Battery module manufacturing method and battery module

Abstract

To provide a battery module manufacturing method that can appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell while preventing the battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells from increasing in size.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of a battery module 1 including a plurality of solid state battery cells 21 includes: a cell arrangement step (Step S51) of arranging the plurality of solid battery cells 21 so as not to be in contact with each other in a stacking direction and restraining each solid battery cell 21 by a restraining member 4 having a fixing portion 422 capable of fixing the solid battery cells; a filling step (Step S52) of filling a foamable material between the solid battery cells of the plurality of solid battery cells 21 arranged in the stacking direction; and a foaming step (Step S53) of foaming the filled foamable material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module and a battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have been gaining momentum as a concrete measure against global climate change. There is a strong demand for reducing CO2 emissions even for moving objects equipped with a drive source, such as vehicles, and the electrification of drive sources is rapidly progressing. For example, development of vehicles, such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, is underway, which are equipped with an electric motor as a drive source for the vehicle and a battery as a secondary battery capable of supplying power to the electric motor. Such batteries are generally constructed by stacking multiple battery cells. Furthermore, in recent years, development of batteries using so-called all-solid-state batteries (hereinafter also referred to as "solid-state battery cells") has also been underway (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-173954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Battery cells expand and contract depending on the usage conditions (e.g., charging state). This expansion and contraction is particularly pronounced in solid-state battery cells. If the external dimensions of the battery module change due to such displacement of the solid-state battery cells, it becomes difficult to install the battery module in a vehicle. Therefore, it is conceivable to place a cushioning material inside the battery module to absorb the displacement of the solid-state battery cells. However, in the conventional technology, there is a risk that the battery module will become large, and there is room for improvement in terms of appropriately restraining each solid-state battery cell while avoiding a decrease in the energy density of the battery module.

[0005] The present invention provides a technology that enables a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell while preventing the battery module from becoming large in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining each solid-state battery cell with a restraining member having a fixing portion capable of fixing the solid-state battery cell; a filling step of filling a foamable material between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0007] The second invention is: A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining them with a restraining member; a filling step of filling a foamable material between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction through a filling port provided in the restraining member; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; a sealing step of sealing the filling port after the filling step and before the foaming step is completed; The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0008] The third invention is A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining them with a restraining member; a foamable material filling step of filling a first region including spaces between the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction with a foamable material; a potting material filling step of filling a second region adjacent to the first region with a thermally conductive potting material; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; a curing step of curing the filled potting material; The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0009] The fourth invention is a plurality of solid-state battery cells; a restraining member having a fixing portion capable of fixing each solid-state battery cell, and restraining the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member made of a foam material filled between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; The battery module includes:

[0010] The fifth invention is a plurality of solid-state battery cells; a restraining member that restrains the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member made of a foam material filled in a first region including between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a thermally conductive potting material filled in a second region adjacent to the first region; The battery module includes: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, in a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, it is possible to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell while preventing the battery module from becoming large in size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment cut along the AA plane shown in FIG. 1 and viewed from above. [Figure 3] 10 is a view of an upper bind bar 42 of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a solid-state battery cell 21 of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module 10 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the battery module 10 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a separator 8 and a separator arrangement step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, a battery module manufacturing method and embodiments of the battery module of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference symbols. In the drawings, the front of the battery module is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left side as L, the right side as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D. The front, back, left, right, top and bottom of this battery module are unrelated to the front, back, left, right, top and bottom of a vehicle in which the battery module is mounted, for example.

[0014] [First embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module 1 of the first embodiment includes a cell stack 2 and a module case 3 that holds the cell stack 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the cell stack 2 is formed by stacking multiple solid-state battery cells 21 in the front-to-rear direction. The solid-state battery cells 21 are battery cells constructed using all-solid-state batteries. Although not shown, the all-solid-state battery includes a positive electrode for the all-solid-state battery, a negative electrode for the all-solid-state battery, and a solid electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode for the all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, charging and discharging are performed by the exchange of lithium ions between the positive electrode for the all-solid-state battery and the negative electrode for the all-solid-state battery via the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it has lithium ion conductivity and insulating properties, and materials commonly used in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries can be used. Examples of solid electrolytes include inorganic solid electrolytes such as sulfide solid electrolyte materials, oxide solid electrolyte materials, and lithium-containing salts, polymer-based solid electrolytes such as polyethylene oxide, and gel-based solid electrolytes containing lithium-containing salts or lithium-ion conductive ionic liquids. The form of the solid electrolyte material is not particularly limited, but may be particulate, for example.

