Battery and method for manufacturing a battery

Abstract

A battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a power generation element which has a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer positioned between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer, and in which the plurality of battery cells are connected electrically in series and are laminated; a side surface insulation layer which covers a side surface of the power generation element from one end to an other end in the lamination direction of the power generation element; a side surface conductive part which is connected to the counter electrode layer at the position of said other end of the power generation element and which is disposed along the side surface insulation layer; a counter electrode collector terminal which is disposed on a first main surface of the power generation element on the one end side, which is connected to the side surface conductive part, and which is thicker than a current collector connected to the counter electrode layer at the position of said other end; and an insulation layer which is disposed between the counter electrode collector terminal and the first main surface.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a battery in which a plurality of serially connected battery cells are connected in parallel is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for further improvement in battery characteristics with respect to conventional batteries.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a high-performance battery and a method for manufacturing the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a power generation element having a plurality of battery cells, each containing an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer, wherein the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series and stacked; a side insulating layer covering the side surface of the power generation element from one end to the other in the stacking direction of the power generation element; a side conductive portion connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end of the power generation element and arranged along the side insulating layer; a counter electrode current collector terminal arranged on a first main surface on the one end side of the power generation element, connected to the side conductive portion, and thicker than the thickness of a current collector connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end; and an insulating layer arranged between the counter electrode current collector terminal and the first main surface.

[0007] A battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: preparing a plurality of battery cells, each containing an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer; forming a laminate by stacking the plurality of battery cells such that the order of the electrode layer, the counter electrode layer, and the solid electrolyte layer is the same in each battery cell; covering the side surface of the laminate with an insulating member from one end to the other; arranging a conductive portion connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end of the laminate along the insulating member; and providing a counter electrode current collector terminal connected to the conductive portion via an insulating layer on the main surface of one end of the laminate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides a high-performance battery and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of the battery according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of an example of a battery cell included in the power generation element according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3B]Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of another example of a battery cell included in the power generation element according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of another example of a battery cell included in the power generation element according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the power generation element according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of the battery according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the battery according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top view of the battery according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the battery according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a top view of the battery according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a battery according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Summary of this disclosure) A battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer, a power generation element in which the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series and stacked, a side surface insulating layer that covers a side surface of the power generation element from one end to the other end in the stacking direction of the power generation element, a side surface conductive portion connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end of the power generation element and disposed along the side surface insulating layer, a counter electrode current collecting terminal disposed on a first main surface on one end side of the power generation element, connected to the side surface conductive portion, and thicker than the thickness of a current collector connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end, and an insulating layer disposed between the counter electrode current collecting terminal and the first main surface.

[0011] Thereby, a high-performance battery can be realized. For example, a battery excellent in mountability and reliability can be realized.

[0012] Specifically, the battery can be easily mounted using the main surface provided with the counter electrode current collecting terminal. For example, the main surface of the power generation element has a larger area than the side surface of the power generation element. Since the current collecting terminal is provided on the surface with a large area, the battery can be mounted over a large area, and the connection reliability can be enhanced. Further, for example, the shape and arrangement of the counter electrode current collecting terminal can be adjusted according to the wiring layout of the mounting substrate, so that the degree of freedom in connection can also be enhanced.

[0013] In addition, the connections of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can be made on the same main surface, so that the mounting of the battery can be made compact. For example, the pattern (also referred to as footprint) of the connection terminal formed on the mounting substrate can be made smaller. Further, since mounting can be performed in a state where the main surface of the power generation element and the mounting substrate are arranged in parallel, low-profile mounting with respect to the mounting substrate can be realized.

[0014] In addition, since the thickness of the electrode current collecting terminal is larger and the conductivity is higher than the thickness of the current collector connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end, the large current characteristics can be enhanced.

[0015] Furthermore, for example, a battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include an electrode current collector terminal arranged on the first main surface and connected to an electrode layer located at one end.

[0016] As a result, the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal are located on the same main surface, further improving ease of mounting.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, a battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include an intermediate layer disposed between the electrode current collector terminal and the first main surface.

[0018] As a result, the presence of an intermediate layer allows for effects such as aligning the heights of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal, or ensuring electrical insulation.

[0019] Furthermore, for example, the heights of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal from the first main surface may be the same.

[0020] This makes it easier to mount the device on flat surfaces such as circuit boards, and also improves the reliability of the mounting process.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal may be arranged in this order along the direction away from the side surface in a plan view of the first main surface.

[0022] This allows the width of the counter current collector terminal to be the same as the width of the side conductive part. As a result, electrical resistance can be reduced, and it becomes possible to extract large currents.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, the counter electrode current collector terminal may surround the electrode current collector terminal in a plan view of the first main surface.

[0024] This allows for the use of wiring components that, for example, allow for the combined insertion of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal. This enables a strong and easy connection between the wiring component and the battery.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, a battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a sealing member that exposes at least a portion of each of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal, and seals the power generation element, the side insulating layer, and the side conductive portion.

[0026] This protects the power generation elements from the outside air and water, further enhancing the reliability of the battery.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a current collector, and the electrode layer located at one end includes an electrode current collector, and the thickness of the electrode current collector may be greater than the thickness of the current collector included in one of the plurality of battery cells.

[0028] This allows the electrode current collector of the electrode layer on the side where the counter electrode current collector terminal is located to be used as the electrode current collector terminal. Since the electrode current collector used as the electrode current collector terminal is thick and highly conductive, the high-current characteristics can be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, the side conductive portion may also cover the second main surface on the other end side of the power generation element.

[0030] As a result, the lateral conductive portion wraps around from the side of the power generation element to the main surface, increasing the reliability of the connection of the lateral conductive portion. For example, the portion of the lateral conductive portion that covers the main surface catches on the power generation element, making it less likely for the lateral conductive portion to come off even when external force is applied. In addition, the contact area between the lateral conductive portion and the counter electrode layer is increased, which can lower the connection resistance between the lateral conductive portion and the counter electrode layer, thereby improving the high-current characteristics.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, the side conductive portion may be a metal plate.

