JP5383779B2

JP5383779B2 - battery

Info

Publication number: JP5383779B2
Application number: JP2011256097A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昭司唐沢; 弘海加治屋; 義博徳留; 明宏谷口; 徳之藤岡; 勝正木
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Toyota Motor Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Toyota Motor Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2011-11-24
Filing date: 2011-11-24
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-21
Also published as: JP2012064591A

Description

本発明は電池に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a battery.

電池には一次電池と二次電池があり、それぞれ種々の構成のものがあるが、例えば所要の電力容量が得られるように複数の単電池を接続して一体的に連結して成る従来の集合型二次電池として図１７のようなものが知られている。この集合型二次電池は、図１８に示すような密閉型アルカリ二次電池からなる複数個の単電池４１（４１ａ〜４１ｊ）を、その電槽４２の幅の広い長側面同士を互いに対向させて重ねるように配置し、両端の単電池４１ａ、４１ｊの電槽４２の外側にエンドプレート５２を当接させ、両エンドプレート５２、５２間を拘束バンド５３にて結束することにより一体的に連結して構成されている。 There are a primary battery and a secondary battery in various configurations. For example, a conventional assembly in which a plurality of single cells are connected and integrally connected so as to obtain a required power capacity. A type secondary battery as shown in FIG. 17 is known. In this collective secondary battery, a plurality of unit cells 41 (41a to 41j) made of sealed alkaline secondary batteries as shown in FIG. The end plates 52 are brought into contact with the outside of the battery case 42 of the cells 41a and 41j at both ends, and the end plates 52 and 52 are bound together by a restraining band 53 so as to be integrally connected. Configured.

単電池４１は、正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層してなる発電要素である極板群４７を電解液と共に電槽４２内に収容し、各電槽４２の開口部を安全弁４５を設けた蓋４６で閉じ、極板群４７を構成する各正極板の一側部上端から上方にリード４９を引き出してその上部に正極端子４３を接続し、また同様に各負極板の他側部上端から上方にリード４９を引き出してその上部に負極端子４４を接続し、これら正極端子４３及び負極端子４４を蓋４６に取付けて構成されている。 The unit cell 41 accommodates an electrode plate group 47, which is a power generation element formed by laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator, together with an electrolyte in the battery case 42, and opens an opening of each battery case 42 with a safety valve 45. Closed by the provided lid 46, the lead 49 is drawn upward from the upper end of one side of each positive electrode plate constituting the electrode plate group 47, and the positive terminal 43 is connected to the upper portion thereof. Similarly, the other side of each negative electrode plate A lead 49 is drawn upward from the upper end, a negative electrode terminal 44 is connected to the upper portion, and the positive electrode terminal 43 and the negative electrode terminal 44 are attached to a lid 46.

そして、連結されて隣り合う単電池４１間の正極端子４３と負極端子４４とが接続板５１にて接続されて各単電池４１が直列接続されている。また、各電槽４２間が連結されるとき、電槽４２の長側面に上下方向に突設されたリブ４８が隣接間で突き合わされ、各リブ４８、４８間の長側面間の空間にて電槽４２の上下方向に貫通する冷媒流路が形成され、冷媒通路に送風して各単電池４１ａ〜４１ｊを冷却するように構成されている。 And the positive electrode terminal 43 and the negative electrode terminal 44 between the connected unit cells 41 are connected by the connection plate 51, and each unit cell 41 is connected in series. Further, when the battery cases 42 are connected to each other, ribs 48 projecting in the vertical direction on the long side surfaces of the battery case 42 are abutted between adjacent ones, and in the space between the long side surfaces between the ribs 48, 48. A refrigerant flow path penetrating in the vertical direction of the battery case 42 is formed, and the unit cells 41a to 41j are cooled by blowing air to the refrigerant passage.

上記極板群４７のリード部４９は溶接にて一体化されているが、その溶接に際して、抵抗溶接では溶接箇所の酸化被膜や異物によってスパークが発生して溶接不良を生じたりして均一な溶接が保証できないという問題があるため、レーザー溶接が好適に用いられ、特にレーザービームを貫通させてリード部に貫通孔を形成し、この貫通孔が溶融金属により塞がりながら再凝固することにより溶接一体化する方法が好適に適用されることが知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。 The lead portion 49 of the electrode plate group 47 is integrated by welding. At the time of welding, in resistance welding, a spark is generated due to an oxide film or foreign matter at the welded portion, resulting in poor welding and uniform welding. Laser welding is preferably used because it cannot be guaranteed. In particular, the laser beam is penetrated to form a through hole in the lead part, and this through hole is solidified by being solidified while being closed by molten metal. It is known that the method to apply is applied suitably (for example, refer patent document 1).

特開平７−２２０７１５号公報JP-A-7-220715

ところで、上記従来の集合型二次電池の単電池４１の構成では、極板の上端一側部にリード４９を引き出して極端子４３、４４を接続しているので、極板の全面からリード４９の集電部までの平均距離が長いために電池内抵抗が大きくなり、また電極活物質利用率も低いために出力も低くなるという問題があった。 By the way, in the configuration of the unit cell 41 of the conventional collective secondary battery described above, the lead 49 is drawn out to one side of the upper end of the electrode plate and the electrode terminals 43 and 44 are connected. Since the average distance to the current collector is long, the resistance in the battery is large, and the output rate is low because the utilization rate of the electrode active material is low.

そこで、極板群の一側端全面に対向して接するように集電板を配置し、各極板の側端縁と集電板を一体的に溶接した極板ユニットを有する二次電池が考えられたが、この集電板と各極板の側端とを一体接続するのに単純なシーム溶接を適用した場合には不十分な接合状態しか得られず、電池出力が不足したり、溶接強度が不足するという問題があり、またレーザー溶接でも極板に悪影響を与えることなく確実に接合するのは極めて困難であるという問題があり、極板群の側端と集電板を適正に接合する方法の確立が要請されている。 Therefore, a secondary battery having a plate unit in which a current collector plate is disposed so as to face and contact the entire surface of one side end of the electrode plate group, and the side end edge of each plate and the current collector plate are integrally welded. Although it was thought, when simple seam welding was applied to integrally connect the current collector plate and the side edges of each electrode plate, only an insufficient joint state was obtained, battery output was insufficient, There is a problem that welding strength is insufficient, and there is a problem that laser welding is extremely difficult to reliably join without adversely affecting the electrode plates. Establishment of a joining method is required.

