 or the like. In the present embodiment, four spacers 200 (a first spacer 200 a to a fourth spacer 200 d) are disposed on the sides of the four power storage elements 100. Thus, storage elements 100 and spacers 200 are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction.

  Further, the spacer 200 is made of, for example, an insulating member such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or ABS resin, and mica pieces are accumulated. Thermal insulation members such as a dummy material constituted by bonding, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, unsaturated polyester resin, diallyl phthalate resin, epoxy resin, silicon resin, alkyd resin, polyimide, polyaminobismaleimide, casein resin It can be formed of a thermosetting (and heat resistant) member such as furan resin or urethane resin, or a heat resistant member such as ceramics. Note that the spacer 200 may be formed of any material as long as it has an insulating property, or all may be formed of the same material, and any of the spacers 200 is different. It may be formed of a material member. The detailed description of the configuration of the spacer 200 will be described later.

  The bus bar 300 is a member disposed above the plurality of storage elements 100. The bus bar 300 is a conductive rectangular and flat member, and electrically connects the plurality of storage elements 100 to each other. Specifically, in the adjacent power storage element 100, the bus bar 300 electrically connects the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of one power storage element 100 to the negative electrode terminal or the positive electrode terminal of another power storage element 100. Here, the bus bar 300 is formed of a weldable metal member such as aluminum.

  That is, for example, one end of the bus bar 300 is joined to the positive electrode terminal of the first storage element 100a by welding, and the other end is joined to the negative electrode terminal of the second storage element 100b by welding. The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the second power storage element 100b are electrically connected. Similarly, in the bus bar 300, one end is joined to the positive electrode terminal of the second storage element 100b by welding, and the other end is joined to the negative electrode terminal of the third storage element 100c by welding. And the negative electrode terminal of the third storage element 100c are electrically connected. In this manner, the bus bar 300 connects the plurality of storage elements 100 in series.

  Note that bus bar 300 may be arranged to connect a plurality of storage elements 100 in parallel. Further, the material of the bus bar 300 is not limited to aluminum, and may be any weldable metal such as aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy or stainless steel. Further, the bus bar 300 may not be a single metal but may be a bus bar made of a composite metal, and may be, for example, a bus bar in which aluminum and copper are clad-bonded. In this case, for example, the aluminum positive electrode terminal of the electrode terminals of the storage element 100 and the aluminum portion of the bus bar 300 may be welded, and the copper negative electrode terminal and the copper portion of the bus bar 300 may be welded. Also, the bus bar 300 is not limited to metal, and may be a conductive member that can be welded. Further, the shape of the bus bar 300 is not limited to a rectangular shape and a flat shape, and may be a shape that can be welded.

  Exterior body 400 is a container (module case) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) which constitutes the exterior body of power storage device 10. That is, the exterior body 400 is disposed outward of the plurality of power storage devices 100, the plurality of spacers 200, the plurality of bus bars 300 and the like, and the power storage devices 100 and the like are disposed at predetermined positions to protect them from impact and the like. Further, the exterior body 400 is made of, for example, an insulating material such as PC, PP, PE, PPS, PBT, or ABS resin. Thus, exterior body 400 prevents storage element 100 and the like from contacting an external metal member and the like.

  Specifically, exterior body 400 has a box-shaped main body portion and a lid portion (not shown), and in exterior body 400, a plurality of storage elements 100, a plurality of spacers 200, and a plurality of bus bars 300 mag is accommodated. In addition, the external body 400 is provided with external connection terminals (external connection terminals on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side) for charging the electricity from the outside and discharging the electricity to the outside, but they are illustrated and detailed. The description is omitted. Power storage device 10 also includes a bus bar connecting the external connection terminal and an electrode terminal of power storage element 100 at one end of a plurality of power storage elements 100 (an electrode terminal not connected to bus bar 300). However, the illustration and the detailed description are also omitted. The shape and the material of the exterior body 400 are not particularly limited.

