JP2020136003A - Lithium-ion secondary battery structure, method of manufacturing the same, package, and method of manufacturing lithium-ion secondary battery - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a lithium-ion secondary battery structure for achieving a transport-safe lithium-ion secondary battery while suppressing deterioration of battery performance in battery manufacturing, a method of manufacturing the same, a package, and a method of manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery.SOLUTION: The lithium-ion secondary battery structure includes: an electrode connector; and an exterior member having a housing chamber 41 housing the electrode connector. No electrolyte is injected into the housing chamber 41, and the housing chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery used in a lithium ion secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same, and a package and a method for manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery.

A lithium ion secondary battery using a lithium metal oxide as an electrode active material is widely used. The lithium ion secondary battery includes an electrode connecting body having an electrode group on which an electrode active material layer is formed, an exterior member accommodating the electrode connecting body inside, and an electrolytic solution provided in the exterior member. .. Such lithium ion secondary batteries include a case-accommodating battery in which an electrode connector is housed in a cylindrical battery case or a square pillar-shaped case as an exterior member, and an electrode connection body made of a laminated film as an exterior member. It is known as a laminated battery that surrounds and seals the battery. Each battery is used as a unit cell (battery cell) of a secondary battery by itself or by connecting a plurality of batteries in series and packaging them.

Further, the electrode active material layer and the electrolytic solution used in the lithium ion secondary battery have a problem that the desired battery performance cannot be obtained by taking in water. For example, if the electrodes contain water when the electrodes are housed in the outer case (or laminated film) and sealed, the water will be contained in the electrolytic solution, and the battery will be charged and discharged as a battery. It will swell and impair the function as a battery. For this reason, in the manufacturing of lithium-ion secondary batteries, especially in the liquid injection / sealing process, care should be taken not to bring water into the outer case (or laminate film) together with the members, and water is taken in from the outside of the outer case. You need to be careful not to. In view of these circumstances, in the lithium ion secondary battery, at least the slurry for the electrode active material is applied to the metal plate for the electrode and dried, and then the electrode connection body electrode group is prepared, and the electrode group and the current collector are combined. Connection, electrode connection body Each step from the electrode group to the outer case (or laminated film) to the storage of the current collector and electrolyte, and the sealing of the case, where the moisture is adjusted so that moisture is not taken in. It is done collectively as a series of flows at.

Therefore, in the case-accommodating battery, the electrode group and the electrode connecting body having the current collecting member connected to the electrode group and the electrolytic solution are sealed and shipped in the outer case.

Further, in the laminated battery, the electrode group and the electrode connecting body having the tab lead connected to the electrode group and the electrolytic solution are sealed and shipped in the laminated film.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-69268 JP-A-2009-26490

However, in order to ensure transportation safety, lithium ion secondary batteries need to be careful in transportation, especially in air transportation using an aircraft whose transportation volume is limited. This is because the electrolytic solution contained in the lithium ion secondary battery is classified as Class 4 (flammable liquid) under the Fire Service Act. Therefore, even if the safety of the lithium ion secondary battery itself is enhanced, the transportation restriction does not change as long as an electrolytic solution corresponding to Class 4 (flammable liquid) in the Fire Service Act is used.

As a result, when it is necessary to transport the produced lithium ion secondary battery to a remote place, a means such as a vehicle or a ship is used, and there is a problem that the number of days to carry is longer than that of air transportation.

In view of such circumstances, the present invention has a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery and a structure for the lithium ion secondary battery for realizing a lithium ion secondary battery that ensures transport safety while suppressing deterioration of battery performance in battery manufacturing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method and a manufacturing method of a package and a lithium ion secondary battery.

An aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems includes an electrode connecting body and an exterior member having a storage chamber accommodating the electrode connecting body, and the electrolytic solution is not injected into the storage chamber. It is in a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery, characterized in that the containment chamber is sealed in a low humidity state.

In such an embodiment, since the storage chamber in which the electrolytic solution is not injected is sealed in a low humidity state, transportation is not restricted due to the electrolytic solution in air transportation or the like, and therefore transportation by all means including air transportation is performed. It is possible to carry out transportation safely and in a short time. Further, after the structure for the lithium ion secondary battery is transported, the lithium ion secondary battery can be easily manufactured by injecting the electrolytic solution into the accommodation chamber of the structure for the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, since the storage chamber is sealed in a low humidity state, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the electrode active material layer of the electrode connector and the electrolytic solution injected into the storage chamber due to the moisture in the storage chamber, and lithium ions. When it becomes a secondary battery, it is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing problems such as deterioration of battery capacity.

Here, it is preferable that the exterior member has a liquid injection port capable of injecting the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber, and the liquid injection port is sealed. According to this, the storage chamber can be kept in a low humidity state by sealing the liquid injection port, and the electrolytic solution can be easily injected by opening the liquid injection port.

Further, it is preferable that the exterior member is provided with a liquid injection port forming region which is thinner than other regions and in which a liquid injection port for injecting the electrolytic solution is formed. According to this, since there is no injection port in advance, it is not necessary to seal the injection port, which can be simplified. Further, since the amount of metal scraps and the like that may be generated when the liquid injection port is formed in the liquid injection port forming region is small, it is possible to prevent the metal scraps and the like from entering the accommodation chamber.

Further, the liquid injection port forming region of the exterior member is preferably a convex or concave portion provided on the exterior member. According to this, by making the liquid injection port forming region a convex or concave portion, it is possible to easily recognize the liquid injection port forming region to be the liquid injection port from the appearance of the exterior member.

Further, another aspect of the present invention lies in a package in which a plurality of structures for a lithium ion secondary battery according to the above aspect are packaged so as to be transportable.

In such an embodiment, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures can be conveyed at the same time.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising an electrode connecting body and an exterior member provided with a storage chamber capable of accommodating the electrode connecting body. For a lithium ion secondary battery, which comprises a step of accommodating the electrode connector in the accommodating chamber and sealing the accommodating chamber in a low humidity environment without injecting an electrolytic solution into the accommodating chamber. It is in the manufacturing method of the structure.

In such an embodiment, the accommodation chamber can be easily maintained in a low humidity state by sealing the accommodation chamber in a low humidity environment without injecting an electrolytic solution.

Here, the exterior member has a liquid injection port into which the electrolytic solution can be injected, and the steps of sealing the storage chamber include a step of accommodating the electrode connector in the storage chamber and the step of accommodating the electrode connector in the storage chamber. The step of sealing and sealing the injection port without injecting the electrolytic solution is provided, and the step of sealing the injection port is preferably performed in a low humidity environment. According to this, when the liquid injection port is sealed, the accommodation chamber can be easily brought into a low humidity state.

Further, the step of accommodating the electrode connector in the accommodating chamber is preferably performed in a low humidity environment. According to this, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the electrode active material layer of the electrode group due to reaction with moisture, and it is possible to suppress problems such as deterioration of battery capacity in the case of a lithium ion secondary battery. The desired battery performance can be obtained.

Further, the exterior member includes a battery case and a lid member, and in the step of accommodating the electrode connecting body in the accommodating chamber and sealing the accommodating chamber in a low humidity environment, the electrode connecting body is accommodated. It is preferable to have a step of accommodating the battery in a room and a step of joining the battery case and the lid member in a low humidity environment.

Further, another aspect of the present invention includes an electrode connecting body and an exterior member having a storage chamber accommodating the electrode connecting body, and the electrolytic solution is not injected into the storage chamber, so that the storage chamber is not injected. Is a step of opening the storage chamber in a low humidity environment, injecting the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber, and sealing the storage chamber with respect to the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery sealed in a low humidity state. It is in the method of manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery characterized by having.

