Battery and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery in which generation of wrinkles in an exterior body is suppressed. In the present disclosure, the above object is achieved by providing a battery having an internal element including at least a power generating element, the internal element having a groove structure, and a laminate-type exterior body that seals the internal element, the battery having a receiving portion in which a portion of the exterior body is received into the groove structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to batteries and methods for manufacturing them. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have been put into practical use as high-voltage and high-energy-density batteries. Furthermore, as one type of such battery, laminated batteries are known to seal internal components containing power-generating elements within a laminated outer casing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a laminated all-solid-state battery, comprising the following steps: housing an all-solid-state battery stack within an outer casing containing a laminated film; pressurizing the all-solid-state battery stack housed within the outer casing along the lamination direction from the outside of the outer casing; injecting a filler material into the outer casing while maintaining pressure; and sealing the outer casing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-133175 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the manufacture of laminated batteries, firstly, an outer casing is arranged to cover the internal components, and then the internal components are sealed with the outer casing under a reduced pressure atmosphere. During sealing under a reduced pressure atmosphere, wrinkles sometimes form on the outer casing (unintentional wrinkles).

[0006] This disclosure was made in response to the above-mentioned situation, and its main purpose is to provide a battery that suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the outer casing.

[0007] In this disclosure, a battery is provided having an internal element that includes at least a power generation element and a laminated outer casing that seals the internal element. The internal element has a groove structure, and the battery has a storage portion in which a portion of the outer casing is housed in the groove structure.

[0008] According to this disclosure, by having a groove structure in the internal components and having a receiving portion in the groove structure in which a part of the outer casing is received, wrinkles in the outer casing are suppressed.

[0009] In the above disclosure, the internal component may have a fixing member disposed on the side of the power generation element, and the fixing member may have the groove structure described above.

[0010] In the above disclosure, the internal component may have a protective member that protects at least one of the collector tab and the collector terminal, and the protective member may have the groove structure described above.

[0011] In addition, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a battery having at least an internal element including a power generation element and a laminated outer casing for sealing the internal element. The method for manufacturing the battery includes a configuration step and a sealing step after the configuration step. The configuration step configures the outer casing to cover the area around the internal element. The sealing step seals the internal element with the outer casing under a reduced pressure atmosphere. The internal element has a groove structure. In the sealing step, a portion of the outer casing is housed in a receiving portion within the groove structure.

[0012] According to this disclosure, wrinkles in the outer casing are suppressed by using an internal element having a groove structure and housing a portion of the outer casing within the groove structure.

[0013] In this disclosure, there is an effect of providing a battery that suppresses the formation of wrinkles in the outer casing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the battery in this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA section diagram.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the effects of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the effects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the groove structure in this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the groove structure in this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 These are schematic side views and schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the fixing components in this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed component in this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed component in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 These are schematic perspective views and schematic side views illustrating the protective components in this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the protective component in this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the power generation element in this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the outer casing in this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the outer casing in this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1…Positive current collector

[0032] 2… Positive electrode active material layer

[0033] 3…Electrolyte layer

[0034] 4…Negative electrode active material layer

[0035] 5… Negative current collector

[0036] 10…Power generation components

[0037] 11…Fixed components

[0038] 12…protective components

[0039] 20…outer body

[0040] 30A…positive extreme polarity

[0041] 30B…Negative extreme polarity

[0042] 100… batteries Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following is a detailed description of the outer casing and battery of this disclosure. The figures shown below are schematic diagrams; for ease of understanding, the size and shape of the parts have been appropriately exaggerated. Additionally, in each figure, the hatching lines representing the cross-sections of the components have been appropriately omitted.

[0044] A. Battery

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the battery in this disclosure. For example... Figure 1As shown, the battery 100 has: an internal element 15, a laminated outer casing 20 sealing the internal element 15, a positive terminal 30A connected to the positive electrode tab (not shown) of the internal element 15, and a negative terminal 30B connected to the negative electrode tab (not shown) of the internal element 15.