[2 Detailed Description of Power Storage Element 100]
Next, the configuration of the storage element 100 (the first storage element 100a to the fourth storage element 100d) will be described in detail. The first to fourth storage elements 100a to 100d all have the same configuration, and thus will be described as the storage element 100 below. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the storage element 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage element 100 includes a container 110 and two electrode terminals 120 (a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal). In the inside of the container 110, an electrode body, a current collector (positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector), an electrolytic solution (non-aqueous electrolyte), and the like are accommodated, but these are not shown. . In addition, as the said electrolyte solution, if it does not impair the performance of the electrical storage element 100, there will be no restriction | limiting in particular in the kind, A various thing can be selected.

  The container 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped (square-shaped) container having a lid 111 and a container body 112 in which an opening closed to the lid 111 is formed. The lid 111 is a rectangular plate-like member that constitutes the lid of the container 110, and is disposed on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the container body 112. The container main body 112 is a member having a rectangular cylindrical shape and a bottom constituting the main body of the container 110, and has two long side portions 113 and 114 on the side surfaces on both sides in the Y axis direction and And a bottom surface portion 117 on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. The long side portions 113 and 114 are rectangular and plate-like portions forming the long side of the container 110, and the short side portions 115 and 116 are rectangular and plate-like portions forming the short side of the container 110. The bottom surface portion 117 is a rectangular and plate-like portion that forms the bottom surface of the container 110.

  Specifically, the container 110 has a structure in which the inside is sealed by housing the electrode body and the like inside the container body 112 and then joining the lid 111 and the container body 112 by welding or the like. There is. The material of the container 110 (the lid 111 and the container body 112) is not particularly limited, but is preferably a weldable (joinable) metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, or a plated steel plate. Further, the lid 111 is provided with a gas discharge valve 118 that releases the pressure when the pressure in the container 110 is increased. Further, the lid 111 may be provided with a liquid injection portion or the like for injecting the electrolytic solution, or an insulating sheet covering the container 110 may be disposed.

  The electrode terminal 120 is a terminal (a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal) electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of the electrode body through the current collector. That is, the electrode terminal 120 leads the electricity stored in the electrode body to the external space of the storage element 100, and the metal for introducing the electricity into the internal space of the storage element 100 to store the electricity in the electrode body. It is a member made of Specifically, the electrode terminal 120 is attached and fixed to the lid 111 together with the current collector by caulking or the like. The electrode terminal 120 is formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or the like.

  The electrode body is a storage element (power generation element) formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. Here, the positive electrode plate of the electrode body is obtained by forming a positive electrode active material layer on a positive electrode base material layer which is a long strip-like current collector foil made of metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. Further, the negative electrode plate is obtained by forming a negative electrode active material layer on a negative electrode base material layer which is a long strip-like current collector foil made of metal such as copper or copper alloy. Further, as a positive electrode active material used for the positive electrode active material layer and a negative electrode active material used for the negative electrode active material layer, known materials can be appropriately used as long as they can occlude and release lithium ions. The current collector is a member (a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) provided with conductivity and rigidity electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120 and the electrode body. The positive electrode current collector is formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy as in the case of the positive electrode base layer of the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode current collector is formed of copper or copper alloy as in the case of the negative electrode base layer of the negative electrode plate. It is done.

  In the following, the container 110 and the electrode terminal 120 included in the first power storage element 100a to the fourth power storage element 100d are the same as the first container 110a to the fourth container 110d and the first electrode terminal 120a to the fourth electrode terminal 120d, respectively. I will call it. In addition, the lids 111, the long side surfaces 113 and 114 and the bottom surface 117 of the first container 110a to the fourth container 110d are the first lid 111a to the fourth lid 111d and the first long surface 113a, respectively. Also referred to as 114a to fourth long side surface portions 113d and 114d and the first bottom surface portion 117a to the fourth bottom surface portion 117d.

