Battery pack and method of manufacturing a battery pack

Abstract

Provided is a battery pack capable of reducing manufacturing costs and a manufacturing method for a battery pack. A battery pack (1) has a cell stack (10) in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked, and a housing member (200) that houses the cell stack (10). The housing member (200) has an end wall portion (220) that is located at an end portion on one side in a stacking direction of the cell stack (10) and is integrated with a bottom plate portion, and a mounting shape portion (233) that is located at an end portion on the other side opposite the end wall portion (220) and is used to mount a panel-shaped member. The cell stack (10) is sandwiched between the end wall portion (220) and an end panel (250) on the other end side and is held to the housing member (200). The end panel (250) is fixed by being pressed by a compression reaction force of the cell stack (10) toward a direction away from the end wall portion (220) with respect to the mounting shape portion (233).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack having a battery stack with stacked battery cells and a housing component for housing the battery stack, as well as a method for manufacturing the battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] As a conventional battery pack, the battery pack described in Patent Document 1 can be cited as an example. In the battery pack of this document, end plates are arranged at both ends of the battery stack formed by stacked battery cells in the stacking direction, and these end plates are connected by binding rods. Furthermore, a telescopic mechanism that extends and retracts along the stacking direction of the battery cells is provided on the binding rod, which can fix the telescopic mechanism of the binding rod in any position. Thus, even if there is a deviation in the length of the battery stack in the stacking direction, appropriate pressure is applied to the battery stack in the stacking direction to fix it.

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-243534 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] The existing technology described above suffers from increased manufacturing costs for battery packs. Specifically, for example, when a telescopic function is incorporated into the binding rod to accommodate individual length variations in the stacking direction of the battery packs, additional parts are required for the telescopic function itself, as well as for fixing it after adjustment. This increases the number of parts in the battery pack. Furthermore, the adjustment or assembly processes for these parts tend to become more complex with the increased number of parts.

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Specifically, its technical problem is to provide a battery pack that can reduce manufacturing costs and a method for manufacturing the battery pack.

[0008] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a battery pack having a battery stack comprising multiple stacked battery cells and a housing component for housing the battery stack. The housing component has: a base plate located below the battery stack; an end wall located at one end in the stacking direction of the battery cells and integrally connected to the base plate; and a mounting shape located at one end opposite to the end wall and for mounting a panel-shaped component. The battery pack has an end panel mounted on the mounting shape. The battery stack is clamped between the end wall and the end panel and held in the housing component. The end panel is fixed by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack relative to the mounting shape in a direction away from the end wall.

[0010] In the battery pack described above, the battery stack and end panels are secured by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack. That is, for example, no fasteners or joints are needed to secure the end panels. Therefore, this type of battery pack can be manufactured at low cost.

[0011] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, it is preferable that the housing component has multiple mounting shapes formed at its end on the side opposite to the end wall, and the end panel is mounted on any one of these mounting shapes. This allows the position of the end panel to be appropriately adjusted according to the individual differences in length along the stacking direction of the battery pack. No special components or processes are required to adjust the position of the end panel based on the individual differences in length along the stacking direction of the battery pack. Therefore, even when the individual differences in length along the stacking direction of the battery pack are large, manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, it is preferable to form an alignment shape portion on the base plate to align the battery cells of the battery stack in the stacking direction, and each battery cell in the battery stack has a fitting member that fits into the alignment shape portion. This allows a battery pack with aligned battery cells in the stacking direction to be constructed using a low-cost structure formed by the alignment shape portion and the fitting member.

[0013] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, the battery stack preferably has end plates, each located outward from the battery cells at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack. A first detachment suppression portion is provided at the lower part of the end plate, which suppresses the first end plate, as an adjacent end plate, from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. A first hook portion is provided on the first end plate, which hooks onto the first detachment suppression portion when the first end plate moves upward. This effectively suppresses the first end plate from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. In other words, a battery pack that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack from the housing component can be constructed.

[0014] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, it is preferable to provide a second detachment suppression part on the end wall portion. This second detachment suppression part prevents the second end plate, which is an adjacent end plate, from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. A second hooking part is provided on the second end plate, which hooks onto the second detachment suppression part when the second end plate moves upwards. This prevents both the first and second end plates from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. In other words, a battery pack that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack from the housing component can be constructed.

[0015] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, it is preferable that the second detachment suppression part is positioned above the first detachment suppression part, and that the length of the first hook part is longer than the length of the second hook part in the battery stacking direction. This allows for more reliable suppression of both the first and second end plates from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component.

[0016] Furthermore, in the battery pack described above, the battery stack preferably has end plates located on the outer side of the individual battery cells at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack. The housing component has multiple fixed portions fixed to the outside in the stacking direction of the battery stack. In the stacking direction of the battery stack, the center of gravity of the battery pack is located on the eccentric side of one of the fixed portions at either end, closer to the middle position between the two fixed portions. In the stacking direction of the battery stack, a detachment suppression portion is provided on one side of the end wall and end panel that is furthest from the eccentric fixed portion. This detachment suppression portion prevents adjacent end plates from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. A hook portion is provided on the end plate adjacent to this portion, hooking onto the detachment suppression portion when the end plate moves upwards. This prevents the end plates at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack from detaching from the housing component, which are susceptible to vibration. In other words, a battery pack that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack from the housing component can be constructed.

[0017] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a method for manufacturing a battery pack having a battery stack comprising multiple stacked battery cells and a housing component for housing the battery stack. The housing component uses a component having a base plate portion located below the battery stack, an end wall portion integrally connected to the base plate portion on one side of the stacking direction of the battery cells, and a mounting shape portion on the opposite side of the end wall portion for mounting a panel-like component. The battery stack is compressed in the stacking direction while one end in the stacking direction is pushed against the end wall portion. An end panel, serving as the panel-like component, is mounted on the mounting shape portion. The compression of the battery stack is released, causing the other end in the stacking direction to contact the end panel. Thus, the battery stack is clamped between the end wall portion and the end panel and held within the housing component, while the end panel is fixed by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack relative to the mounting shape portion in a direction away from the end wall portion.

[0018] In the battery pack manufacturing method described above, the battery stack and end panels can be fixed by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack. That is, for example, fastening or welding for fixing the end panels is not required. Therefore, the battery pack can be manufactured at low cost.

[0019] Furthermore, in the battery pack manufacturing method described above, it is preferable to use a component with multiple mounting shapes formed at the end opposite to the end wall. The battery stack is pushed towards the end wall from the mounting shape side, compressing the battery stack until at least a portion of the mounting shapes that were previously hidden by the battery stack are exposed. The end panel is then mounted to the exposed mounting shapes. With this configuration, the position of the end panel can be appropriately adjusted according to individual length differences in the stacking direction of the battery stack. No special components or processes are required to adjust the position of the end panel based on individual length differences in the stacking direction of the battery stack. Therefore, even when the individual length differences in the stacking direction of the battery stack are large, manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, in the battery pack manufacturing method described above, it is preferable to use a component with an alignment shape formed on the base plate to align the battery cells of the battery stack in the stacking direction. The battery stack uses a component including a fitting member that engages with the alignment shape and multiple battery cells, and the battery stack is pushed towards the end wall while the fitting member engages with the alignment shape. This allows for the manufacture of a battery pack with aligned battery cells in the stacking direction using a low-cost structure formed by the alignment shape and the fitting member. Additionally, since a special process for aligning the battery cells in the stacking direction is not required, the manufacturing cost of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, in the battery pack manufacturing method described above, it is preferable to use a battery stack with end plates, each end plate being located outwards from the battery cells at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack. The end panel uses an end panel with a first detachment suppression portion at its lower part. This first detachment suppression portion prevents the first end plate, which is an adjacent end plate, from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. The first end plate uses an end plate with a first hook portion, which hooks onto the first detachment suppression portion when the first end plate moves upwards from its position within the housing component. The end panel is mounted to the mounting shape by lowering the end panel with the first detachment suppression portion facing downwards from above the mounting shape. This prevents the first end plate from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. In other words, it is possible to manufacture a battery pack that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack from the housing component.

[0022] Furthermore, in the battery pack manufacturing method described above, it is preferable to use a housing component with a second detachment suppression portion provided on its end wall. This second detachment suppression portion prevents a second end plate, which is an adjacent end plate, from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. The second end plate is an end plate provided with a second hook portion, which hooks onto the second detachment suppression portion when the second end plate moves upwards from its position within the housing component. This prevents both the first and second end plates from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. In other words, a battery pack that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack from the housing component can be constructed.