[0046] Figure 2 (a) is Figure 1 AA section diagram, Figure 2 (b) is omitted. Figure 2 (a) shows the diagram of the outer casing 20. Figure 2 As shown in (a) and 2(b), the internal component 15 has a power generation element 10 and a fixing member 11 disposed on the side of the power generation element 10. Figure 2 As shown in (b), a groove structure G1 is formed in the fixing member 11 of the internal element 15, as follows: Figure 2 As shown in (a), the battery 100 has a storage section S1 that houses a portion of the outer casing 20 in the slot structure G1.

[0047] Figure 3 (a) is Figure 1 BB cross-section diagram, Figure 3 (b) is omitted. Figure 3 Figure (a) shows the outer casing 20. As shown in 3(a) and (b), the internal component 15 has a protective member 12a and a protective member 12b. The protective member 12a protects the junction of the positive electrode tab 4t and the positive terminal 30a, and the protective member 12b protects the junction of the negative electrode tab 5t and the negative terminal 30b. Figure 3 As shown in (b), groove structures G2 are formed in the protective members 12a and 12b of the internal component 15, as follows: Figure 3 As shown in (a), the battery 100 has a storage section S2 in which a portion of the outer casing 20 is housed in the slot structure G2.

[0048] According to this disclosure, wrinkles in the outer casing are suppressed by having a groove structure for the internal components and a receiving portion in which a part of the outer casing is housed. As described above, in the case of manufacturing a laminated battery, firstly, the outer casing is arranged to cover the area around the internal components, and then the internal components are sealed with the outer casing under a reduced pressure atmosphere. When sealing under a reduced pressure atmosphere, wrinkles will form in the outer casing.

[0049] For example, batteries using an outer casing with a cup-shaped portion are typically manufactured by placing the internal components within the cup, then arranging the outer casing around the internal components, and finally sealing the internal components with the outer casing under reduced pressure. From the viewpoint of increasing energy density, it is ideal to have no gap between the internal components and the cup. In practice, considering the dimensional deviations of the internal components and their expansion and contraction due to the operating environment, the cup needs to be designed to be larger than the internal components, leaving a slight gap between them. If this slight gap is present, unintentional wrinkles caused by the gap will appear in the outer casing during sealing under reduced pressure.

[0050] To address this, the internal components have a groove structure, and the battery has a receiving portion within this groove structure that houses a portion of the outer casing, thus suppressing the formation of wrinkles on the outer casing. Therefore, damage to the outer casing caused by wrinkles over time can be prevented, and sealing can be maintained for a long period. Furthermore, if stress accumulates in the wrinkles of the outer casing due to the expansion and contraction of the power generation element, the outer casing will break. In this respect, the battery of this disclosure suppresses the formation of wrinkles on the outer casing, thereby suppressing damage to the outer casing caused by stress accumulation.

[0051] Furthermore, the receiving portion in this disclosure functions as a stress-relieving portion, thus suppressing damage to the outer casing associated with the expansion and contraction of the power generation element. Here, Figure 4 (a) and Figure 5 (a) are respectively the Figure 2 (a) and Figure 3 (a) is a magnified portion of the image. Figure 4 The receiving portions S1 and S2 shown in (a) and 5(a) function as stress-relieving portions when the power generation element expands. Specifically, as Figure 4 (b) and Figure 5 As shown in (b), the stress generated by the expansion of the power generation element is mitigated by extending a portion of the outer casing 20 housed in the slot structures G1 and G2.

[0052] 1. Internal components

[0053] The internal components in this disclosure include at least a power generation element. In addition to the power generation element, the internal components may also include at least one of a fixing member and a protective member. Furthermore, the internal components in this disclosure have a slotted structure. In this disclosure, the fixing member may have a slotted structure, the protective member may have a slotted structure, and the power generation element may also have a slotted structure. Additionally, components other than the fixing member, protective member, and power generation element (e.g., spacers) may also have a slotted structure.