  The surface (the outer surface, the upper surface, that is, the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the first lid 111a is also referred to as the first surface, and the surface (the outer surface, the lower surface, that is, the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the first bottom surface portion 117a. Surface) is also called the second surface. That is, the first surface is the surface on which the first electrode terminal 120a is disposed, and the second surface is the surface facing the first surface. The surface (the outer surface, the upper surface, that is, the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the second lid 111b is also referred to as the third surface, and the surface (the outer surface, the lower surface, that is, the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the second bottom portion 117b. Surface) is also called the fourth surface. That is, the third surface is the surface on which the second electrode terminal 120b is disposed, and the fourth surface is the surface facing the third surface. The surface (the outer surface, the upper surface, that is, the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the third lid 111c is also referred to as the fifth surface, and the surface (the outer surface, the lower surface, that is, the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the third bottom portion 117c. Surface) is also called the sixth surface. That is, the fifth surface is the surface on which the third electrode terminal 120c is disposed, and the sixth surface is the surface facing the fifth surface.

[Detailed Description of 3 Spacer 200]
Next, the configuration of the spacer 200 (first to fourth spacers 200a to 200d) will be described in detail. In addition, since all the 1st spacer 200a-4th spacer 200d have the same structure, below, it demonstrates as the spacer 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the spacer 200 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the spacer 200 is a spacer main body 210 that constitutes the main body of the spacer 200, and an upper projection that protrudes in the Y-axis direction (hereinafter also referred to as a first direction) from the top of the spacer main body 210. 220 and a lower protruding portion 230 protruding from the lower portion of the spacer main body portion 210 in the Y-axis direction (first direction). The spacer main body portion 210 is a rectangular and flat portion parallel to the XZ plane and extended in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction. Specifically, the spacer main body 210 has substantially the same size and shape as the long side surfaces 113 and 114 of the container 110 of the storage element 100. Thereby, the spacer main body portion 210 is substantially the entire surface of the long side surface portion 113 (surface on the Y-axis direction positive side) on the side (the Y-axis direction positive side) of the long side surface portion 113 of the storage device 100. It is arranged opposite to.

  The upper protruding portion 220 is a rectangular and flat portion parallel to the XY plane extending and extending from the upper end edge of the spacer main portion 210 to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, and in the present embodiment, the two upper protruding portions 220 Are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the upper protrusion 220 is disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the gas discharge valve 118 in the X-axis direction, and from one end to the other end of the lid 111 in the Y-axis direction. It has a shape extended to the end. Thus, the upper protruding portion 220 is the electrode terminal 120 of the surface (the surface on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the lid 111 on the upper side (the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the container 111 of the storage element 100. It is disposed opposite to the area between the and the gas discharge valve 118.

  The lower protruding portion 230 is a rectangular and flat portion parallel to the XY plane and extending in the negative Y-axis direction from the lower end edge of the spacer main body 210 and extending in the negative X-axis direction. Specifically, lower projecting portion 230 has substantially the same size and shape as bottom portion 117 of container 110 of power storage element 100. Thus, the lower protruding portion 230 opposes substantially the entire surface (surface on the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the bottom surface 117 of the storage element 100 below the bottom portion 117 (in the negative side of the Z-axis) of the container 110. Will be placed.

  Hereinafter, the spacer main portions 210 included in the first spacer 200 a to the fourth spacer 200 d are also referred to as a first spacer main portion 210 a to a fourth spacer main portion 210 d, respectively. In addition, the upper protrusion 220 and the lower protrusion 230 included in the first spacer 200 a to the fourth spacer 200 d are the same as the first upper protrusion 220 a to the fourth upper protrusion 220 d and the first lower protrusion 230 a to fourth, respectively. Also referred to as the lower protrusion 230d. The first spacer main body 210a to the fourth spacer main body 210d are an example of main bodies of the first spacer 200a to the fourth spacer 200d, respectively. Also, the first upper protrusion 220a to the fourth upper protrusion 220d are examples of the protrusions of the first spacer 200a to the fourth spacer 200d, respectively, and the first lower protrusion 230a to the fourth lower protrusion 230d. In each of the above, the protrusions of the first spacer 200a to the fourth spacer 200d are also examples.

