Battery cell, battery module manufacturing method, and battery module

Abstract

A body (100) comprises a battery element. A first terminal (31) protrudes from one end (101) of the body (100) in a first direction. A second terminal (32) protrudes from the other end (102) of the body (100) in the first direction. The first terminal (31) has a first surface (310) and a first protrusion (311). The second terminal (32) has a second surface (320). The second surface (320) is provided with at least one among a second protrusion (321) and a recess. The present invention is configured such that when the first terminal (31) of one battery cell (10) and the second terminal (32) of another battery cell (10) are brought into contact with each other in the first direction, at least one side surface of the first protrusion (311) of the one battery cell (10) and at least one side surface of the second protrusion (321) or recess of the other battery cell (10) can face each other in at least one direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

Battery cell, battery module manufacturing method, and battery module

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

[0002] The battery module is configured to include a plurality of electrically connected cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery having a male thread portion and a female thread portion.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a unit cell having a convex terminal and a concave terminal that penetrate the side wall of the battery case.

[0005] JP 2010-80411 A JP 2001-126706 A

[0006] However, the battery of Patent Document 1 requires that male and female threads be screwed together to connect multiple batteries. Also, in order to connect multiple unit cells as described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to make the convex portion of the concave terminal of one unit cell protrude from the through-hole in the side wall, and the convex portion of the convex terminal of the other unit cell protrude from the through-hole, and then press the convex portion into the concave portion while pressing.

[0007] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that can be easily connected to other battery cells.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there are provided the following battery cell, battery module manufacturing method, and battery module.

[0009] 1. A battery cell comprising: a main body portion including a battery element; a first terminal protruding from one end of the main body portion in a first direction; and a second terminal protruding from the other end of the main body portion in the first direction, wherein the first terminal has a first surface located outside the main body portion and intersecting with the first direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first surface, and the second terminal has a second surface located outside the main body portion and intersecting with the first direction, and at least one of a second protrusion and a recess is provided on the second surface, wherein the battery cell is configured such that when the first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of another battery cell are brought into contact in the first direction, at least one side of the first protrusion of the one battery cell and at least one side of the second protrusion and the recess of the other battery cell can face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. 2.1. 3. The battery cell described in 1. or 2., wherein the difference between the distance between the main body and the first surface and the distance between the main body and the second surface is 5 mm or less. 3. The battery cell described in 1. or 2., wherein when the one battery cell and the other battery cell are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so that the first terminal of the one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell are adjacent to each other, a first region that is at least a part of the first surface of the first terminal and a second region that is at least a part of the second surface of the second terminal are adjacent to each other without any of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, or the recess therebetween. the second surface is provided with the second protrusion, and when the one battery cell and the other battery cell are arranged in the second direction with the first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell adjacent to each other, one side surface of the first protrusion and one side surface of the second protrusion are aligned in the second direction.5. A battery cell described in any one of 1. to 4., wherein the second surface is provided with the second protrusion, and wherein when at least one of the first protrusion of the one battery cell comes into contact with the second surface of the other battery cell and the first surface of the one battery cell comes into contact with the second protrusion of the other battery cell, a space is created between the first terminal of the one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell, and the space is connected to the outside through an opening formed between a side surface of the first terminal and a side surface of the second terminal. A battery cell comprising: a main body portion including a battery element; a first terminal protruding from one end of the main body portion in a first direction; and a second terminal protruding from the other end of the main body portion in the first direction, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal each have a sloped surface at an end in the first direction that is oblique to the first direction, and wherein when the first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of another battery cell are brought into contact in the first direction, the sloped surface of the first terminal of the one battery cell and the sloped surface of the second terminal of the other battery cell are configured to be able to face each other in at least any direction perpendicular to the first direction. 7. The battery cell described in 6., wherein the end of the first terminal is provided with a convex portion composed of a plurality of surfaces including the sloped surface, and the end of the second terminal is provided with a concave portion composed of a plurality of surfaces including the sloped surface. 8.7. 9. The battery cell described in any one of 1. to 8., wherein the convex portion extends from one end to the other end of the first terminal when viewed from the first direction, and the concave portion extends from one end to the other end of the second terminal when viewed from the first direction. 9. The battery cell described in any one of 1. to 8., wherein the main body portion includes a first insulating member covering one end of the battery element and a second insulating member covering the other end of the battery element, and the first terminal protrudes from the first insulating member, and the second terminal protrudes from the second insulating member. 10. A method for manufacturing a battery module, including a step of connecting a plurality of battery cells described in any one of 1. to 9.11. The method for manufacturing a battery module described in 10., wherein in the connecting step, the first terminal of a first battery cell and the second terminal of a second battery cell different from the first battery cell are connected in the first direction. 12. The method for manufacturing a battery module described in 10., wherein in the connecting step, the first battery cell and the second battery cell different from the first battery cell are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction so that the first terminal of the first battery cell and the second terminal of the second battery cell are adjacent to each other, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected. 13. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells described in any one of 1. to 9.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery cell that can be easily connected to other battery cells.

[0011] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery cell according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which one battery cell according to the first embodiment and another battery cell according to the first embodiment are in contact in a first direction; FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell; FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion illustrating a battery cell; FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a battery cell; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first insulating member and a first conductor; FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a first example; FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a second example; FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a third example; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal of a battery cell according to the third example; and FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a fourth example; and FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal of a battery cell according to the fourth example; and FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a fifth example; and FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal of a battery cell according to the fifth example. 10A is a perspective view showing a first terminal of a battery cell according to a sixth example, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a second terminal of a battery cell according to a sixth example.

[0033] FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery module according to a first embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a connection portion between a first terminal and a second terminal when a battery cell according to a first or fifth example is used as one battery cell and another battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating a connection portion between a first terminal and a second terminal when a battery cell according to a second example is used as one battery cell and another battery cell.

[0036] FIG. 10E is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to the first example are connected in a line along the Y-axis direction.

[0037] FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to a second example are connected in a line along the Y-axis direction.

