Tab and battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a tab and a battery module capable of further preventing re-contact of a fused portion even if a fuse is fused due to an overcurrent. The tab according to the present disclosure is provided with: a tab body having a first tab part, a second tab part, and a connection part connecting the first tab part and the second tab part; and a thermal expansion member that is in contact with at least the first tab portion and the second tab portion, the direction in which the first tab portion extends toward the connection portion being a Y direction, the direction in which the second tab portion extends toward the connection portion being a Z direction, and the directions perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction being an X direction. The size of the connection portion in the X direction is smaller than the size of the first tab portion in the X direction and the size of the second tab portion in the X direction, and the thermal expansion member includes a first contact surface in contact with the first tab portion in the Z direction and a second contact surface in contact with the second tab portion in the Y direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tab and a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] A flat type temperature fuse is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, in which a recess is provided on an insulating substrate, a low-melting-point metal body as a fuse element is disposed on the insulating substrate with a gap from the bottom surface of the recess, and an outer covering body is covered on the low-melting-point metal body with an elastic body or a foaming layer in a compressed state covering the recess.

[0003] According to the flat type temperature fuse described in Patent Literature 1, it is disclosed that when the low-melting-point metal body melts, the elastic body or the foaming layer restores the shape in a manner of filling the recess, at the upper end edge portion of the recess, the molten low-melting-point metal body is sheared and deformed, the molten low-melting-point metal body is divided at this portion, and the passage of the molten low-melting-point metal body is blocked.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-17303 Utility Model Contents

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Utility Model

[0008] In the flat type temperature fuse described in Patent Literature 1, the elastic body or the foaming layer in a compressed state is elastically deformed in a direction of filling the recess. That is, the direction in which the elastic body or the foaming layer is elastically deformed is one direction. Therefore, in the case where a force is applied to the elastic body or the foaming layer in a direction opposite to the direction of filling the recess, the molten low-melting-point metal bodies can be connected to each other again.

[0009] The present disclosure is completed in view of such a point. That is, the main object of the present disclosure is to provide a tab and a battery module in which recontacting of a fuse breaking portion is further prevented after a fuse is broken by flowing of an overcurrent.

[0010] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] The tab of the present disclosure has:

[0012] a tab main body having a first tab portion, a second tab portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first tab portion and the second tab portion; and

[0013] a thermal expansion member contacting at least the first tab portion and the second tab portion,

[0014] A direction in which the first tab portion extends toward the connection portion is set as a Y direction, a direction in which the second tab portion extends toward the connection portion is set as a Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction is set as an X direction,

[0015] The size of the connection portion in the X direction is smaller than the size of the first tab portion in the X direction and the size of the second tab portion in the X direction,

[0016] The thermal expansion member has a first contact surface that contacts the first tab portion in the Z direction and a second contact surface that contacts the second tab portion in the Y direction.

[0017] The thermal expansion member has a corner portion composed of the first contact surface and the second contact surface, and the corner portion contacts the connection portion.

[0018] In the connection portion, an outer edge of the first tab portion and an outer edge of the connection portion are continuous, and an outer edge of the connection portion and an outer edge of the second tab portion are continuous.

[0019] The connection portion is continuous from both outer edges of the first tab portion and from both outer edges of the second tab portion.

[0020] The connection portion is one.

[0021] When viewed in the Z direction, the maximum size of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than the maximum size of the first tab portion in the X direction.

[0022] When viewed in the Y direction, the maximum size of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than the maximum size of the second tab portion in the X direction.

[0023] The size of the connection portion in the X direction increases toward the first tab portion, and the size of the connection portion in the X direction increases toward the second tab portion.

[0024] A first opening is provided on the first tab portion in proximity to the connection portion, and / or a second opening is provided on the second tab portion in proximity to the connection portion, a first edge portion is provided on both sides of the first opening in the X direction, and / or a second edge portion is provided on both sides of the second opening in the X direction, the size of the first edge portion in the X direction is larger than the size of the connection portion in the X direction, and / or the size of the second edge portion in the X direction is larger than the size of the connection portion in the X direction.

