Electrode terminal and battery

Abstract

In the present invention, an electrode terminal (negative electrode terminal 420) comprises: a first member 421 that is electrically connected to a charging-discharging body 100 of a battery 1, and that includes a first metal (copper or a copper alloy); a second member 422 that is provided with a first insertion unit 422x into which the first member 421 is inserted, said second member 422 being joined to the first member 421, and including the first metal (copper or a copper alloy); and a third member 423 that is provided with a second insertion unit 423x into which the first member 421 is inserted, said third member 423 being joined to the second member 422, and including a second metal (aluminum or an aluminum alloy) of a material that is different from the first metal (copper or a copper alloy). The third member 423 electrically connects one battery 1 and another battery 1 and is joined to a conduction member (bus bar 10) at a surface P facing the conduction member (bus bar 10), said conduction member (bus bar 10) containing the second metal (aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other on the facing surface P side.

Description

Electrode terminals and batteries

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode terminal and a battery.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for converting the material of battery electrode terminals have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 5656592

[0004] There is a demand for improved characteristics for electrode terminals of batteries that have been converted from different materials.

[0005] The electrode terminal has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and contains a first metal. The second member has a first insertion portion into which the first member is inserted, is joined to the first member, and contains the first metal. The third member has a second insertion portion into which the first member is inserted, is joined to the second member, and contains a second metal that is different from the first metal. The third member is joined to the conductive member on a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one battery to another battery and contains the second metal. The first member and the third member are adjacent to each other on the side of the facing surface.

[0006] The battery has the above-mentioned electrode terminals and a charge / discharge body electrically connected to the electrode terminals.

[0007] The electrode terminal has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and contains a first metal. The second member is joined to the first member and contains the first metal. The third member is joined to the second member and contains a second metal that is different from the first metal. The third member is not joined to the first member by crimping. The third member is joined to the conductive member on a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one battery to another battery and contains the second metal. The first member, second member, and third member are adjacent to each other on the side of the facing surface.

[0008] The electrode terminal has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and contains a first metal. The second member is joined to the first member and contains the first metal. The third member is joined to the second member and contains a second metal that is different from the first metal. The third member is joined to the conductive member on a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one battery to another battery and contains the second metal. The first member does not protrude toward the conductive member beyond the third member on the opposing surface side. The third member and the conductive member are joined across the first member.

[0009] The characteristics of the electrode terminals of the battery can be improved by changing the material.

[0010] 1. A perspective view showing a battery 1 of a first embodiment. A perspective view showing, in cross section, components around the negative terminal 420 of the battery 1. A side view showing the components of FIG. 2. A perspective view showing, in cross section, components around the positive terminal 410 of the battery 1. A side view showing the components of FIG. 4. A perspective view showing a partially exploded view of the battery 1. A perspective view showing a charging / discharging body 100 of the battery 1. A side view showing, in cross section, a portion of the charging / discharging body 100 of FIG. 7. A side view showing, in cross section, a portion of a charging / discharging body 1100 of a modified example. A perspective view showing, in exploded form, components around the negative terminal 420 of the battery 1. A perspective view showing, in exploded form, components around the split valve 530 and sealing plug 540 of the battery 1. A perspective view showing, in exploded form, components around the positive terminal 410 of the battery 1. A perspective view showing, in cross section, the negative terminal 420 of the first embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the negative terminal 420 of FIG. 13. 23. A perspective view showing the joining of a plurality of batteries 1 and a bus bar 10. An end view showing a negative terminal 420 and a bus bar 10 of the first embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 430 and a bus bar 10 of the second embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 440 and a bus bar 10 of the third embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 450 and a bus bar 10 of the fourth embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 460 and a bus bar 20 of the fifth embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 470 and a bus bar 10 of the sixth embodiment. An end view showing a negative terminal 480 and a bus bar 10 of the seventh embodiment. A perspective view showing a cross section of a negative terminal 490A of the eighth embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the negative terminal 490A of FIG. 23. A perspective view showing a cross section of a negative terminal 490B of a modified example of the eighth embodiment.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate understanding of each embodiment, the size and proportions of components may be exaggerated in each drawing. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in each drawing. In each drawing, the longitudinal direction X, lateral direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery 1 are indicated by arrows. In each drawing, the longitudinal direction X, lateral direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery 1 indicate the relative positional relationship within the same drawing. That is, if the battery 1 is rotated 180 degrees and placed with the top and bottom sides reversed, or if the battery 1 is rotated 90 degrees and placed with the top side facing sideways, the longitudinal direction X, lateral direction Y, and height direction Z of the battery 1 will change.

[0012] (Configuration of Battery 1 with Negative Terminal 420 of First Embodiment) The configuration of the battery 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the battery 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of components around the negative terminal 420 of the battery 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the components of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross section of components around the positive terminal 410 of the battery 1. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the components of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a partially exploded view of the battery 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the charging / discharging body 100 of the battery 1. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a cross section of a portion of the charging / discharging body 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a cross section of a portion of a charging / discharging body 1100 of a modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of components around the negative terminal 420 of the battery 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of components around the split valve 530 and sealing plug 540 of the battery 1. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the components around the positive electrode terminal 410 of the battery 1. As shown in FIG.

[0013] Battery 1 includes a charging / discharging body 100 that charges and discharges electricity, a current collector 200 connected to charging / discharging body 100, a current interrupting body 300 connected to current collector 200, an electrode terminal 400 connected to current collector 200 or current interrupting body 300, an outer casing 500 in which the components of battery 1 are housed or attached, an insulator 600 that insulates the components of battery 1 from outer casing 500, and a sealing body 700 that seals the components of battery 1 from outer casing 500.

[0014] The charge / discharge unit 100 charges and discharges electricity. The charge / discharge unit 100 shown in Figures 2 to 8 includes a positive electrode 110, a negative electrode 120, a separator 130, and an electrolyte 140. The charge / discharge unit 100 is configured by winding components, in which the positive electrode 110, the separator 130, the negative electrode 120, and the separator 130 are stacked in this order, into a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0015] The positive electrode 110 includes a long positive electrode current collecting layer 111 and a positive electrode active material layer 112 joined to the positive electrode current collecting layer 111. The positive electrode current collecting layer 111 includes a current collecting portion 111a and a positive electrode tab 111b. The positive electrode active material layer 112 is joined to the current collecting portion 111a. As shown in FIG. 8 , the positive electrode active material layer 112 faces, for example, the entire region along the short side direction of the current collecting portion 111a. The positive electrode tab 111b protrudes in the short side direction of the current collecting portion 111a from a side edge 111c along the longitudinal direction of the current collecting portion 111a. The positive electrode tab 111b is formed integrally with the current collecting portion 111a. A plurality of positive electrode tabs 111b are formed on one current collecting portion 111a. The current collecting portion 111a is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The positive electrode active material layer 112 contains a positive electrode active material constituted by a lithium-containing composite oxide, a binder, a conductive additive, etc. The lithium-containing composite oxide contains, for example, a metal element such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), or manganese (Mn), and lithium (Li).

