battery

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery and an electrode body holder in which electrode tabs are less likely to be damaged. In one preferred embodiment, a battery disclosed herein has a case, a sealing plate, one or more electrode bodies, a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a positive current collector, and a negative current collector. The electrode body has an electrode body main portion, a positive tab group protruding from a first end portion of the electrode body main portion in a direction along a long side wall, and a negative tab group protruding from a second end portion in the same direction. Here, the positive tab group and the negative tab group are bent in a manner that the tips of the respective electrode tabs constituting them are arranged along a short side wall, and a portion of the bent electrode tabs is joined to the current collector of the same polarity. The battery has a spacer that restricts movement of the electrode body between the electrode body main portion and the short side wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to batteries and electrode holders. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion secondary batteries and similar batteries generally include: an electrode body having electrodes; an outer casing having an opening and housing the electrode body; a sealing plate sealing the opening of the outer casing; terminals electrically connected to the electrodes inside the outer casing and extending from the sealing plate to the outside of the outer casing; and a current collector electrically connecting the electrode body and the terminals. Typically, such batteries have a structure where the electrodes are provided with an electrode tab assembly including multiple electrode tabs for current collection, and the electrodes are connected to the terminals via this electrode tab assembly.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery in which positive and negative electrode tabs are respectively provided at both ends of an electrode assembly (electrode body) in the width direction. According to the publication, these electrode tabs are bent along the end face of the electrode assembly in the width direction, and the bent portion of the electrode tab is connected (joined) to the current collector.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-50069

[0007] Furthermore, batteries are sometimes subjected to external vibrations and impacts. Electrode tabs, for example, are part of the electrode core and are flexible and easily affected by external forces. For instance, when an external force is applied to the electrode tab assembly along the width of the electrode body, the electrode body will deviate from its intended position, and the electrode tab assembly (positive and / or negative electrode tab assembly) will be stretched in the same direction or pressed against the inner wall of the electrode body or outer casing. Applying such a load to the electrode tab assembly is a major cause of damage to the electrode tab assembly and is therefore undesirable. When the electrode tab assembly is damaged, the electrical connection between the electrode and the terminal may become unstable or poor. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a battery in which the electrode tab assembly is not easily damaged.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] According to the technology disclosed herein, a battery is provided, the battery comprising: an outer casing having a bottom wall, a pair of first sidewalls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, a pair of second sidewalls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, and an opening facing the bottom wall; a sealing plate sealing the opening; one or more electrode bodies housed in the outer casing and including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a positive terminal and a negative terminal mounted on the sealing plate; a positive current collector electrically connecting the positive electrode of the electrode body to the positive terminal; and a negative current collector electrically connecting the negative electrode of the electrode body to the negative terminal. The electrode body includes: an electrode body main body; a positive electrode tab assembly comprising a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from a first end of the electrode body main body in a first direction along the first sidewall; and a negative electrode tab assembly comprising a plurality of negative electrode tabs protruding from a second end of the electrode body main body in the first direction, different from the first end. Here, the positive electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each positive electrode tab constituting the positive electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent positive electrode tab engages with the positive current collector. The negative electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each negative electrode tab constituting the negative electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent negative electrode tab engages with the negative current collector. A spacer is provided between the electrode body main body and the second sidewall to restrict the movement of the electrode body.

[0012] In this battery structure, by providing a spacer between the electrode body main body and the second sidewall to restrict the movement of the electrode body, movement of the electrode body within the outer casing (particularly movement in the first direction) can be suppressed even when external forces such as vibration or impact are applied to the battery from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the load on the electrode tab assembly due to the movement of the electrode body, and to prevent damage to the electrode tab assembly. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the terms "positive electrode tab" and "negative electrode tab" in this specification are sometimes referred to as "electrode tab," especially when no distinction is made between positive and negative. The same applies to "electrode current collector."

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the battery disclosed herein, the spacer includes a spacer body portion disposed between the positive electrode tab group and the positive electrode current collector, or between the negative electrode tab group and the negative electrode current collector. According to this structure, since the spacer body portion is disposed between the electrode tab group and the electrode current collector, damage suppression of the electrode tab group can be achieved more efficiently.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the battery includes a plurality of electrode bodies within the outer casing. The battery also includes a plurality of spacer body portions. Each spacer body portion is disposed between the positive electrode tab group and the positive current collector of each electrode body, or between the negative electrode tab group and the negative current collector of each electrode body. A connecting portion is formed where one end of each spacer body portion is interconnected. According to this structure, in addition to the aforementioned effects, the number of times the spacer body portions are arranged (inserted) in the battery manufacturing process can be reduced.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the connecting portion is disposed on the sealing plate side or the bottom wall side. According to this structure, in addition to the effects described above, it is also possible to prevent the spacer body from detaching.

[0016] In another embodiment of the battery disclosed herein, the spacer is disposed between the positive electrode tab assembly and the bottom wall, or between the negative electrode tab assembly and the bottom wall. According to this structure, movement of the electrode body can be suppressed more efficiently. This effect of suppressing electrode body movement also enables damage suppression of the electrode tab assembly.

