Storage battery and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a storage battery in which the inner resistance can be made smaller and a method for manufacturing the storage battery.SOLUTION: A nickel zinc battery 1 includes: a plurality of negative electrode plates 41 each having a battery case, a lid body 3, and a tab 43, the negative electrode plates being arranged in the battery case and deposited on each other; a conductive joint material 61 for electrically joining the tabs 43; and a conductive penetration member 81 penetrating the lid body 3, the penetration member being electrically connected to the conductive joint material 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery and a method for manufacturing the battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the structure of a stacked battery. The stacked battery includes a sheet-like first cell and a sheet-like second cell, each including an electrode body, a first positive electrode end and a second positive electrode end extending from a positive electrode part, a first negative electrode end and a second negative electrode end extending from a negative electrode part, and a bag-like protective film covering the electrode body. The stacked battery further includes a connecting means for connecting the first positive electrode end of the first cell to the first negative electrode end or the first positive electrode end of the second cell, and for connecting the second positive electrode end of the first cell to the second negative electrode end or the second positive electrode end of the second cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-71173 A [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kirby W. Beard, "Linden's Handbook of Batteries, Fifth Edition", McGraw Hill Professional, p.595, May 10, 2019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In one structure, a storage battery includes a battery case, a cover for closing an opening of the battery case, and a plurality of electrode plates disposed in the battery case and stacked on each other in the plate thickness direction. Each of the plurality of electrode plates has a tab protruding toward the cover. When ensuring electrical connection between the tabs of the plurality of electrode plates, a method of fastening the tabs together using bolts and nuts is considered. However, such a method is likely to increase resistance between adjacent tabs, and there is a concern that the internal resistance of the storage battery will increase.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a storage battery capable of reducing internal resistance and a method for manufacturing the storage battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] The storage battery according to the present disclosure includes a battery case, a lid, a group of electrode plates each having a tab, arranged in the battery case and stacked on top of each other, and a conductive bonding material that conductively bonds the tabs of the electrode plates. In this storage battery, the tabs of the electrode plates are conductively bonded to each other by the conductive bonding material. In this case, the resistance between the tabs is significantly smaller than in a method of fastening the tabs using bolts and nuts. Therefore, the internal resistance of the storage battery can be reduced.

[0008] [2] The storage battery according to [1] above may further include a conductive penetrating member that penetrates the lid and is electrically connected to the conductive bonding material. In this case, electrical connection between the electrode plate group and the outside of the lid can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0009] [3] The storage battery of [2] above may further include a conductive hollow container disposed between the lid and the electrode plate group, having an opening and configured to receive the tab through the opening, and a conductive bonding material may be disposed in the hollow container, and the penetrating member may be electrically connected to the conductive bonding material through the hollow container. In this case, liquid conductive bonding material can be held in the hollow container when the storage battery is manufactured, so that the tabs of the multiple electrode plates can be reliably and easily bonded to each other by the conductive bonding material.

[0010] [4] In the storage battery of [3] above, the penetrating member may be electrically connected to the hollow container. In this case, the electrical connection between the penetrating member and the hollow container can be achieved reliably and with a simple structure.

[0011] [5] In the storage battery of [3] or [4] above, the hollow container may have a box-like shape having a bottom plate and a side plate. Such a simple shape of the hollow container makes it easy to form the hollow container.

[0012] [6] In the storage battery of any one of the above [3] to [5], each of the plurality of electrode plates may have a current collector, and the material of the hollow container may be the same as the material of the current collectors of the plurality of electrode plates. In this case, the hollow container can be disposed without causing a significant change in the electrical characteristics of the storage battery.

[0013] [7] In the storage battery of any one of the above [2] to [6], the lid may be made of resin, and the penetrating member may include an insert part that fits into a hole formed in the lid. In this case, leakage of the electrolyte or the like in the battery case can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration.

[0014] [8] In the storage battery of any one of the above [1] to [7], the conductive bonding material may include at least one of solder and conductive paste. In this case, the conductive bonding material can be melted or sintered at a relatively low temperature to reduce thermal effects on the negative and positive electrodes.