In such an embodiment, by opening the accommodation chamber in a low humidity environment and injecting an electrolytic solution into the accommodation chamber to seal the accommodation chamber, deterioration of the electrode active material layer and the electrolytic solution constituting the electrode connector is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing problems such as deterioration of the battery capacity of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Here, the exterior member has a pre-sealed liquid injection port into which the electrolytic solution can be injected, and the opening of the storage chamber in a low humidity environment opens the liquid injection port, and the injection port is opened. It is preferable that the electrolytic solution is injected into the storage chamber from the liquid injection port, and the storage chamber is sealed by sealing the liquid injection port. According to this, the accommodating chamber can be opened by an easy process of opening the injection port, and the electrolytic solution can be easily injected from the injection port. Further, if the liquid injection port is sealed, the storage chamber can be easily sealed. In particular, since an exterior member having a liquid injection port can be used in the same manner as a conventional one, it is necessary to prepare two molds for forming the exterior member, one with a liquid injection port and the other without a liquid injection port. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

Further, if the exterior member does not have a liquid injection port in advance, the opening of the storage chamber in a low humidity environment forms an opening in which the electrolytic solution can be injected into the exterior member, and enters the storage chamber. The injection of the electrolytic solution is performed through the opening, and the sealing of the storage chamber may be the sealing of the opening. In this case, it is preferable to use an exterior member having a liquid injection port forming region in which the region to be the liquid injection port is thinner than other portions. In particular, it is desirable that the liquid injection port forming region is a convex or concave portion so that the region to be the liquid injection port can be seen from the appearance of the exterior member.

According to the present invention, since the electrolytic solution is not injected into the structure for the lithium ion secondary battery, the transportation is not restricted due to the electrolytic solution, and therefore the transportation is carried out by all means including air transportation. It can be performed. In addition, since the storage chamber of the lithium-ion secondary battery structure is in a low humidity state, it is possible to prevent the electrode active material layer of the electrode connector and the electrolytic solution injected later from being deteriorated by the moisture in the storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the battery performance.

It is an exploded perspective view of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view which cut out a part which shows the internal structure of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the electrode group which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the package body which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the manufacturing method of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing method of the lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the manufacturing method of the lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view which cut out a part which shows the modification of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the manufacturing method of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the modification of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery and the manufacturing method of a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the modification of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery and the manufacturing method of a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the modification of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery and the manufacturing method of a lithium ion secondary battery which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view showing the internal structure of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrode group.

The structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment is a structure used for a lithium ion secondary battery. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 includes an electrode group 20 including a positive electrode plate 21 and a negative electrode plate 22, and a positive electrode plate 21 or a negative electrode plate of the electrode group 20. A pair of current collecting members 30 connected to 22 respectively, and a battery case 40 and a lid member 50 which are exterior members accommodating an electrode connecting body composed of these electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the electrode group 20, a large number of positive electrode plates 21 and negative electrode plates 22 are alternately laminated with the separator 23 in between.

Each of the positive electrode plate 21 and the negative electrode plate 22 has an electrode active material layer formed on a metal foil. Examples of the metal foil used for the positive electrode plate 21 include an aluminum foil. Further, examples of the metal foil used for the negative electrode plate 22 include a copper foil.

At one end of the electrode group 20 in the longitudinal direction, a positive electrode binding portion 24 is formed in which the portions of the plurality of positive electrode plates 21 on which the electrode active material layer is not formed are bundled. At the other end of the electrode group 20 in the longitudinal direction, a negative electrode binding portion 25 is formed in which the ends of the plurality of negative electrode plates 22 on which the electrode active material layer is not formed are bundled. In the present embodiment, the electrode group 20 is provided with two positive electrode binding portions 24 and two negative electrode binding portions 25, respectively. The number of the positive electrode binding portion 24 and the negative electrode binding portion 25 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one or three or more, respectively. Then, the current collecting member 30 is connected to each of the positive electrode binding portion 24 and the negative electrode binding portion 25 of the electrode group 20.

The current collector member 30 includes a first current collector plate 30A electrically connected to the positive electrode plate 21 and a second current collector plate 30B electrically connected to the negative electrode plate 22. The main material of the first current collector plate 30A is a metal plate made of, for example, aluminum, and one end side thereof is connected to each positive electrode binding portion 24 of the electrode group 20. The main material of the second current collector plate 30B is a metal plate made of, for example, copper, and one end side thereof is connected to each negative electrode binding portion 25 of the electrode group 20. An example is that the current collector plates 30A and 30B are the same main materials as the materials of the electrode plates to be connected, respectively, but other main materials as long as they can be connected to the electrode group and can maintain conductivity. It may be a metal plate made of.

These current collecting members 30 are composed of a top plate 31 that abuts on the inner surface of the lid member 50 and a long joining plate 32 that extends downward from the end of the top plate 31. Connection plate pieces 33 bent toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the electrode group 20 are provided on both edges of the long joint plate 32. In the present embodiment, the connecting plate piece 33 is continuously provided in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) of the long joint plate 32. Each of the current collecting members 30 is connected to the two rows of positive electrode binding portions 24 or negative electrode binding portions 25 of the electrode group 20 by the connecting plate piece 33, respectively. The method of connecting the connecting plate piece 33 of the current collecting member 30 to the positive electrode binding portion 24 and the negative electrode binding portion 25 of the electrode group 20 is not particularly limited, but can be satisfactorily connected by, for example, ultrasonic welding.

Further, the upper surface plate 31 of the current collecting member 30 is provided with a terminal portion 60 projecting outward from a through hole 51 provided in the lid member 50. That is, the upper surface plate 31 of the first current collector plate 30A is provided with a positive electrode terminal portion 60A connected to the positive electrode plate 21, and the upper surface plate 31 of the second current collector plate 30B is provided with a negative electrode terminal portion connected to the negative electrode plate 22. 60B is provided.

Such a current collecting member 30 and the electrode group 20 are connected to each other in a state where the connection plate piece 33 of the current collecting member 30 and the positive electrode binding portion 24 and the negative electrode binding portion 25 of the electrode group 20 are connected as described above. It is housed in the case 40. In the present embodiment, the electrode group 20 and the current collector 30 are referred to as electrode connectors.

The battery case 40 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Of course, the material of the battery case 40 is not limited to the metal material, and may be a resin material or the like. Such a battery case 40 has a hollow box shape in which a storage chamber 41 in which an electrode group 20 and a current collecting member 30 are housed is provided, and is provided with an opening at the top.

The lid member 50 seals the upper opening of the storage chamber 41 of the battery case 40, and is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, for example. Of course, the material of the lid member 50 is not limited to the metal material, and may be a resin material or the like.

A joint portion 52 whose end portion is bent upward is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the lid member 50. The lid member 50 is fixed to the battery case 40 by laser welding the joint portion 52 to the upper end of the battery case 40. The method of fixing the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 is not particularly limited to this, and as long as the inside of the storage chamber 41 can be kept sealed, it may be bonded using an adhesive, such as screws or. It may be fixed by using a bolt, a clip or the like. After fixing the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, a fixing method in which the fixing between the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 cannot be easily released is preferable, and welding or the like is preferably used.

The lid member 50 is formed with two through holes 51 into which the positive electrode terminal portion 60A and the negative electrode terminal portion 60B of each current collecting member 30 are inserted. The current collecting member 30 is fixed to the lid member 50 in a state where the positive electrode terminal portion 60A and the negative electrode terminal portion 60B project from the through hole 51 to the outside of the lid member 50.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the lid member 50 and the current collector member 30 are fixed in an insulated state. For example, in the present embodiment, the lid member 50 and the current collector member 30 are joined and insulated by an adhesive insulating member 70 made of a resin material. The adhesive insulating member 70 is formed, for example, by injection molding in a mold in which the lid member 50 and the current collecting member 30 are arranged. That is, the lid member 50 and the current collecting member 30 are fixed to each other by the adhesive insulating member 70 and integrated.

Further, the lid member 50 is provided with a liquid injection port 53 for injecting an electrolytic solution into the storage chamber 41 of the battery case 40. The liquid injection port 53 is an opening provided through the lid member 50, and opens the storage chamber 41 so as to communicate the storage chamber 41 with the outside. Such a liquid injection port 53 is sealed by a sealing member 80.