本発明は、上記従来の問題点に鑑み、極板群の一側縁と集電板を確実に接合した電池を提供することを目的としている。 In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery in which one side edge of a group of electrode plates and a current collector plate are securely joined.

本発明の電池は、正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層し、少なくとも一方の極板群の一側縁を集電板に溶着し、かつ極板の集電板に溶着される側縁部に予め屈曲部を設けた極板群を有し、集電板は、極板群の積層方向の両側縁が内側に曲げられており、各極板の集電板との溶着部近傍部分を無充填のリード部とし、このリード部に各極板の集電板に対する溶着側縁の位置合わせを行う位置合わせ部を設けたものであり、多数の極板の側縁部が集電板の板面に対して平行な平面上に位置していない場合でも、溶着時に集電板を極板群の一側縁に押し付けることにより両者間の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。 The battery according to the present invention includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate laminated via a separator, and at least one electrode plate group is welded to one side edge of the current collector plate, and the side plate is welded to the current collector plate of the electrode plate. parts previously bent portion have a electrode plate group provided with a current collector plate, both side edges of the stacking direction of the electrode plate group are bent inwardly, welding portion vicinity of the current collector plate of each pole plate Is an unfilled lead portion, and this lead portion is provided with an alignment portion for aligning the welding side edge with respect to the current collector plate of each electrode plate , and the side edge portions of many electrode plates are the current collector plates. Even when it is not located on a plane parallel to the plate surface, the current collector plate can be pressed against one side edge of the electrode plate group at the time of welding to ensure good contact between the two plates .

また、本発明の電池は、極板の突出した端面には切り込みまたは溝を形成したものであり、極板の突出した端面の剛性が低下しているため、多数の極板の側縁部が集電板の板面に対して平行な平面上に位置していない場合でも、に溶着時に集電板を極板群の一側縁に押し付けることにより両者間の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。 The battery of the present invention is obtained by forming a notch or groove in the end face projecting pole plate, the rigidity of the protruding end face of the electrode plate is decreased, the side edges of the plurality of electrode plates Even if it is not positioned on a plane parallel to the plate surface of the current collector plate, the current collector plate is pressed against one side edge of the electrode plate group during welding to ensure good contact between the two plates can do.

また、本発明の電池は、位置合わせ部が、孔または切欠にて構成でき、特に位置合わせ部が、一方は円形、他方は長円形の２箇所の孔から成ると、寸法公差を吸収して安定的に位置合わせすることができる。 The battery of the present invention, position alignment portion, can be configured in the hole or notch, in particular the positioning unit, one circular and the other comes from the pores of the two positions of the oval, to absorb dimensional tolerance And stable alignment.

本発明の電池によれば、正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層し、少なくとも一方の極板群の一側縁を集電板に溶着した電池において、極板の集電板に溶着される側縁部に屈曲部を設けたので、多数の極板の側縁部が集電板の板面に対して平行な平面上に位置していない場合でも、溶着時に集電板を極板群の一側縁に押し付けることにより両者間の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。 According to the battery of the present invention, in the battery in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated via the separator and one side edge of at least one electrode plate group is welded to the current collector plate, the battery is welded to the current collector plate of the electrode plate. Since the bent portion is provided at the side edge portion, the current collector plate is attached to the electrode plate during welding even when the side edge portions of many electrode plates are not located on a plane parallel to the plate surface of the current collector plate. By pressing against one side edge of the group, the contact between the two can be made favorable and can be reliably joined.

また、本発明の電池によれば、正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層して極板群を形成し、この極板群の一側面に一方の極性の極板の端面を全て突出させ、これを集電板に接合させた電池において、極板の突出した端面に切り込みまたは溝を形成したので、極板の突出した端面の剛性が低下し、多数の極板の側縁部が集電板の板面に対して平行な平面上に位置していない場合でも、溶着時に集電板を極板群の一側縁に押し付けることにより両者間の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。 Further, according to the battery of the present invention, a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are laminated via a separator to form an electrode plate group, and one end surface of one polarity electrode plate is protruded from one side surface of the electrode plate group. In a battery in which this is joined to a current collector plate, since the cut end or groove is formed on the protruding end surface of the electrode plate, the rigidity of the protruding end surface of the electrode plate is reduced, and the side edges of a large number of electrode plates are collected. Even when not positioned on a plane parallel to the plate surface of the electric plate, the current collector plate is pressed against one side edge of the electrode plate group at the time of welding to ensure good contact between the two plates Can do.

また、本発明の電池によれば、正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層して極板群を形成し、少なくとも一方の極板群の一側縁を集電板に溶着した電池において、各極板の集電板との溶着部近傍部分を無充填のリード部とし、このリード部に各極板の集電板に対する溶着側縁の位置合わせを行う位置合わせ部を設けたので、溶着時に各極板の溶着側縁の位置合わせを行うことにより極板の側縁と集電板の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。 Further, according to the battery of the present invention, in the battery in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated via the separator to form the electrode plate group, and at least one side edge of the electrode plate group is welded to the current collector plate, Since the vicinity of the welded part of each electrode plate with the current collector plate is an unfilled lead part, and this lead part is provided with an alignment part that aligns the welding side edge with respect to the current collector plate of each electrode plate. Occasionally, by aligning the welding side edges of each electrode plate, the contact between the side edges of the electrode plates and the current collector plate can be made favorable and reliably bonded.

