Single cell stack

Abstract

A single cell stack having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a plurality of rectangular single cells are stacked, the single cell stack being provided with a plurality of inter-cell members inserted between adjacent rectangular single cells. The plurality of inter-cell members are provided with: a first inter-cell member including a plate-shaped spacer that absorbs unevenness in the thickness of the plurality of rectangular single cells; and a second inter-cell member that does not include a plate-shaped spacer. The plate-shaped spacer is made of rigid plastic and has the same thickness, and the first inter-cell member and the second inter-cell member are irregularly arranged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a single cell stack and a manufacturing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the existing single cell stack, a terminal is provided on the upper surface of each cuboid single cell that is laminated. In recent years, a single cell stack in which a terminal is provided on the end surface in the length direction of each cuboid single cell that is laminated has also been developed as disclosed in Patent Literature 1.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0302533 Specification SUMMARY

[0004] The cuboid single cells that are laminated in the single cell stack have a prescribed dimensional tolerance ±b with respect to a design thickness a. That is, the thickness of the cuboid single cells is a ±b. In order to absorb unevenness in the thickness of the cuboid single cells, the inventors have heretofore selectively inserted two kinds of plate-shaped spacers that are composed of an elastic material such as an elastomer and that differ in thickness between all of the adjacent cuboid single cells.

[0005] However, the elastic material is expensive, and since two kinds of plate-shaped spacers that differ in thickness are used, there is a problem in that the manufacturing becomes complicated.

[0006] The present disclosure was completed in view of such circumstances, and provides a single cell stack that can be manufactured more inexpensively and easily.

[0007] A single cell stack according to an aspect of the present disclosure,

[0008] is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped single cell stack in which a plurality of cuboid single cells are laminated, in which

[0009] a plurality of single cell inter-member members that are inserted between adjacent cuboid single cells are provided,

[0010] the plurality of single cell inter-member members include:

[0011] a first single cell inter-member member that includes a plate-shaped spacer that absorbs unevenness in the thickness of the plurality of cuboid single cells; and

[0012] a second single cell inter-member member that does not include the plate-shaped spacer,

[0013] the plate-shaped spacer is composed of a hard plastic and has the same thickness,

[0014] the first single cell inter-member member and the second single cell inter-member member are irregularly arranged.

[0015] In a single cell stack according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of single cell inter members inserted between adjacent square single cells has a first single cell inter member including a plate-like spacer that absorbs unevenness in thickness of the square single cells, and a second single cell inter member that does not include the plate-like spacer, the plate-like spacer being composed of a hard plastic and having the same thickness, the first single cell inter member and the second single cell inter member being irregularly arranged. That is, by irregularly inserting one kind of plate-like spacer composed of a cheap hard plastic and having the same thickness between adjacent square single cells, unevenness in thickness of the square single cells is absorbed. Thus, a single cell stack that can be manufactured more cheaply and easily can be provided.

[0016] Also, the first single cell inter member and the second single cell inter member can each include a heat insulating plate having the same thickness. According to such a structure, all of the adjacent square single cells can be heat insulated from each other.

[0017] Also, the thickness of the plate-like spacer can be equal to the dimensional tolerance range of the thickness of the square single cells. According to such a structure, unevenness in thickness of the square single cells can be simply absorbed by inserting or not inserting the plate-like spacer.

[0018] A method of manufacturing a single cell stack according to an aspect of the present disclosure,

[0019] which is a method of manufacturing a single cell stack in a cuboid shape by sequentially stacking square single cells and single cell inter members, wherein

[0020] whenever a square single cell is stacked, the thickness of the square single cell to be stacked is measured,

[0021] it is determined whether or not the total thickness obtained by adding the thickness of the square single cell that has been stacked and the thickness of the square single cell to be stacked exceeds a prescribed reference value,

[0022] in the case where the total thickness does not exceed the prescribed reference value, a first single cell inter member that includes a plate-like spacer that absorbs unevenness in thickness of the square single cells is inserted as the single cell inter member and the square single cell to be stacked is stacked,

[0023] in the case where the total thickness exceeds the prescribed reference value, a second single cell inter member that does not include the plate-like spacer is inserted as the single cell inter member and the square single cell to be stacked is stacked,

[0024] the plate-like spacer is composed of a hard plastic and has the same thickness.