The sealing member 80 seals the liquid injection port 53 and seals the inside of the storage chamber 41. In the present embodiment, the liquid injection port 53 is sealed by the sealing member 80 while the inside of the storage chamber 41 is in a dry state (low humidity state) without injecting the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber 41, and the storage chamber 41 is sealed. The structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery is referred to as the structure 10. Further, the sealing member 80 is removed, or the electrolytic solution is injected into the storage chamber 41 via the sealing member 80 from the liquid injection port 53, and the liquid injection port 53 is sealed by the sealing member 80 or the sealing member. A battery in which the storage chamber 41 is sealed by sealing with a sealing member different from 80 is referred to as a lithium ion secondary battery.

Here, the low humidity state in the accommodation chamber 41 means that the electrode group 20 in the accommodation chamber 41 and the electrolytic solution later injected into the accommodation chamber 41 contain water that impairs the function as a battery. An environment with no water content, for example, a highly dry state with a dew point temperature of −20 ° C. or lower. By sealing the inside of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity state in this way, the electrode group 20 suppresses the absorption of the water contained in the gas in the storage chamber 41, and finally the battery performance as a battery is improved. It can be suppressed from decreasing. Further, since the inside of the accommodation chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state, when the electrolytic solution is later injected into the accommodation chamber 41 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery, the moisture in the accommodation chamber 41 is contained in the electrolytic solution. It is possible to suppress the inclusion, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery. Specifically, a non-aqueous electrolytic solution is generally used for the lithium ion secondary battery. Since water is taken into the non-aqueous electrolytic solution, the desired performance as a lithium ion secondary battery cannot be obtained.

Further, the inside of the storage chamber 41 is not particularly limited as long as it is in a low humidity state, and may be, for example, air or may be filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas. .. For example, by filling the accommodation chamber 41 with an inert gas, it is possible to more reliably suppress the mixing of water into the accommodation chamber 41 and suppress the deterioration of battery performance.

Further, the pressure inside the accommodation chamber 41 may be lower than the atmospheric pressure (1 Pa) (negative pressure). By setting the pressure inside the accommodation chamber 41 to be lower than the atmospheric pressure (negative pressure) in this way, the exterior member may be deformed due to the difference in atmospheric pressure during transportation in a low pressure environment using an aircraft or the like, or the liquid injection port 43. It is possible to prevent the sealing member 80 that seals the vehicle from coming off.

That is, the inside of the storage chamber 41 may be sealed in a vacuumed state. That is, the inside of the accommodation chamber 41 may be in a vacuum state. The vacuum state means, for example, a pressure of 1 Pa or less, preferably 0.1 Pa or less. Since the inside of the accommodation chamber 41 is evacuated, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems that may occur due to the pressure difference during air transportation.

In such a structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery, the electrolytic solution is not injected into the accommodation chamber 41, and the injection port 53 is sealed in the accommodation chamber 41 in a low humidity state to enter the accommodation chamber 41. Because it is hermetically sealed, it is possible to carry out transportation by all means of transportation including air transportation without restrictions on transportation due to the electrolytic solution in air transportation, etc., and it is possible to carry out transportation safely and in a short time. ..

Further, after transporting the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 of the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution may be injected from the liquid injection port 53 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 to seal the liquid injection port 53. A lithium ion secondary battery can be easily manufactured.

Further, such a structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery is transported as a package that is packaged so that it can be transported. Here, an example of the packing body is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the packing body 100 includes a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10, a packing case 101 in which a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 are housed, and a packing case 101. A cushioning material 102 provided around the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery is provided inside the structure.

The packing case 101 has a hollow box shape made of corrugated cardboard, resin, metal, or the like. Inside such a packing case 101, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 are arranged in a state of being wrapped in a cushioning material 102.

As the cushioning material 102, a porous material such as styrofoam or sponge, paper, a bag containing air (air cushioning material), or the like can be used. By providing the cushioning material, it is possible to suppress the destruction caused by the lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 coming into contact with each other during transportation.

In this way, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 are collectively transported in the state of the package 100.

Here, a method of manufacturing the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery.

By the kneading step of step S1 shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of materials for forming electrodes to be positive and negative electrodes are mixed (kneaded), for example, a metal foil to be aluminum (positive electrode) or copper (negative electrode). An electrode slurry to be applied is formed on the sheet. Although the electrode slurry is prepared for the positive electrode and the electrode slurry for the negative electrode, respectively, in the kneading step, a kneading device for forming the slurry for the positive electrode and a kneading device for forming the slurry for the negative electrode are prepared, and these two types of slurries are prepared. The formation takes place in parallel. Of course, the two types of slurries may be formed in order.

Next, in the coating step of step S2, the positive electrode slurry and the negative electrode slurry formed in the kneading step of step S1 are each coated on the metal sheet. The positive electrode slurry is applied onto an aluminum sheet to be a positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode slurry is applied to a copper foil sheet to be a negative electrode plate. Generally, the metal foil sheet has a long shape, and a desired electrode slurry is applied to both the front surface and the front and back surfaces of the metal foil sheet.

Next, in the drying step of step S3, the electrode slurry coated on the metal foil sheet in the coating step of step S2 is dried to form an electrode active material layer made of the dried electrode slurry.

Next, in the pressing step of step S4, the electrode active material layer and the metal foil sheet are pressed (pressed). By this pressing process, the adhesion between the electrode active material layer and the metal foil sheet can be enhanced.

Next, in the cutting step of step S5, the electrode active material layer pressed by the pressing step and the metal foil sheet are cut into a desired size to form an electrode active material layer on the metal foil sheet. To manufacture.

Similar to the kneading step of step S1, the coating step of step S2 to the cutting step of step S5 can be performed in parallel on the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively. As a result, a plurality of positive electrode plates 21 and a plurality of negative electrode plates 22 can be prepared at the time of passing through the cutting step.

Next, in the laminating step of step S6, a plurality of positive electrode plates 21 and negative electrode plates 22 are alternately laminated and bundled with a separator 23 interposed therebetween. Alternatively, the long positive electrode plate 21 and the negative electrode plate 22 cut to a predetermined length are overlapped with each other with the long separator 23 interposed therebetween, and the ticket is turned. As a result, the electrode group 20 formed by superimposing the positive electrode plate 21, the separator 23, and the negative electrode plate 22 is manufactured.

Next, in the electrode assembly step of step S7, the current collecting member 30 is attached to the electrode group 20 manufactured in the laminating step to manufacture an electrode connector in which the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 are integrated. To. In the present embodiment, since the current collecting member 30 and the lid member 50 are integrated by the adhesive insulating member 70 as described above, the electrode group 20 is integrated with the lid member 50. Is attached. That is, the electrode connector is attached to the lid member 50.

Next, in the electrode connecting body accommodating step of step S8, the electrode connecting body attached to the lid member 50 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 41 of the battery case 40, and the lid member 50 and the battery case 40 are joined.

