Battery and method for manufacturing a battery

Abstract

A battery is provided in which the metal container and the electrode body are electrically insulated, and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body. [Solution] The solid-state battery of this disclosure comprises an electrode body containing a solid electrolyte, a metal container housing the electrode body, an insulator electrically insulating the electrode body and the metal container, and a thermally conductive insulator electrically insulating the electrode body and the metal container and having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulator. The insulator is disposed on a part of the opposing surface of the metal container that faces the electrode body. The thermally conductive insulator is disposed on the opposing surface in a part where the insulator is not disposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery and a method for manufacturing the battery.

Background Art

[0002] A solid battery is known as a lithium-ion secondary battery with excellent safety.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an all-solid-state battery cell (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery"). The battery includes an electrode laminate (hereinafter also referred to as an "electrode body") enclosed in an exterior member. The electrode body includes a current collector tab extending from an end portion. The current collector tab is connected to a terminal led out from an end portion of the battery. A first heat transfer material is disposed inside the exterior member so as to contact the electrode body and the exterior member. Specifically, the exterior member and the electrode body are physically in contact with each other, and the first heat transfer material is disposed in a planar shape along the bottom surface of the exterior member. Patent Document 1 does not disclose the material of the exterior member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a metal container is used as the exterior member, in order to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit, it is necessary to electrically insulate the metal container and the electrode body. In addition, in order to exhaust heat generated during charging or discharging of the battery, it is necessary to efficiently conduct heat between the metal container and the electrode body. That is, there is a need for a battery in which the metal container and the electrode body are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body. Furthermore, there is a need for a method for manufacturing a battery that can efficiently manufacture the battery.

[0006] This disclosure is made in light of the circumstances described above. One embodiment of this disclosure aims to solve a problem in which a metal container and an electrode body are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body, and a method for manufacturing such a battery that can be manufactured efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following embodiments are included as means for solving the above problems.

[0008] <1> The battery of the first embodiment is An electrode body containing a solid electrolyte, A metal container for housing the electrode body, An insulator that electrically insulates the electrode body and the metal container, A thermally conductive insulator that electrically insulates the electrode body and the metal container and has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulator, Equipped with, The insulator is arranged on a part of the opposing surface of the metal container that faces the electrode body, The battery is characterized in that the thermally conductive insulator is placed on the opposing surface in a portion where the insulator is not otherwise present.

[0009] The laminated structure of the "electrode body" includes monopolar or bipolar structures. The thermal conductivity is expressed as that measured by the heat flow meter (ASTM E 1530). If the electrode body has a current-collecting tab, the "opposing surface" does not include the end face of the electrode body from which the current-collecting tab protrudes.

[0010] In the first embodiment, the insulator is arranged on a part of the opposing surface of the metal container that faces the electrode body, and the thermally conductive insulator is arranged on the part of the opposing surface of the metal container where the insulator is not arranged. As a result, the metal container and the electrode body are electrically insulated. Furthermore, the thermally conductive insulator can physically contact the electrode body and the metal container without the insulator in between. Therefore, heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body. As a result, the battery in the first embodiment is a battery in which the metal container and the electrode body are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body.

[0011] <2> The battery of the second embodiment is The thermally conductive insulator is in contact with the metal container, <1> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0012] In the second embodiment, heat conduction between the metal container and the electrode body is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator is not in contact with the metal container.

[0013] <3> The battery of the third embodiment is The thermally conductive insulator has a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or more. <1> or <2> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0014] In the third embodiment, heat conduction between the metal container and the electrode body is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator does not have a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or more.

[0015] <4> The battery of the fourth embodiment is The electrode body is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The insulator is arranged on the two main surfaces of the electrode body. The insulator does not contain inorganic fillers, <1> ~ <3> The battery is one of the batteries listed in one of the following.

[0016] "Filler" refers to those with a diameter of 1 μm or more when the shape is spherical, and those with a diameter of 2 μm or more in the longitudinal direction of the filler when the shape is flat. "The insulator does not contain a filler" means that in the cross-section of the insulator, the total area of the filler with respect to the cross-sectional area of the insulator is 1% or less of the area. "Main surface" refers to the surface having the largest area.

[0017] Normally, a restraining load is applied to the battery along a direction orthogonal to the main surface of the electrode body. An insulator that does not contain a filler is harder and less likely to be crushed than an insulator that contains a filler when the restraining load is applied. Therefore, a short circuit is less likely to occur between the metal container and the electrode body. As a result, in the battery of the fourth aspect, the metal container and the electrode body are more reliably electrically insulated.

[0018] <5>The battery of the fifth aspect is the battery according to <4>, wherein the thickness of the thermally conductive insulator is greater than each of the thickness of the insulator and the wall thickness of the metal container.

[0019] When the thickness of the thermally conductive insulator varies depending on the site, "the thickness of the thermally conductive insulator" refers to the minimum thickness of the insulator. When the thickness of the insulator varies depending on the site, "the thickness of the insulator" refers to the maximum thickness of the insulator. When the wall thickness of the metal container varies depending on the site, "the wall thickness of the metal container" refers to the maximum wall thickness of the metal container.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, the energy density in the metal container is higher and heat conduction is more efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body than when the thickness of the thermally conductive insulator is not greater than each of the thickness of the insulator and the wall thickness of the metal container.

[0021] <6>The battery of the sixth aspect is the battery according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the thermally conductive insulator contains a thermally conductive filler.

[0022] "Thermal conductive filler" refers to a filler with a thermal conductivity of 2 W / (m·K) or higher. The thermal conductivity of thermal conductive filler is measured by the laser flash method (JIS R1611:2010).

[0023] In the sixth embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator conducts heat more easily than when the thermally conductive insulator does not contain a thermally conductive filler. As a result, in the battery of the sixth embodiment, heat conduction is performed more efficiently between the metal container and the electrode body.

[0024] <7> The battery of the seventh embodiment is The thermally conductive insulator includes a first layer laminated on the electrode body and a second layer laminated on the first layer. In the cross-section of the thermal conductive insulator cut along the thickness direction of the thermal conductive insulator, the first proportion is higher than the second proportion. The first ratio represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the heat conductive filler in the second layer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second layer, The second ratio represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the heat conductive filler in the first layer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first layer, <6> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0025] Generally, the higher the proportion of thermally conductive filler in a layer, the higher the thermal conductivity of the layer tends to be, and the lower the electrical resistance of the layer tends to be. In the seventh embodiment, the first proportion is higher than the second proportion. In other words, the electrical insulation of the first layer tends to be better than that of the second layer, and the thermal conductivity of the second layer tends to be better than that of the first layer. In the seventh embodiment, the first layer mainly functions to electrically insulate the metal container from the electrode body, and the second layer mainly functions to conduct heat between the metal container from the electrode body. As a result, in the seventh embodiment, heat conduction between the metal container from the electrode body is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator does not include the first and second layers.

