Tab lead connecting component

Abstract

The utility model aims to solve the problems that tab leads can be easily and simply connected without welding, and the connection structure of the tab leads can easily and flexibly cope with the volume change of a single storage battery. In order to solve the problem, the tab lead connecting component is used for electrically connecting tab leads of different storage battery monomers. The tab lead connection member includes a negative connector, a positive connector, and a connection portion. The negative electrode connector is attached to a negative electrode-side tab lead in a predetermined battery cell. The positive electrode connector is attached to a tab lead on the positive electrode side of a battery cell different from the predetermined battery cell. The connecting part is a flexible part connecting the negative electrode connector and the positive electrode connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a structure for electrically connecting the tab leads of storage battery monomers. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) have become popular from the perspective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and reducing adverse effects on the earth's environment. Among the batteries installed in electric vehicles, there are batteries with battery cells arranged in a predetermined stacking direction. Each battery cell has a tab lead protruding in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction.

[0003] Prior art patent document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-148244 Utility Model Content

[0004] [Problems to be solved by the utility model]

[0005] In such a battery, the tab leads of the battery cells are sometimes electrically connected to each other as follows. That is, the tab leads of the battery cells that are electrically connected to each other are bent in a direction toward each other. The tab leads are welded to a predetermined bus bar to electrically connect the tab leads to each other via the bus bar.

[0006] However, the inventors of the present invention have noticed that the connection structure of the tab leads has the following problems. Since the tab leads electrically connected to each other need to be bent toward each other and welded, the connection of the tab leads is laborious. In addition, the heat generated during welding may have an adverse effect on the battery cells. In addition, the volume of the battery cells often changes due to charging and discharging. It is difficult to flexibly respond to the volume change in the connection structure of the tab leads.

[0007] The utility model is made in view of the above situation, and aims to make it easy to electrically connect the tab leads to each other without welding, and to make the connection structure of the tab leads to each other easily and flexibly cope with the volume change of the battery cell.

[0008] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0009] The inventors of the utility model have found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved by electrically connecting the tab leads of a battery cell using a predetermined tab lead connecting component, and have completed the utility model. The utility model is a tab lead connecting component of the following (1) to (5).

[0010] (1) A tab lead connection component, characterized in that for a battery having battery cells arranged in a predetermined stacking direction, each of the battery cells has a tab lead protruding in a protruding direction orthogonal to the stacking direction,

[0011] The tab leads of the different battery cells are electrically connected to each other, and the tab lead connecting component includes:

[0012] A negative electrode connector, mounted on the aforementioned tab lead on the negative electrode side of the aforementioned battery cell;

[0013] a positive electrode connector mounted on the tab lead on the positive electrode side of the battery cell different from the aforementioned specified battery cell; and

[0014] The flexible connecting portion connects the negative electrode connector to the positive electrode connector.

[0015] According to this structure, the tab leads can be electrically connected to each other by simply installing the negative electrode connector on the tab lead on the negative electrode side of a specified battery cell and installing the positive electrode connector on the tab lead on the positive electrode side of another battery cell. Therefore, there is no need to bend the tab leads that are electrically connected to each other toward each other and to weld the tab leads to the busbar. Therefore, the tab leads can be easily and simply electrically connected to each other without welding.

[0016] Furthermore, when the volume of the battery cell increases or decreases due to charge and discharge, and the distance between the tab leads electrically connected to each other changes, the change in the distance can be accommodated by the deflection of the flexible connecting portion.

[0017] As described above, according to this structure, the tab leads can be easily and simply electrically connected to each other without welding, and the connection structure of the tab leads can be easily and flexibly adapted to the volume change of the battery cell.

[0018] (2) The tab lead connection component according to (1), wherein the negative electrode connector is detachably attached to the tab lead on the negative electrode side.

[0019] The positive electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead on the positive electrode side.

[0020] According to this structure, the tab lead connection component can be removed from the battery cell by only removing the first mounting portion from the tab lead of the first battery cell and the second mounting portion from the tab lead of the second battery cell. Therefore, when the battery cell is recycled or replaced, the connection between the tab leads can be easily released.