Next, in the preliminary sealing step of step S9, the liquid injection port 53 of the lid member 50 is sealed by the sealing member 80 to seal the inside of the storage chamber 41. In the sealing by the sealing member 80, even if the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 is placed in the atmosphere after the completion of this step, moisture does not enter the storage chamber 41, and the lithium ion secondary battery structure is sealed. The sealing member 80 is prevented from coming off during transportation such as air transportation. For example, as the sealing member 80, a metal material having a melting point lower than that of the battery case 40 or the lid member 50 is melted to close the injection port, or the sealing member 80 has a moisture-proof property that does not peel off due to the influence of atmospheric pressure during air transportation. It may be sealed with a high-quality aluminum tape. Further, instead of sealing the liquid injection port 53, the entire structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery is wrapped with a sealing body such as a laminated film, and the inside of the laminated film is vacuumed to create a lithium ion secondary battery. The liquid injection port 53 may be sealed by sealing the entire structure 10 (if the liquid injection port can be sealed and there is no risk of tearing during transportation, a single layer may be used instead of the laminated film. It may be an insulating film such as a vinyl film). By sealing with this laminated film in a low humidity environment, the inside of the battery case 40 can be maintained in a low humidity state. In the present embodiment, by performing the electrode connector accommodating step of step S8 and the pre-sealing step of step S9 in a low humidity environment, the inside of the accommodating chamber 41 can be sealed in a low humidity state. By the way, as a method of sealing the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 in a low humidity environment, for example, a sealing device for sealing the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 in a dry room whose humidity is adjusted to a low humidity state is used. It may be arranged, and the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 may be joined and the liquid injection port 53 may be sealed by a sealing device in the dry room. Alternatively, even if the sealing device is arranged outside the dry room, the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 may be joined while keeping the space for sealing inside the sealing device in a low humidity state. The liquid injection port 53 may be sealed. At this time, care is taken to maintain a low humidity state from the electrode connector accommodating step in step S8 to the pre-sealing step in step S9. For example, the electrode connector accommodating step in step S8 and the pre-sealing step in step S9 are continuously performed in the same low humidity environment (in the same dry room). At least one of the electrode connector accommodating step in step S8 and the pre-sealing step in step S9 is performed using an apparatus that is not in a low humidity environment (outside the dry room) (the inside of the apparatus is subjected to necessary treatment in a low humidity state). In this case, it is necessary to maintain that the surrounding environment of the object to be processed is in a low humidity state even when the object to be processed is transported between these two steps. By the way, the low humidity environment is, for example, a highly dry state in which the dew point temperature is −20 ° C. or lower. The type of gas in a low humidity environment is not limited, and may be air or an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas.

In the present embodiment, the electrode connector accommodating step and the pre-sealing step are performed in a low humidity environment, but it is desirable to show in FIG. 5 after at least the drying step of step S3 in FIG. It is preferable that all the manufacturing processes of the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery are performed in a low humidity environment, and that the processes performed in a low humidity environment are performed in the same dry room. When the storage chamber 41 is filled with the inert gas, the method of filling the storage chamber 41 with the inert gas such as nitrogen may be an optimum method according to the above-mentioned sealing method. For example, from the stage of joining the lid member 50 to the battery case 40, the operation may be performed in a low humidity environment and in an inert gas atmosphere. If a pre-sealing step is required after that (when the liquid injection port 53 is formed in the lid member 50), the pre-sealing step should be performed in a low humidity environment and in an inert gas atmosphere. I should do it. If a pre-sealing step is required after that (when the liquid injection port 53 is formed in the lid member 50), the atmosphere does not have to be an inert gas atmosphere at the stage of joining the lid member 50 to the battery case 40. When the liquid injection port 53 itself is pre-sealed at the time of pre-sealing, the inert gas may be forcibly introduced into the storage chamber 41 of the battery case 40 from the liquid injection port 53. In this case, it is necessary to provide an exhaust port in the accommodation chamber 41 separately from the liquid injection port 53 (this exhaust port also needs to be pre-sealed like the liquid injection port 53). Further, when the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 itself is sealed with a sealing body, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 in the sealing body must be sealed before being completely sealed with the sealing body. The inert gas may be forcibly introduced into the housed space.

Further, a method of manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery using such a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery.

As shown in FIG. 6, the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery is manufactured in the factory X by steps S1 to S9 described above. As described above, in the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery, the liquid injection port 53 for injecting the electrolytic solution T in the accommodation chamber 41 in a low humidity state is not injected. It is sealed.

The lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 manufactured in the factory X is transported to the factory Y located away from the factory X. For example, when factory X is in Aomori prefecture and factory Y is in Hiroshima prefecture, when factory X is in Hokkaido and factory Y is in Okinawa, and when both factory X and factory Y are in Japan, or when the factory is in Japan. For example, X is in Japan and factory Y is outside the country such as China or the United States. In the present embodiment, the case where the factory X for manufacturing the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery is located in Japan is described, but of course, it is applicable even when the factory X is outside the country and the factory Y is in Japan. It can be done.

Factory X and Factory Y are located at a distance that needs to be transported by means of transportation such as a car, a train, a ship, and an airplane. Since the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery manufactured in the factory X has not been injected with the electrolytic solution T, the transportation is not restricted due to the electrolytic solution T, so that all transportation including air transportation is not performed. It can be transported by means.

It should be noted that a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 are collectively transported in the state of the package 100 described above.

In the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery transported to the factory Y, the lithium ion secondary battery is manufactured by injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 41 at the factory Y.

Here, a method of manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery using the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Note that FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery.

First, in the step of opening the liquid injection port in step S10, the liquid injection port 53 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 is opened. In the present embodiment, the liquid injection port 53 is opened by removing the sealing member 80 that seals the liquid injection port 53. As a method of this removal, for example, when a metal material is melted and sealed, the metal material is heated and melted, and the melted metal material is suction-removed so as not to enter the storage chamber 41. .. If the tape is sealed with an aluminum tape, the tape is removed by heating or the like so as to weaken the adhesive strength of the tape. Further, when the entire structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery is hermetically sealed with an encapsulant such as a laminated film, the encapsulant is opened. By performing these steps in a low humidity environment, moisture is not taken into the storage chamber 41 after opening. In this opening step as well, when the storage chamber 41 is filled with the inert gas as described above, the operation is performed in the atmosphere of the inert gas, and the subsequent electrolytic solution injection step and the resealing step are inert. Try to do it in an atmosphere. Further, in the case of a lid member provided with a discharge port when introducing an inert gas, it is not particularly necessary to reseal the discharge port, but if it is necessary to open it such as degassing, open it. I should do it.

Next, in the liquid injection step of step S11, the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 41 from the liquid injection port 53 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10. This liquid injection process should also be performed in a low humidity environment.

Here, the electrolytic solution T used in the factory Y is transported from the factory X to the factory Y separately from the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery. If the electrolytic solution to be injected is sent from Factory X, it is possible to reduce the injection of an electrolytic solution having a composition different from that originally intended to be injected, but if care is taken not to make such an error, of course, The acquisition of the electrolytic solution T used in the factory Y is not particularly limited to this. For example, if the same electrolytic solution T to be injected into the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 is procured directly from an electrolytic solution manufacturer near the factory Y, the necessary electrolytic solution T can be transported without any restrictions. It is preferable because the factory Y can prepare the liquid T. In particular, when the factory X and the factory Y are in different countries, it is preferable to procure the necessary electrolytic solution T in the country where the factory Y is located. If the factory X and the factory Y are different companies, the company that owns the factory Y that purchased the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 should inject it into the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10. It is preferable because there is a possibility that the electrolytic solution T can be procured at low cost through its own route.

Then, chemical charging (not shown) is performed. At this time, since the liquid injection port 53 has not been sealed yet, the gas generated by chemical charging is discharged from the liquid injection port 53 to the outside of the storage chamber 41. In the main sealing step of step S12, the liquid injection port 53 is sealed and the storage chamber 41 is sealed to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery. This main sealing step shall also be performed in a low humidity environment. The liquid injection port 53 is sealed by, for example, melting a metal material. At this time, the metal material used may be the same material as the metal material used in the temporary sealing step, or a metal material having a strong cohesive force with the material of the lid member 50 on which the liquid injection port 53 is formed should be used. You may.

After that, in the charge / discharge inspection step of step S13, a battery satisfying a predetermined standard is shipped as a lithium ion secondary battery after undergoing an inspection such as a charge / discharge inspection.

In the manufacturing process of such a lithium ion secondary battery, as described above, the steps from step S10 to step S12, that is, the opening step of the pouring port 53, the pouring step, and the main sealing step are performed at low humidity. It is done in the environment. By the way, the low humidity environment is, for example, a highly dry state in which the dew point temperature is −40 ° C. or lower. The type of gas in a low humidity environment is not limited, and may be air or an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas.