[0038] FIG. 10G is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to a third example are connected in a line along the Y-axis direction. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to a third example are lined up in the Y-axis direction and connected by a bus bar according to a modified example; FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to a fifth example are lined up in the Y-axis direction and connected; and FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells according to a sixth example are lined up in the Y-axis direction and connected. (a) is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal of a battery cell according to a second embodiment, and (b) is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal of a battery cell according to the second embodiment.10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which one battery cell according to the second embodiment and another battery cell according to the second embodiment are in contact with each other in a first direction. FIG.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] For the purpose of explanation, each figure shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are directions parallel to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are three directions that are perpendicular to each other. The direction indicated by the arrow indicating each axis is the positive direction of that axis. Note that a white circle with an X indicating the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis indicates that the direction from the front of the page to the back of the page is the direction indicated by the arrow indicating that axis. A white circle with a black dot indicating the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis indicates that the direction from the back of the page to the front of the page is the direction indicated by the arrow indicating that axis. Hereinafter, as necessary, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the X-axis direction will be referred to as the +X side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -X side. The side indicated by the arrow indicating the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the +Y side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -Y side. The side indicated by the arrow indicating the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -Z side.

[0014] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery cell 10 according to a first embodiment. In the examples of the figures, the first direction is the X-axis direction. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a battery cell 10a according to one embodiment and a battery cell 10b according to another embodiment are in contact with each other in the first direction.

[0015] The battery cell 10 according to this embodiment includes a main body 100, a first terminal 31, and a second terminal 32. The main body 100 includes a battery element. The first terminal 31 protrudes from one end 101 of the main body 100 in a first direction. The second terminal 32 protrudes from the other end 102 of the main body 100 in the first direction. The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protruding portion 311. The first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100 and is a surface that intersects with the first direction. The first protruding portion 311 protrudes from the first surface 310. The second terminal 32 has a second surface 320. The second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100 and is a surface that intersects with the first direction. The second surface 320 is provided with at least one of a second protruding portion 321 and a recess. When the first terminal 31 a of one battery cell 10 a and the second terminal 32 b of another battery cell 10 b are brought into contact in a first direction, at least one side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the one battery cell 10 a and at least one side surface of the second protrusion 321 and recess of the other battery cell 10 b can face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction, as will be described in detail below.

[0016] Both the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b have the cell structure described as the battery cell 10. That is, both the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b have the same structure.

[0017] The battery cells 10 according to this embodiment allow for easy connection of multiple battery cells 10. For example, when connecting multiple battery cells 10 in a first direction, at least one side surface of the first protrusion 311 of one battery cell 10a can face at least one side surface of the second protrusion 321 and the recess of another battery cell 10b in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. That is, at least one side surface of the first protrusion 311 of one battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least one side surface of the second protrusion 321 and the recess of another battery cell 10b in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, these side surfaces can function as guides when placing one battery cell 10 relative to the other battery cell 10.

[0018] When manufacturing a battery module by combining multiple battery cells 10, the multiple battery cells 10 may be arranged and connected by a machine such as a robot. In this case, it is preferable that the terminals of the battery cells 10 have a guide function to improve workability. It is also preferable that the battery cells 10 have a structure that allows the machine to easily arrange and connect them. It is preferable that the multiple battery cells 10 can be connected to each other without the need for screw fastening or the like.

[0019] An example of the battery cell 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. However, the configuration of the battery cell 10 is not limited to the configuration described below.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the battery cell 10. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the battery cell 10. Fig. 5 is a side view illustrating the battery cell 10. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 5 illustrates the exterior film 400 in a see-through state.

[0021] Hereinafter, where necessary, a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction will be referred to as the YZ plane. Hereinafter, where necessary, a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the ZX plane. Hereinafter, where necessary, a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the XY plane.

[0022] The main body 100 of the battery cell 10 includes a battery element 110. In the examples of Figs. 3 to 5, the battery element 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The longitudinal direction of the battery element 110 is substantially parallel to the X-axis direction. The lateral direction of the battery element 110 is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. The thickness direction of the battery element 110 is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0023] The battery element 110 includes at least one positive electrode (not shown), at least one negative electrode (not shown), and at least one separator (not shown). For example, multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes are alternately stacked in the Y-axis direction. At least a portion of the separator is located between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y-axis direction. For example, multiple sheet-like separators may each be located between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, a single sheet-like separator may have a zigzag shape that passes through the region between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator may be wound so that the separator is located between the positive electrode and negative electrode. In one example, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound with both surfaces of one of the positive electrode and negative electrode covered by the separator. In another example, a stack including multiple unit stacks each including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode in this order may be wound. However, the winding structure of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator is not limited to these examples.

[0024] The battery cell 10 according to this embodiment is a battery cell containing an electrolyte. However, the battery cell 10 may be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in a portion corresponding to a separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolyte.

[0025] The main body 100 of the battery cell 10 includes a first insulating member 131 and a second insulating member 132. The first insulating member 131 covers one end of the battery element 110. Specifically, the first insulating member 131 covers one end of the battery element 110 on the -X side. The second insulating member 132 covers the other end of the battery element 110. Specifically, the second insulating member 132 covers one end of the battery element 110 on the +X side. The first terminal 31 protrudes from the first insulating member 131, and the second terminal 32 protrudes from the second insulating member 132.

[0026] As will be described in detail below, the battery cell 10 includes a first conductor 121 and a second conductor 122. A portion of the first conductor 121 functions as a first terminal 31. A portion of the second conductor 122 functions as a second terminal 32. The entire first terminal 31 and the entire second terminal 32 are made of a conductor such as a metal.

[0027] The first insulating member 131 covers the end of the battery element 110 on the -X side. The first insulating member 131 is made of a resin such as polypropylene. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first insulating member 131 has a substantially rectangular shape. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the longitudinal direction of the first insulating member 131 is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the lateral direction of the first insulating member 131 is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0028] The second insulating member 132 covers the end of the battery element 110 on the +X side. The second insulating member 132 is made of a resin such as polypropylene. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second insulating member 132 has a substantially rectangular shape. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the longitudinal direction of the second insulating member 132 is substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction, and the lateral direction of the second insulating member 132 is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0029] The first terminal 31 is electrically connected to the positive electrode current collector 102a drawn from the positive electrode of the battery element 110. Thus, the first terminal 31 is electrically connected to the multiple positive electrodes of the battery element 110. Therefore, the first terminal 31 functions as a positive electrode tab.

[0030] The second terminal 32 is electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector 104a drawn from the negative electrode of the battery element 110. Thus, the second terminal 32 is electrically connected to the multiple negative electrodes of the battery element 110. Therefore, the second terminal 32 functions as a negative electrode tab.

[0031] The polarities of the current collectors connected to the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 may be reversed from that described above. That is, the first terminal 31 may function as a negative electrode tab, and the second terminal 32 may function as a positive electrode tab.