[0023] Furthermore, in the battery pack manufacturing method described above, it is preferable that the housing component uses a component with a second detachment suppression portion positioned above the first detachment suppression portion, and the first end plate uses an end plate whose length of the first hook portion in the battery stacking direction is longer than the length of the second hook portion. This allows for more reliable suppression of both the first and second end plates moving upwards and detaching from the housing component.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a battery pack and a method for manufacturing the battery pack are provided that can reduce manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the battery pack involved in the first approach.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery stack that constitutes the battery pack involved in the first method.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery casing that constitutes the battery pack involved in the first method.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cells in the battery pack involved in the first method, along the stacking direction. Figure 1 (The AA section shown).

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in the width direction involved in the first method. Figure 4 (BB section shown).

[0030] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the insertion of the battery stack involved in the first method into the housing component.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of inserting the battery stack involved in the first method into the housing component.

[0032] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating the aligned battery stack of housing components involved in the first method.

[0033] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the situation where the end panel is installed while the battery stack involved in the first method is being compressed.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery pack involved in the second approach.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the first end plate and the vicinity of the end panel of the battery pack involved in the second method.

[0036] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the rationale for preventing the battery stack from detaching from the housing components when the battery pack vibrates in the second method.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the battery pack involved in the second method.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the battery pack involved in the comparative example of the battery pack involved in the second method.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a top view of the battery pack involved in the third approach.

[0040] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates a variation of the battery stack structure.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 1, 2, 3, Battery pack; 10, 11, 12, Battery stack; 100, Battery cell; 150, Gasket (fitting component); 155, Alignment protrusion; 200, 600, 700, Housing component; 210, 610, Base plate; 220, 620, 720, End wall; 230, Mounting part; 231, First mounting shape part (mounting shape part); 232, Second mounting shape part (mounting shape part); 233, Third mounting shape part (mounting shape part); 240, Alignment groove part (alignment shape part); 250, 650, 655, End panel; 560, First end plate; 570, Second end plate; 561, First hook part; 571, Second hook part; 621, Second disengagement suppression part; 651, First disengagement suppression part; 751, 761, Fixed part; 851, 861, Fixed part. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment embodying the present disclosure will be described, and then the differences between other embodiments and the above embodiments will be explained.

[0044] (First method)

[0045] The first approach applies the technology disclosed herein to Figure 1 The battery pack 1, whose overall structure is shown in the figure. Figure 1 The battery pack 1 houses the battery stack 10 inside the battery casing 20.

[0046] The battery stack 10 is configured to include multiple square battery cells 100. The multiple battery cells 100 in the battery stack 10 are arranged along... Figure 1 The X-direction stacking is shown. Additionally... Figure 1 The battery cell 100 shown is represented by having its width aligned with the Y direction and its height aligned with the Z direction. Furthermore, the battery pack 1 in this configuration has two battery stacks 10 arranged in the Y direction. It should be noted that the X and Y directions are horizontal, and the Z direction is vertical.

[0047] The battery housing 20 has a bottom 22 and side walls 23. The bottom 22 is located below the battery stack 10, and the side walls 23 extend upward from the bottom 22. The battery housing 20 is generally box-shaped with an open top. The battery housing 20 has two storage spaces 21 formed by the bottom 22 and the side walls 23. The two battery stacks 10 are respectively stored in the two storage spaces 21.

[0048] The battery housing 20 has a housing component 200 and an end panel 250 assembled to the housing component 200. The housing component 200 has a bottom plate portion 210 forming a bottom 22. In addition, the housing component 200 has an end wall portion 220, which forms a side wall 23 at one end of the battery cell 100 of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction. The bottom plate portion 210 and the end wall portion 220 are part of the housing component 200 and are connected together.

[0049] The housing component 200 has an opening 225 at its end opposite to the end wall portion 220 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10. A mounting portion 230 is provided at the edge of the opening 225 of the housing component 200. An end panel 250 is mounted on the mounting portion 230 provided in the opening 225 of the housing component 200. Details of the mounting portion 230 will be described later. The opening 225 of the housing component 200 is blocked by the end panel 250 mounted on the mounting portion 230. It should be noted that the battery pack 1 may be appropriately equipped with a cover component or the like, depending on the actual usage conditions.

[0050] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery stack 10. The battery stack 10 includes a battery cell 100, a gasket 150, and an end plate 160. In this embodiment, the outer casing of the battery cell 100 is made of a conductive metal. Two terminal posts 102 are provided on the upper surface 101 of the battery cell 100. One of the two terminal posts 102 is the positive terminal, and the other is the negative terminal.

[0051] The gasket 150 is made of an insulating material. For example, an insulating resin can be used as the material for the gasket 150. It should be noted that, in order to improve the heat dissipation of the battery cell 100, the gasket 150 is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The gasket 150 has a recess 151 on the side of the battery cell 100. Inside the recess 151, the gasket 150 has inner wall surfaces 152 located at both ends in the width direction of the battery cell 100. The battery cell 100 is embedded in the recess 151 of the gasket 150, thereby assembling the battery cell 100 and the gasket 150 together.

[0052] The inner wall surface 152 of the spacer 150 contacts the battery cell 100 assembled in the spacer 150. Thus, the battery cell 100 and the spacer 150 are positioned in the width direction. In the battery stack 10, the assembly of multiple battery cells 100 and the spacer 150 is arranged in the X direction. Thus, the battery cells 100 in the battery stack 10 are insulated from each other. Two alignment protrusions 155 are provided below the spacer 150. The two alignment protrusions 155 are spaced apart in the width direction. Figure 2 The image shows the battery cell 100 and the gasket 150 on the side of the end panel 250 of the battery pack 1.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the end plate 160 is positioned further from the end panel 250 than the battery cell 100 on the side closest to the end panel 250 in the battery stack 10. The end plate 160 may also be made of the same material as the gasket 150. The end plate 160 is an L-shaped component having an opposing portion 161 and a bottom 162. The opposing portion 161 extends upward from the bottom 162 along the outer surface of the opposing battery cell 100. In addition, the end plate 160 has a plurality of ribs 163 connected to the opposing portion 161 and the bottom 162. Spaces 164 are formed between the plurality of ribs 163 or on the outer side of the ribs 163 located at the two ends in the width direction.

[0054] Figure 2 The diagram shows a busbar 30 for electrically connecting the terminal blocks 102 of multiple battery cells 100 to each other. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 1As shown, the busbar 30 in the battery pack 1 is connected to any one of the individual battery cells 100. Therefore, it is preferable that the positions of the terminals 102 of the multiple battery cells 100 in the battery pack 1 are aligned. Specifically, it is preferable that the position of the terminal 102 of any one of the multiple battery cells 100 in the battery pack 1 is fixed in the width direction. This is because by aligning the multiple terminals 102 in the stacking direction, the terminals 102 can be easily and appropriately connected to the busbar 30.

[0055] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery casing 20. Figure 3 In the diagram, the area near the mounting portion 230 of the housing component 200 and the end panel 250 are shown in an enlarged view. Three slots are formed in the mounting portion 230 of the housing component 200 along the edge of the opening 225. These three slots are spaced apart in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10. Furthermore, starting from the slot closest to the opening 225, these three slots are sequentially designated as a first mounting shape 231, a second mounting shape 232, and a third mounting shape 233. The widths of the first mounting shape 231, the second mounting shape 232, and the third mounting shape 233 in the stacking direction are dimensions sufficient to allow the end panel 250 to be inserted.

[0056] The end panel 250 is a flat plate. The end panel 250 is mounted to the mounting portion 230 by inserting any one of the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233 from above. Figure 3 In the diagram, the portion of the end panel 250 that is pressed against the mounting portion 230 is indicated by a shaded line. For example, if it is desired to prevent water from entering the interior of the battery pack 1, a resilient sealing member can be provided in advance at the portion of the end panel 250 indicated by the shaded line. This improves the water resistance of the battery pack 1.

