BATTERY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR BATTERY

A battery includes a charge/discharge body including an electrode including an electrode tab, a cover that faces a side section of the charge/discharge body, from which the electrode tab projects, and covers and insulates the charge/discharge body, and a container that houses the charge/discharge body covered by the cover and has conductivity. The cover includes a main body section that covers the side section of the charge/discharge body, an insertion section formed in a cutout shape including an opening at an outer edge of the main body section, the electrode tab being inserted into the insertion section, and a wall section that extends in a direction further away from the side section than the main body section and separates an inner surface of the container and the insertion section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a battery and a manufacturing method for a battery.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been a battery configured by housing, in an enclosure, a charge/discharge body including an electrode tab. In such a battery, a cover (an insulating plate and an insulating case) that insulates the charge/discharge body including the electrode tab is known (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

It is demanded to insulate an electrode tab with a simple configuration in a battery.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the problem of the related art described above, a battery of the present invention includes: a charge/discharge body including an electrode including an electrode tab; a cover that faces a side section of the charge/discharge body, from which the electrode tab projects, and covers and insulates the charge/discharge body; and a container that houses the charge/discharge body covered by the cover and has conductivity. The cover includes: a main body section that covers the side section of the charge/discharge body; an insertion section formed in a cutout shape including an opening at an outer edge of the main body section, the electrode tab being inserted into the insertion section; and a wall section that extends in a direction further away from the side section than the main body section and separates an inner surface of the container and the insertion section.

In addition, in order to solve the problem of the related art described above, a manufacturing method for a battery of the present invention includes a step of covering the charge/discharge body with the cover while inserting the electrode tab and the insertion section from a side of the outer edge of the main body section.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With the battery of the present invention, it is possible to insulate an electrode tab with a simple configuration. In addition, with the manufacturing method for the battery of the present invention, it is possible to improve the productivity of the battery with a simple configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Each of embodiments of the present invention is explained with reference to the drawings. To facilitate understanding of each of the embodiments, sizes and ratios of constituent members are sometimes exaggerated in the drawings. In the drawings, an electrode tab of a charge/discharge body is illustrated shorter than actual length. In particular, electrode tabs shown inFIG.7,FIG.17,FIG.19,FIG.21, andFIG.23are illustrated shorter compared with electrode tabs shown inFIG.8,FIG.18,FIG.20,FIG.22, andFIG.24corresponding thereto. In each of the embodiments, the same reference numerals and signs are given to the same components and redundant explanation of the components is omitted. In each of the embodiments, a left-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system in which an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are set as coordinate axes is used. Arrows of the axes of the X axis the Y axis, and the Z axis indicate positive directions of the coordinate axes. The X axis is a coordinate axis in a longitudinal direction of a rectangular parallelepiped battery. The Y axis is a coordinate axis in a latitudinal direction of the battery. The Z axis is a coordinate axis in a height direction of the battery. A plane formed by the X axis and the Y axis is referred to as an XY plane, a plane formed by the Y axis and the Z axis is referred to as a YZ plane, and a plane formed by the X axis and the Z axis is referred to as an XZ plane. However, a positional relation represented by the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is only a relative positional relation.

First Embodiment

A configuration of a battery1is explained with reference toFIG.1toFIG.14.

The battery1includes, for example, as shown inFIG.1toFIG.5, a charge/discharge body10that charges and discharges electricity, a current collector20coupled to the charge/discharge body10, a current blocker30coupled to the current collector20, an external terminal40coupled to the current collector20or the current blocker30, and an exterior body50in or to which the constituent members of the battery1are housed or attached. The battery1includes an insulator60that insulates the constituent members of the battery1and the exterior body50and a sealing body70that seals the constituent members of the battery1and the exterior body50.

The charge/discharge body10charges and discharges electricity. The charge/discharge body10shown inFIG.2toFIG.10includes a positive electrode11, a negative electrode12, separators13(insulating members), and an electrolyte14. The electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) include electrode tabs (a positive electrode tab11band a negative electrode tab12b). As shown inFIG.9, the charge/discharge body10is configured by winding, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the constituent members stacked in the order of the positive electrode11, the separator13, the negative electrode12, and the separator13.

The positive electrode11includes, for example, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, a long positive electrode current collection layer11S and a positive electrode active material layer11T joined to the positive current collection layer11S. The positive electrode current collection layer11S includes a current collection section11aand the positive electrode tab11b. The positive electrode active material layer11T is joined to the current collection section11a. The positive electrode active material layer11T faces, for example, the entire area extending in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11a(the Z-axis direction).

For example, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, the positive electrode tab11bprojects in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11afrom a side edge11cextending in the longitudinal direction of the current collection section11a. The positive electrode tab11bis formed integrally with the current collection section11a. One positive electrode tab11bis formed in one current collection section11a. The current collection section11ais formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The positive electrode active material layer11T includes a positive electrode active material, a binder, a conductive auxiliary agent, and the like formed by a lithium-containing complex oxide. As the lithium-containing complex oxide, for example, a metal element such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), or manganese (Mn) and lithium (Li) are used.

The negative electrode12includes, for example, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, a long negative electrode current collection layer12S and a negative electrode active material layer12T joined to the negative electrode current collection layer12S. The negative electrode current collection layer12S includes a current collection section12aand the negative electrode tab12b. The current collection section12aof the negative electrode12is longer in width in the latitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction) compared with the current collection section11aof the positive electrode11. Both the ends in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11aof the positive electrode11are located via the separator13within a range extending in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section12aof the negative electrode12. The negative electrode active material layer12T is joined to the current collection section12a. The negative electrode active material layer12T faces, for example, the entire area extending in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section12a.

For example, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, the negative electrode tab12bprojects in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section12afrom a side edge12cextending in the longitudinal direction of the current collection section12a. The negative electrode tab12bprojects in the same direction as the direction of the positive electrode tab11bof the positive electrode11in a state in which the negative electrode tab12bis stacked with the positive electrode11via the separator13. The negative electrode tab12bis separated from the positive electrode tab11bof the positive electrode11in the state in which the negative electrode tab12bis stacked with the positive electrode11via the separator13. The negative electrode tab12bis formed integrally with the current collection section12a. One negative electrode tab12bis formed in one current collection section12a. The current collection section12ais formed by, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

The negative electrode active material layer12T includes a negative electrode active material, a binder, a conductive auxiliary agent, and the like formed by a carbon-based material. As the carbon-based material, for example, graphite is used.

For example, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, the separator13(an insulator) allows lithium ions to pass while insulating the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12. The separator13is formed long. The separator13is long in the width in the latitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction) compared with the current collection section11aof the positive electrode11and the current collection section12aof the negative electrode12. Both the ends in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11aof the positive electrode11are located and both ends in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section12aof the negative electrode12are located within a range extending in the latitudinal direction of the separator13. The separator13is made of a porous material. As the separator13, polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is used. A heat resistant insulating member may be used instead of the separator13. As the heat resistant insulating member, for example, ceramics is used. The configuration explained above is a so-called separator-less configuration.

The electrolyte14is equivalent to a so-called electrolytic solution. The electrolyte14includes an organic solvent, a supporting electrolyte, and an additive. As the organic solvent, for example, carbonic ester is used. As the supporting electrolyte, for example, lithium salt is used.

A charge/discharge body110that is a modification of the charge/discharge body10is explained with reference toFIG.11. In the charge/discharge body110, a configuration of a positive electrode111is different from the configuration of the positive electrode11in the first embodiment. In a configuration of the charge/discharge body110, the same reference numerals and signs are added to the same components as the components of the charge/discharge body10and explanation of the components is omitted. A positive electrode active material layer111T of the charge/discharge body110faces a portion excluding both the ends extending in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11a(the Z-axis direction). A heat resistant insulating layer111U of the charge/discharge body110is joined to both the ends extending in the latitudinal direction of the current collection section11aand a proximal end portion of the positive electrode tab11b. The heat resistance insulating layer111U includes, for example, ceramics.

