Energy storage cell

Abstract

This facilitates the reading of identification information from a two-dimensional identification code, regardless of the state of the energy storage cell. [Solution] The energy storage cell 1 comprises a cell case 10, a first two-dimensional identification code 20, and a second two-dimensional identification code 30. The cell case 10 is configured to accommodate an electrode body. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is configured to allow identification information to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10 at a distance from the first two-dimensional identification code 20. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is configured to allow the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code 20 to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided in a position such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is viewed from the front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage cell.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-210663) discloses a cylindrical battery provided with a two-dimensional code recording individual identification information and an auxiliary two-dimensional code recording the same individual identification information as the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is located in a specific region on the side surface of the battery that is at a first distance from the battery bottom and at a second distance from the battery top. The auxiliary two-dimensional code is located at a position that is at a third distance from the two-dimensional code within the specific region.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cylindrical battery described in Patent Document 1, the two two-dimensional codes are arranged to be relatively close to each other within the specific region. When the distance between the two two-dimensional codes is relatively short, a situation where both two-dimensional codes cannot be read is likely to occur.

[0005] For example, in a state where the power storage cell is mounted on a module, when one of the two-dimensional codes is not exposed to the outside of the module, a situation easily arises where the other two-dimensional code is also not exposed to the outside. Further, when the module on which the power storage cell is mounted is disassembled or the like, if one of the two-dimensional codes on the power storage cell is damaged, a situation easily arises where the other two-dimensional code is also damaged.

[0006] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a storage cell that facilitates the reading of identification information from a two-dimensional identification code, regardless of the state of the storage cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The energy storage cell according to this disclosure comprises a cell case, a first two-dimensional identification code, and a second two-dimensional identification code. The cell case is configured to accommodate an electrode body. The first two-dimensional identification code is provided on the outer surface of the cell case. The first two-dimensional identification code is configured to allow identification information to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided on the outer surface of the cell case at a distance from the first two-dimensional identification code. The second two-dimensional identification code is configured to allow the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code is provided in a position such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code is viewed from the front.

[0008] With the above configuration, identification information can be read from the second two-dimensional identification code even from directions where it is not possible to read the identification information from the first two-dimensional identification code. Consequently, it becomes easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code regardless of the state of the energy storage cell.

[0009] For example, even if the first two-dimensional identification code is not exposed to the outside of the module when the energy storage cell is mounted on the module, the second two-dimensional identification code may be exposed to the outside of the module. This makes it easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code. Also, when dismantling a module on which an energy storage cell is mounted, if the energy storage cell is damaged on the front side of the first two-dimensional identification code, the second two-dimensional identification code may avoid damage. Therefore, it may be easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code regardless of the condition of the energy storage cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it becomes easier to read identification information from a two-dimensional identification code, regardless of the state of the energy storage cell. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the energy storage cell according to Embodiment 1 from above. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the energy storage cell according to Embodiment 1 from below. [Figure 3A] This diagram shows the first two-dimensional identification code on the energy storage cell when viewed from the front. [Figure 3B] This diagram shows the energy storage cell as viewed from the front, with the second two-dimensional identification code. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a modified energy storage cell according to Embodiment 1, viewed from below. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a storage cell according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a storage cell according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, energy storage cells according to each embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage cell according to Embodiment 1, viewed from above. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the energy storage cell according to Embodiment 1, viewed from below.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the energy storage cell 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a so-called cylindrical battery. The energy storage cell 1 comprises a cell case 10, a first two-dimensional identification code 20, and a second two-dimensional identification code 30.

[0015] The cell case 10 is configured to be capable of accommodating an electrode assembly. In the present embodiment, the cell case 10 accommodates an electrode assembly (not shown). The electrode assembly is constituted by an electrode plate group in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are wound with a separator interposed therebetween. The cell case 10 further accommodates an electrolytic solution (not shown).

[0016] The cell case 10 includes an outer peripheral wall portion 11, a top surface portion 12, and a bottom surface portion 13. The outer peripheral wall portion 11 has a cylindrical outer shape. The material constituting the outer peripheral wall portion 11 is not particularly limited, and is formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

[0017] The top surface portion 12 closes one end of the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The top surface portion 12 is located on one side of the electrode assembly accommodated in the cell case 10 in the axial direction Z of the cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 11.

[0018] The top surface portion 12 has a top surface main body portion 121N, an external terminal 121P, and an insulating member 122.

