Sealing member, electrode, lead-acid battery, battery pack and electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a sealing member, an electrode, a lead battery, a battery pack, and an electric vehicle, capable of suppressing damage.SOLUTION: A positive electrode 10 comprising a plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a aligned along a Y direction comprises a lower linking seat 1 sealing ends of the cylindrical bodies 12a. When viewed from an X direction, edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are chamfered. When viewed from the Y direction, edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are chamfered. The lower linking seat 1 comprises body parts 2 and coupling parts 4. The bottom sides of the plurality of body parts 2 have a frustum shape. When viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on the one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are tilted following the frustum shape. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on the one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are tilted following the frustum shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a sealing member, an electrode, a lead-acid battery, a battery pack, and an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Lead-acid batteries are widely used as secondary batteries for industrial or consumer use, and there is particularly high demand for lead-acid batteries (so-called batteries) for electric vehicles or for backup lead-acid batteries for UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), disaster prevention (emergency) radio, telephones, etc.

[0003] The lead-acid battery includes an electrode group including a plurality of electrodes, and a battery case that contains the electrode group. The electrode includes, for example, a plurality of cylindrical bodies, a plurality of rod-shaped current collectors inserted into the plurality of cylindrical bodies, and an electrode material including an active material that is filled inside the plurality of cylindrical bodies. In such an electrode, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, the ends of the plurality of cylindrical bodies are sealed by a sealing member (lower connecting seat). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 61-232572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, when the electrode group is inserted into the battery case, the electrode group may come into contact with the battery case, and in particular, the sealing member of the electrode of the electrode group may come into contact with the battery case. In this case, the sealing member may be damaged, which may cause a failure of the lead-acid battery.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a sealing member, an electrode, a lead-acid battery, a battery pack, and an electric vehicle that are capable of suppressing damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention is a sealing member for sealing ends of a plurality of cylindrical bodies in an electrode having a plurality of cylindrical bodies lined up along a first direction, the sealing member having chamfered edges at one end side and the other end side in the first direction on a bottom side that is opposite to the side where the sealing member is inserted into the cylindrical bodies when viewed from a second direction that intersects with the first direction and intersects with the axial direction of the cylindrical bodies, the sealing member having chamfered edges at one end side and the other end side in the second direction on the bottom side of the sealing member when viewed from the first direction, the sealing member being lined up along the first direction and a portion of which is inserted into each of the plurality of cylindrical bodies. The sealing member has a plurality of main body parts that are connected to each other and connecting parts that connect the plurality of main body parts to each other, and the bottom sides of the main body parts arranged at least at one end side and the other end side in a first direction among the plurality of main body parts form a truncated cone shape or a truncated spherical shape that tapers toward the bottom side, and when viewed from the second direction, the edges of the one end side and the other end side in the first direction at the bottom side of the sealing member are inclined or curved in accordance with the truncated cone shape or the truncated spherical shape of the main body parts, and when viewed from the first direction, the edges of the one end side and the other end side in the second direction at the bottom side of the sealing member are inclined or curved in accordance with the truncated cone shape or the truncated spherical shape of the main body parts.

[0008] When an electrode group including a plurality of electrodes is inserted into a battery case, it is found that the one end side and the other end side of the sealing member of the electrodes in the first direction (the direction in which the plurality of cylindrical bodies are arranged) are likely to hit. In this regard, in the sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention, when viewed from the second direction, the edges of the one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the first direction are chamfered. When viewed from the first direction, the edges of the one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the second direction are chamfered. With this configuration, when the electrode group is inserted into the battery case from the bottom side of the sealing member, even if the one end side and the other end side of the sealing member in the first direction hits the battery case, the force is easily deflected along the chamfer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the sealing member. In particular, the edge is inclined or curved following the cone frustum or spherical frustum shape of the main body, and with this configuration, even if the one end side and the other end side of the sealing member in the first direction hits the battery case, the effect of deflecting the force is remarkable. It is possible to further suppress damage to the sealing member.

[0009] In the sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the main body portion located at one end side and / or the other end side in the first direction may be formed larger than the remaining main body portions, thereby making it possible to increase the durability of the sealing member, for example.

[0010] In the sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom sides of all of the plurality of main body parts may be frustum-shaped or frustum-shaped. With this configuration, when the electrode group is inserted into the battery case from the bottom side of the sealing member, even if the electrode group hits the battery case, the force can be deflected along the frustum-shaped or frustum-shaped for the bottom side of the entire sealing member. This makes it possible to further suppress damage to the sealing member. In addition, it becomes easier to insert the electrode group into the battery case from the bottom side of the sealing member.

