Battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery. The invention discloses a battery capable of improving the connectivity between a terminal and a collector part while improving the construction efficiency around the terminal and the collector part. A battery according to the present disclosure includes an electrode laminate, a current collector, and a terminal. The collector portion protrudes from the electrode laminate. The terminal has a contact surface that is in contact with the collector portion. And the contact surface comprises a curved surface. The curved surface protrudes toward a side opposite to the current collector side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application discloses a battery. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery in which an electrode stack and a cover terminal are electrically connected via a current collecting portion, an outer casing is bonded to the outer periphery of the cover terminal, and the current collecting portion and the electrode stack are housed within the outer casing.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-084066 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Conventional batteries have room for improvement in terms of improving the structural efficiency around the terminals and the current collecting portion and enhancing the connectivity between the terminals and the current collecting portion.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] This application discloses the following multiple aspects as means for solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0010] <Method 1>

[0011] A battery comprises an electrode stack, a current collecting portion, and a terminal.

[0012] The current collecting portion protrudes from the electrode stack,

[0013] The terminal has a contact surface that contacts the collector portion.

[0014] The contact surface comprises a curved surface,

[0015] The curved surface bulges toward a side opposite to the power collecting portion.

[0016] <Method 2>

[0017] The battery according to embodiment 1, wherein

[0018] The electrode stack and the current collecting portion are housed in an outer casing.

[0019] The terminal has the contact surface inside the outer casing,

[0020] The terminal has an exposed surface facing the outside of the exterior body.

[0021] <Method 3>

[0022] The battery according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein

[0023] The terminal has a base and a protrusion,

[0024] The base has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0025] The protrusion protrudes from the base toward the electrode stack.

[0026] The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion,

[0027] The first protrusion has a third surface facing the second protrusion and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface.

[0028] The second protrusion has a fifth surface facing the first protrusion and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface.

[0029] At least one of the first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface has the contact surface.

[0030] <Method 4>

[0031] The battery according to embodiment 3, wherein

[0032] The electrode stack and the current collecting portion are housed in an outer casing.

[0033] The first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface face the interior of the outer casing.

[0034] The second surface faces the outside of the outer body,

[0035] The fourth surface and the sixth surface are bonded to the exterior body.

[0036] <Method 5>

[0037] The battery according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein

[0038] The planar shape of the base is a rectangle,

[0039] The protrusion has a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion,

[0040] The rectangle has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, and a third side and a fourth side that are opposite to each other,

[0041] The first protrusion protrudes from the first side,

[0042] The second protrusion protrudes from the second side,

[0043] The third protrusion protrudes from the third side,

[0044] The fourth protrusion protrudes from the fourth side.

[0045] Effects of the Invention

[0046] According to the battery of the present disclosure, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal and the current collecting portion (easy to save space), and it is also easy to improve the connectivity between the terminal and the current collecting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 An example of the external appearance structure of a battery is schematically shown.

[0048] Figure 2 Roughly express Figure 1 An example of the structure of the II-II cross section.

[0049] Figure 3 Roughly speaking Figure 1 An example of the structure of the III-III cross section.

[0050] Figure 4 Roughly express Figure 1 An example of the structure of the IV-IV cross section.

[0051] Figure 5 An example of the external shape of the terminal is schematically shown.

[0052] Figure 6 An example of a cross-sectional shape of a terminal is schematically shown.

[0053] Figure 7 An example of a cross-sectional shape of a terminal is schematically shown.

[0054] Figure 8 An example of a cross-sectional shape of a terminal is schematically shown.

[0055] Figure 9 An example of a cross-sectional shape of a terminal is schematically shown.

[0056] Figure 10 An example of bonding method between the terminal and the exterior body is schematically shown, and the current collecting portion and the electrode stack are omitted.

[0057] Figure 11 This is a diagram for explaining problems with conventional batteries.

[0058] Description of Reference Numerals

[0059] 100. Battery; 10. Electrode stack; 20. Collecting portion; 25. Joint; 30. Terminal; 30a. Contact surface; 30ax. Curved surface; 30ay. Flat surface; 31. Base; 31x. First surface; 31y. Second surface; 32. Protrusion; 32a. First protrusion; 32ax. Third surface; 32ay. Fourth surface; 32b. Second protrusion; 32bx. Fifth surface; 32by. Sixth surface; 32c. Third protrusion; 32cx. Seventh surface; 32cy. Eighth surface; 32d. Fourth protrusion; 32dx. Ninth surface; 32dy. Tenth surface; 33. Opening; 34. Resin; 35. Insulating layer; 40. External body; 41. Opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the battery and the method for manufacturing the battery disclosed herein will be described. However, the battery and the method for manufacturing the battery disclosed herein are not limited to the following embodiment.