[0032] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first insulating member 131 and the first conductor 121. The matters described with reference to Fig. 6 regarding the first insulating member 131 and the first conductor 121 can also be similarly applied to the second insulating member 132 and the second conductor 122. However, when applying the same description to the second insulating member 132 and the second conductor 122, -X should be read as +X and +X as -X.

[0033] The first conductor 121 includes a cover portion 125 and a first terminal 31. For example, the cover portion 125 is plate-shaped. The first terminal 31 protrudes from the cover portion 125 in the −X direction.

[0034] A recess 212 is provided on the surface of the first insulating member 131 facing the battery element 110. The recess 212 is open in the +X direction. A through-hole 214 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 212. When the first insulating member 131 and the first conductor 121 are combined, the first terminal 31 passes through the through-hole 214 in the X-axis direction, and the cover portion 125 covers the bottom surface of the recess 212. If the cover portion 125 is made of a material (e.g., a metal) with relatively low moisture and gas permeability, the cover portion 125 can function as a barrier material that suppresses the penetration of moisture and gas into the battery element 110. It is preferable that the cover portion 125 cover the entire bottom surface of the recess 212.

[0035] 3 to 5, the main body 100 further includes an exterior film 400. The exterior film 400 has a wrap-around portion 402 and a pull-out portion 404.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the wound portion 402 has a generally cylindrical shape that opens toward both the one end 101 and the other end 102 of the main body 100. A first insulating member 131 is disposed inside the opening at the one end 101 of the wound portion 402. A second insulating member 132 is disposed inside the opening at the other end 102 of the wound portion 402. The wound portion 402 is wound around the battery element 110, the first insulating member 131, and the second insulating member 132 by one turn. More specifically, the wound portion 402 is wound around the X-axis around the battery element 110, etc. As a result, the first insulating member 131, the second insulating member 132, and the wound portion 402 form a storage space 500 that stores the battery element 110. The storage space 500 stores the battery element 110 and an electrolyte (not shown) in addition to the battery element 110. The manner in which the wound portion 402 wraps around the battery element 110 is not limited to the example described above.

[0037] At least a portion of the first insulating member 131 may be exposed from the exterior film 400. The exterior film 400 may cover an area of ​​the first insulating member 131 surrounding the first terminal 31. At least a portion of the second insulating member 132 may be exposed from the exterior film 400. The exterior film 400 may cover an area of ​​the second insulating member 132 surrounding the second terminal 32.

[0038] The outer peripheral surface of the first insulating member 131 around the X-axis direction and the inner peripheral surface of the opening on the one end 101 side of the wound portion 402 around the X-axis direction are joined to each other by, for example, heat fusion, thereby forming a sealing portion 510.

[0039] The outer peripheral surface of the second insulating member 132 around the X-axis direction and the inner peripheral surface of the opening on the other end 102 side of the wound portion 402 around the X-axis direction are joined to each other by, for example, heat fusion, thereby forming a sealing portion 520.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when viewed in the X-axis direction, the drawn-out portion 404 is drawn out from the upper left corner of the wound portion 402 of the battery element 110. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the drawn-out portion 404 includes a first drawn-out portion 404a and a second drawn-out portion 404b. The first drawn-out portion 404a is drawn out from one of the circumferential ends of the wound portion 402 around the X-axis direction. The second drawn-out portion 404b is drawn out from the other of the circumferential ends of the wound portion 402 around the X-axis direction. The first drawn-out portion 404a and the second drawn-out portion 404b are joined to each other by, for example, thermal fusion. This forms a sealing portion 530. The drawn-out portion 404 is bent along the top surface of the battery element 110. However, the drawn-out portion 404 does not have to be bent. The bent shape of the drawn-out portion 404 is not limited to this example.

[0041] The first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 of the battery cell 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below. The first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 of the battery cell 10 according to first to sixth examples will be described below, but the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 are not limited to these examples.

[0042] In the following first to third examples, the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 have substantially the same shape or a substantially symmetrical shape. Note that the term "substantially the same shape or a substantially symmetrical shape" allows for tolerances in manufacturing, etc. The same applies to other expressions of "substantially."

[0043] <First Example> Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a first example. The first terminal 31 protrudes further toward the -X side than the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes further toward the -X side than the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is preferably disposed approximately at the center of the main body 100 in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0044] As described above, the first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the first example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the -Y side half of the first terminal 31 is formed by the first surface 310.

[0045] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. In the first example, the first terminal 31 has two first protrusions 311. Both of the two first protrusions 311 are provided on the +Y side of the center of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. One of the two first protrusions 311 is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 on the +Z side, and the other is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 on the −Z side. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 is located between the two first protrusions 311. The number of first protrusions 311 is not particularly limited, and the first terminal 31 can have multiple first protrusions 311.

[0046] The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction, and the first protrusion 311 is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the entire first protrusion 311 is located on the +Y side of the center of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction is half or less of the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0047] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, first protrusion 311 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately in the center of the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0049] In the first example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320 and a second protrusion 321. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the first example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the +Y side half of the second terminal 32 is formed by the second surface 320.

[0050] The second protrusion 321 further protrudes in the +X direction from the second surface 320. In the first example, the second terminal 32 has two second protrusions 321. Both of the two second protrusions 321 are provided on the -Y side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. One of the two second protrusions 321 is provided at the end of the second terminal 32 on the +Z side, and the other is provided at the end of the second terminal 32 on the -Z side. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second surface 320 is located between the two second protrusions 321. The number of second protrusions 321 is not particularly limited, and the second terminal 32 can have multiple second protrusions 321.

[0051] The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Y-axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction, and the second protrusion 321 is provided at the end of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the entire second protrusion 321 is located on the -Y side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z-axis direction is half or less of the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction.

[0052] The protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The absolute value of the difference between the protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 and the protrusion height of the first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to the first surface 310 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. The shape of the second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the first example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second protrusion 321 is a rectangle with its longer side in the Z-axis direction.

[0053] In the first example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the −Y side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the +Y side surface of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. This allows the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b to function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Y-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a in the X-axis direction be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the end surface of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b in the X-axis direction. By doing so, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0054] <Second Example> Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a second example. The first terminal 31 protrudes further toward the -X side than the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes further toward the -X side than the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is disposed at approximately the center of the main body 100 in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0055] The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the second example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance in the X-axis direction between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the -Y side half of the first terminal 31 is formed by the first surface 310.

