JP2019071209A - Liquid injection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect the precipitation of a salt on a liquid injection nozzle, the contact of the liquid injection nozzle with another structure or the overflow of an electrolyte solution with good accuracy.SOLUTION: The liquid injection device comprises a control unit which executes a process including the steps of: setting a first connection state (S100) and judging that a salt has been precipitated on the nozzle if there is a change in electrostatic capacitance (YES in S102); setting a second connection state (S104) and moving the nozzle downward (S106); judging that there is a work interference (S126) if there is a change in the electrostatic capacitance (YES in S108); setting a third connection state (S112) and judging that when a quantity of downward movement of the nozzle reaches a predetermined stroke (YES in S110) and judging that a contact with an electrode body is present (S128) if there is a change in the electrostatic capacitance (YES in S114); setting the first connection state (S116) and starting liquid injection (S118); and judging that liquid overflow is present (S130) if there is a change in the electrostatic capacitance after liquid injection is started (YES in S120).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a pouring device for pouring an electrolytic solution into the inside of a battery in a manufacturing process of the battery.

  In the manufacturing process of the battery, for example, an injection step of injecting the electrolytic solution from an injection port provided in the upper surface member of the upper portion of the storage case in which the electrode body is stored is set.

  Regarding such a liquid injection process of a battery, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-022073 (Patent Document 1), a liquid injection nozzle is inserted into a battery can, and one of the width direction between the electrode group and the battery lid is A technique is disclosed in which an electrolytic solution is discharged and injected toward the direction side.

JP, 2014-022073, A

  However, in the case of mass production of the battery, the liquid injection nozzle is inserted into the storage case of the battery, and the operation of discharging the electrolytic solution is repeatedly performed. Therefore, there may occur an abnormality in which salt is deposited around the injection nozzle due to the remaining electrolyte around the tip of the injection nozzle. In addition, the liquid injection nozzle contacts the upper surface member or a structure other than the battery, the liquid injection nozzle contacts the electrode body accommodated in the storage case, or the electrolyte overflows from the storage case during the liquid injection. May occur. Therefore, it is required to detect the occurrence of these abnormalities with high accuracy.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is to accurately deposit salt at the injection nozzle, contact between the injection nozzle and another structure, or overflow of the electrolyte. It is providing the liquid injection apparatus which detects.

  An injection device for a battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the inside of a battery including an electrode body, a storage case for housing the electrode body, and an upper surface member provided on an upper portion of the storage case and having an injection port formed therein. It is a pouring device which pours in electrolyte solution to. The liquid injection device is disposed in parallel to the rod-like liquid injection nozzle inserted into the liquid injection port, the first electrode provided on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid injection nozzle, and the first electrode, and the liquid injection port is injected The second electrode is disposed parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the end is placed on the upper surface during the insertion operation. The second electrode operates so that the end approaches the periphery of the liquid inlet during the insertion operation for inserting the nozzle. The third electrode operating to maintain the state in contact with the member, the first connection state in which the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to the AC power supply, and the first electrode and the third electrode as the AC power supply Switching circuit for switching to any one of the second connection state to be connected and the third connection state in which the second electrode and the third electrode are connected to the AC power supply, the first connection state, the second connection Injection using capacitance between two electrodes connected to the AC power supply in each of the third state and the third connection state Abnormal pouring step of pouring an electrolyte solution and an abnormality determination device which determines whether the occurred. When the first capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the first connection state before the start of the injection changes from the initial value, the abnormality determination device detects salt of the electrolyte solution around the injection nozzle. It is judged that the abnormality which precipitates has occurred. In the abnormality determination device, the liquid injection nozzle contacts the upper surface member when the second capacitance between the first electrode and the third electrode in the second connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value It is determined that an abnormality has occurred. In the abnormality determination device, the injection nozzle contacts the electrode body when the third capacitance between the second electrode and the third electrode in the third connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value It is determined that an abnormality has occurred. The abnormality determination device does not change the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection, and changes the first capacitance in the first connection state after the start of liquid injection from the initial value. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in which the electrolyte overflows from the injection port.

