Battery

Abstract

To provide a battery in which an electric power generating element is hardly influenced by vibrations, a mechanical shock and ambient temperature.SOLUTION: A battery comprises an electric power generating element formed by laminating a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer and a negative electrode, and a jacket material housing the electric power generating element, and a heat insulation material is arranged between the electric power generating element and jacket material on both lamination-directional sides of the electric power generating element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery in which a power generating element is housed in an exterior material. [Background technology]

[0002] As a prior art related to batteries, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a power generating element made up of a laminate of a positive electrode, an electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode is housed in an exterior material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-95330 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The prior art has the problem that the power generating element housed in the exterior material is easily affected by the temperature around the exterior material, so when the ambient temperature drops, the temperature of the power generating element also drops, resulting in a decrease in battery performance.Furthermore, there is a problem that the power generating element is easily damaged because vibrations and mechanical shocks are easily transmitted to the power generating element.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and has as its object to provide a battery in which the power generating element is less susceptible to the effects of vibration, mechanical shock, and ambient temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the battery of the present invention comprises a power generating element formed by laminating a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode, and an exterior material that houses the power generating element, and a heat insulating material is disposed between the power generating element and the exterior material on both sides of the lamination direction of the power generating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the battery of the present invention, a power generating element, which is formed by stacking a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode, is housed in an exterior material. Since the area of ​​the power generating element as viewed in the stacking direction is larger than the area of ​​the power generating element as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, by disposing insulating materials between the power generating element and the exterior material on both sides of the stacking direction of the power generating element, which is subject to a large influence of heat transfer, the ambient temperature of the exterior material is less likely to affect the power generating element. Furthermore, the insulating materials disposed on both sides of the power generating element in the stacking direction buffer vibrations and mechanical shocks, making it less likely for vibrations and mechanical shocks to be transmitted to the power generating element. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a battery according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to a seventh embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A battery 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2(a). Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery 10.

[0010] The battery 10 has a power generating element 14 housed in an exterior material 11. The battery 10 is a solid-state battery in which the power generating element 14 is made of a solid. The fact that the power generating element 14 is made of a solid means that the skeleton of the power generating element 14 is made of a solid, and does not exclude, for example, a form in which the skeleton is impregnated with a liquid. In this embodiment, the battery 10 is described as a lithium-ion battery. In all drawings, the thicknesses of objects such as the exterior material 11 and the power generating element 14 are shown exaggerated.

[0011] The exterior packaging material 11 includes a storage section 12 that creates an internal space 11a (see FIG. 2(a)), and a sealing section 13 that seals the internal space 11a created by the storage section 12. In this embodiment, the sealing section 13 is provided on three sides of the exterior packaging material 11. Terminals 22, 23 provided on the power-generating element 14 intersect with a part of the sealing section 13 and are drawn out to the outside of the exterior packaging material 11. The sealing section 13 reduces the intrusion of moisture into the internal space 11a created by the exterior packaging material 11, thereby reducing performance degradation of the power-generating element 14.

[0012] The exterior material 11 includes, for example, a surface layer, a barrier layer, and an adhesive layer (none of which are shown in this order). The surface layer is made of, for example, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, or polyimide. The barrier layer is made of, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum, or a vapor-deposited layer. The adhesive layer is made of, for example, an olefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or a copolymer mainly composed of ethylene-propylene. The exterior material 11 may be provided with layers other than these as necessary, may have multiple barrier layers, or may omit the surface layer. A seal portion 13 is created by welding the adhesive layer of the exterior material 11.

[0013] FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the battery 10 cut at the terminal 23. The power generating element 14 is disposed in the internal space 11a formed by the exterior material 11. The pressure in the internal space 11a is reduced when the seal portion 13 is formed and the exterior material 11 is sealed, so the pressure in the internal space 11a is lower than atmospheric pressure. 2 It may be a medium vacuum, high vacuum, or ultra-high vacuum of less than Pa.