[0017] In another embodiment, the spacer is rectangular in shape. This structure allows for more efficient suppression of electrode movement. This suppression of electrode movement, in turn, helps to prevent damage to the electrode tab assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the spacer has a rectangular plate portion and two first vertically erected portions that are respectively erected in the same direction from a pair of opposing sides of the plate portion. The two first vertically erected portions face the first sidewall. The ends of the two first vertically erected portions in the vertical direction face the second sidewall. According to this structure, in addition to the effects described above, the internal space of the outer casing can be increased. Therefore, the amount of electrolyte injected can be increased. Furthermore, the increase in internal pressure during gas generation can be suppressed.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the two first vertically erected portions have extensions extending in the extending direction of the pair of sides of the plate portion. According to this structure, in addition to the effects described above, the impregnation of the electrolyte into the electrode body can be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the spacer has a rectangular plate portion, a second vertically erected portion erected from one side of the plate portion, and a support plate portion extending from the second vertically erected portion in a direction parallel to the plate portion. The length of the support plate portion in the direction in which the support plate portion extends is less than the length of the plate portion in that direction. The second vertically erected portion is disposed on the sealing plate side. The plate portion faces the second sidewall. The support plate portion faces the electrode body body portion. According to this structure, the spacer can be given elasticity. Therefore, the movement suppression effect of the electrode body can be improved.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the technology disclosed herein, a battery holder is provided that houses one or more electrode bodies within a battery casing. The electrode holder has an internal space accommodating the one or more electrode bodies. The electrode holder includes: an opening communicating with the internal space; a rectangular base facing the opening; a pair of wide surfaces extending from the base and facing each other; and a pair of narrow surfaces extending from the base and facing each other. The electrode holder is formed by bending a resin film. At least one of the pair of narrow surfaces has a spacer inside the electrode holder that restricts movement of the electrode body. According to this structure, the electrode holder can be given a movement suppression effect on the electrode body, achieving a damage suppression effect on the electrode tab assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the electrode holder disclosed herein, the spacer is formed by bending at least a portion of the narrow-width forming portion of the film, which is adjacent to the portion constituting the wide width and forms the narrow width, inward toward the electrode holder. According to this structure, it is not necessary to add components other than the film for arranging the spacer. Therefore, the electrode holder can be manufactured more easily.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the electrode holder, the spacer is formed by bending at least a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the portion constituting the bottom surface of the film inward toward the electrode holder. According to this structure, in addition to the effects described above, the spacer can apply pressure to the electrode more evenly.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the electrode holder, the spacer is cylindrical and made of a different resin sheet than the membrane. According to this structure, in addition to the effects described above, different constituent materials can be used in the electrode holder and the spacer. Furthermore, adjusting the thickness of the spacer becomes easier.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the technology disclosed herein, a battery is provided comprising one or more electrode bodies and an electrode body holder that houses the electrode bodies. The battery includes the electrode body holder. Based on this structure, a battery can be provided that appropriately achieves an electrode body movement suppression effect, thereby achieving an electrode tab assembly damage suppression effect. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing the battery 1 of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II-II.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode body 20 installed on the sealing plate 14.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing an electrode body 20 on which a portion of a positive current collector 50 and a portion of a negative current collector 60 are mounted.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electrode body 20.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view, viewed from the sealing plate 14 side, illustrating the connection between the positive electrode tab group 23 and the positive electrode current collector 50.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the spacer body 100 used in the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the spacer used in a variation of the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1 as seen from the short sidewall 12c side of the outer casing 12, illustrating the arrangement of the spacers in a variation of the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1 as seen from the short sidewall 12c side of the outer casing 12, illustrating the arrangement of the spacers in a variation of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1 as seen from the long sidewall 12b side of the outer body 12, illustrating the configuration of the spacer 200 used in the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 This is an unfolded view of the electrode holder 290 according to the third embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 according to the third embodiment, as seen from the opening side of the electrode holder.

[0043] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A portion of the unfolded view of the electrode holder 290 shown.

[0044] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 of the third embodiment, as seen from the wide side of the electrode holder.

[0045] Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 of the third embodiment, as seen from the wide side of the electrode holder.

[0046] Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 of the third embodiment, as seen from the wide side of the electrode holder.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0048] 1 Battery

[0049] 10 Battery casing

[0050] 12 outer body

[0051] 14 Sealing board

[0052] 15 injection holes

[0053] 16 Sealing components

[0054] 17 Gas discharge valve

[0055] 18 and 19 terminal lead-out holes

[0056] 20 Electrode Body

[0057] 20a Electrode Body Main Body

[0058] 22 Positive electrode plate

[0059] 22a Positive electrode active material layer

[0060] 22c positive current collector foil

[0061] 22p Positive electrode protective layer

[0062] 22t positive electrode tab

[0063] 23 Positive electrode tab group

[0064] 24 Negative electrode plate

[0065] 24a Negative electrode active material layer

[0066] 24C negative electrode current collector foil

[0067] 24t negative electrode tab

[0068] 25 Negative electrode tabs

[0069] 26. Diaphragm

[0070] 29 Electrode holder

[0071] 30 Positive extremes

[0072] 35 Positive electrode external conductive component

[0073] 40 Negative extremes

[0074] 45 External conductive component of negative electrode

[0075] 50 Positive current collector

[0076] 60 Negative current collector

[0077] 70 Insulator

[0078] 90 Washer

[0079] 92 External insulation components

[0080] 100 Spacer Main Body

[0081] 200 spacers

[0082] 290 Electrode Body Holder

[0083] 29a~d Narrow-width forming section

[0084] 291 Bottom

[0085] 292 wide format

[0086] 293 Adjacent parts of the bottom surface

[0087] 294 Narrow Frame

[0088] 310, 320, 330, 340 spacers Detailed Implementation

[0089] Hereinafter, several preferred embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that matters necessary for implementing the technology disclosed herein, other than those specifically mentioned in this specification (e.g., the general structure and manufacturing process of a battery (a secondary battery in this specification) that does not represent the technology disclosed herein), can be grasped by those skilled in the art based on prior art in this field. The technology disclosed herein can be implemented based on the content disclosed in this specification and common technical knowledge in this field.

[0090] In this manual, "secondary battery" refers to all energy storage devices capable of repeated charging and discharging. It includes lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and other so-called storage batteries (chemical batteries), as well as capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors (physical batteries). In this manual, secondary batteries will also be simply referred to as "batteries".

[0091] <First Implementation Method>

[0092] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing the battery 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view along line II-II. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings referenced in this specification, reference numeral X indicates "depth direction," reference numeral Y indicates "width direction," and reference numeral Z indicates "height direction." Additionally, in the depth direction X, F indicates "front," and Rr indicates "rear." In the width direction Y, L indicates "left," and R indicates "right." And in the height direction Z, U indicates "up," and D indicates "down." However, these are merely directions for ease of explanation and do not limit the arrangement of battery 1 in any way.

[0093] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, battery 1 includes a battery casing 10, electrode bodies 20, a positive terminal 30, a negative terminal 40, a positive current collector 50, a negative current collector 60, an insulator 70, and a gasket 90. Although the diagram is omitted, battery 1 also includes an electrolyte. Battery 1 is a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0094] The battery casing 10 is a frame that houses the electrode body 20. The battery casing 10 has a flat, bottomed cuboid shape (square). The material of the battery casing 10 can be the same as conventionally used materials, without particular limitation. The battery casing 10 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or iron alloy. Furthermore, in addition to the electrode body 20, an electrolyte (not shown) is also contained inside the battery casing 10. This electrolyte can be any electrolyte suitable for lithium-ion secondary batteries without particular limitation. The electrolyte does not represent the technology disclosed herein, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0095] The battery casing 10 includes an outer body 12 with an opening 12h and a sealing plate (cover) 14 that blocks the opening 12h. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 12 includes: a planar rectangular bottom wall 12a, a pair of long side walls 12b extending from the long side of the bottom wall 12a in the height direction Z and facing each other, and a pair of short side walls 12c extending from the short side of the bottom wall 12a in the height direction and facing each other. The long side walls 12b are an example of the first side walls in the battery disclosed herein. The short side walls 12c are an example of the second side walls in the battery disclosed herein. The bottom wall 12a faces the opening 12h. The area of ​​the short side walls 12c is smaller than the area of ​​the long side walls 12b. A sealing plate 14 seals the opening 12h of the outer casing 12. The sealing plate 14 faces the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12. The sealing plate 14 is generally rectangular when viewed from above. The battery casing 10 is integrated by joining the sealing plate 14 to the periphery of the opening 12h of the outer casing 12. The battery casing 10 is hermetically sealed (sealed).