A current collector20is coupled to the positive electrode tab11band the negative electrode tab12bof the charge/discharge body10. The current collector20shown inFIG.2toFIG.5,FIG.12, andFIG.14includes a positive electrode current collection plate21and a negative electrode current collection plate22.

For example, as shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, the positive electrode current collection plate21causes the positive electrode tab11bof the charge/discharge body10and a positive electrode terminal41to conduct via the current blocker30. The positive electrode current collection plate21includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like first base section21a, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like second base section21b, and a coupling section21cthat couples the first base section21aand the second base section21bstep-wise at different heights. A recess21dwhere the second base section21bis formed thin is formed on the upper surface (the surface on the Z-axis positive direction side) of the second base section21b. A fragile section21e, which is a fragile portion hollowed in a ring shape, is formed in the center of the recess21d. A convex positive electrode joining section21fprojecting downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) is formed in the first base section21a. The positive electrode joining section21fis formed in a triangular shape. The positive electrode joining section21fextends in the longitudinal direction of the charge/discharge body10(the X-axis direction) while facing the charge/discharge body10. The positive electrode joining section21fhas higher rigidity in a stacking direction of the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21(the Z-axis direction) than the positive electrode tab11b. The distal end of the positive electrode joining section21fand the positive electrode tab11bare welded. The positive electrode tab11bis pressed toward the positive electrode joining section21fwhen being welded to the positive electrode joining section21fto thereby be deformed to extend along the convex positive electrode joining section21f. The positive electrode current collection plate21is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

For example, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the negative electrode current collection plate22causes the negative electrode tab12bof the charge/discharge body10and a negative electrode terminal42to conduct. The negative electrode current collection plate22includes, for example, as shown inFIG.12, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section22aand an insertion hole22bpiercing through the base section22a. An insertion section42bof the negative electrode terminal42is inserted into the insertion hole22bof the negative electrode current collection plate22. A convex negative electrode joining section22fprojecting downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) is formed in the base section22a. The negative electrode joining section22fis formed in a triangular shape. The negative electrode joining section22fextends in the longitudinal direction of the charge/discharge body10(the X-axis direction) while facing the charge/discharge body10. The negative electrode joining section22fhas higher rigidity in a stacking direction of the negative electrode tab12band the negative electrode current collection plate22(the Z-axis direction) than the negative electrode tab12b. The distal end of the negative electrode joining section22fand the negative electrode tab12bare welded. The negative electrode tab12bis pressed toward the negative electrode joining section22fwhen being welded to the negative electrode joining section22fto thereby be deformed to extend along the convex negative electrode joining section22f. The negative electrode current collection plate22is formed by, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

The current blocker30is coupled to the current collector20and causes the current collector20and the positive electrode terminal41to conduct. The current blocker30shown inFIG.4,FIG.5, andFIG.14includes a diaphragm31, a conductive member32, and a pair of supporting tables33.

The diaphragm31includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a curved cylindrical main body section31a, a disc-shaped first joining section31bprovided on the distal end side (the Z-axis negative direction side) of the main body section31a, and a ring-like second joining section31cprovided on the proximal end side (the Z-axis positive direction side) of the main body section31a. The first joining section31bis joined to the recess21dof the positive electrode current collection plate21. The second joining section31cis joined to the conductive member32. The diaphragm31is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

For example, as shown inFIG.14, the conductive member32is formed in a cylindrical shape. A positive electrode side first insulating plate62is joined to the upper surface (the surface on the Z axis positive direction side) of the conductive member32. The second joining section31cof the diaphragm31is joined to the peripheral edge of the lower surface (the surface on the Z-axis negative direction side) of the conductive member32. The conductive member32is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The supporting tables33include, for example, as shown inFIG.14, rectangular parallelepiped main body sections33aextending in the latitudinal direction of the battery1(the Y-axis direction) and leg sections33bextending downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) from both the sides in the longitudinal direction of the main body sections33a(the Y-axis direction). One supporting table33is provided at each of both the ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery1of the diaphragm31(the X-axis direction). The main body sections33aare attached to the positive electrode side first insulating plate62. The leg sections33bare attached to the second base section21bof the positive electrode current collection plate21. The supporting tables33are formed by, for example, insulating resin.

The external terminal40is coupled to the current collector20or the current blocker30. The external terminal40shown inFIG.1toFIG.6,FIG.12, andFIG.14includes the positive electrode terminal41and the negative electrode terminal42.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, the positive electrode terminal41is coupled to the conductive member32of the current blocker30. The positive electrode terminal41includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section41a, a columnar insertion section41bprojecting downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) from the base section41a, and a cylindrical joining section41cprojecting downward (the Z-axis negative direction) from the peripheral edge of the base section41a.

For example, as shown inFIG.14, the base section41ais in contact with a base section64aof a positive electrode side second insulating plate64. The insertion section41bis inserted into an insertion hole64bof the positive electrode side second insulating plate64, a positive electrode side insertion hole52aof a lid52, an insertion hole62bof the positive electrode side first insulating plate62, and an insertion hole32bof the conductive member32.

For example, as shown inFIG.14, the joining section41cprojects downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) from the insertion hole32bof the conductive member32and is expanded outward in the radial direction and joined to the conductive member32. That is, the joining section41cis caulked at the peripheral edge of the insertion hole32bof the conductive member32. Further, the joining section41cis welded at the peripheral edge of the insertion hole32bof the conductive member32. The positive electrode terminal41is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

For example, as shown inFIG.3, the negative electrode terminal42is coupled to the negative electrode current collection plate22. The negative electrode terminal42includes, for example, as shown inFIG.12, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section42a, a columnar insertion section42bprojecting downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) from the base section42a, and a cylindrical joining section42cprojecting downward (in the Z-axis negative direction) from the peripheral edge of the base section42a.

For example, as shown inFIG.12, the base section42ais in contact with a base section65aof a negative electrode side second insulating plate65. The insertion section42bis inserted into an insertion hole65bof the negative electrode side second insulating plate65, a negative electrode side insertion hole52bof the lid52, an insertion hole63bof a negative electrode side first insulating plate63, and the insertion hole22bof the negative electrode current collection plate22.

For example, as shown inFIG.12, the joining section42cprojects downward from the insertion hole22bof the negative electrode current collection plate22and is expanded outward in the radial direction and joined to the negative electrode current collection plate22. That is, the joining section42cis caulked at the peripheral edge of the insertion hole22bof the negative electrode current collection plate22. Further, the joining section42cis welded to the peripheral edge of the insertion hole22bof the negative electrode current collection plate22. The negative electrode terminal42is formed by, for example, copper or a copper alloy.

The constituent members of the battery1are housed in or attached to the exterior body50. The exterior body50shown inFIG.1toFIG.6andFIG.12toFIG.14includes a container51, the lid52, and a sealing plug53.

For example, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.6, the container51houses the charge/discharge body10and the like covered by an insulation cover61, a positive electrode tab cover66, and a negative electrode tab cover67. The container51is configured by a rectangular parallelepiped metal can. The container51includes, for example, as shown inFIG.6, an opening51aopened in the longitudinal direction and an enclosure section51bstretching to the opening51a. The container51has conductivity. The container51is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

For example, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.6, the lid52seals the opening51aof the container51. The lid52faces, in the charge/discharge body10, one side section10a(a side section) adjacent to the positive electrode11, the separators13, and the negative electrode12. The lid52is formed by a long plate-shaped metal plate. In the lid52, the positive electrode side insertion hole52aconfigured by a circular through-hole is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction. The insertion section41bof the positive electrode terminal41is inserted into the positive electrode side insertion hole52a. In the lid52, the negative electrode side insertion hole52bconfigured by a circular through-hole is formed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The insertion section42bof the negative electrode terminal42is inserted into the negative electrode side insertion hole52b.