[0054] (1) Trough structure

[0055] The slot structure in this disclosure is a structure formed within an internal component, and its cross-section is concave. Here, the cross-section of the slot structure refers to the cross-section obtained by cutting the slot structure with a plane orthogonal to its extension direction. For example... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the depth of the groove structure G is set as D, and the width of the groove structure G is set as W. Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the thickness of the outer casing is set as T. The ratio of D to T (D / T) is, for example, 1.5 or more, and can be 2 or more, or 3 or more. On the other hand, D / T is, for example, 6 or less, and can be 5 or less, or 4 or less. Similarly, the ratio of W to T (W / T) is, for example, 2 or more, and can be 4 or more, or 6 or more. On the other hand, W / T is, for example, 12 or less, and can be 10 or less, or 8 or less.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), one end of the groove structure G is designated as g1, and the other end as g2. Ends g1 and g2 form the boundaries between the groove structure and other parts. Furthermore, the closed cross-sectional structure of the groove structure G, defined by the straight line m connecting ends g1 and g2 and the edge n constituting the groove structure G, is taken as the cross-sectional shape of the groove structure G. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the cross-sectional shape of the groove structure G can be triangular. On the other hand, as... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the cross-sectional shape of the groove structure G can also be rectangular. Furthermore, the sides n constituting the groove structure G can be straight lines or curves. As a specific example of a curved side n constituting the groove structure G, an arc-shaped side n can be given. The total length of the sides n constituting the groove structure G is preferably set based on the dimensional deviation of the internal components (the maximum difference between the dimensions during design and manufacturing) and the dimensional variation accompanying the expansion and contraction of the internal components (the maximum difference between the dimensions during maximum expansion and the dimensions during maximum contraction). In addition, some margin can be provided.

[0057] At least one of the ends g1 and g2 of the groove structure G preferably has an R shape. This is because it helps to prevent damage to the outer casing. For example, Figure 7 End points g1 and g2, as shown in (a) and (b), have an R-shape. Furthermore, vertex g3, which connects the two edges n, preferably has an R-shape. This is because it helps to prevent damage to the outer casing. For example, Figure 7 Vertex g3 shown in (a) and (b) has an R shape.

[0058] The direction of extension of the groove structure G is not particularly limited. Here, for example... Figure 1As shown, the thickness direction of the battery 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and corresponding to the long side direction of the battery 100 is defined as the X-axis direction. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both the Z-axis and X-axis directions is defined as the Y-axis direction. For example, the Y-axis direction is the direction corresponding to the short side direction of the battery 100.

[0059] The extension direction of the groove structure G can be parallel to the X-axis, parallel to the Y-axis, or parallel to the Z-axis. In this disclosure, "parallel" means that the angle between the two directions is greater than 0° and less than 30°. The aforementioned angle can be less than 15° or less than 5°. For example, Figure 1 The extension direction of the groove structure G1 shown is parallel to the X-axis direction. Additionally, Figure 1 The extension direction of the groove structure G2 shown is parallel to the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the extension direction of the storage portion S is essentially the same as the extension direction of the groove structure G. Additionally, the extension direction of the groove structure G may not be parallel to any of the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis directions. The length of the groove structure G in the extension direction, relative to the length of the battery in the extension direction, is, for example, 30% or more, 50% or more, or 70% or more.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), line m is the straight line connecting end g1 and end g2 in the slot structure G. Line m can be parallel to the X-axis, the Y-axis, or the Z-axis. For example, Figure 1 In the groove structure G1 shown, the straight line m (not shown) is parallel to the Z-axis direction. Additionally, Figure 1 In the groove structure G2 shown, the straight line m (not shown) is parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0061] (2) Fixed components

[0062] The fixing member in this disclosure is a member disposed on the side of the power generation element. By providing the fixing member, positional deviations of the layers constituting the power generation element are suppressed. The material of the fixing member is not particularly limited; for example, resin can be cited.