[0016] The negative electrode 120 includes an elongated negative electrode current collecting layer 121 and a negative electrode active material layer 122 bonded to the negative electrode current collecting layer 121. The negative electrode current collecting layer 121 includes a current collecting portion 121a and a negative electrode tab 121b. As shown in FIG. 8 , the current collecting portion 121a of the negative electrode 120 has a width along the short side greater than that of the current collecting portion 111a of the positive electrode 110. Both ends of the current collecting portion 111a of the positive electrode 110 along the short side are located within the range along the short side of the current collecting portion 121a of the negative electrode 120, with a separator 130 interposed therebetween. The negative electrode active material layer 122 is bonded to the current collecting portion 121a. The negative electrode active material layer 122 faces, for example, the entire area along the short side of the current collecting portion 121a. The negative electrode tab 121b protrudes in the widthwise direction of the current collecting portion 121a from a side edge 121c along the longitudinal direction of the current collecting portion 121a. When stacked on the positive electrode 110 via the separator 130, the negative electrode tab 121b protrudes in the same direction as the positive electrode tab 111b of the positive electrode 110. When stacked on the positive electrode 110 via the separator 130, the negative electrode tab 121b is separated from the positive electrode tab 111b of the positive electrode 110. The negative electrode tab 121b is formed integrally with the current collecting portion 121a. Multiple negative electrode tabs 121b are formed on one current collecting portion 121a. The current collecting portion 121a is formed of, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The negative electrode active material layer 122 contains a negative electrode active material made of a carbon-based material, a binder, a conductive additive, etc. The carbon-based material is, for example, graphite.

[0017] The separator 130 allows lithium ions to pass through while insulating the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 120. The separator 130 is formed in an elongated shape. As shown in FIG. 8 , the separator 130 has a width along its short side greater than the current collector 111a of the positive electrode 110 and the current collector 121a of the negative electrode 120. Both ends of the current collector 111a of the positive electrode 110 along the short side are located within the short side of the separator 130, and both ends of the current collector 121a of the negative electrode 120 along the short side are located within the short side of the separator 130. The separator 130 is made of a porous material. Polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is used for the separator 130. A heat-resistant insulating material may be used instead of the separator 130. In such a configuration, the separator 130 is not essential.

[0018] The electrolyte 140 includes an organic solvent, a supporting salt, and an additive. The electrolyte 140 is also called an electrolytic solution. The organic solvent may be, for example, a carbonate ester. The supporting salt may be, for example, a lithium salt.

[0019] A charging / discharging body 1100, which is a modified example of the charging / discharging body 100, will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The configuration of the positive electrode 1110 of the charging / discharging body 1100 is different from the configuration of the positive electrode 110 of the charging / discharging body 100. In the configuration of the charging / discharging body 1100, the same components as those of the charging / discharging body 100 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The positive electrode active material layer 1112 of the charging / discharging body 1100 faces the current collecting part 111a except for both ends along the short side. The heat-resistant insulating layer 1113 of the charging / discharging body 1100 is joined to both ends along the short side of the current collecting part 111a and to the base end portion of the positive electrode tab 111b.

[0020] The current collector 200 is connected to the charge / discharge element 100. The current collector 200 is also called a current collector plate. The current collector 200 shown in Figures 2 to 5, 10, and 12 includes a positive electrode current collector plate 210 and a negative electrode current collector plate 220.

[0021] The positive current collector plate 210 electrically connects the positive electrode tab 111b of the charge / discharge unit 100 to the positive electrode terminal 410 via the current interrupter 300. The positive current collector plate 210 includes a first base portion 210a in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped plate, a second base portion 210b in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped plate, and a connecting portion 210c that connects the first base portion 210a and the second base portion 210b in a stepped manner with different heights. A recess 210d is formed on the upper surface of the second base portion 210b, which reduces the thickness of the second base portion 210b. A fragile portion 210e is formed in the center of the recess 210d, which is a ring-shaped depression that partially weakens the recess 210d. The positive current collector plate 210 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0022] The negative electrode current collector 220 electrically connects the negative electrode tab 121b of the charge / discharge body 100 to the negative electrode terminal 420. The negative electrode current collector 220 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 220a and an insertion hole 220b penetrating the base 220a. The insertion hole 220b of the negative electrode current collector 220 is inserted into the insertion hole 220b of the negative electrode current collector 220. The negative electrode current collector 220 is formed of, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

[0023] When the internal pressure of the battery 1 rises above a predetermined value, the current interrupter 300 separates from the positive current collector 210, thereby opening the current path between the current collector 200 and the positive terminal 410. When the internal pressure of the battery 1 is within a predetermined value, the current interrupter 300 remains in contact with the positive current collector 210, maintaining the current path between the current collector 200 and the positive terminal 410. The current interrupter 300 is also referred to as a current interrupt device (CID). The current interrupter 300 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 12 includes a diaphragm 310, a conductive member 320, and a pair of supports 330.

[0024] The diaphragm 310 includes a curved cylindrical main body 310a, a disk-shaped first joint 310b provided at the tip end of the main body 310a, and a ring-shaped second joint 310c provided at the base end of the main body 310a. The first joint 310b is joined to the recess 210d of the positive current collector 210. The second joint 310c is joined to the conductive member 320. The diaphragm 310 separates from the positive current collector 210 when the internal pressure of the battery 1 exceeds a predetermined value. The diaphragm 310 is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0025] The conductive member 320 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The conductive member 320 includes a disk-shaped base 320a and an insertion hole 320b that opens in the center of the base 320a. The positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 is joined to the upper surface of the conductive member 320. The second joining portion 310c of the diaphragm 310 is joined to the periphery of the lower surface of the conductive member 320. The conductive member 320 is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0026] The support base 330 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 330a extending in the short direction of the battery 1, and leg portions 330b extending downward from both longitudinal sides of the main body 330a. One support base 330 is provided on each end of the diaphragm 310 along the longitudinal direction of the battery 1. The main body 330a is attached to the positive electrode side first insulating plate 620. The leg portions 330b are attached to the second base portion 210b of the positive electrode current collector plate 210. The support base 330 is formed, for example, from insulating resin.

[0027] The electrode terminal 400 is connected to the current collector 200 or the current interrupter 300. The electrode terminal 400 shown in Figures 1 to 6, 10, and 12 to 16 includes a positive electrode terminal 410 and a negative electrode terminal 420.

[0028] The positive terminal 410 is connected to the conductive member 320 of the current interrupter 300. The positive terminal 410 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 410a, a cylindrical insertion portion 410b protruding downward from the base 410a, and a cylindrical joint portion 410c protruding downward from the periphery of the base 410a. The base 410a is in contact with the base 640a of the positive-side second insulating plate 640. The insertion portion 410b is inserted into the insertion hole 640b of the positive-side second insulating plate 640, the positive-side insertion hole 520a of the lid 520, the insertion hole 620b of the positive-side first insulating plate 620, and the insertion hole 320b of the conductive member 320. The joint portion 410c protrudes downward from the insertion hole 320b of the conductive member 320 and is expanded radially outward to be joined to the conductive member 320. That is, the joint portion 410c is crimped to the periphery of the insertion hole 320b of the conductive member 320. Furthermore, the joint portion 410c is welded to the periphery of the insertion hole 320b of the conductive member 320. The positive electrode terminal 410 is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0029] (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 420) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 420 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16, etc. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the negative electrode terminal 420 of the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the negative electrode terminal 420 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the connection between multiple batteries 1 and the bus bar 10. Fig. 16 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 420 and the bus bar 10 of the first embodiment.