In the lid52, a liquid injection hole52cconfigured by a circular through-hole is formed between the positive electrode side insertion hole52aand the negative electrode side insertion hole52b. The electrolyte14is injected from the lid52toward the container51via the liquid injection hole52c. the insertion section53bof the sealing plug53is inserted into the liquid injection hole52c. In the lid52, a cleavage valve52dis formed in the center in the longitudinal direction. The lid52is welded to the container51. The lid52is formed by, for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

For example, as shown inFIG.13, the sealing plug53seals the liquid injection hole52cof the lid52. The sealing plug53is formed in a columnar shape. The sealing plug53includes a head section53ahaving a relatively large outer diameter and an insertion section53bcontinuing to the head section53aand having a relatively small outer diameter. The head section53aof the sealing plug53is welded to the lid52. The sealing plug53is formed by, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The insulator60insulates the constituent members of the battery1and the exterior body50. The insulator60shown inFIG.2toFIG.8,FIG.12, andFIG.14includes the insulation cover61, the positive electrode side first insulating plate62, the negative electrode side first insulating plate63, the positive electrode side second insulating plate64, the negative electrode side second insulating plate65, the positive electrode tab cover66(a cover), and the negative electrode tab cover67(a cover).

For example, as shown inFIG.6, the insulation cover61covers and insulates the charge/discharge body10. The insulation cover61includes a pair of side surfaces (a first side surface61aand a second side surface61b) facing each other and an opening61cthat exposes the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10between the first side surface61aand the second side surface61b. The insulation cover61covers surfaces other than one surface of the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. That is, the insulation cover61covers the other side section10bfacing the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10and an outer circumferential surface10clocated between the one side section10aand the other side section10bof the charge/discharge body10. The insulation cover61is formed in a pentahedron shape by folding a polyhedral sheet in a box shape. The insulation cover61is formed by, for example, polypropylene.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, the positive electrode side first insulating plate62insulates the positive electrode current collection plate21and the conductive member32from the lid52. The positive electrode side first insulating plate62includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section62a, an insertion hole62bpiercing through the base section62a, and a projection62csurrounding the side edge of the base section62ain an annular shape and projecting in a direction away from the lid52. In the positive electrode side first insulating plate62, the positive electrode current collection plate21, the conductive member32, and the like are housed in a space formed by the base section62aand the projection62c. The insertion section41bof the positive electrode terminal41is inserted into the insertion hole62b. The positive electrode side first insulating plate62is formed by, for example, insulating resin.

For example, as shown inFIG.3, the negative electrode side first insulating plate63insulates the negative electrode current collection plate22and the lid52. The negative electrode side first insulating plate63includes, for example, as shown inFIG.12, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section63a, an insertion hole63bpiercing through the base section63a, and a projection63csurrounding the side edge of the base section63ain an annular shape and projecting in a direction away from the lid52. In the negative electrode side first insulating plate63, the negative electrode current collection plate22is housed in a space formed by the base section63aand the projection63c. The insertion section42bof the negative electrode terminal42is inserted into the insertion hole63b. The negative electrode side first insulating plate63is formed by, for example, insulating resin.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, the positive electrode side second insulating plate64insulates the positive electrode terminal41and the lid52. The positive electrode side second insulating plate64includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a rectangular parallelepiped-plate like base section64a, an insertion hole64bpiercing through the base section64a, and a projection64csurrounding the side edge of the base section64ain an annular shape and projecting in a direction away from the lid52. In the positive electrode side second insulating plate64, the positive electrode terminal41is housed in a space formed by the base section64aand the projection64c. The insertion section41bof the positive electrode terminal41is inserted into the insertion hole64b. The positive electrode side second insulating plate64is formed by, for example, insulating resin.

For example, as shown inFIG.3, the negative electrode side second insulating plate65insulates the negative electrode terminal42and the lid52. The negative electrode side second insulating plate65includes, for example, as shown inFIG.12, a rectangular parallelepiped plate-like base section65a, an insertion hole65bpiercing through the base section65a, and a projection65csurrounding the side edge of the base section65ain an annular shape and projecting in a direction away from the lid52. In the negative electrode side second insulating plate65, the negative electrode terminal42is housed in a space formed by the base section65aand the projection65c. The insertion section42bof the negative electrode terminal42is inserted into the insertion hole65b. The negative electrode side second insulating plate65is formed by, for example, insulating resin.

For example, as shown inFIG.6toFIG.8, the positive electrode tab cover66(the cover) faces the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10, from which the positive electrode tab11bprojects, and covers and insulates the charge/discharge body10. The positive electrode tab cover66includes, for example, as shown inFIG.7, a main body section66a, an insertion section66b, a pair of wall sections66c, and a pair of side surface sections66d.

In the positive electrode tab cover66, for example, as shown inFIG.7, the main body section66a, the insertion section66b, the pair of wall sections66c, and the pair of side surface sections66dare integrally formed. The positive electrode tab cover66is formed in a tetrahedron shape excluding one surface facing the downward direction of the battery1and one surface on a side facing the center side of the battery1by folding a polyhedral sheet in a box shape. In the positive electrode tab cover66, the pair of wall sections66cextends in the Z-axis direction from the main body section66aand the pair of side surface sections66dextends in the Z-axis negative direction from the main body section66a. The wall sections66cand the side surface sections66dstretch in the Z-axis direction with the main body section66aas a boundary. The pair of side surface sections66doverlaps at the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery1(the X-axis direction).

The main body section66ais formed in a rectangular parallelepiped plate shape. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the main body section66acovers the one side section10ain a state in which the main body section66ais separated from the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10.

For example, as shown inFIG.7, the insertion section66bis formed in a cutout shape including an opening at an outer edge66a1of the main body section66a. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the positive electrode tab11bis inserted into the insertion section66b. The insertion section66bextends, for example, in the X-axis direction inFIG.7together with the positive electrode tab11b, for example, along the side edge11cof the positive electrode11shown inFIG.9.

For example, as shown inFIG.7, the wall sections66cextend in a direction further away from the one side section10athan the main body section66a(the Z-axis direction) and separate an inner surface51cof the container51and the insertion section66bin the X-axis direction. The wall sections66care formed at both the ends in the X-axis direction of the main body section66a. The pair of wall sections66cis orthogonal to the main body section66a. The pair of wall sections66cis in contact with the inner surface51cof the container51. The pair of wall sections66cextends in, for example, the X-axis direction inFIG.7together with the positive electrode tab11b, for example, along the side edge11cof the positive electrode11shown inFIG.9. The pair of wall sections66cis separated from the insertion section66bformed in the main body section66a. As shown inFIG.8, the positive electrode tab11bcurving in the Y-axis direction is in contact with one wall section66cof the pair of wall sections66c.

For example, as shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the side surface sections66dextend in a direction approaching the one side section10a(the Z-axis negative direction) from the main body section66aand separate the inner surface51cof the container51and the charge/discharge body10. The side surface sections66dstretch to the main body section66aand face the outer circumferential surface10cof the charge/discharge body10between the main body section66aand the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. The side surface sections66dextend in a direction approaching the one side section10a(the Z-axis negative direction) from the main body section66aand, for example, as shown inFIG.7, separate the inner surface51cof the container51and the positive electrode tab11band the like in the X-axis direction. The side surface sections66dare formed at both the ends in the X-axis direction of the main body section66a. The pair of wall sections66cis orthogonal to the main body section66a. The pair of side surface sections66dis in contact with the inner surface51cof the container51. The pair of side surface sections66dstretches to the side surface sections66din the Z-axis direction. The pair of side surface sections66dis not essential in the positive electrode tab cover66.

The positive electrode tab cover66is formed by, for example, polypropylene.

For example, as shown inFIG.6, the negative electrode tab cover67(the cover) faces the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10, from which the negative electrode tab12bprojects, and covers and insulates the charge/discharge body10. The shape and the material of the negative electrode tab cover67are the same as the shape of the positive electrode tab cover66. Like the positive electrode tab cover66, the negative electrode tab cover67includes a main body section, an insertion section, wall sections, and side surface sections. When the Z axis is set as a rotation center, the negative electrode tab cover67is configured rotationally symmetrical with the positive electrode tab cover66. In the negative electrode tab cover67, the negative electrode tab12bcurving in the Y-axis direction is in contact with one wall section of a pair of wall sections.