[0011] A sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention is a sealing member for sealing the ends of a plurality of cylindrical bodies in an electrode having a plurality of cylindrical bodies lined up along a first direction, wherein, when viewed from a second direction that intersects the first direction and intersects the axial direction of the cylindrical bodies, the edges of one end side and the other end side in the first direction at the bottom side of the sealing member, which is opposite the side where the sealing member is inserted into the cylindrical bodies, are chamfered, and when viewed from the first direction, the edges of one end side and the other end side in the second direction at the bottom side of the sealing member are chamfered.The sealing member comprises a plurality of main body portions lined up along the first direction, a portion of which is inserted into each of the plurality of cylindrical bodies, and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of main body portions to each other, and at least a portion of the main body portions located at the one end side and / or the other end side in the first direction is formed to be larger than the other main body portions.

[0012] In this sealing member, when viewed from the second direction, the edges of one end side and the other end side in the first direction on the bottom side of the sealing member are chamfered. When viewed from the first direction, the edges of one end side and the other end side in the second direction on the bottom side of the sealing member are chamfered. With this configuration, when the electrode group is inserted into the battery case from the bottom side of the sealing member, even if the one end side and the other end side of the sealing member in the first direction hit the battery case, the force is easily deflected along the chamfer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the sealing member. In addition, at least a part of the main body portion located at the one end side and / or the other end side in the first direction is formed large. This can increase the durability of the sealing member, for example.

[0013] In the sealing member according to one aspect of the present invention, a contact surface may be provided on the bottom side of the sealing member, the contact surface being along a plane intersecting the axial direction and contacting a plurality of ridges provided on the bottom surface of the battery case that contains the electrodes. As a result, even if the position at which the sealing member contacts the ridges shifts, the contact surface is provided, so that the sealing member and, in turn, the electrodes are supported with a uniform force.

[0014] The electrode according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of cylindrical bodies arranged along a first direction, a plurality of rod-shaped current collectors inserted into the plurality of cylindrical bodies, an electrode material including an active material filled inside the plurality of cylindrical bodies, and the sealing member. Since the electrode includes the sealing member, damage can be suppressed.

[0015] A lead-acid battery according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-described electrode. This battery also includes the above-described sealing member, making it possible to suppress damage to the electrode.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including the lead-acid battery and a connecting member for electrically connecting one lead-acid battery to another lead-acid battery. Since the battery pack also includes the sealing member, it is possible to suppress damage to the lead-acid battery.

[0017] An electric vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes the lead-acid battery. In this electric vehicle, the sealing member is also provided, so that damage can be suppressed. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sealing member, an electrode, a lead-acid battery, a battery pack, and an electric vehicle that are capable of suppressing damage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a lead-acid battery according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the positive electrode of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the lower linkage of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the lower linkage of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the lower linkage of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the lower linkage of FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a left side view showing the lower linkage of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 9 is a right side view showing the lower linkage of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower link seat of FIG. 1 as viewed from the protruding piece side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lower link seat of FIG. 1 as viewed from the contact surface side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an end view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view showing a part of the lower linking seat according to the modified example. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a left side view showing a lower link seat according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a left side view showing a lower link seat according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. The size of the components in each drawing is conceptual, and the relative relationship of the size between the components is not limited to that shown in each drawing.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a lead-acid battery. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a positive electrode. In FIG. 1, positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with separators interposed between them from the front side to the back side of the drawing. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a positive electrode. FIG. 2 shows a laminated structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator when the lead-acid battery is viewed from above. The terms "upper" and "lower" correspond to the upper and lower sides in the height direction of the battery case (hereinafter the same). The Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the battery case, the X direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and perpendicular to the X direction.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a lead-acid battery 100 according to the embodiment includes an electrode group 110, a battery case 120 that houses the electrode group 110, connecting members 130a, 130b connected to the electrode group 110, poles 140a, 140b connected to the connecting members 130a, 130b, a liquid inlet plug 150 that closes the liquid inlet of the battery case 120, and a support member 160 connected to the battery case 120.

[0023] The electrode group 110 includes a plurality of positive electrodes 10, a plurality of negative electrodes 20, and a plurality of separators 30. The positive electrodes 10 and the negative electrodes 20 are alternately arranged in the X direction with the separators 30 interposed therebetween. The space around the positive electrodes 10 between the separators 30 is filled with an electrolyte 40. The material of the separator 30 is not particularly limited as long as it prevents electrical connection between the positive electrodes 10 and the negative electrodes 20 and allows the electrolyte 40 to pass through. Examples of the material of the separator 30 include a mixture of microporous polyethylene, glass fiber, and synthetic resin.

