JP2017041428A - Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for secondary battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery, whereby a gas removal hole can be formed without degrading production efficiency and without cutting failure, even if an outer covering body end becomes curly as a result of collecting electrolyte on an edge side of the outer covering body toward the power-generation-element side.SOLUTION: In a manufacturing device 100, one face of a gas removal part 74 between an auxiliary fusion part 71, overlapped by an outer covering film 21 in an outer covering body 20, and a power generation element 30 is supported by a support face 121 of a support member 120, and a squeeze roller 141 of a squeeze part 140 is brought into contact with the other face. The squeeze roller is moved from a first position Z1 on the auxiliary-fusion-part side toward a second position Z2 on the power-generation-element side, and thereby electrolyte E accumulating on the auxiliary-fusion-part side of the gas removal part is collected toward the power-generation-element side. The auxiliary-fusion-part side of the outer covering body is gripped by a gripping part 150 rather than the squeeze roller moved to the second position. A portion between the squeeze roller and the gripping part is cut by a cutter 170 in the gas removal part, and a gas removal hole 72 is thereby formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method.

  A secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery used for an electric vehicle is formed by enclosing a power generation element such as an electrode and an electrolytic solution in an outer package formed by stacking an outer film and forming a bag shape (the following patent documents) 1).

  In the manufacture of such a secondary battery, initial charging is performed after the power generation element and the electrolytic solution are sealed in the exterior body. In the initial charging, a gas such as hydrogen is generated from the power generation element by a chemical reaction. Therefore, a gas vent hole is provided in the exterior body to discharge the gas from the exterior body, thereby preventing the expansion of the exterior body due to the gas. On the other hand, when the electrolyte in the exterior body is discharged out of the exterior body as the gas is discharged, the amount of the electrolyte solution in the exterior body is reduced and the life of the secondary battery is shortened.

  Therefore, in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to Patent Document 1 below, one surface of the intermediate portion between the edge of the exterior body where the exterior film overlaps and the power generation element is supported by the support member, and the roller is pressed against the other surface. The roller is moved from the edge side of the exterior body toward the power generation element side. And the degassing hole is formed in the edge side of an exterior body rather than the roller after a movement. In order to form a gas vent hole on the edge side of the exterior body after the electrolyte solution accumulated on the edge side of the exterior body is brought closer to the power generation element side, while exhausting gas from the exterior body, The discharge of the electrolytic solution to the outside can be suppressed.

International Publication No. 2013/187161

  When the outer body is moved while pressing a pressing member such as a roller, as in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to Patent Document 1, the outer film is pulled by the pressing member, and the curl is attached to the outer body. There is. However, in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to Patent Document 1, the edge side of the exterior body is not gripped from the position where the cutter is inserted, and the edge side of the exterior body may fall down due to the curl hook. There is. As a result, the cutter may not be inserted into the exterior body, or even if it can be inserted, a cutting defect such as a shift in the cutting position may occur. Such a problem is likely to occur particularly when the cutter blade is worn. In order to prevent the occurrence of a cutting defect, the cutter may be replaced when the cutter is worn, but the manufacturing efficiency deteriorates due to an increase in the replacement frequency of the cutter.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and even when the electrolytic solution accumulated on the edge side of the exterior body is brought close to the power generation element side and the curl is attached to the exterior body, it is manufactured. It is an object of the present invention to provide a secondary battery manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus capable of forming a gas vent hole without deteriorating efficiency without deteriorating efficiency.

  The manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a secondary battery from a subassembly in which a power generation element and an electrolytic solution are sealed in an exterior body in which exterior films are stacked. The manufacturing apparatus includes a support member, an ironing unit, a first driving unit, a gripping unit, a second driving unit, and a cutter. The support member includes a support surface that supports one surface of an intermediate portion between the edge portion where the exterior film overlaps the power generation element in the exterior body. The ironing portion includes a pressing member that is pressed against the other surface of the intermediate portion and is movable from a first position on the edge side toward a second position on the power generation element side. The first drive unit drives the ironing unit. The gripping part is capable of gripping the edge side of the exterior body more than the pressing member located at the second position. The second drive unit drives the grip unit. The cutter can cut a portion between the pressing member located at the second position and the grip portion in the intermediate portion to form a gas vent hole. The first drive unit moves the pressing member from the first position to the second position, and draws the electrolytic solution accumulated on the edge side of the intermediate portion toward the power generation element side. The second driving unit causes the grip portion to grip the edge side of the exterior body with respect to the pressing member moved to the second position. The cutter cuts between a portion sandwiched between the support member and the pressing member moved to the second position in the exterior body and a portion gripped by the grip portion, A vent hole is formed.