[0021] (3) The tab lead connection component according to (2), wherein the negative electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead by being externally fitted to the tab lead on the negative electrode side.

[0022] The positive electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead by being externally embedded in the tab lead on the positive electrode side.

[0023] According to this structure, with such a simple structure, the negative electrode connector can be detachably mounted on the tab lead on the negative electrode side, and the positive electrode connector can be detachably mounted on the tab lead on the positive electrode side.

[0024] (4) The tab lead connection component according to (2) or (3), wherein the tab lead has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a tab width direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction and protruding in the protruding direction,

[0025] The negative electrode connector and the positive electrode connector are formed with recessed portions that engage with the protrusions.

[0026] According to this structure, the negative electrode connector or the positive electrode connector can be firmly and detachably attached to the tab lead by the engagement between the protrusion and the recess.

[0027] (5) The tab lead connection component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the thickness of the tab lead on the negative electrode side in the stacking direction is 0.6 mm or more.

[0028] The thickness of the tab lead on the positive electrode side in the stacking direction is 0.8 mm or more.

[0029] According to this structure, since the thickness of the tab lead on the negative electrode side is 0.6 mm or more and the thickness of the tab lead on the positive electrode side is 0.8 mm or more, it is easy to cope with rapid charging and discharging, etc. However, since the thickness of the tab lead on the negative electrode side is 0.6 mm or more, it is not easy to bend the tab lead on the negative electrode side toward the tab lead on the positive electrode side. In addition, since the thickness of the tab lead on the positive electrode side is 0.8 mm or more, it is not easy to bend the tab lead on the positive electrode side toward the tab lead on the negative electrode side. Therefore, the effect of the aforementioned (1) cited in this structure can be more significantly exerted, that is, even if the tab leads electrically connected to each other are not bent toward each other to a side close to each other, the tab leads can be electrically connected to each other by the tab lead connecting component.

[0030] (Effect of utility model)

[0031] As described above, according to the structure of (1), the tab leads can be easily and simply electrically connected to each other without welding, and the connection structure of the tab leads can be easily and flexibly adapted to the volume change of the battery cell. Furthermore, according to the structures of (2) to (5) cited from (1), respective additional effects can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing a battery cell.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the tab lead connection component and its surroundings.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the tab lead connection component.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the tab lead connection component.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing a storage battery and tab lead connection components during discharge.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the battery and the tab lead connection components during charging.

[0038] Reference numerals

[0039] 10. Battery

[0040] 12 Battery cells

[0041] 20 Tab lead connection parts

[0042] 21 Negative connector

[0043] 21a recess

[0044] 22 Positive connector

[0045] 22a recess

[0046] 23 connected parts

[0047] N negative electrode tab (negative electrode tab lead)

[0048] Na protrusions

[0049] P positive electrode tab (tab lead on the positive electrode side)

[0050] Pa protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate changes within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] [First embodiment]

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the storage battery 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of storage battery cells 12 and a plurality of tab lead connection components 20. Hereinafter, three predetermined directions orthogonal to each other are referred to as "X direction", "Y direction" and "Z direction". In addition, one side of the "X direction" is referred to as the "X-side", and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the "X+ side". In addition, one side of the "Y direction" is referred to as the "Y-side", and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the "Y+ side". In addition, one side of the "Z direction" is referred to as the "Z-side", and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the "Z+ side".

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 12. Each battery cell 12 includes a positive electrode tab P as a tab lead on the positive electrode side and a negative electrode tab N as a tab lead on the negative electrode side. In the battery 10, the battery cells 12 in which the positive electrode tab P protrudes to the X+ side and the negative electrode tab N protrudes to the X- side and the battery cells 12 in which the positive electrode tab P protrudes to the X- side and the negative electrode tab N protrudes to the X+ side are arranged alternately in the Y direction. An insertion component 13 is inserted between the battery cells 12.

[0055] In summary, the "Y direction" may also be referred to as the "stacking direction". In addition, the "X direction" may also be referred to as the "protruding direction". In addition, the "Z direction" may also be referred to as the "tab width direction".

