WO2018212122A1 - Battery, battery pack, electronic device, vehicle, electric tool and electrical energy storage system, - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery which is capable of preventing expansion of the battery and decrease of the battery performance. A battery according to the present technique is provided with: an electrode body which comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator that is arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; an outer case which contains the electrode body and an electrolyte solution; a thin tube which is fitted to the outer case and has a cross-sectional thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the outer case; and a valve which is bonded to the front end part of the thin tube. The back end part of the thin tube is inserted into a space between the electrode body and the outer case.

Description

Batteries, battery packs, electronic devices, vehicles, power tools and power storage systems

This technology relates to a battery applicable to battery packs, electronic devices, vehicles, electric tools, power storage systems, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery having a mechanism for discharging gas inside the battery to the outside.

In recent years, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries that are small, light, and have a high capacity have been introduced into mobile devices, power tools, automobiles, and the like. However, when a lithium ion battery is excessively rapidly charged or placed in a high temperature environment for a long time, a part of the electrolytic solution inside the lithium ion battery is decomposed and gasified. As a result, troubles such as expansion of the battery, degradation of performance, and pressure on the devices to which the battery is attached may occur. Therefore, in a lithium ion battery whose outer package is a metal can, a valve is built in to release the pressure inside the battery. However, this valve is a cleavage type valve, and once the valve is opened, it does not automatically close again. Further, if water vapor enters the lithium ion battery from the outside through the valve that keeps opening, the material may deteriorate and the function of the battery may be lost in a short period of time.

On the other hand, in a lithium ion battery using a laminate-type exterior body, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a safety valve for discharging gas is fixed via a hollow case. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a lithium ion battery using a laminate-type power storage module to which a gas discharge pipe having a pressure regulating valve is connected.

International Publication No. 2013/146803 JP 2016-072431 A

However, the batteries disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have not been able to sufficiently cope with battery expansion and battery performance degradation.

Therefore, the present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and a main object is to provide a battery that can prevent expansion of the battery and deterioration of battery performance.

The present technology includes an electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an exterior body that houses the electrode body and the electrolyte, and an attachment body that is attached to the exterior body and has a thickness greater than that of the exterior body. Provided is a battery comprising a thin tube having a thin cross-section and a valve joined to the tip of the thin tube, and the rear end of the thin tube is inserted between the electrode body and the exterior body.

Further, the present technology provides an electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, an exterior body that contains the electrode body and the electrolyte, and a thickness of the exterior body that is attached to the exterior body. A thin tube having a thinner cross section than the thin tube, and an injection / discharge portion that can be injected or discharged with an electrolyte solution, and the rear end portion of the thin tube is interposed between the electrode body and the exterior body. Provide a battery that is plugged in.

Furthermore, the present technology provides a battery pack that includes at least one battery according to the present technology and includes an outer case that houses the battery. The present technology also provides an electronic device including the battery according to the present technology as a power supply source. In addition, the present technology includes a conversion unit that converts electric power supplied from the battery according to the present technology into a driving force, a driving unit that is driven according to the driving force, and a control unit that controls a use state of the battery. Provide the vehicle. Moreover, this technique provides an electric tool provided with the movable part to which electric power is supplied from the battery which concerns on this technique. Moreover, this technique provides an electric power storage system provided with the 1 or 2 or more electronic device to which electric power is supplied from the battery which concerns on this technique, and the control part which controls the electric power supply with respect to the electronic device from a battery. .

According to the present technology, it is possible to provide a battery that can prevent battery expansion and battery performance degradation. Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the battery of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this technique. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structural example of the battery shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the structural example of the electrode body shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the structural example of the valve with which the battery shown in FIG. 1 was equipped. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the battery of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this technique. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the pressurization chamber which inject | pours electrolyte solution into a battery. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the battery of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this technique. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an electric vehicle of a 5th embodiment concerning this art. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a power storage system of a 6th embodiment concerning this art. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an electric tool of a 7th embodiment concerning this art.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below can be combined with any of the embodiments. This is an example of a typical embodiment of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology is not interpreted narrowly. In addition, any one or a plurality of embodiments described below can be combined. In addition, about drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or equivalent element or member, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

The description will be made in the following order.
1. 1. Battery according to the first embodiment (1-1) Battery configuration example (1-2) Electrode body configuration example (1-3) Valve configuration example (1-4) Gas discharge method example 2. Battery according to Second Embodiment (2-1) Example of Battery Configuration (2-2) Example of Electrolytic Solution Injection Method 3. Battery according to third embodiment Fourth Embodiment (Example of Electronic Device)
(4-1) Electronic equipment (4-2) Specific examples of electronic equipment Fifth embodiment (configuration example of electric vehicle)
6). Sixth embodiment (configuration example of power storage system)
7). Seventh embodiment (configuration example of electric tool)

<1. Battery according to first embodiment>
The battery according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present embodiment, a laminated film type lithium ion secondary battery will be described as an example.

(1-1) Battery Configuration Example As shown in FIG. 1, the battery 10 according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into an electrode body 11, an exterior body 12 that includes a laminate material and seals the electrode body 11, and a battery. 10 includes a thin tube 13 that discharges gas generated inside to the outside, and a valve 14 that controls the flow of fluid in the thin tube 13.

