Method of manufacturing battery module

Abstract

Provided is a method of manufacturing a battery module provided with a laminate having a plurality of stacked units that include: a first cell group and second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are lined up in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a thermal regulation plate which is arranged between the first cell group and the second cell group and extends in the second direction. The method comprises: coating either the thermal regulation plate or the first cell group and second cell group with an adhesive; and bringing the thermal regulation plate and the first cell group and second cell group into contact, thereby adhering the thermal regulation plate and the first cell group and second cell group to each other.

Description

Battery module manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module.

[0002] Electric vehicles capable of running on a motor using power stored in battery modules within a battery pack are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack disposed at the center of the lower part of the body of an electric vehicle and including multiple battery modules. The battery module in Patent Document 1 includes a stack of multiple units, each including a first cell group, a second cell group, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first and second cell groups.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2023-502274

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, the battery module includes a large number of parts such as a first cell group, a second cell group, a temperature control plate, etc. Manufacturing a battery module including such a large number of parts is not easy and involves difficulties.

[0005] The present invention aims to facilitate the manufacture of battery modules.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the manufacturing method of the battery module of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a battery module having a stack in which a plurality of units are stacked, each unit including a first cell group and a second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group and extending in the second direction, and includes applying an adhesive to either the temperature control plate or the first cell group or the second cell group; and bringing the temperature control plate into contact with the first cell group and the second cell group, thereby adhering the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the manufacture of a battery module.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a battery module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a unit creation step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first jig according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which adhesive is applied to a first cell group. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an application device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the first cell group to which adhesive shown in FIG. 7 has been applied, as viewed from the Z direction. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first cell group and a temperature control plate are bonded. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state in which the temperature control plate shown in FIG. 10 is viewed from the Z direction. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second jig according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which adhesive is applied to a second cell group. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the second cell group and a temperature control plate are bonded. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first example of positioning the first cell group, the second cell group, and the temperature control plate. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second example of positioning the first cell group, the second cell group, and the temperature control plate. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third example of positioning the first cell group, the second cell group, and the temperature control plate. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing how the second cell group and the insulating sheet are bonded with an adhesive. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an assembly apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the side plate shown in FIG. 19 as viewed in the Y direction. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of multiple jigs according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the multiple jigs shown in FIG. 21 as viewed from above in the Z direction. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing how the multiple jigs are connected. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a stack creation step according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to the third embodiment. Fig. 27 is a flow chart of the unit fabrication steps according to the third embodiment. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the state in which adhesive is applied to the temperature control plate.FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the state in which adhesive is applied to the first cell group and the second cell group.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown. (First Embodiment)

[0010] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle 100 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, the Z direction indicates the vertical direction, the X direction indicates a predetermined horizontal direction, and the Y direction indicates a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction. The X direction is, for example, the forward / rearward direction of the vehicle 100, and the Y direction is, for example, the left / right direction of the vehicle 100.

[0011] Vehicle 100 includes a motor 200, an inverter 300, a battery pack 400, and a control device 500. In the first embodiment, vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle that runs by being driven by motor 200. However, without being limited to this, vehicle 100 may also be a hybrid vehicle that runs by being driven by motor 200 and an engine (not shown). Here, configurations related to the features of the first embodiment will be described in detail, and configurations unrelated to the features of the first embodiment will not be described.

[0012] The motor 200 obtains driving force from electric power supplied from the battery pack 400 via the inverter 300. The motor 200 transmits the obtained driving force to the wheels of the vehicle 100. This causes the vehicle 100 to run. The motor 200 also functions as a generator when it is not receiving electric power. The electric power generated by the motor 200 is stored in the battery pack 400 via the inverter 300.

[0013] The inverter 300 is provided between the motor 200 and the battery pack 400. The inverter 300 electrically connects the motor 200 and the battery pack 400. The inverter 300 converts the direct current supplied from the battery pack 400 into alternating current and supplies it to the motor 200. The inverter 300 is also electrically connected to the control device 500, and adjusts the power supplied to the motor 200 based on a control command from the control device 500. This adjusts the driving force of the motor 200.

[0014] The battery pack 400 is disposed in the center of the lower part of the body of the vehicle 100. The battery pack 400 stores high-voltage DC power for driving the motor 200. The battery pack 400 includes at least one battery module 600. In the first embodiment, the battery pack 400 includes a plurality of battery modules 600, for example, four battery modules 600.

[0015] The control device 500 controls the entire vehicle 100. In the first embodiment, the control device 500 mainly controls the driving of the motor 200 via the inverter 300. Next, with reference to FIG. 2 , the battery module 600 included in the battery pack 400 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the battery module 600 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the battery module 600 mounted on the battery pack 400. As shown in Fig. 2, the battery module 600 includes a case 610, a laminated body 620, and a bus bar module 630.

[0017] The case 610 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped case, and defines an accommodation space S therein. The accommodation space S inside the case 610 accommodates the laminate 620 and the bus bar module 630. The case 610 has an upper cover 612, a side plate 614, and a lower cover 616.

[0018] The upper cover 612 is disposed above the stacked body 620 in the Z direction. The upper cover 612 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The upper cover 612 covers the upper side of the stacked body 620 in the Z direction.

[0019] A pair of side plates 614 are arranged on both sides in the Y direction of the laminate 620 and the bus bar module 630. The side plates 614 have a rectangular flat plate shape. The side plates 614 cover both sides in the Y direction of the laminate 620 and the bus bar module 630.

[0020] An upper cover 612 is connected to an upper end of the side plate 614 in the Z direction. A lower cover 616 is connected to a lower end of the side plate 614 in the Z direction. A bracket 618 is provided on the side plate 614 on the opposite side in the Y direction from the laminate 620 and the bus bar module 630. In other words, a pair of brackets 618 is provided on each of the pair of side plates 614 on the opposite side from the laminate 620 and the bus bar module 630.

[0021] The bracket 618 is, for example, L-shaped and has a first connection portion 618a and a second connection portion 618b. The first connection portion 618a is a portion of the bracket 618 that extends in the Z direction and is connected to the side plate 614. The second connection portion 618b is a portion of the bracket 618 that extends in the Y direction from the first connection portion 618a and is connected to a bottom case (not shown) of the battery pack 400. The bracket 618 is a mounting fixture that attaches the case 610 of the battery module 600 to a bottom case (not shown) of the battery pack 400.

[0022] The lower cover 616 is disposed below the bus bar module 630 in the Z direction. The lower cover 616 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The lower cover 616 covers the lower side of the bus bar module 630 in the Z direction.

[0023] The space surrounded by the upper cover 612, the side plate 614, and the lower cover 616 is the accommodation space S.

[0024] The laminate 620 is disposed between the upper cover 612 and the bus bar module 630. The laminate 620 is formed by stacking a plurality of units 640 in the Y direction. In the first embodiment, five units 640 are stacked in the Y direction to form the laminate 620. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the laminate 620 may be formed by stacking a plurality of units 640. For example, the laminate 620 may be formed by stacking six or more units 640, or four or less units 640.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a stacked body 620 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the stacked body 620 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the stacked body 620 has a plurality of units 640 stacked in the Y direction.

[0026] The unit 640 includes a first cell group 642, a second cell group 644, and a temperature control plate 646. The first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 each include a plurality of cells 650.

[0027] The cell 650 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the first embodiment, the cell 650 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the cell 650 is not limited thereto, and the cell 650 may have, for example, a triangular prism shape, a quadrangular prism shape, a polygonal prism shape, an elliptical prism shape, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the central axis of the cell 650 extends in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the direction of the central axis of the cell 650 will also be simply referred to as the first direction.