[0025] The battery module of the present disclosure has:

[0026] The aforementioned pole ears;

[0027] The battery cell electrically connected to the tabs; and

[0028] A battery holder that houses the battery cells.

[0029] The thermal expansion component has a first opposing surface facing the first contact surface, a vertical surface perpendicular to both the first contact surface and the second contact surface, and a second opposing surface facing the second contact surface. The first opposing surface, the second opposing surface, and the vertical surface are in contact with the battery holder.

[0030] Effects of the utility model

[0031] According to this disclosure, even if an overcurrent causes the connection between the first and second electrode tabs to melt, re-contact of the melted portions can be further prevented. Specifically, since the thermal expansion member has a first contact surface that contacts the first electrode tab in the Z direction and a second contact surface that contacts the second electrode tab in the Y direction, the use of the first and second contact surfaces can more effectively prevent re-contact between the first and second electrode tabs in the event of melting. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the battery pack disclosed herein.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the battery modules housed in the battery pack disclosed herein.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode tab in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the tab in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the tab body (before the connecting part is bent) in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view of a modified example of the tab body (before the connecting part is bent) of this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tab in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the situation where the tab in this embodiment has melted.

[0040] Figure 9Ais a schematic perspective view of another modification example of the tab main body of the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9B is a schematic plan view of another modification example of the tab main body of the present embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of another modification example of the tab main body of the present embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of another modification example of the tab main body of the present embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of another modification example of the tab main body of the present embodiment.

[0045] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0046] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: tab; 10: tab main body; 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D: first tab portion; 11I: insertion portion; 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D: second tab portion; 12T: terminal connecting portion; 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D: connecting portion; 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D: thermal expansion member; 21: first contact surface; 22: second contact surface; A1: first opening; A2: second opening; BM: battery module; BP: battery pack; CB: battery; CN: connector; CS: case; CS1: first case; CS2: second case; CO: corner portion; E1, E2, E3: outer side edge; F1: first edge portion; F2: second edge portion; H1, H2: hole; HD: battery holder; IH: insertion hole; L1 to L7: dimension; NT: negative terminal; OP: opening portion; PT: positive terminal; S1: first opposing surface; S2: second opposing surface; S3: perpendicular surface; SB: control substrate; W1: first wall portion; W2: second wall portion; W3: third wall portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, a tab, a battery module, and a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. Although the description is made with reference to the drawings as needed, various elements in the drawings are schematically and exemplarily shown for understanding the present disclosure, and the appearance and the dimension ratio, etc. can be different from the actual ones.

[0048] In this specification, "Z-direction" refers to the thickness direction of the object (e.g., a battery pack), and the accompanying drawings viewed from the Z-direction are shown as a top view. "Y-direction" refers to the height direction of the batteries used in the battery pack, and the accompanying drawings viewed from the Y-direction are shown as a front view. "X-direction" refers to the direction orthogonal to both the Z and Y directions, and the accompanying drawings viewed from the X-direction are shown as a side view. That is, the X, Y, and Z directions are mutually orthogonal. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, the arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions point in the positive direction (or + direction), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the negative direction (or - direction). Furthermore, the term "degree" used in this specification implies a possible variation of a few percent, such as ±10%.

[0049] [Battery Pack]

[0050] Regarding the battery pack BP disclosed herein, please refer to... Figure 1 While explaining. Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded 3D view of the BP battery pack.

[0051] The battery pack BP may have a housing CS and a battery module BM housed within the housing CS (see reference). Figure 1 It should be noted that a detailed description of the battery module BM will be provided below.

[0052] The housing CS can be composed of a first housing CS1 and a second housing CS2. Alternatively, the first housing CS1 and the second housing CS2 can also form a housing space for the battery module BM. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The example illustrates a way in which a containment space is formed by two shells (a first shell CS1 and a second shell CS2), but it is not limited to this method and can also be formed by three or more shells.

[0053] The casing CS can be made of any material, including resin (e.g., plastic) or metal. Examples of resin materials include polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), and polyamide (PA). Examples of metal materials include aluminum. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of more appropriately housing the battery module BM, the casing CS can be made of a material with high rigidity.