The exterior body 12 includes an electrode body housing portion 18 that houses the electrode body 11, and an electrolyte is injected into the electrode body housing portion 18 when the battery 10 is completed. Two electrode tabs 16 on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side are attached to a side surface portion (upper surface portion in FIG. 1) of the exterior body 12. Each electrode tab 16 is attached so that a portion of the exterior body 12 that contacts the sealing portion is covered with a sealant material 17 such as a heat-sealing seal material, and the rear end portions of the two electrode tabs 16 are connected to the electrode body 11. ing. Thus, since the electrode tab 16 is attached to the exterior body 12 via the sealant material 17, the battery 10 can improve the adhesion between the electrode tab 16 and the exterior body 12.

The thin tube 13 is attached to the exterior body 12 by covering the same side surface portion as the side surface portion to which the electrode tab 16 is attached with a portion in contact with the sealing portion of the exterior body 12 with a sealant material 19 such as a heat sealing material. It has been. Thereby, the battery 10 can improve the adhesiveness of the thin tube 13 and the exterior body 12, and can also manufacture the battery 10 provided with the thin tube 13 easily. Further, the thin tube 13 has a valve 14 joined to a distal end portion thereof through a joint 15 having high adhesion, and a rear end portion thereof is inserted into an electrode body accommodating portion 18 between the electrode body 11 and the exterior body 12. . Further, the thin tube 13 is formed so that the cross-sectional thickness is smaller than the thickness of the outer package 12. The thin tube 13 can also serve as an injection / discharge section that injects or discharges the electrolytic solution into the battery 10.

The thin tube 13 can include a non-conductive material or a metal tube having a non-conductive coating. Moreover, it is preferable that the diameter of the thin tube 13 is 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The thin tube 13 may include a non-conductive material. Thereby, the internal short circuit of the battery 10 can be prevented. The thin tube 13 may have flexibility.

The thin tube 13 of the present embodiment may be attached to a side surface portion of the exterior body 12 different from the side surface portion to which the electrode tab 16 is attached. Moreover, the sealant materials 17 and 19 of this embodiment may be a cylindrical shape or a shape obtained by folding a strip into two. As an example, the sealant materials 17 and 19 are formed of a tape-like film having a width of about 5 mm and a thickness of 20 μm to 200 μm. The reason why the widths of the sealant materials 17 and 19 are formed to be about 5 mm is that the sealing material can be surely sealed by making it wider than the fusion width of the top seal (sealing portion). The reason why the sealant materials 17 and 19 are formed to have a thickness of 20 μm to 200 μm is that the fine gap between the outer package 12 and the thin tube 13 can be filled by thermal deformation during fusion. is there. The battery 10 of the present embodiment can improve the adhesion between the thin tube 13 and the exterior body 12 by using the sealant materials 17 and 19.

(1-2) Configuration Example of Electrode Body FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery before the thin tube of this embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the spirally wound electrode body illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the nonaqueous electrolyte battery 10 is mainly one in which a wound electrode body 11 with a positive electrode lead 21 and a negative electrode lead 22 attached is housed in a film-shaped outer package 12. . Each configuration will be described below.

The positive electrode lead 21 and the negative electrode lead 22 are led out in the same direction from the inside of the exterior body 12 to the outside, for example. The positive electrode lead 21 is made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, and the negative electrode lead 22 is made of, for example, a metal material such as copper, nickel, or stainless steel. These metal materials are, for example, in a thin plate shape or a mesh shape.

(Exterior body)
The package 12 is made of, for example, an aluminum laminated film in which a nylon film, an aluminum foil, and a polyethylene film are bonded together in this order. The outer package 12 has, for example, a structure in which the outer edges of two rectangular aluminum laminate films are bonded to each other by fusion or an adhesive so that the polyethylene film faces the wound electrode body 30. ing.

An adhesion film 23 is inserted between the outer package 12 and the positive electrode lead 21 and the negative electrode lead 22 to prevent intrusion of outside air. The adhesion film 23 is made of a material having adhesion to the positive electrode lead 21 and the negative electrode lead 22. Examples of such a material include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, modified polyethylene, and modified polypropylene. Note that the adhesive film 23 of the present embodiment is made of the same material as the sealant materials 17 and 19.

In addition, the exterior body 12 may be comprised with the laminated film which has another laminated structure instead of the above-mentioned aluminum laminated film, and may be comprised with polymer films or metal films, such as a polypropylene.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the spirally wound electrode body shown in FIG. The wound electrode body 30 of FIG. 3 is obtained by laminating and winding a positive electrode 33 and a negative electrode 34 via an insulating layer 39 composed of a separator 35 and an electrolyte solution holding layer 36, and the outermost peripheral portion is protected. It is protected by a tape 37. In the wound electrode body 30, the electrolyte solution holding layer 36 is formed on both surfaces of the separator 35, and the separator 35, the positive electrode 33, and the separator 35 and the negative electrode 34 are bonded via the electrolyte solution holding layer 36. is doing. Further, the positive electrode 33 and the negative electrode 34 are bonded via an insulating layer 39. By providing the insulating layer 39 between the positive electrode 33 and the negative electrode 34, the adhesiveness between the positive electrode 33 and the negative electrode 34 is improved, thereby preventing the distance between the electrodes from becoming non-uniform due to repeated charge and discharge. The electrolyte solution holding layer 36 may be formed only on one side of the separator 35.