[0028] The first cell group 642 is a cell group in which a plurality of cells 650 are aligned in the X direction. The direction in which each cell 650 in the first cell group 642 is aligned is a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cell 650. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first cell group 642 includes six cells 650 aligned in the X direction. However, the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642 may be two or more, may be five or less, or may be seven or more. In this way, the first cell group 642 is configured such that a plurality of cells 650 whose central axes extend in a first direction are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the plurality of cells 650 are aligned in the first cell group 642 will also be simply referred to as the second direction.

[0029] The second cell group 644 is a cell group in which a plurality of cells 650 are arranged in the X direction. The direction in which the cells 650 of the second cell group 644 are arranged is perpendicular to the central axis of the cell 650. The direction in which the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 are arranged is the same as the direction in which the cells 650 of the second cell group 644 are arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , six cells 650 are arranged in the X direction in the second cell group 644. However, the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 may be two or more, five or less, or seven or more. Furthermore, the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is the same as the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 may be different from the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642. In this way, the second cell group 644 is configured by arranging a plurality of cells 650, each having a central axis extending in a first direction, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the plurality of cells 650 are arranged in the second cell group 644 will also be simply referred to as the second direction.

[0030] The temperature control plate 646 is disposed between the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. The temperature control plate 646 is a flat plate formed in a corrugated shape. The extension direction of the temperature control plate 646 is the X direction, which is the direction in which the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 are aligned. In other words, the temperature control plate 646 extends in the second direction in which the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 are aligned. In the Y direction, one side of the temperature control plate 646 is connected to the first cell group 642 via an adhesive, and the other side of the temperature control plate 646 is connected to the second cell group 644 via an adhesive.

[0031] A flow path (not shown) for circulating a heat medium is formed inside the temperature control plate 646. By circulating the heat medium inside the temperature control plate 646, the temperature of each cell 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 can be adjusted.

[0032] For example, by circulating a refrigerant inside the temperature control plate 646, it is possible to cool each of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. In this case, the temperature control plate 646 functions as a cooling plate. In addition, by circulating a heat medium inside the temperature control plate 646, it is possible to heat each of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. In this case, the temperature control plate 646 functions as a heating plate.

[0033] An insulating sheet 648 is provided between each unit 640. The insulating sheet 648 prevents contact between the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 between each unit 640, thereby preventing electrical short circuits and leakage. The insulating sheet 648 also reduces thermal conduction, preventing heat transfer between the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 between each unit 640.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2 , the bus bar module 630 is disposed between the laminate 620 and the lower cover 616. The bus bar module 630 has a bus bar plate 632, a plurality of bus bars 634, and a plurality of wires 636. The bus bar plate 632 holds the plurality of bus bars 634. The plurality of bus bars 634 are disposed below the bus bar plate 632 in the Z direction. The plurality of wires 636 connect the positive and negative electrodes of each cell 650 to the bus bars 634. The plurality of bus bars 634 electrically connect the positive and negative electrode terminals of each cell 650 via the wires 636.

[0035] Next, a method for manufacturing the battery module 600 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0036] 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the battery module 600 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the method for manufacturing the battery module 600 includes a unit creation step S100, a stacking step S200, an assembly step S300, a wire bonding step S400, and a potting step S500.

[0037] In the unit fabrication step S100, as will be described in detail later, a plurality of units 640 are fabricated, each including a first cell group 642, a second cell group 644, and a temperature control plate 646. In the stacking step S200, a plurality of the fabricated units 640 are stacked to form a stacked body 620. In the assembling step S300, the fabricated stacked body 620 and bus bar module 630 are assembled into the case 610.

[0038] In the wire bonding step S400, the positive and negative electrodes of each cell 650 are connected to the bus bar 634 by wires 636. In the potting step S500, a potting agent is injected into the stack 620 and bus bar module 630 assembled in the case 610, and then hardened. Hardening the injected potting agent can improve the electrical insulation, fixation, protection, waterproofing, dustproofing, durability, weather resistance, and the like of the stack 620 and bus bar module 630 assembled in the case 610.

[0039] 5 is a flowchart of the unit creation step S100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the unit creation step S100 includes a first positioning step S102, a first application step S104, a first bonding step S106, a second positioning step S108, a second application step S110, a second bonding step S112, a third application step S114, and a third bonding step S116.

[0040] In the unit creation step S100, the unit 640 is created using a jig 700, which will be described in detail below. In the first embodiment, the jig 700 includes a first jig 710 and a second jig 720. A method for creating the unit 640 using the jig 700 will be described in detail below.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first jig 710 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the first jig 710 has a main body 712, a pair of protrusions 714, and a wall portion 716. The main body 712 has a flat plate shape and has a protrusion 712a that protrudes upward in the Z direction from the center in the X direction.

[0042] The protrusion 712a has an upper surface 712b parallel to the YX plane. A plurality of grooves 712c are formed in the upper surface 712b of the protrusion 712a. The grooves 712c are, for example, V-shaped grooves. However, the grooves 712c are not limited to this and may be semicircular, elliptical, rectangular, or U-shaped grooves. The grooves 712c extend in the Y direction.

[0043] The multiple grooves 712c are arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the multiple grooves 712c are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the X direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the multiple grooves 712c may be arranged side by side at unequal intervals in the X direction. The number of the multiple grooves 712c is the same as the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of the multiple grooves 712c may be greater than the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642.

[0044] By fitting the cells 650 into each of the multiple grooves 712c, the position of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642 is defined. In other words, by fitting the cells 650 into each of the multiple grooves 712c, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 is determined. In this manner, multiple grooves 712c are formed in the first jig 710 for determining the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642. By forming the multiple grooves 712c in the first jig 710, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 can be determined with high precision.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the protrusion 712a is formed integrally with the main body 712. However, this is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 712a may be formed separately from the main body 712. Furthermore, the protrusion 712a may be divided in the X direction. The divided portions of the protrusion 712a may be configured to be movable in the X direction relative to the main body 712. Here, the division positions of the protrusion 712a are provided between the grooves 712c. Specifically, the division positions of the protrusion 712a are provided in at least one or more groups of the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 that are each connected to the common bus bar 634. For example, each division position of the protrusion 712a is provided in each group of the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 that are each connected to the common bus bar 634. Providing the dividing position of the protrusion 712a within the group specifically means that the X-direction position of the dividing position of the protrusion 712a is located between the X-direction positions of the cells 650 at one end and the other end of the group in the X direction. By setting the dividing position of the protrusion 712a as described above, it is possible to minimize changes in the gap between the groups.

[0046] The main body 712 is also provided with a pair of protrusions 714 at both ends in the X direction. The pair of protrusions 714 are provided on both sides of the protruding portion 712a in the X direction. Each protrusion 714 has a positioning portion 714a and an engaging portion 714b. The positioning portion 714a is cylindrical. The central axis of the positioning portion 714a extends in the Z direction. One end of the positioning portion 714a is connected to the main body 712, and the other end of the positioning portion 714a is connected to the engaging portion 714b. The positioning portion 714a extends upward in the Z direction from the main body 712 beyond the protruding portion 712a.

[0047] The engaging portion 714b is disposed above the positioning portion 714a in the Z direction. The engaging portion 714b is cylindrical. The central axis of the engaging portion 714b extends in the Z direction. The central axis of the engaging portion 714b is the same as the central axis of the positioning portion 714a. The engaging portion 714b extends upward in the Z direction from the positioning portion 714a. The outer diameter of the engaging portion 714b is smaller than the outer diameter of the positioning portion 714a.

[0048] The wall portion 716 has a flat plate shape. The wall portion 716 is provided at one end of the main body 712 in the Y direction. The wall portion 716 may be formed integrally with the main body 712 or may be formed separately from the main body 712. The height of the wall portion 716 in the Z direction is greater than the heights of the main body 712 and the protrusion 714 in the Z direction. The length of the wall portion 716 in the X direction is greater than the length of the protrusion 712a in the X direction. However, the length of the wall portion 716 in the X direction may be the same as the length of the protrusion 712a in the X direction. The wall portion 716 is provided at a position in the Y direction that overlaps the entire protrusion 712a.

