Battery module

Abstract

To provide: a battery module with high impact resistance; a battery module using an elastic body such as rubber for its exterior body covering a battery; and a bendable battery module.SOLUTION: As an exterior body covering a battery, an elastic body such as rubber is used, and the exterior body is molded in two steps. First, a first portion provided with a depression in which a battery is stored is molded using a first mold. Next, a battery is inserted into the first portion. Subsequently, second molding is performed using a second mold so as to fill an opening of the depression in the first portion, so that a second portion is formed. The second portion serves as a cover for closing the opening of the depression in the first portion. The second portion is formed in contact with part of electrodes in the battery and part of an end portion of a second exterior body in the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a battery. One aspect of the present invention relates to a battery module including a battery. One aspect of the present invention relates to a battery attachable to an electronic device. Or an electronic device driven by a battery.

[0002] Note that one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above technical field. As the technical field of one aspect of the present invention disclosed in this specification, semiconductor devices, display devices, light-emitting devices, power storage devices, storage devices, electronic devices, lighting devices, input devices, input / output devices, their driving methods, or their manufacturing methods can be cited as an example.

Background Art

[0003] Portable information terminal devices typified by smartphones and tablet terminals are being actively developed. In addition, such electronic devices are required to be lightweight and small-sized.

[0004] In particular, in recent years, the development of wearable electronic devices (also referred to as wearable devices) has been actively carried out. Examples of wearable devices include wristwatch-type devices worn on the wrist, glasses-type or goggle-type devices worn on the head, and necklace-type devices worn around the neck. For example, a wristwatch-type device includes a small display instead of a dial in a conventional watch and can provide various information other than time to the user. Also, such wearable devices have attracted attention for medical applications and self-management of health conditions, and their practical use is progressing.

[0005] Portable devices are often equipped with rechargeable secondary batteries. In particular, in wearable devices, small secondary batteries are used, so the secondary battery is lightweight and small, and is required to be able to be used for a long time.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wearable device equipped with a flexible secondary battery using a film for the exterior body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] When a film is used for the exterior body of a secondary battery, since there is a risk of heat generation and ignition if the exterior body is damaged, it is generally performed to further cover it with a hard exterior body. However, in this configuration, deformation such as bending is not assumed for the secondary battery, and there is a problem that the placement location is limited when mounted on an electronic device.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module that is excellent in shock resistance and can be mounted on or connected to an electronic device as one of the problems.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module using an elastic body such as rubber for the exterior body covering the battery as one of the problems. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can be bent as one of the problems.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can be used as a wearable device for an electronic device. Or, one of the problems is to provide a battery module that can be used as a wearable device that can be bent.

[0012] Or, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a battery module in which the problem of battery damage due to excessive bending is suppressed. Or, one of the problems is to provide a battery module with a limited bending range.

[0013] Or, one aspect of the present invention is to achieve an electronic device that can be used for a long time. Or, one of the problems is to provide an electronic device, a battery module, etc. with excellent design. Or, one of the problems is to provide a battery module that can be easily attached to and detached from an electronic device. Or, one of the problems is to provide an electronic device or a battery module with high waterproofness. Or, one of the problems is to provide a novel battery module or an electronic device.

[0014] Or, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic component with excellent shock resistance or a module including the electronic component.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] One aspect of the present invention is a battery module having a first exterior body and a battery. The battery has a second exterior body, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a pair of tabs. The positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte are located inside the second exterior body. The pair of tabs are on the second exterior body. ​​​​​​​​​It is provided to protrude from the inside to the outside. The first exterior body includes a material exhibiting elasticity. The first exterior body has a first portion, a second portion, and a space surrounded by the first portion and the second portion. The second exterior body is disposed within the above space, and the first portion and the second portion are joined to each other. The second portion is in contact with a part of the tab and an end of the second exterior body.

[0016] Also, in the above, the first portion and the second portion preferably contain the same material and are directly joined to each other.

[0017] Also, in the above, it is preferable that the second portion has a smaller volume or surface area than the first portion.

[0018] Also, in the above, the second exterior body preferably has a film-like shape. Further, when the first exterior body is deformed, the second exterior body preferably deforms following it.

[0019] Also, in the above, it is preferable to have a protection member within the first exterior body. At this time, the protection member preferably has a third portion covering one of the two opposing surfaces of the second exterior body and a fourth portion covering the other. Also, the third portion and the fourth portion preferably have a plate-like shape and deform following the first exterior body.

[0020] Also, it is preferable that the third portion and the fourth portion of the protection member are joined on the second portion side of the first exterior body.

[0021] Also, it is preferable that the length of the third portion and the length of the fourth portion of the protection member are different. ​​​​​​​

[0022] Further, in the above, the first portion of the first exterior body preferably has a gap into which the third portion and the fourth portion of the protection member are slidably fitted.

[0023] Further, in the above, the first exterior body preferably has a belt-like shape and has a region with a thickness of 5 mm or less.

[0024] Further, in the above, it is preferable to have a circuit board. At this time, the circuit board preferably has a terminal that is electrically connected to the tab. Also, the second portion of the first exterior body preferably covers the tab and at least a part of the circuit board.

[0025] Further, the above circuit board preferably has a protection circuit.

[0026] Further, in the above, it is preferable to have a frame. At this time, the frame preferably contains a material with higher rigidity than the exterior body. Also, the frame preferably has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is a terminal that is electrically connected to the tab, and the second terminal is a terminal that is electrically connected to the first terminal. Also, the first portion of the first exterior body preferably covers a part of the frame and a part of the first terminal. Also, the second terminal is preferably provided with at least a part thereof exposed.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is an electronic device having a housing. The housing has a shape that engages with the above frame and preferably has a third terminal that is electrically connected to the second terminal when engaged with the frame.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention includes a battery and a first exterior body that covers the battery. A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising the following first to fourth steps. The first step is to prepare a battery having a second exterior body and a pair of electrodes. The second step is to form a first portion having a recess by molding a first material using a first mold. The third step is to insert the battery into the recess from the open end side such that a part of the electrode protrudes outside the open end of the recess. The fourth step is to place the first portion into which the battery has been inserted in a second mold, and form a second portion that seals the open end of the recess by molding a second material using the second mold, thereby forming a first exterior body in which the first portion and the second portion are joined. Here, the second portion is formed in contact with the end of the second exterior body and such that a part of the electrode is exposed outside the second portion.

[0029] In the above manufacturing method, the electrode is preferably either a tab protruding from the second exterior body or a terminal electrically connected to the tab.

[0030] In the above manufacturing method, the first material and the second material are preferably the same material.

[0031] In the above manufacturing method, a material of the mirrorable type is used for the first material and the second material, and the first portion and the second portion are preferably formed by direct compression molding, direct compression injection molding, or injection molding.

[0032] Alternatively, a liquid or paste-like material is used for the first material and the second material, and the first portion ​​​​​​​It is preferable that the first part and the second part are formed by injection molding.

Advantages of the Invention

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that is excellent in impact resistance and can be mounted on or connected to an electronic device. A battery module can be provided.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that uses an elastic body such as rubber for the exterior body covering the battery. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that can be bent. A battery module can be provided.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that can be used as a mounting tool for an electronic device. Or, it is possible to provide a battery module that can be used as a mounting tool that can be bent.

[0036] A battery module can be provided. Or, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module in which the problem of battery damage due to excessive bending is suppressed. Or, it is possible to provide a battery module in which the bending range is restricted.

[0037] A battery module can be provided. Or, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an electronic device that can be used for a long time. Further, it is possible to provide an electronic device, a battery module, etc. that are excellent in design. Or, it is possible to provide a battery module that can be easily attached to and detached from an electronic device. Or, it is possible to provide an electronic device or a battery module with high waterproofness. Or, it is possible to provide a novel battery module or an electronic device.

[0038] A battery module can be provided.

[0038] Or, one aspect of the present invention can provide an electronic component excellent in impact resistance or a module including the electronic component. A module can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following description, and those skilled in the art can easily understand that the form and details can be variously changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments shown below.

[0041] In the configuration of the invention described below, the same parts or parts having the same functions are commonly used with the same reference numerals among different drawings, and the repeated description thereof is omitted. Also, when referring to the same function, the hatching pattern may be the same and may not be particularly labeled.

[0042] In each of the drawings described in this specification, the size of each component, the thickness of the layer, or the area may be exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, it is not necessarily limited to that scale.

[0043] The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in this specification are attached to avoid confusion of components and are not numerically limiting.

[0044] (Embodiment 1) One aspect of the present invention is a battery module having a battery and a first exterior body that covers the battery.

[0045] ​​The battery has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a second exterior body that covers these components. Also, the battery has a pair of tabs that are electrically connected to either the positive electrode or the negative electrode and protrude outside the second exterior body. The positive electrode and the negative electrode each have a current collector and an active material. The battery may also have a separator that prevents electrical short circuits between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte may be either an electrolytic solution or a solid electrolyte.

[0046] By using a film-like material for the second exterior body, the battery can be made flexible. This is possible.

[0047] The first exterior body is provided to cover the battery and has a function of protecting the battery. By using an elastic body such as rubber or resin having elasticity as the first exterior body, the impact resistance of the battery module can be enhanced. This is possible.

[0048] Also, the first exterior body may have a shape that can be used as a wearable device's attachment. Typically, it may have the shape of a band (also referred to as a belt or a strap) of a wristwatch-type device. This enables the battery module to be used as a power source (main power source or auxiliary power source) of a wearable device. This is possible. This is possible.

[0049] Here, when molding rubber or resin having elasticity into an arbitrary shape using a mold or the like, it is necessary to apply a high pressure to the material. Also, when performing molding of rubber or the like with a structure arranged inside the mold, a large pressure is isotropically applied to the structure. Therefore, when attempting to mold the first exterior body with the battery placed in the mold, the battery may be damaged by that pressure. This is possible. This is possible. This is possible. The terry may be deformed and may even be damaged. Therefore, especially when using a battery with a film used for the second exterior body, it is difficult to mold rubber or the like as the first exterior body to cover it.

[0050] Also, when molding rubber or the like, it is necessary to raise the temperature for the purpose of softening the material or for the purpose of causing a cross-linking reaction or heat curing of the material. At this time, if the battery is placed inside the mold, there is also a risk that the battery will deteriorate due to the heat. Therefore, not only for a battery using a film for the second exterior body, but also for a battery using a material with relatively high rigidity, it is difficult to mold rubber or the like to cover it. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the molding of the first exterior body is performed in two steps.

[0051] First, using a first mold, a first part having a recess for housing the battery is molded. The first part has a shape that can be said to be a bag shape having a pocket for housing the battery, and an opening of the recess constituting the pocket is formed. The opening of the recess may have a size considering the width and height of the battery, and it is preferably as small as possible. By forming a pocket (recess) in the first part in advance and making the shape of the opening and the shape of the pocket

[0052] match the shape of the battery, the battery can be placed at a predetermined position when inserting the battery, and it is possible to prevent the positional deviation between the formed first exterior body and the battery. In particular, for example, when using a battery assumed to be bent in one direction as the battery, it is important to precisely control the position of the first exterior body and the battery.

[0053] ​​Subsequently, insert a battery into the first part. At this time, a part of the electrode (tab, or an electrode such as a circuit board to which the tab is connected) of the battery is located outside the opening end of the recess of the first part. Insert the battery accordingly.

[0054] Subsequently, using the second mold, perform a second molding to fill the opening of the recess of the first part and form the second part. The second part functions as a lid that closes the opening of the recess of the first part. The second part is formed in contact with a part of the electrode of the battery and a part of the end of the second exterior body of the battery. Also, when molding the second part, it is preferable that the second part is not molded up to the position where the positive electrode or negative electrode of the battery is provided. This can prevent pressure from being applied to the main part of the battery during the molding of the second part, and can prevent the battery from being deformed or damaged. Also, when using a film as the second exterior body of the battery, it is preferable to form the second part in contact with the seal part (also referred to as the top seal part) on the tab side of the battery and its vicinity.

[0055] Also, when it is necessary to raise the temperature during molding of rubber or the like, by molding the first exterior body in two steps in this way, the number of times the battery is exposed to high temperature is only once. Therefore, deterioration of the battery during the molding of the first exterior body can be suppressed.

[0056] Accordingly, the first exterior body with a space formed inside can be molded. The first exterior body has the first part and the second part directly joined. A boundary line (parting line) may be formed between the first part and the second part.