[0016] Elastic members 6 are provided between the solid-state battery cells 21 of the cell stack 2. The elastic members 6 are formed by foaming the foamable material filled in the module case 3. For example, polyurethane resin can be used as the foamable material. As an example, the elastic members 6 can be formed by foaming polyurethane resin as the foamable material with a closed-cell structure. In other words, the elastic members 6 may have a closed-cell structure.

[0017] 4, the solid-state battery cell 21 includes a power storage body 211 realized by an all-solid-state battery, current collecting tabs 212 provided on both left and right ends (both longitudinal ends) of the power storage body 211, and an exterior member 213 that seals the power storage body 211. The exterior member 213 is a laminate film that includes an inner resin layer 213a that contacts the power storage body 211, a metal layer 213b that covers the inner resin layer 213a, and an outer resin layer 213c that covers the metal layer 213b.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the module case 3 includes a restraining member 4 that restrains the solid-state battery cells 21 that make up the cell stack 2 in a state where they are aligned so as not to touch each other in the stacking direction, and a pair of side plates 5 that hold the side surfaces of the cell stack 2.

[0019] The restraining member 4 includes a pair of end plates 41 that hold the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack 2, and a pair of bind bars 42, 43 that cover the cell stack 2 from above and below.

[0020] The pair of end plates 41 are arranged along the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack 2 and receive a load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack 2. The load in the cell stacking direction of the cell stack 2 can be generated, for example, by an external impact or due to expansion of the solid-state battery cells 21. The solid-state battery cells 21 expand depending on the usage conditions, such as the state of charge.

[0021] The upper bind bar 42 has downwardly protruding bind portions 421 at both front and rear ends thereof to restrain the upper ends of the pair of end plates 41 from the front and rear. The lower bind bar 43 has upwardly protruding bind portions 431 at both front and rear ends thereof to restrain the lower ends of the pair of end plates 41 from the front and rear.

[0022] The upper bind bar 42 holds the upper surface of the cell stack 2, and the lower bind bar 43 holds the lower surface of the cell stack 2. Both bind bars 42, 43 are formed using an aluminum alloy material or the like, and by being in close contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the cell stack 2, respectively, they also function as heat dissipation members that transfer and dissipate heat from the cell stack 2.

[0023] The battery module 1 also includes a pair of side plates 5. The pair of side plates 5 are provided along the left and right sides of the cell stack 2 and are connected via restraining members 4, for example, to hold the side surfaces of the cell stack 2.

[0024] 3, the upper bind bar 42 has fixing portions 422 capable of fixing each solid-state battery cell 21. The fixing portions 422 are provided, for example, at the center and both left and right ends in the left-right direction of the fixing position of each solid-state battery cell 21 relative to the bind bar 42. Each solid-state battery cell 21 is fixed to the upper bind bar 42, for example, by an adhesive applied to the fixing portions 422. In addition, the fixing portions 422 are, for example, marked and are also used for positioning the solid-state battery cells 21.

[0025] The fixing portions 422 are not limited to the above example. For example, the fixing portions 422 may be provided only at the center in the left-right direction of the fixing positions of the solid-state battery cells 21 relative to the bind bar 42. The fixing portions 422 may also be provided so as to sandwich the solid-state battery cells 21 from the front and rear. In this case, the fixing portions 422 are provided, for example, based on the maximum expansion of the solid-state battery cells 21 (for example, when the SOC of the solid-state battery cells 21 is 100%). This prevents the fixing portions 422 from being damaged even if the solid-state battery cells 21 expand. The fixing portions 422 may also be formed by applying a potting material or the like to the bind bar 42. Furthermore, the battery module 1 may be configured by covering the cell stack 2 with a laminate film instead of the above-described module case 3. In this case, the fixing portions 422 may be realized by folds or the like of the laminate film.

