Battery manufacturing method and battery manufacturing device

Abstract

To improve welding strength of ultrasonic welding.SOLUTION: An electrode body is housed in a laminate outer package. At least a part of a circumference of the laminate outer package is sandwiched between a first horn and a second horn to form a pressurized part. The pressurized part is applied with ultrasonic vibration from each of the first and second horns to form a sealed part. The first horn has a first vibration direction. The second horn has a second vibration direction. The first vibration direction is parallel to a thickness direction of the laminate outer package. The second vibration direction is not parallel to the first vibration direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing method, a battery manufacturing apparatus, and a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-266420 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ultrasonic welding device equipped with a second ultrasonic horn section that outputs ultrasonic waves having a different vibration frequency from that of a first ultrasonic horn section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-266420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A laminate film is used as the exterior body of a battery. An exterior body made of a laminate film is called a "laminated exterior body." A battery equipped with a laminate exterior body is called a "laminated type battery."

[0005] For example, an electrode assembly (power generating element) is housed in a laminate exterior body. A seal portion is formed at the periphery of the laminate exterior body by welding the laminate exterior body.

[0006] Generally, the seal is formed by heat sealing. That is, a heat bar is pressed against the laminate exterior body to form the seal. By adopting ultrasonic welding instead of heat sealing, for example, it is expected to improve productivity. However, ultrasonic welding tends to have a lower welding strength than heat sealing.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the weld strength of ultrasonic welding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technical configuration and effects of the present disclosure will be described below. However, the mechanism of action in this specification includes assumptions. The mechanism of action does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] 1. A method for manufacturing a battery includes the following steps (a) to (c): (a) The electrode body is housed in a laminate exterior body. (b) At least a portion of the periphery of the laminate exterior body is sandwiched between the first horn and the second horn to form a pressure section. (c) A seal is formed by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the pressure applying portion from each of the first horn and the second horn. The first horn has a first vibration direction. The second horn has a second vibration direction. The first vibration direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body, and the second vibration direction is non-parallel to the first vibration direction.

[0010] Generally, the vibration direction of the horn in ultrasonic welding is perpendicular to the joining surface (object to be processed). When forming a seal in a laminate exterior body, the vibration direction of the horn is parallel to the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body.

[0011] In the manufacturing method of the battery of the present disclosure, a first horn and a second horn are used. The first horn vibrates parallel to the thickness direction of the laminated exterior body. It is expected that the vibration of the first horn melts the resin. The second horn vibrates in a direction different from that of the first horn. The vibration of the second horn can agitate the molten resin. It is expected that the vibration in two directions will mix the resin over a wide range at the joint interface. It is expected that the mixing of the resin will improve the welding strength.

[0012] 2. The second vibration direction may be perpendicular to the first vibration direction.

[0013] By making the vibration direction of the second horn perpendicular to the vibration direction of the first horn, it is expected that the efficiency of stirring the resin, for example, will be improved.

[0014] 3. The first horn may have an amplitude that is less than or equal to two times the thickness of the laminate exterior body.

[0015] By having the amplitude of the first horn be no greater than twice the thickness of the laminate exterior body (laminate film), it is expected that damage to the laminate film will be reduced.

[0016] 4. The second horn may vibrate in synchronization with the first horn.

[0017] "Synchronized" means that the second horn vibrates in conjunction with the first horn, so that when the position of the first horn is specified during vibration, the position of the second horn is also specified. For example, when the first horn is at the end of the vibration, the second horn may vibrate so as to be in the center of the vibration. By vibrating the second horn in synchronization with the first horn, it is expected that, for example, the weld strength will be improved.

[0018] 5. At least one of the first horn and the second horn may include a knurled portion. The knurled portion may be in contact with the laminate exterior body.

[0019] The "knurled portion" refers to a portion that has been knurled. The knurled portion is expected to come into contact with the laminate exterior body, thereby improving, for example, the efficiency of melting the resin, the efficiency of stirring, and the like.

[0020] 6. The seal portion may include a first region and a second region. In the first region, the laminate exterior bodies are welded together. In the second region, an electrode tab is sandwiched between the laminate exterior bodies. At least one of the first horn and the second horn may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion forms the first region. The second portion forms the second region. In the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body, the second portion is recessed compared to the first portion.

