Fixture

Abstract

To provide a fixture capable of suppressing an increase of a non-contact region between electrode tabs or enlargement of a joint portion between a battery cell and an electrode tab even in a case where the battery cell is expanded.SOLUTION: Regarding a plurality of battery cells 100 provided in such a manner that electrode tabs 110 formed in a tab shape protrude from ends of cell main bodies 102, a fixture 10 fixes the battery cells in a state where the electrode tabs 110 are electrically connected and comprises: a holding part 20 which holds a tab lamination part 114 formed by winding or folding the electrode tabs 110; and a pressing part 50 which causes a pressing force to act upon the tab lamination part 114 held by the holding part 20 in a lamination direction of the electrode tabs 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing jig for fixing a plurality of battery cells provided such that electrode tabs formed in a tab shape protrude from an end portion of a cell body, with each electrode tab being electrically connected.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery module as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has been provided. The battery module of Patent Document 1 is configured by laminating a plurality of sheet-shaped battery cells. Further, in the battery module of Patent Document 1, electrode tabs extend from both ends of each of the battery cells, and holders for holding the electrode tabs are provided on both sides of each of the battery cells. Further, the holder has an insertion port into which the electrode tab is inserted, and connection terminals for electrically connecting each of the electrode tabs are provided inside the insertion port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When configured to simply press-contact and electrically connect the electrode tabs as in the battery module of the prior art described above, when the battery cell expands due to the influence of heat or the like, tension acts on the electrode tabs. As a result, in the battery module of the prior art, there is a concern that the non-contact area between the electrode tabs increases, the joint portion between the pack of the battery cells and the electrode tabs expands, resulting in problems such as a decrease in the strength of the pack, breakage of the pack, and leakage of the electrolytic solution accommodated inside the pack.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fixing jig capable of fixing electrode tabs to each other while suppressing an increase in the non-contact area between the electrode tabs and an expansion of the joint portion between the battery cell and the electrode tab even when the battery cell expands due to the influence of heat or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The fixing jig of the present invention fixes a plurality of battery cells provided such that electrode tabs formed in a tab shape protrude from an end portion of a cell body, with each of the electrode tabs being electrically connected. The fixing jig includes a holding portion that holds a tab laminated portion formed by winding or folding the electrode tabs, and a pressing portion that applies a pressing force to the tab laminated portion held by the holding portion in the stacking direction of the electrode tabs.

[0007] The fixing jig of the present invention can hold, by the holding portion, a tab laminated portion formed by winding or folding the electrode tabs as described in (1) above. Thereby, the fixing jig of the present invention can minimize the space required for the arrangement of the electrode tabs while sufficiently securing the contact area of each electrode tab forming the tab laminated portion. Further, the fixing jig of the present invention can suppress the application of tension to the electrode tabs when the battery cell expands by applying a pressing force to the tab laminated portion held by the holding portion in the acting direction of the electrode tabs. Therefore, the fixing jig of the present invention can suppress an increase in the non-contact area between the electrode tabs and an expansion of the joint portion between the battery cell and the electrode tab even when the battery cell expands.

[0008] (2) In the fixing jig of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the pressing portion presses the cell body in addition to the tab laminated portion.

[0009] The fixing jig of the present invention can simplify the configuration and the fixing operation using the fixing jig compared to a configuration in which the battery cell and the electrode tabs are pressed separately by configuring the pressing portion to press the battery cell and the electrode tabs together as described in (2) above.

[0010] (3) In the fixture of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the holding portion holds the tab laminated portion having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the battery cell.

[0011] As described in (3) above, the fixture of the present invention holds the tab laminated portion having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the battery cell by the holding portion, so that even if the battery cell expands, excessive tension is prevented from acting on the electrode tab.

[0012] (4) In the fixture of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the holding portion has a movement suppressing portion that suppresses the movement of the tab laminated portion in a direction intersecting the lamination direction of the electrode tabs.

[0013] By adopting the configuration as described in (4) above, the fixture of the present invention can suppress the displacement of the tab laminated portion held by the holding portion in a direction intersecting the lamination direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the holding force by the holding portion due to the displacement of the tab laminated portion.

[0014] (5) In the fixture of the present invention described above, the holding portion has a gripping portion that grips the tab laminated portion from one side and the other side in the lamination direction of the electrode tabs. The gripping portion has a first component portion and a second component portion arranged on one side and the other side in the lamination direction of the electrode tabs. It is preferable that the movement suppressing portion is configured to include a convex portion protruding from the first component portion toward the second component portion.