[0057] Two alignment grooves 240 are formed on the upper surface of the base plate portion 210 of the housing component 200, extending along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10. The alignment grooves 240 extend from the end of the base plate portion 210 near the opening 225 to the end wall portion 220. The width and spacing of the two alignment grooves 240 are dimensions corresponding to the two alignment protrusions 155 of the spacer 150 in the Y direction.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 1 in the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 100. Figure 1 (As shown in the AA section). Figure 4As shown, an end plate 160 is disposed at the end of the end panel 250 side in the stacking direction of the battery stack 10. Additionally, an end plate 170 is disposed at the end of the end wall portion 220 side in the stacking direction of the battery stack 10. The end plate 170 in this configuration has a protrusion that positions it between itself and adjacent battery cells 100 and is identical to the alignment protrusion 155 of the spacer 150.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In the battery pack 1 shown, the end panel 250 is assembled into the third mounting shape portion 233 in the mounting portion 230. Furthermore, the battery stack 10 in the battery pack 1 is formed in a compressed state in the stacking direction. That is, compared to its uncompressed state before assembly into the battery pack 1, the length of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction is reduced in the assembled state. Therefore, the end plates 160 and 170 located at both ends of the battery stack 10 utilize the compressive reaction force of the compressed battery stack 10 to press the end wall portion 220 and the end panel 250 in a direction away from each other.

[0060] In the end panel 250, the assembled third mounting shape portion 233 is pressed in a direction away from the end wall portion 220. Specifically, the portion pressed by the end panel 250 is the inner wall of the groove-shaped third mounting shape portion 233 on the side away from the end wall portion 220 (in... Figure 4 (The middle is the left inner wall surface 233b). The pressing force generated by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10 creates a strong frictional force between the end panel 250 and the third mounting shape portion 233. This frictional force inhibits the end panel 250 from moving in the direction of detachment from the third mounting shape portion 233 (upward). Therefore, the end panel 250 is fixed to the third mounting shape portion 233. In this embodiment, the housing component 200 and the end panel 250 bear the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10. Therefore, the housing component 200 and the end panel 250 can be made of materials that can appropriately compress the battery stack 10 while also being able to withstand the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10.

[0061] In this battery pack 1, no special fastening or joining is required for fixing the end panel 250. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if a sealing member is provided beforehand at the location of the end panel 250 that contacts the third mounting shape portion 233, the water resistance at that location is improved by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10. That is, even without joining the end panel 250 to the housing component 200, the water resistance of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 1 along the width direction of the individual battery cell 100. Figure 4 (as shown in the BB section). Figure 5As shown, two alignment protrusions 155 located below the gasket 150 are respectively embedded into the interiors of two alignment grooves 240 located on the upper surface of the base plate portion 210 of the housing member 200. Thus, the positions of the plurality of gaskets 150 in the battery stack 10 relative to the housing member 200 in the width direction of the battery cell 100 are fixed. Furthermore, the positions of the plurality of battery cells 100 assembled to the gasket 150 relative to the housing member 200 in the width direction are also fixed. Therefore, the terminal posts 102 of the plurality of battery cells 100 in the battery stack 10 of the battery pack 1 are aligned in the stacking direction. Therefore, the alignment grooves 240 located on the base plate portion 210 function as alignment shapes that align the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction. Additionally, the gasket 150 with the alignment protrusions 155 functions as a fitting member that engages with the alignment grooves 240. It should be noted that the gasket 150 is an example of a fitting member disclosed herein.

[0063] Next, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 according to this method will be described. In this method, the battery stack 10 is first inserted into the housing component 200, and then the battery pack 1 is manufactured by assembling the end panel 250.

[0064] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the insertion of the battery stack 10 into the housing component 200. The battery stack 10 is constructed by pre-laden assemblies of multiple battery cells 100 and spacers 150 before being inserted into the housing component 200. In this configuration, an end plate 160 is laminated at the end of the battery stack 10 (battery cell 100) on the side of the end panel 250 in the lamination direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the battery stack 10 is inserted into the housing component 200 from the end plate 170 on the side opposite to the end plate 160.

[0065] Inserting the battery stack 10 into the housing component 200 can be achieved, for example, by holding the battery stack 10 in the width direction or the vertical direction by a clamping device that holds the battery stack 10, while moving at least one of the battery stack 10 or the housing component 200. It should be noted that, as needed, a clearance portion can also be provided in advance in the housing component 200 to prevent interference with the clamping device that holds the battery stack 10.

[0066] Figure 7 The diagram shows a specific example of a spacer 150 inserted into a housing component 200 while clamping the battery stack 10 in the width direction. Figure 7 The gasket 150A shown has protrusions 156 extending outwards from both ends in the width direction. When using the gasket 150A, it is possible to... Figure 7The clamping claw 300 shown holds the battery stack 10. The clamping claw 300 supports the area below the protrusion 156 and clamps the battery stack 10 in the width direction from below the protrusion 156. Therefore, the device equipped with the clamping claw 300 can be pre-formed to align the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction, thereby allowing them to be inserted into the housing component 200.

[0067] The battery stack 10 is inserted into the housing space 21 of the housing component 200 through the opening 225 of the housing component 200 along the bottom plate portion 210 with its lower surface facing inward. The battery stack 10 is inserted into the housing component 200 until, for example, the end plate 170 collides with the end wall portion 220.

[0068] The alignment protrusion 155 provided on the gasket 150 protrudes downward toward the battery stack 10. Therefore, when the battery stack 10 is inserted into the housing component 200, the alignment protrusion 155 is embedded in the alignment groove 240. Furthermore, when the battery stack 10 subsequently moves toward the inward side of the storage space 21 of the housing component 200, the alignment protrusion 155 is guided and moved by the alignment groove 240.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a top view of the battery stack 10 inserted into the housing component 200. (See attached image.) Figure 8 As shown, the alignment protrusion 155 is guided by the alignment groove 240 and inserted into the battery stack 10 of the housing component 200, and the position of the battery cell 100 in the width direction is fixed. That is, the multiple battery cells 100 are aligned in the stacking direction. Therefore, the terminal posts 102 of the multiple battery cells 100 are also aligned in the stacking direction.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the uncompressed battery stack 10, which is inserted only into the housing component 200, is hidden by overlapping with at least one of the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233. Figure 8 The battery stack 10 shown conceals (covers) the third mounting shape part 233.

[0071] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the assembly of the end panel 250. The end panel 250 is assembled while the battery stack 10 is compressed in the stacking direction. In this configuration, the battery stack 10 is compressed by a pressing device having a pressing part 400 that presses the end plate 160. The top portion (lower end in the diagram) 401 of the pressing part 400 is shaped to avoid interference with the plurality of ribs 163 and to be inserted into the space 164 (e.g., a comb shape). Figure 9 As shown, the pressing part 400 is pressed toward the end plate 160.

[0072] That is, the pressing part 400 moves the battery stack 10 from the mounting part 230 side toward the end wall part 220. As a result, the end plate 170 of the battery stack 10 on the side opposite to the side receiving the pressing is pushed toward the end wall part 220, compressing the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction. In this configuration, the pressing part 400 compresses the battery stack 10 with a predetermined fixed pressure. During compression, each individual battery cell 100 in the battery stack 10 moves toward the end wall part 220. However, since the alignment protrusion 155 of the gasket 150 engages with the alignment groove 240 of the housing component 200, the alignment of the individual battery cells 100 is not disrupted.

[0073] Here, the lengths of the constituent components such as the battery cells 100 and the spacers 150 constituting the battery stack 10 vary in the stacking direction. Since multiple battery cells 100 and spacers 150 with individual differences are stacked, the individual differences in length in the stacking direction of the battery stack 10 tend to increase.

[0074] Therefore, the position of the pressing part 400, which is in a state of compressing the battery stack 10 with a fixed pressure, sometimes varies depending on the individual battery stack 10. In this embodiment, the position of the pressing part 400 compressing the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction is detected by the detection unit 310. The detection unit 310 has a first detection unit 311, a second detection unit 312, and a third detection unit 313. The first detection unit 311, the second detection unit 312, and the third detection unit 313 are arranged sequentially from farthest from the end wall portion 220.

[0075] The first detection unit 311 detects the pressing part 400 when the end of the compressed battery stack 10 end plate 160 (the contact surface 165 that contacts the end panel 250) is located closer to the end wall portion 220 than the right inner wall surface 231a of the first mounting shape portion 231 and closer to the opening 225 than the right inner wall surface 232a of the second mounting shape portion 232. The second detection unit 312 detects the pressing part 400 when the end of the compressed battery stack 10 end plate 160 is located closer to the end wall portion 220 than the right inner wall surface 232a of the second mounting shape portion 232 and closer to the opening 225 than the right inner wall surface 233a of the third mounting shape portion 233. The third detection unit 313 detects the pressing part 400 when the end of the compressed battery stack 10 end plate 160 is located closer to the end wall portion 220 than the right inner wall surface 233a of the third mounting shape portion 233.

