JP5821442B2 - Battery and battery manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and outside of the battery case, an electrode body housed in the battery case, and a sealing member formed by sealing the through-hole of the battery case from the outside. The present invention relates to a battery and a battery manufacturing method.

Conventionally, a battery case having a through hole such as a liquid injection hole for injecting an electrolyte, an electrode body accommodated in the battery case, and a sealing member that hermetically seals the through hole of the battery case from the outside Are known. As the sealing member, for example, there is a member in which a rubber plug member made of a rubber-like elastic body is joined to a metal lid member made of metal. Among these, the rubber plug member is press-fitted into the through hole of the battery case from the outside, and the through hole is hermetically sealed (tightly plugged). On the other hand, the metal lid member is bonded to the battery case in a state where the rubber plug member is pressed toward the inside of the battery case while covering the rubber plug member from the outside of the battery case. By doing in this way, the airtight sealing of the through-hole by a rubber plug member can be made more reliable.
In addition, as a battery of the form which sealed the through-hole with the sealing member which has such a rubber plug member and a metal cover member, the battery disclosed by patent document 1 is mentioned, for example.

JP 2009-87659 A

  In the conventional battery, as described above, it was considered that the hermetic sealing of the through hole should be performed by the rubber plug member. Therefore, strictly speaking, the airtightness between the metal lid member and the battery case is strictly required. There wasn't. However, since the rubber plug member made of a rubber-like elastic material deteriorates with time, the airtightness between the rubber plug member and the through hole also decreases with time. In particular, in-vehicle batteries such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are used for a long period of time, for example, 10 years or more, and there is a concern that the airtightness may decrease due to the deterioration with time.

  When the rubber plug member deteriorates and the airtightness between the rubber plug member and the through hole is reduced, the electrolyte contained in the battery case enters between the rubber plug member and the through hole, and further, the metal When the airtightness between the lid member and the battery case is low, the electrolyte may leak to the outside of the battery through between the metal lid member and the battery case. As a result, the electrolyte in the battery case is insufficient, and the battery characteristics may deteriorate. Conversely, moisture in the atmosphere may enter the battery case between the metal lid member and the battery case, and between the rubber plug member and the through hole, and the battery characteristics may deteriorate.

In order to solve this problem, even if the rubber plug member deteriorates and the airtightness between the rubber plug member and the through hole is reduced, the metal lid member and the battery case are prevented from communicating with each other. It is conceivable to ensure airtight and annular bonding between the two.
However, in such a battery, the rubber plug member has not yet deteriorated immediately after manufacture, and the gap between the rubber plug member and the through hole is hermetically sealed. That is, this battery is double-sealed by the close contact between the rubber plug member and the through hole and the joining of the metal lid member and the battery case. For this reason, even if a sealing failure occurs due to a failure in joining the metal lid member and the battery case, it is difficult to determine the battery in which the sealing failure has occurred by inspection.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is provided with an inner sealing member that hermetically seals a through hole of a battery case, and an airtight and annular shape around the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside. An object of the present invention is to provide a battery and a battery manufacturing method that can easily and reliably inspect the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case.

  One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and outside of the battery case, an electrode body accommodated in the battery case, and a rubber-like elastic body. An inner sealing member having a rubber plug portion hermetically sealed from the outside of the battery case, and an annular hole surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside An outer sealing member that is hermetically and annularly fixed to the surrounding portion, and an airtightly sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member, and the outer sealing member. When the sealed space is used, the gas in the space, which is the gas present in the sealed space, can be detected separately from the gas components in the atmosphere when leaked from the sealed space to the outside of the battery. It is a battery containing gas.

In this battery, the inner sealing member hermetically seals the through hole of the battery case, and the outer sealing member covers the inner sealing member from the outside and is fixed in an airtight and annular manner around the hole of the battery case. ing. Therefore, the through hole is double-sealed by the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member. However, in this battery, when the gas in the sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member, and the outer sealing member leaks out of the battery from the sealed space, Detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components.
For this reason, although the through hole is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case (periphery portion of the hole) can be easily and reliably inspected. That is, by inspecting whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case (periphery of the hole) can be easily and reliably inspected. .

Examples of the “detectable gas” include methanol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, benzene, acetone, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, and stearic acid. N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, or other organic compound gas, or helium gas, argon gas, hydrogen gas Inorganic gas such as carbon dioxide gas and bromine gas.
The “space gas” may be composed entirely of detectable gas or may include detectable gas only in a part thereof. When a detectable gas is included in only a part of the gas in the space, for example, air or nitrogen gas can be used as a gas component other than the detectable gas.

  Furthermore, in the above battery, the detectable gas may be a battery that is at least one of helium gas and argon gas.

In this battery, the detectable gas is at least one of helium gas and argon gas. For this reason, by using a helium gas detector or an argon gas detector, a detectable gas (helium gas or argon gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space can be detected easily and reliably. Moreover, since helium gas and argon gas are inert gases, the safety at the time of manufacturing and using the battery can be particularly enhanced.
When argon gas is used as the detectable gas, the gas in the space is argon gas, and the concentration of argon gas contained in the gas in space is the concentration of argon gas present in the atmosphere (0.9%). And an argon-containing gas having a high concentration (for example, 5% or more) that can be distinguished from the above.

  Alternatively, in the battery described above, the detectable gas may be a battery that is hydrogen gas.

In this battery, the detectable gas is hydrogen gas. For this reason, by using a hydrogen gas detector, detectable gas (hydrogen gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space can be detected easily and reliably. Moreover, since hydrogen gas is less expensive than, for example, helium gas or argon gas, the battery can be made inexpensive.
In addition, in using hydrogen gas for detectable gas, in order to improve safety | security, hydrogen-nitrogen mixed gas which consists of hydrogen gas (for example, 5%) and nitrogen gas (for example, 95%), hydrogen as gas in space, A tracer gas having an explosion-proof property while containing hydrogen gas, such as a hydrogen-carbon dioxide mixed gas composed of gas (for example, 5%) and carbon dioxide gas (for example, 95%) may be used.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery is a battery in which hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case.

  In this battery, hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case. For this reason, when detecting detectable gas (hydrogen gas) leaking from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, hydrogen gas leaking from the inside of the battery case to the outside of the battery can also be detected. Accordingly, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case is inspected, and the battery case joint portion such as the joint portion between the case body member and the case lid member, or the battery case and the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal is fixed. The airtightness of the installed part etc. can be inspected at the same time.

  Alternatively, in the battery, the detectable gas may be a battery that is an organic compound gas.

  In this battery, the detectable gas is an organic compound gas. For this reason, it is possible to easily and reliably detect detectable gas (organic compound gas) that leaks from the sealed space to the outside of the battery by using a gas detector that can detect the organic compound gas separately from gas components in the atmosphere. .

  Alternatively, the battery may be a battery in which the detectable gas is carbon dioxide gas.

In this battery, the detectable gas is carbon dioxide. For this reason, by using a gas detector that can detect the carbon dioxide gas separately from the gaseous components in the atmosphere, the detectable gas (carbon dioxide gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space can be detected easily and reliably.
When carbon dioxide is used as the detectable gas, the carbon dioxide gas is used as the gas in the space, and the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas in the space is the concentration of carbon dioxide (0.04%) present in the atmosphere. ) And a carbon dioxide-containing gas having a high concentration (for example, 5% or more) that can be distinguished.