[0032] This results in a material with high mechanical strength that can be easily formed.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the counter electrode current collector terminal may be part of the metal plate.

[0034] This allows the side conductive portion and the counter electrode current collector terminal to be formed integrally. This reduces the number of parts and the number of processes involved in battery manufacturing.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, the side insulating layer may contain resin.

[0036] This improves the shock resistance of the battery. It also reduces the stress on the battery caused by temperature changes or expansion and contraction during charging and discharging.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the side conductive portion may be thicker than the thickness of the current collector connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end.

[0038] As a result, the thickness of the lateral conductive portion is greater than the thickness of the current collector connected to the counter electrode layer at the other end, and its conductivity is higher, thus improving high-current characteristics.

[0039] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: preparing a plurality of battery cells, each containing an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer; forming a laminate by stacking the plurality of battery cells such that the order of the electrode layer, the counter electrode layer, and the solid electrolyte layer is the same in each battery cell; covering the side surface of the laminate with an insulating member from one end to the other; arranging a conductive portion connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end of the laminate along the insulating member; and providing a counter electrode current collector terminal connected to the conductive portion via an insulating layer on the main surface of one end of the laminate.

[0040] This makes it possible to manufacture the high-performance batteries mentioned above.

[0041] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0042] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0043] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0045] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0046] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallel or orthogonal, terms indicating the shape of elements such as rectangles or cuboids, and numerical ranges are not expressions that represent only strict meanings, but also expressions that include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent.

[0047] Furthermore, in this specification and the drawings, the x, y, and z axes represent the three axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The x and y axes correspond to the first side and the second side perpendicular to the first side of a rectangle, respectively, when the plan view shape of the power generation element of the battery is rectangular. The z axis corresponds to the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells included in the power generation element.

[0048] Furthermore, in this specification, the "stacking direction" coincides with the direction normal to the main surface of the current collector and the active material layer. Also, in this specification, "plan view" refers to the view from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the power generation element, unless otherwise specified, such as when used alone. When it is written as "plan view of a certain surface," such as "plan view of the first side," it refers to the view of that "certain surface" from the front.

[0049] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "upper" and "lower" do not refer to the upward (vertically upward) and downward (vertically downward) directions in absolute spatial perception, but rather to terms defined by the relative positional relationship based on the stacking order in a stacked configuration. In addition, the terms "upper" and "lower" apply not only when two components are spaced apart and another component exists between them, but also when two components are placed in close proximity and touching each other. In the following description, the negative side of the z-axis is referred to as "lower" or "bottom," and the positive side of the z-axis is referred to as "upper" or "top."

[0050] Furthermore, in this specification, the expression "cover A" means to cover at least a part of "A". In other words, "cover A" includes not only the case of "covering all of A" but also the case of "covering only a part of A". "A" is, for example, the side and main surface of a predetermined member such as a layer or terminal.

[0051] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not mean the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion between similar components and to distinguish them.

[0052] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of the battery according to Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0053] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the battery 1 comprises a power generation element 10, a side insulating layer 20, a side conductive part 30, a counter electrode current collector terminal 41, an electrode current collector terminal 42, a counter electrode intermediate layer 51, and an electrode intermediate layer 52. The battery 1 is, for example, an all-solid-state battery.

[0054] [1. Power generation elements] First, the specific configuration of the power generation element 10 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a top view of the battery 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 shows a cross-section along line II in Figure 2.

[0055] The plan view shape of the power generation element 10 is rectangular, as shown in Figure 2, for example. In other words, the shape of the power generation element 10 is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped. Here, "flattened" means that the thickness (i.e., the length in the z-axis direction) is shorter than the length of each side of the main face (i.e., the respective lengths in the x-axis and y-axis directions) or the maximum width. The plan view shape of the power generation element 10 may also be other polygons such as a square, hexagon, or octagon, or it may be circular or elliptical. Note that in cross-sectional views such as Figure 1, the thickness of each layer is exaggerated to make the layered structure of the power generation element 10 easier to understand.

[0056] The power generation element 10 includes four side surfaces 11, 12, 13, and 14 and two main surfaces 15 and 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 11, 12, 13, and 14, as well as the main surfaces 15 and 16, are all flat surfaces.

[0057] Sides 11 and 12 are facing away from each other and are parallel to each other. Sides 13 and 14 are facing away from each other and are parallel to each other. Sides 11, 12, 13 and 14 are cross-sections formed, for example, by cutting a stack of multiple battery cells 100 all at once.

[0058] Main surface 15 is an example of a first main surface. Main surface 16 is an example of a second main surface. Main surfaces 15 and 16 are opposite each other and parallel to each other. Main surface 15 is the uppermost surface of the power generation element 10. Main surface 16 is the lowermost surface of the power generation element 10. Main surfaces 15 and 16 have a larger area than sides 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the power generation element 10 has a plurality of battery cells 100. A battery cell 100 is the smallest battery configuration and is also called a unit cell. The plurality of battery cells 100 are electrically connected in series and stacked. In this embodiment, all the battery cells 100 of the power generation element 10 are electrically connected in series. In the example shown in Figure 1, the power generation element 10 has 8 battery cells 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the number of battery cells 100 of the power generation element 10 may be an even number such as 2 or 4, or an odd number such as 3 or 5.

[0060] Each of the multiple battery cells 100 includes an electrode layer 110, a counter electrode layer 120, and a solid electrolyte layer 130. The electrode layer 110 has an electrode current collector 111 and an electrode active material layer 112. The counter electrode layer 120 has a counter electrode current collector 121 and a counter electrode active material layer 122. In each of the multiple battery cells 100, the electrode current collector 111, the electrode active material layer 112, the solid electrolyte layer 130, the counter electrode active material layer 122, and the counter electrode current collector 121 are stacked in this order along the z-axis.

[0061] The electrode layer 110 is one of the positive and negative electrode layers of the battery cell 100. The counter electrode layer 120 is the other of the positive and negative electrode layers of the battery cell 100. In the following explanation, we will describe the case where the electrode layer 110 is the negative electrode layer and the counter electrode layer 120 is the positive electrode layer as an example.

