Power storage module

Abstract

The invention provides a technology for easily separating a bus bar from a power storage device. A power storage module (100) is provided with a plurality of power storage devices (12) and a bus bar (14). The plurality of power storage devices (12) are arranged in a first direction (P). The bus bar (14) is bridged between two power storage devices (12) adjacent to each other in the first direction (P). The bus bar (14) has a portion to be gripped (144). The gripped portion (144) is a protrusion protruding from the surface (upper surface (14u)) of the bus bar (14), or a through-hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage module. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-200832 discloses a battery terminal with a current sensor, which includes: a battery terminal composed of a conductive metal plate; and a current sensor assembled on the battery terminal. The battery terminal includes: a pole portion connected to the battery pole; a load connection terminal portion arranged transversely on the pole portion and connected to the load; and a straight bus bar connecting the pole portion at one end and connecting the load connection terminal portion at the other end. The current sensor includes: a magnetic detection portion arranged on the other end of the bus bar and detecting magnetism generated by the current flowing in the bus bar; and a current sensor body that integrally holds the bus bar and the magnetic detection portion by resin molding. The bus bar includes a bent portion in which the side edge portion of the long side of the bus bar is bent into an L-shaped cross-section. The same publication states that, by providing the bus bar with the bent portion, the resistance of the bus bar during continuous energization can be reduced, and heat dissipation from the surface of the bus bar can be improved.

[0003] International Publication No. 2012 / 118014 discloses a battery system, which includes a plurality of battery cells whose positive and negative electrode terminals are made of different metals, and the positive and negative electrode terminals of each battery cell are connected by a metal plate. In the battery system, the metal plate is joined to a first metal plate connected to an electrode terminal of one side of the battery cell, and a second metal plate made of a metal different from the first metal plate and connected to the other electrode terminal. The first metal plate includes a first laminated portion stacked on a second metal plate. The second metal plate includes a second laminated portion stacked on the first metal plate. The first laminated portion includes a protruding portion, and the second laminated portion includes a cutout portion for the protruding portion to be inserted through, the protruding portion is inserted through the cutout portion, and the protruding portion and the cutout portion are riveted to make the first metal plate and the second metal plate tightly attached. The same gazette states that by this structure, the metal plate and the electrode terminal can be kept in a low-resistance connection state for a long time and stably.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-200832

[0005] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2012 / 118014 Summary of the invention

[0006] The present inventors considered trying to more easily separate the bus bar from the power storage module.

[0007] According to the technology disclosed herein, a power storage module is disclosed, which includes: a plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction; and a bus bar mounted on two power storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction. The bus bar has a gripped portion that is a protrusion protruding from the surface of the bus bar or a through hole. It is easier to separate the bus bar from the power storage module with this structure.

[0008] According to the technology disclosed herein, a method for handling a power storage module is disclosed, wherein the power storage module includes: a plurality of power storage devices, each including electrode terminals arranged in a first direction; and a bus bar, which is mounted on two power storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction. The handling method includes: separating the bus bar from the power storage device by pulling a gripped portion, which is a protrusion or a hole protruding from the surface of the bus bar, provided on the bus bar. According to this structure, the bus bar can be separated from the power storage device more easily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the power storage module 100 .

[0010] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the bus bar 14 and the electrode terminal.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of one process step of the processing method.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the bus bar 214 and the electrode terminal.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a bus bar 314 and an electrode terminal.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a bus bar 414 and an electrode terminal.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a bus bar 514 and an electrode terminal.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the power storage module 600 .

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the power storage module 700 .

[0018] Description of Reference Numerals

[0019] 12…power storage device; 14…bus bar; 14a…main body; 14b…extension portion; 141…first connection portion; 142…second connection portion; 143…connection portion; 144…held portion; 30…housing; 40…positive terminal; 50…negative terminal; 100, 600, 700…power storage module; A…clamp; 214, 314, 414, 514, 614…bus bar; 714a…first bus bar; 714b…second bus bar; 2144, 3144, 4144, 5144…held portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described. The embodiment described herein is not intended to specifically limit the technology disclosed herein. Unless otherwise specifically mentioned, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment described herein. The drawings are schematically depicted and do not necessarily reflect the actual objects. In addition, the same figure marks are appropriately marked for components and parts that play the same role, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The figure marks "R", "L", "U", "D", "F", and "Rr" in the drawings represent "right", "left", "up", "down", "front", and "back", respectively. In addition, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, the expression "A to B" indicating a numerical range means "above A and below B", and also includes the meaning of "exceeding A and below B".