  A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a method for manufacturing a secondary battery from a subassembly in which a power generation element and an electrolytic solution are enclosed in an outer package in which outer films are stacked. In the exterior body, one surface of an intermediate portion between the edge portion where the exterior film overlaps and the power generation element is supported by a support surface of a support member. The pressing member pressed against the other surface of the intermediate portion is moved from the first position on the edge side toward the second position on the power generation element side, and is accumulated on the edge side of the intermediate portion. The electrolyte is brought to the power generation element side. The edge side of the exterior body is gripped by the gripping part with respect to the pressing member moved to the second position. In the exterior body, a portion between the support member and the pressing member moved to the second position and a portion gripped by the grip portion are cut by a cutter, and a gas vent hole is formed. Form.

  According to the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method of the secondary battery according to the present invention, the cutter is provided between the portion sandwiched between the support member and the pressing member in the exterior body and the portion gripped by the grip portion. Cut to form a vent hole. Even if a curl hook is attached to the edge side of the exterior body as the pressing member moves from the edge side to the power generation element side, the edge side is gripped by the gripping portion, so that it does not fall down, and the gas vent hole is securely Can be formed. Since it is not necessary to increase the replacement frequency of the cutter, it is possible to form the vent hole without a cutting defect without deteriorating the production efficiency.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a secondary battery according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1B-1B in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the subassembly which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing apparatus of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows a state where a gas vent hole is formed. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing process of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following description does not limit the technical scope and terms used in the claims. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from actual ratios.

  FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a secondary battery 10 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1B-1B of FIG.

  The secondary battery 10 according to the present embodiment is a stacked lithium ion secondary battery that has a rectangular flat shape and is used in a power unit such as an electric vehicle.

  The secondary battery 10 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1A. The secondary battery 10 is formed by enclosing a power generation element 30 and an electrolytic solution E in a bag-shaped exterior body 20. A positive electrode tab 60 and a negative electrode tab 61 for extracting electric power are drawn out from different sides of the outer package 20. The sides from which the positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61 are drawn may be the same side. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the secondary battery 10 will be described in detail.

  The exterior body 20 is formed by overlapping two exterior films 21. As shown in FIG. 1 (A), the exterior body 20 includes a first fusion part 22 in which the peripheral edges of two superimposed exterior films 21 are fused in a U shape, and a U-shaped opening. The second fused portion 23 is fused. Note that a positive electrode tab 60 and a negative electrode tab 61 are sandwiched between the two packaged outer films 21. In the portion where the positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61 are sandwiched in the first fusion part 22, the respective exterior films 21 are bonded to the positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61, respectively.

  Each of the exterior films 21 is preferably made of a material that is flexible, thin and lightweight, can be easily fused by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like, and has excellent airtightness and moisture impermeability. The exterior film 21 may be a laminate film having a three-layer structure in which a metal layer is disposed between two polymer resin layers, for example. A metal layer may be comprised from metal foil, such as aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, copper, for example. The polymer resin layer may be composed of a heat-welding resin film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, modified polyethylene, modified polypropylene, ionomer, and ethylene vinyl acetate.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the power generation element 30 is formed by superposing a positive electrode 40 a and a negative electrode 40 b with a separator 50 interposed therebetween, and is enclosed in the exterior body 20.

Each positive electrode 40a has a positive electrode current collector 41a and a positive electrode active material layer 42a formed by applying a positive electrode active material to the surface of the positive electrode current collector 41a facing the negative electrode 40b. As the positive electrode current collector 41a, for example, an aluminum foil can be used. As the positive electrode active material, for example, a lithium-transition metal composite oxide such as LiMn ₂ O ₄ can be used. The positive electrode active material may contain a conductive additive, a binder, and the like.

  Each negative electrode 40b has a negative electrode current collector 41b and a negative electrode active material layer 42b formed by applying a negative electrode active material to the surface of the negative electrode current collector 41b facing the positive electrode 40a. As the negative electrode current collector 41b, for example, a copper foil can be used. As the negative electrode active material, for example, hard carbon, graphite-based carbon material, or lithium-transition metal composite compound can be used.

  The plurality of positive electrode current collectors 41 a and negative electrode current collectors 41 b are connected to the same polarity, and are connected to the positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61.

  The separator 50 has a configuration in which an electrolytic solution E is held as an electrolyte in the center in the surface direction of the separator 50 while physically separating the positive electrode active material layer 42a and the negative electrode active material layer 42b. The separator 50 is a thin film made of a material such as polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyamide, or polyimide.

The electrolytic solution E contains an organic solvent and a supporting salt. Examples of the organic solvent that can be used include cyclic carbonates such as propylene carbonate (PC) and ethylene carbonate and (EC), chain carbonates such as dimethyl carbonate, and ethers such as tetrahydro. As the supporting salt, for example, an inorganic acid anion such as a lithium salt (LiPF ₆ ) or an organic acid ion such as LiCF ₃ SO ₃ can be used.

