JPH11213985A - Device and method for filling electrolyte - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manufacture a battery of stabilized quality by providing an electrolyte filling part formed with a reservoir part at a position lower than a filling port in the nearly horizontal condition and provided with a pressure adjusting means at the opposite side thereof in response to various kind of battery, and obliquely providing an electrolyte support port toward the reservoir part in a common sealing member for sealing a top surface of the electrolyte filling part. SOLUTION: A cylindrical battery can 202 is supplied in the condition that a filling port 6a is directed downward, and an opening part 203 is installed in the filling port 6a. The entire body is arranged in the horizontal condition, and the electrolyte is filled in a reservoir part 13 from an electrolyte filling port 8a. The electrolyte filling port 8a is sealed by a cover 3, and inside of the cylindrical battery can 202 and an electrolyte filling head 2 are made vacuum. Then, the entire body is stood at 45 degrees, and a funnel 6 is opened to the atmospheric air, and pressurization is gradually performed by a pressurizing pump or the like. The posture is set at the same posture in the condition that the cylindrical battery can 202 is supplied, while maintaining the pressurization, and the cover 3 and the electrolyte filling head 2 are raised over the cylindrical battery can 202.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electrolyte injection device and an electrolyte injection method for injecting an electrolyte into a battery can.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a means for supplying energy, there is a storage battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery using an organic electrolyte.
The lithium ion secondary battery includes a battery element formed by a stacked electrode body including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, and a battery can into which the battery element is inserted and into which an organic electrolyte is injected. . Such a lithium secondary battery manufacturing process includes an electrolyte injecting step of injecting an electrolyte into the battery can. In addition, lithium ion secondary batteries include:
For example, there are those in which the battery can has a substantially cylindrical shape, and those in which the battery can has a square shape.Conventionally, different types of electrolyte injection devices are used for battery cans according to these shapes, Electrolyte was injected into the battery tube in different ways.

Conventionally, in the electrolyte injection step, when the electrolyte is injected into the battery can in which the laminated electrode assembly is incorporated, the interior of the battery can is evacuated, and the electrolyte is injected while the interior of the battery can is degassed. Is going. In the electrolyte solution injection step, the electrolyte solution is injected while the inside of the battery can is degassed in this manner, thereby promoting the penetration of the electrolyte solution into the battery can.

Here, a conventional electrolyte injection device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
Lithium battery 201 into which an electrolyte is injected
The cylindrical battery can 202 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening 203 on one end side. A lead electrode 204 connected to the positive electrode constituting the battery element housed in the cylindrical battery can 202 protrudes from the opening 203.

[0005] The electrolyte injection device 100 includes a funnel 101 for injecting an electrolyte, and a pressure regulator 102 connected to a vacuum pump 120 for evacuating the cylindrical battery can 202 when injecting the electrolyte. And a nozzle 103 for supplying the electrolytic solution to the funnel 101 for injecting the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution injecting funnel 101 includes a tubular electrolytic solution injecting nozzle portion 104 having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inlet of the cylindrical battery can 202;
The nozzle 1 formed integrally with the electrolyte injection nozzle 104
03 from the electrolyte injection nozzle 104
And a supply unit 105 for supplying the water to the whole, and is formed in a substantially funnel shape as a whole. Open end 10 of electrolyte injection nozzle 104
An O-ring 106 is attached to 4 a so that the electrolyte injection nozzle 104 is connected to the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 in close contact. The electrolyte injection nozzle portion 104 has an inside diameter large enough to insert the lead electrode 204 protruding from the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202, and is formed to have a length sufficient to accommodate the lead electrode 204. Have been.

A supply section 105 formed integrally with the electrolyte injection nozzle section 104 is a section for temporarily storing the electrolyte supplied from the nozzle 103 to the electrolyte injection nozzle section 104. Is supplied successively from the electrolyte. The electrolyte injection funnel 101 integrally formed with the electrolyte injection nozzle unit 104 and the supply unit 105 is movable in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

[0007] The pressure adjusting unit 102 for adjusting the pressure in the funnel 101 for injecting an electrolyte is provided with an opening 105 a of a supply unit 105.
Lid 110 for closing the chamber, and a vacuum valve 11
1 and an atmosphere open pipe 114 whose one end is open to the atmosphere.
And a connection pipe 113 connected to the vacuum pump 120. The upper lid 110 has an O-ring 112 attached to the outer periphery of a closed surface 110b that closes the opening 105a of the electrolyte injection funnel 101, and the O-ring 112 enhances the adhesion when the opening 105a is closed. . The upper lid 110 has a gas suction passage 110a formed at the center thereof. The evacuation valve 111 constituting the pressure adjusting unit 102 is rotatably disposed in the valve main body 111b and the valve main body 111b to which the upper lid 110, the connection pipe 113, and the atmosphere open pipe 114 are connected. It comprises a valve section 111a which opens and closes between the flow path 110a, the connection pipe 113 and the atmosphere open pipe 114. The pressure adjusting section 102 connects the flow path 110a of the upper lid 110 to the connecting pipe 1 by rotating the valve section 111a.
13 or by opening or closing the atmosphere opening pipe 114, the flow path 110a of the upper lid 110 with respect to the vacuum pump is opened and closed.

[0008] The pressure adjusting unit 102 is capable of adjusting the pressure of the opening 105 a of the supply unit 105 of the electrolyte injection funnel 101, and supplies the electrolyte to the electrolyte injection funnel 101 via the nozzle 103. Is detachable from the opening 105a of the funnel 101 for injecting an electrolytic solution so as to enable the above. That is, the pressure adjusting unit 102 is movable in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 30 in a direction in which the pressure adjusting unit 102 approaches and separates from the opening 105a of the electrolyte injection funnel 101.

The nozzle 103 for supplying the electrolytic solution to the funnel 101 for injecting the electrolytic solution is horizontally disposed between a position facing the opening 105a of the supply portion 105 and a position away from the opening 105a. After moving in the direction of the middle arrow B and moving to a position facing the opening 105a of the supply unit 105, it moves in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. The nozzle 103 is
While connected to the supply unit 105, the electrolytic solution is supplied to the supply unit 1.
05.

In the conventional electrolyte injection device 100 having the above-described structure, the battery housed in the cylindrical battery can 202 when the electrolyte is injected by reducing the pressure in the battery can 205 by the vacuum pump 120. An electrolytic solution is injected into the cylindrical battery can 202 while removing bubbles generated from the element 205.

Next, a step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202 using the above-described electrolytic solution injecting apparatus 100 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

In order to inject the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202, as shown in FIG. 32, a cylindrical battery can 202 into which the electrolytic solution has not been injected is supplied to the electrolytic solution injecting device 100 as shown in FIG. At this time, the cylindrical battery can 202
The opening 203 is connected to the connecting portion 10 of the electrolyte injection nozzle 104.
4a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 33, the funnel 101 for injecting the electrolytic solution is lowered to connect the connecting portion 104a to the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202, as shown in FIG. At this time, the lead electrode 204 protruding from the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 is housed in the electrolyte injection nozzle 104.

After the connecting portion 104a is connected to the opening 203, as shown in FIG. 34, the nozzle 103 is moved between the opening 103 and the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 101, as shown in FIG. So that the electrolyte supply nozzle 1
03 is connected to the opening 105a of the electrolyte injection funnel 101 to supply a predetermined amount of the electrolyte 250. At this time, the electrolyte 250 that cannot be completely injected into the cylindrical battery can 202 remains in the electrolyte injection funnel 101 as shown in FIG. Further, the nozzle 103 is detached from the electrolyte injection funnel 101.

Then, in step St4, the electrolyte injection device 100 lowers the pressure adjusting section 102 to close the opening 105a of the electrolyte injection funnel 101 with the upper lid 110, and the cylindrical battery can 202 and the electrolyte The liquid injection funnel 101 is closed. Then, as shown in FIG. 37, as Step St5, the valve unit 111a is rotated to connect the connection pipe 113 and the flow path 110a,
The inside of the cylindrical battery can 202 is sucked by the vacuum pump 120. Due to this suction, the battery element 205 housed in the cylindrical battery can 202 is degassed, and the permeation of the electrolyte 250 into the battery element 205 is promoted. As shown in (2), the battery element 205 is completely penetrated.