Another solution is a battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and the outside of the battery case, an electrode body accommodated in the battery case, and a rubber-like elastic body, and the through-hole is formed outside the battery case. An inner sealing member having a rubber plug portion hermetically sealed from the outside, and an airtight and annular shape around the annular hole surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside An outer sealing member fixed to the battery case, and a hermetically sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member, and the outer sealing member is defined as a sealing space. When the gas in the space, which is a gas existing in the sealed space, leaks out of the battery from the sealed space, the battery includes a detectable gas that can be detected separately from the gas components in the atmosphere. A method for providing a through hole in the battery case. A first sealing step of sealing the through-hole airtightly by sealing with the rubber plug portion of the inner sealing member from the outside; and after the first sealing step, the inner sealing member is connected to the outer portion The outer sealing member is hermetically and annularly fixed to the hole periphery of the battery case to form the sealed space and the gas in the space is sealed in the sealed space. e Bei and sealing step, wherein the second sealing step, by carrying out in an atmosphere of the space in the gas containing the detectable gas, the battery sealing the space gas into the sealing space It is a manufacturing method.

  In this battery manufacturing method, the through hole is hermetically sealed with the inner sealing member in the first sealing step. For this reason, it can prevent that the electrolyte solution accommodated in the battery case leaks to the exterior (hole periphery part etc.) of a battery case through a through-hole after that until a 2nd sealing process. Therefore, during the second sealing step, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte leaking from the through-hole from entering between the outer sealing member and the hole peripheral portion of the battery case, resulting in a sealing failure. The stop member and the hole periphery can be securely fixed.

  Further, in this battery manufacturing method, in the second sealing step, the outer sealing member is fixed to the battery case to form a sealed space, and the sealed space is distinguished from gas components in the atmosphere. A space gas containing a detectable gas is enclosed. For this reason, in the battery after the second sealing step, although the through hole is hermetically sealed with the inner sealing member, the gap between the outer sealing member and the battery case (the peripheral portion of the hole) is The airtightness of the can be inspected easily and reliably. That is, by inspecting whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case (periphery of the hole) can be easily and reliably inspected. .

Further, in this battery manufacturing method, since the second sealing step is performed in an atmosphere of a gas in the space containing a detectable gas, the gas in the space can be easily and reliably sealed in the sealed space.

  Furthermore, in the battery manufacturing method according to any one of the above, the detectable gas may be at least one of helium gas and argon gas.

  In this battery manufacturing method, the detectable gas is at least one of helium gas and argon gas. For this reason, by using a helium gas detector or an argon gas detector, a detectable gas (helium gas or argon gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space can be detected easily and reliably. Moreover, since helium gas and argon gas are inert gases, it is possible to manufacture a battery with particularly high safety during manufacture and use.

  Alternatively, the battery manufacturing method according to any one of the above, wherein the detectable gas is hydrogen gas.

  In this battery manufacturing method, the detectable gas is hydrogen gas. For this reason, by using a hydrogen gas detector, detectable gas (hydrogen gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space can be detected easily and reliably. Moreover, since hydrogen gas is less expensive than, for example, helium gas or argon gas, an inexpensive battery can be manufactured.

  Furthermore, in the battery manufacturing method described above, the battery may be a battery manufacturing method in which hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case.

  In this battery manufacturing method, when detecting detectable gas (hydrogen gas) leaking from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, hydrogen gas leaking from the inside of the battery case to the outside of the battery can also be detected. Accordingly, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case is inspected, and the battery case joint portion such as the joint portion between the case body member and the case lid member, or the battery case and the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal is fixed. The airtightness of the installed part etc. can be inspected simultaneously.

Another solution is a battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and the outside of the battery case, an electrode body accommodated in the battery case, and a rubber-like elastic body, and the through-hole is formed outside the battery case. An inner sealing member having a rubber plug portion hermetically sealed from the outside, and an airtight and annular shape around the annular hole surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside An outer sealing member fixed to the battery case, and a hermetically sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member, and the outer sealing member is defined as a sealing space. When the gas in the space, which is a gas existing in the sealed space, leaks out of the battery from the sealed space, the battery includes a detectable gas that can be detected separately from the gas components in the atmosphere. A method for providing a through hole in the battery case. A first sealing step of sealing the through-hole airtightly by sealing with the rubber plug portion of the inner sealing member from the outside; and after the first sealing step, the inner sealing member is connected to the outer portion The outer sealing member is hermetically and annularly fixed to the hole periphery of the battery case to form the sealed space and the gas in the space is sealed in the sealed space. A portion of the battery case that faces the sealing space is defined as a first space portion, and a portion of the inner sealing member that faces the sealing space is a second surface. When the portion that faces the sealing space of the outer sealing member is the third space portion, the first space portion, at least before the second sealing step, On at least one of the second living space portion and the third living space portion, the gasification causes the A method for producing a battery including a material disposing step of disposing a substance to be a knowledge possible gas.

In this battery manufacturing method, the through hole is hermetically sealed with the inner sealing member in the first sealing step. For this reason, it can prevent that the electrolyte solution accommodated in the battery case leaks to the exterior (hole periphery part etc.) of a battery case through a through-hole after that until a 2nd sealing process. Therefore, during the second sealing step, it is possible to prevent the electrolyte leaking from the through-hole from entering between the outer sealing member and the hole peripheral portion of the battery case, resulting in a sealing failure. The stop member and the hole periphery can be securely fixed.
Further, in this battery manufacturing method, in the second sealing step, the outer sealing member is fixed to the battery case to form a sealed space, and the sealed space is distinguished from gas components in the atmosphere. A space gas containing a detectable gas is enclosed. For this reason, in the battery after the second sealing step, although the through hole is hermetically sealed with the inner sealing member, the gap between the outer sealing member and the battery case (the peripheral portion of the hole) is The airtightness of the can be inspected easily and reliably. That is, by inspecting whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case (periphery of the hole) can be easily and reliably inspected. .
Further, the battery manufacturing method includes a first living space portion, a second living space portion, and a third living space portion that are portions facing the sealing space in at least a substance arranging step performed before the second sealing step. A substance that becomes a detectable gas by gasification is disposed on at least one of the above. By doing in this way, since the substance which becomes detectable gas by gasification can be arrange | positioned in sealing space, if this gasifies and becomes detectable gas, detectable gas will be contained in gas in space. Therefore, in this battery manufacturing method, the gas in the space containing the detectable gas can be easily and reliably sealed in the sealed space.

  The “substance that becomes a detectable gas by gasification” includes, for example, methanol, ethanol, toluene, xylene, benzene, acetone, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, and the like. Liquid organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature, naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, stearic acid, N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylene Examples thereof include solid organic compounds that sublimate at room temperature such as diamine, liquids that evaporate at room temperature such as dry ice, and solid inorganic substances that sublime at room temperature.

  Furthermore, in the battery manufacturing method according to any one of the above, after the second sealing step, by inspecting whether the detectable gas leaks out of the sealing space to the outside of the battery, A battery manufacturing method may further include an airtight inspection step of inspecting airtightness between the outer sealing member and the hole peripheral portion of the battery case.

  In this battery manufacturing method, the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the hole peripheral part of the battery case is inspected in the airtightness inspection step. And the battery in which the sealing defect has arisen among these can be excluded reliably. Therefore, a battery in which the airtightness between the outer sealing member and the battery case is easily and reliably inspected can be manufactured.

  Furthermore, in any one of the battery manufacturing methods described above, the first sealing step may be performed under reduced pressure, and the second sealing step may be a battery manufacturing method performed under atmospheric pressure. .