[0026] The upper bind bar 42 is provided with a plurality of filling ports 423 for filling the foam material. The filling ports 423 are provided at positions corresponding to the gaps between the solid-state battery cells 21. In this embodiment, the filling ports 423 are provided alternately with the fixing portions 422 at the center in the left-right direction of the upper bind bar 42. As will be described in detail later, after the foam material that will become the elastic member 6 is filled into the gaps between the solid-state battery cells 21, the filling ports 423 are sealed with a sealing member 7 as shown in FIG. 1. As the sealing member 7, for example, an adhesive sticker that is attached to the top surface (surface) of the upper bind bar 42 and can airtightly seal the filling ports 423 is used.

[0027] The lower bind bar 43 is the upper bind bar 42 without the filling port 423. That is, the lower bind bar 43 has fixing portions (not shown) that can fix each solid-state battery cell 21, similar to the upper bind bar 42, and each solid-state battery cell 21 is fixed to the lower bind bar 43 by, for example, an adhesive applied to the fixing portions.

[0028] According to the battery module 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above, the elastic members 6 made of a foam material can be provided between the solid-state battery cells 21. This reduces the gaps where no elastic members are provided compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells 21. Therefore, the volume of the elastic members 6 can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells 21, and it becomes possible to improve the restoring force of the elastic members 6. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain the solid-state battery cells 21 that require high load restraint while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module 1.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the battery module 1 of the first embodiment, the elastic members 6 between the solid state battery cells 21 are made of a foam material, and therefore, compared to when the elastic members 6 are made of a pre-formed cushioning material, it is possible to reduce the gaps on the surface of the laminate film that is the exterior member 213 of the solid state battery cells 21 that are not in contact with the elastic members 6.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the battery module 1 of the first embodiment, the elastic member 6 has a closed-cell structure, so that the restoring force of the elastic member 6 can be improved.

[0031] Next, a method for manufacturing the battery module 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] 5, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment, first, a cell arrangement step is performed (step S51). The cell arrangement step is a step of arranging a plurality of solid-state battery cells 21 so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction and restraining them with restraining members 4. The cell arrangement step includes, for example, a step of adhering and fixing each solid-state battery cell 21 to upper and lower bind bars 42, 43.

[0033] Next, a filling step is performed (step S52). The filling step is a step of filling a foamable material into the gaps between the solid-state battery cells 21 through the filling ports 423 of the upper bind bar 42. In the filling step, the foamable material may also be filled between the end plates 41 and the solid-state battery cells 21 arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction.

[0034] Next, a sealing step is carried out (step S53). The sealing step is a step of sealing the filling port 423 with a sealing member 7 or the like.

[0035] Next, a foaming step is carried out (step S54). The foaming step is a step of foaming the foamable material filled in the filling step by heating or the like. As described above, the foamable material may be foamed to have a closed-cell structure.

[0036] 5, a battery module 1 is completed in which elastic members 6 made of a foamable material are provided between each of the solid-state battery cells 21. In the example described here, the sealing step is performed before the foaming step, but this is not limiting. The sealing step may be performed after the filling step and before the foaming step is completed, and may be performed at any timing, for example, after the foaming step has started and before the foaming step is completed.

[0037] According to the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment described above, the elastic members 6 made of a foam material can be provided between the solid-state battery cells 21. This makes it possible to reduce the gaps where no elastic members are provided, compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells 21. Therefore, the volume of the elastic members 6 can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells 21, and it becomes possible to improve the restoring force of the elastic members 6. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain the solid-state battery cells 21 that require high load restraint, while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module 1.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment, after the filling step, the filling port 423 is sealed in the sealing step before the foaming step is completed, thereby making it possible to keep gas (e.g., CO2) generated by foaming of the foamable material within the battery module 1, and also to utilize the pressure of this gas to restrain each solid-state battery cell 21.

[0039] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Most of the configuration of the battery module 1 of the first embodiment is common to the configuration of the battery module 10 of the second embodiment. In the following description, components common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0040] 6, the battery module 10 of the second embodiment has a separator 8 provided inside the module case 3. The separator 8 divides the inside of the module case 3 into a first region R1 including the spaces between the solid-state battery cells 21 in the cell stack 2, and a second region R2 adjacent to the first region R1. A current collecting tab 212 is present in the second region R2.