[0015] By adopting the configuration as described in (5) above, the fixture of the present invention can suppress the displacement of the tab laminated portion by the convex portion constituting the movement suppressing portion while gripping the tab laminated portion by the gripping portion including the first component portion and the second component portion. Therefore, by adopting the configuration according to (5), the fixture of the present invention can hold the tab laminated portion more stably.

[0016] (6) In the fixing jig of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the second component has a receiving portion for receiving the convex portion, and by engaging the convex portion and the receiving portion, the gripping portion can be suppressed from opening in the stacking direction.

[0017] By configuring the fixing jig of the present invention as described in (6) above, by engaging the convex portion and the receiving portion, the holding force of the tab stacking portion in the holding portion can be further improved.

[0018] (7) The fixing jig of the present invention described above has the pressing portion including a first end plate and a second end plate disposed opposite to the first end plate, and in a state where the battery cell is disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate, it is preferable that the pressing force acting on the holding portion and the cell body can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0019] By adopting the configuration according to (7) above, the fixing jig of the present invention can adjust, together with the pressing force acting on the holding portion, the pressing force acting on the cell body by adjusting the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate. Therefore, since the pressing portion of the fixing jig of the present invention can be shared in pressing the holding portion and the cell body, the configuration and the fixing operation can be simplified.

[0020] (8) The fixing jig of the present invention described above has a pressing portion including a first end plate and a second end plate arranged opposite to each other, and a pressing body disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate. The pressing body has a contact portion that directly or indirectly contacts the first end plate and the holding portion, and an insertion portion that is inserted into an insertion portion provided on the second end plate. The cell body is disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate, and in a state where the holding portion is disposed between the contact portion and the second end plate, by adjusting the interval between the first end plate and the second end plate, the pressing force acting on the cell body and the holding portion can be adjusted. It is preferable that the insertion amount of the insertion portion with respect to the insertion portion can be changed according to the interval between the first end plate and the second end plate.

[0021] By adopting the configuration according to the above (8), the fixing jig of the present invention can adjust both the pressing forces acting on the holding portion and the cell body together by adjusting the interval between the first end plate and the second end plate, in the same manner as when adopting the configuration of the above (7). Therefore, by adopting the configuration according to the above (8), the fixing jig of the present invention can simplify the device configuration and the fixing operation.

[0022] Also, as in the above (8), the fixing jig of the present invention can adjust the pressing force acting on the holding portion via the pressing body by adjusting the interval between the first end plate and the second end plate while bringing the contact portion of the pressing body into contact with the holding portion and the first end plate. Thereby, by adopting the configuration according to the above (8), the fixing jig of the present invention can disperse and act the pressing force acting on the holding portion over the contact region between the contact portion of the pressing body and the holding portion. Therefore, the fixing jig of the present invention can suppress the local concentration of the pressing force on the tab laminate portion held by the holding portion.

[0023] Furthermore, as described in (8) above, the insertion portion of the pressing body of the fixing jig of the present invention is configured to be insertable into the insertion portion provided on the second end plate. Thereby, the fixing jig of the present invention can suppress the displacement of the pressing body and can accurately apply a pressing force to the tab laminate held by the holding portion via the pressing body.

[0024] By configuring the fixing jig of the present invention as the configuration according to (8) above, the insertion amount of the insertion portion of the pressing body inserted into the insertion portion provided on the second end plate can be changed according to the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate. Thereby, the fixing jig of the present invention can reduce the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate to a size less than the length of the insertion portion. Therefore, the fixing jig of the present invention can reduce the distance between the first end plate and the second end plate without being restricted by the length of the insertion portion, and can apply an appropriate pressing force to the tab laminate held by the holding portion via the pressing body.

[0025] (9) It is preferable that the fixing jig of the present invention described above is provided with a claw that prevents the inserted portion inserted into the inserted portion from coming off.

[0026] By configuring the fixing jig of the present invention as the configuration according to (9) above, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the pressing body due to the inserted portion inserted into the inserted portion coming off from the inserted portion.

[0027] (10) The fixing jig of the present invention described above has a clamping plate disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate, the clamping plate is disposed between the cell body and the first end plate, and has a cell body contact portion that contacts the cell body and a clamping portion that is clamped by the pressing body and the first end plate, and it is preferable that a gap is formed between the cell body contact portion and the first end plate.

[0028] By configuring the fixing jig of the present invention as described in (10) above, an appropriate pressing force can be applied to the cell body, the pressurizing body, and the tab laminated portion by the main body contact portion and the clamping portion of the clamping plate. Further, by forming a gap between the cell body contact portion and the first end plate as described in (10) above, the fixing jig of the present invention can absorb the expansion and contraction of the cell body while applying an appropriate pressing force to the pressurizing body and the tab laminated portion.