[0049] In the first positioning step S102, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 is determined using the first jig 710. Specifically, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 is determined by fitting the plurality of cells 650 in the first cell group 642 into the plurality of grooves 712c of the first jig 710.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the application of adhesive 800 to the first cell group 642. As shown in FIG. 7 , the application of adhesive 800 is performed by an application device 900. The application device 900 is an apparatus that applies adhesive 800 to components included in the battery module 600. In the first embodiment, the components included in the battery module 600 include, for example, the cells 650, the temperature control plate 646, the insulating sheet 648, the bus bar module 630, and the case 610. The adhesive 800 is used to bond a first component and a second component included in the battery module 600. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the first component is the cells 650, and the second component is the temperature control plate 646.

[0051] 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a coating apparatus 900 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8A shows an example of a first configuration of the coating apparatus 900, and Fig. 8B shows an example of a second configuration of the coating apparatus 900. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the coating apparatus 900 includes a tank 910, a nozzle 920, a driving device 930, and a temperature adjustment device 940.

[0052] The tank 910 stores the adhesive 800. The nozzle 920 is connected to the tank 910 and has a discharge port 920a that discharges the adhesive 800 stored in the tank 910. The drive device 930 drives the nozzle 920. The drive device 930 is electrically connected to the control device 1000. The drive device 930 is controlled based on a control command from the control device 1000, thereby controlling the position of the nozzle 920, the discharge amount of the adhesive 800, and the like.

[0053] The temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800. The temperature adjustment device 940 is, for example, a heating device such as a heater. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the temperature adjustment device 940 may be, for example, a cooling device such as a cooler. The temperature adjustment device 940 is electrically connected to the control device 1000. The temperature adjustment device 940 is controlled based on a control command from the control device 1000, thereby controlling the temperature of the adhesive 800.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 8( a), the temperature adjustment device 940 is connected to the tank 910 and adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 stored in the tank 910. However, without being limited to this, the temperature adjustment device 940 may be connected to, for example, the nozzle 920 and adjust the temperature of the adhesive 800 inside the nozzle 920. In other words, the temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 from the tank 910 to the outlet 920a of the nozzle 920. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 8( a), the temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 before it is applied to the components included in the battery module 600.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the temperature adjustment device 940 is disposed below the outlet 920a of the nozzle 920 in the Z direction. The temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 dispensed from the outlet 920a of the nozzle 920. Specifically, the temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 before it is dropped from the outlet 920a and comes into contact with the components included in the battery module 600. Alternatively, the temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 after it is dropped from the outlet 920a and comes into contact with the components included in the battery module 600. In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 8( b), the temperature adjustment device 940 adjusts the temperature of the adhesive 800 after it has been applied to the components included in the battery module 600.

[0056] 7 , in the first application step S104, first, the driving device 930 drives the nozzle 920 so that the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642. Then, when the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642, the application device 900 applies the adhesive 800 to the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642.

[0057] In this manner, the applicator 900 applies the adhesive 800 to the first cell group 642 in which the relative positions of the cells 650 have been determined by the first jig 710 .

[0058] In the first embodiment, the application of adhesive 800 is performed automatically by the application device 900. Specifically, the application device 900 determines its origin based on an image captured by the imaging device 1100, and the control device 1000 controls the driving of the nozzle 920 using the image. For example, the imaging device 1100 captures an image of the first jig 710, and the control device 1000 processes the captured image to identify the position of the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710. The control device 500 then determines the application position of the adhesive 800 based on the position of each groove 712c relative to the protrusion 714, using the position of the protrusion 714 as the origin. Based on the determined application position, the control device 1000 controls the drive device 930 so that the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface of each cell 650 in the Z direction in the first cell group 642.

[0059] 9 is a diagram showing the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 shown in FIG. 7 has been applied, as viewed from the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 9, an electrode 660 is provided on at least one of both end portions of each of the multiple cells 650. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the electrode 660 is provided on only one of both end portions of the cell 650. However, this is not limited thereto, and the electrode 660 may be provided on both end portions of the cell 650.

[0060] The electrode 660 includes a positive electrode 662 and a negative electrode 664. The positive electrode 662 has a circular shape when viewed from the Y direction, and is provided at the center of the cell 650. The negative electrode 664 has an annular shape when viewed from the Y direction, and is provided on the outer diameter side of the positive electrode 662.

[0061] 9 , the applicator 900 applies the adhesive 800 to a portion of each of the plurality of cells 650 excluding both end portions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicator 900 may apply the adhesive 800 to a portion of each of the cells 650 excluding the end portions where the electrodes 660 are provided. Therefore, the applicator 900 may apply the adhesive 800 to a portion of each of the plurality of cells 650 excluding at least one end portion of both end portions.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the coating device 900 coats the adhesive 800 on each of the multiple cells 650 while moving the coating location in the X direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the coating device 900 may coat the adhesive 800 on each of the multiple cells 650 while moving the coating location in the Y direction. Coating of the adhesive 800 may be performed by one coating device 900 or by multiple coating devices 900. When coating of the adhesive 800 is performed by multiple coating devices 900, one nozzle 920 is disposed for each of the multiple cells 650. Then, the multiple nozzles 920 are moved in the X direction or the Y direction to coat the adhesive 800 on the multiple cells 650 simultaneously.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the bonding of the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the first bonding step S106, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 together. In the first embodiment, the adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642, and the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied is bonded to the temperature control plate 646. However, this is not limited thereto, and the adhesive 800 may be applied to the temperature control plate 646, and the temperature control plate 646 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied may be bonded to the first cell group 642. In this case, the adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646 at a position where the first cell group 642 will be disposed.

[0064] In this first bonding step S106, the temperature control plate 646 is positioned. Specifically, the temperature control plate 646 is abutted against the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710, thereby positioning the temperature control plate 646 in the X direction.

[0065] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the temperature control plate 646 shown in Figure 10 as viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 11, the left end of the temperature control plate 646 in the X direction abuts against the left protrusion 714 of the pair of protrusions 714. Specifically, the left end of the temperature control plate 646 in the X direction abuts against the positioning portion 714a of the protrusion 714. In this way, by abutting the temperature control plate 646 against the positioning portion 714a, the temperature control plate 646 can be positioned in the X direction.

[0066] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second jig 720 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the second jig 720 has a main body 722 and a pair of engagement holes 724. The main body 722 has a flat plate shape and has a protrusion 722a that protrudes upward in the Z direction from the center in the X direction.

[0067] The protrusion 722a has an upper surface 722b parallel to the YX plane. A plurality of grooves 722c are formed in the upper surface 722b of the protrusion 722a. The grooves 722c are, for example, V-shaped grooves. However, the grooves 722c are not limited to this and may be semicircular, elliptical, rectangular, or U-shaped grooves. The grooves 722c extend in the Y direction.

[0068] The multiple grooves 722c are arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the multiple grooves 722c are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the X direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the multiple grooves 722c may be arranged side by side at unequal intervals in the X direction. The number of the multiple grooves 722c is the same as the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of the multiple grooves 722c may be greater than the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644.