By performing the opening step of the liquid injection port 53, the liquid injection step, and the main sealing step in a low humidity environment in this way, the inside of the storage chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state, so that the inside of the storage chamber 41 has moisture. Since it is possible to suppress the uptake of the battery and prevent the electrolytic solution from containing water, it is possible to suppress defects and obtain desired battery performance even in the case of a lithium ion secondary battery.

Then, as described above, the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected and the storage chamber 41 is in a low humidity state is transported from the factory X to the factory Y, so that the amount of transportation can be increased by air transportation or the like. It can be transported safely without restrictions. Therefore, as compared with the case where the lithium ion secondary battery in which the electrolytic solution T is injected is transported from the factory X to the factory Y, it can be safely transported in a shorter number of transportation days by air transportation or the like.

As described above, in the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 which are electrode connecting bodies and the accommodating chamber 41 accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 are provided. A battery case 40 and a lid member 50, which are exterior members, are provided, and the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the storage chamber 41, and the inside of the storage chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state.

By sealing the storage chamber 41 in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected in this way in a low humidity state, the transportation amount due to the electrolytic solution T is not limited in air transportation and the like, and all transportation means including air transportation. It is possible to carry out transportation in a safe and short time.

Further, after the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 is transported, the electrolytic solution T is injected from the liquid injection port 53 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 and the lithium ion is simply sealed by sealing the liquid injection port 53. A secondary battery can be easily manufactured.

Further, since the inside of the storage chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state, it is possible to prevent the moisture contained in the gas in the storage chamber 41 from being absorbed by the electrode group 20 constituting the electrode connecting body, and lithium. When it becomes an ion secondary battery, it is possible to suppress defects and obtain desired battery performance. Further, since the inside of the storage chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state, when the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 41 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery, the electrolytic solution T contains water in the storage chamber 41. It is possible to suppress the inclusion of the above, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, in the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members, have a liquid injection port 53 capable of injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 41. It is preferable that the liquid injection port 53 is sealed with a sealing member 80 which is a sealing material.

According to this, the electrolytic solution T can be easily injected into the storage chamber 41 only by removing the sealing material and opening the liquid injection port 53. In particular, since the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members, have a liquid injection port 53, they should be made of the same mold as that of a lithium ion secondary battery that injects up to the electrolytic solution T at one place. Therefore, it is possible to provide the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery while suppressing the increase in cost.

In the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the liquid injection port 53 is provided in the lid member 50 constituting the exterior member, and the liquid injection port 53 is sealed by the sealing member 80. , Especially not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the lid member 50 does not have to be provided with the liquid injection port 53. That is, when manufacturing the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery, the inside of the storage chamber 41 is lowered by performing the electrode connection body housing step in a low humidity environment without temporarily sealing the liquid injection port 53. Can be sealed in humidity conditions.

Then, when manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery, an opening (liquid injection port 53) is formed in the exterior member of the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery, and this opening is used as the liquid injection port 53 to form an electrolytic solution. T may be injected. By the way, if the liquid injection port 53 is formed in a low humidity environment, it is possible to prevent the electrode connection body in the storage chamber 41 and the electrolytic solution T to be injected from containing water in the storage chamber 41. be able to. When the liquid injection port 53 is newly formed in the exterior member, it is necessary to prevent metal scraps and the like from entering the storage chamber 41. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the lid member 50 constituting the exterior member of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10 is thinner than the other regions, and the electrolytic solution T is injected. A liquid injection port forming region 54 for forming a liquid injection port 53 (see FIG. 2) is provided. By forming the liquid injection port 53 in the liquid injection port forming region 54 mechanically or by heat melting or the like, the generation of metal waste when forming the liquid injection port 53 is reduced, and the metal waste is contained in the storage chamber 41. Can be suppressed from entering. As can be seen from the appearance of the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 in which the liquid injection port forming region 54 is an exterior member, the liquid injection port forming region 54 is provided as a concave portion as shown in FIG. By forming an opening in the portion, the liquid injection port 53 can be reliably formed in the required portion. Of course, the liquid injection port forming region 54 is not limited to the concave portion shown in FIG. 8, for example, as a convex portion having a thickness of the top surface of the convex portion made thinner than the other regions on the lid member 50. May be good. As described above, even as the convex portion, the liquid injection port forming region 54 forming the liquid injection port 53 can be easily recognized from the appearance of the battery case 40 and the lid member 50 which are exterior members.

As described above, in the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery shown in FIG. 8, the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members, are thinner than other regions and are used for injecting the electrolytic solution T. A liquid injection port forming region 54 in which the liquid injection port 53 is formed may be provided.

According to this, it is possible to reduce the generation of metal debris when forming the liquid injection port 53 and prevent the metal debris from entering the storage chamber 41.

Further, the liquid injection port forming region 54 is preferably a convex or concave portion provided on the battery case 40 and the lid member 50. According to this, the region to be the liquid injection port 53 can be easily recognized from the appearance of the exterior member by the convex or concave portion of the liquid injection port forming region 54.

Further, in the packing body 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 are packed so as to be transportable.

By forming the package 100 in this way, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 can be efficiently transported.

Further, the method for manufacturing the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment is a storage chamber 41 capable of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 which are electrode connectors, and the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30. A method for manufacturing a structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery including a battery case 40 and a lid member 50, which are exterior members provided with the above, without injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 41. A step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 in the chamber 41 and sealing the accommodating chamber 41 in a low humidity environment is provided.

By sealing the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity environment without injecting the electrolytic solution T in this way, the inside of the storage chamber 41 can be maintained in a low humidity state. Therefore, when the structure 10 for the lithium ion secondary battery is transported by air, the transport amount due to the electrolytic solution T is not limited, and the structure 10 can be safely transported by any transportation means including air transportation. Moreover, it can be transported in a short time.

Further, by sealing the inside of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity state, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of water in the storage chamber 41, and then the electrolytic solution is injected to form a lithium ion secondary battery. It is also possible to suppress the occurrence of defects and obtain desired battery performance. Further, by sealing the inside of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity state, it is possible to prevent the electrolytic solution T from containing water when the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 41 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members, have a liquid injection port 43 into which the electrolytic solution T can be injected, and have a storage chamber. The steps of sealing the 41 include a step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 which are electrode connection pairs in the accommodating chamber 41, and sealing the injection port 53 without injecting the electrolytic solution T into the accommodating chamber 41. The step of sealing the liquid injection port 53 is preferably performed in a low humidity environment.

According to this, when the liquid injection port 53 is sealed, the inside of the storage chamber 41 can be kept in a low humidity state. Further, it is possible to easily maintain the low humidity state of the storage chamber 41 simply by sealing the liquid injection port 53.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 which are electrode connecting bodies in the accommodating chamber 41 is performed in a low humidity environment. Is preferable. By performing the step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30 in a low humidity environment in this way, it is possible to suppress the electrode group 20 from absorbing water, and the lithium ion secondary battery is obtained. It is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing defects.

Further, the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment is an exterior member having an electrode group 20 and a current collecting member 30 which are electrode connectors, and a storage chamber 41 accommodating the electrode group 20 and the current collecting member 30. A structure for a lithium ion secondary battery including a battery case 40 and a lid member 50, in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the storage chamber 41, and the inside of the storage chamber 41 is sealed in a low humidity state. A step of opening the inside of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity environment, injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 41, and sealing the storage chamber 41.