  By performing the first sealing step under reduced pressure, the inside of the battery case after the first sealing can be brought into a reduced pressure state (negative pressure). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the battery case from increasing rapidly even if gas is generated in the battery case during the conditioning process (initial charge) performed after the second sealing process or during subsequent use. On the other hand, since the 2nd sealing process which performs welding etc. is performed under atmospheric pressure, compared with the case where it carries out under reduced pressure, the 2nd sealing process can be performed easily.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a lithium ion secondary battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode body according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view illustrating a state in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are overlapped with each other via a separator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a case lid member, a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode terminal, and the like according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of a liquid injection hole and a sealing member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the sealing member according to the first embodiment when viewed from above in FIG. 5. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which concerns on Embodiment 1 and shows a sealing member. Regarding the method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery according to Embodiment 1, in the first sealing step, the insertion portion of the inner sealing member of the sealing member is press-fitted into the liquid injection hole, and the liquid is injected by the inner sealing member. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a hole is sealed airtightly. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a hybrid vehicle according to a fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the hammer drill which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a lithium ion secondary battery (battery) 100 (hereinafter also simply referred to as battery 100) according to the first embodiment. 2 and 3 show a wound electrode body 120 constituting the battery 100 and a state in which the electrode body 120 is developed. FIG. 4 shows details of the case lid member 113, the positive terminal 150, the negative terminal 160, and the like. 5 and FIG. 6 show forms near the liquid injection hole (through hole) 170 and the sealing member 180. FIG. 1, 4, and 5, the upper side is the upper side of battery 100, and the lower side is the lower side of battery 100.

  The battery 100 is a square battery that is mounted on a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, or a battery-powered device such as a hammer drill. The battery 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped battery case 110, a wound electrode body 120 accommodated in the battery case 110, a positive electrode terminal 150 and a negative electrode terminal 160 supported by the battery case 110 ( (See FIG. 1). In addition, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution 117 is held in the battery case 110.

  Of these, the battery case 110 is made of metal (aluminum in the first embodiment). The battery case 110 includes a box-shaped case main body member 111 that is open only on the upper side, and a case lid member 113 that is welded so as to close the opening 111h of the case main body member 111 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 1). (See FIG. 4). The case lid member 113 has a rectangular plate shape having an inner surface 113 c facing the inside of the battery case 110 and an outer surface 113 d facing the outside of the battery case 110.

  The case lid member 113 is provided with a non-returnable safety valve 115 that breaks when the internal pressure of the battery case 110 reaches a predetermined pressure near the center in the longitudinal direction. Further, near the safety valve 115, a liquid injection hole (through hole) 170, which will be described later, is provided through the case lid member 113 and communicating between the inside and outside of the battery case 110. The liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed with a sealing member 180 described later in a state where the inside of the battery case 110 is depressurized from the atmospheric pressure (negative pressure state). Further, the case lid member 113 includes a positive electrode terminal 150 and a negative electrode terminal 160 that are each configured to extend from the inside of the battery case 110 to the outside, and bolts 153 and 153 that are insulating members made of resin. 155 and 155 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

  Next, the electrode body 120 will be described. The electrode body 120 is housed in an insulating film enclosure 119 formed in a bag shape having an insulating film opened only on the upper side, and is housed in the battery case 110 in a laid state (see FIG. 1). This electrode body 120 is obtained by rolling a belt-like positive electrode plate 121 and a belt-like negative electrode plate 131 to each other via a belt-like separator 141 (see FIG. 3), winding around an axis line AX, and compressing to a flat shape. Yes (see FIG. 2).

  The positive electrode plate 121 has a positive electrode current collector foil 122 made of a strip-shaped aluminum foil as a core material. On both main surfaces of the positive electrode current collector foil 122, the positive electrode active material layers 123 and 123 are strip-shaped in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3) on a part extending in the longitudinal direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. Is provided. These positive electrode active material layers 123 and 123 are formed of a positive electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder.

  In the positive electrode plate 121, a belt-like portion where the positive electrode current collector foil 122 and the positive electrode active material layers 123 and 123 exist in the thickness direction of the positive electrode plate 121 is the positive electrode portion 121 w. In the state where the electrode body 120 is configured, the entire area of the positive electrode portion 121w is opposed to a later-described negative electrode portion 131w of the negative electrode plate 131 via the separator 141 (see FIG. 3). In addition, with the provision of the positive electrode part 121w on the positive electrode plate 121, one end part in the width direction (upward in FIG. 3) of the positive electrode current collector foil 122 extends in a band shape in the longitudinal direction, and has its own thickness. The positive electrode current collector portion 121m has no positive electrode active material layer 123 in the direction. A part of the positive electrode current collector 121m in the width direction protrudes from the separator 141 in a spiral shape to one side SA in the axis AX direction (see FIG. 2), and is connected to the positive electrode terminal 150 described above ( (See FIG. 1).

  Moreover, the negative electrode plate 131 has the negative electrode current collection foil 132 which consists of strip | belt-shaped copper foil as a core material. On both main surfaces of the negative electrode current collector foil 132, negative electrode active material layers 133 and 133 are band-like in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3) on a portion extending in the longitudinal direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. Is provided. These negative electrode active material layers 133 and 133 are formed of a negative electrode active material, a binder, and a thickener.

In the negative electrode plate 131, a strip-shaped portion where the negative electrode current collector foil 132 and the negative electrode active material layers 133 and 133 are present in the thickness direction of the negative electrode plate 131 is the negative electrode portion 131w. The entire area of the negative electrode portion 131 w faces the separator 141 in a state where the electrode body 120 is configured. In addition, as a result of providing the negative electrode portion 131w on the negative electrode plate 131, one end portion (downward in FIG. 3) in the width direction of the negative electrode current collector foil 132 extends in a band shape in the longitudinal direction and has its own thickness. The negative electrode current collector portion 131m has no negative electrode active material layer 133 in the direction. A part of the negative electrode current collector 131m in the width direction protrudes from the separator 141 to the other side SB in the axis AX direction in a spiral shape (see FIG. 2), and is connected to the negative electrode terminal 160 described above ( (See FIG. 1).
The separator 141 is a porous film made of resin and has a strip shape.

Next, the liquid injection hole 170, the recessed part 175, and the sealing member 180 are demonstrated (refer FIGS. 5-7).
The concave portion 175 is a concave portion having a circular shape in plan view that is recessed toward the inner surface 113c of the case lid member 113 (downward in FIG. 5). The recess 175 includes a cylindrical recess side surface 175f1 and a recess bottom surface 175f2 forming a plane extending in parallel with the inner surface 113c.

  The liquid injection hole 170 is formed to inject the electrolytic solution 117 into the battery case 110, and penetrates between the inner surface 113c and the outer surface 113d (its concave bottom surface 175f2) of the case lid member 113. This is a hole provided in the center of the bottom surface 175f2. The liquid injection hole 170 is a circular hole extending in the direction of the axis BX, and is configured by a cylindrical hole side surface 170 f that communicates the inside and outside of the battery case 110.

On the other hand, the sealing member 180 includes an outer sealing member 181 and an inner sealing member 183 joined thereto.
Of these, the outer sealing member 181 is made of the same material as the battery case 110, specifically, aluminum. The outer sealing member 181 is parallel to the inner surface 181c which is a main surface located on the inner side CC (on the case lid member 113 side, the lower side in FIGS. 5 and 7) of the sealing member 180 in the axis CX direction. And an outer surface 181d which is a main surface located on the outer side CD in the direction of the axis CX (on the opposite side to the case lid member 113, upper in FIGS. 5 and 7), and has the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the recess 175. It has a disk shape.

  This outer sealing member 181 covers the inner sealing member 183 from the outside of the battery case 110 and fits into the recess 175 in a form that is coaxial with the liquid injection hole 170, so that the battery case 110 (its case lid) is fitted. It is fixed to the member 113). Specifically, an annular peripheral portion 181m along the outer peripheral edge of the outer sealing member 181 is welded over the entire periphery to an annular hole peripheral portion 113m surrounding the liquid injection hole 170 in the case lid member 113. An annular welded portion 181y is formed in plan view. Thereby, the peripheral edge part 181m of the outer side sealing member 181 and the hole surrounding part 113m of the battery case 110 are airtightly joined.