[0096] The sealing plate 14 is provided with an injection hole 15, a gas vent valve 17, and two terminal outlet holes 18 and 19. The injection hole 15 is used to inject electrolyte after the sealing plate 14 is assembled to the outer casing 12. The injection hole 15 is sealed by a sealing member 16. The gas vent valve 17 is configured to break when the pressure inside the battery casing 10 reaches a predetermined value, thereby venting the gas inside the battery casing 10 to the outside through a thin-walled portion. The terminal outlet holes 18 and 19 are formed at both ends of the sealing plate 14 in the width direction Y. The terminal outlet holes 18 and 19 penetrate the sealing plate 14 in the height direction Z. The terminal outlet holes 18 and 19 have an inner diameter that allows the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 40, which are installed before the sealing plate 14 (before riveting), to pass through.

[0097] A positive terminal 30 and a negative terminal 40 are respectively installed on the sealing plate 14. The positive terminal 30 is located on one side of the sealing plate 14 in the width direction Y. Figure 1 , Figure 2 (Left side). The negative end 40 is disposed on the other side of the sealing plate 14 in the width direction Y. Figure 1 , Figure 2 (Right side). Positive terminal 30, for example, uses aluminum, etc. Negative terminal 40, for example, uses copper, etc.

[0098] The positive terminal 30 has: a flat base 31 disposed on the outer surface of the sealing plate 14; and a shaft 32 extending from the base 31 downward in the height direction Z (towards the bottom wall 12a). The base 31 of the positive terminal 30 is exposed on the outer surface of the sealing plate 14. The shaft 32 of the positive terminal 30 extends from the outside to the inside of the sealing plate 14 through the terminal lead-out hole 18. The shaft 32 is inserted into the through hole of the positive first current collector 51 of the positive current collector 50 (described later) inside the battery housing 10 and is fixed to the positive first current collector 51. The positive terminal 30 is here fixed to the periphery of the sealing plate 14 surrounding the terminal lead-out hole 18 by riveting. Furthermore, in the battery 1, the negative terminal 40 also has a substantially the same structure as the positive terminal 30. Therefore, detailed illustrations and descriptions regarding the structure of the negative terminal 40 are omitted. Figure 2 In the figure, reference numeral 41 is the base of the negative end 40, and reference numeral 42 is the shaft.

[0099] A plate-shaped positive electrode external conductive member 35 and a negative electrode external conductive member 45 are mounted on the outer surface of the sealing plate 14. The positive electrode external conductive member 35 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 30. The negative electrode external conductive member 45 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 40. The positive electrode external conductive member 35 and the negative electrode external conductive member 45 are components with busbars attached when multiple batteries 1 are electrically connected to each other. The positive electrode external conductive member 35 and the negative electrode external conductive member 45 are made of, for example, aluminum or aluminum alloy. The positive electrode external conductive member 35 and the negative electrode external conductive member 45 are insulated from the sealing plate 14 by an external insulating member 92. However, the positive electrode external conductive member 35 and the negative electrode external conductive member 45 are not necessary and may be omitted in other embodiments. Furthermore, as the constituent material of the external insulating member 92, resin materials listed as constituent materials of the insulator 70 and gasket 90 described later can be used.

[0100] An insulator 70 is disposed between the positive current collector 50 (specifically, the terminal connection portion 51a of the first positive current collector 51) and the inner surface of the sealing plate 14. A through hole is formed in the insulator 70. A washer 90 is disposed between the positive terminal 30 (specifically, the base 31) and the outer surface of the sealing plate 14. The washer 90 has a cylindrical protrusion that inserts into the terminal lead-out hole 18 of the sealing plate 14. The protrusion of the washer 90 is arranged along the inner circumference of the through hole of the insulator 70. By providing the insulator 70 and washer 90 with the above structure, contact between the positive current collector 50 and the sealing plate 14, and contact between the positive terminal 30 and the sealing plate 14, can be prevented. It should be noted that the same insulating structure using the insulator and washer is also provided on the negative terminal 40 side, and detailed description is omitted. In addition, the constituent materials of insulator 70 and gasket 90 are not particularly limited, and can be resin materials such as polyolefin resin (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)) and fluororesin (e.g., perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

[0101] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the electrode body 20 installed on the sealing plate 14. Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing an electrode body 20 on which a portion of a positive current collector 50 and a portion of a negative current collector 60 are mounted. The battery 1 includes one or more electrode bodies 20, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment includes three electrode bodies 20. The electrode bodies 20 are held by electrode body retainers 29 made of resin sheets such as polyethylene (PE) (see reference 20). Figure 2 The covered state configuration is located inside the outer casing 12. For example... Figures 2-4 As shown, the battery 1 has a positive current collector 50 that electrically connects the positive electrode of the electrode body 20 to the positive terminal 30, and a negative current collector 60 that electrically connects the negative electrode of the electrode body 20 to the negative terminal 40 inside the outer casing 12.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electrode body 20. (As shown) Figure 5 As shown, electrode body 20 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode (in Figure 5 The positive electrode 22 and the negative electrode 24 are located in the middle. The electrode body 20 is a flat wound electrode body formed by stacking strip-shaped positive electrode 22 and strip-shaped negative electrode 24 separated by a strip-shaped separator 26 and wound around a winding shaft WL. The electrode body 20 includes an electrode body main body 20a, a positive electrode tab group 23, and a negative electrode tab group 25 (see reference). Figures 2-4 The electrode body 20a is a portion formed by stacking a positive electrode plate 22, a negative electrode plate 24, and a separator 26, as shown below. Figures 3-5As shown, it has a flat shape. It should be noted that the materials used to construct the positive electrode plate 22, negative electrode plate 24, and separator 26 can be any materials used in this type of lithium-ion secondary battery without particular limitation. These materials do not characterize the technology disclosed herein, and therefore detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0103] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 5, the electrode body 20 is disposed inside the outer casing 12 with its winding axis WL parallel to the width direction Y. In other words, the electrode body 20 is disposed inside the outer casing 12 with its winding axis WL parallel to the bottom wall 12a and orthogonal to the short sidewall 12c. Furthermore, along the direction of the winding axis WL (in other words...) Figure 5 The two end faces of the electrode body 20 in the width direction (Y) face the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12. In this specification, for ease of explanation, the side closest to the positive current collector 50 (…) Figure 2 The end of the electrode body 20 (electrode body main body 20a) facing the short sidewall 12c (on the left side in the width direction Y) is referred to as the "first end 201". Furthermore, the side closest to the negative electrode current collector 60 ( Figure 2 The end of the electrode body 20 (electrode body main body 20a) facing the short sidewall 12c (to the right of the width direction Y) is called the "second end 202".