Then, Step St6 and Step St
As shown in FIG. 39, as shown in FIG.
Raises the pressure adjusting unit 102 and raises the funnel 101 for injecting the electrolyte, and then discharges the cylindrical battery can 202 into which the electrolyte has been injected as Step St8.

The cylindrical battery can 202 into which the electrolyte 250 has been injected in this manner is completed by welding the lead electrode 204 drawn out from the opening 203 to the safety valve in the next lead electrode-safety valve welding step. .

Next, an electrolyte injection device 150 used for the rectangular lithium secondary battery will be described with reference to FIG. The electrolytic solution injection device 150 includes a prismatic battery can 302
Electrolyte injection head 151 for injecting an electrolyte into the electrolyte, pressure adjustment for adjusting the pressure inside the electrolyte injection head 151 and the inside of the rectangular battery can 302 mounted on the electrolyte injection head 151. 161.

The electrolyte injection head 151 is provided with a nozzle 17
And an electrolyte supply nozzle 155 for injecting the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte supply container 155 into the prismatic battery can 302.
And the electrolyte supply nozzle 155 from the electrolyte supply container 155.
And an injection switching valve 153 for adjusting the injection speed and the like of the electrolytic solution into the liquid crystal 2.

The electrolyte supply container 155 has an opening 1 at one end.
55a is formed, and a valve mounting portion 155b of the injection switching valve 153 is formed at the other end. The electrolytic solution supply container 155 has a substantially funnel-shaped inner surface of the valve mounting portion 155b.

The injection switching valve 153 has a valve body 153b and a valve portion 153a rotatably supported by the valve body 153b. And
A connection pipe 154 to which a vacuum pump or the like is connected is attached to the injection switching valve 153.

The valve body 153b includes a valve portion 153.
a is rotatably disposed. The valve section 153a
By rotating the electrolyte supply container 155, the electrolyte injection nozzle 152, and the connection pipe 154, the flow path is switched by connecting or closing the connection pipe 154. The electrolyte injection nozzle portion 152 connected to the flow path in the injection switching valve 153 is formed in a tubular shape, and has one end serving as a mounting portion 152 a for the opening 303 of the rectangular battery can 302.

Here, the shape of the mounting part 152a of the electrolyte injection nozzle part 152 is the same as that of the mounting part 10 of the electrolyte injection nozzle part 104 of the above-described electrolyte injection apparatus 100 for a cylindrical battery can.
4a, it is formed in a shape that fits into the opening of the rectangular battery can 302.

The electrolytic solution injection head 151 constructed as described above is detachable from the opening 303 of the rectangular battery can 302 which is sent to inject the electrolytic solution.
That is, the electrolyte injection head 151 is provided with the opening 303.
42 can be moved in the direction of arrow D in FIG.

The pressure adjusting unit 161 for adjusting the pressure of the electrolyte supply container 155 is formed in substantially the same manner as the pressure adjusting unit 102 of the electrolyte injection device 100 for injecting the electrolyte into the cylindrical battery. . That is, the pressure adjusting unit 16
Reference numeral 1 denotes an upper lid 166 for closing the opening 155a of the electrolyte supply container 155, an evacuation valve 165, an atmosphere opening pipe 164 having one end open to the atmosphere, and a connection pipe connected to a vacuum pump. 163. Top lid 16
6 is provided with an O-ring 167 for improving the adhesion to the opening 155a of the electrolyte supply container 155, and the O-ring 167 enhances the adhesion when the opening 155a is closed. The upper lid 166 has a gas suction passage 166a formed at the center thereof. The evacuation valve 165 constituting the pressure adjusting unit 161 is
66 flow path 166a, connection pipe 163 and atmosphere open pipe 16
4 is connected to the valve body 165b.
5b, which is rotatably disposed in the valve 5b and connects the flow path 166a to the atmosphere opening pipe 163 and the connection pipe 163.
Consists of The pressure adjuster 161 is attached to and detached from the opening 155a of the electrolyte supply container 155.

Next, a process of injecting an electrolytic solution into the prismatic battery can 302 using the above-described electrolytic solution injecting device 150 for a prismatic battery can will be described with reference to FIGS.

In order to inject the electrolyte into the prismatic battery can 302, as shown in FIG. 44, the prismatic battery can 302 into which the electrolyte has not been injected is supplied to the electrolyte injection device 150 as shown in FIG. At this time, the prismatic battery can 302
The opening 303 is connected to the connection portion 15 of the electrolyte injection nozzle portion 152.
2a. Next, as a step Sp2, as shown in FIG. 45, the electrolytic solution injection head part 151 is lowered to connect the connection part 152a to the square battery can 30.
2 opening 303.

After connecting the connection portion 152a to the opening 303, the injection switching valve 153 is switched as shown in FIG. 46 to connect the connection pipe 154 and the electrolyte injection nozzle portion 152 as step Sp3. Then, the electrolyte injection device 150 evacuates the inside of the rectangular battery can 302 by a vacuum pump (not shown).

Subsequently, in step Sp4, as shown in FIG. 46, the electrolyte supply nozzle 171 is
A predetermined amount of the electrolytic solution 350 is supplied by being mounted on the opening 155a of the nozzle 55. Then, after supplying a predetermined amount of the electrolytic solution 350, as shown in FIG.
It is detached from the opening 155a of the electrolyte supply container 155.

Subsequently, in step Sp5, as shown in FIG. 48, the pressure adjusting unit 161 is lowered to close the opening 155a of the electrolyte supply unit 155 with the upper lid 166, and the rectangular battery can 302 and the electrolyte The supply container 155 is closed. Then, the evacuation valve 165 is switched to set the connection between the connection pipe 163 and the flow path 166a in a connected state, and the electrolyte supply unit 1 is turned on by a vacuum pump not shown.
The inside of 55 is evacuated. Here, for example, the pressure in the electrolyte supply unit 155 is set to be the same as the pressure in the square battery can 302, or the pressure in the electrolyte supply unit 155 is set to
Slightly higher than the internal pressure.

Steps Sp6 to Sp6
13, the rectangular battery can 30 from the electrolyte supply container 155
2 is injected with an electrolytic solution. That is, in step Sp6, as shown in FIG. 49, the injection switching valve 153 is switched, and the electrolyte 350 is supplied from the electrolyte supply container 155 to the electrolyte injection nozzle 152 via the injection switching valve 153.

Then, the electrolyte 35 into the prismatic battery can 302
At the end of the injection of 0, in step Sp13, FIG.
As shown at 0, the injection switching valve 153 is switched to perform injection so that the injection switching valve 153 is closed.

After the supply of the electrolytic solution to the prismatic battery can 302 has been completed in this way, in step Sp14, the upper lid 16 is removed.
6 as well as the electrolyte injection nozzle 152 as step Sp15, and then as step Sp16, the rectangular battery can 3 into which the electrolyte 350 has been injected.
02 is discharged.

[0034]

By the way, in the step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202 using the above-described electrolytic solution injecting apparatus 100, in step St3, the electrolytic solution ejected from the nozzle 103 located above is used. The liquid 250 is applied to the lead electrode 204, and in the process between Step St 3 and Step St 5,
4 is immersed in the electrolyte 250. For this reason, in step St7 shown in FIG.
The lead electrode 204 of the lithium secondary battery 201 is in a state of being wet by the electrolytic solution 250.

However, FIGS. 40 (a) through 40
In the step of welding the lead electrode 204 to the safety valve 207 by the welding horn 210 shown in (c), if the lead electrode 204 is wet with the electrolyte 250, poor welding occurs due to the electrolyte 250 attached to the lead electrode 204. As a result, it becomes impossible to supply a lithium secondary battery with stable quality.

Conventionally, FIGS. 41 (a) and 41
As shown in (b) and FIG. 41 (c2), the electrolytic solution 250 attached to the lead electrode 204 was completely wiped off with a wiping material such as rag or paper to prevent poor welding. However, as shown in FIG. 41 (c1), the electrolyte 250 may not be completely wiped off in some cases, and the welding failure between the safety valve 207 and the lead electrode 204 cannot be completely eliminated.