The entire inner sealing member 183 is made of a rubber-like elastic body, which is ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) in the first embodiment, and the entire inner sealing member 183 corresponds to the aforementioned rubber plug portion. The inner sealing member 183 includes an insertion portion 184 and an annular pressure contact portion 185, and has a form in which these are integrally connected.
Of these, the insertion portion 184 has a truncated cone shape having a small-diameter top surface 184c, a large-diameter bottom surface 184d, and a side surface 184f connecting them. Among these, the top surface 184 c is smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the liquid injection hole 170. On the other hand, the bottom surface 184 d is larger in diameter than the top surface 184 c and larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the liquid injection hole 170.

  The insertion portion 184 has a bottom surface 184 d joined to the center of the inner surface 181 c of the outer sealing member 181, and is integrated with the outer sealing member 181 together with the annular pressure contact portion 185. The insertion portion 184 extends from the inner surface 181c of the outer sealing member 181 to the inner sides BC and CC (downward in FIGS. 5 and 7) in the directions of the axes BX and CX, and is inserted into the liquid injection hole 170. . Specifically, the insertion portion 184 is press-fitted into the liquid injection hole 170, and due to its own elasticity, the side surface 184f is a corner portion formed by the hole side surface 170f of the liquid injection hole 170 and the concave bottom surface 175f2 of the concave portion 175. The liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed (tightly plugged) in pressure contact with 170fa.

  Further, the annular pressure contact portion 185 has a substantially rectangular shape in cross section, and has an annular shape in plan view in which the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 175 (the outer diameter of the recess bottom surface 175f2). The annular pressure contact portion 185 is connected to the insertion portion 184 and integrated with the insertion portion 184 so as to surround the insertion portion 184. The annular pressure contact portion 185 has a top surface 185c, a bottom surface 185d, and an outer surface 185f. Of these, the top surface 185c is a surface facing the inner side BC, CC (downward in FIGS. 5 and 7) in the directions of the axes BX, CX. The bottom surface 185d is a surface facing the outside BD, CD (upward in FIGS. 5 and 7) in the directions of the axes BX and CX. Further, the outer surface 185f is a surface facing the radially outer side of the axes BX and CX.

  The bottom surface 185 d of the annular pressure contact portion 185 is joined to the inner surface 181 c of the outer sealing member 181, and is integrated with the outer sealing member 181 together with the insertion portion 184. Further, the annular pressure contact portion 185 is compressed in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) over the entire circumference by pressing from the outer sealing member 181. As a result, the top surface 185c of the annular pressure contact portion 185 is in close contact with the recess bottom surface 175f2 of the recess 175, and the liquid injection hole 170 positioned radially inward of the annular pressure contact portion 185 is hermetically sealed. As described above, since the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed also by the insertion portion 184, the insertion portion 184 and the annular pressure contact portion 185 are respectively sealed.

  Further, a hermetically sealed space KC is formed outside the annular pressure contact portion 185 in the radial direction and outside the battery case 110. The sealing space KC includes a battery case 110 (specifically, a concave side surface 175f1 and a concave bottom surface 175f2 that are part of the case lid member 113), an inner surface 181c of the outer sealing member 181 and an inner sealing member. It is an annular space formed between the outer surface 185f of 183 (the annular pressure contact portion 185).

  Of the concave side surface 175f1 and the concave bottom surface 175f2, a portion facing the sealing space KC corresponds to the first preliminary space portion 175j. Further, the entire outer surface 185f of the annular pressure contact portion 185 is a portion facing the sealing space KC, and corresponds to the above-described second near space portion 185j. Moreover, the site | part which faces the sealing space KC among the inner surfaces 181c of the outer side sealing member 181 is equivalent to the above-mentioned 3rd near space part 181j.

  The space gas GS1, which is a gas existing in the sealed space KC (enclosed in the sealed space KC), is in the atmosphere when the space gas GS1 leaks out of the battery from the sealed space KC. It contains a detectable gas that can be detected separately from the gas component. In the first embodiment, helium gas is included as the detectable gas, and the in-space gas GS1 is made of 100% helium gas. The concentration of the helium gas can be changed as appropriate. For example, the in-space gas GS1 may be a helium-atmosphere mixed gas composed of helium gas and the atmosphere, or a helium-nitrogen mixed gas composed of helium gas and nitrogen.

  Further, argon gas may be used as the detectable gas included in the space gas GS1 instead of helium gas or together with helium gas. When argon gas is used as the detectable gas, argon-atmosphere having a high concentration (for example, 5% or more is included in the gas GS1 in the space) that can be distinguished from argon gas (0.9%) present in the atmosphere You may use mixed gas and argon nitrogen mixed gas.

  As described above, the battery 100 according to the first embodiment includes the battery case 110 having the liquid injection hole (through hole) 170 that communicates the inside and the outside of the battery 100 and the electrode body 120 accommodated therein. The battery 100 is made of a rubber-like elastic body, and has an inner sealing member 183 having a rubber plug portion formed by sealing the liquid injection hole 170 from the outside of the battery case 110, while covering the outer sealing member 183 from the outside. The battery case 110 includes an outer sealing member 181 that is airtightly and annularly fixed to an annular hole peripheral portion 113m surrounding the liquid injection hole 170. In the battery 100, an airtightly sealed space formed between the battery case 110 (its case lid member 113), the inner sealing member 183, and the outer sealing member 181 is defined as a sealing space KC. When this occurs, the in-space gas GS1, which is a gas existing in the sealed space KC, includes a detectable gas that can be detected separately from the gas components in the atmosphere when leaked from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery. .

  In the battery 100, the inner sealing member 183 hermetically seals the liquid injection hole 170, and the outer sealing member 181 covers the inner sealing member 183 from the outside and hermetically seals the hole peripheral portion 113 m of the battery case 110. And it adheres to the ring. Therefore, the liquid injection hole 170 is double-sealed by the inner sealing member 183 and the outer sealing member 181 as described above. However, in this battery 100, the gas GS1 in the space in the sealed space KC formed between the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113), the inner sealing member 183, and the outer sealing member 181 is sealed. Detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere when leaked from the space KC to the outside of the battery is included. For this reason, although the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110 (the hole peripheral portion 113m) is easily achieved. And can be inspected reliably. That is, by checking whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110 (its peripheral part 113m) can be easily and Can be inspected reliably.

  In particular, in the first embodiment, the detectable gas is helium gas. For this reason, by using a helium gas detector, the detectable gas (helium gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space KC can be detected easily and reliably. In addition, since helium gas is an inert gas, the safety when the battery 100 is manufactured and used can be particularly increased.

Next, a method for manufacturing the battery 100 will be described. First, a separately formed belt-like positive electrode plate 121 and a belt-like negative electrode plate 131 are overlapped with each other via a belt-like separator 141 (see FIG. 3) and wound around an axis AX using a winding core. Thereafter, this is compressed into a flat shape to form the electrode body 120 (see FIG. 2).
Separately, a sealing member 180 (see FIG. 7) composed of an outer sealing member 181 and an inner sealing member 183 is formed. Specifically, the outer sealing member 181 made of a metal plate is set in a mold for injection molding, and the inner sealing member 183 made up of the insertion portion 184 and the annular pressure contact portion 185 is formed with the outer sealing member 181 by injection molding. Molded in one piece.

  In addition, a case lid member 113 having a safety valve 115, a liquid injection hole 170, etc., an energizing terminal member 151 and a bolt 153 are prepared, and these are set in an injection mold. Then, the insulating member 155 is integrally formed by injection molding, and the positive electrode terminal 150 and the negative electrode terminal 160 are fixed to the case lid member 113 (see FIG. 4).

  Next, the positive electrode terminal 150 and the positive electrode current collector 121m of the electrode body 120 are connected (welded). Further, the negative electrode terminal 160 and the negative electrode current collector 131m of the electrode body 120 are connected (welded). Thereafter, a case main body member 111 and an insulating film enclosure 119 are prepared, the electrode body 120 is accommodated in the case main body member 111 via the insulating film enclosure 119, and an opening 111 h of the case main body member 111 is formed in the case lid member 113. Close with. Then, the battery case 110 is formed by welding the case body member 111 and the case lid member 113 by laser welding (see FIG. 1).