[0014] The power generating element 14 includes, in this order, a positive electrode 15, a solid electrolyte layer 18, and a negative electrode 19. The power generating element 14 is formed by laminating the positive electrode 15, the solid electrolyte layer 18, and the negative electrode 19. In this embodiment, the power generating element 14 has a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the lamination direction of the power generating element 14 (the vertical direction in FIG. 2(a)). However, there are no limitations on the shapes of the positive electrode 15, the solid electrolyte layer 18, and the negative electrode 19.

[0015] The positive electrode 15 is formed by stacking a current collector 16 and an active material layer 17. The current collector 16 is a conductive member. Examples of materials for the current collector 16 include metals selected from Ni, Ti, Fe, and Al, alloys containing two or more of these elements, stainless steel, and carbon materials. A terminal 23 is connected to the current collector 16.

[0016] The active material layer 17 contains an active material. The active material is exemplified by a metal oxide containing a transition metal. The metal oxide containing a transition metal is exemplified by an oxide containing Li and one or more elements selected from Mn, Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, and V. The metal oxide containing a transition metal is exemplified by LiCoO2, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O2, LiMn2O4, LiNiVO4, LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O4,LiNi 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Examples include O4 and LiFePO4.

[0017] To reduce the resistance of the active material layer 17, the active material layer 17 may contain a conductive additive. Examples of conductive additives include carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, carbon fiber, Ni, Pt, and Ag. To increase the ionic conductivity of the active material layer 17, the active material layer 17 may contain a solid electrolyte (described below) or an electrolytic solution.

[0018] The solid electrolyte layer 18 includes a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte includes at least one selected from oxides, sulfides, hydrides, and organic compounds. The solid electrolyte layer 18 may also include an electrolytic solution.

[0019] Examples of oxide-based solid electrolytes include oxides having a NASICON structure, oxides having a perovskite structure, and oxides having a garnet structure. Oxides having a NASICON structure include oxides containing at least Li, M (M is one or more elements selected from Ti, Zr, and Ge) and P, such as Li(Al,Ti)2(PO4)3 and Li(Al,Ge)2(PO4)3. Oxides having a perovskite structure include oxides containing at least Li, Ti, and La, such as La 2 / 3-X Li 3X Examples include TiO3.

[0020] Sulfide-based solid electrolytes include crystalline thiolithium type, Li 10 GeP2S 12 type, argyrodite type, Li7P3S 11 Examples of solid electrolytes include glass and glass ceramics such as Li2S-P2S5. Examples of hydride-based solid electrolytes include solid solutions of LiBH4 with lithium halide compounds (LiI, LiBr, LiCl) and lithium amide (LiNH2). Examples of organic compound-based solid electrolytes include polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and polyacrylonitrile.

[0021] The negative electrode 19 is formed by stacking a current collector 20 and an active material layer 21. The current collector 20 is a conductive member. Examples of materials for the current collector 20 include a metal selected from Ni, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Si, an alloy containing two or more of these elements, stainless steel, and a carbon material. A terminal 22 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the current collector 20.

[0022] The active material layer 21 contains an active material, such as Li, a Li-Al alloy, or Li4Ti5O 12 , graphite, In, Si, Sn, Si—Li alloy, Sn—Li alloy, and oxides containing Si.

[0023] The active material layer 21 may contain a conductive additive to reduce the resistance of the active material layer 21. Examples of conductive additives include carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, carbon fiber, Ni, Pt, and Ag. The active material layer 21 may contain a solid electrolyte or an electrolytic solution to increase the ionic conductivity of the active material layer 21.

[0024] In the battery 10, thermal insulators 24, 27 are disposed between the power generating element 14 and the exterior material 11 on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction. The thermal insulators 24, 27 are fixed to the power generating element 14 by the exterior material 11. To ensure sufficient thermal insulation, the thermal insulators 24, 27 preferably have a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or less. Examples of the thermal insulators 24, 27 include porous bodies made of synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and urethane, porous bodies made of inorganic materials such as silica, porous bodies made of rubber, and glass wool.

[0025] The heat insulating material 24 is disposed between the positive electrode 15 and the exterior material 11. The size of the heat insulating material 24 is larger than that of the positive electrode 15. The heat insulating material 24 includes a first portion 25 that contacts the entire surface of the power generating element 14 facing the stacking direction, and a second portion 26 that is located around the first portion 25. The second portion 26 has a notch at a position corresponding to the portion where the current collector 16 and the terminal 23 are connected. The portion of the second portion 26 other than the notch contacts the side surface of the power generating element 14.