(Positive electrode)
In the positive electrode 33, for example, a positive electrode active material layer 33B is provided on both surfaces of a positive electrode current collector 33A having a pair of surfaces. However, the positive electrode active material layer 33B may be provided only on one surface of the positive electrode current collector 33A. The positive electrode current collector 33A is made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, nickel, or stainless steel. The positive electrode active material layer 33B includes one or more positive electrode materials capable of inserting and extracting lithium as a positive electrode active material, and a binder, a conductive agent, and the like as necessary. Other materials may be included.

(Positive electrode active material)
As the positive electrode active material, for example, a material capable of inserting and extracting lithium can be used. As the positive electrode active material, for example, a lithium-containing compound can be used.

Examples of the lithium-containing compound include a composite oxide containing lithium and a transition metal element (referred to as “lithium transition metal composite oxide”), and a phosphate compound containing lithium and a transition metal element (“lithium transition metal phosphate compound”). And so on). As the lithium-containing compound, a compound containing at least one of cobalt (Co), nickel, manganese (Mn) and iron as a transition metal element is preferable. This is because a higher voltage can be obtained.

Examples of the lithium transition metal composite oxide include a lithium transition metal composite oxide having a layered rock salt structure and a lithium transition metal composite oxide having a spinel structure.

Examples of the lithium transition metal composite oxide of a layered rock-salt structure, for example, the general formula LixM1O 2 _(wherein, the value of .x representing an element comprising one or more transition metal elements M1, as an example, 0.05 ≦ x ≦ 1.10 The value of x varies depending on the charge / discharge state of the battery, and the value of x is not limited to this. More specifically, for example, lithium cobalt complex oxide (LixCoO ₂ ), lithium nickel complex oxide (LixNiO ₂ ), lithium nickel cobalt complex oxide (LixNi 1 -z CozO ₂ (0 <z <1)), lithium nickel cobalt-manganese composite oxide (LixNi (1-vw) CovMnwO 2 (0 <v + w <1, v> 0, w> 0)), lithium-cobalt-aluminum-magnesium composite oxide (LixCo (1-pq) AlpMgqO 2 (0 < p + q <1, p> 0, q> 0)).

Examples of the spinel-type lithium transition metal composite oxide include lithium manganese composite oxide (LiMn ₂ O ₄ ) and lithium manganese nickel composite oxide (LixMn 2 -tNitO ₄ (0 <t <2)). .

Examples of the lithium transition metal phosphate compound include an olivine type lithium transition metal phosphate compound.

Examples of the lithium transition metal phosphate compound having an olivine type structure include, for example, the general formula LiyM ₂ PO ₄ (wherein M2 represents an element containing one or more transition metal elements. 05 ≦ y ≦ 1.10 The value of y varies depending on the charge / discharge state of the battery, and the value of y is not limited to this range. . More specifically, for example, a lithium iron phosphate compound (LiyFePO ₄ ), a lithium iron manganese phosphate compound (LiyFe1-uMnuPO ₄ (0 <u <1)), and the like can be given.

As the positive electrode active material, coated particles having the above-described lithium-containing compound particles and a coating layer provided on at least a part of the surface of the lithium-containing compound particles may be used. By using such coated particles, battery characteristics can be further improved.

The coating layer is provided on at least a part of the surface of lithium-containing compound particles (base material particles) serving as a base material, and has a composition element or composition ratio different from that of the base material particles. As a coating layer, what contains an oxide, a transition metal compound, etc. is mentioned, for example. Specifically, as the coating layer, for example, an oxide containing lithium and at least one of nickel and manganese, or nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, aluminum, magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) A compound containing oxygen (O) and phosphorus (P), and the like. The coating layer may contain a halide such as lithium fluoride or a chalcogenide other than oxygen.

The presence of the coating layer can be confirmed by examining the concentration change of the constituent elements from the surface of the positive electrode active material toward the inside. For example, the change in concentration is obtained by scraping particles of a lithium-containing compound provided with a coating layer by sputtering or the like while analyzing the composition by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) or SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Mass Spectrometry; Secondary ion mass spectrometry. ). It is also possible to slowly dissolve lithium-containing compound particles with a coating layer in an acidic solution and measure the elution of the particles by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. It is.

In addition, as the positive electrode active material, for example, an oxide, a disulfide, a chalcogenide containing no lithium (particularly, a layered compound or a spinel compound), a conductive polymer, and the like can be used. Examples of the oxide include vanadium oxide (V ₂ O ₅ ), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), manganese dioxide (MnO ₂ ), and the like. Examples of the disulfide include iron disulfide (FeS ₂ ), titanium disulfide (TiS ₂ ), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS ₂ ). Examples of chalcogenides that do not contain lithium include niobium diselenide (NbSe ₂ ) and the like. Examples of the conductive polymer include sulfur, polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacetylene, and polypyrrole.

The positive electrode active material may be other than the positive electrode active material exemplified above. Moreover, the positive electrode active material illustrated above may be mixed 2 or more types by arbitrary combinations.

Examples of the binder include synthetic rubbers such as styrene butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber or ethylene propylene diene, and polymer materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride. These may be single and multiple types may be mixed. Among these, polyvinylidene fluoride is preferable.

Examples of the conductive agent include carbon materials such as graphite and carbon black. These may be single and multiple types may be mixed.

(Negative electrode)
In the negative electrode 34, for example, a negative electrode active material layer 34B is provided on both surfaces of a negative electrode current collector 34A having a pair of surfaces. However, the negative electrode active material layer 34B may be provided only on one surface of the negative electrode current collector 34A. The negative electrode current collector 34A is made of, for example, a metal material such as copper, nickel, or stainless steel. The negative electrode active material layer 34B includes one or more negative electrode materials capable of inserting and extracting lithium as a negative electrode active material, and a binder, a conductive agent, and the like as necessary. Other materials may be included. Note that the same binder and conductive agent as those described for the positive electrode can be used.