  Next, the airtightness of the battery case 110 or the like is inspected (airtight inspection process for the battery case or the like). Specifically, the battery 100 is placed in a chamber, the chamber is filled with helium gas, and a suction nozzle is attached to the liquid injection hole 170 of the case lid member 113 in an airtight manner. The pressure is reduced. For example, a joined portion of the battery case 110 (welded portion between the case main body member 111 and the case lid member 113) or a fixed portion between the battery case 110 and the positive electrode terminal 150 or the negative electrode terminal 160 (the case lid member 113 and the insulating member 155). When there is a sealing failure between the insulating member 155 and the energizing terminal member 151), helium gas outside the battery case 110 enters the battery case 110. Therefore, by detecting the helium gas that has entered the battery case 110, the airtightness between the case main body member 111 and the case lid member 113 can be inspected.

  Next, the battery 100 is placed in a vacuum chamber and the vacuum chamber is depressurized. Then, a liquid injection nozzle is inserted into the liquid injection hole 170, and the electrolytic solution 117 is injected into the battery case 110 from the liquid injection nozzle. Thereafter, the periphery of the liquid injection hole 170 (including the hole peripheral portion 113m) is cleaned with a nonwoven fabric. When the electrolytic solution 117 is injected, the electrolytic solution 117 may adhere to the periphery of the liquid injection hole 170. This cleaning can clean the periphery of the liquid injection hole 170.

  Next, the first sealing step is performed under this reduced pressure. That is, the liquid injection hole 170 of the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113) is closed from the outside of the battery case 110 with the inner sealing member 183, and the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed. Specifically, the insertion portion 184 of the inner sealing member 183 of the sealing member 180 is press-fitted into the liquid injection hole 170 from the outside of the battery case 110 (from the outer side BD of the liquid injection hole 170 in the axis BX direction). Then, the side surface 184f of the insertion portion 184 is brought into pressure contact with the corner portion 170fa of the liquid injection hole 170, and the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed (sealed) with the insertion portion 184. At that time, since the insertion portion 184 also serves as a positioning guide, the sealing member 180 can be accurately positioned with respect to the liquid injection hole 170.

After the first sealing, the inside of the vacuum chamber is filled with helium gas and the inside of the vacuum chamber is made equal to the atmospheric pressure. Since the battery case 110 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183 in the first sealing step, the reduced pressure state is maintained in the battery case 110 even if the battery 100 is returned to a pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure. ing.
By the way, when the liquid injection hole 170 is not sealed, the electrolyte solution 117 accommodated in the battery case 110 may leak out of the battery or adhere to the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110. . However, in the first embodiment, the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183 (its insertion portion 184) in the first sealing step described above. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the electrolyte solution 117 from leaking outside the battery. The second sealing step described below can also be performed under a pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure while keeping the inside of the battery case 110 in a reduced pressure state.

Next, a second sealing step is performed in an atmosphere of helium gas that is equal to the atmospheric pressure. That is, while the inner sealing member 183 is covered from the outside of the battery case 110, the outer sealing member 181 is airtightly and annularly fixed to the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 (case cover member 113), and the above-described sealing is performed. The space KC is formed, and the space gas GS1 is sealed in the sealed space KC.
Specifically, of the sealing member 180, the outer sealing member 181 that covers the inner sealing member 183 from the outside of the battery case 110 is pressed against the inner BCs and DCs in the directions of the axes BX and CX, thereby sealing the inner side. The annular pressure contact portion 185 of the member 183 is pressed against the recess bottom surface 175 f 2 of the recess 175. At the same time, the outer sealing member 181 is accommodated in the recess 175 so that the outer surface 181 d of the outer sealing member 181 is flush with the outer surface 113 d of the case lid member 113. In this state, laser welding is performed, and the peripheral portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 are welded over the entire circumference to form an annular welded portion 181y.

  As a result, the annular pressure contact portion 185 (its top surface 185c) is in close contact with the recess bottom surface 175f2, so that the liquid injection hole 170 positioned radially inward from the annular pressure contact portion 185 is hermetically sealed. As described above, since the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed also by the insertion portion 184, it is sealed by the insertion portion 184 and the annular pressure contact portion 185, respectively. Further, the space between the peripheral edge portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 is also hermetically sealed by welding to form a sealed space KC.

In addition, since the second sealing step is performed in an atmosphere of helium gas, the recess 175 is also filled with helium gas, and the helium gas is sealed in the sealing space KC. Thereby, the space gas GS1 in the sealed space KC becomes 100% helium gas.
When the in-space gas GS1 is, for example, a helium-atmosphere mixed gas composed of helium gas and the atmosphere, the second sealing step may be performed with the inside of the chamber as the atmosphere of the helium-atmosphere mixed gas. . Further, when the in-space gas GS1 is a helium-nitrogen mixed gas composed of helium gas and nitrogen, the second sealing step may be performed with the inside of the chamber as an atmosphere of this helium-nitrogen mixed gas. Moreover, when argon gas is included in the gas GS1 in the space, the second sealing step may be performed in an atmosphere of a gas containing argon gas.

  Next, in the conditioning process, the battery 100 is initially charged. At that time, a gas such as hydrogen is generated in the battery case 110.

Next, an airtight inspection process is performed on the battery 100. That is, by inspecting whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealing space KC to the outside of the battery, the peripheral portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113) of the sealing member 180. ) Is checked for airtightness with the hole surrounding portion 113m.
In this airtightness inspection process, the battery 100 is placed in a vacuum chamber, and the inside of the vacuum chamber is decompressed. Then, a helium gas detector (manufactured by Canon Anelva: MD-222LD) is installed in the vicinity of the sealing member 180, and helium gas (detectable gas) is detected for a predetermined time.

As described above, helium gas is sealed in the sealed space KC. For this reason, when a sealing failure occurs between the peripheral edge portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110, this helium gas is used as an outer sealing member having a sealing failure. It leaks to the outside of the battery case 110 through between the peripheral portion 181 m of the 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113 m of the battery case 110. Therefore, if helium gas can be detected by the helium gas detector, it can be seen that a sealing failure has occurred between the peripheral edge portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110. Therefore, the batteries with poor sealing are excluded, and only good batteries 100 without defective sealing are selected. Thus, the battery 100 is completed.
In addition, what is necessary is just to detect argon gas using an argon gas detector, when detectable gas is argon gas.

  As described above, in the method of manufacturing the battery 100 according to the first embodiment, the liquid injection hole 170 (through hole) of the battery case 110 is connected to the inner sealing member (rubber plug portion) 183 from the outside of the battery case 110. And a first sealing step of sealing the liquid injection hole 170 in an airtight manner. Further, in the manufacturing method of the battery 100, after the first sealing step, the outer sealing member 181 is covered from the outside while the outer sealing member 181 is covered with the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113). And a second sealing step in which the sealed space KC is formed and the in-space gas GS1 is sealed in the sealed space KC.

  As described above, in the first sealing step, the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183. Therefore, the electrolytic solution accommodated in the battery case 110 after that until the second sealing step. It is possible to prevent the 117 from leaking to the outside of the battery case 110 (such as the hole surrounding portion 113m) through the liquid injection hole 170. Therefore, in the second sealing step, the electrolyte solution 117 leaking from the injection hole 170 enters between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110, resulting in poor sealing. The outer sealing member 181 and the hole surrounding portion 113m can be securely fixed.