[0061] 1. Issues with conventional batteries

[0062] exist Figure 11 An example of a conventional battery cross-sectional structure is shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, in conventional batteries, the current collecting portion protruding from the electrode stack is bent to ensure structural efficiency around the terminal and the current collecting portion, and the current collecting portion is connected to the terminal. Figure 11 As shown, there are concerns about degradation of the current collecting portion due to an excessively small curvature R of the current collecting portion, degradation of the outer casing due to contact between the current collecting portion and the outer casing, etc. Furthermore, in conventional batteries, the contact area between the terminal and the current collecting portion is small, and the connectivity between the terminal and the current collecting portion also has room for improvement.

[0063] 2. Batteries of the present disclosure

[0064] In view of the above problems, the present application discloses a battery that can improve the structural efficiency around the terminal and the collector and improve the connectivity between the terminal and the collector. Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a battery 100 according to one embodiment includes an electrode stack 10, a current collecting portion 20, and a terminal 30. The current collecting portion 20 protrudes from the electrode stack 10. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the terminal 30 has a contact surface 30a that contacts the power collecting portion 20. The contact surface 30a includes a curved surface 30ax. The curved surface 30ax bulges toward the side opposite to the power collecting portion 20.

[0065] 2.1 Electrode stack

[0066] The battery 100 supplies the electric power generated by the electrode stack 10 to external equipment or the like via the power collecting unit 20 and the terminal 30 . That is, the electrode stack 10 functions as a power generation element of the battery 100 .

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrode stack 10 can be formed by stacking a plurality of electrode bodies. Each electrode body can include, for example, a layer consisting of a positive electrode collector, a positive electrode active material layer, an electrolyte layer, a negative electrode active material layer, and a layer consisting of a negative electrode collector. For the positive electrode collector, the positive electrode active material layer, the electrolyte layer, the negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode collector, well-known substances can be used. The electrode stack 10 can include a solid electrolyte, a liquid electrolyte, or both a solid electrolyte and a liquid electrolyte. In the case where the electrode stack 10 includes at least a solid electrolyte, it is easy to obtain a battery 100 with excellent mechanical properties, output characteristics, etc. The shape of the stacking surface of each layer constituting the electrode stack 10 can also be, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0068] The number of stacked electrode bodies in the electrode stack 10 is not particularly limited. In the electrode stack 10, a plurality of electrode bodies may be connected in series or in parallel. The electrode stack 10 may also have a bipolar structure. In addition, in the electrode stack 10, an insulating layer may be provided between one electrode body and another electrode body so that the stacked surfaces of the electrode bodies are insulated from each other. Figure 2 As shown, in battery 100 , a plurality of electrode bodies can be electrically connected to one another via current collecting portion 20 . For example, a plurality of electrode bodies can be electrically connected to one another via current collecting portion 20 in parallel.

[0069] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the electrode stack 10 may have an end face 10x on one end side in the stacking direction of each layer, another end face 10y on the other end side in the stacking direction, and a side face 10z connecting the one end face 10x and the other end face 10y. The side face 10z may be composed of the outer edges of the layers constituting the electrode stack 10. In the electrode stack 10, since the stacking areas of the layers are different, the side face 10z may also have concave-convex and gaps. In addition, the side face 10z may also have a surface along the stacking direction of the layers in the electrode stack 10. In addition, the collector 20 described later may protrude from the side face 10z of the electrode stack 10 toward the terminal 30. The electrode stack 10 may also be, for example, plate-shaped or rectangular as a whole.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrode stack 10 can have a thickness T along the stacking direction. 10 The thickness T of the electrode stack 10 is 10 The thickness T of the electrode stack 10 is not particularly limited.10 For example, it may be 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less, or 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrode stack 10 can have a width W along the stacking surface at the side surface 10z where the current collecting portion 20 protrudes. 10 The width W of the electrode stack 10 is 10 The width W of the electrode stack 10 is not particularly limited. 10 For example, it may be 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less, or 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less.

[0072] 2.2 Current collection

[0073] The current collecting portion 20 protrudes from the electrode stack 10 and is connected to the contact surface 30 a of the terminal 30 , thereby electrically connecting the electrode stack 10 and the terminal 30 .

[0074] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the current collecting portion 20 may be, for example, a bundle of multiple current collectors protruding from the side surface 10z of the electrode stack 10 toward the terminal 30. The number of current collectors protruding in the same direction from the electrode stack 10 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 2 or more and 500 or 30 or more and 100 or less. In the battery 100, the current collecting portion 20 may be a bundle of multiple positive electrode current collectors or a bundle of multiple negative electrode current collectors. In the battery 100, the multiple current collectors protruding from the side surface 10z of the electrode stack 10 toward the terminal 30 may be bundled together or may be divided into multiple bundles and then collected.