(Negative electrode active material)
As the negative electrode active material, a material capable of inserting and extracting lithium can be used. Specifically, a material containing silicon as a constituent element (referred to as “material containing silicon”) can be used as the negative electrode active material. A material containing silicon has a large ability to occlude and release lithium, and a high energy density can be obtained.

Examples of the material containing silicon include a simple substance, an alloy or a compound of silicon, and a material having one or more phases thereof at least in part. The “alloy” in the present technology includes an alloy containing one or more metal elements and one or more metalloid elements in addition to an alloy composed of two or more metal elements. Further, the “alloy” may contain a nonmetallic element. This structure includes a solid solution, a eutectic (eutectic mixture), an intermetallic compound, or one in which two or more of them coexist.

As an alloy of silicon, for example, as a second constituent element other than silicon, tin, nickel, copper, iron, cobalt, manganese, zinc, indium, silver, titanium, germanium, bismuth, antimony (Sb) and chromium (Cr And at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

The silicon alloy is preferably one in which a silicon phase is dispersed in a matrix phase composed of a single phase or a compound phase containing one or more alloy constituent elements. For example, such a silicon alloy is an alloy in which silicon is finely dispersed in a different metal different from silicon. Typically, the different metal element is, for example, iron. This is because the utilization factor of the active material with respect to the theoretical capacity can be increased, and the cycle characteristics can be further improved.

Examples of the silicon compound include silicon oxides containing silicon and oxygen, and silicon and carbon compounds containing silicon and carbon. In addition, the compound of silicon may contain any one type or two types or more of the elements explained regarding the alloy of silicon as a constituent element other than silicon, for example. The oxide of silicon, e.g., SiOx, SiO ₂ and the like. Since the SiOx may deviate from the stoichiometric ratio, the composition ratio of O is x. For example, x is 0 <x <2.

The negative electrode active material may contain a material that can occlude and release lithium other than a material containing silicon. Moreover, the negative electrode active material illustrated above may be mixed 2 or more types by arbitrary combinations.

(Insulating layer)
The insulating layer 39 includes a separator 35 and an electrolyte solution holding layer 36 formed on at least one surface of the separator 35. Note that the separator 35 may be omitted, and the insulating layer 39 may be formed of the electrolyte solution holding layer 36 alone.

(Separator)
The separator 35 is a porous material that separates the positive electrode 33 and the negative electrode 34 and allows lithium ions to pass through while preventing a short circuit of current due to contact between the two electrodes. The separator 35 is made of a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a porous film made of ceramic, or the like. These two or more types of porous membranes may be laminated. The separator 35 is impregnated with an electrolytic solution.

(Electrolytic solution holding layer)
The electrolyte solution holding layer 36 includes a porous polymer compound and an electrolyte solution. In the electrolyte solution holding layer 36, the electrolyte solution is held in the pores of the porous polymer compound, and the porous polymer compound is swollen by the electrolyte solution. In addition, the electrolyte solution holding layer 36 has a function of allowing lithium ions to pass while isolating the positive electrode 33 and the negative electrode 34 singly or together with the separator 35 and preventing a short circuit of current due to contact between the two electrodes. Also good.

(Electrolyte)
The electrolytic solution includes a solvent and an electrolyte salt that dissolves in the solvent.

As the solvent, for example, a high dielectric constant solvent can be used. As the high dielectric constant solvent, cyclic carbonates such as ethylene carbonate (ethylene carbonate) and propylene carbonate (propyl carbonate) can be used. Examples of the high dielectric constant solvent include lactones such as γ-butyrolactone and γ-valerolactone, lactams such as N-methylpyrrolidone, and cyclic carbamines such as N-methyloxazolidinone instead of or together with the cyclic carbonate. A sulfone compound such as acid ester or tetramethylene sulfone may be used.

As the solvent, a high dielectric constant solvent and a low viscosity solvent may be mixed and used. Low viscosity solvents include chain esters such as ethyl methyl carbonate (methyl ethyl carbonate), diethyl carbonate (diethylene carbonate), dimethyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, butyric acid Chain carboxylic acid esters such as methyl, methyl isobutyrate, methyl trimethylacetate and ethyl trimethylacetate, chain amides such as N, N-dimethylacetamide, methyl N, N-diethylcarbamate, ethyl N, N-diethylcarbamate And chain ethers such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, 1,3-dioxolane, and the like. In addition, a solvent is not limited to the compound illustrated above, The compound proposed conventionally can be used widely.

The electrolyte salt contains, for example, one or more light metal salts such as a lithium salt.

Examples of the lithium salt include lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF _6), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF _4), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF _6), lithium hexafluoro antimonate (LiSbF ₆₎ Inorganic lithium salts such as lithium perchlorate (LiClO ₄ ) and lithium tetrachloride aluminum oxide (LiAlCl ₄ ). Examples of the lithium salt include lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (CF ₃ SO ₃ Li), lithium bis (trifluoromethanesulfone) imide ((CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₂ NLi), and lithium bis (pentafluoromethanesulfone) imide. ((C ₂ F ₅ SO ₂ ) ₂ NLi), lithium salts of perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid derivatives such as lithium tris (trifluoromethanesulfone) methide ((CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₃ CLi), lithium tetrafluoroborate ( Examples thereof include boron-containing lithium salts such as LiBF ₄ ) and LiB (C ₂ O ₄ ) ₂ .

