Abstract:
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery block that serves as a member that contains a plurality of battery cells, wherein if abnormal heat generation occurs, the resulting heat is evenly, rapidly, and efficiently distributed throughout the entire block, and the portions in which the battery cells are accommodated have high dimensional precision. The present invention provides a battery block that contains the following: a metal case that contains a plurality of pipe-shaped members; and battery cells accommodated, respectively, in said plurality of pipe-shaped members. The pipe-shaped members are joined to each other, forming a single unit, and join parts that join adjacent pipe-shaped members to each other are at least 70% as long as the pipe-shaped members themselves.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a battery block and a method for manufacturing the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     It is generally known in the art to accommodate a plurality of cells in a single container to provide a battery block for use as a high-capacity storage battery for electronic vehicles and other purposes. Examples of such a container known in the art include an assembly of cylindrical metallic tubes welded to one another by spot welding, and an assembly of accommodation hole-containing cases which are surface-joined to one another to form a single unit (see PTL 1). Other examples known in the art include high-temperature storage batteries wherein storage cells are disposed in a predetermined arrangement with adjacent storage cells being partially and mutually joined together via outer cases (see PTLS 2 and 3). 
     However, since the storage cells suggested in the above-described patent literatures are joined together via outer cases at only several points, heat generated from the cells cannot be diffused and therefore a local temperature rise cannot be easily prevented. 
     On the other hand, in the future, the market would require higher capacities particularly for storage batteries for electronic vehicles. When secondary cells generated high heat due to increased capacity, it is difficult to allow the heat generated from the secondary cells to be sufficiently absorbed by adjacent cases, and risks that adjacent secondary cells go thermal runaway increase. Thus, there is a growing demand for battery cases for battery blocks which allow for efficient heat diffusion. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-256174 
     PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-119084 
     PTL 3: U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,056 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     For containers for accommodating cells of storage batteries, high dimensional precision is important in portions where cells are accommodated in order to rapidly equalize the cell temperature distribution and to, when abnormal heat generation has occurred in the cell (due for example to short-circuit within the cell), diffuse heat to limit a local temperature rise so that a chain reaction of cell degradation and/or cell abnormality is prevented. 
     For example, if the dimensional precision is poor in areas where cells are accommodated, there are cases where the accommodated cells vibrate when the storage battery is placed at a place where the cells vibrate. Vibration of the accommodated cells may result in inability of the cells to exert sufficient battery function, accelerated cell degradation, and/or cutting of cell interconnections, thus impairing the performance of the storage battery. 
     Further, recent demands require a larger capacity for storage batteries. For increased storage battery capacity, a large number of cells need to be accommodated in the container. It is necessary to shorten the cell-to-cell distance in order to accommodate as many cells as possible per unit volume of the container. The internal walls of the container need to be thinner for shortening the cell-to-cell distance. When the internal walls of the container are made thin, it is inevitable that heat cannot be easily diffused, and moreover, the dimensional precision tends to decrease in portions where cells are accommodated. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a battery block that serves as a container accommodating therein a plurality of cells, wherein when abnormal heat generation occurs, heat is equally, rapidly, and efficiently distributed throughout the entire block, and wherein areas in which the cells are accommodated have high dimensional precision. 
     Solution to Problem 
     The present invention provides a battery block including: a metallic case including a plurality of pipe-shaped members; and cells respectively accommodated in the plurality of pipe-shaped members. The pipe-shaped members are joined together to form a single unit, wherein a length of a joint between adjacent pipe-shaped members is at least 70% of an entire length of the pipe-shaped members. 
     The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a battery block including: providing an assembly of a plurality of pipe-shaped members by holding together the pipe-shaped members while being in direct contact with each other; and providing a metallic case by laser joining of contact surfaces of the pipe-shaped members such that a length of a joint between the pipe-shaped members is at least 70% of an entire length of the pipe-shaped members. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the battery block of the present invention, the metallic case, a container for accommodating cells, has high dimensional precision in portions where cells are accommodated, so that the cell temperature distribution is rapidly equalized. Should abnormal heat generation has occurred in one of the accommodated cells, heat is diffused by passing through the metallic case thus limiting a local temperature rise. 
     Moreover, since the metallic case advantageously has high dimensional precision in portions where cells are accommodated, vibration of the accommodated cells is limited. For this reason, abnormal heat generation does not occur in adjacent cells and thus a chain reaction of cell degradation and/or cell abnormality is prevented, so that the performance as a storage battery is not impaired. 