[0075] The collector constituting the collector portion 20 may be, for example, a metal foil, a metal mesh, or the like. From the viewpoint of excellent operability, the collector portion 20 may also include a plurality of metal foils. Examples of the metal constituting the collector include Cu, Ni, Cr, Au, Pt, Ag, Al, Fe, Ti, Zn, Co, and stainless steel. The collector may also have a coating on its surface for the purpose of adjusting resistance, etc. In addition, when the collector portion 20 is composed of a plurality of metal foils, an arbitrary layer may be provided between the plurality of metal foils. The thickness of each collector is not particularly limited. For example, it may be greater than 0.1 μm, or greater than 1 μm, or less than 1 mm, or less than 100 μm.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the current collecting portion 20 can have a width W in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the current collecting portion 20 from the electrode stack 10 and along the stacking surface of the electrode stack 10. 20 The width W of the collector 2020 There is no particular limitation. The width W of the current collecting portion 20 For example, it may be 5 mm or more and 450 mm or less, or 20 mm or more and 190 mm or less.

[0077] 2.3 terminal

[0078] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the terminal 30 has a contact surface 30a that contacts the collector part 20. The contact surface 30a includes a curved surface 30ax. The curved surface 30ax bulges toward the side opposite to the collector part 20. "The curved surface bulges toward the side opposite to the collector part" means that the curved surface 30ax is a concave surface. By including the curved surface 30ax in the contact surface 30a of the terminal 30 that contacts the collector part 20, the collector part 20 can be arranged along the contact surface 30a, and the collector part 20 can be connected to the terminal 30. That is, the contact area between the contact surface 30a and the collector part 20 becomes larger, and the connectivity of the collector part 20 with respect to the terminal 30 is improved. In addition, by having the contact surface 30a be a concave surface, a part of the collector part 20 can be accommodated in the space formed by the concave surface, and the structural efficiency around the terminal 30 can be improved.

[0079] 2.3.1 Contact surface

[0080] As described above, the contact surface 30a of the terminal 30 includes a curved surface 30ax that bulges toward the side opposite to the collector 20. In the battery 100, the collector 20 contacts the contact surface 30a along the contact surface 30a including the curved surface 30ax, thereby ensuring the connection between the collector 20 and the terminal 30. The curvature radius of the curved surface 30ax can be appropriately determined based on the bundle shape of the collector 20, the size of the terminal 30, etc. For example, the contact surface 30a may also include a curved surface 30ax having a curvature radius of not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 50 mm. The contact surface 30a may have the curved surface 30ax only in a portion thereof, or the entire contact surface 30a may be composed of the curved surface 30ax. In addition, the contact surface 30a may be a combination of a flat surface 30ay and a curved surface 30ax as shown in the figure, or a combination of multiple curved surfaces 30ax with different curvature radii.

[0081] 2.3.2 Surfaces other than contact surfaces

[0082] The terminal 30 can have a surface other than the contact surface 30a. The surface other than the contact surface 30a is not particularly limited. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7As shown, when the electrode stack 10 and the current collecting portion 20 are housed in the outer casing 40, the terminal 30 may have the above-mentioned contact surface 30a inside the outer casing 40. In addition, the terminal 30 may also have an exposed surface facing the outside of the outer casing 40 (for example, the second surface 31y described later). Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the terminal 30 may have a bonding surface with the exterior body 40 (for example, a fourth surface 32ay and a sixth surface 32by described later).

[0083] 2.3.3 Specific examples of terminal shapes

[0084] Hereinafter, a specific example of the shape of the terminal 30 will be described, but the shape of the terminal 30 is not limited to the following specific shape. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the terminal 30 may have a base 31 and a protrusion 32. The base 31 may have a first surface 31x and a second surface 31y on the side opposite to the first surface 31x. The protrusion 32 may protrude from the base 31 toward the electrode stack 10. The protrusion 32 may have a first protrusion 32a and a second protrusion 32b. The first protrusion 32a may have a third surface 32ax facing the second protrusion 32b and a fourth surface 32ay on the side opposite to the third surface 32ax. The second protrusion 32b may have a fifth surface 32bx facing the first protrusion 32a and a sixth surface 32by on the side opposite to the fifth surface 32bx. In this case, at least one of the first surface 31x, the third surface 32ax, and the fifth surface 32bx may also have the contact surface 30a described above. When the terminal 30 has such a shape, the structural efficiency around the terminal 30 is easily further improved.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the electrode stack 10 and the current collecting portion 20 are housed in the outer casing 40, the first surface 31x, the third surface 32ax, and the fifth surface 32bx can face the interior of the outer casing 40, the second surface 31y can face the outside of the outer casing 40, and the fourth surface 32ay and the sixth surface 32by can be bonded to the outer casing 40. When the electrode stack 10, the current collecting portion 20, the terminal 30, and the outer casing 40 satisfy such a positional relationship, the structural efficiency around the terminal 30 can be further improved.