[0056] The negative electrode tab N of each battery cell 12 except the battery cell 12 on the most Y-side is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab P of the battery cell 12 adjacent to the Y-side of the battery cell 12 via the tab lead connection member 20. Thus, the plurality of battery cells 12 are electrically connected in series.

[0057] The positive electrode tab P of the battery cell 12 on the most Y+ side is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the entire battery 10 . The negative electrode tab N of the battery cell 12 on the most Y− side is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the entire battery 10 .

[0058] Figure 2 The thickness of the negative electrode tab N in the Y direction is within a range of 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. The thickness of the positive electrode tab P in the Y direction is within a range of 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, each tab lead connection component 20 is a harness-shaped component, and includes a negative electrode connector 21, a positive electrode connector 22, and a connecting portion 23. Figure 2 As shown, the negative electrode connector 21 is a socket-shaped portion having an insertion hole 21h formed therein for inserting the negative electrode tab N. The positive electrode connector 22 is a socket-shaped portion having an insertion hole 22h formed therein for inserting the positive electrode tab P. The connecting portion 23 is a flexible portion that connects the negative electrode connector 21 and the positive electrode connector 22.

[0060] As in Figure 4 As schematically shown by dotted lines, wiring 20c is provided inside the negative connector 21, the positive connector 22 and the connecting portion 23, and the wiring 20c is used to electrically connect the inner circumference of the insertion hole 21h of the negative connector 21 with the inner circumference of the insertion hole 22h of the positive connector 22.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the negative electrode connector 21 is externally fitted to the negative electrode tab N of the specified battery cell 12. That is, the negative electrode tab N of the specified battery cell 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 21h of the negative electrode connector 21. The positive electrode connector 22 is externally fitted to the positive electrode tab P of another battery cell 12 adjacent to the Y-side of the battery cell 12. That is, the positive electrode tab P of the other battery cell 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 22h of the positive electrode connector 22. As a result, the negative electrode tab N of the specified battery cell 12 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab P of the other battery cell 12.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, at the front end in the X direction of the negative electrode tab N, protrusions Na protruding in the X direction are arranged along the Z direction. Also, at the front end in the X direction of the positive electrode tab P, protrusions Pa protruding in the X direction are arranged along the Z direction.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the insertion hole 21h of the negative connector 21 has a recess 21a that fits with the protrusion Na of the negative electrode tab N. The bottom of the insertion hole 22h of the positive connector 22 has a recess 22a that fits with the protrusion Pa of the positive electrode tab P.

[0064] Hereinafter, the configuration and effects of the present embodiment will be summarized.

[0065] like Figure 2As shown, the tab lead connection component 20 includes a negative electrode connector 21 and a positive electrode connector 22, and a flexible connecting portion 23 connecting them. Therefore, by simply installing the negative electrode connector 21 on the negative electrode tab N of a specified battery cell 12 and installing the positive electrode connector 22 on the positive electrode tab P of another battery cell 12, these negative electrode tabs N and positive electrode tabs P can be electrically connected. Therefore, there is no need to bend the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P to one side close to each other, and there is no need to weld these negative electrode tabs N and positive electrode tabs P to the busbar. Therefore, in addition to making it easy to electrically connect the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P, it is also possible to avoid the adverse effects of heat during welding on the battery cell 12.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , as the battery 10 is discharged, the volume of the battery cell 12 decreases. Figure 6 As shown, as the battery 10 is charged, the volume of the battery cell 12 increases. As a result, the interval in the Y direction between the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P electrically connected to each other by the tab lead connection component 20 changes. At this time, the change in the interval in the Y direction can also be handled by the bending of the flexible connecting portion 23. Therefore, it is easy to make the connection structure of the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P flexibly handle the volume change of the battery cell 12.