[0062] In this embodiment, two battery cells 100 that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction share a current collector. That is, the electrode current collector 111 of one of the two battery cells 100 and the counter electrode current collector 121 of the other battery cell 100 are a single intermediate layer current collector 140.

[0063] Specifically, an electrode active material layer 112 is laminated on the lower surface of the intermediate layer current collector 140. A counter electrode active material layer 122 is laminated on the upper surface of the intermediate layer current collector 140. The intermediate layer current collector 140 is also called a bipolar current collector.

[0064] The end layer current collectors 151 and 152 shown in Figure 1 are located at both ends of the power generation element 10 in the stacking direction. The end layer current collector 152, located at the upper end, which is one end in the stacking direction, is an electrode current collector 111. An electrode active material layer 112 is arranged on the lower surface of the electrode current collector 111. The end layer current collector 151, located at the lower end, which is the other end in the stacking direction, is a counter electrode current collector 121. A counter electrode active material layer 122 is arranged on the upper surface of the counter electrode current collector 121.

[0065] In the following section, Figure 3A will be used to describe each layer of the battery cell 100. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell 100 included in the power generation element 10 according to this embodiment.

[0066] The electrode current collector 111 and counter electrode current collector 121 shown in Figure 3A are, respectively, the intermediate layer current collector 140 or the end layer current collector 151 or 152 shown in Figure 1. The electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121 are each conductive foil-shaped, plate-shaped, or mesh-shaped members. The electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121 may each be, for example, a conductive thin film. As materials for constituting the electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121, metals such as stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) can be used. The electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121 may be formed using different materials.

[0067] The thickness of the electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121 is, for example, 5 μm to 100 μm, but is not limited to this. The main surface of the electrode current collector 111 is in contact with the electrode active material layer 112. The electrode current collector 111 may also include a current collector layer containing a conductive material, provided in the portion that is in contact with the electrode active material layer 112. The main surface of the counter electrode current collector 121 is in contact with the counter electrode active material layer 122. The counter electrode current collector 121 may also include a current collector layer containing a conductive material, provided in the portion that is in contact with the counter electrode active material layer 122.

[0068] The electrode active material layer 112 is located on the main surface of the electrode current collector 111, on the side facing the counter electrode layer 120. The electrode active material layer 112 includes, for example, a negative electrode active material as the electrode material. The electrode active material layer 112 is located opposite the counter electrode active material layer 122.

[0069] As the negative electrode active material contained in the electrode active material layer 112, for example, negative electrode active materials such as graphite and metallic lithium can be used. As the material for the negative electrode active material, various materials that can release and insert ions such as lithium (Li) or magnesium (Mg) can be used.

[0070] Furthermore, as the material containing the electrode active material layer 112, a solid electrolyte such as an inorganic solid electrolyte may be used. As an inorganic solid electrolyte, for example, a sulfide solid electrolyte or an oxide solid electrolyte may be used. As a sulfide solid electrolyte, for example, a mixture of lithium sulfide (Li2S) and phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5) may be used. In addition, as the material containing the electrode active material layer 112, a conductive material such as acetylene black, or a binding binder such as polyvinylidene fluoride may be used.

[0071] The electrode active material layer 112 is produced by applying a paste-like coating, which is made by kneading the materials containing the electrode active material layer 112 together with a solvent, onto the main surface of the electrode current collector 111 and drying it. In order to increase the density of the electrode active material layer 112, the electrode layer 110 (also called an electrode plate), which includes the electrode active material layer 112 and the electrode current collector 111, may be pressed after drying. The thickness of the electrode active material layer 112 is, for example, 5 μm to 300 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0072] The counter electrode active material layer 122 is located on the main surface of the counter electrode current collector 121 on the electrode layer 110 side. The counter electrode active material layer 122 is a layer containing a positive electrode material, such as an active material. The positive electrode material is the material that constitutes the counter electrode of the negative electrode material. The counter electrode active material layer 122 contains, for example, a positive electrode active material.

[0073] As the positive electrode active material contained in the counter electrode active material layer 122, for example, positive electrode active materials such as lithium cobalt oxide composite oxide (LCO), lithium nickel oxide composite oxide (LNO), lithium manganese oxide composite oxide (LMO), lithium-manganese-nickel oxide composite oxide (LMNO), lithium-manganese-cobalt oxide composite oxide (LMCO), lithium-nickel-cobalt oxide composite oxide (LNCO), and lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide composite oxide (LNMCO) can be used. As the material for the positive electrode active material, various materials that can release and insert ions such as Li or Mg can be used.

[0074] Furthermore, as the material containing the counter electrode active material layer 122, a solid electrolyte such as an inorganic solid electrolyte may be used. As the inorganic solid electrolyte, sulfide solid electrolytes or oxide solid electrolytes may be used. As the sulfide solid electrolyte, for example, a mixture of Li2S and P2S5 may be used. The surface of the positive electrode active material may be coated with a solid electrolyte. Furthermore, as the material containing the counter electrode active material layer 122, a conductive material such as acetylene black, or a binding binder such as polyvinylidene fluoride may be used.