[0086] 2.3.3.1 Base

[0087] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7As shown, the base 31 can have a first surface 31x facing the electrode stack 10 and a second surface 31y facing the side opposite to the electrode stack 10. The base 31 can also correspond to the bottom of the container-shaped terminal 30. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first surface 31x can be in contact with the collector portion 20, and can also have a joint 25 joined to the collector portion 20. On the other hand, the second surface 31y can also face the outside of the battery 100. The first surface 31x and the second surface 31y of the base 31 can be, for example, flat surfaces as shown in the figure, or can have concave and convex surfaces. In addition, as described above, the first surface 31x can also constitute a contact surface 30a including a curved surface 30ax. The planar shape of the first surface 31x and the second surface 31y (referring to the planar shape when the first surface and the second surface are projected) is not particularly limited. The planar shape of the first surface 31x and the second surface 31y shown in the figure is a rectangle, but the planar shape can be a square, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle (rectangle and square), other polygons, a circle or an ellipse, or shapes other than these. In particular, when the first surface 31x and the second surface 31y are rectangular, especially rectangular, it is easy to improve operability, mechanical strength, etc. It should be noted that the terms "polygonal," "quadrilateral," "rectangle," and "rectangular" as used in this application are concepts that also include shapes with chamfered corners and shapes with rounded corners.

[0088] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the base 31 can have a thickness T 31 (The minimum thickness from the first surface 31x to the second surface 31y). The thickness T of the base 31 31 There is no particular limitation. In particular, the thickness T of the base 31 31 When the thickness is 0.1 mm to 10 mm, or 0.2 mm to 3 mm, a product with an excellent balance between the structural efficiency around the terminal 30 and the strength of the terminal 30 is likely to be obtained.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 31 can have a length (height) L along the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10 under the inner dimension of the first surface 31x (from the inner side surface of the first protrusion 32a to the inner side surface of the second protrusion 32b). 31x .like Figure 6 As shown, the length L of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is 31x It can also be the same as the height H of the opening 33 of the terminal 30 described later. 33 Alternatively, the length L of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is 31x It can be compared with the height H33 Smaller than height H 33 The length L of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is 31x There are no particular limitations, and the diameter may be 4.8 mm or more and 99.8 mm or less, or 9.8 mm or more and 49.8 mm or less.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the base portion 31 can have a length (height) L along the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10 on the second surface 31y. 31y .like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the length L of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is 31y It can also be combined with the thickness T of the terminal 30 30 (The length from the fourth surface 32ay of the first protrusion 32a to the sixth surface 32by of the second protrusion 32b) is the same. Alternatively, the length L of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is 31y It can also be thicker than the thickness T of the terminal 30 30 Big. That is, Figure 8 As shown, the first protrusion 32a and the second protrusion 32b may protrude from the inner side of the outer edge of the first surface 31x of the base 31 toward the electrode stack 10. The length L of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is 31y There are no particular limitations, and the diameter may be 4.9 mm or more and 99.9 mm or less, or 9.9 mm or more and 49.9 mm or less.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the base portion 31 can have a width W along the stacking surface of the electrode stack 10 in the inner dimension of the first surface 31 x. 31x .like Figure 7 As shown, the width W of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is 31x It can also be combined with the width W of the opening 33 of the terminal 30 described later. 33 Alternatively, the width W of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is 31x It can also be compared with the width W 33 The width W of the inner dimension of the first surface 31x of the base 31 is small. 31x There are no particular limitations, and the length may be 7.5 mm to 475 mm, or 30 mm to 195 mm.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the base portion 31 can have a width W along the stacking surface of the electrode stack 10 on the second surface 31 y. 31y .like Figure 7 As shown, the width W of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is 31yIt can also be combined with the width W of the opening 33 of the terminal 30 described later. 33 , the thickness T of the third protrusion 32c 32c and the thickness T of the fourth protrusion 32d 32d Alternatively, the width W of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is 31y It can also be compared with the width W 33 , thickness T 32c and thickness T 32d The total width W of the second surface 31y of the base 31 is large. 31y There are no particular limitations, and the length may be 8.1 mm to 475.1 mm, or 30.1 mm to 195.1 mm.

[0093] In the first surface 31x of the base 31, the length (height) L 31x With width W 31x Ratio L 31x / W 31x There is no special limitation. 31x / W 31x When the ratio is 0.01 to 13.3, or 0.05 to 1.66, it is easy to ensure the connectivity of the collector portion 20 with respect to the terminal 30 and the strength of the terminal.

[0094] In the second surface 31y of the base 31, the length (height) L 31y With width W 31y Ratio L 31y / W 31y There is no special limitation. 31y / W 31y When the ratio is 0.01 to 13.3, or 0.05 to 1.66, it is easy to ensure the connectivity of the collector portion 20 with respect to the terminal 30 and the strength of the terminal.

