JP2020053237A - Power storage module manufacturing device and power storage module manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power storage module manufacturing device and a power storage module manufacturing method, capable of surely injecting an electrolytic solution using a blade tool and easily manufacturing a power storage module with improved sealability.SOLUTION: An electrode laminate forming step includes a step S43 of cutting a first portion of a peripheral part of a primary sealing body via a first missing region of a nest by moving a plurality of blades along a first direction with respect to the primary sealing body after arranging the blades in a first position, and a step S47 of cutting a second portion of the peripheral part of the primary sealing body via a second missing region of the nest by moving the blades along the first direction after moving the blades along a third direction crossing the first and second directions from the first position and arranging the blades in a second position. The plurality of blades are arranged in a prescribed patterns separated from each other in the third direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage module manufacturing apparatus and a power storage module manufacturing method.

  BACKGROUND ART There is known a bipolar battery having a stacked body in which a plurality of bipolar electrodes each including an electrode plate, a positive electrode provided on one surface of the electrode plate, and a negative electrode provided on the other surface of the electrode plate are stacked ( For example, Patent Document 1). In this bipolar battery, the above-described stacked body is surrounded by a resin sealing body. The sealing body has a communication hole for injecting the electrolyte.

JP 2012-234823 A

  In a power storage module, a primary sealing body may be formed on a peripheral portion of an electrode plate in a multilayer body extending in a stacking direction of a plurality of bipolar electrodes, and a secondary sealing body surrounding the primary sealing body may be formed. is there. In such a power storage module, a liquid inlet for injecting an electrolyte may be formed by disposing a nest between a plurality of primary sealing bodies.

  Further, before forming the secondary sealing body, for example, a flat cut surface may be formed in the primary sealing body by cutting a peripheral portion of the primary sealing body with a blade provided on a cutting tool. By forming the secondary sealing body on the cut surface, the sealing property is improved, and the product life is improved. However, if the nest is arranged when cutting the peripheral edge of the primary sealing body by using the cutting tool to form a cut surface, the nest interferes with the cutting tool. For this reason, it is difficult to form a cut surface with a cutting tool in a portion where the nest is arranged.

  The present invention provides a power storage module manufacturing apparatus and a power storage module manufacturing method capable of easily manufacturing an energy storage module having an improved sealing property while reliably injecting an electrolytic solution using a blade tool.

  The method for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrode plate, a positive electrode provided on a first surface of the electrode plate, and a negative electrode provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the electrode plate. Preparing a plurality of bipolar electrodes each comprising: a step of forming a primary sealing body at a peripheral portion of each electrode plate of the plurality of bipolar electrodes; and forming a plurality of bipolar electrodes on which the primary sealing body is formed. Laminating in a first direction, forming an electrode laminate having a cut surface by cutting off a peripheral edge of a primary sealing body provided in the plurality of laminated bipolar electrodes, Forming a secondary sealing body on the cut surface of the laminate by injection molding, wherein the primary sealing body has a communication hole penetrating the primary sealing body in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Are provided, and in the process of forming the electrode laminate, In a state in which the nest provided with the region is arranged, the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body is cut off, and the step of forming the electrode laminate includes placing a cutting tool having a plurality of blades in the first position with respect to the primary sealing body. Moving the plurality of blades along the first direction after the placement, thereby cutting the first portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body through the first lacking region of the nest, and moving the blade tool to the first position. After moving along the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and disposing it at the second position, by moving the cutting tool along the first direction, the nest is inserted through the second missing area. Cutting the second portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body, wherein each of the plurality of blades extends along the third direction when viewed from the first direction while being disposed at the first position. The plurality of blades are spaced apart from each other in the third direction and arranged in a predetermined pattern.

  In the method for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, a peripheral part of the primary sealing body is cut off by a cutting tool having a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades extends along the third direction. The plurality of blades are arranged in a predetermined pattern apart from each other in the third direction. The first portion of the peripheral edge portion of the primary sealing body is cut through the first missing region of the nest by moving a plurality of blades along the first direction after the blade tool is arranged at the first position. You. The second portion of the peripheral edge portion of the primary sealing body is cut through the second missing region of the nest by moving the plurality of blades in the first direction after the blade tools are arranged at the second position. For this reason, in a state where the nest is arranged in the communication hole, it is also possible to cut the portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body where the communication hole is located by using the cutting tool. At this time, since cutting is performed by moving the blade having a plurality of blades extending along the third direction in the third direction, one blade can be removed without performing positioning of the blade in the second direction. The cutting operation of cutting the peripheral edge portion can be performed continuously. Therefore, the power storage module in which the electrolytic solution can be reliably injected and the airtightness is improved can be easily manufactured using the blade.

  In the method for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, in the step of forming the electrode stack, the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body may be cut off by a plurality of blades vibrating by ultrasonic waves. In this case, the periphery of the primary sealing body can be easily cut off.

  In the method for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, the length in the third direction of the blade that cuts the first portion among the plurality of blades is a separation distance from another adjacent blade located in the third direction. It may be the above. In this case, a portion that has not been cut when the first portion is cut may be cut in the next cutting operation. Therefore, a cut surface can be formed by two cutting operations.

  In the method for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention, the distance by which the blade is moved from the first position to the second position is a separation distance between two blades adjacent to each other in the third direction among the plurality of blades. It may be the above. In this case, since the cutting tool moves in the third direction so that the tip of one blade reaches the first portion cut by the other blade, the second portion can be cut so as to be continuous with the first portion. Therefore, a cut surface can be formed by two cutting operations.

  An apparatus for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrode plate, a positive electrode provided on a first surface of the electrode plate, and a negative electrode provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the electrode plate. A power storage module for manufacturing a power storage module in which a secondary sealing body is formed on an electrode stack including a plurality of bipolar electrodes having the same and a primary sealing body formed on a peripheral portion of each electrode plate of the plurality of bipolar electrodes. A module manufacturing apparatus, wherein a nest placed in a communication hole penetrating the primary sealing body of the electrode laminate before the secondary sealing body is formed, and before the secondary sealing body is formed. A processing machine for cutting off a peripheral portion of the primary sealing body, wherein the nest is provided with a missing area penetrating the nest in the first direction, and the communication hole intersects the primary sealing body with the first direction. The processing machine penetrates in the second direction, and the processing machine intersects the first direction and the second direction. A plurality of blades including a plurality of blades movable in a direction, each of the plurality of blades extending along the third direction, and the plurality of blades being spaced apart from each other in the third direction and arranged in a predetermined pattern. ing.

  An apparatus for manufacturing a power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a blade tool including a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades extends along the third direction, and the plurality of blades are spaced apart from each other in the third direction and arranged in a predetermined pattern. In this case, the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body is cut by the plurality of blades through the missing region of the nest. For this reason, while maintaining the state in which the nest is arranged in the communication hole, it is possible to cut the portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body where the communication hole is located using the cutting tool. At this time, by moving the blade having a plurality of blades extending along the third direction in the third direction and performing cutting, one blade can be used without performing alignment of the blade in the second direction. Thus, the cutting operation for cutting the peripheral portion can be continuously performed. Therefore, the power storage module in which the electrolytic solution can be reliably injected and the airtightness is improved can be easily manufactured using the blade.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power storage module manufacturing apparatus and a power storage module manufacturing method capable of easily manufacturing an energy storage module having an improved sealing property while reliably injecting an electrolytic solution using a blade. Can be.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a power storage device including a power storage module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the power storage module of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first sealing portion of the power storage module of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram showing the manufacturing device of the electric storage module concerning this embodiment. It is a top view of a nest. It is a figure for explaining the relation between a nest and a cutting tool. It is a figure for explaining the relation between a nest and a cutting tool. It is a figure for explaining arrangement of a cutting tool. 5 is a flowchart for describing a manufacturing process of a power storage module. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an excision process. It is a figure showing a situation of a lamination process. (A) It is a figure for explaining a slit formation process. (B) It is a figure for demonstrating the next slit formation process of (a). It is a perspective view which shows a mode of a secondary molding process. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode of a secondary molding process. It is sectional drawing which shows the mode of a nest removal process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

  An embodiment of a power storage device will be described with reference to FIG. The power storage device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is used as a battery of various vehicles such as a forklift, a hybrid vehicle, and an electric vehicle. The power storage device 10 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) power storage modules 12, but may include a single power storage module 12. Power storage module 12 is a bipolar battery. The power storage module 12 is a secondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen secondary battery and a lithium ion secondary battery, but may be an electric double layer capacitor. In the following description, a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery is exemplified.