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the positive electrode plate 22 is a long strip-shaped component. The positive electrode plate 22 has a positive electrode current collector foil 22c and a positive electrode active material layer 22a fixed to at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector foil 22c. Although not particularly limited, a positive electrode protective layer 22p may also be provided on one side edge in the width direction Y of the positive electrode plate 22 as needed.

[0105] At one end of the strip-shaped positive electrode current collector foil 22c in the width direction Y ( Figure 5 Multiple positive electrode tabs 22t are provided at the left end. The multiple positive electrode tabs 22t are respectively oriented towards one side in the width direction Y ( Figure 5 The positive electrode tabs 22t protrude from the left side of the diaphragm 26. Multiple positive electrode tabs 22t protrude outwards in the width direction Y from the diaphragm 26. The multiple positive electrode tabs 22t are spaced apart (discontinuously) along the length of the positive electrode plate 22. Each of the multiple positive electrode tabs 22t is trapezoidal. The positive electrode tabs 22t are part of the positive electrode current collector foil 22c, and are made of metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil). The positive electrode tabs 22t are the portions of the positive electrode current collector foil 22c where the positive electrode active material layer 22a and the positive electrode protective layer 22p are not formed (exposed portion of the current collector foil). However, the positive electrode tabs 22t can also be components different from the positive electrode current collector foil 22c.

[0106] Similar to the positive electrode plate 22, the negative electrode plate 24 is also a long, strip-shaped component. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the negative electrode plate 24 has a negative electrode current collector foil 24c and a negative electrode active material layer 24a fixed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector foil 24c.

[0107] At one end of the strip-shaped negative electrode current collector foil 24c in the width direction Y ( Figure 5 Multiple negative electrode tabs 24t are provided at the right end. The multiple negative electrode tabs 24t face one side in the width direction Y. Figure 5 The right side of the negative electrode plate 24 protrudes outward from the diaphragm 26 in the width direction Y. The multiple negative electrode tabs 24t are spaced apart (discontinuously) along the length of the negative electrode plate 24. Each of the multiple negative electrode tabs 24t is trapezoidal. The negative electrode tab 24t is here part of the negative electrode current collector foil 24c, and is made of metal foil (e.g., copper foil). The negative electrode tab 24t is here the portion of the negative electrode current collector foil 24c where the negative electrode active material layer 24a is not formed (exposed portion of the current collector foil). However, the negative electrode tab 24t can also be a different component from the negative electrode current collector foil 24c.

[0108] When the above winding is performed, a plurality of positive electrode tabs 22t protruding from the first end 201 of the electrode body 20a are stacked to form a positive electrode tab group 23 including a plurality of positive electrode tabs 22t. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view, viewed from the side of the sealing plate 14, illustrating the connection between the positive electrode tab assembly 23 and the positive current collector 50. (See attached image.) Figures 1-6 As shown, the tips of each positive electrode tab 22t constituting the positive electrode tab group 23 are bent along the short sidewall 12c. This bending forms a positive electrode bent portion 23a in the positive electrode tab group 23. Furthermore, a portion of the bent positive electrode tab 22t is joined to the positive electrode current collector 50 (specifically, the tab joint 52b). Specifically, a portion of the positive electrode tab 22t closer to its tip than the positive electrode bent portion 23a is joined to the positive electrode current collector 50, forming a joint J between the positive electrode tab 22t and the positive electrode current collector 50. Furthermore, methods for this joining include, for example, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, and laser welding (the same applies to the negative electrode).

[0109] Furthermore, during the aforementioned winding process, a plurality of negative electrode tabs 24t protruding from the second end 202 of the electrode body 20a are stacked to form a negative electrode tab assembly 25 comprising a plurality of negative electrode tabs 24t. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the top tips of each negative electrode tab 24t constituting the negative electrode tab assembly 25 are bent along the short sidewall 12c. This bending creates a negative electrode bending portion in the negative electrode tab assembly 25. Additionally, a portion of the bent negative electrode tab 24t engages with the negative electrode current collector 60 (specifically, the tab engagement portion 62b). Specifically, a portion of the negative electrode tab 24t closer to its top tip than the negative electrode bending portion engages with the negative electrode current collector 60, forming an engagement portion between the negative electrode tab 24t and the negative electrode tab assembly 25.

[0110] like Figure 2 As shown, the positive current collector 50 includes a first positive current collector 51 and a second positive current collector 52. The first positive current collector 51 is formed in an L-shaped cross-section. The first positive current collector 51 has: a terminal connection portion 51a, which is disposed along the inner surface of the sealing plate 14; and a lead portion 51b, which extends from one end of the terminal connection portion 51a in the width direction Y toward the bottom wall 12a. In the terminal connection portion 51a, a through hole is formed at a position corresponding to the terminal lead-out hole 18 of the sealing plate 14. The shaft portion 32 of the positive terminal 30 is inserted through this through hole.

[0111] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the second positive current collector 52 extends toward the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12. The second positive current collector 52 has a first current collector connection portion 52a and a tab engagement portion 52b. The first current collector connection portion 52a is the portion electrically connected to the first positive current collector 51. The first current collector connection portion 52a extends in the vertical direction Z. The first current collector connection portion 52a is arranged substantially perpendicular to the winding axis WL of each electrode body 20. The tab engagement portion 52b is attached to the positive electrode tab assembly 23 and engages with a plurality of positive electrode tabs 22t. The tab engagement portion 52b extends in the vertical direction Z. The tab engagement portion 52b is arranged substantially perpendicular to the winding axis WL of each electrode body 20. The surface of the tab engagement portion 52b that engages with the plurality of positive electrode tabs 22t is arranged substantially parallel to the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12.