[0024] 1, 2, and 3, the positive electrode 10 is, for example, a plate-shaped electrode. The positive electrode 10 has a plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a, a plurality of core metals (current collectors) 14, a positive electrode material (electrode material) 16, a lower connecting seat (sealing member) 1, an upper connecting seat 12c, and an ear portion 12d.

[0025] The multiple cylindrical bodies 12a are adjacently arranged in a row along the Y direction, which is a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical bodies 12a (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "axial direction"). The multiple cylindrical bodies 12a constitute a group of tubes (clad tubes) for retaining active material. The cylindrical bodies 12a extend in the Z direction. The structure in which the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a are arranged in a row may be obtained by the cylindrical bodies 12a being separate from each other, or may be obtained by forming multiple through holes between the substrates facing each other. A connection part such as a seam (seamed part) may be arranged between the adjacent cylindrical bodies 12a.

[0026] The outer shape of the cross section of the cylindrical body 12a perpendicular to the Z direction may be a circle, an ellipse, a rounded rectangle, or the like. The length of the cylindrical body 12a is, for example, 160 to 400 mm. The diameter of the cylindrical body 12a may be, for example, 5 mm or more. The diameter of the cylindrical body 12a may be, for example, 12 mm or less. The thickness of the cylindrical body 12a may be, for example, 100 μm or more. The thickness of the cylindrical body 12a may be, for example, 2000 μm or less. When the outer shape of the cross section of the cylindrical body 12a is non-circular, the diameter of the cylindrical body 12a may be, for example, the diameter of an inscribed circle inscribed in the outer edge of the cross section.

[0027] The cylindrical body 12a is formed of a porous body. The cylindrical body 12a may be formed of a base material such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. An acid-resistant material can be used as the base material. Examples of the base material include resins such as polyolefin (polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polycarbonate (PC), and inorganic materials such as glass fiber, silicon carbide, and alumina. From the viewpoint of easily improving cycle characteristics, the cylindrical body 12a preferably contains a thermoplastic resin, and more preferably contains a polyolefin.

[0028] In the cylindrical body 12a, a resin may be held on the substrate. Examples of the resin include acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, melamine resin, and styrene resin. The resin may be held on the inner or outer surface of the substrate, or on the surface inside the pores in the substrate, or may be attached to the substrate. The resin may be held on a part of the substrate, or on the entire substrate.

[0029] The core metal 14 is inserted into each cylindrical body 12a. The core metal 14 has a rod shape. The core metal 14 extends along the Z direction inside the cylindrical body 12a. The core metal 14 can be obtained by, for example, casting (pressure casting). The constituent material of the core metal 14 may be a conductive material, for example, a lead alloy such as a lead-calcium-tin alloy or a lead-antimony-arsenic alloy. The lead alloy may contain selenium, silver, bismuth, etc. The outer shape of the cross section of the core metal 14 perpendicular to the Z direction may be a circle, an ellipse, etc. The length of the core metal 14 is, for example, 170 to 400 mm. The diameter of the core metal 14 is, for example, 2.0 to 4.0 mm.

[0030] The positive electrode material 16 is filled inside the cylindrical body 12a. The positive electrode material 16 includes an active material. The active material includes both the active material after chemical conversion and the raw material of the active material before chemical conversion. The positive electrode material 16 here includes the active material after chemical conversion. The positive electrode material 16 after chemical conversion can be obtained, for example, by chemical conversion of the unchemical positive electrode material 16 containing the raw material of the positive electrode active material. The positive electrode material 16 after chemical conversion can be obtained, for example, by aging and drying a positive electrode material paste containing the raw material of the positive electrode active material to obtain the unchemical positive electrode material 16, and then chemical conversion of the unchemical positive electrode material 16. Examples of the raw material of the positive electrode active material include lead powder and red lead. Examples of the positive electrode active material in the positive electrode material 16 after chemical conversion include lead dioxide. The positive electrode material 16 may further contain an additive as necessary. Examples of the additive of the positive electrode material 16 include short fibers for reinforcement. Examples of reinforcing short fibers include acrylic fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polyethylene terephthalate fibers (PET fibers).

[0031] The cylindrical body 12a, the metal core 14, and the positive electrode material 16 constitute a cylindrical electrode (rod-shaped electrode). The cylindrical electrode of the positive electrode 10 is electrically connected to the electrode post 140a via the upper seat 12c, the lug 12d, and the connecting member 130a.