[0029] (11) In the fixing jig of the present invention described above, the electrode tab provided in at least one of the plurality of battery cells is connected to a bus bar, and the tab laminated portion including the bus bar is formed by winding or folding the electrode tab together with the bus bar.

[0030] By configuring the fixing jig of the present invention according to the configuration described in (11) above, even for a battery cell that needs to connect a bus bar to the electrode tab, it can be fixed in the form of a tab laminated portion. Further, the tab laminated portion formed by the electrode tab to which the bus bar is connected is reinforced by the bus bar.

[0031] (12) The battery module of the present invention is one in which a plurality of battery cells are fixed by the fixing jig of the present invention described above.

[0032] Since the battery module of the present invention is one in which a plurality of battery cells are fixed by the fixing jig of the present invention described above, even when the battery cells expand due to the influence of heat or the like, it is possible to suppress an increase in the non-contact region between the electrode tabs or an expansion of the joint portion between the battery cell and the electrode tab.

Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fixing jig that solves the above-described problems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the fixing jig 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the battery module M configured using the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is schematically shown for easy understanding, and it should be noted that the actual shape, size, and arrangement of components may be different. Also, note that hatching may be omitted in the cross-section of each drawing.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery module M is configured by stacking a plurality (eight in the illustrated example) of battery cells 100 in the thickness direction (vertical direction in the illustrated example) of the cell body 102 and electrically connecting the electrode tabs 110, 110 provided on the battery cells 100, 100 adjacent in the stacking direction.

[0037] Here, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the battery cell 100 used in the battery module M is provided such that the electrode tab 110 formed in a tab shape protrudes from the end of the cell body 102 formed in a pack shape. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the like, the battery cell 100 is provided such that the positive electrode tab 110 and the negative electrode tab 110 protrude from one end of the cell body 102. In the battery module M shown in FIG. 1 and the like, a plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged such that the positive electrode tabs 110 (positive electrode tabs 110a) and the negative electrode tabs 110 (negative electrode tabs 110b) are alternately arranged in the stacking direction. Therefore, except for the positive electrode tab 110a located at one end in the stacking direction (lower end side in the illustrated example) and the negative electrode tab 110b located at the other end in the stacking direction (upper end side in the illustrated example), for the other electrode tabs 110, by electrically connecting the adjacent positive electrode tab 110a and negative electrode tab 110b vertically, a battery module M in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are connected in series can be configured.

[0038] The fixing jig 10 is used to electrically connect the positive electrode tab 110a and the negative electrode tab 110b in the battery module M. Further, the fixing jig 10 is also used to fix the positive electrode tab 110a and the negative electrode tab 110b, which are located at the end of the electrical system in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are connected in series, to the bus bar 130. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the fixing jig 10 has a holding portion 20 and a pressing portion 50.

[0039] The holding portion 20 holds the electrode tab 110. As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the holding portion 20 can hold the electrode tabs 110, 110 (the positive electrode tab 110a and the negative electrode tab 110b) in the form of a tab stacking portion 114 in which the electrode tabs 110, 110 are stacked by further winding or folding a tab stack 112 formed by overlapping the electrode tabs 110, 110. In the present embodiment, the positive electrode tab 110a and the negative electrode tab 110b are overlapped to form a tab stack 112, and the wound body formed by further winding this is taken as the tab stacking portion 114.

[0040] Further, the holding portion 20 can hold a tab stacking portion 114 formed by winding or folding together with the bus bar 130 for the positive electrode tab 110a and the negative electrode tab 110b located at the ends of the plurality of electrically connected battery cells 100. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the wound body formed by winding the overlapped and joined positive electrode tab 110a and the bus bar 130 located at one end (the lower end in the illustrated example) is taken as the tab stacking portion 114. Similarly, the wound body formed by winding the overlapped and joined negative electrode tab 110b and the bus bar 130 located at the other end (the upper end in the illustrated example) is taken as the tab stacking portion 114.

[0041] The holding part 20 can hold the tab laminated part 114 formed as described above. The thickness and holding form of the tab laminated part 114 that the holding part 20 can hold can be appropriate ones. In the present embodiment, the holding part 20 is configured to be able to hold the tab laminated part 114 having a thickness corresponding to the battery cell 100 (cell main body 102) by sandwiching it. The holding part 20 is formed of a material having electrical insulation properties (resin in the present embodiment). As shown in FIG. 4, the holding part 20 has a gripping part 22 and a movement restraining part 24.