[4] Description of positional relationship between storage element 100 and spacer 200
Next, the positional relationship between the storage element 100 and the spacer 200 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the positional relationship between storage element 100 and spacer 200 according to the present embodiment. In addition, in the same figure, only the 1st electrical storage element 100a-the 3rd electrical storage element 100c and the 1st spacer 200a-the 3rd spacer 200c are shown in figure for the facilities of description.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the third storage element 100 c is disposed so as to sandwich the second storage element 100 b with the first storage element 100 a. Further, the first spacer 200a is disposed on the side of the first storage element 100a (the plus side in the Y-axis direction), and the second spacer 200b is disposed on the side (the plus side in the Y-axis direction) of the second storage element 100b. The third spacer 200c is disposed on the side (plus side in the Y-axis direction) of the third storage element 100c.

  In such a configuration, the first spacer main portion 210a of the first spacer 200a is disposed on the side (the Y axis direction plus side) of the first storage element 100a in the first direction (the Y axis direction). In addition, the first upper protrusion 220a and the first lower protrusion 230a of the first spacer 200a protrude in the first direction from the first spacer main portion 210a, and also intersect the first direction in a second direction (Z-axis In the direction, it is disposed at a position facing at least one of the first surface and the second surface. That is, the first upper protruding portion 220a is disposed at a position facing the first surface (the surface of the first lid 111a), and the first lower protruding portion 230a is the second surface (the surface of the first bottom surface portion 117a). It is arranged in the opposite position.

  The second spacer main portion 210b of the second spacer 200b is disposed between the first storage element 100a and the second storage element 100b in the first direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the second upper protrusion 220b and the second lower protrusion 230b of the second spacer 200b protrude from the second spacer main portion 210b in the first direction, and in the second direction (Z-axis direction), the first surface And it is arrange | positioned in the position which opposes at least one of a 3rd surface and a 4th surface, without opposing with a 2nd surface. That is, the second upper protruding portion 220b is disposed at a position facing the third surface (the surface of the second lid 111b) without facing the first surface (the surface of the first lid 111a). The second lower protrusion 230b is disposed at a position facing the fourth surface (the surface of the second bottom surface 117b) without facing the second surface (the surface of the first bottom surface 117a).

  Further, the third spacer main portion 210c of the third spacer 200c is disposed between the second storage element 100b and the third storage element 100c in the first direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the third upper protrusion 220c and the third lower protrusion 230c of the third spacer 200c protrude from the third spacer main body 210c in the first direction, and in the second direction (Z-axis direction), the third surface And the fourth surface, and is disposed at a position facing at least one of the fifth surface and the sixth surface. That is, the third upper protruding portion 220c is disposed at a position facing the fifth surface (the surface of the third lid 111c) without facing the third surface (the surface of the second lid 111b). Further, the third lower projection 230c is disposed at a position facing the sixth surface (the surface of the third bottom surface 117c) without facing the fourth surface (the surface of the second bottom surface 117b).

  Furthermore, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a are joined to each other. That is, the first storage element 100a is joined to at least one of the first spacer main portion 210a of the first spacer 200a, the first upper protrusion 220a, and the first lower protrusion 230a. In the present embodiment, the first long side surface portion 113a of the first container 110a and the first spacer main portion 210a are joined. In addition to or in place of the bonding, the first lid 111a and the first spacer main portion 210a may be bonded, or in addition to the bonding, or Instead of the bonding, the first bottom surface portion 117a and the first lower protrusion 230a may be bonded.