  The plurality of power storage modules 12 can be stacked via a conductive plate 14 such as a metal plate, for example. When viewed from the stacking direction, the power storage module 12 and the conductive plate 14 have, for example, a rectangular shape. Details of each power storage module 12 will be described later. The conductive plates 14 are also arranged outside the power storage modules 12 located at both ends in the stacking direction (Z direction) of the power storage modules 12. The conductive plate 14 is electrically connected to an adjacent power storage module 12. Thereby, the plurality of power storage modules 12 are connected in series in the stacking direction. In the stacking direction, a positive electrode terminal 24 is connected to the conductive plate 14 located at one end, and a negative electrode terminal 26 is connected to the conductive plate 14 located at the other end. The positive terminal 24 may be integral with the conductive plate 14 connected to the positive terminal 24. The negative terminal 26 may be integral with the conductive plate 14 connected to the negative terminal 26. The positive electrode terminal 24 and the negative electrode terminal 26 extend in a direction (X direction) crossing the laminating direction. With the positive electrode terminal 24 and the negative electrode terminal 26, charging and discharging of the power storage device 10 can be performed.

  The conductive plate 14 can also function as a radiator plate for releasing heat generated in the power storage module 12. The heat from the power storage module 12 can be efficiently released to the outside by the passage of the refrigerant such as air and gas through the plurality of voids 14 a provided inside the conductive plate 14. Each gap 14a extends in, for example, a direction (Y direction) intersecting with the laminating direction. When viewed from the stacking direction, the conductive plate 14 is smaller than the power storage module 12, but may be the same as or larger than the power storage module 12.

  The power storage device 10 may include a restraining member 16 that restrains the power storage modules 12 and the conductive plates 14 that are alternately stacked in the stacking direction. The restraining member 16 includes a pair of restraining plates 16A and 16B and a connecting member (a bolt 18 and a nut 20) that connects the restraining plates 16A and 16B to each other. An insulating film 22 such as a resin film is disposed between each of the constraint plates 16A and 16B and the conductive plate 14. Each of the constraint plates 16A and 16B is made of a metal such as iron, for example. When viewed from the lamination direction, each of the constraint plates 16A, 16B and the insulating film 22 has, for example, a rectangular shape. The insulating film 22 is larger than the conductive plate 14, and each of the constraint plates 16A and 16B is larger than the power storage module 12. When viewed from the stacking direction, an insertion hole H1 through which the shaft of the bolt 18 is inserted is provided outside the power storage module 12 at the edge of the constraint plate 16A. Similarly, an insertion hole H2 through which the shaft of the bolt 18 is inserted is provided outside the power storage module 12 at the edge of the constraint plate 16B when viewed from the stacking direction. When each of the constraint plates 16A and 16B has a rectangular shape when viewed from the stacking direction, the insertion holes H1 and H2 are located at the corners of the constraint plates 16A and 16B.

  The restraining plate 16A abuts on the conductive plate 14 connected to the negative terminal 26 via the insulating film 22, and the restraining plate 16B abuts on the conductive plate 14 connected to the positive terminal 24 via the insulating film 22. Have been. The bolt 18 is passed through the insertion hole H1 and the insertion hole H2, for example, from the constraint plate 16A toward the constraint plate 16B. A nut 20 is screwed to a tip of a bolt 18 protruding from the restraining plate 16B. As a result, the insulating film 22, the conductive plate 14, and the power storage module 12 are sandwiched to form a unit, and a constraint load is applied in the stacking direction.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a power storage module included in the power storage device will be described. The power storage module 12 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a stacked body 30 in which a plurality of bipolar electrodes 32 are stacked. When viewed from the stacking direction D1 of the bipolar electrode 32, the stack 30 has, for example, a rectangular shape. A separator 40 may be disposed between two adjacent bipolar electrodes 32.

  Each bipolar electrode 32 includes an electrode plate 34, a positive electrode 36 provided on a first surface 34c of the electrode plate 34, and a negative electrode 38 provided on a second surface 34d of the electrode plate 34. The second surface 34d is provided on the opposite side of the first surface 34c. In the stacked body 30, the positive electrode 36 of one bipolar electrode 32 faces the negative electrode 38 of one bipolar electrode 32 adjacent in the stacking direction D1 across the separator 40, and the negative electrode 38 of one bipolar electrode 32 It faces the positive electrode 36 of the other bipolar electrode 32 adjacent in the stacking direction D1.

  In the stacking direction D <b> 1, at one end of the stack 30, an electrode plate 34 in which the negative electrode 38 is arranged on the inner surface (the lower surface in the drawing) is arranged. The electrode plate 34 and the negative electrode 38 correspond to a negative terminal electrode. In the stacking direction D1, at the other end of the stack 30, an electrode plate 34 having a positive electrode 36 disposed on an inner side surface (upper surface in the drawing) is disposed. The electrode plate 34 and the positive electrode 36 correspond to a positive terminal electrode. The negative electrode 38 of the negative terminal electrode faces the positive electrode 36 of the uppermost bipolar electrode 32 via the separator 40. The positive electrode 36 of the positive terminal electrode faces the negative electrode 38 of the lowermost bipolar electrode 32 via the separator 40. The electrode plates 34 of these terminal electrodes are respectively connected to the adjacent conductive plates 14 (see FIG. 1).

  The power storage module 12 includes a cylindrical sealing body (sealing portion) 50 that extends in the stacking direction D1 of the bipolar electrodes 32 and accommodates the stack 30. The sealing body 50 holds the peripheral portions 34a of the plurality of electrode plates 34. The sealing body 50 is configured to surround the stacked body 30. The sealing body 50 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the lamination direction D1 of the bipolar electrode 32. That is, the sealing body 50 has, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape.

  The sealing body 50 is joined to the peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34, and the first sealing portion 52 holding the peripheral portion 34a and the first sealing portion 52 in the direction (X direction and Y direction) intersecting the laminating direction D1. And a second sealing portion 54 provided outside the sealing portion 52. The second sealing portion 54 is provided in a state of being sealed with the first sealing portion 52.

  The first sealing portion 52 constituting the inner wall of the sealing body 50 is provided over the entire periphery of the peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34 in the plurality of bipolar electrodes 32 (that is, the stacked body 30). The first sealing portion 52 is, for example, welded to a peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34, and seals the peripheral portion 34a. That is, the first sealing portion 52 is joined to the peripheral portion 34 a of the electrode plate 34. The peripheral portion 34 a of the electrode plate 34 of each bipolar electrode 32 is supported by the first sealing portion 52. The peripheral portions 34 a of the electrode plates 34 arranged at both ends of the stacked body 30 are also supported by the first sealing portion 52. Thus, an internal space V is formed between the electrode plates 34 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction D <b> 1 in a gas-tight and water-tight manner by the electrode plates 34, 34 and the first sealing portion 52. The internal space V contains an electrolytic solution (not shown) made of an alkaline solution such as an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The “volume of the internal space V” refers to the volume including the gap of the separator 40.