In the step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the rectangular battery can 302 using the above-described electrolytic solution injecting apparatus 150, the rectangular battery can be supplied from the electrolytic solution supply container 155 via the injection switching valve 153 and the electrolytic solution injection nozzle 152. The electrolytic solution 350 is injected into the can 302. At this time, the electrolytic solution 350 may remain in the injection switching valve 153.
When the electrolyte 350 remains in the injection switching valve 153 in this manner, the electrolyte 350 injected into the battery can 303
And the quality of the battery cannot be made constant.

Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 42, the structure of the electrolytic solution supply device for the cylindrical battery can and the structure of the electrolytic solution supply device for the rectangular battery can are different, so that the process can be shared. I couldn't plan.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an electrolyte injection device and an electrolyte injection method capable of injecting an electrolyte irrespective of the shape of a battery can and producing a battery of stable quality. The purpose is to:

[0040]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electrolyte injection device according to the present invention has an upper surface which is open when the battery is substantially vertical and an opening shape of a battery can at the bottom. A plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions are formed in accordance with the type of the battery, in which an injection port having a corresponding shape is formed, and a stagnant portion for housing the electrolyte is formed at a position below the injection port when the injection port is in a substantially horizontal state. And a common sealing member for closing the open upper surfaces of the plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions. In the common sealing member, an electrolyte supply port is formed obliquely toward the stagnation portion of the electrolyte injection portion, and the electrolyte injection portion has a position inside the electrolyte injection portion at a position opposite to the stagnation portion. Pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure is provided.

In the electrolyte injection device, when the electrolyte injection portion is in a substantially vertical state, the injection hole of the electrolyte injection portion is attached to the opening of the battery can, and the battery can is mounted. The electrolyte injection part is made substantially horizontal. At this time, the electrolyte injection device is an electrolyte injection unit corresponding to the type of the battery,
The battery can is installed.

Then, the electrolytic solution injection device supplies the electrolytic solution to the retaining portion from an electrolytic solution supply port provided in the sealing member. At this time, since the electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte from the electrolyte supply port formed obliquely in the sealing member toward the stagnation section, the battery can from which the lead electrode is pulled out from the opening is mounted. Even if it is performed, the electrolyte is supplied to the electrolyte injection part without wetting the lead electrode.

Further, in the electrolyte injection device, the pressure inside the electrolyte injection portion and the inside of the battery can is reduced by pressure adjusting means connected to the electrolyte injection portion. At this time, since the electrolytic solution injection device is provided with the pressure adjusting means located on the opposite side to the retaining portion, the pressure is adjusted without disturbing the level of the electrolytic solution stored in the retaining portion.

Thereafter, the electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte contained in the retaining portion into the battery can by gradually raising the electrolyte injection portion in the vertical direction. At this time, the electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte into the battery can while keeping the vicinity of the tip of the lead electrode wet and keeping the opening of the battery can closed with the electrolyte. Thus, the electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte into the battery can by a pressure difference generated between the inside of the electrolyte injection portion and the inside of the battery can.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the method for injecting an electrolyte according to the present invention is characterized in that the opening of the battery can is provided at the bottom when the lead electrode is drawn out substantially vertically. Selects and installs an electrolyte injection part that has an injection port with a shape corresponding to the shape and has a stagnant part that stores the electrolyte below the injection port when it is in a substantially horizontal state according to the type of battery Mounting step, an electrolytic solution supplying step of supplying the electrolytic solution to the retaining section with the battery can and the electrolytic solution injection section being in a substantially horizontal state, a depressurizing step of reducing the pressure inside the battery can and the electrolytic solution injection section in this state, An electrolyte injection step of gradually raising the can and the electrolyte injection part in the vertical direction, and injecting the electrolyte in the retaining part into the battery can. Then, in the electrolyte injection step, the opening of the battery can is always closed with the electrolyte, and the electrolyte is injected into the battery can while applying pressure to the liquid surface of the electrolyte.

According to this electrolyte injection method, in the mounting step, the injection port of the electrolyte injection section corresponding to the shape of the opening of the battery can is selected, and the electrolyte injection section having the selected injection port is opened in the battery can. In the electrolytic solution supplying step, the electrolytic solution is supplied to the stagnation portion located below the inlet of the electrolytic solution injecting portion in a state where the battery can and the electrolytic solution injecting portion are in a substantially horizontal state, In the same state, the inside of the battery can and the inside of the electrolyte injection part are depressurized, and in the electrolyte injection step, the battery can and the electrolyte injection part are gradually erected in the vertical direction, and the electrolyte in the stagnation part is discharged into the battery can. Inject into. In the electrolyte injection method, in the electrolyte injection step, the opening of the battery can is always closed with the electrolyte, and the electrolyte is injected into the battery can while applying pressure to the liquid surface of the electrolyte.

That is, in the electrolyte injection method, in the mounting step, the injection port of the lysis solution injection section corresponding to the shape of the opening of the battery can is selected, and the electrolyte injection section having the selected injection port is inserted into the battery can. It is attached to the opening.

Further, in this electrolyte injection method, in the electrolyte injection step, the electrolyte is injected from the opening of the battery can at the base where the lead electrode drawn out of the battery can projects. That is, in this electrolyte injection method, the electrolyte is injected into the battery can without wetting at least the vicinity of the tip of the lead electrode.

Further, in this electrolyte injection method, in the electrolyte injection step, the opening of the battery can is always closed with the electrolyte, and the electrolyte is injected into the battery can while applying pressure to the liquid surface of the electrolyte. I have. That is, in the electrolyte injection method, when the electrolyte injection part is pressurized, the pressure difference between the inside of the electrolyte injection part and the inside of the battery can is maintained by maintaining the state where the opening of the battery can is closed with the electrolyte. The electrolyte is injected into the battery can using the above method.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electrolyte injection device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. This electrolyte injection device is capable of injecting an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery can and a square battery can from which a lead electrode is drawn out from an opening.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyte injection device includes a first electrolyte injection head 2 for injecting an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery can 202 and a funnel lid 8 of the first electrolyte injection head 2. And a cover 3 which comes close to and away from it. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyte injection device is configured such that a second electrolyte injection head 32 for injecting the electrolyte into the rectangular battery can 302 and a funnel lid 38 of the second electrolyte injection head 32 are provided. And a cover 33 that approaches and separates from the main body. That is, in the electrolyte injection device,
Switching between the electrolyte injection heads 2 and 32 can be performed according to the type of battery.

The first electrolytic solution injection head 2 used for the cylindrical battery can 202 has an upper surface opened when it is set to a substantially vertical state, and a bottom portion opposed to the upper surface is in contact with an opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202. An injecting funnel which constitutes an electrolytic solution injecting portion provided with an injecting hole 6a which is in contact with and which is provided below the injecting port 6a when being in a substantially horizontal state and in which a retaining portion 13 for retaining an electrolytic solution is provided. 6 is provided. Further, the electrolytic solution injecting device includes a funnel lid 8 constituting a sealing member for closing an open upper surface of the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6.

The cover 3 which is close to and separated from the funnel lid 8 of the first electrolytic solution injection head 2 is placed on the funnel lid 8 so as to close the electrolytic solution supply port 8a formed in the funnel lid 8. They are arranged so as to be close to each other. The electrolyte supply nozzle 8 shown in FIG. 7 is attached to the electrolyte supply port 8a provided in the funnel lid 8 when supplying the electrolyte.

The first electrolyte injection head 2 constitutes an electrolyte injection funnel 6 and a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure in the cylindrical battery can 202 mounted on the electrolyte injection funnel 6. A pneumatic valve 9 is provided. The pneumatic valve 9
The pump 5 is connected. The pump 5 is different depending on the use mode, and is a suction pump when depressurizing, and a pressurizing pump when pressurizing.

The battery 201 into which the electrolyte is injected by the electrolyte injection device having the first electrolyte injection head 2 and the cover 3 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery having a substantially cylindrical outer shape. This lithium ion secondary battery 201
A battery element 205 including a positive electrode coated with a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode coated with a negative electrode active material on a negative electrode current collector, and a separator; and a cylindrical battery can 20 containing the battery element 205.
2 is provided. The battery element 205 includes a spiral electrode body in which a laminated electrode body in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are sequentially laminated is wound. The battery element 205 is formed in a size that can be stored in the cylindrical battery can 202. When the lithium ion secondary battery 201 as described above is manufactured as a product, the opening 203 into which the electrolyte is injected is sealed by a safety valve. At this time, the lead electrode 204 pulled out from the opening 203 is welded to the safety valve.