[0026] The heat insulating material 27 is disposed between the negative electrode 19 and the exterior material 11. The size of the heat insulating material 27 is larger than that of the negative electrode 19. The heat insulating material 27 includes a first portion 28 that contacts the entire surface of the power generating element 14 that faces the stacking direction, and a second portion 29 that is located around the first portion 28. The second portion 29 has a notch at a position corresponding to the portion where the current collector 20 and the terminal 22 are connected. The portion of the second portion 29 other than the notch contacts the side surface of the power generating element 14.

[0027] The area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed in the stacking direction is larger than the area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. When there is a temperature difference, the amount of heat transfer from an object is proportional to the area of ​​the object. Therefore, by arranging the insulating materials 24, 27 between the power generating element 14 and the exterior material 11 on both sides of the power generating element 14, which has a large area, in the stacking direction, the ambient temperature of the exterior material 11 is less likely to affect the power generating element 14. This reduces the deterioration in performance of the battery 10 when the ambient temperature of the battery 10 is low. Because solid electrolytes have a significant tendency for their ionic conductivity to decrease at low temperatures, the insulating materials 24, 27 are highly effective in reducing the deterioration in performance of the battery 10.

[0028] The heat insulating materials 24, 27 arranged on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction buffer vibrations and mechanical shocks, making it difficult for vibrations and mechanical shocks to be transmitted to the power generating element 14. Because the area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed in the stacking direction of the power generating element 14 is larger than the area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the rigidity of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction is lower than the rigidity of the power generating element 14 in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Therefore, by arranging the heat insulating materials 24, 27 on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, damage to the power generating element 14 due to vibrations and mechanical shocks can be reduced.

[0029] The first portions 25, 28 of the heat insulating materials 24, 27 contact the entire surface of the power generating element 14 facing the stacking direction, and the second portions 26, 29 located around the first portions 25, 28 contact the side surfaces of the power generating element 14. This allows the corners and edges of the power generating element 14 to be covered by the heat insulating materials 24, 27, further reducing damage to the power generating element 14.

[0030] Because the heat insulating materials 24, 27 have the second portions 26, 29, the area of ​​the power generating element 14 covered by the heat insulating materials 24, 27 is larger than when the second portions 26, 29 are not present. This makes it even more difficult for the temperature around the exterior packaging material 11 to affect the power generating element 14.

[0031] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2(b). In the second embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 30 in the second embodiment.

[0032] In the battery 30, heaters 31 and 32 are disposed between the power generating element 14 and the heat insulating materials 24 and 27. In this embodiment, the heater 31 contacts the current collector 16, and the heater 32 contacts the current collector 20. There is electrical insulation between the heater 31 and the current collector 16, and there is electrical insulation between the heater 32 and the current collector 20. Examples of materials for the heaters 31 and 32 include metal, carbon, and ceramic. The heaters 31 and 32 may be any of a PTC thermistor, an NTC thermistor, a CTR thermistor, and a Peltier element.

[0033] Electric wires (not shown) that supply power from a power source to the heaters 31, 32 are connected to the heaters 31, 32. Examples of power sources that supply power to the heaters 31, 32 include an external power source outside the exterior packaging 11 and the power generation element 14. When connecting the electric wires that supply power to the heaters 31, 32 to an external power source, the electric wires intersect with a part of the seal portion 13 and are drawn out to the outside of the exterior packaging 11. When connecting the electric wires that supply power to the heaters 31, 32 to the power generation element 14, the electric wires are housed in the exterior packaging 11.

[0034] Since the heaters 31, 32 are disposed between the power generating element 14 and the heat insulating materials 24, 27, the heat insulating materials 24, 27 can reduce heat dissipation from the heaters 31, 32 to the outside of the exterior packaging material 11. The power generating element 14 is heated by the heaters 31, 32 while reducing the power consumption of the heaters 31, 32, thereby reducing performance degradation of the battery 30.