  Further, in the second sealing step, the outer sealing member 181 is fixed to the battery case 110 to form a sealed space KC, and detection that can be detected in the sealed space KC separately from gas components in the atmosphere. A space gas GS1 containing a possible gas is enclosed. For this reason, in the battery 100 after the second sealing step, although the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183, the outer periphery of the hole between the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110. The airtightness with the portion 113m can be easily and reliably inspected. That is, by checking whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 can be easily and reliably obtained. Can be inspected.

  In Embodiment 1, the second sealing step is performed in the atmosphere of the in-space gas GS1 containing the detectable gas, thereby enclosing the in-space gas GS1 in the sealed space KC. By doing in this way, enclosure of gas GS1 in space in sealed space KC can be performed easily and reliably.

  In the first embodiment, the detectable gas is helium gas. For this reason, by using a helium gas detector, the detectable gas (helium gas) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space KC can be detected easily and reliably. In addition, since the helium gas is an inert gas, the battery 100 with particularly high safety during manufacture and use can be manufactured.

  Further, in the first embodiment, after the second sealing step, it is inspected whether detectable gas leaks from the sealing space KC to the outside of the battery, whereby the holes of the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110 are detected. An airtight inspection process for inspecting airtightness with the surrounding portion 113m is further provided. For this reason, the battery in which the sealing defect has arisen between the outer side sealing member 181 and the hole surrounding part 113m of the battery case 110 can be excluded reliably. Therefore, the battery 100 in which the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the battery case 110 is easily and reliably inspected can be manufactured.

  In the first embodiment, the first sealing step is performed under reduced pressure, and the second sealing step is performed under atmospheric pressure (a pressure equal to atmospheric pressure). By performing the first sealing step under reduced pressure, the inside of the battery case 110 after the first sealing can be in a reduced pressure state (negative pressure). For this reason, the internal pressure of the battery case 110 is prevented from becoming high at an early stage even if gas is generated in the battery case 110 during the conditioning process (initial charging process) performed after the second sealing process or in subsequent use. it can. On the other hand, since the 2nd sealing process which performs welding etc. is performed under atmospheric pressure, compared with the case where it carries out under reduced pressure, the 2nd sealing process can be performed easily.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the lithium ion secondary battery (battery) 200 according to the second embodiment, the space gas GS2 (see FIG. 5) in the sealed space KC is different from the space gas GS1 of the battery 100 according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the battery 200 is also different from the manufacturing method of the battery 100 according to the first embodiment. Other than that, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, and the description of the same parts as the first embodiment is omitted or simplified.

The in-space gas GS2 according to the second embodiment includes 5% hydrogen gas as a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere, and the remaining 95% is made of nitrogen gas.
The sealing of the in-space gas GS2 into the sealing space KC is performed as follows, for example. In the first embodiment, the inside of the vacuum chamber containing the battery 100 is filled with helium gas and the second sealing process is performed in this atmosphere. In the second embodiment, the inside of the vacuum chamber containing the battery 200 is filled. It is filled with a hydrogen-nitrogen mixed gas composed of 5% hydrogen gas and 95% nitrogen gas, and the second sealing step is performed in this atmosphere. Thereby, the space gas GS2 in the sealed space KC is a hydrogen-nitrogen mixed gas composed of 5% hydrogen gas and 95% nitrogen gas.

  In the airtight inspection process, hydrogen gas leak is detected using a hydrogen gas detector (Canon Anelva: H2000) instead of using a helium gas detector. When the battery 200 is initially charged in the conditioning process, a gas such as hydrogen is generated in the battery case 110 in the same manner as the battery 100 according to the first embodiment. doing. For this reason, in the airtightness inspection process of the second embodiment, when detecting hydrogen gas leaking from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, it is also possible to detect hydrogen gas leaking from the inside of the battery case 110 to the outside of the battery. That is, the joint portion of the battery case 110 (the welded portion between the case main body member 111 and the case lid member 113) or the fixed portion between the battery case 110 and the positive electrode terminal 150 or the negative electrode terminal 160 (the case lid member 113 and the insulating member 155). And hydrogen gas leaking out from between the insulating member 155 and the energizing terminal member 151 can also be detected. Therefore, the airtight inspection process for the battery case or the like performed before the injection of the electrolytic solution 117 in the first embodiment may be omitted. In addition, what is necessary is just to manufacture the battery 200 like other Embodiments like Embodiment 1. FIG.

  Even in the battery 200 according to the second embodiment, the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183, but between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113 m of the battery case 110. The airtightness of the can be inspected easily and reliably. That is, by checking whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 can be easily and reliably obtained. Can be inspected. In particular, in the second embodiment, since the detectable gas is hydrogen gas, the detectable gas (hydrogen gas) leaking from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery can be detected easily and reliably by using a hydrogen gas detector. it can. Moreover, since hydrogen gas is less expensive than, for example, helium gas or argon gas, the battery 200 can be made inexpensive.

  In the battery 200, hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case 110. For this reason, when detecting detectable gas (hydrogen gas in the second embodiment) leaking out of the battery from the sealed space KC, hydrogen gas leaking out of the battery case 110 to the outside of the battery can also be detected. Accordingly, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 is inspected, and the joint portion of the battery case 110 and the fixed portion of the battery case 110 and the positive electrode terminal 150 or the negative electrode terminal 160 are fixed. The airtightness can be checked at the same time. In addition, the same parts as those of the battery 100 and the manufacturing method thereof according to the first embodiment have the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the lithium ion secondary battery (battery) 300 according to the third embodiment, the space gas GS3 in the sealed space KC is different from the space gases GS1 and GS2 in the batteries 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the battery 300 is also different from the manufacturing methods of the batteries 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments. Other than that, the second embodiment is the same as the first or second embodiment, and the description of the same portions as the first or second embodiment is omitted or simplified.

The space gas GS3 according to the third embodiment includes an organic compound gas (specifically, about 5% toluene gas) as a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere, and the rest is from the atmosphere. Become.
In addition, the kind and density | concentration of this organic compound gas can be changed suitably. Examples of the organic compound gas include, as described above, methanol, ethanol, xylene, benzene, acetone, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, stearic acid, Examples include organic compound gases such as N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine.

  For example, the in-space gas GS3 is sealed in the sealed space KC as follows. That is, prior to the first sealing step, liquid toluene 390 is applied to the third space portion 181j, which is the portion facing the sealing space KC, of the outer sealing member 181 of the sealing member 180 ( (See FIG. 8). This toluene 390 is made a sufficient amount so that it remains after the first sealing step (so that it does not evaporate completely by the end of the first sealing step). The process of applying toluene 390 corresponds to the substance arranging process described above.

Note that the liquid toluene 390 is contained in the first space portion 175j that is a portion of the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113) that faces the sealing space KC and the sealing space KC in the inner sealing member 183. You may apply | coat to the 2nd near space part 185j which is a site | part which faces.
Further, when a solid organic compound such as naphthalene is used, for example, the first solid space portion facing the sealing space KC in the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113) is formed by using a solid organic compound in a granular form or the like. It may be placed on 175j.

  After this substance arranging step, the first sealing step is performed as in the first embodiment. In addition, after the first sealing step, the second sealing step is performed in an air atmosphere, not in an atmosphere of helium gas (Embodiment 1) or a hydrogen-nitrogen mixed gas (Embodiment 2). As a result, the sealed space KC is filled with the atmosphere and the toluene gas vaporized from the toluene 390 applied in the substance arranging step. Therefore, the space gas GS3 in the sealed space KC is composed of toluene gas and the atmosphere. In particular, since welding is performed in the second sealing step, the toluene 390 applied in the substance disposing step is easily vaporized and becomes toluene gas by heat generated during welding. Therefore, toluene gas can be reliably included in the gas GS3 in the space.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, the substance arranging process is performed before the first sealing process. However, the substance arranging process is performed after the first sealing process and before the second sealing process. Can also be done. That is, after the first sealing step, the inside of the vacuum chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure, and then, for example, a syringe is used from the gap between the peripheral edge portion 181m of the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the case lid member 113. Then, toluene may be applied onto the first critical space portion 175j of the case lid member 113.