[0067] Figure 1 The negative electrode connector 21 shown is detachably mounted on the negative electrode tab N. The positive electrode connector 22 is detachably mounted on the positive electrode tab P. Therefore, the tab lead connection component 20 can be removed from the battery cell 12 by simply removing the negative electrode connector 21 from the negative electrode tab N and removing the positive electrode connector 22 from the positive electrode tab P. Therefore, when the battery cell 12 is recycled or replaced, the connection between the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P can be easily released.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the negative electrode connector 21 is mounted on the negative electrode tab N by being externally embedded in the negative electrode tab N. The positive electrode connector 22 is mounted on the positive electrode tab P by being externally embedded in the positive electrode tab P. With this simple structure, the negative electrode connector 21 can be detachably mounted on the negative electrode tab N, and the positive electrode connector 22 can be detachably mounted on the positive electrode tab P.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the negative electrode tab N has a plurality of protrusions Na arranged in the Z direction and protruding in the X direction. Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of recessed portions 21a that engage with the plurality of protrusions Na are formed on the negative electrode connector 21. Therefore, the negative electrode connector 21 can be firmly and detachably attached to the negative electrode tab N by the engagement of the protrusions Na and the recessed portions 21a.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the positive electrode tab P has a plurality of protrusions Pa arranged in the Z direction and protruding in the X direction. Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of recesses 22a are formed on the positive electrode connector 22 to engage with the plurality of protrusions Pa. Therefore, the positive electrode connector 22 can be firmly and detachably attached to the positive electrode tab P by the engagement of the protrusions Pa with the recesses 22a.

[0071] Figure 2 The thickness of the negative pole tab N shown is 0.6 mm or more, and the thickness of the positive pole tab P is 0.8 mm or more, so it is easy to cope with rapid charging and discharging, etc. However, since the thickness of the negative pole tab N is 0.6 mm or more, it is not easy to bend the negative pole tab to the positive pole tab P side electrically connected thereto, that is, the Y- side. In addition, since the thickness of the positive pole tab P is 0.8 mm or more, it is not easy to bend the positive pole tab P to the negative pole tab N side electrically connected thereto, that is, the Y+ side. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect can be more significantly exerted, that is, even if the negative pole tab N and the positive pole tab P are not bent to one side close to each other, the negative pole tab N and the positive pole tab P can be electrically connected to each other by the tab lead connecting component 20.

[0072] [Other embodiments]

[0073] The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows. The negative electrode connector 21 may be mounted on the negative electrode tab N by a method other than external embedding. Similarly, the positive electrode connector 22 may be mounted on the positive electrode tab P by a method other than external embedding. In the case where there is no particular problem even if it is difficult to release the connection between the negative electrode tab N and the positive electrode tab P, the negative electrode connector 21 may be mounted on the negative electrode tab N in an undetachable manner, and the positive electrode connector 22 may be mounted on the positive electrode tab P in an undetachable manner.

Claims

1. A tab lead connection component, characterized in that: A battery having battery cells arranged in a predetermined stacking direction, each of the battery cells having a tab lead protruding in a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, The tab leads of the different battery cells are electrically connected to each other, and the tab lead connecting component includes: A negative electrode connector, mounted on the aforementioned tab lead on the negative electrode side of the aforementioned battery cell; a positive electrode connector mounted on the tab lead on the positive electrode side of the battery cell different from the aforementioned specified battery cell; and The flexible connecting portion connects the negative electrode connector to the positive electrode connector.

2. The tab lead connection component according to claim 1, wherein: The negative electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead on the negative electrode side. The positive electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead on the positive electrode side.

3. The tab lead connection component according to claim 2, wherein: The negative electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead by being externally embedded in the tab lead on the negative electrode side. The positive electrode connector is detachably mounted on the tab lead by being externally embedded in the tab lead on the positive electrode side.

4. The tab lead connection component according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The tab lead has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a tab width direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction, and protruding in the protruding direction. The negative electrode connector and the positive electrode connector are formed with recessed portions that engage with the protrusions.

5. The tab lead connection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The thickness of the tab lead on the negative electrode side in the stacking direction is 0.6 mm or more. The thickness of the tab lead on the positive electrode side in the stacking direction is 0.8 mm or more.

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