[0030] The negative electrode terminal 420 is an electrode terminal and includes a first member 421, a second member 422, and a third member 423, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The first member 421 is electrically connected to the charge / discharge body 100 of the battery 1 via the negative electrode current collector plate 220. The first member 421 contains a first metal. The first metal is, for example, copper or a copper alloy. That is, the first member 421 is formed from a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0032] As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the first member 421 includes a head 421a, a main body 421b, and legs 421c. As shown in Figure 14, the head 421a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The head 421a has a facing portion 421a1 that faces the busbar 10 in the height direction Z of the battery 1, and an outer periphery 421a2 that faces the second member 422 in the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The head 421a may also be formed in a plate shape.

[0033] As shown in Figure 14, the main body 421b of the first member 421 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body 421b is formed integrally with the head 421a and is concentrically connected to the head 421a. Compared to the head 421a, the main body 421b has a smaller diameter and a longer length along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The main body 421b has an outer periphery 421b1 that faces the third member 423 along the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The main body 421b may also be formed in a plate shape.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 14 , the leg portion 421c of the first member 421 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The leg portion 421c is formed integrally with the main body portion 421b and is concentrically connected to the main body portion 421b. The leg portion 421c has the same outer diameter as the main body portion 421b. The leg portion 421c faces the head portion 421a via the main body portion 421b. As shown in FIG. 14 , the leg portion 421c is bent outward so that the diameter of the leg portion 421c increases, and is crimped to the negative current collector plate 220. The leg portion 421c may be laser-joined to the negative current collector plate 220. The leg portion 421c may be laser-joined while still being crimped to the negative current collector plate 220.

[0035] 14 and 16, the second member 422 is joined to the first member 421. The second member 422 contains a first metal. That is, the second member 422 is formed of a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0036] 14, the second member 422 is formed in a plate shape. The second member 422 has a first insertion portion 422a. The first member 421 is inserted into the first insertion portion 422a. In the second member 422, the inner circumferential surface of the first insertion portion 422a faces the outer circumferential portion 421b1 of the main body portion 421b.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 16 , the second member 422 is laser-joined to the first member 421 at the welded portion S from the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. The second member 422 and the first member 421 are laser-joined in a stacked state along the height direction Z of the battery 1, i.e., in a state where they are overlapped along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The facing surface P is the surface where the negative terminal 420 faces the busbar 10. The second member 422 is laser-joined in an annular shape to the head 431a of the first member 421. The second member 422 and the first member 421 may be laser-joined in a linear or arc shape along the short-side direction Y or long-side direction X of the battery 1 shown in FIG. 15 . The second member 422 and the first member 421 may also be laser-joined in a point-like manner. The second member 422 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the third member 423 is joined to the second member 422. The third member 423 includes a second metal that is different from the first metal. The second metal is, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. That is, the third member 423 is formed of a material including aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third member 423 made of aluminum or the like and the second member 422 made of copper or the like are formed of a clad material. That is, the third member 423 and the second member 422 are joined by atomic bonding. The third member 423 and the second member 422 may be joined by crimping. The third member 423 and the second member 422 may be joined by a durable non-melt bonding method other than atomic bonding. The third member 423 and the second member 422 may also be joined by a durable welding method.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 14, the third member 423 is formed in a plate shape. As shown in Fig. 14, the third member 423 has a facing portion 423a that faces the busbar 10 in the height direction Z of the battery 1. The third member 423 has a second insertion portion 423b. The first member 421 is inserted into the second insertion portion 423b. In the third member 423, the inner circumferential surface of the second insertion portion 423b faces the outer circumferential portion 421b1 of the main body portion 421b.

[0040] 16 , the third member 423 is provided on the same plane as the first member 421 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. As shown in Fig. 16 , the third member 423 is separated from the first member 421 in the stacking direction (height direction Z) of the first member 421 and the second member 422. In other words, the third member 423 does not directly or indirectly overlap with the first member 421 in the height direction Z of the battery 1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 16 , the third member 423 is adjacent to the first member 421 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10, along the longitudinal direction X or lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The third member 423 and the first member 421 face each other on a surface along the surface P facing the busbar 10, without any other components of the negative terminal 420 in between. The third member 423 and the first member 421 face each other without contact, i.e., with a gap between them. The gap is, for example, several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm. The gap may also be, for example, several hundreds of μm to several mm. The spacing may be, for example, equal to or less than the thickness of the inner circumferential surface of the second insertion portion 423b of the third member 423 in the stacking direction (height direction). From the perspective of the rigidity of the negative terminal 420, the gap may be equal to or less than the thickness of the second member 422 (height direction Z). From the viewpoint of ease of assembly and stress relaxation of the negative electrode terminal 420, the gap may be configured to be the distance between the outer peripheral portion 421b1 of the first member 421 and the first insertion portion 422a of the second member 422. The third member 423 and the first member 421 may be arranged to face each other in a contacting state, i.e., without a gap.

[0042] As shown in Figure 16, the third member 423 is laser-joined to the busbar 10 at the welded portion T on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. The third member 423 and the busbar 10 are laser-joined in a stacked state, i.e., overlapped state, along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The third member 423 is joined to the busbar 10 at two or more locations across the first member 421 in a direction intersecting the height direction Z. The direction intersecting the height direction Z is the short-side direction Y or long-side direction X of the battery 1. The third member 423 and the busbar 10 are laser-joined in a point-like, linear, arc-like, or annular shape.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 16 , the third member 423 is joined to the bus bar at the surface P facing the bus bar 10. As shown in Fig. 16 , the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or the lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the bus bar 10. That is, the first member 421 and the third member 423 face each other on a surface along the surface P facing the bus bar 10 without any other components of the negative terminal 420 sandwiched between them. When viewed from the side of the surface P facing the bus bar 10, the first member 421 and the third member 423 do not sandwich any other components of the negative terminal 420.

[0044] The first member 421 and the third member 423 are opposed to each other in a partially non-contact state, i.e., with a gap partially provided along the annular shape. The gap is, for example, several μm to several hundred μm. The gap may also be, for example, several hundred μm to several mm.

[0045] The first member 421 and the third member 423 may be opposed to each other without contacting each other at all, that is, with a circular gap provided therebetween.

[0046] The first member 421 and the third member 423 may be arranged to face each other in a contacting state, i.e., without any gap therebetween.

[0047] Here, in a configuration where there is no gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423, when the first member 421 and the third member 423 are viewed from the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10, the second member 422 does not exist in the gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423. This configuration is included in the configuration where the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or the lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10.

[0048] Furthermore, even in the case where there is a gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423 but the gap is not visible to the naked eye, when the first member 421 and the third member 423 are viewed from the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10, the second member 422 is not present in the gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423. This type of configuration is also included in the configuration in which the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. The gap that is not visible to the naked eye is, for example, several μm to several tens of μm.