  The positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61 are drawn out of the exterior body 20 through the first fusion part 22 of the exterior body 20.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the subassembly 70. When the power generation element 30 is enclosed in the exterior body 20 and initial charging is performed, gas is generated from the power generation element 30 by a chemical reaction. In order to discharge the gas generated in the exterior body 20 to the outside of the exterior body 20, a part of the exterior body 20 is cut to form a gas vent hole 72. In this specification, the assembly before the gas generating hole 72 is formed by enclosing the power generation element 30 and the electrolytic solution E in the exterior body 20 is referred to as a “subassembly 70”. Hereinafter, the configuration of the subassembly 70 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior body 20 of the subassembly 70 is a first fusion in which the periphery of the two exterior films 21 overlapped with the positive electrode tab 60 and the negative electrode tab 61 sandwiched in a U shape. Part 22 and an auxiliary fusion part 71 obtained by fusing the U-shaped opening on the peripheral side of the outer package 20.

  In the secondary battery 10 shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), a gas vent hole 72 is formed between the auxiliary fusion part 71 of the subassembly 70 and the power generation element 30, and after the gas is discharged, the second battery 10 is discharged. It is formed by forming the fused portion 23 and cutting along the cutting line 73 shown in FIG. The second fusion part 23 is formed between the gas vent hole 72 and the power generation element 30. The cutting line 73 is located between the second fusion part 23 and the gas vent hole 72.

  In the present embodiment, the target for forming the gas vent hole 72 is the subassembly 70, and therefore the auxiliary fusion portion 71 corresponds to the edge portion of the exterior body 20 where the exterior film 21 overlaps. Further, an intermediate portion between the edge portion (auxiliary fusion portion 71) of the exterior body 20 including a portion where the gas vent hole 72 is formed and the power generation element 30 is referred to as a “gas vent portion 74”. The degassing part 74 has a swelled shape due to the gas generated from the power generation element 30 in the initial charging.

  FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the secondary battery 10 according to the embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows a state in which the electrolyte solution E in the outer package 20 is moved toward the power generation element 30 by the ironing portion 140. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 and shows a state in which the gas vent holes 72 are formed.

  In the figure, the direction in which the support member 120 and the ironing portion 140 are separated from and approaching the subassembly 70 is indicated by an arrow X, the depth direction in FIG. 4 of the device orthogonal to the arrow X is indicated by an arrow Y, and the arrow X A direction orthogonal to the arrow Y is indicated by an arrow Z. Moreover, in FIG.4 and FIG.5, it has shown in the state which abbreviate | omitted the detail of the electric power generation element 30. FIG. Moreover, in FIG. 4, in order to make an understanding easy, the electrolyte solution E is shown typically large granularly.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the secondary battery 10 according to the present embodiment brings the electrolyte E accumulated in the gas vent 74 of the subassembly 70 to the power generation element 30 side, and then introduces the gas vent 72 into the gas vent 74. Is a device for discharging gas generated by initial charging.

  The manufacturing apparatus 100 of the secondary battery 10 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 5. The holding unit 110, the support member 120, the moving unit 130, the ironing unit 140, the gripping unit 150, and the drive Part 160 (corresponding to a first drive part and a second drive part) and a cutter 170. The holding unit 110 holds the subassembly 70. The support member 120 includes a support surface 121 that supports one surface of the gas vent 74. The moving part 130 is configured so that the support member 120 can be separated from and approached to the gas vent part 74. The squeezing part 140 is pressed against the other surface of the gas vent part 74 and is movable from the first position Z1 on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side toward the second position Z2 on the power generation element 30 side. Equivalent). The grip part 150 can grip the auxiliary fusion part 71 side more than the ironing roller 141 located at the second position Z2. The drive unit 160 can drive the ironing unit 140 and the gripping unit 150. The cutter 170 can cut the portion between the ironing roller 141 located at the second position Z <b> 2 and the grip portion 150 in the gas vent portion 74 to form the gas vent hole 72.

  The drive unit 160 moves the squeezing roller 141 from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2, and brings the electrolyte E on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the gas vent part 74 toward the power generation element 30 side. Further, the driving unit 160 causes the holding unit 150 to grip the auxiliary fusing unit 71 side with respect to the ironing roller 141 moved to the second position Z2. The cutter 170 cuts between a portion sandwiched between the support member 120 and the ironing roller 141 moved to the second position Z2 in the exterior body 20 and a portion gripped by the gripping portion 150, and gas A punch hole 72 is formed. Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the holding part 110 holds the subassembly 70 between the support member 120 and the ironing part 140. In the present embodiment, the power generation element 30 of the exterior body 20 is arranged below the subassembly 70 in the holding unit 110 so as not to hinder the operations of the support member 120, the ironing unit 140, the gripping unit 150, and the cutter 170. Hold the part that is sandwiched from both sides. For example, a pad 111 having cushioning properties may be provided on the side of the holding unit 110 facing the subassembly 70.