[0112] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the negative current collector 60 includes a first negative current collector 61 and a second negative current collector 62. The first negative current collector 61 has a terminal connection portion 61a and a lead portion 61b. The second negative current collector 62 has a first current collector connection portion 62a and a tab connection portion 62b. The structure of the negative current collector 60 is the same as that of the positive current collector 50 described above, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0113] The battery 1 has a spacer between the electrode body main body 20a and the short sidewall 12c to restrict the movement of the electrode body 20. By arranging the spacer at this location, even when external forces such as vibration or impact are applied to the battery 1, the movement of the electrode body within the outer casing (especially the movement in the width direction Y) can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the application of load to the electrode tabs due to the movement of the electrode body, thereby suppressing damage to the electrode tab assembly.

[0114] For example, as the spacer, the battery 1 includes at least one of a spacer disposed between the first end 201 of the electrode body 20a and the short sidewall 12c (e.g., a first spacer disposed on the positive electrode side) and a spacer disposed between the second end 202 of the electrode body 20a and the short sidewall 12c (e.g., a second spacer disposed on the negative electrode side). If the positive electrode tab 22t is made of a material more easily broken than the negative electrode tab 24t, it is preferable to have a spacer at least on the positive electrode side. The battery 1 may also include both the first spacer and the second spacer. The same applies to the second embodiment described below.

[0115] In this embodiment, the battery 1 includes a spacer main body 100 disposed between the positive electrode tab group 23 and the positive electrode current collector 50, or between the negative electrode tab group 25 and the negative electrode current collector 60 (see reference). Figure 6 (etc.) as the spacer. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the spacer body 100 used in the first embodiment. The spacer body 100 is made of resin material, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it is rod-shaped (in) Figure 7 The middle part is a roughly triangular prism with rounded corners (when viewed in cross-section). As the resin material, resin materials with insulating and electrolyte-resistant properties can be used without particular limitation. Specifically, examples include polyolefin resins (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)), fluoropolymers (e.g., perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)), etc.

[0116] When the spacer body 100 is positioned on the positive electrode side, for example, as Figure 6 As shown, the spacer body 100 is disposed between the joint J and the positive electrode tab 22t. More specifically, the spacer body 100 is disposed between the joint J and the positive electrode tab 22t, which is closest to the joint J in the bent state (in... Figure 6The spacer body 100 is located between the positive electrode tabs (denoted by reference numeral 22t1 in the attached drawing). By arranging the spacer body 100 at this location, the damage suppression effect on the electrode tab assembly can be achieved more efficiently. Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the spacer body 100 abuts against the positive electrode tab 22t for more efficient damage suppression of the electrode tab assembly. Furthermore, the case where the spacer body 100 is arranged on the negative electrode side is the same as the case where it is arranged on the positive electrode side, therefore detailed description is omitted here.

[0117] In the configuration where multiple electrode bodies 20 are provided within the outer casing 12, multiple spacer main bodies 100 are preferably provided. In this case, each spacer main body 100 can be disposed between the positive electrode tab group 23 and the positive current collector 50 of each electrode body 20, or between the negative electrode tab group 25 and the negative current collector 60 of each electrode body 20. Alternatively, one end of each spacer main body 100 may be connected to one end of other spacer main bodies 100 to form a connecting portion. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a spacer used in a variation of the first embodiment. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, a rod-shaped connecting member 110 can be used to connect one end of each spacer body 100 to the other. Therefore, when the spacer body 100 is placed (inserted) at a predetermined position during the manufacturing process of the battery 1, the number of times the spacer body 100 is inserted can be reduced.

[0118] Figure 9 , Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1, viewed from the short sidewall 12c side of the outer casing 12, illustrating the arrangement of the spacer in a modified example of the first embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 9 , Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the spacer; the electrode tab assembly and terminal structure are omitted from the diagram. The connecting part (specifically, the connecting member 110) can be positioned on the side of the sealing plate 14 (see reference). Figure 9 ) or bottom wall 12a side (refer to Figure 1 , Figure 10 The above effects can be achieved in any case. When the connecting member 110 is placed on the sealing plate 14 side, in addition to achieving the effect of suppressing the movement of the electrode body 20 and thus the effect of suppressing damage to the electrode tab assembly, it can also achieve the effect of suppressing the detachment of the spacer.

[0119] Furthermore, in the configuration where multiple electrode bodies 20 are provided within the outer casing 12, it is sufficient to arrange spacer main bodies 100 of a number sufficient to achieve the aforementioned movement suppression effect of the electrode bodies 20 on the electrode bodies 20. That is, spacer main bodies 100 may be arranged relative to each of the multiple electrode bodies 20, or spacer main bodies 100 may be arranged on several of the multiple electrode bodies 20 while spacer main bodies 100 may not be arranged relative to the remaining electrode bodies 20.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the spacer body 100 is generally triangular prism in shape, but the shape is not limited to this as long as it can achieve the above-mentioned effect. The shape may be, for example, cylindrical (including a shape that is elliptical in cross-section) or prismatic (including generally prismatic). Alternatively, a component formed by bending a resin film (resin sheet) may be used as the spacer body 100.

[0121] <Second Implementation Method>

[0122] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery 1 viewed from the long sidewall 12b side of the outer casing 12, illustrating the placement of the spacer 200 used in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the spacer 200 is disposed between the positive electrode tab group 23 and the bottom wall 12a, or between the negative electrode tab group 25 and the bottom wall 12a (in... Figure 11 The middle section is located between the positive electrode tab group 23 and the bottom wall 12a. See also... Figure 1 By configuring a spacer at this location, movement of the electrode body 20 (particularly movement in the width direction Y) can be suppressed, thereby suppressing damage to the electrode tab assembly. The spacer 200 is disposed inside the electrode body holder 29. Here, the spacer 200 may also be bonded or fused to the electrode body holder. In this case, conventionally known methods can be used, and there is no particular limitation. Furthermore, the number of spacers 200 is not particularly limited; there may be one, two, or more.

[0123] Furthermore, the battery structure in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, except for the parts related to the spacer (which are characteristic only in the first embodiment described above). Therefore, the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings describing this embodiment sometimes use the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment described above. Additionally, the following description will focus on the embodiment where the spacer 200 is positioned on the positive electrode side (the side of the first end 201 of the electrode body 20a), but the same applies to the negative electrode side, so detailed descriptions are omitted here. In the following description, appropriate references will be made to… Figure 1 , 2 11.