[0069] By fitting the cells 650 into each of the multiple grooves 722c, the position of each cell 650 in the second cell group 644 is defined. In other words, by fitting the cells 650 into each of the multiple grooves 722c, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is determined. In this manner, multiple grooves 722c are formed in the second jig 720 for determining the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644. By forming the multiple grooves 722c in the second jig 720, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 can be determined with high precision.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the protrusion 722a is formed integrally with the main body 722. However, this is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 722a may be formed separately from the main body 722. Furthermore, the protrusion 722a may be divided in the X direction. The divided portions of the protrusion 722a may be configured to be movable in the X direction relative to the main body 722. Here, the division positions of the protrusion 722a are provided between the grooves 722c. Specifically, the division positions of the protrusion 722a are provided in at least one or more groups of the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 that are each connected to the common bus bar 634. For example, each division position of the protrusion 722a is provided in each group of the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 that are each connected to the common bus bar 634. Providing the dividing position of the protrusion 722a within the group specifically means that the X-direction position of the dividing position of the protrusion 722a is located between the X-direction positions of the cells 650 at one end and the other end of the group in the X-direction. By setting the dividing position of the protrusion 722a as described above, it is possible to minimize changes in the gap between the groups.

[0071] The main body 722 also has a pair of engagement holes 724 on both sides of the protrusion 722a in the X direction. Each engagement hole 724 is, for example, a circular through-hole. Each engagement hole 724 is configured to allow the engagement portion 714b of the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710 to be inserted therein. By inserting the engagement portion 714b into each engagement hole 724, the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are positioned relative to each other in the X and Y directions.

[0072] The inner diameter of each engagement hole 724 is smaller than the outer diameter of the positioning portion 714a of the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710. Therefore, the positioning portion 714a is not inserted into the engagement hole 724 and abuts against the main body 722 of the second jig 720. The pair of positioning portions 714a of the first jig 710 abuts against the main body 722 of the second jig 720, thereby performing relative positioning of the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 in the Z direction.

[0073] In the second positioning step S108, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is determined using the second jig 720. Specifically, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is determined by fitting the plurality of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 into the plurality of grooves 722c of the second jig 720.

[0074] 13 is a diagram showing the application of adhesive 800 to the second cell group 644. In the second application step S110, first, the driving device 930 drives the nozzle 920 so that the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the second cell group 644. Then, when the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the second cell group 644, the application device 900 applies adhesive 800 to the upper surface in the Z direction of each cell 650 in the second cell group 644.

[0075] In this manner, the applicator 900 applies the adhesive 800 to the second cell group 644 in which the relative positions of the cells 650 have been determined by the second jig 720 .

[0076] For example, the imaging device 1100 captures an image of the second jig 720, and the control device 1000 processes the captured image to identify the position of the engagement hole 724 of the second jig 720. The control device 1000 then determines the application position of the adhesive 800 based on the position of each groove 722c relative to the engagement hole 724, using the position of the engagement hole 724 as the origin. The control device 1000 controls the drive device 930 based on the determined application position so that the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper surface of each cell 650 in the second cell group 644 in the Z direction.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the origin of the coating device 900 is determined using an image that shows the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710 and an image that shows the engagement hole 724 of the second jig 720. However, without being limited to this, the origin of the coating device 900 may be determined using only an image that shows the protrusion 714 of the first jig 710, or may be determined using only an image that shows the engagement hole 724 of the second jig 720. In this way, in the first embodiment, the origin of the coating device 900 is determined using an image that shows at least one of the first jig 710 and the second jig 720.

[0078] 14 is a diagram showing the bonding of the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646. As shown in FIG. 14 , in the second bonding step S112, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the second cell group 644, to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, to bond the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646 together. This bonds the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 together with the adhesive 800. In this way, in the first application step S104 and the second application step S110, the adhesive 800 is applied to at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. Then, in the first bonding step S106 and the second bonding step S112, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 to the temperature control plate 646. Note that in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the adhesive 800 is applied to the second cell group 644, and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied is bonded to the temperature control plate 646. However, this is not limited thereto, and the adhesive 800 may be applied to the temperature control plate 646, and the temperature control plate 646 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied may be bonded to the second cell group 644. In this case, the adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646 at a position where the second cell group 644 is to be disposed.

[0079] The first jig 710 is disposed on the opposite side of the temperature control plate 646 with respect to the first cell group 642, and the second jig 720 is disposed on the opposite side of the temperature control plate 646 with respect to the second cell group 644. By pressing the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 in directions approaching each other using a pressing device (not shown), the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are bonded together with the adhesive 800.

[0080] After the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are pressed in the direction toward each other, the thickness of the adhesive 800 is thinner than before the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are pressed in the direction toward each other.

[0081] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a first example of positioning the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second example of positioning the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a third example of positioning the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646.

[0082] Figure 15(a) shows the state before the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned, and Figure 15(b) shows the state after the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned.

[0083] 15A, the first jig 710 includes a flat movable member 718A. The movable member 718A is configured to be movable toward or away from a wall portion 716 fixed to the main body 712. The movable member 718A has a side surface 718Aa parallel to the ZX plane. The wall portion 716 has a side surface 716a parallel to the ZX plane. The side surface 718Aa of the movable member 718A and the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716 face each other in the Y direction.

[0084] 15A, the movable member 718A is configured to be movable in the Y direction. The initial position of the movable member 718A is a position separated from the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 in the Y direction.

[0085] 15B, the movable member 718A is driven in the Y direction by a driving device (not shown) so as to approach the wall portion 716. A side surface 718Aa of the movable member 718A driven in the Y direction presses the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 toward the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716. The first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 pressed by the side surface 718Aa of the movable member 718A move in the Y direction and abut against the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716. In this way, by abutting the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 against the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned in the Y direction.

[0086] 16 , the first jig 710 is rotated 90° counterclockwise around the X direction by a driving device (not shown). At this time, the direction in which the central axes of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 arranged in the first jig 710 extend changes from the Y direction to the Z direction. Furthermore, the side surface 716 a of the wall portion 716 changes from a plane parallel to the ZX plane to a plane parallel to the YX plane. In other words, the side surface 716 a of the wall portion 716 changes from a direction facing the Y direction to a direction facing the Z direction.

[0087] Then, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 move in the Z direction due to their own weights and abut against the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716. In this way, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned in the Z direction by abutting the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 against the side surface 716a of the wall portion 716 due to their own weights. In other words, positioning is performed in a state in which the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, the temperature control plate 646, and the first jig 710 are oriented such that the direction in which the central axes of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 extend is vertical.

[0088] Figure 17(a) shows the state before the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned, and Figure 17(b) shows the state after the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned.

[0089] 17(a), a first jig 710 does not have a wall 716, and instead has a flat fixing member 718B fixed in a predetermined position. Note that the wall 716 formed separately from the main body 712 of the first jig 710 may be installed as the fixing member 718B. The fixing member 718B has a side surface 718Ba parallel to the YX plane.

[0090] 17(b), the first jig 710 is rotated 90° counterclockwise around the X direction as a central axis by a driving device (not shown). At this time, the direction in which the central axes of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 arranged in the first jig 710 extend changes from the Y direction to the Z direction.

[0091] Then, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 move in the Z direction due to their own weight and abut against the side surface 718Ba of the fixing member 718B. In this way, by abutting the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 against the side surface 718Ba of the fixing member 718B, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned in the Z direction. In other words, positioning is performed in a state in which the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, the temperature control plate 646, and the first jig 710 are oriented such that the direction in which the central axes of the cells 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 extend is vertical.

[0092] The positioning of the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 may be achieved by combining the first example shown in FIG. 15 , the second example shown in FIG. 16 , and the third example shown in FIG. 17 . For example, the first example shown in FIG. 15 may be combined with the second example shown in FIG. 16 . Specifically, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 may be positioned by rotating the first jig 710 counterclockwise by 90° around the X-direction as the central axis and sandwiching them between the wall portion 716 and the movable member 718A. Furthermore, the third example shown in FIG. 17 illustrates an example in which a fixed member 718B that can be fixed at a predetermined position is used. However, the present invention is not limited to a fixed member as long as the fixed member can be fixed at a predetermined position. For example, the fixed member 718B may be substituted with a movable member 718A that can be fixed at a predetermined position.