[0032] The lower connecting seat 1 is attached to the lower end of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a, which is the end of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a on the bottom side of the battery case 120 (the end portion on one end side of the cylindrical bodies 12a). The lower connecting seat 1 seals the lower end of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a. The lower connecting seat 1 is fitted into the lower end of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a. The lower connecting seat 1 may be fixed to the lower end of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a by a thermosetting adhesive or the like.

[0033] The material of the lower linking seat 1 may be an acid-resistant material. The material of the lower linking seat 1 may be a resin such as polyolefin (polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polycarbonate (PC), etc. From the viewpoint of easily improving cycle characteristics, the lower linking seat 1 preferably contains a thermoplastic resin, more preferably contains a polyolefin, and further preferably contains polypropylene. From the viewpoint of easily improving cycle characteristics, when the cylindrical body 12a contains a polyolefin, the lower linking seat 1 preferably contains these materials. The lower linking seat 1 may be formed of the same material as the cylindrical body 12a, or may be formed of a material different from that of the cylindrical body 12a.

[0034] The upper linking seat 12c is attached to the upper end of the cylindrical body 12a, which is the end on the top side of the battery case 120 (the end portion on the other end side of the cylindrical body 12a). The upper linking seat 12c seals the upper end of the cylindrical body 12a. The upper linking seat 12c is fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical body 12a by welding. In welding, the boundary portion between the upper linking seat 12c and the cylindrical body 12a and the upper linking seat 12c may be integrated. The welding can be achieved by heating, ultrasonic irradiation, laser irradiation, etc. The upper linking seat 12c may be fixed to the upper ends of multiple cylindrical bodies 12a by a thermosetting adhesive or the like.

[0035] The lower connecting seat 1 and the upper connecting seat 12c contact the cylindrical body 12a and the metal core 14 and the positive electrode material 16 arranged inside the cylindrical body 12a. The lower connecting seat 1 and the upper connecting seat 12c hold the cylindrical body 12a, the metal core 14, and the positive electrode material 16. One end of the ear portion 12d is connected to the upper connecting seat 12c. The other end of the ear portion 12d is connected to the connecting member 130a.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the negative electrode 20 is, for example, a plate-shaped electrode. The negative electrode 20 is, for example, a paste-type negative electrode plate. The negative electrode 20 is electrically connected to an electrode column 140b via a connecting member 130b. The negative electrode 20 has a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode material that is an electrode material held by the negative electrode current collector. A plate-shaped current collector can be used as the negative electrode current collector. The compositions of the negative electrode current collector and the core metal 14 of the positive electrode 10 may be the same or different from each other. The negative electrode material contains an active material. The negative electrode material here contains the active material after chemical conversion.

[0037] The negative electrode material after chemical formation can be obtained, for example, by chemically forming an unformed negative electrode material containing a raw material of the negative electrode active material. The negative electrode material after chemical formation can be obtained, for example, by aging and drying a negative electrode material paste containing a raw material of the negative electrode active material to obtain an unformed negative electrode material, and then chemically forming the unformed negative electrode material. Examples of raw materials for the negative electrode active material include lead powder. Examples of negative electrode active materials in the negative electrode material after chemical formation include porous spongy lead. The negative electrode material can further contain additives as necessary. Examples of additives for the negative electrode material include barium sulfate, reinforcing short fibers, carbon materials (carbonaceous conductive materials), and resins having at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfonic groups and sulfonic acid groups (resins having sulfonic groups and / or sulfonic acid groups). The reinforcing short fibers can be the same reinforcing short fibers as those used in the positive electrode material.

[0038] Examples of carbon materials include carbon black and graphite. Examples of carbon black include furnace black (Ketjen Black (registered trademark), etc.), channel black, acetylene black, and thermal black. Examples of resins having a sulfonic group and / or a sulfonate group include lignin sulfonic acid, lignin sulfonate salts, and condensates of phenols, aminoarylsulfonic acid, and formaldehyde. Examples of lignin sulfonate salts include alkali metal salts of lignin sulfonic acid. Examples of phenols include bisphenol-based compounds such as bisphenol. Examples of aminoarylsulfonic acids include aminobenzenesulfonic acid and aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid.

[0039] The support member 160 is disposed on the bottom surface of the battery case 120 and supports the lower linking seat 1. The support member 160 has a plurality of ridges 160a that protrude in the Z direction. The ridges 160a are provided on the support member 160. In other words, the ridges 160a are provided on the bottom surface of the battery case 120 (at a position above the bottom surface). The ridges 160a extend in the X direction as the second direction. The ridges 160a are aligned in the Y direction. The ridges 160a abut against the lower linking seat 1 (see FIG. 1). That is, the support member 160 supports the portion of the lower linking seat 1 on the bottom surface side of the battery case 120 with the ridges 160a. The ridges 160a only need to be in contact with the positive electrode 10, and do not need to be in contact with the negative electrode 20.