[0076] Furthermore, depending on the detection state of the detection unit 310, the end panel 250 is assembled by inserting it from above into the mounting portion 230. Specifically, when the first detection unit 311 is in the detection state, the end panel 250 is assembled to the first mounting shape portion 231. When the second detection unit 312 is in the detection state, the end panel 250 is assembled to the second mounting shape portion 232. When the third detection unit 313 is in the detection state, the end panel 250 is assembled to the third mounting shape portion 233. That is, the end panel 250 is assembled at the position where the gap between the end plate 160 of the compressed battery stack 10 and the end panel 250 is minimal. Figure 9 Since the third detection unit 313 in the detection unit 310 is in the detection state, the end panel 250 is assembled onto the third mounting shape unit 233.

[0077] Then, by pulling the pressing part 400 upward, the compression of the battery stack 10 by the pressing part 400 is released. If the compression is released, the battery stack 10, which has contracted in the stacking direction, elongates. The difference in the total length of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction in the compressed and uncompressed states is greater than the distance between the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233. It should be noted that this distance is the distance between the left inner wall surfaces 231b, 232b, and 233b of the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233. Furthermore, the length of the battery stack 10 with the shortest total length in the uncompressed state is longer than the distance from the end wall portion 220 to the left inner wall surface 233b of the third mounting shape portion 233. Therefore, the battery stack 10 is inserted between the end wall portion 220 and the end panel 250, which has a shorter total length than in the uncompressed state.

[0078] This ensures that, before compressing the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction, at least a portion of the final assembly locations of the end panels 250 in the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233 are hidden by the battery stack 10. Furthermore, the battery stack 10 is in a compressed state until the final assembly locations of the end panels 250 in the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233 are exposed. Then, the end panels 250 are assembled, and the pressing portion 400 is removed, thereby releasing the compression of the battery stack 10. Therefore, the end plate 160 of the released battery stack 10 comes into contact with the end panels 250. Thus, the battery pack 1 is manufactured. It should be noted that, subsequently, busbars 30, etc., are assembled into the battery stack 10 of the battery pack 1 as appropriate.

[0079] Furthermore, even after the battery stack 10 is decompressed and extends from its compressed state to contact the end panel 250, it remains in a contracted state compared to its uncompressed state. Therefore, the battery stack 10 in the battery pack 1 is held between the end wall portion 220 and the end panel 250. Thus, the battery stack 10 is held within the storage space 21 of the battery housing 20. Additionally, the end panel 250 in the battery pack 1 is subjected to the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10 relative to the third mounting shape portion 233 (specifically, in…). Figure 8 The left inner wall surface 233b) is pressed towards the direction away from the end wall portion 220. This prevents the end panel 250 from detaching from the third mounting shape portion 233. Therefore, it appropriately prevents the battery stack 10 or the end panel 250 from detaching from the housing component 200. That is, no special fastening or joining is required to secure the battery stack 10 or the end panel 250.

[0080] Furthermore, in the battery pack 1, three slots are provided in the housing component 200 for mounting the end panel 250: a first mounting shape portion 231, a second mounting shape portion 232, and a third mounting shape portion 233. The end panel 250 is assembled into the portion of the first mounting shape portion 231, the second mounting shape portion 232, and the third mounting shape portion 233 that can appropriately withstand the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10. When assembling the end panel 250, complex position adjustments corresponding to individual differences in the battery stack 10, or complex mechanisms for such position adjustments, are not required. Therefore, even when using battery stacks 10 with large individual differences, the battery pack 1 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0081] Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 are aligned in the stacking direction by engaging the alignment protrusions 155 of the spacer 150 with the alignment grooves 240 of the housing component 200. The battery cells 100 are aligned when the battery stack 10 is inserted into the housing component 200 before assembling the end panel 250. The battery stack 10 is compressed while the battery cells 100 are aligned, and the end panel 250 is assembled simultaneously. Even if the battery stack 10 moves during compression, the alignment can be prevented from being disrupted. Furthermore, after assembling the end panel 250, movement of the aligned battery cells 100 can be prevented even in the compressed battery stack 10. In other words, even with a simple structure, multiple battery cells 100 can be properly aligned. No special processes are required to align the battery cells 100. In addition, since the battery cells 100 are aligned, even when the busbar 30 is subsequently installed, poor engagement or fastening is less likely to occur, allowing for precise installation. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the battery pack 1 with aligned battery cells 100 at low cost.

[0082] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the housing component 200 uses a component having a base plate portion 210, an end wall portion 220, and a mounting portion 230. The base plate portion 210 is the portion located below the battery stack 10. The end wall portion 220 is located at one end of the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction and is integrally connected to the base plate portion 210. The mounting portion 230 is located at the end opposite to the end wall portion 220 and has a third mounting shape portion 233 with a mounting panel-shaped end panel 250. Furthermore, the battery stack 10 is compressed in the stacking direction, while one end of its stacking direction is pushed towards the end wall portion 220. Then, the end panel 250 is mounted on the third mounting shape portion 233. Next, the compression of the battery stack 10 is released so that the other end of its stacking direction contacts the end panel 250. Thus, the battery stack 10 is held between the end wall portion 220 and the end panel 250 and maintained in the housing component 200. Furthermore, the end panel 250 is fixed by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 10 pressing relative to the third mounting shape portion 233 in a direction away from the end wall portion 220. In the battery pack 1 manufactured in this way, there are no components that require length adjustment based on length deviations in the stacking direction of the battery stack 10. Thus, a battery pack 1 and its manufacturing method that can reduce manufacturing costs are realized.

[0083] (Second method)

[0084] Next, the second method will be described. In this method, a detachment suppression structure is provided that more reliably prevents the battery stack housed in the housing component from detaching from the housing component. Therefore, in this method, a portion of the battery pack uses a structure different from that of the first method. In the description of this method, structures different from those of the first method will be labeled with different reference numerals and explained accordingly. Structures identical to those of the first method will be labeled with the same reference numerals and explained accordingly.

[0085] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery pack 2 of this method. The battery pack 2 has a battery stack 11, a housing component 600, and an end panel 650.

[0086] The battery stack 11 has end plates 560 and 570 at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. In this embodiment, the end plate on the side of the end panel 650 is designated as the first end plate 560, and the end plate on the side of the end wall portion 620 of the housing component 600 is designated as the second end plate 570. That is, in the battery pack 2, the first end plate 560 is disposed adjacent to the end panel 650. In addition, in the battery pack, the second end plate 570 is disposed adjacent to the end wall portion 620.

[0087] In this battery stack 11, multiple battery cells 100 are also stacked along the X direction between the first end plate 560 and the second end plate 570. The battery cells 100 are appropriately assembled onto the spacer 150. This is the same as in the first method. It should be noted that... Figure 10 In the following figures, details of the battery cell 100 and the gasket 150 are sometimes omitted.

[0088] The first end plate 560 is positioned on the side closest to the end panel 650 in the battery stack 11. That is, the first end plate 560 is located outwards from the battery cell 100 located on the side closest to the end panel 650 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 11. The first end plate 560 is provided with a first hook portion 561 protruding towards the end panel 650 side. The first hook portion 561 is located on the lower part of the end panel 650 side. Figure 10 The length L1 of the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560 is shown.

[0089] A first disengagement inhibition portion 651 is provided on the end panel 650 to restrict the upward movement of adjacent first end plates 560. The first disengagement inhibition portion 651 is provided on the lower part of the end panel 650. The first disengagement inhibition portion 651 is located above the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560. Therefore, if the first end plate 560 moves upward, the upper surface 561A of the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560 hooks onto the lower surface 651A of the first disengagement inhibition portion 651. Thus, the upward movement of the first end plate 560 and its disengagement from the housing component 600 are suppressed.

[0090] The second end plate 570 is positioned on the side closest to the end wall 620 in the battery stack 11. That is, the second end plate 570 is located outwards from the battery cell 100 located on the side closest to the end wall 620 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 11. The second end plate 570 is provided with a second hook portion 571 protruding towards the end wall 620, which can engage with the second disengagement restraint portion 621 described later. Figure 10 The length L2 of the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570 is shown. In this configuration, the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560 is longer than the length L2 of the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570.