  In the airtightness inspection process, instead of using a helium gas detector (Embodiment 1) or a hydrogen gas detector (Embodiment 2), a hydrocarbon gas detector (for example, which can detect toluene gas separately from gaseous components in the atmosphere) (for example, , Manufactured by HORIBA: APHA-370), and detecting leakage of toluene gas. In addition, what is necessary is just to manufacture the battery 300 similarly to Embodiment 1 or 2 about another process.

  Even in the battery 300 according to the third embodiment, the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183, but between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110. The airtightness of the can be inspected easily and reliably. That is, by checking whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 can be easily and reliably obtained. Can be inspected. In particular, in the third embodiment, the detectable gas is an organic compound gas (toluene gas in the third embodiment). Therefore, by using a gas detector that can be detected by distinguishing it from a gas component in the atmosphere, sealing is performed. The detectable gas that leaks out of the battery from the stop space KC can be detected easily and reliably.

  In the third embodiment, a portion of the battery case 110 (the case lid member 113) that faces the sealing space KC is defined as a first temporary space portion 175j, and the inner sealing member 183 includes the sealing space KC. When the portion that faces the second space portion 185j and the portion of the outer sealing member 181 that faces the sealing space KC is the third space portion 181j, at least before the second sealing step, A substance disposing step of disposing a substance that becomes a detectable gas by gasification is provided on at least one of the living space part 175j, the second living space part 185j, and the third living space part 181j.

  In this way, a substance (liquid toluene 390 in the third embodiment) that becomes a detectable gas (toluene gas in the third embodiment) by gasification can be disposed in the sealed space KC, and this is gasified. When it becomes a detectable gas (toluene gas), the detectable gas (toluene gas) is included in the in-space gas GS3. Therefore, the in-space gas GS3 containing the detectable gas (toluene gas) can be easily and reliably sealed in the sealed space KC. In addition, the same parts as those of the batteries 100 and 200 according to the first or second embodiment and the manufacturing method thereof have the same operational effects as those of the first or second embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the lithium ion secondary battery (battery) 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the space gas GS4 in the sealed space KC is the space gas GS1, GS2, in the batteries 100, 200, 300 according to the first to third embodiments. Different from GS3. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the battery 400 is also different from the manufacturing method of the batteries 100, 200, and 300 according to the first to third embodiments. Other than that, since it is the same as any one of the first to third embodiments, the description of the same part as any one of the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified.

  The in-space gas GS4 according to the fourth embodiment includes about 10% carbon dioxide gas as a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere, and the rest consists of the atmosphere. The concentration of carbon dioxide can be changed as appropriate within a range of a high concentration (for example, 5% or more in the space gas GS4) that can be distinguished from carbon dioxide (0.04%) present in the atmosphere.

  For example, the in-space gas GS4 is sealed in the sealed space KC as follows. That is, prior to the first sealing step, the granular dry ice 490 is placed on the first critical space portion 175j facing the sealing space KC in the battery case 110 (case cover member 113). (See FIG. 8). The process of placing the dry ice 490 corresponds to the substance arranging process described above.

After the substance arranging step, the first sealing step and the second sealing step are performed as in the third embodiment. As a result, the sealed space KC is filled with the atmosphere and at the same time, the carbon dioxide gas (detectable gas) vaporized by the dry ice 490 placed in the substance arranging step.
Further, in the airtight inspection process, carbon dioxide gas, which is a detectable gas, is distinguished from gas components in the atmosphere by using a gas detector (for example, manufactured by HORIBA: VA-3000S) to detect leakage of carbon dioxide gas. This is done by detecting. In addition, what is necessary is just to manufacture the battery 400 like other processes 1-3 either in Embodiment 1-3.

  Even in the battery 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the liquid injection hole 170 is hermetically sealed by the inner sealing member 183, but between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110. The airtightness of the can be inspected easily and reliably. That is, by checking whether or not detectable gas leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery, the airtightness between the outer sealing member 181 and the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 can be easily and reliably obtained. Can be inspected. In particular, in the fourth embodiment, since the detectable gas is carbon dioxide gas, the gas detector leaks from the sealed space KC to the outside of the battery by using a gas detector capable of detecting the carbon dioxide gas by distinguishing it from gaseous components in the atmosphere. The detectable gas (carbon dioxide) that comes out can be detected easily and reliably. In addition, the battery 100, 200, 300 according to the first to third embodiments and the same parts as those manufacturing methods have the same effects as the first to third embodiments.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. A hybrid vehicle (vehicle) 700 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a vehicle 700) according to the fifth embodiment is equipped with the battery 100 according to the first embodiment, and the electric energy stored in the battery 100 is used as the drive energy of the drive source. It is used as all or part (see FIG. 9).

The automobile 700 is a hybrid automobile equipped with an assembled battery 710 in which a plurality of batteries 100 are combined and driven by using an engine 740, a front motor 720, and a rear motor 730 in combination. Specifically, the automobile 700 includes an engine 740, a front motor 720 and a rear motor 730, an assembled battery 710 (battery 100), a cable 750, and an inverter 760 on the vehicle body 790. The automobile 700 is configured to be able to drive the front motor 720 and the rear motor 730 using electrical energy stored in the assembled battery 710 (battery 100).
As described above, since the battery 100 can hermetically seal the liquid injection hole 170 with the outer sealing member 181 of the sealing member 180 for a long period of time, the durability of the automobile 700 can be increased. Instead of the battery 100 according to the first embodiment, any of the batteries 200, 300, and 400 according to the second to fourth embodiments may be mounted.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. A hammer drill 800 according to the sixth embodiment is a battery-using device on which the battery 100 according to the first embodiment is mounted (see FIG. 10). In the hammer drill 800, a battery pack 810 including the battery 100 is accommodated in a bottom portion 821 of a main body 820, and the battery pack 810 is used as an energy source for driving the drill.
As described above, since the battery 100 can hermetically seal the liquid injection hole 170 with the outer sealing member 181 of the sealing member 180 for a long period of time, the durability of the hammer drill 800 can be enhanced. Instead of the battery 100 according to the first embodiment, any of the batteries 200, 300, and 400 according to the second to fourth embodiments may be mounted.

  In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first to sixth embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the gist thereof. Yes.

  For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the injection hole 170 for injecting the electrolytic solution 117 is exemplified as the “through hole” that communicates the inside and outside of the battery case. However, the through hole is not limited to the injection hole. Examples of the through hole include a vent hole for venting gas from the battery case. In the first to fourth embodiments, the “through hole” is provided in the case lid member 113 of the battery case 110, but the formation position of the through hole is not limited thereto. For example, the through hole may be provided on a side surface or a bottom surface of the case main body member 111. In Embodiments 1 to 4, although the “through hole” is a circular hole, the shape of the through hole can be changed as appropriate.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, as the “electrode body”, the wound electrode body 120 is illustrated in which the positive electrode plate 121 and the negative electrode plate 131 each having a band shape are wound on each other via the separator 141. The form of the electrode body is not limited to this. For example, the electrode body may be a stacked type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates each having a predetermined shape (for example, a rectangular shape) are alternately stacked via a separator.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1-4, although the inner side sealing member 183 by which the whole was made into the rubber stopper part was illustrated as an "inner side sealing member", the form of an inner side sealing member is not restricted to this. For example, the inner sealing member may be in a form in which a cover member such as a plate that covers this from the outside is joined to a rubber plug portion such as a truncated cone. In this way, when the inner sealing member has a portion other than the rubber plug portion, the portion other than the rubber plug portion can be formed of a material other than the material forming the rubber-like elastic body, such as metal.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, as the “rubber plug portion”, the rubber plug portion (inner sealing member) 183 in which the truncated cone-shaped insertion portion 184 and the annular annular pressure contact portion 185 are integrally connected is illustrated. However, the form of the rubber plug portion is not limited to this. For example, the rubber plug portion can be configured by only the truncated cone-shaped insertion portion as shown in the first to fourth embodiments. As described above, even with the rubber plug portion including only the insertion portion, the through hole can be hermetically sealed from the outside of the battery case by its own elasticity.