[0049] On the other hand, in a configuration in which a visually recognizable gap is provided between the first member 421 and the third member 423, when the first member 421 and the third member 423 are visually recognized from the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10, the second member 422 may be visible through the gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423. This configuration is included in the configuration in which the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. In other words, even if the presence of another member such as the second member 422 is recognized through the gap between the first member 421 and the third member 423, a configuration in which the other member is located below the first member 421 or the third member is included in the configuration in which the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10.

[0050] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are electrically connected by overlapping and joining them in the height direction Z of the battery 1. The second member 422 and the third member 423 are electrically connected by being made of a clad material.

[0051] The components of the battery 1 are housed or attached in the exterior body 500. The exterior body 500 shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 10 to 12 includes a container 510, a lid 520, a split valve 530, and a sealing plug 540.

[0052] The container 510 contains the charge / discharge unit 100 and other components. The container 510 is made of a rectangular metal can. The container 510 includes an opening 510a that opens along the longitudinal direction and a container portion 510b that is continuous with the opening 510a. The container 510 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0053] The lid 520 seals the opening 510a of the container 510. The container 510 is formed from a long, plate-shaped metal plate. The lid 520 has a positive electrode side insertion hole 520a formed as a circular through-hole at one end in the longitudinal direction. The insertion portion 410b of the positive electrode terminal 410 is inserted into the positive electrode side insertion hole 520a. The lid 520 has a negative electrode side insertion hole 520b formed as a circular through-hole at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The insertion portion 420b of the negative electrode terminal 420 is inserted into the negative electrode side insertion hole 520b. The lid 520 has a liquid injection insertion hole 520c formed as a circular through-hole between the positive electrode side insertion hole 520a and the negative electrode side insertion hole 520b. The insertion portion 540b of the sealing plug 540 is inserted into the liquid injection insertion hole 520c. The lid 520 is welded to the container 510. The lid 520 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0054] 11, the split valve 530 is formed integrally with the lid 520. The split valve 530 splits when the internal pressure of the battery 1 reaches a predetermined value, thereby releasing the internal pressure of the battery 1 to atmospheric pressure. The split valve 530 is also called a safety valve.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, the sealing plug 540 seals the injection insertion hole 520c of the lid 520. The sealing plug 540 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 11, the sealing plug 540 includes a head portion 540a having a relatively large outer diameter and an insertion portion 540b that is continuous with the head portion 540a and has a relatively small outer diameter. The head portion 540a of the sealing plug 540 is welded to the lid 520. The sealing plug 540 is formed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0056] The insulator 600 insulates the components of the battery 1 from the exterior body 500. The insulator 600 shown in Figures 2 to 5, 10, and 12 includes an insulating cover 610, a positive electrode-side first insulating plate 620, a negative electrode-side first insulating plate 630, a positive electrode-side second insulating plate 640, and a negative electrode-side second insulating plate 650.

[0057] The insulating cover 610 covers the charging / discharging unit 100. The insulating cover 610 exposes one side 100a of the charging / discharging unit 100 to the outside and covers the rest of the charging / discharging unit 100 except for the side 100a. The insulating cover 610 is formed, for example, in a pentahedral shape and folded into a box shape. The insulating cover 610 is formed, for example, from polypropylene.

[0058] The positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 insulates the positive electrode current collector plate 210 and the conductive member 320 from the lid 520. The positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 620a, an insertion hole 620b penetrating the base 620a, and a protrusion 620c annularly extending from the side edge of the base 620a and protruding in a direction away from the surrounding lid 520. The positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 accommodates the positive electrode current collector plate 210, the conductive member 320, and the like in a space defined by the base 620a and the protrusion 620c. The insertion portion 410b of the positive electrode terminal 410 is inserted into the insertion hole 620b. The positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 is formed, for example, from insulating resin.

[0059] The negative electrode side first insulating plate 630 insulates the negative electrode current collector plate 220 from the lid 520. The negative electrode side first insulating plate 630 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 630a, an insertion hole 630b penetrating the base 630a, and a protrusion 630c that protrudes in an annular shape from the side edge of the base 630a in a direction away from the surrounding lid 520. The negative electrode side first insulating plate 630 accommodates the negative electrode current collector plate 220 in a space defined by the base 630a and the protrusion 630c. The insertion portion 420b of the negative electrode terminal 420 is inserted into the insertion hole 630b. The negative electrode side first insulating plate 630 is formed, for example, from insulating resin.

[0060] The positive electrode side second insulating plate 640 insulates the positive electrode terminal 410 from the lid 520. The positive electrode side second insulating plate 640 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 640a, an insertion hole 640b penetrating the base 640a, and a protrusion 640c that protrudes in an annular shape from the side edge of the base 640a in a direction away from the surrounding lid 520. The positive electrode side second insulating plate 640 accommodates the positive electrode terminal 410 in a space defined by the base 640a and the protrusion 640c. The insertion portion 410b of the positive electrode terminal 410 is inserted into the insertion hole 640b. The positive electrode side second insulating plate 640 is formed, for example, from insulating resin.

[0061] The negative electrode side second insulating plate 650 insulates the negative electrode terminal 420 from the lid 520. The negative electrode side second insulating plate 650 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 650a, an insertion hole 650b penetrating the base 650a, and a protrusion 650c that annularly protrudes from the side edge of the base 650a in a direction away from the surrounding lid 520. The negative electrode side second insulating plate 650 accommodates the negative electrode terminal 420 in a space defined by the base 650a and the protrusion 650c. The insertion portion 420b of the negative electrode terminal 420 is inserted into the insertion hole 650b. The negative electrode side second insulating plate 650 is formed, for example, from insulating resin.

[0062] The sealing body 700 seals the components of the battery 1 and the exterior body 500. The sealing body 700 shown in Figures 2 to 5, 10 and 12 includes a positive electrode side gasket 710 and a negative electrode side gasket 720.

[0063] The positive electrode side gasket 710 seals the lid 520 on the side of the positive electrode terminal 410, thereby sealing the exterior body 500. The positive electrode side gasket 710 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The positive electrode side gasket 710 includes a first insertion portion 710a having a relatively large outer diameter, a second insertion portion 710b continuous with the first insertion portion 710a and having a relatively small outer diameter, and an insertion hole 710c passing through the first insertion portion 710a and the second insertion portion 710b. As shown in FIG. 5, the positive electrode side gasket 710 is provided between the positive electrode terminal 410 and the positive electrode current collector plate 210. The first insertion portion 710a is inserted into the insertion hole 620b of the positive electrode side first insulating plate 620 shown in FIG. 12. The second insertion portion 710b is inserted into the positive electrode side insertion hole 520a of the lid 520 and the insertion hole 640b of the positive electrode side second insulating plate 640 shown in Fig. 12. The insertion portion 410b of the positive electrode terminal 410 shown in Fig. 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 710c. The positive electrode side gasket 710 is made of, for example, rubber that is insulating and elastic.