[0042] The gripping part 22 is a part that grips the tab laminated part 114 formed as described above from one side and the other side in the stacking direction of the electrode tabs 110. Specifically, the gripping part 22 is formed so as to have a substantially "C" shape in a side view, and has a first component part 26 and a second component part 28. In the illustrated example, the gripping part 22 has the first component part 26 on the top surface side and the second component part 28 on the bottom surface side, and the two are opposed to each other. The gripping part 22 has an accommodation space 30 for accommodating the tab laminated part 114 between the first component part 26 and the second component part 28. The first component part 26 is a part that contacts one side (the upper side in the illustrated example) in the stacking direction of the electrode tabs 110 in the tab laminated part 114. Also, the second component part 28 is a part that contacts one side (the upper side in the illustrated example) in the stacking direction of the electrode tabs 110 in the tab laminated part 114. Further, the gripping part 22 is connected by a third component part 32 that extends so as to cross both of them at one end side of the first component part 26 and the second component part 28.

[0043] The holding part 22 has a portion facing the third component part 32 open, and the tab laminated part 114 can be inserted into the accommodation space 30 formed between the first component part 26 and the second component part 28 from the open part. The holding part 22 is formed of a flexible material and can be bent in a direction to bring the first component part 26 and the second component part 28 closer and farther apart. Also, the height of the accommodation space 30 (the distance between the first component part 26 and the second component part 28) is made equal to or slightly smaller than that of the tab laminated part 114. Therefore, when the tab laminated part 114 is inserted into the accommodation space 30, the tab laminated part 114 is held (clamped) by the first component part 26 and the second component part 28.

[0044] The movement restricting part 24 is for restricting the tab laminated part 114 held by the holding part 22 from moving in the width direction of the holding part 22 (a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the tab laminated part 114 into the accommodation space 30) and causing misalignment. The movement restricting part 24 is provided with a convex part 34 provided on the first component part 26 and a receiving part 36 provided on the second component part 28. The convex part 34 is a part protruding from the inner surface (the surface facing the second component part 28) of the first component part 26 toward the second component part 28. The convex part 34 is provided at a position adjacent to the tab laminated part 114 in the width direction of the holding part 22 in a state where the tab laminated part 114 is accommodated at an appropriate position in the accommodation space 30. Also, a claw part 34a is provided on the convex part 34. On the other hand, the receiving part 36 is provided at a position corresponding to the convex part 34 in the second component part 28. The movement restricting part 24 can be in a state of standing upright from the first component part 26 toward the second component part 28 and restrict the movement of the tab laminated part 114 when the claw part 34a of the convex part 34 engages with the receiving part 36.

[0045] The pressing unit 50 applies a pressing force in the stacking direction of the electrode tabs 110 to the tab stacked portion 114 held by the holding unit 20. Although it is possible for the pressing unit 50 to apply a pressing force only to the tab stacked portion 114, in this embodiment, in addition to the tab stacked portion 114, a pressing force is also applied to the cell body 102. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the pressing unit 50 includes a first end plate 52, a second end plate 54, a sandwiching plate 56, and a pressing body 58.

[0046] The first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 are each formed of a plate body that is substantially flat as a whole. The first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 are arranged opposite to each other and are plate bodies of such a size that a plurality of battery cells 100 and the holding unit 20 for electrically connecting them can be sandwiched therebetween. In this embodiment, the first end plate 52 is disposed above the second end plate 54, and 52 is disposed further above the plurality of battery cells 100 and the holding unit 20 disposed on the second end plate 54.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 etc., the second end plate 54 has an insertion part 60 and a bus bar fixing part 61. The insertion part 60 is for making the insertion part 72 of the pressurizing body 58, which will be described in detail later, movable in the acting direction of the pressing force (the vertical direction in the illustrated example). In the present embodiment, the insertion part 60 is constituted by a through hole into which the insertion part 72 can be inserted. The insertion part 60 is provided at the periphery of the region (holding part arrangement region 54a) in the second end plate 54 where the holding part 20 is arranged. In the present embodiment, the insertion part 60 is provided at the four corners of the holding part arrangement region 54a. Further, the bus bar fixing part 61 is provided at a position adjacent to the holding part arrangement region 54a. The bus bar fixing part 61 fixes the bus bar 130 protruding from the holding part 20. The bus bar 130 is fixed to the bus bar fixing part 61 by a fixture such as a screw. The bus bar fixing part 61 protrudes from the second end plate 54. The bus bar fixing part 61 protrudes to a position where it can support the bus bar 130 protruding substantially parallel to the second end plate 54 from the side of the second end plate 54 (the lower side in the illustrated example). Therefore, the bus bar 61 can fix the bus bar 130 without bending it.