[0091] A second disengagement inhibition portion 621 is provided in the end wall portion 620 to restrict the upward movement of the adjacent second end plate 570. The second disengagement inhibition portion 621 of the end wall portion 620 is a recessed portion with a shape corresponding to the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570. The second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570 is inserted into the inner side of the second disengagement inhibition portion 621 of the end wall portion 620. The second disengagement inhibition portion 621 is provided in the upper part of the end wall portion 620. If the second end plate 570 moves upward, the upper surface 571A of the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570 hooks onto the inner wall 621A of the upper side of the second disengagement inhibition portion 621, which is a recess. Thus, the upward movement of the second end plate 570 and its disengagement from the housing component 600 are suppressed. The second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570 and the second disengagement inhibition portion 621 of the end wall portion 620 are located on the upper side than the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560 and the first disengagement inhibition portion 651 of the end panel 650.

[0092] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the first end plate 560 and the vicinity of the end panel 650 of battery pack 2. (Example) Figure 11 As shown, two first hook portions 561 are provided at the lower part of the first end plate 560. The two first hook portions 561 are arranged separately in the width direction of the battery cell 100, and there are two of them. A pressed portion 562 is provided on the end panel 650 side of the first end plate 560. The pressed portion 562 is the portion that receives pressure from the top end portion 411 of the pressing portion 410 when the battery stack 11 is compressed in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0093] Furthermore, the first end plate 560 of this embodiment is composed of a base 560A and a pressing plate 560B. The pressing plate 560B is located on the end panel 650 side closer to the base 560A than the base 560A. A pressing part 562 is provided on the pressing plate 560B. The pressing plate 560B is held in the base 560A by a plate holding part 563 provided in the base 560A. In this embodiment, the plate holding part 563 is a snap-fit. The base 560A can be made of, for example, an insulating resin. The pressing plate 560B has a higher strength than the base 560A. The pressing plate 560B can be made of, for example, metal.

[0094] The end panel 650 is mounted by inserting it from above into the mounting portion 230 of the housing component 600. This is the same as in the first embodiment. Two first disengagement suppression portions 651 are provided on the end panel 650. The two first disengagement suppression portions 651 are respectively configured to correspond to the two first hook portions 561 of the first end plate 560. It should be noted that the second hook portion 571 and the second disengagement suppression portion 621 in this embodiment are also the same as the first hook portion 561 and the first disengagement suppression portion 651, being separately configured in two places along the width direction of the battery cell 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the end panel 650 of this embodiment has an upper surface portion 652 at its upper part. The upper surface portion 652 is the portion that receives downward pressure when the end panel 650 is mounted to the mounting portion 230. The end panel 650 has a relief portion 653. The relief portion 653 is provided at a position corresponding to the pressed portion 562 of the first end plate 560. The relief portion 653 has a notch shape formed from the lower end of the end panel 650 toward the upper side. Therefore, it is possible to form a state where the first end plate 560 is pressed by the pressing portion 410, while the end panel 650 can be mounted to the mounting portion 230.

[0096] In this embodiment, a ventilation passage 660 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 610 of the housing component 600. The ventilation passage 660 is a groove-shaped air passage formed in the width direction of the battery cell 100 between two aligned groove portions 240. The ventilation passage 660 extends from the end panel 650 side to the end wall portion 620. By allowing air to flow in the ventilation passage 660 within the battery pack 2, the temperature rise of the battery cell 100 is suppressed.

[0097] In this configuration, the first disengagement suppression portion 651 of the end panel 650 has a notch shape formed from the lower end of the end panel 650 toward the upper side. Furthermore, the first hook portion 561 is positioned above the ventilation passage 660. Therefore, the obstruction of airflow in the ventilation passage 660 by the first hook portion 561 is suppressed.

[0098] In the battery pack 2 of this method, a detachment suppression structure consisting of a first hook portion 561, a second hook portion 571, a first detachment suppression portion 651, and a second detachment suppression portion 621 is provided to suppress the detachment of the battery stack 11 from the housing component 600. This will be explained in detail.

[0099] In cases where battery pack 2 is installed in, for example, an electric vehicle, it may sometimes vibrate along with the vehicle's body. For example... Figure 12As shown, the battery stack 11 of the vibrating battery pack 2 may deform in such a way that the closer to the center of the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 100, the further away from the bottom plate portion 610 of the housing component 600. This is because the battery stack 11 is housed in the housing component 600 by being held between the end wall portion 620 and the end panel 650.

[0100] When the battery stack 11 deforms such that the base plate portion 610, which is closer to the center of the battery cell 100 and further away from the housing component 600, a gap forms between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650. Alternatively, even if the deformation of the battery stack 11 due to vibration does not reach the point where a gap forms between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650, the pressure (surface pressure) between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650 will decrease. Moreover, when a gap forms between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650, or when the pressure between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650 decreases, the friction between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650 decreases. If the friction between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650 decreases, the first end plate 560 may move upward relative to the end panel 650.

[0101] Furthermore, if the battery stack 11 deforms such that the base plate portion 610 is further away from the housing component 600 in the stacking direction closer to the center of the battery cell 100, the second end plate 570 may also move upward relative to the end wall portion 620. Moreover, since the first end plate 560 and the second end plate 570 move upward, the battery stack 11 may detach from the housing component 600.

[0102] In this method, the aforementioned problem is solved by providing a first hook portion 561, a second hook portion 571, a first disengagement inhibition portion 651, and a second disengagement inhibition portion 621. That is, when the first end plate 560 moves upward relative to the end panel 650, as... Figure 12 As shown, the first hook portion 561 of the first end plate 560 is hooked onto the first disengagement inhibition portion 651 of the end panel 650. Thus, the upward movement of the first end plate 560 relative to the end panel 650 is inhibited.

[0103] Furthermore, when the second end plate 570 moves upward relative to the end wall portion 620, such as Figure 12 As shown, the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570 hooks onto the second disengagement suppression portion 621 of the end wall portion 620. This suppresses upward movement of the second end plate 570 relative to the end wall portion 620. Therefore, in this configuration, detachment of the battery stack 11 from the housing component 600 is suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, when vibration causes deformation of the battery stack 11, and this deformation creates a gap between the second end plate 570 and the end wall portion 620, this gap tends to increase towards the bottom. Moreover, the second hook portion 571 and the second detachment suppression portion 621 are respectively located on the upper parts of the second end plate 570 and the end wall portion 620. That is, the second hook portion 571 and the second detachment suppression portion 621 are located at positions where the gap formed between the second end plate 570 and the end wall portion 620 is smaller. Therefore, the length of the second hook portion 571 and the second detachment suppression portion 621 in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 only needs to be short.

[0105] On the other hand, for the end panel 650, it is preferable to provide the first disengagement inhibition part 651 at the lower part. As described above, the end panel 650 is assembled by descending from above the housing member 600. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a passage for the first hook part 561 to pass through when assembling the end panel 650 below the first disengagement inhibition part 651. Moreover, the higher the position of the first disengagement inhibition part 651, the more the strength or rigidity of the end panel 650 will decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first disengagement inhibition part 651 is provided at the lower part of the end panel 650.

[0106] Furthermore, along with the first detachment suppression part 651 being provided at the lower part of the end panel 650, the first hook part 561 is also provided at the lower part of the first end plate 560. The lower part of the end panel 650 and the first end plate 560 are positioned such that, in the event of vibration causing deformation of the battery stack 11, resulting in a gap between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650, this gap is more likely to be larger than that at the upper part. Therefore, the length L1 of the first hook part 561 located at the lower part in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 is longer than the length L2 of the second hook part 571. Thus, even when a gap is formed between the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650, the first hook part 561 will reliably hook onto the first detachment suppression part 651.

[0107] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first disengagement inhibition portion 651 is a notch shape formed from the lower end of the end panel 650 upwards. That is, the first disengagement inhibition portion 651 is located slightly above the lower end of the end panel 650. Thus, the first hook portion 561 can be positioned slightly above.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of battery pack 2. During the manufacturing of battery pack 2, as follows... Figure 13 As shown in (A), the lower surface of the battery stack 11 is inserted into the interior of the housing component 600 along the base plate portion 610. It should be noted that... Figure 13 (A) indicates the uncompressed state of battery stack 11.

[0109] Next, as Figure 13 As shown in (B), the battery stack 11 is compressed along the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 100, while the end panel 650 is assembled to the mounting portion 230 of the housing component 600. The battery stack 11 is compressed by pressing the first end plate 560 toward the end wall portion 620 using the pressing portion 410. The end panel 650 can be assembled by pressing the upper surface portion 652 from above. The assembly position of the end panel 650 is the same as in the first method, and can be set to a position corresponding to the length of the compressed battery stack 11.