  Here, the configuration of the first sealing portion 52 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The first sealing portion 52 has a structure in which a plurality of frame bodies 60 (primary sealing bodies) are stacked in the stacking direction D1 (first direction). The frame body 60 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the separator 40 in the stacking direction D1. More specifically, the frame body 60 has a thickness greater than the sum of the thickness of the electrode plate 34 and the thickness of the separator 40 in the stacking direction D1.

  The frame body 60 is joined to the peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34 of the bipolar electrode 32, and is joined to another frame body 60 adjacent in the laminating direction D1. The bipolar electrode unit 67 is constituted by the bipolar electrode 32 and the frame body 60 joined to the peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34 of the bipolar electrode 32. By joining the frame body 60 and another frame body 60, the frame body 60 defines the height of the internal space V formed between the electrode plates 34 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction D1.

  The frame body 60 includes an inner peripheral portion 61 disposed on the first surface 34c of the electrode plate 34 and joined to the first surface 34c, and an outer peripheral portion 62 provided continuously outside the inner peripheral portion 61. . The inner peripheral portion 61 and the outer peripheral portion 62 each correspond to the shape of the electrode plate 34, and are, for example, rectangular. The inner peripheral portion 61 is joined to the first surface 34c of the electrode plate 34 by, for example, welding. The inner peripheral end 61c of the inner peripheral part 61 constitutes the inner peripheral end 52c of the first sealing part 52. The thickness of the outer peripheral portion 62 is larger than the thickness of the inner peripheral portion 61 and is the thickness of the frame body 60. An outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface of the frame) 62d of the outer peripheral portion 62 constitutes an outer peripheral end 52d of the first sealing portion 52. That is, the outer peripheral surface 62d forms the outer peripheral surface 52a.

  The frame body 60 includes a first end face 60a in the stacking direction D1, and a second end face 60b opposite to the first end face 60a. The first end face 60a of the frame body 60 is joined to the second end face 60b of one of the frame bodies 60 adjacent in the stacking direction D1. The second end face 60b of the frame body 60 is joined to the first end face 60a of the other frame body 60 adjacent in the stacking direction D1. The first end face 60a and the second end face 60b are joined to another frame body 60 in a large part in the circumferential direction (in all areas except for a communication hole 70 described later). With this configuration, frame 60 defines the height of one internal space V in power storage module 12. Between the inner peripheral portion 61 and the outer peripheral portion 62 having different thicknesses in the stacking direction D1, a rectangular annular step portion 68 connecting these is formed. The depth of the step portion 68 in the stacking direction D1 is larger than the thickness of the separator 40. A peripheral portion 40 a including an outer peripheral end 40 d (see FIG. 4) of the separator 40 is arranged in the step portion 68. That is, the step portion 68 formed in the frame body 60 faces the inside of the frame body 60 and provides a space for arranging the outer peripheral end 40 d of the separator 40 in the first sealing portion 52. I have. For example, a peripheral portion 40a of the separator 40 is in contact with a surface 61a of the inner peripheral portion 61 (a surface opposite to a surface joined to the first surface 34c). The separator 40 is within the height range of the frame body 60. A slight gap may be formed between the peripheral portion 40a of the separator 40 and the electrode plate 34 adjacent to the separator 40.

  The outer peripheral end 40d of the separator 40 may be flush with the outer peripheral surface 62d of the frame body 60. The outer peripheral end 40d of the separator 40 may be located at the same or inner side as the outer peripheral end 52d of the first sealing part 52 and outside the inner peripheral end 52c of the first sealing part 52. .

  Returning to FIG. 2, the second sealing portion 54 (secondary sealing member) that forms the outer wall of the sealing member 50 is an outer peripheral surface of the first sealing portion 52 that extends in the stacking direction D1 of the bipolar electrode 32. 52a. The inner peripheral surface of the second sealing portion 54 is, for example, welded to the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52 to seal the outer peripheral surface 52a. That is, the second sealing portion 54 is joined to the outer peripheral surface 52 a of the first sealing portion 52. The welding surface (bonding surface) of the second sealing portion 54 to the first sealing portion 52 forms, for example, four rectangular planes.

  The electrode plate 34 is a rectangular metal foil made of, for example, nickel. The peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34 is an uncoated area where the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are not applied. In the uncoated region, the electrode plate 34 is exposed. The uncoated region is supported by the first sealing portion 52 that forms the inner wall of the sealing body 50. As the positive electrode active material constituting the positive electrode 36, for example, nickel hydroxide is given. Examples of the negative electrode active material forming the negative electrode 38 include a hydrogen storage alloy. The formation area of the negative electrode 38 on the second surface 34d of the electrode plate 34 may be slightly larger than the formation area of the positive electrode 36 on the first surface 34c of the electrode plate 34.

  The separator 40 is formed, for example, in a sheet shape. Separator 40 has, for example, a rectangular shape. Examples of the material forming the separator 40 include a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and a woven or nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene or the like. Further, the separator 40 may be reinforced with a vinylidene fluoride resin compound or the like.

  The sealing body 50 (the first sealing portion 52 and the second sealing portion 54) is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape by, for example, injection molding using an insulating resin. Examples of the resin material forming the sealing body 50 include polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and modified polyphenylene ether (modified PPE).

  In the power storage device 10, the positive electrode 36 provided on the first surface 34 c of the electrode plate 34, the negative electrode 38 provided on the second surface 34 d of another electrode plate 34 adjacent to the electrode plate 34, the positive electrode 36 and the negative electrode 38 , And a sealing body 50 that seals a space between the first surface 34c and the second surface 34d forms a one-layer cell. The sealing body 50 regulates the movement of gas and electrolyte from one cell to another cell. The sealing body 50 regulates the contact between two adjacent bipolar electrodes 32. The sealing body 50 is an insulating resin, and the insulation between two adjacent cells is ensured.

  Next, the structure of the sealing body 50, the bipolar electrode 32 and the separator 40 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the laminating direction D <b> 1, the peripheral portion 40 a of the separator 40 overlaps the region where the first sealing portion 52 is provided. In other words, when the separator 40 and the first sealing portion 52 are projected on the plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the stacking direction D1 in the stacking direction D1, these projected images overlap (that is, overlap). The separator 40 reaches a region where the first sealing portion 52 is provided. The outer peripheral end 40d of the separator 40 is located between the outer peripheral end 52d of the first sealing portion 52 and the inner peripheral end 52c. In FIG. 4, a part of the separator 40 is illustrated as being broken so that the configuration of the first sealing portion 52 can be easily understood.

  In the region near the first sealing portion 52 of the electrode plate 34, since the separator 40 is provided between the two adjacent electrode plates 34, the uncoated region of the two adjacent electrode plates 34 is directly I do not meet. In two adjacent electrode plates 34, the separator 40 always exists between one uncoated area and the other uncoated area. The separator 40 provided so as to overlap with the first sealing portion 52 prevents two adjacent electrode plates 34 (particularly, uncoated regions) from contacting each other and causing a short circuit. The outer peripheral end 40d may be located between the outer peripheral end 52d and the inner peripheral end 52c of the first sealing portion 52 over the entire circumference of the separator 40. In a part of the separator 40 in the circumferential direction, the outer peripheral end 40d may be located between the outer peripheral end 52d and the inner peripheral end 52c of the first sealing portion 52. As the separator 40 overlaps the first sealing portion 52 in a larger range in the circumferential direction of the separator 40, the occurrence of a short circuit can be more reliably prevented.