     Thus, a battery block is provided that is also effective as a storage battery to be in an environment where it is susceptible to vibration. A storage battery to be used in an environment where it is susceptible to vibration is for example a storage battery for automobiles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a battery block of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of a battery block of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2D  illustrate an example of the shape of a pipe-shaped member; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an arrangement of pipe-shaped members; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are explanatory views of an exemplary method for obtaining a pipe-shaped member; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a pipe-shaped member having through-holes; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a pipe-shaped member having cutouts; 
         FIGS. 6A to 6C  illustrate positions of joints of a plurality of pipe-shaped members constituting a metallic case; 
         FIG. 7  is an explanatory view of joints between pipe-shaped members constituting a metallic case; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a state where a cell is accommodated in a pipe-shaped member; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an example of a manufacturing flow of a metallic case of a battery block; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary state where a plurality of cells is accommodated in a metallic case; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a state where pipe-shaped members are placed on a planar heater in Experimental Examples. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A battery block of the present invention includes a metallic case and a plurality of cells. The metallic case includes a plurality of pipe-shaped members, and the cells are accommodated in the hollow spaces of the pipe-shaped members. The cells included in the battery block have electricity storage ability and therefore the battery block preferably functions as a high-capacity storage battery. 
     [Battery Block] 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an outline of an exemplary battery block of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of battery block  100 .  FIG. 1B  is an exploded perspective view of battery block  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , battery block  100  includes electrode plate  10 , holder  20 , a metallic case which is an assembly of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ), a plurality of cells  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b  . . .  40   t ), holder  50 , and electrode plate  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , cells  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b  . . .  40   t ) are accommodated in respective corresponding pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ). Accommodated cells  40  are supported by holder  20  and holder  50 . One electrode  41  of each cell is connected to electrode plate  10  and the other electrode  42  to electrode plate  60 . An assembly of a plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  constitutes the “metallic case” of the battery block. 
     A plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ) constituting the metallic case is an assembly in which the pipe-shaped members  31  are joined together to form a single unit. Specifically, pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ) are joined together at their side surface. The assembly of pipe-shaped members  31  included in one battery case may be composed of two or more pipe-shaped members  31 . Any number of pipe-shaped members  31  may be provided. 
     Pipe-shaped member  31  may be circular pipe  311  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or polygonal (e.g., square) pipe  312  as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . Alternatively, pipe-shaped member  31  may be circular pipe  311  having mating surfaces  35  as illustrated in  FIG. 2C  or polygonal (e.g., square) pipe  312  having mating surfaces  35  as illustrated in  FIG. 2D . 
     The inside of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b , . . .  31   t ) is hollow space extending along the axial direction thereof. Cells  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b  . . .  40   t ) are accommodated in the hollow spaces of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ). Cells  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b  . . .  40   t ) are typically cylindrical. 
     Pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ) constituting the metallic case can be provided in any arrangement. For example, when pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   t ) are circular pipes, pipe-shaped members  31  may be provided in a close packing arrangement as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   u ) may also be provided in a square arrangement. 
     Pipe-shaped member  31  is preferably made of metal. The metal constituting pipe-shaped member  31  is preferably a metal having high thermal conductivity; specifically, the metal is for example aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, or an alloy thereof. Aluminum is preferable from the perspective of light-weightness of pipe-shaped member  31 . 
     The thickness of a plate constituting pipe-shaped member  31  is preferably on the order of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, and is for example 0.4 mm. The metallic case is advantageously made more light weight with smaller plate thickness. However, when the plate is excessively thin, it results in failure to attain strength high enough for the metallic case to serve as a metallic case for the battery block. 
     The size of the hollow space in pipe-shaped member  31  is determined according to the size of cell  40  to be accommodated in the hollow space. Specifically, the diameter of a cross section of the hollow space is preferably somewhat larger than the diameter of a cross section of cell  40  to be accommodated in the hollow space, in order for the cell to be accommodated in the hollow space. The difference (clearance) between the diameter of a cross section of the hollow space of pipe-shaped member  31  and the diameter of a cross section of cell  40  (including an insulation sheet when the cell is covered with the insulation sheet) to be accommodated in the hollow space is preferably 0.01 mm to 0.38 mm. An excessively large clearance is not preferable because it results in the accommodated cell failing to achieve efficient heat diffusion. On the other hand, an excessively small clearance may result in failure to successfully accommodate a cell in the hollow space. 
     Any method can be employed for fabricating pipe-shaped members  31  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2D . One exemplary method of obtaining pipe-shaped member  31  is a drawing process. It is however difficult to fabricate thin wall pipe-shaped member  31  by the drawing process. Thus, the fabrication method illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may be employed instead. Specifically, metal plate  200  may be bent to form mating surfaces  35  ( FIG. 4A ) followed by joining mating surfaces  35  ( FIG. 4B ) to fabricate pipe-shaped member  31 . By “mating surfaces  35 ” is meant opposing edges of, for example, a single metal plate  200  bent into a pipe shape. Means of joining at mating surfaces  35  may be metal joining or the like, and laser joining by means of laser  220  is preferable. 