[0026] <8> The battery of the eighth embodiment is The electrode body includes at least one unit electrode body, The unit electrode body comprises a first current collector, a first active material layer, a solid electrolyte layer containing the solid electrolyte, a second active material layer, and a second current collector. <1> ~ <7> The battery is one of the batteries listed in one of the following.

[0027] The stacked structure of the "unit electrode body" includes a monopolar structure or a bipolar structure. The "solid electrolyte layer" refers to a layer that contains a solid electrolyte but does not contain an active material (i.e., at least one of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material). The "first active material layer" refers to a layer that contains one of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material. The "second active material layer" refers to a layer that contains the other of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material.

[0028] In the battery of the eighth embodiment, the energy density inside the metal container can be improved.

[0029] <9> The battery of the ninth embodiment is The electrode body is constructed by stacking the first current collector, the first active material layer, the solid electrolyte layer, the second active material layer, and the second current collector in this order along the stacking direction. The thermally conductive insulator is positioned in contact with the laminated end face of the electrode body. The laminated end face includes the end face of the first current collector, the end face of the first active material layer, the end face of the solid electrolyte layer, the end face of the second active material layer, and the end face of the second current collector. <8> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0030] In the ninth embodiment, heat conduction between the metal container and the electrode body is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator is not in contact with the laminated end face of the electrode body.

[0031] <10> The battery of the tenth embodiment is The laminated end surface of the electrode body has an uneven shape, The uneven shape is formed by the fact that the end face of the first current collector, the end face of the first active material layer, the end face of the solid electrolyte layer, the end face of the second active material layer, and the end face of the second current collector are not on the same plane. <9> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0032] In the tenth embodiment, the contact area between the thermally conductive insulator and the electrode body is larger than in the case where the laminated end faces of the electrode body do not have an uneven shape. Therefore, heat conduction between the metal container and the electrode body is performed more efficiently.

[0033] <11> The battery of the 11th embodiment is The first current collector, the first active material layer, the solid electrolyte layer, the second active material layer, and the second current collector are stacked in this order along the stacking direction. In a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the length of the insulator is longer than the length of the electrode body. <8> or <9> This is the battery described in [the document].

[0034] In the eleventh embodiment, the insulator can reliably cover the entire outer surface of the electrode body that is in contact with the insulator. As a result, the battery of the eleventh embodiment can more reliably electrically insulate the metal container from the electrode body.

[0035] <12> The battery manufacturing method of the 12th embodiment is: The preparation includes a metal rectangular tube having an open portion in part of its peripheral wall, a metal lid for closing the open portion, an electrode body containing a solid electrolyte, an insulating material for electrically insulating the metal rectangular tube and the electrode body, and a thermally conductive insulating material that electrically insulates the metal rectangular tube and the electrode body and has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating material. Using the aforementioned insulating material, the insulating material is formed on a part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the metal rectangular tube, Using the aforementioned thermally conductive insulating material, a thermally conductive insulating material is formed on the inner surface of the metal rectangular tube in a portion where the insulating material is not present. Applying tensile force to the metal rectangular tube on which the insulator and the thermally conductive insulator are formed, the opening is widened, and the electrode body is placed inside the metal rectangular tube by passing it through the widened opening. Using the aforementioned insulating material or the aforementioned thermally conductive insulating material, the insulating material or the thermally conductive insulating material is formed on the surface of the metal lid facing the electrode body. The metal lid, on which one of the insulator and the thermally conductive insulator is formed, is fixed to the metal rectangular tube, and the opening is closed with the metal lid. This is a method for manufacturing batteries, including [the specified component].

[0036] The "metal rectangular tube" and "metal lid" are components of the metal container that houses the electrode body.

[0037] Solid electrolytes tend to react with water in the atmosphere, causing a decrease in their ionic conductivity. Therefore, the electrode body is manufactured in an environment that contains almost no water (for example, an environment with a dew point temperature of -70°C). The manufacturing method of the battery according to the twelfth embodiment includes applying pressure to the metal rectangular tube on which the insulator and the thermal conductive insulator are formed to widen the opening, and placing the electrode body inside the metal rectangular tube by passing it through the widened opening. This makes it easier to handle the insulator and the thermal conductive insulator than when one of the insulator and the thermal conductive insulator is formed on the electrode body. As a result, the manufacturing method of the battery according to the twelfth embodiment can efficiently manufacture the battery according to the first embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery is provided in which a metal container and an electrode body are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided that can efficiently produce a battery in which the metal container and the electrode body are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently performed between the metal container and the electrode body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the electrode body of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the electrode body of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of a battery according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] In this disclosure, a numerical range indicated using "~" means a range that includes the numbers before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this disclosure, the upper or lower limit stated in one numerical range may be replaced by the upper or lower limit of another numerical range described in stages. In this disclosure, a combination of two or more preferred embodiments is a more preferred embodiment. In this disclosure, the term "process" is included not only in the sense of an independent process, but also in the sense of a process that is not clearly distinguishable from other processes, as long as its intended purpose is achieved.

[0041] In this disclosure, the battery structure has a stacked structure of positive electrode / solid electrolyte layer / negative electrode. The battery includes so-called all-solid-state batteries that use a solid electrolyte as the electrolyte, and the solid electrolyte may contain less than 10% by mass of electrolyte relative to the total amount of electrolyte. The solid electrolyte may also be a composite solid electrolyte containing an inorganic solid electrolyte and a polymer electrolyte.

[0042] Embodiments of the battery and the method for manufacturing the battery described herein will be explained below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated in the description.

[0043] (1) First Embodiment (1.1)Battery The battery 1A of the first embodiment is a solid-state battery. As shown in Figure 1, the battery 1A comprises an electrode body 10, a metal container 20, an insulator 31 (see Figure 2), a thermally conductive insulator 32A (see Figure 2), two negative electrode terminals 41, and two positive electrode terminals 42. The electrode body 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the main surface S10A of the electrode body 10 is defined as the X-axis direction. The short direction of the main surface S10A of the electrode body 10 is defined as the Y-axis direction. The thickness direction of the electrode body 10 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are all orthogonal to each other. The X-axis direction is just one example of an axial direction. These directions do not limit the orientation of the battery when it is used.

[0045] The two negative terminals 41, the electrode body 10, and the two positive terminals 42 are arranged in this order along the positive X-axis. The two negative terminals 41 and the two positive terminals 42 are electrically connected to the electrode body 10. The insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A are placed between the electrode body 10 and the metal container 20, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A cover the electrode body 10 so as to electrically insulate the electrode body 10 from the metal container 20. The electrode body 10 is sealed by the metal container 20, the two negative terminals 41, and the two positive terminals 42, with the insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A enclosed.

[0046] (1.1.1) Electrode body The electrode body 10 functions as a power generation element for the battery 1A.