[0021] The laminated battery may include an electrode tab. The electrode tab is joined to the electrode body. The electrode tab is pulled out from the inside to the outside of the laminated exterior body. For example, it is required to perform ultrasonic welding by clamping the electrode tab. When ultrasonic welding is performed by clamping the electrode tab, a step is generated by the electrode tab, so that there is a possibility that the applied pressure is locally large. Since the part of the horn corresponding to the electrode tab is recessed, it is expected that the pressure difference between the area corresponding to the electrode tab (second area) and the other area (first area) will be reduced. As a result, it is expected that the difference in welding strength between the first area and the second area, for example, will be reduced.

[0022] 7. A battery manufacturing apparatus forms a seal portion on the periphery of a laminated exterior body in which an electrode body is housed. The battery manufacturing apparatus includes a first horn, a second horn, a pressure device, a first ultrasonic generator, and a second ultrasonic generator. The first horn and the second horn are configured to sandwich at least a part of the periphery of the laminated exterior body between them. The pressure device is configured to apply a pressure force to at least one of the first horn and the second horn. The first ultrasonic generator is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a first vibration direction to the first horn. The second ultrasonic generator is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a second vibration direction to the second horn. The first vibration direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the laminated exterior body. The second vibration direction is non-parallel to the first vibration direction.

[0023] In the battery manufacturing apparatus of "7" above, the battery manufacturing method of "1" above can be carried out.

[0024] 8. In the battery manufacturing apparatus, the second vibration direction may be perpendicular to the first vibration direction.

[0025] In the battery manufacturing apparatus of "8" above, the battery manufacturing method of "2" above can be carried out.

[0026] 9. In the battery manufacturing apparatus, at least one of the first horn and the second horn may include a knurled portion. The knurled portion may be configured to come into contact with the laminate exterior body.

[0027] In the battery manufacturing apparatus of "9" above, the battery manufacturing method of "5" above can be implemented.

[0028] 10. The seal portion may include a first region and a second region. In the first region, the laminated exterior bodies are welded together. In the second region, the electrode tab is sandwiched between the laminated exterior bodies. In the battery manufacturing apparatus, at least one of the first horn and the second horn may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to form a first region. The second portion is configured to form a second region. In a thickness direction of the laminated exterior body, the second portion is recessed compared to the first portion.

[0029] In the battery manufacturing apparatus of "10" above, the battery manufacturing method of "6" above can be implemented.

[0030] 11. The battery includes a laminated exterior body and an electrode assembly. The laminated exterior body houses the electrode assembly. The laminated exterior body includes a seal portion on at least a portion of its periphery. The seal portion includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is the surface opposite to the first surface. Processing marks are formed on the first surface or the second surface. The processing marks extend in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the laminated exterior body.

[0031] It is believed that the vibrations caused by the first horn (vibrations in the thickness direction) are unlikely to form processing marks (scratches) on the outer surface of the laminate exterior body. The second horn vibrates non-parallel to the first horn. The vibrations caused by the second horn may form processing marks on the outer surface of the laminate exterior body. The processing marks may be formed along the second vibration direction (vibration direction of the second horn). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for producing a battery in this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the battery in this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a first conceptual diagram showing an example of the first horn and the second horn in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second conceptual diagram showing an example of the first horn and the second horn in this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a battery manufacturing apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a battery in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a battery according to a reference embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] <Definitions of terms, etc.> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure (which may be abbreviated as "the present embodiment") will be described. However, the present embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] In this specification, the words "comprise," "include," "have," and variations thereof (e.g., "consisting of") are open-ended. The open-ended form may or may not include additional elements in addition to the required elements. The word "consisting of" is closed-ended. However, even in the closed form, additional elements that are normally associated impurities or unrelated to the disclosed technology are not excluded. The word "consisting essentially of..." is semi-closed. In the semi-closed form, the addition of elements that do not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the disclosed technology is permitted.