  When viewed from the laminating direction D <b> 1, communication holes 70 penetrating the inside and outside of the frame body 60 are formed in the frame body 60 at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the positions where the communication holes 70 are provided are periodically dispersed at eight positions in the circumferential direction of the frame body 60, and three communication holes 70 overlap every eight layers at each position. In FIG. 4, only one communication hole 70 is shown. Each communication hole 70 penetrates the first sealing portion 52 in a direction D2 (second direction) crossing the lamination direction D1. Here, the penetration direction D2 of each communication hole 70 is orthogonal to the lamination direction D1. Each communication hole 70 has a certain length (width) in a direction D3 intersecting the stacking direction D1 and the penetrating direction D2 of the communication hole 70. Here, the width direction D3 (third direction) of the communication hole 70 is orthogonal to the stacking direction D1 and the penetration direction D2.

  The communication hole 70 is a place where two adjacent frame bodies 60 are not in contact with each other in the stacking direction D1. The communication hole 70 can be used as a liquid injection port (electrolyte injection port) for injecting the electrolyte into the internal space V of the first sealing portion 52. The communication hole 70 can also be used as a pressure regulating valve that opens and closes according to the internal pressure in the first sealing portion 52 (for example, a gas release safety valve that opens when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value). The pressure adjusting unit 75 is provided so as to communicate with the communication hole 70, and assists or supplements the function of the communication hole 70 as a pressure adjusting valve. The pressure adjusting unit 75 is attached via the second sealing portion 54 to the region 52b where the communication hole 70 is formed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of a power storage module manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “manufacturing apparatus”) used in the method of manufacturing power storage module 12. The manufacturing device 80 is a device used for manufacturing the power storage module 12, and is a device for cutting off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 while holding the communication hole 70. The outer peripheral surface 62d of the frame body 60, that is, the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52 is formed by cutting off the peripheral edge portion 64 of the laminated frame body 60.

  The manufacturing apparatus 80 includes a nest 81, an operating device 85 for operating the nest 81, a processing machine 90 for cutting off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60, and a controller 95. The operation of the insert 81 may be performed manually without using the operation device 85. The processing machine 90 may be manually operated without using the controller 95. The processing machine 90 has a cutting tool 91 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the insert 81.

  The insert 81 is used to form the communication hole 70. The nest 81 is arranged from the outside of the frame of the frame 60 to the inside of the frame in which the bipolar electrode 32 is located in the penetrating direction D2 intersecting with the stacking direction D1 in the process of manufacturing the power storage module 12. The constituent material of the nest 81 may be a material having heat resistance enough to withstand the processing temperature of the subsequent step, and is, for example, a metal material. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the nest 81 has a long plate shape having, for example, a uniform width and a uniform thickness. The nest 81 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the stacking direction D1 in a state where the nest 81 is disposed in the communication hole 70, and has a pair of long sides 82a and 82b parallel to each other and a pair of short sides 83a and 83b parallel to each other. doing. In a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70, the thickness direction of the nest 81 corresponds to the stacking direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the nest 81 corresponds to the penetration direction D2 of the communication hole 70, and the width direction of the nest 81 is This corresponds to the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the nest 81 is disposed in the communication hole 70 without any particular notice, and in the thickness direction of the nest 81, the longitudinal direction of the nest 81, and the width direction of the nest 81, the lamination direction D1, The same reference numerals are used for the through direction D2 of the hole 70 and the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70.

  The nest 81 is provided with a plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c penetrating the nest 81 in the thickness direction D1 of the nest 81. The missing areas 84a, 84b, 84c have a rectangular shape. The missing region 84a (first missing region) and the missing regions 84b and 84c (second missing region) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction D2. When the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the plurality of missing areas 84a, 84b, 84c are provided over the width direction D3 of the nest 81. Specifically, when the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are continuous over the entire nest 81 in the width direction D3. In other words, when the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the portion occupied by the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c is continuous in the width direction D3 of the nest 81.

  The plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are arranged in the order of the missing region 84a, the missing region 84b (or the missing region 84c) from the short side 83a to the short side 83b in the longitudinal direction D2. The missing area 84a is provided at the center of the nest 81 in the width direction D3. The missing regions 84b and 84c are provided at both ends of the nest 81 in the width direction D3, and are separated from each other in the width direction D3. That is, in the width direction D3 of the nest 81, the missing area 84b and the missing area 84c are arranged in this order from the long side 82a to the long side 82b. The missing region 84b is continuous with the long side 82a and extends from the long side 82a toward the center in the width direction D3 of the nest 81. The missing region 84c is continuous with the long side 82b and extends from the long side 82b toward the center in the width direction D3 of the nest 81.

  Both ends of the missing region 84a overlap with parts of the missing regions 84b and 84c, respectively, as viewed from the longitudinal direction D2. Therefore, the total length of the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 in a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70 is the same as that of the nest 81 in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. Greater than the length. The missing region 84b and the missing region 84c have substantially the same shape, and overlap when viewed from the width direction D3.

  The nest 81 has an area 84d where no missing area is provided. The region 84d is arranged on the shorter side 83b side of the plurality of missing regions 84b and 84c. The region 84d has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has the same width as the width of the nest 81 in the width direction D3 of the nest 81.

  The plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are each defined by a plurality of edges. The plurality of edges that define the missing region 84a include an edge 84e extending in the width direction D3. The edge 84e is an edge on the short side 83b side of the missing area 84a. The plurality of edges that define the missing region 84b include an edge 84f extending in the width direction D3. The edge 84f is an edge on the short side 83b side of the missing area 84b. The plurality of edges that define the missing region 84c include an edge 84g extending in the width direction D3. The edge 84g is an edge on the short side 83b side of the missing area 84c.

  When the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the edges 84e, 84f, 84g in each of the plurality of missing regions are provided over the width direction D3. Specifically, when the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the edges 84e, 84f, and 84g in each of the plurality of missing regions are continuous over the entire width direction D3. In other words, when the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the portions occupied by the edges 84e, 84f, 84g are continuous in the width direction D3. In the present embodiment, the edges 84e, 84f, 84g are provided along the width direction D3, but the edges 84e, 84f, 84g may be in a direction intersecting the thickness direction D1 and the longitudinal direction D2 of the nest 81. For example, it does not have to be parallel to the width direction D3 of the nest 81.

  The operating device 85 holds the insert 81 and moves the insert 81 relative to the communication hole 70. For example, the operating device 85 inserts and removes the nest 81 into and from the communication hole 70 along the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70 so that the longitudinal direction D2 of the nest 81 matches the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70. The insert 81 is inserted into the communication hole 70 from the short side 83b. In the present embodiment, the operating device 85 is electrically connected to the controller 95 and is controlled by the controller 95. The operating device 85 is, for example, a robot arm that holds the insert 81 by a chuck.

  The processing machine 90 cuts off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 before the second sealing portion 54 is formed. Specifically, the processing machine 90 cuts four portions of the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 to form flat cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, and 93d. These cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d constitute the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52. The pair of cut surfaces 93a and 93b intersect with the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70, and the pair of cut surfaces 93c and 93d intersect with the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. The cut surface 93a includes a part of the communication hole 70. Here, the pair of cut surfaces 93a and 93b are orthogonal to the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70, and the pair of cut surfaces 93c and 93d are orthogonal to the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. The cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d correspond to the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the processing machine 90 has a cutting tool 91 and a driving device 92 for driving the cutting tool 91. The processing machine 90 drives the cutting tool 91 by the driving device 92 to cut off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 in a state where the insert 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70 to form a cut surface 93a.