[0040] Next, the lower link seat 1 will be specifically described.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 8 is a left side view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 9 is a right side view showing the lower linking seat 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lower linking seat 1 seen from the protruding piece 3 side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lower linking seat 1 seen from the contact surface 6 side. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is an end view taken along line BB in FIG. 6.

[0042] The lower connecting seat 1 is a member that seals the ends of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a lined up along the Y direction. The lower connecting seat 1 fits into the ends of the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a. As shown in at least one of Figures 4 to 13, the lower connecting seat 1 includes multiple main body parts 2, protruding pieces 3 provided on each of the multiple main body parts 2, and connecting parts 4 that connect the multiple main body parts 2.

[0043] A part of the main body 2 is inserted into and fitted to the lower end of the cylindrical body 12a. The main body 2 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward. An end of the core 14 is inserted into and fitted to a cylindrical hole 2h of the main body 2. This allows the core 14 to be held in the cylindrical hole 2h. A plurality of main bodies 2 are provided corresponding to the plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a. The plurality of main bodies 2 are arranged in parallel with a predetermined gap in the Y direction. The main body 2 includes a small diameter portion 2x located on the upper side and a large diameter portion 2y located on the lower side and having a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 2x. The side of the main body 2 that is inserted into the cylindrical body 12a is the upper side, and the opposite side is the lower side (also referred to as the bottom side).

[0044] The small diameter portion 2x is the portion on the opening side of the main body 2, and is the first portion that is fitted into the lower end of the cylindrical body 12a. The upper portion (the end on the opening side) of the small diameter portion 2x forms a pointed portion that is pointed upward. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the small diameter portion 2x has an inclined surface that slopes radially inward as it progresses upward. The inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the small diameter portion 2x has an inclined surface that slopes radially outward as it progresses upward. The tip of the upper portion of the small diameter portion 2x is rounded and chamfered.

[0045] The large diameter portion 2y is a portion that abuts against the lower end surface of the cylindrical body 12a, and is a second portion that is located below the cylindrical body 12a when the small diameter portion 2x is fitted into the cylindrical body 12a. The lower portion of the large diameter portion 2y forms a truncated cone shape that tapers downward. In other words, the lower side of the main body 2 forms a truncated cone shape that tapers downward. The large diameter portion 2y has an inclined surface 7 on the outer peripheral surface of its lower portion that inclines radially inward as it progresses downward.

[0046] Four protruding pieces 3 are provided on each main body portion 2 so as to protrude along the Z direction. The protruding pieces 3 here are provided at four equally spaced positions (four equally spaced locations) around the axial direction of the small diameter portion 2x of each main body portion 2 when viewed from above. The protruding pieces 3 are plate-shaped extending along the radial direction of the main body portion 2 and along the Z direction. The protruding pieces 3 are disposed inside the cylindrical body 12a. The upper portions of the protruding pieces 3 form a pointed portion that points upward. The tips of the upper portions of the protruding pieces 3 are rounded and chamfered.

[0047] The connecting portion 4 connects the multiple main body portions 2 in a state where they are arranged in parallel with a predetermined gap in the Y direction. The connecting portion 4 connects the large diameter portions 2y of adjacent main body portions 2. The connecting portion 4 extends along the Y direction. The connecting portion 4 is provided so as to be integral (inseparably integrated) with the main body portions 2.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the lower side (bottom side) of the lower link seat 1 are inclined so as to incline inward in the Y direction as they go downward. In other words, when viewed from the X direction, the lower side and both ends in the Y direction of the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are configured so that their corners are notched. Specifically, when viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are inclined following the frustum shape of the main body 2. More specifically, when viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on both ends in the Y direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are inclined following the inclined surface 7 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the large diameter part 2y of the main body 2. When viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are chamfered. For example, the chamfering is configured so that the corners are notched. For example, chamfering is a shape obtained by removing the corners of the intersection between two surfaces. Chamfering includes various types of chamfering, such as corner chamfering and round chamfering, and here, corner chamfering is used. The manufacturing method for realizing chamfering is not particularly limited. Chamfering may be realized by molding, grinding or cutting, polishing, or a combination of these.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, when viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the lower side (bottom side) of the lower link seat 1 are inclined so as to incline inward in the X direction as they go downward. In other words, when viewed from the Y direction, the corners of the lower side and both ends in the X direction of the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are configured to be cut out. Specifically, when viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are inclined following the frustum shape of the main body 2. More specifically, when viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on both ends in the X direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are inclined following the inclined surface 7 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the large diameter part 2y of the main body 2. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the lower side of the lower link seat 1 are chamfered.