[0054] A connector CN, which is electrically connected to the battery module BM, can be installed on the housing CS. Figure 1 The example shown illustrates how connector CN is positioned within the second housing CS2, but connector CN could also be positioned within the first housing CS1. Connector CN could be a terminal for extracting power from the battery module BM.

[0055] [Battery module]

[0056] The battery module BM of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 2 while being described. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the battery module BM housed in the battery pack BP of the present disclosure.

[0057] The battery module BM of the present disclosure can be provided with a battery CB, a battery holder HD, a tab 1, and a control substrate SB. Hereinafter, each structure will be described in detail.

[0058] Battery

[0059] The battery CB mainly refers to a chemical cell that converts chemical energy into direct current power through a chemical reaction. The battery CB used in the battery module BM of the present disclosure refers to a cylindrical battery having a cylindrical axis in the ±Y direction. Note that the shape of the battery can also be a shape other than the cylindrical shape (for example, an elliptical cylindrical shape, a rectangular columnar shape, or a polygonal columnar shape, etc.).

[0060] In the battery module BM of the present disclosure, two or more batteries CB can be provided. In addition, each battery CB can be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, in the manner shown in Figure 2 , 4 batteries CB are arranged adjacent to each other in the ±X direction and combined in 2 rows in the +Z direction (a total of 8 batteries CB can be provided). Note that the number of batteries and the combination manner are not limited to the manner shown in Figure 2 .

[0061] Battery holder

[0062] The battery holder HD can be a member that holds and / or fixes the battery CB in the housing space of the case CS. In the example shown in Figure 2 , the battery holder HD can be provided on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the battery CB. That is, the battery holder HD can be inserted into the battery CB in a manner of sandwiching the battery CB from both sides in the ±Y direction, thereby holding and / or fixing the battery CB. Note that, in the manner shown in Figure 2 , the battery holder HD is composed of two members in a manner of sandwiching the battery CB from both sides in the ±Y direction, but the battery holder HD can be composed of three or more members. In addition, the battery holder HD can be provided as a single member composed of one member, and the battery CB can be held and / or fixed by being inserted into the battery CB from the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the battery holder HD may be provided with an opening OP that exposes the positive and negative terminals of the battery CB. The battery CB (positive and negative terminals) can be electrically connected to the tab 1 through the opening OP.

[0064] -Ear-

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, tab 1 can be configured to clamp battery CB in the ±Y direction. Tab 1 can also electrically connect the positive terminal PT and / or negative terminal NT of adjacent battery CB to each other. In one example... Figure 2 In this configuration, electrode 1 can be electrically connected in parallel by electrically connecting the positive terminals PT (or negative terminals NT) of adjacent batteries CB in the ±Z direction to each other. Additionally, in an example... Figure 2 In this configuration, tab 1 can also be electrically connected in series by electrically connecting the positive terminal PT and the negative terminal NT of the battery CB, which are adjacent in the ±X direction. It should be noted that a detailed description of tab 1 will be provided below.

[0066] -Control board-

[0067] Control board SB is shown in one example Figures 3 to 12 The electrode 1 can be disposed on the outer surface of the battery holder HD. The control board SB can be provided with an insertion hole IH, into which the electrode 1 is inserted. Thus, the control board SB can receive power from the battery CB via the electrode 1 connected through the insertion hole IH. In addition, the power output from the battery CB via the electrode 1 can also be controlled.

[0068] [Implementation of the electrode]

[0069] Reference Figure 3 The embodiment of the electrode tab 1 will be described. The electrode tab 1 of this embodiment includes: an electrode tab body 10, comprising a first electrode tab portion 11, a second electrode tab portion 12, and a connecting portion 13; and a thermal expansion member 20. It should be noted that, in this specification, the direction in which the first electrode tab portion 11 extends toward the connecting portion 13 is designated as the Y direction, the direction in which the second electrode tab portion 12 extends toward the connecting portion 13 is designated as the Z direction, and the directions perpendicular to both the Y and Z directions are designated as the X direction.