[0021] In this specification, "electrical storage device" refers to a device that generates charge and discharge by moving charge carriers between a pair of electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) via an electrolyte. The electrical storage device includes secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries, and capacitors such as lithium-ion capacitors and double-layer capacitors. Below, as an example of the above-mentioned electrical storage device, an embodiment of the case where a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as an object is described.

[0022] <First embodiment>

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the power storage module 100. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power storage module 100 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and bus bars 14. The power storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the power storage device 12 has a cubical housing 30 having a pair of opposing wide faces 30a, a pair of opposing narrow faces 30b, and a bottom face 30c. Here, the wide faces 30a are the faces with the widest area in the housing 30. The pair of opposing wide faces 30a are, for example, faces extending from a pair of opposing long sides of the rectangular bottom face 30c. Here, the narrow faces 30b are the faces with the narrowest area in the housing 30. The pair of opposing narrow faces 30b are, for example, faces extending from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom face 30c. Figure 1As shown, the electrical storage devices 12 are arranged with their wide faces 30a facing each other. The "first direction P" referred to here is a direction from one wide face 30a of the electrical storage device 12 toward the other wide face 30a. Figure 1 The rear (Rr) side in the figure is directed toward the front (F) side (this is the same in the second to fifth embodiments described below).

[0024] The power storage device 12 includes, for example, a case 30, an electrode body (not shown) accommodated in the case 30, and an electrolyte solution (not shown). Figure 1 As shown, the housing 30 includes a main body 31 and a sealing plate 32. The main body 31 is a component that contains, for example, an electrode body and an electrolyte. Here, the main body 31 may be a cubic shape with one side being open. Figure 1 In the form shown, the main body 31 has a pair of opposing wide faces 30a, a pair of opposing narrow faces 30b, and a bottom face 30c. Here, the bottom face 30c is opposite to the opening. The sealing plate 32 is, for example, a component that blocks the opening of the main body 31. The sealing plate has a shape corresponding to the opening of the main body 31, and here, it is a rectangular shape (including a roughly rectangular shape. The same applies below.). In addition, as the electrode body and electrolyte of the power storage device 12, the electrode body and electrolyte possessed by such a power storage device can be used without particular restrictions.

[0025] In this embodiment, the power storage device 12 includes a positive electrode terminal 40 and a negative electrode terminal 50 on the outer surface. Figure 1 In the illustrated form, the electrical storage device 12 has a positive terminal 40 and a negative terminal 50 on the upper surface 32u of the sealing plate 32. The positive terminal 40 is, for example, a component electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body. The positive terminal 40 has, for example, a portion arranged inside the outer shell 30 and a portion arranged outside the outer shell 30, and the portion arranged inside the outer shell 30 is connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body. The portion arranged outside the outer shell 30 is connected to the bus bar 14 described later. The positive terminal 40 can be made of, for example, aluminum. The negative terminal 50 can also have the same structure as the positive terminal 40. The negative terminal 50 can be made of, for example, copper. In addition, as the positive terminal 40 and the negative terminal 50, electrode terminals that have been used in such electrical storage devices can be used without particular restrictions.

[0026] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between the bus bar 14 and the electrode terminal. Figure 2 , a cross section of a junction between a bus bar 14 and an electrode terminal along a first direction P is enlarged and shown. The bus bar 14 is a component that electrically connects two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P, for example (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).like Figure 1As shown, the bus bar 14 is provided between two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 is provided between the positive electrode terminal 40 of one of the two adjacent power storage devices 12 and the negative electrode terminal 50 of the other power storage device 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the bus bar 14 has a grasped portion 144 .