The sealing body70seals the constituent members of the battery1and the exterior body50. The sealing body70shown inFIG.2toFIG.5,FIG.12, andFIG.14includes a positive electrode side gasket71and a negative electrode side gasket72.

For example, as shown inFIG.5, the positive electrode side gasket71insulates the positive electrode side second insulating plate64and the lid52. The positive electrode side gasket71is formed in a cylindrical shape. The positive electrode side gasket71includes, for example, as shown inFIG.14, a first insertion section71ahaving a relatively large outer diameter, a second insertion section71bcontinuing to the first insertion section71aand having a relatively small outer diameter, and an insertion hole71cpiercing through the first insertion section71aand the second insertion section71b. The first insertion section71aof the positive electrode side gasket71is inserted into the insertion hole64bof the positive electrode side second insulating plate64. The second insertion section71bof the positive electrode side gasket71is inserted into the positive electrode side insertion hole52aof the lid52. The insertion section41bof the positive electrode terminal41is inserted into the insertion hole71c. The positive electrode side gasket71is formed by, for example, rubber having insulation and elasticity.

For example, as shown inFIG.3, the negative electrode side gasket72insulates the negative electrode side second insulating plate65and the lid52. The negative electrode side gasket72is formed in a cylindrical shape. The negative electrode side gasket72includes, for example, as shown inFIG.12, a first insertion section72ahaving a relatively large outer diameter, a second insertion section72bcontinuing to the first insertion section72aand having a relatively small outer diameter, and an insertion hole72cpiercing through the first insertion section72aand the second insertion section72b. The first insertion section72aof the negative electrode side gasket72is inserted into the insertion hole65bof the negative electrode side second insulating plate65. The second insertion section72bof the negative electrode side gasket72is inserted into the negative electrode side insertion hole52bof the lid52. The insertion section42bof the negative electrode terminal42is inserted into the insertion hole72c. The negative electrode side gasket72is formed by, for example, rubber having insulation and elasticity.

(Manufacturing Method for Battery1in First Embodiment)

A manufacturing method for the battery1is explained with reference toFIG.8,FIG.15, andFIG.16. In the explanation of the manufacturing method for the battery1in the first embodiment, a manufacturing process specific to the battery1is mainly explained. Specifically, about the manufacturing method for the battery1, a manufacturing method for covering the charge/discharge body10with the positive electrode tab cover66is mainly explained. Since a manufacturing method for covering the charge/discharge body10with the negative electrode tab cover67is the same as the manufacturing method for covering the charge/discharge body10with the positive electrode tab cover66, explanation of the manufacturing method is omitted.

The manufacturing method for the battery1in the first embodiment is premised on a configuration in which one positive electrode tab11bis provided. However, a configuration in which two or more positive electrode tabs are provided may be adopted.

The manufacturing method specific to the battery1is a process for, as shown inFIG.15, covering the charge/discharge body10with the positive electrode tab cover66while inserting the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66and the positive electrode tab11bfrom the side of the outer edge66a1of the main body section66aof the positive electrode tab cover66.

In the process explained above, in a state in which the positive electrode tab11bis griped and pulled in an A direction away from the one side section10a(the Y-axis direction), the positive electrode tab cover66is moved in a B direction (the X-axis negative direction) and the positive electrode tab11bis inserted into the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66.

Thereafter, as shown inFIG.8, the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined. Here, the positive electrode tab11bis included in the charge/discharge body10. On the other hand, the positive electrode current collection plate21is included in the lid52. When the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body10and the lid52are sufficiently separated and the charge/discharge body10and the lid52are made, for example, orthogonal, whereby a joining portion of the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21is brought into a sufficiently exposed state to the outside. After the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body10in a state in which the insulation cover61and the positive electrode tab cover66are attached is inserted into the container51. Subsequently, the container51and the lid52in the orthogonal state are caused to face in order to join the container51and the lid52. Subsequently, when the container51and the lid52are brought close in order to join the container51and the lid52, the positive electrode tab11bcurves in the Y-axis direction from a state in which the positive electrode tab11bextends in the Z-axis direction. The positive electrode tab11bcurving in the Y-axis direction is likely to come into contact with the wall sections66c. InFIG.8, the positive electrode tab11bis in contact with the wall sections66c.

After the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body10may be covered by the positive electrode tab cover66while the positive electrode tab11bbeing inserted into the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66.

Here, in a state in which the container51and the lid52are joined, it is difficult to set the entire length of the positive electrode tab11bon the premise that the positive electrode tab11bis joined to the positive electrode current collection plate21in a state in which the positive electrode tab11blinearly extends toward the positive electrode current collection plate21. That is, in a state before the container51and the lid52are joined and the container51and the lid52are separated from each other, it is necessary to set the entire length of the positive electrode tab11blarge considering that the positive electrode tab11band the positive electrode current collection plate21need to be joined. Therefore, in a state after the container51and the lid52are joined, the interval between the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10and the positive electrode current collection plate21decreases compared with the state before the container51and the lid52are joined. It is necessary to curve the positive electrode tab11bin the Y-axis direction.

(Effects of Battery1and Manufacturing Method in First Embodiment)

Effects of the battery1and the manufacturing method for the battery1are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover66are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover66and effects concerning the negative electrode tab cover67are the same.

In the battery1, the positive electrode tab cover66insulates the positive electrode tab11band the container51. The positive electrode tab cover66includes the insertion section66bthat is formed in the cutout shape including the opening at the outer edge66a1of the main body section66aand into which the positive electrode tab11bis inserted and the wall sections66cthat separate the inner surface51cof the container51and the insertion section66b. With such a configuration, when the positive electrode tab11bcurves on the inside of the container51, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode tab11bfrom coming into contact with the inner surface51cof the container51by bringing the positive electrode tab11binto contact with the wall sections66c. Therefore, in the battery1, the positive electrode tab11bcan be insulated by a simple configuration.

In the battery1, since the positive electrode tab cover66is provided, it is unnecessary to apply insulation coating to the inner surface51cof the container51. In the battery1, since the positive electrode tab cover66is provided, it is unnecessary to sufficiently extend the insulation cover61from the outer circumferential surface10cof the charge/discharge body10toward the side of the lid52. In particular, in the battery1, since the positive electrode tab cover66is provided, it is possible to insulate the charge/discharge body10excluding the positive electrode tab11band the negative electrode tab12band the inner surface51cof the container51simply by slightly extending the insulation cover61from the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10toward the side of the lid52.

In the manufacturing method for the battery1, the charge/discharge body10is covered by the positive electrode tab cover66while the positive electrode tab11band the insertion section66bbeing inserted from the side of the outer edge66a1of the main body section66a. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert the positive electrode tab11band the insertion section66bformed in the cutout shape. That is, it is possible to extremely easily insert the positive electrode tab11binto the insertion section66bin the first embodiment including a portion exposed to the outside on a side surface compared with when the positive electrode tab11bis inserted into a conventional insertion section without a portion exposed to the outside on a side surface. That is, with such a configuration, it is possible to attach the positive electrode tab cover66to the charge/discharge body10while inserting the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66and the positive electrode tab11bwithout causing the main body section66aof the positive electrode tab cover66and the positive electrode tab11bto interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the productivity of the battery1.

In the manufacturing method for the battery1, the positive electrode tab11band the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66are inserted in the state in which the positive electrode tab11bis gripped. With such a configuration, it is possible to insert the positive electrode tab11band the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66in a state in which the positive electrode tab11bis gripped and positioned. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity of the battery1.

The wall sections66cof the positive electrode tab cover66extend in the X-axis direction along the side edge11cof the positive electrode11together with the positive electrode tab11b. With such a configuration, by bringing the positive electrode tab11bextending in the X-axis direction of the battery1and curving in the Y-axis direction of the battery1into contact with the wall sections66c, it is possible to sufficiently prevent the positive electrode tab11bfrom coming into contact with the inner surface51cof the container51. In particular, since the X-axis direction of the battery1is the longitudinal direction of the battery1, it is possible to sufficiently prevent contact of the positive electrode tab11band the inner surface51cof the container51by sufficiently extending the wall sections66c.