また、上記各電池において、少なくとも正極板における集電板との溶着部近傍のリード部には補強材を付加すると、発泡メタル等から成る強度の小さい正極板においてもそのリード部の強度を確保できて接合時にリード部が不測に変形するのを確実に防止でき、確実な接合状態を得ることができる。 Further, in each battery described above, if a reinforcing material is added at least to the lead portion of the positive electrode plate near the welded plate, the strength of the lead portion can be ensured even for a positive electrode plate made of foam metal or the like. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the lead portion from being unexpectedly deformed at the time of joining, and a reliable joining state can be obtained.

本発明の一実施形態の集合型二次電池の外観斜視図である。1 is an external perspective view of a collective secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. 同集合型二次電池の部分縦断側面図である。It is a partial vertical side view of the same assembly type secondary battery. 図２のＡ−Ａ矢視断面図である。It is AA arrow sectional drawing of FIG. 同実施形態の極板群の正面図である。It is a front view of the electrode group of the same embodiment. 図４のＢ−Ｂ矢視断面図である。It is a BB arrow sectional view of Drawing 4. 同実施形態における正極板を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は平面図とその部分詳細図である。The positive electrode plate in the embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view and its partial detail view. 同実施形態における負極板を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は平面図とその部分詳細図である。The negative electrode plate in the same embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view and its partial detail view. 同実施形態の極板群の製造工程を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the electrode group of the embodiment. 同実施形態における極板群の端面揃え工程を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は側面図である。The end surface alignment process of the electrode group in the same embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view. 同実施形態における極板群と集電板の溶着工程の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the welding process of the electrode group and current collector plate in the embodiment. 同溶着工程を示し、（ａ）は要部の正面図、（ｂ）は側面図である。The welding process is shown, (a) is a front view of the main part, (b) is a side view. 同実施形態における集電体を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は縦断側面図、（ｃ）は（ｂ）のＣ部拡大図、（ｄ）は（ｂ）のＤ部拡大図である。The electrical power collector in the embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a longitudinal side view, (c) is an enlarged view of part C of (b), (d) is an enlarged view of part D of (b). It is. 同実施形態における集電体の変形例を示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は縦断側面図、（ｃ）は（ｂ）のＣ部拡大図、（ｄ）は（ｂ）のＤ部拡大図である。The modification of the electrical power collector in the same embodiment is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a longitudinal side view, (c) is an enlarged view of part C of (b), (d) is D of (b). FIG. 集電体の凹凸部及びＮｉロウ材の添付状態の各種変形例の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the various modifications of the uneven | corrugated | grooved part of a collector, and the attachment state of Ni brazing material. 電極のリード部の各種変形例を示し、（ａ）は第１の例の正面図、（ｂ）は第２の例の端面を揃えた状態の説明図、（ｃ）は第２の例の集電体溶着時の状態をを示す説明図、（ｄ）は第３の例の集電体溶着時の状態をを示す部分正面図である。Various modified examples of the lead portion of the electrode are shown, (a) is a front view of the first example, (b) is an explanatory diagram in a state in which end faces of the second example are aligned, and (c) is an example of the second example. Explanatory drawing which shows the state at the time of current collector welding, (d) is a partial front view which shows the state at the time of current collector welding of the 3rd example. 電極のリード部のさらに別の変形例の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of another modification of the lead part of an electrode. 従来例の集合型二次電池の外観斜視図である。It is an external appearance perspective view of the collection type secondary battery of a prior art example. 同従来例の単電池の部分破断斜視図である。It is a partially broken perspective view of the cell of the conventional example.

以下、本発明の電池を適用した集合型二次電池の一実施形態について、図１〜図１２を参照して説明する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of a collective secondary battery to which the battery of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

まず、本実施形態の集合型二次電池１の全体構成について、図１〜図７を参照して説明する。この集合型二次電池１は、電気自動車用の駆動電源として好適に用いることができるニッケル・水素二次電池であり、図１〜図３に示すように、幅の狭い短側面と幅の広い長側面とを有する上面開口の直方体状の複数（図示例では６つ）の電槽３をその短側面を共用して相互に一体的に連結して成る一体電槽２にて構成されかつ各電槽３の上面開口は一体の蓋体４にて一体的に閉鎖されている。 First, the overall configuration of the collective secondary battery 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This collective secondary battery 1 is a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery that can be suitably used as a drive power source for an electric vehicle. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a narrow short side surface and a wide width are provided. A plurality of (six in the illustrated example) battery case 3 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper surface opening having a long side surface are configured as an integrated battery case 2 formed by integrally connecting the short side surfaces to each other. The upper surface opening of the battery case 3 is integrally closed by an integral lid 4.

各電槽３内には、後で詳細に説明するように、電槽３の長側面と平行な多数の正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して短側面方向に積層してなる極板群５が電解液とともに収納され、単電池６が構成されている。 In each battery case 3, as will be described in detail later, an electrode plate group 5 in which a number of positive and negative electrode plates parallel to the long side surface of the battery case 3 are stacked in the short side direction through a separator. Is stored together with the electrolytic solution, and the unit cell 6 is configured.

一体電槽２の両端の電槽３の外側の短側面及び各電槽３、３間の短側面の上端部には接続穴７が形成され、両端の電槽３の外側の短側面の接続穴７には正極又は負極の接続端子８が装着され、中間の電槽３、３間の短側面の接続穴７には両側の単電池６、６を直列接続する接続金具９が装着されている。また、蓋体４には各電槽３毎に内部圧力が一定以上になったときに圧力を解放するための安全弁１０が配設され、また単電池６の温度を検出する温度検出センサを装着するセンサ装着穴１１が適当な単電池６又は各単電池６毎に形成されている。 A connection hole 7 is formed in the short side outside the battery case 3 at both ends of the integral battery case 2 and the upper end of the short side surface between the battery cases 3, 3, and the connection of the short side surface outside the battery case 3 at both ends is made. A positive or negative connection terminal 8 is attached to the hole 7, and a connection fitting 9 for connecting the cells 6, 6 on both sides in series is attached to the short side connection hole 7 between the middle battery case 3, 3. Yes. In addition, the lid 4 is provided with a safety valve 10 for releasing the pressure when the internal pressure exceeds a certain level for each battery case 3, and a temperature detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the unit cell 6 is mounted. A sensor mounting hole 11 is formed for each appropriate unit cell 6 or each unit cell 6.