[0041] An elastic member 6 is provided in the first region R1, and a thermally conductive potting material 9 is provided in the second region R2. The elastic member 6 is formed by foaming a foamable material that is filled in the first region R1. The potting material 9 is formed by hardening a resin that is filled in the second region R2.

[0042] According to the battery module 10 of the second embodiment configured as described above, the elastic member 6 made of a foam material can be provided in the first region R1 including between the solid-state battery cells 21. This makes it possible to reduce the gaps where no elastic member is provided, compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells 21. Therefore, the volume of the elastic member 6 can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells 21, and it becomes possible to improve the restoring force of the elastic member 6. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell 21 that requires high load restraint, while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module 10.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the battery module 10 of the second embodiment, by providing the potting material 9 in the second region R2 adjacent to the first region R1, the elastic member 6 that tends to expand as the solid state battery cells 21 expand can be held down by the reaction force of the potting material 9, and this reaction force can also be used to restrain each solid state battery cell 21. In addition, by providing the separator 8 inside the module case 3, it is possible to easily fill the first region R1 with the foam material.

[0044] Next, a method for manufacturing the battery module 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] 7, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 of the second embodiment, first, a cell arrangement step is performed (step S71). Similar to the cell arrangement step of step S51, the cell arrangement step of step S71 is a step of arranging a plurality of solid-state battery cells 21 so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction and restraining them with restraining members 4.

[0046] Next, a separator arranging step is performed (step S72). The separator arranging step is a step of arranging the separator 8 inside the module case 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the separator 8 is configured by providing an opening 82 in a rectangular separator body 81. When the separator 8 is arranged inside the module case 3, the opening 82 is provided at a position corresponding to the current collector tab 212 of each solid-state battery cell 21 arranged inside the module case 3. This allows the current collector tab 212 of each solid-state battery cell 21 to protrude toward the second region R2 through the opening 82. The separator 8 may be made of metal, resin, rubber, or the like.

[0047] In the separator arranging step, a pair of separators 8 are arranged on the left and right sides of the cell stack 2 so as to sandwich the cell stack 2 (each solid-state battery cell 21) fixed to the upper and lower bind bars 42, 43 from the left and right directions (see the arrows marked with symbol B in FIG. 8). In the separator arranging step, the separators 8 are arranged so as to partition the module case 3 into a first region R1 and a second region R2. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the separators 8 are provided outward in the left and right directions from the power storage bodies 211 of each solid-state battery cell 21. This makes it possible to prevent the separators 8 from hindering expansion of the power storage bodies 211 of each solid-state battery cell 21 in the stacking direction.

[0048] Next, a potting material filling step is performed (step S73). The potting material filling step is a step of filling the second region R2 with a resin that will become the potting material 9. For example, the upper bind bar 42 is provided with a filling port (not shown) at a position corresponding to the second region R2, through which the resin that will become the potting material 9 is filled into the second region R2. In the potting material filling step, the resin that will become the potting material 9 is filled into the second region R2 through the filling port of the upper bind bar 42. In addition, in the potting material filling step, the resin that will become the potting material 9 may be filled into the second region R2 using the filling port 423 described above.

[0049] Next, a curing step is carried out (step S74). The curing step is a step of curing the resin filled in the second region R2. As a result, the potting material 9 is formed in the second region R2.

[0050] Next, a foam material filling step is performed (step S75). The foam material filling step is a step of filling the first region R1, including the gaps between the solid state battery cells 21, with foam material through the filling ports 423 of the upper bind bar 42. In the foam material filling step, the foam material may also be filled between the end plates 41 and the solid state battery cells 21 arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction.

[0051] Next, a foaming process is carried out (step S76). The foaming process is a process in which the foamable material filled in the foaming material filling process is heated or otherwise foamed. As described above, the foamable material may be foamed to have a closed-cell structure. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, after the foaming material filling process and before the foaming process is completed, a sealing process may be carried out to seal the filling port 423.