  The processing machine 90 performs a plurality of cutting operations to form the cut surface 93a on the frame body 60. For example, the processing machine 90 sequentially forms through slits 65 and 66 that penetrate the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 in the laminating direction D1 at different positions from each other (see FIG. 13). Thus, the through slit 65 and the through slit 66 are continuous in a direction intersecting with the laminating direction D1, and the plurality of through slits 65 and the plurality of through slits 66 are formed in the frame body 60, so that the cut surface 93a is formed. Are formed on the frame body 60.

  In the present embodiment, the processing machine 90 forms the through slit 65 in the frame body 60 in the first cutting operation by the cutting tool 91 and forms the through slit 66 in the frame body 60 in the second cutting operation. At this time, in the first cutting operation, the processing machine 90 forms the plurality of through slits 65 in the frame body 60 with the cutting tool 91 through the missing area 84a of the insert 81. In the second cutting operation, the processing machine 90 forms a plurality of through slits 66 in the frame body 60 with the cutting tool 91 through the missing areas 84b and 84c of the insert 81.

  The processing machine 90 may be a device that cuts an object with a plurality of blades in a state where the plurality of blades are vibrated by ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, the driving device 92 of the processing machine 90 is electrically connected to the controller 95, and is controlled by the controller 95.

  The controller 95 controls the operating device 85 and the driving device 92 of the processing machine 90. The controller 95 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, and the like. Various programs or data are stored in the ROM. In the present embodiment, the controller 95 controls the position at which cutting is performed by the processing machine 90, for example, according to the position of the nest 81 operated by the operation device 85. The position where cutting is performed by the processing machine 90 is, for example, a position where the through slits 65 and 66 are formed.

  Next, the configurations of the cutting tool 91 and the driving device 92 included in the processing machine 90 will be described in more detail. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the relationship between the cutting tool 91 and the insert 81. 7 and 8 are views showing the plane of the insert 81 and the side surface of the cutting tool 91. FIG. FIG. 7 shows the positional relationship between the insert 81 and the cutting tool 91 when the through slit 65 is formed. FIG. 8 shows a positional relationship between the insert 81 and the cutting tool 91 when the through slit 66 is formed.

  The cutting tool 91 has a plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c extending on the same straight line. The plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c need not extend on the same straight line, but may extend on a straight line when viewed from a predetermined direction. The plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a predetermined pattern. The blade 91a and the blade 91b are adjacent to each other, and the blade 91b and the blade 91c are adjacent to each other.

  When starting to cut off the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60, the driving device 92 moves the cutting tool 91 along the peripheral portion 64 above the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 as shown in FIG. So as to be parallel to the stacking direction D1. When forming the cut surface 93a, the driving device 92 arranges the cutting tools 91 such that the plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c extend in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. In this state, when viewed from the stacking direction D1, each of the plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c extends in the width direction D3 of the insert 81 arranged in the communication hole 70. The plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c extend on the same straight line, but may be located at different heights in the stacking direction D1. Each of the plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c may be inclined in the stacking direction D1 with respect to the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the insert 81 and the cutting tool 91 when the cut surface 93a is formed, as viewed from the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70. The upper part shows a state in which the cutting tool 91 is arranged at the first position to form the through slit 65, and the lower part shows a state in which the cutting tool 91 is arranged at the second position to form the through slit 66. I have. The first position and the second position are positions where the cutting tool 91 is on standby to perform the cutting operation of the cutting tool 91, and is located above the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60. When forming the cut surface 93a, the driving device 92 can move the plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c at least in the stacking direction D1 and the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70.

  When forming the through slit 65 in the first cutting operation, the blade 91b cuts the peripheral portion 64 through the missing area 84a of the nest 81, and the blade 91a and the blade 91c nest in the width direction D3 when viewed from the laminating direction D1. The outer peripheral portion 64 is cut outside the outer periphery 81. When the through slit 66 is formed in the second cutting operation, the blade 91a and the blade 91b cut the peripheral edge 64 through the missing areas 84b and 84c of the nest 81, and the blade 91c has another nest viewed from the laminating direction D1. The peripheral portion 64 is cut through the missing region 84b of 81.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the length L1 (length of blade) in the extending direction of the blade 91a is equal to or longer than the separation distance P1 between the blade 91a and the blade 91b. Therefore, the portion between the blade 91a and the blade 91b that has not been cut in the first cutting operation can be cut by the blade 91a in the next cutting operation. The length L2 (length of blade) in the extending direction of the blade 91b is equal to or longer than the separation distance P2 between the blade 91b and the blade 91c. Therefore, the portion between the blade 91b and the blade 91c that has not been cut in the first cutting operation can be cut by the blade 91b in the next cutting operation. The length L1 and the length L2 are equal to or less than the length L3 of the edge 84e of the nest 81 in the width direction D3. Therefore, the peripheral portion 64 can be cut by the blades 91a and 91b through the missing area 84a without interference between the insert 81 and the blades 91a and 91b.

  The separation distance P1 is equal to or longer than the length L7 obtained by subtracting the length L5 of the nest 81 in the width direction D3 from the length L5 of the edge 84f in the width direction D3 and the length L6 of the edge 84g in the width direction D3. Therefore, the peripheral portion 64 can be cut by the blades 91a and 91b through the missing regions 84b and 84c without interference between the insert 81 and the blades 91a and 91b.

  The separation distance P1 is equal to or longer than the shortest distance L8 from the missing area 84a to the long side 82a. The separation distance P2 is equal to or longer than the shortest distance L9 from the missing region 84a to the long side 82b. The distance P3 between the blade 91a and the blade 91c is equal to or longer than the length L4. Therefore, the peripheral portion 64 can be cut by the blades 91a, 91b, 91c via the missing area 84a without interference between the insert 81 and the blades 91a, 91b, 91c in the first cutting operation. Since the cutting tool 91 has the above-described configuration, the cut surface 93a can be formed on the frame body 60 by two cutting operations by the cutting tool 91 without interference between the insert 81 and the cutting tool 91.

  Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the power storage module 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the power storage module 12. The method for manufacturing the power storage module 12 includes a preparation step S1, a primary molding step S2, a lamination step S3, a cutting step S4, a secondary molding step S5, a nest release step S6, and a liquid injection step S7.

  Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail. First, a preparation step S1 is performed. In the preparing step S1, the positive electrode 36 and the negative electrode 38 are provided on each of the plurality of electrode plates 34, so that the plurality of bipolar electrodes 32, the above-described negative-side terminal electrode, and the above-described positive-side terminal electrode are prepared.

  Subsequently, a primary molding step S2 is performed. The primary forming step S2 is a step of forming the frame body 60 on the peripheral portion 34a of each electrode plate 34 of the plurality of bipolar electrodes 32. In the primary forming step S2, the frame body 60 is formed on the entire periphery of the peripheral portion 34a of the electrode plate 34 of each bipolar electrode 32, for example, by welding using a hot press.