[0095] 2.3.3.2 Protrusion

[0096] The protrusion 32 protrudes from the base 31 toward the electrode stack 10. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the protrusion 32 may have a thickness and protrude linearly from the base 31 toward the electrode stack 10 except for the portion forming the curved surface 30ax. Figure 2As shown, the protrusion 32 can have a first protrusion 32a and a second protrusion 32b in one cross section. The first protrusion 32a has a third surface 32ax facing the second protrusion 32b and a fourth surface 32ay on the side opposite to the third surface 32ax. The second protrusion 32b has a fifth surface 32bx facing the first protrusion 32a and a sixth surface 32by on the side opposite to the fifth surface 32bx. Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 32 may include a third protrusion 32c and a fourth protrusion 32d in a cross section perpendicular to the one cross section. In this case, the third protrusion 32c may include a seventh surface 32cx facing the fourth protrusion 32d and an eighth surface 32cy opposite the seventh surface 32cx. Furthermore, the fourth protrusion 32d may include a ninth surface 32dx facing the third protrusion 32c and a tenth surface 32dy opposite the ninth surface 32dx.

[0097] In the battery 100 , the thickness T of the protrusion 32 is 32 (For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 T 32a ~T 32d ) is not particularly limited. In particular, the thickness T of the protrusion 32 32 When the thickness is 0.1 mm to 10 mm, or 0.2 mm to 3 mm, it is easy to ensure the connectivity of the current collecting portion 20 with the terminal 30 and the strength of the terminal. It should be noted that the "thickness of the protrusion" referred to in this application is measured at the end surface of the protrusion on the electrode stack side.

[0098] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 32 can have a protrusion length L from the first surface 31 x of the base 31 toward the electrode stack 10. 32 The protruding length L of the protruding portion 32 32 There is no particular limitation, and the length L may be 3 mm or more and 50 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The protrusion 32 may have the same protrusion length L as a whole. 32 That is, the first protrusion 32a, the second protrusion 32b, the third protrusion 32c, and the fourth protrusion 32d may be flush with the end surface on the electrode stack 10 side. Alternatively, the protrusion length of a portion of the protrusion 32 may be different from the protrusion length of the other portion.

[0099] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the thickness T of the base 31 31 The protrusion length L of the protrusion 32 may be greater than 32 By making the thickness T of the base 31 31The base 31 is relatively thin, and the space for inserting the current collecting part 20 becomes larger. The thickness T of the base 31 is 31 The protruding length L of the protruding portion 32 32 Ratio T 31 / L 32 For example, it may be greater than 0 and less than 1.0, 0.02 or more and 0.5 or less, or 0.05 or more and 0.25 or less.

[0100] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5-7 As shown in FIG. 3 , in the terminal 30, the protrusion 32 may protrude from the outer edge of the base 31. That is, the planar shape of the second surface 31y of the base 31 may be consistent with the shape defined by the outer periphery of the protrusion 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 32 may protrude from a position further inward than the outer edge of the first surface 31x of the base 31. That is, the planar shape of the second surface 31y of the base 31 may be larger than the shape defined by the outer periphery of the protrusion 32.

[0101] When the protrusion 32 protrudes from the outer edge of the base 31, the shape defined by the outer periphery of the protrusion 32 corresponds to the planar shape of the second surface 31y of the base 31. For example, the planar shape of the base 31 (the planar shape of the second surface 31y) may be a rectangle having mutually opposing first and second sides, and mutually opposing third and fourth sides. Furthermore, when the protrusion 32 includes the first protrusion 32a, second protrusion 32b, third protrusion 32c, and fourth protrusion 32d, the first protrusion 32a protrudes from the first side, the second protrusion 32b protrudes from the second side, the third protrusion 32c protrudes from the third side, and the fourth protrusion 32d protrudes from the fourth side. By making the protrusion 32 protrude from the outer edge of the rectangular base 31 in this manner, it is easier to ensure structural efficiency around the terminal and the strength of the terminal.

[0102] Alternatively, for example, if the planar shape of the base 31 (the planar shape of the second surface 31y) is a rectangle, the first protrusion 32a may protrude from one long side of the rectangle, the second protrusion 32b may protrude from the other long side of the rectangle, the third protrusion 32c may protrude from one short side of the rectangle, and the fourth protrusion 32d may protrude from the other short side of the rectangle. Thus, by having the protrusion 32 protrude from the outer edge of the rectangular base 31, it is easier to ensure the structural efficiency and strength of the terminal surroundings. Furthermore, by forming the contact surface 30a that contacts the collector 20 on the long side, it is easier to further improve the connectivity between the terminal 30 and the collector 20.

[0103] Furthermore, when the planar shape of the base portion 31 (the planar shape of the second surface 31y) is a rectangle, the stacking direction in the electrode stack 10 may be along the short sides of the rectangle, and the width direction of the electrode stack 10 may be along the long sides of the rectangle. This facilitates ensuring a large space for inserting the current collector 20, improving the connectivity between the terminal 30 and the current collector 20, and facilitating a product with an excellent balance between structural efficiency and strength around the terminal 30 and the current collector 20.