[0035] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4(a). In the third embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted below. Figure 3 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a battery 40 in the third embodiment. The battery 40 includes a container 41 in which the power generating element 14 is placed, and exterior materials 49 and 50 that house the power generating element 14 and the container 41.

[0036] The container 41 comprises a first plate 42 which is a rectangular plate; a second plate 43 which is a plate of approximately the same shape as the first plate 42 and is arranged approximately parallel to the first plate 42; a third plate 44 which is a rectangular plate connecting one side of the first plate 42 to one side of the second plate 43; a fourth plate 45 which is a plate of approximately the same shape as the third plate 44 and is arranged approximately parallel to the third plate 44 and connects another side of the first plate 42 to another side of the second plate 43; a fifth plate 46 which connects the first plate 42, the second plate 43, the third plate 44 and the fourth plate 45; and a lid 47 which is a plate of approximately the same shape as the fifth plate 46 and is arranged approximately parallel to the fifth plate 46 and is in contact with the first plate 42, the second plate 43, the third plate 44 and the fourth plate 45. The size of the first plate 42 and the second plate 43 when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14 is larger than the size of the power generating element 14 when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14.

[0037] The lid 47 has holes 48 through which the terminals 22, 23 pass. The terminals 22, 23 pass through the holes 48 and are drawn out of the container 41. To prevent short-circuiting of the power generating element 14, it is preferable that at least the inner surface of the container 41 be electrically insulating. Examples of materials for the container 41 include synthetic resin and metal. If the container 41 is made of metal, it is preferable that at least the inner surface of the container 41 be provided with an electrically insulating coating.

[0038] The distance between the third plate 44 and the fourth plate 45 of the container 41, and the distance between the fifth plate 46 and the lid 47 are longer than the distance between the first plate 42 and the second plate 43. Therefore, when a force is applied to the center of each of the six faces of the container 41 in a direction perpendicular to each face, the first plate 42 and the second plate 43 are more likely to elastically deform than the third plate 44, the fourth plate 45, the fifth plate 46, and the lid 47.

[0039] The heat insulator 51 is disposed between the first plate 42 of the container 41 and the power-generating element 14. The heat insulator 52 is disposed between the second plate 43 of the container 41 and the power-generating element 14. The heat insulator 53 is disposed between the third plate 44, the fourth plate 45, and the fifth plate 46 of the container 41 and the power-generating element 14. The sizes of the heat insulators 51, 52, and 53 are smaller than the sizes of the surfaces of the power-generating element 14 with which the heat insulators 51, 52, and 53 are in contact. Examples of the heat insulators 51, 52, and 53 include porous bodies made of synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and urethane; porous bodies made of inorganic materials such as silica; porous bodies made of rubber; and glass wool. The thermal conductivity of the heat insulators 51, 52, and 53 is, for example, 0.1 W / m·K or less.

[0040] Like the packaging material 11, the packaging materials 49 and 50 include, for example, a surface layer, a barrier layer, and an adhesive layer (none of which are shown in this order). The packaging material 49 is disposed over the first plate 42 of the container 41. The packaging material 50 is disposed over the second plate 43 of the container 41. The packaging materials 49 and 50 are softer than the container 41.

[0041] 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of the battery 40. A seal portion 54 is formed by welding the adhesive layers of the exterior packaging materials 49, 50. In this embodiment, the seal portion 54 is provided around the entire periphery of the exterior packaging materials 49, 50. The terminals 22, 23 intersect with a part of the seal portion 54 and are drawn out to the outside of the exterior packaging materials 49, 50.

[0042] Because thermal insulators 51, 52, and 53 are interposed between the container 41 and the power-generating element 14, the power-generating element 14 is disposed within the container 41 at a distance from the container 41. The size of the thermal insulators 51, 52, and 53 is smaller than the size of each surface of the power-generating element 14 with which the thermal insulators 51, 52, and 53 are in contact, so spaces 55, 56, and 57 are provided between the first plate 42 and the power-generating element 14, between the second plate 43 and the power-generating element 14, and between the fifth plate 46 and the power-generating element 14, respectively. The spaces 55, 56, and 57 are interconnected. Because the spaces 55, 56, and 57 are decompressed when the seal portion 54 is formed and the exterior materials 49 and 50 are sealed, the air pressure in the spaces 55, 56, and 57 is lower than atmospheric pressure. The spaces 55, 56, and 57 may be in a medium vacuum, a high vacuum, or an ultra-high vacuum.