[0047] The electrode body 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 2, the electrode body 10 has a main surface S10A, a main surface S10B, a laminated end surface S10C, a laminated end surface S10D, a laminated end surface S10E (see Figure 3), and a laminated end surface S10F (see Figure 3). The laminated end surfaces S10C, S10D, S10E, and S10F constitute the side surface of the electrode body 10. The main surface S10A faces the main surface S10B in the Z-axis direction. The laminated end surface S10C faces the laminated end surface S10D in the Y-axis direction. The laminated end surface S10E faces the laminated end surface S10F in the X-axis direction. The main surface S10A is continuously connected to the laminated end surfaces S10C to S10F. The main surface S10B is continuously connected to the laminated end surfaces S10C to S10F.

[0048] Details of the electrode body 10 will be described later.

[0049] (1.1.2) Metal container The metal container 20 houses the electrode body 10.

[0050] The metal container 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 2, the metal container 20 comprises a metal rectangular tube 21, a pair of lids 22, and an electrical insulator 23. The metal rectangular tube 21 has a pair of openings R21. The lids 22 close the openings R21 of the metal rectangular tube 21. The pair of lids 22 are fixed to the metal rectangular tube 21 by known methods (e.g., welding and mechanical fastening of the metal rectangular tube 21 and the lids 22). The electrical insulator 23 is interposed between the negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 42 and the lids 22.

[0051] (1.1.2.1) Metal rectangular cylinder As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the metal rectangular tube 21 has a hollow section. The hollow section extends along the X-axis direction. A pair of openings R21 communicate with each other in the X-axis direction via the hollow section.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the metal rectangular tube 21 has wall sections R21A, R21B, R21C, and R21D. Wall section R21A faces the main surface S10A of the electrode body 10. Wall section R21B faces the main surface S10B of the electrode body 10. Wall section R21C faces the laminated end surface S10C of the electrode body 10. Wall section R21D faces the laminated end surface S10D of the electrode body 10. Wall section R21A is continuously connected to walls R21C and R21D. Wall section R21B is continuously connected to walls R21C and R21D.

[0053] The inner surface of the metal rectangular tube 21 on the electrode body 10 side may have multiple protrusions to more efficiently conduct heat between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10. The multiple protrusions may be arranged regularly or irregularly.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the metal rectangular tube 21 comprises a metal rectangular tube 211 having an opening R211 and a metal lid 212. The opening R211 is formed in the wall portion R21C (i.e., part of the peripheral wall). The metal lid 212 is fixed to the metal rectangular tube 211 by known methods (e.g., welding and mechanical fastening of the metal rectangular tube 21 and the metal lid 212, etc.) and closes the opening R211. In order to widen the opening R211 as will be described later, the wall thickness L211 (see Figure 2) of the metal rectangular tube 211 is thin (e.g., 0.3 mm). To facilitate thermal connection with the cooling device, the outer surface of the wall 2110 of the metal rectangular tube 211 is flat.

[0055] The material of the metal rectangular tube and the metal lid is metal (for example, aluminum, copper, stainless steel (SUS), and nickel, etc.). The material of the metal rectangular tube and the material of the metal lid may be the same or different.

[0056] (1.1.2.2) Lid The lid 22 is a plate-like object. A pair of lids 22 have two through holes R22, as shown in Figure 3. The negative terminal 41 is exposed from each of the two through holes R22 of one lid 22. The positive terminal 42 is exposed from each of the two through holes R22 of the other lid 22. The material of the lid is metal (e.g., aluminum, copper, stainless steel (SUS), and nickel).

[0057] (1.1.2.3) Electrical insulators The electrical insulator 23 prevents electrical contact between the negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 42 and the cover 22. The shape of the electrical insulator 23 is not particularly limited as long as it is interposed between each of the negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 42 and the cover 22. The material of the electrical insulator may be a known resin (thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, etc.). The thermoplastic resin may be an elastomer.

[0058] (1.1.3) Insulators The insulator 31 electrically insulates the electrode body 10 from the metal container 20.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the insulator 31 is a film-like material. The insulator 31 is arranged on a portion of the opposing surfaces S21A to S21D of the metal container 20 that face the electrode body 10. In the first embodiment, the insulator 31 is arranged on the opposing surface S21A of the metal rectangular tube 21 that faces the main surface S10A of the electrode body 10. The insulator 31 is arranged on the opposing surface S21B of the metal rectangular tube 21 that faces the main surface S10B of the electrode body 10.

[0060] The insulator 31 is rectangular in shape. In the first embodiment, the insulator 31 is positioned in contact with the entire main surfaces S10A and S10B of the electrode body 10 and the edges of the laminated end faces S10C and S10D in the Z-axis direction. The length L31A of the insulator 31 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 2) is longer than the length L10A of the electrode body 10 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 2). The length L31B of the insulator 31 in the X-axis direction (see Figure 4) is longer than the length L10B of the electrode body 10 in the X-axis direction (see Figure 4). The thickness of the insulator 31 is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected according to the size of the 1A battery and its application.

[0061] The insulator 31 is in contact with the electrode body 10 and the metal container 20.

[0062] The insulator 31 may or may not be placed on the laminated end faces S10E and S10F of the electrode body 10.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the insulator 31 does not contain fillers. The insulator 31 may be made of a known resin (e.g., thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin). The thermoplastic resin may be an elastomer. The insulator 31 may further contain compounding agents as needed. Examples of compounding agents include fillers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and inorganic powders, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, weathering agents, flame retardants, plasticizers, dispersants, lubricants, mold release agents, and antistatic agents.

[0064] (1.1.4) Thermally conductive insulators The thermally conductive insulator 32A electrically insulates the electrode body 10 from the metal container 20. The thermally conductive insulator 32A has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulator 31.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is a film-like material. The thermally conductive insulator 32A is placed on the portion of the opposing surfaces S21A to S21D of the metal container 20 that are facing the electrode body 10 and where the insulator 31 is not placed. In the first embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is placed on the opposing surface S21C of the metal rectangular tube 21 that is facing the laminated end surface S10C of the electrode body 10. The thermally conductive insulator 32A is placed on the opposing surface S21D of the metal rectangular tube 21 that is facing the laminated end surface S10D of the electrode body 10.

[0066] The thermally conductive insulator 32A is rectangular in shape. In the first embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is in contact with the entire portion of the laminated end face S10C of the electrode body 10 where the insulator 31 is not placed, and the entire portion of the laminated end face S10D of the electrode body 10 where the insulator 31 is not placed. In the first embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is in contact with the electrode body 10 and the metal container 20.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the thickness L32 (see Figure 2) of the thermally conductive insulator 32A is greater than the thickness L31 (see Figure 2) of the insulator 31 and the wall thickness L20 (see Figure 2) of the metal container 20.

[0068] The thermally conductive insulator 32A preferably has a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or higher. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive insulator 32A may be 2.0 W / (m·K) or higher, 5.0 W / (m·K) or lower, or 3.0 W / (m·K) or lower.