     [Relationship Between Method of Joining Mating Surfaces and Protrusion] 
     Pipe-shaped member  31  obtained by the fabrication method illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may have, for example, protrusion  38  at mating surfaces  35  on the inner surface of the hollow space of the pipe, as with pipe-shaped members  311 ,  312  illustrated in  FIG. 2C  and  FIG. 2D . Protrusion  38  is preferably, but no particularly limited to, a protrusion that results from joining (e.g., laser joining) at mating surfaces  35 . The relationship between the joining method and protrusion  38  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , metal plate  200  can be bent into a pipe shape to provide pipe-shaped member (pipe-shaped metal plate)  30  whose edges are not joined. It is to be noted that the method for manufacturing pipe-shaped member (pipe-shaped metal plate)  30   a  whose edges are not joined is not particularly limited to the above-described method. 
     Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , laser light  220  is directed from laser irradiation head  210  to mating surfaces  35  of pipe-shaped metal plate  30  to effect metal joining to provide pipe-shaped member  31 . Although laser welding is exemplified in  FIG. 4B , any means of metal joining can be employed; for example, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, TIG welding or the like may be employed. To effect metal joining, the edges of the metal plate are preferably in close contact with each other at mating surfaces  35 . When mating surfaces  35  which are brought in close contact with each other are joined together by metal melting, a protrusion called “weld protrusion” may be formed. By actively forming such a weld protrusion, a protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the hollow space. 
     The height of protrusion  38  at mating surfaces  35  of pipe-shaped member  311 ,  312  (see  FIGS. 2C and 2D ) is preferably determined according to the difference (clearance) between the diameter of a cross section of the hollow space of the pipe-shaped member and the diameter of a cross section of the cell (including an insulation sheet when the cell is covered with the insulation sheet) to be accommodated in the hollow space; for example, the height is set larger than the clearance. The target height of protrusion  38  may be set equal to or larger than “the sum of the clearance and ⅕ of the thickness of the insulation sheet covering the cell” and equal to or less than “the sum of the clearance and ⅓ of the thickness of the insulation sheet covering the cell.” Protrusion  38  brings about an effect of limiting vibration and/or rotation of the cell accommodated in the hollow space of pipe-shaped member  31 . 
     Pipe-shaped member  31  may include through-hole  32  in a part of its side surface as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 5B , pipe-shaped member  31  may include cutouts  33  at its lengthwise ends. Through through-hole  32  or cutout  33 , an external member (e.g., temperature sensor) can be connected to the cell (not shown) accommodated inside pipe-shaped member  31 . 
     As described above, the metallic case constituting a battery block includes the above-mentioned plurality of pipe-shaped members  31 . The plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  constituting the metallic case are in direct contact with each other and are joined together to form a single unit. Specifically, pipe-shaped members  31  are joined together at joints  34  on their side surface to form a single unit ( FIG. 6A ). 
     In the metallic case, a plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   e ) having mating surfaces  35  may be regularly disposed such that mating surfaces  35  are oriented in the same direction as illustrated in  FIG. 6B  or may be disposed such that mating surfaces  35  are oriented in random directions as illustrated in  FIG. 6C . 
     Joining of pipe-shaped members  31  that constitutes the metallic case is preferably effected by means of metal joining or the like. Examples of metal joining include brazing, diffusion joining, and welding, with welding being more preferable. Welding includes laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, and TIG welding, with laser welding being preferable. For example, a plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  is held together while being in direct contact with each other to form an assembly, and then the pipe-shaped members are joined together at contact parts to form joints  34  ( FIG. 6A ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , length L1 of joint  34  between pipe-shaped members is desirably at least 70% of entire length L of pipe-shaped member  31 . As described above, when length L1 of joint  34  is at least 70% of entire length L of pipe-shaped member  31 , heat generated due to abnormal heat generation in the cell (due for example to short-circuit within the cell) can be diffused to adjacent pipe-shaped members. It is thus made possible to limit a local temperature rise thus preventing a chain reaction of cell degradation and/or cell abnormality (see Experimental Examples set forth later). 
