Method for manufacturing a battery
By adjusting the configuration of intermediate components, the problem of excessively long electrolyte impregnation time was solved in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing process by employing spin injection and impregnation processes, thus achieving efficient battery manufacturing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
In existing lithium-ion batteries, when electrolyte is injected, especially when the positive and negative current collector terminals are positioned opposite each other on the long side of the power generation element, the electrolyte penetration distance is long, resulting in an excessively long penetration time.
By setting the intermediate component to the first configuration state (configuration state A), rotating it to the second configuration state (configuration state B) after injecting electrolyte, and maintaining the first configuration state during the impregnation process, the electrolyte impregnates the intermediate component, thus shortening the impregnation time.
It effectively shortens the electrolyte impregnation time, especially when the aspect ratio is 2, the impregnation time can be shortened to 1/4, thus improving the battery manufacturing efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN115911508B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a battery. Background Technology
[0002] Lithium-ion secondary batteries and the like have, for example, an outer casing having an electrode body and a sealed electrode body. As a method for manufacturing such a battery, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-122495 discloses a method comprising: a step of preparing a temporary sealing member; an injection step of positioning the temporary sealing member upright with its unsealed opening facing upwards and positioning the tip of an electrolyte injection nozzle directly above the unsealed opening to inject electrolyte into the battery body; and a sealing step of heat-sealing the unsealed opening in the temporary sealing member after the injection step. Summary of the Invention
[0003] For example, the electrode body has a rectangular power generation element in plan view, and positive and negative collector terminals connected to the power generation element. In plan view, the positive and negative collector terminals are sometimes arranged opposite each other on the two long sides of the power generation element. In this case, an unsealed portion is usually provided on the short side of the power generation element (the side without the positive and negative collector terminals), and electrolyte is injected through this unsealed portion. However, since the penetration distance of the electrolyte becomes longer, the penetration time also becomes longer.
[0004] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a method for manufacturing a battery that can shorten the electrolyte immersion time.
[0005] This disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a battery, comprising a preparation step, an injection step, and an impregnation step. The preparation step prepares an intermediate component by sealing an electrode body with an outer casing. The intermediate component has an unsealed portion for injecting electrolyte. The injection step injects electrolyte into the intermediate component through the unsealed portion. The impregnation step impregnates the intermediate component with the injected electrolyte. The electrode body has a power generation element with a rectangular shape in plan view, and a first collector terminal and a second collector terminal connected to the power generation element. In plan view, the power generation element has a first side and a second side corresponding to the long side of the rectangle, and a third side and a fourth side corresponding to the short side of the rectangle. The first collector terminal and the second collector terminal are respectively disposed on the first side and the second side. In the impregnation step, the intermediate component is impregnated with electrolyte in a first configuration state (configuration state A) where the first side is located on the lower side in the vertical direction.
[0006] According to this disclosure, the electrolyte impregnation time can be shortened by setting the configuration state of the intermediate component during electrolyte impregnation to a first configuration state (configuration state A).
[0007] In the above disclosure, during the injection process, the electrolyte can be injected into the intermediate member in a second configuration state (configuration state B) where the third side is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. Between the injection process and the impregnation process, the intermediate member is rotated in such a way that it changes from the second configuration state (configuration state B) to the first configuration state (configuration state A).
[0008] In the above disclosure, during the injection process, the electrolyte can be injected into the intermediate component in the first configuration state (configuration state A).
[0009] In the above disclosure, in the first configuration state (configuration state A), the position of the unsealed part can be higher than the position of the second side.
[0010] In the above disclosure, in a plan view, the outer casing may have: a first sealing portion disposed on the outer side of the first side, a second sealing portion disposed on the outer side of the second side, a third sealing portion disposed on the outer side of the third side, and a fourth sealing portion disposed on the outer side of the fourth side. The first sealing portion is connected to a first extension portion extending to the opposite side of the power generation element based on the fourth sealing portion. The second sealing portion is connected to a second extension portion extending to the opposite side of the power generation element based on the fourth sealing portion. The manufacturing method may include an airbag forming step between the injection step and the impregnation step. The airbag forming step forms an airbag composed of the first extension portion, the second extension portion, the fourth sealing portion, and the temporary sealing portion by forming a temporary sealing portion connected to the first extension portion and the second extension portion.
[0011] In the above disclosure, the manufacturing method may further include a sealing process for the injection port that seals the unsealed portion after the impregnation process.