[0104] The first protrusion 32a may include a third surface 32ax facing the second protrusion 32b and a fourth surface 32ay on the opposite side to the third surface 32ax. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 3 , the third surface 32ax may also be in contact with the collector portion 20. In addition, the third surface 32ax may also have a junction with the collector portion 20. Figure 2 As shown, the fourth surface 32ay may also be a bonding surface with the outer casing 40. The third surface 32ax and the fourth surface 32ay of the first protrusion 32a may have a flat surface as shown in the figure, or may have a concave-convex surface. In addition, as described above, the third surface 32ax may also constitute a contact surface 30a including a curved surface 30ax. The planar shape of the third surface 32ax and the fourth surface 32ay (referring to the planar shape when the third surface and the fourth surface are projected) is not particularly limited. In particular, when the planar shape of the third surface 32ax and the fourth surface 32ay is a rectangle, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal 30, and it is easy to improve the connectivity of the collector 20 with respect to the terminal 30, the strength of the terminal 30, etc.

[0105] The second protrusion 32b may have a fifth surface 32bx facing the first protrusion 32a and a sixth surface 32by on the side opposite to the fifth surface 32bx. The fifth surface 32bx may or may not have the contact surface 30a that contacts the collector 20. Figure 2 As shown, the sixth surface 32by can also be a bonding surface with the outer body 40. The fifth surface 32bx and the sixth surface 32by of the second protrusion 32b can be, for example, a plane as shown in the figure, or can have a concave-convex shape. In addition, as described above, the fifth surface 32bx can also constitute a contact surface 30a including a curved surface 30ax. The planar shape of the fifth surface 32bx and the sixth surface 32by (referring to the planar shape when the fifth surface and the sixth surface are projected) is not particularly limited. In particular, when the planar shape of the fifth surface 32bx and the sixth surface 32by is a rectangle, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal 30, and it is easy to improve the connectivity of the collector 20 with respect to the terminal 30, the strength of the terminal 30, etc.

[0106] The third protrusion 32c may include a seventh surface 32cx facing the fourth protrusion 32d and an eighth surface 32cy on the opposite side to the seventh surface 32cx. Figure 3 As shown, the seventh surface 32cx does not need to be in contact with the collector 20. Figure 3 As shown, the 8th surface 32cy can also be a bonding surface with the outer body 40. The 7th surface 32cx and the 8th surface 32cy of the 3rd protrusion 32c can be, for example, flat as shown in the figure, or can have concave and convex shapes. The planar shape of the 7th surface 32cx and the 8th surface 32cy (referring to the planar shape when the 7th surface and the 8th surface are projected) is not particularly limited. In particular, when the planar shape of the 7th surface 32cx and the 8th surface 32cy is rectangular, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal 30, and it is easy to improve the connectivity of the collector 20 with respect to the terminal 30, the strength of the terminal 30, etc.

[0107] The fourth protrusion 32d may include a ninth surface 32dx facing the third protrusion 32c and a tenth surface 32dy on the opposite side to the ninth surface 32dx. Figure 3 As shown, the ninth surface 32dx does not need to be in contact with the collector 20. Figure 3 As shown, the 10th surface 32dy can also be a bonding surface with the outer body 40. The 9th surface 32dx and the 10th surface 32dy of the 4th protrusion 32d can be, for example, a flat surface as shown in the figure, or can have a concave-convex shape. The planar shape of the 9th surface 32dx and the 10th surface 32dy (referring to the planar shape when the 7th surface and the 8th surface are projected) is not particularly limited. In particular, when the planar shape of the 9th surface 32dx and the 10th surface 32dy is a rectangle, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal 30, and it is easy to improve the connectivity of the collector 20 with respect to the terminal 30, the strength of the terminal 30, etc.

[0108] 2.3.3.3 Opening

[0109] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the terminal 30 may have an opening 33 on the electrode stack 10 side. In this case, the current collector 20 can be inserted into the opening 33 and connected to the terminal 30. The shape of the opening 33 can be defined by the protrusion 32. The shape of the opening 33 is not particularly limited. The shape of the opening 33 may be rectangular, circular, or elliptical, or other shapes.

[0110] Alternatively, the opening 33 may be rectangular in shape. In a case where the rectangle has first and second sides that oppose each other, and third and fourth sides that oppose each other, the first protrusion 32a of the protrusion 32 constitutes the first side, the second protrusion 32b constitutes the second side, the third protrusion 32c constitutes the third side, and the fourth protrusion 32d constitutes the fourth side. When the opening 33 defined by the protrusion 32 is rectangular, it is easier to ensure structural efficiency around the terminal and the strength of the terminal.

[0111] When the opening 33 is rectangular, the first protrusion 32a of the protrusion 32 forms one short side of the rectangle, the second protrusion 32b forms the other short side of the rectangle, the third protrusion 32c forms one long side of the rectangle, and the fourth protrusion 32d forms the other long side of the rectangle. In this case, it is also easy to ensure structural efficiency around the terminal and the strength of the terminal.