Hereinafter, the structure of each part of the first electrolyte injection head 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

The funnel 6 for injecting the electrolytic solution has a base portion 6c formed in a substantially circular cylindrical shape, and the base portion 6c below the base portion 6c (below the vertically extending funnel 6 for injecting the electrolytic solution). A funnel portion 6d formed continuously and integrally and having a diameter reduced downward, and an inlet 6a formed at one end of the funnel portion 6d
And The base portion 6c is formed in a substantially circular cylindrical shape, and has a size that can accommodate the lead electrode 205 when the cylindrical battery can 202 is mounted on the electrolyte injection head 2. In addition, a valve mounting port 6b for mounting the pneumatic valve 9 is formed on the side surface of the base 6c. Further, the inner shape of the funnel portion 6d is formed in a substantially funnel shape. The inlet 6a is provided so as to protrude from the lower end surface of the funnel portion 6, as shown in FIG. The inlet 6a is formed corresponding to the shape of the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 to be mounted. Further, an O-ring 7 for securing the close contact with the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 to be mounted is attached to the inlet 6a. The shape of the inlet 6 a is formed corresponding to the shape of the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202, and the lead electrode 204 pulled out from the cylindrical battery can 202 when the cylindrical battery can 202 is connected.
Formed so as not to contact with In addition, this injection port 6
The height of “a” is a length that is sufficient to join with the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202.

Inside the funnel 6 for injecting an electrolytic solution as described above, a retaining portion 13 for retaining the electrolytic solution is formed. The stagnation portion 13 is a part that is necessarily formed inside the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 when the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 is rotated so as to be horizontal, and is a portion in which the electrolytic solution is stored. It is. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the stagnant portion 13 is provided with the injection port 6 d in a state where the electrolytic solution injection funnel 6 is horizontal.
It is a lower position, and the inside surface of the base portion 6c is a bottom surface, and the inside surfaces of the funnel portion 6c and the funnel lid 8 are side surfaces.

The funnel lid 8 for closing the open upper surface of the electrolyte injection funnel 6 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The funnel lid 8 is formed with an electrolyte supply port 8a which is formed obliquely toward the stagnation portion 13 formed in the funnel 6 for injecting the electrolyte. The electrolyte injection nozzle 4 shown in FIG. 7 is inserted into the electrolyte supply port 8a. Further, an O-ring 10 is attached to the funnel lid 8 for improving the adhesion to the funnel 6 for injecting an electrolytic solution.

The funnel 6 for injecting the electrolytic solution is provided with the cover 3 so as to be close to and close to the funnel lid 8 so as to close the electrolytic solution supply port 8a. This cover 3
Is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, and an O-ring 11 for improving the adhesion to the funnel lid 8 is provided on a surface facing the funnel lid 8.
Is attached. The cover 3 is moved in a direction approaching and separating from the funnel lid 8 of the first electrolyte injection head 2 when the first electrolyte injection head 2 is in a horizontal state.

The pneumatic valve 9 disposed on the side of the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 includes a valve body 9b and a valve section 9a.
Consists of The valve body 9b is attached to a valve attachment port 6b formed on a side surface of the funnel 6 for injecting an electrolyte.
It has a flow path 9c extending from the valve mounting port 6b. The flow path 9c is connected to the pump 5. The pneumatic valve 9 is provided with a valve section 9a so as to open and close a flow path 9c formed in the valve body 9b. A flow path is formed in the valve section 9a, and the pneumatic valve 9 opens and closes the flow path 9c of the valve body 9b by rotation of the valve section 9a.

In the first electrolyte injection head 2 configured as described above, the injection port 6a can be joined to the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 sent for injection of the electrolyte. 1 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 1 to approach and separate from the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202. The first electrolyte injection head 2 is supported by rotating means controlled by a rotation control unit (not shown), and is rotated by this.

Next, the second electrolyte injection head 32 for supplying an electrolyte to the rectangular battery can 302 will be described with reference to FIG.

The second electrolyte injection head 32 used for the prismatic battery can 302 has an opening 36a, which is opened at the time of being substantially vertical and whose bottom is in contact with the opening 303 of the battery can 302. And an electrolyte injection funnel 36 constituting an electrolyte injection part having a retention part 43 that retains the electrolyte below the injection port 36a when in a substantially horizontal state,
A funnel lid 38 which constitutes a sealing member for closing the open upper surface of the electrolyte injection funnel 36;

The cover 33 is provided so as to be bored in the funnel cover 38 and close the electrolyte supply port valve mounting port 36b. Electrolyte supply port 3 formed in funnel lid 38
The electrolyte injection nozzle 4 is attached to 8a when the electrolyte is supplied. That is, the electrolyte supply port 38a provided on the funnel lid 38 is formed in the same manner as the electrolyte supply port 8a provided on the funnel lid 8 of the first electrolyte injection head 2, and the same electrolyte injection nozzle 4 supplies the electrolyte.

Further, the second electrolyte injection head 32 is
An electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 and a pneumatic valve 39 constituting pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure in the battery can 302 mounted on the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 are provided. This pneumatic valve 39
Is connected to a pump 35. The pump 35 can be shared with the first electrolyte injection head 2 and is the pump 5 shown in FIG.

The battery 301 into which the electrolyte is injected by the electrolyte injection device including the second electrolyte injection head 32 and the cover 33 is a lithium ion secondary battery having a substantially square outer shape. The lithium ion secondary battery 301 is
A battery element 305 composed of a positive electrode coated with a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode coated with a negative electrode active material on a negative electrode current collector and a separator, and a rectangular battery can 3 containing the battery element 305
02. Here, the battery element 305 includes a positive electrode,
It is composed of a laminated electrode body in which a separator and a negative electrode are sequentially laminated. The battery element 305 is formed in a size that can be stored in the rectangular battery can 302. In the lithium ion secondary battery 301, the lead electrode and the safety valve are also bonded.
In this example, the lead electrode and the safety valve are already bonded by welding or the like before the electrolyte injection step.

The configuration of each part of the second electrolyte injection head 32 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The funnel 36 for injecting the electrolytic solution has a base portion 36c formed in a substantially circular cylindrical shape, and the base portion 36c below the base portion 36c (below the vertically extending funnel 36 for injecting the electrolytic solution). A funnel 36d is formed continuously and integrally, and has a diameter reduced on the lower side, and an inlet 36a provided at an end of the funnel 6d. The base 36c is formed in a substantially circular cylindrical shape, and the pneumatic valve 3
9 is formed with a valve mounting opening 36b. The funnel portion 36d is formed integrally with the base portion 36c, and is formed such that the inner shape is substantially a funnel shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the inlet 36a of the funnel 36 for injecting the electrolytic solution is provided so as to protrude from the lower end surface of the funnel 36. The injection port 36a is provided for the rectangular battery can 30 to be mounted.
It is formed corresponding to the shape of the second opening 303. For example, the injection port 36a is connected to the opening 30 of the prismatic battery can 302.
According to the shape of No. 3, the first electrolyte injection head 2 formed corresponding to the cylindrical battery can 202 is formed so as to have a smaller inner diameter than the injection port 6a. The end face 3 of the injection port 36a protruded from the electrolyte injection funnel 36.
6e is configured as a mounting portion for mounting the opening 303 of the prismatic battery can 302. The opening 3 of the rectangular battery can 302 to be mounted is
An O-ring 37 for improving the adhesion with the O. 03 is attached.

Inside the funnel 36 for injecting an electrolytic solution as described above, a retaining portion 43 for retaining the electrolytic solution is formed. When the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 is rotated so as to be horizontal, the retaining portion 43 is a part that is inevitably formed inside the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 and stores the electrolytic solution. Part. That is, the retaining portion 43 is located below the injection port 36d, the inside surface of the base portion 36c as a bottom surface, and the inside surfaces of the funnel portion 36c and the funnel lid 38 as side surfaces in the electrolyte injection funnel 36. Be composed.