[0025] In the manufacturing method of the single cell stack according to the present disclosure, whenever a square single cell is stacked, the thickness of the square single cell to be stacked is measured, and it is determined whether or not the total thickness obtained by adding the thickness of the square single cell to be stacked to the thickness of the square single cells and the plate-like separators that have already been stacked exceeds a prescribed reference value. Then, in the case where the total thickness does not exceed the prescribed reference value, the plate-like separator is inserted and the square single cell to be stacked is stacked, and in the case where the total thickness exceeds the prescribed reference value, the plate-like separator is not inserted and the square single cell to be stacked is stacked. Here, the plate-like separators are composed of hard plastic and have the same thickness. That is, by inserting or not inserting one kind of plate-like separator composed of inexpensive hard plastic and having the same thickness between adjacent square single cells, unevenness in the thickness of the square single cells is absorbed. Thus, a single cell stack that can be manufactured more inexpensively and easily can be provided.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, a single cell stack that can be manufactured more inexpensively and easily can be provided.

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a single cell stack according to a first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a single cell stack according to a first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a side view showing a single cell stack according to a first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of a single cell stack according to a first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, the following description and drawings are appropriately simplified in order to make the explanation clear.

[0033] (First Embodiment)

[0034] <Configuration of Single Cell Stack>

[0035] First, with reference to Figures 1-3 , the configuration of the single cell stack according to the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 and Figure 2All of these are perspective views showing the single-cell stack involved in the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the single battery stack according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Furthermore, it is only natural that... Figures 1-3 The right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is for ease of illustrating the positional relationships of the constituent elements. Figures 1-3 In this context, the positive Z-axis is typically the vertical direction, and the XY plane is the horizontal plane; these are common to all the attached diagrams.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the single-cell stack CS according to this embodiment includes square single cells C1 to C6 and busbars B1 to B5. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the single-cell stack CS involved in this embodiment includes single-cell inter-components IC1 to IC5, end plates EP1 and EP2, and elastic components EM1 and EM2.

[0038] In addition, Figure 2 In the middle, the following was omitted. Figure 3 The single-cell inter-component components IC1-IC5, end plates EP1 and EP2, and elastic components EM1 and EM2 are shown. Additionally, Figure 3 The settings are shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The state of the busbars B1 to B5 shown.

[0039] The single battery stack CS described in this embodiment is used, for example, as a vehicle battery. While there are no particular limitations on the vehicles equipped with the single battery stack CS described in this embodiment, they may include, for example, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc., that can be driven using electricity supplied from the single battery stack CS.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the square single cells C1 to C6 are rectangular single cells in the shape of cuboids extending along the Y-axis. The square single cells C1 to C6 are stacked along the thickness direction (X-axis direction) to form a single cell stack CS. The square single cells C1 to C6 are, for example, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0041] In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the single-cell stack CS is shown in a simplified manner. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The single-cell stack CS shown consists of six square single cells C1 to C6, but the number of square single cells constituting the single-cell stack CS is not particularly limited. Typically, the single-cell stack CS is composed of more square single cells.

[0042] likeFigure 1 As shown, a positive electrode terminal PT1 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C1. Although not particularly limited, the positive electrode terminal PT1 is provided so as to protrude outward from the end surface of the square-shaped single cell C1. In addition, Figure 1 The positive electrode terminal PT1 shown is rectangular in shape when viewed in the XZ plane, and is provided so as to protrude outward from the end surface of the square-shaped single cell C1. In addition, Figure 1 The positive electrode terminal PT1 shown is provided on the upper side (Z-axis positive direction side) in the end surface of the square-shaped single cell C1. The positive electrode terminal PT1 is composed of, for example, a metal material such as copper, which has excellent electrical conductivity.