[0050] In this embodiment, the lower side of the lower link seat 1 is provided with a contact surface 6 that is a surface along the XY plane (a plane intersecting the Z direction) and abuts against a plurality of protrusions 160a (see FIG. 1) of the support member 160. In other words, the lower surface (bottom surface) of the lower link seat 1 constitutes the contact surface 6 as a plane along the XY plane. The lower surface of the lower link seat 1 includes the lower surface of the connecting portion 4 and the lower surface of the large diameter portion 2y. Note that the contact surface 6 only needs to be along the XY plane, and may have a waviness of, for example, ±0.1 mm to ±3 mm.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of a manufacturing method of the lead-acid battery 100. The manufacturing method of the lead-acid battery 100 includes at least an electrode manufacturing step of manufacturing electrodes, and an assembly step of obtaining the lead-acid battery 100 by assembling each component member.

[0052] In the electrode manufacturing process, for example, a positive electrode 10 having a cylindrical body 12a is obtained. The electrode manufacturing process includes a step of forming the cylindrical body 12a, a step of sealing the upper end of the cylindrical body 12a with an upper connecting seat 12c, a step of placing the core metal 14 and the positive electrode material 16 inside the cylindrical body 12a, and a step of sealing the lower end of the cylindrical body 12a with a lower connecting seat 1.

[0053] In the assembly process, for example, the unformed positive electrode 10 and the unformed negative electrode 20 are stacked via the separator 30, and the current collectors of the electrodes of the same polarity are welded with a strap to obtain an electrode group 110. The electrode group 110 is inserted and arranged in a battery container 120 to prepare an unformed battery. Dilute sulfuric acid is poured into the unformed battery and a direct current is passed through it to perform battery container formation. The specific gravity of the sulfuric acid after formation is adjusted to an appropriate specific gravity to obtain a lead-acid battery 100. The formation process is not limited to being performed after the assembly method, and may be performed during the electrode manufacturing method (tank formation).

[0054] Incidentally, when the electrode group 110 is inserted into the battery case 120, it is found that the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1 of the positive electrode 10 in the Y direction (the direction in which the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a are arranged) are particularly likely to hit. In this regard, in the lower linking seat 1, when viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 of the one end side and the other end side of the Y direction at the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are inclined so as to incline inward in the Y direction as they go downward. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 of the one end side and the other end side of the X direction at the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are inclined so as to incline inward in the X direction as they go downward. With this configuration, when the electrode group 110 is inserted into the battery case 120 from the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1, even if the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1 in the Y direction hits the battery case 120, the force is easily deflected along the inclination. In other words, the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1 in the Y direction are less likely to hit the battery case 120 strongly. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1. In turn, it is possible to suppress damage to the positive electrode 10 or the electrode group 110. It is possible to suppress deformation defects when the electrode group 110 enters the battery case 120.

[0055] The lower linking seat 1 comprises a main body 2 and a connecting portion 4, and the lower side of the main body 2 forms a frustum shape. When viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction of the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are inclined to imitate the frustum shape of the main body 2. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction of the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are inclined to imitate the frustum shape of the main body 2. As a result, even if the one end side and the other end side in the Y direction of the lower linking seat 1 hit the battery case 120, the force is deflected along the inclination, which is significant. This makes it possible to further suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1.

[0056] In the lower linking seat 1, the lower sides of all of the multiple main body parts 2 form a frustum shape. With this configuration, when the electrode group 110 is inserted into the battery case 120 from the lower side of the lower linking seat 1, even if the entire lower part of the lower linking seat 1 hits the battery case 120, the force can be deflected along the frustum shape. This makes it possible to further suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1. In addition, it becomes easier to insert the electrode group 110 into the battery case 120 from the lower side of the lower linking seat 1.

[0057] A support member 160 is disposed on the bottom surface of the battery case 120, and multiple protrusions 160a are provided on the support member 160. A contact surface 6 along the XY plane that contacts the multiple protrusions 160a is provided on the lower side of the lower linking seat 1. As a result, even if the position where the lower linking seat 1 contacts the protrusions 160a shifts, the contact surface 6 allows the lower linking seat 1 and thus the positive electrode 10 to be supported with a uniform force.

[0058] The positive electrode 10 includes a plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a, a plurality of core metals 14 inserted into the plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a, a positive electrode material 16 filled into the interior of each of the plurality of cylindrical bodies 12a, and a lower connecting seat 1. In this type of positive electrode 10 as well, damage to the lower connecting seat 1 can be suppressed.