[0069] The thermally conductive insulator 32A is composed of a single layer. The thermally conductive insulator 32A may contain known resins (e.g., thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins, etc.) or may consist of known resins, as long as they have higher thermal conductivity than the insulator 31. The thermoplastic resin may be an elastomer.

[0070] The thermally conductive insulator 32A may or may not contain a thermally conductive filler. It is preferable that the thermally conductive insulator 32A contains a thermally conductive filler. The material of the thermally conductive filler is not particularly limited and includes metal oxides (e.g., alumina, silica, and magnesia), metal nitrides (e.g., aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and boron nitride), artificial diamond, and silicon carbide. The shape of the thermally conductive filler is not particularly limited and may be particulate or flattened. The thermally conductive insulator 32A may further contain compounding agents as needed. Examples of compounding agents include those exemplified as compounding agents for insulator 31.

[0071] (1.1.4) Negative terminal and positive terminal The negative terminal 41 and the positive terminal 42 are used to discharge the electricity generated in the electrode body 10 to the outside of the battery 1A.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the negative electrode terminal 41 has two negative electrode terminal components 411, a negative electrode current collector plate 412, and a negative electrode current collector tab 413. The two negative electrode terminal components 411, the negative electrode current collector plate 412, and the negative electrode current collector tab 413 are electrically connected. The negative electrode current collector tab 413 is electrically connected to the electrode body 10. The materials of the negative electrode terminal components 411, the negative electrode current collector plate 412, and the negative electrode current collector tab 413 include metals (for example, aluminum, stainless steel (SUS), and nickel). The materials of the negative electrode terminal components 411, the negative electrode current collector plate 412, and the negative electrode current collector tab 413 may be the same or different. Details of the negative electrode current collector tab 413 will be described later.

[0073] The positive electrode terminal 42 comprises two positive electrode terminal components 421, a positive electrode current collector plate 422, and a positive electrode current collector tab 423. The two positive electrode terminal components 421, the positive electrode current collector plate 422, and the positive electrode current collector tab 423 are electrically connected. The positive electrode current collector tab 423 is electrically connected to the electrode body 10. The positive electrode current collector tab 423 is notched to physically contact three locations on the positive electrode current collector plate 422. The materials of the positive electrode terminal components 421, the positive electrode current collector plate 422, and the positive electrode current collector tab 423 include metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (SUS), and nickel). The materials of the positive electrode terminal components 421, the positive electrode current collector plate 422, and the positive electrode current collector tab 423 may be the same or different. Details of the positive electrode current collector tab 423 will be described later.

[0074] (1.1.5) Details of the electrode As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electrode body 10 includes a plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U. The plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U are stacked along the Z-axis direction. The plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U are connected in parallel.

[0075] The stacked structure of the unit electrode body 10U is a monopolar type structure. The unit electrode body 10U is made up of a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, a positive electrode current collector 105, a positive electrode active material layer 103, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a negative electrode active material layer 102, and a negative electrode current collector 104, stacked in this order along the Z-axis direction.

[0076] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the laminated end faces S10C to S10F of the electrode body 10 include the end face of the solid electrolyte layer 101, the end face of the negative electrode active material layer 102, the end face of the positive electrode active material layer 103, the end face of the negative electrode current collector 104, and the end face of the positive electrode current collector 105. The laminated end faces S10C to S10F of the electrode body 10 have an uneven shape (i.e., lamination misalignment). The uneven shape is formed by the fact that the end faces of the solid electrolyte layer 101, the end face of the negative electrode active material layer 102, the end face of the positive electrode active material layer 103, the end face of the negative electrode current collector 104, and the end face of the positive electrode current collector 105 are not on the same plane. The unevenness height L10A (see Figure 5) of the laminated end faces S10C and S10D may be 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. The unevenness height L10B (see Figure 6) of the laminated end face S10E and the unevenness height L10C (see Figure 6) of the laminated end face S10F (see Figure 6) may each be greater than the unevenness height L10A.

[0077] One negative electrode current collector tab 413 is connected to one negative electrode current collector 104. One positive electrode current collector tab 423 is connected to one positive electrode current collector 105. The number of negative electrode current collector tabs 413 on the electrode body 10 is greater than the number of positive electrode current collector tabs 423 on the electrode body 10.

[0078] (1.1.5.1) Solid electrolyte layer The solid electrolyte layer 101 contains a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is not particularly limited and may be an aggregate of multiple particles. Preferably, the solid electrolyte contains one selected from the group consisting of sulfide solid electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, and halide solid electrolytes. The solid electrolyte may be a known solid electrolyte.

[0079] As a sulfide solid electrolyte, it is preferable to contain sulfur (S) element as the main component of the anion element, and in addition to the S element, it is also preferable to contain, for example, lithium (Li) element and A element. The A element is at least one selected from the group consisting of P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, Sn, B, Al, Ga, and In. The sulfide solid electrolyte may further contain at least one of O and halogen elements. Examples of the halogen element (X) include F, Cl, Br, I, etc. The composition of the sulfide solid electrolyte is not particularly limited, and examples include xLi2S·(100−x)P2S5 (70≦x≦80), yLiI·zLiBr·(100−y−z)(xLi2S·(1−x)P2S5) (0.7≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦30, 0≦z≦30). The sulfide solid electrolyte may have a composition represented by the following general formula (1). Li b , , x , ,

[0080] Ge 1-x P x S4(0<x<1) ··· Formula (1) In Formula (1), at least a part of Ge may be substituted with at least one selected from the group consisting of Sb, Si, Sn, B, Al, Ga, In, Ti, Zr, V, and Nb. Also, at least a part of P may be substituted with at least one selected from the group consisting of Sb, Si, Sn, B, Al, Ga, In, Ti, Zr, V, and Nb. A part of Li may be substituted with at least one selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Mg, Ca, and Zn. A part of S may be substituted with a halogen. The halogen is at least one of F, Cl, Br, and I. The halide solid electrolyte may have a composition (LTAF) represented by the following general formula (2). Li 6-(4-x)b (Ti 1-x Al x ) b F6(0<x<1, 0<b≦1.5) ··· Formula (2)

[0080] The solid electrolyte layer may further contain a binder. The binder may be used for bonding between solid electrolytes. The binder may be used for bonding the solid electrolyte to the negative electrode active material layer 102 or the positive electrode active material layer 103. Examples of binders include vinyl halogenated resins (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), etc.), rubbers (e.g., acrylate butadiene rubber (ABR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), etc.), and polyolefin resins (e.g., polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), etc.).

[0081] (1.1.5.2) Negative electrode active material layer The negative electrode active material layer 102 contains a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material layer 102 may optionally contain at least one of a negative electrode solid electrolyte, a conductive additive, and a binder.

[0082] Examples of negative electrode active materials include Li-based active materials (e.g., metallic lithium), carbon-based active materials (e.g., graphite), oxide-based active materials (e.g., lithium titanate), and Si-based active materials (e.g., elemental Si).