[0027] The material of the busbar 14 may be, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, copper or a copper alloy, nickel, stainless steel or other metal. As the busbar 14, for example, a busbar made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is particularly preferably used. In this embodiment, the busbar 14 is plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the busbar 14 is made by stamping a metal plate into a desired shape (here, a shape including the gripped portion 144). Alternatively, after stamping a metal plate into a desired shape (here, a shape excluding the gripped portion 144), a gripped portion 144 may be separately provided on the busbar 14.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the bus bar 14 has a main body 14a and an extension 14b. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the main body 14a has a first connection portion 141, a second connection portion 142, and a connecting portion 143. The first connection portion 141 is, for example, a portion connected to the positive electrode terminal 40. Figure 2 In the illustrated form, a first through hole 141h is provided in the first connecting portion 141. A step 141s recessed from the surface of the first connecting portion 141 is provided on the inner wall surface of the first through hole 141h. When the first connecting portion 141 is connected to the positive terminal 40, for example, the first connecting portion 141 and the positive terminal 40 are overlapped, and the step 141s and the positive terminal 40 are joined (for example, ultrasonic joining, laser welding, resistance welding). The second connecting portion 142 is, for example, a portion connected to the negative terminal 50. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a second through hole 142h is provided in the second connecting portion 142. A step 142s recessed from the surface of the second connecting portion 142 is provided on the inner wall surface of the second through hole 142h. When the second connecting portion 142 is connected to the negative terminal 50, for example, the second connecting portion 142 is overlapped with the negative terminal 50, and the step 142s is joined to the negative terminal 50 (for example, ultrasonic joining, laser welding, resistance welding). In addition, the first through hole 141h, the step 141s, the second through hole 142h and the step 142s are not necessarily required. In other embodiments, these parts can be omitted.

[0029] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 143 is a portion that connects the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142. Figure 2As shown, the connecting portion 143 is arranged between the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142. Here, the connecting portion 143 has a pair of opposing upright portions 143a and a flat surface 143b. The pair of opposing upright portions 143a extends from the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142 toward the side opposite to the power storage device 12. The flat surface 143b connects the pair of opposing upright portions 143a. For example, when an external force is applied to the bus bar 14 due to vibration, impact, etc., the connecting portion 143 having this structure can buffer the external force, so it is preferred.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the extension portion 14 b is a portion extending from the main body 14 a in the first direction P. In this embodiment, the extension portion 14 b extends from the main body 14 a in the first direction P on the positive electrode terminal 40 side and protrudes to the outside of the positive electrode terminal 40 .

[0031] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the bus bar 14 has a gripping portion 144 at the front end of the extension portion 14b. Here, the gripping portion 144 is a protrusion protruding from the surface of the bus bar 14. In this embodiment, it protrudes from the upper surface 14u of the bus bar 14 on the side opposite to the power storage device 12. The gripping portion 144 protrudes to the side opposite to the power storage device 12. The gripping portion 144 may be, for example, a wall portion provided at the end of the first direction P in the first connecting portion 141 and along the second direction Q. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the “second direction Q” referred to here is a direction perpendicular to the first direction P and is a direction along the wide surface 30a (the same applies to the second to fifth embodiments described below). Figure 1 , the second direction Q is a direction from the left (L) side toward the right (R) side.

[0032] As long as the technical effects disclosed herein are achieved, the dimensional relationship of each part in the busbar 14 is not particularly limited. For example, for a busbar 14 whose length L1 of the main body 14a is 50mm to 80mm (for example, about 65mm), the height H of the gripped portion 144 can be approximately 2mm to 10mm (for example, 3mm to 5mm). In this embodiment, the length L1 refers to the length of the busbar 14 in the first direction. The length L2 of the extension portion 14b can be approximately 2mm to 5mm. In this embodiment, the length L2 refers to the shortest distance between the end of the positive terminal 40 on the side opposite to the center of the sealing plate 32 and the gripped portion 144. The thickness of the busbar 14 can be approximately 0.5mm to 2mm (for example, about 0.8mm). The length L3 from the joint between the positive terminal 40 and the busbar 14 to the gripped portion 144 can be approximately 6mm to 10mm (for example, about 8mm). In this embodiment, the length L3 refers to the shortest distance between the center of the first through hole 141 h and the grasped portion 144 .

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in the power storage module 100, a plurality of power storage devices 12 are constrained in the first direction P. Here, the power storage module 100 includes a spacer 11 and a pair of end plates 17. The spacer 11 is arranged between the power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P. The end plates 17 are respectively arranged at both ends of the plurality of power storage devices 12 arranged in the first direction P, and constrain the plurality of power storage devices 12. The end plates 17 are bridged with metal constraining bands 18. The ends of the constraining bands 18 are fixed with screws 19.

[0034] The power storage module 100 is used for various purposes, but among them, it can be preferably used as a power source (driving power source) for a motor mounted on a vehicle such as a passenger car or a truck. The type of vehicle is not particularly limited, but as preferred examples, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a battery electric vehicle (BEV) can be cited.