[0057] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The battery module formed in this way is such that the battery and the first exterior body are fixed by the second portion. That is, the battery is fixed at the portion in contact with the second portion, and the other portions are not fixed and are enclosed within the first exterior body. Since the battery and the first portion are not fixed, when a deformation such as bending is applied to the first portion, the battery and the exterior body can deform independently of each other. Here, for example, when the battery and the first portion are joined, stress is generated in the battery along with the deformation of the first portion. On the other hand, in the battery module according to one aspect of the present invention, since the battery and the first portion of the first exterior body are not joined, the first exterior body can be deformed with a smaller force.

[0058] Hereinafter, the battery module according to one aspect of the present invention and its manufacturing method will be described in more detail.

[0059] [Configuration Example 1] Here, as a form of the battery module, a band-like form that can be suitably attached to a wristwatch-type electronic device will be described as an example. It goes without saying that the method described below can be used to manufacture battery modules of various shapes by changing the shape of the mold.

[0060] FIG. 1(A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mold 50a for molding the first portion 21 of the exterior body 20 of the battery module 10 shown in FIG. 1(E). The mold 50a includes an upper mold 51a, a lower mold 51b, cores 53, 54a, 54b, etc. An injection hole 55a for injecting material is provided in the upper mold 51a. In practice, in addition to the injection hole 55a, vent holes are provided in the upper mold 51 ​​​​​​​​​​​It is provided in the upper mold 51a or the lower mold 51b. Alternatively, there may be no vent hole provided.

[0061] The insert 53 is a member for forming a recess in the first part 21 after molding. The insert 54a and the insert 54b are members for forming a through hole in the first part 21 after molding. These inserts may also be referred to as a core or a core cylinder, etc. and the like.

[0062] Using the mold 50a shown in Fig. 1(A), the material can be molded to form the first part 21 shown in Fig. 1(B). can be formed.

[0063] As a molding method for the first part 21, a molding method using a solid material or a semi-solid material (collectively referred to as a malleable molding material), or a molding method using a liquid (including paste-like) material can be used. As a molding method using a malleable molding material, there are direct pressure molding (also called compression molding), direct pressure injection molding (also called transfer molding), injection molding (also called injection molding), etc. Also, as a molding method using a liquid material there is injection molding, which may particularly be called the LIM (Liquid Injection Molding ng) method. method in some cases.

[0064] The mold 50a shown in Fig. 1(A) shows a mold suitable for direct pressure injection molding. By placing the material on the upper part of the upper mold 51a and further pressing the pressing mold from above, the material can be injected from the injection hole 55a. Note that the position and outer shape of the injection hole of the mold 50a may be appropriately changed according to the molding method. as appropriate.

[0065] As the molding material, an elastic material can be preferably used. By configuring the battery 30 described later to be surrounded by an elastic body, a battery module 10 excellent in impact resistance can be produced (see Fig. 1(E)). Also, by using a bendable battery as the battery 30, a battery module 10 that can be wound around an arm or the like can be realized.

[0066] As the rubber material, a material exhibiting thermosetting properties can be preferably used. By using a rubber material exhibiting thermosetting properties, the heat resistance of the product can be increased, and the usable temperature range can be increased. Also, by using a rubber material, the resistance to chemicals and weather resistance can be increased.

[0067] As the rubber material, typically, materials such as silicone rubber or fluororubber can be used. Silicone rubber and fluororubber are easy to mold and can be preferably used for products that come into contact with the human body.

[0068] As other rubber materials, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, urethane rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber and other materials can be used.

[0069] Also, as the resin material, a thermoplastic elastomer exhibiting rubber elasticity at normal temperature can be preferably used. By using a thermoplastic elastomer, the number of steps required for molding can be reduced compared to the case of using rubber that requires vulcanization. For example, styrene-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, ester-based elastomers, amide-based elastomers, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ It is possible to use a (co)polyester-based elastomer, a urethane-based elastomer, a fluorine-based elastomer, etc.

[0070] A schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion 21 formed as described above is shown in FIG. 1(B), and a perspective schematic view is shown in FIG. 2(A). The first portion 21 has a strip shape. The first portion 21 has a recess 23 formed with an open end 24 on the short side. The shape of the recess 23 is designed so that a battery 30 described later can fit therein. The first portion 21 formed using the mold 50a shown in FIG. 1(A) has a shape such that the vicinity of the open end 24 is cut obliquely as shown in FIGS. 1(B) and 2(A). As a result, it is possible to increase the area of the open end 24, making it easier to insert the battery 30 in the following process. Also, since the joint area with the second portion 22 of the exterior body 20 of the battery module 10 described later increases, the joint strength can be enhanced (see FIGS. 1(E) and 2(C)).

[0071] Subsequently, the battery 30 is inserted into the recess 23 from the open end 24 side of the first portion 21 (FIGS. 1(C), 2(B)). The battery 30 has an exterior body 31 and a pair of tabs 32. Here, an example in the case where a film-like material is used for the exterior body 31 is shown. Inside the exterior body 31, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte are encapsulated. The pair of tabs 32 are each electrically connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode and are provided protruding outside the exterior body 31. The exterior body 31 has a configuration in which the side opposite to the side where the tabs 32 are arranged (also referred to as the bottom) is bent and three sides are joined (sealed).

[0072]

[0073] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Here, among the three sides of the sealed exterior body 31, the side on the tab 32 side is called the top seal portion, and the other two sides may be called side seal portions. In FIG. 1(C) etc., the internal structure of the battery 30 is omitted.

[0074] The battery 30 is arranged such that at least a part of the tab 32 overlaps with the open end 24, and the other part of the tab 32 projects outward beyond the open end 24. Also, the battery 30 may be arranged such that the end portion (top seal portion) on the tab 32 side of the exterior body 31 is located at the open end 24.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 1(C), when the battery 30 is inserted into the first portion 21, there may be a gap between the bottom of the battery 30 and the first portion 21. When the battery 30 is arranged so as to pass through the neutral plane of the exterior body 31, etc., the battery 30 may be arranged such that the bottom of the battery 30 is in contact with the first portion 21 without providing a gap.

[0076] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1(D), the battery 30 and the first portion 21 are arranged inside a mold 50b for molding the second portion 22.

[0077] The mold 50b has an upper mold 52a, a lower mold 52b, etc. Also, FIG. 1(D) shows an example using cores 54a and 54b. The upper mold 52a has an injection hole 55b. Also, the upper mold 52a or the lower mold 52b has a vent hole (not shown).

[0078] The mold 50b is arranged such that the injection hole 55b is located only near the open end 24 of the first portion 21. Thereby, the molding material is injected only near the open end 24. Therefore, for the second In the case of the mold type, the battery 30 has pressure applied only to the portion located near the open end 24 (such as the tab 32 and the top seal portion of the exterior body 31), and no pressure is applied to the other portions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exterior body 31 of the battery 30 from being deformed or damaged. Also, the tab 32 and the top seal portion of the exterior body 31 are thin and not hollow-structured, so even if they are somewhat deformed when pressure is applied during molding, there is no risk of breakage. By molding the material using the mold 50b shown in FIG. 1(D), the second portion 22 can be formed in contact with the first portion 21. Thereby, the exterior body 20 having the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 can be produced. As a method for molding the second portion 22, the molding method of the first portion 21 can be adopted. It is preferable to use the same method as that of the first portion 21 for forming the second portion 22 because the equipment can be shared. Also, it is preferable to use the same material as that of the first portion 21 for the second portion 22. This makes it possible to enhance the adhesion between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. Note that different materials may be used for the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, or different molding methods may be applied. For example, the first portion 21 is formed by transfer molding using a mirrorable thermosetting rubber material to make a portion with enhanced weather resistance and chemical resistance.

[0079] And the second portion 22 is molded by injection molding using a liquid thermoplastic elastomer material.

[0080]

[0081]

[0082] By doing so, the second portion 22 can be formed with low pressure. This makes it possible to more effectively reduce damage to the battery 30.

[0083] The above is an explanation of an example of the manufacturing method.

[0084] 1(E) and 2(C) show the battery module 10. The portable terminal 0 includes an exterior body 20 and a battery 30.

[0085] The second portion 22 is directly bonded to the first portion 21. The opening end 24 of the portion 21 of the outer casing 2 is filled in. 0, a space 25 is formed between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. A portion of 30 is located within space 25 .

[0086] A portion of the tab 32 of the battery 30 protrudes from the second portion 22 and is exposed to the outside. The tab 32 is connected to a terminal of an electronic device to which the battery module 10 is connected, or to another circuit board, etc. Electrical connection can be made.

[0087] The other part of the tab 32 of the battery 30 and the top seal part of the exterior body 31 are the second part. The battery 30 is provided in contact with the second portion 22 of the exterior body 20. Furthermore, the other parts of the exterior body 31 and the first part 21 are not bonded together. Therefore, when the first portion 21 is deformed, for example, by bending, the outside of the battery 30 Since the housing 31 and the first portion 21 can deform independently of each other, a smaller force is required. You can bend these with

[0088] Also, here, as an example, the outer casing 20 of the battery module 10 is shown to have holes 26a and 26b that penetrate in the width direction. The hole 26a provided on the tab 32 side is for connecting to the housing (case) of an electronic device using, for example, a spring bar or the like. Also, the hole 26b is for attaching, for example, a lock or the like. The outer casing 20 is characterized in that the first part 21 formed first is larger than the second part 22 formed later. Specifically, the second part 22 has a smaller volume or

[0089] surface area than the first part 21. Or, it can be said that at least one of the width, length, or thickness of the second part 22 when viewed from the top or side is smaller than that of the first part 21. By forming the second part 22 to be smaller, the load applied to the battery 30 during the formation of the second part 22 can be reduced.

[0090] The above is the description of Configuration Example 1.

[0091] [Modification Example 1] Figs. 3(A) to (D) show schematic cross-sectional views at each stage in an example of the manufacturing method described below. The method illustrated here is different from the above-described example of the manufacturing method in that molds 50c and 50d having different shapes are used.

[0092] In the above-described example of the manufacturing method, as shown in Figs. 1(B) and 2(A), the first part 21 was formed in a shape such that the vicinity of the opening end 24 was obliquely cut. On the other hand, the mold 50c illustrated in Fig. 3(A) has a space (cavity) formed therein for introducing a molding material so as to form a part other than where the core 53 is inserted.

[0093] ​​First, using the mold 50c, the first part 21 is formed by the molding method exemplified in the above manufacturing method example. is formed.

[0094] Fig. 3(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first part 21 molded using the mold 50c. The first part 21 has an open end 24 located on the side surface of the first part 21.

[0095] Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 3(C), a battery 30 is inserted into the recess 23 of the first part 21 from the side of the open end 24. In Fig. 3(C), an example is shown when the battery 30 is inserted such that the end opposite to the tab 32 side of the battery 30 is in contact with the surface of the recess 23 of the first part 21. is shown when the battery 30 is inserted such that the end opposite to the tab 32 side of the battery 30 is in contact with the surface of the recess 23 of the first part 21. is shown.

[0096] Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 3(D), the first part 21 into which the battery 30 is inserted is placed in the mold 50 d.

[0097] The mold 50d has different shapes of a part of the upper mold 52a and the lower mold 52b, and the position of the injection hole 55b compared with the above mold 50b. The mold 50d is processed such that the molding material is introduced to the side of the open end 24 located at the end of the first part 21. The mold 50d has different shapes of a part of the upper mold 52a and the lower mold 52b, and the position of the injection hole 55b compared with the above mold 50b. The mold 50d is processed such that the molding material is introduced to the side of the open end 24 located at the end of the first part 21. side.

[0098] Subsequently, using the mold 50d, the second part 22 is formed by the molding method exemplified in the above manufacturing method example. is formed.

[0099] By manufacturing according to the manufacturing method example exemplified here, in the second molding, the area where the battery 30 and the molding material are in contact can be made smaller. As a result, the pressure applied to the battery 30 in the second molding can be reduced, and it can be manufactured with better yield. is reduced, and it can be manufactured with better yield.

[0100] The battery module 10 manufactured in such a manner is shown in Fig. 3(E). In Fig. 3(E), the battery module 10 shown has the same outer shape as those exemplified in Fig. 1(E) and Fig. 2(C), but the shape of the second portion 22 is different. This can be distinguished by the fact that the shape of the boundary line (parting line) formed on the surface of the battery module 10 is different. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3(E), since the boundary line between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 is located only at the end of the attachment side of the battery module 10, when connected to an electronic device, it becomes less visible to the user, and there is also a secondary effect such as enhanced design.