[0083] Examples of solid electrolytes for the negative electrode include those similar to those exemplified as solid electrolytes contained in the solid electrolyte layer. Preferably, at least a portion of the surface of the negative electrode active material is coated with a sulfide solid electrolyte, an oxide solid electrolyte, or a halide solid electrolyte.

[0084] Examples of conductive additives that can be used in the negative electrode active material layer include carbon materials (e.g., carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphite, and carbon fluoride), metallic materials (e.g., aluminum powder and conductive whiskers), and conductive polymer materials (e.g., polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene).

[0085] Examples of binders that can be used in the negative electrode active material layer include those similar to those exemplified as binders included in the solid electrolyte layer.

[0086] (1.1.5.3) Positive electrode active material layer The positive electrode active material layer 103 contains a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material layer 103 may optionally contain at least one of a positive electrode solid electrolyte, a conductive additive, and a binder.

[0087] The positive electrode active material preferably contains a lithium composite oxide. The lithium composite oxide may contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, N, S, Br, and I. The lithium composite oxide may also have a crystal structure belonging to at least one space group selected from the space groups R-3m, Immm, and P63-mmc. Furthermore, the lithium composite oxide may have an O2-type structure in which the main arrangement of the transition metal, oxygen, and lithium is located. The positive electrode active material may be a known positive electrode active material.

[0088] The positive electrode solid electrolyte is similar to those exemplified as negative electrode solid electrolytes that can be used in the negative electrode active material layer. Preferably, at least a portion of the surface of the positive electrode active material is coated with a sulfide solid electrolyte, an oxide solid electrolyte, or a halide solid electrolyte.

[0089] Examples of conductive additives include those similar to those exemplified as conductive additives that can be used in the negative electrode active material layer.

[0090] Examples of binders include those similar to those exemplified as binders that can be used in the negative electrode active material layer.

[0091] (1.1.5.4) Negative electrode current collector The negative electrode current collector 104 collects current from the negative electrode active material layer 102. The material of the negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited and includes, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, titanium, and carbon. The material of the negative electrode current collector may be aluminum. The shape of the negative electrode current collector may be, for example, foil-like or mesh-like. The negative electrode current collector may have a buffer layer, an elastic layer, or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor layer on its surface.

[0092] (1.1.5.5) Positive electrode current collector The positive electrode current collector 105 collects current from the positive electrode active material layer 103. The material of the positive electrode current collector is not particularly limited and includes, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, titanium, carbon, and aluminum alloy. The material of the positive electrode current collector may be aluminum. The shape of the positive electrode current collector may be, for example, foil-like or mesh-like. The positive electrode current collector may have a buffer layer, an elastic layer, or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor layer on its surface.

[0093] (1.1.5.6) Negative current collection tab The negative electrode current collector tab 413 electrically connects the negative electrode current collector body 104 and the negative electrode current collector plate 412. As shown in Figure 3, the negative electrode current collector tab 413 protrudes in the negative X-axis direction relative to the laminated end face S10F of the electrode body 10. The negative electrode current collector tab 413 is notched to physically contact three locations on the negative electrode current collector plate 412. A first bundle containing multiple negative electrode current collector tabs 413 is electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector plate 412. The negative electrode current collector tab 413 and the negative electrode current collector body 104 may be separate or the same.

[0094] (1.1.5.7) Positive current collection tab The positive electrode current collector tab 423 electrically connects the positive electrode current collector body 105 and the positive electrode current collector plate 422. As shown in Figure 3, the positive electrode current collector tab 423 protrudes in the positive X-axis direction relative to the laminated end face S10E of the electrode body 10. The positive electrode current collector tab 423 is notched to physically contact three locations on the positive electrode current collector plate 422. A second bundle containing multiple positive electrode current collector tabs 423 is electrically connected to the positive electrode current collector plate 422. The positive electrode current collector tab 423 and the positive electrode current collector body 105 may be separate or the same.

[0095] (1.1.6) Purpose Applications for the 1A battery include powering electrical equipment (e.g., vehicles, electronic devices, and electrical storage). Vehicles include electric four-wheeled vehicles, electric two-wheeled vehicles, gasoline cars, and diesel cars. Electric four-wheeled vehicles include electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid vehicles (BEVs). Electric two-wheeled vehicles include electric motorcycles and electric-assist bicycles. Electronic devices include handheld devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, and audio players), portable devices (e.g., notebook computers and CD (Compact Disc) players), and mobile devices (e.g., power tools and professional video cameras). In particular, the 1A battery is preferably used as a power source for hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, or electric vehicles.

[0096] (1.2) Method of manufacturing a battery The battery manufacturing method of the first embodiment is a method for manufacturing battery 1A. The method includes a preparation step, an insulator formation step, a thermally conductive insulator formation step, an electrode insertion step, a lid processing step, a lid fixing step, and a sealing step. The preparation step, electrode insertion step, lid fixing step, and sealing step are performed in this order. The insulator placement step and the thermally conductive insulator placement step are performed before the electrode insertion step. The lid processing step is performed before the lid fixing step.

[0097] (1.2.1) Preparation process In the preparation step, a metal rectangular tube 211 having an open portion R211, a metal lid 212, an electrode body 100 with a terminal lid, a material for the insulator 31, and a material for the thermally conductive insulator 32A are prepared. The electrode body 100 with a terminal lid comprises an electrode body 10, a negative electrode terminal 41 electrically connected to the electrode body 10, a lid 22 and an electrical insulator 23 attached to the negative electrode terminal 41, a positive electrode terminal 42 electrically connected to the electrode body 10, and a lid 22 and an electrical insulator 23 attached to the positive electrode terminal 42.

[0098] (1.2.1.1) Preparation method for metal rectangular tubes, etc. The method for preparing the metal rectangular tube 211 having an open portion R211, the metal lid 212, the material for the insulator 31, and the material for the thermally conductive insulator 32A is not particularly limited and any known method is acceptable. The material for the insulator 31 and the material for the thermally conductive insulator 32A may be a film-like processed product (i.e., a self-supporting film) or a paste-like substance.

[0099] (1.2.1.2) Method for preparing electrode bodies with terminal covers The method for preparing the electrode body 100 with terminals is not particularly limited and includes a step of preparing a unit electrode body sheet with current collecting tabs, a lamination step, a cutting step, and a terminal cover attachment step. The steps of preparing the unit electrode body sheet with current collecting tabs, the lamination step, the cutting step, and the terminal cover attachment step are carried out in this order. In order to suppress the decrease in the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte, the method for preparing the electrode body with terminals may be carried out in an environment that contains almost no water (for example, an environment with a dew point temperature of -70°C).