[0075] The counter electrode active material layer 122 is manufactured by applying a paste-like coating, in which the materials containing the counter electrode active material layer 122 are kneaded together with a solvent, onto the main surface of the counter electrode current collector 121 and drying it. In order to increase the density of the counter electrode active material layer 122, the counter electrode layer 120 (also called the counter electrode plate), which includes the counter electrode active material layer 122 and the counter electrode current collector 121, may be pressed after drying. The thickness of the counter electrode active material layer 122 is, for example, 5 μm to 300 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0076] The solid electrolyte layer 130 is placed between the electrode active material layer 112 and the counter electrode active material layer 122. The solid electrolyte layer 130 is in contact with both the electrode active material layer 112 and the counter electrode active material layer 122. The solid electrolyte layer 130 is a layer containing an electrolyte material. As the electrolyte material, generally known electrolytes for batteries can be used. The thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 130 may be 5 μm or more and 300 μm or less, or 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0077] The solid electrolyte layer 130 contains a solid electrolyte. As the solid electrolyte, for example, an inorganic solid electrolyte may be used. As an inorganic solid electrolyte, sulfide solid electrolytes or oxide solid electrolytes may be used. As a sulfide solid electrolyte, for example, a mixture of Li2S and P2S5 may be used. In addition to the electrolyte material, the solid electrolyte layer 130 may also contain a binding binder, such as polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0078] In this embodiment, the electrode active material layer 112, the counter electrode active material layer 122, and the solid electrolyte layer 130 are maintained in a parallel plate shape. This suppresses the occurrence of cracks or collapse due to bending. Alternatively, the electrode active material layer 112, the counter electrode active material layer 122, and the solid electrolyte layer 130 may be smoothly curved together.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end face of the counter electrode current collector 121 on the side surface 11 and the end face of the electrode current collector 111 on the side surface 11 coincide when viewed from the z-axis direction. The same applies to the end faces of the respective side surfaces 12 of the counter electrode current collector 121 and the electrode current collector 111.

[0080] More specifically, in the battery cell 100, the electrode current collector 111, electrode active material layer 112, solid electrolyte layer 130, counter electrode active material layer 122, and counter electrode current collector 121 are all the same in shape and size, and their contours match. In other words, the shape of the battery cell 100 is a flat, rectangular parallelepiped.

[0081] As described above, in the power generation element 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an intermediate layer current collector 140 is shared among multiple battery cells 100. Such a power generation element 10 is formed not only by the battery cell 100 shown in Figure 3A, but also by stacking battery cells 100B and 100C shown in Figures 3B and 3C. Here, the battery cell 100 shown in Figure 3A will be described as battery cell 100A.

[0082] The battery cell 100B shown in Figure 3B has the same configuration as the battery cell 100A shown in Figure 3A, but without the electrode current collector 111. In other words, the electrode layer 110B of the battery cell 100B consists only of the electrode active material layer 112.

[0083] The battery cell 100C shown in Figure 3C has the same configuration as the battery cell 100A shown in Figure 3A, but without the counter electrode current collector 121. In other words, the counter electrode layer 120C of the battery cell 100C consists only of the counter electrode active material layer 122.

[0084] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the power generation element 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a view showing only the power generation element 10 from Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, a battery cell 100A is placed at the bottom layer, and multiple battery cells 100C are stacked sequentially in the same direction upwards. This forms the power generation element 10.

[0085] The method for forming the power generation element 10 is not limited to this. For example, multiple battery cells 100B may be stacked in the same orientation in sequence, and then a battery cell 100A may be placed on the top layer. Alternatively, for example, a battery cell 100A may be placed in a position different from both the top and bottom layers. Multiple battery cells 100A may also be used. Furthermore, by applying double-sided coating to a single current collector, a unit of two battery cells 100 sharing a current collector may be formed, and these units may be stacked.

[0086] As described above, in the power generation element 10 according to this embodiment, all battery cells 100 are connected in series, and no battery cells connected in parallel are included. Therefore, a high-voltage battery 1 can be realized.

[0087] [2. Side insulating layer] Next, we will describe the side insulating layer 20.

[0088] The side insulating layer 20 covers the side surface 11 of the power generation element 10 from the bottom end to the top end. For example, the side insulating layer 20 covers the entire surface of the side surface 11. This ensures that the side insulating layer 20 provides insulation between the side conductive portion 30 and the electrode active material layer 112, the counter electrode active material layer 122, the solid electrolyte layer 130, and the intermediate layer current collector 140.

[0089] The side insulating layer 20 is formed using an electrically insulating material. For example, the side insulating layer 20 contains a resin. The resin is, for example, an epoxy resin, but is not limited to this. Inorganic materials may also be used as the insulating material. The usable insulating material is selected based on various properties such as flexibility, gas barrier properties, impact resistance, and heat resistance.

[0090] Furthermore, the side insulating layer 20 does not necessarily have to cover a portion of the side surface 11. For example, the side insulating layer 20 does not necessarily have to cover the end surface of the end layer current collector 151 located at the bottom layer of the power generation element 10.

[0091] [3. Side conductive parts] Next, the side conductive portion 30 will be described.

[0092] The side conductive portion 30 is connected to the counter electrode layer 120 located at the other end of the power generation element 10 and is arranged along the side insulating layer 20. Specifically, the side conductive portion 30 covers the main surface 16 of the power generation element 10 and is connected to the end layer current collector 151, i.e., the counter electrode current collector 121, located at the lower end of the power generation element 10. The side conductive portion 30 is connected to the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 located on the main surface 15 of the power generation element 10.

[0093] The side conductive portion 30 does not come into contact with the electrode active material layer 112, the solid electrolyte layer 130, the counter electrode active material layer 122, the intermediate layer current collector 140, or the upper end layer current collector 152 on the side surface 11 of the power generation element 10. This prevents short circuits of the power generation element 10.

[0094] The side conductive portion 30 covers almost the entire surface of the side surface 11. Specifically, the width of the side conductive portion 30 (i.e., the length in the y-axis direction) is approximately equal to the width of the side surface 11 (i.e., the length in the y-axis direction). This enhances the conductivity of the side conductive portion 30. Specifically, since current flows through the side conductive portion 30 along the stacking direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the section perpendicular to the direction of current flow increases, thereby improving high-current characteristics.

[0095] The side conductive portion 30 is formed using a conductive resin material or the like. Alternatively, the side conductive portion 30 may be formed using a metallic material such as solder. The usable conductive material is selected based on various properties such as flexibility, gas barrier properties, impact resistance, heat resistance, and solder wettability.

[0096] [4. Current collector terminal] Next, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 will be described.