In this way, by opening the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity environment and injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 41 to seal the storage chamber 41, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of water in the electrolytic solution T, and lithium. It is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing defects in the ion secondary battery.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members, have a pre-sealed liquid injection port 53 into which the electrolytic solution T can be injected. The opening of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity environment opens the liquid injection port 53, the electrolyte T is injected into the storage chamber 41 from the liquid injection port 53, and the storage chamber 41 is sealed. It is preferable that the mouth 53 is sealed. According to this, the storage chamber 41 can be opened by an easy step of opening the liquid injection port 53, and the electrolytic solution T can be easily injected from the liquid injection port 53. Further, the storage chamber 41 can be easily sealed only by sealing the liquid injection port 53. In particular, since the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members having the liquid injection port 53, can be used in the same manner as the conventional ones, a mold for forming the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members. It is not necessary to prepare both the one with the injection port 53 and the one without the injection port 53, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery using the structure 10 for a lithium ion secondary battery shown in FIG. 8, the opening of the storage chamber 41 in a low humidity environment is the battery case 40 and the lid which are exterior members. A liquid injection port 53, which is an opening into which the electrolytic solution T can be injected, is formed in the member 50, and the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 41 through the liquid injection port 53, which is an opening, and the storage chamber 41 is sealed. Is the sealing of the liquid injection port 53, which is an opening. In this way, the electrolytic solution T can be injected into the storage chamber 41 by newly forming the liquid injection port 53. Further, in this case, it is preferable to use the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members having the liquid injection port forming region 54 in which the region to be the liquid injection port 53 is thinner than the other portions. In particular, it is desirable that the liquid injection port forming region 54 is a convex or concave portion so that the region to be the liquid injection port 53 can be seen from the appearance of the battery case 40 and the lid member 50, which are exterior members.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A of the present embodiment is a battery structure formed by surrounding and sealing the electrode group 20 with a laminated film 110 which is an exterior member, and is a laminated film. The electrode group 20 is enclosed in the accommodation chamber 111 of the 110. The laminated film 110 is made of a synthetic resin film, and the front and back surfaces thereof are made of an insulating material. A part of the pair of tab leads 120 connected to the electrode group 20 covered with the laminate film 110 is provided so as to project from the opening. One (120A) of the tab lead 120 is a positive electrode tab lead, and the other (120B) is a negative electrode tab lead. The two tab leads 120 shown in FIG. 9 are connected to a current collector on the positive electrode side and a current collector on the negative electrode side at each end of the electrode group 20 in the accommodation chamber 111.

Further, the outer periphery of the laminated film 110 is outside the first sealing region 113 for sealing the portion other than the liquid injection port 112 for injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 111, and the first sealing region 113. A second sealing region 114 for sealing over the entire circumference of the laminated film 110 is provided.

Further, the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the storage chamber 111 of the laminated film 110, and the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state.

Here, the low humidity state in the storage chamber 111 is, for example, a high dry state in which the dew point temperature is −20 ° C. or lower. By sealing the inside of the storage chamber 111 in a low humidity state in this way, it is possible to suppress the absorption of the water contained in the gas in the storage chamber 111 by the electrode group 20, and finally the lithium ion battery. It is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing the occurrence of problems when the next battery is used. Further, since the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state, when the electrolytic solution T is later injected into the storage chamber 111 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery, the electrolytic solution T is contained in the storage chamber 111. It is possible to suppress the inclusion of water and suppress the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, the gas contained in the storage chamber 111 is not particularly limited as long as it is in a low humidity state, and may be, for example, air or may be filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas. .. For example, by filling the accommodation chamber 111 with an inert gas, it is possible to more reliably suppress the mixing of water into the accommodation chamber 111, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of battery performance.

Further, the pressure inside the accommodation chamber 111 may be lower than the atmospheric pressure (1 Pa) (negative pressure). By setting the pressure inside the accommodation chamber 41 to be lower than the atmospheric pressure (negative pressure) in this way, problems such as damage to the laminated film 110 due to the difference in atmospheric pressure during transportation in a low pressure environment using an aircraft or the like are suppressed. can do.

That is, the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 may be sealed in a vacuumed state. That is, the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 may be in a vacuum state. The vacuum state means, for example, a pressure of 1 Pa or less, preferably 0.1 Pa or less. Since the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 is evacuated, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems that may occur due to the pressure difference during air transportation.

In such a structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery, the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the accommodation chamber 111, and the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state. Therefore, the electrolytic solution T is sealed by air transportation or the like. It is possible to carry out transportation by all means of transportation including air transportation without being restricted due to the above, and it is possible to carry out transportation safely and in a short time.

Further, after the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A of the present embodiment is transported, a part of the second sealing region 114 of the laminated film 110 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A (near the liquid injection port 112). ) Is opened to expose the injection port 112, and the electrolytic solution T is injected from the injection port 112. After that, the liquid injection port 112 is sealed and sealed in the entire first sealing region 113, and a part of the reopened second sealing region 114 is also sealed again in the entire second sealing region 114. By sealing, a lithium ion secondary battery can be easily manufactured.

Here, a method of manufacturing the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to the second embodiment.

The electrode group 20 in which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are superposed by the same steps as in steps S1 to S6 of the above-described first embodiment, that is, a kneading step, a coating step, a drying step, a pressing step, a cutting step, and a laminating step. To form. After that, in the tab lead attaching step of step S20, the tab lead 120 is connected to each of the current collector on the positive electrode side and the current collector on the negative electrode side of the electrode group 20. The tab lead 120 finally becomes an external terminal.

Next, in the in-laminate accommodation step of step S21, the electrode group 20 to which the tab lead 120 is bonded covers the electrode group 20 including the joint portion with the tab lead 120 so as to be wrapped with the laminate film 110, and the laminate film 110 is covered. The first sealing region 113 is formed by joining the periphery so that the liquid injection port 112 remains.

Next, in the pre-sealing step of step S22, the second sealing region 114 is formed by sealing the outside of the first sealing region 113 of the laminated film 110 over the entire circumference. As a result, the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery in which the liquid injection port 112 is sealed can be manufactured.

In the present embodiment, by performing the storage step in the laminate in step S21 and the pre-sealing step in step S22 in a low humidity environment, the storage chamber 111 can be sealed in a low humidity state. By the way, as a method of sealing the laminated film 110 in a low humidity environment, as in the first embodiment, a sealing device for sealing the laminated film 110 is arranged in a dry room whose humidity is adjusted to a low humidity state, and the dry room is used. The laminate film 110 may be joined and sealed by the sealing device inside, or the space to be sealed by the sealing device may be joined in a low humidity state. At this time, care is taken to maintain a low humidity state from the in-lamination storage step of step S21 to the pre-sealing step of step S22. For example, the storage step in the laminate in step S21 and the pre-sealing step in step S22 are continuously performed in the same low humidity environment (in the same dry room). When at least one of the in-laminate storage step in step S21 and the pre-sealing step in step S22 is performed using an apparatus that is not in a low humidity environment (outside the dry room) (the inside of the apparatus is subjected to necessary treatment in a low humidity state). Even when the object to be processed is transported between these two steps, the surrounding environment of the object to be processed is maintained in a low humidity state. By the way, the low humidity environment is, for example, a highly dry state in which the dew point temperature is −20 ° C. or lower. The type of gas in a low humidity environment is not limited, and may be air or an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas.

In this embodiment, the in-laminate storage step and the pre-sealing step are performed in a low humidity environment, but at least after the drying step of step S3 of FIG. 10, preferably all of the steps shown in FIG. 10 are performed. It is preferable that all the manufacturing processes of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A are performed in a low humidity environment, and further, the processes performed in a low humidity environment are performed in the same dry room. When the storage chamber 111 is filled with the inert gas, the method of filling the storage chamber 111 with the inert gas such as nitrogen may be an optimum method according to the above-mentioned sealing method. For example, the process of accommodating in the laminate may be carried out in a low humidity environment and in an atmosphere of an inert gas. If a pre-sealing step is required after that (when the liquid injection port 112 is formed in the laminated film 110), the pre-sealing step should be performed in a low humidity environment and in an inert gas atmosphere. I should do it. If a pre-sealing step is required after that (when the liquid injection port 112 is formed in the laminate film 110), the accommodation step in the laminate does not have to be an inert gas atmosphere, and the pre-sealing may be performed. When the liquid injection port 112 itself is pre-sealed, the inert gas may be forcibly introduced into the accommodation chamber 111 of the laminated film 110 from the liquid injection port 112. In this case, it is necessary to provide an exhaust port in the accommodation chamber 111 separately from the liquid injection port 112 (this exhaust port also needs to be pre-sealed like the liquid injection port 112). Further, when the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A itself is sealed with the sealing body, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A in the sealing body must be sealed before being completely sealed with the sealing body. Inert gas may be forcibly introduced into the stored space.