[0100] In the preparation step for the unit electrode sheet with current-collecting tabs, the unit electrode sheet with current-collecting tabs is prepared. The unit electrode sheet with current-collecting tabs comprises a unit electrode sheet, a negative electrode current-collecting tab 413 electrically connected to the unit electrode sheet, and a positive electrode current-collecting tab 423 electrically connected to the unit electrode sheet. The unit electrode sheet is the same as the unit electrode 10U except for its size. Any known method can be used to prepare the unit electrode sheet with current-collecting tabs.

[0101] In the lamination process, multiple unit electrode sheets with current-collecting tabs are stacked in this order along the Z-axis. This yields an electrode sheet with current-collecting tabs. The lamination method is not particularly limited and any known method is acceptable.

[0102] In the cutting process, two sides of the unit electrode sheet are cut. This yields an electrode body with current-collecting tabs. The electrode body with current-collecting tabs comprises an electrode body 10, a negative electrode current-collecting tab 413 electrically connected to the electrode body 10, and a positive electrode current-collecting tab 423 electrically connected to the electrode body 10. At this time, an uneven shape is formed on the cut surface of the electrode body 10 (i.e., the laminated end faces S10C, S10D). The solid electrolyte layer 101, the negative electrode active material layer 102, and the positive electrode active material layer 103 contain multiple particles. Therefore, the end faces of the negative electrode current-collecting body 104 and the positive electrode current-collecting body 105 tend to be convex, while the end faces of the solid electrolyte layer 101, the negative electrode active material layer 102, and the positive electrode active material layer 103 tend to be concave. Any known cutting method is acceptable. Shearing tools (e.g., scissors and circular blades) may be used for the cutting method.

[0103] In the terminal cover mounting process, a pair of covers 22, an electrical insulator 23, a negative electrode terminal component 411, a negative electrode current collector plate 412, a positive electrode terminal component 421, and a positive electrode current collector plate 422 are attached to the electrode body with current collector tabs. This results in an electrode body 100 with terminal covers. The mounting method is not particularly limited and any known method is acceptable.

[0104] (1.2.2) Insulator formation process In the insulator formation step, the insulator 31 is formed on the opposing surfaces S21A and S21A of the metal rectangular tube 211 having an open portion R211 using the material for the insulator 31. The method for forming the insulator 31 is appropriately selected according to the material of the insulator 31 and can be any known method (e.g., bonding and coating).

[0105] (1.2.3) Process for forming a thermally conductive insulator In the thermal conductive insulator formation step, the thermal conductive insulator 32A is formed on the opposing surface S21D of the metal rectangular tube 211 having an open portion R211 using the material of the thermal conductive insulator 32A. The method for forming the thermal conductive insulator 32A is appropriately selected according to the material of the thermal conductive insulator 32A and can be any known method (e.g., bonding and coating).

[0106] (1.2.4) Electrode insertion process In the electrode insertion step, as shown in Figure 7, a tensile force F is applied to the first opposing surface S21A and the second opposing surface S21B of the metal rectangular tube 211, on which the insulator 31 and the thermally conductive insulator 32A are formed, to widen the opening R211, and the electrode body 100 with terminal cover is placed inside the metal rectangular tube 211 by passing it through the widened opening R211. The method of applying the tensile force F is not particularly limited and any known method (e.g., suction) may be used. The method of moving the electrode body 100 with terminal cover inside the metal rectangular tube 211 may also be any known method.

[0107] (1.2.5) Lid processing process In the lid processing step, a thermally conductive insulator 32A is formed on the surface of the metal lid 212 facing the electrode body 10 (i.e., the opposing surface S21C) using the thermally conductive insulator 32A material. The method for forming the thermally conductive insulator 32A is appropriately selected according to the material of the thermally conductive insulator 32A and can be any known method (e.g., bonding and coating).

[0108] (1.2.6) Lid fixing process In the lid fixing process, the metal lid 212, on which the thermally conductive insulator 32A is formed, is fixed to the metal rectangular tube 211, thereby closing the opening R211 with the metal lid 212. The fixing method can be any known method (for example, welding, and mechanical fastening of the metal rectangular tube 21 and the metal lid 212).

[0109] (1.2.7) Sealing process In the sealing process, the electrode body 10 is sealed by fixing a pair of lids 22 of the electrode body 100 with terminal lids to a metal rectangular tube 211 in which the electrode body 100 with terminal lids is placed. This yields a battery of 1A. The fixing method can be any known method (e.g., welding, mechanical fastening of the metal rectangular tube 21 and the lids 22, etc.). The inside of the metal container 20 may be filled with an inert gas (e.g., helium, etc.).

[0110] (1.3) Effects As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the device comprises an electrode body 10, a metal container 20, an insulator 31, and a thermally conductive insulator 32A. The insulator 31 is positioned on the opposing surfaces S21A and S21B of the metal container 20. It is also positioned on the opposing surfaces S21C and S21D of the metal container 20. As a result, the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 are electrically insulated. Furthermore, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is in physical contact with the electrode body 10 and the metal container 20 without the insulator 31 in between. Therefore, heat conduction is efficiently carried out between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10. Consequently, battery 1A is a battery in which the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 are electrically insulated and heat conduction is efficiently carried out between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10.

[0111] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the thermally conductive insulator 32A is in contact with the metal container 20. As a result, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator 32A is not in contact with the metal container 20.

[0112] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, it is preferable that the thermally conductive insulator 32A has a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or higher. As a result, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator 32A does not have a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or higher.

[0113] The Disclosing Parties conducted an experiment to confirm the thermal conductivity of a thermally conductive insulator that can more efficiently conduct heat between a metal container and an electrode body, as follows. Three experimental batteries were used: the first battery, the second battery, and the third battery. The first battery was the same as battery 1A, except that the insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A were replaced with a thermal conductive insulator having a thermal conductivity of 3.00 W / (m·K). The second battery was the same as battery 1A, except that the insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A were replaced with a thermal conductive insulator having a thermal conductivity of 1.75 W / (m·K). The third battery was the same as battery 1A, except that the insulator 31 and the thermal conductive insulator 32A were replaced with a thermal conductive insulator having a thermal conductivity of 0.50 W / (m·K). In the experiment, a cooling device was attached to one side of the experimental battery (i.e., wall R21D). The experimental battery with the cooling device attached was repeatedly charged and then discharged. During this process, the temperature of the other side of the experimental battery (i.e., wall R21C) was measured. The temperature was measured at the negative electrode side of wall R21C (the end in the negative X-axis direction), the central part of wall R21C (the central part in the X-axis direction), and the positive electrode side of wall R21C (the end in the positive X-axis direction). The measurement results are shown in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, the side temperatures of the first and second batteries were more than 7.7°C lower than the side temperature of the third battery. These results experimentally confirmed that when the thermally conductive insulator 32A has a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or higher, heat conduction between the metal container and the electrode body is efficient.