[0110] Then, as Figure 13 As shown in (C), by releasing the compression of the battery stack 11, the battery stack 11 can be clamped between the end wall portion 620 and the end panel 650. This holds the battery stack 11 within the housing member 600. Furthermore, the end panel 650 is secured by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack 11. Moreover, as... Figure 13 As shown, in this method, the battery pack 2 can also be manufactured in the same order as in the first method.

[0111] In addition, Figure 13 The diagram shows distances S1 and S2 related to the total length of the battery stack 11, which varies in the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 100, during the manufacturing of the battery pack 2. Distance S1 is the compression distance, representing the difference between the total length of the battery stack 11 in its uncompressed state and its total length in its compressed state. Distance S2 is the compression release distance, representing the difference between the total length of the battery stack 11 in its compressed state and the total length of the battery stack 11 after compression is released and it is housed in the housing component 600. That is, during the manufacturing process, the total length of the battery stack 11 is reduced from its uncompressed state by the amount of compression distance S1 through compression, and then extended from its compressed state by the amount of compression release distance S2 through decompression.

[0112] exist Figure 14 The diagram shows a comparative example of battery pack 9, which is compared to battery pack 2 of this embodiment. Battery pack 9 is, for example, the structure described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-95895. Battery pack 9 is the same as battery pack 2 of this embodiment in preventing the battery stack 911 from detaching from the housing member 900. In addition, battery pack 9 is also the same as battery pack 2 of this embodiment in manufacturing by compressing the battery stack 911 in the housing member 900 and then holding the battery stack 911 in the housing member 900 by decompression.

[0113] Specifically, the battery stack 911 of the battery pack 9 consists of multiple individual battery cells 912 arranged along... Figure 14 The structure is formed by stacking layers in the left and right directions. Additionally, such as... Figure 14As shown in (A), the battery stack 911 has a first end plate 960 at one end in the stacking direction of the battery cell 912 and a second end plate 970 at the other end. Both the first end plate 960 and the second end plate 970 have an inclined shape in which the lower part extends outward in the stacking direction of the battery cell 912.

[0114] The housing component 900 has a base plate portion 910 located below the battery stack 911 and a first end wall portion 921 and a second end wall portion 922 respectively disposed at both ends of the base plate portion 910 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 912. Both the first end wall portion 921 and the second end wall portion 922 have an inclined shape in which the portion located at the lower side extends outward in the stacking direction of the battery cells 912. Furthermore, the spacing between the upper portion of the first end wall portion 921 and the upper portion of the second end wall portion 922 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 912 is... Figure 14 (A) shows the uncompressed state of the battery stack 911 with a shorter total length.

[0115] Moreover, it enables the battery stack 911 to... Figure 14 The uncompressible state shown in (A) becomes Figure 14 The battery pack 9 is manufactured by compressing the cells as shown in (B) and housing them inside the housing component 900. In the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 912, the total length of the compressed battery stack 911 is shorter than the distance between the upper portion of the first end wall 921 and the upper portion of the second end wall 922. Furthermore, the compressed battery stack 911 is inserted into the housing component 900 between the first end wall 921 and the second end wall 922. Then, as shown in (B), the battery pack 911 is further processed. Figure 14 As shown in (C), by releasing the compression of the battery stack 911, the battery stack 911 is housed inside the housing component 900. In the stacking direction of the battery cells 912, the length of the lower part of the battery stack 911 is longer than the interval between the upper parts of the first end wall portion 921 and the upper parts of the second end wall portion 922. Therefore, in the battery pack 9, the detachment of the battery stack 911 from the housing component 900 is prevented.

[0116] In addition, Figure 14The diagram shows distances T1, T2, and T3 related to the total length of the battery stack 911, which varies in the stacking direction of the individual battery cells 912, during the manufacturing of the battery pack 9. Distance T1 is the compression distance, representing the difference between the total length of the battery stack 911 in its uncompressed state and its total length in its compressed state. Distance T2 is the distance the first end plate 960 moves from its compressed state until it is decompressed and contacts the first end plate 960 with the first end wall portion 921. Distance T3 is the distance the second end plate 970 moves from its compressed state until it is decompressed and contacts the second end plate 970 with the second end wall portion 922. Therefore, the sum of distances T2 and T3 is the compression release distance, representing the difference between the total length of the battery stack 911 in its compressed state and the total length of the battery stack 911 after decompression and housed in the housing component 900. That is, during the manufacturing process, the total length of the battery stack 911 is reduced by the amount of compression distance T1 from the uncompressed state, and then extended by the amount of distance T2 and distance T3 from the compressed state by releasing the compression.

[0117] Furthermore, comparing the changes in the overall length during the manufacturing process of the battery pack 2 involved in this method and the battery pack 9 involved in the comparative example, the battery pack 2 involved in this method can reduce the amount of change. That is, the compression distance S1 of the battery pack 2 involved in this method is shorter than the compression distance T1 of the battery pack 9 involved in the comparative example. Moreover, the compression release distance S2 of the battery pack 2 involved in this method is shorter than the combined distance T2 and distance T3 of the compression release distance involved in the comparative example.

[0118] Therefore, the structure of the battery pack 2 according to this method is applicable to a wide variety of battery stacks compared to the structure of the battery pack 9 according to the comparative example. Specifically, the structure of the battery pack 9 according to the comparative example is only applicable to the battery stack 911, which can significantly reduce its overall length. That is, for example, if the battery cell 912 uses a battery cell that is not easily deformable in the stacking direction, it may be impossible to house the battery stack 911 within the housing component 900. In contrast, the structure of the battery pack 2 according to this method is also applicable to the battery stack 11, which cannot reduce its overall length as much.

[0119] Furthermore, in the battery pack 9 of the comparative example, the more reliably the battery stack 911 is prevented from detaching from the housing member 900, the narrower the gap between the upper part of the first end wall portion 921 and the upper part of the second end wall portion 922 becomes. In other words, in the battery pack 9 of the comparative example, if a battery stack 911 that can significantly reduce its overall length is not used, it may be impossible to reliably prevent the battery stack 911 from detaching from the housing member 900.

[0120] On the other hand, in the battery pack 2 according to this method, the more it is desired to prevent the battery stack 11 from detaching from the housing member 600, the more necessary it is to extend the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 and the length L2 of the second hook portion 571. In particular, the first hook portion 561 and the first detachment suppression portion 651 are provided at the lower part on the side of the first end plate 560 and the end panel 650. Therefore, as mentioned above, the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 is necessary to some extent. However, in the structure of the battery pack 2 according to this method, even if the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 and the length L2 of the second hook portion 571 are extended, the change in the total length of the battery stack 11 when it is housed in the housing member 600 does not change. That is, even when using a battery stack 11 whose total length cannot be reduced, the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 can be sufficiently guaranteed.

[0121] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the battery stack 11 of the battery pack 2 has a first end plate 560 and a second end plate 570. The first end plate 560 and the second end plate 570 are located on the outer side of the battery cells 100 located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. In addition, a first detachment suppression part 651 is provided at the lower part of the end panel 650, which suppresses the adjacent first end plate 560 from moving upward and detaching from the housing member 600. In addition, a first hook part 561 is provided on the first end plate 560, which hooks onto the first detachment suppression part 651 when the first end plate 560 moves upward. Moreover, during the manufacturing process of the battery pack 2, the end panel 650 with the first detachment suppression part 651 facing downward is lowered from above the mounting part 230 to mount the end panel 650 to the mounting part 230. In the battery pack 2 manufactured in this way, the first end plate 560 is prevented from moving upward and detaching from the housing component 600. This reduces manufacturing costs while simultaneously achieving a battery pack 2 and its manufacturing method that appropriately prevents the battery stack 11 from detaching from the housing component 600.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a second detachment suppression portion 621 is provided on the end wall portion 620. The second detachment suppression portion 621 suppresses the adjacent second end plate 570 from moving upward and detaching from the housing component 600. The second detachment suppression portion 621 is located above the first detachment suppression portion 651. In addition, a second hook portion 571 is provided on the second end plate 570. The second hook portion 571 hooks onto the second detachment suppression portion 621 when the second end plate 570 moves upward. Moreover, in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 11, the length L1 of the first hook portion 561 is longer than the length L2 of the second hook portion 571. Thus, in the battery pack 2, the upward movement of the second end plate 570 and its detachment from the housing component 600 are also suppressed. Therefore, a battery pack 2 and its manufacturing method that more reliably suppress the detachment of the battery stack 11 from the housing component 600 are realized.