  Thus, for example, when the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the salt of the electrolytic solution is precipitated between the first electrode and the second electrode. It is presumed that the abnormality in which the salt of the electrolytic solution precipitates around the injection nozzle can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, when the second capacitance in the second connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, it is estimated that the first electrode is in contact with the top member of the battery, and the liquid injection nozzle is in the battery The abnormality which is in contact with the upper surface member can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, when the third capacitance in the third connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, it is presumed that the second electrode is in contact with the upper surface member, and the position of the liquid injection nozzle is assumed It is possible to detect with high accuracy the abnormality in which the lower position, that is, the liquid injection nozzle and the electrode body are in contact with each other. In addition, when the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection does not change and the first capacitance in the first connection state after the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the liquid injection start Later, it is presumed that the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the electrolytic solution, and an abnormality in which the electrolytic solution overflows from the liquid injection port can be detected with high accuracy.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an injection device that detects with high accuracy the deposition of salt in the injection nozzle, the contact between the injection nozzle and another structure, or the overflow of the electrolyte.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of a pouring apparatus. It is an enlarged view of the dashed-line frame of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality determination processing performed by a control part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a view showing the entire configuration of the liquid injection device 1. The liquid injection device 1 injects the electrolytic solution into the inside of the battery 60 in the liquid injection process among the plurality of manufacturing processes for manufacturing the battery 60. In addition, the detailed description for being a known technique for other steps is not given.

  Battery 60 includes, for example, an on-board secondary battery used for an electric car, a hybrid car, a plug-in hybrid car, and the like. Battery 60 includes, for example, any of a nickel hydrogen battery and a lithium ion battery.

<About the Configuration of Battery 60>
As shown in FIG. 1, the battery 60 includes a positive electrode external terminal 34, a negative electrode external terminal 36, an electrode body 42, a housing case 62, and an upper surface member 64.

  The electrode body 42 is formed by winding, for example, in a state in which a positive electrode sheet, a separator, and a negative electrode sheet (all not shown) are laminated. The electrode body 42 is formed in a flat shape. The electrode body 42 includes a positive electrode 38 and a negative electrode 40.

  The storage case 62 has a rectangular shape, and is formed with a rectangular opening that opens upward. An upper surface member 64 is disposed above the housing case 62 so as to close the opening of the housing case 62. The outer peripheral edge of the top surface member 64 is welded to the opening edge of the opening of the storage case 62. The housing case 62 and the top member 64 are made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

  The positive electrode external terminal 34 and the negative electrode external terminal 36 are attached to the upper surface member 64. The positive electrode external terminal 34 is electrically connected to the positive electrode 38 of the electrode body 42 in the housing case 62. The negative electrode external terminal 36 is electrically connected to the negative electrode 40 of the electrode body 42 in the housing case 62. In addition, a liquid inlet 32 (see FIG. 2) is formed in the upper surface member 64.

<About the structure of the pouring apparatus 1>
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid injection apparatus 1 includes a vacuum pump 2, an electrolyte tank 4, an injection pipe 5, an AC power supply 6, an air release valve 8, a pressure sensor 10, and an open / close valve 12. The first relay circuit 14, the second relay circuit 16, the suction passage 18, the chamber 20, the first electrode 22, the second electrode 24, the third electrode 26, the actuator 50, and the control unit 100 Equipped with

  The vacuum pump 2 is a pump that sucks the gas in the chamber 20 via the suction passage 18. The vacuum pump 2 operates based on, for example, a control signal from the control unit 100.

  The electrolytic solution tank 4 stores an electrolytic solution to be supplied into the storage case 62 of the battery 60 in the liquid injection process.

  The alternating current power supply 6 supplies alternating current power to any two electrodes of a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24 and a third electrode 26 which will be described later. The power supplied by the AC power supply 6 is, for example, AC power of a predetermined frequency (for example, a frequency of several tens of Hz). The AC power supply 6 incorporates a capacitance sensor 7 for detecting a capacitance between two electrodes connected to the AC power supply 6. The capacitance sensor 7 transmits a signal indicating the detected capacitance to the control unit 100.