[0048] The clamping plate 56 is a plate body arranged between the battery cell 100 arranged on the second end plate 54, the pressurizing body 58 attached to the holding part 20, and the first end plate 52. The clamping plate 56 has a cell body contact part 62 and connection parts 64, 64. The clamping plate 56 has the connection parts 64, 64 at positions adjacent to one side and the other side with respect to the cell body contact part 62, and has a step between the cell body contact part 62 and the connection parts 64, 64. Thereby, the clamping plate 56 is formed in a hat shape in side view.

[0049] The cell body contact portion 62 is a portion that abuts against the cell body 102 of the battery cell 100 disposed on the second end plate 54. The connection portions 64, 64 are portions where the clamping plate 56 is connected to the first end plate 52. One of the connection portions 64, 64 (hereinafter also referred to as "first connection portion 64a") is disposed at a position adjacent to the protruding direction of the electrode tab 110 in a state where the cell body contact portion 62 is disposed on the cell body 102, that is, at a position where the holding portion 20 and the pressurizing body 58 attached thereto are provided. The first connection portion 64a is sandwiched between the pressurizing body 58 and the first end plate 52 in the assembled state of the battery module M. The first connection portion 64a functions as a clamping portion 66 that clamps the holding portion 20 and the pressurizing body 58 between the second end plate 54.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 9, etc., the pressurizing body 58 is a member that is mounted so as to cover the holding portion 20 in a state where a plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged and stacked on the second end plate 54. The pressurizing body 58 has a contact portion 70 and an insertion portion 72.

[0051] The contact portion 70 is a portion that abuts against the first end plate 52 and the holding portion 20. The contact portion 70 is formed in a flat plate shape. The contact portion 70 is disposed so as to cover a region including a portion where the tab stacking portion 114 is held in the holding portion 20. In a state where the pressurizing body 58 is mounted on the holding portion 20, the contact portion 70 contacts the holding portion 20 substantially evenly regardless of the portion.

[0052] The insertion portion 72 is a portion that is inserted into the insertion portion 60 provided on the second end plate 54. The insertion portion 72 is formed so as to extend in a direction intersecting the contact portion 70 at the four corners of the contact portion 70. Claws 74 are provided on the tip side (lower end side in the illustrated example) of the insertion portion 72. The claws 74 function as a retaining means for preventing the inserted insertion portion 72 from coming out of the insertion portion 60.

[0053] The battery module M is formed by fixing a plurality of battery cells 100 using the fixing jig 10 having the above-described configuration. Specifically, when assembling the battery module M using the fixing jig 10, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, first, while stacking the battery cells 100, the tab stacking portion 114 formed by the electrode tabs 110 of each battery cell 100 is held by the holding portion 20. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of stacked battery cells 100 and the holding portion 20 are arranged on the second end plate 54. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pressing body 58 is attached to the plurality of holding portions 20 stacked in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0054] After the pressing body 58 is attached as described above, as shown in FIG. 1, a clamping plate 56 and a first end plate 52 are arranged on the opposite side of the second end plate 54 with respect to the plurality of battery cells 100 and the holding portion 20. The clamping plate 56 is in a state where the cell body contact portion 62 contacts the cell body 102 and the connecting portion 64 (first connecting portion 64a) contacts the abutting portion 70 of the pressing body 58 attached to the holding portion 20. In this state, a gap 68 (see FIG. 2) is formed between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52. In this way, the plurality of battery cells 100 and the holding portions 20 attached thereto are sandwiched between the first end plate 52 and the clamping plate 56 and the second end plate 54.

[0055] In the above-described state, a bolt 120 is inserted through the first end plate 52, the clamping plate 56, and the second end plate 54, and is fastened to a nut (not shown) provided on the back side (lower side in the illustrated example) of the second end plate 54. The bolt 120 is inserted through the insertion holes provided at the four corners of the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54. Further, the bolt 120 is inserted through the insertion hole provided in the connecting portion 64 of the clamping plate 56.

[0056] The fixing jig 10 can adjust the interval between the first end plate 52 (clamping plate 56) and the second end plate 54 by adjusting the tightening degree of each bolt 120 provided at the four corners. Thereby, the fixing jig 10 can adjust the pressing force acting on the holding portion 20 and the cell body 102. Further, the fixing jig 10 can change the insertion amount of the insertion portion 72 of the pressing body 58 with respect to the insertion portion 60 provided on the second end plate 54 according to the interval between the first end plate 52 (clamping plate 56) and the second end plate 54. Thereby, the fixing jig 10 can adjust the interval between the first end plate 52 (clamping plate 56) and the second end plate 54 without being restricted by the length of the insertion portion 72, and can apply an appropriate pressing force to the tab laminated portion 114 held by the holding portion 20.

[0057] <<Function and Effect>> The fixing jig 10 according to the above-described embodiment has the characteristic configurations shown in the following (a) to (l), and thereby the effects peculiar to the present invention can be obtained.