[0052] 7, a battery module 10 is completed, in which an elastic member 6 made of a foamable material is provided in the first region R1 and a thermally conductive potting material 9 is provided in the second region R2. In the example described here, the curing step is performed before the foaming material filling step, but this is not limited to this. The foaming material filling step may be performed after the potting material filling step. For example, the foaming material filling step may be performed after the potting material filling step, and then the curing step and the foaming step may be performed approximately simultaneously. This reduces the time required to manufacture the battery module 10 compared to when the curing step and the foaming step are performed at different times.

[0053] According to the manufacturing method of the battery module 10 of the second embodiment described above, the elastic member 6 made of a foam material can be provided in the first region R1 including between the solid-state battery cells 21. This makes it possible to reduce the gaps where no elastic member is provided, compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells 21. Therefore, the volume of the elastic member 6 can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells 21, and it becomes possible to improve the restoring force of the elastic member 6. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell 21 that requires high load restraint, while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module 10.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the battery module 10 of the second embodiment, by providing the potting material 9 in the second region R2 adjacent to the first region R1, it becomes possible to restrain the elastic member 6 that tends to expand as the solid-state battery cells 21 expand, by the reaction force of the potting material 9, and this reaction force can also be used to restrain each solid-state battery cell 21.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the battery module 10 of the second embodiment, a separator 8 that separates the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be provided by performing a separator placement process before the potting material filling process and the foamable material filling process, making it possible to easily fill the second region R2 with resin (potting material 9) in the potting material filling process and fill the first region R1 with foamable material in the foamable material filling process.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of the battery module 10 of the second embodiment, the foamable material filling process is carried out after the potting material filling process, so that the foamable material filled in the first region R1 can be prevented from expanding toward the second region R2 as it foams by the reaction force from the potting material 9 via the separator 8.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0058] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the elastic members 6 are provided not only in the gaps between the solid-state battery cells 21 of the cell stack 2 but also between the solid-state battery cells 21 arranged at both ends in the front-rear direction and the end plates 41, but the elastic members 6 between the solid-state battery cells 21 and the end plates 41 may be omitted.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the filling port 423 is provided in the upper bind bar 42, but the filling port 423 may not be provided, and a foamable material may be filled into the gaps between the solid-state battery cells 21 before the upper bind bar 42 is attached to the lower bind bar 43. In this case, the sealing step (step S54) of sealing the filling port 423 is not necessary.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the exterior member 213 of the solid state battery cell 21 includes the outer resin layer 213c that covers the metal layer 213b, but when the potting material 9 is provided in the second region R2 as in the second embodiment, the elastic member 6 and the potting material 9 can provide the insulating function and chemical resistance of the solid state battery cell 21, and therefore the outer resin layer 213c can be omitted. By omitting the outer resin layer 213c, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation performance of the solid state battery cell 21. Furthermore, by omitting the outer resin layer 213c, it is possible to reduce the size of the solid state battery cell 21 (for example, by reducing the thickness in the stacking direction) while maintaining the size of the power storage body 211, which can also contribute to improving the energy density.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the battery module 10 is configured to include the separator 8, but this is not limited thereto. For example, after the separator placement step (step S72) through the curing step (step S74) are performed, a separator removal step may be performed to remove the separator 8 placed in the separator placement step from the module case 3, and the foamable material filling step (step S75) and foaming step (step S76) may be performed after the separator removal step. This makes it possible to configure a battery module 10 that includes the elastic member 6 in the first region R1 and the potting material 9 in the second region R2, but does not include the separator 8.

[0062] This specification describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0063] (1) A method for manufacturing a battery module (battery module 1) including a plurality of solid-state battery cells (solid-state battery cells 21), a cell arrangement process (steps S51 and S71) in which the plurality of solid-state battery cells are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction and are restrained by a restraining member (restricting member 4) having a fixing portion (fixing portion 422) capable of fixing each solid-state battery cell; a filling step (steps S52 and S73) of filling a foamable material between each of the solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a foaming step (steps S54 and S74) of foaming the foamable material; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0064] According to (1), an elastic member made of a foam material can be provided between each solid-state battery cell. This reduces the gaps where no elastic member is provided compared to when a preformed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between each solid-state battery cell. This allows the volume of the elastic member to be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between each solid-state battery cell, thereby improving the restoring force of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell that requires high load restraint while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module.