[0114] [Table 1]

[0115] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the electrode body 10 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The insulator 31 is placed on the main surfaces S10A and S10B of the electrode body 10. The insulator 31 does not contain inorganic fillers. A restraining load is typically applied to the battery 1A in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces S10A and S10B of the electrode body 10. An insulator without fillers is harder and less prone to crushing than an insulator containing fillers when a restraining load is applied. Therefore, short circuits are less likely to occur between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10. As a result, the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 are more reliably electrically insulated.

[0116] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the thickness L32 of the thermally conductive insulator 32A (see Figure 2) is greater than the thickness L31 of the insulator 31 (see Figure 2) and the wall thickness L20 of the metal container 20 (see Figure 2). As a result, the energy density inside the metal container 20 is higher and heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is more efficient than when the thickness L32 of the thermally conductive insulator 32A is not greater than the thickness L31 of the insulator 31 and the wall thickness L20 of the metal container 20.

[0117] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, it is preferable that the thermally conductive insulator 32A contains a thermally conductive filler. The thermally conductive insulator 32A conducts heat more easily than when the thermally conductive insulator 32A does not contain a thermally conductive filler. As a result, in the battery 1A, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is performed more efficiently.

[0118] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the electrode body 10 includes a plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U. Each unit electrode body 10U comprises a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, and a positive electrode current collector 105. As a result, the energy density inside the metal container 20 can be improved with a 1A battery.

[0119] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the electrode body 10 is constructed by stacking a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, and a positive electrode current collector 105 in this order along the Z-axis direction. The thermally conductive insulator 32A is positioned in contact with the stacked end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10.

[0120] In the ninth embodiment, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is more efficient than when the thermally conductive insulator 32A is not in contact with the laminated end faces S10C, S10D of the electrode body 10.

[0121] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the laminated end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10 have an uneven shape. As a result, the contact area between the thermally conductive insulator 32A and the electrode body 10 is larger than when the laminated end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10 do not have an uneven shape. Therefore, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is performed more efficiently.

[0122] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, in the Y-axis direction, the length L31A of the insulator 31 (see Figure 2) is longer than the length L10A of the electrode body 10 (see Figure 2). In the X-axis direction, the length L31B of the insulator 31 (see Figure 4) is longer than the length L10B of the electrode body 10 (see Figure 4). This ensures that the insulator 31 reliably covers the entire main surfaces S10A and S10B of the electrode body 10. As a result, the battery 1A can more reliably insulate the metal container 20 from the electrode body 10 electrically.

[0123] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the battery manufacturing method of the first embodiment includes a preparation step, an insulator formation step, a thermally conductive insulator formation step, an electrode insertion step, a lid processing step, and a lid fixing step. Solid electrolytes tend to react with water in the atmosphere, causing a decrease in their ionic conductivity. Therefore, the electrode body 10 is manufactured in an environment that contains almost no water (for example, an environment with a dew point temperature of -70°C). In the battery manufacturing method of the first embodiment, the handling of the insulator 31 and the thermally conductive insulator 32A is easier than when one of the two is formed on the electrode body 10. As a result, the battery manufacturing method of the first embodiment can efficiently manufacture battery 1A.

[0124] (2) Second Embodiment (2.1)Battery Battery 1B according to the second embodiment is the same as battery 1A according to the first embodiment, except that the layer configuration of the thermally conductive insulator is different.

[0125] Battery 1B comprises an electrode body 10, a metal container 20, an insulator 31, a thermally conductive insulator 32B, two negative terminals 41, and two positive terminals 42.

[0126] Thermally conductive insulator 32B is the same as thermally conductive insulator 32A, except for its layer structure.

[0127] As shown in Figure 8, the thermally conductive insulator 32B has a first layer 321 and a second layer 322 on the electrode body 10, in order from the electrode body 10 side. The first layer 321 is laminated on the laminated end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10. The second layer 322 is laminated on the first layer 321.

[0128] In the second embodiment, the thermally conductive insulator 32B includes a thermally conductive filler. In a cross-section of the thermally conductive insulator 32B cut along the thickness direction (Y-axis direction), the first proportion is higher than the second proportion. The first proportion represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the thermally conductive filler in the second layer 322 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second layer 322. The second proportion represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the thermally conductive filler in the first layer 321 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first layer 321. The first layer 321 does not necessarily contain a thermally conductive filler. If the first layer 321 and the second layer 322 contain a thermally conductive filler, the material of the thermally conductive filler in the first layer 321 and the material of the thermally conductive filler in the second layer 322 may be the same or different.

[0129] The material of the thermally conductive insulator 32B is not particularly limited and may be a film-like processed product (i.e., a self-supporting film) or a paste-like substance. The method for forming the thermally conductive insulator 32B may be appropriately selected depending on the material of the thermally conductive insulator 32B and may be any known method (e.g., bonding and coating).

[0130] (2.2) Effects Battery 1B is identical to battery 1A, except that the thermal conductive insulator 32A has been replaced with thermal conductive insulator 32B. Therefore, battery 1B performs the same functions and effects as battery 1A.

[0131] As explained with reference to Figure 8, the thermally conductive insulator 32B includes a first layer 321 and a second layer 322. The proportion of the first layer is higher than that of the second layer. As a result, the electrical insulation properties of the first layer 321 tend to be superior to those of the second layer 322, and the thermal conductivity of the second layer 322 tends to be superior to that of the first layer 321. The first layer 321 primarily functions to electrically insulate the metal container 20 from the electrode body 10, while the second layer 322 primarily functions to conduct heat between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10. Consequently, in battery 1B, heat conduction between the metal container 20 and the electrode body 10 is more efficient than in a battery that does not include the first and second layers 321 and 322.

[0132] (3) Variant In the first and second embodiments, the thermally conductive insulators 32A and 32B are in contact with the metal container 20, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermally conductive insulators do not need to be in contact with the metal container.

[0133] In the first and second embodiments, the electrode body 10 is rectangular parallelepiped, and the insulator 31 is arranged on the main surfaces S10A and S10B of the electrode body 10, and the insulator 31 does not contain fillers, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The insulator does not have to be arranged on the two main surfaces of the electrode body. The insulator may be arranged only on the laminated end faces of the electrode body, and the thermally conductive insulator may be arranged on the two main surfaces of the electrode body. The insulator may contain fillers.

[0134] In the first and second embodiments, the thickness L32 of the thermally conductive insulators 32A and 32B is greater than the thickness L31 of the insulator 31 and the wall thickness L20 of the metal container 20, respectively, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thickness of the thermally conductive insulator does not have to be greater than the thickness of the insulator, nor does it have to be greater than the wall thickness of the metal container.

[0135] In the second embodiment, the first proportion is higher than the second proportion, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The first proportion does not have to be higher than the second proportion.

[0136] In the first and second embodiments, the electrode body 10 includes a plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The electrode body 10 may consist of a single unit electrode body 10U.

