Battery module, method of fabricating the same, and vehicle having battery module

Abstract

Each of battery cells (12) that constitute a battery module includes a flat-shaped rolled electrode body (30) formed by rolling a sheet-like anode collector (32) and a sheet-like cathode collector (34) along with a sheet-like separator, and a trailing edge (32E) of the sheet-like anode collector (32) and a trailing edge (34E) of the sheet-like cathode collector (34) are located at a position (30B) outside a portion of the rolled electrode body (30) which substantially receives a restraining load. The battery module, in which the restraining load is applied to the cells, achieves long service life while maintaining good output characteristics.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) capable of charging and discharging are connected in series, a method of fabricating the battery module, and a vehicle having the battery module. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the construction of battery cells that constitute a battery module suitable for installation on a vehicle.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Battery modules each constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series are provided which use lightweight lithium-ion batteries having a high energy density or other secondary batteries or storage devices, such as capacitors, as the cells. It has been found increasingly important to use such battery modules as power supplies that can provide high power, more specifically, as power supplies to be installed on vehicles or power supplies for personal computers and po...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This configuration ensures even load distribution across the rolled electrode body, enhancing cycle life performance and service life of the battery module, particularly in vehicles where vibrations and loads are prevalent.

Problems solved by technology

The unevenness in the load pressure (surface pressure) may cause unevenness in the degree of application of the pressure to the interior of the rolled electrode body, which in turn causes uneven or non-uniform distribution of battery components, such as an electrolyte, within the rolled electrode body, resulting in deterioration in the cycle life performance (a property concerning changes in the capacity as a result of repeated charging and discharging) of the cell.

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