  The support member 120 has a flat support surface 121 that supports the surface on one side of the gas vent 74 and an insertion hole 122 through which the cutter 170 can be inserted.

  The support surface 121 is provided so as to support a range in which an ironing roller 141 (described later) moves in the exterior body 20.

  The insertion hole 122 is provided at an appropriate position of the support member 120 so that the gas vent hole 72 can be formed at a predetermined position of the gas vent portion 74. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the insertion hole 122 extends along the arrow Y direction at a substantially central portion of the support member 120. When the cutter 170 is inserted into the insertion hole 122 provided as described above, the gas vent hole 72 can be formed in the substantially central portion of the gas vent portion 74 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the insertion hole 122 is pressed against the ironing roller 141 moved to the second position Z <b> 2 on the power generation element 30 side in the arrow Z direction and the gas venting portion 74 on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side. It is provided between the holding member 151 of the grip portion 150.

  The moving unit 130 releases the gas between the standby position (not shown) where the support member 120 is separated from the subassembly 70 and the support surface 121 in contact with one surface of the degassing unit 74 and the ironing roller 141 described later. It is configured to be movable between an operation position (see FIG. 4) that sandwiches the portion 74. As the moving unit 130, for example, a known linear motion mechanism such as a telescopic shaft can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ironing unit 140 includes an ironing roller 141 that presses the degassing unit 74, a pair of arms 142 with the ironing roller 141 attached to the distal end side, and a base end side of the pair of arms 142 that rotates. And an arm support portion 143 that is freely connected. The ironing section 140 further includes a spring 144 provided between each arm 142 and the arm support section 143, and a pair of stoppers 145 that regulate the position of each arm 142.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ironing roller 141 extends along the direction of the arrow Y, and the arc-shaped peripheral surface of the ironing roller 141 is in contact with the gas vent 74. That is, the portion of the ironing roller 141 that comes into contact with the exterior body 20 is rounded. For this reason, it is possible to move the ironing roller 141 from the auxiliary fusion part 71 side to the power generation element 30 side while pressing the degassing part 74 without damaging or damaging the exterior film 21. On the other hand, as compared with a case where the pressing member having a rectangular tip is moved while being pressed by the gas vent 74, the gas vent 74 fits into the arc-shaped portion, and the curl is more likely to arrive.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the axial length of the ironing roller 141 (referred to as the width of the ironing roller 141) is the gas vent 74 along the direction in which the auxiliary fusing part 71 extends. Is longer (referred to as the width of the gas vent 74). For this reason, compared with the case where the width | variety of the ironing roller 141 is shorter than the width | variety of the degassing part 74, more electrolyte solution E can be brought near to the electric power generation element 30 side. On the other hand, compared with the case where the width of the ironing roller 141 is shorter than the width of the degassing part 74, the ironing roller 141 presses a wider range of the degassing part 74. Is easy to get curled heels.

  Each arm 142 is provided at both ends of the ironing roller 141. The distal end side of each arm 142 is connected to the shaft of the ironing roller 141 and holds the ironing roller 141 in a freely rotatable manner.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the arm support portion 143 has a shape extending along the arrow Z direction. A rotation shaft 143 a is provided at the upper end portion of the arm support portion 143. As shown in FIG. 3, the base end side of the arm 142 is connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 143a. Thus, the arm support portion 143 holds the arm 142 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 143a.

  Further, the arm support part 143 is connected to a drive part 160 described later, and is configured to be able to approach and separate from the gas vent part 74 by the drive part 160.

  When the arm support portion 143 is brought close to the gas vent portion 74, the ironing roller 141 attached to the tip of the arm 142 moves from the auxiliary fusion portion 71 to the power generation element 30 in a direction intersecting the gas vent portion 74. Pressed. For this reason, even when the gas venting portion 74 is tilted with respect to the support surface 121, the ironing roller 141 is disposed above the subassembly 70 and lowered from the auxiliary fusion portion 71 side toward the power generation element 30 side. In comparison, the gas vent 74 can be reliably sandwiched between the support member 120.

  Due to the resilient force of each spring 144, each arm 142 is urged toward the clockwise direction about the rotation shaft 143a.

  Each stopper 145 is provided at the upper end portion of the arm support portion 143 so as to protrude toward the arm 142 side. When the protruding portion of each stopper 145 contacts each arm 142, the position of each arm 142 is regulated.