各電槽３の長側面が一平面を成す一体電槽２の長側面１２には、各電槽３の両側端に対応する位置に上下方向に延びるリブ１３が突設されており、かつリブ１３、１３間には適当ピッチ間隔でマトリックス状に多数の比較的小さな円形の突部１４が突設されている。これらリブ１３と突部１４は同じ高さである。さらに、電槽３の上端部と蓋体４の側面には、リブ１３の延長位置及び突部１４の配置位置に対応してそれらの側面間にわたるように、リブ１３及び突部１４と同じ高さの連結リブ１５ａ及び１５ｂが形成されている。また、一体電槽２の長側面１２の両端近傍の２つのリブ１３の外面の上部と下部に、一体電槽２をその長側面１２で互いに重ねた時に相互に嵌合する複数の位置決め用の突部１６と凹部１７が設けられている。これらリブ１３、突部１４及び連結リブ１５ａ、１５ｂは、一体電槽２を並列配置したときにそれらの間に各電槽３を効率的にかつ均一に冷却するための冷媒通路を形成する。 On the long side surface 12 of the integrated battery case 2 in which the long side surface of each battery case 3 forms a flat surface, ribs 13 extending in the vertical direction are projected at positions corresponding to both side ends of each battery case 3, and the ribs A large number of relatively small circular protrusions 14 are provided in a matrix between 13 and 13 at an appropriate pitch interval. The ribs 13 and the protrusions 14 have the same height. Further, the upper end portion of the battery case 3 and the side surface of the lid body 4 have the same height as the rib 13 and the projecting portion 14 so as to extend between the side surfaces corresponding to the extended position of the rib 13 and the position of the projecting portion 14. The connecting ribs 15a and 15b are formed. In addition, a plurality of positioning members that are fitted to each other when the integrated battery case 2 is stacked on the long side surface 12 on the upper and lower portions of the outer surfaces of the two ribs 13 near both ends of the long side surface 12 of the integrated battery case 2. A protrusion 16 and a recess 17 are provided. The ribs 13, the protrusions 14 and the connecting ribs 15a and 15b form a refrigerant passage for efficiently and uniformly cooling the battery cases 3 therebetween when the integrated battery cases 2 are arranged in parallel.

上記極板群５について、図４〜図７を参照して詳細に説明する。図４、図５において、多数枚の正極板１８と多数枚の負極板１９とを交互に配置するとともに、各正極板１８に横方向に開口部を有する袋状のセパレータ２０を被せることにより正極板１８と負極板１９の間にセパレータ２０を介装した状態で積層して極板群５が構成されている。図４で、斜線で示した領域は正極板１８と負極板１９がセパレータ２０を介して対向して発電作用を発揮する領域を示している。これら正極板１８群と負極板１９群は互いに反対側の側縁部が外側に突出されてその突出側縁部がリード部１８ａ、１９ａとして構成され、その側端縁にそれぞれ集電板２１、２２が溶着されている。各集電板２１、２２は、その両側縁を内側に折り曲げ、極板１８、１９と集電板２１、２２の溶着時に加圧しても外側に広がらないように寸法規制している。２３は、極板群５の集電板２１、２２間の外面に配設された外周セパレータである。 The electrode plate group 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a large number of positive plates 18 and a large number of negative plates 19 are alternately arranged, and each positive plate 18 is covered with a bag-like separator 20 having a lateral opening. The electrode plate group 5 is configured by laminating the separator 18 between the plate 18 and the negative electrode plate 19. In FIG. 4, the shaded area indicates the area where the positive electrode plate 18 and the negative electrode plate 19 are opposed to each other with the separator 20 therebetween and exert power generation action. In these positive electrode plate 18 group and negative electrode plate 19 group, opposite side edges protrude outward and the protruding side edges are configured as lead portions 18a and 19a, and current collecting plates 21 and 19a are formed on the side edges, respectively. 22 is welded. The current collector plates 21 and 22 are sized so that they do not spread outward even if they are pressed at the time of welding the electrode plates 18 and 19 and the current collector plates 21 and 22 by bending both side edges. Reference numeral 23 denotes an outer peripheral separator disposed on the outer surface between the current collecting plates 21 and 22 of the electrode plate group 5.

正極板１８はＮｉの発泡メタルから成るとともに、図６に示すように、リード部１８ａは発泡メタルを加圧して圧縮するとともにその一面にリード板２４を超音波溶接でシーム溶接して構成されている。また、負極板１９は、図７に示すように、Ｎｉのパンチングメタルにリード部１９ａを除いて活物質を塗着して構成されている。これら正極板１８及び負極板１９は、リード部１８ａ、１９ａを設けた側辺の長さをＬ、それと直交する方向の側辺の長さをＤとして、ＬはＤより大きくかつ４Ｄ以下となるように設定されている。図４、図６、図７において、２５はリード部１８ａ、１９ａにそれぞれ上下に適当間隔あけて形成された一対の位置決め穴である。 The positive electrode plate 18 is made of Ni foam metal, and as shown in FIG. 6, the lead portion 18a is formed by pressurizing and compressing the foam metal and seam welding the lead plate 24 to one surface thereof by ultrasonic welding. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the negative electrode plate 19 is configured by applying an active material to a punching metal of Ni except for the lead portion 19a. In these positive electrode plate 18 and negative electrode plate 19, the length of the side on which the lead portions 18a and 19a are provided is L, and the length of the side in the direction orthogonal thereto is D. L is greater than D and 4D or less. Is set to 4, 6, and 7, reference numeral 25 denotes a pair of positioning holes formed in the lead portions 18 a and 19 a at appropriate intervals in the vertical direction.