[0123] (Third method)

[0124] Next, the third method will be described. This method, like the second method, is a structure capable of appropriately suppressing the detachment of the battery stack housed in the housing component from the housing component. However, in this method, depending on the overall structure of the battery pack, a detachment suppression structure is provided on the end plates at both ends of the battery cells in the stacking direction that are susceptible to vibration. In this method, a portion of the battery pack uses elements different from those in the above embodiments. In the description of this method, structures different from those in the above embodiments are labeled with reference numerals different from those in the above embodiments. Structures identical to those in the above embodiments are described using the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiments.

[0125] Figure 15 This is a top view of the battery pack 3 according to this method. The battery pack 3 includes a battery stack 12, a housing component 700, an end panel 655, and a mounting device 800.

[0126] The battery stack 12 has a first end plate 565 at one end on the side of the end panel 655 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. Additionally, the battery stack 12 has a second end plate 570 at one end on the side of the end wall portion 720 of the housing component 700 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The first end plate 565 differs from the second embodiment in that it does not have a hook portion. The first end plate 565 is the same as the second embodiment except for the absence of a hook portion. The second end plate 570 is the end plate described in the second embodiment. That is, a second hook portion 571 is provided on the second end plate 570.

[0127] The area of ​​the housing component 700 that houses the battery stack 12 has the same structure as in the second embodiment. Specifically, a second detachment suppression part 621 is provided on the end wall portion 720. This second detachment suppression part 621, by hooking with the second hook portion 571 of the second end plate 570, can prevent the second end plate 570 from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component 700. Additionally, an end panel 655 is mounted on the mounting portion 230 of the housing component 700. Unlike the second embodiment, the end panel 655 does not have a detachment suppression part. The end panel 655 is identical to the second embodiment except for the absence of a detachment suppression part.

[0128] The housing component 700, in addition to the second embodiment, also has a mounting area 701. The mounting area 701 is located on the side opposite to the battery stack 12 when viewed from the end wall portion 720. A mounting device 800 is mounted in the mounting area 701. The mounting device 800 includes, for example, a control unit that performs charging and discharging control of the battery stack 12, acquires information related to the battery stack 12, and outputs it to an external device. It should be noted that the mounting device 800 is lighter than the battery stack 12. Furthermore, in the battery pack 3, the weight of the battery stack 12 accounts for a relatively high proportion of the overall weight.

[0129] The housing component 700 also includes a first mounting portion 730, a second mounting portion 740, a third mounting portion 750, and a fourth mounting portion 760. In this configuration, the housing component 700 is mounted and fixed on the first base portion 830, the second base portion 840, the third base portion 850, and the fourth base portion 860. The first base portion 830, the second base portion 840, the third base portion 850, and the fourth base portion 860 are all external structures of the battery pack 3. The first mounting portion 730, the second mounting portion 740, the third mounting portion 750, and the fourth mounting portion 760 are respectively the portions that contact the first base portion 830, the second base portion 840, the third base portion 850, and the fourth base portion 860.

[0130] The first mounting portion 730, the second mounting portion 740, the third mounting portion 750, and the fourth mounting portion 760 each have a fixed portion 731, 741, 751, and 761 with through holes. The first base portion 830, the second base portion 840, the third base portion 850, and the fourth base portion 860 each have a fixing portion 831, 841, 851, and 861 with threaded holes at positions corresponding to the fixed portions 731, 741, 751, and 761. Each fixed portion 731, 741, 751, and 761 is fixed to the fixing portion 831, 841, 851, and 861 by means of bolts 810.

[0131] The first mounting portion 730 and the second mounting portion 740 are disposed on one outer edge of the battery cell 100 in the width direction. The fixed portion 731 of the first mounting portion 730 and the fixed portion 741 of the second mounting portion 740 are disposed at different positions in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. The third mounting portion 750 and the fourth mounting portion 760 are disposed on the outer edge of the battery cell 100 in the width direction opposite to the first mounting portion 730 and the second mounting portion 740. The fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 are disposed at different positions in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100.

[0132] The fixed portion 731 of the first mounting portion 730 and the fixed portion 741 of the second mounting portion 740 are located near the heavier battery stack 12. On the other hand, the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 are located away from the battery stack 12. Furthermore, comparing the fixed portions 751 and 761 of the third and fourth mounting portions 760, the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 is located even further away from the battery stack 12. It should be noted that the third mounting portion 750 extends from the fixed portion 751 to the vicinity of the battery stack 12. The fourth mounting portion 760 extends from the fixed portion 761 to the vicinity of the battery stack 12. Therefore, when the first mounting part 730, the second mounting part 740, the third mounting part 750 and the fourth mounting part 760 are fixed by the respective fixed parts 731, 741, 751 and 761, they can properly support the heavier battery stack 12.

[0133] The fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 are respectively the fixed portions located at both ends of the fixed portions 731, 741, 751, and 761 in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. Figure 15 The diagram shows an intermediate position C1 between the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760, located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. The intermediate position C1 is a position where the distance from both the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 is a distance D1.

[0134] In battery pack 3, due to various reasons, the center of gravity and the fixed parts are sometimes not evenly aligned. In battery pack 3, because of the mounting device 800, deviations occur in the configuration of the battery stack 12. For example... Figure 15As shown, in the battery pack 3, the battery stack 12 is located on the fixed part 751 side of the third setting part 750, and the mounting device 800 is located on the fixed part 761 side of the fourth setting part 760.

[0135] exist Figure 15 The diagram shows the center of gravity C2 of the battery stack 12 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, and the center of gravity C3 of the battery pack 3 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The center of gravity C3 of the battery pack 3 is located on the side of the heavier battery stack 12's center of gravity C2, relative to the intermediate position C1 between the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760. In other words, the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 is the eccentric fixed portion located between the fixed portions 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portions 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 at both ends, with the distance between it and the center of gravity C3 of the battery pack 3 being closer than the distance between it and the intermediate position C1.

[0136] Moreover, in Figure 15 The diagram shows the distance D2 between the end panel 655 of the battery cell 100 and the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 in the stacking direction. Distance D2 is the distance between the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 located at both ends, closer to the end panel 655, and the end panel 655 itself. Furthermore, in... Figure 15 The diagram shows the distance D3 between the end wall portion 720 of the battery cell 100 in the stacking direction and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760. The distance D3 is the distance between the fixed portion 751 of the third mounting portion 750 and the fixed portion 761 of the fourth mounting portion 760 located at both ends and the end wall portion 720.

[0137] In this battery pack 3 structure, when the battery pack 3 vibrates, the second end plate 570, which is more susceptible to vibration and moves towards the direction of detachment from the housing component 700, is the one most likely to move. This is because, compared to the position of the first end plate 565, the acceleration accompanying vibration at the position of the second end plate 570 is more likely to be greater in the battery pack 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, a detachment suppression structure is provided for the second end plate 570, which is more susceptible to vibration of the battery pack 3. That is, a second detachment suppression part 621 is provided on the end wall portion 720 adjacent to the second end plate 570, and a second hook portion 571 is provided on the second end plate 570.

[0138] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the battery stack 12 of the battery pack 3 has a first end plate 565 and a second end plate 570. The first end plate 565 and the second end plate 570 are located on the outer side of the battery cells 100 located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The housing component 700 has fixed portions 751 and 761 fixed to the outside of the fixing portions 851 and 861. The fixed portions 751 and 761 are located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The center of gravity C3 of the battery pack 3 is located on the side of the fixed portion 751, which is an eccentric fixed portion, in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, closer to the middle position C1 of the fixed portions 751 and 761. A second detachment suppression portion 621 is provided on the end wall portion 720, which suppresses the adjacent second end plate 570 from moving upward and detaching from the housing component 700. Furthermore, a second hook portion 571 is provided on the second end plate 570, which hooks onto the second detachment suppression portion 621 when the second end plate 570 moves upward. The end wall portion 720 is the side of the end wall portion 720 and the end panel 655 that is furthest from the fixed portion 751 in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100. That is, in the event of vibration of the battery pack 3, the second end plate 570 adjacent to the end wall portion 720 is susceptible to movement due to the vibration. Moreover, in the battery pack 3, the second end plate 570, which is susceptible to vibration, can be prevented from detaching from the housing component 700. Therefore, according to this method, manufacturing costs can be reduced while achieving a battery pack 3 that appropriately suppresses the detachment of the battery stack 12 from the housing component 700.

[0139] The embodiments and examples described above are merely illustrative and do not constitute any limitation on the technology disclosed herein. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein can certainly be modified and varied in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0140] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the mounting shape portion of the mounting end panel is configured as a first mounting shape portion 231, a second mounting shape portion 232, and a third mounting shape portion 233 having three groove-shaped portions. However, the number or shape of the mounting shape portions can be appropriately changed.