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a are joined by adhesion using an adhesive. In addition, the method of the said joining is not limited to adhesion | attachment by an adhesive agent, The adhesion | attachment (adhesiveness) by a double-sided tape, adhesion by surface fastener structures, such as Velcro (trademark) or Velcro (trademark) tape, welding (heat It may be made to join by methods, such as welding), welding, bolt fastening, etc. Alternatively, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a are joined by fitting the first storage element 100a by fitting the first storage element 100a with the rib by providing a rib on the inner surface of the first spacer 200a and pressing the first storage element 100a into the first spacer 200a. May be

  Further, at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a and the second spacer main portion 210b of the second spacer 200b are joined to each other. In the present embodiment, the first long side surface portion 114a of the first container 110a of the first storage element 100a and the second spacer main portion 210b are joined. In addition to or in place of the bonding, at least one of the first upper protruding portion 220a and the first lower protruding portion 230a of the first spacer 200a is bonded to the second spacer main portion 210b. You may decide to The method of the joining is the same as in the case of joining the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a.

  The second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b are joined to each other. In addition, since joining of the 2nd electrical storage element 100b and the 2nd spacer 200b is the same as joining of the above-mentioned 1st electrical storage element 100a and the 1st spacer 200a, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, at least one of the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b and the third spacer main portion 210c of the third spacer 200c are joined to each other. The junction is similar to the junction between at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a and the second spacer main portion 210b of the second spacer 200b, and thus the detailed description will be omitted. .

  Furthermore, although the third power storage element 100c and the third spacer 200c are also joined to each other, since this is also similar to the connection between the first power storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a described above, the detailed description will be made. Is omitted. In addition, the same applies to the connection between the third storage element 100c and the third spacer 200c and the fourth spacer 200d, and the connection between the fourth storage element 100d and the fourth spacer 200d.

[5 Description of Method of Manufacturing Storage Device 100]
Next, a method of manufacturing the storage element 100 will be described in detail. Specifically, a method for making the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals 120 uniform when the heights of the storage elements 100 are not uniform will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing power storage element 100 in the case where the heights of electrode terminals 120 of power storage element 100 according to the present embodiment are different. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the method of manufacturing the power storage element 100 when the height of the container 110 of the power storage element 100 according to the present embodiment is different. Note that these figures correspond to FIG. 4, and only the first power storage element 100 a to the third power storage element 100 c and the first spacer 200 a to the third spacer 200 c are illustrated for the convenience of description.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the second electrode terminal 120b of the second storage element 100b is the height of the first electrode terminal 120a of the first storage element 100a, and the third electrode terminal of the third storage element 100c. It shall be larger than 120c height. In this case, a unit in which one storage element 100 and one spacer 200 are integrated is pressed from below the spacer 200 in unit units, the heights of the electrode terminals 120 are aligned, and the units are joined.

  Specifically, first, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a are joined to form a unit, the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b are joined to form a unit, and the third storage element 100c and the The three spacers 200c are joined to form a unit and arranged in the Y-axis direction. Then, the first lower protrusion 230a of the first spacer 200a, the second lower protrusion 230b of the second spacer 200b, and the third lower protrusion 230c of the third spacer 200c are pushed from below to form the first electrode terminal 120a. The heights of the surfaces of the second electrode terminal 120b and the third electrode terminal 120c are made uniform. Then, the first storage element 100a and the second spacer 200b are joined, and the second storage element 100b and the third spacer 200c are joined.

  As a result, the surface of the first electrode terminal 120a, the surface of the second electrode terminal 120b, and the surface of the third electrode terminal 120c are disposed on the same plane P1. In addition, the surface of the first lid 111a and the surface of the third lid 111c are disposed on the plane P2, and the surface of the second lid 111b is disposed on the plane P3. The surface of the lid 111a) and the third surface (surface of the second lid 111b) are disposed on different planes. Further, the surface of the first bottom surface portion 117a and the surface of the third bottom surface portion 117c are disposed on the plane P4, and the surface of the second bottom surface portion 117b is disposed on the plane P5. The surface of the bottom surface portion 117a) and the fourth surface (the surface of the second bottom surface portion 117b) are disposed on different planes. Furthermore, the first spacer 200a, the third spacer 200c, and the second spacer 200b are disposed at different positions in the second direction (Z-axis direction).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the height of the second container 110b of the second storage element 100b is the height of the first container 110a of the first storage element 100a, and the third container 110c of the third storage element 100c. Shall be smaller than the height of the Also in this case, a unit in which the storage element 100 and the spacer 200 are integrated is pressed from below the spacer 200 in unit units, the heights of the electrode terminals 120 are aligned, and the units are joined. The specific method is the same as the method in FIG.