[0070] The first electrode ear 11 is the part electrically connected to the control board SB and can be conductive. In this specification, "conductivity" refers to a volume resistivity of 10⁻⁶. 5 Below Ω·cm. For example... Figure 4 as well as Figure 4As shown, the first tab portion 11 extends in the -Y direction. In addition, the first tab portion 11 can have an insertion portion 11I that is inserted into the insertion hole IH of the aforementioned control substrate SB. The insertion portion 11I extends in the +Z direction, and the insertion portion 11I and the control substrate SB can be electrically connected.

[0071] The second tab portion 12 is a portion that is electrically connected to the positive terminal PT or the negative terminal NT of the battery CB, and can have electrical conductivity. The second tab portion 12 can have a terminal connection portion 12T that extends in the -Z direction and is connected to the positive terminal PT or the negative terminal NT (refer to Figure 4 )。

[0072] The connection portion 13 connects the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 (refer to Figure 5 ). In addition, the connection portion 13 functions as a fuse by being fused by flowing of an overcurrent therethrough.

[0073] By forming the hole H1 in the tab main body 10, the connection portion 13 can be located outside the hole H1. Note that the hole H1 in the present embodiment can also be a quadrilateral shape when viewed from above (refer to Figure 6 ). Note that the shape of the hole H1 is not limited to a quadrilateral shape, and can also be an oblong shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape, etc.

[0074] In addition, as a modification example of the shape of the hole, as shown in Figure 5 , the hole H2 can also be an octagonal shape. When formed in this shape, the connection portion 13B has a portion in which the size in the X direction becomes larger as it goes toward the first tab portion 11B, and also has a portion in which the size in the X direction becomes larger as it goes toward the second tab portion 12B. In other words, the size in the X direction of the connection portion 13B can gradually become smaller as it goes toward the position at which the overcurrent is fused. By such a structure, it is possible to increase the electrical resistance in the vicinity of the position at which the connection portion 13B is fused, and further promote heat generation.

[0075] Here, in the present specification, as shown in Figure 5 , the boundary of the connection portion 13 and the first tab portion 11 is defined by a boundary line R1 that is parallel to the X direction and that is on the most -Y direction side of the hole H1 used to form the connection portion 13. Similarly, as shown in Figure 5 , the boundary of the connection portion 13 and the second tab portion 12 is defined by a boundary line R2 that is parallel to the X direction and that is on the most +Y direction side of the hole H1 used to form the connection portion 13. Therefore, in the present specification, the range from the boundary line R1 to the boundary line R2 is taken as the connection portion 13, the side opposite the connection portion 13 with the boundary line R1 as a reference is taken as the first tab portion 11, and the side opposite the connection portion 13 with the boundary line R2 as a reference is taken as the second tab portion 12.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the dimension L3 of the connecting portion 13 in the X direction is smaller than the dimension L1 of the first electrode lug 11 in the X direction and the dimension L2 of the second electrode lug 12 in the X direction. The "dimension of the connecting portion in the X direction" as used in this specification refers to the dimension L3 located at the center of the range from the boundary between the first electrode lug 11 and the connecting portion 13 to the boundary between the second electrode lug 12 and the connecting portion 13. Furthermore, the "dimension of the first electrode lug in the X direction" as used in this specification refers to the dimension L1 of the first electrode lug 11 at the boundary between the first electrode lug 11 and the connecting portion 13. Additionally, the "dimension of the second electrode lug in the X direction" as used in this specification refers to the dimension L2 of the second electrode lug 12 at the boundary between the second electrode lug 12 and the connecting portion 13.

[0077] The thermal expansion component 20 is a component that expands in the ±X, ±Y, and / or ±Z directions when heat is applied. Examples of such a thermal expansion component 20 include thermally expandable rubbers in which thermally expandable graphite and the like are added to rubber materials such as natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), urethane rubber (U), silicone rubber (Si), butyl rubber (IIR), and mixtures thereof.

[0078] The thermal expansion member 20 has a first contact surface 21 that contacts the first electrode lug 11 in the Z direction and a second contact surface 22 that contacts the second electrode lug 12 in the Y direction.