[0059] The lead-acid battery 100 includes a positive electrode 10. Even in such a lead-acid battery 100, damage to the lower link 1 can be suppressed.

[0060] In the lower linking seat 1, when viewed from the X direction, the edges E1 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are chamfered. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E2 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction on the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1 are chamfered. With this configuration, when the electrode group 110 is inserted into the battery case 120 from the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1, even if the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1 in the Y direction hits the battery case 120, the force is easily deflected along the chamfer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1. In particular, the edges E1 and E2 are inclined following the cone shape of the main body 2, and with this configuration, even if the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1 in the Y direction hits the battery case 120, the effect of deflecting the force becomes remarkable. It is possible to further suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1.

[0061] Although the embodiments have been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom side of the main body 2 is in the shape of a truncated cone, but is not limited to a truncated cone and may be in another truncated cone shape such as a truncated pyramid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom sides of all of the multiple main body parts 2 are in the shape of a truncated cone, but it is sufficient that the bottom sides of at least the main body parts 2 arranged at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction among the multiple main body parts 2 are in the shape of a truncated cone. For example, a truncated cone is a three-dimensional shape obtained by removing a part of the apex side from a pyramid.

[0063] The positive electrode 10 and the lead-acid battery 100 having the lower linking seat 1 according to one aspect of the present invention can be used in an electric vehicle. Examples of the electric vehicle include a forklift and a golf cart. In the present invention, the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiment and the above-mentioned modified examples may be appropriately combined. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0064] The lower linking seat 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed so that one end side and / or the other end side in the Y direction (the direction in which the multiple cylindrical bodies 12a are arranged) is larger than the other parts. For example, among the multiple main body parts 2 of the lower linking seat 1, the main body part 2 located at one end and / or the other end in the Y direction may be formed so that at least a part of it is larger than the main body parts 2 located at one end and the other end in the Y direction. This makes it possible to increase the durability of the lower linking seat 1, for example. It becomes possible to suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1.

[0065] The present article is a cylindrical body sealer for electrodes of a lead-acid battery. That is, the present article is a sealer for sealing one end of a plurality of cylindrical bodies constituting the electrodes of a lead-acid battery. The present article is formed with an inclined portion on the bottom side of the main body. As a result, when an electrode group including a plurality of electrodes to which the present article is attached is inserted into a battery case, even if the present article hits the battery case, the force can be deflected along the inclination, and damage to the present article can be suppressed.

[0066] FIG. 14 is a front view showing a part of the lower linking seat 1A according to the modified example. FIG. 15 is a left side view showing the lower linking seat 1A according to the modified example. In the lower linking seat 1A shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the main body portion 2 located at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction, which is the first direction, is formed to be at least partially larger than the other main body portions 2. Specifically, the large diameter portion 2y of the main body portion 2 located at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction is provided so as to bulge outward in the Y direction compared to the other large diameter portions 2y when viewed from the X direction (see FIG. 14). The large diameter portion 2y of the main body portion 2 located at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction is provided so as to bulge outward in the X direction compared to the other large diameter portions 2y when viewed from the Y direction (see FIG. 15). In other words, the main body portions 2 located at both ends in the Y direction are configured so that the large diameter portion 2y bulges outward compared to the main body portions 2 located between them.

[0067] In such a lower linking seat 1A, the main body 2 located at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction has a part of the large diameter portion 2y formed larger than the other main body 2, so that, for example, the durability of the lower linking seat 1A can be improved. It is possible to suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1A.

[0068] In the lower linking seat 1A, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the main body 2 located at one end side or the other end side is formed larger than the remaining main body 2, not both the one end side and the other end side. In the lower linking seat 1A, the portion of the main body 2 that is formed larger is not limited to the large diameter portion 2y, and other portions may be formed larger. It is sufficient that only a portion or the entirety of the main body 2 on the one end side and / or the other end side is formed larger than the remaining main body 2, and in short, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the main body 2 is formed larger.

[0069] Fig. 16 is a left side view showing a lower linking seat 1B according to another modified example. In the lower linking seat 1B shown in Fig. 16, the bottom side of the main body parts 2 arranged at least at one end side and the other end side in the Y direction among the multiple main body parts 2 forms a spherical trapezoid. When viewed from the X direction, the edges E3 on one end side and the other end side in the Y direction of the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1B are curved following the spherical trapezoid. When viewed from the Y direction, the edges E3 on one end side and the other end side in the X direction of the bottom side of the lower linking seat 1B are curved following the spherical trapezoid.