[0015] [9] The storage battery of any one of the above [1] to [8] may further include a resin coating covering a surface of the conductive bonding material. In this case, contact between the electrolytic solution in the battery case and the conductive bonding material can be avoided, thereby preventing a significant change in the electrical characteristics of the storage battery.

[0016]

[10] A method for manufacturing a storage battery according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing any one of the storage batteries [3] to [6] above, comprising the steps of attaching a penetrating member to a lid body and electrically connecting the hollow container to the penetrating member, disposing a liquid conductive bonding material in the hollow container, immersing tabs of a plurality of electrode plates in the conductive bonding material, solidifying the conductive bonding material, and disposing the plurality of electrode plates in the container and closing the opening of the container with the lid body.

[0017]

[11] A method for manufacturing a storage battery according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing any one of the storage batteries [3] to [6] above, comprising the steps of attaching a penetrating member to a lid body and electrically connecting the hollow container to the penetrating member, arranging tabs of a plurality of electrode plates in the hollow container, pouring a liquid conductive bonding material into the hollow container, solidifying the conductive bonding material, and closing the opening of the container with the lid body while placing the plurality of electrode plates in the container.

[0018] According to the manufacturing method

[10] or

[11] above, the storage battery can be manufactured in a simple process. In addition, the process of conductively joining the tabs of the electrode plates together with the conductive bonding material can be easily automated. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the storage battery and the method for manufacturing the storage battery according to the present disclosure, the internal resistance can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a nickel-zinc battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the structure of a nickel-zinc battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI shown in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a nickel-zinc battery. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of some steps. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of a method for manufacturing a nickel-zinc battery. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of some steps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, the materials exemplified in this specification may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be practiced with various modifications within the scope of the gist. The sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative relationship of the sizes between the components is not limited to those shown in each figure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a nickel-zinc battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1. The nickel-zinc battery 1 is an example of a storage battery of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the nickel-zinc battery 1 includes a battery case 2, a lid 3, an electrode plate group 4 housed in the battery case 2, and an electrolyte 5. The nickel-zinc battery 1 may be either chemically formed or unformed. When the nickel-zinc battery 1 is an unformed nickel-zinc battery, the electrode plate group 4 is an unformed electrode, and when the nickel-zinc battery 1 is a formed nickel-zinc battery, the electrode plate group 4 is a formed electrode.

[0023] The battery container 2 contains the electrolytic solution 5. The electrolytic solution 5 contains, for example, a solvent and an electrolyte. Examples of the solvent include water (e.g., ion-exchanged water). Examples of the electrolyte include basic compounds, such as alkali metal hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and lithium hydroxide (LiOH). The electrolytic solution 5 may contain components other than the solvent and electrolyte, such as potassium phosphate, potassium fluoride, potassium carbonate, sodium phosphate, sodium fluoride, zinc oxide, antimony oxide, titanium dioxide, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and the like.

[0024] The lid 3 is made of resin and closes the opening of the battery case 2. The lid 3 watertightly seals the opening of the battery case 2. The lid 3 has a lower surface 31 and an upper surface 32. The lower surface 31 is located inside the battery case 2 and faces the electrode plate group 4. The upper surface 32 is the surface opposite to the lower surface 31.

[0025] The electrode plate group 4 is disposed in the battery container 2 and immersed in the electrolyte 5 in the battery container 2. The electrode plate group 4 has a plurality of negative electrode plates 41, a plurality of positive electrode plates 42, and a plurality of separators 45. The negative electrode plates 41 and the positive electrode plates 42 are examples of electrode plates in this embodiment. The negative electrode plates 41 and the positive electrode plates 42 are alternately stacked in the plate thickness direction. Each of the plurality of separators 45 is provided between the negative electrode plates 41 and the positive electrode plates 42. The plurality of negative electrode plates 41 and the plurality of positive electrode plates 42 may be connected to each other by, for example, a strap. The separator 45 has, for example, a flat plate or sheet shape. Examples of the separator 45 include a polyolefin-based microporous membrane, a nylon-based microporous membrane, an oxidation-resistant ion exchange resin membrane, a cellophane-based regenerated resin membrane, an inorganic-organic separator, and a polyolefin-based nonwoven fabric.