  Specifically, each stopper 145 has a first position on the side of the auxiliary fusion portion 71 when the ironing roller 141 in a state of being separated from the gas venting portion 74 is brought close to the gas venting portion 74. The angle of each arm 142 with respect to the arm support portion 143 is regulated so as to come into contact with the gas vent portion 74 at Z1.

  In addition, each stopper 145 is arranged so that each arm 142 is inclined counterclockwise with respect to the arrow X direction around the rotation shaft 143a in a state where the squeezing roller 141 is separated from the gas vent 74. The position of the arm 142 is regulated. Therefore, when the arm support portion 143 is further moved closer to the gas vent portion 74 from the state where the squeezing roller 141 is in the first position Z1, the arm 142 causes the elastic force of the spring 144 by the reaction force from the gas vent portion 74. Against this, it rotates counterclockwise around the rotating shaft 143a. As a result, the ironing roller 141 moves (rolls) from the first position Z1 on the auxiliary fusion portion 71 side to the second position Z2 on the power generation element 30 side (see FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the grip 150 is provided on the opposite side of the support member 120 with the exterior body 20 interposed therebetween. The gripping part 150 includes a pair of pressing members 151 that are pressed against the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the exterior body 20 supported by the support member 120, and a connection part 152 that connects each pressing member 151 to each arm 142 of the ironing part 140. And having.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of pressing members 151 are rollers. Each pressing member 151 is provided so as to extend along the support surface 121 of the support member 120, and the arc-shaped peripheral surface of the pressing member 151 is in contact with the gas vent 74. As described above, since the portion of the gripping portion 150 that is in contact with the exterior body 20 is rounded, the pressing member 151 presses the exterior body 20 against the support member 120 without damaging or damaging the exterior film 21. .

  The connecting portion 152 is disposed between the pair of arms 142 and connected to each arm 142. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, projecting portions 153 projecting in an L shape toward the support member 120 are provided at both ends of the region of the connection portion 152 facing the insertion hole 122 of the support member 120. Yes. A pressing member 151 is rotatably attached to the tip of each protrusion 153.

  As described above, when the arm support portion 143 is brought close to the gas vent portion 74, each arm 142 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation shaft 143a. Accordingly, the ironing roller 141 located at the first position Z1 moves to the second position Z2. Each pressing member 151 interlocks with the ironing portion 140 and moves to the second position Z2 of the ironing roller 141, so that the auxiliary fuser 71 side of the exterior body 20 is closer to the ironing roller 141 located at the second position Z2. Grip.

  Thus, by connecting the gripping part 150 to the ironing part 140, the driving part 160 of the ironing part 140 can also function as the driving part of the gripping part 150.

  At this time, each pressing member 151 is pressed against the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the outer package 20 from the direction intersecting the direction from the auxiliary fusion part 71 of the outer package 20 toward the power generation element 30, and the support member 120. The gas vent 74 is held between the two. Even when the curvature of the curl of the exterior body 20 varies, compared to the case where the holding member 151 is disposed above the subassembly 70 and lowered from the auxiliary fusion part 71 side toward the power generation element 30 side, The degassing portion 74 can be reliably sandwiched between the support member 120.

  The driving unit 160 brings the arm support unit 143 into contact with the ironing roller 141 at a standby position (not shown) away from the subassembly 70 and the first position Z1 on the auxiliary fusing unit 71 side of the gas venting unit 74. It is configured to be movable between the ironing start position (point X1 in FIG. 4). Further, the drive unit 160 moves the arm support unit 143 closer to the squeezing start position X1 and the degassing part 74 side than the squeezing start position X1, and moves the squeezing roller 141 to the second position Z2 on the power generation element 30 side. It is configured so as to be movable between the completion positions (the point X2 in FIG. 5). As the drive unit 160, for example, a known linear motion mechanism such as a telescopic shaft can be used.

  As described above, the driving unit 160 moves the arm support unit 143 from the ironing start position X1 to the ironing completion position X2, so that the ironing roller 141 moves from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2. As a result, the electrolytic solution E accumulated on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the gas vent part 74 is brought closer to the power generation element 30 side. Further, the pressing member 151 is pressed against the gas vent 74 as the ironing roller 141 moves from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2.

  The cutter 170 is disposed on the opposite side of the support surface 121 (rear of the support member 120) with respect to the support member 120.

  The cutter 170 has a standby position behind the support member 120 (see FIG. 4) and an operation position (see FIG. 5) that projects through the insertion hole 122 provided in the support member 120 and projects forward of the support member 120. It is configured to be movable. Further, the cutter 170 is configured to be able to travel along the direction of the arrow Y along the insertion hole 122 in the operating position (see FIG. 3).