[0137] In the first and second embodiments, the unit electrode body 10U is formed by stacking a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, a positive electrode current collector 105, a positive electrode active material layer 103, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a negative electrode active material layer 102, and a negative electrode current collector 104 in this order along the Z-axis direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The unit electrode body 10U may also be formed by stacking a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, and a positive electrode current collector 105 in this order along the Z-axis direction. The unit electrode body 10U may consist of a positive electrode current collector 105, a positive electrode active material layer 103, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a negative electrode current collector 104, a negative electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 101, a positive electrode active material layer 103, and a positive electrode current collector 105, all stacked in this order along the Z-axis direction.

[0138] In the first and second embodiments, the thermally conductive insulators 32A and 32B are positioned in contact with the laminated end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermally conductive insulators do not need to be positioned in contact with the laminated end faces of the electrode body.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments, the laminated end faces S10C and S10D of the electrode body 10 have an uneven shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The laminated end faces of the electrode body do not need to have an uneven shape.

[0140] In the first and second embodiments, the length L31A of the insulator 31 is longer than the length L10A of the electrode body 10 in the Y-axis direction, and the length L31B of the insulator 31 is longer than the length L10B of the electrode body 10 in the X-axis direction; however, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In at least one of the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, the length of the insulator does not have to be longer than the length of the electrode body.

[0141] In the first and second embodiments, the opening R211 is formed in the wall portion R21C, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The opening R211 may be formed in the wall portion R21A or wall portion R21B of the metal rectangular tube 21. In this case, during the lid manufacturing process, the insulator 31 may be formed on the surface of the metal lid 212 facing the electrode body 10 using the material of the insulator 31.

[0142] In the first and second embodiments, the insulator 31 and the thermally conductive insulators 32A and 32B are film-like materials, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the insulator and the thermally conductive insulator does not have to be film-like, and may be appropriately selected according to the shape of the electrode body and the shape of the metal container.

[0143] In the first and second embodiments, the metal container 20 includes a metal rectangular tube 21, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The metal container may include a metal cylindrical body.

[0144] In the first and second embodiments, the laminated structure of the electrode body 10 is configured in which a plurality of unit electrode bodies 10U having a monopolar structure are connected in parallel, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The laminated structure of the electrode body may be configured in which a plurality of unit electrode bodies having a monopolar structure are connected in series (hereinafter also referred to as the "monopolar series configuration"). In the monopolar series configuration, the electrode body has a conductor that electrically connects the negative electrode current collector and the positive electrode current collector, and does not have a bundle containing a plurality of negative electrode current collector tabs or a plurality of positive electrode current collector tabs. The laminated structure of the electrode body may be configured in which a plurality of unit electrode bodies having a bipolar structure are connected in series. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 1A,1B: Battery, 10: Electrode body, 101: Solid electrolyte layer, 102: Negative electrode active material layer, 103: Positive electrode active material layer, 104: Negative electrode current collector, 105: Positive electrode current collector, 20: Metal container, 21: Metal rectangular tube, 211: Metal rectangular tube with opening, 212: Metal lid, 22: Lid, 23: Electrical insulator, 31: Insulator, 32A,32B: Thermally conductive insulator, 41: Negative electrode terminal, 411: Negative electrode terminal component, 412: Negative electrode current collector plate, 413: Negative electrode current collector tab, 42: Positive electrode terminal, 421: Positive electrode terminal component, 422: Positive electrode current collector plate, 423: Positive electrode current collector tab, R211: Opening

Claims

1. An electrode body containing a solid electrolyte, A metal container for housing the electrode body, An insulator that electrically insulates the electrode body and the metal container, A thermally conductive insulator that electrically insulates the electrode body and the metal container and has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulator, Equipped with, The insulator is arranged on a part of the opposing surface of the metal container that faces the electrode body, A battery in which the thermally conductive insulator is placed on the portion of the opposing surface where the insulator is not located.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive insulator is in contact with the metal container.

3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive insulator has a thermal conductivity of 1.5 W / (m·K) or more.

4. The electrode body is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The insulator is arranged on the two main surfaces of the electrode body. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the insulator does not contain a filler.

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the thermally conductive insulator is greater than the thickness of the insulator and the wall thickness of the metal container, respectively.

6. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive insulator includes a thermally conductive filler.

7. The thermally conductive insulator includes a first layer laminated on the electrode body in order from the electrode body side, and a second layer laminated on the first layer. In the cross-section of the thermal conductive insulator cut along the thickness direction of the thermal conductive insulator, the first proportion is higher than the second proportion. The first ratio represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the heat conductive filler in the second layer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second layer, The battery according to claim 6, wherein the second ratio represents the ratio of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the thermal conductive filler in the first layer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first layer.

8. The electrode body includes at least one unit electrode body, The battery according to claim 1, wherein the unit electrode body comprises a first current collector, a first active material layer, a solid electrolyte layer containing the solid electrolyte, a second active material layer, and a second current collector.

9. The electrode body is constructed by stacking the first current collector, the first active material layer, the solid electrolyte layer, the second active material layer, and the second current collector in this order along the stacking direction. The thermally conductive insulator is positioned in contact with the laminated end face of the electrode body. The battery according to claim 8, wherein the laminated end face includes the end face of the first current collector, the end face of the first active material layer, the end face of the solid electrolyte layer, the end face of the second active material layer, and the end face of the second current collector.

10. The laminated end surface of the electrode body has an uneven shape, The battery according to claim 9, wherein the uneven shape is formed by the fact that the end face of the first current collector, the end face of the first active material layer, the end face of the solid electrolyte layer, the end face of the second active material layer, and the end face of the second current collector are not on the same plane.

11. The first current collector, the first active material layer, the solid electrolyte layer, the second active material layer, and the second current collector are stacked in this order along the stacking direction. The battery according to claim 8, wherein the length of the insulator in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction is longer than the length of the electrode body.

12. The preparation includes a metal rectangular tube having an open portion in part of its peripheral wall, a metal lid for closing the open portion, an electrode body containing a solid electrolyte, an insulating material for electrically insulating the metal rectangular tube and the electrode body, and a thermally conductive insulating material that electrically insulates the metal rectangular tube and the electrode body and has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating material. Using the aforementioned insulating material, the insulating material is formed on a part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the metal rectangular tube, Using the aforementioned thermally conductive insulating material, a thermally conductive insulating material is formed on the inner surface of the metal rectangular tube in a portion where the insulating material is not currently present. Applying tensile force to the metal rectangular tube on which the insulator and the thermally conductive insulator are formed, the opening is widened, and the electrode body is placed inside the metal rectangular tube by passing it through the widened opening. Using the aforementioned insulating material or the aforementioned thermally conductive insulating material, the insulating material or the thermally conductive insulating material is formed on the surface of the metal lid facing the electrode body. The metal lid, on which one of the insulator and the thermally conductive insulator is formed, is fixed to the metal rectangular tube, and the opening is closed with the metal lid. A method for manufacturing batteries, including the invention of a battery.

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