[0079] The thermal expansion member 20 of this embodiment has a corner CO formed by a first contact surface 21 and a second contact surface 22, and the corner CO can contact the connecting part 13 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0080] Regarding the tab 1 of this embodiment described above, when an overcurrent flows and the connection 13 melts, the heat caused by the overcurrent propagates to the thermal expansion member 20, and the thermal expansion member 20 expands due to the heat (see reference). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the tab 1 has a first contact surface 21 that contacts the first tab portion 11 in the Z direction, and a second contact surface 22 that contacts the second tab portion 12 in the Y direction. Therefore, by expanding the first contact surface 21, the first tab portion 11 is subjected to stress in the +Z direction, and by expanding the second contact surface 22, the second tab portion 12 is subjected to stress in the +Y direction. Therefore, unlike the prior art technique of elastically deforming in one direction, stress can be applied in at least two directions (Z direction and Y direction), thus further preventing re-contact of the fused portion even if the connection portion 13 melts due to overcurrent.

[0081] In addition, for the tab 1 of the present embodiment, the thermal expansion member 20 can also have a corner portion CO constituted by the first contact surface 21 and the second contact surface 22. When the corner portion CO is in contact with the connecting portion 13, heat generated by the melting of the connecting portion 13 propagates to the corner portion CO, and more thermal expansion can occur in the corner portion CO. Thus, in order to further separate the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 and apply stress to each of the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12, even if an overcurrent flows and the connecting portion 13 melts, the re-contacting of the melted portion can be further prevented.

[0082] [Preferred Embodiment of Tab]

[0083] As a preferred form of the tab 1 of the present embodiment, the outer side edge E1 of the first tab portion 11, the outer side edge E3 of the connecting portion 13, and the outer side edge E2 of the second tab portion 12 can be continuous (see FIG. 1). In other words, the outer side edge E1 of the first tab portion 11, the outer side edge E3 of the connecting portion 13, and the outer side edge E2 of the second tab portion 12 can be flat. When such a shape of the tab main body 10 is formed, the connecting portion 13 can be provided only by forming the hole H1 in the tab main body 10, and can function as a fuse. Figure 5

[0084] As a more specific form of the tab main body, the outer side edges E3, E3 of the connecting portion 13 can be continuous from the two outer side edges E1, E1 of the first tab portion 11, respectively, and the outer side edges E3, E3 of the connecting portion 13 can be continuous from the two outer side edges E2, E2 of the second tab portion 12, respectively (see FIG. 1). That is, the number of the connecting portions 13 provided on the tab main body 10 can be at least two. With such a structure, since the connecting portion 13 is connected to the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 at both ends, the resistance to twisting is strong, and it is difficult to break even if an external force is applied to the tab during normal use. Figure 4

[0085] In addition, as a preferred form of the thermal expansion member 20, the maximum dimension L4 (see FIG. 1) of the thermal expansion member 20 in the X direction, as viewed in the Z direction, can be larger than the dimension LI (see FIG. 1) of the first tab portion 11 in the X direction. With such a structure, by thermally expanding the thermal expansion member 20, which is larger than the dimension LI of the first tab portion 11 in the X direction, the stress in the Z direction caused by the expansion can be appropriately applied to the first tab portion 11. Figure 5 Figure 4 In addition, as a preferred form of the thermal expansion member 20, the maximum dimension L5 (see FIG. 1) of the thermal expansion member 20 in the X direction, as viewed in the Y direction, can be larger than the dimension L2 (see FIG. 1) of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction. With such a structure, by thermally expanding the thermal expansion member 20, which is larger than the dimension L2 of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction, the stress in the Z direction caused by the expansion can be appropriately applied to the second tab portion 12.

[0086] In addition, as a preferred form of the thermal expansion member 20, the maximum dimension L5 (see FIG. 1) of the thermal expansion member 20 in the X direction, as viewed in the Y direction, can be larger than the dimension L2 (see FIG. 1) of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction. With such a structure, by thermally expanding the thermal expansion member 20, which is larger than the dimension L2 of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction, the stress in the Z direction caused by the expansion can be appropriately applied to the second tab portion 12. Figure 5 ​​​) can be greater than the size L2 of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction (refer to Figures 9A to 12 ). With this structure, by causing the thermal expansion member 20, which is greater than the size L2 of the second tab portion 12 in the X direction, to thermally expand, the second tab portion 12 can be appropriately given stress in the Y direction due to the expansion.