[0026] The negative electrode plate 41 has a current collector and a negative electrode material supported by the current collector. The current collector of the negative electrode plate 41 constitutes a conductive path for current from the negative electrode material. The positive electrode plate 42 has a current collector and a positive electrode material supported by the current collector. The current collector of the positive electrode plate 42 constitutes a conductive path for current from the positive electrode material. Each current collector of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42 has a shape such as a flat plate or a sheet. These current collectors may be current collectors having a three-dimensional mesh structure constituted by foamed metal, expanded metal, punched metal, felt-like material of metal fiber, etc. Examples of materials constituting the current collectors include platinum; nickel (foamed nickel, etc.); and metal materials (copper, brass, steel, etc.) plated with metal such as tin or nickel.

[0027] The negative electrode material contains a negative electrode active material containing zinc. Examples of the negative electrode active material include metallic zinc, zinc oxide, and zinc hydroxide. For example, the negative electrode material contains metallic zinc in a fully charged state, and contains zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide in an end-of-discharge state. The negative electrode active material may be, for example, in a particulate form, and may contain metallic zinc particles, zinc oxide particles, zinc hydroxide particles, and the like.

[0028] The positive electrode material contains a positive electrode active material containing nickel. Examples of the positive electrode active material include nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) and nickel hydroxide. The positive electrode material contains, for example, nickel oxyhydroxide in a fully charged state and nickel hydroxide in an end-of-discharge state. The content of the positive electrode active material may be, for example, within a range of 50% by mass to 95% by mass based on the total mass of the positive electrode material.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the structure of the nickel-zinc battery 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42 have a rectangular or square shape when viewed in the plate thickness direction. Each of the negative electrode plates 41 has a tab 43 protruding toward the lid 3. The tab 43 is provided near one end of the upper side of the negative electrode plate 41. The tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41 overlap each other in the plate thickness direction of the electrode plate group 4. Similarly, each of the positive electrode plates 42 has a tab 44 protruding toward the lid 3. The tab 44 is provided near the other end of the upper side of the positive electrode plate 42. The tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42 overlap each other in the plate thickness direction of the electrode plate group 4. The shape of the tabs 43, 44 when viewed in the plate thickness direction is approximately trapezoidal with a width that decreases as it approaches the lid 3. Specifically, the inner edges of the tabs 43, 44 extend in the extension direction of the sides of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42, and the outer edges of the tabs 43, 44 are inclined with respect to the extension direction of the sides of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42. In the figure, a through hole 431 that communicates between the tabs 43 of the multiple negative electrode plates 41 and a through hole 441 that communicates between the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 are shown, but the through holes 431 and 441 may be omitted.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the nickel-zinc battery 1 further includes a conductive bonding material 61, a bracket (hollow container) 71, a penetrating member 81, and a resin coating 91. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, the nickel-zinc battery 1 further includes a conductive bonding material 62, a bracket (hollow container) 72, a penetrating member 82, and a resin coating 92.

[0031] The conductive bonding material 61 is disposed in the gaps between the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41 and contacts the tabs 43, thereby conductively bonding the tabs 43 together with low resistance. The width of the gaps between the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41 is, for example, within a range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The conductive bonding material 61 is disposed so as to cover the entire tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41. When a through hole 431 is formed in the tab 43, the conductive bonding material 61 is also disposed inside the through hole 431. The conductive bonding material 62 is disposed in the gaps between the positive electrode plates 42 and contacts the tabs 44, thereby conductively bonding the tabs 44 together with low resistance. The width of the gaps between the tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42 is, for example, within a range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. The conductive bonding material 62 is disposed so as to cover the entire tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42. When a through hole 441 is formed in the tab 44, the conductive bonding material 62 is also disposed inside the through hole 441. The conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 mainly contain metal and are melted or sintered at a relatively low temperature (for example, 300° C. or lower). In one example, each of the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 contains at least one material of solder and conductive paste. The solder mainly contains, for example, AuSn. The conductive paste is, for example, a metal paste, and in one example, is a silver paste.