(1-3) Configuration Example of Valve FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a valve (valve) provided in the battery of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the valve 14 includes a pressurizing coil spring 24 according to a predetermined pressure, a ball (iron ball) 25 whose upper surface is connected to the coil spring 24, and whose lower surface closes the distal end portion of the thin tube 13. And an opening / closing part 26. As the ball 25, for example, a metal ball or a resin ball can be used.

The valve 14 can be removed from the thin tube 13 and separated from the battery 10. Thereby, when the battery 10 is used, the manufacturing process of the battery 10 is not more complicated than necessary, the valve 14 is not damaged in the manufacturing process of the battery 10, and a single valve 14 can be shared by a plurality of batteries 10. By exchanging 14, there is an effect that the opening pressure of the gas can be changed as necessary. Furthermore, the battery 10 has an effect of being excellent in space efficiency when the plurality of batteries 10 are modularized.

In the valve 14, the gas 25 is generated inside the exterior body 12, and the ball 25 and the coil spring 24 are pushed in by the gas rising from the thin tube 13 through the opening / closing part 26 when the pressure inside the exterior body 12 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Can be opened automatically. Further, when the pressure inside the outer package 12 is less than a predetermined value, the valve 14 can be automatically closed by the coil spring 24 that has been pushed and contracted pushing the ball 25 into the tip of the thin tube 13. . The predetermined value can be adjusted, for example, in the range of 0 kPa to less than 4 kPa. The valve 14 can replace the coil spring 24 in accordance with the pressure inside the exterior body 12. Thereby, the gas release pressure of the valve 14 can be adjusted, for example, in units of 5 kPa to 10 kPa. Further, the valve 14 may be removable from the exterior body 12. Thereby, the manufacturing process is not complicated more than necessary, and the risk of damage to the valve 14 can be reduced.

(1-4) Example of Gas Discharge Method An example of a method for discharging the gas generated inside the battery 10 to the outside will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, gas is generated inside the battery 10 when the battery 10 is repeatedly charged and discharged or when the battery 10 becomes hot. When gas is generated inside the battery 10, the pressure inside the battery 10 increases. When the pressure inside the battery 10 rises, the coil spring 24 in the gas discharge valve 14 is pushed and contracted by the gas in the battery 10, and the ball 25 connected to the coil spring 24 rises, so that the opening / closing part 26 is opened. open. When the opening / closing part 26 is opened, the gas rising up the narrow tube 13 is discharged from the valve 14. When the pressure in the battery 10 is reduced by discharging the gas, the coil spring 24 is extended, the ball 25 is lowered, and the opening / closing part 26 is closed.

The battery 10 according to the present embodiment can automatically discharge the gas generated inside the battery 10 to the outside by the above-described configuration and operation. Therefore, the battery 10 can be used in a severe usage environment such as excessive rapid charging and use at high temperatures. Troubles can be avoided by the gas generated by the decomposition of the electrolyte inside 10. Thereby, the expansion | swelling of a battery and the fall of battery performance can be prevented. Note that the troubles caused by the gas include “compression of equipment due to battery expansion”, “decrease in battery performance due to battery expansion”, and “damage of exterior body due to battery expansion”. In addition, the battery 10 according to the present embodiment can be used at a higher temperature. Furthermore, since the battery 10 uses a thin tube for gas discharge, there is an effect that it is not necessary to change the structure of the battery greatly.

<2. Battery according to Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the battery according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. The battery 50 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the battery according to the first embodiment except for a configuration having a pump 51 for injecting an electrolytic solution. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected except the common structure, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(2-1) Example of Battery Configuration As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the configuration of the battery 10, the battery 50 according to the present embodiment has the electrode body 11 sealed with the exterior body 12, and then the electrolyte is supplied to the exterior body 12. The pump 51 for inject | pouring into the inside is provided. The pump 51 is connected to the narrow tube 53 via a joint 52. The thin tube 53 is connected to the thin tube 13 via a T-shaped joint 54. In addition, an open / close valve 56 is attached to the thin tube 53 via a joint 55.

(2-2) Example of Injection Method of Electrolytic Solution FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a pressurized chamber for injecting the electrolytic solution into the battery 50 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the pressurizing chamber 40 can accommodate the battery 50 inside, and the gas and electrolyte discharge capillary 13 to which the valve 14 is attached protrudes from the upper surface. Further, on one side surface of the pressurizing chamber 40, a thin tube 43 for injecting an electrolyte, to which a valve 42 is attached, protrudes. The rear end portion of the thin tube 43 is inserted into the electrode body housing portion 18 of the battery 50. Further, on the other side surface of the pressurizing chamber 40, a narrow tube 45 to which a safety valve 44 is attached protrudes. Further, a pressurized air line 41 is attached to the other side surface of the pressurized chamber 40.

An example of a method for injecting the electrolyte into the battery 50 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the opening / closing valve 56 of the battery 50 is opened. Next, the pump 51 is operated in the suction direction. Then, the deteriorated electrolytic solution passes through the thin tube 13 and is discharged to the outside of the exterior body 12 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6). After the deteriorated electrolyte is discharged, the on-off valve 56 is closed. Next, the pump 51 is removed from the thin tube 13, filled with a new electrolyte, and then attached to the thin tube 43. Thereafter, the on-off valve 56 is opened. Then, a new electrolytic solution is injected into the battery 50 from the pump 51 through the thin tube 43 (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 6). When the injection is finished, the on-off valve 56 is closed. The safety valve 44 is for preventing an excessive pressure increase inside the pressurizing chamber 40 due to an erroneous operation when the electrolytic solution is injected into the battery 50. Further, the pressurized air line 41 plays a role of a regulator (adjuster) for adjusting the pressure inside the pressurized chamber 40.