The funnel lid 38 for closing the open upper surface of the electrolyte injection funnel 36 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The funnel lid 38 is formed with an electrolyte supply port 38a that is formed obliquely toward the stagnation portion 43 formed inside the electrolyte injection funnel 36. The electrolyte supply port 38a is
As shown in FIG. 19, the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 is inserted. The electrolyte supply port 38a is formed in the same shape as the electrolyte supply port 8a of the first electrolyte injection head 2.
Further, an O-ring 40 is attached to the funnel lid 38 in order to increase the adhesion with the funnel 36 for injecting an electrolytic solution.

A cover 33 is disposed so as to be close to and close to the funnel lid 38 so as to close the electrolyte supply port 38a. The cover 33 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, and has an O-ring 41 attached to a surface facing the funnel lid 38 for improving the adhesion to the funnel lid 38. The cover 33 is provided with the electrolyte injection head 3.
When 2 is in a horizontal state, it is moved in a direction approaching and separating from the funnel lid 38.

The pneumatic valve 39 disposed on the side of the electrolyte injection funnel 36 is the same as the first electrolyte injection head 2 and includes a valve body 39b and a valve portion 39a. The valve body 39b is attached to a valve attachment port 36b formed on the side surface of the electrolyte injection funnel 36, and has a flow path 39c extending from the valve attachment port 36b. The flow path 39c is connected to the pump 35. The pneumatic valve 39 has a flow path 39c formed in the valve body 39b.
A valve portion 39a is provided so as to open and close. A flow path is formed in the valve section 39a, and the pneumatic valve 39 rotates the valve body 3 by rotation of the valve section 39a.
The channel 39c of 9b is opened and closed.

In the second electrolyte injection head 32 configured as described above, the injection port 36a can be joined to the opening 303 of the rectangular battery can 302 sent for injection of the electrolyte. 2 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. The second electrolyte injection head 32 is supported by rotating means controlled by a rotation control unit (not shown), and is rotated by this. That is, the first electrolyte injection head 2 and the second electrolyte injection head 32 are moved by the same operating means in a direction approaching and separating from the opening of the battery can, and are rotated.

Next, the step of injecting the electrolyte into the cylindrical battery can 202 and the prismatic battery can 302 will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202 will be described first. FIG. 3 shows a time chart of the electrolyte injection step.

In step S 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrolyte injection device supplies the cylindrical battery can 202 to the first electrolyte injection head 2. Specifically, the cylindrical battery can 202 is supplied such that the opening 203 faces the inlet 6 a of the first electrolyte injection head 2. In addition,
At the time when the cylindrical battery can 202 is supplied, the first electrolyte injection head 2 is in a vertical state, the injection port 6a is positioned downward, and the cover 3 is positioned accordingly. ing. Therefore, the center lines of the first electrolyte injection head 2 and the cover 3 coincide with the reference line O ₀ extending in the vertical direction in FIG. At this time, the pneumatic valve 9
Is in a state where the flow path 9c is closed.

In the following step S 2, as shown in FIG. 5, the first electrolyte injection head 2 descends, and the opening 203 a of the cylindrical battery can 202 is inserted into the injection port 6 a of the first electrolyte injection head 2. Is mounted, and the lead electrode 204 is accommodated in the first electrolyte injection head 2. Here, the lead electrode 2
The vicinity of the tip of 04 is housed in the funnel 6 for injecting an electrolytic solution.

Then, in step S3, as shown in FIG. 6, the first electrolyte injection head 2 and the cover 3
As the axis O ₁ is perpendicular to the reference line O ₀ in FIG. 6 9
Rotated by 0 °. At this time, the cylindrical battery can 202 is also rotated while the first electrolytic solution injection head 2 is held. In this horizontal state, in step S4, a predetermined amount of the electrolyte is supplied to the first electrolyte injection head 2 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 is attached to the electrolyte injection port 8 a of the funnel lid 8, and the electrolyte 250 is injected from the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 into the retaining portion 13 in the electrolyte injection funnel 6. The amount of electrolyte supplied to the first electrolyte injection head 2 is an amount required for one battery. Note that the inclination of the first electrolyte injection head 2 shown in step S3 is not limited to 90 degrees, and when a predetermined amount of electrolyte is supplied to the stagnation portion 13 in step S4, the cylindrical shape is changed. Any inclination may be used as long as the electrolyte 250 does not flow into the battery can 202.

Electrolyte 2 supplied to electrolyte injection funnel 6
Numeral 50 is supplied from the electrolyte supply port 8a of the funnel lid 8 remote from the lead electrode 204. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lead electrode 204 from being wet by the electrolytic solution 250 supplied to the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6. That is, in the past, the lead electrode was conventionally always in a wet state with the electrolytic solution supplied from above,
In this example, the lead electrode is prevented from being wet by the electrolytic solution.

Since the electrolyte supply port 8a is formed obliquely with respect to the funnel lid 8, the electrolyte injection nozzle 4
Is directly supplied to the retaining section 13, and the electrolytic solution 250 can be supplied without wetting the lead electrode 204. That is, when the electrolyte supply port is provided perpendicular to the funnel lid 8, the opening 2 of the cylindrical battery can 202
The electrolytic solution 250 is supplied from the electrolytic solution supply nozzle 4 in the direction of 03, that is, the direction in which the lead electrode 204 is located. In this example, the electrolytic solution supply port 8a is inclined with respect to the funnel lid 8. Therefore, the lead electrode 204 is prevented from being wet by the electrolytic solution 250.

Further, since the electrolytic solution supply nozzle 4 is formed to be long, the electrolytic solution 250 is supplied from a position closer to the stagnation portion 13, so that the electrolytic solution 250 can be prevented from splashing and the like. The electrode 204 can be prevented from getting wet.

The first electrolyte injection head 2 has an electrolyte 250
Then, in step S5, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover 3 is brought close to the funnel lid 8, the electrolyte supply port 8a of the funnel lid 8 is closed, and the first electrolyte injection head 2 is sealed. State.

Subsequently, in step S6, as shown in FIG. 9, the insides of the cylindrical battery can 202 and the first electrolyte injection head 2 are evacuated. That is, the valve section 9a of the pneumatic valve 9 is rotated to open the flow path 9c, and the pump 5 pulls the gas inside the cylindrical battery can 202 and the first electrolyte injection head 2 to make a vacuum state. . This evacuation is performed in a state where the electrolytic solution 250 injected into the retaining portion 13 in step S4 does not flow into the cylindrical battery can 202. Therefore, in step S6, the gas bubbling effect due to the inflow of the electrolytic solution 250 into the cylindrical battery can 202 is prevented, and the gas is supplied to the lead electrode 20.
4 can be prevented from adhering to the electrolyte 250.

Further, the valve mounting port 6 b for mounting the pneumatic valve 9 is formed so that the base portion 6 c is opposed to the stagnation portion 13.
And the valve mounting port 6b is provided at a position distant from the liquid level of the electrolyte 250 injected into the retaining section 13, so that the liquid level of the electrolyte 250 is not disturbed and the cylindrical battery can 2 is not disturbed.
02 and the inside of the first electrolyte injection head 2 can be evacuated. This can prevent the liquid surface of the electrolyte 250 from being disturbed, and the lead electrode 204 can
0 can prevent wetting.

[0085] Subsequently, in step S7, as shown in FIG. 10, by rotating the first electrolyte injection head 2 so as to gradually erected vertically, the first electrolyte with respect to the reference line O ₀ The axis O _{1 of the} liquid injection head 2 and the cover 3 is 4
Make a state of making an angle of 5 °. As a result, the electrolyte 250 in the stagnation section 13 is filled with the opening 2
03 is injected inside. Also, in this state, at least the tip to which the safety valve is welded is positioned above the level of the electrolyte 250 and the lead electrode 204 pulled out from the cylindrical battery can 202 is not wetted by the electrolyte 250. It has become. That is, in step S7, the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 is closed by the electrolytic solution 250 injected into the cylindrical battery can 202, and the lead electrode 204 is placed on the liquid surface of the electrolytic solution 250.
Is located.