  Thus, the surface of the first electrode terminal 120a, the surface of the second electrode terminal 120b, and the surface of the third electrode terminal 120c are disposed on the same plane P1. The surface of the first lid 111a, the surface of the third lid 111c, and the surface of the second lid 111b are disposed on the plane P2. The surface of the first bottom surface portion 117a and the surface of the third bottom surface portion 117c are disposed on the plane P4, and the surface of the second bottom surface portion 117b is disposed on the plane P6. The surface of the bottom portion 117a) and the fourth surface (the surface of the second bottom portion 117b) are disposed on different planes. Furthermore, the first spacer 200a, the third spacer 200c, and the second spacer 200b are disposed at different positions in the second direction (Z-axis direction). When the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b are joined in a state where the second lid 111b and the second upper protruding portion 220b are in contact with each other, the first spacer 200a and the second spacer 200b The third spacer 200c is disposed at the same position in the second direction (Z-axis direction).

  The above same plane is not limited to being completely the same, and may be substantially the same. For example, when welding the bus bar 300 and the electrode terminal 120, a difference (for example, a difference of about 0.3 mm or less in the Z-axis direction) that does not cause welding defects is allowed.

[6 Effect description]
As described above, according to power storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, second spacer 200b faces second spacer main body portion 210b and the first surface and the second surface of first power storage element 100a. There is a protrusion (a second upper protrusion 220b and a second lower protrusion 230b) facing at least one of the third surface and the fourth surface of the second storage element 100b. Furthermore, at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a and the second spacer main body 210b are joined to each other. As described above, since the second spacer 200b has the protruding portion that protrudes toward the second power storage element 100b without protruding from the second spacer main body portion 210b toward the first power storage element 100a, the second spacer 200b The second storage element 100b can be moved independently of the first storage element 100a. Therefore, the second spacer 200b and the second storage element 100b are moved to appropriate positions, and at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a is joined to the second spacer main body portion 210b. The dual storage element 100b can be fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the first storage element 100a. For example, in the case where the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals 120 are not the same because the heights of the electrode terminals 120 or the heights of the containers 110 are different between the first power storage element 100a and the second power storage element 100b. The second storage element 100b can be fixed to the first storage element 100a in a state where the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals 120 are uniform. Thereby, the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

  For example, if the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals 120 of the storage element 100 can be made uniform, the welding operation becomes easy when the electrode terminals 120 and the bus bars 300 are joined by welding such as resistance welding. Can be made easy. The bonding between the electrode terminal 120 and the bus bar 300 is not limited to resistance welding, and may be bonding such as laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, or caulking.

  Further, since the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b are joined, the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b move integrally. Therefore, by joining at least one of the first storage element 100a and the first spacer 200a to the second spacer main body 210b, the second storage element 100b can be easily positioned at an appropriate position with respect to the first storage element 100a. It can be fixed. Thereby, the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

  In addition, the third spacer 200c is at least one of the fifth surface and the sixth surface of the third storage element 100c without facing the third spacer main body 210c and the third and fourth surfaces of the second storage element 100b. And the opposing protrusion (the third upper protrusion 220c and the third lower protrusion 230c). Furthermore, at least one of the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b and the third spacer main portion 210c are joined to each other. As described above, the third spacer 200c has the protruding portion that protrudes toward the third power storage element 100c without protruding from the third spacer main body portion 210c toward the second power storage element 100b. The third storage element 100c can be moved independently of the second storage element 100b. Therefore, the third spacer 200c and the third storage element 100c are moved to appropriate positions, and at least one of the second storage element 100b and the second spacer 200b is joined to the third spacer main body portion 210c. The three storage element 100c can be fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the second storage element 100b. In addition, the second storage element 100b can be firmly fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the first storage element 100a and the third storage element 100c between the first storage element 100a and the third storage element 100c. Thereby, the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