In the battery 50 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the battery 10 of the first embodiment, the electrolyte solution can be replaced using a thin tube, thereby realizing a long battery life. can do.

<3. Battery According to Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the battery according to the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. The battery according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the battery according to the first embodiment, except that a plurality of batteries are connected by a single thin tube. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected except the common structure, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the battery of this embodiment, a plurality of batteries 10 are connected by a thin tube 61 to form a battery group. The rear end portion of the thin tube 61 is branched into a plurality of insertion portions 63 that are inserted into the batteries 10 and a connection portion 62 that connects the plurality of insertion portions 63.

The battery group of the present embodiment can discharge the gas generated in the plurality of batteries 10 by one narrow tube 61 and one valve 14 to the outside by the above configuration. Therefore, even when a plurality of batteries 10 are used, the volumetric efficiency is high and the amount of expensive valves used can be reduced, so that a simple and small battery can be provided.

In addition, in the battery according to the first to third embodiments, as an example, an application example to a laminate type battery has been described. However, the present technology is not limited to this, and for example, applied to a cylindrical battery. It can be widely applied to modified embodiments such as.

<4. Fourth Embodiment (Example of Electronic Device)>
[4-1. Electronics]
The example of the electronic device of the fourth embodiment according to the present technology includes the batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology as power supply sources.

The battery provided in the electronic device of the fourth embodiment according to the present technology is as described above, and is the battery of the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Therefore, description of the battery is omitted here.

[4-2. Specific examples of electronic devices]
In addition, examples of the electronic device according to the fourth embodiment of the present technology include, for example, a notebook personal computer, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a mobile phone, a cordless phone, a video movie, a digital still camera, an electronic book, an electronic dictionary, and music. Player, radio, headphones, game console, navigation system, memory card, pacemaker, hearing aid, electric tool, electric shaver, refrigerator, air conditioner, TV, stereo, water heater, microwave oven, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, lighting equipment , Toys, medical equipment, robots, road conditioners, traffic lights and the like.

<5. Fifth Embodiment (Configuration Example of Electric Vehicle)>
The batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology can be used to supply electric power to the electric vehicle according to the fifth embodiment of the present technology. The example of the electric vehicle according to the fifth embodiment of the present technology converts the battery pack that houses the battery according to the first to third embodiments according to the present technology and the electric power supplied from the battery pack into driving force. A conversion unit, a drive unit that is driven according to the driving force, and a control unit that controls the usage state of the battery pack are provided. Examples of the electric vehicle include a railway vehicle, a golf cart, an electric cart, an electric vehicle (including a hybrid vehicle), and the like, and are used as a driving power source or an auxiliary power source.

FIG. 8 shows a block configuration of a hybrid vehicle which is an example of an electric vehicle. This electric vehicle includes, for example, a control unit 72, an engine 73, a battery pack 901, a driving motor 74, a differential device 75, a generator 76, and a transmission in a metal casing 71. 80, a clutch 81, inverters 82 and 83, and various sensors 84 are provided. In addition, the electric vehicle includes, for example, a front wheel drive shaft 85 and a front wheel 86 connected to the differential device 75 and the transmission 80, and a rear wheel drive shaft 87 and a rear wheel 88.

This electric vehicle can run using, for example, either the engine 73 or the motor 74 as a drive source. The engine 73 is a main power source, for example, a gasoline engine. When the engine 73 is used as a power source, the driving force (rotational force) of the engine 73 is transmitted to the front wheels 86 or the rear wheels 88 via, for example, a differential device 75, a transmission 80, and a clutch 81, which are driving units. . The rotational force of the engine 73 is also transmitted to the generator 76, and the generator 76 generates AC power using the rotational force. The AC power is converted into DC power via the inverter 83, and the battery Accumulated in the pack 901. On the other hand, when the motor 74 which is a conversion unit is used as a power source, the power (DC power) supplied from the battery pack 901 is converted into AC power via the inverter 82, and the motor 74 is driven using the AC power. To do. The driving force (rotational force) converted from electric power by the motor 74 is transmitted to the front wheels 86 or the rear wheels 88 via, for example, a differential device 75, a transmission 80, and a clutch 81, which are driving units.

When the electric vehicle decelerates via a braking mechanism (not shown), the resistance force at the time of deceleration is transmitted as a rotational force to the motor 74, and the motor 74 generates AC power using the rotational force. Good. This AC power is preferably converted into DC power via the inverter 82, and the DC regenerative power is preferably stored in the battery pack 901.

The control unit 72 controls the operation of the entire electric vehicle, and includes, for example, a CPU. The battery pack 901 may be connected to an external power source and be able to store power by receiving power supply from the external power source. The various sensors 84 are used, for example, to control the rotational speed of the engine 73 or to control the opening of a throttle valve (throttle opening) (not shown). The various sensors 84 include, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an engine speed sensor, and the like.