[0035] As described above, the power storage module 100 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a bus bar 14. The plurality of power storage devices 12 are arranged in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 is provided between two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 has a gripping portion 144. The gripping portion 144 is formed by extending from the surface of the bus bar 14 (in the Figure 2 In the figure, it is a protrusion protruding from the upper surface 14u).

[0036] Since the bus bar 14 has the gripped portion 144, for example, when disassembling the power storage module 100, the gripped portion 144 can be gripped and pulled. Therefore, the bus bar 14 can be easily separated from the power storage device 12. This can improve the recyclability of the power storage module 100, for example.

[0037] The gripped portion 144 may be provided at one end of the bus bar 14 in the first direction P. Thus, for example, when the power storage module 100 is disassembled, the gripped portion 144 can be gripped more easily, and the bus bar 14 can be separated from the power storage device 12 more easily.

[0038] The bus bar 14 may also include a main body 14a and an extension portion 14b extending from the main body 14a in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 may also include a gripped portion 144 at the front end of the extension portion 14b. By providing the gripped portion 144 at the front end of the extension portion 14b of the bus bar 14, for example, the distance between the joint between the bus bar 14 and the terminal (for example, the positive terminal 40) and the gripped portion 144 can be increased. Thus, for example, when the storage module 100 is disassembled, it is easier to grip the gripped portion 144, and thus it is easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the storage device 12.

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 3 A method of handling the power storage module 100 will be described. Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of one process of the treatment method. Figure 3 , a cross-sectional view schematically shows a process in which the gripped portion 144 of the bus bar 14 is gripped by the clamp A and separated from the power storage device 12. The processing method of the power storage module 100 includes, for example, separating the bus bar 14 from the power storage device 12 by pulling the gripped portion 144 provided on the bus bar 14. By implementing this processing method, the bus bar 14 can be easily separated from the power storage device 12, and the reusability of the power storage module 100 can be improved. In addition, the processing method disclosed herein can be partially or entirely implemented manually by an operator, or partially or entirely implemented automatically.

[0040] The treatment method is, for example, a method of dismantling the power storage module 100. The treatment method may be, for example, a method of dismantling the power storage module 100 for the purpose of disposal, or a method of dismantling the power storage module 100 for the purpose of reusing the power storage device 12. Therefore, the power storage module 100 that is the object of the treatment method may be, for example, a used power storage module. The used power storage module refers to, for example, a power storage module that is the object of disposal, or a power storage module that is the object of reusing.

[0041] To pull the gripped portion 144, for example, the gripped portion 144 gripped by the jig A may be pulled in a direction away from the power storage device 12 (see Figure 1 ). This makes it easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the power storage device 12. The clamp A is not particularly limited as long as it can continue to hold the held portion 144 for a predetermined period of time. Figure 3In the embodiment shown, pliers are used as the clamp A. In this embodiment, the "direction away from the power storage device 12" refers to the direction toward the upper surface 32u of the sealing plate 32 (see Figure 1 ) in the direction of the upper position.

[0042] To separate the gripped portion 144, for example, first, the bus bar 14 may be separated from the joint between the electrode terminal and the bus bar 14 on the side close to the gripped portion 144. In this embodiment, to separate the gripped portion 144, the bus bar 14 may be separated from the joint between the positive electrode terminal 40 and the bus bar 14. Figure 3 As shown, the joint portion between the positive electrode terminal 40 and the bus bar 14 is the joint portion between the electrode terminal and the bus bar 14 on the side closer to the grasped portion 144. Therefore, it is easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the power storage device 12.

[0043] Although not particularly limited, the processing method may include marking the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided on the bus bar 14 before pulling the gripped portion 144. Thus, for example, the gripped portion 144 can be easily identified, and a non-slip function can be given to the surface of the gripped portion 144 to achieve more stable gripping. Therefore, the gripped portion 144 is gripped more efficiently, and the bus bar 14 is more easily separated from the power storage device 12. In this embodiment, "the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided" refers to the gripped portion 144 itself, the periphery of the gripped portion 144, or the gripped portion 144 itself and the periphery of the gripped portion 144. "Marking the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided" means, for example, processing the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided so that the properties or materials of the surface of the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided in the bus bar 14 are different from the properties or materials of other portions other than the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided.