     The joint illustrated in  FIG. 7  is provided as a single joint at the central part of the entire length of pipe-shaped member  31 . The mode of joint is not particularly limited to the illustrated one. For example, the joint may be a single joint that extends from one end of pipe-shaped member  31  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, the joint may be composed of a single linear joint or may be composed of a plurality of linear or spot joints. In either case, the total length of joints (joint length L1) may be 70% of entire length L of pipe-shaped member  31 . 
     Joint length L1 may be 100% of entire length L of the pipe-shaped member and is typically less than 100% of entire length L of the pipe-shaped member. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , entire length L2 of the cell accommodated in the pipe-shaped member is smaller than entire length L of the pipe-shaped member, and is approximately 95% or less, often 91% or less, of entire length L of the pipe-shaped member. If abnormal heat generation occurs in a cell, the possible site of abnormal heat generation is within entire length L2 of the cell. Thus, heat can be diffused to adjacent pipe-shaped members as long as a joint having a length equals to entire length L2 of the cell is formed, thus eliminating the need to join the pipe-shaped members over their entire length L. By “entire length L2 of cell” is meant a length of a laminate (or roll) of an anode plate, a separator, and a cathode plate. 
     There are cases where laser joining of pipe-shaped members over entire length L is difficult. Laser joining of ends of pipe-shaped members results in laser light being directed to portions other than the joint being formed, as well as in reflection of the laser light. The reflected laser light may damage the laser apparatus or other equipment. Thus, joint length L1 is preferably 95% or less of entire length L of the pipe-shaped member. 
     Cells are accommodated in respective pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . . ) of a metallic case obtained by metal joining of pipe-shaped members  31 . Further, additional battery members are added to manufacture a battery block. The cells are typically covered with a metallic case and may further be covered with an insulation sheet. The insulation sheet is typically a resin film which is 45 μm to 75 μm in thickness. 
     [Method for Manufacturing Battery Block] 
     An exemplary method of the present invention for manufacturing a battery block (metallic case) will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  10 . 
     First, as illustrated in  FIG. 9A , a plurality of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b , . . . and  31   e ) is assembled and is then joined together by directing laser  220  to contact parts between the pipe-shaped members. In this way, as illustrated in  FIG. 9B , a metallic case is obtained which is an assembly of pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   e ) joined together at joints  34 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , cells  40  ( 40   a ,  40   b  . . .  40   e ) are accommodated in respective pipe-shaped members  31  ( 31   a ,  31   b  . . .  31   e ) of the metallic case of  FIG. 9B . Subsequently, necessary battery members are added. In the manner described above, a battery block is manufactured. It is to be noted that cell  40  may include insulation sheet  45  covering cell  40 . 
     EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES 
     Two cylindrical aluminum pipes (inner diameter: 18.2 mm, length: 70 mm, and wall thickness: 0.4 mm) were provided. The two aluminum pipes were joined together. Joining was effected by laser welding in Experimental Examples 1 to 4, by flux joining in Experimental Example 5, and by means of an adhesive in Experimental Example 6. 
     In Experimental Example 1, the lengthwise central 50 mm part of the contact part between the two cylindrical aluminum pipes was subjected to laser welding. Similarly, the lengthwise central 25 mm part was subjected to laser welding in Experimental Example 2, the lengthwise central 12.5 mm part in Experimental Example 3, and the lengthwise ends in Experimental Example 4. 
     The types of the method of joining two cylindrical pipes and the states of joint (joint length, ratio of joint length, joint width, and joint area) are summarized in Table 1. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Joining 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 method 
                 Joint length 
                 Joint ratio 
                 Joint width 
                 Joint area 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ex. 1 
                 Laser 
                 50 mm 
                 71% 
                 1 mm 
                  50 mm 2   
               
               
                 Ex. 2 
                 Laser 
                 25 mm 
                 36% 
                 1 mm 
                  25 mm 2   
               
               
                 Ex. 3 
                 Laser 
                 12.5 mm     
                 18% 
                 1 mm 
                 12.5 mm 2   
               
               
                 Ex. 4 
                 Laser 
                 Two ends 
                   
                   
                  1.2 mm 2   
               
               
                 Ex. 5 
                 Flux 
                 70 mm 
                 100%  
                 3 mm 
                 210 mm 2   
               
               
                 Ex. 6 
                 Adhesive 
                 70 mm 
                 100%  
                 3 mm 
                 210 mm 2   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , two aluminum pipes  300  joined together were placed on planar heater  310  (50 mm×100 mm) in air atmosphere. Surface heat generation amount of planar heater  310  was set to 1,900 W/m 2 . The temperatures of two pipes  300  were measured at measurement points  301 ,  302  positioned at the respective center points, and a temperature difference ΔT was found. From temperature difference ΔT, thermal resistivity R between two aluminum pipes  300  was found. From thermal resistivity R, thermal resistivity R′ per unit area of joint was found. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Temperature 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 difference ΔT 
                 Thermal resistivity R 
                 Thermal resistivity R′ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ex. 1 
                 6.3° C. 