  Subsequently, a stacking step S3 is performed. In the laminating step S3, a plurality of bipolar electrodes 32 are laminated via the separator 40. In the present embodiment, the plurality of bipolar electrodes 32 on which the frame body 60 is formed are stacked along the stacking direction D1. The frames 60 of the two bipolar electrodes 32 adjacent in the stacking direction D1 are integrated by welding. As shown in FIG. 12, a nest 81 is arranged between the frame bodies 60 of two adjacent bipolar electrodes 32. In the present embodiment, the bipolar electrodes 32 are stacked so that the nest 81 is sandwiched between the frames 60 of two adjacent bipolar electrodes 32. At this time, by applying pressure in the stacking direction D1, a communication hole 70 corresponding to the shape of the insert 81 is formed in the frame body 60. When forming the communication hole 70, the nest 81 is arranged so that the region 84d of the nest 81 is located between two adjacent frame bodies 60. The communication hole 70 penetrates the frame body 60 in a direction intersecting the laminating direction D1. Here, the communication hole 70 penetrates the frame body 60 in a direction D2 orthogonal to the stacking direction D1.

  By forming a groove in the frame body 60 in the primary molding step S2, the communication hole 70 may be formed in the laminating step S3. In this case, the nest 81 may be inserted into the communication hole 70 after the plurality of bipolar electrodes 32 are stacked. In this case, in the primary molding step S2, the frame body 60 is formed such that the thickness of the peripheral portion 34a at a predetermined location is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion 34a at other locations. Thus, a groove extending from outside the frame to inside the frame of the frame 60 is formed in the frame 60. This groove defines a communication hole 70 of the power storage module 12. The formation of the groove may be performed simultaneously with the formation of the frame body 60 by, for example, hot pressing, or may be performed after the formation of the frame body 60.

  The insert 81 projects in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 52 a of the first sealing portion 52. In the present embodiment, the portion including the short side 83a located outside the frame of the three nests 81 and the portion including the short side 83b located inside the frame overlap in the stacking direction D1. The three nests 81 may be arranged so that portions including the short sides 83a located outside the frame do not overlap in the stacking direction D1. In this case, the work of removing the insert 81 using a chuck or the like is facilitated.

  Subsequently, a cutting step S4 is performed. In the cutting step S4, the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 provided on the stacked bipolar electrodes 32 is cut off by the processing machine 90 to form the electrode stack 58. By the cutting step S4, cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d are formed on the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60. In the present embodiment, the processing machine 90 cuts out four portions of the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60, and forms cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, and 93d.

  The formation of the cut surface 93a will be specifically described. The cut surface 93a is formed by cutting off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 in a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70. For example, when the cutting surface 93a is formed by one cutting operation using a cutting tool, the nest 81 interferes with the cutting tool, and the cutting surface 93a cannot be appropriately formed. Therefore, when the cut surface 93a is formed in the cutting step S4, the controller 95 controls the operating device 85 and the processing machine 90 to cut off the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60. Specifically, the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are sequentially fitted to the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 by moving the nest 81 along the penetrating direction D2 of the communication hole 70, and the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b. , 84c, the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 is cut off in the stacking direction D1. At this time, the controller 95 moves the blades 91a, 91b, 91c of the cutting tool 91 in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 according to the positions of the missing areas 84a, 84b, 84c.

  In the cutting step S4, a plurality of through slits 66 are formed after the plurality of through slits 65 are formed. As a result, the peripheral edge portion 64 overlapping the communication hole 70 is cut off, and the cut surface 93a is formed. Hereinafter, a case where the cut surface 93a is formed will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 11, 13A, and 13B. FIG. 11 shows an operation performed in the cutting step S4. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining formation of a plurality of through slits 65. FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining formation of a plurality of through slits 66.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13A, as the first area arranging step S <b> 41, the missing area 84 a of the nest 81 is cut by the operating device 85 when viewed from the stacking direction D <b> 1. The nest 81 is moved so as to be located at. Subsequently, in a first blade tool disposing step S42, the blade device 91 is disposed at a first position with respect to the frame body 60 by the driving device 92. At this time, in a state where the blade tool 91 is arranged at the first position with respect to the frame body 60, when viewed from the laminating direction D1, each of the plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c is in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. Extend along. That is, the extending direction of the blades 91a, 91b, and 91c matches the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70.

  Subsequently, as the first slit forming step S43, a plurality of through slits 65 are formed by the cutting tool 91. Specifically, the blade 91 is moved from the first position toward the peripheral edge 64 along the stacking direction D1. Thereby, the plurality of blades of the cutting tool 91 pierce the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60, and the peripheral edge 64 is cut. Thereby, a plurality of through slits 65 are formed. In the first slit forming step S43, the blade 91b is inserted into the missing area 84a of the insert 81, and the first portion 64a is cut through the missing area 84a. The first portion 64a is a portion of the portion where the plurality of through slits 65 are formed and overlaps with the communication hole 70 when viewed from the stacking direction D1. That is, one of the plurality of through slits 65 is formed via the missing region 84a. At this time, the blade 91a and the blade 91c cut the peripheral portion 64 outside the nest 81 so as to sandwich the nest 81 in the width direction D3. When the plurality of through slits 65 are formed, the cutting tool 91 is returned to the first position.

  Next, as the first moving step S44, the nest 81 is moved by the operating device 85 in the direction in which the nest 81 is pulled out from the communication hole 70 so that the edge 84e that defines the missing area 84a passes through the through slit 65. . Thereby, even if the communication hole 70 is closed by the formation of the through slit 65, the portion closed by the edge 84e is expanded.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13B, as the second area arranging step S <b> 45, the missing areas 84 b and 84 c of the nest 81 when viewed from the stacking direction D <b> 1 The nest 81 is moved so as to be located at the peripheral portion 64. Subsequently, in the second blade placement step S46, the blade 91 is moved from the first position to the second position by the driving device 92. At this time, the driving device 92 moves the cutting tool 91 with respect to the frame body 60 only along the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70, and arranges the cutting tool 91 at the second position.

  Next, as the second slit forming step S47, a plurality of through slits 66 are formed by the cutting tool 91. Specifically, the blade 91 is moved from the second position toward the peripheral portion 64 along the stacking direction D1. Thereby, the plurality of blades of the cutting tool 91 pierce the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60, and the peripheral edge 64 is cut. Thus, a plurality of through slits 66 are formed. In the second slit forming step S47, the blades 91a and 91b are inserted into the missing regions 84b and 84c of the insert 81, and the second portion 64b is cut through the missing regions 84b and 84c. The second portion 64b is a portion of the portion where the plurality of through slits 66 are formed and overlaps with the communication hole 70 when viewed from the stacking direction D1. That is, one of the plurality of through slits 66 is formed via the missing region 84b, and another one of the plurality of through slits 66 is formed via the missing region 84c. At this time, the blade 91c is inserted into the missing area 84b of another insert 81, and the second portion 64b is cut through the missing area 84b. When the plurality of through slits 66 are formed, the cutting tool 91 is returned to the second position. When viewed in the stacking direction D1, the first portion 64a and the second portion 64b overlap with the communication hole 70 at different portions.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the distance M in which the cutting tool 91 is moved from the first position to the second position is a separation distance P1 between the adjacent blades 91a and 91b in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. That is all. In this case, the cutting tool 91 moves in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 so that the tip of the blade 91a reaches the first portion 64a cut by the blade 91b. The distance M in which the cutting tool 91 is moved from the first position to the second position is equal to or less than the length L1 of the blade 91a. In this case, in the second slit forming step S47, the portion between the blade 91a and the blade 91b that has not been cut in the first slit forming step S43 is cut so as to be continuous with the first portion 64a. Therefore, the cut surface 93a can be formed by two cutting operations. In the second slit forming step S47, the second portion 64b formed and not cut in the first slit forming step S43 can be appropriately cut while preventing the insert 81 from interfering with the cutting tool 91.