[0043] On both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, the insulating materials 51, 52 are interposed between the power generating element 14 and the container 41 housed in the exterior materials 49, 50, making it difficult for the ambient temperature of the exterior material 11 to affect the power generating element 14. Furthermore, the insulating material 53 is interposed between the container 41 and the power generating element 14, making it difficult for the ambient temperature of the exterior materials 49, 50 to affect the power generating element 14 compared to when the power generating element 14 is in contact with the fifth plate 46.

[0044] Because the power generating element 14 is disposed inside the container 41, external forces such as bending and compression are less likely to be applied to the power generating element 14 than when the container 41 is not present. This reduces damage to the power generating element 14. Furthermore, the heat insulating materials 51, 52, and 53 interposed between the container 41 and the power generating element 14 buffer vibrations and mechanical shocks. This makes it difficult for vibrations and mechanical shocks to be transmitted to the power generating element 14.

[0045] The insulating materials 51, 52 are interposed between the first plate 42 and the second plate 43, which are more susceptible to elastic deformation than the third plate 44, the fourth plate 45, the fifth plate 46, and the lid 47, and the power generating element 14. Therefore, the insulating materials 51, 52 make the power generating element 14 less susceptible to the deformation of the first plate 42 and the second plate 43. This reduces damage to the power generating element 14.

[0046] The air pressure in spaces 55, 56, which are provided between the power generating element 14 and the first plate 42 and the second plate 43 and are positioned in the stacking direction of the power generating element 14, is lower than atmospheric pressure, so that so-called vacuum insulation makes it difficult for the temperature around the exterior packaging materials 49, 50 to affect the power generating element 14. The air pressure in space 57, which is provided between the side surface of the power generating element 14 and the fifth plate 46, is also lower than atmospheric pressure, so that the temperature around the exterior packaging materials 49, 50 is even less likely to affect the power generating element 14.

[0047] The area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed from the stacking direction is larger than the area of ​​the power generating element 14 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Since the amount of heat transfer from an object when there is a temperature difference is proportional to the area of ​​the object, providing reduced-pressure spaces 55, 56 between the power generating element 14 and the exterior materials 49, 50 can improve the heat insulating performance compared to when only space 57 is provided.

[0048] A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4(b). In the fourth embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first or third embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 60 in the fourth embodiment.

[0049] In the battery 60, heaters 61 and 62 are disposed between the power generating element 14 and the heat insulating materials 51 and 52. In this embodiment, the heater 61 contacts the current collector 16 (see FIG. 2(a)), and the heater 62 contacts the current collector 20. The heater 61 and the current collector 16 are electrically insulated, and the heater 62 and the current collector 20 are electrically insulated.

[0050] Since the heaters 61, 62 are disposed between the power generating element 14 and the heat insulating materials 51, 52, the heat insulating materials 51, 52 and the spaces 55, 56 can reduce heat dissipation from the heaters 61, 62 to the outside of the exterior packaging material 11. The power consumption of the heaters 61, 62 can be reduced while the heaters 61, 62 heat the power generating element 14, thereby reducing performance degradation of the battery 60.

[0051] A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5(a). In the fifth embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 70 in the fifth embodiment.

[0052] The battery 70 includes plates 71 and 72 arranged on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, and an exterior material 11 that houses the power generating element 14 and the plates 71 and 72. The plates 71 and 72 are larger in size when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14 than the power generating element 14 when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14. A heat insulating material 51 is interposed between the plate 71 and the power generating element 14, and a heat insulating material 52 is interposed between the plate 72 and the power generating element 14. The heat insulating materials 51 and 52 and the plates 71 and 72 are fixed to the power generating element 14 by the exterior material 11.