[0064] The negative electrode side gasket 720 seals the lid 520 on the side of the negative electrode terminal 420, thereby sealing the exterior body 500. The negative electrode side gasket 720 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The negative electrode side gasket 720 includes a first insertion portion 720a having a relatively large outer diameter, a second insertion portion 720b continuous with the first insertion portion 720a and having a relatively small outer diameter, and an insertion hole 720c passing through the first insertion portion 720a and the second insertion portion 720b. As shown in FIG. 3 , the negative electrode side gasket 720 is provided between the second member 422 of the negative electrode terminal 420 and the negative electrode current collector plate 220. The first insertion portion 720a is inserted into the insertion hole 630b of the negative electrode side first insulating plate 630 shown in FIG. 11 . The second insertion portion 720b is inserted into the negative electrode side insertion hole 520b of the lid 520 and the insertion hole 650b of the negative electrode side second insulating plate 650 shown in Fig. 11. The main body portion 421b of the first member 421 of the negative electrode terminal 420 shown in Fig. 11 is inserted into the insertion hole 720c. The negative electrode side gasket 720 is made of, for example, rubber that is insulating and elastic.

[0065] (Configuration of busbar 10) The busbar 10 is a conductive member. As shown in FIG. 15 , the busbar 10 electrically connects one battery 1 and another battery 1 that are adjacent to each other along the short-side direction Y of the batteries 1, for example. The busbar 10 contains a second metal. That is, the busbar 10 is formed from a material that contains aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The busbar 10 containing aluminum or the like is joined to a positive terminal 410 containing aluminum or the like of one battery 1 and a negative terminal 420 containing aluminum or the like of another battery 1.

[0066] (Effects of the Negative Terminal 420 and the Battery 1 Having the Negative Terminal 420) The effects of the negative terminal 420 and the battery 1 having the negative terminal 420 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and other figures.

[0067] In the electrode terminal included in the battery 1, the third member 423 is joined to the bus bar on a surface P facing the bus bar 10. As shown in Fig. 16 , the first member 421 and the third member 423 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X or the lateral direction Y of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the bus bar 10.

[0068] This configuration can improve the characteristics of the electrode terminal included in the battery 1. Specifically, for example, in the electrode terminal, the first member 421 is connected to the charging / discharging body 100, and the third member 423 is connected to the bus bar 10. Therefore, by configuring the first member 421 and the third member 423 of the electrode terminal to be adjacent to each other, the area of ​​the electrode terminal in the region along the opposing surface P can be reduced. In other words, the electrode terminal can be made smaller along the opposing surface P.

[0069] The electrode terminal is applied to the negative electrode terminal 420. With this configuration, the negative electrode terminal 420, which is made of a material converted from copper to one containing aluminum, can be sufficiently joined to the bus bar 10, which contains aluminum.

[0070] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are laser-joined. With this configuration, the first member 421 and the second member 422 can be sufficiently joined by laser joining, which is a highly versatile joining method.

[0071] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are laser-joined from the opposing surface P side. The opposing surface P is the surface of the negative electrode terminal 420 facing the busbar 10. With this configuration, it is not necessary to consider interference between the laser beam and components of the negative electrode terminal 420 located on the non-opposing surface Q side. The components are, for example, the main body 421b and the leg portions 421c of the first member 421.

[0072] The first member 421 of the negative terminal 420 is provided on the same plane as the third member 423 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. The term "on the same plane" is defined taking into account manufacturing tolerances for the external shapes of the first member 421 and the third member 423. That is, "on the same plane" includes cases where the first member 421 protrudes from the third member 423 by several μm to several hundred μm. Similarly, "on the same plane" includes cases where the third member 423 protrudes from the first member 421 by several μm to several hundred μm. "on the same plane" defines a positional relationship between the first member 421 and the third member 423 that allows the third member 423 and the busbar 10 to be joined in at least partial contact. This configuration prevents a gap from occurring between the first member 421 and the busbar 10 when the busbar 10 and the third member 423 are joined. Furthermore, with this configuration, even when the busbar 10 and the third member 423 are laser-joined, it is possible to prevent spatter generated during the laser joining from entering a gap between the first member 411 and the busbar 10. Furthermore, with this configuration, when the busbar 10 and the third member 423 are joined, the first member 421 does not protrude further toward the busbar 10 than the third member 423. In other words, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between the third member 423 and the busbar 10. Therefore, the third member 423 and the busbar 10 can be sufficiently joined.

[0073] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the first member 421 and the third member 423 are spaced apart in the stacking direction (height direction Z) of the first member 421 and the second member 422. The first member 421 and the third member 423 do not directly overlap in the height direction Z. The first member 421 and the third member 423 do not indirectly overlap in the height direction Z via another member. That is, in the portion where the third member 423 is joined to the busbar 10, the third member 423 overlaps only with the second member 422 in the height direction Z. With this configuration, the thickness of the negative electrode terminal 420 in the stacking direction (height direction Z) can be reduced in the portion where the third member 423 is joined to the busbar 10.

[0074] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the third member 423 and the busbar 10 are joined at two or more locations across the first member 421. With this configuration, even if stress is generated in the busbar 10 due to, for example, expansion and contraction of the battery 1, peeling between the third member 423 and the busbar 10 can be suppressed.

[0075] In the negative electrode terminal 420, the second member 422 and the third member 423 are formed of a clad material. This configuration allows sufficient bonding between the second member 422 and the third member 423. In particular, this configuration allows sufficient bonding between members made of different materials, such as the second member 422 made of copper or the like and the third member 423 made of aluminum or the like.

[0076] (Negative electrode terminal 430 of second embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 430) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 430 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 430 and the bus bar 10 of the second embodiment.

[0077] The negative electrode terminal 430 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 430 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 430 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 17 , the negative electrode terminal 430 includes a first member 421, a second member 422, and a third member 423. As shown in FIG. 17 , the second member 422 is laser-welded to the first member 421 at a welded portion U from the non-facing surface Q. The non-facing surface Q is the surface opposite the facing surface P where the negative electrode terminal 430 faces the busbar 10. The second member 422 is laser-welded to the head 431a of the first member 421 in an annular shape. The second member 422 and the first member 421 may be laser-welded in a linear or arc shape along the short-side direction Y or long-side direction X of the battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 . The second member 422 and the first member 421 may also be laser-welded in a point-like shape. The second member 422 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0079] (Effects of Negative Terminal 430) The effects of the negative terminal 430 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0080] In the negative electrode terminal 430, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are laser-joined from the non-opposing surface Q side. The non-opposing surface Q is the surface opposite to the opposing surface P where the negative electrode terminal 430 faces the busbar 10. With this configuration, the influence of laser joining on the non-opposing surface Q side can be suppressed in joining the negative electrode terminal 430 located on the opposing surface P side to the busbar 10. Furthermore, with this configuration, the influence of laser joining on the non-opposing surface Q side on the components of the negative electrode terminal 430 located on the opposing surface P side can be suppressed.

[0081] (Negative electrode terminal 440 of the third embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 440) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 440 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 440 and the bus bar 10 of the third embodiment.

[0082] The negative electrode terminal 440 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 440 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 440 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0083] The negative electrode terminal 440 is partially recessed in a direction away from the bus bar 10 with respect to a surface P facing the bus bar 10. As shown in FIG. 18 , the negative electrode terminal 440 includes a first member 441, a second member 422, and a third member 423.