[0097] The counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is connected to the side conductive portion 30. The counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is one of the external connection terminals of the battery 1, and in this embodiment, it is the positive electrode extraction terminal. As shown in Figure 1, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is arranged on the main surface 15 of the power generation element 10 via the counter electrode intermediate layer 51. The counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is in contact with the upper end of the side conductive portion 30.

[0098] The electrode current collector terminal 42 is connected to the end layer current collector 152, which is the electrode current collector 111. The electrode current collector terminal 42 is one of the external connection terminals of the battery 1, and in this embodiment, it is the negative electrode extraction terminal. As shown in Figure 1, the electrode current collector terminal 42 is arranged on the main surface 15 of the power generation element 10 via an electrode intermediate layer 52. For example, the electrode intermediate layer 52 is a conductive layer, and the electrode current collector terminal 42 is connected to the uppermost electrode current collector 111 via the electrode intermediate layer 52.

[0099] Thus, in this embodiment, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are provided on the same main surface 15 of the power generation element 10. As shown in Figure 2, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are arranged in this order along the direction from side surface 11 to side surface 12 (i.e., the positive direction of the x-axis). Specifically, when the main surface 15 is divided into two equal regions by a virtual line parallel to the y-axis, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is provided in the negative x-axis region, and the electrode current collector terminal 42 is provided in the positive x-axis region.

[0100] For example, the width (i.e., the length in the y-axis direction) of the counter current collector terminal 41 is more than half the width (i.e., the length in the y-axis direction) of the side surface 11. The width of the counter current collector terminal 41 can be made equal to the width (i.e., the length in the y-axis direction) of the side conductive portion 30. This allows for a wider width in the direction in which current flows from the side conductive portion 30 to the counter current collector terminal 41, thereby reducing resistance and being effective for extracting large currents.

[0101] The counter current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are each formed using a conductive material. For example, the counter current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are metal foils or metal plates made of metals such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. Alternatively, the counter current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 may be hardened solder.

[0102] [5. Middle Class] Next, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 will be described.

[0103] The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 is positioned between the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the main surface 15. In this embodiment, since the main surface 15 is the main surface of the electrode current collector 111, insulation between the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the main surface 15 must be ensured. For this reason, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 is an insulating layer.

[0104] The electrode intermediate layer 52 is positioned between the electrode current collector terminal 42 and the main surface 15. In this embodiment, since the main surface 15 is the main surface of the electrode current collector 111, it is not necessary to ensure insulation between the electrode current collector terminal 42 and the main surface 15. For this reason, the electrode intermediate layer 52 may be a conductive layer. Furthermore, the electrode intermediate layer 52 may not be provided at all.

[0105] In this embodiment, since a counter electrode intermediate layer 51 is essential between the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the main surface 15, the height of the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 from the main surface 15 and the height of the electrode current collector terminal 42 from the main surface 15 tend to differ. By providing an electrode intermediate layer 52 and adjusting its thickness, the heights of the electrode current collector terminal 42 and the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 from the main surface 15 can be easily made the same. Alternatively, the thickness of the electrode current collector terminal 42 may be the sum of the thickness of the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 without providing an electrode intermediate layer 52. By making the heights of the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 from the main surface 15 the same, the battery 1 can be easily mounted parallel to the substrate (not shown).

[0106] The shape and size of the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 in plan view are the same as, but not limited to, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41. For example, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 may be larger than the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 in plan view. The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 may be in contact with the electrode intermediate layer 52 or the electrode current collector terminal 42.

[0107] The shape and size of the electrode intermediate layer 52 in plan view are the same as, but not limited to, the electrode current collector terminal 42. For example, the electrode intermediate layer 52 may be larger or smaller than the electrode current collector terminal 42 in plan view. A portion of the electrode current collector terminal 42 may be in contact with the main surface 15.

[0108] The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 is formed using, for example, an electrically insulating material. For example, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 contains a resin. The resin is, for example, an epoxy resin, but is not limited thereto. Inorganic materials may also be used as the insulating material.

[0109] The electrode intermediate layer 52 is formed using, for example, a conductive material. The electrode intermediate layer 52 can be formed using, for example, a metal or a conductive resin.

[0110] Furthermore, if the electrode intermediate layer 52 is an insulating layer, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 may be a single insulating layer. For example, an insulating layer covering almost the entire main surface 15 may be provided as the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52. Furthermore, if the electrode intermediate layer 52 is an insulating layer, an electrical connection can be made by bringing the electrode current collector terminal 42 into contact with the uppermost electrode current collector 111.

[0111] The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 may have additional functions such as impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and waterproofing, in addition to ensuring insulation. Materials suitable for these functions can be used for the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52. The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 may each have a laminated structure of multiple different materials.

[0112] [6. Summary] As described above, in the battery 1 according to this embodiment, since multiple battery cells 100 are stacked in series, a battery 1 with high energy density and high voltage can be realized. Furthermore, a counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and an electrode current collector terminal 42 are provided on the main surface 15 of the power generation element 10. That is, both the positive and negative electrode terminals necessary for extracting current from the power generation element 10 are provided on the same main surface 15. For example, the main surface 15 has a larger area than the sides 11, 12, 13 and 14. Since the terminals are provided on a larger surface area, the battery 1 can be mounted over a large area, and the reliability of the connection can be improved. In addition, the shape and arrangement of the terminals can be adjusted according to the wiring layout of the substrate to be mounted, so the degree of flexibility in connection can also be increased.

[0113] Furthermore, since both the positive and negative terminals are located on the same main surface, the battery 1 can be compactly mounted. For example, the pattern of connection terminals (also called the footprint) formed on the mounting board can be reduced. In addition, mounting is possible with the main surface 15 of the battery 1 and the mounting board positioned parallel to each other, enabling low-profile mounting on the mounting board. Reflow soldering connections can be used for mounting. In this way, a battery 1 with excellent mountability can be realized.

[0114] Furthermore, by having the side insulating layer 20 cover the side surface 11 of the power generation element 10, a continuous side conductive portion 30 can be formed from the counter electrode current collector 121 located at the lower end of the power generation element 10 to the upper end of the power generation element 10. By making the width of the side conductive portion 30 the same as the width of the side surface 11, a large cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of current flow can be secured. In other words, it becomes possible to pass a large current through the side conductive portion 30, thus realizing a battery 1 with excellent high-current characteristics.