[0053] To prevent short-circuiting of the power-generating element 14, it is preferable that at least the surfaces of the plates 71 and 72 facing inward from each other have electrical insulation properties. The plates 71 and 72 are harder than the exterior packaging material 11. Examples of materials for the plates 71 and 72 include synthetic resin and metal. If the plates 71 and 72 are made of metal, it is preferable that at least the surfaces of the plates 71 and 72 facing inward are provided with an electrically insulating coating.

[0054] Spaces 73 and 74 are provided between the plate 71 and the power-generating element 14, and between the plate 72 and the power-generating element 14, respectively. The spaces 73 and 74 are connected to each other. When the seal portion 13 is made and the exterior packaging 11 is sealed, the spaces 73 and 74 are depressurized, so the air pressure in the spaces 73 and 74 is lower than atmospheric pressure. The spaces 73 and 74 may be a medium vacuum, a high vacuum, or an ultra-high vacuum. Because the internal spaces 73 and 74 of the exterior packaging 11 are depressurized, the portion 11b of the exterior packaging 11 between the plates 71 and 72 (the portion where the plates 71, 72 and the power-generating element 14 are not present) is recessed.

[0055] On both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, the insulating materials 51, 52 are interposed between the power generating element 14 and the plates 71, 72 housed in the exterior packaging material 11, making it difficult for the ambient temperature of the exterior packaging material 11 to affect the power generating element 14. The air pressure in the spaces 73, 74 provided in the stacking direction of the power generating element 14 between the power generating element 14 and the plates 71, 72 is lower than atmospheric pressure, so that so-called vacuum insulation makes it even more difficult for the ambient temperature of the exterior packaging material 11 to affect the power generating element 14.

[0056] Because the power generating element 14 is sandwiched between the plates 71 and 72 with the heat insulating materials 51 and 52 interposed therebetween, external forces such as bending and compression are less likely to be applied to the power generating element 14 than in a case where the plates 71 and 72 are not present. This reduces damage to the power generating element 14.

[0057] Because the plates 71, 72 are larger than the power generating element 14, when a large mechanical shock is applied to the plates 71, 72, such as when the battery 70 is dropped, the mechanical shock applied to the power generating element 14 can be reduced. The heat insulating materials 51, 52 interposed between the plates 71, 72 and the power generating element 14 buffer the vibrations and mechanical shocks, reducing the vibrations and mechanical shocks transmitted from the plates 71, 72 to the power generating element 14.

[0058] A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5(b). In the sixth embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first or fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 80 in the sixth embodiment.

[0059] The battery 80 comprises plates 71 and 72 arranged on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, an exterior material 11 that houses the power generating element 14 and the plates 71 and 72, an insulating material 81 interposed between the plate 71 and the power generating element 14, and an insulating material 83 interposed between the plate 72 and the power generating element 14.

[0060] The heat insulating material 81 includes a plurality of needle-like protrusions 82 that protrude from the surface of the plate 71 toward the power generating element 14 and whose tips contact the power generating element 14, and a space 73 between the power generating element 14 and the plate 71, separated by the protrusions 82. In this embodiment, the protrusions 82 are an integrally molded product made integral with the plate 71. The protrusions 82 are in point contact with the power generating element 14. Because the contact area of ​​the protrusions 82 with the power generating element 14 is small and a space 73 is present between the plate 71 and the power generating element 14, thermal resistance is increased and heat insulating performance can be ensured.

[0061] The heat insulating material 83 includes a plurality of cone-shaped protrusions 84 that protrude from the surface of the plate 72 toward the power generating element 14 and whose tips contact the power generating element 14, and a space 74 between the power generating element 14 and the plate 72, separated by the protrusions 84. In this embodiment, the protrusions 84 are an integrally molded product made integral with the plate 72. The protrusions 84 are in point contact with the power generating element 14. Because the area where the protrusions 84 contact the power generating element 14 is small and a space 74 is present between the plate 72 and the power generating element 14, thermal resistance is increased and heat insulating performance can be ensured.