[0124] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 12 As shown, the spacer 210 is rectangular in shape. The spacer 210 has a rectangular lower end face 211, an upper end face 212 facing the lower end face 211, a pair of first side faces 213 extending from a pair of long sides of the lower end face 211, and a pair of second side faces 214 extending from a pair of short sides of the lower end face 211. As an example, the spacer 210 is arranged such that one first side face 213 faces the first end 201 of the electrode body 20a and the other first side face 213 faces the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12. In this case, the lower end face 211 faces the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12, and the upper end face 212 faces the sealing plate 14. Furthermore, the pair of second side faces the long sidewalls 12b of the outer casing 12, respectively. Preferably, the ratio (L1 / La) of the length L1 of the shorter side of the lower end face 211 to the length La between the inner wall surface of the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12 and the first end face 201 of the electrode body 20a is set to 0.75 to 0.9. By setting the above ratio (L1 / La) within a predetermined range, the spacer 210 can be inserted more easily, and the movement of the electrode body 20 can be appropriately suppressed. It should be noted that the cuboid shape includes a generally cuboid shape with rounded corners.

[0125] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, the spacer 220 has a rectangular plate portion 221 and two first vertically erected portions 222 that are respectively erected in the same direction from a pair of opposing sides of the plate portion 221. The two first vertically erected portions 222 face the long sidewall 12b of the outer casing 12. The ends of the two first vertically erected portions 222 in the vertical direction face the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12. By having a spacer 220 with this shape, the movement suppression effect of the electrode body 20 can be achieved, thereby achieving the damage suppression effect of the electrode tab assembly. In addition, the amount of electrolyte injected can be increased. Furthermore, the rate of internal pressure rise when gas is generated in the battery casing 10 can be reduced.

[0126] Preferably, the ratio (L2 / La) of the length L2 of the first vertically erected portion 222 in the vertically erected direction to the length La between the inner wall surface of the short side wall 12c of the outer casing 12 and the first end face 201 of the electrode body 20a is set to 0.75 to 0.9. By setting the above ratio (L2 / La) within a predetermined range, the spacer 220 can be inserted more easily, and the movement of the electrode body 20 can be appropriately suppressed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of giving appropriate rigidity to each part of the spacer 220 and ensuring space within the battery casing 10, the thickness (plate thickness) of each part of the spacer 220 can be set to 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0127] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 14 As shown, the spacer 230 has a rectangular plate portion 231 and two first vertically erected portions 232 that are respectively erected in the same direction from a pair of opposing sides of the plate portion 231. Furthermore, each of the two first vertically erected portions 232 has an extension portion 233 extending in the extending direction of the pair of sides of the plate portion 231. The two first vertically erected portions 232 face the long sidewall 12b of the outer casing 12. The ends of the two first vertically erected portions 232 in the vertical direction face the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12. By providing the extension portion 233, in addition to the effects achieved by the spacer 220, the impregnation of the electrolyte into the electrode body 20 can be improved. The extension portion 233 can also abut against the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12.

[0128] Preferably, the ratio (L3 / La) of the length L3 of the first vertically positioned portion 232 in the vertical direction to the length La between the inner wall surface of the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12 and the first end face 201 of the electrode body 20a is set to 0.75 to 0.9. By setting the above ratio (L3 / La) within a predetermined range, the insertion of the spacer 230 can be made easier, and the movement of the electrode body 20 can be appropriately suppressed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of giving appropriate rigidity to each part of the spacer 230 and ensuring space within the battery casing 10, the thickness (plate thickness) of each part of the spacer 230 can be set to 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0129] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing an example of the spacer used in the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 15As shown, the spacer 240 has a rectangular plate portion 241, a second vertically erected portion 242 erected from one side of the plate portion 241, and a support plate portion 243 extending from the second vertically erected portion 242 in a direction parallel to the plate portion 241. The plate portion 241 and the support plate portion 243 face each other. The length H1 of the support plate portion 243 in the direction in which it extends is less than the length H2 of the plate portion 241 in the same direction. The spacer 240 of this structure is elastic. By using the spacer 240, the movement suppression effect of the electrode body 20 can be achieved, thereby achieving the damage suppression effect of the electrode tab assembly. Although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of making the electrolyte impregnate the electrode body 20 better, it is preferable that the second vertically erected portion 242 is disposed on the sealing plate 14 side. Furthermore, from the same perspective, although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the plate portion 241 faces the short sidewall 12c of the outer casing 12, and the support plate portion 243 faces the electrode body main body portion 20a (e.g., the first end face 201). The end of the plate portion 241 in the height direction Z of the battery 1 may also abut against the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12.

[0130] Preferably, the ratio (L4 / La) of the length L4 of the second vertically positioned portion 242 in the vertically positioned direction to the length La between the inner wall surface of the short side wall 12c of the outer casing 12 and the first end face 201 of the electrode body main body 20a is set to 0.75 to 0.9. By setting the above-mentioned ratio (L4 / La) within a predetermined range, the insertion of the spacer 240 can be made easier, and the movement of the electrode body 20 can be appropriately suppressed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of giving appropriate rigidity to each part of the spacer 240 and ensuring space within the battery casing 10, the thickness (plate thickness) of each part of the spacer 240 can be set to 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0131] <Third Implementation Method>

[0132] In the third embodiment, a battery holder is provided that houses one or more electrode bodies 20 housed within a battery casing 10 (see reference). Figure 2 (etc.). The battery holder in this embodiment is a... Figure 16 The shape shown is formed by bending a resin film (such as a resin film made of polyethylene (PE) or other resin films). Figure 16 This is an unfolded view of the electrode holder 290 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 As shown, the electrode holder 290, in its unfolded state, has a rectangular bottom surface 291, a pair of wide surfaces 292 extending from a pair of opposing long sides of the bottom surface 291, a pair of adjacent bottom surface portions 293 extending from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom surface 291, and narrow surface forming portions 29a-29d extending from the short sides of each wide surface 292. By extending it along... Figure 16The dotted lines in the diagram bend in the same direction, thereby shaping the electrode body retainer 290.