The main body section66aof the positive electrode tab cover66is separated from the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a load on the one side section10adue to pressing by the main body section66a. Since the side surfaces of the positive electrode11, the separators13, and the negative electrode12are exposed, the main body section66apreferably does not come into contact with the one side section10a. It is possible to guide the positive electrode tab11bin the Z-axis direction with the insertion section66bbetween the main body section66aand the one side section10a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode tab11bcurving in the Y-axis direction from excessively approaching the one side section10a. Therefore, in the battery1, it is possible to sufficiently insulate the positive electrode tab11band the side edge12cof the negative electrode12.

The wall sections66cof the positive electrode tab cover66are separated from the insertion section66b. With such a configuration, even if the positive electrode tab11bis located, for example, in the center in the Y-axis direction of the charge/discharge body10and separated from the wall sections66c, it is possible to insert the positive electrode tab11binto the insertion section66bwithout greatly curving the positive electrode tab11bin the Y-axis direction.

The positive electrode tab cover66includes the side surface sections66d. With such a configuration, it is possible to position the positive electrode tab cover66in the charge/discharge body10with the side surface sections66d. Since the side surface sections66dare held between the container51and the charge/discharge body10, it is possible to sufficiently position the positive electrode tab cover66in the charge/discharge body10.

In the battery1in the first embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover66(the cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning the negative electrode tab cover (a cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover66explained above.

Second Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery2and Manufacturing Method for Battery2in Second Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery2is explained with reference toFIG.17andFIG.18.

In the battery2in a second embodiment, for example, in a positive electrode tab cover166(a cover), an insertion section166bis configured by a space between a pair of wall sections166c. In the battery2in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals and signs are added to the same components as the components of the battery1in the first embodiment and explanation of the components is omitted. A manufacturing method for the battery2in the second embodiment is the same as the manufacturing method for the battery1in the first embodiment.

The manufacturing method for the battery2in the second embodiment is premised on a configuration in which one positive electrode tab11bis provided. However, a configuration in which two or more positive electrode tabs are provided may be adopted.

In the positive electrode tab cover166(the cover), for example, as shown inFIG.17, a main body section166a, the insertion section166b, the pair of wall sections166c, and a pair of side surface sections166dare integrally formed. Components and materials of the positive electrode tab cover166are the same as the components and the materials of the positive electrode tab cover66shown inFIG.7except a shape of the insertion section166b. An outer edge166alof the main body section166ais located to connect the end portions in the X-axis direction of the pair of wall sections166c. Therefore, the insertion section166bis configured by the entire area between the pair of wall sections166c. That is, in the positive electrode tab cover166, the entire area between the pair of wall sections166cis configured as the insertion section166b. As shown inFIG.18, the positive electrode tab11bcurving in the Y-axis direction is in contact with one wall section166cof the pair of wall sections166c.

(Effects of Battery2and Manufacturing Method in Second Embodiment)

Effects of the battery2and the manufacturing method for the battery2are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover166are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover166and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same. The battery2achieves the following effects in addition to the effects of the battery1in the first embodiment.

The insertion section166bis configured by a space between the pair of wall sections166c. With such a configuration, since the insertion section166bis configured relatively large, it is possible to reduce the volume of the positive electrode tab cover166. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the positive electrode tab cover166at relatively low cost and reduce the weight of the positive electrode tab cover166. With such a configuration, since the insertion section166bis configured relatively large, when the positive electrode tab11band the insertion section166bare inserted, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode tab11bfrom interfering with the positive electrode tab cover166. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity of the battery2.

In the battery2in the second embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover166(the cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover (a cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover166explained above.

Third Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery3and Manufacturing Method for Battery3in Third Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery3is explained with reference toFIG.19andFIG.20.

In the battery3in a third embodiment, for example, in a charge/discharge body210, a plurality of positive electrode tabs211band a plurality of negative electrode tabs are included. In a positive electrode tab cover266(a cover), a pair of insertion sections266bare configured to be respectively adjacent to wall sections266c. In the third embodiment, components different from the components in the first embodiment are mainly explained. In explanation of a manufacturing method for the battery3in the third embodiment, only a manufacturing process specific to the battery3is explained. Explanation of the same manufacturing process as a manufacturing process for a general battery is omitted.

In the battery3in the third embodiment, two positive electrode tabs211bprojecting from the positive electrode tab cover266are joined to the positive electrode current collection plate21in a state in which the two positive electrode tabs211bcurve in directions different from each other and the distal ends of the two positive electrode tabs211bface each other in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the positive electrode tabs211bare respectively formed in annular shapes and access from the side of the positive electrode tabs211bis difficult, a contrivance is necessary when laser welding or resistance welding is performed from the side of the positive electrode tabs211b. Therefore, the two positive electrode tabs211bprojecting from the positive electrode tab cover266may be curved in the same direction and configured such that the distal ends thereof are aligned in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the side of the positive electrode tabs211bcan be sufficiently exposed to the outside, access from the side of the positive electrode tabs211bis easy.

In the charge/discharge body210, for example, as shown inFIG.19, the two positive electrode tabs211bare included in a positive electrode211. For example, as shown inFIG.20, each of the positive electrode tabs211bis inserted into an insertion section266bpresent in a relatively close position of the pair of insertion sections266bof the positive electrode tab cover266. Three or more positive electrode tabs211bmay be included in the positive electrode211.

In the positive electrode tab cover266(the cover), for example, as shown inFIG.19, a main body section266a, the pair of insertion sections266b, a pair of wall sections266c, and a pair of side surface sections266dare integrally formed. Components and materials of the positive electrode tab cover266are the same as, for example, the components and the materials of the positive electrode tab cover66shown inFIG.7except the pair of insertion sections266b. The pair of insertion sections266bis formed on both the sides in the X-axis direction of the main body section266ato be respectively adjacent to the wall sections266c. That is, portions of the pair of insertion sections266badjacent to the pair of wall sections266cof the main body section266aare formed to be cut out in the X-axis direction. The wall sections266cof the positive electrode tab cover266directly face the insertion sections266bin the X-axis direction. The length of the wall sections266cin the Z-axis direction is the same as the width of the insertion sections266bin a direction away from the wall sections266c(the Y-axis direction). As shown inFIG.20, the positive electrode tabs211bcurving in the Y-axis direction are respectively in contact with both the wall sections266cof the pair of wall sections266c.

In the manufacturing method for the battery3, the charge/discharge body210is covered by the positive electrode tab cover266while the pair of insertion sections266bof the positive electrode tab cover266and the two positive electrode tabs211bbeing inserted from the side of an outer edge266alof the main body section266aof the positive electrode tab cover266.

Thereafter, the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined. The two positive electrode tabs211bare joined to the positive electrode current collection plate21in a state in which the two positive electrode tabs211bcurve in directions different from each other in the Y-axis direction and the distal ends of the two positive electrode tabs211bface each other. Here, the positive electrode tabs211bare included in the charge/discharge body210housed in the container51. On the other hand, the positive electrode current collection plate21is included in the lid52. When the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body210and the lid52are sufficiently separated and the charge/discharge body210and the lid52are made, for example, orthogonal, whereby joining portions of the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate21are brought into a sufficiently exposed state to the outside. After the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body210in a state in which the insulation cover61and the positive electrode tab cover266are attached thereto is inserted into the container51. Subsequently, the container51and the lid52in the orthogonal state are caused to face in order to join the container51and the lid52. Subsequently, when the container51and the lid52are brought close in order to join the container51and the lid52, each of the positive electrode tabs211bcurves in the Y-axis direction from a state in which the positive electrode tabs211bextend in the Z-axis direction. Each of the positive electrode tabs211bcurving in the Y-axis direction is likely to come into contact with the wall sections266c. InFIG.20, the positive electrode tabs211bare in contact with the wall sections266c.