[0084] The first member 441 contains a first metal, that is, the first member 441 is made of a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0085] The first member 441 is partially recessed in the direction away from the busbar 10. As shown in FIG. 18 , the first member 441 includes a head 441a, a main body 421b, and legs 421c. The head 441a has a facing portion 441a1 that faces the busbar 10 in the height direction Z of the battery 1, and an outer peripheral portion 441a2 that faces the second member 422 in the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The head 441a has a shorter length in the stacking direction (height direction Z) than the head 421a of the first member 421. In other words, the head 441a of the first member 441 is recessed in the direction away from the busbar 10. A gap exists between the first member 441 and the busbar 10.

[0086] (Effects of Negative Terminal 440) The effects of the negative terminal 440 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0087] The negative electrode terminal 440 is partially recessed in a direction away from the busbar 10. With this configuration, when the negative electrode terminal 440 and the busbar 10 are joined, interference between the busbar 10 and a portion of the negative electrode terminal 440 that is not actively joined to the busbar 10 can be suppressed. The portion of the negative electrode terminal 440 that is electrically connected to the busbar 10 is the third member 423. Therefore, by partially recessing the first member 441 in a direction away from the busbar 10, interference between the first member 441 and the busbar 10 can be suppressed when the third member 423 and the busbar 10 are joined.

[0088] The second member 442 may also be recessed in a direction away from the bus bar 10. In this case, interference between the second member 442 and the bus bar 10 can be suppressed in a state in which the third member 423 and the bus bar 10 are joined.

[0089] (Negative electrode terminal 450 of the fourth embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 450) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 450 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 450 and the bus bar 10 of the fourth embodiment.

[0090] The negative electrode terminal 450 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 450 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 450 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 19 , the negative electrode terminal 450 includes a first member 451 , a second member 422 , and a third member 423 .

[0092] The first member 451 contains a first metal, that is, the first member 451 is made of a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 19 , the first member 451 includes a head 451a, a main body 421b, and legs 421c. The head 451a includes a facing portion 451a1 that faces the busbar 10 along the height direction Z of the battery 1, and an outer peripheral portion 451a2 that faces the second member 422 along the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The head 451a includes a recess 451a3. The recess 451a3 is a partially recessed portion of the facing portion 451a1 of the first member 451. The recess 451a3 of the first member 451 and the second member 422 are laser-bonded from the side of the surface facing the busbar 10. The recess 451a3 is laser-bonded to the facing portion 451a1 in an annular shape. The recess 451a3 may also be laser-bonded to the facing portion 451a1 in an arc shape. That is, the recessed portion 451a3 may be intermittently laser-bonded to the facing portion 451a1.

[0094] (Effects of Negative Terminal 450) The effects of the negative terminal 450 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] In the negative electrode terminal 450, the first member 451 and the second member 422 are laser-bonded to each other at the recess 451a3 of the first member 451 from the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. This configuration allows the rigidity of the first member 451 to be maintained while confining spatter generated during laser bonding within the recess 451a3. Therefore, for example, deformation of the first member 451 can be suppressed when the first member 451 is crimped to the negative electrode current collector plate 220. In the first member 451, the recess 451a3 is preferably positioned outside the main body portion 421b. This prevents stress generated when the first member 451 and the negative electrode current collector plate 220 are crimped from being transmitted to the recess 451a3.

[0096] (Negative electrode terminal 460 of fifth embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 460) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 460 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 460 and the bus bar 20 of the fifth embodiment.

[0097] The negative electrode terminal 460 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 460 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 460 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0098] The negative electrode terminal 460 partially protrudes beyond the opposing surface P of the bus bar 20 in a direction approaching the bus bar 20. Unlike the bus bar 10, the bus bar 20 has a recess 20a that accommodates a first member 461 on the opposing surface P side. As shown in FIG. 20 , the negative electrode terminal 460 includes a first member 451, a second member 422, and a third member 423.

[0099] The first member 461 contains a first metal, that is, the first member 461 is formed of a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 20 , the first member 461 includes a head 461a, a main body 421b, and legs 421c. The head 461a has a facing portion 461a1 that faces the busbar 10 along the height direction Z of the battery 1, and an outer peripheral portion 461a2 that faces the second member 422 along the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the battery 1. The head 461a is longer in the stacking direction (height direction Z) than the head 421a of the first member 421. That is, the head 461a of the first member 461 protrudes in a direction approaching the recess 20a of the busbar 20. A gap is provided between the first member 461 and the recess 20a of the busbar 20. A gap does not necessarily have to be provided between the first member 461 and the recess 20a of the busbar 20.

[0101] (Effects of Negative Terminal 460) The effects of the negative terminal 460 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] The negative electrode terminal 460 partially protrudes beyond the opposing surface P of the bus bar 20 in a direction approaching the bus bar 20. The bus bar 20 has a recess 20a that accommodates the first member 461. With this configuration, when joining the negative electrode terminal 460 and the bus bar 10, even if the first member 461 protrudes further toward the bus bar 20 than the third member 453, the third member 453 and the bus bar 20 can be joined. In other words, it is possible to mitigate specifications and manufacturing errors of the first member 461.

[0103] The second member 442 may also protrude beyond the opposing surface P of the bus bar 20 in a direction approaching the bus bar 20. The bus bar 20 is configured to have a recess that accommodates the second member 442. In this case, interference between the second member 442 and the bus bar 20 can be suppressed when the third member 453 and the bus bar 20 are joined. In other words, the specifications and manufacturing errors of the second member 442 can be alleviated.

[0104] (Negative electrode terminal 470 of sixth embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 470) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 470 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 470 and the bus bar 10 of the sixth embodiment.

[0105] The negative electrode terminal 470 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 470 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 470 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0106] 21 , the negative electrode terminal 470 includes a first member 421, a second member 422, and a third member 423. In the negative electrode terminal 470, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are joined by crimping. In the negative electrode terminal 470, the first member 421 and the second member 422 may be joined by crimping, and then the first member 421 and the second member 422 may be laser-joined.

[0107] (Effects of Negative Terminal 470) The effects of the negative terminal 470 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0108] In the negative electrode terminal 470, the first member 421 and the second member 422 are joined by crimping. According to this configuration, the first member 421 and the second member 422 can be joined by applying mechanical stress to the first member 421 and the second member 422.

[0109] In the negative electrode terminal 470, the first member 421 and the second member 422 may be joined by crimping, and then the first member 421 and the second member 422 may be laser-joined. With this configuration, the first member 421 and the second member 422 can be joined more sufficiently.

[0110] (Negative electrode terminal 480 of seventh embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 480) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 480 of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is an end view showing the negative electrode terminal 480 and the bus bar 10 of the seventh embodiment.

[0111] The negative electrode terminal 480 is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 480 has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 480 has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 22 , the negative electrode terminal 480 includes a first member 421 , a second member 482 , and a third member 483 .