[0043] Similarly, as Figure 1 As shown, a negative electrode terminal NT2 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C2 adjacent to the square-shaped single cell C1. A positive electrode terminal PT3 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C3 adjacent to the square-shaped single cell C2. A negative electrode terminal NT4 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C4 adjacent to the square-shaped single cell C3. A positive electrode terminal PT5 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C5 adjacent to the square-shaped single cell C4. A negative electrode terminal NT6 is provided on one end surface (Y-axis negative direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C6 adjacent to the square-shaped single cell C5.

[0044] As Figure 1 As shown, the negative electrode terminal NT2 of the square-shaped single cell C2, the positive electrode terminal PT3 of the square-shaped single cell C3, the negative electrode terminal NT4 of the square-shaped single cell C4, the positive electrode terminal PT5 of the square-shaped single cell C5, and the negative electrode terminal NT6 of the square-shaped single cell C6 have the same shape as the positive electrode terminal PT1 of the square-shaped single cell C1, and are similarly arranged.

[0045] Also, as Figure 1 As shown, the positive electrode terminal PT1 of the square-shaped single cell C1 and the negative electrode terminal NT2 of the square-shaped single cell C2, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are electrically connected by a bus bar B1 in the form of a plate. Similarly, the positive electrode terminal PT3 of the square-shaped single cell C3 and the negative electrode terminal NT4 of the square-shaped single cell C4, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are electrically connected by a bus bar B3 in the form of a plate. Similarly, the positive electrode terminal PT5 of the square-shaped single cell C5 and the negative electrode terminal NT6 of the square-shaped single cell C6, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are electrically connected by a bus bar B5 in the form of a plate.

[0046] On the other hand, as Figure 2 As shown, a negative electrode terminal NT1 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped single cell C1. Although not particularly limited, the negative electrode terminal NT1 is provided so as to protrude outward from the end surface of the square-shaped single cell C1. In addition, Figure 2 The negative electrode terminal NT1 shown is rectangular in shape when viewed in the XZ plane, and is provided so as to protrude outward from the end surface of the square-shaped single cell C1. In addition, Figure 1The positive terminal PT1 shown is also rectangular in shape when viewed in the XZ plane, and is provided so as to project outward from the end surface of the square-shaped cell C1. Also, Figure 2 The negative terminal NT1 shown is also provided on the upper side (Z-axis positive direction side) in the end surface of the square-shaped cell C1. The negative terminal NT1, like the positive terminal PT1, is composed of, for example, a metal material such as copper that has excellent electrical conductivity. Figure 1

[0047] Also, as shown in Figure 2 A positive terminal PT2 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped cell C2 adjacent to the square-shaped cell C1. A negative terminal NT3 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped cell C3 adjacent to the square-shaped cell C2. A positive terminal PT4 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped cell C4 adjacent to the square-shaped cell C3. A negative terminal NT5 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped cell C5 adjacent to the square-shaped cell C4. A positive terminal PT6 is provided on the other end surface (Y-axis positive direction side end surface) in the length direction of the square-shaped cell C6 adjacent to the square-shaped cell C5.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2 The positive terminal PT2 of the square-shaped cell C2, the negative terminal NT3 of the square-shaped cell C3, the positive terminal PT4 of the square-shaped cell C4, the negative terminal NT5 of the square-shaped cell C5, and the positive terminal PT6 of the square-shaped cell C6 have the same shape as the negative terminal NT1 of the square-shaped cell C1, and are also arranged in the same manner.

[0049] Also, as shown in Figure 2 The positive terminal PT2 of the square-shaped cell C2 and the negative terminal NT3 of the square-shaped cell C3, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are electrically connected by the plate-shaped bus bar B2. Also, the positive terminal PT4 of the square-shaped cell C4 and the negative terminal NT5 of the square-shaped cell C5, which are arranged adjacent to each other, are electrically connected by the plate-shaped bus bar B4.

[0050] In this way, in the cell stack CS shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The square-shaped cells C1 to C6 are connected in series by the bus bars B1 to B5.