[0101] The above is the description of Modification Example 1.

[0102] [Modification Example 2] In the above configuration example, an example is shown in which a protruding part of the tab 32 of the battery 30 is used as the electrode of the battery module 10, but other configurations may also be used.

[0103] Figs. 4(A) and (B) show an example in the case where the battery 30 has a circuit board 33. Fig. 4(A) is a perspective schematic view of the battery 30, and Fig. 4(B) is an enlarged perspective schematic view when viewed from the back side of Fig. 4(A).

[0104] The battery 30 has a circuit board 33 and an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 34. The circuit board 33 is arranged so as to overlap with the top seal portion of the exterior body 31.

[0105] The circuit board 33 can have, for example, a protection circuit. The protection circuit has, for example, a function of stopping charging when the battery 30 is overcharged, and a function of discharging when the battery 30 is overdischarged. ​​​​​​ A circuit having a function of stopping electricity or the like can be used. Also, it preferably has a function of preventing a large current from flowing when the positive electrode and the negative electrode are short-circuited. In addition, the protection circuit may have a function of outputting the temperature of the cells in the battery 30, or a function of stopping discharging or charging according to the temperature.

[0106] Further, the circuit board 33 may have a protection circuit for detecting leakage of liquid from the battery 30. For example, a plurality of wirings that are spaced apart and electrically insulated are provided along the surface of the exterior body 31, and a circuit having a function of detecting the phenomenon of electrical short-circuiting when the electrolytic solution touches across the two wirings can be used.

[0107] As the circuit board 33, for example, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board ) or an FPC or the like can be used. The protection circuit or the like can be configured to be mounted on the circuit board 33 in the form of an IC chip.

[0108] The pair of tabs 32 are each bent and joined to the terminals of the circuit board 33. Also, an FPC 34 is connected to the circuit board 33. The FPC 34 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal, and the terminals for outputting temperature information and the like of the circuit board 33. The FPC 34 can be connected to a connector or the like of the electronic device.

[0109] FIG. 4(C) shows a schematic perspective view of the battery module 10 having the battery 30 shown in FIG. 4(A). As shown in FIG. 4(C), the battery 30 is provided such that a part of the FPC 34 protrudes from the second part 22 of the exterior body 20.

[0110] The above is the description of Modification Example 2.

[0111] [Modification Example 3] As exemplified above, when the exterior body 20 is in a band shape, the thickness of the exterior body 20 at the portion where the battery 30 is provided may be thinner than that of other portions. At this time , when a locally large force is applied from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the exterior body 20, the ba ttery 30 may be deformed or damaged. Therefore, it is preferable to dispose a protective member for protecting the surface of the battery 30 inside the exterior body 20.

[0112] Fig. 5(A) shows an example of the protective member 35. The protective member 35 has a shape in which two opposing plate portions 35 a and plate portion 35b are joined at the joining portion 35c. The two plate-like portions are arranged substantially parallel and spaced apart, having a gap into which the battery 30 is inserted. One of the short sides of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b is joined by the joining portion 35c, respectively.

[0113] Fig. 5(B) shows the case where the battery 30 is inserted into the protective member 35. At this time, the battery 30 and the protective member 35 may or may not be fixed. When the battery 30 and the protective member 35 are fixed, it is preferable that they are fixed in the vicinity of the top seal portion of the battery 30 and in the vicinity of the joining portion 35c of the protective member. In any case, when the battery 30 and the protective member 35 are incorporated into the exterior body 20 of the battery module 10 the relative positions are fixed by the second portion 22 of the exterior body 20.

[0114] As the material of the protection member 35, for example, metal, plastic, wood, etc. can be used. In particular, when the battery module 10 is bent and used, it is preferable that the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35 b are made thin enough to have flexibility. When the battery module 10 is bent and used, the thickness of the protection member 35 is, for example, 0.02 mm or more and 2 mm or less, preferably 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. Typically, it is preferable to use a metal plate with a thickness of 0.1 mm for the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b. By setting the thickness in this way, the user can obtain a wearing feeling without discomfort. Note that when the battery module 10 is not bent and used, it is not limited to this thickness, and the thicker the protection member 35, the higher the strength, so it is preferable.

[0115] By using such a protection member 35, the battery 30 can be protected against local pressure.

[0116] Fig. 6(A1) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module 10 to which the protection member 35 is applied in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 6(A2) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module 10 in the width direction. In Fig. 6(A1) and (A2), the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b of the protection member 35 are shown. As shown in Fig. 6(A1) and (A2), the battery 30 is provided in the exterior body 20 in a state of being sandwiched between the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35 b.

[0117] Fig. 6(A3) is an enlarged view of the region surrounded by the broken line in Fig. 6(A1). As shown in Fig. 6(A3 ), the ends of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b are outside the exterior body 31 of the battery 30. It is preferably large in the longitudinal direction so as to be located outside the [rim]. Also, as shown in Fig. 6(A2) As shown, the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b are wider than the width inside the side seal portion of the battery 30 in the width direction. In other words, it is preferable that the widthwise ends of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b overlap the side seal portion of the battery 30.

[0118] Here, when the battery module 10 is bent and used, it is preferable that the portions of the battery 30, the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b other than the vicinity of the joint portion 35c are not fixed. That is, when the battery module 10 is bent, it is preferable that the battery 30, the plate portion 35a, and the plate portion 35b are deformed independently by shifting from each other.

[0119] Fig. 6(B1) is a schematic cross-sectional view when the battery module 10 is bent so that the plate portion 35b is on the inside, and Fig. 6(B2) is an enlarged view of the region surrounded by the broken line in Fig. 6(B1).

[0120] At this time, the battery 30 is provided so that the neutral plane of the first portion 21 of the exterior body 20 is located at the approximate center of the battery 30. Therefore, when the battery module 10 is bent, the relative positions of the end of the battery 30 and the first portion 21 hardly change. On the other hand, the plate portion 35a located on the outside of the bend deforms so that its end is separated from the inner wall of the first portion 21. Also, the plate portion 35b located on the inside of the bend deforms so that its end approaches the inner wall of the first portion 21.

[0121] Figs. 6(C1)(C2) show the case when the plate portion 35b is bent to the outside. ​​At this time, the end of the plate portion 35a slides so as to approach the inner wall of the first portion 21, and the end of the plate portion 35b slides away from the inner wall of the first portion 21.

[0122] In this way, by providing a gap between the end of the plate portion 35a, the end of the plate portion 35b, and the first portion 21 without bending the battery module 10, the end of the plate portion 35a or the end of the plate portion 35b can contact the first portion 21 without contact, and the battery module 10 can be bent with a small force.

[0123] Here, by making the lengths of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b different, a function of preventing the battery module 10 from being bent too much can be realized.

[0124] Figures 7(A1) and (A2) show an example in which the end of the plate portion 35a is in contact with the inner wall of the first portion 21 of the exterior body 20 when the battery module 10 is extended. Also, the end of the plate portion 35b does not contact the inner wall of the first portion 21, and a gap is provided between them.

[0125] At this time, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 7(A1), when trying to bend the plate portion 35a to the inside, since there is no gap for the end of the plate portion 35a to slide outward, the plate portion 35a cannot be bent any further. As a result, the plate portion 35a functions as a stopper, and the battery module 10 cannot be bent.

[0126] On the other hand, when trying to bend the plate portion 35a to the outside, since there is a gap between the end of the plate portion 35b and the inner wall of the first portion 21, the battery module 10 can be bent. .

[0127] Figures 7(B1)(B2) show the cross-section when the plate portion 35b is bent so that it is on the inside. At this time, the end of the plate portion 35a slides away from the inner wall of the first portion 21 and the end of the plate portion 35b slides closer to the inner wall.

[0128] Figures 7(C1)(C2) show the cross-section when bent with an even greater curvature. At this time, when the end of the plate portion 35b comes into contact with the inner wall of the first portion 21, for the same reason as above the plate portion 35b functions as a stopper and the battery module 10 cannot be bent any further.

[0129] In this way, by changing the lengths of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b and the shape of the space 25 of the exterior body 20 the movable range of the battery module 10 can be restricted.

[0130] Also, when the battery module 10 is bent, when the end of the plate portion 35a (or the plate portion 35b) comes into contact with the inner wall of the first portion 21, a repulsive force is generated and the force required to bend the battery module 10 becomes greater compared to when they are not in contact. Therefore, the user can be informed of the movable range of the battery module 10, and accidents where the battery module 10 is bent too much unintentionally and damaged can be prevented.

[0131] Note that if the lengths of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b are made equal, when bending so that the plate portion 35a is on the inside and when bending so that the plate portion 35b is on the inside, the allowable radius of curvature of the battery module 10 can be made approximately equal. On the other hand, if these lengths are made different This allows the allowable radius of curvature to be varied depending on the bending direction.

[0132] 8(A1), (A2), and (A3) show the case 20 having a slit therein that functions as a guide. 2 shows an example in which a slit 21a, a slit 21b, and a slit 21c are provided. The grooves 21a, the slits 21b, and the slits 21c allow the plate portion 21a to bend when the exterior body 20 is bent. The shape into which the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b are deformed can be determined.

[0133] The end of the plate portion 35a is inserted into the slit 21a. The end of the plate portion 35a and the slit 21 are inserted into the plate portion 35b. 3 shows an example in which the plate portion 35a is longer in the longitudinal direction than the plate portion 35b so that the plate portion 35a is in contact with the inner wall of the plate portion 35a. Therefore, the battery module 10 shown in FIGS. 8(A1) and 8(A3) has the plate portion 3 This is an example of a design that prevents 5a from being bent inward.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 8(B1) and 8(B2), the battery module is mounted so that the plate portion 35b faces inward. When the cable 10 is bent, the plate portion 35a slides along the slit 21a, and the plate portion 35b slides along the slit 21b. The slide can slide along slot 21b.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8(C1) and 8(C2), when the plate portion 35b is further bent, the end of the plate portion 35b becomes smooth. The battery module 10 comes into contact with the inner wall of the slit 21b and cannot be bent any further. do.

[0136] In this way, the slits 21a and 21b are formed by the slits of the plate portions 35a and 35b. The slits 21a and 21b function as guides that define the guide direction. By providing b, even if the bending and stretching operation of the battery module 10 is repeated, the ends of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b are suppressed from being deformed, and a highly reliable battery module 10 can be realized.

[0137] Here, the lengths of the slit 21a and the slit 21b, and the lengths of the plate portion 35a and the plate portion 35b can be set according to the movable range of the battery module 10. Also, here, the slits 21a and the slit 21b are shown to have substantially equal lengths, but these lengths may be different.

[0138] Also, here, when the battery module 10 is in a non-bent state (FIG. 8(A1)), a configuration is shown in which the end of the plate portion 35a is in contact with the inner wall of the slit 21a. However, by providing a gap between these, the battery module 10 can be bent so that the plate portion 35a is on the inner side and this may be the configuration.

[0139] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(C2), when the end of the plate portion 35a slides to the innermost side (toward the second portion 22 side ), it is preferable to set the lengths of the plate portion 35a and the slit 21a such that the end of the plate portion 35a is positioned within the slit 21a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8(A 3), when the end of the plate portion 35b slides to the innermost side (toward the second portion 22 side) and reaches the most inner side, it is preferable to set the lengths of the plate portion 35b and the slit 2 1b such that the end of the plate portion 35b is positioned within the slit 21b.

[0140] Also, FIG. 8(A2) shows a schematic cross-sectional view in the width direction. In FIG. 8(A2), the plate portions 35a and the plate portion 35b are larger in the width direction than the width including the side seal portion of the battery 30. An example is shown. Further, in the exterior body 20, slits 21c into which the widthwise end portions of the plate portions 35a and 35b are inserted are provided. With such a configuration, the plate portions 35a and 35b are less likely to shift in the width direction with respect to the exterior body 20. Therefore, when the battery module 10 is bent, the sense of unity between the exterior body 20 and the plate portions 35a and 35b is enhanced, and the user can obtain a wearing feeling that is not uncomfortable. This is the description of Modification Example 3.

[0141]

[0142] [Configuration Example 2] Hereinafter, an example of a battery module having a frame to which an electronic device can be attached will be described.

[0143] FIG. 9(A) shows a battery module 60 with an electronic device 80 attached. The battery module 60 can also be used as a mounting tool for the electronic device 80. Therefore, a device combining the electronic device 80 and the battery module 60 can be used, for example, as a wristwatch-type terminal device. The battery module 60 can be detached from the electronic device 80 from the back side.