As the battery pack 901, the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 can be applied. For this reason, description of a battery pack is abbreviate | omitted here. Although the case where the electric vehicle is a hybrid vehicle has been described, the electric vehicle may be a vehicle (electric vehicle) that operates using only the battery pack 901 and the motor 74 without using the engine 73.

<6. Sixth Embodiment (Configuration Example of Power Storage System)>
The batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology are also applicable as a power storage power source for the power storage system of the sixth embodiment according to the present technology. An example of the power storage system of the sixth embodiment according to the present technology includes a battery pack that accommodates the batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology, and one or more electrons that are supplied with power from the battery pack. A device and a control unit for controlling power supply from the battery pack to the electronic device.

FIG. 9 shows a block configuration of the power storage system. This power storage system includes, for example, a battery pack 1001, a control unit 91, a smart meter 92, and a power hub 93 in a house 90 such as a general house and a commercial building.

The battery pack 1001 is connected to, for example, an electronic device 94 installed inside the house 90 and can be connected to an electric vehicle 96 stopped outside the house 90. The battery pack 1001 is connected to, for example, a private generator 95 installed in the house 90 via a power hub 93 and can be connected to an external centralized power system 97 via a smart meter 92 and the power hub 93. It has become. As the battery pack 1001, the batteries of the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 can be applied. For this reason, description of a battery pack is abbreviate | omitted here.

Note that the electronic device 94 includes, for example, one or more home appliances, and the home appliances are, for example, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a television, and a water heater. The private power generator 95 is, for example, any one type or two or more types such as a solar power generator and a wind power generator. The electric vehicle 96 is, for example, one type or two or more types such as an electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, and a hybrid vehicle. The centralized electric power system 97 is, for example, one type or two or more types such as a thermal power plant, a nuclear power plant, a hydroelectric power plant, and a wind power plant.

The control unit 91 controls the operation of the entire power storage system (including the usage state of the battery pack 1001), and includes, for example, a CPU. The smart meter 92 is, for example, a network-compatible power meter installed in a house 90 of a power consumer, and can communicate with a power supplier. Accordingly, the smart meter 92 enables efficient and stable energy supply by controlling the balance between supply and demand in the house 90 while communicating with the outside, for example.

In this power storage system, for example, power is accumulated in the battery pack 1001 from the centralized power system 97 that is an external power source via the smart meter 92 and the power hub 93, and from the solar power generator 95 that is an independent power source. Electric power is accumulated in the battery pack 1001 via the. Since the electric power stored in the battery pack 1001 is supplied to the electronic device 94 and the electric vehicle 96 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 91, the electronic device 94 can be operated and the electric vehicle 96 can be charged. Become. That is, the power storage system is a system that enables accumulation and supply of power in the house 90 using the battery pack 1001.

The power stored in the battery pack 1001 can be used arbitrarily. For this reason, for example, power is stored in the battery pack 1001 from the centralized power system 97 at midnight when the amount of electricity used is low, and the power stored in the battery pack 1001 is used during the day when the amount of electricity used is high. be able to.

The power storage system described above may be installed for each house (one household), or may be installed for each of a plurality of houses (multiple households).

<7. Seventh Embodiment (Configuration Example of Electric Tool)>
The batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology can be applied as a power source for the electric power tool of the seventh embodiment according to the present technology. An example of the electric power tool of the seventh embodiment according to the present technology includes a battery pack that accommodates the batteries of the first to third embodiments according to the present technology, and a movable portion that is supplied with electric power from the battery pack. . Examples of the electric tool include an electric drill, an electric saw, a rolling machine such as a rammer, and an electric farm equipment such as a lawn mower.

FIG. 10 shows a block configuration of the electric tool. This electric tool is, for example, an electric drill, and includes a control unit 99 and a battery pack 1101 inside a tool main body 98 formed of a plastic material or the like. For example, a drill part 110 which is a movable part is attached to the tool body 98 so as to be operable (rotatable).