[0012] The battery manufacturing method disclosed herein has the effect of shortening the electrolyte immersion time. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements.
[0014] In Figure 1, Figure 1A This is a schematic plan view illustrating the preparation process of this disclosure. Figure 1B This is a schematic plan view illustrating the preparation process of this disclosure. Figure 1CThis is a schematic plan view illustrating the preparation process of this disclosure.
[0015] In Figure 2, Figure 2A This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 2B This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 2C This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 2D This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure.
[0016] In Figure 3, Figure 3A This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 3B This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 3C This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. Figure 3D This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure.
[0017] In Figure 4, Figure 4A These are schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the electrode body of this disclosure. Figure 4B These are schematic plan views and schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the electrode body of this disclosure.
[0018] In Figure 5, Figure 5A This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the exterior of the present disclosure. Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the exterior of the present disclosure.
[0019] In Figure 6, Figure 6A This is a schematic side view illustrating an intermediate component of the present disclosure. Figure 6B This is a schematic side view illustrating an intermediate component of the present disclosure. Figure 6C This is a schematic side view illustrating an intermediate component of the present disclosure. Figure 6D This is a schematic side view illustrating an intermediate component of the present disclosure.
[0020] In Figure 7, Figure 7A This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Figure 7B This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Figure 7C This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Figure 7D This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Figure 7E This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Figure 7F This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The battery of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures shown below are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of the parts have been appropriately exaggerated for ease of understanding. Additionally, the shading lines representing the cross-sections of the components have been appropriately omitted in the figures.
[0022] Figures 1A to 1C This is a schematic plan view illustrating the preparation steps of this disclosure; specifically, it illustrates the preparation steps of the intermediate components of this disclosure. First, as... Figure 1A As shown, an electrode body 20 is fabricated, which includes a power generation element 10 with a rectangular shape in plan view, a first collector terminal 11 connected to the power generation element 10, and a second collector terminal 12 connected to the power generation element 10. One of the first collector terminal 11 and the second collector terminal 12 is a positive collector terminal, and the other is a negative collector terminal. Furthermore, the power generation element 10 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 corresponding to the long side of the rectangle. Also, the power generation element 10 has a third side S3 and a fourth side S4 corresponding to the short side of the rectangle. The first collector terminal 11 and the second collector terminal 12 are respectively disposed on the first side S1 and the second side S2, facing each other across the power generation element 10.
[0023] Next, as Figure 1B As shown, the outer casing 30 is configured to cover the entire outer edge of the power generation element 10 in a plan view. Furthermore, although... Figure 1B The outer casing 30 is not shown, but is configured to cover both main surfaces (front and back) of the power generation element 10. In addition, a portion of the first collector terminal 11 and a portion of the second collector terminal 12 are exposed from the outer casing 30.
[0024] Next, as Figure 1C As shown, a first sealing portion S is formed in the region of the outer body 30 that is located on the outer side S1. a That is, with the first side S1 as a reference, a first sealing portion S is formed in the region of the outer casing 30 on the opposite side of the power generation element 10. a Similarly, a second sealing portion S is formed in the region of the outer body 30 that is located further outward than the second side S2. b A third sealing portion S is formed in the region of the outer body 30 that is located further outward than the third side S3. c A fourth sealing portion S is formed in the region of the outer body 30 that is located on the outer side S4. d First sealing part S a , second sealing part S b , third sealing part S c and the 4th sealing part S d The shape is, for example, a straight line. Additionally, in the third sealing section S... c One end is connected to the first sealing part S aConnect, the other end is connected to the second sealing part S b Connection. In contrast, at the fourth sealing part S d One end is connected to the first sealing part Sa, but the other end is not connected to the second sealing part S. b Connection. Exists in the 4th sealing section S. d The other end is connected to the second sealing part S b The unsealed portion X between them functions as an injection port for injecting electrolyte. Thus, the electrode body 20 is sealed by the outer casing 30 and has an intermediate member 40 with the unsealed portion X for injecting electrolyte.
[0025] Figures 2A to 2D This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure. (See diagram below.) Figure 2A As shown, the intermediate member 40 is configured such that the third side S3 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. This second configuration state is referred to as configuration state B. Next, as... Figure 2B As shown, maintain configuration state B and inject electrolyte 6 into the unsealed part X. Then, as... Figure 2C As shown, the intermediate member 40, into which electrolyte 6 is injected, is configured such that the first side S1 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. This first configuration state is referred to as configuration state A. That is, from... Figure 2B The configuration state B shown changes to Figure 2C In the configuration state A shown, rotate the intermediate component 40. Maintain this configuration state A as is, allowing the electrolyte 6 to permeate the entire intermediate component 40. Finally, as... Figure 2D As shown, battery 100 is obtained by sealing the unsealed part X.