[0144] FIG. 9(B) shows the battery module 60 with the electronic device 80 removed, and FIG. 9(C ) shows the electronic device 80, respectively.

[0145] The battery module 60 has a band portion 61, a band portion 62, and a holding portion 63. The battery 30 is provided inside the band portion 61. The holding portion 63 is a portion that holds the electronic device 80. The holding portion 63 has a frame 70. Further, the holding portion 63 has an operation button 64.

[0146] The electronic device 80 has a housing 81. The housing 81 has a display unit 82, a terminal 83, and a terminal 8 4.

[0147] The battery module 60 uses an elastic body such as rubber for the band portion 61, the band portion 62, and the holding portion 63. Also, it can be said that the band portion 61, the band portion 62, and the holding portion 63 are directly joined and integrally formed. In the holding portion 63, an elastic body such as rubber is directly formed so as to cover a part of the frame 70. Therefore, since no adhesive or the like is used for joining the frame 70 and the exterior body covering it, the joining strength is enhanced.

[0148] FIG. 10(A) shows the electronic device 80 as viewed from the side of the terminals 83 and 84. Also, FIG. 10(B) shows the frame 70 to which the battery 30 is connected. Further, FIG. 10(C ) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 10(B) by 180 degrees.

[0149] The frame 70 has a frame-like shape with which the electronic device 80 engages. On the inner surface of the frame 70, three terminals 71 and a terminal 72 are provided.

[0150] The electronic device 80 has three terminals 83 and a terminal 84 provided on the housing 81. The three terminals 71 provided on the inner surface of the frame 70 are provided at positions where they come into contact with the terminals 83 when the electronic device 80 is attached. Similarly, the terminal 72 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the terminal 84.

[0151] A case 75 is attached to the outer surface of the frame 70. Also, the case 75 has ​​​​​​​The tabs 32 of the battery 30 are joined to a pair of terminal portions. Inside the case 75, above a circuit board 33 (not shown) exemplified in the second modified example is provided. The three terminals 71 provided on the frame 70 are electrically connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, and the terminal for outputting temperature information of the circuit board 33 (not shown), respectively.

[0152] The terminal 72 is a part that connects the operation button 64 provided on the holding portion 63 shown in Fig. 9(B) and the terminal 84 of the electronic device 80. The terminal 84 may be a physical button or an electrode. When the terminal 84 is a physical button, the terminal 72 is constituted by a movable member, and when the operation button 64 is pressed or the like, the terminal 84 may be pressed via the terminal 72. Further, when the terminal 84 is an electrode, the terminal 72 is used as an electrical switch, and when the operation button 64 is pressed or the like, it only needs to have a function of transmitting an electrical signal indicating conduction or non-conduction to the terminal 84.

[0153] As the frame 70, a material that can withstand the molding of the exterior body can be used. For example, various materials such as plastic, stick, metal, alloy, glass, wood, etc. can be used. It is preferable to use a material with higher rigidity than at least the exterior body covering the frame 70, the band portion 61, and the band portion 62.

[0154] Such a battery module 60 can be used as the main power supply or the auxiliary power supply of the electronic device 80 by attaching the electronic device 80. Further, since it has a frame 70 to which the electronic device 80 can be easily detached, the user can replace the battery module 60 according to preference.

[0155] Although not shown, the battery module 60 preferably has a power receiving mechanism such as a terminal for power reception or an antenna capable of wireless power reception. Alternatively, when the electronic device 80 has a power receiving function, the battery 30 may be charged by sending the power received by the electronic device 80 to the battery 30 via the terminal 71.

[0156] Subsequently, an example of a method for manufacturing the battery module 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0157] First, the first portion 41a is formed by the first molding using the first mold (FIG. 11(A)). The first portion 41a is a portion that will later become the band portion 61. The molding method can employ the method described above.

[0158] Separately, the first portion 41b is formed. The first portion 41b is a portion that will later become the band portion 62. Note that the first portion 41b may be formed simultaneously with the first portion 41a using one mold.

[0159] Since the battery 30 is not inserted on the side of the first portion 41b, the band portion 62 and the holding portion 63 may be formed simultaneously by forming the first portion 41b during the second molding described later.

[0160] Here, as shown in FIG. 11(A), a recess 23 for inserting the battery 30 is formed in the first portion 41a. Further, it is preferable that a part of the shape of the first portion 41a and the first portion 41b is formed so as to engage with the frame 70.

[0161] Subsequently, the battery 30 joined to the frame 70 is inserted into the first portion 41a (FIG.​​​​​​​​​​​ 11(B)).

[0162] Subsequently, the first part 41a, the first part 41b, and the frame 70 are placed in the second mold and the second part 42 is molded by the second molding (FIG. 11(C)). The second part 42 is formed in contact with a part of the first part 41a, a part of the first part 41b, and a part of the frame 70 . Also, the second part 42 is formed so as to fill the space between the first part 41a and the frame 70, and between the first part 41b and the frame 70. Further, the second part 42 is formed so as to fill the opening of the recess 23 of the first part 41a.

[0163] By the above method, the battery module 60 can be manufactured. Since the battery module 60 is integrally molded with an elastic outer body, high shock resistance and high design quality are both achieved.

[0164] The above is the description of Configuration Example 2.

[0165] [Configuration Example 3] In the case of using a hard outer body such as conventional metal, there is a risk of deformation or breakage when it is dropped or hit . Especially in the case of portable electronic devices, this kind of risk was high. On the other hand, according to one aspect of the present invention, since an outer body containing an elastic body can be formed to cover the battery, it has excellent shock resistance. Therefore, by making it a replaceable configuration with a conventional battery module, the reliability of the electronic device using the battery module can be significantly improved.

[0166] Hereinafter, a manufacturing method example of a battery module that can be suitably used for a portable electronic device will be described. ​

[0167] First, prepare the battery 30a. Here, an example using a wound battery is shown as the battery 30a. The battery 30a has an exterior body 31 and a pair of tabs 32. The battery 30a has an exterior body 31 and a pair of tabs 32.

[0168] Subsequently, the case 91 is joined to the tab 32 of the battery 30a (FIG. 12(A)).

[0169] FIG. 12(B) shows an exploded view of the case 91. The case 91 has a top cover 91a, a bottom cover 91b, and a circuit board 33 therebetween. The bottom cover 91b has a terminal joined to the tab 32 of the battery 30a and a terminal connected to the circuit board 33. The bottom cover 91b has a terminal joined to the tab 32 of the battery 30a and a terminal connected to the circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 has three terminals 92. The top cover 91a has an opening at a position overlapping the terminals 92. Thereby, the terminals 92 of the circuit board 33 are exposed. The bottom cover 91b has a terminal joined to the tab 32 of the battery 30a and a terminal connected to the circuit board 33. The circuit board 33 has three terminals 92. The top cover 91a has an opening at a position overlapping the terminals 92. Thereby, the terminals 92 of the circuit board 33 are exposed. The circuit board 33 has three terminals 92. The top cover 91a has an opening at a position overlapping the terminals 92. Thereby, the terminals 92 of the circuit board 33 are exposed.

[0170] Subsequently, the first part 95 is formed by the first molding using the first mold (FIG. 12(C)). The molding method can employ the method described above. A recess 94 into which the battery 30a can be inserted is formed in the first part 95. Subsequently, the first part 95 is formed by the first molding using the first mold (FIG. 12(C)). The molding method can employ the method described above. A recess 94 into which the battery 30a can be inserted is formed in the first part 95. A recess 94 into which the battery 30a can be inserted is formed in the first part 95.

[0171] Subsequently, the battery 30a is inserted into the recess 94 of the first part 95 (FIG. 12(D)).

[0172] Subsequently, the first part 95, the battery 30a, and the case 91 are placed in the second mold, and the second part 96 is molded by the second molding (FIG. 12(E)). The second part 96 is formed so as to fill the open end of the first part 95. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the space between the first part 95 and the case 91. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the bottom of the case 91. Subsequently, the first part 95, the battery 30a, and the case 91 are placed in the second mold, and the second part 96 is molded by the second molding (FIG. 12(E)). The second part 96 is formed so as to fill the open end of the first part 95. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the space between the first part 95 and the case 91. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the bottom of the case 91. The second part 96 is formed so as to fill the open end of the first part 95. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the space between the first part 95 and the case 91. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the bottom of the case 91. The second part 96 is formed so as to fill the open end of the first part 95. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the space between the first part 95 and the case 91. Also, the second part 96 is formed so as to fill the bottom of the case 91. It is preferable to form by covering the cover 91b. The second portion 96 may be formed by covering a part of the top cover 91a. The top cover 91a functions as a part of the exterior of the battery module 90. It may be formed by covering a part of the cover 91a. The top cover 91a functions as a part of the exterior of the battery module 90.

[0173] By the above method, the battery module 90 can be manufactured. Since an elastic body is used for the exterior 97 of the battery module 90, the impact resistance is extremely higher than that of the conventional one. Also, since the case 91 and the exterior 97 of the battery module 90 are integrally molded and there is no gap between them, dust, water, etc. do not enter inside, and it has high reliability. Since an elastic body is used for the exterior 97 of the battery module 90, the impact resistance is extremely higher than that of the conventional one. Also, since the case 91 and the exterior 97 of the battery module 90 are integrally molded and there is no gap between them, dust, water, etc. do not enter inside, and it has high reliability. Since the case 91 and the exterior 97 of the battery module 90 are integrally molded and there is no gap between them, dust, water, etc. do not enter inside, and it has high reliability.

[0174] The above is the description of Configuration Example 3.

[0175] [Application Example] The molding method of the exterior of one aspect of the present invention is not limited to only the battery module having a battery, and can also be applied to a module incorporating various electronic components. Thereby, a module excellent in impact resistance can be realized. Thereby, a module excellent in impact resistance can be realized.

[0176] For example, as the electronic component, an electronic component having at least an exterior and an electrode can be used. The configuration and manufacturing method of the module having the electronic component can adopt the configuration example and manufacturing method example of the above battery module, and the above battery may be replaced with such an electronic component. The configuration and manufacturing method of the module having the electronic component can adopt the configuration example and manufacturing method example of the above battery module, and the above battery may be replaced with such an electronic component.

[0177] By using the above-described molding method of the exterior, various modules can be manufactured in which electronic components with low resistance to pressure and high temperature are covered with an exterior such as rubber and the terminals are exposed. ​​​​​​​As electronic components, for example, IC chips having various functions such as a CPU, an FPGA, a memory, etc., and IC chips having various sensors, etc. can also be used.

[0178] Examples of the sensor include an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an optical sensor, etc. Further, for example, sensors for acquiring biological information such as body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, sweating amount, vital capacity, blood glucose level, blood alcohol concentration, SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation), fingerprint, vein, iris, or voiceprint can also be applied. In addition, for example, various sensors having a function of measuring force, displacement, position, speed, acceleration, angular velocity, rotation speed, distance, light, liquid, magnetism, temperature, chemical substance, voice, time, hardness, electric field, current, voltage, power, radiation, flow rate, humidity, gradient, vibration, odor, and also infrared rays can be used.

[0179] Alternatively, if a light-transmissive material is used for the exterior body, it can also be applied to display devices such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic EL panel. For example, a flexible display panel can be covered with a light-transmissive rubber or the like.

[0180] That is, one aspect of the present invention is a module having a first exterior body and an electronic component. The electronic component has a second exterior body and electrodes. The electrodes are provided exposed on the surface of the second exterior body. The first exterior body includes a material exhibiting elasticity. The first exterior body has a first portion, a second portion, and a space surrounded by the first portion and the second portion. The electronic component is disposed in the above space, and the first portion and the second portion are joined to each other. The second portion is in contact with the electrodes and the end of the second exterior body.

[0181] Also, in the above, it is preferable to have a protection member inside the first exterior body. At this time, the protection member preferably has a third portion that covers one of the two opposing surfaces of the second exterior body and a fourth portion that covers the other. Further, the third portion and the fourth portion preferably have a plate-like shape and deform following the first exterior body.

[0182] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a module having an electronic component and a first exterior body that covers the electronic component, the method having the following steps. The first step is a step of preparing an electronic component having a second exterior body and an electrode. The second step is a step of forming a first portion having a recess by molding a first material using a first mold. The third step is a step of inserting the electronic component into the recess from the opening end side so that a part of the electrode protrudes outside the opening end of the recess. The fourth step is a step of placing the first portion into which the electronic component has been inserted in a second mold and forming a second portion that seals the opening end of the recess by molding a second material using the second mold, thereby forming a first exterior body in which the first portion and the second portion are joined together. Here, the second portion is formed so as to be in contact with the end of the second exterior body and a part of the electrode is exposed outside the second portion. The second portion is formed so as to be in contact with the end of the second exterior body and a part of the electrode is exposed outside the second portion. formed. Here, the second portion is formed so as to be in contact with the end of the second exterior body and a part of the electrode is

[0183] This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments and examples described in this specification, at least in part.