[0087] Next, regarding the deformation examples 1 to 4 of the tab, the description will be given while referring to Figure 9A . Note that, in the description of the deformation examples of the tab, the description will be appropriately omitted for points common to the above description. That is, the following description will be given focusing on the points different from the above description.

[0088] [Deformation Example 1 of Tab]

[0089] The tab 1A of the deformation example 1 can be provided with a first opening Al in the first tab portion 11A in proximity to the connection portion 13A and a second opening A2 in the second tab portion 12A in proximity to the connection portion 13A as shown in Figure 9A . Note that, in the example shown in Figure 9A , the first opening Al is provided as three and the second opening A2 is provided as one. This is because the area of the first contact surface 21 of the thermal expansion member 20 is greater than the area of the second contact surface 22, so the number of the first openings Al is made greater than the number of the second openings A2. In addition, the manner of the first openings Al and the second openings A2 is not limited to Figure 9A , for example, the opening area of the first opening Al can be made greater than the opening area of the second opening A2.

[0090] A first edge portion Fl can be provided on each of the X direction sides of the first opening Al and a second edge portion F2 can be provided on each of the X direction sides of the second opening A2. In addition, as shown in Figure 9A , the size L6 of the first edge portion Fl in the X direction can be greater than the size L3 of the connection portion 13 in the X direction and the size L7 of the second edge portion F2 in the X direction can be greater than the size L3 of the connection portion 13A in the X direction.

[0091] With this structure, in the connection portion 13A, which is smaller in size than the first edge portion Fl and the second edge portion F2, in addition to being appropriately fused, the resistance of the first edge portion Fl and the second edge portion F2 can be made relatively high, thereby increasing the heat generation at this position. As a result, by causing a large amount of heat to propagate to the first contact surface 21 and the second contact surface 22 in contact with the first edge portion Fl and the second edge portion F2, the expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 can be increased, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion can be further separated, and the re-contacting of the fused portion can be further prevented.

[0092] Note that, in the above description, the case where the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 are provided with the first opening Al and the second opening A2 has been described. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 can be provided with the first opening Al and the second opening A2, and the first tab portion 11 and the second tab portion 12 can be provided with the first opening Al and the second opening A2. Figure 10The diagram shows a method of setting both the first opening A1 and the second opening A2, as well as both the first edge portion F1 and the second edge portion F2, but it is not limited to this method. It can also be a method of setting either the first opening A1 or the second opening A2, as well as either the first edge portion F1 or the second edge portion F2.

[0093] In addition, considering that the area of ​​the second electrode ear 12A is larger than the area of ​​the first electrode ear 11A, the dimension L7 of the second edge portion F2 in the X direction can also be smaller than the dimension L6 of the first edge portion F1 in the X direction.

[0094] [Example 2 of a variation of the electrode]

[0095] like Figure 11 As shown, the tab 1B of Modified Example 2 has a connecting portion 13B. Therefore, by melting the connecting portion 13B, the electrical connection between the first tab 11B and the second tab 12B can be appropriately cut off.

[0096] [Example 3 of the variation of the electrode]

[0097] Modified Example 3, tab 1C, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first tab 11C increases in size in the X direction as it moves away from the connecting portion 13C, and similarly, the second tab 12C increases in size in the X direction as it moves away from the connecting portion 13C. In other words, the resistance of both the first tab 11C and the second tab 12C gradually increases as they approach the connecting portion 13C. With this structure, the heat generated by the resistance of both the first tab 11C and the second tab 12C gradually increases as they approach the connecting portion 13C, further increasing the expansion of the thermal expansion component. Therefore, by further separating the first tab 11C and the second tab 12C, re-contact between them can be effectively prevented.

[0098] [Example 4 of the variation of the electrode]

[0099] Modified Example 4, electrode 1D, such as Figure 2 As shown, there is one connecting portion 13D, and it has a first opening A1 and a second opening A2 as described in [Modification 1 of the tab], as well as a first edge portion F1 and a second edge portion F2. In such a modification, by melting one connecting portion 13D, the electrical connection between the first tab portion 11D and the second tab portion 12D can be appropriately cut off, and the resistance of the first edge portion F1 and the second edge portion F2 is relatively high, which increases the heat generation at that location and increases the expansion of the thermal expansion member, further separating the first tab portion 11D and the second tab portion 12D and further preventing the re-contact of the melted portion.