[0063] Figure 8 (a) is a schematic side view illustrating a fixing member in this disclosure. Figure 8 (b) is Figure 8 (a) AA section view. For example... Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), the internal component 15 has a fixing member 11 disposed on the side of the power generation element 10. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a) and (b), a groove structure G is formed in the fixing member 11. When viewed from above, the extension direction of the groove structure g can be parallel to the long side direction of the fixing member 11.

[0064] Let the direction of the straight line m at the end g1 and end g2 in the connecting groove structure G be D. A . Figure 8 (b) The direction D in the groove structure G shown A Parallel to the thickness direction of the battery. Additionally, Figure 8 (b) The internal element 15 shown has a fixing member 11 on one side of the power generation element 10 and the other side of the power generation element 10, respectively. Figure 8 In (b), the groove structure G is formed only in one of the two fixed members 11, but the groove structure G can also be formed in both fixed members 11 at the same time.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown in (a), multiple groove structures G can be formed in the fixed member 11. Figure 9 In (a), when viewed from above, the extension direction of the plurality of slot structures G is parallel to the long side direction of the fixed member 11, and in the direction D of the plurality of slot structures G... A Parallel to the thickness direction of the battery. Additionally, Figure 9 In (b), when viewed from above, the extension directions of the multiple slot structures G are parallel to the long side direction of the fixed member 11, and the direction D of the multiple slot structures G is... A Perpendicular to the thickness direction of the battery. In this disclosure, "perpendicular" means an angle between two directions of 60° and 90°. The angles mentioned above can be 75° or 85° or more.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 2 (a) Figure 2 As shown in (b), a groove structure G can be formed on the fixing member 11 located on the side of the bend β of the outer body 20. Similarly, the groove structure G may not be formed on the fixing member 11 located on the side of the sealing portion α of the outer body 20. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, a groove structure G can be formed in the fixing member 11 located on the sealing portion α side of the outer casing 20. In this case, the position of the groove structure G preferably does not overlap with the position of the sealing surface P of the sealing portion α in the thickness direction of the battery. This is because it can suppress damage to the sealing portion α. ​​Furthermore, for example, if the sealing portion α is sufficiently robust, the position of the groove structure G may overlap with the position of the sealing surface P of the sealing portion α in the thickness direction of the battery.

[0067] (3) Protective components

[0068] The protective member in this disclosure is a member that protects at least one of the collector tab and the collector terminal. The collector tab is a general term for both the positive and negative electrodes, and the collector terminal is a general term for both the positive and negative terminals. Alternatively, at least one of the collector tab and the collector terminal is sometimes collectively referred to as a collector member. The protective member is preferably a member that protects both the collector tab and the collector terminal. Specifically, it is preferably a member that protects the joint portion formed by the connection of the collector tab and the collector terminal. By providing the protective member, damage to at least one of the collector tab and the collector terminal is prevented. The material of the protective member is not particularly limited; for example, resin can be cited.

[0069] Figure 11 (a) is a schematic perspective view illustrating a protective component in this disclosure. Figure 11 (b) Viewed from the direction of the arrow Figure 11 (a) is a rough side view of the protective component. Figure 11 (a) Figure 11 (b) The protective member 12 shown has a through portion 121 into which a current collector (not shown) can be inserted. Through the through portion 121, the current collector (not shown) is protected from... Figure 1 Impacts along the Z-axis and Y-axis. Additionally, such as... Figure 11 (a) Figure 11 As shown in (b), a groove structure G is formed in the protective member 12. When viewed from above, the extension direction of the groove structure G can be parallel to the long side direction of the protective member 12.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 11 (a) Figure 11 As shown in (b), multiple groove structures G can be formed in the protective member 12. On the other hand, although not shown, only one groove structure G can also be formed in the protective member 12. Figure 11 (a) Figure 11 In (b), when viewed from above, the extension direction of the multiple slot structures G is parallel to the long side direction of the protective member 12, and the direction D of the multiple slot structures G when viewed from above... A Parallel to the short side of the protective member 12.