[0093] 18 is a diagram showing how the second cell group 644 and the insulating sheet 648 are bonded together with the adhesive 800. Similar to the contents described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 13 , in the third application step S114, the adhesive 800 is applied to the portion of the second cell group 644 opposite the temperature control plate 646. In addition, in the third bonding step S116, the insulating sheet 648 is brought into contact with the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the second cell group 644 and the insulating sheet 648 together.

[0094] In the first embodiment, an example in which the second cell group 644 and the insulating sheet 648 are bonded together has been described, but this is not limiting, and the first cell group 642 and the insulating sheet 648 may also be bonded together. In this case, in the third application step S114, the adhesive 800 is applied to a portion of the first cell group 642 opposite the temperature control plate 646. In addition, in the third bonding step S116, the insulating sheet 648 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the first cell group 642 and the insulating sheet 648 together.

[0095] In this way, the third application step S114 applies the adhesive 800 to a portion of at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 opposite the temperature control plate 646. The third adhesion step S116 adheres the insulating sheet 648 to a portion of at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 opposite the temperature control plate 646.

[0096] In this manner, in the unit preparation step S100, a plurality of units 640 including a first cell group 642, a temperature control plate 646, a second cell group 644, and an insulating sheet 648 as shown in FIG. 18 are prepared.

[0097] In the stacking step S200, the plurality of units 640 created in the unit creating step S100 are stacked in the stacking direction to form a stacked body 620.

[0098] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an assembling apparatus 1200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the assembling apparatus 1200 has a movable jig 1210 and a pressing device 1220. In addition, at least one bracket 618 is provided on each of the pair of side plates 614 on the side opposite to the stack 620.

[0099] The movable jig 1210 has a pair of pressing portions 1210a that can sandwich and press the pair of side plates 614 or the pair of brackets 618 in the Y direction. The pressing device 1220 presses the pair of pressing portions 1210a in a direction in which they approach each other. Here, the direction in which the pair of pressing portions 1210a approach each other is the stacking direction of the stack 620.

[0100] FIG. 20 is a view showing the side plate 614 shown in FIG. 19 as viewed in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of brackets 618 are provided in the X direction. Specifically, three brackets 618 are provided spaced apart from one another in the X direction. Position P1 is a position on the side plate 614 that is pressed by the pressing portion 1210a. Position P1 is provided, for example, between the plurality of brackets 618 on the side plate 614. Position P2 is a position on the bracket 618 that is pressed by the pressing portion 1210a. Position P2 is provided, for example, at the first connection portion 618a of the bracket 618.

[0101] The pressing portion 1210a of the movable jig 1210 is positioned at least at one of positions P1 and P2. When the pressing portion 1210a is positioned at position P1, the movable jig 1210 and the pressing device 1220 press the pair of side plates 614 in a direction in which they approach each other. The direction in which the pair of side plates 614 approach each other is the stacking direction of the stacked body 620. By pressing the pair of side plates 614 in the direction in which they approach each other, the stacked body 620 is pressed in the stacking direction, and thereby the positional relationship of the units 640 can be determined.

[0102] In the assembling step S300, the pair of side plates 614 that sandwich the stack 620 from both sides in the stacking direction are used to position the relative positions of the units 640 in the stack 620. Specifically, the pair of side plates 614 are pressed toward each other by a movable jig 1210 that is movable in the stacking direction of the stack 620, thereby positioning the relative positions of the units 640 in the stack 620.

[0103] When the pressing portion 1210a is positioned at position P2, the movable jig 1210 and the pressing device 1220 press the pair of brackets 618 in a direction in which they approach each other. The direction in which the pair of brackets 618 approach each other is the stacking direction of the stacked body 620. By pressing the pair of brackets 618 in the direction in which they approach each other, the stacked body 620 is pressed in the stacking direction, and this makes it possible to position the positional relationship of the units 640.

[0104] In the assembling step S300, the movable jig 1210 presses the pair of plates 614 via the brackets 618, thereby determining the relative positions of the units 640 in the stack 620.

[0105] As described above, the manufacturing method of the battery module 600 according to the first embodiment includes a first positioning step S102, a first application step S104, a first adhesion step S106, a second positioning step S108, a second application step S110, a second adhesion step S112, a third application step S114, and a third adhesion step S116.

[0106] In the first positioning step S102, the first jig 710 is used to position the cells 650 relative to one another in the first cell group 642. In the second positioning step S108, the second jig 720 is used to position the cells 650 relative to one another in the second cell group 644. In the second bonding step S112, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are bonded together with an adhesive 800. The first jig 710 allows the first cell group 642 to be positioned with high precision. The second jig 720 allows the second cell group 644 to be positioned with high precision. Bonding the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 to the temperature control plate 646 with the adhesive 800 facilitates the production of a unit 640 in which the positional precision of each component is ensured. As a result, the battery module 600 can be manufactured more easily.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the first jig 710 has an upper surface 712b on which a plurality of grooves 712c are formed, the plurality of grooves 712c being arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. The second jig 720 has an upper surface 722b on which a plurality of grooves 722c are formed, the plurality of grooves 722c being arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. The plurality of cells 650 of the first cell group 642 are positioned relative to one another by fitting the plurality of cells 650 of the first cell group 642 into the plurality of grooves 712c of the first jig 710. The plurality of cells 650 of the second cell group 644 are positioned relative to one another by fitting the plurality of grooves 722c of the second jig 720. Because the plurality of grooves 712c are formed in the first jig 710, the first cell group 642, in which the cells 650 are arranged side by side at intervals in one direction, can be easily and accurately positioned simply by fitting the cells 650 into the plurality of grooves 712c. Similarly, since multiple grooves 722c are formed in the second jig 720, the second cell group 644, in which each cell 650 is arranged side by side with spaces between them in one direction, can be easily and accurately positioned by simply fitting each cell 650 into the multiple grooves 722c.

[0108] In the first application step S104, adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642, the relative positions of the cells 650 of which have been positioned by the first jig 710. In the first bonding step S106, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646. This makes it possible to bond the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 with each cell 650 of the first cell group 642 positioned with high precision.

[0109] In the second application step S110, adhesive 800 is applied to the second cell group 644, whose cells 650 have been positioned relative to one another by the second jig 720. Alternatively, adhesive 800 is applied to a portion of the temperature control plate 646 opposite the first cell group 642. In the second bonding step S112, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the second cell group 644, on which the adhesive 800 has been applied, to bond the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646 together. Alternatively, the second cell group 644 is brought into contact with the temperature control plate 646, on which the adhesive 800 has been applied, to bond the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646 together. This allows the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646 to be bonded together with each cell 650 of the second cell group 644 positioned with high precision.

[0110] The first jig 710 is disposed on the opposite side of the temperature control plate 646 with respect to the first cell group 642, and the second jig 720 is disposed on the opposite side of the temperature control plate 646 with respect to the second cell group 644. Then, in the second bonding step S112, the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are pressed in directions toward each other. Simply by sandwiching and pressing the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the second cell group 644 between the first jig 710 and the second jig 720, it is possible to easily create a unit 640 in which the positional accuracy of each component is ensured.

[0111] After the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are pressed toward each other, the thickness of the adhesive 800 is thinner than before the first jig 710 and the second jig 720 are pressed toward each other. In this way, by pressing the unit 640 with the first jig 710 and the second jig 720, the thickness of the adhesive 800, and therefore the distance between each cell 650 and the temperature control plate 646, can be appropriately adjusted.

[0112] In the third bonding step S116, an insulating sheet 648 is bonded to a portion of at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 opposite the temperature control plate 646. This prevents contact between the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 between the units 640, thereby preventing electrical shorts and leakage. It also prevents heat transfer between the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 between the units 640.