[0100] [Preferred method for battery module]

[0101] As described above, the battery module BM of the present disclosure is provided with a battery holder HD (refer to Figure 4 ). Here, as shown in Figure 4 , the battery holder HD can also be in contact with the first opposing surface S1 opposing the first contact surface 21 of the thermal expansion member 20, the second opposing surface S2 opposing the second contact surface 22, and the perpendicular surface S3 perpendicular to both the first contact surface 21 and the second contact surface 22. More specifically, as shown in ​ , the battery holder HD can be provided with a first wall portion W1 in contact with the first opposing surface S1, a second wall portion W2 in contact with the second opposing surface S2, and a third wall portion W3 in contact with the perpendicular surface S3. The first wall portion W1 holds the thermal expansion member 20. In addition, the first wall portion W1 suppresses expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 in the -Z direction at the time of expansion and promotes expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 in the +Z direction at the time of expansion. The second wall portion W2 holds the thermal expansion member 20. In addition, the second wall portion W2 suppresses expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 in the -Y direction at the time of expansion and promotes expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 in the +Y direction at the time of expansion. The third wall portion W3 holds the thermal expansion member 20. In addition, the third wall portion W3 suppresses expansion of the thermal expansion member 20 in the ±X direction at the time of expansion. With such a structure, when heat is applied to the thermal expansion member 20, it is possible to prevent the thermal expansion member 20 from expanding toward the first wall portion W1 to the third wall portion W3 side using the first wall portion W1 to the third wall portion W3, and it is possible to allow the first contact surface 21 and the second contact surface 22, which are not in contact with the first wall portion W1 to the third wall portion W3, to appropriately thermally expand.

[0102] Note that the first wall portion W1 to the third wall portion W3 described above can not be in contact with the entire area of the first opposing surface S1, the second opposing surface S2, and the perpendicular surface S3 of the thermal expansion member, and can include a mode in which they are in contact with a part of the first opposing surface S1, the second opposing surface S2, and the perpendicular surface S3. In addition, one end of the two third wall portions W3 can be connected to the second wall portion W2, or can be separated.

[0103] Note that the embodiments of the present disclosure are examples in all aspects and are not limiting explanations. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not explained only based on the above-described embodiments, but is demarcated based on the recitations of the claims. In addition, the technical scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications within the meaning and the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0104] The mode of the tab, the battery module, and the battery pack of the present disclosure is described below.

[0105] <1> A tab provided with:

[0106] tab main body having a first tab portion, a second tab portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first tab portion and the second tab portion; and

[0107] a thermal expansion member contacting at least the first tab portion and the second tab portion,

[0108] a direction in which the first tab portion extends toward the connecting portion is set as a Y direction, a direction in which the second tab portion extends toward the connecting portion is set as a Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the Z direction is set as an X direction,

[0109] a size of the connecting portion in the X direction is smaller than a size of the first tab portion in the X direction and a size of the second tab portion in the X direction,

[0110] the thermal expansion member has a first contact surface contacting the first tab portion in the Z direction and a second contact surface contacting the second tab portion in the Y direction.

[0111] <2> The tab according to <1>,

[0112] the thermal expansion member has a corner portion constituted by the first contact surface and the second contact surface,

[0113] the corner portion contacts the connecting portion.

[0114] <3> The tab according to <1> or <2>,

[0115] in the connecting portion, an outer edge of the first tab portion and an outer edge of the connecting portion are continuous, and an outer edge of the connecting portion and an outer edge of the second tab portion are continuous.

[0116] <4> The tab according to <3>,

[0117] the connecting portion is continuous from both outer edges of the first tab portion and from both outer edges of the second tab portion.

[0118] <5> The tab according to <1> or <2>,

[0119] the connecting portion is one.

[0120] <6> The tab according to any one of <1> to <5>,

[0121] when viewed in the Z direction, a maximum size of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than a maximum size of the first tab portion in the X direction.