[0133] The electrode holder 290, in its formed state, has an internal space for accommodating one or more electrode bodies 20. The electrode holder 290 has an opening communicating with the internal space. The electrode holder 290 has a rectangular bottom surface 291 facing the opening, a pair of wide surfaces 292 extending from the bottom surface 291 and facing each other, and a pair of narrow surfaces extending from the bottom surface 291 and facing each other. (To be described later...) Figure 17 , Figures 19-21 In the accompanying drawing, the narrow surface is labeled with reference numeral 294. Here, a narrow surface is composed of narrow surface forming portions 29a and 29b and a bottom adjacent portion 293. Specifically, for example, the bottom adjacent portion 293 is first bent. Next, the narrow surface forming portion 29a is bent and overlapped with the bent bottom adjacent portion 293. Then, the narrow surface forming portion 29b is bent and overlapped with the bent narrow surface forming portion 29a. Thus, the aforementioned narrow surface can be formed. At this time, Figure 16 The resin film shown is bent in a manner that overlaps from the inside of the electrode holder 290 outwards in the order of bottom surface adjacent portion 293, narrow surface forming portion 29a, and narrow surface forming portion 29b. Another narrow surface is formed by narrow surface forming portions 29c and 29d and bottom surface adjacent portion 293. Specifically, for example, the bottom surface adjacent portion 293 is bent first. Then, the narrow surface forming portion 29c is bent and overlapped with the bent bottom surface adjacent portion 293. Next, the narrow surface forming portion 29d is bent and overlapped with the bent narrow surface forming portion 29c. This forms the other narrow surface. At this time, the resin film is bent in a manner that overlaps from the inside of the electrode holder 290 outwards in the order of bottom surface adjacent portion 293, narrow surface forming portion 29c, and narrow surface forming portion 29d.

[0134] At least one of the pair of narrow surfaces has a spacer inside the electrode holder 290 to restrict movement of the electrode holder 290. In this structure, by providing a spacer on the narrow surface, movement of the electrode body disposed in the electrode holder 290 can be suppressed, and damage to the electrode tab assembly can be prevented. It should be noted that the spacer can also be disposed on both of the pair of narrow surfaces. Several examples are given below. Furthermore, in the following references... Figure 17 , 19 In section ~21, considering the case where the electrode holder 290 is disposed inside the battery 1, arrows indicating the directions X and Z are shown.

[0135] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 according to the third embodiment, as seen from the opening side of the electrode holder. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A portion of the unfolded view of the electrode holder 290 shown. Figure 17 As shown, spacer 310 is formed by resin film (see also...) Figure 16 , 18 At least a portion of the narrow facet forming portion, which is adjacent to the wide facet 292 of the electrode holder 290 and forms the narrow facet 294, is bent inward toward the electrode holder 290 (see also...). Figure 16 , Figure 18 Specifically, for example, such as Figure 18 As shown, a resin film for forming the spacer 310 can be added to a predetermined location in the narrow-width forming section 29a. Figure 18 The narrow-section forming portion 29a is bent in such a way that the portion indicated by reference numeral 310 becomes the innermost side of the electrode body holder 290, and the end of the portion indicated by reference numeral 310 is fixed to the inner surface of the electrode body holder 290. Figure 17 The formation of the fixing part 311 in the electrode holder 290 allows for the formation of the spacer 310. By forming the spacer 310, movement of the electrode body housed in the electrode body holder 290 can be suppressed. The fixing means described above are not particularly limited, and conventionally known adhesive or welding means can be used.

[0136] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view, taken from a wide-angle side, showing an example of the electrode holder 290 according to the third embodiment. Figure 19 As shown, the spacer 320 is formed by bending at least a portion of the bottom surface adjacent portion 293, which is adjacent to the portion constituting the bottom surface 291 of the electrode body holder 290, in the resin film toward the inside of the electrode body holder 290 (see also...). Figure 16 Specifically, in the case of Figure 16 When the resin film shown is bent to form a narrow surface 294, after bending the adjacent bottom portion 293 along the dotted line, the adjacent bottom portion 293 is bent toward the inside of the electrode holder 290, and its end is fixed to the inner surface of the electrode holder 290. Figure 19 The formation of the fixing portion 321 allows for the formation of a spacer 320. By forming the spacer 320, movement of the electrode body housed in the electrode body holder 290 can be suppressed, and damage to the electrode tab assembly can be prevented. Furthermore, the spacer can be pressed more evenly onto the electrode body. Additionally, the size of the spacer 320 can be adjusted by appropriately extending the adjacent portion 293 on the bottom surface along the long side of the bottom surface 291. Moreover, the fixing method described above is not particularly limited; conventionally known adhesive or welding methods can be used.

[0137] Alternatively, a spacer may be constructed using a different resin sheet than the resin film constituting the electrode holder 290. Figure 20 , 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrode holder 290 of the third embodiment, as seen from the wide side of the electrode holder. Figure 20 The spacer 330 shown is formed into a cylindrical shape using other resin sheets as described above. While not particularly limited, a portion of the spacer 330 may also be fixed to the narrow section 294. Figure 20 (The formation of the fixing part 331 in the middle). Furthermore, although not particularly limited, it is also possible to... Figure 21 As shown in spacer 340, a portion of the cylindrical spacer (e.g., the central portion of the narrow surface 294 extending from the bottom surface 291) is flattened toward the narrow surface 294 and fixed to the narrow surface 294. Figure 21 (Forming of the fixing part 341 in the middle). By forming the spacer as described above, it is possible to suppress the movement of the electrode body housed in the electrode body holder 290 and suppress damage to the electrode tab assembly. In addition, the material of the electrode body holder 290 can be different from the material of the spacer 330 or the spacer 340. Moreover, it is easier to adjust the thickness of the spacer.

[0138] The electrode holder 290 described above can be used as an electrode holder for a battery having one or more electrode bodies and an electrode holder that houses the electrode bodies. For example, the electrode holder 290 described above can be used instead of... Figure 2 The electrode holder 29 of the battery 1 in the first embodiment is shown. Specifically, the electrode holder 290 can be housed in the outer casing 12 such that its bottom surface 291 faces the bottom wall 12a of the outer casing 12, its wide surface 292 faces the long side wall 12b of the outer casing 12, and its narrow surface faces the short side wall 12c of the outer casing 12. By using the electrode holder 290, movement of the electrodes housed inside can be suppressed, and damage to the electrode tab assembly can be suppressed. Furthermore, the structure of the battery in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, except for the parts related to the electrode holder and the spacer.

[0139] The above provides a detailed description of specific examples of the technology disclosed herein, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technologies obtained by various modifications and alterations to the specific examples illustrated above.