[0071] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the protective member 12 can be divided into two along a surface intersecting the battery thickness direction. That is, the protective member 12 can have a first member 12a and a second member 12b as a pair of members. Figure 12 The first component 12a and the second component 12b shown each have a cutout 122 for arranging current collector components. Alternatively, the first component 12a and the second component 12b may not have the cutout 122.

[0072] (4) Power generation element

[0073] The power generation element disclosed herein comprises at least a power generation unit, which has a positive current collector, a positive active material layer, an electrolyte layer, a negative active material layer, and a negative current collector. For example, Figure 13 The power generation element 10 shown includes a power generation unit U, in which a positive current collector 1, a positive active material layer 2, an electrolyte layer 3, a negative active material layer 4, and a negative current collector 5 are arranged sequentially along the thickness direction. Furthermore, Figure 13 The power generation element 10 shown has four power generation units U, which are connected in parallel. Specifically, the positive electrode tabs 1t in each power generation unit U are connected separately, and the negative electrode tabs 5t in each power generation unit U are also connected separately. Therefore, the four power generation units U are connected in parallel.

[0074] The positive electrode active material layer contains at least a positive electrode active material, and may also contain at least one of a conductive material, an electrolyte, and a binder. Examples of positive electrode active materials include LiNi. 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Oxide active materials such as O2. Examples of conductive materials include carbon materials. Examples of electrolytes include liquid electrolytes (electrolytes) and solid electrolytes. Examples of electrolytes include those obtained by dissolving Li salts such as LiPF6 in carbonate-based solvents. On the other hand, examples of solid electrolytes include inorganic solid electrolytes such as sulfide solid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, and halide solid electrolytes, as well as gel electrolytes and polymer electrolytes. Examples of binders include fluorine-based binders such as PVDF. Examples of positive current collectors include Al, SUS, and Ni. Furthermore, positive current collectors typically have a positive electrode tab for connection to the positive terminal.

[0075] The negative electrode active material layer contains at least a negative electrode active material and may also contain at least one of a conductive material, an electrolyte, and a binder. Examples of negative electrode active materials include elemental Si, Si alloys, Si oxides, graphite-based active materials such as graphite, and oxide-based active materials such as lithium titanate. Si-based active materials undergo large volume changes during charging and discharging, making them prone to outer casing damage; however, by using the aforementioned outer casing, damage can be suppressed. The conductive material, electrolyte, and binder in the negative electrode active material layer are the same as those described in the positive electrode active material layer. Examples of negative electrode current collectors include Cu, SUS, and Ni. Furthermore, the negative electrode current collector typically has a negative electrode tab for connection to the negative terminal.

[0076] The electrolyte layer contains at least an electrolyte and may also contain a binder. The contents regarding the electrolyte and binder are the same as described in the positive electrode active material layer section. When the electrolyte layer contains a liquid electrolyte, the electrolyte layer may be a layer in which the liquid electrolyte is impregnated into a separator. When the electrolyte layer contains a solid electrolyte, such a battery is generally referred to as an all-solid-state battery. The battery in this disclosure may be an all-solid-state battery.

[0077] When a power generation element has multiple power generation units, they can be connected in series or in parallel. When multiple power generation units are connected in series, the positive current collector in one power generation unit U and the negative current collector in another power generation unit U can be shared. When multiple power generation units are connected in parallel, the positive current collector in one power generation unit U and the negative current collector in another power generation unit U can be shared. Similarly, the negative current collector in one power generation unit U and the negative current collector in another power generation unit U can be shared.