[0184] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a configuration example of a secondary battery that can be used in one aspect of the present invention and an example of a manufacturing method thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. In particular, hereinafter, an example of a secondary battery that can be bent A description will be given thereof.

[0185] [Configuration Example] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the secondary battery 102. FIG. 14(A) is a cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed line A1-A2 in FIG. 13. Further, FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed line B1-B2 in FIG. 13. A cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed line A1-A2 in FIG. 13. Further, FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed line B1-B2 in FIG. 13. A cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed line B1-B2 in FIG. 13.

[0186] The secondary battery 102 according to one aspect of the present invention includes a positive electrode 511 covered with a separator 503, a negative electrode 515, and an electrolytic solution 504 inside an exterior body 507. In FIGS. 13 and 14, an example of a secondary battery having one positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer 502 on one side of a positive electrode current collector 501, one positive electrode having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both sides, one negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides is shown. Further, the positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. In FIGS. 13 and 14, an example of a secondary battery having one positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer 502 on one side of a positive electrode current collector 501, one positive electrode having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both sides, one negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides is shown. Further, the positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. One positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer 502 on one side of a positive electrode current collector 501, one positive electrode having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both sides, one negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides is shown. Further, the positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. One positive electrode having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both sides, one negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides is shown. Further, the positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. One negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides is shown. Further, the positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode 511 is electrically connected to a positive electrode lead 521, and the negative electrode 515 is electrically connected to a negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. The positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are also called lead electrodes or lead terminals. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. A part of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 is disposed outside the exterior body. Further, charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525. Charging and discharging of the secondary battery 102 are performed via the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525.

[0187] In FIG. 14, the positive electrode 511 is covered with the separator 503, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the positive electrode 511 may not be covered with the separator 503. For example, instead of the positive electrode 511, the negative electrode 515 may be covered with the separator 503. In FIG. 14, the positive electrode 511 is covered with the separator 503, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the positive electrode 511 may not be covered with the separator 503. For example, instead of the positive electrode 511, the negative electrode 515 may be covered with the separator 503. The positive electrode 511 may not be covered with the separator 503. For example, instead of the positive electrode 511, the negative electrode 515 may be covered with the separator 503.

[0188] [Positive Electrode] The positive electrode 511 includes a positive electrode current collector 501 and a positive electrode active material layer 5 formed on the positive electrode current collector 501. It is composed of 02 or the like. In FIG. 14, an example is shown in which one positive electrode 511 having a positive electrode active material layer 502 on one surface of a sheet-shaped (or strip-shaped) positive electrode current collector 501 and one positive electrode 511 having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both surfaces are included, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. Only the positive electrode 511 having the positive electrode active material layer 502 on one surface of the positive electrode current collector 501 may be used. Alternatively, only the positive electrode 511 having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both surfaces may be used. By using the positive electrode 511 having positive electrode active material layers 502 on both surfaces, the capacity of the secondary battery 102 can be increased. Further, the secondary battery 102 may have three or more positive electrodes 511. Increasing the number of positive electrodes 511 included in the secondary battery 102 can increase the capacity of the secondary battery 102. For the positive electrode current collector 501, metals such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, aluminum, and titanium, and alloys thereof, which have high conductivity and do not elute at the potential of the positive electrode, can be used. In addition, an aluminum alloy to which an element for improving heat resistance such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, or molybdenum is added can be used. Alternatively, it may be formed of a metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide. Examples of the metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide include zirconium, titanium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, and the like. The positive electrode current collector 501 can appropriately use shapes such as foil, plate (sheet), net, punched metal, and expanded metal. The positive electrode current collector 501 has a thickness of 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[0189] For the positive electrode current collector 501, metals such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, aluminum, titanium, etc., and alloys thereof, which have high conductivity and do not elute at the potential of the positive electrode, can be used. In addition, an aluminum alloy added with elements such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, molybdenum, etc. to improve heat resistance can be used. Also, it may be formed of a metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide. Examples of the metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide include zirconium, titanium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, etc. The positive electrode current collector 501 can be appropriately used in shapes such as foil, plate (sheet), net, punched metal, expanded metal, etc. The positive electrode current collector 501 has a thickness of 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. For the positive electrode current collector 501, metals such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, aluminum, titanium, etc., and alloys thereof, which have high conductivity and do not elute at the potential of the positive electrode, can be used. In addition, an aluminum alloy added with elements such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, molybdenum, etc. to improve heat resistance can be used. Also, it may be formed of a metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide. Examples of the metal element that reacts with silicon to form a silicide include zirconium, titanium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, nickel, etc. The positive electrode current collector 501 can be appropriately used in shapes such as foil, plate (sheet), net, punched metal, expanded metal, etc. It is advisable to use such materials. Additionally, a graphite or other material may be used to form an undercoat layer on the surface of the positive electrode current collector 501. It is also possible to provide an undercoat layer.

[0190] In addition to the positive electrode active material, the positive electrode active material layer 502 may contain a binder for enhancing the adhesion of the positive electrode active material, a conductive assistant for enhancing the conductivity of the positive electrode active material layer 502, and the like. It may also have a conductive assistant for enhancing the conductivity of the positive electrode active material layer 502.

[0191] Examples of the positive electrode active material used in the positive electrode active material layer 502 include composite oxides having an olivine-type crystal structure, a layered rock salt-type crystal structure, or a spinel-type crystal structure. Examples of the positive electrode active material include composite oxides having an olivine-type crystal structure, a layered rock salt-type crystal structure, or a spinel-type crystal structure. As the positive electrode active material, for example, compounds such as LiFeO2, LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, V2O5, Cr2O5, and MnO2 are used.

[0192] In particular, LiCoO2 is preferable because it has advantages such as a large capacity, being more stable in the air compared to LiNiO2, and being thermally more stable compared to LiNiO2. It has advantages such as a large capacity, being more stable in the air compared to LiNiO2, and being thermally more stable compared to LiNiO2, so it is preferable.

[0193] Also, when a small amount of lithium nickelate (LiNiO2 or LiNi M 1-x O2 (0 < x < x 1) (M = Co, Al, etc.)) is mixed with a lithium-containing material having a spinel-type crystal structure containing manganese such as LiMn2O4, the characteristics of the secondary battery using this mixture can be improved, which is preferable. This can improve the characteristics of the secondary battery using this mixture, which is preferable.

[0194] Alternatively, a composite material (general formula LiMPO4 (M is one or more of Fe(II), Mn(II), Co( II), Ni(II))) can be used. Representative examples of the general formula LiMPO4 include LiFePO4, LiNiPO4, LiCoPO4, LiMnPO4, LiF e a Ni bPO4, LiFe a Co b PO4, LiFe a Mn b PO4, LiNi a Co b PO4, LiNi a Mn b PO4 (a + b is 1 or less, 0 < a < 1, 0 < b < 1), Li Fe c Ni d Co e PO4, LiFe c Ni d Mn e PO4, LiNi c Co d Mn e P O4 (c + d + e is 1 or less, 0 < c < 1, 0 < d < 1, 0 < e < 1), LiFe f Ni g Co h Mn i PO4 (f + g + h + i is 1 or less, 0 < f < 1, 0 < g < 1, 0 < h < 1, 0 < i < 1) and other lithium compounds can be used as materials.

[0195] In particular, LiFePO4 satisfies well the requirements for a cathode active material, such as safety, stability, high capacity density, and the presence of lithium ions that can be extracted during initial oxidation (charging), so it is preferable.

[0196] Or, a composite material such as the general formula Li (2-j) MSiO4 (M is one or more of Fe(II), Mn(II), Co (II), Ni(II), 0 ≤ j ≤ 2) can be used. One Typical examples of the general formula Li (2-j) MSiO4 include Li (2-j) FeSiO4, Li ( 2-j) NiSiO4, Li (2-j) CoSiO4, Li (2-j) MnSiO4, L i (2-j) Fe k Ni l SiO4, Li (2-j) Fe k Co l SiO4, Li (2- j) Fe k Mn l SiO4, Li (2-j) Ni k Co l SiO4, Li (2-j) Ni k Mn l SiO4 (k + l is 1 or less, 0 < k < 1, 0 < l < 1), Li (2-j) Fe m Ni n Co q SiO4, Li (2-j) Fe m Ni n Mn q SiO4, Li (2-j) N i m Co n Mn q SiO4 (m + n + q is 1 or less, 0 < m < 1, 0 < n < 1, 0 < q < 1 )、Li (2-j) Fe r Ni s Co t Mn u SiO4 (r + s + t + u is 1 or less, 0 < r < 1, 0 < s < 1, 0 < t < 1, 0 < u < 1), etc. Lithium compounds can be used as materials for this purpose.

[0197] Also, as the positive electrode active material, A x M2(XO4)3 (A = Li, Na, Mg, M = Fe, Mn, Ti, V, Nb, X = S, P, Mo, W, As, Si) represented by the general formula of NASICON type compounds can be used. NASICON type compounds include Fe2(MnO4)3, Fe2(SO4)3, Li3Fe2(PO4)3, etc. Also, as the positive electrode active material, L Compounds represented by the general formulas i2MPO4F, Li2MP2O7, Li5MO4 (M = Fe, Mn), perovskite-type fluorides such as NaFeF3, FeF3, etc., metal chalcogenides (sulfides, selenides, tellurides) such as TiS2, MoS2, etc., and oxides having an inverse spinel-type crystal structure such as LiMVO4, vanadium oxide-based (V2O5, V6O, LiV3O8, etc.), manganese oxide, organic sulfur compounds, etc. can be used. When the carrier ions are alkali metal ions other than lithium ions or alkaline earth metal ions, instead of lithium, alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.), alkaline earth metals (e.g., calcium, strontium, barium, beryllium, magnesium, etc.) can be used as the positive electrode active material. For example, sodium-containing layered oxides such as NaFeO2, Na[FeMn]O2, etc. can be used as the positive electrode active material. In addition, as the positive electrode active material, a material obtained by combining a plurality of the above materials may be used. For example, a solid solution obtained by combining a plurality of the above materials can be used as the positive electrode active material. For example, a solid solution of LiCoMnNiO2 and Li2MnO3 can be used as the positive electrode active material. Although not shown, a conductive material such as a carbon layer may be provided on the surface of the positive electrode active material layer 502. By providing a conductive material such as a carbon layer, the conductivity of the electrode can be improved. 13 、LiV 3O8 etc.), manganese oxide, organic sulfur compounds, etc. can be used.

[0198] Note that when the carrier ions are alkali metal ions other than lithium ions or alkaline earth metal ions, instead of lithium, alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.), alkaline earth metals (e.g., calcium, strontium, barium, beryllium, magnesium, etc.) can be used as the positive electrode active material. For example, sodium-containing layered oxides such as NaFeO2, Na [Fe Mn 2 / 3 [Fe 1 / 2 Mn 1 / 2 O2, etc. can be used as the positive electrode active material. Note that although not shown, a conductive material such as a carbon layer may be provided on the surface of the positive electrode active material layer 502. By providing a conductive material such as a carbon layer, the conductivity of the electrode can be improved.

[0199] In addition, as the positive electrode active material, a material obtained by combining a plurality of the above materials may be used. For example, a solid solution obtained by combining a plurality of the above materials can be used as the positive electrode active material. iCo 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Ni 1 / 3 O2 and Li2MnO3 can be used as the positive electrode active material. Note that although not shown, a conductive material such as a carbon layer may be provided on the surface of the positive electrode active material layer 502. By providing a conductive material such as a carbon layer, the conductivity of the electrode can be improved.

[0200] Note that although not shown, a conductive material such as a carbon layer may be provided on the surface of the positive electrode active material layer 502. By providing a conductive material such as a carbon layer, the conductivity of the electrode can be improved. For example, the coating of the carbon layer on the positive electrode active material layer 502 can be formed by mixing carbohydrates such as glucose during the firing of the positive electrode active material.

[0201] The average particle diameter of the primary particles of the granular positive electrode active material layer 502 is preferably 50 nm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0202] As the conductive assistant, acetylene black (AB), graphite (carbon) particles, carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, etc. can be used.