[0115] Furthermore, a side conductive portion 30, which is used for routing the current from the lower counter electrode current collector 121 to the upper end, is formed on the side surface 11 of the power generation element 10 via a side insulating layer 20. By having the side insulating layer 20 in close contact with the side surface 11 and the side conductive portion 30 in close contact with the side insulating layer 20, the structure necessary for routing can be made compact. As a result, the energy density per unit volume can be increased, and a high-energy-density battery 1 can be realized.

[0116] Furthermore, since an electrode current collector terminal 42, which is a different material from the electrode current collector 111 located at the uppermost layer, is provided, current concentration to the uppermost electrode current collector 111 can be suppressed. Similarly, since a counter electrode current collector terminal 41, which is a different material from the counter electrode current collector 121 located at the lowermost layer, is provided, current concentration to the lowermost counter electrode current collector 121 can be suppressed. If current concentration occurs to the electrode current collector 111 or the counter electrode current collector 121, the temperature rise due to the heat generated by the current may cause the electrode current collector 111 or the counter electrode current collector 121 to peel off, and the deterioration of the uppermost or lowermost battery cell 100 may be accelerated. According to this embodiment, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are used as the current path from each battery cell 100. Therefore, current concentration to the uppermost electrode current collector 111 and the lowermost counter electrode current collector 121 can be suppressed, and the reliability of the battery 1 can be improved.

[0117] Furthermore, the sides 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the power generation element 10 of the battery 1 can be made flat by, for example, cutting multiple stacked battery cells 100 together. By using a single cut, for example, there is no gradual increase or decrease in film thickness at the beginning and end of the coating of each layer, and the area of ​​the electrode layer 110, counter electrode layer 120, and solid electrolyte layer 130 is precisely determined. As a result, the capacity variation of the battery cells 100 is reduced, and the accuracy of the battery capacity can be improved.

[0118] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0119] In the battery according to Embodiment 2, the shape of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal differs from that of the battery according to Embodiment 1. Below, we will focus on explaining the differences from Embodiment 1, and will omit or simplify the explanation of the common points.

[0120] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 201 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a top view of the battery 201 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 5 shows a cross-section along the VV line in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, compared to the battery 1 according to Embodiment 1, the battery 201 is equipped with a counter electrode current collector terminal 241, an electrode current collector terminal 242, a counter electrode intermediate layer 251, and an electrode intermediate layer 252 instead of a counter electrode current collector terminal 41, an electrode current collector terminal 42, a counter electrode intermediate layer 51, and an electrode intermediate layer 52.

[0121] As shown in Figure 6, the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 surrounds the electrode current collector terminal 242 in a plan view of the main surface 15. A gap is provided between the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 and the electrode current collector terminal 242 so that they do not come into contact with each other. The counter electrode current collector terminal 241 surrounds the entire circumference of the electrode current collector terminal 242, but it may surround only a part of it. For example, the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 may surround the positive and negative sides in the y-axis direction and the negative side in the x-axis direction of the electrode current collector terminal 242, but not the positive side in the x-axis direction.

[0122] The electrode current collector terminal 242 is located offset from the center of the main surface 15 on the positive side of the x-axis, but it may also be located at the center of the main surface 15. Alternatively, the electrode current collector terminal 242 may be located at a corner of the main surface 15.

[0123] The plan view shape of the electrode current collector terminal 242 is circular, but is not particularly limited. The electrode current collector terminal 242 and the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 may each have a shape corresponding to the terminal shape of the external wiring (not shown) to which they are connected.

[0124] As shown in Figure 5, the height h2 of the electrode current collector terminal 242 from the main surface 15 is higher than the height h1 of the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 from the main surface 15. This allows, for example, the side surface of the portion of the electrode current collector terminal 242 that protrudes more than the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 to be used for connection with external wiring (not shown). Since the contact area between the electrode current collector terminal 242 and the external wiring can be increased, contact resistance can be reduced and the robustness of the mechanical connection strength can be increased.

[0125] Furthermore, because the heights of the electrode current collector terminal 242 and the counter current collector terminal 241 are different, the distance between the electrode current collector terminal 242 and the counter current collector terminal 241 can be increased. This helps to suppress the occurrence of short circuits.

[0126] The counter electrode intermediate layer 251 and the electrode intermediate layer 252 are formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the counter electrode current collector terminal 241 and the electrode current collector terminal 242, respectively. The electrode intermediate layer 252 may be omitted.

[0127] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0128] The battery according to Embodiment 3 differs from the battery according to Embodiment 1 in that it does not have electrode current collection terminals. Below, we will mainly explain the differences from Embodiment 1, and the explanation of the common points will be omitted or simplified.

[0129] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 301 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the battery 301 does not have electrode current collection terminals 42 and electrode intermediate layer 52 compared to the battery 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0130] In the battery 301 according to this embodiment, a part of the electrode current collector 111, which is the uppermost end layer current collector 152, functions as an electrode current collector terminal 342. In other words, the electrode current collector terminal 342 can also be considered as a component constituting the main surface 15, i.e., the uppermost electrode current collector 111. On the other hand, the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is a different component from the uppermost electrode current collector 111 that constitutes the main surface 15, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0131] In this way, by having the uppermost electrode current collector 111 function as the electrode current collector terminal 342, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0132] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8 for the battery 302, the thickness of the uppermost electrode current collector 111 may be greater than the thickness of the other intermediate layer current collectors 140. This reduces the resistance of the uppermost electrode current collector 111, thereby suppressing heat generation due to current concentration. Alternatively, in addition to thickness, a highly conductive material may be used for the uppermost electrode current collector 111.

[0133] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0134] The battery according to Embodiment 4 differs from the battery according to Embodiment 1 in that the side conductive portion and the counter electrode current collector terminal are integrally formed. Below, we will mainly explain the differences from Embodiment 1, and the explanation of the common points will be omitted or simplified.