次に、上記極板群５の詳細構成と製造方法について、図８〜図１２を参照して説明する。製造工程を示す図８において、まず製造した正極板１８及び負極板１９を十分に乾燥させた後、所要枚数の正極板１８と負極板１９をセパレータ２０を介装した状態で交互に積層し、図５の集電板２１、２２が無い積層状態とする。次に、この積層体を適当な治具にセットし、その治具に設けられた位置決めピン２６を正極板１８又は負極板１９の位置決め穴２５に貫通挿入し、その位置決めピン２６にて各正極板１８又は負極板１９を支持する。そして、図９（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように押圧具２７にて極板１８又は１９の側端縁を押圧することによって、その側端縁群にて平面状の端面が形成されるように揃える。その後、端面が平面状に揃ったか否かの検査を行い、うまく揃わない極板１８又は１９があった場合は、その極板１８又は１９を不良品として交換する。端面揃検査は、例えばレーザフォーカス法等によって効率的に検査でき、１００μｍ程度のばらつきに収まるようにする。 Next, a detailed configuration and manufacturing method of the electrode plate group 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 8 showing the production process, first, the produced positive electrode plate 18 and negative electrode plate 19 are sufficiently dried, and then the required number of positive electrode plates 18 and negative electrode plates 19 are alternately stacked with separators 20 interposed therebetween, A stacked state without the current collecting plates 21 and 22 in FIG. 5 is assumed. Next, this laminate is set in an appropriate jig, and positioning pins 26 provided in the jig are inserted through the positioning holes 25 of the positive electrode plate 18 or the negative electrode plate 19, and each positive electrode is inserted by the positioning pins 26. The plate 18 or the negative electrode plate 19 is supported. And as shown to Fig.9 (a), (b), by pressing the side edge of the pole plate 18 or 19 with the pressing tool 27, a planar end surface is formed in the side edge group. Align like so. Thereafter, it is inspected whether or not the end faces are aligned in a flat shape. If there is an electrode plate 18 or 19 that does not align well, the electrode plate 18 or 19 is replaced as a defective product. The end face alignment inspection can be efficiently inspected by, for example, a laser focus method or the like so as to be within a variation of about 100 μm.

次に、極板１８又は１９の側端縁群にて形成された端面上に集電板２１又は２２を組合せた後、集電板２１又は２２に交番磁界を印加して脱磁を行う。次に、図１０及び図１１（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、集電板２１、２２を極板１８又は１９に向けて加圧した状態で、真空中で集電板２１、２２の極板群と接する面とは反対側の背面側に電子ビーム２８を照射するとともに、この電子ビーム２８を矢印の如く極板積層方向に走査することにより、集電板２１又は２２と極板１８又は１９の側端縁とを溶着する。この溶着動作は、極板１８又は１９の長手方向に適当間隔おきの複数箇所に同時に又は継続的に行う。また、上記のように集電板２１又は２２の脱磁を行っておくことにより、集電板２１、２２の製造・搬送工程で帯びた磁気によって電子ビーム２８が影響を受けて適正な溶着ができなくなるということがない。 Next, after the current collecting plates 21 or 22 are combined on the end surfaces formed by the side edge groups of the pole plates 18 or 19, an alternating magnetic field is applied to the current collecting plates 21 or 22 to perform demagnetization. Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 (a) and 11 (b), the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressed in a vacuum while the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressurized toward the electrode plate 18 or 19. By irradiating an electron beam 28 on the back side opposite to the surface in contact with the electrode plate group, and scanning the electron beam 28 in the electrode plate stacking direction as shown by an arrow, the current collector plate 21 or 22 and the electrode plate 18 or 19 side edges are welded. This welding operation is performed simultaneously or continuously at a plurality of locations at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 18 or 19. Further, by demagnetizing the current collector plate 21 or 22 as described above, the electron beam 28 is affected by the magnetism generated in the manufacturing and transporting process of the current collector plates 21 and 22, and proper welding is performed. There is no such thing as being impossible.

なお、電子ビーム２８に代えて、ＣＯ₂レーザー、ＹＡＧレーザー、半導体レーザー、エキシマレーザー等の各種レーザー用いることもできる。 Instead of the electron beam 28, various lasers such as a CO ₂ laser, a YAG laser, a semiconductor laser, and an excimer laser can be used.

上記集電板２１、２２は、図１２に示すように、Ｎｉ板又はＮｉメッキ鋼板にて構成され、その長手方向適当間隔置きに複数箇所（図示例では７箇所）に極板１８又は１９側に向けて突出する凹凸部２９が設けられるとともに、極板１８又は１９の側端縁に接する部分にＮｉロウ等のロウ材３０が添着されている。図１２の図示例では、図１２（ｄ）に詳細を示すように、極板１８又は１９側に突出する凸部２９ａの頂部に凹溝２９ｂが形成され、その凹溝２９ｂ内にＮｉロウ材３０が充填されている。３１は、集電板２１、２２の一端部を屈曲形成した接続金具９との溶接部である。 As shown in FIG. 12, the current collector plates 21 and 22 are made of Ni plates or Ni-plated steel plates, and are arranged at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction at a plurality of locations (seven locations in the illustrated example) on the side of the electrode plates 18 and 19. And a brazing material 30 such as Ni brazing is attached to a portion in contact with the side edge of the electrode plate 18 or 19. In the illustrated example of FIG. 12, as shown in detail in FIG. 12 (d), a concave groove 29b is formed at the top of the convex portion 29a protruding toward the electrode plate 18 or 19, and a Ni brazing material is formed in the concave groove 29b. 30 is filled. Reference numeral 31 denotes a welded portion with the connection fitting 9 formed by bending one end of the current collector plates 21 and 22.