[0056] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. In the second example, the first terminal 31 has only one first protrusion 311. The first protrusion 311 is provided on the +Y side of the first terminal 31 relative to the center in the Y-axis direction. The first protrusion 311 is also provided at the −Z side end of the first terminal 31. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 occupies the entire +Z side of the first protrusion 311 of the first terminal 31.

[0057] The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction, and the first protrusion 311 is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the entire first protrusion 311 is located on the +Y side of the center of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction is half or less of the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, first protrusion 311 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0059] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately in the center of the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0060] In the second example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320 and a second protrusion 321. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the second example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the +Y side half of the second terminal 32 is formed by the second surface 320.

[0061] The second protrusion 321 protrudes further in the +X direction from the second surface 320. In the second example, the second terminal 32 has only one second protrusion 321. The second protrusion 321 is provided on the -Y side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The second protrusion 321 is also provided at the end on the -Z side. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 occupies the entire +Z side of the second protrusion 321 of the second terminal 32.

[0062] The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Y-axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction, and the second protrusion 321 is provided at the end of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the entire second protrusion 321 is located on the -Y side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z-axis direction is half or less of the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The absolute value of the protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 minus the protrusion height of the first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to the first surface 310 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. The shape of the second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the second example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second protrusion 321 is a rectangle with its longer side in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] In the second example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the −Y side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the +Y side surface of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. This allows the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b to function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Y-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a in the X-axis direction be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the end surface of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b in the X-axis direction. By doing so, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0065] <Third Example> Fig. 9(a) is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a third example. Fig. 9(b) is a perspective view showing the second terminal 32 of a battery cell 10 according to the third example. Fig. 9(a) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from one end 101 of the main body 100, and Fig. 9(b) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from the other end 102 of the main body 100. In the third example, the first terminal 31 protrudes toward the -X side beyond the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes toward the -X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side aligned in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is disposed at approximately the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately the center in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the third example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance in the X-axis direction between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the -Z side half of the first terminal 31 is formed by the first surface 310.

[0067] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. In the third example, the first protrusion 311 is provided on the +Z side of the center of the first terminal 31 in the Z axis direction. The first protrusion 311 is also provided at the end of the first terminal 31 on the +Z side. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z axis direction. That is, the entire first protrusion 311 is located on the +Z side of the center of the first terminal 31 in the Z axis direction. When viewed with the X axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 occupies the entire −Z side of the first protrusion 311 of the first terminal 31. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y axis direction is 0.9 or more times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y axis direction.

[0068] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, first protrusion 311 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0069] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0070] In the third example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320 and a second protrusion 321. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the third example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the +Z side half of the second terminal 32 is formed by the second surface 320.

[0071] The second protrusion 321 further protrudes in the +X direction from the second surface 320. In the third example, the second protrusion 321 is provided on the -Z side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Z axis direction. The second protrusion 321 is also provided at the end of the second terminal 32 on the -Z side. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z axis direction is 0.3 to 0.5 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z axis direction. That is, the entire second protrusion 321 is located on the -Z side of the center of the second terminal 32 in the Z axis direction. When viewed with the X axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 occupies the entire +Z side of the second protrusion 321 of the second terminal 32. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Y axis direction is 0.9 or more times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y axis direction.

[0072] The protrusion height of second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The shape of second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the third example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, second protrusion 321 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] In the third example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the −Z side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the +Z side surface of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b face each other in the Z-axis direction and can come into contact. This allows the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b to function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Z-axis direction. For example, this can prevent the battery cells 10a and 10b from being misaligned by more than a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a in the X-axis direction be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively, or in addition, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a be able to come into contact with at least a portion of the end face in the X-axis direction of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b. In this way, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0074] <Fourth Example> Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a fourth example. Fig. 10(b) is a perspective view showing the second terminal 32 of a battery cell 10 according to the fourth example. Fig. 10(a) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from one end 101 of the main body 100, and Fig. 10(b) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from the other end 102 of the main body 100. In the fourth example, the first terminal 31 protrudes toward the -X side beyond the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes toward the -X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the fourth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side aligned in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is disposed at approximately the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately the center in the Z-axis direction.

[0075] The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the fourth example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the fourth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the portion other than the first protrusion 311 is made up of the first surface 310.

[0076] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first protrusion 311 overlaps the center of the first terminal 31. Here, the center of the first terminal 31 means the center in the Y-axis direction and the center in the Z-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 0.9 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 0.9 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0077] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the fourth example, first protrusion 311 is a square when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight.

[0078] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the fourth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0079] In the fourth example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320. In the fourth example, a recess 322 is provided on the second surface 320 of the second terminal 32. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically, on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the fourth example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the fourth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the portion other than the recess 322 is formed by the second surface 320.

[0080] The bottom of the recess 322 is located on the -X side of the second surface 320. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the recess 322 overlaps with the center of the second terminal 32. Here, the center of the second terminal 32 means the center in the Y-axis direction and the center in the Z-axis direction. The width of the recess 322 in the Z-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 0.9 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction. The width of the recess 322 in the Y-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 0.9 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The recess 322 has a shape and size that allows at least a portion of the first protrusion 311 to fit inside it.

[0081] The depth of the recess 322 relative to the second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The shape of the recess 322 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the fourth example, the recess 322 is a square when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight.

[0082] In the fourth example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact with each other in the X-axis direction, at least a portion of the first protrusion 311 can be inserted into the recess 322. In this case, the four side surfaces of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a face and come into contact with the four side surfaces of the recess 322. The first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the recess 322 of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a in the X-axis direction can come into contact with at least a portion of the bottom of the recess 322 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. By doing so, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0083] In the fourth example, a plurality of first protrusions 311 may be provided on the first terminal 31, and a plurality of recesses 322 may be provided on the second terminal 32. In this case, it is preferable that the number of first protrusions 311 is the same as the number of recesses 322.

[0084] Fifth Example Fig. 11(a) is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a fifth example. Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view showing the second terminal 32 of a battery cell 10 according to the fifth example. Fig. 11(a) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from one end 101 of the main body 100, and Fig. 11(b) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from the other end 102 of the main body 100. In the fifth example, the first terminal 31 protrudes toward the -X side beyond the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes toward the -X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the fifth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side aligned in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is preferably disposed approximately at the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately at the center of the main body 100 in the Z-axis direction.

[0085] The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the fifth example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 has an H-shape.