  The atmosphere release valve 8 is controlled to be closed when the vacuum pump 2 is operated. The atmosphere release valve 8 is controlled to open, for example, when the inside of the chamber 20 which is in a predetermined negative pressure state after the liquid injection is completed is opened to the atmosphere. The atmosphere release valve 8 operates based on, for example, a control signal from the control unit 100.

  The pressure sensor 10 detects the pressure in the chamber 20. The pressure sensor 10 transmits a signal indicating the detected pressure in the chamber 20 to the control unit 100.

  The on-off valve 12 is provided in the liquid injection pipe 5 connecting the liquid injection nozzle 28 described later and the electrolytic solution tank 4. The on-off valve 12 is controlled to be in a closed state until injection is started, and blocks the flow of the electrolyte. The on-off valve 12 is controlled to be open when the liquid injection is started. The on-off valve 12 is controlled to be in the closed state when the liquid injection is completed. The on-off valve 12 operates based on a control signal from the control unit 100.

  The first relay circuit 14 includes a contact point connected to one end of the first electrode 22 and a connection point connected to one of the two terminals of the AC power supply 6 (hereinafter referred to as a first terminal). It includes a circuit that selects one of the contacts connected to one end of the two electrodes 24.

  More specifically, the first relay circuit 14 electrically connects the first terminal of the AC power supply 6 to the contact connected to one end of the first electrode 22, and the first terminal of the AC power supply 6 And a contact electrically connected to one end of the second electrode 24 are configured to be switchable from either one to the other. The first relay circuit 14 operates, for example, based on a control signal from the control unit 100.

  The second relay circuit 16 includes a contact connected to one end of the second electrode 24 and a second relay circuit 16 as a connection destination with the other of the two terminals of the AC power supply 6 (hereinafter referred to as the second terminal). The circuit includes a circuit for selecting one of the contacts connected to one end of the three electrodes 26.

  More specifically, the second relay circuit 16 electrically connects the second terminal of the AC power supply 6 to the contact connected to one end of the second electrode, and the second terminal of the AC power supply 6 It is configured to be switchable from one of the states electrically connected to the contact connected to one end of the third electrode 26 to the other. Second relay circuit 16 operates, for example, based on a control signal from control unit 100.

  In the chamber 20, a storage case 62 of the battery 60 to be liquid injected is stored in the liquid injection process. The chamber 20 has a box-like shape that is open at the top, and the opening at the top is closed by the lid 21 so as to be sealable. The liquid injection nozzle 28, the first electrode 22, the second electrode 24, and the third electrode 26 are fixed to the lid portion 21 in a penetrating manner. The lid 21 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 using the actuator 50. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, the lid 21 is moved to close the opening at the top of the chamber 20, whereby the inside of the chamber 20 is sealed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the liquid injection nozzle 28 has a positional relationship in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 is inserted into the liquid injection port 32 provided in the central portion of the upper surface member 64 of the battery 60. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a broken line frame of FIG. A cross section of the liquid inlet 32 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a stepped portion is formed on the periphery of the liquid injection port 32. The liquid injection nozzle 28 is formed in a tubular shape which allows the electrolyte to flow therethrough. The liquid injection nozzle 28 is connected to the liquid injection pipe 5.

  The liquid injection nozzle 28 is provided with a first electrode 22. The first electrode 22 is formed of, for example, a rod-like or plate-like conductor provided on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid injection nozzle 28. One end of the first electrode 22 is connected to the contact of the first relay circuit 14, and the other end of the first electrode 22 is configured to reach the tip portion of the liquid injection nozzle 28.

  The second electrode 24 is formed of a rod-like or plate-like conductor disposed in parallel to the first electrode 22 (that is, the liquid injection nozzle 28). One end of the second electrode 24 is connected to the contact of the first relay circuit 14 and the contact of the second relay circuit 16. When the lid 21 is moved to a position closing the opening in the upper portion of the chamber 20, the tip of the other end of the second electrode 24 is in advance with respect to the surface formed in the step of the liquid inlet 32. It becomes a position separated by a fixed distance. That is, the tip portion of the second electrode 24 is moved during movement to a position where the lid 21 closes the opening in the upper portion of the chamber 20 (that is, during the insertion operation of inserting the liquid injection nozzle 28 into the liquid injection port 32). Operates to approach a step portion at the periphery of the liquid injection port 32.