[0026] Figures 3A to 3D This is a schematic side view illustrating the injection and impregnation processes of this disclosure, illustrating the relationship with... Figures 2A to 2D Different processes. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the intermediate member 40 is configured such that the first side S1 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state A). Next, as... Figure 3B As shown, maintaining configuration state A, electrolyte 6 is injected into the unsealed part X. Then, as... Figure 3C As shown, maintain configuration A as is and allow electrolyte 6 to permeate the entire intermediate component 40. Finally, as... Figure 3D As shown, battery 100 is obtained by sealing the unsealed part X.
[0027] According to this disclosure, the electrolyte impregnation time can be shortened by setting the configuration state of the intermediate component during electrolyte impregnation to configuration state A. As described above, in a plan view, the positive and negative current collector terminals are sometimes arranged opposite each other on the two long sides of the power generation element. The electrode body arranged in this way is called electrode body α. When the power generation element is cooled, for example, via the positive and negative current collector terminals, the cooling function can be performed efficiently.
[0028] On the other hand, when electrolyte is injected into electrode α, such as Figure 2B As shown, an unsealed portion X is provided on the short side of the power generation element 10 (the side without positive and negative collector terminals), and electrolyte is injected through this unsealed portion X. In this case, since the electrolyte penetration distance depends on the length of the long side of the electrode body, the penetration distance is relatively longer, and the penetration time is also longer. In contrast, in this disclosure, as... Figure 2C As shown, the intermediate member 40, in which electrolyte 6 is injected, is configured such that its first side S1 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state A). When electrolyte 6 is impregnated into the intermediate member 40 in configuration state A, since the impregnation distance of the electrolyte depends on the length of the shorter side of the electrode body, the impregnation distance is relatively shorter, and the impregnation time is also shorter. That is, the impregnation time of the electrolyte can be shortened. Since the impregnation time is proportional to the square of the aspect ratio, for example, when the length of the longer side is 2 times the length of the shorter side, the impregnation time can be shortened to 1 / 4 by using the manufacturing method of this disclosure.
[0029] 1. Preparation process
[0030] The preparation process disclosed herein is a process of preparing an intermediate component by sealing an electrode body with an outer casing, said intermediate component having an unsealed portion for injecting electrolyte. The intermediate component can be manufactured in-house or purchased elsewhere.
[0031] (1) Electrode body
[0032] Figure 4A This is a schematic plan view illustrating the electrode body of this disclosure. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A IVB-IVB cross-sectional view. (See diagram below.) Figure 4A As shown, the electrode body 20 has a power generation element 10 with a rectangular shape in plan view, a first collector terminal 11 connected to the power generation element 10, and a second collector terminal 12 connected to the power generation element 10. The power generation element 10 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 corresponding to the long side of the rectangle, and a third side S3 and a fourth side S4 corresponding to the short side of the rectangle. That is, the first side S1 and the second side S2 correspond to the opposite long side of the rectangle, and the third side S3 and the fourth side S4 correspond to the opposite short side of the rectangle.
[0033] The aspect ratio (long side / short side) of the power generation element is, for example, 1.1 or more, 1.5 or more, or 2.0 or more. On the other hand, the aspect ratio (long side / short side) of the power generation element is, for example, 10.0 or less, or 5.0 or less.
[0034] In addition, such as Figure 4A As shown, the first collector terminal 11 and the second collector terminal 12 are arranged opposite each other across the power generation element 10. Furthermore, the first collector terminal 11 is disposed on the first side S1, and the second collector terminal 12 is disposed on the second side S2. The first collector terminal 11 and the second collector terminal 12 are, for example, metal collector terminals.
[0035] In addition, such as Figure 4B As shown, the power generation element 10 has, along the +z direction with a first current collector 1 as a reference, a first electrode layer 2, a separator 3, a second electrode layer 4, and a second current collector 5. Similarly, the power generation element 10 has, along the -z direction with a first current collector 1 as a reference, a first electrode layer 2, a separator 3, a second electrode layer 4, and a second current collector 5. One of the first electrode layer 2 and the second electrode layer 4 is a positive electrode layer, and the other is a negative electrode layer. The positive electrode layer contains at least a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode layer contains at least a negative electrode active material. The separator has voids through which the electrolyte can pass. In addition, the first current collector 1 and the first current collector terminal 11 are electrically connected. Similarly, the second current collector 5 and the second current collector terminal 12 are electrically connected.