[0019] The top surface main body portion 121N has a plate-like outer shape. The top surface main body portion 121N has a circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction Z. The peripheral edge of the top surface main body portion 121N is connected to the outer peripheral wall portion 11. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral wall portion 11 and the top surface main body portion 121N are integrally formed as a single member. The outer peripheral wall portion 11 and the top surface main body portion 121N may be formed as separate members from each other. In this case, the outer peripheral wall portion 11 and the top surface main body portion 121N may be joined to each other by welding such as laser welding. A through hole 121Nh penetrating in the axial direction Z is formed substantially at the center of the top surface main body portion 121N. The material constituting the top surface main body portion 121N is not particularly limited, and is formed of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or the like.

[0020] The external terminal 121P has a circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction Z. The external terminal 121P is located at the farthest end in one direction of the axial direction Z on the cell case 10. The external terminal 121P is located outside the top surface main body portion 121N in the axial direction Z. The external terminal 121P is positioned so as to cover the through-hole of the top surface main body portion 121N. The external terminal 121P is electrically connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode assembly accommodated in the cell case 10 via the through-hole 121Nh. Specifically, the external terminal 121P is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly accommodated in the cell case 10 through the through-hole 121Nh. The external terminal 121P is a positive electrode terminal. At this time, the cell case 10 may further include a positive electrode current collector plate. The external terminal 121P and the positive electrode of the electrode assembly may be electrically connected to each other via the positive electrode current collector plate. The external terminal 121P is formed of aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or the like.

[0021] The insulating member 122 insulates the top surface main body portion 121N and the external terminal 121P from each other. The insulating member 122 is disposed between the top surface main body portion 121N and the external terminal 121P.

[0022] The bottom surface portion 13 closes the other end of the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The bottom surface portion 13 is located on the other side of the electrode assembly accommodated in the cell case 10 in the axial direction Z.

[0023] The bottom portion 13 includes a bottom body portion 131 and a sealing plug 132. The bottom body portion 131 has a plate-like outer shape. The bottom body portion 131 has a circular outer shape when viewed from the axial direction. The periphery of the bottom body portion 131 is connected to the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The bottom body portion 131 is joined to the periphery of the outer peripheral wall portion 11 by welding, such as laser welding. The bottom body portion 131 may be fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall portion 11 by crimping the outer peripheral wall portion 11. If the top body portion 121N and the outer peripheral wall portion 11 are made of different materials, the outer peripheral wall portion 11 and the bottom body portion 131 may be formed integrally as a single component. The material constituting the bottom body portion 131 is not particularly limited, but it is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

[0024] The bottom body portion 131 is directly joined to the positive or negative electrode of the electrode body inside the cell case 10 by welding from the outside of the cell case 10. Specifically, the bottom body portion 131 is joined to the negative electrode. As a result, the bottom body portion 131 becomes negatively charged. The bottom body portion 131 may function as a negative electrode terminal. The outer peripheral wall portion 11, which is joined to the bottom body portion 131, also becomes negatively charged. The top body portion 121N, which is integrally formed with the outer peripheral wall portion 11, also becomes negatively charged. Therefore, the top body portion 121N may be connected to another energy storage cell or the like as a negative electrode terminal.

[0025] The bottom body portion 131 has an annular projection 131A, a plurality of radial projections 131B, a plurality of welded parts 131C, and a through hole 131D. The annular projection 131A extends in an annular shape when viewed from the axial direction Z. The annular projection 131A protrudes toward the inside of the cell case 10. The annular projection 131A is in contact with the negative electrode of the electrode body.

[0026] The multiple radial protrusions 131B extend radially from the center of the bottom surface 13 when viewed from the axial direction. The multiple radial protrusions 131B are arranged spaced apart from each other. The multiple radial protrusions 131B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The multiple radial protrusions 131B are connected to the annular protrusion 131A. The multiple radial protrusions 131B protrude toward the inside of the cell case 10. The multiple radial protrusions 131B are in contact with the negative electrode of the electrode body.

[0027] Multiple welded sections 131C are portions of the bottom body portion 131 that are joined to the negative electrode of the electrode body inside the cell case 10 by welding. Multiple welded sections 131C are formed by laser welding from the outside of the cell case 10. Multiple welded sections 131C are formed on the annular protrusions 131A. On the annular protrusions 131A, multiple welded sections 131C are formed to extend along the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction Z, with the center of the bottom body portion 13 as the center. Multiple welded sections 131C are formed on each of the multiple radial protrusions 131B. On the radial protrusions 131B, the welded sections 131C are formed to extend along the radial direction. The annular protrusions 131A and the multiple radial protrusions 131B may be thinner in thickness compared to other parts of the bottom body portion 131. This facilitates the formation of the welded sections 131C.