[0113] The second member 482 is joined to the first member 421. The second member 482 contains a first metal. That is, the second member 482 is formed of a material containing copper or a copper alloy. The second member 482 has a step portion 482b formed by partially recessing a side of the second member 482 facing the busbar 10, on the surface P side. The second member 482 and the first member 421 are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (height direction Z) via the step portion 482b. That is, the second member 482 and the first member 421 face each other in a direction intersecting the stacking direction (height direction Z). The thickness of the step portion 482b of the second member 482 in the stacking direction (height direction Z) corresponds to the thickness of the second member 422.

[0114] The third member 483 is joined to the second member 482. The third member 483 contains a second metal. That is, the third member 483 is formed from a material containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third member 483 is formed to be thinner than the third member 423 by the amount that the second member 482 is thicker than the second member 422. The outer shape of the third member 483 corresponds to the shape of the third member 423 that is thinner in the stacking direction (height direction Z).

[0115] (Effects of Negative Terminal 480) The effects of the negative terminal 480 of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] In the negative electrode terminal 480, the second member 482 and the first member 421 are adjacent to each other along the stacking direction (height direction Z). That is, the second member 482 and the first member 421 face each other in a direction intersecting the stacking direction (height direction Z). With this configuration, particularly in the case of the second member 482 and the third member 483 made of a clad material, when the third member 483 is machined to expose the second member 482, the second member 482 can be exposed without relying on misalignment of the copper-aluminum interface in the clad material. That is, this configuration corresponds to a configuration in which a portion of the second member 482 is also machined when the third member 483 is machined, taking into account misalignment of the interface in the clad material. Therefore, the second member 482 and the first member 481 can be sufficiently joined without relying on misalignment of the interface in the clad material.

[0117] (Negative electrode terminal 490A and negative electrode terminal 490B of eighth embodiment) (Configuration of negative electrode terminal 490A) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal 490A of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23 and Fig. 24. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the negative electrode terminal 490A of the eighth embodiment. Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the negative electrode terminal 490A of Fig. 23.

[0118] The negative electrode terminal 490A is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 490A has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and the description thereof is omitted. The negative electrode terminal 490A has different configurations from the negative electrode terminal 420, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0119] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the negative electrode terminal 490A includes a first member 491, a pair of second members 492, and a third member 493.

[0120] The first member 491 is electrically connected to the charge / discharge body 100 of the battery 1 via the negative electrode current collector plate 220. The first member 491 contains a first metal. That is, the first member 491 is formed from a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0121] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first member 491 includes a head 491a, a main body 421b, and legs 421c. As shown in Figure 24, the head 491a is formed in a plate shape. As shown in Figure 24, the head 491a has an opposing portion 491a1 that faces the busbar 10 in the height direction Z of the battery 1. As shown in Figure 24, the head 491a has an outer portion 491a2 that faces the second member 422 in the short-side direction Y of the battery 1.

[0122] 23 , the pair of second members 492 are joined to the first member 491. The second members 492 contain a first metal. That is, the second members 492 are formed from a material containing copper or a copper alloy.

[0123] As shown in Figure 24, the pair of second members 492 are formed in a rectangular column shape. The second members 492 have opposing portions 492a that face the busbar 10 along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The second members 492 contact the outer portions 491a2 of the first members 491 along the short-side direction Y of the battery 1. The second members 492 are laser-joined to the first members 491 from the opposing surface P along the boundary with the first members 491. In other words, the second members 492 and the first members 491 are laser-joined in a butted state. The second members 492 and the first members 491 may also be joined at points.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 23 , the third member 493 is joined to the second member 492. The third member 493 contains a second metal. That is, the third member 493 is formed from a material containing aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The third member 493 is interatomically joined to the second member 492. That is, the third member 493 made of aluminum or the like and the second member 492 made of copper or the like are formed from a clad material. The third member 493 and the second member 492 may be joined by crimping.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 24 , the third member 493 is formed in a plate shape. The third member 493 has a facing portion 493a that faces the busbar 10 along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The third member 493 also has a concave recess 493b as shown in FIG. 24 . The first member 491 and the second member 492 are attached to the recess 493b. As shown in FIG. 24 , the third member 493 also has an insertion portion 493c that penetrates the recess 493b. The main body 421b of the first member 491 is inserted into the insertion portion 493c. As shown in FIG. 23 , the third member 493, the second member 492, and the first member 491 are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction X of the battery 1 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10.

[0126] The third member 493 is laser-joined to the busbar 10 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 are laser-joined in a stacked state, i.e., overlapped state, along the height direction Z of the battery 1. The third member 493 is joined to the busbar 10 at two or more locations that straddle the first member 491 and the pair of second members 492 along a direction intersecting the height direction Z. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 are laser-joined in a line along the short-side direction of the battery. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 may also be laser-joined in a point-like manner.

[0127] In the negative electrode terminal 490A, the first member 491 and the second member 492 are butt-jointed by laser welding, and are electrically connected to each other. The first member 491 and the second member 492 are not crimped. The second member 492 and the third member 493 are made of clad material, and are therefore electrically connected to each other.

[0128] Similar to the negative terminal 440 of the third embodiment, the negative terminal 490A may have a first member 491 recessed in a direction away from the busbar 10. Similar to the negative terminal 460 of the fifth embodiment, the negative terminal 490A may have a first member 491 protruding toward the busbar 20 beyond the opposing surface P with respect to the busbar 20.

[0129] (Configuration of Negative Terminal 490B) The configuration of the negative terminal 490B according to a modification of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the negative terminal 490B according to a modification of the eighth embodiment.

[0130] The negative electrode terminal 490B is an electrode terminal. The negative electrode terminal 490B has the same configuration as the negative electrode terminal 420 and the negative electrode terminal 490A, and is therefore designated by the same reference numerals as the negative electrode terminal 420 and the negative electrode terminal 490A, and the description thereof will be omitted. The negative electrode terminal 490B has a different configuration from the negative electrode terminal 420 and the negative electrode terminal 490A, and is therefore designated by different reference numerals as the negative electrode terminal 420 and the negative electrode terminal 490A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] As shown in Figure 25, the negative electrode terminal 490A includes a first member 421, a second member 494, and a third member 493. The second member 494 is configured by changing the shape of the second member 492. The outer shape of the second member 494 is formed into a plate shape that includes the outer shapes of the pair of second members 492. The inner shape of the second member 494 is the same as the second member 422 shown in Figure 13. The second member 494 has a facing portion 494a that faces the busbar 10 in the height direction Z of the battery 1.

[0132] (Effects of Negative Terminal 490A and Negative Terminal 490B) The effects of the negative terminal 490A and the negative terminal 490B of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. FIG.

[0133] In the negative electrode terminal 490A, the first member 491 and the third member 493 are not joined by crimping. This configuration can prevent the negative electrode terminal 490A from being affected by physical deformation of the first member 491 and the third member 493. In the negative electrode terminal 490B, the first member 421 and the third member 493 are not joined by crimping. This configuration can prevent the negative electrode terminal 490B from being affected by physical deformation of the first member 421 and the third member 493.

[0134] (Negative Electrode Terminal of Ninth Embodiment) (Configuration of Negative Electrode Terminal) The configuration of the negative electrode terminal of the ninth embodiment corresponds to the configurations of all of the first to eighth embodiments except for the configuration of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 20 .