[0044] The marking method is not particularly limited, and for example, processing (for example, knurling) may be performed to provide concave and / or convex portions on the surface of the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided. The marking may also be performed by, for example, sticking a tape on the surface of the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided. The tape may be, for example, a colored tape or a tape that can provide an anti-slip function to the portion to which it is stuck.

[0045] The timing for marking the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided may be, for example, during the manufacturing process of the storage module 100. In this case, for example, as the bus bar 14, a bus bar that has been preliminarily marked at the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided may be used. The portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided may be marked after the bus bar 14 is mounted on the storage device 12. Alternatively, the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided may be marked when the storage module 100 is processed.

[0046] As described above, the first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein is described. However, the technology disclosed herein can include the technology after the above-exemplified embodiment is deformed or changed. In the other embodiments illustrated below, the same effect as the first embodiment is achieved. In addition, in the following description, the parts common to the first embodiment are no longer recorded separately.

[0047] <Second embodiment>

[0048] For example, in the first embodiment, the gripped portion 144 is a protrusion. However, the shape of the gripped portion is not limited thereto. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between the bus bar 214 and the electrode terminal. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the bus bar 214 has a gripped portion 2144 as a through hole. The bus bar 214 may be the same as the bus bar 14 except that the gripped portion 2144 is a through hole. In addition, since the gripped portion 2144 is a through hole, a hook-shaped gripper may be used as a jig in the processing method. The gripped portion 2144 may be gripped by hooking the hook of the jig to the gripped portion 2144.

[0049] <Third embodiment>

[0050] For example, in the first embodiment, the bus bar 14 includes the main body 14a and the extending portion 14b, and includes the gripped portion 144 at the distal end of the extending portion 14b. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited thereto. Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the junction between the bus bar 314 and the electrode terminal. Figure 5 As shown, the bus bar 314 has a first connection portion 3141, a second connection portion 3142 and a connecting portion 3143. In this embodiment, the bus bar 314 has a first connection portion 3141 at one end in the first direction P. The first connection portion 3141 overlaps with the positive terminal 40. The bus bar 314 has a second connection portion 3142 at the other end in the first direction P. The second connection portion 3142 overlaps with the negative terminal 50. In this embodiment, the bus bar 314 has a gripped portion 3144 at the first connection portion 3141. The gripped portion 3144 is provided at the end of the first connection portion 3141 in the first direction P. The end of the first connection portion 3141 in the first direction P referred to here is the end on the side opposite to the second connection portion 3142. Here, the gripped portion 3144 is a protrusion protruding from the surface. However, the shape of the gripped portion 3144 is not limited thereto, and may also be a through hole. In addition, the bus bar 314 may be the same as the bus bar 14 except for the case described here. Figure 5The reference numerals 3141s and 3142s in the figure denote steps, the reference numeral 3141h denotes a first through hole, and the reference numeral 3142h denotes a second through hole.

[0051] <Fourth embodiment>

[0052] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a bus bar made of a single metal material is used, but the bus bar used in the technology disclosed here is not limited to this. Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the junction between the bus bar 414 and the electrode terminal. Figure 6 As shown, the bus bar 414 may also include a first metal component 4141 and a second metal component 4142. The first metal component 4141 and the second metal component 4142 are made of different metals and can be joined to each other. The bus bar 414 may be, for example, a so-called composite material. The first metal component 4141 can be joined to the positive terminal 40. The second metal component can be joined to the negative terminal 50.

[0053] The first metal member 4141 is preferably made of the same metal as the positive electrode terminal 40, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Figure 6 As shown, the first metal component 4141 has a first connection portion 4141a, a first upright portion 4141b, and a first connecting portion 4141c. The first connection portion 4141a is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the positive terminal 40. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 4141a is arranged along the upper surface of the positive terminal 40 and is joined to the positive terminal 40. The first connection portion 4141a is joined to the positive terminal 40, for example, through a step 4141s provided on the inner wall surface of the first through hole 4141h. The first upright portion 4141b is, for example, a portion upright from the end of the first connection portion 4141a on the second metal component 4142 side in the first direction P. Here, the first upright portion 4141b connects the first connection portion 4141a to the first connecting portion 4141c. The first connecting portion 4141c is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the second metal member 4142. In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 4141c is connected to the second metal member 4142 by bonding (for example, diffusion bonding, ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, or resistance welding) with the second connecting portion 4142c. In addition, the bonding between the first connecting portion 4141a and the positive terminal 40 can be achieved by, for example, ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, or resistance welding.