  The third electrode 26 is formed of a rod-like or plate-like conductor disposed in parallel to the first electrode 22 (that is, the liquid injection nozzle 28) and the second electrode 24. One end of the third electrode 26 is connected to the contact of the second relay circuit 16. The tip portion of the other end of the third electrode 26 is provided to face the upper surface member 64. A spring member 29 is provided between the tip of the third electrode 26 and the lid 21. The spring member 29 is provided to be able to move the tip end portion of the third electrode 26 in the vertical direction in FIGS. The tip portion of the third electrode 26 contacts the upper surface member 64 during movement to a position where the lid 21 closes the opening of the upper portion of the chamber 20 (ie, during the insertion operation of the liquid injection nozzle 28), The contraction of the spring member 29 operates to maintain the tip portion of the third electrode 26 in contact with the upper surface member 64.

<About the operation of the liquid injection device 1 in the liquid injection process>
When the liquid injection process is started, the control unit 100 operates the actuator 50 to lower the lid 21 to a position where the opening of the upper portion of the chamber 20 is closed by the lid 21. Thereafter, the control unit 100 operates the vacuum pump 2 to suck the air in the chamber 20 via the suction passage 18. The control unit 100 operates the vacuum pump 2 until the pressure in the chamber 20 detected by the pressure sensor 10 reaches a predetermined negative pressure that is less than or equal to a threshold value. The control unit 100 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 2 when the inside of the chamber 20 reaches a predetermined negative pressure state. After the inside of the chamber 20 is brought to a predetermined negative pressure state, the control unit 100 opens the on-off valve 12 and injects the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic solution tank 4 into the accommodation case 62. The control unit 100 controls the air release valve 8 to be open while closing the on-off valve 12 when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the on-off valve 12 is opened. When the atmosphere release valve 8 is opened, the inside of the chamber 20 has an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, the control unit 100 operates the actuator 50 to move the lid 21 upward in FIG. 1. After pouring, a plug is provided in the pouring port, and the pouring step is completed by sealing by welding or the like.

<About the abnormality which occurs in pouring device 1>
As described above, in the liquid injection step of the battery 60, the electrolytic solution is injected into the storage case 62 of the battery 60. However, in the case of mass-producing the battery 60 manufactured in this manner, the liquid injection nozzle 28 is inserted into the storage case 62 of the battery 60, and the operation of discharging the electrolytic solution is repeatedly performed. Therefore, there may occur an abnormality in which salt precipitates around the injection nozzle 28 due to the remaining electrolyte around the tip of the injection nozzle 28. In addition, the liquid injection nozzle 28 contacts the upper surface member 64 and a structure other than the battery 60, or the liquid injection nozzle 28 contacts the electrode body 42 accommodated in the accommodation case 62, or the accommodation case 62 is injected. There may be an abnormality that the electrolyte overflows from the Therefore, it is required to detect the occurrence of these abnormalities with high accuracy.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after control unit 100 starts an insertion operation of inserting liquid injection nozzle 28 into liquid injection port 32, alternating current power supply 6, first relay circuit 14, and second relay circuit 16 are used. Switching between any one of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state, which will be described later, and using the capacitance between the two electrodes connected to the AC power supply 6 in each state It is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the liquid injection process. In the present embodiment, control unit 100 corresponds to the "abnormality determination device".

  The first connection state includes a state in which the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are connected to the AC power supply 6. For example, in the first relay circuit 14, the first terminal of the AC power supply 6 and the contact of the first electrode 22 are electrically connected, and in the second relay circuit 16, the second terminal of the AC power supply 6 and The first connection state is realized by electrically connecting the contact point of the second electrode 24.

  The second connection state includes a state in which the first electrode 22 and the third electrode 26 are connected to the AC power supply 6. For example, in the first relay circuit 14, the first terminal of the AC power supply 6 and the contact of the first electrode 22 are electrically connected, and in the second relay circuit 16, the second terminal of the AC power supply 6 and The second connection state is realized by electrically connecting the contact point of the third electrode 26.