  Thus, the cutter 170 travels in a direction intersecting with the direction from the auxiliary fusion part 71 of the exterior body 20 toward the power generation element 30 on the inner side of the exterior body 20. In addition, as described above, the pressing members 151 are provided at both ends of the region facing the insertion hole 122 of the support member 120, and the outer body 20 has a longer travel range than the travel range of the cutter 170 along the travel direction of the cutter 170. The outer side is gripped (see FIG. 3). By arranging in this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the electrolytic solution E to adhere to the pressing member 151 when the electrolytic solution E scatters from the vent hole 72.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the secondary battery 10 according to the embodiment.

  The manufacturing method of the secondary battery 10 will be outlined with reference to FIG. 6. The subassembly 70 forming step (S <b> 10 to S <b> 12), the initial charging step (S <b> 20), the degassing step (S <b> 30 to S <b> 32), It has the sealing process (S40) of the punch hole 72, and a trim process (S50). Hereinafter, each process is explained in full detail.

  In the formation process of the subassembly 70, the process of forming the first fusion part 22 (S10), the process of injecting the electrolyte E (S11), and the process of forming the auxiliary fusion part 71 (S12) are performed. To do.

  In the step of forming the first fusion part 22 (S10), first, the power generation element 30, the positive electrode tab 60, and the negative electrode tab 61 are sandwiched between the two exterior films 21. Then, the periphery of the exterior body 20 is fused in a U-shape, leaving one side of the periphery of the exterior body 20 where the two exterior films 21 overlap so as to have an opening. Thus, the first fusion part 22 is formed.

  In the step of injecting the electrolytic solution E (S11), the electrolytic solution E is injected into the exterior body 20 from the opening formed in step S10. The method for injecting the electrolytic solution E is not particularly limited. For example, the electrolytic solution E may be injected by inserting a tube or a nozzle into the opening and directly injecting it.

  In the step (S12) of forming the auxiliary fusion part 71, first, the auxiliary fusion part 71 is formed by fusing the opening formed in step S10. As a result, the power generation element 30 and the electrolytic solution E are sealed in the exterior body 20. Thereby, the subassembly 70 shown in FIG. 2 is formed.

  In the initial charging step (S20), charging is performed until the power generation element 30 generates a voltage obtained when charging to a predetermined ratio of the battery capacity of the power generation element 30. Gas is generated from the power generation element 30 by the initial charging. Further, in the initial charging step (S20), in order to stabilize the battery characteristics, the power generation element 30 may be held for a certain period of time in a charged state. Gas is further generated from the power generation element 30 even when held for a certain period of time.

  In the degassing step, a step (S30) for carrying the subassembly 70 into the manufacturing apparatus 100, a step (S31) for squeezing the degassing portion 74, and a step (S32) for forming the degassing holes 72 are performed.

  In the step (S30) for carrying in the subassembly 70, the subassembly in which the initial charging has been completed is carried into the manufacturing device 100 for the degassing step from another manufacturing device that performs the initial charging step (S20). Then, the loaded subassembly 70 is held by the holding unit 110 of the manufacturing apparatus 100. The method for carrying in the subassembly 70 is not particularly limited. For example, the subassembly 70 may be carried in from above the holding unit 110 by a robot arm or the like.

  In the step of squeezing the gas vent 74 (S31), the moving unit 130 moves the support member 120 at the standby position to the operating position, and supports one surface of the gas vent 74 with the support surface 121 of the support member 120. Similarly, the drive unit 160 moves the arm support part 143 of the ironing part 140 in the standby position to the ironing start position X1, and the first position Z1 on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side on the other surface of the gas vent part 74. The ironing roller 141 is brought into contact. As a result, the gas vent 74 is sandwiched between the support surface 121 of the support member 120 and the ironing roller 141.

  Next, the driving unit 160 moves the arm support unit 143 from the ironing start position X1 to the ironing completion position X2, thereby moving the ironing roller 141 from the first position Z1 toward the second position Z2 on the power generation element 30 side. . As a result, the electrolyte E accumulated on the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the gas vent part 74 is brought closer to the power generation element 30 side.

  As the squeezing roller 141 moves to the second position Z2, the pressing member 151 connected to the squeezing part 140 via the connection part 152 has a more auxiliary melt of the outer package 20 than the squeezing roller 141 located at the second position Z2. It is pressed against the landing part 71 side. Accordingly, the gripping part 150 grips the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the exterior body 20 between the pressing member 151 and the support member 120.

  In the step of forming the gas vent hole 72 (S32), the cutter 170 is advanced from the standby position to the operating position, and the cutter is run along the insertion hole 122 at the operating position. The cutter 170 cuts between a portion sandwiched between the support member 120 and the pressing member 151 of the exterior body 20 and a portion sandwiched between the support member 120 and the ironing roller 141 to form a gas vent hole 72. .

  In addition, after forming the gas vent hole 72, the portion where the squeezing roller 141 is pressed in the gas vent portion 74 and the exterior film 21 overlaps may be separated by the suction pad. This facilitates the escape of gas.