Similar to the first embodiment described above, a plurality of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A manufactured in this manner can be housed in one packing case 101 and easily transported as the packing body 100.

Further, since the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery using such a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery 10A is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, refer to FIG. 7 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. explain.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the opening step of the liquid injection port 112 in step S10, a part of the second sealing region 114 (near the liquid injection port 112) is opened to expose the liquid injection port 112. In the present embodiment, the liquid injection port 112 is exposed by opening a part of the second sealing region 114 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A.

Next, in the liquid injection step of step S11, the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 111 from the liquid injection port 112 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A.

Then, chemical charging (not shown) is performed. At this time, since the liquid injection port 112 has not been sealed yet, the gas generated by the chemical charging is discharged from the liquid injection port 112 to the outside of the storage chamber 111. In the main sealing step of step S12, the liquid injection port 112 is sealed, the storage chamber 111 is sealed, and the opened portion of the second sealing region 114 is resealed to generate the lithium ion secondary battery. Manufactured.

After that, in the charge / discharge inspection step of step S13, a battery satisfying a predetermined standard is shipped as a lithium ion secondary battery after undergoing an inspection such as a charge / discharge inspection.

In the manufacturing process of such a lithium ion secondary battery, the steps from step S10 to step S12, that is, the opening step of the filling port 112, the filling step, and the main sealing step are performed in a low humidity environment. .. By the way, the low humidity environment is, for example, a highly dry state in which the dew point temperature is −20 ° C. or lower. The type of gas in a low humidity environment is not limited, and may be air or an inert gas such as nitrogen or a rare gas.

By performing the opening step, the filling step, and the main sealing step of the liquid injection port 112 in a low humidity environment in this way, the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state, so that the moisture in the storage chamber 111 is sealed. Can be suppressed from being absorbed by the electrode group 20, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems when the lithium ion secondary battery is finally obtained, and to obtain desired battery performance. Further, it is possible to prevent the electrolytic solution T in the storage chamber 111 from containing the water content in the storage chamber 111, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Then, by transporting the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected and the storage chamber 111 is in a low humidity state from the factory X to the factory Y, the transportation amount is limited by air transportation or the like. It can be transported safely. Therefore, as compared with the case where the lithium ion secondary battery in which the electrolytic solution T is injected is transported from the factory X to the factory Y, it can be safely transported in a shorter number of transportation days by air transportation or the like.

In the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the laminating film 110 constituting the exterior member is provided with a liquid injection port 112, and the liquid injection port 112 and the second sealing region outside the liquid injection port 112 are provided. The liquid injection port 112 is sealed by joining at 114, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A may be provided with only the second sealing region 114 without providing the liquid injection port 112 and the first sealing region 113. In this case, when the structure 10A for the lithium ion secondary battery is manufactured, the entire area of the second sealing region 114 may be sealed, and in the liquid injection step of manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery, the second sealing region may be sealed. A part of 114 may be opened to form a liquid injection port, and the electrolytic solution T may be charged with a liquid injection needle such as an injection needle without opening a part of the second sealing region 114. The liquid may be injected inside. After injecting the electrolytic solution, the opened portion of the second sealing region 114 may be resealed, and when the solution is injected without opening with the injection needle, the injection needle in the laminate film 110 is inserted. For example, an insulating tape having a strong adhesive force and not easily peeling off may be attached to close the portion. Providing only the second sealing region 114 has the advantage that the number of sealing points is reduced, the number of steps is reduced, and the number of sealing regions is reduced, so that the shape of the finished product itself can be reduced as a laminated cell. Since the liquid injection port 112 portion is opened or resealed, the liquid injection port 112 portion and its peripheral portion may be easily torn depending on the material of the laminated film. On the other hand, if the first sealing region 113 is provided, this does not occur. Further, since the sealing is performed in both the first sealing region 113 and the second sealing region 114, the sealing of the storage chamber 111 can be improved, and the invasion of moisture from the outside is doublely suppressed. it can.

As described above, in the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the exterior member has an electrode group 20 and a tab lead 120 which are electrode connectors, and a storage chamber 111 accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120. A certain laminated film 110 is provided, the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the storage chamber 111, and the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state.

By sealing the storage chamber 111 in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected in this way in a low humidity state, the transportation amount due to the electrolytic solution T is not limited in air transportation and the like, and all transportation means including air transportation. It is possible to carry out transportation in a safe and short time.

Further, after the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A is transported, the electrolytic solution T is injected from the liquid injection port 112 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10A, and the lithium ion is simply sealed by sealing the liquid injection port 112. A secondary battery can be easily manufactured.

Further, since the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state, it is possible to suppress the electrode group 20 from absorbing the water contained in the gas in the accommodation chamber 111, and finally the lithium ion secondary battery. It is possible to obtain the desired battery performance by suppressing the occurrence of a problem in the case of. Further, since the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state, when the electrolytic solution T is injected into the accommodation chamber 111 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery, the moisture in the accommodation chamber 111 is introduced into the electrolytic solution T. Can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery can be suppressed.

Further, in the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the laminated film 110, which is an exterior member, has a liquid injection port 112 capable of injecting an electrolytic solution T into a storage chamber 111, and the liquid injection port 112. Is preferably sealed.

According to this, the electrolytic solution T can be easily injected into the storage chamber 111 only by opening the liquid injection port 112.

Further, in the packing body 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10A are packed so as to be transportable.

By forming the package 100 in this way, a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10A can be efficiently transported.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, an electrode group 20 and a tab lead 120, which are electrode connectors, and a storage chamber 111 capable of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120 are provided. A method for manufacturing a structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery including a laminated film 110 which is an exterior member, wherein the electrode group 20 and the electrode group 20 and the electrode group 20 are provided in the storage chamber 111 without injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 111. It has a step of accommodating the tab lead 120 and sealing the accommodating chamber 111 in a low humidity environment.

By sealing the storage chamber 111 in a low humidity environment without injecting the electrolytic solution T in this way, the inside of the storage chamber 111 can be maintained in a low humidity state. Therefore, when the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery is transported by air, it can be transported by any transportation means including air transportation without being restricted by the electrolytic solution T, and is safe and short. It can be transported in time.

Further, by sealing the inside of the storage chamber 111 in a low humidity state, it is possible to suppress the electrode group 20 from absorbing the water contained in the gas in the storage chamber 111, and finally the lithium ion secondary battery and the battery. It is possible to obtain the desired battery performance by suppressing the occurrence of problems in the case of such a situation. Further, by sealing the inside of the accommodation chamber 111 in a low humidity state, when the electrolytic solution T is injected into the accommodation chamber 111 to manufacture a lithium ion secondary battery, the moisture in the accommodation chamber 111 is contained in the electrolytic solution T. It is possible to suppress the inclusion, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the laminate film 110, which is an exterior member, has a liquid injection port 112 capable of injecting the electrolytic solution T, and seals the storage chamber 111. The steps include a step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120, which are electrode connectors, in the accommodating chamber 111, and a step of sealing and sealing the injection port 112 without injecting the electrolytic solution T into the accommodating chamber 111. The step of sealing the liquid injection port 112 is preferably performed in a low humidity environment.