[0113] The first application step S104 and the second application step S110 are performed automatically by an application device 900 that applies adhesive 800. At this time, the origin of application device 900 is determined using an image that shows at least one of first jig 710 and second jig 720. Because application of adhesive 800 is performed automatically relative to the origin, the accuracy of the application position of adhesive 800 can be improved.

[0114] As described above, the first jig 710 has a protrusion 714 at its end in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, which is the central axis direction of the cells 650. In the first bonding step S106, the temperature control plate 646 is positioned in the second direction by abutting the temperature control plate 646 against the protrusion 714. The first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 can be bonded together while the temperature control plate 646 is positioned in the second direction by the protrusion 714. This makes it possible to easily create the unit 640 in which the positional accuracy of each component is ensured, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the battery module 600.

[0115] A wall portion 716 extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is formed at an end of the first jig 710 in the first direction, which is the central axis direction of the cells 650. In the first bonding step S106, the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 are positioned in the first direction by abutting the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 against the wall portion 716. The first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 can be bonded together while the wall portion 716 positions the temperature control plate 646 in the first direction.

[0116] In the first bonding step S106, a wall portion 716 extending in the second direction may be provided at an end portion in the first direction of the first jig 710. In this case, the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 may be positioned in the first direction by abutting the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 against the wall portion 716 provided at the end portion in the first direction of the first jig 710. The first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 can be bonded together while the temperature control plate 646 is positioned in the first direction by the wall portion 716 provided at the end portion in the first direction of the first jig 710.

[0117] Furthermore, the first bonding step S106 may be performed in a state in which the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the first jig 710 are oriented such that the first direction, which is the central axis direction of the cells 650, is the vertical direction. The weight of the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 allows the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 to be positioned in the first direction.

[0118] As described above, in the first application step S104 and the second application step S110, the adhesive 800 is applied to both end portions of each of the plurality of cells 650 in at least one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644, excluding at least one end portion. Here, the electrode 660 of the cell 650 is provided on at least one end portion. This prevents the adhesive 800 from adhering to the electrode 660 of the cell 650, improving the workability of the wire bonding step S400. As a result, the battery module 600 can be manufactured more easily.

[0119] In the first application step S104 and the second application step S110, the adhesive 800 may be applied to each of the plurality of cells 650 by the application device 900 while moving the application location in the first direction. By keeping the application direction of the adhesive 800 constant, the adhesive 800 can be applied efficiently by the application device 900.

[0120] In the first application step S104 and the second application step S110, the adhesive 800 may be applied to each of the plurality of cells 650 by the application device 900 while moving the application location in the second direction. By keeping the application direction of the adhesive 800 constant, the adhesive 800 can be applied efficiently by the application device 900.

[0121] In the first application step S104 and the second application step S110, the origin of the application device 900 is determined using an image showing at least one of the first jig 710 and the second jig 720. Since the application of the adhesive 800 is automatically performed with respect to the origin, the accuracy of the application position of the adhesive 800 can be improved.

[0122] As described above, the first bonding step S106, the second bonding step S112, and the third bonding step S116 bond the first and second components included in the battery module 600 with the adhesive 800. The first application step S104, the second application step S110, and the third application step S114 adjust the temperature of the adhesive 800. Adjusting the temperature of the adhesive 800 can shorten the curing time of the adhesive 800, which can facilitate the manufacture of the battery module 600.

[0123] The coating device 900 may adjust the temperature of the adhesive 800 before it is applied to the first component or the second component. For example, a temperature adjustment device 940 may be provided in a tank 910 that stores the adhesive 800. The temperature adjustment device 940 may be provided in a non-moving component of the coating device 900, thereby simplifying the configuration of the coating device 900.

[0124] The application device 900 may adjust the temperature of the adhesive after it is applied to the first component or the second component. By adjusting the temperature of the adhesive 800 after application, it is possible to easily adjust the temperature to a temperature suitable for curing the adhesive 800.

[0125] As described above, the manufacturing method of the battery module 600 according to the first embodiment includes a stacking step S200 and an assembling step S300. In the stacking step S200, a plurality of units 640 are stacked to form the stacked body 620. In the assembling step S300, the units 640 in the stacked body 620 are positioned relative to one another using a pair of side plates 614 that sandwich the stacked body 620 from both sides in the stacking direction. The stacked body 620 can be positioned in the stacking direction while being assembled to the pair of side plates 614. Since the assembly and positioning of the stacked body 620 are performed simultaneously, the manufacturing of the battery module 600 can be facilitated.

[0126] A movable jig 1210 that is movable in the stacking direction of the stack 620 presses the pair of side plates 614 toward each other, thereby positioning the relative positions of the units 640 in the stack 620. The pair of side plates 614 that constitute the case 610 of the battery module 600 positions the stack 620 in the stacking direction, thereby improving the accuracy of positioning the stack 620 within the case 610.

[0127] At least one bracket 618 is provided on each of the pair of side plates 614 on the side opposite to the stack 620. Therefore, the positional relationship between the units 640 in the stack 620 can also be determined by pressing the pair of side plates 614 via the brackets 618 using a movable jig 1210 that is movable in the stacking direction of the stack 620. In this case, because the rigidity of the brackets 618 is higher than the rigidity of the side plates 614, the pressing force that presses the pair of side plates 614 via the brackets 618 can be set to be large.

[0128] Second Embodiment Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a plurality of jigs 1710 according to a second embodiment. Components that are substantially the same as those in the battery module 600 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The first embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the battery module 600 unit 640 is created using a first jig 710 and a second jig 720, whereas the battery module 600 unit 640 is created using a plurality of jigs 1710.

[0129] 21, the jig 1710 has a main body 1712, a first pin group 1714, and a second pin group 1716. The main body 1712 has a flat plate shape and has a side surface 1712a parallel to the ZX plane.

[0130] In the first pin group 1714, a plurality of pins 1720 are arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the plurality of pins 1720 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the X direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the plurality of pins 1720 may be arranged side by side at unequal intervals in the X direction. The number of the plurality of pins 1720 in the first pin group 1714 is the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642 plus one. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of the plurality of pins 1720 in the first pin group 1714 may be greater than the number of cells 650 in the first cell group 642 plus one. The first pin group 1714 is capable of contacting the first cell group 642 and supports the first cell group 642.

[0131] In the second pin group 1716, a plurality of pins 1720 are arranged side by side at intervals in one direction. In the example shown in FIG. 21 , the plurality of pins 1720 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the X direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the plurality of pins 1720 may be arranged side by side at unequal intervals in the X direction. The number of the plurality of pins 1720 in the second pin group 1716 is the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 plus one. However, this is not limited to this, and the number of the plurality of pins 1720 in the second pin group 1716 may be greater than the number of cells 650 in the second cell group 644 plus one. The second pin group 1716 is capable of contacting the second cell group 644 and supports the second cell group 644.

[0132] The Z-direction position of the second pin group 1716 is provided below the Z-direction position of the first pin group 1714. The X-direction position of the second pin group 1716 is provided at a position shifted from the X-direction position of the first pin group 1714 by half the width of the cell 650 in the X-direction.

[0133] In this way, the first pin group 1714 and the second pin group 1716 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them. Furthermore, the positions of the pins 1720 in the juxtaposition direction of the pins 1720 are offset between the first pin group 1714 and the second pin group 1716. The pins 1720 have, for example, a cylindrical shape and extend in the Y direction. However, the shape is not limited to this, and the pins 1720 may also be a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a polygonal prism.

[0134] Note that the positions of the first pin group 1714 and the second pin group 1716 are the same among the multiple jigs 1710. As shown in Fig. 21 , the unit 640 is sandwiched between the first pin group 1714 of one of the two jigs 1710 and the second pin group 1716 of the other jig 1710. That is, the two jigs 1710 and the units 640 are arranged alternately in the Z direction. By stacking the two jigs 1710 that sandwich the unit 640 shown in Fig. 21 in the Z direction, multiple units 640 can be stacked.