[0051] Further, the negative terminal NT1 of the square-shaped cell C1 shown is not particularly limited, but is connected to the positive terminal of another cell stack, for example, via a bus bar that is not shown. Also, Figure 2 Figure 2 ​​The positive terminal PT6 of the square single cell C6 shown is not particularly limited, but can be connected to the negative terminal of other single cell stacks, for example, via a busbar (not shown). With this structure, multiple single cell stacks can be connected in series, for example.

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The busbars B1 to B5 shown have the same structure, so busbar B1 will be described.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, busbar B1 is a plate-shaped component that electrically connects the positive terminal PT1 of adjacent square single cells C1 to the negative terminal NT2 of square single cells C2. Busbar B1 is made of, for example, a metallic material such as copper with excellent conductivity.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the busbar B1 is, for example, a plate-like member that is rectangular in shape when viewed in the XZ plane. The busbar B1 is configured to cover the positive terminal PT1 of the square single cell C1 and the negative terminal NT2 of the square single cell C2 in a substantially integral manner. The busbar B1 has a pair of welded portions WP1 and WP2 that are respectively welded to the positive terminal PT1 of the adjacent square single cell C1 and the negative terminal NT2 of the square single cell C2.

[0055] Although there are no specific restrictions, Figure 1 The welded portions WP1 and WP2 shown are located at both ends in the X-axis direction on the lower side (negative Z-axis direction side) of busbar B1. Figure 1 The welded sections WP1 and WP2 before welding are shown. Figure 1 The welded areas WP1 and WP2 shown have undergone countersinking, resulting in a thinner plate compared to other areas. Additionally, Figure 1 The welded parts WP1 and WP2 shown have a circular shape when viewed in the XZ plane, and have a through hole in the center.

[0056] While the welding method is not particularly limited, for example, by irradiating the welding section WP1 with a laser beam from the negative Y-axis direction, the busbar B1 is welded to the positive terminal PT1 of the square single cell C1 at the welding section WP1. Similarly, by irradiating the welding section WP2 with a laser beam from the negative Y-axis direction, the busbar B1 is welded to the negative terminal NT2 of the square single cell C2 at the welding section WP2.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the cell-to-cell components IC1 to IC5 are plate-shaped components inserted between adjacent square single cells C1 to C6. Figure 3As shown, for example, the inter-cell member IC1 is inserted between the adjacent square cells C1, C2. By the inter-cell member IC1, the adjacent square cells C1, C2 are thermally insulated from each other, and the interval of the adjacent square cells C1, C2 is adjusted.

[0058] More specifically, the inter-cell members IC1 to IC5 are each one of a first inter-cell member including a plate-like spacer that absorbs unevenness in the thickness of the square cells C1 to C6 and a second inter-cell member that does not include the plate-like spacer. Here, the plate-like spacer is made of a hard plastic and has the same thickness.

[0059] The square cells C1 to C6 have a prescribed dimensional tolerance ±b with respect to a design thickness a. That is, the thickness of the square cells C1 to C6 is a ±b.

[0060] The inter-cell members IC1 to IC5 (i.e., the first inter-cell member and the second inter-cell member) can each include a thermal insulation plate having the same thickness.

[0061] Which of the first inter-cell member and the second inter-cell member is used as the inter-cell member IC1 to IC5 is decided at the time of manufacturing the cell stack CS.

[0062] In the case where the square cells C1 to C6 are sequentially stacked, each time a square cell is stacked, the thickness of the square cell to be stacked is measured, and it is determined whether or not a total thickness obtained by adding the thickness of the square cell to be stacked to the thickness of the square cells and the inter-cell members that have already been stacked exceeds a prescribed reference value.

[0063] For example, in the case where the square cell C3 is to be stacked, it is determined whether or not a total thickness obtained by adding the thickness of the square cell C3 to the thickness of the square cells C1, C2 and the inter-cell member IC1 that have already been stacked exceeds a prescribed reference value. The reference value of the total thickness is decided in advance for each of the square cells C2 to C6 that are stacked after the second. For example, the reference value is appropriately decided on the basis of the design thickness a of the square cell, the dimensional tolerance ±b, the design thickness of the thermal insulation plate, and the like.