[0035] In this specification, the terms "may" and "may" are used in the permissive sense, "possibly", rather than in the obligatory sense, "must". In this specification, elements expressed in the singular form include the plural form unless otherwise specified.

[0036] In the methods described herein, the order of execution of multiple steps, operations, and the like is not limited to the order described unless otherwise specified. For example, multiple steps may proceed simultaneously. For example, multiple steps may be performed one after the other.

[0037] Geometric terms (e.g., "parallel," "perpendicular," "orthogonal," etc.) in this specification should not be interpreted in a strict sense. For example, "parallel" may deviate slightly from the strict meaning of "parallel." Geometric terms in this specification may include, for example, tolerances, errors, etc. in design, work, manufacturing, etc. The dimensional relationships in each figure may not match the actual dimensional relationships. In order to facilitate understanding of the disclosed technology, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each figure may be changed. Furthermore, some configurations may be omitted.

[0038] In this specification, the term "planar view" refers to viewing an object (e.g., a laminate exterior body, a battery, etc.) from a line of sight parallel to the thickness direction of the object. The planar view can be shown, for example, as a top view or a bottom view.

[0039] In this specification, a numerical range such as "m to n%" includes an upper limit and a lower limit unless otherwise specified. That is, "m to n%" indicates a numerical range of "m% or more and n% or less". Furthermore, "m% or more and n% or less" includes "more than m% and less than n%". Furthermore, a numerical value arbitrarily selected from within the numerical range may be set as a new upper limit or lower limit. For example, a new numerical range may be set by arbitrarily combining a numerical value within the numerical range with a numerical value described in another part of this specification, in a table, in a figure, or the like.

[0040] In this specification, all numerical values ​​are modified by the term "about". The term "about" may mean, for example, ±5%, ±3%, ±1%, etc. All numerical values ​​may be approximations that may vary depending on the application of the disclosed technology. All numerical values ​​may be expressed in significant figures. Measurements may be average values ​​of multiple measurements. The number of measurements may be three or more, five or more, or ten or more. In general, the more measurements are made, the more reliable the average value is expected to be. Measurements may be rounded off based on the number of significant figures. Measurements may include errors associated with, for example, the detection limit of a measuring device.

[0041] This embodiment may be applied to any battery system as long as a laminate exterior body is used. This embodiment may be applied to, for example, a lithium ion battery. The lithium ion battery may contain a liquid electrolyte, a gel electrolyte, or a solid electrolyte. This embodiment may be applied to, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery. The nickel-metal hydride battery may be, for example, a bipolar type.

[0042] <Battery manufacturing method> Fig. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a battery in this embodiment. Hereinafter, "the method for manufacturing a battery in this embodiment" may be abbreviated as "this manufacturing method". This manufacturing method includes "(a) storing", "(b) pressurizing" and "(c) ultrasonic vibration". Note that the order in Fig. 1 is formal. For example, "(b) pressurizing" and "(c) ultrasonic vibration" may be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0043] (a) Storage 2 is a schematic top view of the battery in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the "battery in this embodiment" may be abbreviated as "the present battery." This manufacturing method includes housing the electrode assembly 120 in the laminated outer casing 110.

[0044] The laminate exterior body 110 includes a laminate film. The laminate exterior body 110 is bag-shaped. The laminate exterior body 110 may be made of one laminate film. The laminate exterior body 110 may include multiple laminate films.

[0045] The laminate exterior body 110 may include, for example, a storage section 119. The storage section 119 may be, for example, a tray-shaped recess. The storage section 119 may follow the outer shape of the electrode body 120. The electrode body 120 is stored in the storage section 119. Furthermore, for example, an electrolyte may be poured into the storage section 119.

[0046] The laminate films are overlapped on the periphery of the storage section 119. The laminate films include a resin layer. On the periphery of the storage section 119, a contact surface between the resin layers is formed.

[0047] (b) Pressurization 3 is a first conceptual diagram showing an example of the first horn and the second horn in this embodiment. This manufacturing method includes forming a pressurized portion by sandwiching at least a part of the periphery of the laminated exterior body 110 between the first horn 211 and the second horn 212.