Subsequently, in step S8, as shown in FIG. 11, the funnel 6 for injecting the electrolyte is opened to the atmospheric pressure,
The inside of the first electrolyte injection head 2 is gradually pressurized by a pressurizing pump or the like. Thereby, the electrolytic solution 250 is smoothly injected into the cylindrical battery can 202. This is because the opening 203 is always closed by the electrolytic solution 250 when the inside of the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 is pressurized. Is higher than the pressure inside the cylindrical battery can 202, and this pressure difference pushes the electrolyte 250 into the cylindrical battery can 202.

Consider a case where the inside of the funnel 6 for injecting an electrolyte is pressurized while the opening 203 of the battery can 202 is not closed by the electrolyte 250. For example, this is the case where the liquid level of the electrolyte 250 enters the battery can 202 during the process of being injected into the battery can 202 from the retaining portion 13 of the electrolyte injecting funnel 6. In such a state, when the pressure is changed from the vacuum pressure to the atmospheric pressure, not only the inside of the funnel 6 for injecting the electrolyte but also the pressure inside the battery can 202 becomes the atmospheric pressure. The pressure inside 202 becomes the same. In this state, the pressure difference between the electrolyte injection funnel 6 and the battery can 202 disappears, and the electrolyte 2 enters the battery can 202 from the electrolyte injection funnel 6.
The effect of pushing 50 is eliminated. Therefore, in this example, when the inside of the funnel for electrolyte injection 6 is pressurized, the opening 203 is always closed by the electrolyte 250 and the pressure difference between the funnel for electrolyte injection 6 and the battery can 202 is increased. , The electrolyte 250 is smoothly and quickly injected into the battery can 202. further,
After opening to the atmosphere, the pressure inside the funnel for injecting electrolyte 6 is gradually increased to increase the pressure difference, and
The force for pushing 50 into cylindrical battery can 202 is increased.

The adjustment of the pneumatic valve 9 may be controlled by a throttle controller or the like to prevent a sudden pressure change. In this case, it is possible to prevent the electrolytic solution 250 from scattering on the liquid surface of the electrolytic solution 250 due to a sudden change in pressure, and to prevent the electrolytic solution 250 from adhering to the lead electrode 204.

In the following step S9, as shown in FIG. 12, the first electrolyte injection head 2 is further rotated by 45 degrees while maintaining the pressurized state inside the electrolyte injection funnel 6. That is, the first electrolytic solution injection head 2, the cover 3, and the cylindrical battery can 202 are rotated to the position of the reference line O ₀ , and the posture is the same as the state when the cylindrical battery can 202 was supplied in the above step S1. .

Here, when the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, in order to inject the electrolytic solution 250 by the above-mentioned pressure difference, the cylindrical shape is formed by the electrolytic solution 250 so that the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 250 is always applied. The opening 203 of the battery can 202 is closed, and the attitude of the first electrolyte injection head 2 is controlled. Thus, the electrolytic solution 250 can be smoothly injected into the cylindrical battery can 202 by the pressure difference even while the cylindrical battery can 202 is being rotated to stand up. In step S9, the funnel 6 for injecting the electrolytic solution is set in the vertical state, and the electrolytic solution 250 is transferred to the cylindrical battery can 2
By maintaining the pressure difference between the pressure in the cylindrical battery can 202 and the pressure in the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 until the liquid is completely injected into the battery case 02, the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 250 is constantly applied. It can be.

The rotation of the first electrolytic solution injection head 2 is controlled so that the electrolytic solution 250 does not wet the lead electrode 204. That is, the first electrolyte injection head 2 is controlled such that the lead electrode 204 is not wet by the electrolyte 250 while closing the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 with the electrolyte 250.

In step S10 where the first electrolyte injection head 2 is completely vertical, the pressurized state in the electrolyte injection funnel 6 is maintained as shown in FIG. That is, the pressurized state in the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 is maintained, and the electrolytic solution 250 is completely injected into the cylindrical battery can 202.

In the following step S11, as shown in FIG. 14, the cover 3 and the first electrolyte injection head 2 are raised from the cylindrical battery can 202. Thereby, the electrolyte 2
The cylindrical battery can 202 into which 50 has been injected is removed from the first electrolyte injection head 2. In the following step S12, as shown in FIG. 15, the cylindrical battery can 202 is discharged.

The cylindrical battery can 202 having undergone the above-described electrolytic solution injection step is provided with the safety valve and the lead electrode 20 as the next step.
In the welding process of No. 4, the lead electrode 204 and the safety valve are welded. In the above-described electrolyte injection step, the lead electrode 204 does not get wet by the electrolyte 250 during the supply of the electrolyte 250 from the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 to the first electrolyte injection head 2, and thus the lead electrode 204 is connected to the safety valve. Welding can be performed reliably. Therefore, a battery of stable quality can be supplied.

Also, as described above, the shape of the first electrolyte injection head 2 is determined so that a pressure difference is generated between the inside of the cylindrical battery can 202 and the inside of the electrolyte injection funnel 6. Electrolyte 250 in the process of being injected into cylindrical battery can 202
By controlling the liquid level position of the cylindrical battery can 202
The electrolyte solution 250 can be smoothly and quickly injected into the liquid.

Next, the step of injecting the electrolyte into the rectangular battery can 302 will be described. In step S1, FIG.
As shown in (2), the square battery can 302 is supplied to the second electrolyte injection head 32. Specifically, the opening 303 of the prismatic battery can 302 corresponds to the injection port 3 of the second electrolyte injection head 32.
6a.

In the following step S2, as shown in FIG. 17, the second electrolyte injection head 32 descends,
Of the square battery can 30 into the injection port 6a of the electrolyte injection head 32 of FIG.
The second opening 203 is mounted.

[0098] In the following step S3, as shown in FIG. 18, the axis O ₁ is rotated at an angle of 90 degrees the second electrolyte injection head 32 and the cover 33 with respect to the reference line O ₀ . At this time, the second electrolyte injection head 3
2, the rectangular battery can 302 is also rotated. Then, in step S4, a predetermined amount of electrolyte is supplied to the second electrolyte injection head 32 in this horizontal state, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 is attached to the electrolyte injection port 38a of the funnel lid 38. Then, the electrolyte solution 350 is supplied from the electrolyte solution injection nozzle 4 to the retaining portion 43 in the electrolyte solution injection funnel 36. Second
The amount of electrolyte supplied to the electrolyte injection head 32 is the amount required for one battery.

The second electrolyte injection head 32 has an electrolyte 35
After supplying 0, in step S5, the cover 33 is joined to the funnel lid 38 as shown in FIG.
The second electrolyte injection head 32 is hermetically closed by closing the electrolyte supply port 38a of No. 8.

Subsequently, in step S6, as shown in FIG. 21, the insides of the prismatic battery can 302 and the second electrolyte injection head 32 are evacuated. That is, the valve portion 39 a of the pneumatic valve 39 is rotated to open the second electrolyte injection head 32, and the rectangular battery can 3 is turned by the pump 35.
02 and the inside of the second electrolyte injection head 32 are evacuated to make a vacuum state.

[0102] After this, in step S7, as shown in FIG. 22, the rotating operation so as to erect the whole gradually in the vertical direction and the second electrolyte injection head 32 and the cover with respect to the reference line O ₀ the axis O ₁ of 33 in a state such that a 45 degree angle. Thereby, the funnel 3 for electrolyte injection
The electrolyte solution 350 stored in the retaining portion 43 of the sixth battery case 302 flows out into the opening 303 of the square battery can 302, and
The opening 303 is closed by the electrolytic solution 350. That is, the funnel 36 for injecting the electrolyte is formed in a shape that can close the opening of the battery can when the funnel 36 is inclined at, for example, 45 °.

Then, in step S8, as shown in FIG. 23, after opening the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 to atmospheric pressure, it is gradually pressurized by a pressurizing pump or the like. Accordingly, the injection of the electrolyte solution 350 into the rectangular battery can 302 is promoted, and the electrolyte solution 350 is smoothly injected into the square battery can 302 without being affected by the surface tension. This is because the opening 303 is always closed by the electrolyte 350 as described in the electrolyte injection step of the cylindrical battery can 202, so that the electrolyte injection blocked by the electrolyte 350 is performed. This is because the pressure inside the funnel 36 is higher than the pressure inside the prismatic battery can 302, and the electrolyte 350 is injected into the prismatic battery can 302 due to this pressure difference. After opening to the atmosphere, the pressure inside the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 36 is gradually increased to increase the pressure difference, thereby increasing the action of pushing the electrolytic solution 350 into the rectangular battery can 302.