Claims

1. A battery, said battery comprising: An outer casing having a bottom wall, a pair of first side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, a pair of second side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, and an opening facing the bottom wall; A sealing plate that seals the opening; Multiple electrode bodies are housed within the outer casing and include a positive electrode and a negative electrode; A positive terminal and a negative terminal are mounted on the sealing plate; A positive current collector, wherein the positive current collector electrically connects the positive electrode of the electrode body to the positive terminal; and A negative current collector electrically connects the negative electrode of the electrode body to the negative terminal, wherein... The electrode body comprises: Electrode body main body; Positive electrode tab assembly, the positive electrode tab assembly including a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from a first end of the electrode body portion in a first direction along the first sidewall; and A negative electrode tab assembly, the negative electrode tab assembly comprising a plurality of negative electrode tabs protruding from a second end of the electrode body body portion, which is different from the first end, in the first direction. Here, the positive electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each positive electrode tab constituting the positive electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent positive electrode tab is engaged with the positive current collector. The negative electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each negative electrode tab constituting the negative electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent negative electrode tab is engaged with the negative current collector. A spacer is provided between the electrode body body and the second sidewall to restrict the movement of the electrode body. The spacer includes multiple spacer main bodies and connecting portions, the multiple spacer main bodies being disposed between the positive electrode tab group and the positive electrode current collector, or between the negative electrode tab group and the negative electrode current collector. Each spacer body is disposed between the positive electrode tab group and the positive current collector of each electrode body, or between the negative electrode tab group and the negative current collector of each electrode body. The connecting part connects one end of each spacer body to the other.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting part is disposed on the sealing plate side or the bottom wall side.

3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer is disposed between the positive electrode tab group and the bottom wall, or between the negative electrode tab group and the bottom wall.

4. The battery according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer is rectangular in shape.

5. The battery according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer has a rectangular plate portion and two first vertically erected portions that are respectively erected in the same direction from a pair of opposite sides of the plate portion. The two first vertical mounting sections face the first sidewall. The ends of the two first vertically erected portions in the vertically erected direction face the second sidewall.

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein, The two first vertical mounting portions have extension portions extending in the extending direction of the pair of sides of the plate portion.

7. The battery according to claim 3, wherein, The spacer has a rectangular plate portion, a second vertically erected portion erected from one side of the plate portion, and a support plate portion extending from the second vertically erected portion in a direction parallel to the plate portion. The length of the support plate portion in the direction of its extension is less than the length of the plate portion in the direction of its extension. The second vertical mounting part is disposed on the side of the sealing plate. The plate portion faces the second sidewall. The support plate portion faces the electrode body body portion.

8. A battery, said battery comprising: An outer casing having a bottom wall, a pair of first side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, a pair of second side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, and an opening facing the bottom wall; A sealing plate that seals the opening; One or more electrode bodies, the one or more electrode bodies being housed in the outer casing, and including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; An electrode holder is provided, which is housed within the outer casing and also houses the electrode body. A positive terminal and a negative terminal are mounted on the sealing plate; A positive current collector, wherein the positive current collector electrically connects the positive electrode of the electrode body to the positive terminal; and A negative current collector electrically connects the negative electrode of the electrode body to the negative terminal, wherein... The electrode body comprises: Electrode body main body; Positive electrode tab assembly, the positive electrode tab assembly including a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from a first end of the electrode body portion in a first direction along the first sidewall; and A negative electrode tab assembly, the negative electrode tab assembly comprising a plurality of negative electrode tabs protruding from a second end of the electrode body body portion, which is different from the first end, in the first direction. Here, the positive electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each positive electrode tab constituting the positive electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent positive electrode tab is engaged with the positive current collector. The negative electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each negative electrode tab constituting the negative electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent negative electrode tab is engaged with the negative current collector. A spacer is provided between the electrode body body and the second sidewall to restrict the movement of the electrode body. The electrode holder has: An internal space that houses the electrode body; An opening that communicates with the interior space; A rectangular base surface, the rectangular base surface facing the opening; A pair of wide surfaces, the pair of wide surfaces extending from the bottom surface and facing each other; and A pair of narrow facets, the pair of narrow facets extending from the bottom surface and facing each other. The electrode holder is formed by bending a resin film. At least one of the pair of narrow surfaces has a spacer inside the electrode holder that restricts the movement of the electrode body. The spacer is formed by bending at least a portion of the narrow facet forming portion of the membrane, which is adjacent to the portion constituting the wide facet and forms the narrow facet, toward the inside of the electrode holder.

9. A battery, said battery comprising: An outer casing having a bottom wall, a pair of first side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, a pair of second side walls extending from the bottom wall and facing each other, and an opening facing the bottom wall; A sealing plate that seals the opening; One or more electrode bodies, the one or more electrode bodies being housed in the outer casing, and including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; An electrode holder is provided, which is housed within the outer casing and also houses the electrode body. A positive terminal and a negative terminal are mounted on the sealing plate; A positive current collector, wherein the positive current collector electrically connects the positive electrode of the electrode body to the positive terminal; and A negative current collector electrically connects the negative electrode of the electrode body to the negative terminal, wherein... The electrode body comprises: Electrode body main body; Positive electrode tab assembly, the positive electrode tab assembly including a plurality of positive electrode tabs protruding from a first end of the electrode body portion in a first direction along the first sidewall; and A negative electrode tab assembly, the negative electrode tab assembly comprising a plurality of negative electrode tabs protruding from a second end of the electrode body body portion, which is different from the first end, in the first direction. Here, the positive electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each positive electrode tab constituting the positive electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent positive electrode tab is engaged with the positive current collector. The negative electrode tab assembly is bent such that the tips of each negative electrode tab constituting the negative electrode tab assembly are arranged along the second sidewall, and a portion of the bent negative electrode tab is engaged with the negative current collector. A spacer is provided between the electrode body body and the second sidewall to restrict the movement of the electrode body. The electrode holder has: An internal space that houses the electrode body; An opening that communicates with the interior space; A rectangular base surface, the rectangular base surface facing the opening; A pair of wide surfaces, the pair of wide surfaces extending from the bottom surface and facing each other; and A pair of narrow facets, the pair of narrow facets extending from the bottom surface and facing each other. The electrode holder is formed by bending a resin film. At least one of the pair of narrow surfaces has a spacer inside the electrode holder that restricts the movement of the electrode body. The spacer is formed by bending at least a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the portion constituting the bottom surface of the membrane toward the inside of the electrode holder.

Images