[0065] (2) A method for manufacturing a battery module (battery module 1) including a plurality of solid-state battery cells (solid-state battery cells 21), a cell arrangement step (step S51) of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so that they do not contact each other in the stacking direction and restraining them with restraining members; a filling step (step S52) of filling a foamable material between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction through a filling port (filling port 423) provided in the restraining member; a foaming step (step S54) of foaming the foamable material; After the filling step, before the foaming step is completed, a sealing step (step S53) of sealing the filling port; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0066] According to (2), an elastic member made of a foam material can be provided between each solid-state battery cell. This reduces the gaps where no elastic member is provided compared to when a preformed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between each solid-state battery cell. Therefore, the volume of the elastic member can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between each solid-state battery cell, and the restoring force of the elastic member can be improved. Therefore, each solid-state battery cell that requires high load restraint can be appropriately restrained while avoiding an increase in size of the battery module. Furthermore, according to (2), by sealing the filling port in a sealing process after the filling process and before the foaming process is completed, gas generated by foaming of the foam material can be contained within the battery module, and the pressure of this gas can also be used to restrain each solid-state battery cell.

[0067] (3) A method for manufacturing a battery module (battery module 10) including a plurality of solid-state battery cells (solid-state battery cells 21), comprising: a cell arrangement process (step S71) of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so that they do not contact each other in the stacking direction and restraining them with restraining members; a foamable material filling step (step S73) of filling a foamable material into a first region (first region R1) including a space between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a potting material filling step (step S75) of filling a second region (second region R2) adjacent to the first region with a thermally conductive potting material (potting material 9); a foaming step (step S74) of foaming the foamable material; a curing step (step S76) of curing the filled potting material; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

[0068] According to (3), an elastic member made of a foam material can be provided in the first region, including between the solid-state battery cells. This reduces the gaps where no elastic member is provided, compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells. This allows the volume of the elastic member to be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells, thereby improving the restoring force of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately restrain each solid-state battery cell that requires high load restraint while avoiding an increase in size of the battery module. Furthermore, according to (3), by providing a potting material in the second region adjacent to the first region, it is possible to suppress the elastic member that tends to expand as the solid-state battery cells expand, using the reaction force of the potting material, and this reaction force can also be used to restrain each solid-state battery cell.

[0069] (4) A method for manufacturing the battery module according to (3), The method further includes a separator arranging step (step S72) of arranging a separator (separator 8) that separates the first region from the second region before the foamable material filling step and the potting material filling step. A method for manufacturing a battery module.

[0070] According to (4), a separator separating the first and second regions can be provided before filling the first region with the foamable material and the second region with the potting material, making it easy to fill the first region with the foamable material and the second region with the potting material.

[0071] (5) A method for manufacturing a battery module according to (3) or (4), The step of filling the potting material is followed by the step of filling the foamable material. A method for manufacturing a battery module.

[0072] According to (5), since the foamable material filling process is performed after the potting material filling process, the foamable material filled in the first region during the foamable material filling process can be prevented from expanding toward the second region as it foams by the reaction force from the potting material filled in the second region.

[0073] (6) a plurality of solid-state battery cells (solid-state battery cells 21); a restraining member (restraining member 4) having a fixing portion capable of fixing each solid-state battery cell, and restraining the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member (elastic member 6) made of a foam material filled between each of the solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; A battery module (battery modules 1, 10) comprising:

[0074] According to (6), an elastic member made of a foam material can be provided between each solid-state battery cell. This reduces the gaps where no elastic member is provided compared to when a preformed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between each solid-state battery cell. Therefore, the volume of the elastic member can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between each solid-state battery cell, and the restoring force of the elastic member can be improved. Therefore, each solid-state battery cell that requires high load restraint can be appropriately restrained while avoiding an increase in the size of the battery module.