  Further, in Embodiments 1 to 4, the rubber plug portion (inner sealing member) 183 made of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) is exemplified as the “rubber plug portion”, but the rubber-like elastic body forming the rubber plug portion is exemplified. The material is not limited to this. Examples of the rubber-like elastic material include acrylic rubber (ACM), nitrile rubber (NBR), isoprene rubber (IR), urethane rubber (U), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), epichlorohydrin rubber (CO, ECO), Examples include chloroprene rubber (CR), silicone rubber (Q), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), fluorine rubber (FKM), and butyl rubber (IIR).

In the first to fourth embodiments, as the “outer sealing member”, the disk-shaped outer sealing member 181 made of metal (specifically aluminum) is exemplified, but the material and shape of the outer sealing member are It can be changed as appropriate.
In the first to fourth embodiments, the outer sealing member 181 is fixed to the battery case 110 in a state where the outer sealing member 181 is fitted in the recess 175 provided in the battery case 110. Not limited to. For example, the diameter of the outer sealing member is made larger than that of the outer sealing member 181, and the peripheral edge of the outer sealing member is brought into contact with the periphery of the recess 175 from the outside of the battery case 110. The stop member may be fixed to the battery case 110.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the outer sealing member 181 is fixed to the hole peripheral portion 113m of the battery case 110 by welding, but the fixing method is not limited thereto. For example, the outer sealing member may be fixed to the hole peripheral portion of the battery case by using brazing material, solder, adhesive, or the like, or by caulking or winding.
As the “detectable gas”, helium gas and argon gas are exemplified in the first embodiment, hydrogen gas is exemplified in the second embodiment, organic compound gas is exemplified in the third embodiment, and carbon dioxide gas is used in the fourth embodiment. Although illustrated, as described above, the detectable gas is not limited to these.

  Moreover, although the hybrid vehicle 700 was illustrated in Embodiment 4 as a vehicle carrying the battery 100, 200, 300 which concerns on this invention, it is not restricted to this. Examples of the vehicle on which the battery according to the present invention is mounted include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a hybrid railway vehicle, a forklift, an electric wheelchair, an electrically assisted bicycle, and an electric scooter.

  In the fifth embodiment, the hammer drill 800 is illustrated as an example of a battery-using device on which the batteries 100, 200, and 300 according to the present invention are mounted. Examples of battery-powered devices equipped with the battery according to the present invention include personal computers, mobile phones, battery-powered electric tools, uninterruptible power supply devices, various home appliances driven by batteries, office equipment, industrial equipment, etc. Is mentioned.

100, 200, 300, 400 Lithium ion secondary battery (battery)
110 Battery Case 111 Case Body Member 113 Case Cover Member 113c Inner Surface 113d Outer Surface 113m Hole Perimeter 117 Electrolyte 120 Electrode Body 150 Positive Terminal 160 Negative Terminal 170 Injecting Hole (Through Hole)
175 Concave portion 175j First standing space portion 180 Sealing member 181 Outside sealing member 181j Third standing space portion 181m Peripheral portion 181y Welding portion 183 Inside sealing member (rubber plug portion)
184 Insertion portion 185 Annular pressure contact portion 185j Second critical space portion 390 Toluene (substance)
490 dry ice (substance)
700 Hybrid vehicle (vehicle)
710 battery pack 800 hammer drill (equipment using batteries)
810 Battery pack GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4 Gas in space KC Sealing space

Claims (13)

A battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and outside of itself;
An electrode body housed in the battery case;
An inner sealing member comprising a rubber-like elastic body, and having a rubber plug portion formed by sealing the through hole from the outside of the battery case,
An outer sealing member that is airtight and annularly fixed to an annular hole surrounding portion surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside,
When a hermetically sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member is a sealed space,
The gas in the space, which is a gas existing in the sealed space,
A battery comprising a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere when leaked from the sealed space to the outside of the battery. The battery according to claim 1,
The battery in which the detectable gas is at least one of helium gas and argon gas. The battery according to claim 1,
The battery in which the detectable gas is hydrogen gas. The battery according to claim 3,
A battery in which hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case. The battery according to claim 1,
The battery in which the detectable gas is an organic compound gas. The battery according to claim 1,
The battery in which the detectable gas is carbon dioxide. A battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and outside of itself;
An electrode body housed in the battery case;
An inner sealing member comprising a rubber-like elastic body, and having a rubber plug portion formed by sealing the through hole from the outside of the battery case,
An outer sealing member that is airtight and annularly fixed to an annular hole surrounding portion surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside,
When a hermetically sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member is a sealed space,
The gas in the space, which is a gas existing in the sealed space,
When leaking from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, a method for producing a battery containing a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere,
A first sealing step of sealing the through hole airtightly by closing the through hole of the battery case from the outside with the rubber plug portion of the inner sealing member;
After the first sealing step, the outer sealing member is airtightly and annularly fixed around the hole of the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside to form the sealing space. together, Bei example and a second sealing step of sealing the space gas into the sealing space,
The method for manufacturing a battery, wherein the second sealing step is performed in an atmosphere of gas in the space containing the detectable gas, thereby sealing the gas in the space in the sealed space . A battery manufacturing method according to claim 7 ,
The method for manufacturing a battery, wherein the detectable gas is at least one of helium gas and argon gas. A battery manufacturing method according to claim 7 ,
The method for manufacturing a battery, wherein the detectable gas is hydrogen gas. A method of manufacturing a battery according to claim 9 ,
The battery is a method for manufacturing a battery in which hydrogen gas is also present in the battery case. A battery case having a through-hole communicating with the inside and outside of itself;
An electrode body housed in the battery case;
An inner sealing member comprising a rubber-like elastic body, and having a rubber plug portion formed by sealing the through hole from the outside of the battery case,
An outer sealing member that is airtight and annularly fixed to an annular hole surrounding portion surrounding the through hole in the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside,
When a hermetically sealed space formed between the battery case, the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member is a sealed space,
The gas in the space, which is a gas existing in the sealed space,
When leaking from the sealed space to the outside of the battery, a method for producing a battery containing a detectable gas that can be detected separately from gas components in the atmosphere,
A first sealing step of sealing the through hole airtightly by closing the through hole of the battery case from the outside with the rubber plug portion of the inner sealing member;
After the first sealing step, the outer sealing member is airtightly and annularly fixed around the hole of the battery case while covering the inner sealing member from the outside to form the sealing space. together, Bei example and a second sealing step of sealing the space gas into the sealing space,
Of the battery case, a portion facing the sealing space is a first space portion,
Of the inner sealing member, a portion facing the sealing space is a second space portion,
Of the outer sealing member, when the portion facing the sealing space is a third space portion,
At least before the second sealing step, the substance that becomes the detectable gas by gasification on at least one of the first living space portion, the second living space portion, and the third living space portion A method for producing a battery, comprising a substance disposing step of disposing a material . It is a manufacturing method of the battery according to any one of claims 7 to 11 ,
After the second sealing step, by inspecting whether the detectable gas leaks from the sealing space to the outside of the battery, between the outer sealing member and the hole peripheral portion of the battery case A method for manufacturing a battery, further comprising an airtight inspection step for inspecting airtightness of the battery. It is a manufacturing method of the battery according to any one of claims 7 to 12 ,
The first sealing step is performed under reduced pressure,
The second sealing step is a battery manufacturing method performed under atmospheric pressure.

Images