[0086] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. In the fifth example, the first terminal 31 has two first protrusions 311. Both of the two first protrusions 311 are provided so as to overlap the center of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. One of the two first protrusions 311 is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 on the +Z side, and the other is provided at the end of the first terminal 31 on the −Z side. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first protrusions 311 are located on both sides of each first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surface 310 is located between the two first protrusions 311. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first protrusions 311 are located on the +Z side and the −Z side of the first surface 310. The number of first protrusions 311 is not particularly limited, and the first terminal 31 can have a plurality of first protrusions 311 .

[0087] The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction is 0.5 to 0.9 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction is 0.2 to 0.45 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0088] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the fifth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, first protrusion 311 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0089] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the fifth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately in the center of the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0090] In the fifth example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320 and a second protrusion 321. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the X-axis direction. In the fifth example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second surface 320 has a + (plus) shape.

[0091] The second protrusion 321 further protrudes in the +X direction from the second surface 320. In the fifth example, the second terminal 32 has four second protrusions 321. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the four second protrusions 321 are located at the four corners of the second terminal 32. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second surface 320 is located between one second protrusion 321 and another second protrusion 321. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the width in the Y-axis direction of the gap between two second protrusions 321 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction is preferably wider than the width in the Y-axis direction of the first protrusion 311. This allows at least a portion of the first protrusion 311 to be fitted between the two second protrusions 321 when connecting two battery cells 10 in the X-axis direction. The number of second protrusions 321 is not particularly limited, and the second terminal 32 may have multiple second protrusions 321.

[0092] The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Y-axis direction is 0.1 to 0.4 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z-axis direction is 0.2 to 0.45 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction.

[0093] The protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The absolute value of the protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 minus the protrusion height of the first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to the first surface 310 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. The shape of the second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the fifth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second protrusion 321 is a rectangle with its longer side in the Z-axis direction.

[0094] In the fifth example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the −Y side surface of at least any of the first protrusions 311 in the battery cell 10a and the +Y side surface of at least any of the second protrusions 321 in the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. Also, the +Y side surface of at least any of the first protrusions 311 in the battery cell 10a and the −Y side surface of at least any of the second protrusions 321 in the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. In this way, the first protrusions 311 in the battery cell 10a and the second protrusions 321 in the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Y-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface in the X-axis direction of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively, or in addition, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least a portion of the end surface in the X-axis direction of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b. In this way, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0095] As a modification of the fifth example, the battery cell 10 may have a structure in which the structure of the -Z side half of the first terminal 31 and the structure of the -Z side half of the second terminal 32 shown in FIG. 11 are interchanged. That is, when viewed with the X axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 may have two first protrusions 311 at the -Z side end and both ends in the Y axis direction, instead of having one first protrusion 311 at the -Z side end and the center in the Y axis direction. Furthermore, when viewed with the X axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 may have one second protrusion 321 at the -Z side end and the center in the Y axis direction, instead of having two second protrusions 321 at the -Z side end and both ends in the Y axis direction.

[0096] <Sixth Example> Fig. 12(a) is a perspective view showing the first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a sixth example. Fig. 12(b) is a perspective view showing the second terminal 32 of a battery cell 10 according to the sixth example. Fig. 12(a) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from one end 101 of the main body 100, and Fig. 12(b) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from the other end 102 of the main body 100. In the sixth example, the first terminal 31 protrudes toward the -X side beyond the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes toward the -X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangle. In the sixth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side aligned in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is preferably disposed approximately at the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and approximately at the center of the main body 100 in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] The first terminal 31 has a first surface 310 and a first protrusion 311. The entire first surface 310 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The first surface 310 is a surface that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction). In the sixth example, the first surface 310 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire first surface 310 is exposed on the -X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 has two first surfaces 310, and the first protrusion 311 is located between the two first surfaces 310. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the two first surfaces 310 and the first protrusion 311 are both I-shaped, and the two first surfaces 310 and the first protrusion 311 each extend in the Z-axis direction. One of the two first surfaces 310 is provided at the +Y side end of the first terminal 31, and the other is provided at the −Y side end of the first terminal 31. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first surfaces 310 are located on the +Y side and −Y side of the first protrusion 311.

[0098] The first protrusion 311 further protrudes in the −X direction from the first surface 310. In the sixth example, the first terminal 31 has one first protrusion 311. The first protrusion 311 is provided so as to overlap the center of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0099] The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction is 0.5 to 0.9 times the width of the first terminal 31 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction is 0.8 to 1 time the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction. The width of the first protrusion 311 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the width of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0100] The protrusion height of first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to first surface 310 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The shape of first protrusion 311 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the sixth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, first protrusion 311 is a rectangle with its longer side oriented in the Z-axis direction.

[0101] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the sixth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is a rectangle with its long side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The second terminal 32 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second terminal 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the first terminal 31.

[0102] In the sixth example, the second terminal 32 has a second surface 320 and a second protrusion 321. The entire second surface 320 is located outside the main body 100, more specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The second surface 320 is a surface that intersects with the X-axis direction. In the sixth example, the second surface 320 is a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The entire second surface 320 is exposed on the +X side. The distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 in the X-axis direction is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second surface 320 is I-shaped and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0103] The second protrusion 321 further protrudes in the +X direction from the second surface 320. In the sixth example, the second terminal 32 has two second protrusions 321. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the two second protrusions 321 are located at both ends of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second surface 320 is located between the two second protrusions 321. When viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight, it is preferable that the width of the gap between the two second protrusions 321 in the Y-axis direction is wider than the width of the first protrusion 311 in the Y-axis direction. This allows at least a portion of the first protrusion 311 to be fitted between the two second protrusions 321 when connecting two battery cells 10 in the X-axis direction.

[0104] The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Y-axis direction is 0.1 to 0.4 times the width of the second terminal 32 in the Y-axis direction. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z-axis direction is 0.8 to 1 time the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction. The width of the second protrusion 321 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as the width of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction.

[0105] The protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The absolute value of the difference between the protrusion height of the second protrusion 321 in the +X direction relative to the second surface 320 and the protrusion height of the first protrusion 311 in the -X direction relative to the first surface 310 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. The shape of the second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight. In the sixth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the second protrusion 321 is a rectangle with its longer side in the Z-axis direction.