[0141] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the mounting shape of the mounting end panel 250 was described as a component located at the position with the smallest gap between it and the end plate 160 of the compressed battery stack 10. However, the position of the mounting shape of the mounting end panel 250 is only required to be a position that allows the battery stack 10 of the battery pack 1 to be compressed to a desired degree. That is, the relationship between the position of the mounting shape of the mounting end panel 250 and the length in the stacking direction of the compressed battery stack 10 can be predetermined. Moreover, when manufacturing the battery pack 1, it is sufficient to detect a detection value indicating the length in the stacking direction of the compressed battery stack 10 and determine the position of the mounting shape of the mounting end panel 250 based on that detection value. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the mounting shape of the mounting end panel 250 is hidden when the battery stack 10 is in an uncompressed state and exposed when the battery stack 10 is in a compressed state.

[0142] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the structure in which an alignment protrusion 155 is provided on the pad 150 of the battery stack 10 and an alignment groove 240 is provided on the bottom plate portion 210 of the housing member 200 was explained. However, it is also possible to have, for example, a groove on the pad 150 side and a protrusion on the bottom plate portion 210 side. In addition, the portion of the battery stack 10 that fits the shape of the bottom plate portion 210 only needs to be positioned with the battery cell 100 in the width direction, and can also be provided at a position other than the pad 150. That is, as long as an alignment shape portion that aligns the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 is formed on the bottom plate portion 210 of the housing member 200, the battery stack 10 can include a fitting member that fits with the alignment shape portion and a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0143] Furthermore, in the first method described above, an example of aligning the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 before the insertion housing component 200 was explained using the device. However, the alignment of the battery cells 100 of the battery stack 10 before the insertion housing component 200 can also be achieved using the structure of the battery stack 10. Figure 16 The diagram shows a specific example of a structure added to the battery stack 10 that enables the alignment of individual battery cells 100. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery stack 10 with gasket 150B involved in the modified example. It should be noted that... Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery stack 10 when it is horizontally cut. Figure 16The shown gasket 150B, in addition to the shape of the gasket 150, also has a positioning portion 157. The positioning portion 157 extends to the adjacent gasket 150B in the battery stack 10. Furthermore, the adjacent gasket 150B is embedded in the positioning portion 157. Thus, the gasket 150B can align the battery cell 100 assembled in the recess 151 with the adjacent gasket 150B in the width direction. Therefore, adjacent battery cells 100 can be aligned with each other in the stacking direction. It should be noted that a gasket in which adjacent battery cells 100 are all embedded can also be provided.

[0144] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments described above, a recess serving as a disengagement suppression portion is provided on the end wall of the housing component, and a protrusion serving as a hook portion is provided on the second end plate, with the protrusion acting as an engaging portion that can engage with the disengagement suppression portion. However, it is also possible to provide a protrusion serving as a disengagement suppression portion on the end wall and a recess serving as a hook portion on the second end plate, with the recess acting as an engaging portion that can engage with the disengagement suppression portion.

[0145] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, a battery pack in which the second end plate of the end plates at both ends of the battery cells in the stacking direction is susceptible to vibration was explained. However, in the case where the first end plate is susceptible to vibration, that is, the end wall portion and the end panel are configured to be... Figure 15 In the case of the opposite structure, it is preferable to provide a separation suppression structure in the first end plate.

[0146] In addition, the above methods are not specifically limited to the type of battery (nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc.).

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack having a battery stack comprising multiple stacked battery cells and a housing component for housing the battery stack, wherein, The housing component has: The base plate is located below the battery stack; The end wall portion, located at one end on one side of the stacking direction of the battery cell, and integrally connected with the base plate portion, and The mounting shape portion is located at the end opposite to the end wall portion and is used to mount panel-shaped components. The battery pack has an end panel of the panel-shaped component mounted on the mounting portion. The battery stack is clamped between the end wall portion and the end panel and held within the housing component. The end panel is fixed by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack, pressing it relative to the mounting shape portion in a direction away from the end wall portion. The housing component has the mounting shape portion formed at multiple locations at its end on the side opposite to the end wall portion. The end panel is mounted on any one of the plurality of mounting shapes. The battery stack has end plates, which are located on the outer side of the battery cells located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack. A first detachment inhibition part is provided at the lower part of the end panel. The first detachment inhibition part inhibits the first end plate, which is adjacent to the end plate, from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. A first hook portion is provided on the first end plate, and the first hook portion hooks onto the first disengagement suppression portion when the first end plate moves upward.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, An alignment shape portion is formed on the base plate to align the individual battery cells of the battery stack in the stacking direction. The battery stack has fitting parts in each of the plurality of battery cells that fit into the aligned shape portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, A second detachment inhibition part is provided on the end wall portion, which inhibits the second end plate, which is an adjacent end plate, from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. A second hook portion is provided on the second end plate, and the second hook portion hooks onto the second disengagement suppression portion when the second end plate moves upward.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The second detachment inhibition part is disposed above the first detachment inhibition part. In the stacking direction of the battery stack, the length of the first hook portion is longer than the length of the second hook portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing component has multiple fixed portions that are fixed to the outside in the stacking direction of the battery stack. In the stacking direction of the battery pack, the center of gravity of the battery pack is located on the eccentric side of one of the two ends of the fixed portion, which is closer to the midpoint between the two ends of the fixed portion. In the stacking direction of the battery pack, a detachment inhibition part is provided on one side of the end wall portion and the end panel that is fixed away from the eccentric side. The detachment inhibition part inhibits the adjacent end plate from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. A hook portion is provided on the end plate adjacent to the said one portion, and the hook portion hooks onto the disengagement inhibition portion when the end plate moves upward.

6. A method for manufacturing a battery pack, the battery pack having a battery stack comprising multiple stacked battery cells and a housing component for housing the battery stack, wherein, The housing component uses a component having a base plate portion located below the battery stack, an end portion located on one side in the stacking direction of the battery cells and integrally connected to the base plate portion, and a mounting shape portion located on the opposite side of the end wall portion for mounting a panel-shaped component. The battery stack is compressed in the stacking direction, while one end in the stacking direction is pushed against the end wall. An end panel, which is a panel-shaped component, is installed on the mounting shape portion. Release the compression of the battery stack, allowing the other end in the stacking direction to contact the end panel, thereby placing the battery stack in a state where it is clamped between the end wall and the end panel and held within the housing component. Simultaneously, the end panel is fixed in a state where it is pressed and fixed relative to the mounting shape portion away from the end wall portion by the compressive reaction force of the battery stack. The housing component uses a component with the mounting shape portion formed at multiple locations on the end opposite to the end wall portion. The battery stack is pushed toward the end wall by moving it from one side of the mounting shape portion toward the end wall portion. The battery stack is compressed until at least a portion of the mounting shapes that were previously hidden by the battery stack are exposed. The end panel is mounted on the mounting shape portion exposed by compressing the battery stack. The battery stack uses a battery stack with end plates, which are located on the outer side of the battery cells located at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery stack. The end panel uses an end panel with a first detachment inhibition part provided at its lower part, the first detachment inhibition part inhibiting the first end plate, which is adjacent to the end plate, from moving upward and detaching from the housing component. The first end plate is provided with a first hook portion, which hooks onto the first disengagement inhibition portion when the first end plate moves upward from the state of being housed in the housing component. The end panel is mounted to the mounting shape by lowering the end panel with the first detachment inhibition portion facing downward from above the mounting shape.

7. The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The housing component uses a component with an alignment shape portion formed on the base plate to align the individual battery cells of the battery stack in the stacking direction. The battery stack uses components including fitting parts that fit into the aligned shape portion and the plurality of battery cells. While the fitting component and the aligned shape portion fit together, the battery stack is pushed toward the end wall portion.

8. The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The housing component uses a housing component with a second detachment inhibition part provided on the end wall portion. The second detachment inhibition part inhibits the second end plate, which is an adjacent end plate, from moving upwards and detaching from the housing component. The second end plate uses an end plate provided with a second hook portion, which hooks onto the second disengagement inhibition portion when the second end plate moves upward from the state of being housed in the housing component.

9. The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The housing component uses the second disengagement inhibition part, which is positioned above the first disengagement inhibition part. The first end plate uses an end plate in which the length of the first hook portion in the stacking direction of the battery stack is longer than the length of the second hook portion.

Images