The control unit 99 controls the operation of the entire power tool (including the usage state of the power supply 1101), and includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 99 supplies power from the battery pack 1101 to the drill unit 110 in response to an operation switch (not shown).
As the battery pack 1101, the batteries of the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 can be applied. For this reason, description of a battery pack is abbreviate | omitted here.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1)
An electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
An exterior body containing the electrode body and the electrolyte solution;
A thin tube attached to the exterior body and having a cross-sectional thickness smaller than the thickness of the exterior body,
A valve joined to the tip of the capillary,
A battery, wherein a rear end portion of the thin tube is inserted between the electrode body and the exterior body. (2)
The said thin tube is a battery as described in (1) containing a flexible material.
(3)
The diameter of the said thin tube is a battery as described in (1) or (2) which is 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.
(4)
The said thin tube is a battery as described in any one of (1) to (3) containing a nonelectroconductive material.
(5)
The said thin tube is a battery as described in any one of (1) to (4) in which the part which contact | connects the sealing part of the said exterior body is covered with the sealant material.
(6)
The battery according to (5), wherein the sealant material has a cylindrical shape or a shape obtained by folding a strip into two.
(7)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the narrow tube has a plurality of branched rear end portions.
(8)
The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The said thin tube is a battery as described in any one of (1) to (7) attached to the said side part.
(9)
The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The battery according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the thin tube is attached to a side part different from the side part.
(10)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the valve and the thin tube are joined by a joint having high adhesion.
(11)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the valve is opened when a pressure inside the exterior body is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and is closed when the pressure is lower than a predetermined value.
(12)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the valve is removable from the exterior body.
(13)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the valve includes a coil spring for pressurization according to a predetermined pressure.
(14)
The battery according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the exterior body includes a laminate material.
(15)
An electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
An exterior body containing the electrode body and the electrolyte solution;
A thin tube attached to the exterior body and having a cross-sectional thickness smaller than the thickness of the exterior body,
An injection / discharge section that is joined to the tip of the thin tube and can inject or discharge the electrolyte,
A battery, wherein a rear end portion of the thin tube is inserted between the electrode body and the exterior body.
(16)
The said thin tube is a battery as described in (15) containing a flexible material.
(17)
The diameter of the said thin tube is a battery as described in (15) or (16) which is 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.
(18)
The battery according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the thin tube includes a non-conductive material.
(19)
The battery according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein a portion of the thin tube that is in contact with the sealing portion of the outer package is covered with a sealant material.
(20)
The battery according to (19), wherein the sealant material has a cylindrical shape or a shape obtained by folding a strip into two.
(21)
The battery according to any one of (15) to (20), wherein the narrow tube has a plurality of branched rear end portions.
(22)
The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The said thin tube is a battery as described in any one of (15) to (21) attached to the said side part.
(23)
The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The said thin tube is a battery as described in any one of (15) to (22) attached to the side part different from the said side part.
(24)
The battery according to any one of (15) to (23), wherein the exterior body includes a laminate material.
(25)
Including at least one battery according to any one of (1) to (24),
A battery pack comprising an outer case for housing the battery.
(26)
An electronic apparatus comprising the battery according to any one of (1) to (24) as a power supply source.
(27)
A converter that converts the power supplied from the battery according to any one of (1) to (24) into a driving force;
A drive unit that is driven according to the drive force;
A vehicle comprising: a control unit that controls a use state of the battery.
(28)
An electric tool including a movable part to which electric power is supplied from the battery according to any one of (1) to (24).
(29)
One or more electronic devices to which power is supplied from the battery according to any one of (1) to (24);
A power storage system comprising: a control unit that controls power supply from the battery to the electronic device.

10, 50 Battery 11, 30 Electrode body 12 Exterior body 13, 43, 45, 53, 61 Capillary tube 14, 42 Valve 15, 52, 54, 55 Joint 16 Electrode tab 17, 19 Sealant 18 Electrode body housing part 21 Positive electrode lead 22 Negative electrode lead 23 Adhesion film 24 Coil spring 25 Ball (iron ball)
26, 56 On-off valve 33 Positive electrode 33A Positive electrode current collector 33B Positive electrode active material layer 34 Negative electrode 34A Negative electrode current collector 34B Negative electrode active material layer 35 Separator 36 Electrolyte holding layer 37 Protective tape 39 Insulating layer 40 Pressurization chamber 41 Pressurized air Line 44 Safety valve 51 Pump 62 Connection part 63 Insertion part 71 Case 72 Control part 73 Engine 74 Motor 75 Differential device 76 Generator 80 Transmission 81 Clutch 82, 83 Inverter 84 Various sensors 85 Front wheel drive shaft 86 Front wheel 87 Rear wheel Drive shaft 88 Rear wheel 90 House 91 Control unit 92 Smart meter 93 Power hub 94 Electronic device 95 Private generator 96 Electric vehicle 97 Centralized power system 98 Tool body 99 Control unit 110 Drill units 901, 1001, 1101 Battery pack

Claims (20)

An electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
An exterior body containing the electrode body and the electrolyte solution;
A thin tube attached to the exterior body and having a cross-sectional thickness smaller than the thickness of the exterior body,
A valve joined to the tip of the capillary,
A battery, wherein a rear end portion of the thin tube is inserted between the electrode body and the exterior body. An electrode body having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode;
An exterior body containing the electrode body and the electrolyte solution;
A thin tube attached to the exterior body and having a cross-sectional thickness smaller than the thickness of the exterior body,
An injection / discharge section that is joined to the tip of the thin tube and can inject or discharge the electrolyte,
A battery, wherein a rear end portion of the thin tube is inserted between the electrode body and the exterior body. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thin tube includes a flexible material. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of the thin tube is 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thin tube includes a non-conductive material. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the narrow tube is covered with a sealant at a portion in contact with the sealing portion of the exterior body. The battery according to claim 6, wherein the sealant material has a cylindrical shape or a shape obtained by folding a strip into two. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the narrow tube has a rear end portion branched into a plurality of branches. The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thin tube is attached to the side surface portion. The exterior body has an electrode tab on the side surface,
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the thin tube is attached to a side surface different from the side surface. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the valve and the narrow tube are joined by a joint having high adhesion. 2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the valve is opened when a pressure inside the exterior body is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and is closed when the pressure is lower than a predetermined value. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the valve is removable from the exterior body. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the valve has a coil spring for pressurization according to a predetermined pressure. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exterior body includes a laminate material. Including at least one battery according to claim 1 or 2,
A battery pack comprising an outer case for housing the battery. Electronic equipment comprising the battery according to claim 1 or 2 as a power supply source. A conversion unit that converts electric power supplied from the battery according to claim 1 to driving force;
A drive unit that is driven according to the drive force;
A vehicle comprising: a control unit that controls a use state of the battery. An electric tool comprising a movable part to which electric power is supplied from the battery according to claim 1 or 2. One or more electronic devices to which power is supplied from the battery according to claim 1 or 2, and
A power storage system comprising: a control unit that controls power supply from the battery to the electronic device.

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