[0048] The pressure applying portion is formed on the contact surface between the resin layers. The pressure applying portion indicates a portion to which pressure is applied. The magnitude of the pressure can be adjusted as desired so as to obtain a desired welding strength.

[0049] The first horn 211 and the second horn 212 can transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the workpiece. The first horn 211 and the second horn 212 can be made of, for example, an aluminum (Al) alloy or a titanium (Ti) alloy. At least one of the first horn 211 and the second horn 212 can include a knurled portion 3. The knurled portion 3 has a fine uneven pattern engraved on its surface. The uneven pattern can be, for example, a flat grain or a twill grain. During ultrasonic vibration, the knurled portion 3 can come into contact with the laminate exterior body 110. By transmitting vibrations through the knurled portion 3, it is expected that, for example, the melting efficiency and stirring efficiency of the resin can be improved.

[0050] 《(c) Ultrasonic vibration》 This manufacturing method includes forming a seal portion 115 by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the pressure applying portion from each of first horn 211 and second horn 212. By forming seal portion 115, the battery 100 can be completed.

[0051] The first horn 211 has a first vibration direction V1 (see FIG. 3). The second horn 212 has a second vibration direction V2. The first vibration direction V1 is parallel to the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body 110 (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). The second vibration direction V2 is non-parallel to the first vibration direction V1. The vibration of the first horn 211 melts the resin in the pressurized portion. The vibration of the second horn 212 agitates the molten resin. It is expected that the vibration in two directions will cause the resins to mix over a wide range at the joint interface. The mixing of the resins is expected to improve the welding strength.

[0052] The amplitude of vibration of first horn 211 may be, for example, no more than twice the thickness of laminate exterior body 110. This may reduce damage to laminate exterior body 110, for example. For example, the amplitude of vibration of first horn 211 may be 0.5 to 1.8 times, or 1 to 1.5 times the thickness of laminate exterior body 110.

[0053] The second vibration direction V2 may be any direction as long as it is non-parallel to the first vibration direction V1. The angle between the second vibration direction V2 and the first vibration direction V1 may be, for example, 30 to 150°. The second vibration direction V2 may be, for example, perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1. By making the second vibration direction V2 perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1, it is expected that, for example, the stirring efficiency of the resin is improved. When the second vibration direction V2 is perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1, the second vibration direction V2 may be any direction in a plane perpendicular to the first vibration direction V1. The second vibration direction V2 may be, for example, parallel to the Y-axis direction in FIG. 2 or parallel to the X-axis direction in FIG. 2.

[0054] For example, the first horn 211 and the second horn 212 may vibrate independently. For example, the second horn 212 may vibrate in synchronization with the first horn 211. For example, when the first horn 211 is at the end of the vibration, the second horn 212 may vibrate so as to be in the center of the vibration. For example, when the first horn 211 is at the center of the vibration, the second horn 212 may vibrate so as to be at the end of the vibration. By vibrating the second horn 212 in synchronization with the first horn 211, for example, an improvement in welding strength is expected.

[0055] The tips of first horn 211 and second horn 212 may be frame-shaped. During ultrasonic vibration, the tips of first horn 211 and second horn 212 may surround electrode body 120 in a plan view. First horn 211 and second horn 212 may, for example, uniformly press seal portion 115. For example, the pressure may be adjusted in accordance with the unevenness (step) of seal portion 115. For example, the pressure tends to be locally high in a portion corresponding to electrode tab 130. Variation in the pressure may also cause variation in the welding strength.

[0056] 4 is a second conceptual diagram showing an example of the first horn and the second horn in this embodiment. The seal portion 115 may include a first region R1 and a second region R2. In the first region R1, the laminated exterior bodies 110 are welded to each other. In the second region R2, the electrode tab 130 is sandwiched between the laminated exterior bodies 110. A tab film 140 may be interposed between the electrode tab 130 and the laminated exterior body 110.

[0057] The first horn 211 may include, for example, a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 forms a first region R1. The second portion P2 forms a second region R2. In the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the laminated exterior body 110, the second portion P2 is set back more than the first portion P1. By setting back the second portion P2, it is expected that the pressure difference between the first region R1 and the second region R2 will be reduced. This is expected to reduce, for example, the difference in welding strength between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Like the first horn 211, the second horn 212 may also include a first portion and a second portion.