[0135] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the plurality of jigs 1710 illustrated in FIG. 21 as viewed from above in the Z direction. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , a pair of jigs 1710 are disposed facing each other on both sides of the unit 640 in the Y direction. The pair of jigs 1710 are disposed so that the pins 1720 face each other. The pair of jigs 1710 are disposed at the same stacking direction position on the unit 640. This allows the pair of jigs 1710 to support both ends of each cell 650 of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 with the first pin group 1714 and the second pin group 1716. Note that, although the second embodiment has described an example in which a pair of jigs 1710 is provided on both sides in the Y direction, this is not limiting, and the jig 1710 may be provided on only one side in the Y direction as long as the cells 650 can be supported by the pins 1720.

[0136] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing how multiple jigs 1710 are connected together. As shown in Fig. 23, the jig 1710 has a first connecting portion 1730 and a second connecting portion 1732. The first connecting portion 1730 is a through-hole that penetrates the main body 1712 in the Z direction from the upper surface 1712b to the lower surface 1712c. The second connecting portion 1732 is a non-through hole that is recessed from the upper surface 1712b of the main body 1712 toward the lower surface 1712c.

[0137] The first connecting portion 1730 is formed to be connectable in the Z direction to the second connecting portion 1732. Specifically, the first connecting portion 1730 formed on one of the two jigs 1710 is provided at a position connectable in the Z direction to the second connecting portion 1732 formed on the other of the two jigs 1710.

[0138] When multiple jigs 1710 are arranged side by side in the Z direction, the lower end of the first connecting portion 1730 in the Z direction and the upper end of the second connecting portion 1732 in the Z direction are connected to form one connecting hole 1734. A connecting member 1740 such as a bolt is inserted into this connecting hole 1734, and the multiple jigs 1710 are connected by the connecting member 1740. This connecting member 1740 functions as a fixing member that fixes the multiple jigs 1710. The connecting member 1740 also functions as a positioning member that determines the positions of the multiple jigs 1710 in the X and Y directions.

[0139] 24 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the battery module 600 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the method for manufacturing the battery module 600 according to the second embodiment includes a stacked body creating step S1000, an assembling step S300, a wire bonding step S400, and a potting step S500.

[0140] The assembly step S300, the wire bonding step S400, and the potting step S500 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] Fig. 25 is a flowchart of the laminate creation step S1000 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, the laminate creation step S1000 includes a preparation step S1002, a first positioning step S1004, a first application step S1006, a first bonding step S1008, a second application step S1010, a second bonding step S1012, a second positioning step S1014, a third application step S1016, a third bonding step S1018, and a determination step S1020.

[0142] In the preparation step S1002, a plurality of jigs 1710 are prepared. Here, the number of jigs 1710 prepared corresponds to the number of units 640 required to form the stack 620.

[0143] In the first positioning step S1004, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 is determined using the first pin group 1714 of the jig 1710. Specifically, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the first cell group 642 is determined by placing each of the multiple cells 650 in the first cell group 642 on the first pin group 1714 of the jig 1710.

[0144] In the first application step S1006, first, the driving device 930 drives the nozzle 920 so that the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper Z-direction surface of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642. Then, when the discharge port 920a is positioned on the upper Z-direction surface of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642, the application device 900 applies the adhesive 800 to the upper Z-direction surface of each cell 650 in the first cell group 642. In this way, in the first application step S1006, the adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 arranged on the first pin group 1714.

[0145] In the first bonding step S1008, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 together.

[0146] In the second application step S1010, adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646 bonded to the first cell group 642. First, the driving device 930 drives the nozzle 920 so that the discharge port 920a is positioned at the arrangement position of the second cell group 644 on the temperature control plate 646. Then, the application device 900 applies the adhesive 800 when the discharge port 920a is positioned at the arrangement position of the second cell group 644 on the temperature control plate 646.

[0147] In the second bonding step S1012, the second cell group 644 is brought into contact with the temperature control plate 646 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the second cell group 644 to the temperature control plate 646. In this way, the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646 are bonded together with the adhesive 800.

[0148] In the second positioning step S1014, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is determined using the second pin group 1716 of the jig 1710. Specifically, the positional relationship between the cells 650 in the second cell group 644 is determined by arranging the second pin group 1716 of the jig 1710 on each of the multiple cells 650 in the second cell group 644. Also, in the second positioning step S1014, the multiple jigs 1710 are directly connected by the connecting member 1740.

[0149] In a third application step S1016, adhesive 800 is applied to a portion of second cell group 644 opposite to temperature control plate 646. In addition, in a third adhesion step S1018, insulating sheet 648 is brought into contact with second cell group 644 to which adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby adhering second cell group 644 and insulating sheet 648 together.

[0150] In the determination step S1020, it is determined whether the number of created units 640 is less than a predetermined value N. If the number of units 640 is less than the predetermined value N, it is determined that the number of units 640 included in the stack 620 is insufficient, and the process returns to the first positioning step S1004. On the other hand, if the number of units 640 is not less than the predetermined value N, it is determined that the number of units 640 included in the stack 620 is sufficient, and the process of the stack creation step S1000 is terminated. In this way, in the stack creation step S1000, the stack 620 is formed by stacking a plurality of units 640 using a plurality of jigs 1710.

[0151] As described above, the manufacturing method of the battery module 600 according to the second embodiment includes a stacked body creation step S1000. In the stacked body creation step S1000, a plurality of units 640 are stacked such that the jigs 1710 and the units 640 are alternately arranged in the stacking direction of the stacked body 620, and the unit 640 is sandwiched between the first pin group 1714 of one of the jigs 1710 and the second pin group 1716 of the other jigs 1710. The first pin group 1714 allows the first cell group 642 to be positioned with high accuracy. Furthermore, the second pin group 1716 allows the second cell group 644 to be positioned with high accuracy. This makes it possible to easily create a unit 640 in which the positional accuracy of each component is ensured. As a result, the manufacturing of the battery module 600 is facilitated.

[0152] The laminate creation step S1000 includes a preparation step S1002, a first positioning step S1004, a first application step S1006, a first adhesion step S1008, a second application step S1010, a second adhesion step S1012, a second positioning step S1014, a third application step S1016, a third adhesion step S1018, and a determination step S1020.

[0153] In a first positioning step S1004, the first cell group 642 is placed on the first pin group 1714 of one of the two jigs 1710. In a first application step S1006, an adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 placed on the first pin group 1714. In a first bonding step S1008, a temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the first cell group 642 and the temperature control plate 646 together. In a second application step S1010, the adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646 bonded to the first cell group 642. In a second bonding step S1012, the second cell group 644 is brought into contact with the temperature control plate 646 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby bonding the second cell group 644 and the temperature control plate 646 together. In the second positioning step S1014, the second pin group 1716 of the other jig 1710 is placed on the second cell group 644. By simply stacking the two jigs 1710 so that the unit 640 is sandwiched between the first pin group 1714 of one jig 1710 and the second pin group 1716 of the other jig 1710, it is possible to easily create the unit 640 in which the positional accuracy of each component is ensured.

[0154] In the laminate creation step S1000, one of the two jigs 1710 is directly connected to the other jig 1710. This allows the two jigs 1710 to be fixed in a state in which the two jigs 1710 are positioned in the first direction and the second direction.

[0155] In the stacked body creation step S1000, a pair of jigs 1710 are arranged at the same stacking direction position on both sides in the first direction of the unit 640. The pair of jigs 1710 can support both ends of the unit 640 in the first direction, and the units 640 can be stacked in a stable state with both ends supported.

[0156] 26 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module 600 according to a third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 26, the method for manufacturing a battery module 600 according to the third embodiment includes a unit creation step S2000, a stacking step S200, an assembly step S300, a wire bonding step S400, and a potting step S500.