[0203] The conductive assistant can form a network of electron conduction in the positive electrode 511. The conductive assistant can maintain the electrical conduction path between the positive electrode active material layers 502. By adding the conductive assistant to the positive electrode active material layer 502, a positive electrode active material layer 502 having high electron conductivity can be realized.

[0204] In addition to typical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), as the binder, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene diene polymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, fluororubber, polyvinyl acetate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, nitrocellulose, etc. can be used.

[0205] The preferable range of the content of the binder with respect to the total amount of the positive electrode active material layer 502 may be appropriately set according to the particle diameter of the active material, and is preferably 1 wt% or more and 10 wt% or less. For example, it can be 2 wt% or more and 8 wt% or less, or 3 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less, etc. ​​​​​​​​​​​It is possible. Also, the content of the conductive assistant with respect to the total amount of the positive electrode active material layer 502 is preferably 1 wt% or more and 10 wt% or less, more preferably 1 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less. When forming the positive electrode active material layer 502 using the coating method, the positive electrode active material, binder, and conductive assistant

[0206] are mixed to prepare a positive electrode paste (slurry), which is then applied onto the positive electrode current collector 501 and dried. That's all.

[0207] 〔Negative electrode〕 The negative electrode 515 is composed of a negative electrode current collector 505 and a negative electrode active material layer 5 06 formed on the negative electrode current collector 505. In FIG. 14, an example is shown where there is one negative electrode 515 having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of a sheet-shaped (or strip-shaped) negative electrode current collector 505, and one negative electrode 515 having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides. However, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use only the negative electrode 515 having a negative electrode active material layer 506 on one side of the negative electrode current collector 505. In this case, if arranged such that the surfaces of the negative electrode current collector 505 without the negative electrode active material layer 506 come into contact with each other, a contact surface with less friction can be formed, which is preferable as it can easily relieve the stress when the secondary battery 102 is bent. It is also possible to use only the negative electrode 515 having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides of the negative electrode current collector 505. By using the negative electrode 515 having negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides, the capacity of the secondary battery 102 can be increased. Further, the secondary battery 102 having three or more negative electrodes 515 may be used. By increasing the number of negative electrodes 515 included in the secondary battery 102, the capacity of the secondary battery 102 can be increased. The negative electrode current collector 505 includes metals such as stainless steel, gold, platinum, iron, copper, titanium, and these

[0208] Materials with high conductivity, such as alloys, which do not alloy with carrier ions such as lithium, can be used. In addition, an aluminum alloy added with elements that improve heat resistance, such as silicon, titanium, neodymium, scandium, molybdenum, etc., can be used. The negative electrode current collector 5 05 can be appropriately used in shapes such as foil, plate (sheet), net, punched metal, expanded metal, etc. The negative electrode current collector 505 is preferably one with a thickness of 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. Also, an undercoat layer may be provided on the surface of the negative electrode current collector 505 using graphite or the like. The negative electrode active material layer 506 may have, in addition to the negative electrode active material, a binder for enhancing the adhesion of the negative electrode active material, a conductive assistant for enhancing the conductivity of the negative electrode active material layer 506, etc.

[0209] The negative electrode active material is not particularly limited as long as it is a material capable of lithium dissolution / precipitation or lithium ion insertion / desorption. Examples of the material of the negative electrode active material layer 506 include lithium metal, lithium titanate,

[0210] carbon-based materials common in the energy storage field, alloy-based materials, etc., in addition to lithium metal and lithium titanate. Lithium metal has a low oxidation-reduction potential (-3.045 V with respect to the standard hydrogen electrode), and a large specific capacity per unit weight and volume (3860 mAh / g and 2062 mAh / cm

[0211] 3 3 respectively), so it is preferable.

[0212] Examples of carbon-based materials include graphite, graphitizable carbon (soft carbon), non-graphitizable carbon (hard carbon), carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon black, etc.

[0213] ​As the graphite, artificial graphite such as mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), coke-based artificial graphite, pitch-based artificial graphite, etc., and natural graphite such as spheroidized natural graphite can be mentioned. Examples include artificial graphite such as spherical natural graphite and the like.

[0214] When lithium ions are inserted into the interlayer (when forming a lithium-graphite intercalation compound), graphite exhibits a potential as low as that of metallic lithium (0.1 to 0.3 V vs. Li / Li+). (0.1 to 0.3 V vs. Li / Li+). i + ). As a result, lithium-ion batteries can exhibit a high operating voltage. Furthermore, graphite has advantages such as a relatively high capacity per unit volume, small volume expansion, low cost, and high safety compared to metallic lithium, and thus is preferable.

[0215] As the negative electrode active material, alloy-based materials or oxides capable of performing charge and discharge reactions through alloying and dealloying reactions with lithium can also be used. When the carrier ion is a lithium ion, examples of the alloy-based materials include materials containing at least one of Mg, Ca, Al, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, and In. Such elements have a large capacity relative to carbon, and in particular, silicon has a theoretically extremely high capacity of 4200 mAh / g. For this reason, it is preferable to use silicon as the negative electrode active material. Examples of the alloy-based materials using such elements include Mg2Si, Mg2Ge, Mg2Sn, SnS2, V2Sn3, FeSn2, CoSn2, Ni3Sn2, Cu6Sn5, Ag3Sn, Ag3Sb, Ni2MnSb, CeSb3, LaSn3, La3Co2Sn7, CoSb3, InSb, SbSn, etc.

[0216] Also, as the negative electrode active material, SiO, SnO, SnO2, titanium oxide (TiO2), lithium Umm titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O 12 ), lithium-graphite intercalation compound (Li x C6), Niobium oxide (Nb2O5), tungsten oxide (WO2), molybdenum oxide (MoO2) and other oxides can be used.

[0217] Also, as the negative electrode active material, Li3N-type structure, which is a complex nitride of lithium and transition metals, with Li 3-x M x N (M = Co, Ni, Cu) can be used. For example, Li 2. 6Co 0.4 N3 shows a large charge-discharge capacity (900 mAh / g, 1890 mAh / cm 3 ) and is preferable. Shown and preferable.

[0218] When using a complex nitride of lithium and transition metals, since the negative electrode active material contains lithium ions, it can be preferably combined with materials such as V2O5 and Cr3O8 that do not contain lithium ions as the positive electrode active material. Note that even when using a material containing lithium ions for the positive electrode active material, by previously desorbing the lithium ions contained in the positive electrode active material, a complex nitride of lithium and transition metals can be used as the negative electrode active material. material.

[0219] Also, a material that causes a conversion reaction can be used as the negative electrode active material. For example, transition metal oxides such as cobalt oxide (CoO), nickel oxide (NiO), and iron oxide (FeO), which do not undergo an alloying reaction with lithium, may be used as the negative electrode active material. As materials that cause a conversion reaction, further, oxides such as Fe2O3, CuO, Cu2O, RuO2, and Cr2 O3, sulfides such as CoS 0.89 O3, NiS, CuS, etc., nitrides such as Zn3N2, Cu3N,​​ Nitrides such as Ge3N4, phosphides such as NiP2, FeP2, and CoP3, and fluorides such as FeF3 and BiF 3 also occur. Since the potential of the above fluorides is high, they may be used as the positive electrode active material.

[0220] When forming the negative electrode active material layer 506 using the coating method, the negative electrode active material and the binder are mixed to produce a negative electrode paste (slurry), which is applied onto the negative electrode current collector 505 and dried. Note that a conductive assistant may be added to the negative electrode paste.

[0221] Further, graphene may be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material layer 506. For example, when the negative electrode active material is silicon, due to the large volume change associated with the insertion and extraction of carrier ions during charge and discharge cycles, the adhesion between the negative electrode current collector 505 and the negative electrode active material layer 506 decreases, and the battery characteristics deteriorate due to charge and discharge. Therefore, forming graphene on the surface of the negative electrode active material layer 506 containing silicon can suppress the decrease in the adhesion between the negative electrode current collector 505 and the negative electrode active material layer 506 even when the volume of silicon changes during charge and discharge cycles, which is preferable because it reduces the deterioration of battery characteristics.

[0222] Further, a film such as an oxide may be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material layer 506. The film formed by the decomposition of the electrolyte or the like during charging cannot release the amount of charge consumed during its formation and forms an irreversible capacity. In contrast, by providing a film such as an oxide on the surface of the negative electrode active material layer 506 in advance, the generation of irreversible capacity can be suppressed or prevented.

[0223] For the film coating such a negative electrode active material layer 506, niobium, titanium, vanadium, ta​​​​ Tantalum, tungsten, zirconium, molybdenum, hafnium, chromium, aluminum or an oxide film of any one of silicon, or an oxide film containing any one of these elements and lithium can be used. Such a film is a sufficiently dense film compared to the film formed on the negative electrode surface by the decomposition products of the conventional electrolyte solution. For example, niobium oxide (Nb2O5) has a low electrical conductivity of 10 S / cm and exhibits high insulation. Therefore, the niobium oxide film inhibits the electrochemical decomposition reaction between the negative electrode active material and the electrolyte solution. On the other hand, the lithium diffusion coefficient of niobium oxide is 10

[0224] cm -9 / sec, and has high lithium ion conductivity. Therefore, it is possible to permeate lithium ions. Also, silicon oxide or aluminum oxide may be used. For the formation of the film covering the negative electrode active material layer 506, for example, the sol-gel method can be used. The sol-gel method is a method in which a solution composed of a metal alkoxide, a metal salt, etc. is made into a gel that has lost its fluidity by a hydrolysis reaction and a polycondensation reaction, and this gel is fired to form a thin film. Since the sol-gel method is a method for forming a thin film from a liquid phase, the raw materials can be homogeneously mixed at the molecular level. Therefore, by adding a negative electrode active material such as graphite to the raw material of the metal oxide film at the solvent stage, the active material can be easily dispersed in the gel. In this way, a film can be formed on the surface of the negative electrode active material layer 506. By using the film, a decrease in the capacitance of the capacitor can be prevented. -9 2 -9 2

[0225]

[0226] 〔Separator〕 As materials for forming the separator 503, cellulose, polypropylene (PP ), polyethylene (PE), polybutene, nylon, polyester, polysulfone, poly acrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene s ulfide and other porous insulators can be used. Also, non-woven fabrics such as glass fibers, and diaphragms composed of a composite of glass fibers and polymer fibers may be used.

[0227] 〔Electrolyte〕 For the electrolyte 504, as the electrolyte, a material having mobile carrier ions and being a carrier ion which is a lithium ion is used. Representative examples of the electrolyte include LiPF6, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiBF4, LiCF3SO3, Li(CF3SO2)2 N, Li(C2F5SO2)2N, Li(SO2F)2N and other lithium salts. These electrolytes may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in any combination and ratio.

[0228] In particular, when high-temperature treatment is performed during molding such as rubber, it is preferable that the electrolyte has high heat resistance. For example, it is preferable to use an imide salt having a high thermal decomposition temperature.

[0229] Also, as the solvent for the electrolyte 504, a material in which carrier ions can move is used. As the solvent for the electrolyte, an aprotic organic solvent is preferable. Representative examples of aprotic organic solvents include ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), γ-butyrolactone, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, etc. , one or more of these can be used. Also, by using a polymer material gelled as a solvent of the electrolytic solution, adding a polymer material for gelation to the electrolytic solution, etc., the safety against leakage properties, etc. is enhanced. Also, the secondary battery can be made thinner and lighter. Representative examples of the polymer material to be gelled include silicone gel, acrylic gel, acrylonitrile gel, polyethylene oxide-based gel, polypropylene oxide-based gel, fluorine-based polymer gel, etc. Also, by using one or more ionic liquids (room temperature molten salts) that are flame retardant and hardly volatile as the solvent of the electrolytic solution, even if the internal temperature of the secondary battery rises due to internal short circuit, overcharging, etc., rupture, ignition, etc. of the secondary battery can be prevented. Note that an ionic liquid is a salt in a fluid state and has high ionic mobility (conductivity). Also, an ionic liquid contains a cation and an anion. Examples of ionic liquids include ionic liquids containing an ethylmethylimidazolium (EMI) cation, or ionic liquids containing an N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium (PP) cation. , leakage resistance, etc. can be improved by using a polymer material that is gelled or adding a polymer material for gelation to the electrolytic solution. Also, the secondary battery can be made thinner and lighter. Gel Representative examples of the polymer material to be formed include silicone gel, acrylic gel, acrylonitrile gel, polyethylene oxide-based gel, polypropylene oxide-based gel, fluorine-based polymer gel, etc. Also, by using one or more ionic liquids (room temperature molten salts) that are flame retardant and hardly volatile as the solvent of the electrolytic solution, even if the internal temperature of the secondary battery rises due to internal short circuit, overcharging, etc., rupture, ignition, etc. of the secondary battery can be prevented. Note that an ionic liquid is a salt in a fluid state and has high ionic mobility (conductivity). Also, an ionic liquid contains a cation and an anion. Examples of ionic liquids include ionic liquids containing an ethylmethylimidazolium (EMI) cation, or ionic liquids containing an N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium ( PP ) cation. In particular, when high-temperature treatment is performed during molding of rubber or the like, it is preferable to use a material with a high boiling point as the solvent of the electrolytic solution. For example, it is preferable to use propylene carbonate (PC). 13 ) cation.