[0058] (a) The fixing jig 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above is for fixing a plurality of battery cells 100 provided such that electrode tabs 110 formed in a tab shape protrude from the end of the cell body 102, with each electrode tab 110 being electrically connected. It has a holding portion 20 for holding a tab laminated portion 114 formed by winding or folding the electrode tabs 110, and a pressing portion 50 for applying a pressing force in the lamination direction of the electrode tabs 110 to the tab laminated portion 114 held by the holding portion 20.

[0059] As described in (a) above, the fixing jig 10 can hold, by the holding part 20, the electrode tabs 110 that are formed into a tab laminated part 114 by winding or folding. Thereby, the fixing jig 10 can suppress the space required for arranging the electrode tabs 110 to a minimum while ensuring sufficient contact areas of the respective electrode tabs 110 forming the tab laminated part 114. Further, the fixing jig 10 can suppress the tension applied to the electrode tabs 110 when the battery cell 100 expands by applying a pressing force in the acting direction of the electrode tabs 110 to the tab laminated part 114 held by the holding part 20. Therefore, even when the battery cell 100 expands, the fixing jig 10 can suppress an increase in the non-contact area between the electrode tabs or an expansion of the joint part between the battery cell 100 and the electrode tabs 110.

[0060] (b) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the pressing part 50 presses the cell body 102 in addition to the tab laminated part 114.

[0061] By configuring the fixing jig 10 to press the electrode tabs 110 together with the battery cell 100 by the pressing part 50 as described in (b) above, the configuration and the fixing operation using the fixing jig 10 can be simplified compared to the case of configuring to press the battery cell 100 and the electrode tabs 110 separately.

[0062] (c) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the holding part 20 holds the tab laminated part 114 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the battery cell 100.

[0063] By configuring the fixing jig 10 to hold, by the holding part 20, the tab laminated part 114 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the battery cell 100 as described in (c) above, it is possible to suppress an excessive tension from acting on the electrode tabs 110 even when the battery cell 100 expands.

[0064] (d) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the holding part 20 has a movement suppression part 24 that suppresses the movement of the tab laminated part 114 in a direction intersecting the lamination direction of the electrode tabs 110.

[0065] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (d) above, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the tab laminated portion 114 held by the holding portion 20 in a direction intersecting the lamination direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the holding force by the holding portion 20 due to displacement of the tab laminated portion 114.

[0066] (e) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the holding portion 20 has a gripping portion 22 that grips the tab laminated portion 114 from one side and the other side in the lamination direction of the electrode tabs 110. The gripping portion 22 has a first component portion 26 and a second component portion 28 arranged on one side and the other side in the lamination direction of the electrode tabs 110. The movement suppressing portion 24 includes a convex portion 34 protruding from the first component portion 26 toward the second component portion 28.

[0067] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (e) above, while gripping the tab laminated portion 114 with the gripping portion 22 including the first component portion 26 and the second component portion 28, it is possible to suppress displacement of the tab laminated portion 114 by the convex portion 34 constituting the movement suppressing portion 24. Therefore, by adopting the configuration according to (e) above, the fixing jig 10 can hold the tab laminated portion 114 more stably.

[0068] (f) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the second component portion 28 has a receiving portion 36 that receives the convex portion 34. By engaging the convex portion 34 and the receiving portion 36, it is possible to suppress the gripping portion 22 from opening in the lamination direction.

[0069] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (f) above, by engaging the convex portion 34 and the receiving portion 36, it is possible to further improve the holding force of the tab laminated portion 114 in the holding portion 20.

[0070] (g) The above-described fixing jig 10 has a pressing portion 50 including a first end plate 52 and a second end plate 54 disposed opposite to the first end plate 52. With the battery cell 100 disposed between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54, the pressing force acting on the holding portion 20 and the cell body 102 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54.

[0071] By adopting the configuration according to the above (g), the fixing jig 10 can adjust, by adjusting the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54, not only the pressing force acting on the holding portion 20 but also the pressing force acting on the cell body 102. Therefore, since the pressing portion 50 of the fixing jig 10 can be shared in pressing the holding portion 20 and the cell body 102, the configuration and the fixing operation can be simplified.

[0072] (h) The above-described fixing jig 10 has a pressing portion 50 including the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 disposed opposite to each other, and a pressing body 58 disposed between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54. The pressing body 58 has a contact portion 70 that directly or indirectly contacts the first end plate 52 and the holding portion 20, and an insertion portion 72 that is inserted into an insertion portion 60 provided on the second end plate 54. With the cell body 102 disposed between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 and the holding portion 20 disposed between the contact portion 70 and the second end plate 54, the pressing force acting on the cell body 102 and the holding portion 20 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54, and the insertion amount of the insertion portion 72 with respect to the insertion portion 60 can be changed according to the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54.