[0054] The second metal member 4142 is preferably the negative electrode terminal 50, and is made of, for example, copper or a copper alloy. Figure 6As shown, the second metal component 4142 has a second connection portion 4142a, a second upright portion 4142b, and a second connecting portion 4142c. The second connection portion 4142a is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the negative terminal 50. In this embodiment, the second connection portion 4142a is arranged along the upper surface of the negative terminal 50 and is joined to the negative terminal 50. The second connection portion 4142a is joined to the negative terminal 50, for example, by a step 4142s provided on the inner wall surface of the second through hole 4142h. The joining of the second connection portion 4142a to the negative terminal 50 can be achieved, for example, by ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, resistance welding, etc. The second upright portion 4142b is, for example, a portion upright from the end of the second connection portion 4142a on the first metal component 4141 side in the first direction P. Here, the second upright portion 4142b connects the second connection portion 4142a to the second connecting portion 4142c. The second connecting portion 4142c is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the first metal member 4141. In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 4142c is connected to the first metal member 4141 by joining with the first connecting portion 4141c.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the bus bar 414 has a gripped portion 4144. In this embodiment, the bonding strength between the electrode terminal on the side close to the gripped portion 4144 and the bus bar 414 is smaller than the bonding strength between the electrode terminal and the bus bar on the side away from the gripped portion 4144. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the electrode terminal on the side close to the gripped portion 4144 is the positive terminal 40. As described above, the positive terminal 40 is joined to the first connecting portion 4141a of the first metal member 4141. Here, the joining of the positive terminal 40 and the first connecting portion 4141a is the joining of components made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The electrode terminal on the side away from the gripped portion 4144 is the negative terminal 50. As described above, the negative terminal 50 is joined to the second connecting portion 4142a of the second metal member 4142. Here, the joining of the negative terminal 50 and the second connecting portion 4142a is the joining of components made of copper or a copper alloy. The joining strength between components made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is smaller than the joining strength between components made of copper or a copper alloy. By providing the gripped portion 4144 close to the joining portion between the electrode terminal and the bus bar 414, which has a relatively small joining strength, the bus bar 414 can be separated from the power storage device 12 more easily.

[0056] like Figure 6As shown, the gripped portion 4144 may be provided on the first metal component 4141. In this embodiment, the gripped portion 4144 is provided at the end portion of the first connecting portion 4141a on the first direction P opposite to the first upright portion 4141b. By providing the gripped portion 4144 at this location, the bus bar 414 can be separated from the positive terminal 40 more easily, and the bus bar 414 can be separated from the power storage device 12 more easily. Aluminum or aluminum alloy is softer than copper or copper alloy and is easier to process. Therefore, providing the gripped portion 4144 on the first metal component 4141 makes it easier to manufacture the bus bar 414 than providing the gripped portion on the second connecting portion 4142a.

[0057] <Fifth embodiment>

[0058] In the fourth embodiment, the gripped portion 4144 is provided at one end portion of the bus bar 414 in the first direction P. However, the gripped portion is not necessarily provided at this location. Figure 7 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the junction between the bus bar 514 and the electrode terminal. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 5 , the bus bar 514 includes a gripped portion 5144. In this embodiment, the gripped portion 5144 is provided at a junction between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the joint between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142 is provided at the joint between the first connecting portion 5141c and the second connecting portion 5142c. Here, the gripped portion 5144 is provided at the end of the first connecting portion 5141c on the second connecting portion 5142a side in the first direction P at the joint between the first connecting portion 5141c and the second connecting portion 5142c.

[0059] The first metal component 5141 and the second metal component 5142 are made of different metals, and the joint between the two is a joint of dissimilar metals. The joint between the first metal component 5141 and the second metal component 5142 can have a joint strength smaller than that between the first metal component 5141 and the positive terminal 40, and that between the second metal component 5142 and the negative terminal 50. In other words, the joint between the first metal component 5141 and the second metal component 5142 can have the lowest joint strength among the joints between the bus bar 514 and the electrode terminal. Therefore, the bus bar 514 can be separated from the electrode terminal more easily.