[0122] <7> The tab according to any one of <1> to <6>,

[0123] The maximum dimension of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than the maximum dimension of the second tab portion in the X direction when viewed in the Y direction.

[0124] <8> The tab according to any one of <1> to <7>,

[0125] The dimension of the connecting portion in the X direction is larger toward the first tab portion,

[0126] The dimension of the connecting portion in the X direction is larger toward the second tab portion.

[0127] <9> The tab according to any one of <1> to <8>,

[0128] A first opening is provided on the first tab portion in proximity to the connecting portion, and / or a second opening is provided on the second tab portion in proximity to the connecting portion,

[0129] A first edge portion is provided on each of the X direction sides of the first opening, and / or a second edge portion is provided on each of the X direction sides of the second opening,

[0130] The dimension of the first edge portion in the X direction is larger than the dimension of the connecting portion in the X direction, and / or the dimension of the second edge portion in the X direction is larger than the dimension of the connecting portion in the X direction.

[0131] <10> A battery module comprising:

[0132] The tab according to any one of <1> to <9>;

[0133] A battery cell electrically connected to the tab; and

[0134] A battery holder housing the battery cell.

[0135] <11> The battery module according to <10>,

[0136] The thermal expansion member includes a first opposing surface opposite the first contact surface, a perpendicular surface perpendicular to both the first contact surface and the second contact surface, and a second opposing surface opposite the second contact surface.

[0137] The first opposing surface, the second opposing surface, and the perpendicular surface are each in contact with the battery holder.

[0138] Industrial applicability

[0139] The present disclosure can be appropriately applied to a tab, a battery module, and a battery pack, which can prevent re-contact of a fuse-blown portion even if overcurrent flows therethrough.

Claims

1. A tab characterized by comprising: a tab main body including a first tab portion, a second tab portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first tab portion and the second tab portion; and a thermal expansion member contacting at least the first tab portion and the second tab portion, a direction in which the first tab portion extends toward the connecting portion is set as a Y direction, a direction in which the second tab portion extends toward the connecting portion is set as a Z direction, and a direction perpendicular to each of the Y direction and the Z direction is set as an X direction, a size of the connecting portion in the X direction is smaller than each of a size of the first tab portion in the X direction and a size of the second tab portion in the X direction, the thermal expansion member includes a first contact surface contacting the first tab portion in the Z direction and a second contact surface contacting the second tab portion in the Y direction.

2. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: the thermal expansion member includes a corner portion composed of the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the corner portion contacts the connecting portion.

3. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: in the connecting portion, an outer edge of the first tab portion and an outer edge of the connecting portion are continuous, and an outer edge of the connecting portion and an outer edge of the second tab portion are continuous.

4. The tab according to claim 3, characterized in that: the connecting portion is continuous from both outer edges of the first tab portion and from both outer edges of the second tab portion, respectively.

5. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: the connecting portion is one.

6. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: when viewed in the Z direction, a maximum size of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than a maximum size of the first tab portion in the X direction.

7. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: when viewed in the Y direction, a maximum size of the thermal expansion member in the X direction is larger than a maximum size of the second tab portion in the X direction.

8. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: a size of the connecting portion in the X direction is larger toward the first tab portion, a size of the connecting portion in the X direction is larger toward the second tab portion.

9. The tab according to claim 1, characterized in that: a first opening is provided on the first tab portion in proximity to the connecting portion, and / or a second opening is provided on the second tab portion in proximity to the connecting portion, a first edge portion is provided on each of both sides of the first opening in the X direction, and / or a second edge portion is provided on each of both sides of the second opening in the X direction, a size of the first edge portion in the X direction is larger than a size of the connecting portion in the X direction, and / or a size of the second edge portion in the X direction is larger than a size of the connecting portion in the X direction.

10. A battery module characterized by comprising: the tab according to claim 1; a battery cell electrically connected to the tab; and a battery holder housing the battery cell. ​ ​ 11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the thermal expansion member has a first opposing surface opposing the first contact surface, a vertical surface perpendicular to both the first contact surface and the second contact surface, and a second opposing surface opposing the second contact surface, the first opposing surface, the second opposing surface, and the vertical surface each contact the battery holder.

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