[0078] 2. Exterior body

[0079] The outer casing in this disclosure is a component that seals internal components. The outer casing preferably has a cup portion for housing the internal components. For example, Figure 14 The outer casing 20 shown in (a) includes: a pair of cup portions (21a, 21b), a connecting portion 22 disposed between the pair of cup portions 21 (21a, 21b), a flange portion 23a connected to the end opposite to the connecting portion 22 of the cup portion 21a, and a flange portion 23b connected to the end opposite to the connecting portion 22 of the cup portion 21b. Although not specifically shown, the connecting portion 22 may have a protrusion. When sealing the internal component with the outer casing, by arranging the protrusion of the outer casing in the groove structure of the internal component, positional misalignment between the outer casing and the internal component can be suppressed.

[0080] like Figure 14 As shown in (b), the internal component 15 is positioned in the cup portion 21a of the outer casing 20, and then the outer casing 20 is bent with the flange portions 23a and 23b facing each other. Thus, the outer casing 20 is positioned to cover the area surrounding the internal component 15. Furthermore, as... Figure 14 As shown in (b), the width of the cup portion 21 is set to W1, and the width of the internal element 15 is set to W2. In this disclosure, W1 is preferably larger than W2. The dimensions of the internal element will usually deviate, but even in this case, the internal element can be stably positioned in the cup portion.

[0081] On the other hand, if W1 is greater than W2, there is excess material in the outer casing. Therefore, when sealing the internal components with the outer casing, the outer casing is prone to wrinkling due to the influence of the reduced pressure atmosphere. To address this, the internal components in this disclosure have a groove structure that accommodates the excess material in the outer casing, thereby suppressing wrinkling of the outer casing. The ratio of W1 to W2 (W1 / W2) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1.05 or higher.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, the outer casing 20 may have two cup portions. On the other hand, as... Figure 15 As shown, the outer casing 20 may have only one cup portion. For example, Figure 15 (a) The outer casing 20 shown has: a cup portion 21, a flange portion 23a connected to one end of the cup portion 21, and a flange portion 23b connected to the other end of the cup portion 21. Figure 15 As shown in (b), two outer casings 20 are prepared. The internal component 15 is arranged in the cup portion 21 of one outer casing 20, and then the internal component 15 is covered by the cup portion 21 of the other outer casing 20. Thus, the outer casings 20 are arranged to cover the area around the internal component 15.

[0083] The top view shape of the outer edge of the casing is not particularly limited; for example, a square or rectangle can be used. When the top view shape of the casing is rectangular, the collector terminal can be located on either the long or short side of the rectangle. Furthermore, the positive and negative terminals can be located on the same side or on opposite sides. Additionally, when the top view shape of the casing is rectangular, the extension direction of the slot structure G of this disclosure is preferably parallel to either the long or short side of the rectangle when viewed from above.

[0084] The outer casing in this disclosure is a laminated outer casing. The laminated outer casing has a structure obtained by laminating at least a heat-fused layer and a metal layer. Furthermore, the outer casing may sequentially have a heat-fused layer, a metal layer, and a resin layer along its thickness direction. Examples of materials for the heat-fused layer include olefin-based resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Examples of materials for the metal layer include aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel. Examples of materials for the resin layer include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon. The thickness of the heat-fused layer is, for example, 40 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The thickness of the metal layer is, for example, 30 μm or more and 60 μm or less. The thickness of the resin layer is, for example, 20 μm or more and 60 μm or less. The thickness of the outer casing layer is, for example, 80 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

[0085] The manufacturing method of the outer casing in this disclosure is not particularly limited. For example, a manufacturing method including an embossing process can be cited, in which the laminated film is embossed (flange forming) to form the aforementioned cup portion. In the embossing process, the laminated film is typically placed between a male mold and a female mold and pressed to form the cup portion. The male mold and the female mold are respectively formed with shapes corresponding to the cup portion. There are no particular limitations on the pressing conditions, and ordinary conditions can be used.

