Battery pack and method for manufacturing battery pack

Abstract

To improve dust-proofing properties and water-proofing properties of a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery pack of an embodiment comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a tube-like exterior cover that wraps the plurality of battery cells; a power supply line that is connected to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells and is led out from an opening in the exterior cover; and a first tape member that is attached to the exterior cover so as to cover the opening in the exterior cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery pack and a method for manufacturing the battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery pack (also called a pack battery) in which a plurality of battery cells such as cylindrical secondary batteries are arranged side by side and the electrodes are connected is known. In this battery pack, there is a type that covers the outside with a heat shrinkable tube as an exterior to keep the plurality of battery cells together so as not to come apart and to enhance insulation. Also, in this battery pack, lead wires connected to between the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells are drawn out from the opening of the heat shrinkable tube, and connection to the outside is made through these lead wires.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional battery pack, there is a problem that dust, water, etc. may enter from the opening of the heat shrinkable tube, and the dustproof and waterproof properties are not sufficient.

[0005] The disclosed technology has been made in view of such points, and aims to improve the dustproof and waterproof properties of the battery pack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the assembled battery includes a plurality of battery cells, a tubular exterior cover that encloses the plurality of battery cells, a power line connected to the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells and drawn out from the opening of the exterior cover, and a first tape member attached to the exterior cover so as to cover the opening of the exterior cover.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the battery disclosed in the present application, the dust-proof and waterproof properties of the assembled battery can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the assembled battery and the manufacturing method of the assembled battery according to the embodiments will be described. Components having the same function in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Note that the assembled battery and the manufacturing method of the assembled battery described in the following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the embodiments. Also, the following embodiments may be appropriately combined within a non-contradictory range.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the manufacturing process of the assembled battery. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the assembled battery according to the first embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, in the manufacturing process (S1) of the assembled battery, a plurality of battery cells 10 are covered with a cylindrical outer cover 11 that extends continuously in the X direction. Specifically, each battery cell 10 is a cylindrical battery with the Z direction as the axial direction. As an example, each battery cell 10 is a nickel-metal hydride battery of the same specification as each other.

[0012] In the manufacturing process (S1), the axial directions of the plurality of battery cells 10 are oriented in the Z direction and arranged in a W arrangement in the X direction. For the plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in this way, after connecting the terminals between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, they are connected with a lead wire 13 between the electrodes. This lead wire 13 is an example of a power supply line.

[0013] The number of battery cells 10 used as the assembled battery, the connection method (series / parallel), the shape of the lead wire 13 (for example, thickness), etc. are determined by the rating, usage conditions, charging specifications, etc. of the assembled battery. Also, the arrangement method of the plurality of battery cells 10 may be an I arrangement in which the battery cells 10 are arranged in a row, etc.

[0014] Next, in the manufacturing process (S1), the plurality of battery cells 10 are inserted through the openings 12a and 12b of the cylindrical outer cover 11 and covered with the outer cover 11. Here, the lead wire 13 is drawn out from the opening 12a on one end side (the opening 12b may also be used).

[0015] In this embodiment, as an example, a heat-shrinkable tube made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is applied as the outer cover 11. The heat-shrinkable tube starts to shrink when the temperature exceeds a predetermined shrinkage start temperature. Therefore, in the manufacturing process (S1), after covering the plurality of battery cells 10 with the outer cover 11, by applying a temperature exceeding the shrinkage start temperature, the outer cover 11 is adhered to the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 10.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, in the step (S2) following the manufacturing process (S1), tape members 14a and 14b are attached so as to cover the openings 12a and 12b at both ends of the exterior cover 11, respectively. Specifically, for the opening 12a through which the lead wire 13 is drawn out, the tape member 14a is attached with a gap 12c that does not interfere with the lead wire 13. For the opening 12b through which the lead wire 13 is not drawn out, the tape member 14b is attached so as to completely cover it. As the tape members 14a and 14b, for example, acetate tape can be applied as an electrically insulating and heat-resistant adhesive tape.

[0017] In the assembled battery 1 formed in this way, since most of the openings 12a and 12b at both ends of the exterior cover 11 are covered with the tape members 14a and 14b, the dustproof and waterproof properties can be improved.

[0018] For example, in the exterior cover 11 to which a heat-shrinkable tube is applied, when a part (such as a tongue-shaped band) of the heat-shrinkable tube is used to cover the openings 12a and 12b, reheating is required at a temperature exceeding the shrinkage start temperature when covering the openings 12a and 12b. When such reheating is performed, the exterior cover 11 covering the plurality of battery cells 10 may break due to further shrinkage caused by the reheating, and the dustproof and waterproof properties may be impaired. In the assembled battery 1 according to the present embodiment, since such reheating is not performed, the dustproof and waterproof properties can be more reliably improved.

[0019] (Second Embodiment) Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an assembled battery according to the second embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, in the assembled battery 1a according to the second embodiment, a step (S2a) of applying or pouring a liquid sealing member 15 into the gap 12c and solidifying it is further performed. As the sealing member 15, for example, a silicon adhesive can be applied.

[0021] As a result, in the assembled battery 1a, the gap 12c is sealed by the sealing member 15. Thus, in the assembled battery 1a, since the gap 12c is sealed, the dustproof and waterproof properties can be further improved.

[0022] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an assembled battery according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a three-view of the assembled battery 1b shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a three-view of the front (elevation), plan, and left side of the assembled battery 1b.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the assembled battery 1b according to the third embodiment, a step (S2b) of attaching a tape member 16 is further performed so as to cover the sealing member 15 that fills the gap 12c. Specifically, in the step (S2b), the lead wire 13 is bent upward (it may be bent downward), and the tape member 16 is attached so as to cover the sealing member 15 from above. For the tape member 16, similar to the tape members 14a and 14b, for example, acetate tape can be applied.

[0024] As a result, in the assembled battery 1b, the sealing member 15 is prevented from being exposed to the outside, and the gap 12c through which the lead wire 13 is connected to the inside of the assembled battery 1b can be reliably sealed. Therefore, in the assembled battery 1b, the dustproof and waterproof properties can be further improved.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 1, 1a, 1b... Assembled battery 10... Battery cell 11... Exterior cover 12a, 12b... Opening 12c... Gap 13... Lead wire 14a, 14b, 16... Tape member 15... Sealing member

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells, a cylindrical exterior cover that encloses the plurality of battery cells, a power line connected to the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells and drawn out from the opening of the exterior cover, and a first tape member attached to the exterior cover so as to cover the opening of the exterior cover. The battery pack is characterized by comprising the above components.

2. The first tape member is attached with a gap left for the power line to be drawn out, and further comprises a sealing member for sealing the gap. The battery pack according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. It further comprises a second tape member that covers the sealing member. The battery pack according to Claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. A step of enclosing a plurality of battery cells with a cylindrical exterior cover and drawing out a power line connected to the electrodes of the plurality of battery cells from the opening of the exterior cover, and a step of attaching a first tape member to the exterior cover so as to cover the opening of the exterior cover. The manufacturing method of the battery pack is characterized by including the above steps.

5. The first tape member is attached with a gap left for the power line to be drawn out, and further includes a step of attaching a sealing member for sealing the gap. The manufacturing method of the battery pack according to Claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. It further includes a step of attaching a second tape member that covers the sealing member. The manufacturing method of the battery pack according to Claim 5, characterized by the above.

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