[0112] Furthermore, when the opening 33 is rectangular, the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10 may be along the short side of the rectangle, and the width direction of the electrode stack 10 may be along the long side of the rectangle. This facilitates ensuring a large space for inserting the current collecting portion 20, and also facilitates achieving a product with an excellent balance between structural efficiency and strength around the terminal 30 and the current collecting portion 20.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, the opening 33 can have a height H along the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10. 33 The height H of the opening 33 33 There is no particular limitation. In particular, the height H of the opening 33 33 When the distance is 4.8 mm to 99.8 mm, or 9.8 mm to 49.8 mm, it is easy to ensure the strength of the terminal 30 and to facilitate insertion of the collector part 20 into the opening 33 and joining of the collector part 20 to the terminal 30 .

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the opening 33 can have a width W along the stacking surface of the electrode stack 10. 33 The width W of the opening 33 33 There is no particular limitation. In particular, the width W of the opening 33 33 When the width W is 7.5 mm or more and 475 mm or less, or 30 mm or more and 195 mm or less, it is easy to ensure the strength of the terminal 30 and to ensure a sufficient width W of the current collecting portion 20. 20 .

[0115] Height H of the opening 33 33With width W 33 Ratio H 33 / W 33 Not particularly limited. In particular, in this ratio H 33 / W 33 When the ratio is 0.01 to 13.3, or 0.05 to 1.66, the product is likely to be excellent in terms of the bondability of the collector portion 20 and the strength of the terminal 30 .

[0116] 2.3.4 Other matters about terminals

[0117] As described above, the base 31 can have a thickness T 31 , the protrusion 32 can have a thickness T 32 Here, the thickness T of the base 31 is 31 The thickness T of the first protrusion 32a 32a and the thickness T of the second protrusion 32b 32b In particular, when the base 31 is thicker than the first protrusion 32a and the second protrusion 32b, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal and the strength of the terminal.

[0118] In addition, the thickness T of the base 31 31 The thickness T of the third protrusion 32c 32c and the thickness T of the fourth protrusion 32d 32d In particular, when the base 31 is thicker than the third protrusion 32c and the fourth protrusion 32d, it is easy to improve the structural efficiency around the terminal and the strength of the terminal.

[0119] The terminal 30 can be easily manufactured by, for example, stamping a metal material using a punch or the like to form the desired concave shape, cutting the metal material to form the desired concave shape, or performing electrical discharge machining on the metal material to form the desired concave shape. The material of the terminal 30 can be appropriately selected, taking into account factors such as sufficient conductivity and appropriate mechanical strength. For example, the terminal 30 can be made of aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof. The terminal 30 can also be made by plating the above metals or alloys onto a substrate.

[0120] An insulating layer may be provided between the terminal 30 and the electrode stack 10. This makes it easier to further suppress short circuits in the battery 100. For example, Figure 10As shown, the protrusion 32 of the terminal 30 may also have an insulating layer 35 on the end face on the electrode stack 10 side. For example, by coating or transferring an insulating resin material (for example, ultraviolet curing resins such as acrylic monomers and oligomers; thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins and imide resins; thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene) on the end face of the protrusion 32 of the terminal 30, or by forming a layer composed of a metal oxide (for example, aluminum oxide) on the end face by anodizing treatment, the insulating layer 35 can be formed on the end face. The thickness of the insulating layer 35 is not particularly limited. In the case where the insulating layer 35 is composed of an insulating resin material, its thickness may be, for example, greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm. In addition, in the case where the insulating layer 35 is composed of a metal oxide based on anodizing treatment, its thickness may be, for example, greater than 0.01 mm and less than 0.10 mm.

[0121] 2.4 Supplementary Information on the Configuration of Electrode Stacks, Current Collectors, and Terminals

[0122] In battery 100, the arrangement of the electrode stack 10, the current collecting portion 20, and the terminal 30 is not particularly limited, as long as the current collecting portion 20 protruding from the electrode stack 10 is electrically connected to the predetermined surface of the terminal 30. In battery 100, by employing the terminal 30 having the aforementioned specific shape, space can be saved around the terminal 30 and the current collecting portion 20, and connectivity between the current collecting portion 20 and the terminal 30 can be improved. The following provides an additional example of the arrangement of the electrode stack 10, the current collecting portion 20, and the terminal 30.

[0123] 2.4.1 Terminal Width and Collector Width

[0124] As described above, the collector 20 protruding from the electrode stack 10 can also be inserted into the opening 33 of the terminal 30 and connected to a predetermined surface of the terminal 30. Here, when a large current flows through the collector 20 and the terminal 30, the collector 20 and the terminal 30 may generate heat. According to the knowledge of the inventors of the present invention, the heat generation temperature around the terminal 30 and the collector 20 changes depending on the width of the collector 20 relative to the width of the terminal 30. Figure 3 As shown, for example, the width W of the collector 20 20 The width W of the opening 33 of the terminal 30 is 33 Ratio W 20 / W 33 When the width W of the collector 20 is 0.9 or more, the heat generation around the terminal 30 and the collector 20 can be suppressed particularly significantly. 20 Relative to the inner dimension width W of the base 31 of the terminal 30 31x The ratio W of the width of the first surface 31x 20 / W31x When the ratio is 0.9 or more, heat generation around the terminal 30 and the power collecting portion 20 can also be suppressed particularly significantly.