[0230] In particular, when high-temperature treatment is performed during molding of rubber or the like, it is preferable to use a material with a high boiling point as the solvent of the electrolytic solution. For example, it is preferable to use propylene carbonate (PC).

[0231] [Outer package] As the structure of the secondary battery, there are various structures. In this embodiment, a film is used for forming the outer package 507. Note that the film for forming the outer package 507 is a metal film ( aluminum, stainless steel, nickel steel, etc.), a plastic film made of an organic material , a hybrid containing an organic material (such as an organic resin or fiber) and an inorganic material (such as a ceramic) A material film, a carbon-containing inorganic film (such as a carbon film or a graphite film) A single-layer film selected from these or a laminated film composed of a plurality of these is used. The metal film is easy to emboss. When embossing is performed to form a concave or convex portion, the surface area of the exterior body 507 exposed to the outside increases, so it has an excellent heat dissipation effect.

[0232] Also, when an external force is applied to change the shape of the secondary battery 102, a bending stress is applied to the exterior body 507 of the secondary battery 102 from the outside, and there is a risk that a part of the exterior body 507 may be deformed or partially destroyed. By forming a concave or convex portion in the exterior body 507, the strain caused by the stress applied to the exterior body 507 can be relaxed. Therefore, the reliability of the secondary battery 10 2 can be improved. Note that strain is a measure of deformation indicating the displacement of material points in an object relative to the reference (initial state) length of the object. By forming a concave or convex portion in the exterior body 507, the influence of the strain caused by applying an external force to the secondary battery can be kept within an allowable range.

[0233]

[0234]

[0235] The above is the description of the configuration example.

[0234] [Example of manufacturing method] Hereinafter, an example of the manufacturing method of the secondary battery 102 will be described.

[0235] [Prepare a positive electrode and cover it with a separator] First, a positive electrode 511 having a positive electrode active material layer 502 formed thereon is disposed on a separator 503 ( See Fig. 15(A).). In Fig. 15(A), by forming a slit, a meandering shape An example is shown in which the positive electrode current collector 501 thus obtained has positive electrode active material layers 502 on both sides.

[0236] By forming a slit in the positive electrode current collector 501, when the secondary battery 102 is bent, it is possible to suppress displacement of the positions of the ends of the plurality of current collectors. Alternatively, the tension applied to the current collector far from the center of curvature can be relaxed.

[0237] Also, when overlapping with the negative electrode 515 as shown in Fig. 15(C) in a later process, no positive electrode active material layer 502 is provided in the region 511a that overlaps with the slit of the negative electrode 515. If a positive electrode active material layer 502 is provided in the region 511a that overlaps with the slit of the negative electrode 515, there will be no negative electrode active material layer 506 in the region overlapping with the positive electrode active material layer 502, and problems may occur during the battery reaction. Specifically, carrier ions emitted from the positive electrode active material layer 502 may concentrate on the negative electrode active material layer 506 closest to the slit, and carrier ions may precipitate on the negative electrode active material layer 506. Therefore, by not providing the positive electrode active material layer 502 in the region 511a that overlaps with the slit of the negative electrode 515, precipitation of carrier ions on the negative electrode active material layer 506 can be suppressed.

[0238] Next, the separator 503 is folded at the portion indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 15(A), and the positive electrode 511 is sandwiched by the separator 503. Next, the outer peripheral portion of the separator 503 outside the positive electrode 511 is joined (see Fig. 15(B).) to form a bag-shaped separator 503. The joining of the outer peripheral portion of the separator 503 may be performed using an adhesive or the like, or may be performed by ultrasonic welding or heat fusion.

[0239] ​​​​​​​​​​​​In this embodiment, polypropylene is used as the separator 503, and the outer peripheral portion of the separator 50 3 is joined by heating. The joined portion 503a is shown in Fig. 15(B). In this way, the positive electrode 511 can be covered with the separator 503. The separator 503 may be formed so as to cover the positive electrode active material layer 502, and it is not necessary to cover the entire positive electrode 511.

[0240] In addition, in Figs. 15(A) and (B), the separator 503 is bent, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positive electrode 511 may be formed by sandwiching it between two separators. In that case, the joined portion 503a may be formed in a shape surrounding almost all four sides.

[0241] Also, the joining of the outer peripheral portion of the separator 503 may be performed intermittently, or may be joined in a dot shape at regular intervals.

[0242] Alternatively, the joining may be performed only on one side of the outer peripheral portion. Alternatively, the joining may be performed only on two sides of the outer peripheral portion. Alternatively, the joining may be performed on all four sides of the outer peripheral portion. Thereby, the four sides can be made in an equal state.

[0243] In addition, in Figs. 15(A) and (B) etc., the case where the positive electrode 511 is covered with the separator 503 is described, but one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positive electrode 51 1 may not be covered with the separator 503. For example, instead of the positive electrode 511, the negative electrode 515 may be covered with the separator 503.

[0244] [Prepare a negative electrode] Next, a negative electrode 515 is prepared (see Fig. 15(C)). In Fig. 15(C), a slit is formed By forming it, the negative electrode current collector 505 having a meandering shape has negative electrode active material layers 506 on both sides. An example is shown.

[0245] By forming slits in the negative electrode current collector 505, when the secondary battery 102 is bent, The displacement of the positions of the ends of the plurality of current collectors can be suppressed. Alternatively, the tension applied to the current collector far from the center of curvature can be relaxed. It can be relaxed.

[0246] 〔Stack the positive electrode and the negative electrode and connect the leads〕 Next, the positive electrode 511 and the negative electrode 515 are stacked (see Fig. 16(A)). In this embodiment, An example in which two positive electrodes 511 and two negative electrodes 515 are used is shown.

[0247] Next, the positive electrode tabs of the plurality of positive electrode current collectors 501 and the positive electrode lead 521 having the sealing layer 520 Are ultrasonically irradiated while applying pressure to make an electrical connection (ultrasonic welding). Alternatively, welding by laser May be performed.

[0248] In addition, the lead electrode is likely to be cracked or cut due to the stress generated when an external force is applied after the production of the secondary battery 102. It is likely to occur.

[0249] Therefore, when ultrasonically welding the positive electrode lead 521, a connection region and a curved portion may be formed on the positive electrode tab (Fig. 16(B)).

[0250] By providing this curved portion, the stress generated when an external force is applied after the production of the secondary battery 102 can be relaxed. Therefore, the reliability of the secondary battery 102 can be improved. It can be improved. It can be improved.

[0251] Moreover, it is not limited to forming a curved portion on the positive electrode tab, and the material of the positive electrode current collector is stainless steel Make it strong like this, and by making the film thickness of the positive electrode current collector 10 μm or less, the stress generated by applying an external force from the outside after manufacturing the secondary battery can be easily relaxed. It may be configured to be easily relaxed.

[0252] Of course, it goes without saying that a plurality of these may be combined to relieve the stress concentration of the positive electrode tab. There is no need to say more.

[0253] And similar to the positive electrode current collector 501, the negative electrode tab of the negative electrode current collector 505 and the negative electrode lead 525 having the sealing layer 520 are electrically connected by ultrasonic welding.

[0254] 〔Prepare an exterior body and cover the positive and negative electrodes〕 The film used for the exterior body is bent, and the overlapping side is joined by thermocompression bonding. In FIG. 16 (B), the portion where one side of the exterior body 507 is joined by thermocompression bonding is shown as the joining portion 507a. With this exterior body 507, the positive electrode 511 and the negative electrode 515 are covered.

[0255] 〔Inject the electrolyte〕 Next, one side of the exterior body 507 that overlaps with the sealing layer 520 of the positive electrode lead 521 and the sealing layer 520 of the negative electrode lead 525 is similarly heat-sealed (FIG. 17(A)). Then, As shown in FIG. 17(A), the electrolyte 504 is introduced from the unsealed side 507b of the exterior body 507 into the region covered by the exterior body 507.

[0256] Then, while performing vacuum pumping, heating, and pressurization, the remaining side of the exterior body 507 (side 507 b) is sealed to obtain the secondary battery 102 (FIG. 17(B)). The operations of injecting and sealing the electrolyte are performed in an environment where impurities such as oxygen, moisture, and nitrogen are excluded by using a glove box or the like. Vacuum pumping may be performed using a degassing sealer, a liquid injection sealer, or the like. Also, if the sealer ​​By sandwiching with two heatable bars, heating and pressurization can be performed. Then each condition can be, for example, a vacuum degree of 40 kPa, heating at 190 °C, and pressurization at 0.1 MPa for 3 seconds. At this time, while pressurizing the portions of the exterior body 507 where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located, the side 507b may be sealed. By pressurization, air bubbles mixed in during injection can be excluded from between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0257] [Modification Example] As a modification example of the secondary battery 102, the secondary battery 102 is shown in FIG. 18(A). The secondary battery 102 shown in FIG. 18(A) has different arrangements of the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 compared to the secondary battery 102 in FIG. 16. Specifically, in the secondary battery 102 of FIG. 16, the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are arranged on the same side of the exterior body 507, while in the secondary battery 1 02 of FIG. 18, the positive electrode lead 521 and the negative electrode lead 525 are arranged on different sides of the exterior body 507 respectively. In this way, the secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention can freely arrange the lead electrodes and thus has a high degree of design freedom. Therefore, the design freedom of products using the secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention can be increased. Also, the productivity of products using the secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention can be increased.

[0258] FIG. 18(B) is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the secondary battery 102 in FIG. 18(A). For details , the manufacturing method of the secondary battery 102 in FIG. 13 can be referred to. Note that in FIG. 18(B) , the description of the electrolytic solution 504 is omitted.

[0259] Also, in order to pre-provide irregularities on the surface of the film used for the exterior body 507, press working, for example For example, embossing may be performed. When the film surface has irregularities, the flexibility and stress relaxation effect as a secondary battery are improved. The concave or convex portions formed on the film surface (or the back surface) by embossing form a closed space with a variable volume of the space using the film as part of the wall of the sealing structure. This closed space can also be said to be formed when the concave or convex portions of the film have a bellows structure or a bellow structure. Also, not limited to embossing which is a type of pressing process, any method that can form a relief on a part of the film may be used.

[0260] Note that one aspect of the present invention is not limited to these. In this embodiment and other embodiments, since various aspects of the invention are described, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to a specific aspect. For example, as one aspect of the present invention, an example of applying it to a lithium-ion secondary battery is shown, but it is not limited to this. One aspect of the present invention may be applied to various secondary batteries, lead-acid batteries, lithium ion polymer secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel iron batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, silver oxide-zinc batteries, solid-state batteries, air batteries, primary batteries, capacitors, or lithium-ion capacitors, etc. One aspect of the present invention does not have to be applied to a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0261] The above is the description of the manufacturing method example.

[0262] This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a part of other embodiments described in this specification.

[0263] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a configuration example of a battery suitable for applications that repeatedly bend and stretch will be described. This will be done.

[0264] FIG. 19(A) shows a schematic top view of the battery 200. FIG. 19(B) shows a schematic view of the battery 200 when viewed from the direction of the dashed arrow in FIG. 19(A). FIG. 19(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view at the cutting line A1 - A2 in FIG. 19(A). Also, FIG. 19(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view at the cutting line A1 - A2 in FIG. 19(A). shows a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0265] The battery 200 includes an exterior body 201, a laminate 202 housed inside the exterior body 201, and a tab 203 that is electrically connected to the laminate 202 and extends outside the exterior body 201. In addition, an electrolytic solution is sealed inside the exterior body 201 in addition to the laminate 202. Also, an electrolytic solution is sealed inside the exterior body 201 in addition to the laminate 202.