[0135] The electrode terminal is applied to, for example, the configuration including the first member 421, the second member 422, and the third member 423 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 16 . The first member 421 does not protrude further toward the busbar 10 than the third member 423 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. Here, the first member 421 of the negative electrode terminal is provided on the same plane as the third member 423 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. "On the same plane" is defined taking into consideration the manufacturing tolerance of the external shapes of the first member 421 and the third member 423. In other words, "on the same plane" includes a case where the first member 421 protrudes from the third member 423 by several μm to several hundred μm. Similarly, "on the same plane" includes a case where the third member 423 protrudes from the first member 421 by several μm to several hundred μm. Being on the same plane defines a positional relationship between the first member 421 and the third member 423 such that the third member 423 and the bus bar 10 can be joined in a state of at least partial contact. The third member 423 and the bus bar 10 are joined across the first member 421. The third member 423 and the bus bar 10 are joined across the second member 422.

[0136] Similarly, the electrode terminal may be applied to a configuration including a first member 491, a second member 492, and a third member 493 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 . The first member 491 does not protrude further toward the busbar 10 than the third member 493 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. Here, the first member 491 of the negative terminal is provided on the same plane as the third member 493 on the side of the surface P facing the busbar 10. "On the same plane" is defined taking into consideration manufacturing tolerances for the external shapes of the first member 491 and the third member 493. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 are joined across the first member 491. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 are joined across a pair of second members 492. The third member 493 and the busbar 10 may also be joined across one of the pair of second members 492.

[0137] (Effects of the Negative Terminal) The effects of the negative terminal of the ninth embodiment will be described.

[0138] The negative electrode terminal exhibits the effects of some or all of the first to eighth embodiments, excluding the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 20 .

[0139] (Other Embodiments of Negative Electrode Terminal and Battery) The battery of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments, and can be configured appropriately based on the content described in the claims.

[0140] The electrode terminal of the present invention can be configured by arbitrarily combining the configurations of the electrode terminals of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0141] The electrode terminal of the present invention is not limited to a negative electrode terminal. The electrode terminal of the present invention can also be applied to a positive electrode terminal. With this configuration, the positive electrode terminal 410, whose material is converted from aluminum-containing to copper-containing, can be sufficiently joined to a bus bar containing copper.

[0142] The battery of the present invention is not limited to lithium-ion batteries. The battery of the present invention can be applied to, for example, nickel-metal hydride batteries and lead-acid batteries. The battery of the present invention is not limited to secondary batteries. The battery of the present invention can be applied to primary batteries. The charge / discharge body of the battery of the present invention is not limited to a wound type charge / discharge body in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, each formed in a long shape, are bundled and wound. The charge / discharge body of the battery of the present invention can also be a stacked type in which multiple rectangular positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes are alternately stacked on top of each other. The charge / discharge body of the battery of the present invention can also be a stacked type in which multiple relatively short positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes are alternately arranged facing each other with the separator interposed between them, around a single long separator. In such a charge / discharge body, the separator is folded and stacked, so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode face each other with the separator interposed between them. The battery of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which one charge / discharge body is provided. The battery of the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which two or more charge / discharge bodies are provided. The battery of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the charge / discharge body is sealed by a container and a lid. The battery of the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which the charge / discharge element is sealed with a laminate film.

[0143] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Battery, 10 Bus bar (conductive member), 20 Bus bar (conductive member), 20a Recess, 100 Charging / discharging body, 400 Electrode terminal, 410 Positive electrode terminal (electrode terminal), 420 Negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal), 420b Insertion portion, 421 First member, 421a Head, 421a1 Opposing portion, 421a2 Outer periphery, 421b Main body, 421b1 Outer periphery, 421c Leg portion, 422 Second member, 422a First insertion portion, 423 Third member, 423a Opposing portion, 423b Second insertion portion, 430 Negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal), 431a Head, 440 Negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal), 441 First member, 441a Head, 442 Second member, 450 Negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal), 451 First member, 451a Head, 451a3 Recess, 453 Third member, 460 Negative terminal (electrode terminal), 461 First member, 461a Head, 470 Negative terminal (electrode terminal), 480 Negative terminal (electrode terminal), 482 Second member, 482b Step portion, 483 Third member, 490A Negative terminal (electrode terminal), 490B Negative terminal (electrode terminal), 491 First member, 491a Head, 491a1 Facing portion, 491a2 Outer portion, 492 Second member, 492a Facing portion, 492b, 493 Third member, 493a Facing portion, 493b Recess, 493c Insertion portion, 494 Second member, 494a Facing portion, P Facing surface with busbar 10 or busbar 20, Q Non-facing surface, S Welded portion, T Welded portion, U: Welded portion, X: Longitudinal direction of battery 1, Y: Shortitudinal direction of battery 1, Z: Height direction of battery 1.

Claims

1. A first member electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and including a first metal; a second member including the first metal and joined to the first member, the second member including a first insertion portion into which the first member is inserted; a third member including a second insertion portion into which the first member is inserted, joined to the second member, and including a second metal that is different from the first metal; having the third member is joined to the conductive member at a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one of the batteries to the other battery and includes the second metal; The first member and the third member are adjacent to each other on the opposing surface side. electrode terminal.

2. The first member and the second member are laser joined. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

3. The first member and the second member are joined from the opposing surface side. The electrode terminal according to claim 2 .

4. The first member and the second member are joined from a non-opposing surface side opposite to the opposing surface, The electrode terminal according to claim 2 .

5. The first member is provided on the same plane as the third member on the opposing surface side. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

6. The first member is partially recessed with respect to the opposing surface in a direction away from the conductive member. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

7. The first member and the second member are laser-joined from the opposing surface side in a portion where the first member is partially recessed. The electrode terminal according to claim 6.

8. The first member and the third member are spaced apart from each other in a stacking direction of the first member and the second member. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

9. The third member and the conductive member are joined at two or more points across the first member. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

10. The first member and the second member are joined by crimping. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

11. The second member and the third member are formed of a clad material. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

12. the first metal is copper or a copper alloy; the second metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy; Applied to the negative terminal, The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

13. the first member protrudes beyond the opposing surface in a direction approaching the conductive member, The conductive member includes a recess for accommodating the first member on the opposing surface side. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 .

14. The electrode terminal according to claim 1 ; A charge / discharge body electrically connected to the electrode terminal; A battery having

15. A first member electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and including a first metal; a second member joined to the first member and including the first metal; a third member joined to the second member and including a second metal different from the first metal; having The third member is not crimped to the first member, the third member is joined to the conductive member at a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one of the batteries to the other battery and includes the second metal; The first member, the second member, and the third member are adjacent to each other on the opposing surface side. electrode terminal.

16. A first member electrically connected to the charging / discharging body of the battery and including a first metal; a second member joined to the first member and including the first metal; a third member joined to the second member and including a second metal different from the first metal; having the third member is joined to the conductive member at a surface facing the conductive member that electrically connects one of the batteries to the other battery and includes the second metal; the first member does not protrude toward the conductive member beyond the third member on the opposing surface side, The third member and the conductive member are joined across the first member. electrode terminal.