  When the heights of the storage element 100 are different, the surface of the first electrode terminal 120a of the first storage element 100a and the surface of the second electrode terminal 120b of the second storage element 100b are disposed on the same plane. The first spacer 200a and the second spacer 200b are disposed at different positions in the height direction. Thus, for example, the heights of the surface of the electrode terminal 120 are not uniform due to the difference in height of the electrode terminal 120 or the height of the container 110 in the first power storage element 100a and the second power storage element 100b. Even in this case, the heights of the surfaces of the electrode terminals 120 can be made uniform by making the heights at which the first spacer 200a and the second spacer 200b are arranged different. Thereby, the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

  When the heights of the storage element 100 are different, the surface of the first electrode terminal 120a of the first storage element 100a and the surface of the second electrode terminal 120b of the second storage element 100b are disposed on the same plane. The first surface or the second surface of the first storage element 100a and the third surface or the fourth surface of the second storage element 100b are arranged on different planes. Thus, for example, the heights of the surface of the electrode terminal 120 are not uniform due to the difference in height of the electrode terminal 120 or the height of the container 110 in the first power storage element 100a and the second power storage element 100b. Even in this case, the height of the surface of the electrode terminal 120 can be increased by making the height of the first surface or the second surface of the first storage element 100a different from the height of the third surface or the fourth surface of the second storage element 100b. Can be aligned. Thereby, the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

  Although the relationship between the first storage element 100a to the third storage element 100c and the first spacer 200a to the third spacer 200c among the plurality of storage elements 100 and the plurality of spacers 200 has been described above, the other storage elements are described. The same applies to the relationship between 100 and the spacer 200.

[7 Description of Modification]
Next, modifications of the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the positional relationship between power storage element 100 and spacer 200 according to the modification of the present embodiment. Specifically, this figure corresponds to FIG. 4 in the above embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification, first to third spacers 200 e to 200 g are arranged as the spacers 200 in place of the first to third spacers 200 a to 200 c of the above embodiment. Here, the first spacer 200e to the third spacer 200g in the present modification do not have the first lower protrusion 230a to the third lower protrusion 230c in the above-described embodiment. That is, the first spacer 200e to the third spacer 200g have a shape in which the first lower protrusion 230a to the third lower protrusion 230c are removed from the first spacer 200a to the third spacer 200c in the above embodiment. Have. The other configuration is the same as that of the above embodiment, and thus the detailed description will be omitted.

  Also in such a configuration, a unit in which the storage element 100 and the spacer 200 are integrated is pressed from below the storage element 100 in unit units, the heights of the electrode terminals 120 are aligned, and the units are joined. Thus, the electrode terminals 120 of the respective storage elements 100 can be fixed in a state where the heights are uniform.

  As described above, according to the power storage device of the present modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. In particular, in the present modification, since the first spacer 200e to the third spacer 200g do not have the first lower protrusion 230a to the third lower protrusion 230c, the configuration can be simplified. The manufacture of 10 can be facilitated. Further, in the case where a cooling device such as water cooling is disposed below the power storage device, the first lower protruding portion 230a to the third lower protruding portion 230c are provided to bring the cooling device and the power storage element 100 closer to each other. The configuration of the present modification is preferable.

  The first spacer 200e to the third spacer 200g are not the first lower protrusion 230a to the third lower protrusion 230c in the above embodiment, but the first upper protrusion 220a to the third upper protrusion 220c. You may decide not to have it. Also in this case, the configuration can be simplified, and the manufacture of power storage device 10 can be facilitated.