[0086] 3. Battery

[0087] The battery of this disclosure has the aforementioned internal components and outer casing. Furthermore, the battery of this disclosure has a housing section in which a portion of the outer casing is housed within a slot structure. "A portion of the outer casing is housed within a slot structure" means that, when the straight line connecting end g1 and end g2 in the slot structure is defined as m, the portion of the outer casing is located further towards the slot structure than the straight line m. For example... Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the straight line connecting end g1 and end g2 in the connecting groove structure is set to m, if a part of the outer casing (not shown) is located closer to the groove structure g than this straight line, it is determined that the battery has a storage section. Furthermore, the depth of the storage section is set to D. s And set the depth of the groove structure to D. s The ratio relative to D (D s / D) For example, it can be 0.5 or higher, or 0.75 or higher. In addition, the storage part can contact the deepest bottom of the groove structure.

[0088] Furthermore, the battery in this disclosure typically has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. One end of the positive terminal is connected to a positive electrode tab inside the casing, while the other end protrudes from the casing. Similarly, one end of the negative terminal is connected to a negative electrode tab inside the casing, while the other end protrudes from the casing. Additionally, the battery in this disclosure is typically a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0089] B. Battery manufacturing method

[0090] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the battery manufacturing method of this disclosure. First, as... Figure 16 As shown in (a), an internal component 15 is prepared, which includes a power generation element 10 and a fixing member 11 disposed on the side of the power generation element 10 and having a groove structure 11a. Furthermore, an outer casing 20 is arranged to cover the area around the internal component 15. At this stage, the internal component 15 is not sealed by the outer casing 20. Next, as... Figure 16As shown in (b), a sealing portion α is formed by heat-sealing opposing outer casings 20 together under a reduced pressure atmosphere, thereby sealing the internal element 15 inside the outer casing 20. Under a reduced pressure atmosphere, a force that brings the groove structure 11a and the outer casing 20 closer together is applied in such a way that the space between the groove structure 11a and the outer casing 20 disappears. As a result, a portion of the outer casing 20 is housed in the housing portion 21 of the groove structure 11a.

[0091] According to this disclosure, wrinkles in the outer casing are suppressed by using internal elements with a groove structure and housing a portion of the outer casing in the groove structure.

[0092] 1. Configuration process

[0093] The configuration process in this disclosure is a process of arranging the outer casing in a manner that covers the area around the internal components. Regarding the internal components and the outer casing, the content is the same as described in "A. Battery" above, so it is omitted here. The internal components are preferably arranged in the cup portion of the outer casing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the positive and negative electrode tabs in the internal components are connected to the positive and negative terminals, respectively.

[0094] 2. Sealing process

[0095] The sealing process in this disclosure is a process of sealing the internal components with an outer casing under a reduced pressure atmosphere after the configuration process. Specifically, it is preferable to form a seal by heat-sealing the opposing outer casings together using, for example, a heat pipe while venting air present between the internal components and the outer casing.

[0096] 3. Battery

[0097] The batteries obtained through the above processes are the same as those described in "A. Batteries" above, so they are omitted here.

[0098] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above are illustrative, and all solutions that have the same technical concept as those described in the scope of the patent claims of this disclosure and that achieve the same effect are included within the technical scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery having at least an internal element comprising a power generation element and a laminated outer casing sealing the internal element. The internal components have a slot structure. The length of the groove structure in the extending direction is more than 50% of the length of the battery in the extending direction. The battery has a storage section formed by a portion of the outer casing being housed within the slot structure.

2. The battery according to claim 1, The internal component has a fixing member disposed on the side of the power generation element. The groove structure is formed in the fixing member.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, The internal component has a protective member that protects at least one of the collector tabs and the collector terminal. The groove structure is formed in the protective member.

4. A method of manufacturing a battery, the battery having at least an internal element comprising a power generation element and a laminated outer casing sealing the internal element, the method of manufacturing the battery comprising an assembly step and a sealing step following the assembly step. The configuration process involves configuring the outer casing in a manner that covers the area surrounding the internal components. The sealing process involves sealing the internal components with the outer casing under reduced pressure. The internal components have a slot structure. The length of the groove structure in the extending direction is more than 50% of the length of the battery in the extending direction. In the sealing process, a portion of the outer casing is housed in the receiving section of the groove structure.

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