According to this, the inside of the storage chamber 111 can be kept in a low humidity state when the liquid injection port 112 is sealed. Further, it is possible to easily maintain the low humidity state of the storage chamber 111 only by sealing the liquid injection port 112.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120, which are electrode connecting bodies, in the accommodating chamber 41 is performed in a low humidity environment. .. By performing the step of accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120 in this way in a low humidity environment, it is possible to suppress the absorption of water into the electrode group 20, and finally the lithium ion secondary battery is obtained. It is possible to obtain the desired battery performance by suppressing the occurrence of problems in such cases.

Further, the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment is a laminated film 110 which is an exterior member having an electrode group 20 and a tab lead 120 which are electrode connectors and a storage chamber 111 accommodating the electrode group 20 and the tab lead 120. And, in a low humidity environment with respect to the structure 10A for a lithium ion secondary battery in which the electrolytic solution T is not injected into the storage chamber 111 and the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state. There is a step of opening the inside of the storage chamber 111 below, injecting the electrolytic solution T into the storage chamber 111, and sealing the storage chamber 111.

In this way, by opening the accommodation chamber 111 in a low humidity environment and injecting the electrolytic solution T into the accommodation chamber 111 to seal the accommodation chamber 111, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of water in the electrolytic solution T, and finally. Therefore, it is possible to obtain desired battery performance by suppressing the occurrence of defects in the lithium ion secondary battery.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery of the present embodiment, the laminated film 110, which is an exterior member, has a liquid injection port 112 capable of injecting an electrolytic solution T, and has a storage chamber 111 in a low humidity environment. It is preferable that the opening is such that the liquid injection port 112 is opened, the electrolytic solution T is injected into the storage chamber 111 from the liquid injection port 112, and the storage chamber 111 is sealed by sealing the liquid injection port 112. .. According to this, the accommodating chamber 111 can be opened by an easy step of opening the liquid injection port 112, and the electrolytic solution T can be easily injected from the liquid injection port 112. Further, the storage chamber 111 can be easily sealed only by sealing the liquid injection port 112.

Further, a modified example of the structure for a lithium ion secondary battery using a laminated film as the exterior member of the present embodiment and a method for manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10B has a laminated film 110A as an exterior member, and the electrode group 20 is enclosed in the storage chamber 111 of the laminated film 110A. is there.

In the laminated film 110A, with the electrode group 20 housed in the storage chamber 111, three sides of the outer periphery are sealed with the sealing region 201, and the inside of the storage chamber 111 of the laminated film 110 is kept in a low humidity state and the other one is sealed. It is pre-sealed in the sealing region 202. This state is the structure 10B for the lithium ion secondary battery of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11B, such a structure 10B for a lithium ion secondary battery is laminated by cutting the laminate film 110A at the position indicated by the broken line V in a low humidity environment at the transportation destination. The film 110A is opened, and the electrolytic solution is injected into the storage chamber 111 of the laminated film 110A. When the injection of the electrolytic solution is completed, as shown in FIG. 12A, the seal is sealed in the sealing region 203 while sufficiently degassing the inside in a low humidity environment. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, in order to obtain a desired size, the film is sealed in the sealing region 204, and as shown in FIG. 13, the laminate film 110A is cut at the position indicated by the broken line W to laminate. A type lithium ion secondary battery is manufactured. The treatment of FIG. 12B may or may not be in a low humidity environment.

Even in such a structure 10B for a lithium ion secondary battery, since the storage chamber 111 in which the electrolytic solution is not injected is sealed in a low humidity state, the amount of transportation caused by the electrolytic solution is limited in air transportation and the like. It is possible to carry out transportation by all means of transportation including air transportation, and it is possible to carry out transportation safely and in a short time. Further, after the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10B is transported, the electrolytic solution is simply injected into the storage chamber 111 of the lithium ion secondary battery structure 10B and sealed in the sealing region 203 or 204. Ion secondary batteries can be easily manufactured.

Further, since the inside of the storage chamber 111 is sealed in a low humidity state, it is possible to suppress the moisture in the storage chamber 111 from being contained in the electrolytic solution, and a problem occurs when the lithium ion secondary battery is used. This can be suppressed and the desired battery performance can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the basic configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above.

For example, in the above-described first and second embodiments, a package 100 in which a plurality of lithium ion secondary battery structures 10 and 10A are packaged so as to be transportable has been exemplified, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the lithium ion secondary battery is not particularly limited. The battery structures 10 and 10A may be individually packaged.

10, 10A, 10B ... Lithium ion secondary battery structure, 11 ... Storage chamber, 20 ... Electrode group, 21 ... Positive electrode plate, 22 ... Negative electrode plate, 23 ... Separator, 24 ... Positive electrode binding part, 25 ... Negative electrode binding part , 30 ... Current collecting member, 30A ... First current collecting plate, 30B ... Second current collecting plate, 31 ... Top plate, 32 ... Long joint plate, 33 ... Connection plate piece, 40 ... Battery case, 41 ... Containment chamber, 43 ... Liquid injection port, 50 ... Lid member, 51 ... Through hole, 52 ... Joint portion, 53 ... Liquid injection port, 54 ... Liquid injection port forming region, 60 ... Terminal part, 60A ... Positive electrode terminal part, 60B ... Negative electrode terminal, 70 ... Adhesive insulation member, 80 ... Sealing member, 100 ... Packing body, 101 ... Packing case, 102 ... Buffer material, 110, 110A ... Laminated film, 111 ... Storage chamber, 112 ... Liquid injection port, 113 ... 1st sealing region, 114 ... 2nd sealing region, 120 ... Tab lead, 201-204 ... Sealing region, T ... Electrolyte, X, Y ... Factory

Claims (11)

With the electrode connector,
An exterior member having a storage chamber accommodating the electrode connection body and
Equipped with
A structure for a lithium ion secondary battery, wherein no electrolytic solution is injected into the accommodation chamber, and the accommodation chamber is sealed in a low humidity state. The exterior member has a liquid injection port capable of injecting the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber.
The structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the liquid injection port is sealed. The first aspect of the present invention, wherein the exterior member is provided with a liquid injection port forming region, which is thinner than other regions and in which a liquid injection port for injecting the electrolytic solution is formed. Structure for lithium-ion secondary batteries. The structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein the liquid injection port forming region of the exterior member is a convex or concave portion provided on the exterior member. The structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of structures are packed so as to be transportable. A method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising an electrode connecting body and an exterior member provided with a storage chamber capable of accommodating the electrode connecting body.
A structure for a lithium ion secondary battery, which comprises a step of accommodating the electrode connector in the accommodating chamber and sealing the accommodating chamber in a low humidity environment without injecting an electrolytic solution into the accommodating chamber. How to make a body. The exterior member has a liquid injection port into which the electrolytic solution can be injected.
The step of sealing the containment chamber is
The step of accommodating the electrode connector in the accommodating chamber and
A step of sealing the injection port without injecting the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber is provided.
The method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the step of sealing the liquid injection port is performed in a low humidity environment. The method for manufacturing a structure for a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the step of accommodating the electrode connector in the accommodating chamber is performed in a low humidity environment. With the electrode connector,
An exterior member having a storage chamber for accommodating the electrode connection body, and
The storage chamber is opened in a low humidity environment for the lithium ion secondary battery structure in which the electrolytic solution is not injected into the storage chamber and the storage chamber is sealed in a low humidity state. A method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery, which comprises a step of injecting the electrolytic solution into a room and sealing the storage chamber. The exterior member has a pre-sealed injection port into which the electrolytic solution can be injected.
The opening of the containment chamber in a low humidity environment
Open the injection port and
The electrolytic solution is injected into the containment chamber from the injection port.
The method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein the containment chamber is sealed by sealing the liquid injection port. The opening of the containment chamber in a low humidity environment
An opening into which the electrolytic solution can be injected is formed in the exterior member.
The injection of the electrolytic solution into the storage chamber is performed through the opening.
The method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein the containment chamber is sealed by sealing the opening.

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