[0058] For example, a slit 5 (through hole) may be formed in at least one of the first horn 211 and the second horn 212. By forming the slit 5, it is expected that the amplitude of the horn within the contact surface will become uniform.

[0059] <Battery manufacturing equipment> 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a battery manufacturing apparatus in this embodiment. Hereinafter, "battery manufacturing apparatus in this embodiment" may be abbreviated as "this manufacturing apparatus". This manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a first horn 211, a second horn 212, a pressure device 220, a first ultrasonic generator 231, and a second ultrasonic generator 232. In this manufacturing apparatus 200, the above-mentioned present manufacturing method may be carried out. That is, this manufacturing apparatus 200 may form a seal portion 115 on the periphery of a laminated exterior body 110 in which an electrode body 120 is housed.

[0060] First and second horns First horn 211 and second horn 212 are configured to sandwich at least a portion of the periphery of laminate exterior body 110 between them. First horn 211 is attached to first ultrasonic generator 231. Second horn 212 is attached to second ultrasonic generator 232. First horn 211 and second horn 212 may be replaceable. Details of first horn 211 and second horn 212 are as described above.

[0061] <Pressure device> Pressurizing device 220 applies a pressurizing force to at least one of first horn 211 and second horn 212. In FIG. 5, pressurizing force is applied to first horn 211 as an example. Pressurizing force may be applied to second horn 212. Pressurizing force may be applied to both first horn 211 and second horn 212. Pressurizing device 220 may apply pressurizing force by any method. Pressurizing device 220 may include, for example, an air cylinder, an actuator, a servo motor, etc.

[0062] First and second ultrasonic generators The first ultrasonic generator 231 is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a first vibration direction V1 to the first horn 211. The second ultrasonic generator 232 is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a second vibration direction V2 to the second horn 212. The first vibration direction V1 is parallel to the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body 110. The second vibration direction V2 is non-parallel to the first vibration direction V1.

[0063] The second ultrasonic generator 232 generates ultrasonic vibrations independently of the first ultrasonic generator 231. For example, it is possible to apply ultrasonic vibrations to both the first horn 211 and the second horn 212 from one ultrasonic generator. In this case, a high output is required for the ultrasonic generator to vibrate the two horns. Furthermore, the vibration direction of the first horn 211 or the second horn 212 may be changed by a vibration direction changer. Vibration energy may be lost due to the change in vibration direction. Therefore, a further increase in output is required. By using two ultrasonic generators and allocating one horn to one ultrasonic generator, a reduction in output is expected. The frequency in the first ultrasonic generator 231 and the second ultrasonic generator 232 may be, for example, 20 kHz or less, or may be 5 to 20 kHz.

[0064] The first ultrasonic generator 231 and the second ultrasonic generator 232 may each independently include, for example, an oscillator, a vibrator, a booster, etc. The oscillator may generate high-frequency power. The vibrator may convert the high-frequency power into ultrasonic vibration. The booster may adjust the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration. The booster may transmit the ultrasonic vibration to the horn. The second ultrasonic generator 232 may generate ultrasonic vibration in synchronization with the first ultrasonic generator 231, or may generate ultrasonic vibration asynchronously with the first ultrasonic generator 231.

[0065] Other devices, etc. The manufacturing apparatus 200 may further include, for example, a stage (not shown), a drive device (not shown), a control device (not shown), and the like. The stage may support a workpiece. The drive device may drive the first horn 211, for example, in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the workpiece. The control device may control the individual operations and cooperation of each device.

[0066] <Battery> The battery 100 is a laminated battery. The battery 100 can be manufactured by the manufacturing method. The battery 100 can have, for example, a flat outer shape. The battery 100 includes a laminated exterior body 110 and an electrode body 120 (see FIG. 2). The battery 100 may further include, for example, an electrode tab 130, a tab film 140, and the like.

[0067] 《Electrode body》 The electrode body 120 is a power generating element. The electrode body 120 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The electrode body 120 may include a bipolar electrode. The electrode may be in a sheet form. The electrode body 120 may further include, for example, a separator, an electrolyte, etc. The electrode body 120 may have any form. The electrode body 120 may be, for example, a wound type or a laminated type.