[0073] By adopting the configuration according to the above (h), the fixing jig 10 can adjust both the pressing forces acting on the holding part 20 and the cell body 102 together by adjusting the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54, similar to the case of adopting the configuration of the above (g). Therefore, by adopting the configuration according to the above (h), the fixing jig 10 can simplify the device configuration and the fixing operation.

[0074] Also, as in the above (h), the fixing jig 10 can adjust the pressing force acting on the holding part 20 via the pressing body 58 by adjusting the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 while bringing the contact part 70 of the pressing body 58 into contact with the holding part 20 and the first end plate 52. Thereby, by adopting the configuration according to the above (h), the fixing jig 10 can disperse and act the pressing force acting on the holding part 20 over the contact area between the contact part 70 of the pressing body 58 and the holding part 20. Therefore, the fixing jig 10 can suppress the local concentration of the pressing force on the tab laminate 114 held by the holding part 20.

[0075] Furthermore, as in the above (h), the insertion part 72 of the pressing body 58 of the fixing jig 10 is made insertable into the insertion part 60 provided on the second end plate 54. Thereby, the fixing jig 10 can suppress the displacement of the pressing body 58 and can accurately apply the pressing force to the tab laminate 114 held by the holding part 20 via the pressing body 58.

[0076] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (h) above, the insertion amount of the insertion portion 72 of the pressurizing body 58 inserted into the insertion portion 60 provided on the second end plate 54 can be changed according to the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54. Thereby, the fixing jig 10 can reduce the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 to a size less than the length of the insertion portion 72. Therefore, the fixing jig 10 can reduce the distance between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 without being restricted by the length of the insertion portion 72, and can apply an appropriate pressing force to the tab laminated portion 114 held by the holding portion 20 via the pressurizing body 58.

[0077] (i) The above-described fixing jig 10 is provided with a claw that prevents the insertion portion 72 inserted into the insertion portion 60 from coming off.

[0078] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (i) above, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the pressurizing body 58 due to the insertion portion 72 inserted into the insertion portion 60 coming off from the insertion portion 60.

[0079] (j) The above-described fixing jig 10 has a clamping plate 56 in which the pressurizing portion 50 is arranged between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54. The clamping plate 56 has a cell body contact portion 62 arranged between the cell body 102 and the first end plate 52 and contacting the cell body 102, and a clamping portion 66 sandwiched between the pressurizing body 58 and the first end plate 52. A gap 68 is formed between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52.

[0080] By configuring the fixing jig 10 as described in (j) above, an appropriate pressing force can be applied to the cell body 102, the pressurizing body 58, and the tab laminated portion 114 by the main body contact portion and the clamping portion 66 of the clamping plate 56. Further, by forming a gap 68 between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52 as in (j) above, the fixing jig 10 can absorb the expansion and contraction of the cell body 102 while applying an appropriate pressing force to the pressurizing body 58 and the tab laminated portion 114.

[0081] (k) In the fixing jig 10 described above, the electrode tab 110 provided in at least one of the plurality of battery cells 100 is connected to the bus bar 130, and the tab laminated portion 114 including the bus bar 130 is formed by winding or folding the electrode tab 110 together with the bus bar 130.

[0082] By configuring the fixing jig 10 according to the configuration according to (k) above, even for the battery cell 100 that needs to connect the bus bar 130 to the electrode tab 110, it can be fixed in the form of the tab laminated portion 114. Further, the tab laminated portion 114 formed by the electrode tab 110 to which the bus bar 130 is connected is reinforced by the bus bar 130.

[0083] (l) The battery module M is one in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are fixed by the fixing jig 10 described above.

[0084] Since the battery module M is one in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are fixed by the fixing jig 10 described above, even when the battery cells 100 expand due to the influence of heat or the like, it is possible to suppress an increase in the non-contact region between the electrode tabs or an expansion of the joint portion between the battery cell 100 and the electrode tab 110.

[0085] ≪Modification Example≫ The above-described fixing jig 10 merely shows one embodiment of the present invention, and changes, omissions, additions, etc. to the configuration can be appropriately made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Specifically, the above-described fixing jig 10 does not necessarily have to be configured such that the tab stacking portion 114 and the cell body 102 can be pressurized by the pressurizing portion 50 as in the above (b). For example, the fixing jig 10 may be configured to pressurize only the tab stacking portion 114 with respect to the pressurizing portion 50 and not pressurize the cell body 102.