また、集電板２１、２２にロウ材３０を添着する工程としては、油分を洗浄除去した終電板２１、２２の所要箇所に、上記合金のパウダーをバインダーでスラリー状にしたものを所要量塗着し、それを４５０℃〜８００℃で３０分〜１０分程度真空炉で加熱することによりリフローし、その後集電板２１、２２をプレスしてその反りを修正するとともにリフロー部を平滑化するのが好ましい。 In addition, as a process of attaching the brazing material 30 to the current collector plates 21 and 22, the required amount of the above-mentioned alloy powder made into a slurry with a binder is applied to the required portions of the final power plates 21 and 22 from which oil has been removed by washing. It is reflowed by heating it in a vacuum furnace at 450 ° C. to 800 ° C. for about 30 minutes to 10 minutes, and then the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressed to correct the warp and smooth the reflow part. Is preferred.

以上の実施形態の極板群５の構成及びその製造方法によれば、各極板１８、１９の集電板２１、２２との溶着部近傍部分に無充填のリード部１８ａ、１９ａを設け、このリード部１８ａ、１９ａに各極板の集電板に対する溶着側縁の位置合わせを行う位置合わせ用の位置決め穴２５を設けているので、溶着時に各極板１８、１９の溶着側縁の位置合わせを行うことにより極板１８、１９の側端縁と集電板２１、２２との接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。さらに、発泡メタルから成り、特に強度の弱い正極板１８のリード部１８ａに補強用のリード板２４を固着しているので、強度の弱い正極板１８においてもそのリード部１８ａの強度を確保できて接合時にリード部１８ａが不測に変形するのを確実に防止でき、確実な接合状態を得ることができる。 According to the configuration of the electrode plate group 5 of the above embodiment and the manufacturing method thereof, unfilled lead portions 18a and 19a are provided in the vicinity of the welded portions of the electrode plates 18 and 19 with the current collector plates 21 and 22, Since the positioning holes 25 for aligning the positions of the welding side edges of the electrode plates with respect to the current collector plates are provided in the lead portions 18a and 19a, the positions of the welding side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 at the time of welding are provided. By performing the matching, the contact between the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 and the current collecting plates 21 and 22 can be made favorable and reliably bonded. Further, since the reinforcing lead plate 24 is fixed to the lead portion 18a of the positive electrode plate 18 which is made of foam metal and has particularly low strength, the strength of the lead portion 18a can be secured even in the positive electrode plate 18 having low strength. It is possible to reliably prevent the lead portion 18a from being unexpectedly deformed at the time of joining, and a reliable joining state can be obtained.

また、極板１８、１９の位置決め穴２５を位置決めピン２６に挿通支持した状態で極板１８、１９の側端縁を押圧することにより極板１８、１９群の側端縁を確実に揃えておき、その極板１８、１９群の端面に集電板２１、２２を配置し、集電板２１、２２を極板１８、１９群の一側縁に向けて加圧した状態で熱を加えて溶着しているので、各極板１８、１９の側端縁と集電板２１、２２との接触を確保できて、信頼性の高い接合ができる。 In addition, the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 are reliably aligned by pressing the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 with the positioning holes 25 of the electrode plates 18 and 19 inserted and supported by the positioning pins 26. The current collector plates 21 and 22 are arranged on the end faces of the electrode plates 18 and 19 group, and heat is applied in a state where the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressed toward one side edge of the electrode plates 18 and 19 group. Therefore, the contact between the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 and the current collector plates 21 and 22 can be ensured, and highly reliable bonding can be achieved.

また、その溶着時に極板１８、１９群の側端縁に集電板２１、２２を圧接させた状態で、集電板２１、２２の極板群との圧接面とは反対側の面に極板１８、１９群の積層方向に沿うライン状に複数ライン電子ビーム２８等の非接触型熱源にて熱を加えることにより、高速にてかつ他の部分に熱による悪影響を与えることなく溶着することができ、かつ各極板１８、１９の積層方向に沿う複数ラインで溶着するので、各極板１８、１９をそれぞれ確実にかつ複数箇所で集電板２１、２２に接合することができる。 Further, the current collector plates 21 and 22 are in pressure contact with the electrode plate group of the current collector plates 21 and 22 in the state where the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressed against the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 group at the time of welding. By applying heat with a non-contact type heat source such as a multi-line electron beam 28 in a line shape along the stacking direction of the electrode plates 18 and 19, welding is performed at high speed and without adversely affecting other parts. In addition, since the electrodes 18 and 19 are welded by a plurality of lines along the stacking direction of the electrode plates 18 and 19, the electrode plates 18 and 19 can be reliably bonded to the current collector plates 21 and 22 at a plurality of locations, respectively.

しかも、集電板２１、２２に極板１８、１９の積層方向に延びる複数の凹凸部２９を適当間隔おきに形成しているので、各極板１８、１９の側端縁がそれぞれ複数箇所で確実に集電板２１、２２に接合されることになり、集電板２１、２２と極板１８、１９群が適正に接合された極板群５を得ることができる。 In addition, since a plurality of concave and convex portions 29 extending in the stacking direction of the electrode plates 18 and 19 are formed on the current collector plates 21 and 22 at appropriate intervals, the side edges of the electrode plates 18 and 19 are respectively provided at a plurality of locations. Thus, the electrode plate group 5 in which the current collector plates 21 and 22 and the electrode plates 18 and 19 are appropriately bonded can be obtained.

さらに、集電板２１、２２の凹凸部２９の極板１８、１９の側端縁に接する部分にロウ材３０を添付したことにより、ロウ材は比較的低い温度で溶融するため、極板１８、１９に熱影響をあまり与えずにロウ材３０を介して集電板２１、２２と極板１８、１９の側端縁とを確実に接合することができる。また、集電板２１、２２をＮｉ板又はＮｉメッキ鋼板にて構成しているので、Ｎｉ製の極板１８、１９と適切に接合できてニッケル−アルカリ二次電池の極板群５を得ることができる。 Furthermore, since the brazing material 30 is attached to the portions of the uneven portions 29 of the current collecting plates 21 and 22 that are in contact with the side edges of the polar plates 18 and 19, the brazing material melts at a relatively low temperature. , 19 can be reliably joined to the side edges of the current collector plates 21, 22 and the electrode plates 18, 19 via the brazing material 30 without significantly affecting the heat. Further, since the current collecting plates 21 and 22 are made of Ni plates or Ni-plated steel plates, they can be appropriately joined to the Ni electrode plates 18 and 19 to obtain the electrode plate group 5 of the nickel-alkali secondary battery. be able to.