[0135] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 401 according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a top view of the battery 401 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 9 represents a cross-section along the line IX-IX in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the battery 401, compared to the battery 1 according to Embodiment 1, is equipped with a side conductive portion 430 and a counter current collector terminal 441 instead of the side conductive portion 30 and the counter current collector terminal 41.

[0136] The side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 are integrally formed. Specifically, the side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 are formed using the same conductive material. For example, the side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 are formed by bending a single metal plate. More specifically, a single metal plate is bent in two places so as to cover the main surface 16, side surface 11, and main surface 15 of the power generation element 10. In other words, the power generation element 10 is sandwiched between the metal plates in the stacking direction. Of these, the portion covering the main surface 15 functions as the counter current collector terminal 441. This allows the side conductive portion 430 to be easily formed with strong mechanical strength. Note that the side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 may also be integrally formed by joining or welding multiple metal plates.

[0137] As shown in Figure 10, the side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 are each shorter in length in the y-axis direction than the side surface 11, but are not limited to this. The side conductive portion 430 and the counter current collector terminal 441 may be provided so as to protrude from the side surface 13 or 14. Also, a gap may be provided between the side conductive portion 430 and the side insulating layer 20. That is, the side conductive portion 430 does not have to be in contact with the side insulating layer 20.

[0138] (Embodiment 5) Next, Embodiment 5 will be described.

[0139] The battery according to Embodiment 5 differs from the battery according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a sealing member. Below, we will focus on explaining the differences from Embodiment 1, and will omit or simplify the explanation of the common points.

[0140] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 501 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is a top view of the battery 501 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 11 represents a cross-section along the line XI-XI in Figure 12. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the battery 501 includes a sealing member 560 compared to the battery 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0141] The sealing member 560 exposes at least a portion of each of the counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42, and seals the power generation element 10. The sealing member 560 is provided, for example, so that the power generation element 10, the side insulating layer 20, and the side conductive portion 30 are not exposed.

[0142] The sealing member 560 is formed using, for example, an electrically insulating insulating material. As the insulating material, generally known materials for sealing members of batteries, such as encapsulants, may be used. As the insulating material, for example, a resin material may be used. The insulating material may be an insulating material that does not have ionic conductivity. For example, the insulating material may be at least one of epoxy resin, acrylic resin, polyimide resin, and silsesquioxane.

[0143] The sealing member 560 may include multiple different insulating materials. For example, the sealing member 560 may have a multilayer structure. Each layer of the multilayer structure may be formed using a different material and have different properties.

[0144] The sealing member 560 may contain particulate metal oxide material. Examples of metal oxide material include silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide, iron oxide, tungsten oxide, zirconium oxide, calcium oxide, zeolite, and glass. For example, the sealing member 560 may be formed using a resin material in which multiple particles made of metal oxide material are dispersed.

[0145] The particle size of the metal oxide material should be less than or equal to the distance between the electrode current collector 111 and the counter electrode current collector 121. The particle shape of the metal oxide material may be, for example, spherical, ellipsoidal, or rod-shaped, but is not limited to these.

[0146] The provision of the sealing member 560 improves the reliability of the battery 501 in various aspects, including mechanical strength, short-circuit prevention, and moisture resistance.

[0147] In this example, the battery 1 according to Embodiment 1 is shown to include a sealing member 560, but batteries according to other embodiments may also include a sealing member 560. For example, the battery 401 according to Embodiment 4 may include a sealing member 560, as shown in the battery 502 in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery 502 according to another example of this embodiment. In this case as well, the sealing member 560 exposes the counter electrode current collector terminal 441 and the electrode current collector terminal 42, and covers the power generation element 10, the side insulating layer 20, and the side conductive portion 430. The sealing member 560 exposes only the portion of the metal plate constituting the side conductive portion 430 and the counter electrode current collector terminal 441 that is on the main surface 15 side.

[0148] (Manufacturing method) Next, a description of the battery manufacturing method according to each of the embodiments described above will be provided.

[0149] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery manufacturing method according to each embodiment. Below, an example of battery 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0150] As shown in Figure 14, first, multiple battery cells are prepared (S10). The battery cells to be prepared are, for example, battery cells 100A and 100B or 100C shown in Figures 3A to 3C.

[0151] Next, multiple battery cells 100 are stacked (S20). Specifically, a laminate is formed by stacking multiple battery cells 100 in order such that the arrangement of the electrode layer 110, counter electrode layer 120, and solid electrolyte layer 130 is the same in each battery cell. In this embodiment, a power generation element 10, as shown in Figure 4, is formed by stacking battery cells 100A, 100B, and 100C in appropriate combinations. The power generation element 10 is an example of a laminate.

[0152] Furthermore, the sides of the power generation element 10 may be flattened after stacking multiple battery cells 100. For example, by cutting the stack of multiple battery cells 100 all at once, a power generation element 10 with flat sides can be formed. The cutting process can be performed, for example, by a blade, laser, or jet.

[0153] Next, the side surface 11 of the power generation element 10 is covered with a side insulating layer 20 from the lower end to the upper end (S30). The side insulating layer 20 is formed, for example, by coating and curing a fluid resin material. Coating is carried out by an inkjet method, spray method, screen printing method, or gravure printing method. Curing is carried out by drying, heating, light irradiation, etc., depending on the resin material used. Alternatively, the side insulating layer 20 may be formed by adhering or bonding an insulating plate or insulating film to the side surface 11.

[0154] Next, the side conductive portion 30 connected to the counter electrode layer 120 at the lower end of the power generation element 10 is positioned along the side insulating layer 20 (S40). For example, the side conductive portion 30 is formed by applying and curing a conductive paste such as a conductive resin so as to cover a part of the main surface 16 of the power generation element 10 and the side insulating layer 20. The side conductive portion 30 may also be formed by methods such as printing, plating, vapor deposition, sputtering, welding, soldering, joining, thermal spraying, or other methods. The side conductive portion 30 is formed in close contact with the side insulating layer 20, for example. This makes it possible to increase the energy density of the battery 1.