[0064] In the case where the total thickness does not exceed the reference value, the first inter-cell member including the plate-like spacer is inserted as the inter-cell member IC2 and the square cell C3 is stacked. On the other hand, in the case where the total thickness exceeds the reference value, the second inter-cell member that does not include the plate-like spacer is inserted as the inter-cell member IC2 and the square cell C3 is stacked. The same applies to the case where the other square cells C2, C4 to C6 are stacked.

[0065] As a result, in the single cell stack CS according to the present embodiment, the first inter-single cell member including the plate-like spacer and the second inter-single cell member not including the plate-like spacer are irregularly arranged as the inter-single cell members IC1 to IC5.

[0066] Here, if the reference value of the total thickness is appropriately set and the thickness of the plate-like spacer is made equal to the dimension tolerance range 2b of the square single cell, the deviation of the central position of the square single cells C1 to C6 from the target position can be made equal to or smaller than the absolute value b of the dimension tolerance ±b. In addition, the length of the square single cells C1 to C6 stacked with the inter-single cell members IC1 to IC5 interposed therebetween can be made close to the target value. Figure 3

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the square single cells C1 to C6 are arranged in the X-axis direction. The square single cells C1 to C6 are arranged in the X-axis direction with the inter-single cell members IC1 to IC5 interposed therebetween. The inter-single cell members IC1 to IC5 are irregularly arranged. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the end plate EP1 is arranged at the end portion on the negative direction side of the X-axis of the square single cells C1 to C6 with the elastic member EM1 interposed therebetween. The end plate EP2 is arranged at the end portion on the positive direction side of the X-axis of the square single cells C1 to C6 with the elastic member EM2 interposed therebetween. That is, the end plates EP1, EP2 press and bind the square single cells C1 to C6 after the stacking in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) from both ends.

[0068] The end plates EP1, EP2 are, for example, made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0069] The elastic members EM1, EM2 are, for example, plate-like members made of an elastic material such as an elastomer containing synthetic rubber.

[0070] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the length L of the single cell stack CS is the distance between the inner surfaces of the end plates EP1, EP2 and is a fixed value. The deviation of the length of the square single cells C1 to C6 stacked with the inter-single cell members IC1 to IC5 interposed therebetween from the target value can be absorbed by the elastic members EM1, EM2. Figure 3 As described above, in the single cell stack CS according to the present embodiment, the thickness unevenness of the square single cells C1 to C6 is absorbed by irregularly inserting one kind of plate-like spacer having the same thickness and made of inexpensive hard plastic between the adjacent square single cells C1 to C6. Thus, compared with the single cell stack in which two kinds of plate-like spacers made of an elastic material and having different thicknesses are selectively inserted between all the adjacent square single cells, the single cell stack CS according to the present embodiment can be more inexpensively and easily manufactured.

[0071] <Method of manufacturing single cell stack>

[0072] Next, the method of manufacturing the single cell stack according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0073] Figure 4 Next, the method of manufacturing the single cell stack according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.​​Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of a single cell stack according to the first embodiment. Specifically, square single cells C1 to C6 and single cell inter members IC1 to IC5 shown in Figure 3 are sequentially stacked to manufacture a single cell stack CS of a cuboid shape.

[0074] First, as shown in Figure 4 , the thickness of the square single cell to be stacked is measured (step ST1). Specifically, the thickness of the square single cell C1 to be stacked is measured.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 4 , if it is the first square single cell, it is exceptionally returned to the step ST1, and if it is not the first square single cell, the thickness of the square single cell measured is added to the thickness of the square single cell and the single cell inter member already stacked to calculate a total thickness (step ST2).

[0076] Specifically, after the thickness of the first square single cell C1 is measured, it is returned to the step ST1, and the thickness of the square single cell C2 is measured. Next, it moves to the step ST2, and the thickness of the square single cell C1 already stacked is added to the thickness of the square single cell C2 measured to calculate a total thickness.