  In the sealing step (S 40) of the gas vent hole 72, the exterior body 20 between the gas vent hole 72 and the power generation element 30 is fused to form the second fused portion 23.

  In the trimming step (S50), the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the outer package 20 is cut off from the second fusion part 23 along the cutting line 73 shown in FIG. As a result, the secondary battery 10 shown in FIG.

  According to the manufacturing apparatus 100 and the manufacturing method of the secondary battery 10 according to the above embodiment, the one surface of the gas venting portion 74 between the auxiliary fusion portion 71 and the power generation element 30 where the exterior film 21 overlaps in the exterior body 20 is provided. It is supported by the support surface 121 of the support member 120. The ironing roller 141 pressed against the other surface of the degassing portion 74 is moved from the first position Z1 on the auxiliary fusing portion 71 side to the second position Z2 on the power generating element 30 side, and the auxiliary fusing of the degassing portion 74 is performed. The electrolyte E accumulated on the landing portion 71 side is brought closer to the power generation element 30 side. The auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the outer package 20 is gripped by the gripping part 150 with respect to the ironing roller 141 moved to the second position Z2. The portion between the support member 120 and the ironing roller 141 moved to the second position Z2 in the exterior body 20 and the portion gripped by the grip portion 150 are cut by the cutter 170 to release gas. A hole 72 is formed.

  Even if the curled heel is attached to the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the outer package 20 as the squeezing roller 141 moves, the auxiliary fusion part 71 side is grasped by the grasping part 150. A vent hole 72 can be formed in the bottom. For this reason, since it is not necessary to increase the replacement frequency of the cutter 170, it is possible to form the vent hole 72 without cutting defects without deteriorating the production efficiency.

  In addition, the grip 150 is provided on the opposite side of the support member 120 with the exterior body 20 interposed therebetween, and is pressed against the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the exterior body 20 supported by the support surface 121, thereby supporting the support surface 121. In the meantime, the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the outer package 20 is gripped. Since it is sufficient that the grip 150 is provided only on one side of the exterior body, the layout of the apparatus can be simplified. Further, since the gas vent hole 72 is formed in a state where the gas vent portion 74 is along the support surface, the gas vent hole 72 can be formed with higher positional accuracy.

  Further, by connecting the gripping unit 150 to the ironing unit 140, the driving unit 160 of the ironing unit 140 is caused to function as the driving unit of the gripping unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to newly add a drive unit with the provision of the grip unit 150.

  Further, the cutter 170 is configured to be able to run in a direction intersecting with a direction from the auxiliary fusion portion 71 side of the exterior body 20 toward the power generation element 30 side on the inner side of the exterior body 20. The gripping part 150 grips the outer side of the exterior body 20 from the traveling range of the cutter 170 along the traveling direction of the cutter 170. By arranging in this way, the electrolytic solution E is less likely to adhere to the grip portion 150 when the electrolytic solution E scatters from the vent hole 72. As a result, the frequency with which the gripper 150 is cleaned can be suppressed.

  Further, the ironing section 140 and the gripping section 150 are pressed against the exterior body 20 from a direction intersecting the direction from the auxiliary fusion part 71 of the exterior body 20 toward the power generation element 30. For this reason, the ironing portion 140 can sandwich the exterior body 20 between the support member 120 more reliably even when the exterior body 20 is tilted with respect to the support surface 121. In addition, the gripping part 150 can grip the exterior body 20 more reliably even if the curvature of the curled ridge of the exterior body 20 varies.

  Further, portions of the ironing portion 140 and the grip portion 150 that are in contact with the exterior body 20 are rounded. For this reason, the ironing part 140 can be pressed against the exterior body 20 without tearing or damaging the exterior film 21, and can move from the auxiliary fusion part 71 side to the power generation element side. Further, the gripping part 150 can grip the exterior body 20 without damaging or damaging the exterior film 21.