[0086] The fixing jig 10 does not necessarily have to hold the tab stacking portion 114 having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the battery cell 100 as in the above (c). The holding portion 20 may hold the tab stacking portion 114 that is thinner or thicker than the thickness of the battery cell 100.

[0087] The above-described fixing jig 10 is provided with the movement restricting portion 24 as in the above (d), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The fixing jig 10 may not be provided with the movement restricting portion 24 or may be provided with a movement restricting portion 24 having a form different from the above-described one.

[0088] It is also possible that the above-described fixing jig 10 does not include the gripping portion 22 or the movement restricting portion 24 as in the above (e) for the holding portion 20. The fixing jig 10 can be configured such that the holding portion 20 holds the tab stacking portion 114 by gripping or the like with a configuration other than the gripping portion 22.

[0089] It is possible that the above-described fixing jig 10 does not include a configuration in which the convex portion 34 and the receiving portion 36 engage with each other as in the above (f) for the holding portion 20.

[0090] The above-described fixing jig 10 does not necessarily have to be configured such that the pressurizing portion 50 adjusts the pressing force acting on the holding portion 20 and the cell body 102 by adjusting the interval between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 as in the above (g). For example, the fixing jig 10 can be configured such that the pressurizing portion 50 individually pressurizes the holding portion 20 and the cell body 102.

[0091] The above-described fixing jig 10 does not necessarily adopt a configuration that enables the insertion amount of the insertion portion 72 with respect to the inserted portion 60 to be changed according to the interval between the first end plate 52 and the second end plate 54 as described in (h) above. For example, the fixing jig 10 can be configured such that the pressing portion 50 does not include the insertion portion 72 or the inserted portion 60.

[0092] The above-described fixing jig 10 can be configured not to include the claw 74 that prevents the inserted portion 72 inserted into the inserted portion 60 from coming off as described in (i) above. When the claw 74 is not provided, it is preferable that the fixing jig 10 be configured to suppress the inserted portion 72 from coming out of the inserted portion 60 by another configuration.

[0093] The above-described fixing jig 10 is configured to be able to absorb the expansion and contraction of the cell body 102 by forming a gap 68 between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52 as described in (j) above, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fixing jig 10 can be configured such that a gap 68 is formed between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the fixing jig 10 be configured to absorb the expansion and contraction of the cell body 102 at a location other than between the cell body contact portion 62 and the first end plate 52.

[0094] The above-described fixing jig 10 forms the tab laminated portion 114 including the bus bar 130 by winding or folding the electrode tab 110 together with the bus bar 130 as described in (k) above, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fixing jig 10 can be configured such that the bus bar 130 is provided separately from the tab laminated portion 114, and the tab laminated portion 114 and the bus bar 130 are electrically connected by a configuration different from the above-described one.

[0095] The above-described battery module M is one in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are fixed by the fixing jig 10 having all the configurations according to the above (a) to (k), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery module M may be one in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are fixed by a fixing jig 10 that does not include some of the configurations according to the above-described embodiment, a fixing jig 10 that includes other configurations in addition to the configurations exemplified in the above-described embodiment, or the like.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments and the like, and can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Further, any constituent element of each of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily combined with any constituent element described in the means for solving the problems, the mode for carrying out the invention, or the like, or a constituent element embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the problems, the mode for carrying out the invention, or the like. Regarding these, the intention is to obtain rights in the present application or a divisional application, a change application, etc. based on the present application.

Industrial Applicability

[0097] The present invention is suitably applicable to applications in which a plurality of battery cells provided such that electrode tabs formed in a tab shape protrude from the ends of the cell body are fixed in a state where the respective electrode tabs are electrically connected.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 10 Fixing jig 20 Holding part 22 Gripping part 24 Movement restraining part 26 First component part 28 Second component part 34 Protrusion 36 Receiving part 50 Pressing part 52 First end plate 54 Second end plate 56 Clamping plate 58 Pressurized body 60 Inserted part 62 Cell body contact part 66 Clamping part 68 Gap 70 Contact part 72 Insertion part 74 Claw 100 Battery cell 102 Cell body 110 Electrode tab 114 Tab stacking part 130 Bus bar M Battery module

Claims

1. A fixing jig for a plurality of battery cells provided such that electrode tabs formed in a tab shape protrude from an end of a cell body, the fixing jig fixing the respective electrode tabs in an electrically connected state, a holding portion that holds a tab laminated portion formed by winding or folding the electrode tabs, and a pressing portion that applies a pressing force to the tab laminated portion held by the holding portion in a stacking direction of the electrode tabs. The fixing jig is characterized by having these components.

2. The fixing jig according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion presses the cell body in addition to the tab laminated portion.

Images