[0062] The exterior material 11 keeps the protrusions 82, 84 in contact with the power generating element 14. Because the air pressure in the spaces 73, 74 is lower than atmospheric pressure, so-called vacuum insulation further improves the heat insulating performance of the heat insulating materials 81, 83. The thermal conductivity of the heat insulating materials 81, 83 including the spaces 73, 74 is preferably 0.1 W / m K or less.

[0063] A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6(a). In the seventh embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 90 in the seventh embodiment.

[0064] The battery 90 includes thermal insulators 91, 93 arranged on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, and an exterior material 11 that houses the power generating element 14 and the thermal insulators 91, 93. The exterior material 11 keeps the power generating element 14 sandwiched between the thermal insulators 91, 93 in the stacking direction of the power generating element 14. The thermal insulators 91, 93 are plate materials such that the size of the thermal insulators 91, 93 when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14 is approximately the same as the size of the power generating element 14 when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0065] The insulating materials 91, 93 are porous bodies. Examples of materials for the porous bodies include synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and urethane, and inorganic materials such as silica. The pores of the insulating materials 91, 93 include closed pores that are isolated inside the object, and open pores that communicate with the outside of the object. The air pressure in pores 92, 94 (open pores) of the insulating materials 91, 93 that communicate with the outside of the object is lower than atmospheric pressure. The pores 92, 94 may be in a medium vacuum, high vacuum, or ultra-high vacuum. The insulating performance of the insulating materials 91, 93 is further improved by so-called vacuum insulation.

[0066] An eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6(b). In the eighth embodiment, parts that are the same as those described in the first or fifth embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will be omitted. Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of a battery 100 in the eighth embodiment.

[0067] The battery 100 includes plates 71, 72 arranged on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction, thermal insulators 91, 93 arranged between the plates 71, 72 and the power generating element 14, respectively, and an exterior material 11 that houses the power generating element 14, the plates 71, 72, and the thermal insulators 91, 93. The exterior material 11 maintains a state in which the plates 71, 72, the thermal insulators 91, 93, and the power generating element 14 are overlapped in the stacking direction of the power generating element 14. The plates 71, 72 are larger in size than the thermal insulators 91, 93 when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element 14.

[0068] The mechanical strength of the plates 71, 72 is higher than that of the heat insulating materials 91, 93, and the power generating element 14 is sandwiched between the plates 71, 72 via the heat insulating materials 91, 93, so the mechanical strength of the battery 100 can be made higher than if the plates 71, 72 were not present.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easily understood that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. The shapes of the power generating element 14 and the heat insulating materials 24, 27, 51, 52, 53, 81, 83, 91, and 93 are examples and can be set as appropriate.

[0070] In the embodiment, the power generating element 14 has been described in which the active material layer 17 is provided on one side of the current collector 16 of the positive electrode 15, the active material layer 21 is provided on one side of the current collector 20 of the negative electrode 19, and the solid electrolyte layer 18 is disposed between the active material layer 17 and the active material layer 21, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it is of course possible to provide a power generating element 14 with a so-called bipolar structure in which electrodes each having an active material layer 17 on one side of a current collector and an active material layer 21 on the other side of the same current collector are alternately stacked with the solid electrolyte layer 18 and housed in a single exterior material.

[0071] In one embodiment, the ion-conducting carrier is Li +In the above description, a lithium ion battery is used as the power generating element 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. Naturally, other carriers can be used as the power generating element 14. An example of another power generating element 14 is a sodium ion battery.

[0072] In the embodiment, the terminals 22 and 23 of the power generating element 14 are drawn in the same direction, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it is of course possible for the terminals 22 and 23 to be drawn in different directions.

[0073] In the second and fourth embodiments, heaters are disposed on both sides of the power-generating element 14 in the stacking direction. However, this is not necessarily limited to this. It is of course possible to omit one of the heaters 31, 32 in the second embodiment, or to omit one of the heaters 61, 62 in the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the heater is not limited to being disposed outside the power-generating element 14. It is of course possible to dispose a heater inside the power-generating element 14. It is of course possible to incorporate a heater into the batteries 70, 80, 90, and 100 in the fifth to eighth embodiments.