また、熱を加えるのに真空中で電子ビーム２８を照射しているので、溶着時の加熱によって酸化せず、溶着欠陥を生じず、良好な接合状態が得られるとともに、酸化物の発生による電池性能の低下をもたらさない。さらに、電子ビーム２８の照射による加熱に先立って極板１８、１９群と集電板２１、２２を組み合わせた状態で脱磁しているので、集電板２１、２２の加工・搬送中に磁化していても確実に除去されるため、電子ビーム２８に磁気が悪影響を与える恐れを無くすことができ、適正な接合状態を得ることができる。 In addition, since the electron beam 28 is irradiated in vacuum to apply heat, it is not oxidized by heating at the time of welding, a welding defect is not generated, a good bonding state is obtained, and a battery with generation of oxide is obtained. Does not cause performance degradation. Further, prior to heating by irradiation with the electron beam 28, the magnets are demagnetized in a state where the electrode plates 18 and 19 and the current collecting plates 21 and 22 are combined. Even if it is done, it is surely removed, so that the possibility that magnetism will adversely affect the electron beam 28 can be eliminated, and an appropriate bonded state can be obtained.

上記説明の集電板２１、２２においては、図１２に示すように、凹凸部２９の凸部２９ａの頂部に形成された凹溝２９ｂにＮｉロウ材３０を充填した例を示したが、図１３に示すように、極板１８、１９群の端面に対向する面に突出する凸部２９ａの頂部にロウ材３０を付着させてもよい。なお、図１３において、３２は集電板２１、２２の一端部に突出形成された接続突部で、この接続突部３２を電槽３の短側面に形成された接続穴７に両側から挿入してその先端面３２ａ同士を溶接することにより、接続金具９を用いずに隣接する単電池６、６の集電板２１、２２同士を直接接続できるように構成されている。 In the current collecting plates 21 and 22 described above, as shown in FIG. 12, an example in which the Ni brazing material 30 is filled in the concave groove 29b formed on the top of the convex portion 29a of the concave and convex portion 29 is shown. As shown in FIG. 13, the brazing material 30 may be attached to the top of the convex portion 29 a that protrudes from the surface facing the end face of the electrode plates 18 and 19. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 32 denotes a connection protrusion formed at one end of the current collector plates 21 and 22. The connection protrusion 32 is inserted into the connection hole 7 formed on the short side surface of the battery case 3 from both sides. And the current collector plates 21 and 22 of the adjacent unit cells 6 and 6 can be directly connected without using the connection metal fitting 9 by welding the front end surfaces 32a.

凹凸部２９の形状及びロウ材３０の配置状態は、図１４に例示するように種々の例が考えられる。図１４（ａ）は、図１２と基本的に同じであるが、凹溝２９ａ内に充填されたロウ材３０の先端が凸部２９ａの先端よりも突出している。図１４（ｂ）は、凹凸部２９の凸部２９ａが鋭くかつ高く突出され、その頂部に浅く小さい凹溝２９ｂを形成して、ロウ材３０を大きく突出するように添付している。図１４（ｃ）は、図１３と基本的に同じであるが、凹凸部２９の凸部２９ａが若干鋭くかつ高く突出され、その頂部とその両側にわたってロウ材３０が添付されている。図１４（ｄ）は集電板２１、２２の表面に帯状にロウ材３０を添付することにより、ロウ材３０自体により凹凸部２９を突出形成している。図１４（ｅ）は、無電解メッキによって集電板２１、２２の表面にロウ材３０を添付している。このとき、ロウ材３０の厚みは２０〜２００μｍが適している。 Various examples of the shape of the concavo-convex portion 29 and the arrangement state of the brazing material 30 can be considered as illustrated in FIG. 14A is basically the same as FIG. 12, but the tip of the brazing material 30 filled in the concave groove 29a protrudes from the tip of the convex portion 29a. In FIG. 14B, the projection 29a of the concavo-convex portion 29 is sharply and highly protruded, and a shallow and small concave groove 29b is formed at the top, and the brazing material 30 is attached so as to protrude greatly. FIG. 14C is basically the same as FIG. 13 except that the convex portion 29a of the concave and convex portion 29 protrudes slightly sharply and highly, and the brazing material 30 is attached to the top portion and both sides thereof. In FIG. 14D, the brazing material 30 is attached to the surface of the current collector plates 21 and 22 in a band shape, so that the concavo-convex portion 29 is formed by protruding from the brazing material 30 itself. In FIG. 14E, the brazing material 30 is attached to the surface of the current collector plates 21 and 22 by electroless plating. At this time, the thickness of the brazing material 30 is suitably 20 to 200 μm.