[0036] The power generation element disclosed herein preferably has multiple power generation units, each having a first electrode layer, a diaphragm, and a second electrode layer. In this case, the multiple power generation units can be connected in parallel or in series.
[0037] (2)Exterior body
[0038] The outer casing disclosed herein is typically a laminated outer casing. The laminated outer casing has a structure formed by laminating at least a heat-fused layer and a metal layer. Furthermore, the outer casing may sequentially have a heat-fused layer, a metal layer, and a resin layer along its thickness direction. Examples of materials for the heat-fused layer include olefin-based resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Examples of materials for the metal layer include aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel. Examples of materials for the resin layer include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon.
[0039] like Figure 5A As shown, an outer casing 30a and 30b can be used to seal the electrode body 20. That is, the electrode body 20 can be sealed by placing an outer casing 30a on one main surface side of the electrode body 20 and an outer casing 30b on the other main surface side of the electrode body 20. Additionally, as... Figure 5B As shown, an outer casing 30 can be bent to seal the electrode body 20.
[0040] (3) Sealed and non-sealed parts
[0041] The intermediate component disclosed herein has a sealing portion obtained by welding outer components together. The sealing portion may be a portion where opposing outer components are directly welded together, or a portion where opposing outer components are welded together via current collector terminals. The sealing portion is typically formed by heat sealing.
[0042] The outer casing of the intermediate component preferably has a first sealing part, a second sealing part, a third sealing part, and a fourth sealing part as sealing parts. Figure 1C The outer casing 30 shown has a first sealing portion Sa disposed on the outer side of the first side S1. That is, the first sealing portion Sa is formed in the region opposite to the power generation element 10 on the outer casing 30 with reference to the first side S1. Furthermore, the first sealing portion Sa... a It extends along the first side S1. Similarly, the outer body 30 has a second sealing portion S disposed on the outer side of the second side S2. b The third sealing part S is located on the outer side of the third side S3. c and the fourth sealing part S disposed on the outer side of the fourth side S4 d .
[0043] On the other hand, the intermediate component has an unsealed portion for injecting electrolyte. The size of the unsealed portion is not particularly limited; for example, it can be the size of a nozzle that can be inserted for injecting electrolyte. Additionally, as... Figure 6A As shown, preferably in configuration state A, the position of the unsealed portion X is higher than the position P2 of the second side S2. This is because it can suppress the leakage of electrolyte from the intermediate member. Furthermore, in configuration state A, the position of the unsealed portion X can be higher than the midpoint of the fourth side S4. Additionally, as... Figure 6A As shown, the unsealed part X can be configured in the fourth sealing part S. d On the extension line. On the other hand, such as Figure 6B As shown, the unsealed part X can also be configured to seal the fourth sealing part S. d With the first sealing part S a Intersection I da and the 4th sealing part S d With the second sealing part S b Intersection I db On the connected line segments. Additionally, as... Figure 6C As shown, the unsealed part X can be configured in the second sealing part S. b On the extension line. Additionally, as... Figure 3B As shown, when electrolyte 6 is injected into the intermediate member 40 in configuration state A, an unsealed part can be provided on the third side S3.
[0044] Furthermore, the sealing portion of this disclosure can be a part obtained by bending the outer body. For example... Figure 6D As shown, the third sealing part S c This could be a bend obtained by bending the outer casing. Such a bend can be achieved, for example, by using... Figure 5B The outer casing 30 shown is formed.
[0045] 2. Injection process
[0046] The injection process disclosed herein is a process of injecting electrolyte into the intermediate component via the aforementioned unsealed portion.
[0047] For example Figure 2A As shown, electrolyte can be injected into the intermediate member 40 when the third side S3 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state B). "The third side is located on the lower side in the vertical direction" means that the following (i) and (ii) are satisfied.
[0048] (i)D 31 With D H The angle formed is less than 45°
[0049] (ii)D 32 With D V The angle formed is less than 45°
[0050] Here, as Figure 2A As shown, D 31 It is the direction of extension of the third side S3, D 32 Is with D 31 Orthogonal directions. Additionally, D. H It is in the horizontal direction, D V It's in the vertical direction. Also, D... 31 With D H The angle formed can be less than 30°, less than 15°, or less than 5°. Additionally, D... 32 With D V The angle formed can be less than 30°, less than 15°, or less than 5°. In addition, when electrolyte is injected into the intermediate component in configuration state B, the intermediate component is rotated between the injection step and the impregnation step in a manner that changes from configuration state B to configuration state A.