[0060] In the processing method in the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the storage module 100 including the busbars 414, 514 having the first metal parts 4141, 5141 and the second metal parts 4142, 5142 as the storage device 12 is processed. The first metal parts 4141, 5141 and the second metal parts 4142, 5142 are made of different metals and are joined to each other. From the viewpoint of the ease of separation of the above-mentioned busbars 414, 514, the storage module 100 in the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment is suitable as a processing object of the processing method. In addition, Figure 7 The reference numeral 5141a in the figure is the first connecting portion, the reference numeral 5141b is the first upright portion, the reference numeral 5142b is the second upright portion, the reference numerals 5141s and 5142s are steps, the reference numeral 5141h is the first through hole, and the reference numeral 5142h is the second through hole.

[0061] <Sixth embodiment>

[0062] The “first direction P” in the technology disclosed here is not necessarily the direction specified in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 8 is a three-dimensional diagram of the power storage module 600. Figure 8 , the overall structure of the power storage module 600 is schematically shown. Figure 8 As shown, the power storage module 600 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a bus bar 614. The power storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. The bus bar 614 is provided between two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P. Here, the power storage devices 12 are arranged so that the narrow surfaces 30b of the adjacent power storage devices 12 face each other. The "first direction P" in this embodiment is a direction from one narrow surface 30b of the power storage device 12 toward another narrow surface 30b. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the direction is from the left (L) side to the right (R) side (the same is true in the seventh embodiment described later). Figure 8 , four power storage devices 12 are shown, but this is just an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage devices 12 included in the power storage module 600. Figure 8 In the figure, one wide surface 30a is arranged on the upper (U) side, the other wide surface 30a is arranged on the lower (D) side, one narrow surface 30b is arranged on the left (L) side, and the other narrow surface 30b is arranged on the right (R) side, but this is just an example and is not intended to limit the setting form of the storage module 600 (it is the same in the seventh embodiment described later).

[0063] exist Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the bus bar 614 is provided across the positive terminal 40 of one of the two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P and the negative terminal 50 of the other power storage device 12. As the bus bar 614, any of the bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 of the first to fifth embodiments may be used.

[0064] <Seventh embodiment>

[0065] Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional diagram of the power storage module 700. Fig. 9 The overall structure of the power storage module 700 is schematically shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the power storage module 700 includes a plurality of power storage device groups 701. The power storage device group 701 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a first bus bar 714a. The plurality of power storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. The first bus bar 714a is provided between two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P. Here, the power storage devices 12 are arranged so that the narrow surfaces 30b of the adjacent power storage devices 12 face each other. Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the bus bar 714 is provided across the positive terminal 40 of one of the two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P and the negative terminal 50 of the other power storage device 12. As the first bus bar 714a, any of the bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 of the first to fifth embodiments may be used.

[0066] like Fig. 9 As shown, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are arranged (overlapped) in the second direction Q and are electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are arranged (overlapped) in such a manner that the wide surfaces 30a of two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the second direction Q overlap each other. The "second direction Q" in this embodiment is the direction from one wide surface 30a of the power storage device 12 toward the other wide surface 30a. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are electrically connected to each other via the second bus bar 714b. Fig. 9 As shown, the second bus bar 714b is provided at one or the other end in the first direction P over the positive terminal 40 of one storage device 12 and the negative terminal 50 of another storage device 12 adjacent in the second direction Q. As the second bus bar 714b, a conventionally known bus bar used in such a storage module may be used, but it is preferred to use any of the bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 of the first to fifth embodiments. Fig. 9, three power storage device groups 701 are shown, but this is just an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage device groups 701. Fig. 9 In the figure, the power storage device group 701 includes four power storage devices 12 , but this is just an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage devices 12 included in the power storage device group 701 .

[0067] As described above, as specific aspects of the technology disclosed here, aspects described in the following items can be cited.

[0068] Item 1:

[0069] A power storage module comprises: a plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction; and a bus bar mounted on two power storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction, wherein the bus bar has a gripped portion which is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the bus bar or a through hole.

[0070] Item 2:

[0071] The power storage module according to Item 1, wherein the gripped portion is provided at one end portion of the bus bar in the first direction.

[0072] Item 3:

[0073] The power storage module according to item 1 or 2, wherein the bus bar includes a main body and an extension extending from the main body in the first direction, and the extension includes the gripped portion at a distal end of the extension.