また、上記実施形態では、極板１８、１９のリード部１８ａ、１９ｂがその側端縁までストレートな平面状のものを例示したが、図１５（ａ）に示すように、各極板１８、１９のリード部１８ａ、１９ａの側縁部の集電板２１、２２との接合部両側に切り込みや溝３４を形成し、集電板２１、２２との接合部が比較的容易に屈曲できるようにしてもよく、また、図１５（ｂ）に示すように、各極板１８、１９のリード部１８ａ、１９ａの側縁部に積極的に屈曲部３３を形成してもよい。そうすると、各極板１８、１９の寸法公差のために、位置決めピン２６にて極板１８、１９群の側端縁を揃えても、その端縁位置にｄのようなばらつきの発生が避けられない場合でも、図１５（ｃ）に示すように、集電板２１、２２を極板１８、１９群に端面に押圧したときに屈曲部３３が屈曲することにより、溶着時に集電板２１、２２と極板１８、１９群の側端縁との接触を良好にして確実に接合することができる。さらに、好適には、図１５（ａ）、（ｂ）の手段を併用し、図１５（ｄ）に示すように、屈曲部３３の両側に切り込み３５や溝を形成することにより、屈曲部３３を集電板２１、２２の凹凸部２９に対応する部分のみに形成してもよい。 Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the lead | read | reed parts 18a and 19b of the electrode plates 18 and 19 illustrated the straight planar thing to the side edge, as shown to Fig.15 (a), each electrode plate 18, 19 cuts and grooves 34 are formed on both sides of the joint portions with the current collector plates 21 and 22 at the side edges of the lead portions 18a and 19a so that the joint portions with the current collector plates 21 and 22 can be bent relatively easily. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15B, a bent portion 33 may be positively formed on the side edge portions of the lead portions 18a and 19a of the respective electrode plates 18 and 19. Then, due to the dimensional tolerance of each of the plates 18 and 19, even if the side edges of the groups of plates 18 and 19 are aligned with the positioning pins 26, the occurrence of variations such as d at the edge positions can be avoided. Even if not, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the current collector plates 21 and 22 are pressed against the end plates 18 and 19 against the end surfaces, the bent portion 33 is bent, so that the current collector plate 21 and Thus, the contact between the side plates 22 and the side edges of the group of electrode plates 18 and 19 can be made favorable and reliably bonded. Further, preferably, the means shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B are used in combination, and as shown in FIG. 15D, the bent portion 33 is formed by forming cuts 35 and grooves on both sides of the bent portion 33. May be formed only in a portion corresponding to the uneven portion 29 of the current collector plates 21 and 22.

さらに、上記屈曲部３３としては、図１５に示したようなくの字状に屈曲したものに限らず、図１６（ａ）に示すように、円弧状に９０°以上屈曲させても、図１６（ｂ）に示すように円弧状に１８０°近く屈曲させてもよい。 Further, the bent portion 33 is not limited to a bent shape as shown in FIG. 15, but may be bent by 90 ° or more in an arc shape as shown in FIG. 16 (a). As shown in (b), it may be bent in the shape of an arc close to 180 °.

なお、上記実施形態では、集電板２１、２２の凹凸部２９にロウ材３０を添付するのに、ロウ材原料を塗着してリフローする方法を例示したが、ロウ材３０を接着材を用いたり、加熱溶着にて貼り付けてもよい。また、Ｎｉロウに近い材質のＮｉ合金を無電解メッキ法等のメッキによって形成しても良く、その場合集電板２１、２２の極板１８、１９の端面との接合面全面に添付してもよい。さらに集電板２１、２２がＮｉメッキ鋼板から成る場合には、そのＮｉメッキ材料にＮｉロウに近い材料を用いても良く、その際にメッキ層の厚みを局部的に厚くしてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the brazing material 30 is attached to the concavo-convex portions 29 of the current collector plates 21, 22, and the method of applying the brazing material and reflowing is exemplified. It may be used or affixed by heat welding. Further, a Ni alloy of a material close to Ni solder may be formed by plating such as electroless plating, in which case it is attached to the entire joint surface of the current collector plates 21 and 22 with the end surfaces of the electrode plates 18 and 19. Also good. Furthermore, when the current collecting plates 21 and 22 are made of Ni-plated steel plates, the Ni plating material may be a material close to Ni brazing, and the thickness of the plating layer may be locally increased at that time.

本発明にかかる電池は、多数の極板の側縁部が集電板の板面に対して平行な平面上に位置していない場合でも、溶着時に両者間の接触を良好にして確実に接合することができるため、極板群の一側に集電板を接合して集電するようにした各種電池に有用である。 The battery according to the present invention has a good contact with each other at the time of welding, even when the side edges of many electrode plates are not located on a plane parallel to the plate surface of the current collector plate. Therefore, it is useful for various batteries in which a current collector plate is joined to one side of the electrode plate group for current collection.

５極板群
１８正極板
１８ａリード部
１９負極板
１９ａリード部
２０セパレータ
２１集電板
２２集電板
２４リード板（補強材）
２５位置決め穴
２６位置決めピン
３３屈曲部
３４溝
３５切り込み 5 Electrode plate group 18 Positive electrode plate 18a Lead portion 19 Negative electrode plate 19a Lead portion 20 Separator 21 Current collector plate 22 Current collector plate 24 Lead plate (reinforcing material)
25 Positioning hole 26 Positioning pin 33 Bent part 34 Groove 35 Notch

Claims

正極板と負極板をセパレータを介して積層し、少なくとも一方の極板群の一側縁を集電板に溶着し、かつ極板の集電板に溶着される側縁部に予め屈曲部を設けた極板群を有し、
前記集電板は、極板群の積層方向の両側縁が内側に曲げられており、
前記各極板の集電板との溶着部近傍部分を無充填のリード部とし、このリード部に各極板の集電板に対する溶着側縁の位置合わせを行う位置合わせ部を設けたことを特徴とする電池。 A positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are laminated via a separator, and one side edge of at least one electrode plate group is welded to the current collector plate, and a bent portion is previously formed on the side edge portion welded to the current collector plate of the electrode plate. Having an electrode plate group provided,
The current collector plate is bent inward on both side edges in the stacking direction of the electrode plate group ,
The portion near the welded portion of each electrode plate with the current collector plate is an unfilled lead portion, and the lead portion is provided with an alignment portion for aligning the welding side edge with respect to the current collector plate of each electrode plate. Battery characterized.

前記屈曲部の両側に切り込みまたは溝が形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の電池。 The battery according to claim 1, wherein notches or grooves are formed on both sides of the bent portion.

前記位置合わせ部は、孔または切欠であることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の電池。 The battery according to claim 1 , wherein the alignment portion is a hole or a notch.

前記位置合わせ部は、一方は円形、他方は長円形の２箇所の孔から成ることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の電池。 4. The battery according to claim 3 , wherein the alignment portion includes two holes, one is circular and the other is oval. 5.