[0157] The lamination step S200, the assembly step S300, the wire bonding step S400, and the potting step S500 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0158] Fig. 27 is a flowchart of the unit creation step S2000 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 27, the unit creation step S2000 includes a first application step S2002, a first bonding step S2004, a second application step S2006, and a second bonding step S2008.

[0159] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the state where adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing the state where adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. Components that are substantially the same as those in the battery module 600 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0160] Fig. 28(a) shows a first example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646, Fig. 28(b) shows a second example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646. Fig. 28(c) shows a third example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646.

[0161] Figure 29(a) shows a fourth example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646, and Figure 29(b) shows a fifth example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646. Figure 29(c) shows a sixth example of bonding the first cell group 642, the second cell group 644, and the temperature control plate 646.

[0162] 28( a), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to both sides of a temperature control plate 646. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 are brought close to the temperature control plate 646 on which the adhesive 800 has been applied, from both sides of the temperature control plate 646. In this way, the temperature control plate 646 is bonded to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0163] 28(b), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to both sides of a temperature control plate 646. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, the temperature control plate 646 with the adhesive 800 applied thereto is brought close to the first cell group 642, and the second cell group 644 is brought close to the temperature control plate 646 with the adhesive 800 applied thereto. In this way, the temperature control plate 646 is bonded to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0164] 28( c), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to both sides of a temperature control plate 646. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 is rotated counterclockwise around the Y axis, and the second cell group 644 is rotated clockwise around the Y axis. This brings the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 close to the temperature control plate 646, on both sides of which the adhesive 800 has been applied. This bonds the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0165] 29( a), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644, to which adhesive 800 has been applied, are brought close to the temperature control plate 646 from both sides of the temperature control plate 646. This bonds the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0166] 29( b), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, a temperature control plate 646 is brought close to the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied is brought close to the temperature control plate 646. In this way, the temperature control plate 646 is bonded to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0167] 29( c ), in a first application step S2002, adhesive 800 is applied to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. Then, in a first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive has been applied is rotated counterclockwise around the Y axis, and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive has been applied is rotated clockwise around the Y axis. As a result, in the first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied are brought close to the temperature control plate 646 from both sides of the temperature control plate 646. This bonds the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644.

[0168] The first bonding step S2004 is performed in a state where the unit 640 is in a position where the central axis direction of each cell 650 is vertical. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first bonding step S2004 may be performed in a state where the unit 640 is in a position where the central axis direction of each cell 650 is horizontal.

[0169] In a second application step S2006, adhesive 800 is applied to a portion of second cell group 644 opposite to temperature control plate 646. In addition, in a second adhesion step S2008, insulating sheet 648 is brought into contact with second cell group 644 to which adhesive 800 has been applied, thereby adhering second cell group 644 and insulating sheet 648 together.

[0170] As described above, the manufacturing method of the battery module 600 according to the third embodiment includes a first application step S2002, a first bonding step S2004, a second application step S2006, and a second bonding step S2008. In the first application step S2002, the adhesive 800 is applied to the temperature control plate 646 and one of the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. In the first bonding step S2004, the temperature control plate 646 is brought into contact with the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 to bond the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. The temperature control plate 646, the first cell group 642, and the second cell group 644 can be bonded without applying the adhesive 800 to all of them. This allows the unit 640 to be easily produced, which in turn allows the battery module 600 to be easily manufactured.

[0171] In the first bonding step S2004, the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 are brought close to the temperature control plate 646, on both sides of which the adhesive 800 is applied, thereby bonding the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644. In this way, the unit 640 can be easily produced simply by bringing the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 close to the temperature control plate 646, on both sides of which the adhesive 800 is applied.

[0172] Note that the first bonding step S2004 may bond the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 by bringing the temperature control plate 646, on which the adhesive 800 has been applied, close to the first cell group 642 and bringing the second cell group 644 close to the temperature control plate 646, on which the adhesive 800 has been applied. In this way, the unit 640 can be easily produced by simply bringing the temperature control plate 646, on which the adhesive 800 has been applied, and the second cell group 644 close to the first cell group 642.

[0173] Furthermore, the first bonding step S2004 may bond the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 by bringing the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644, to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, close to the temperature control plate 646 from both sides of the temperature control plate 646. In this way, the unit 640 can be easily produced by simply bringing the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644, to which the adhesive 800 has been applied from both sides of the temperature control plate 646, close to each other.

[0174] Furthermore, the first bonding step S2004 may bond the temperature control plate 646 to the first cell group 642 and the second cell group 644 by bringing the temperature control plate 646 close to the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied, and bringing the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied close to the temperature control plate 646. In this way, the unit 640 can be easily produced by simply bringing the temperature control plate 646 and the second cell group 644 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied close to the first cell group 642 to which the adhesive 800 has been applied.

[0175] Furthermore, the first bonding step S2004 may be performed with the unit 640 in a position in which the first direction is horizontal. Since the weights of the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the second cell group 644 are applied to the adhesive 800 provided between the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the second cell group 644, the adhesiveness of the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the second cell group 644 can be improved.

[0176] Furthermore, the first bonding step S2004 may be performed with the unit 640 in a position where the first direction is the vertical direction. This allows the unit 640 to be fabricated with the first cell group 642, the temperature control plate 646, and the second cell group 644 standing in the vertical direction, thereby improving the workability of fabricating the unit 640.

[0177] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the battery module 600 is used in the vehicle 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the battery module 600 may be used in devices other than vehicles.

[0178] 600 Battery module 610 Case 612 Upper cover 614 Side plate 616 Lower cover 618 Bracket 620 Laminated body 630 Bus bar module 640 Unit 642 First cell group 644 Second cell group 646 Temperature control plate 648 Insulation sheet 650 Cell 700 Jig 710 First jig 712c Groove 714 Protrusion 720 Second jig 722c Groove 900 Coating device 910 Tank 920 Nozzle 930 Driving device 940 Temperature control device 1000 Control device 1100 Imaging device 1210 Movable jig 1220 Pressing device 1710 Jig 1714 First pin group 1716 Second pin group 1720 Pin 1734 Connection hole 1740 Connection member

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery module having a stack in which a plurality of units are stacked, each unit including a first cell group and a second cell group in which a plurality of cells extending in a first direction are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first cell group and the second cell group and extending in the second direction, the method comprising: applying an adhesive to the temperature control plate and either the first cell group or the second cell group; and contacting the temperature control plate with the first cell group and the second cell group to bond the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

2. The method for manufacturing a battery module described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied to the temperature control plate, and bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group includes bringing the first cell group and the second cell group close to the temperature control plate on which the adhesive has been applied from both sides of the temperature control plate, thereby bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

3. The method for manufacturing a battery module described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied to the temperature control plate, and bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group includes bringing the temperature control plate with the adhesive applied close to the first cell group and bringing the second cell group close to the temperature control plate with the adhesive applied, thereby bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

4. A method for manufacturing a battery module as described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied to the first cell group and the second cell group, and bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group includes bringing the first cell group and the second cell group, to which the adhesive has been applied, close to the temperature control plate from both sides of the temperature control plate, thereby bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

5. The method for manufacturing a battery module described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is applied to the first cell group and the second cell group, and bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group includes bringing the temperature control plate close to the first cell group to which the adhesive has been applied, and bringing the second cell group to which the adhesive has been applied close to the temperature control plate, thereby bonding the temperature control plate to the first cell group and the second cell group.

6. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature control plate is bonded to the first cell group and the second cell group while the unit is in a position where the first direction is horizontal.

7. A method for manufacturing a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature control plate is bonded to the first cell group and the second cell group in a state where the unit is in a position where the first direction is vertical.

Images