  As mentioned above, although the manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method of the secondary battery which concern on this invention were demonstrated through embodiment, this invention is not limited only to each structure demonstrated, It changes suitably based on description of a claim. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the secondary battery 10 is a lithium ion secondary battery has been described. However, the secondary battery 10 is not limited to a lithium ion secondary battery, and may be any secondary battery that generates gas during initial charging.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where the support surface 121 of the support member 120 was flat, the support surface may have a curvature, for example. Furthermore, the supporting member 120 may be configured in the same manner as the ironing part 140, and the electrolyte E in the gas venting part 74 may be brought closer to the power generation element 30 side by pressing the ironing roller 131 from both sides of the gas venting part 74. Also in this case, a curl ridge may arrive at the degassing portion 74 due to a shift in the movement timing of the support member 120 and the ironing portion 140.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where the press member which presses the degassing part 74 was the ironing roller 141, the structure of a press member is not limited to this. For example, the pressing member may be a plate-like member. Even if the tip of the pressing member is not rounded, if the pressing member is pressed against the exterior body 20 and moved from the edge side to the power generation element side, the exterior film 21 is pulled on the pressing member, Can occur.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where the pressing member was a roller, it is not limited to this. For example, the pressing member may be a flat plate. In such a case, the corners of the flat plate may be rounded so that the exterior film is not torn or damaged, or an elastic material may be provided on the contact surface side with the exterior body 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the auxiliary fusion part 71 side of the exterior body 20 is sandwiched between the support member 120 and the pressing member 151 of the gripping part 150 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. It is good also as a structure which provides the pressing member 151 in the both surfaces side of the degassing part 74, and clamps the auxiliary | assistant melt | fusion part 71 of an exterior body with the holding member 151 which makes a pair.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ironing roller 141 and the pressing member 151 are pressed against the exterior body from a direction intersecting the direction from the edge of the exterior body 20 toward the power generation element 30 has been described. However, the present invention is limited to this case. Not. For example, the ironing roller 141 and the pressing member 151 may be provided above the exterior body so as to move from the auxiliary fusion portion 71 side toward the power generation element 30 side.

  Moreover, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the case where the holding part 150 hold | grips the exterior body 20 at the timing which the ironing roller 141 moved to the 2nd position Z2, it is not limited to this case. The gripping unit 150 may be configured to grip the exterior body 20 before the squeezing roller 141 moves to the second position Z2, or grip the exterior body 20 after the squeezing roller 141 moves to the second position Z2. You may comprise.

10 Secondary battery,
20 exterior body,
21 exterior film,
30 power generation elements,
70 subassemblies,
71 Auxiliary fusion part (edge),
72 vent holes,
74 Degassing part (intermediate part),
100 manufacturing equipment,
110 holder,
120 support member,
121 support surface,
130 moving part,
140 Ironing part,
141 Ironing roller (pressing member),
150 gripping part,
151 holding member 160 drive unit (first and second drive unit),
170 cutter,
E Electrolyte.

Claims (7)

A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery from a subassembly in which a power generation element and an electrolytic solution are enclosed in an exterior body in which an exterior film is overlaid,
A support member including a support surface that supports one surface of an intermediate portion between the edge portion and the power generation element where the exterior film overlaps in the exterior body;
A rubbing part comprising a pressing member that is pressed against the other surface of the intermediate part and is movable from a first position on the edge side toward a second position on the power generation element side;
A first drive unit for driving the ironing unit;
A grip portion that can grip the edge side of the exterior body more than the pressing member located at the second position;
A second drive unit for driving the gripping unit;
A cutter capable of forming a vent hole by cutting a portion between the pressing member and the gripping portion located at the second position in the intermediate portion;
The first driving unit moves the pressing member from the first position to the second position, and brings the electrolytic solution accumulated on the edge side of the intermediate portion toward the power generation element side,
The second drive unit causes the grip portion to grip the edge side of the exterior body with respect to the pressing member moved to the second position,
The cutter cuts between a portion sandwiched between the support member and the pressing member moved to the second position in the exterior body and a portion gripped by the grip portion, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus for forming a vent hole.   The grip portion is provided on the opposite side of the support member across the exterior body, and is pressed against the edge side of the exterior body supported by the support surface, so that the space between the support surface and the support surface The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the edge side of the exterior body is gripped.   The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is connected to the ironing portion so that the first driving portion also functions as the second driving portion. The cutter is configured to be able to run in a direction intersecting a direction from the edge of the exterior body toward the power generation element side on the inner side of the exterior body,
The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the grip portion grips an outer side of the exterior body from a travel range of the cutter along a travel direction of the cutter.   The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ironing portion and the gripping portion are pressed against the exterior body from a direction intersecting with a direction from the edge of the exterior body toward the power generation element. Manufacturing equipment.   The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein portions of the ironing portion and the grip portion that are in contact with the exterior body are rounded. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a secondary battery from a subassembly in which a power generation element and an electrolytic solution are enclosed in an exterior body in which an exterior film is overlaid,
In the exterior body, one surface of an intermediate portion between the edge portion where the exterior film overlaps and the power generation element is supported by a support surface of a support member,
The pressing member pressed against the other surface of the intermediate portion is moved from the first position on the edge side toward the second position on the power generation element side, and is accumulated on the edge side of the intermediate portion. Bring the electrolyte to the power generation element side,
Grip the edge side of the exterior body with a gripping part rather than the pressing member moved to the second position,
In the exterior body, a portion between the support member and the pressing member moved to the second position and a portion gripped by the grip portion are cut by a cutter, and a gas vent hole is formed. The manufacturing method of the secondary battery formed by forming.