[0077] Next, Figure 4 , it is determined whether the total thickness exceeds a prescribed reference value (step ST3). In a case where the total thickness does not exceed the prescribed reference value (NO in the step ST3), a first single cell inter member including a plate-like spacer that absorbs unevenness of the thickness of the square single cell is inserted as a single cell inter member and the square single cells are stacked (step ST4). Specifically, the first single cell inter member including the plate-like spacer is inserted as the single cell inter member IC1 and the square single cell C2 is stacked. Here, the plate-like spacer is composed of a hard plastic and has the same thickness.

[0078] On the other hand, in a case where the total thickness exceeds the prescribed reference value (YES in the step ST3), a second single cell inter member that does not include the plate-like spacer is inserted as a single cell inter member and the square single cells are stacked (step ST5). Specifically, the second single cell inter member that does not include the plate-like spacer is inserted as the single cell inter member IC1 and the square single cell C2 is stacked.

[0079] As Figure 4As shown, after the prismatic cells are stacked in step ST4 or step ST5, if the stacked prismatic cell is not the last prismatic cell, the process returns to step ST1. On the other hand, if the stacked prismatic cell is the last prismatic cell, the process ends. Specifically, since the stacked prismatic cell C2 is not the last prismatic cell, the process returns to step ST1, and the thickness of the prismatic cell C3 to be stacked is measured.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 4 step ST2 is reached. Specifically, the total thickness is calculated by adding the thickness of the prismatic cell C3 measured to the thickness of the prismatic cells C1 and C2 and the inter-cell member IC1 already stacked.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 4 step ST3, if the total thickness does not exceed the prescribed reference value (NO in step ST3), the process moves to step ST4. Specifically, the first inter-cell member including the plate-like spacer is inserted as the inter-cell member IC2, and the prismatic cell C3 is stacked. On the other hand, if the total thickness exceeds the prescribed reference value (YES in step ST3), the process moves to step ST5. Specifically, the second inter-cell member not including the plate-like spacer is inserted as the inter-cell member IC2, and the prismatic cell C3 is stacked.

[0082] Further, as shown in Figure 4 step ST4 or step ST5, after the prismatic cell C3 is stacked, the process returns to step ST1, and the thickness of the prismatic cell C4 to be stacked is measured.

[0083] In this way, by repeating the above-described steps ST1 to ST5 until the last prismatic cell C6, the prismatic cells C1 to C6 and the inter-cell members IC1 to IC5 are sequentially stacked, and the cell stack CS is manufactured.

[0084] As explained above, in the manufacturing method of the stack according to the present embodiment, by inserting or not inserting the same kind of plate-like spacer composed of a hard plastic at a low cost and having the same thickness between the adjacent prismatic cells, the unevenness in the thickness of the prismatic cells is absorbed. Thus, compared to the method of selectively inserting two kinds of plate-like spacers composed of an elastic material and having different thicknesses between all the adjacent prismatic cells, the manufacturing method of the stack according to the present embodiment can more cheaply and easily manufacture the cell stack.

[0085] From the disclosure thus far described, it will be apparent that embodiments of the disclosure can vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and all such modifications that are obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A single cell stack which is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped single cell stack in which a plurality of square single cells are stacked, wherein a plurality of cell-to-cell members that are inserted between adjacent square cells, the plurality of cell-to-cell members include: a first cell-to-cell member that includes a plate-like spacer that absorbs unevenness in thickness of the plurality of square cells; and a second cell-to-cell member that does not include the plate-like spacer, the plate-like spacer is composed of a hard plastic and has the same thickness, the first cell-to-cell member and the second cell-to-cell member are irregularly arranged.

2. The cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the first cell-to-cell member and the second cell-to-cell member each include a heat insulating plate having the same thickness.

3. The cell stack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the plate-like spacer is equal to a dimensional tolerance range of the thickness of the square cell.

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