[0070] In such a lower linking seat 1B, the edge E3 is curved following the spherical trapezoid of the main body 2, so that even if the one end side and the other end side of the lower linking seat 1B in the Y direction hit the battery case 120, the force is deflected along the inclination, which is remarkable. It is possible to further suppress damage to the lower linking seat 1B. The bottom side of only the main body 2 arranged on the one end side and the other end side may be a spherical trapezoid, or the bottom side of all the main body parts 2 may be a spherical trapezoid. For example, a spherical truncation is a three-dimensional shape obtained by cutting a sphere with two parallel planes. In other words, for example, a spherical truncation is a three-dimensional shape obtained by cutting a sphere with two parallel planes when a sphere intersects with these two parallel planes, and is surrounded by these two planes.

[0071] One aspect of the present invention may be an assembled battery including a plurality of lead-acid batteries 100 and a connection member that electrically connects one lead-acid battery 100 to another lead-acid battery 100. This assembled battery also includes the lower link seat 1, which makes it possible to suppress damage. One aspect of the present invention may be an electric vehicle including the lead-acid battery 100. This electric vehicle also includes the lower link seat 1, which makes it possible to suppress damage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1, 1A, 1B...lower seat (sealing member), 2...main body, 4...connecting portion, 6...contact surface, 10...positive electrode (electrode), 12a...cylindrical body, 14...core metal (current collector), 16...positive electrode material (electrode material), 100...lead-acid battery, 120...battery case, 160a...rib, E1...edge, E2...edge, E3...edge.

Claims

1. In an electrode including a plurality of cylindrical bodies arranged along a first direction and a plurality of rod-shaped current collectors inserted into the plurality of cylindrical bodies, a sealing member that seals ends of the plurality of cylindrical bodies, When viewed from a second direction intersecting the first direction and intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical body, edges of one end side and the other end side in the first direction on a bottom side opposite to an upper side that is a side of the sealing member that is inserted into the cylindrical body are chamfered, When viewed from the first direction, edges of one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the second direction are chamfered, A plurality of main body portions arranged along the first direction, portions of which are inserted into the respective cylindrical bodies; A connecting portion that connects the plurality of main body portions to each other, The bottom side of at least one of the plurality of main body portions arranged on one end side and the other end side in the first direction forms a truncated cone shape or a truncated spherical shape tapering toward the bottom side, When viewed from the second direction, edges of one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the first direction are inclined or curved following the frustum shape or the frustum of the main body portion, When viewed from the first direction, edges of one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the second direction are inclined or curved following the frustum shape or the frustum of the main body portion, The main body has a bottomed tubular shape that is open upward, An end of the current collector is inserted and fitted into the cylindrical hole of the main body, A sealing member, wherein the upper ends of the edges of one end side and the other end side in the first direction on the bottom side of the sealing member, and the upper ends of the edges of one end side and the other end side in the second direction on the bottom side of the sealing member are positioned above the bottom surface of the tubular hole of the main body portion.

2. The sealing member according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the main body portion located at one end side and / or the other end side in the first direction is formed to be larger than the other main body portions.

3. The sealing member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom sides of all of the plurality of body portions form the frustum shape or the frustum of sphere shape.

4. A sealing member that seals ends of a plurality of cylindrical bodies in an electrode having a plurality of cylindrical bodies arranged along a first direction, When viewed from a second direction intersecting the first direction and intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical body, edges of one end side and the other end side in the first direction on a bottom side opposite to a side where the sealing member is inserted into the cylindrical body are chamfered, When viewed from the first direction, edges of one end side and the other end side of the bottom side of the sealing member in the second direction are chamfered, A plurality of main body portions arranged along the first direction, portions of which are inserted into the respective cylindrical bodies; A connecting portion that connects the plurality of main body portions to each other, A sealing member, wherein at least a portion of the main body portion located at one end side and / or the other end side in the first direction is formed larger than the other main body portions.

5. The sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom side of the sealing member is provided with a contact surface along a plane intersecting the axial direction, the contact surface contacting a plurality of protrusions provided on a bottom surface of a battery case that contains the electrode.

6. An electrode comprising: a plurality of cylindrical bodies arranged along a first direction; a plurality of rod-shaped current collectors inserted into each of the plurality of cylindrical bodies; an electrode material containing an active material filled inside each of the plurality of cylindrical bodies; and the sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A lead-acid battery comprising the electrode according to claim 6.

8. A plurality of lead acid batteries according to claim 7; a connection member that electrically connects one of the lead-acid batteries to another of the lead-acid batteries.

9. An electric vehicle comprising the lead-acid battery according to claim 7.

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