  The third connection state includes a state in which the second electrode 24 and the third electrode 26 are connected to the AC power supply 6. For example, in the first relay circuit 14, the first terminal of the AC power supply 6 and the contact of the second electrode 24 are electrically connected, and in the second relay circuit 16, the second terminal of the AC power supply 6 and The third connection state is realized by electrically connecting the contact point of the third electrode 26.

  The control unit 100 acquires, for example, the first capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection, and the acquired first capacitance has an initial value. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in which a salt of the electrolytic solution precipitates around the liquid injection nozzle 28 when it changes from the above. In the case where the first capacitance in the first connection state changes from the initial value, it is presumed that an abnormality in which the salt of the electrolytic solution precipitates around the liquid injection nozzle 28, so the liquid injection nozzle An abnormality in which the salt of the electrolytic solution precipitates around 28 can be detected with high accuracy.

  Further, the control unit 100 acquires the second capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the third electrode 26 in the second connection state before the start of liquid injection, and the acquired second capacitance has an initial value. It is determined that an abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 contacts the top surface member 64 or a structure other than the battery 60 has occurred. When the second capacitance in the second connection state changes from the initial value, both of the end of the first electrode 22 and the end of the third electrode 26 are in contact with the top surface member 64 or the first Since it is presumed that an abnormality in which the end of the electrode 22 is in contact with a structure other than the battery 60 has occurred, the liquid injection nozzle 28 is not properly inserted into the liquid injection port 32, Abnormality in contact with the structure of can be detected with high accuracy.

  Further, the control unit 100 acquires the third capacitance between the second electrode 24 and the third electrode 26 in the third connection state before the start of liquid injection, and the acquired third capacitance has an initial value. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 and the electrode body 42 are in contact with each other. When the third capacitance in the third connection state changes from the initial value, it is estimated that the end of the second electrode 24 is in contact with the top surface member 64. In this case, the position of the liquid injection nozzle 28 is located lower than expected, and an abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 contacts the electrode body 42 can be detected with high accuracy.

  Further, the control unit 100 acquires the first capacitance in the first connection state before and after the start of liquid injection. When the first capacitance does not change before the start of liquid injection, and the first capacitance changes from the initial value after the start of liquid injection, the controller 100 causes the electrolyte to overflow from the liquid injection port 32 Is determined to have occurred. When the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection does not change, and the first capacitance in the first connection state after the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, It is presumed that the electrolytic solution is present between the second electrode 24 and it, and an abnormality in which the electrolytic solution overflows from the liquid injection port 32 can be detected with high accuracy.

<Details of Abnormality Determination Process Executed by Control Unit 100>
Hereinafter, the abnormality determination process executed by the control unit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the abnormality determination process performed by the control unit 100. Each step shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is realized by software processing by the control unit 100, but a part of the steps may be realized by hardware fabricated in the control unit 100. The AC power supply 6 is always in the on state. In addition, it is assumed that the lid portion 21 is lifted by the actuator 50 and the upper portion of the chamber 20 is in an open state.

  In step 100 (hereinafter, step is referred to as “S”), control unit 100 sets the first connection state, ie, the on state of the contact with first electrode 22 in first relay circuit 14 (AC power supply 6 In addition, the contact point with the second electrode 24 in the second relay circuit 16 is turned on (connected state with the second terminal of the AC power supply 6).

  At S102, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a change in the first capacitance between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24. The control unit 100 acquires the first capacitance in the first connection state using the capacitance sensor 7. The control unit 100 calculates the difference between the acquired first capacitance and the initial value.

  The initial value of the first capacitance is the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 in a state in which the salt of the electrolytic solution is not precipitated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 in the first connection state. The capacitance during the period is, for example, a predetermined value. The initial value of the first capacitance is, for example, adapted by experiment or the like.

  The control unit 100 determines that there is a change in the first capacitance when the magnitude of the calculated difference is larger than the threshold. The threshold value is set, for example, so as not to misjudge a change in the normal first capacitance during the insertion operation as salt deposition.

  If it is determined that there is a change in the first capacitance (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S124. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change in the first capacitance (NO in S102), the process proceeds to S102.