[0074] Item 4:

[0075] According to the storage module described in any one of items 1 to 3, the storage device has a positive terminal and a negative terminal on the outer surface of the storage device, and the bus bar is constructed as follows: the positive terminal of one of the two adjacent storage devices and the negative terminal of the other storage device are mounted, and the bus bar has a first metal component and a second metal component that are made of different metals and joined to each other, the first metal component is joined to the positive terminal, and the second metal component is joined to the negative terminal.

[0076] Item 5:

[0077] The power storage module according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the bonding strength between the electrode terminal closer to the held portion and the bus bar is smaller than the bonding strength between the electrode terminal farther from the held portion and the bus bar.

[0078] Item 6:

[0079] The power storage module according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the gripped portion is provided at a junction between the first metal member and the second metal member.

[0080] Item 7:

[0081] The power storage module according to any one of items 4 to 6, wherein the gripped portion is provided on the first metal member.

[0082] Item 8:

[0083] A processing method is a method for processing a storage module, wherein the storage module comprises: a plurality of storage devices arranged in a first direction and respectively comprising electrode terminals; and a bus bar mounted on two storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction, wherein the processing method comprises: separating the bus bar from the storage device by pulling a gripping portion which is a protrusion or a hole protruding from a surface of the bus bar.

[0084] Item 9:

[0085] The processing method according to Item 8, wherein the pulling includes pulling the gripped portion gripped by the clamp in a direction away from the electrical storage device.

[0086] Item 10:

[0087] The processing method according to item 8 or 9, wherein, for the separation, first, the bus bar is separated from the joint portion between the electrode terminal and the bus bar on the side closer to the grasped portion.

[0088] Item 11:

[0089] The processing method according to any one of items 8 to 10, comprising: before pulling the grasped portion, marking a portion of the bus bar where the grasped portion is provided.

[0090] Item 12:

[0091] The processing method according to any one of items 8 to 11, wherein the processing is performed on a power storage module including, as the power storage device, a bus bar including a first metal member and a second metal member made of mutually different metals and joined to each other.

[0092] The above describes the implementation methods of the technology disclosed herein, but it is not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to the above implementation methods. The technology disclosed herein can also be implemented in other implementation methods. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the above-mentioned exemplified implementation methods. For example, part of the above-mentioned implementation method can be replaced with other modifications, and other modifications can be added to the above-mentioned implementation method. In addition, as long as it is not stated that it is necessary for its technical features, it can also be appropriately deleted.

Claims

1. A power storage module, comprising: A plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction; and a bus bar provided between two power storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction; in, The bus bar has a gripped portion which is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the bus bar or a through hole.

2. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The grasped portion is provided at one end portion of the bus bar in the first direction.

3. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The busbar is composed of: The device comprises a main body and an extension portion extending from the main body toward the first direction. The extending portion has the gripped portion at a front end thereof.

4. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The power storage device includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal on an outer surface of the power storage device. The busbar is composed of: The positive terminal of one of the two adjacent power storage devices and the negative terminal of the other power storage device are connected. A first metal member and a second metal member are formed of different metals and joined to each other. The first metal member is joined to the positive electrode terminal, and the second metal member is joined to the negative electrode terminal.

5. The power storage module according to claim 4, wherein: The bonding strength between the electrode terminal on the side close to the held portion and the bus bar is smaller than the bonding strength between the electrode terminal on the side far from the held portion and the bus bar.

6. The power storage module according to claim 4, wherein: The gripped portion is provided at a junction between the first metal member and the second metal member.

7. The power storage module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The gripped portion is provided on the first metal member.

8. A processing method is a method for processing a storage module, wherein the storage module comprises: a plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction and each having an electrode terminal; and a bus bar provided between two power storage devices adjacent to each other in the first direction; in, The processing method comprises: The bus bar is separated from the power storage device by pulling a gripped portion, which is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the bus bar or a hole, provided on the bus bar.

9. The processing method according to claim 8, wherein: The pulling includes pulling the gripped portion gripped by a clamp in a direction away from the power storage device.

10. The processing method according to claim 8, wherein: In the separation, first, the bus bar is separated from a joint portion between the electrode terminal and the bus bar on a side closer to the grasped portion.

11. The processing method according to claim 8, wherein: include: Before pulling the grasped portion, a portion where the grasped portion is provided is marked on the bus bar.

12. The processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: A power storage module including a bus bar including a first metal member and a second metal member which are made of different metals and joined to each other is handled as the power storage device.

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