[0106] In the sixth example, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the -Y side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the +Y side surface of at least one of the second protrusions 321 of the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. Also, the +Y side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the -Y side surface of at least one of the second protrusions 321 of the battery cell 10b face each other in the Y-axis direction and can come into contact with each other. In this way, the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship between the battery cells 10a and 10b in the Y-axis direction. At the same time, it is preferable that at least a portion of the end surface in the X-axis direction of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least a portion of the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b. Alternatively, or in addition, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a can come into contact with at least a portion of the end surface in the X-axis direction of the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b. In this way, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b can function as guides for determining the positional relationship in the Z-axis direction between the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0107] In the first to third, fifth, and sixth examples described above, the portion described as second protrusion 321 can be considered as second surface 320, and the portion described as second surface 320 can be considered as recess 322. In the fourth example, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the entire periphery of recess 322 is surrounded by second surface 320.

[0108] The battery module and the method for manufacturing the battery module according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0109] 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery module 60 according to this embodiment. The battery module 60 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of battery cells 10 according to this embodiment. The plurality of battery cells 10 (10a, 10b, ...) included in one battery module 60 all have the same structure. Note that the arrangement and connection relationship of the plurality of battery cells 10 in the battery module 60 and the structure of the battery module 60 are not limited to this example.

[0110] The battery module 60 further includes a housing 610. A plurality of battery cells 10 are housed inside the housing 610. The plurality of battery cells 10 are electrically connected to one another in the battery module 60. The use of the battery module 60 is not particularly limited, but the battery module 60 is, for example, for use in a vehicle.

[0111] Of the multiple battery cells 10 included in the battery module 60, two or more are connected in a row in the X-axis direction. That is, in the example of FIG. 13 , of the multiple battery cells 10 included in the battery module 60, two or more are connected in a row in the longitudinal direction of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 a of one battery cell 10 a and the second terminal 32 b of another battery cell 10 b, which are connected in a row in the X-axis direction, are preferably welded together. The first terminal 31 of the battery cell 10 a and the second terminal 32 of the other battery cell 10 b may be further connected by a bus bar 620 (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ). In this case, the bus bar 620 is welded to the first terminal 31 a of the battery cell 10 a and the second terminal 32 b of the other battery cell 10 b. The bus bar 620 is made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The shape of the bus bar 620 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a plate shape.

[0112] Furthermore, two or more of the multiple battery cells 10 included in the battery module 60 are connected in a line in the Y-axis direction. That is, in the example of Fig. 13, two or more of the multiple battery cells 10 included in the battery module 60 are connected in a thickness direction of the main body 100. The first terminal 31c of one battery cell 10c and the second terminal 32d of another battery cell 10d, which are connected in a line in the Y-axis direction, are electrically connected to each other via a bus bar 620. The bus bar 620 is welded to the first terminal 31c of the battery cell 10c and the second terminal 32d of the battery cell 10d.

[0113] The first terminals 31 of one or more battery cells 10 are connected to the terminal 631. The second terminals 32 of one or more battery cells 10 are connected to the terminal 632. The plurality of battery cells 10 are electrically connected to a device external to the battery module 60 via the terminals 631 and 632.

[0114] The method for manufacturing the battery module 60 according to this embodiment includes a step of connecting a plurality of battery cells 10 according to this embodiment.

[0115] For example, in the manufacturing method of the battery module 60, the battery cells 10 are arranged and the terminals are welded together. Because the battery cells 10 may be heavy, it is useful to be able to easily perform these operations using a machine such as a robot. With the battery cell 10 according to this embodiment, multiple battery cells 10 can be easily arranged and connected without complicated operations.

[0116] In the connecting step, the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b may be connected in the X-axis direction. The battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b are different battery cells 10.

[0117] The battery cells 10a and 10b are arranged so that the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b, which is different from the battery cell 10a, face each other in the X-axis direction. It is preferable that the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b have shapes that fit together. However, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b do not need to fit together precisely; they only need to be roughly within a range of connectable positions. According to the first to fourth examples described above, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b function as guides. This allows the battery cells 10a and 10b to be easily arranged in the desired positions.

[0118] Next, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b are welded. Here, the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a and the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b are located outside the respective body portions 100. That is, the joint between the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b is exposed between the body portions 100 of the battery cells 10a and 10b. This makes it easy to weld the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b. In this way, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b are joined between the body portions 100 of the battery cells 10a and 10b.

[0119] Furthermore, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b may be connected to each other using a bus bar 620. By using the bus bar 620, the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b can be connected with lower resistance.

[0120] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b when the battery cell 10 according to the first or fifth example described above is used as the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b when the battery cell 10 according to the second example described above is used as the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b. In these examples, a second protrusion 321 is provided on the second surface 320. When at least one of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10b contacts with each other and the first surface 310 of the battery cell 10a and the second protrusion 321 of the battery cell 10b, a space 650 is created between the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b. Space 650 is connected to the outside through an opening formed between the side surface of first terminal 31 a and the side surface of second terminal 32 b. Therefore, bus bar 620 can be inserted into space 650, and bus bar 620 can be easily welded to first terminal 31 a and to second terminal 32 b.

[0121] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating a connection between the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b when the battery cell 10 according to the fifth or sixth example described above is used as the battery cell 10a and the battery cell 10b. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the width of the second protrusion 321 is preferably 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. Because the width of the second protrusion 321 is narrow when viewed from the Z-axis direction, welding from the Y-axis direction can be easily performed. In the example of Fig. 16, the first terminal 31a and the second terminal 32b can be directly welded.

[0122] In the connecting step, the battery cell 10c and the battery cell 10d may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (the Y-axis direction in the example of FIG. 13 ) so that the first terminal 31c of the battery cell 10c and the second terminal 32d of the battery cell 10d are adjacent to each other, and the first terminal 31c and the second terminal 32d are electrically connected. The battery cell 10c and the battery cell 10d are different battery cells 10.

[0123] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the first example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the second example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the third example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction. In the examples of FIGS. 17 to 19 , the bus bar 620 is plate-shaped with a rectangular main surface. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the third example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction by a bus bar 620 according to a modified example. In the example of FIG. 20 , the bus bar 620 is plate-shaped with a Z-shaped main surface. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the fifth example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two battery cells 10 according to the sixth example described above are connected and aligned in the Y-axis direction. In the examples of FIGS. 21 and 22, the bus bar 620 is in the form of a plate having a rectangular main surface.

[0124] When the battery cells 10 are arranged in the Y-axis direction and connected, the first surface 310 and the second surface 320 can function as abutment surfaces for the bus bar 620 (see, for example, FIGS. 17 to 21 ). In this case, it is preferable that the difference between the distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 and the distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 of the battery cell 10 be 0.5 mm or less. This ensures that when multiple battery cells 10 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, the positions (heights relative to the main body 100) of the first surfaces 310 of adjacent first terminals 31 and the second surfaces 320 of adjacent second terminals 32 are aligned. Therefore, the bus bar 620 can be easily connected by abutting the first surface 310 and the second surface 320. However, the difference between the distance between the main body 100 and the first surface 310 and the distance between the main body 100 and the second surface 320 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 5 mm or less. 22 , for example, the end faces of the first protrusion 311 and the second protrusion 321 may function as abutment surfaces for the bus bar 620. In this case, in the battery cell 10, the difference between the distance between the main body 100 and the end face of the first protrusion 311 and the distance between the main body 100 and the end face of the second protrusion 321 is preferably 0.5 mm or less. However, the difference between the distance between the main body 100 and the end face of the first protrusion 311 and the distance between the main body 100 and the end face of the second protrusion 321 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 5 mm or less.

[0125] When the battery cell 10c and the battery cell 10d are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (the Y-axis direction in the examples of FIGS. 17 to 21 ) so that the first terminal 31c of the battery cell 10c and the second terminal 32d of the battery cell 10d are adjacent to each other, it is preferable that the first region 313 and the second region 323 are adjacent to each other without any of the first protrusion 311, the second protrusion 321, or the recess 322 interposed therebetween. The first region 313 is at least a part of the first surface 310 of the first terminal 31c. The second region 323 is at least a part of the second surface 320 of the second terminal 32d. This allows the bus bar 620 to be easily connected by abutting the first region 313 and the second region 323.

[0126] For example, as shown in Figures 17, 18, and 21, when the second protrusion 321 is provided on the second surface 320, when the battery cell 10c and the battery cell 10d are arranged so that the first terminal 31 of one battery cell and the second terminal 32 of the other battery cell are adjacent to each other in a second direction (the Y-axis direction in the examples of Figures 17, 18, and 21) perpendicular to the X-axis direction, it is preferable that one side surface of the first protrusion 311 and one side surface of the second protrusion 321 are aligned in the second direction. This allows the bus bar 620 to abut against these side surfaces. In other words, welding can be performed efficiently with the bus bar 620 supported by these side surfaces.

[0127] As described above, the battery cells 10 according to this embodiment can be easily connected in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Using the battery cells 10 according to this embodiment, the battery module 60 can be manufactured efficiently.

[0128] According to this embodiment, when the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the first direction, at least one side surface of the first protrusion 311 of the battery cell 10a and at least one side surface of the second protrusion 321 and the recess 322 of the battery cell 10b can face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a battery cell that can be easily connected to other battery cells.

[0129] Second Embodiment FIG. 23( a ) is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal 31 of a battery cell 10 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 23( b ) is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal 32 of a battery cell 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23( a ) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from one end 101 of the main body 100, and FIG. 23( b ) shows the battery cell 10 as viewed from the other end 102 of the main body 100. FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state in which a battery cell 10 a according to one embodiment and a battery cell 10 b according to another embodiment are in contact in a first direction. The battery cell 10 according to the second embodiment is the same as the battery cell 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below. The battery module 60 according to the second embodiment and the manufacturing method for the battery module 60 are the same as the battery module 60 according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

[0130] The battery cell 10 according to this embodiment includes a main body 100, a first terminal 31, and a second terminal 32. The main body 100 includes a battery element 110. The first terminal 31 protrudes from one end 101 of the main body 100 in a first direction (the X-axis direction). The second terminal 32 protrudes from the other end 102 of the main body 100 in the first direction. The first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 each have a slope at an end in the first direction that is oblique to the first direction. When the first terminal 31a of one battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of another battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the first direction, the slope 314 of the first terminal 31a of the one battery cell 10a and the slope 324 of the second terminal 32b of the other battery cell 10b are configured to face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0131] Specifically, in the examples of Figures 23(a) and 23(b), when the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b are brought into contact in the X-axis direction, the inclined surface 314 of the first terminal 31a of the battery cell 10a and the inclined surface 324 of the second terminal 32b of the battery cell 10b are configured to be able to face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0132] The battery cell 10 according to this embodiment allows easy connection of multiple battery cells 10. According to this embodiment, the inclined surface 314 of the first terminal 31 a and the inclined surface 324 of the second terminal 32 b of another battery cell 10 b are configured to be able to face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the inclined surface 314 and the inclined surface 324 to come into contact with each other when connecting multiple battery cells 10 in the first direction, for example, and these inclined surfaces can function as guides when placing one battery cell 10 relative to the other battery cell 10.

[0133] 23(a) and 23(b), in more detail, a protrusion 315 composed of multiple surfaces including a slope 314 is provided at the end of the first terminal 31. A recess 325 composed of multiple surfaces including a slope 324 is provided at the end of the second terminal 32. The protrusion 315 extends from one end to the other end of the first terminal 31 when viewed in the X-axis direction as the line of sight (i.e., when viewed from the X-axis direction). The recess 325 extends from one end to the other end of the second terminal 32 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0134] The first terminal 31 protrudes toward the -X side beyond the first insulating member 131 of the main body 100. The first terminal 31 also protrudes toward the -X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the first terminal 31 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the example of FIG. 23( a), when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its longer side extending in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is preferably disposed approximately in the center of the main body 100 in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0135] The entire inclined surface 314 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the -X side of the main body 100. The inclined surface 314 is a plane that intersects with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the example of FIG. 23( a), the inclined surface 314 does not intersect with the Z-axis direction, but the inclined surface 314 may be a plane that intersects with the Z-axis direction. The distance in the X-axis direction between the main body 100 and the inclined surface 314 (i.e., the shortest distance) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the example of FIG. 23( a), the first terminal 31 has two inclined surfaces 314. However, the number of inclined surfaces 314 that the first terminal 31 has is not particularly limited. In the example of FIG. 23( a), when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the entire first terminal 31 is composed of one of the inclined surfaces 314. However, when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, a portion of the first terminal 31 may be composed of a surface other than the inclined surface 314. The angle of the inclined surface 314 with respect to the YZ plane is not particularly limited, but is, for example, not less than 15 degrees and not more than 75 degrees.