[0051] For example Figure 3A As shown, electrolyte can be injected into the intermediate member when the intermediate member 40 is configured such that the first side S1 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state A). "The first side is located on the lower side in the vertical direction" means that the following conditions (iii) and (iv) are met.
[0052] (iii)D 11 With D H The angle formed is less than 45°
[0053] (iv)D 12 With D V The angle formed is less than 45°
[0054] Here, as Figure 3A As shown, D 11 It is the extension direction of the first side S1, D 12 Is with D 11 Orthogonal directions. Additionally, D. H It is in the horizontal direction, D V It's in the vertical direction. Also, D... 11 With D H The angle formed can be less than 30°, less than 15°, or less than 5°. Additionally, D... 12 With D V The angle formed can be less than 30°, less than 15°, or less than 5°.
[0055] As a method for injecting electrolyte, one example is the use of a nozzle. For instance, by positioning the nozzle near the unsealed portion and allowing electrolyte to flow from the nozzle, electrolyte can be injected into the intermediate member sealed within the outer casing. Furthermore, known electrolytes can be used as the electrolyte disclosed herein. The direction of electrolyte flow is not particularly limited, for example... Figure 2B As shown, this can be a vertically downward direction. "The electrolyte outflow direction is vertically downward" means that when the electrolyte outflow direction is set as D... A Let the direction of gravity be D. G In the case of D A With D G The angle formed is less than 30° in the direction. (D) A With D G The angle formed can be less than 15° or less than 5°. Additionally, the direction of electrolyte outflow, for example... Figure 3B As shown, the direction can be horizontal. In this disclosure, "the outflow direction of the electrolyte is horizontal" means that when the horizontal direction is set as D... H In the case of D A With D H The angle formed is less than 30° in the direction. (D) A With D H The angle formed can be less than 15° or less than 5°.
[0056] 3. Impregnation process
[0057] The impregnation process disclosed herein is a process of impregnating the intermediate component with the injected electrolyte. Furthermore, the impregnation process involves impregnating the intermediate component with the electrolyte in a configuration where the first side is positioned downwards in the vertical direction (configuration state A). The definition of configuration state A is as described above.
[0058] In the impregnation process, the electrolyte (especially the electrolyte present in the dead zone of the space covered by the outer casing) impregnates into the intermediate components (especially the diaphragm in the power generation element). The pressure environment in the impregnation process can be atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure. Additionally, the atmosphere in the impregnation process can be, for example, an inert gas atmosphere. The impregnation time is not particularly limited; for example, it can be 3 hours or more, or even 5 hours or more.
[0059] 4. Gas pocket formation process
[0060] The battery manufacturing method disclosed herein includes an airbag forming step between the injection step and the impregnation step. By forming the airbag, gases generated by the injected electrolyte can be recovered. Furthermore, by forming the airbag, moisture intrusion can be suppressed.
[0061] Figures 7A to 7F This is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to the present disclosure; more specifically, it is a schematic side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery including an airbag forming step. First, prepare... Figure 7A The intermediate component 40 is shown. Figure 7A In the middle, the outer body 30 has: a first sealing part S disposed on the outer side S1. a The second sealing part S is located on the outer side of the second side S2. b The third sealing part S is located on the outer side of the third side S3. c and the fourth sealing part S, which is located on the outer side of the fourth side S4. d Additionally, in the third sealing section S c One end is connected to the first sealing part S a Connect, the other end is connected to the second sealing part S b Connection. In contrast, at the fourth sealing part S d In the middle, one end is connected to the first sealing part S a The connection is made, but the other end is not connected to the second sealing part S. b Connection. Additionally, at the fourth sealing part S d The other end is connected to the second sealing part S b There is an unsealed section X.
[0062] In addition, such as Figure 7A As shown, the first sealing part S a With the fourth sealing part S dThe first extension ES extends to the opposite side of the power generation element 10 as a reference. a Connection. Similarly, the second sealing part S b With the fourth sealing part S d The second extension ES extends to the opposite side of the power generation element 10 as a reference. b Connection. The intermediate member 40 is configured such that the third side S3 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state B).