                 0.36 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 9.29 × 10 −6  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                 Ex. 2 
                 6.5° C. 
                 0.53 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 7.24 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                 Ex. 3 
                 7.9° C. 
                 1.93 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 1.32 × 10 −5  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                 Ex. 4 
                 12.0° C.  
                 6.46 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 4.24 × 10 −6  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                 Ex. 5 
                 6.2° C. 
                 0.39 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 3.90 × 10 −5  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                 Ex. 6 
                 10.0° C.  
                 4.77 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
                 4.88 × 10 −4  m 2 K/W 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As seen from Table 2, the temperature difference decreased with increasing length of the joint formed by laser joining (i.e., with increasing joint ratio). It can also be seen that the temperature difference in Experimental Example 1 and the temperature difference in Experimental Example 5 were almost equal. These results confirm that setting the joint length ratio to at least 70% provides thermal resistivity R which is comparable to a level attained when the joint length ratio is set to 100%. On the other hand, the temperature difference was large in Experimental Example 6 wherein the two aluminum pipes were joined together with an adhesive. 
     Thermal resistivity R′ per unit area of joint was 9.29×10 −6  m 2 K/W in Experimental Example 1 and 3.90×10 −5  m 2 K/W in Experimental Example 5. Namely, it can be seen that laser joining resulted in small thermal resistivity R′ per unit area of joint compared to flux joining Thus, joining is preferably effected by laser welding. 
     Next, operations and effects of the method of the present invention for manufacturing a battery block in comparison with the conventional manufacturing method will be described. There are cases wherein conventional metallic cases for battery blocks are manufactured as cast metal. The raw material of a mold for casting is sand and thus the mold has high surface irregularities. Therefore, the resultant metallic case or metal cast has small dimensional precision in portions where cells are to be accommodated. Moreover, when casting an aluminum case, variation in the components of aluminum melt and the like occasionally leads to generation of blow holes in the metal cast. Thus, the metallic case manufactured as metal cast needs to be subjected to secondary processing in which to increase the dimensional precision in portions where cells are to be accommodated. Moreover, it is difficult to remove blow holes from the metal cast. 
     Another known method for manufacturing a metallic case for battery blocks involves arranging a plurality of pipe-shaped members for cells in a predetermined pattern, and joining together adjacent ones of the pipe-shaped members at several points. However, since adjacent pipe-shaped members are joined together at only several points, it is difficult with this method to rapidly equalize the cell temperature distribution and to diffuse heat generated due to abnormal heat generation (due for example to short-circuit within the cell) in the cell. It is therefore difficult to limit a local temperature rise so that a chain reaction of cell degradation and/or cell abnormality is prevented. 
     By contrast, the method of the present invention for manufacturing a battery block can easily and inexpensively provide a battery block whose dimensional precision is ensured in portions where cells are accommodated. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the present invention can rapidly equalize the cell temperature distribution and to diffuse heat generated due to abnormal heat generation in the cell (due for example to short-circuit within the cell). It is therefore possible to limit a local temperature rise so that a chain reaction of cell degradation and/or cell abnormality is prevented. 
     The battery block of the present invention can limit vibration of accommodated cells. Also, a limited local temperature rise by means of heat diffusion prevents the performance of the battery block as a storage battery from being easily impaired. Moreover, the battery block is light weight and compact. Block battery applications that can make use of these features are storage batteries to be mounted on automobiles. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The battery block of the present invention includes a plurality of cells and a metallic case for accommodating the cells, wherein the metallic case has high dimensional precision in portions where the cells are accommodated. Thus, vibration of the accommodated cells can be limited thus enabling the cells to properly exert their function. Moreover, the metallic case can be manufactured easily as well as at low cost. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           10  Electrode plate 
           20  Holder 
           30   a  Pipe-shaped metal plate 
           31 ,  31   a  Pipe-shaped member 
           311  Circular Pipe 
           312  Polygonal Pipe 
           32  Through-hole 
           33  Cutout 
           34  Joint 
           35  Mating surface 
           38  Protrusion 
           40  Cell 
           41  Electrode 
           42  Electrode 
           45  Insulation sheet covering cell 
           50  Holder 
           60  Electrode plate 
           100  Battery block 
           200  Metal plate 
           210  Laser irradiation head 
           220  Laser light 
           300  Aluminum pipe 
           301 , 302  Measurement point 
           310  Planar heater