[0136] In the example of Figure 23(a), the convex portion 315 is composed of two inclined surfaces 314 that intersect with each other. However, the convex portion 315 may be composed of three or more inclined surfaces 314 that intersect with each other. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the convex portion 315 extends from one end to the other end of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction. However, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the convex portion 315 may extend only a part of the first terminal 31 in the Z-axis direction. In the example of Figure 23(a), the convex portion 315 is aligned along the Z-axis direction.

[0137] The second terminal 32 protrudes toward the +X side beyond the second insulating member 132 of the main body 100. The second terminal 32 also protrudes toward the +X side beyond the exterior film 400 of the main body 100. When viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the shape of the second terminal 32 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a rectangle. In the example of FIG. 23( b ), when viewed with the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the first terminal 31 is a rectangle with its long side oriented in the Z-axis direction. The first terminal 31 is preferably disposed approximately at the center of the main body 100 in both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0138] The entire inclined surface 324 is located outside the main body 100, specifically on the +X side of the main body 100. The inclined surface 324 is a plane that intersects with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the example of FIG. 23( b), the inclined surface 324 does not intersect with the Z-axis direction, but the inclined surface 324 may be a plane that intersects with the Z-axis direction. The distance in the X-axis direction between the main body 100 and the inclined surface 324 (i.e., the shortest distance) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the example of FIG. 23( b), the second terminal 32 has two inclined surfaces 324. However, the number of inclined surfaces 324 that the second terminal 32 has is not particularly limited. In the example of FIG. 23( b), when viewed from the X-axis direction as the line of sight, the entire second terminal 32 is composed of one of the inclined surfaces 324. However, when viewed from the X-axis direction as the line of sight, a portion of the second terminal 32 may be composed of a surface other than the inclined surface 324. The angle of the inclined surface 324 with respect to the YZ plane is not particularly limited, but is, for example, not less than 15 degrees and not more than 75 degrees.

[0139] In the example of Figure 23(b), the recess 325 is composed of two inclined surfaces 324 that intersect with each other. However, the recess 325 may be composed of three or more inclined surfaces 324 that intersect with each other. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the recess 325 extends from one end to the other end of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction. However, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the recess 325 may extend only a part of the second terminal 32 in the Z-axis direction. In the example of Figure 23(b), the recess 325 is aligned along the Z-axis direction.

[0140] According to this embodiment, when the first terminal 31 a of one battery cell 10 a and the second terminal 32 b of another battery cell 10 b are brought into contact in the first direction, the sloped surface 314 of the first terminal 31 a of the one battery cell 10 a and the sloped surface 324 of the second terminal 32 b of the other battery cell 10 b are configured to face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, a battery cell that can be easily connected to other battery cells can be provided.

[0141] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0142] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-116515, filed on July 18, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0143] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Battery cell 31, 31a, 31c First terminal 32, 32b, 32d Second terminal 60 Battery module 100 Main body 110 Battery element 121 First conductor 122 Second conductor 131 First insulating member 132 Second insulating member 310 First surface 311 First protrusion 313 First region 314 Slope 315 Convex portion 320 Second surface 321 Second protrusion 322 Concave portion 323 Second region 324 Slope 325 Concave portion 400 Exterior film 610 Housing 620 Bus bar

Claims

1. A battery cell comprising: a main body portion having a battery element; a first terminal protruding from one end of the main body portion in a first direction; and a second terminal protruding from the other end of the main body portion in the first direction, the first terminal having a first surface located outside the main body portion and intersecting with the first direction, and a first protrusion protruding from the first surface, the second terminal having a second surface located outside the main body portion and intersecting with the first direction, the second surface being provided with at least one of a second protrusion and a recess, and configured such that when the first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of another battery cell are brought into contact in the first direction, at least one side of the first protrusion of the one battery cell and at least one side of the second protrusion and the recess of the other battery cell can face each other in at least one direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. A battery cell as claimed in claim 1, wherein the difference between the distance between said main body and said first surface and the distance between said main body and said second surface is 5 mm or less.

3. A battery cell as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the one battery cell and the other battery cell are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, with the first terminal of the one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell adjacent to each other, a first region that is at least a part of the first surface of the first terminal and a second region that is at least a part of the second surface of the second terminal are adjacent to each other without any of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, or the recess therebetween.

4. A battery cell as described in claim 3, wherein the second surface is provided with the second protrusion, and when the one battery cell and the other battery cell are arranged in the second direction with the first terminal of one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell adjacent to each other, one of the side surfaces of the first protrusion and one of the side surfaces of the second protrusion are arranged in the second direction.

5. A battery cell as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second surface is provided with the second protrusion, and wherein when at least one of contact between the first protrusion of the one battery cell and the second surface of the other battery cell and contact between the first surface of the one battery cell and the second protrusion of the other battery cell is caused, a space is generated between the first terminal of the one battery cell and the second terminal of the other battery cell, and the space is connected to the outside through an opening formed between a side surface of the first terminal and a side surface of the second terminal.

6. A battery cell comprising: a main body portion having a battery element; a first terminal protruding from one end of the main body portion in a first direction; and a second terminal protruding from the other end of the main body portion in the first direction, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal each have a sloped surface at an end in the first direction that is oblique to the first direction, and wherein when the first terminal of one of the battery cells and the second terminal of another of the battery cells are brought into contact in the first direction, the sloped surface of the first terminal of the one of the battery cells and the sloped surface of the second terminal of the other of the battery cells can face each other in at least any direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. A battery cell as described in claim 6, wherein the end of the first terminal is provided with a convex portion constituted by a plurality of surfaces including the inclined surface, and the end of the second terminal is provided with a concave portion constituted by a plurality of surfaces including the inclined surface.

8. A battery cell as described in claim 7, wherein the protrusion extends from one end to the other end of the first terminal when viewed from the first direction, and the recess extends from one end to the other end of the second terminal when viewed from the first direction.

9. A battery cell as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body portion comprises a first insulating member covering one end of the battery element and a second insulating member covering the other end of the battery element, the first terminal protruding from the first insulating member, and the second terminal protruding from the second insulating member.

10. A method for manufacturing a battery module, comprising the step of connecting a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for manufacturing a battery module as described in claim 10, wherein in the connecting step, the first terminal of a first battery cell and the second terminal of a second battery cell different from the first battery cell are connected in the first direction.

12. A method for manufacturing a battery module as described in claim 10, wherein in the connecting step, a first battery cell and a second battery cell different from the first battery cell are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction such that the first terminal of the first battery cell and the second terminal of the second battery cell are adjacent to each other, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected.

13. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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