[0063] Next, as Figure 7B As shown, electrolyte 6 is injected into the unsealed part X in configuration state B. Next, as... Figure 7C As shown, it is formed with the first extension ES a and the second extension ES b Temporary sealing part S of the connection t Thus, a structure is formed by the first extension ES. a ES, the second extension b , 4th sealing part S d and temporary sealing part S t The airbag G is constructed. The airbag G is connected to the power generation element 10 sealed within the outer casing 30 via the unsealed portion X. Next, as... Figure 7D As shown, the intermediate member 40, into which electrolyte 6 is injected, is configured such that its first side S1 is located on the lower side in the vertical direction (configuration state A). That is, from... Figure 7C The configuration state B shown changes to Figure 7D In the configuration state A shown, rotate the intermediate component 40. Maintain configuration state A as is, allowing the electrolyte 6 to permeate the entire intermediate component 40. Then, as... Figure 7E As shown, seal the unsealed part X. Then, cut the airbag G to obtain the battery 100.
[0064] 5. Injection port sealing process
[0065] The battery manufacturing method disclosed herein may further include an injection port sealing step that seals the unsealed portion after the impregnation step. As a method for sealing the unsealed portion, for example, a method identical to the method for forming the sealed portion described above can be cited.
[0066] 6. Battery
[0067] The battery disclosed herein can cool the power generation element via at least one of the first collector terminal and the second collector terminal. For example, at least one of the first collector terminal and the second collector terminal can be thermally connected to a cooling device. Examples of cooling devices include devices using refrigerants and devices using electronic cooling elements such as Peltier elements.
[0068] The type of battery disclosed herein is not particularly limited, but lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are typical. Furthermore, the applications of the batteries disclosed herein are not particularly limited; for example, they can be used as power sources for vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), gasoline vehicles, and diesel vehicles. They are particularly preferred for use as power sources for driving hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. Additionally, the batteries disclosed herein can be used as power sources for mobile bodies other than vehicles (e.g., railways, ships, and aircraft), and also as power sources for electronic products such as information processing devices.
[0069] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments described above are illustrative, and any solution that has a structure that is substantially the same as the technical concept described in the patent claims of this disclosure and performs the same effect is included within the technical scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a battery, comprising a preparation step, an injection step, and an impregnation step. The preparation process involves sealing the electrode body with an outer casing to prepare an intermediate component, the intermediate component having an unsealed portion for injecting electrolyte. The injection process involves injecting electrolyte into the intermediate component via the unsealed portion. The impregnation process causes the injected electrolyte to permeate the intermediate component. The electrode body has a power generation element with a rectangular shape in plan view, and a first collector terminal and a second collector terminal connected to the power generation element. In a plan view, the power generation element has a first side and a second side corresponding to the long side of the rectangle, and a third side and a fourth side corresponding to the short side of the rectangle. The aspect ratio of the long side and the short side of the power generation element is 1.1 or more and 10.0 or less. The first collector terminal and the second collector terminal are respectively disposed on the first side and the second side, and the first collector terminal and the second collector terminal extend along the length direction of the long side. In the impregnation process, with the intermediate component configured in a first configuration where the first side is located below the vertical direction, the electrolyte is impregnated along the short side of the power generation element from the first side to the second side. The impregnation distance of the electrolyte depends on the length of the short side, in order to shorten the impregnation time. In the injection process, the electrolyte is injected into the intermediate component in a second configuration where the third side is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. Between the injection step and the impregnation step, the intermediate component is rotated in a manner that changes from the second configuration state to the first configuration state. In the first configuration state, the unsealed portion is positioned higher than the second side. In a plan view, the outer casing includes: a first sealing portion disposed on the outer side beyond the first side, a second sealing portion disposed on the outer side beyond the second side, a third sealing portion disposed on the outer side beyond the third side, and a fourth sealing portion disposed on the outer side beyond the fourth side. The first sealing portion is connected to a first extension portion extending toward the opposite side of the power generation element based on the fourth sealing portion. The second sealing portion is connected to a second extension portion that extends toward the opposite side of the power generation element based on the fourth sealing portion. The manufacturing method includes an airbag forming step between the injection step and the impregnation step. The airbag forming step forms an airbag consisting of the first extension, the second extension, the fourth sealing part, and the temporary sealing part by forming a temporary sealing part connected to the first extension and the second extension.
2. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 1, It also includes an injection port sealing process that seals the unsealed portion after the impregnation process.