[0028] The through-hole 131D is formed in the center of the bottom body portion 131 when viewed from the axial direction Z. The through-hole 131D may be used to inject the electrolyte contained in the cell case 10.

[0029] The sealing plug 132 is inserted through the through hole 131D of the bottom body portion 131. This fixes the sealing plug 132 to the bottom body portion 131. The through hole 131D and the sealing plug 132 may also function as pressure relief valves to release pressure inside the case 20 when the pressure inside the cell case 10 becomes excessively high.

[0030] The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is configured so that identification information can be read by a predetermined reader. The identification information includes, for example, individual identification information of the energy storage cell 1 to which the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided. The individual identification information includes, for example, the manufacturing date, manufacturing time, manufacturing line, and lot number of the energy storage cell 1. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0031] The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 may be directly printed on the outer surface of the cell case 10 with ink or the like, or a label with the first two-dimensional identification code 20 pre-printed on it may be affixed to the outer surface of the cell case 10. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 may also be engraved on the cell case 10 by a laser or the like. In this embodiment, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11.

[0032] The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is configured to read the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code 20. At least a portion of the identification information read by the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be the same as the identification information read by the first two-dimensional identification code 20. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). It is preferable that the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is the same as the first two-dimensional identification code 20.

[0033] The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is separated from the first two-dimensional identification code 20. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be directly printed on the outer surface of the cell case 10 with ink or the like, or a label with the second two-dimensional identification code 30 pre-printed on it may be affixed to the outer surface of the cell case 10. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 may also be engraved on the cell case 10 by a laser or the like.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the top surface portion 12. Specifically, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the top surface main body portion 121N.

[0035] Note that the positions of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be reversed. That is, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 may be provided on the top surface portion 12, and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11.

[0036] Figure 3A shows the energy storage cell as viewed from the front of the first two-dimensional identification code. As shown in Figure 3A, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is positioned such that at least a portion of the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is not visible when the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is viewed from the front. Specifically, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is positioned such that the entire second two-dimensional identification code 30 is not visible when the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is viewed from the front. This is because the top main body portion 121N extends in a planar direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the outer peripheral wall portion 11.

[0037] In this specification, the front of the two-dimensional identification code is located on a certain virtual straight line. This virtual straight line is the normal line drawn through the central portion of the area on the outer surface of the cell case 10 where the two-dimensional identification code is provided.

[0038] Figure 3B shows the energy storage cell as viewed from the front, with the second two-dimensional identification code. As shown in Figure 3B, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is positioned such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is viewed from the front. Specifically, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is positioned such that the entire first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is viewed from the front. This is because the outer surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 11 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane direction in which the top surface main body portion 121N extends.

[0039] Furthermore, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be provided on the bottom surface portion 13. Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of a modified example of Embodiment 1 of the energy storage cell. As shown in Figure 4, in the modified example of Embodiment 1 of the energy storage cell 1a, the second two-dimensional identification code 30a is provided on the bottom surface portion 13. Specifically, the second two-dimensional identification code 30a is provided on the bottom main body portion 131. In this modified example as well, the positions of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30a may be reversed. That is, the second two-dimensional identification code 30a may be provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11, and the first two-dimensional identification code 20 may be provided on the bottom surface portion 13.

[0040] In this modified example, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is positioned such that at least a portion of the second two-dimensional identification code 30a is not visible when the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is viewed from the front. The second two-dimensional identification code 30a is positioned such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code 30a is viewed from the front.

[0041] Furthermore, the energy storage cell 1 may be equipped with three or more two-dimensional identification codes. For example, a third two-dimensional identification code may be placed in a position where the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 can be placed in this embodiment and the above-described modifications.

[0042] As described above, the energy storage cell 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises a cell case 10, a first two-dimensional identification code 20, and a second two-dimensional identification code 30. The cell case 10 is configured to accommodate an electrode body. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10. The first two-dimensional identification code 20 is configured to allow identification information to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 10 at a distance from the first two-dimensional identification code 20. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is configured to allow the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code 20 to be read. The second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided in a position such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is viewed from the front.

[0043] With the above configuration, identification information can be read from the second two-dimensional identification code 30 even from directions where it is not possible to read the identification information from the first two-dimensional identification code 20. Consequently, it becomes easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1.

[0044] For example, even if the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is not exposed to the outside of the module when the energy storage cell 1 is mounted on the module, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be exposed to the outside of the module. This makes it easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code. Also, when dismantling the module on which the energy storage cell 1 is mounted, if the energy storage cell 1 is damaged on the front side of the first two-dimensional identification code 20, the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may avoid damage. This makes it easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1.