[0155] Next, current collector terminals are formed on the main surface 15 of the power generation element 10 (S50). Specifically, a counter electrode current collector terminal 41 is formed on the main surface 15 via a counter electrode intermediate layer 51, and an electrode current collector terminal 42 is formed via an electrode intermediate layer 52. The counter electrode current collector terminal 41 and the electrode current collector terminal 42 are formed by placing a conductive material such as a metal material in a desired area by plating, printing, or soldering.

[0156] The counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 are formed, for example, by coating and curing a fluid resin material. Coating is carried out by methods such as inkjet printing, spray printing, screen printing, or gravure printing. Curing is carried out by drying, heating, light irradiation, etc., depending on the resin material used.

[0157] Through the above process, the battery 1 shown in Figure 1 can be manufactured.

[0158] In addition, the process of pressing the multiple battery cells 100 prepared in step S10 individually, or after stacking the multiple battery cells, in the stacking direction may be performed.

[0159] Furthermore, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 may be formed in step S30 following the formation of the side insulating layer 20, or simultaneously with the formation of the side insulating layer 20. Alternatively, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 and the electrode intermediate layer 52 may be formed after the formation of the laminate (S20) but before the sides are cut.

[0160] Furthermore, for example, in the formation of the side conductive portion 30 (S40), the side conductive portion 430 and the counter electrode current collector terminal 441 may be integrally formed by welding or joining bent metal plates. In this case, the counter electrode intermediate layer 51 is formed before connecting the metal plates. This makes it possible to manufacture the battery 401 shown in Figure 9.

[0161] Furthermore, after the formation of the current collection terminals (S50), the sealing member 560 shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13 may be formed. The sealing member 560 is formed, for example, by coating and curing a fluid resin material. Coating is carried out by methods such as inkjet printing, spray printing, screen printing, or gravure printing. Curing is carried out by drying, heating, light irradiation, etc., depending on the resin material used.

[0162] (Other embodiments) Although one or more embodiments of batteries and methods for manufacturing batteries have been described above based on embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Within the scope of this disclosure, various modifications to these embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, are also included.

[0163] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where one current collector is shared as an intermediate layer current collector between adjacent battery cells, the current collectors do not necessarily have to be shared. The counter electrode current collector and the electrode current collector may be superimposed to form the intermediate layer current collector.

[0164] Furthermore, for example, the side insulating layer and side conductive portion may be provided on two or more sides of the power generation element. For example, the side insulating layer and side conductive portion may be provided on all four sides of the power generation element.

[0165] Furthermore, each of the above embodiments can be modified, replaced, added, or omitted in various ways within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0166] This disclosure can be used, for example, as a battery for electronic devices, electrical appliances, and electric vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1, 201, 301, 302, 401, 501, 502 batteries 10 Power generation elements 11, 12, 13, 14 Side view 15, 16 Main surface 20 Side insulating layer 30, 430 Side conductive part 41, 241, 441 Counter-pole current collector terminals 42, 242, 342 electrode current collector terminals 51, 251 Opposite Intermediate Layer 52, 252 electrode intermediate layer 100, 100A, 100B, 100C battery cells 110, 110B electrode layer 111 Electrode current collector 112 Electrode active material layer 120°C, 120°C counter polarity layer 121 Counter electrode current collector 122 Counter electrode active material layer 130 Solid electrolyte layer 140 Intermediate layer current collector 151, 152 End layer current collector 560 Sealing member

Claims

1. A power generation element having a plurality of battery cells, each containing an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer, wherein the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series and stacked, The side surface of the power generation element is covered by a side insulating layer that extends from one end to the other end in the stacking direction of the power generation element, A side conductive portion connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end of the power generation element and arranged along the side insulating layer, A counter electrode current collector terminal, which is thicker than the thickness of the current collector, is positioned on the first main surface on one end of the power generation element, connected to the side conductive portion, and connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end, The system comprises an insulating layer disposed between the counter current collector terminal and the first main surface, battery.

2. The first main surface is further provided with an electrode current collector terminal that is arranged on the first main surface and connected to the electrode layer located at one end of the first end. The battery according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises an intermediate layer disposed between the electrode current collection terminal and the first main surface. The battery according to claim 2.

4. The heights of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal from the first main surface are the same. The battery according to claim 2.

5. The counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal are arranged in this order in a plan view of the first main surface, along the direction away from the side surface. The battery according to claim 2.

6. The counter electrode current collector terminal surrounds the electrode current collector terminal in a plan view of the first main surface. The battery according to claim 2.

7. The system further includes a sealing member that exposes at least a portion of each of the counter electrode current collector terminal and the electrode current collector terminal, and seals the power generation element, the side insulating layer, and the side conductive portion. The battery according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. Each of the aforementioned plurality of battery cells includes a current collector, The electrode layer located at one end includes an electrode current collector. The thickness of the electrode current collector is greater than the thickness of the current collector included in one of the plurality of battery cells. The battery according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned side conductive portion further covers the second main surface on the other end side of the power generation element. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The aforementioned side conductive portion is a metal plate. The battery according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned counter electrode current collector terminal is a part of the metal plate. The battery according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned side insulating layer contains a resin, The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. The aforementioned side conductive portion is thicker than the thickness of the current collector connected to the counter electrode layer located at the other end. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The steps include preparing a plurality of battery cells, each containing an electrode layer, a counter electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the electrode layer and the counter electrode layer, The steps include forming a laminate by stacking a plurality of battery cells such that the order of the electrode layer, the counter electrode layer, and the solid electrolyte layer is the same in each battery cell, The steps include covering the side surface of the laminate with an insulating member from one end to the other end of the laminate, The steps include: arranging a conductive portion connected to a counter electrode layer located at the other end of the laminate along the insulating member; The step includes providing a counter electrode current collector terminal connected to the conductive portion via an insulating layer on the main surface of one end of the laminate, Battery manufacturing method.

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