[0125] 2.4.2 Thickness of the Electrode Stack and Terminals

[0126] Thickness T of terminal 30 30 It can be thicker than the thickness T of the electrode stack 10 10 Thick, same, or thin. In particular, Figure 2 As shown, the thickness T of the terminal 30 30 When the thickness is thinner than the electrode stack 10 , the adhesion between the outer casing and the terminal 30 can be easily improved by disposing the resin 34 or the like between the laminated outer casing and the terminal 30 .

[0127] 2.4.3 Joining method between collector and terminal

[0128] As described above, the current collecting portion 20 contacts the contact surface 30a of the terminal 30. The current collecting portion 20 may be bonded to a portion of the contact surface 30a of the terminal 30 to form the bonded portion 25. In one embodiment, the current collecting portion 20 may be ultrasonically bonded or laser bonded to at least a portion of the contact surface 30a of the terminal 30.

[0129] 2.5 Other components

[0130] In addition to the electrode stack 10, current collector 20, and terminal 30, the battery 100 may also include other components that are readily apparent from the battery itself. For example, the various components disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-084066) may be employed as these other components. An example of the other components included in the battery 100 will be described below.

[0131] 2.5.1 Exterior body

[0132] The battery 100 can include an outer casing 40 that houses the electrode stack 10 and the current collecting portion 20. The outer casing can be composed of a laminated film (laminated outer casing) or a metal casing. As shown in the figure, the electrode stack 10 and the current collecting portion 20 can be housed in the laminated outer casing, and the laminated outer casing can be bonded to the fourth surface 32ay of the first protrusion 32a and the sixth surface 32by of the second protrusion 32b.

[0133] The outer body 40 may be, for example, a cylindrical body with an opening. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electrode stack 10 and the current collecting portion 20 are housed inside the outer casing 40 as a cylindrical body, and the outer side surface of the protrusion 32 of the terminal 30 can be bonded near the opening of the outer casing 40 to seal it. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vicinity of the opening of the outer casing 40 and the protrusion 32 of the terminal 30 can be bonded so as to overlap with each other when viewed from the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10. This improves the sealing performance of the battery 100 and the structural efficiency around the terminal 30.

[0134] like Figure 10 As shown, the length L between the end surface of the terminal 30 on the electrode stack 10 side (or the opening 33) and the opening 41 of the exterior body 40 is 41 There is no special limitation. In particular, the length L 41 When the length L is 1.0 mm or more and 20 mm or 3.0 mm or more and 15 mm or less, it is easy to become a product with a good balance between sealing performance and structural efficiency. 41 Protrusion length L relative to the protrusion 32 32 Ratio L 41 / L 32 There is no special limitation. 41 / L 32 When the ratio is between 0.1 and 1.0, or between 0.5 and 1.0, a product with a good balance between sealing performance and structural efficiency is likely to be obtained. If the outer casing 40 is a laminated outer casing, the laminated outer casing can be bonded to the outer side surface of the protrusion 32 by, for example, heat sealing. If the outer casing 40 is a metal shell, the metal shell can be bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 32 by, for example, welding or adhesive. As described above, the resin 34 can also be arranged between the outer side surface of the protrusion 32 and the outer casing 40.

[0135] 2.5.2 Busbar

[0136] The battery 100 may also include a conductive member for connecting one battery to another. For example, in the battery 100, a bus bar may be connected to the terminal 30. A plurality of batteries 100 may be combined to form a battery pack.

[0137] 3. Purpose

[0138] Battery 100 has a variety of applications. For example, battery 100 can be applied to at least one type of vehicle selected from a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other words, the technology disclosed herein also includes a vehicle equipped with the battery 100 disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery comprising an electrode stack, a current collecting portion, and a terminal. The current collecting portion protrudes from the electrode stack, The terminal has a contact surface that contacts the collector portion. The contact surface comprises a curved surface, The curved surface bulges toward a side opposite to the power collecting portion.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The electrode stack and the current collecting portion are housed in an outer casing. The terminal has the contact surface inside the outer casing, The terminal has an exposed surface facing the outside of the exterior body.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The terminal has a base and a protrusion, The base has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The protrusion protrudes from the base toward the electrode stack. The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, The first protrusion has a third surface facing the second protrusion and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The second protrusion has a fifth surface facing the first protrusion and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface. At least one of the first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface has the contact surface.

4. The battery according to claim 3, wherein The electrode stack and the current collecting portion are housed in an outer casing. The first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface face the interior of the outer casing. The second surface faces the outside of the outer body, The fourth surface and the sixth surface are bonded to the exterior body.

5. The battery according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The planar shape of the base is a rectangle, The protrusion has a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, The rectangle has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, and a third side and a fourth side that are opposite to each other, The first protrusion protrudes from the first side, The second protrusion protrudes from the second side, The third protrusion protrudes from the third side, The fourth protrusion protrudes from the fourth side.

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