  At S104, control unit 100 turns on the second connection state, that is, the point of contact with first electrode 22 in first relay circuit 14, and the point of contact with third electrode 26 in second relay circuit 16. Turn on.

  In S106, the control unit 100 drives the actuator 50 to lower the liquid injection nozzle 28 (that is, the lid 21).

  At S108, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a change in the second capacitance between first electrode 22 and third electrode 26. The control unit 100 acquires a second capacitance in the second connection state using the capacitance sensor 7. The control unit 100 calculates the difference between the acquired second capacitance and the initial value.

  The initial value of the second capacitance is the capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the third electrode 26 in a state where the liquid injection nozzle 28 is properly inserted into the liquid injection port 32 in the second connection state. For example, it is a predetermined value. The initial value of the second capacitance is, for example, adapted by experiment or the like.

  The control unit 100 determines that there is a change in the second capacitance when the magnitude of the calculated difference is larger than the threshold. The threshold value is set, for example, so as not to erroneously determine the change of the normal second capacitance during the insertion operation as the case where the first electrode 22 is in contact with the top surface member 64 of the battery 60.

  If it is determined that there is a change in the second capacitance (YES in S108), the process proceeds to S126. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second capacitance does not change (NO in S108), the process proceeds to S110.

  In S110, the control unit 100 determines whether the descent amount of the liquid injection nozzle 28 (the lid 21) has reached a descent amount (prescribed stroke) at which the lid 21 blocks the top of the chamber 20. The control unit 100 may determine, for example, based on the operation amount of the actuator 50 or the operation time of the actuator 50 whether the descent amount of the liquid injection nozzle 28 has reached a prescribed stroke. If it is determined that the descent amount of the liquid injection nozzle 28 has reached the prescribed stroke (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112. When it is determined that the descent amount of the liquid injection nozzle 28 has not reached the prescribed stroke (NO in S110), the process is returned to S106.

  At S112, control unit 100 brings the third connection state, ie, turns on the contact with second electrode 24 in first relay circuit 14, and the contact with third electrode 26 in second relay circuit 16. Turn on.

  At S114, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a change in the third capacitance between second electrode 24 and third electrode 26. The control unit 100 acquires the third capacitance in the third connection state using the capacitance sensor 7. The control unit 100 calculates the difference between the acquired third capacitance and the initial value.

  In the third connection state, the initial value of the third capacitance is the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 22 in a state in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 is properly inserted into the liquid injection port 32 (state not in contact with the upper surface member 64). The capacitance to the electrode 24 is, for example, a predetermined value. The initial value of the third capacitance is adapted, for example, by experiment.

  The control unit 100 determines that there is a change in the third capacitance when the magnitude of the calculated difference is larger than the threshold. The threshold value is set, for example, so as not to misjudge that the change of the normal third capacitance during the insertion operation is the case where the second electrode 24 is in contact with the upper surface member 64.

  If it is determined that there is a change in the third capacitance (YES in S114), the process proceeds to S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no change in the third capacitance (NO in S114), the process proceeds to S116.

  At S116, control unit 100 turns on the contact state with the first electrode 22 in the first connection state, that is, in the first relay circuit 14, and the contact point with the second electrode 24 in the second relay circuit 16. Turn on.

  At S118, control unit 100 starts liquid injection. That is, the control unit 100 operates the vacuum pump 2 to bring the inside of the chamber 20 into a predetermined negative pressure state, and then starts the liquid injection by controlling the open / close valve 12 in the open state.

  At S120, control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a change in the first capacitance between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24. Since the determination method is the same as the determination method described in S102, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that there is a change in the first capacitance (YES in S120), the process proceeds to S130. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no change in the first capacitance (NO in S120), the process proceeds to S122.

  At S122, control unit 100 determines whether or not the injection amount of the electrolyte has reached a specified amount. The control unit 100 may determine that the liquid injection amount has reached the specified amount, for example, when the elapsed time since the open / close valve 12 is controlled to open reaches a predetermined time. When the flow rate from the electrolytic solution tank 4 reaches a threshold value, it may be determined that the injection amount has reached a specified amount. If it is determined that the injection amount has reached the prescribed amount (YES in S122), this process is ended. At this time, for example, the open / close valve 12 is closed, and the atmosphere release valve 8 is opened, so that the inside of the chamber 20 is opened to the atmosphere. When it is determined that the liquid injection amount has not reached the prescribed amount (NO in S122), the process is returned to S118.

  At S124, control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which the salt of the electrolytic solution is deposited at the tip of liquid injection nozzle 28 has occurred. At S126, control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact (work interference) with a structure other than upper surface member 64 or battery 60 has occurred. At S128, control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with electrode body 42 has occurred. At S130, control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which the electrolyte overflows from liquid injection port 32 has occurred. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the control unit 100 may notify the occurrence of the abnormality in a mode such as generation of a warning sound or lighting of a warning light.

<About the abnormality determination operation by the liquid injection device 1>
An abnormality determination operation of the liquid injection device 1 in the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

(1) In the case where salt is deposited at the tip of the liquid injection nozzle 28
For example, it is assumed that the salt is deposited at the tip of the liquid injection nozzle 28 and the salt deposited between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 is present.

  When the contact with the first electrode 22 is turned on in the first relay circuit 14 and the contact with the second electrode 24 is turned on in the second relay circuit 16 (S100), the first electrode 22 and the second A first capacitance with the electrode 24 is obtained. When the precipitated salt is present between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, the first capacitance changes to the threshold value or more based on the initial value (YES in S102) . Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which salt precipitates on the tip of the liquid injection nozzle 28 is generated (S124).

(2) When the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the upper surface member 64.
In the above (1), when there is no change in the acquired first capacitance (NO in S102), the contact point with the first electrode 22 is turned on in the first relay circuit 14, and the second relay is turned on. In the circuit 16, the contact point with the third electrode 26 is turned on (S104). Thereafter, the actuator 50 is actuated, and the liquid injection nozzle 28 is lowered. During the lowering of the liquid injection nozzle 28, a second capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the third electrode 26 is acquired. When the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the upper surface member 64, the second capacitance changes to a threshold value or more based on the initial value (YES in S108). Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the upper surface member 64 or a structure other than the battery is generated (S126).

(3) When the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the electrode body 42.
In the above (2), when there is no change in the acquired second capacitance (NO in S108), after the descent amount of the liquid injection nozzle 28 reaches the prescribed stroke (YES in S110), The contact point with the second electrode 24 is turned on in the 1 relay circuit 14, and the contact point with the third electrode 26 is turned on in the second relay circuit 16 (S112). At this time, the third capacitance between the second electrode 24 and the third electrode 26 is acquired. When the liquid injection nozzle 28 is lowered more than expected and in contact with the electrode body 42, since the second electrode 24 is in contact with the upper surface member 64, the third capacitance is based on the initial value. It will change to the threshold value or more (YES in S114). Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that an abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the electrode body 42 is occurring (S128).

(4) When the electrolyte overflows.
In the above (3), if there is no change in the acquired third capacitance (NO in S114), the contact point with the first electrode 22 is turned on in the first relay circuit 14, and the second relay is turned on. In the circuit 16, the contact point with the second electrode 24 is turned on (S116). Then, liquid injection is started (S118). During pouring, a first capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 is obtained. When the electrolytic solution overflows from the injection port 32, the first capacitance changes to a threshold value or more than the initial value (NO in S120). Therefore, the control unit 100 causes the electrolytic solution to overflow It is determined that an abnormality has occurred (S130).

<About the effect by the pouring apparatus 1>
As described above, according to the liquid injection device according to the present embodiment, when the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the first electrode 22 and the second electrode It is presumed that the salt of the electrolytic solution is precipitated between the above, and the abnormality in which the salt of the electrolytic solution is precipitated around the liquid injection nozzle 28 can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, when the second capacitance in the second connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the first electrode 22 is in contact with the upper surface member 64 of the battery 60 or another structure. It is estimated that an abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 is in contact with the upper surface member 64 of the battery 60 or a structure other than the battery 60 can be detected with high accuracy. Further, when the third capacitance in the third connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, it is estimated that the second electrode 24 is in contact with the upper surface member 64 and the liquid injection nozzle 28 The position where the position is lower than expected, that is, the abnormality in which the liquid injection nozzle 28 and the electrode body 42 are in contact with each other can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, when the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection does not change and the first capacitance in the first connection state after the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the liquid injection start Later, it is estimated that the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are in contact with the electrolytic solution, and an abnormality in which the electrolytic solution overflows from the liquid injection port 32 can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to provide an injection device for detecting with high accuracy the deposition of salt in the injection nozzle, the contact between the injection nozzle and another structure, or the overflow of the electrolytic solution.

<About the modification>
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although the case where it was a battery for vehicles was explained as an example, battery 60 was not limited to a battery for vehicles. Battery 60 may be, for example, a general-purpose battery, or a battery mounted on a mobile body other than a vehicle.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the battery 60 has been described as one of a lithium ion battery and a nickel hydrogen battery, but in the manufacturing process of the battery 60, the electrolytic solution is injected into the housing case. The battery is not particularly limited as long as it has a liquid injection process.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first electrode 22 is described as being attached to the liquid injection nozzle 28. However, for example, the liquid injection nozzle 28 may be configured as the first electrode 22.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the AC power supply 6 is described on the premise that it is in the on state (voltage application state). For example, when the execution of the abnormality determination process is started, the AC power supply 6 is turned on. It may be turned off at the end time.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the capacitance sensor 7 is used to detect the capacitance between the two electrodes connected to the AC power supply 6. However, for example, the control unit 100 is used to The capacitance may be calculated. The method of calculating the capacitance may be a well-known technique and will not be described in detail.

In addition, the above-mentioned modification may be implemented combining the whole or one part suitably.
It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 injection apparatus, 2 vacuum pump, 4 electrolyte tank, 5 injection piping, 6 alternating current power supply, 7 electrostatic capacity sensor, 8 air release valve, 10 pressure sensor, 12 on-off valve, 14 1st relay circuit, 16 first 2 relay circuit 18 suction passage 20 chamber 21 lid 22 first electrode 24 second electrode 26 third electrode 28 liquid injection nozzle 29 spring member 32 liquid injection port 34 positive external terminal 36 Negative electrode external terminal, 38 positive electrode, 40 negative electrode, 42 electrode body, 50 actuator, 60 battery, 62 storage case, 64 upper surface member, 100 control unit.

Claims (1)

An injection device for injecting an electrolytic solution into the inside of a battery including an electrode body, a storage case for housing the electrode body, and an upper surface member provided on an upper portion of the storage case and having an injection port formed therein. ,
A rod-like injection nozzle inserted into the injection port;
A first electrode provided on an outer peripheral surface of the liquid injection nozzle;
A second electrode disposed in parallel to the first electrode, and operating so that an end approaches an edge of the liquid injection port during an insertion operation of inserting the liquid injection nozzle into the liquid injection port;
A third electrode disposed parallel to the first electrode and the second electrode, the third electrode operating to maintain the end in contact with the top member during the insertion operation;
A first connection state in which the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to an alternating current power supply; a second connection state in which the first electrode and the third electrode are connected to the alternating current power supply; A switching circuit configured to switch one of the third connection state in which the electrode and the third electrode are connected to the AC power supply;
In each of the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state, the electrolytic solution is injected into the liquid inlet using capacitance between two electrodes connected to the AC power supply. And an abnormality determination device that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the liquid injection process,
The abnormality determination device is
When the first capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the first connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from an initial value, a salt of electrolyte solution is formed around the liquid injection nozzle It is determined that a deposition abnormality has occurred,
When the second capacitance between the first electrode and the third electrode in the second connection state before the start of liquid injection changes from the initial value, the liquid injection nozzle and the upper surface member are in contact with each other It is determined that an abnormality has occurred.
When the third capacitance between the second electrode and the third electrode in the third connection state before the start of the liquid injection changes from an initial value, the liquid injection nozzle and the electrode body are in contact with each other It is determined that an abnormality has occurred.
In the case where the first capacitance in the first connection state before the start of the liquid injection does not change, and the first capacitance in the first connection state after the start of the liquid injection changes from an initial value The liquid injection apparatus, wherein it is determined that an abnormality has occurred that the electrolyte overflows from the liquid injection port.

Images