[0074] In the third to sixth embodiments, a space is provided on both sides of the power generating element 14 in the stacking direction. However, this is not necessarily limited to this. It is of course possible to omit one of the spaces 55 and 56 in the third and fourth embodiments, and to omit one of the spaces 73 and 74 in the fifth and sixth embodiments. To omit one of the spaces 55 and 56, one of the thermal insulators 24, 27, 91, and 93 can be placed in place of one of the thermal insulators 51 and 52. To omit one of the spaces 73 and 74, one of the thermal insulators 24, 27, 91, and 93 can be placed in place of one of the thermal insulators 81 and 83.

[0075] In the third embodiment, the first plate 42, the second plate 43, the third plate 44, the fourth plate 45, and the fifth plate 46 of the container 41 are joined to one another, but this is not necessarily limited to this. At least one of the first plate 42, the second plate 43, the third plate 44, the fourth plate 45, and the fifth plate 46 may have a portion cut out, and the cut-out portion may be combined with the remaining portion.

[0076] In the sixth embodiment, the plate 71 is provided with needle-like protrusions 82, and the plate 72 is provided with cone-like protrusions 84; however, this is not necessarily limited to this. The shape of the protrusions is appropriately set so as to reduce the area of ​​contact of the protrusions with the power-generating element 14. Examples of the shape of the protrusions include a cylindrical or columnar shape that makes point contact with the power-generating element 14, and a ridge shape that makes line contact with the power-generating element 14. The plates 71 and 72 may be provided with protrusions of the same shape, or the shapes of the protrusions provided on the plates 71 and 72 may be different from each other. The numbers of protrusions provided on the plates 71 and 72 may be the same or different.

[0077] In the first, second, and fifth to eighth embodiments, cases where seal portions 13 are provided on three sides of exterior packaging material 11 are described, and in the third and fourth embodiments, cases where seal portions 54 are provided on four sides of exterior packaging materials 49, 50 are described, but this is not necessarily limited to this. Naturally, it is possible to employ exterior packaging material 11 instead of exterior packaging material 49, 50 of the third embodiment, etc., or to employ exterior packaging material 49, 50 instead of exterior packaging material 11 of the first embodiment, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10,30,40,60,70,80,90,100 batteries 11,49,50 Exterior materials 14 Power generation elements 15 Positive electrode 18 Solid electrolyte layer 19 Negative electrode 24, 27, 51, 52, 53, 81, 83, 91, 93 Insulation 31, 32, 61, 62 heater 55,56,73,74 space 92,94 Vacancies

Claims

1. A battery comprising: a power generating element formed by laminating a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode; and an exterior material that houses the power generating element and seals an internal space, a heat insulating material is disposed between the power generating element and the exterior material on both sides of the power generating element in the stacking direction, The battery wherein the heat insulating material is a porous body, and the air pressure in the pores of the porous body is lower than atmospheric pressure.

2. 2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein a space is provided between the power generating element and the exterior material on at least one side of the stacking direction of the power generating element, and the pressure in the space is lower than atmospheric pressure.

3. 3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thermal conductivity of the heat insulating material is 0.1 W / m·K or less.

4. 4. The battery according to claim 1, further comprising a heater disposed between the power generating element and the heat insulating material.

5. A battery comprising a power generating element formed by laminating a positive electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode, and an exterior material that houses the power generating element, a heat insulating material is disposed between the power generating element and the exterior material on both sides of the power generating element in the stacking direction, A battery in which a plate harder than the exterior material is disposed between the power generating element and the exterior material, and the heat insulating material is disposed between the plate and the power generating element.

6. A battery as described in Claim 5, wherein the size of the plate when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element is larger than the size of the power generating element when viewed from the stacking direction of the power generating element.

7. The size of the heat insulating material is smaller than the size of the surface of the power generating element that is in contact with the heat insulating material, 7. The battery according to claim 5, wherein the pressure in the space between the plate and the power generating element is lower than atmospheric pressure.

8. A battery as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the insulating material includes a protrusion that protrudes from the surface of the plate toward the power generating element and whose tip contacts the power generating element, and a space between the power generating element and the plate separated by the protrusion.

9. A battery as described in claim 8, wherein the air pressure in the space is lower than atmospheric pressure.

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