In the following step S9, as shown in FIG.
Raise it 5 times. That is, the second electrolyte injection head 3
2, is rotated moving the cover 3 and the square battery can 302 to the reference line O ₀ position, square battery can 302 in step S1
In the same posture as the state in which was supplied.

Here, in the process of shifting from step S8 to step S9, in order to maintain the pushing action of the electrolytic solution 350 due to the pressure difference, as in the above-described electrolytic solution injecting step of the cylindrical battery can 202, the electrolytic solution is always maintained. Pressure is applied to the liquid surface of the solution 350, and the rectangular battery can 30
The attitude of the second electrolyte injection head 32 is controlled such that the second opening 303 is closed. Thus, the electrolyte 350 can be smoothly injected into the rectangular battery can 302 by the pushing action of the electrolyte 350 due to the pressure difference even while the rectangular battery can 302 is being rotated to stand up. Further, in step S9, the electrolytic solution injecting funnel 6 is set in a vertical state, so that the pressure in the rectangular battery can 302 and the electrolytic solution injecting until the electrolytic solution 350 is completely injected into the rectangular battery can 302. The pressure difference from the pressure with the funnel 36 is maintained.

Even in step S10 where the second electrolyte injection head 32 is completely vertical, the pressurized state in the electrolyte injection funnel 36 is maintained as shown in FIG. That is, while the pressurized state in the electrolyte injection funnel 6 is maintained, the electrolyte 3 is completely contained in the rectangular battery can 302.
50 are injected.

In the following step S11, as shown in FIG. 26, the cover 33 and the second electrolyte injection head 32
To rise. As a result, the prismatic battery can 302 into which the electrolyte 350 has been injected is removed from the second electrolyte injection head 32. Then, in step S12, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the rectangular battery can 302 is discharged.

As described above, the electrolytic solution injecting device injects the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202 and the square battery can 302 simply by changing the electrolytic solution injecting funnel corresponding to each battery. be able to. In both the step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the cylindrical battery can 202 and the step of injecting the electrolytic solution into the rectangular battery can 302, a pressure difference between the inside of the battery can and the inside of the funnel for injecting the electrolytic solution occurs. By controlling the level of the electrolyte so as to generate the electrolyte, the electrolyte can be smoothly and quickly injected into each battery can. Further, the electrolytic solution 250 can be injected into the cylindrical battery can 202 while preventing the lead electrode 204 from getting wet. Furthermore, as for the prismatic battery 301, the electrolyte can be injected from the electrolyte injection funnel 36 through the injection port 36a without passing through an injection switching valve as shown in FIG. Therefore, the quality of the prismatic battery 301 can be kept constant without causing a variation in the amount of the injected electrolyte.

Note that the cylindrical battery can 202 and the prismatic battery can 30
The funnels 63, 36 for injecting the electrolyte for supplying the electrolyte to
The mounting portion to the battery can may be replaced. That is, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the injection portions 61 and 71 are formed corresponding to the shape of the opening of the battery can, and the injection member 6 is formed.
1, 71 may be made detachable with respect to the main body 62.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 28 to 29, the above-mentioned portions serving as the electrolyte injection funnels 6 and 36 are
And the first injection member 61 or the second injection member. The main body 62 is formed in a substantially circular cylindrical shape,
The height is set to a length that can accommodate the lead electrode 205 when the cylindrical battery can 202 is mounted. The main body 62 has a valve mounting opening 62 for mounting a pneumatic valve.
b is formed. The position opposite to the valve mounting port 62b is a retaining portion 68 for the electrolytic solution. That is, when the electrolytic solution injection head 6 is in a horizontal state, the main body 62 forms the stagnant portion 68 of the electrolytic solution 250 with the first injection member 61 or the second injection member 71.

As shown in FIG. 28, the first injection member 61 has an inner surface 61a formed in a substantially funnel shape. The first injection member 61 has a mounting portion 61b for attaching to the battery can.
Are formed to protrude. The mounting portion 61b is formed to correspond to the shape of the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202, and an O-ring 69 for securing adhesion to the opening 203 of the cylindrical battery can 202 is attached to an end surface thereof. ing. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the second injection member 71
Like the injection member 61, the inner side surface 71a is formed in a substantially funnel shape, and the mounting portion 71b protruding from the outer side surface is formed. The mounting portion 71b is provided at the opening 3 of the rectangular battery can 302.
The first electrolyte solution injection head 2 is formed to have a smaller outer diameter than the mounting portion 61b. An O-ring 72 is attached to the mounting portion 71b to ensure close contact with the opening 303 of the rectangular battery can 302 mounted on the end surface. And the first
The injection member 61 and the second injection member 71 are attached to the main body 62 by screws 67.

The funnel lid 63 for closing the open upper surface of the main body 62 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. The funnel lid 63 is formed with an electrolyte supply port 63 a that is formed obliquely toward the retaining section 68. Electrolyte supply port 63a
Is a portion where the electrolyte injection nozzle 4 shown in FIGS. 7 and 19 is inserted and mounted. The funnel lid 63 has a main body 6.
An O-ring 65 for improving the adhesion to the cover 2 is attached thereto. Further, an O-ring 66 for improving the adhesion to a cover (not shown) for closing an electrolyte supply port 63a formed in the funnel lid 63 is provided. Is attached.

As described above, by making the vicinity of the injection portion of the electrolyte into the battery can replaceable, the electrolyte injection head 60 can be replaced.
The tubular battery can 202 and the prismatic battery can 302 can be replaced by replacing only a part of the components without replacing the entire funnel for injecting the electrolyte.
An electrolyte can be injected into the

[0112]

The electrolyte injection device according to the present invention has a plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions corresponding to the types of batteries, so that the shape of the opening of the battery can differs according to the type of batteries.
An electrolyte injection part can be selected and a battery can can be mounted. Thus, the electrolyte can be injected regardless of the type of the battery can.

Further, since the electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte from the electrolyte supply port formed obliquely in the sealing member toward the stagnation portion, the battery can has a lead electrode drawn out from the opening. Can be supplied to the electrolyte injection portion without wetting the lead electrode even when the device is mounted.

Further, since the electrolytic solution injection device is provided with the pressure adjusting means located on the opposite side to the retaining portion, it is possible to prevent the level of the electrolytic solution contained in the retaining portion from being disturbed. Thereby, the pressure can be adjusted while preventing the wetting of the lead electrode.

The electrolyte injection device injects the electrolyte into the battery can by keeping the opening of the battery can closed with the electrolyte so as not to wet the vicinity of the tip of the lead electrode. In addition, the electrolyte can be smoothly and quickly injected into the battery can by utilizing the pressure difference generated between the inside of the electrolyte injection portion and the inside of the battery can, while preventing the wetting of the lead electrode.

As described above, the electrolytic solution injecting device can inject the electrolytic solution into a plurality of types of battery cans and can supply a battery of stable quality.

Further, according to the method for injecting an electrolytic solution according to the present invention, by selecting the inlet of the solution injecting portion corresponding to the shape of the opening of the battery can, the electrolytic solution injecting portion can be formed regardless of the type of the battery can. It can be attached to the opening of the battery can. Thus, the electrolyte can be injected regardless of the type of the battery can.

In the electrolyte injection method, the electrolyte is injected through the opening of the battery can at the base where the lead electrode protruding from the inside of the battery can is projected in the electrolyte injection step. The electrolyte can be injected into the battery can without wetting the vicinity of the tip of the lead electrode.

Furthermore, in this electrolyte injection method, in the electrolyte injection step, the opening of the battery can is always closed with the electrolyte, and the electrolyte is injected into the battery can while applying pressure to the liquid surface of the electrolyte. Therefore, when the electrolyte injection part is pressurized, the opening of the battery can is kept closed by the electrolyte so that the pressure difference between the inside of the electrolyte injection part and the inside of the battery can be used to perform the electrolysis. The liquid can be smoothly and quickly injected into the battery can.