[0266] The exterior body 201 has a film-like shape and is folded in two so as to sandwich the laminate 202. The exterior body 201 has a bent portion 211, a pair of joint portions 213, and a joint portion 214. The pair of joint portions 213 can also be called side seal portions. The joint portion 214 is located on the tab 203 side and can also be called a top seal portion. The exterior body 201 has a bent portion 211, a pair of joint portions 213, and a joint portion 214. The pair of joint portions 213 can also be called side seal portions. The joint portion 214 is located on the tab 203 side and can also be called a top seal portion. The pair of joint portions 213 can also be called side seal portions. The joint portion 214 is located on the tab 203 side and can also be called a top seal portion.

[0267] The exterior body 201 preferably has a wavy shape in which ridge lines 221 and valley lines 222 are alternately arranged in a portion overlapping the laminate 202. Also, the joint portions 213 and 214 of the exterior body 201 are preferably flat. The exterior body 201 preferably has a wavy shape in which ridge lines 221 and valley lines 222 are alternately arranged in a portion overlapping the laminate 202. Also, the joint portions 213 and 214 of the exterior body 201 are preferably flat. The joint portions 213 and 214 of the exterior body 201 are preferably flat.

[0268] The laminate 202 has a configuration in which electrodes 231 and 232 are alternately laminated. For example, the electrode 231 functions as one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, and the electrode 232 functions as the other. Although not shown, a separator may be provided between the electrode 231 and the electrode 232. For example, the electrode 231 functions as one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, and the electrode 232 functions as the other. Also, although not shown, a separator may be provided between the electrode 231 and the electrode 232.

[0269] As shown in FIG. 19(C), it is preferable that there is a space 225 between the exterior body 201 and the laminate 202 at the bending portion 211. There is preferably a space 225 between the exterior body 201 and the laminate 202 at the bending portion 211.

[0270] FIG. 19(D) shows a schematic cross-sectional view when the battery 200 is bent. Note that in FIG. 19( D), some of the components are shown in a simplified manner.

[0271] When the battery 200 is bent, a part of the exterior body 201 located on the outer side of the bend extends, and another part located on the inner side deforms so as to contract. More specifically, the part located on the outer side of the bend of the exterior body 201 deforms such that the amplitude of the wave is small and the period of the wave is large. On the other hand, the part located on the inner side of the bend of the exterior body 201 deforms such that the amplitude of the wave is large and the period of the wave is small. By deforming the exterior body 201 in this way, the stress applied to the exterior body 2 01 due to bending is relaxed, so there is no need for the exterior body 201 itself to extend or contract. As a result, the battery 200 can be bent with a small force without the exterior body 201 being damaged.

[0272] Also, as shown in FIG. 19(D), the laminate 202 deforms such that the electrodes 231 and 232 are relatively displaced from each other. At this time, since the plurality of electrodes 231 and the plurality of electrodes 232 included in the laminate 202 are fixed on the side of the joint portion 214, the closer to the bending portion 211 they are, the more they deform so that the amount of displacement increases. As a result, the stress applied to the laminate 202 is relaxed, and there is no need for the electrodes 231 and 232 themselves to extend or contract. As a result, the battery 200 can be bent without the laminate 202 being damaged. As a result, the stress applied to the laminate 202 is relaxed, and there is no need for the electrodes 231 and 232 themselves to extend or contract. As a result, the battery 200 can be bent without the laminate 202 being damaged.

[0273] ​In addition, when a solid electrolyte or a gel electrolyte is used, the entire laminate 202 is covered with the electrolyte. As a result, the electrodes 231 and 232 are less likely to shift relative to each other, and stress relaxation cannot be expected. Therefore, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of laminates in which an electrolyte layer is provided in advance between a pair of electrodes 231 and 232, and to stack the laminates. Thereby, even when a solid electrolyte or a gel electrolyte is used, the electrodes 231 and 232 can be configured to shift relative to each other.

[0274] Further, since there is a space 225 between the laminate 202 and the exterior body 201, the electrodes 231 and 232 located inside the neutral plane can shift relative to each other without contacting the exterior body 201.

[0275] The battery exemplified in this embodiment is a battery in which damage to the exterior body and damage to the laminate are less likely to occur even when repeated bending and stretching are performed, and the battery characteristics are also less likely to deteriorate.

[0276] This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a part of other embodiments described in this specification.

Example

[0277] Hereinafter, a battery module was manufactured using the manufacturing method of one aspect of the present invention. Here the method exemplified in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3) was used.

[0278] First, a lithium-ion secondary battery was prepared. The lithium-ion secondary battery uses LiCoO2 as a positive electrode active material and graphite as a negative electrode active material, and an aluminum laminate film with embossing on the exterior body was used. Aluminum foil was used for the positive electrode current collector, and the positive electrode was provided on one side ​ The active material layer was coated. A copper foil was used for the negative electrode current collector, and the negative electrode active material layer was coated on one side. The positive electrode Two current collectors were arranged such that the surfaces on the side opposite to the coated surface were in contact with each other, and these were sandwiched with a cellulose separator to form the cellulose separator into a bag shape. The molding was performed by sandwiching polypropylene between the overlapping portions of the cellulose separator and thermocompression bonding. Also, similarly for the negative electrode current collector, two were arranged as a set such that the sides opposite to the coated surface were in contact with each other. Then, six positive electrode current collectors and six negative electrode current collectors were stacked respectively such that the coated surface of the positive electrode current collector faced the coated surface of the negative electrode current collector to form an electrode laminate. An aluminum laminate film was folded into two to sandwich the electrode laminate, and three sides were joined. The joining for forming the joint portion of the film was performed using a mold (heat bar). A heat bar with a flat surface was used for the side seal portion, and a heat bar with a shape in which a part of the surface overlapping the tab was recessed was used for the top seal portion.

[0279] For the exterior body, an aluminum laminate film with a thickness of about 50 μm in which polypropylene, aluminum foil, and nylon were laminated in that order was used. Also, for the aluminum laminate film, an embossed film with a waveform in which the pitch was 2 mm and the height difference between the convex portion and the concave portion was 0.5 mm was used.

[0280] First, the first molding was performed to form a rubber molded body (first part) having a recess for inserting a lithium ion secondary battery. The first molding was performed using a fluororubber of a mirrorable mold for the molding material. The molding was performed under the conditions of a pressing cylinder diameter of 260 mm, a temperature of 170 °C, and a pressure of 200 kgf / cm 2 for 10 minutes.

[0281] ​​​​​​​​​​​​Subsequently, a lithium-ion secondary battery was inserted into the concave portion of the molded rubber molded body (first part). This was done.

[0282] Subsequently, the rubber molded body and the lithium-ion secondary battery were placed in a mold (second mold), and the second part was formed by performing the second molding. The same material as that used in the first molding was used for the molding material. The second molding was carried out under the conditions of a pressing cylinder diameter of 260 mm, a temperature of 160 °C, and a pressure of 30 kgf / cm² for 10 minutes. The second molding was carried out under the conditions of a pressing cylinder diameter of 260 mm, a temperature of 160 °C, and a pressure of 30 kgf / cm² for 10 minutes. gf / cm 2 This was done for 10 minutes.

[0283] Through the above steps, a battery module having a lithium-ion secondary battery in the rubber molded body was obtained. This was obtained.

[0284] One aspect of the present invention is that since the exterior body is molded in two steps, the temperature and pressure can be made sufficiently high in the first molding. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the molding conditions for the first part, which forms the main part of the exterior body, is high, and it can be formed under sufficiently optimized conditions. As a result, an exterior body with good appearance and high strength can be formed. Also, in the second molding, since the second part can be formed by contacting only near the top seal portion of the secondary battery, the molding pressure can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding. One aspect of the present invention is that since the exterior body is molded in two steps, the temperature and pressure can be made sufficiently high in the first molding. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the molding conditions for the first part, which forms the main part of the exterior body, is high, and it can be formed under sufficiently optimized conditions. As a result, an exterior body with good appearance and high strength can be formed. Also, in the second molding, since the second part can be formed by contacting only near the top seal portion of the secondary battery, the molding pressure can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding. One aspect of the present invention is that since the exterior body is molded in two steps, the temperature and pressure can be made sufficiently high in the first molding. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the molding conditions for the first part, which forms the main part of the exterior body, is high, and it can be formed under sufficiently optimized conditions. As a result, an exterior body with good appearance and high strength can be formed. Also, in the second molding, since the second part can be formed by contacting only near the top seal portion of the secondary battery, the molding pressure can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding. One aspect of the present invention is that since the exterior body is molded in two steps, the temperature and pressure can be made sufficiently high in the first molding. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the molding conditions for the first part, which forms the main part of the exterior body, is high, and it can be formed under sufficiently optimized conditions. As a result, an exterior body with good appearance and high strength can be formed. Also, in the second molding, since the second part can be formed by contacting only near the top seal portion of the secondary battery, the molding pressure can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding. One aspect of the present invention is that since the exterior body is molded in two steps, the temperature and pressure can be made sufficiently high in the first molding. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the molding conditions for the first part, which forms the main part of the exterior body, is high, and it can be formed under sufficiently optimized conditions. As a result, an exterior body with good appearance and high strength can be formed. Also, in the second molding, since the second part can be formed by contacting only near the top seal portion of the secondary battery, the molding pressure can be made relatively high. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as poor bonding.

[0285] Fig. 20(A) shows a photograph of the fabricated battery module. As such, the battery module can be easily bent with a small force. As such, the battery module can be easily bent with a small force.

[0286] Also, Fig. 20(B) shows a state in which a part of the exterior body is cut away to expose the secondary battery. As such, it was confirmed that the exterior body of the secondary battery maintained its shape without being crushed. Also, Fig. 20(B) shows a state in which a part of the exterior body is cut away to expose the secondary battery. As such, it was confirmed that the exterior body of the secondary battery maintained its shape without being crushed. This was confirmed.

[0287] The above is the description of this embodiment.

[0288] This embodiment can be implemented in appropriate combination with other embodiments described in this specification. It can be done.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0289] 10 Battery module 20 Outer casing 21 First part 21a Slit 21b Slit 21c Slit 22 Second part 23 Recess 24 Open end 25 Space 26a Hole 26b Hole 30 Battery 30a Battery 31 Outer casing 32 Tab 33 Circuit board 34 FPC 35 Protective member 35a Plate part 35b Plate part 35c Joint part 41a First part 41b First part 42 Second part 50a Mold 50b Mold 50c Mold 50d Mold 51a Upper mold 51b Lower mold 52a Upper mold 52b Lower mold 53 Core 54a Core [[ID=8s2]] 54b Core 55a Injection hole 55b Injection hole 60 Battery module 61 Band part 62 Band part 63 Holding part 64 operation buttons 70 frames 71 terminals 72 terminals 75 cases 80 electronic devices 81 housings 82 display units 83 terminals 84 terminals 90 battery modules 91 cases 91a top covers 91b bottom covers 92 terminals 94 recesses 95 first parts 96 second parts 97 exterior bodies 102 secondary batteries 200 batteries 201 exterior bodies 202 laminates 203 tabs 211 bent parts 213 joints 214 joints 221 ridge lines 222 valley lines 225 spaces 231 electrodes 232 electrodes 501 positive current collectors 502 positive active material layers 503 separators 503a joints 504 electrolytes 505 negative current collectors 506 negative active material layers 507 exterior bodies 507a joints 507b sides 511 positive electrodes 511a regions 515 negative electrodes 520 sealing layers 521 positive leads 525 negative leads

Claims

1. A battery, a first plate portion disposed above the battery, a second plate portion disposed below the battery, and an exterior body that houses the battery, the first plate portion, and the second plate portion, wherein the exterior body is made of a material exhibiting elasticity, the exterior body has a first portion and a second portion joined to the first portion, the first portion has a portion for housing the battery, a first slit, and a second slit, the second portion has a portion for fixing the battery, an end of the first plate portion is inserted into the first slit, an end of the second plate portion is inserted into the second slit, the first slit is a region where the end of the first plate portion can slide, the second slit is a region where the end of the second plate portion can slide, in a first state where the battery is bent, the second slit has a region where the end of the second plate portion can slide, in a second state where the battery is bent more than the first state, the end of the second plate portion contacts an inner wall of the second slit, A battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first plate portion is longer than the second plate portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the battery is not bent, the first plate portion has a region extending beyond an end of the second plate portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein an end of the extending region contacts an inner wall of the first slit.

Images