[0045] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, the cell case 10 includes an outer peripheral wall portion 11, a top portion 12, and a bottom portion 13. The outer peripheral wall portion 11 is cylindrical. The top portion 12 closes one end of the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The bottom portion 13 closes the other end of the outer peripheral wall portion 11. One of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The other of the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the top portion 12 or the bottom portion 13.

[0046] According to the above configuration, even if the energy storage cell 1 has a so-called cylindrical shape, the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code can be easily read regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1.

[0047] For example, before a storage cell 1 is incorporated into a module, identification information can be read from the two-dimensional identification code on the outer periphery wall portion 11. On the other hand, when multiple storage cells 1 are incorporated into a module, the outer periphery walls 11 of each storage cell 1 are arranged to face each other. In this case, it becomes possible to read identification information from the two-dimensional identification code on the top portion 12 or the bottom portion 13. Therefore, even if the storage cell has a so-called cylindrical shape, it becomes easy to read identification information from the two-dimensional identification code regardless of the state of the storage cell 1.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) The following describes an energy storage cell according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. In Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the position of the first two-dimensional identification code differs from that of Embodiment 1. The same configuration and effects as in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated in this description.

[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a storage cell according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 5, in the storage cell 1x according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, one of the first two-dimensional identification code 20x and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the top surface 12. The other of the first two-dimensional identification code 20x and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the bottom surface 13.

[0050] According to the above configuration, even if the energy storage cell 1x has a so-called cylindrical shape, the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code can be easily read regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1x.

[0051] For example, if one of the top body portion 121N of the top portion 12 and the bottom body portion 131 of the bottom portion 13 is connected to a busbar or the like as a negative terminal, it becomes possible to read identification information from the two-dimensional identification code provided on the other side. Therefore, even if the energy storage cell has a so-called cylindrical shape, it becomes easy to read identification information from the two-dimensional identification code.

[0052] In this embodiment, specifically, the first two-dimensional identification code 20x is provided on the bottom surface 13, and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 is provided on the top surface 12. Note that the positions of the first two-dimensional identification code 20x and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be reversed. That is, the first two-dimensional identification code 20x may be provided on the top surface 12, and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be provided on the bottom surface 13.

[0053] The first two-dimensional identification code 20x and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 are not aligned in the axial direction Z. The first two-dimensional identification code 20x and the second two-dimensional identification code 30 may be aligned in the axial direction Z.

[0054] (Embodiment 3) The following describes the energy storage cell according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. In Embodiment 3 of this disclosure, the position of the second two-dimensional identification code differs from that of Embodiment 1. The same configuration and effects as in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated in this description.

[0055] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a storage cell according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 6, in the storage cell 1y according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 is provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11. The second two-dimensional identification code 30y is provided on the outer peripheral wall portion 11 so as to face the opposite direction to the direction in which the first two-dimensional identification code 20 faces.

[0056] According to the above configuration, even if the energy storage cell 1y has a so-called cylindrical shape, the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code can be easily read regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1y.

[0057] For example, even if the energy storage cell 1y is damaged on the front side of the first two-dimensional identification code 20, the second two-dimensional identification code 30y, which faces in the opposite direction to the first two-dimensional identification code 20, is more likely to avoid damage. Therefore, regardless of the state of the energy storage cell 1y, it may be easier to read the identification information from the two-dimensional identification code.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30y are not aligned in a virtual plane direction orthogonal to the axial direction Z. However, the first two-dimensional identification code 20 and the second two-dimensional identification code 30y may be aligned in a virtual plane direction orthogonal to the axial direction Z.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments described above, the combinable configurations may be combined with each other.

[0060] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1,1a,1x,1y Energy storage cell, 10 Cell case, 11 Outer wall section, 12 Top section, 121N Top main body section, 121P External terminal, 122 Insulating member, 13 Bottom section, 131 Bottom main body section, 131A Annular protrusion section, 131B Radial protrusion section, 131C Welded section, 132 Sealing plug, 20,20x First two-dimensional identification code, 30,30a,30y Second two-dimensional identification code.

Claims

[Claim 1] A cell case configured to accommodate an electrode body, A first two-dimensional identification code is provided on the outer surface of the cell case and configured to allow the identification information to be read, The cell case is provided with a second two-dimensional identification code, which is separated from the first two-dimensional identification code and configured to read the same identification information as the first two-dimensional identification code. A storage cell in which the second two-dimensional identification code is provided in a position such that at least a portion of the first two-dimensional identification code is not visible when the second two-dimensional identification code is viewed from the front.

Images