[0068] Laminate exterior The laminated exterior housing 110 houses the electrode assembly 120. In a plan view (FIG. 2), the laminated exterior housing 110 includes a seal portion 115 on its periphery. The seal portion 115 surrounds the electrode assembly 120. The seal portion 115 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. In the first region R1, the laminated exterior housings 110 are welded to each other. In the second region R2, an electrode tab 130 is sandwiched between the laminated exterior housings 110.

[0069] 6 is a conceptual diagram of a battery in this embodiment. In a cross section parallel to the XZ plane, laminate exterior body 110 (seal portion 115) includes a first metal layer 111, a first resin layer 113, and a second metal layer 112. Laminate exterior body 110 may further include a second resin layer 114. Laminate exterior body 110 may have an overall thickness of, for example, 50 to 500 μm.

[0070] The first resin layer 113 is interposed between the first metal layer 111 and the second metal layer 112. The first resin layer 113 is formed by welding two resin layers. The first resin layer 113 includes a first bonding interface B1. The first bonding interface B1 may have, for example, unevenness (wavy) with a relatively short period. The short-period unevenness is considered to be due to ultrasonic vibration in two directions. The period of the unevenness may be, for example, 1 to 30 μm. The period of the unevenness indicates the distance between adjacent convex portions.

[0071] The second resin layer 114 covers the surface of the laminate exterior body 110. The first resin layer 113 and the second resin layer 114 may each independently contain, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like. The second resin layer 114 may have the same composition as the first resin layer 113, or may have a different composition. The first resin layer 113 may have a thickness of, for example, 10 to 200 μm. The second resin layer 114 may have a thickness of, for example, 5 to 50 μm.

[0072] The seal portion 115 includes a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The second surface S2 is the opposite surface to the first surface S1. In FIG. 6, as an example, a processing mark M is formed on the second surface S2. The processing mark M is formed on the first surface S1 or the second surface S2. That is, when the processing mark M is formed on the second surface S2, the processing mark M is not formed on the first surface S1. When the processing mark M is formed on the first surface S1, the processing mark M is not formed on the second surface S2.

[0073] The processing mark M extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body 110. The processing mark M can be a stripe-like mark. The processing mark M may be referred to as a processing mark, a welding mark, a vibration mark, or the like. The processing mark M is derived from vibration in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the seal portion 115. That is, it is believed that the second horn 212 forms the processing mark M. On the other hand, it is believed that the processing mark M is unlikely to be formed by vibration in a direction parallel to the thickness direction. That is, it is believed that the first horn 211 is unlikely to form the processing mark M.

[0074] The direction in which the processing mark M extends may include a component parallel to the second vibration direction V2. The direction in which the processing mark M extends may be parallel to the second vibration direction V2. For example, the amplitude of the second horn 212 may determine the size of the processing mark M. The size of the processing mark M may be, for example, 10 to 40 μm. The size of the processing mark M indicates the maximum width in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a battery in the reference embodiment. Hereinafter, the "battery in the reference embodiment" may be abbreviated as the "reference battery." In the reference battery 101, the second horn 212 vibrates in parallel with the first horn 211, thereby forming the second bonding interface B2. That is, both of the two horns vibrate in parallel with the thickness direction of the laminated exterior body 110. In the reference battery 101, the second bonding interface B2 may have a longer period of undulation than the first bonding interface B1 (FIG. 6). In the reference battery 101, neither the first surface S1 nor the second surface S2 has a processing mark M. The second horn 212 vibrates in the same direction as the first horn 211, which may cause excessive damage to the first metal layer 111 and the second metal layer 112.

[0076] It is considered that when welding is performed using a heat bar (heat sealing), no waviness appears at the bonded interface.

[0077] Electrode tab The electrode tab 130 is connected to the electrode body 120 (positive electrode or negative electrode). The electrode tab 130 is drawn out to the outside of the laminate exterior body 110. The electrode tab 130 penetrates the second region R2 of the seal portion 115. The electrode tab 130 may function as an external terminal, for example. An external terminal, a bus bar, etc. may be connected to the electrode tab 130. The electrode tab 130 may include, for example, a metal plate, etc. The electrode tab 130 may include, for example, Al, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), etc.