[0075] (7) a plurality of solid-state battery cells (solid-state battery cells 21); a restraining member (restraining member 4) that restrains the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member (elastic member 6) made of a foam material filled in a first region (first region R1) including between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a thermally conductive potting material (potting material 9) filled in a second region (second region R2) adjacent to the first region; A battery module (battery module 10) comprising:

[0076] According to (7), an elastic member made of a foam material can be provided in the first region, including between the solid-state battery cells. This reduces the gaps where no elastic member is provided, compared to when a pre-formed cushioning material is used as the elastic member between the solid-state battery cells. Therefore, the volume of the elastic member can be increased by efficiently utilizing the space between the solid-state battery cells, thereby improving the restoring force of the elastic member. Therefore, each solid-state battery cell that requires high load restraint can be appropriately restrained while avoiding an increase in size of the battery module. Furthermore, according to (7), by providing a potting material in the second region adjacent to the first region, the elastic member that tends to expand as the solid-state battery cells expand can be suppressed by the reaction force of the potting material, and this reaction force can also be used to restrain each solid-state battery cell.

[0077] (8) The battery module according to (7), Further provided is a separator (separator 8) that separates the first region and the second region. Battery module.

[0078] According to (8), since the separator that separates the first region from the second region is provided, it becomes possible to easily fill the first region with the foamable material.

[0079] (9) The battery module according to (7) or (8), The solid-state battery cell includes a laminate film as an exterior member (exterior member 213), the laminate film is composed of an inner resin layer in contact with the power storage body of the solid-state battery cell and a metal layer covering the inner resin layer; Battery module.

[0080] According to (9), the laminate film as an exterior member of the solid-state battery cell is composed of an inner resin layer that contacts the storage body of the solid-state battery cell and a metal layer that covers the inner resin layer, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the solid-state battery cell.

[0081] (10) A battery module according to any one of (6) to (9), The elastic member has a closed-cell structure. Battery module.

[0082] According to (10), since the elastic member has a closed cell structure, it is possible to improve the restoring force of the elastic member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Battery Module 10 Battery Module 21 Solid-state battery cells 213 Exterior materials 4 Restraining member 422 Fixed part 423 Filling port 6 Elastic material (foam material) 8 Separator 9 Potting material R1 1st area R2 2nd area

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining each solid-state battery cell with a restraining member having a fixing portion capable of fixing the solid-state battery cell; a filling step of filling a foamable material between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

2. A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining them with a restraining member; a filling step of filling a foamable material between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction through a filling port provided in the restraining member; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; a sealing step of sealing the filling port after the filling step and before the foaming step is completed; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

3. A method for manufacturing a battery module including a plurality of solid-state battery cells, a cell arrangement step of arranging the plurality of solid-state battery cells so as not to contact each other in a stacking direction and restraining them with a restraining member; a foamable material filling step of filling a first region including spaces between the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction with a foamable material; a potting material filling step of filling a second region adjacent to the first region with a thermally conductive potting material; a foaming step of foaming the foamable material; a curing step of curing the filled potting material; A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising:

4. The method for manufacturing the battery module according to claim 3, The method further includes a separator arranging step of arranging a separator that separates the first region and the second region before the foam material filling step and the potting material filling step. A method for manufacturing a battery module.

5. The method for manufacturing the battery module according to claim 3 or 4, The step of filling the potting material is followed by the step of filling the foamable material. A method for manufacturing a battery module.

6. a plurality of solid-state battery cells; a restraining member having a fixing portion capable of fixing each solid-state battery cell, and restraining the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member made of a foam material filled between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; A battery module comprising:

7. a plurality of solid-state battery cells; a restraining member that restrains the plurality of solid-state battery cells in a state where they are arranged so as not to contact each other in the stacking direction; an elastic member made of a foam material filled in a first region including between each of the plurality of solid-state battery cells arranged in the stacking direction; a thermally conductive potting material filled in a second region adjacent to the first region; A battery module comprising:

8. The battery module according to claim 7, Further provided is a separator that separates the first region from the second region. Battery module.

9. The battery module according to claim 7 or 8, the solid-state battery cell includes a laminate film as an exterior member, the laminate film is composed of an inner resin layer in contact with the power storage body of the solid-state battery cell and a metal layer covering the inner resin layer; Battery module.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 6 to 9, The elastic member has a closed-cell structure. Battery module.

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