After the plurality of positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body210may be covered by the positive electrode tab cover266while the plurality of positive electrode tabs211bbeing inserted into the pair of insertion sections266bof the positive electrode tab cover266.

(Effects of Battery3and Manufacturing Method in Third Embodiment)

Effects of the battery3and the manufacturing method for the battery3are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover266are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover266and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same. The battery3achieves the following effects in addition to the effects of the battery1and the like in the first embodiment.

The wall sections266cof the positive electrode tab cover266are adjacent to the insertion sections266b. With such a configuration, it is possible to curve the positive electrode tabs211b, into which the insertion section266bare inserted, in the Y-axis direction toward the positive electrode current collection plate21while curving the positive electrode tabs211balong the wall sections266c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode tabs211bfrom coming into contact with the inner surface51cof the container51. Therefore, the battery3can insulate the positive electrode tab211bwith the simple configuration explained above. It is possible to improve the productivity of the battery3.

The length of the wall sections266cof the positive electrode tab cover266in a direction away from one side section210aof the charge/discharge body210(the Z-axis direction) is equal to or smaller than the width of the insertion section266bin a direction away from the wall sections266calong the one side section210aof the charge/discharge body210(the Y-axis direction). With such a configuration, it is possible to form partially cut portions of the main body section266aas the insertion sections266bwhile partially cutting the main body section266aand raising the partially cut portions in the Z-axis direction to form the wall sections266c.

The plurality of positive electrode tabs211bare inserted into any ones of the insertion sections266bamong the plurality of insertion sections266bformed in the positive electrode tab cover266. With such a configuration, it is possible to insert each of the positive electrode tabs211binto the insertion section266bpresent in a relatively close position among the plurality of insertion sections266b. Therefore, it is possible to insert the positive electrode tabs211binto the insertion sections266bwithout greatly curving the positive electrode tabs211bin the Y-axis direction between the main body section266aand the one side section210a.

In the battery3in the third embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover266(the cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover (a cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover266explained above.

Fourth Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery4and Manufacturing Method for Battery4in Fourth Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery4is explained with reference toFIG.21andFIG.22.

The battery4in a fourth embodiment is configured by a stacked type in which a charge/discharge body310is not wound. In the fourth embodiment, components different from the components in the third embodiment are mainly explained.

In the battery4in the fourth embodiment, six positive electrode tabs311bprojecting from a positive electrode tab cover366are joined to the positive electrode current collection plate21in a state in which a set of three of the positive electrode tabs311band a set of the other three of the positive electrode tabs311bare curved in directions different from each other and the distal ends of the positive electrode tabs311bface with one another in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the positive electrode tabs311bare respectively formed in annular shapes and access from the side of the positive electrode tabs311bis difficult, a contrivance is necessary when laser welding or resistance welding is performed from the side of the positive electrode tabs311b. Therefore, the six positive electrode tabs311bprojecting from the positive electrode tab cover366may be curved in the same direction and configured such that the distal ends thereof are aligned in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the side of the positive electrode tabs311bcan be sufficiently exposed to the outside, access from the side of the positive electrode tabs311bis easy.

The battery4in the fourth embodiment includes the charge/discharge body310. The charge/discharge body310includes one side section310afrom which the positive electrode tabs311band negative electrode tabs project and an outer circumferential section310cadjacent to the one side section310a. The charge/discharge body310is configured by a stacked type in which a positive electrode311and a negative electrode312are stacked via a separator313. The charge/discharge body310is configured by stacking pluralities of positive electrodes311, separators313, and negative electrodes312respectively formed in rectangular shapes in the order of the positive electrodes311, the separators313, the negative electrodes312, and the separators313. One positive electrode tab311bis formed in each of the positive electrodes311. One negative electrode tab is formed in each of the negative electrodes312.

As a modification of the charge/discharge body310, it is possible to adopt a stacked type in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes formed relatively short with respect to one separator formed long are alternately provided while being caused to face via the separator. This modification is a so-called Z-fold stacked type. In the charge/discharge body having such a configuration, the separator is folded and stacked, whereby the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes face via the separator.

In the positive electrode tab cover366(a cover), for example, as shown inFIG.21, a main body section366a, a pair of insertion sections366b, a pair of wall sections366c, and a pair of side surface sections366dare integrally formed. Components and materials of the positive electrode tab cover366are the same as the components and the materials of the positive electrode tab cover266shown inFIG.19except the shape of corner portions of the pair of side surface sections366d. In the charge/discharge body310of the stacked type, unlike the charge/discharge body210of a winding type, since the positive electrodes311, the negative electrodes312, and the separators313respectively having the rectangular shapes are stacked, corner portions are not curved. Therefore, the corner portions of the pair of side surface sections366dof the positive electrode tab cover366are formed extremely small in a curvature radius compared with corner portions of the pair of side surface sections266dof the positive electrode tab cover266.

In a manufacturing method for the battery4, the charge/discharge body210is covered by the positive electrode tab cover366while the pair of insertion sections366bof the positive electrode tab cover366and, for example, six positive electrode tabs311bbeing inserted from the side of an outer edge366alof the main body section366aof the positive electrode tab cover366. For example, three positive electrode tabs311bare respectively inserted into the pair of insertion sections366b. Each of the positive electrode tabs311bis inserted into the insertion section366bpresent in a relatively close position of the pair of insertion sections366b.

Thereafter, the positive electrode tabs311band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined. Here, the positive electrode tabs311bare included in the charge/discharge body210housed in a container. On the other hand, the positive electrode current collection plate21is included in a lid. When the positive electrode tabs311band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body310and the lid are sufficiently separated and the charge/discharge body310and the lid are made, for example, orthogonal, whereby joining portions of the positive electrode tabs311band the positive electrode current collection plate21are brought into a sufficiently exposed state to the outside. After the positive electrode tabs311band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body310in a state in which the insulation cover61and the positive electrode tab cover366are attached thereto is inserted into the container. Subsequently, the container and the lid in the orthogonal state are caused to face in order to join the container and the lid. Subsequently, when the container and the lid are brought close in order to join the container and the lid, each of the positive electrode tabs311bcurves in the Y-axis direction from a state in which the positive electrode tab311bextends in the Z-axis direction. Each of the positive electrode tabs311bcurving in the Y-axis direction is likely to come into contact with any one wall section366cdirectly or via another positive electrode tab311b. InFIG.22, one positive electrode tab311bis in contact with each of the pair of wall sections366c.

After the plurality of positive electrode tabs311band the positive electrode current collection plate21are joined, the charge/discharge body310may be covered by the positive electrode tab cover366while the plurality of positive electrode tabs311bbeing inserted into the pair of insertion sections366bof the positive electrode tab cover366.

(Effects of Battery4and Manufacturing Method in Fourth Embodiment)

Effects of the battery4and the manufacturing method for the battery4are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover366are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover366and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same.

In the battery4in the fourth embodiment, the charge/discharge body310of a stacked type in which the positive electrode311and the negative electrode312are stacked via the separator313is provided. The charge/discharge body310is configured by stacking the pluralities of positive electrodes311, the separators313, and the negative electrodes312respectively formed in the rectangular shapes in the order of the separators313, the negative electrodes312, and the separators313. That is, the battery4includes the plurality of positive electrode tabs311b. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent, with the wall sections366cof the positive electrode tab cover366, the positive electrode tabs311bfrom coming into contact with the inner surface of the container. Therefore, in the battery4, it is possible to insulate the positive electrode tabs311bwith the simple configuration explained above. It is possible to improve the productivity of the battery4.

In the battery4in the fourth embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover366(the cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover (a cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover366explained above.

Fifth Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery5and Manufacturing Method for Battery5in Fifth Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery5is explained with reference toFIG.23andFIG.24.

The battery5in a fifth embodiment is configured by arranging two charge/discharge bodies210side by side. In the fifth embodiment, components different from the components in the third embodiment are mainly explained.