[0078] 2, two electrode tabs 130 (positive electrode tab, negative electrode tab) are drawn out in opposite directions from the laminate exterior body 110. For example, two electrode tabs 130 (positive electrode tab, negative electrode tab) may be drawn out in the same direction from one side.

[0079] Tab Film The tab film 140 is interposed between the electrode tab 130 and the laminate exterior body 110. The tab film 140 can reinforce the airtightness around the electrode tab 130. The tab film 140 may include, for example, PP, PET, or the like.

[0080] This embodiment is illustrative in all respects. This embodiment is not restrictive. The technical scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description of the claims. For example, it is also intended from the beginning that any configuration may be extracted from this embodiment and that they may be arbitrarily combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 3 knurled portion, 5 slit, 100, 101 battery, 110 laminate exterior body, 111 first metal layer, 112 second metal layer, 113 first resin layer, 114 second resin layer, 115 seal portion, 119 storage portion, 120 electrode body, 130 electrode tab, 140 tab film, 200 manufacturing apparatus, 211 first horn, 212 second horn, 220 pressure device, 231 first ultrasonic generator, 232 second ultrasonic generator, B1 first bonding interface, B2 second bonding interface, M processing mark, P1 first portion, P2 second portion, R1 first region, R2 second region, S1 first surface, S2 second surface, V1 first vibration direction, V2 second vibration direction.

Claims

1. (a) housing the electrode body in a laminate exterior body; (b) forming a pressure section by sandwiching at least a portion of a periphery of the laminate exterior body between a first horn and a second horn; and (c) applying ultrasonic vibrations from each of the first horn and the second horn to the pressure unit to form a seal portion; Including, the first horn has a first vibration direction; the second horn has a second vibration direction; The first vibration direction is parallel to a thickness direction of the laminate exterior body, The second vibration direction is non-parallel to the first vibration direction. How batteries are manufactured.

2. The second vibration direction is perpendicular to the first vibration direction. A method for producing the battery according to claim 1 .

3. The first horn has an amplitude equal to or less than twice the thickness of the laminate exterior body. A method for producing the battery according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second horn vibrates in synchronization with the first horn. A method for producing the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least one of the first horn and the second horn includes a knurled portion, The knurled portion contacts the laminate exterior body. A method for producing the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The seal portion includes a first region and a second region, In the first region, the laminate exterior bodies are welded to each other, In the second region, an electrode tab is sandwiched between the laminate exterior bodies, At least one of the first horn and the second horn includes a first portion and a second portion, The first portion forms the first region, The second portion forms the second region, The second portion is recessed relative to the first portion in the thickness direction of the laminate exterior body. A method for producing the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A battery manufacturing apparatus for forming a seal portion on a periphery of a laminate exterior body containing an electrode body, comprising: A first horn; A second horn; A pressure device; A first ultrasonic generator; A second ultrasonic generator; Including, the first horn and the second horn are configured to sandwich at least a portion of a periphery of the laminate exterior body therebetween, the pressure device is configured to apply a pressure force to at least one of the first horn and the second horn, The first ultrasonic generator is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a first vibration direction to the first horn, The second ultrasonic generator is configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations in a second vibration direction to the second horn, The first vibration direction is parallel to a thickness direction of the laminate exterior body, The second vibration direction is non-parallel to the first vibration direction. Battery manufacturing equipment.

8. The second vibration direction is perpendicular to the first vibration direction. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 .

9. At least one of the first horn and the second horn includes a knurled portion, The knurled portion is configured to contact the laminate exterior body. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The seal portion includes a first region and a second region, In the first region, the laminate exterior bodies are welded to each other, In the second region, an electrode tab is sandwiched between the laminate exterior bodies, At least one of the first horn and the second horn includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion is configured to define the first region; the second portion is configured to define the second region; The second portion is recessed from the first portion in a thickness direction of the laminate exterior body. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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