  Next, as the second moving step S48, the nest 81 is pulled by the operating device 85 in the direction in which the nest 81 is pulled out from the communication hole 70 so that the edges 84f and 84g that define the missing areas 84b and 84c pass through the through slit 66. Is moved. Thereby, even if the communication hole 70 is closed by the formation of the through slit 66, the portion closed by the edges 84f and 84g is expanded. Thus, a cut surface 93a is formed.

  After the cutting step S4, a secondary forming step S5 is performed. In the secondary molding step S5, a region 52b (hereinafter, referred to as a nest forming region) of the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52 on which the nest 81 is arranged is covered with resin by injection molding. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the nest 81 is held by the nest holding portion 86 provided in the mold, and the nest forming region 52b and the nest holding portion 86 of the outer peripheral surface 52a are formed. A resin 54a to be the second sealing portion 54 is filled therebetween. At this time, the nest forming region 52b of the outer peripheral surface 52a of the first sealing portion 52 is covered with the resin 54a to be the second sealing portion 54, and the other regions are also covered with the resin 54a. That is, the cut surfaces 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d of the electrode laminate 58 are covered with the resin 54a. When filling the resin 54a, the nest 81 is arranged so that the region 84d of the nest 81 is located at the portion where the resin 54a is formed.

  The nest holding portion 86 has a surface 86a facing the nest forming region 52b and a surface 86b on the opposite side. The surface 86a of the nest holding portion 86 is a flat surface having high flatness. The nest holding portion 86 has a plurality of through holes 87 penetrating from the surface 86a to the surface 86b. Each through-hole 87 is a portion inserted into each of the nests 81 and is formed at a position corresponding to each of the nests 81. The cross-sectional dimension of each through-hole 87 is designed to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the insert 81 (dimension in a cross section parallel to the outer peripheral surface 52a). However, when the nest 81 is inserted through the through-hole 87 of the nest holding portion 86, substantially no gap is formed between the nest holding portion 86 and the nest 81. In order to prevent the resin from entering into the narrow gap generated between the nest holding portion 86 and the nest 81, the nest 81 is gripped on the surface 86b side of the nest holding portion 86 to fix the position of the nest 81. In addition, means for closing the gap may be separately provided.

  In the secondary molding step S5, a nest different from the nest 81 used in the cutting step S4 may be used. In this case, for example, after the cutting step S4 and before the secondary molding step S5, the insert 81 is pulled out of the communication hole 70, and another insert dedicated to secondary molding is inserted into the communication hole 70. For example, a nest where no defect area is provided is used as a nest dedicated to secondary molding.

  After the secondary molding step S5, a nest release step S6 is performed. In the nest release step S6, the resin 54a is cured to form the second sealing portion 54. Then, each insert 81 is removed from the first sealing portion 52. To remove the nest 81, an operating device 85 having a chuck capable of gripping the nest 81 is used.

  When the nest 81 is removed, as shown in FIG. 16, a communication hole 70 is formed in the nest forming region 52 b of the first sealing portion 52 from which the nest 81 has been removed. A through hole 97 corresponding to the shape of the nest 81 removed is formed in the second sealing portion 54. After the nest release step S6, an electrolyte is injected into the internal space V through the through hole 97 and the communication hole 70 as a liquid injection step S7.

  As described above, the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 is cut off by the cutting tool 91 having the blades 91a, 91b, and 91c. Each of the blades 91a, 91b, 91c extends along the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 when forming the cut surface 93a. The blades 91a, 91b, and 91c are spaced apart from each other in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 and arranged in a predetermined pattern. The first portion 64a of the peripheral edge portion 64 of the frame body 60 has a missing area 84a of the nest 81 due to the blades 91a, 91b, and 91c being moved along the stacking direction D1 after the blade tool 91 is arranged at the first position. Is disconnected via The second portion 64b of the peripheral edge portion 64 of the frame body 60 has the missing area 84b of the nest 81 due to the blades 91a, 91b, and 91c being moved along the stacking direction D1 after the blade tool 91 is arranged at the second position. , 84c.

  For this reason, in the state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70, a portion of the peripheral edge portion 64 of the frame body 60 where the communication hole 70 is located can be cut using the cutting tool 91. At this time, since the cutting is performed by moving the cutting tool 91 having a plurality of blades 91a, 91b, 91c extending along the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 in the width direction D3, the penetration direction D2 of the communication hole 70 is performed. It is possible to continuously perform the cutting operation of cutting the peripheral portion 64 by using one blade tool 91 without performing the positioning of the blade tool 91 in. Therefore, the power storage module 12 in which the electrolytic solution can be reliably injected and the airtightness is improved can be easily manufactured using the blade tool 91. In this case, it is not necessary to replace the cutting tool 91 during the cutting operation for forming the cutting surface 93a. Since it is not necessary to move the blade 91 in the penetrating direction D2 of the communication hole 70, the cutting accuracy is also improved.

  In the cutting step S4, the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 may be cut by the blades 91a, 91b, 91c vibrating by ultrasonic waves. In this case, the cutting of the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 can be easily performed. When ultrasonic waves are used, the communication holes 70 may be closed by heat generated at the time of excision. However, even if the communication hole 70 is closed, the closed portions are pushed open by the edges 84e, 84f, and 84g passing through the closed portions. As a result, the communication hole 70 is secured.

  The length L1 in the extending direction of the blade 91a is equal to or longer than the separation distance P1 between the blade 91a and the blade 91b. Therefore, the portion between the blade 91a and the blade 91b that has not been cut in the first cutting operation can be cut by the blade 91a in the next cutting operation. The length L2 in the extending direction of the blade 91b is equal to or longer than the separation distance P2 between the blade 91b and the blade 91c. Therefore, a portion between the blade 91b and the blade 91c that has not been cut in the first cutting operation can be cut by the blade 91b in the next cutting operation. That is, a portion that has not been cut when the first portion 64a is cut can be cut by the next cutting operation. Therefore, the cut surface 93a can be formed by two cutting operations.

  The distance M at which the cutting tool 91 is moved from the first position to the second position is equal to or greater than the separation distance P1. For this reason, since the cutting tool 91 moves in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 so that the tip of the blade 91a reaches the first portion 64a cut by the blade 91b, the second portion 64b is connected to the first portion 64a. Can be cut. The distance M is equal to or less than the length L1. In this case, in the second slit forming step S47, the portion between the blade 91a and the blade 91b that has not been cut in the first slit forming step S43 is cut so as to be continuous with the first portion 64a. Therefore, the cut surface 93a can be formed by two cutting operations. In the second slit forming step S47, the second portion 64b formed and not cut in the first slit forming step S43 can be appropriately cut while preventing the insert 81 from interfering with the cutting tool 91.

  A nest 81 provided with a plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c is arranged in the communication hole 70. The plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c penetrate the nest 81 in the thickness direction D1. The missing area 84a and the missing area 84b (missing area 84c) are arranged in the penetrating direction D2 of the communication hole 70 with the nest 81 arranged in the communication hole 70. When the nest 81 is viewed from the penetrating direction D2 in a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70, the missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are provided over the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. Specifically, when the nest 81 is viewed from the penetrating direction D2 in a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70, the missing regions 84a, 84b, and 84c are formed over the entire width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. It is continuous. By moving the nest 81 along the penetrating direction D2, the missing area 84a and the missing areas 84b and 84c are sequentially positioned on the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60, and are stacked via the missing areas 84a, 84b and 84c in the stacking direction D1. The peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 is cut off along the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. For this reason, while maintaining the state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70, it is possible to cut the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 also at the portion where the communication hole 70 is located. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the power storage module 12 in which the electrolyte can be reliably injected and the hermeticity is improved.