In the battery5in the fifth embodiment, four positive electrode tabs211bprojecting from a positive electrode tab cover466are joined to a positive electrode current collection plate121in a state in which the four positive electrode tabs211bcurve in directions different from one another for each of the positive electrode tabs211bof the same charge/discharge body10and the distal ends of the four positive electrode tabs211bface one another in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the positive electrode tabs211bare respectively formed in annular shapes and access from the side of the positive electrode tabs211bis difficult, a contrivance is necessary when laser welding or resistance welding is performed from the side of the positive electrode tabs211b. Therefore, the four positive electrode tabs211bprojecting from the positive electrode tab cover466may be curved in the same direction for each of the positive electrode tabs211bof the same charge/discharge body10and configured such that the distal ends thereof are aligned in the Y-axis direction. In this configuration, since the side of the positive electrode tabs211bcan be sufficiently exposed to the outside, access from the side of the positive electrode tabs211bis easy.

The battery5in the fifth embodiment includes two charge/discharge bodies210, each of which is the charge/discharge body210used in the battery3in the third embodiment. The two charge/discharge bodies210are arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the battery5(the Y-axis direction). The two charge/discharge bodies210are, for example, electrically connected in parallel.

The positive electrode current collection plate121is set approximately twice longer in the Y-axis direction than the positive electrode current collection plate21of the battery1to match the size of the two charge/discharge bodies210arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the battery5(the Y-axis direction).

In the positive electrode tab cover466(a cover), for example, as shown inFIG.23, a main body section466a, a pair of side end insertion sections466b1, a center insertion section466b2, a pair of wall sections466c, and a pair of side surface sections466dare integrally formed. The pair of side end insertion sections466b1of the positive electrode tab cover466is equivalent to, for example, the pair of insertion sections266bof the positive electrode tab cover266shown inFIG.19. Components and materials of the positive electrode tab cover466is the same as the components and the materials of the positive electrode tab cover266except the main body section466aand the center insertion section466b2. The main body section466aof the positive electrode tab cover466is set approximately twice longer in the Y-axis direction than the main body section266aof the positive electrode tab cover266of the battery3to match the size of the two charge/discharge bodies210arranged side by side in the latitudinal direction of the battery5(the Y-axis direction). The center insertion section466b2of the positive electrode tab cover466is equivalent to, for example, the insertion section66bof the positive electrode tab cover66shown inFIG.7. The center insertion section466b2is formed in the main body section466ain the position in the center of the pair of wall sections466c.

In a manufacturing method for the battery5, the two charge/discharge bodies210is covered by the positive electrode tab cover466while the pair of side end insertion sections466b1and the center insertion section466b2of the positive electrode tab cover466and, for example, four positive electrode tabs311bbeing inserted from the side of an outer edge466alof the main body section466aof the positive electrode tab cover466. The positive electrode tabs211bof one of the charge/discharge bodies210are inserted into the pair of side end insertion sections466b1. The positive electrode tabs211bof the other of the charge/discharge bodies210are inserted into the center insertion section466b2.

Thereafter, the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate121are joined. Here, the positive electrode tabs211bare included in the two charge/discharge bodies210housed in a container. On the other hand, the positive electrode current collection plate121is included in a lid. When the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate121are joined, the two charge/discharge bodies210and the lid are sufficiently separated and the two charge/discharge bodies210and the lid are made, for example, orthogonal, whereby joining portions of the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate121are brought into a sufficiently exposed state to the outside. At this time, the two charge/discharge bodies210are disposed such that one side sections210aof the two charge/discharge bodies210face each other. After the positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate121are joined, the two charge/discharge bodies210in a state in which an insulation cover and the positive electrode tab cover466are attached thereto are arranged side by side and thereafter inserted into the container. Subsequently, the container and the lid are caused to face in order to join the container and the lid. Subsequently, when the container and the lid are brought close in order to join the container and the lid, each of the positive electrode tabs211bcurves in the Y-axis direction from a state in which the positive electrode tab211bextends in the Z-axis direction. Each of the positive electrode tabs211binserted into the pair of side end insertion sections466b1and curving in the Y-axis direction is likely to come into contact with any one wall section466c. InFIG.24, the positive electrode tabs211binserted into the pair of side end insertion sections466b1are in contact with the wall sections466c.

After the plurality of positive electrode tabs211band the positive electrode current collection plate121are joined, the two charge/discharge bodies210arranged side by side may be covered by the positive electrode tab cover466while the plurality of positive electrode tabs211bbeing inserted into the pair of side end insertion sections466b1and the center insertion section466b2of the positive electrode tab cover466.

(Effects of Battery5and Manufacturing Method in Fifth Embodiment)

Effects of the battery5and the manufacturing method for the battery5are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover466are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover466and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same.

The battery5in the fifth embodiment is configured by arranging the two charge/discharge bodies210side by side in the latitudinal direction of the battery5(the Y-axis direction). That is, the battery5includes the plurality of positive electrode tabs211b. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent, with the wall sections466cof the positive electrode tab cover466, the positive electrode tabs211bfrom coming into contact with the inner surface of the container. Therefore, in the battery5, it is possible to insulate the positive electrode tabs211bwith the simple configuration explained above. It is possible to improve the productivity of the battery5.

In the battery5in the fifth embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover466(the cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover (a cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover466explained above.

Sixth Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery6and Manufacturing Method for Battery6in Sixth Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery6is explained with reference toFIG.25.

The battery6in a sixth embodiment is configured by, in a state in which an upper part of the charge/discharge body10is covered by the positive electrode tab cover66and the negative electrode tab cover67, further covering a lower part of the charge/discharge body10with a positive electrode side lower cover568(another cover) and a negative electrode side lower cover (another cover). In the battery6in the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals and signs are added to the same components as the components of the battery1in the first embodiment and explanation of the components is omitted.

The positive electrode side lower cover568(the other cover) covers the charge/discharge body10to hold the charge/discharge body10from both sides in the Z-axis direction in conjunction with the positive electrode tab cover66. The positive electrode tab cover66allows the positive electrode tab11bto be inserted into the positive electrode tab cover66while covering the side of the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. On the other hand, the positive electrode side lower cover568covers the side of the other side section10bof the charge/discharge body10to face the positive electrode tab cover66in the Z-axis direction. The positive electrode side lower cover568is equivalent to a component including the main body section66aand the pair of side surface sections66dof the positive electrode tab cover66. The positive electrode side lower cover568insulates a part of the other side section10bof the charge/discharge body10and a part of the outer circumferential surface10c.

In a manufacturing method for the battery6, the charge/discharge body10is covered by the positive electrode tab cover66and the positive electrode side lower cover568to be held from both the sides in the Z-axis direction.

Effects of the battery6and the manufacturing method for the battery6are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode side lower cover568are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode side lower cover568and effects concerning the negative electrode side lower cover are the same. The battery6achieves the following effects in addition to the effects of the battery1and the like in the first embodiment.

The positive electrode side lower cover568covers the charge/discharge body10to hold the charge/discharge body10from both sides in conjunction with the positive electrode tab cover66. With such a configuration, it is possible to insulate the outer circumferential surface10cof the charge/discharge body10and the inner surface51cof the container51with the positive electrode side lower cover568and the positive electrode tab cover66.

In the battery6in the sixth embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode side lower cover568(the other cover) are explained above. A configuration and effects concerning the negative electrode side lower cover (the other cover) are the same as the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode side lower cover568explained above.

Seventh Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery7and Manufacturing Method for Battery7in Seventh Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery7is explained with reference toFIG.26.

In the battery7in a seventh embodiment, for example, a component that prevents peeling of an active material of electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) is provided in a positive electrode tab cover566(a cover). The peeling of the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) is caused by the electrolyte14injected from a liquid injection hole152cof a lid152toward the charge/discharge body10of the container51. In a manufacturing method for the battery7in the seventh embodiment, only a manufacturing process specific to the battery7is explained.