[0032] The bracket 71 is a hollow container having an opening 711, and is disposed between the cover 3 and the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41, covering the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41. The bracket 71 is configured to receive the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41 collectively from the opening 711. In one example, the shape of the bracket 71 is a box shape having a bottom plate 712 and a side plate 713. The shape of the bracket 71 is not limited to this. The bracket 72 is a hollow container having an opening 721, and is disposed between the cover 3 and the tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42, covering the tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42. The bracket 72 is configured to receive the tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42 collectively from the opening 721. In one example, the shape of the bracket 72 is a box shape having a bottom plate 722 and a side plate 723. The shape of the bracket 72 is not limited to this. The shape of the bracket 72 may be the same as or different from the shape of the bracket 71.

[0033] The brackets 71, 72 are conductive. The brackets 71, 72 are made of, for example, a metal. Examples of the material of the brackets 71, 72 include platinum, nickel (foamed nickel, etc.), and metal materials (copper, brass, steel, etc.) plated with metal such as tin or nickel. The material of the brackets 71, 72 may be the same as the material of the current collectors of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42. The conductive bonding materials 61, 62 are disposed in the brackets 71, 72, respectively, and are in contact with the inner surfaces of the brackets 71, 72, respectively, and are thus electrically connected to the brackets 71, 72 with low resistance.

[0034] The cover 3 has two through holes 33, 34 penetrating between the lower surface 31 and the upper surface 32. The through holes 33, 34 are circular in shape in a cross section perpendicular to the penetrating direction. The through holes 33, 34 are formed side by side in a direction along the upper sides of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42. The through hole 33 is formed near one end of the cover 3 in the same direction. The through hole 34 is formed near the other end of the cover 3 in the same direction. Around the through hole 33 in the lower surface 31, a recess 331 is formed that is recessed upward with respect to other parts of the lower surface 31. Around the through hole 34 in the lower surface 31, a recess 341 is formed that is recessed upward with respect to other parts of the lower surface 31. The planar shape of the recesses 331, 341 is, for example, a square or a rectangle. The upper part of the bracket 71 (bottom plate 712 and its vicinity) is accommodated in the recess 331. An upper portion of bracket 72 (bottom plate 722 and its vicinity) is accommodated in recess 341. The width of brackets 71, 72 is greater than the inner diameter of through holes 33, 34. A concave countersunk portion 332 is formed around through hole 33 in upper surface 32. A concave countersunk portion 342 is formed around through hole 34 in upper surface 32. The planar shape of countersunk portions 332, 342 is, for example, circular.

[0035] The penetrating member 81 is a cylindrical member, and penetrates the cover 3 by being inserted into the through hole 33. The penetrating member 81 is a conductive member, for example, made of metal. The penetrating member 81 has a flange portion at its upper end, and the flange portion abuts against the counterbore portion 332. The penetrating member 81 is electrically connected to the conductive bonding material 61 via the bracket 71. In one example, the penetrating member 81 is conductively bonded to the bottom plate 712 of the bracket 71 at its lower end. The conductive bonding is, for example, welding. In another example, the penetrating member 81 includes an insert part that fits into the through hole 33. The penetrating member 81 may be composed of only an insert part that fits into the through hole 33 of the cover 3.

[0036] The penetrating member 82 is a cylindrical member, and is inserted into the through hole 34 to penetrate the cover 3. The penetrating member 82 is a conductive member, and is made of, for example, metal. The penetrating member 82 has a flange portion at its upper end, and the flange portion abuts against the counterbore portion 342. The penetrating member 82 is electrically connected to the conductive bonding material 62 via the bracket 72. In one example, the penetrating member 82 is conductively bonded to the bottom plate 722 of the bracket 72 at its lower end. The conductive bonding is, for example, welding. In another example, the penetrating member 82 includes an insert part that fits into the through hole 34. The penetrating member 82 may be composed of only an insert part that fits into the through hole 34 of the cover 3. The outer shape of the penetrating member 82 may be the same as or different from that of the penetrating member 81.

[0037] Examples of the material of the penetrating members 81, 82 include brass, aluminum, copper, and iron. The material of the penetrating members 81, 82 may be the same as or different from the material of the brackets 71, 72. The insert parts of the penetrating members 81, 82 are, for example, heat press-in type. The insert parts are, for example, insert nuts.

[0038] The resin coating 91 covers the surface of the conductive bonding material 61 that is not in contact with either the bracket 71 or the tab 43. Similarly, the resin coating 92 covers the surface of the conductive bonding material 62 that is not in contact with either the bracket 72 or the tab 44. The resin coatings 91 and 92 are made of a resin material such as a modified silicone or fluorine resin.

[0039] A method for manufacturing the nickel-zinc battery 1 described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the nickel-zinc battery 1. First, in step ST11, the penetrating members 81 and 82 are attached to the lid body 3, and the brackets 71 and 72 are electrically connected to the penetrating members 81 and 82, respectively. In this step ST11, either the step of attaching the penetrating members 81 and 82 to the lid body 3 or the step of electrically connecting the brackets 71 and 72 to the penetrating members 81 and 82, respectively, may be performed first. In addition, in the step of attaching the penetrating members 81 and 82 to the lid body 3, for example, insert parts as the penetrating members 81 and 82 are hot-pressed into the through holes 33 and 34 of the lid body 3. In addition, in the step of electrically connecting the brackets 71 and 72 to the penetrating members 81 and 82, for example, the brackets 71 and 72 are joined to the penetrating members 81 and 82, respectively, by welding.

[0040] 7 is a diagram showing steps ST12 to ST14. Next, in step ST12, liquid conductive bonding material 61 is placed in bracket 71. Similarly, liquid conductive bonding material 62 is placed in bracket 72. When conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are solder, solid solder is placed in brackets 71 and 72, and then the solder is heated to melt. At this time, brackets 71 and 72 may be heated, or a heated rod-shaped member may be inserted into brackets 71 and 72. When conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are conductive paste, conductive paste before sintering is placed in brackets 71 and 72.

[0041] Next, in step ST13, the bracket 71 is disposed so as to face the plurality of negative electrode plates 41, and the bracket 72 is disposed so as to face the plurality of positive electrode plates 42 (arrow A1 in the figure). Then, in step ST14, the tabs 43 of the plurality of negative electrode plates 41 are immersed in the conductive bonding material 61, and the tabs 44 of the plurality of positive electrode plates 42 are immersed in the conductive bonding material 62 (arrow A2 in the figure). At this time, the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42 may be moved, or the brackets 71 and 72 may be moved.

[0042] Next, in step ST15, the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are solidified. When the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are solder, the molten solder is solidified by cooling naturally or forcibly. When the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are conductive paste, the liquid conductive paste is sintered to solidify.

[0043] Next, in step ST16, the electrode plate group 4 is placed in the battery case 2 and immersed in the electrolyte 5, while the opening of the battery case 2 is closed with the lid 3. Through the above steps, the nickel-zinc battery 1 of this embodiment is completed.

[0044] 8 is a flow chart showing another example of a method for manufacturing the nickel-zinc battery 1. In this example, first, in step ST21, the penetrating members 81, 82 are attached to the lid body 3, and the brackets 71, 72 are electrically connected to the penetrating members 81, 82, respectively. Details of step ST21 are similar to those of step ST11 shown in FIG.

[0045] 9 is a diagram showing steps ST22 and ST23. Next, in step ST22, the tabs 43 of the negative electrode plates 41 are placed in the bracket 71, and the tabs 44 of the positive electrode plates 42 are placed in the bracket 72. Next, in step ST23, the liquid conductive bonding material 61 is poured into the bracket 71, and the liquid conductive bonding material 62 is poured into the bracket 72 (arrow A3 in the figure). Then, in step ST24, the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are solidified. Details of step ST24 are the same as those of step ST15 shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] Next, in step ST25, the electrode plate group 4 is immersed in the electrolyte 5 in the battery case 2, while the opening of the battery case 2 is closed with the lid 3. Through the above steps, the nickel-zinc battery 1 of this embodiment is completed.

[0047] The effect obtained by the nickel-zinc battery 1 of this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. In the nickel-zinc battery 1 of this embodiment, the tabs 43 of the multiple negative electrode plates 41 are conductively joined together by the conductive bonding material 61, and the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 are conductively joined together by the conductive bonding material 62. In this case, the resistance between the tabs 43 and the resistance between the tabs 44 are significantly smaller than in a method in which the tabs 43 of the multiple negative electrode plates 41 are fastened together using bolts and nuts, and the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 are fastened together using bolts and nuts. Therefore, the internal resistance of the nickel-zinc battery 1 can be reduced. In addition, since a complicated operation such as turning a bolt is not required, the process of electrically connecting the tabs 43 to each other and the process of electrically connecting the tabs 44 to each other can be simplified. Furthermore, the process can be easily automated. In addition, the structure is simpler than a structure using bolts and nuts, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0048] In one example, when the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 were fastened together using bolts and nuts, the internal resistance of the positive electrode was 0.500 mΩ and the internal resistance of the negative electrode was 0.100 mΩ. In contrast, in the structure of this embodiment, the internal resistance of the positive electrode was 0.025 mΩ and the internal resistance of the negative electrode was 0.025 mΩ. In addition, the average time required to fasten the tabs 43 together using bolts and nuts was 25 seconds, while the average time required to conductively join the tabs 43 together using the conductive bonding material 61 was 6 seconds.

[0049] As in this embodiment, the nickel-zinc battery 1 may include conductive penetrating members 81, 82 that penetrate the lid body 3 and are electrically connected to the conductive bonding materials 61, 62. In this case, electrical connection between the electrode plate group 4 and the outside of the lid body 3 (e.g., a bus bar) can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0050] As in the present embodiment, the nickel-zinc battery 1 may include a conductive bracket 71 arranged between the cover 3 and the tab 43 of the negative electrode plate 41 and configured to receive the tab 43 from the opening 711, and a conductive bracket 72 arranged between the cover 3 and the tab 44 of the positive electrode plate 42 and configured to receive the tab 44 from the opening 721. The conductive bonding material 61 may be arranged in the bracket 71 and in contact with the bracket 71, and the penetrating member 81 may be electrically connected to the conductive bonding material 61 through the bracket 71. Similarly, the conductive bonding material 62 may be arranged in the bracket 72 and the penetrating member 82 may be electrically connected to the conductive bonding material 62 through the bracket 72. Thereby, when manufacturing the nickel-zinc battery 1, the liquid conductive bonding material 61 can be held in the bracket 71, and the liquid conductive bonding material 62 can be held in the bracket 72. Therefore, the tabs 43 of the multiple negative electrode plates 41 and the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 can be reliably and easily bonded to each other by the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62. In addition, since tabs 43 are securely covered by bracket 71 and tabs 44 are securely covered by bracket 72, tabs 43 are securely fixed to each other and tabs 44 are securely fixed to each other, thereby improving vibration resistance.

[0051] As in this embodiment, the penetrating members 81, 82 may be conductively joined to the brackets 71, 72, respectively. In that case, the electrical connection between the penetrating members 81, 82 and the brackets 71, 72, respectively, can be achieved with a reliable and simple structure.

[0052] As in this embodiment, the bracket 71 may have a box shape having a bottom plate 712 and a side plate 713. Similarly, the bracket 72 may have a box shape having a bottom plate 722 and a side plate 723. Such a simple shape of the brackets 71, 72 makes it easy to form the brackets 71, 72.

[0053] As in the present embodiment, the lid 3 may be made of resin, and the penetrating members 81, 82 may each include an insert part that fits into the through holes 33, 34, respectively, formed in the lid 3. In that case, leakage of the electrolyte 5 can be reliably prevented with a simple configuration.

[0054] As in this embodiment, the brackets 71, 72 may be made of the same material as the current collectors of the negative electrode plates 41 and the positive electrode plates 42. In this case, the brackets 71, 72 can be disposed without causing a significant change in the electrical characteristics of the nickel-zinc battery 1.

[0055] As in the present embodiment, the conductive bonding materials 61, 62 may contain at least one of solder and conductive paste. In this case, the conductive bonding materials 61, 62 can be melted or sintered at a relatively low temperature to reduce the thermal effect on the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42.

[0056] As in this embodiment, the nickel-zinc battery 1 may include resin coatings 91, 92 that cover the surfaces of the conductive bonding materials 61, 62, respectively. In this case, contact between the electrolyte 5 and the conductive bonding materials 61, 62 can be avoided, and a significant change in the electrical characteristics of the nickel-zinc battery 1 can be prevented.

[0057] According to the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the nickel-zinc battery 1 can be manufactured through simple steps. In addition, the process of conductively joining the tabs 43 of the multiple negative electrode plates 41 and the tabs 44 of the multiple positive electrode plates 42 with the conductive bonding materials 61, 62 can be easily automated.

[0058] The nickel-zinc battery 1 in which the positive electrode plate 42 is a nickel electrode has been described above, but the storage battery of the present disclosure may be another zinc battery, for example, an air-zinc battery in which the positive electrode is an air electrode, or a silver-zinc battery in which the positive electrode is a silver oxide electrode. As the silver oxide electrode of the silver-zinc battery, a known silver oxide electrode used in a silver-zinc battery may be used. The silver oxide electrode includes, for example, silver (I) oxide. As the air electrode of the air-zinc battery, a known air electrode used in an air-zinc battery may be used. The air electrode includes, for example, an air electrode catalyst, an electron conductive material, etc. As the air electrode catalyst, an air electrode catalyst that also functions as an electron conductive material may be used.

[0059] As the air electrode catalyst, one that functions as a positive electrode in an air zinc battery can be used, and various air electrode catalysts that can utilize oxygen as a positive electrode active material can be used. Examples of the air electrode catalyst include carbon-based materials (graphite, etc.) having an oxidation-reduction catalytic function, metal materials (platinum, nickel, etc.) having an oxidation-reduction catalytic function, and inorganic oxide materials (perovskite-type oxides, manganese dioxide, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, spinel oxide, etc.) having an oxidation-reduction catalytic function. The shape of the air electrode catalyst is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, particulate. The amount of the air electrode catalyst used in the air electrode may be within a range of 5% by volume to 70% by volume, 5% by volume to 60% by volume, or 5% by volume to 50% by volume, based on the total amount of the air electrode.

[0060] The electron conductive material may be one that is conductive and allows electron conduction between the air electrode catalyst and the separator. Examples of the electron conductive material include carbon blacks such as ketjen black, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; graphites such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, and expanded graphite; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; metal powders such as copper, silver, nickel, and aluminum; organic electron conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives; and any mixtures thereof. The shape of the electron conductive material may be particulate or may be other shapes. The electron conductive material is preferably used in a form that provides a continuous phase in the thickness direction in the air electrode. For example, the electron conductive material may be a porous material. The electron conductive material may be in the form of a mixture or complex with the air electrode catalyst, and may be an air electrode catalyst that also functions as an electron conductive material, as described above. The amount of the electronically conductive material used in the air electrode may be within the range of 10% by volume to 80% by volume, 15% by volume to 80% by volume, or 20% by volume to 80% by volume, relative to the total amount of the air electrode.

[0061] The zinc battery and the manufacturing method of the zinc battery according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 are electrically connected to the penetrating members 81 and 82 through the brackets 71 and 72, respectively. The configuration of the zinc battery is not limited to this, and for example, the brackets 71 and 72 may not be provided and the conductive bonding materials 61 and 62 may be directly electrically connected to the penetrating members 81 and 82, respectively.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the brackets 71, 72 are conductively joined (for example, welded) to the penetrating members 81, 82, respectively, but the electrical connection method between the brackets 71, 72 and the penetrating members 81, 82 is not limited to this.

[0063] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the penetrating members 81, 82 include insert parts, but the penetrating members 81, 82 may have various structures other than insert parts (for example, a combination of a bolt and an O-ring washer, etc.).

[0064] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the tabs 43, 44 are fixed to the penetrating members 81, 82 by the conductive bonding material 61, 62, but the conductive bonding material 61 is provided only between the tabs 43, and the conductive bonding material 62 is provided only between the tabs 44, and the fixation between the tabs 43 and the penetrating member 81, and the fixation between the tabs 44 and the penetrating member 82 may be performed by other structures such as bolts and nuts.

[0065] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, resin coatings 91, 92 are provided on the surfaces of the conductive bonding materials 61, 62, respectively. However, if there is no need to avoid contact between the electrolyte 5 and the conductive bonding materials 61, 62, the resin coatings 91, 92 do not have to be provided.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the tabs 43, 44 of both the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42 are joined by the conductive bonding material 61, 62, but only the tabs of one of the electrode plates, the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42, may be joined by the conductive bonding material. In the above-described embodiment, the brackets 71, 72 are provided for both the tabs 43, 44 of the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42, but a bracket may be provided for only the tabs of one of the electrode plates, the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 42.

[0067] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a zinc battery (particularly a nickel-zinc battery) is shown as an example of a storage battery, but the storage battery is not limited to a zinc battery, and the structure of the present disclosure can be applied to various other storage batteries. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...nickel-zinc battery, 2...cell case, 3...lid, 4...electrode plate group, 5...electrolyte, 31...lower surface, 32...upper surface, 33,34...through hole, 41...negative electrode plate, 42...positive electrode plate, 43,44...tab, 45...separator, 61,62...conductive bonding material, 71,72...bracket, 81,82...through member, 91,92...resin coating, 331,341...recess, 332,342...countersink portion, 431,441...through hole, 711,721...opening, 712,722...bottom plate, 713,723...side plate.

Claims

1. A battery case and A lid body, an electrode plate group including a plurality of electrode plates each having a tab and arranged in the battery case and stacked on top of each other; a conductive bonding material that conductively bonds the tabs of the plurality of electrode plates to each other; A storage battery.

2. The storage battery according to claim 1 , further comprising a conductive penetrating member provided to penetrate the lid and electrically connected to the conductive bonding material.

3. a conductive hollow container disposed between the lid and the electrode plate group, the hollow container having an opening and configured to receive the tab from the opening; the conductive bonding material is disposed in the hollow container; The storage battery according to claim 2 , wherein the penetrating member is electrically connected to the conductive bonding material through the hollow container.

4. The battery according to claim 3 , wherein the penetrating member is in conductive contact with the hollow container.

5. The storage battery according to claim 3 , wherein the hollow container has a box shape having a bottom plate and a side plate.

6. Each of the plurality of electrode plates has a current collector, The storage battery according to claim 3 , wherein the hollow container is made of the same material as the current collectors of the plurality of electrode plates.

7. The lid is made of resin, The storage battery according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the penetrating member includes an insert part that fits into a hole formed in the lid.

8. The storage battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductive bonding material includes at least one of solder and conductive paste.

9. The storage battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a resin coating covering a surface of the conductive bonding material.

10. A method for producing the storage battery according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising the steps of: attaching the penetrating member to the lid and electrically connecting the hollow container to the penetrating member; placing the conductive bonding material in a liquid state in the hollow container; immersing the tabs of the plurality of electrode plates in the conductive bonding material; solidifying the conductive bonding material; a step of closing the opening of the battery case with the lid while disposing the plurality of electrode plates in the battery case; A method for manufacturing a storage battery, comprising:

11. A method for producing the storage battery according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising the steps of: attaching the penetrating member to the lid and electrically connecting the hollow container to the penetrating member; placing the tabs of the plurality of electrode plates within the hollow vessel; pouring the liquid conductive bonding material into the hollow container; solidifying the conductive bonding material; a step of closing the opening of the battery case with the lid while disposing the plurality of electrode plates in the battery case; A method for manufacturing a storage battery, comprising:

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