(Other modifications)
As mentioned above, although the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on embodiment and its modification of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this embodiment and its modification. That is, it should be understood that the embodiment disclosed this time and the modification thereof are illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all the modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modification, all the electricity storage elements 100 and spacers 200 had the above-mentioned composition. However, at least two sets of storage elements 100 and spacers 200 among the plurality of storage elements 100 and the plurality of spacers 200 have the configuration of the first storage element 100a, the second storage element 100b, the first spacer, and the second spacer. As long as you have

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the variation thereof, it is assumed that the spacer 200 does not have a protrusion facing the short side surface portions 115 and 116 of the container 110 of the storage element 100. However, the spacer 200 may have a projecting portion that protrudes to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, which faces the short side surface portions 115 and 116.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the modification thereof, the spacer 200 may have any shape as long as it can achieve the above-described effect. For example, the spacer main body portion 210 may be configured to cover only a part of the long side surface portion 113 of the container 110, or may be longer than the long side surface portion 113 in the X axis direction or the Z axis direction. Instead of the rectangular shape, it may be a polygonal shape other than the rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. Further, the upper protrusion 220 may not extend to the end edge of the lid 111 of the container 110, may be provided with only one upper protrusion 220, and may not be rectangular. It may be a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape or the like. The lower protrusion 230 may be configured to cover only a part of the bottom surface portion 117 of the container 110, or may be longer than the bottom surface portion 117 in the X-axis direction. It may be a polygonal shape other than the shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape or the like.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the modification thereof, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer are joined. However, the first storage element 100a and the first spacer may not be joined. The same applies to the second storage element 100b and the second spacer, and the third storage element 100c and the third spacer.

  Further, a form constructed by arbitrarily combining the above embodiment and the above modification is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can not only be realized as such a power storage device, but also can be realized as a power storage element 100 and a spacer 200 provided in the power storage device.

  The present invention is applicable to a storage device and the like provided with a storage element such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

10 power storage device 100 power storage element 100a first power storage element 100b second power storage element 100c third power storage element 110 container 110a first container 110b second container 110c third container 117 bottom portion 117a first bottom portion 117b second bottom portion 117c Three bottom portion 120 electrode terminal 120a first electrode terminal 120b second electrode terminal 120c third electrode terminal 200 spacer 200a, 200e first spacer 200b, 200f second spacer 200c, 200g third spacer 210 spacer main body 210a first spacer main body Part 210b Second spacer main body part 210c Third spacer main body part 220 Upper projecting part 220a First upper projecting part 220b Second upper projecting part 220c Third upper projecting part 230 Lower projecting part 230a First lower projecting part 230b Second lower part Sudden Parts 230c third lower protruding portion

Claims (5)

A storage device comprising: a first storage element, a second storage element, a first spacer disposed to the side of the first storage element, and a second spacer disposed to the side of the second storage element There,
The first storage element has a first electrode terminal, and a first container having a first surface on which the first electrode terminal is disposed and a second surface opposite to the first surface.
The second storage element includes a second electrode terminal, and a third container having a third surface on which the second electrode terminal is disposed and a fourth surface facing the third surface.
The second spacer is
A main body disposed between the first storage element and the second storage element in a first direction;
At least at least the third surface and the fourth surface without facing the first surface and the second surface in a second direction which protrudes from the main body in the first direction and intersects the first direction. And a protrusion disposed at a position facing one side,
A storage device, wherein at least one of the first storage element and the first spacer and the main body portion are joined to each other. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the second storage element and the second spacer are joined to each other. And a third storage element sandwiching the second storage element with the first storage element, and a third spacer.
The third storage element includes a third electrode terminal, a fifth surface on which the third electrode terminal is disposed, and a third container having a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface.
The third spacer is
A main body disposed between the second storage element and the third storage element;
The at least one of the fifth surface and the sixth surface does not face the third surface and the fourth surface in the second direction while protruding from the main body of the third spacer and in the second direction. And protrusions disposed at opposing positions,
The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second power storage element and the second spacer and a main body portion of the third spacer are joined to each other. The surface of the first electrode terminal and the surface of the second electrode terminal are disposed on the same plane,
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are disposed at different positions in the second direction. The surface of the first electrode terminal and the surface of the second electrode terminal are disposed on the same plane,
The first surface and the third surface are disposed on different planes, or the second surface and the fourth surface are disposed on different planes. Power storage device as described.

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