Therefore, according to the method for injecting an electrolytic solution, it is possible to inject the electrolytic solution into a plurality of types of battery cans, and it is possible to supply a battery of stable quality.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first electrolyte injection head for injecting an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery can provided in an electrolyte injection device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a first electrolyte injection head for injecting an electrolyte into a rectangular battery can provided in the electrolyte injection device.

FIG. 3 is a time chart of a process in which the electrolyte injection device injects an electrolyte into a battery can.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S1 of the time chart and showing a state when a cylindrical battery can is supplied to a first electrolyte injection head.

FIG. 5 shows a state in step S2 of the time chart, in which the first electrolytic solution injection head is lowered and the cylindrical battery can is mounted on the inlet of the first electrolytic solution injection head. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode.

FIG. 6 shows a state in step S3 of the time chart, wherein the first electrolyte injection head and the like
It is sectional drawing which shows a mode when rotated by 0 degree.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S4 of the time chart and showing a state when an electrolytic solution is supplied to a first electrolytic solution injection head.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S5 of the time chart, showing a state in which a cover is joined to the first electrolyte injection head to form a closed state.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S6 of the time chart, showing a state where the inside of the cylindrical battery can and the inside of the first electrolyte injection head are evacuated.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S7 of the time chart, showing a state when the first electrolyte injection head and the like are rotated 45 degrees in a direction in which the head is raised.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S8 of the time chart, showing a state in which the inside of the cylindrical battery can is opened to atmospheric pressure and then pressurized.

FIG. 12 shows a state in step S9 of the time chart when the first electrolyte injection head and the like are rotated 45 degrees in a direction for further erecting while holding the electrolyte so as to apply pressure. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode.

FIG. 13 shows a state in step S10 of the time chart, and shows a state when all the electrolyte is injected into the cylindrical battery can while the pressurized state inside the electrolyte injection funnel is maintained. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S11 of the time chart, showing a state when the cover and the first electrolyte injection head are raised.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S12 of the time chart and showing a state when the battery is discharged from the battery can from the first electrolyte injection head.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S1 of the time chart, showing a state where a rectangular battery can is supplied to the second electrolyte injection head.

FIG. 17 shows a state in step S2 of the above time chart, in which the second electrolyte injection head is lowered and the rectangular battery can is mounted on the injection port of the second electrolyte injection head. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S3 of the time chart, showing a state when the second electrolyte injection head and the like are rotated by 90 degrees.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S4 of the time chart and showing a state when an electrolyte is supplied to a second electrolyte injection head.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in step S5 of the time chart, showing a state where the cover is joined to the second electrolyte injection head to form a sealed state.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S6 of the time chart and showing a state where the inside of the prismatic battery can and the inside of the second electrolyte injection head are evacuated.

FIG. 22 shows a state in step S7 of the time chart, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the second electrolyte injection head and the like are rotated 45 degrees in a direction in which the head is raised.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S8 of the time chart, showing a state where the inside of the rectangular battery can is opened to atmospheric pressure and then pressurized.

FIG. 24 shows a state in step S9 of the above time chart, when the second electrolyte injection head and the like are rotated 45 degrees in a direction for further erecting while holding the electrolyte so as to apply pressure. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode.

FIG. 25 shows a state in step S10 of the above time chart, in which the pressurized state inside the electrolytic solution injecting funnel is maintained and all the electrolytic solution is injected into the square battery can. FIG.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in step S11 of the time chart and showing a state when the cover and the second electrolyte injection head are raised.

FIG. 27 shows a state in step S12 of the time chart, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the battery is discharged from the battery can from the second electrolyte injection head.

FIG. 28 shows a configuration of an electrolyte injection head in which an injection member serving as an electrolyte injection portion is replaceable.
It is sectional drawing which shows the state when the injection | pouring member for cylindrical battery cans is attached.

FIG. 29 shows a configuration of an electrolyte injection head in which an injection member serving as an electrolyte injection portion is replaceable.
It is sectional drawing which shows the state when the injection | pouring member for prismatic battery cans is attached.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional electrolyte injection device for injecting an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 31 is a time chart of a step of injecting an electrolytic solution into a cylindrical battery can by the conventional electrolytic solution injecting apparatus.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a cylindrical battery can is supplied to the conventional electrolyte injection device.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the above-mentioned conventional electrolyte injection device is mounted on a cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the conventional electrolyte injection device moves a nozzle to an electrolyte supply funnel.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the above-mentioned conventional electrolyte injection device injects an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the above-mentioned conventional electrolyte injection device has finished supplying the electrolyte to the cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a process in which the electrolyte injected by the conventional electrolyte injection device permeates a cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electrolyte injected by the above-described conventional electrolyte injection device has completely penetrated into the cylindrical battery can and in which the lead electrode is wetted by the electrolyte.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the conventional electrolyte injection device discharges the cylindrical battery can.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a state of a cylindrical battery can into which an electrolyte has been injected by the conventional electrolyte injection apparatus, and showing a state when a wet lead electrode is welded to a safety valve.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view showing a step of wiping a lead electrode wetted by an electrolytic solution.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional electrolyte injection device for injecting an electrolyte into a rectangular battery can.

FIG. 43 is a time chart of a step of injecting an electrolyte into a prismatic battery can by the conventional electrolyte injection device.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a rectangular battery can is supplied to the conventional electrolyte injection device.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the above-described conventional electrolyte injection device is mounted on a rectangular battery can.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the above-mentioned conventional electrolytic solution injector moves a nozzle to an electrolytic solution supply container.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the above-mentioned conventional electrolyte injection device has finished supplying the electrolyte to the rectangular battery can.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the inside of the rectangular battery can is evacuated by the above-mentioned conventional electrolyte injection device.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inside of the electrolytic solution supply container is evacuated by the above-mentioned conventional electrolytic solution injecting device to inject the electrolytic solution into the rectangular battery can.

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the electrolyte injected by the above-described conventional electrolyte injection device has completely penetrated into the cylindrical battery can and in which the electrolyte remains in the injection switching valve.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 first electrolyte injection head, 6 electrolyte injection funnel,
6a inlet, 8 funnel lid, 8a electrolyte inlet, 9
Pneumatic valve, 13 dwell, 32 second electrolyte injection head, 36 electrolyte injection funnel, 36a inlet, 38
Funnel lid, 38a electrolyte inlet, 39 pneumatic valve, 4
3 Retention part, 60 electrolyte injection head

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An injection port having a shape corresponding to the shape of an opening of a battery can is formed at a bottom thereof when the battery is in a substantially vertical state. A plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions in which a stagnation portion for storing an electrolyte is formed at a lower position are provided according to the type of battery, and a common sealing member that closes the open upper surface of the plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions. An electrolyte supply port is formed in the common sealing member obliquely toward the stagnation portion of the electrolyte injection portion, and the electrolyte injection portion is provided at a position opposite to the stagnation portion. An electrolytic solution injection device, further comprising pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure in the electrolytic solution injection section. 2. A plurality of types of electrolyte injection portions are formed by replacing the portion in the vicinity of the injection port corresponding to the shape of the opening of the battery can. 2. The electrolytic solution injection device according to 1. 3. An opening portion of the battery can from which the lead electrode is drawn out has an injection port having a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening portion of the battery can at the bottom when the battery can is substantially vertical and when the battery can is substantially horizontal. A mounting step of selecting and mounting an electrolyte injection section having a stagnation section for storing an electrolyte at a position below the injection port according to the type of battery; and mounting the battery can and the electrolyte injection section in a substantially horizontal state. An electrolyte supply step of supplying an electrolyte to the stagnation section; a pressure reduction step of reducing the pressure in the battery can and the electrolyte injection section in this state; and gradually raising the battery can and the electrolyte injection section in the vertical direction. And an electrolyte injecting step of injecting the electrolyte in the retaining section into the battery can.In the electrolyte injecting step, the opening of the battery can is always closed with the electrolyte, and Inject electrolyte into battery can while applying pressure Electrolyte injection wherein the.