  In the first slit forming step S43 and the second slit forming step S47, through slits 65 and 66 are formed along the laminating direction D1 via the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b and 84c, respectively. The through slits 65 and 66 pass through the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60. In the first moving step S44 and the second moving step S48, after the through slits 65 and 66 are formed, the nest 81 is inserted into the communication hole 70 so that the edges 84e, 84f and 84g pass through the through slits 65 and 66. It is moved along the penetration direction D2. For this reason, even if the communication hole 70 is closed when the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 is cut off, the closed portion is pushed open by the edges 84e, 84f, and 84g passing through the closed portion. As a result, the communication hole 70 is secured.

  The edges 84e, 84f, and 84g are edges located on the bipolar electrode 32 side in the through direction D2 of the communication hole 70 in a state where the insert 81 is disposed in the communication hole 70. In the first moving step S44 and the second moving step S48, the nest 81 is moved in a direction in which the nest 81 is pulled out from the communication hole 70. Therefore, in the case where the through slits are formed sequentially from the formation of the through slit 65 via the missing region 84a, it is only necessary to move the insert 81 in the direction of pulling out the nest 81 from the communication hole 70 in the cutting step S4. Therefore, the production of the power storage module 12 is facilitated.

  The total of the lengths (lengths L3, L5, L6) of the missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70 in a state where the nest 81 is arranged in the communication hole 70 is the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70. Is larger than the length L4 of the insert 81. In the above embodiment, both ends of the missing region 84a and one ends of the missing regions 84b and 84c overlap in the width direction D3 of the communication hole 70, respectively. For this reason, even if a gap is provided between the part to be actually cut and the insert 81, the continuous cut surface 93 a at the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 can be appropriately formed. Since the gap can be provided, the risk that the insert 81 interferes with the cutting tool 91 or the like can be reduced. As a result, the life of the insert 81 is improved, and the required accuracy of the cutting positioning is reduced.

  After the electrode stack 58 is formed and before the second sealing portion 54 is formed, the insert 81 may be pulled out from the communication hole 70 and another insert may be inserted into the communication hole 70. In this case, the communication hole 70 can be appropriately formed with a dedicated nest for forming the communication hole 70 serving as the liquid injection port. That is, the nesting can be properly used, thereby facilitating the manufacture.

  Each of the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c is defined by edges 84e, 84f, 84g extending in a direction intersecting the thickness direction D1 and the longitudinal direction D2 of the nest 81. When the nest 81 is viewed from the longitudinal direction D2, the edges 84e, 84f, 84g in each of the plurality of missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c are continuous over the whole width direction D3 of the nest 81. For this reason, even if the communication hole 70 is closed when the peripheral edge 64 of the frame body 60 is cut off, the edges 84e, 84f, 84g pass through the closed portion, so that the entire nest 81 is closed in the width direction D3. Part is pushed out. As a result, the communication hole 70 is secured.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the primary forming step S2 is performed before the laminating step S3, but the primary forming step S2 may be performed after the laminating step S3 and before the cutting step S4.

  The shapes of the missing regions 84a, 84b, 84c provided in the nest 81 are not limited to the shapes described in the present embodiment. Further, the number of missing areas provided in the nest 81 is not limited to three. The plurality of missing regions provided in the nest 81 may include two missing regions arranged in the longitudinal direction D2 of the nest 81. The number of missing regions arranged in the long side direction is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  The first cutting tool arrangement step S42 may be performed before the first slit forming step S43, and the second cutting tool arrangement step S46 may be performed before the second slit forming step S47 after the first slit forming step S43. Good. For example, the second slit forming step S47 may be performed immediately after the first slit forming step S43. The first cutting tool arrangement step S42 may be performed in parallel with the first area arrangement step S41. The second blade placement step S46 may be performed in parallel with at least one of the first movement step S44 and the second area placement step S45.

  In the present embodiment, the cutting surface 93 a is formed by cutting the peripheral edge portion 64 of the frame body 60 in two stages by the cutting tool 91. However, when forming the cut surface 93a, the peripheral portion 64 of the frame body 60 may be cut in three or more steps.

  Reference numeral 12: power storage module, 32: bipolar electrode, 34: electrode plate, 34c: first surface, 34d: second surface, 36: positive electrode, 38: negative electrode, 54: second sealing portion, 58: electrode laminate, 60 ... frame, 64 ... peripheral edge, 64a ... first part, 64b ... second part, 70 ... communication hole, 81 ... nest, 84a, 84b, 84c ... missing area, 90 ... processing machine, 91 ... cutting tool, 91a, 91b, 91c ... blade, 93a, 93b, 93c, 93d ... cut surface, D1 ... lamination direction, D2 ... penetration direction, D3 ... width direction, L1, L2 ... blade length, P1, P2 ... separation distance, M ... distance.

Claims (5)

A plurality of bipolar electrodes each including an electrode plate, a positive electrode provided on a first surface of the electrode plate, and a negative electrode provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the electrode plate are prepared. Process and
Forming a primary sealing body at a peripheral portion of each of the electrode plates of the plurality of bipolar electrodes;
Laminating the plurality of bipolar electrodes on which the primary sealing body is formed along a first direction;
A step of forming an electrode laminate having a cut surface by cutting off a peripheral portion of the primary sealing body provided in the stacked bipolar electrodes,
Forming a secondary sealing body by injection molding on the cut surface of the electrode laminate,
The primary sealing body is provided with a communication hole that penetrates the primary sealing body in a second direction that intersects the first direction,
In the step of forming the electrode laminate, in a state where a nest provided with a missing area in the communication hole is arranged, the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body is cut off,
The step of forming the electrode laminate,
After arranging a blade tool having a plurality of blades at a first position with respect to the primary sealing body, by moving the plurality of blades along the first direction, the nest is inserted through a first missing area. Cutting a first portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body;
Moving the blade along the first direction from the first position in the third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and disposing the blade at the second position; Cutting a second portion of the peripheral portion of the primary sealing body through a second missing region of the nest,
When viewed from the first direction while being arranged at the first position, each of the plurality of blades extends along the third direction, and the plurality of blades are separated from each other in the third direction A method for manufacturing a power storage module, wherein the power storage modules are arranged in a predetermined pattern.   The method for manufacturing a power storage module according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of forming the electrode stack, the peripheral edge of the primary sealing body is cut off by the plurality of blades vibrating by ultrasonic waves.   The length in the third direction of a blade that cuts the first portion of the plurality of blades is equal to or greater than a separation distance from another blade adjacent to the blade in the third direction. A method for manufacturing the power storage module according to the above.   The distance by which the cutting tool is moved from the first position to the second position is equal to or greater than a separation distance between two adjacent blades in the third direction among the plurality of blades. The method for manufacturing a power storage module according to any one of the above. A plurality of bipolar electrodes each having an electrode plate, a positive electrode provided on a first surface of the electrode plate, and a negative electrode provided on a second surface of the electrode plate opposite to the first surface; and the plurality of bipolar electrodes A primary sealing body formed at a peripheral portion of each of the electrode plates of an electrode, and a power storage module manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a power storage module in which a secondary sealing body is formed on an electrode laminate including:
A nest placed in a communication hole penetrating the primary sealing body of the electrode laminate before the secondary sealing body is formed,
A processing machine that cuts off a peripheral portion of the primary sealing body before the secondary sealing body is formed,
The nest is provided with a missing area penetrating the nest in a first direction,
The communication hole penetrates the primary sealing body in a second direction crossing the first direction,
The processing machine has a cutting tool including a plurality of blades movable in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction,
Each of the plurality of blades extends along the third direction,
The power storage module manufacturing device, wherein the plurality of blades are arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to be separated from each other in the third direction.

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