In the lid152, as shown inFIG.26, the liquid injection hole152cinto which the electrolyte14is injected toward the container51is provided in a periphery of the positive electrode terminal41to be adjacent to the positive electrode terminal41in the X-axis direction. In the lid152, the liquid injection hole152cis located further on the center side of the battery7than the positive electrode terminal41. Components of the lid152are the same as the components of the lid52of the battery7except the components explained above. The liquid injection hole152cof the lid152is included in a position facing the one side section10avia a blocking section566eof the positive electrode tab cover566. Side surfaces of the positive electrode11, the separator13, and the negative electrode12are adjacent to the one side section10a.

In the positive electrode tab cover566(the cover), as shown inFIG.26, a main body section566a, an insertion section566b, a pair of wall sections566c, a pair of side surface sections566d, and a blocking section566eare integrally formed. Components and materials of the positive electrode tab cover566are the same as the components and the materials of the positive electrode tab cover266shown inFIG.19except the insertion section566band the blocking section566e. One insertion section566bof the positive electrode tab cover566is formed unlike the pair of insertion sections266bof the positive electrode tab cover266. The blocking section566eprojects from the main body section566atoward the center side of the battery7. The blocking section566eextends from the main body section566ato between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10in the X-axis negative direction. The blocking section566eis separated from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. The positive electrode tab cover566partially blocks a portion between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10.

In a manufacturing method for the battery7, the charge/discharge body10is covered by the positive electrode tab cover566while the insertion section566bof the positive electrode tab cover566and the positive electrode tab11bbeing inserted from the side of the outer edge of the main body section566aof the positive electrode tab cover566. Thereafter, in the manufacturing method for the battery7, the electrolyte14is injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152toward the container51. The electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152toward the container51comes into contact with the blocking section566eof the positive electrode tab cover566and does not directly come into contact with the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. That is, the electrolyte14does not directly come into contact with the active material of the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12. The electrolyte14is dispersed by the blocking section566eand supplied to the charge/discharge body10.

(Effects of Battery7and Manufacturing Method in Seventh Embodiment)

Effects of the battery7and the manufacturing method for the battery7are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover566are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover566and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same. The battery7achieves the following effects in addition to the effects of the battery1and the like in the first embodiment.

The positive electrode tab cover566includes the blocking section566ethat partially blocks the portion between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. The manufacturing method for the battery7includes a step of providing the blocking section566ebetween the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10and a step of injecting the electrolyte14from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152toward the container51. With such a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152from directly coming into contact with the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12). Therefore, in the battery7, it is possible to prevent, with the simple configuration explained above, peeling of the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) due to the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152.

In the battery7, the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152is diffused by the blocking section566eand supplied to the charge/discharge body10. Therefore, the electrolyte14is easily equally supplied to the charge/discharge body10compared with when the blocking section566eis not provided in the battery7. Therefore, the battery7can improve a battery characteristic of the charge/discharge body10.

The battery7may have a configuration in which a blocking member is configured by a porous material and the electrolyte14is allowed to pass toward the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. In the case of such a blocking member, the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and having passed through the blocking member is led out in a state in which the electrolyte14is sufficiently dispersed from the blocking member toward the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. Therefore, even if the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152directly comes into contact with the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12), it is possible to sufficiently relax stress applied to the active material. Therefore, it is possible to prevent peeling of the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) due to the electrolyte14injected from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152.

The battery7may have a configuration in which the separator13(the insulating member) is not used and an insulation layer is stacked on at least one of the positive electrode active material layer11T of the positive electrode11and the negative electrode active material layer12T of the negative electrode12. The battery7may have a configuration in which the separator13is used and the insulation layer is stacked on the separator13. The insulation layer functions as the separator13. The insulation layer is formed by, for example, a porous insulating material having insulation and is configured to be impregnated with the electrolyte14. The insulating material preferably has heat resistance. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent peeling of the insulating material included in the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) in addition to preventing the peeling of the active material included in the electrodes.

The blocking section566eprojects from the main body section566aand extends to between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. With such a configuration, it is possible to embody the blocking section566ewith an extremely simple configuration.

In the battery7in the seventh embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover566(the cover) are explained above. A configuration including the blocking section566ein the negative electrode tab cover (the cover) may be adopted instead of the configuration including the blocking section566ein the positive electrode tab cover566(the cover). In the case of such a configuration, the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152is provided in a periphery of the negative electrode terminal42to be adjacent to the negative electrode terminal42in the X-axis direction.

Eighth Embodiment

(Configuration of Battery8and Manufacturing Method for Battery8in Eighth Embodiment)

A configuration of a battery8is explained with reference toFIG.27.

In the battery8in an eighth embodiment, as in the battery7in the seventh embodiment, for example, a component that prevents peeling of the active material of the electrodes (the positive electrode11and the negative electrode12) is provided in a positive electrode tab cover666(a cover). Most of a manufacturing method for the battery8in the eighth embodiment is the same as the manufacturing method for the battery7in the seventh embodiment. In the manufacturing method for the battery8in the eighth embodiment, only a manufacturing process specific to the battery8is explained.

In the positive electrode tab cover666(the cover), as shown inFIG.27, a main body section666a, an insertion section666b, a pair of wall sections666c, a pair of side surface sections666d, and a pair of blocking sections666eare integrally formed. Components of the positive electrode tab cover666are the same as the components of the positive electrode tab cover566shown inFIG.26except the pair of side surface sections666dand the pair of blocking sections666e. The pair of side surface sections666dextends in the X-axis negative direction to a portion equivalent to the blocking section566eof the positive electrode tab cover566. That is, the pair of side surface sections666dis formed longer in the X-axis direction than the pair of side surface sections566dof the positive electrode tab cover566. The pair of blocking sections666eis formed in a rectangular shape. The pair of blocking sections666eprojects from the side edge of one side surface section666dtoward the side edge of the other side surface section666dto respectively extend across the pair of side surface sections666d. For example, folds or perforations are formed in the boundaries between the blocking sections666eand the side surface sections666d. The pair of blocking sections666eis separated from the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. The pair of blocking sections666epartially blocks a portion between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. The pair of blocking sections666eis joined to be overlap each other. The blocking sections666eare not limited to be paired and may be configured by one of the blocking sections666e.

In the manufacturing method for the battery8, the charge/discharge body210is covered by the positive electrode tab cover666while the insertion section666bof the positive electrode tab cover666and the positive electrode tab11bbeing inserted from the side of the outer edge of the main body section666aof the positive electrode tab cover666. Thereafter, the pair of blocking sections666eis folded and superimposed to be joined. The manufacturing method for the battery8after that is the same as the manufacturing method for the battery7in the seventh embodiment.

(Effects of Battery8and Manufacturing Method in Eighth Embodiment)

Effects of the battery8and the manufacturing method for the battery8are explained. Effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover666are explained below. The effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover666and effects concerning a negative electrode tab cover are the same. The battery8achieves the following effects in addition to the effects of the battery7and the like in the seventh embodiment.

The blocking sections666eproject from the side surface sections666dand extend to between the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152and the one side section10aof the charge/discharge body10. With such a configuration, it is possible to embody the blocking sections666ewith an extremely simple configuration.

In the battery8in the eighth embodiment, the configuration and the effects concerning the positive electrode tab cover666(the cover) are explained above. A configuration including the blocking sections666ein the negative electrode tab cover (the cover) may be adopted instead of the configuration including the blocking sections666ein the positive electrode tab cover666(the cover). In the case of such a configuration, the liquid injection hole152cof the lid152is provided in a periphery of the negative electrode terminal42to be adjacent to the negative electrode terminal42in the X-axis direction.

The battery of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments and can be configured as appropriate based on the contents described in the claims.

The battery of the present invention is not limited to a lithium ion battery. The battery of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a nickel hydrogen battery and a lead battery. The battery of the present invention is not limited to a secondary battery. The battery of the present invention can be applied to a primary battery. Each of the embodiments is explained in detail or simply in order to clearly explain the present invention and does not always need to include all the components explained above and may include not-shown components. A part of components in a certain embodiment may be deleted, substituted by components in other embodiments, or combined with components in the other embodiments.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST