Battery cell manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention appropriately performs resin welding during the manufacturing of battery cells. The manufacturing apparatus (9) for the battery cell (1) includes a first heating plate (91) and a second heating plate (92). The first heating plate (91) presses and heats the outer material (11) and resin (5) of the container (10) forming the battery cell (1) in the stacking direction at the opening (12, 13) of the container (10) to seal the opening. The second heating plate (92) presses and heats at least the edges of the outer material overlapping in the stacking direction to seal the edges of the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional laminated battery. A laminated battery is a battery in which an electrode body is housed within an outer casing. The laminated battery has a plurality of current collector terminals extending from the electrode body to the outer casing. These current collector terminals overlap with a thermoplastic resin. At the periphery of the outer casing, the resin is fused together and to the outer casing, thereby sealing the periphery of the outer casing from which the current collector terminals extend. In the laminated battery, each current collector terminal extends outward from the outer casing. Within the outer casing, the plurality of current collector terminals are not connected to each other. In the laminated battery, the space within the outer casing can be used to expand the electrode body. The structure of the laminated battery is advantageous for increasing the battery's energy density.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-272161. Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The technical problem the invention aims to solve] The stacked battery is manufactured via a heat-sealing process. In this process, a heating plate, serving as the energy source, is pressed in the overlapping direction, thereby fusing the resin layers overlapping at the periphery of the outer components together. Additionally, heating plates are also used to join the overlapping outer components on the sides of the resin layers via a heat-sealing process.

[0005] If the number of electrodes stacked within a single battery cell increases, leading to an increase in the number of current collectors extended to the outer casing, then the amount of resin welded during the heat sealing process will increase. Figure 7 Example: A battery cell manufacturing apparatus 90 in the case of a large number of resins 5 being welded. Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-section corresponding to the opening 19 of container 10. Container 10 is constructed by overlapping sheet-like outer materials 11, with the edges of the outer materials 11 aligned in the stacking direction (i.e., Figure 7 It is formed by welding on the paper (vertical direction). Container 10 houses the power generation element inside. Number 30 is the current collector 30 of the power generation element that protrudes out of container 10 through opening 19. Here, opening 19 of container 10 means the opening for the current collector 30 to be led out. Opening 19 does not include the welding sites of the various edges of the outer material 11.

[0006] Because of the large number of resins 5 being welded, the thickness T of the opening 19 is much thicker than the thickness of the welding sites at the edges of the outer material 11. The thickness T referred to here is the distance from the top of the opening 19 to the edge of the outer material 11. Corners 18 are formed between the side of the opening 19 and the welding sites at the edges of the outer material 11 adjacent to that side.

[0007] If the welding of resin 5 and the welding of each edge of the outer material 11 are performed simultaneously, the manufacturing time of the battery cell can be reduced. Regarding the heating plate 99 used in the welding of the heating plate of resin 5, its shape can correspond to the shape of the battery cell, having a recessed portion 98. The depth D of the recessed portion 98 is preset to correspond to the thickness T of the opening 19, and the width W of the recessed portion 98 is preset to correspond to the width of the opening 19.

[0008] However, the required pressure and temperature at the welding points of the multiple laminated resins 5 on the heating plate 99 are different from the required pressure and temperature at the welding points at the various edges of the outer casing material 11. It is difficult for the heating plate 99 to properly weld the multiple laminated resins 5 and the various edges of the outer casing material 11 separately.

[0009] Furthermore, since multiple resins 5 are stacked, considering the differences in the shape of the resins 5, the depth D and width W of the recess 98 can be set to be relatively large in advance. However, if the size of the recess is made too large, a gap may be generated between the resin 5 and the outer material 11 during the welding of the heating plate, making it impossible to stably seal the opening 19.

[0010] Furthermore, a heating plate 99 with a fixed size of the recess 98 can only be used to manufacture battery cells of the same shape. For example, if the number of electrode layers in a battery cell is different, the thickness T of the opening 19 will also vary. A heating plate 99 with a recess 98 of depth D cannot be used to manufacture battery cells with openings 19 of different thicknesses T. The heating plate 99 with the recess 98 has low versatility.

[0011] The technology disclosed herein enables proper resin welding during the manufacturing of battery cells.

[0012] Technical means to solve technical problems The technology disclosed herein relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell.

[0013] The battery cell comprises: a container housing a power generation element having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a stacking direction; a plurality of current collectors connected to the electrodes within the container and protruding outward from the container through an opening in the stacked state; and resin fused to the current collectors between the stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container. The container having the opening is formed by fusing the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the stacking direction.

[0014] The apparatus for manufacturing the battery cell includes: A first heating plate pressurizes and heats the outer material and the resin at the opening of the container in the stacking direction, thereby sealing the opening; The second heating plate, located on the resin side at the opening of the container, pressurizes and heats each edge of the outer casing material overlapping in the lamination direction, at least in the lamination direction, thereby fusing the edges of the outer casing material together.

[0015] In a single battery cell, multiple stacked current collectors protrude outwards through openings in the container. These current collectors are connected to electrodes of the same polarity, for example. Inside the container, the current collectors are not connected to each other. This eliminates the need for connection spaces between the current collectors within the container. The electrodes of the battery cell can be expanded using the space inside the container. This structure allows for increased energy density in the battery cell.

[0016] The container opening is sealed with resin. The resin is, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The container with the opening is formed by fusing the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the lamination direction. The container opening referred to here is the protruding portion of the current collector, and is the portion sealed with resin. The container opening does not include the fused portions of the edges of the outer materials.

[0017] The battery cell manufacturing equipment performs welding of the outer materials and resin, as well as welding of the edges of the outer materials.

[0018] The first heating plate pressurizes and heats the outer packaging material and resin in the stacking direction at the container opening. Since multiple stacked resins need to be welded, the first heating plate requires relatively high pressure and relatively high temperature.

[0019] The second heating plate applies pressure and heat to each edge of the outer packaging material in the lateral lamination direction of the resin at the container opening. The container edges are sealed by fusing the edges of the outer packaging material; therefore, the second heating plate requires relatively low pressure and relatively low temperature.

[0020] The manufacturing apparatus uses a first heating plate and a second heating plate to weld different parts of a battery cell. The pressure and temperature of both the first and second heating plates can be optimized. This manufacturing apparatus can appropriately perform welding during battery cell manufacturing. Using the first and second heating plates also allows for the simultaneous welding of different parts of the battery cell, thus reducing manufacturing time.

[0021] Alternatively, a corner can be formed between the side of the opening and the edge of the container. The first heating plate moves in the lamination direction to pressurize the outer material and the resin in the lamination direction. The second heating plate has a first surface that abuts against the side of the opening and a second surface that abuts against the edge of the container. It moves obliquely toward the direction of the opening relative to the stacking direction, thereby pressurizing the outer material in both directions orthogonal to the stacking direction and in the stacking direction.

[0022] Laminates with multiple resin stacks may have significant dimensional variations. If the dimensional variations are large, gaps may occur between the resin and the outer packaging material at the container opening, in the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction, or in the stacking direction.

[0023] In this regard, in the manufacturing apparatus, the first heating plate moves in the stacking direction. The first heating plate applies pressure to the outer packaging material and resin in the stacking direction, thereby enabling proper welding of the plurality of resins and outer packaging materials stacked at the opening.

[0024] The second heating plate moves obliquely towards the opening relative to the stacking direction. The first surface of the second heating plate abuts against the side of the opening, applying pressure to the outer material in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. The outer material is fused seamlessly to the side of the stacked resin at the opening. Gaps between the resin and the outer material are suppressed in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. The second surface of the second heating plate abuts against the edge of the container, applying pressure to the outer material in the stacking direction. The edges of the outer material are appropriately fused.

[0025] The second heating plate, which can move in a direction different from the first heating plate, together with the first heating plate, can suppress the formation of gaps in the container opening and stably seal the opening.

[0026] Alternatively, the relative movement of the first heating plate with respect to the second heating plate in the stacking direction can be variable.

[0027] If the relative movement of the first heating plate is variable, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus can optimize the position of the first heating plate according to the shape of the battery cell. The manufacturing apparatus can stably seal the container opening for battery cells of various shapes. The manufacturing apparatus is versatile.

[0028] Alternatively, the temperature of the first heating plate can be set to a first temperature. The temperature of the second heating plate is set to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature.

[0029] The first heating plate and the second heating plate are different bodies, so the temperature of the first heating plate and the temperature of the second heating plate can be optimized respectively.

[0030] In addition, the temperature of the second heating plate at each edge of the welded outer material is relatively low, thus preventing the second heating plate from overheating the outer material.

[0031] Alternatively, the pressure of the first heating plate can be set to a first pressure. The pressure of the second heating plate is set to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure.

[0032] The first heating plate and the second heating plate are different bodies, so the pressure of the first heating plate and the pressure of the second heating plate can be optimized respectively.

[0033] In addition, the pressure of the second heating plate at each edge of the welded outer material is relatively low, thus preventing the second heating plate from over-pressuring the outer material.

[0034] Alternatively, the pressurization and heating time of the first heating plate can be set to the first time. The pressurization and heating time of the second heating plate is set to a second time that is shorter than the first time.

[0035] The first heating plate and the second heating plate are different bodies, so the pressurization and heating time of the first heating plate and the pressurization and heating time of the second heating plate can be optimized respectively.

[0036] In addition, the pressure and heating time of the second heating plate at each edge of the welding outer material is relatively short, thus suppressing excessive pressure and heating of the outer material by the second heating plate.

[0037] Alternatively, in the battery cell, the direction in which the first current collector connected to the negative electrode protrudes outward through the first opening of the container is the same as the direction in which the second current collector connected to the positive electrode protrudes outward through the second opening of the container. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a third heating plate, which pressurizes and heats each edge of the outer casing material overlapping in the stacking direction between the first opening and the second opening, which are adjacent in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction, thereby sealing the edge of the container.

[0038] The third heating plate is welded to the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the stacking direction, therefore, like the second heating plate, it requires relatively low pressure and relatively low temperature. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus has a third heating plate separate from the first and second heating plates, thus optimizing the pressure and temperature of the third heating plate. The manufacturing apparatus can appropriately perform welding during battery cell manufacturing, and can simultaneously and stably seal the first and second openings respectively.

[0039] The technology disclosed herein also relates to a method for manufacturing battery cells using a battery cell manufacturing apparatus. The battery cell comprises: a container housing a power generation element having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a stacking direction; a plurality of current collectors connected to the electrodes within the container and protruding out of the container through an opening in the container while stacked in the stacking direction; and resin fused to the current collectors between the stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container. The container having the opening is formed by fusing the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the stacking direction; The method for manufacturing a single battery cell includes: At the location of the opening in the container, the outer material and the resin are pressurized and heated in the stacking direction by a first heating plate, thereby sealing the opening; On the resin side at the opening of the container, at least in the stacking direction, the edges of the overlapping outer materials are pressurized and heated by a second heating plate to seal the edge of the container.

[0040] Alternatively, a corner can be formed between the side of the opening and the edge of the container. The first heating plate is moved in the lamination direction to apply pressure to the outer material and the resin in the lamination direction. The second heating plate moves obliquely toward the direction of the opening relative to the stacking direction, such that the first surface of the second heating plate abuts against the side of the opening and the second surface of the second heating plate abuts against the edge of the container, thereby pressurizing the outer material in both directions orthogonal to the stacking direction and the stacking direction.

[0041] [Invention Effects] The battery cell manufacturing apparatus is capable of performing welding during battery cell manufacturing appropriately. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a single battery cell; Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of a single battery cell; Figure 3 The diagram shows the manufacturing equipment for a single battery cell; Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the manufacturing states of a single battery cell when the number of electrode layers varies. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the manufacturing states of individual battery cells at different positions of the periphery of the container. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a manufacturing apparatus for producing battery cells with the first and second openings arranged in a specific pattern. Figure 7 The diagram shows an existing battery cell manufacturing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following describes an embodiment of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus with reference to the accompanying drawings. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus described herein is an example.

[0044] (Structure of a single battery cell) Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the overall structure of battery cell 1. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of battery cell 1. Figure 2 More specifically, this is a perspective view of the power generation element 2 of battery cell 1. The following will... Figure 1 The left-right direction of the paper is called the X direction, which will be compared with... Figure 1 The direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper is called the Y direction. Figure 1 The vertical direction on the paper is called the Z-direction. The Z-direction corresponds to the stacking direction described later, and the Y-direction corresponds to the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction.

[0045] Battery cell 1 is a rechargeable battery. Battery cell 1 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. Battery cell 1 is a so-called pouch-type battery. Battery cell 1 includes a power generation element 2 and a container 10. The container 10 is sealed while housing the power generation element 2 and electrolyte. The container 10 is a pouch-shaped object formed by folding one piece of outer material 11 or overlapping two pieces of outer material 11 and sealing each edge. The outer material 11 is, for example, a three-layer structure consisting of a resin layer sandwiching a metal layer on both sides. The metal layer is, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. The resin layer is, for example, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0046] The power generation element 2 has a first electrode sheet 3. The first electrode sheet 3 is, for example, a negative electrode sheet. The power generation element 2 has a second electrode sheet 4. The second electrode sheet 4 is, for example, a positive electrode sheet. The first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 overlap each other. The number of first electrode sheets 3 and second electrode sheets 4 in the power generation element 2 is arbitrary. The power generation element 2 is an electrode stack. Hereinafter, the stacking direction of the first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 is sometimes referred to as the stacking direction.

[0047] The first electrode 3 has a current collector body 31. The current collector body 31 is a thin plate or foil extending in the X direction. The end of the current collector body 31, i.e. Figure 1 The left end of the container protrudes out of the container 10 from the left opening 12.

[0048] An active material is coated onto the first and second surfaces of the current collector body 31 located inside the container 10. The first surface... Figure 1 The middle is the upper surface of the current collector 31, and the second surface is... Figure 1 The lower surface of the current collector 31 is in the middle. The active material forms the first electrode 32. The current collector 31 is connected to the first electrode 32 inside the container 10.

[0049] The first electrode 3 has a diaphragm 33. The diaphragm 33 separates the first electrode 32 of the first electrode 3 from the second electrode 42 of the second electrode 4 (described later). The diaphragm 33 is, for example, a porous material that is permeable to ionic materials.

[0050] A diaphragm 33 covers the respective surfaces of the two first electrodes 32 in the first electrode sheet 3. The diaphragm 33 can be formed by attaching a membrane to the first electrode 32. Alternatively, it can be formed by drying the suspension coated on the first electrode 32. The area of ​​the diaphragm 33 can be the same as or larger than the area of ​​the first electrode sheet 3.

[0051] The second electrode plate 4 has a current collector 41. The current collector 41 is a thin plate or foil extending in the X direction. The end of the current collector 41, i.e. Figure 1 The right end of the current collector 41 protrudes outward from the right opening 13 of the container 10. In the X direction, the right opening 13 is the opposite opening to the left opening 12. The protruding direction of the current collector 41 is not limited to the opposite direction of the protruding direction of the current collector 31.

[0052] An active material is coated onto the first and second surfaces of the current collector 41 located inside the container 10. The active material forms the second electrode 42. The current collector 41 is connected to the second electrode 42 inside the container 10.

[0053] As previously described, the first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 are stacked alternately. The first electrode 32 and the second electrode 42 are stacked in the stacking direction, i.e., in the Z direction, inside the container 10 by a diaphragm 33.

[0054] The left opening 12 of container 10 is sealed with resin 5. Resin 5 is a sealing material. Resin 5 is located between the outer material 11 and the current collector 31, and between each current collector 31. Similarly, the right opening 13 is sealed with resin 5. Resin 5 is located between the outer material 11 and the current collector 41, and between each current collector 41.

[0055] A plurality of current collectors 31 are not connected inside the container 10 and protrude outward from the container 10. Similarly, a plurality of current collectors 41 are not connected inside the container 10 and protrude outward from the container 10. The connection space for the current collectors 31 and 41 can be omitted inside the container 10, thus allowing for a corresponding increase in the area of ​​the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 42. This improves the energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0056] (Manufacturing method of battery cell) The manufacturing method of the battery cell 1 is carried out according to the following process. First, a first electrode sheet 3 and a second electrode sheet 4 are prepared. As mentioned above, the first electrode sheet 3 has a current collector 31, a first electrode 32, and a separator 33. The first electrode sheet 3 also has a resin 5 (see reference). Figure 2 The resin 5 is located between the end of the current collector 31 and the first electrode 32 in the current collector 31. The resin 5 is pre-fused to the first surface and the second surface of the current collector 31, respectively.

[0057] The second electrode 4 has a current collector 41, a second electrode 42, and resin 5. The resin 5 of the second electrode 4 is located in the current collector 41 between the end of the current collector 41 and the second electrode 42, similar to the resin 5 of the first electrode 3. The resin 5 is pre-fused to the first and second surfaces of the current collector 41, respectively.

[0058] Next, as Figure 2 As shown, the first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 are stacked alternately. The first electrode 32 and the second electrode 42 overlap via a diaphragm 33. The first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 are stacked to form the power generation element 2. At this time, the current collector 31 of the first electrode sheet 3 and the current collector 41 of the second electrode sheet 4 protrude in opposite directions from each other, and the first electrode sheet 3 and the second electrode sheet 4 are stacked.

[0059] In the current collector 31 of the first electrode 3, resin 5 is located between the end of the current collector 31 and the power generation element 2. The resin 5 is arranged in the stacking direction. In the current collector 41 of the second electrode 4, resin 5 is also located between the end of the current collector 41 and the power generation element 2. The resin 5 is arranged in the stacking direction.

[0060] Resin 5 is a thermoplastic resin. Resin 5 is selected from cast polypropylene (CPP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or biaxially oriented nylon (ONY). Resin 5 and the resin layer of the outer material 11 can be the same resin.

[0061] After the power generation element 2 is formed, as Figure 2 As shown in the virtual illustration, the outer casing material 11 covers the power generation element 2. Figure 2 In the diagram, the first edge 111 of the outer casing material 11 in the X direction, which is marked with shade, is located at the position of the resin 5 of the first electrode sheet 3. The second edge 112 of the outer casing material 11 in the X direction is located at the position of the resin 5 of the second electrode sheet 4. The two edges of the outer casing material 11 in the Y direction are located on the outer side relative to the end of the power generation element 2.

[0062] Next, the edges of the outer casing material 11 and the resin 5 are welded together. Figure 3 Corresponding to Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view (III-III). Here, the manufacturing method of the battery cell 1 will be explained using the example of welding the resin 5 and the first edge 111 of the outer material 11 in the left opening 12. The welding of the resin 5 and the second edge 112 of the outer material 11 in the right opening 13 is also the same.

[0063] The manufacturing apparatus 9 for the battery cell 1 is an apparatus for welding heating plates. The manufacturing apparatus 9 includes a first heating plate 91. The first heating plate 91 is a heating plate for welding resin 5 and outer packaging material 11. More specifically, the first heating plate 91 presses and heats the first edge 111 of the outer packaging material 11 and the resin 5 in the stacking direction at the left opening 12 of the container 10. The width of the first heating plate 91 (… Figure 3 The width of the paper in the left and right directions corresponds to the width of the left opening 12.

[0064] In the Z-direction, the first heating plate 91 is located on the outer side of the upper outer material 11 and the outer side of the lower outer material 11, respectively. The first heating plate 91, via hydraulic cylinders 911, 911, moves the outer material 11 and resin 5 (refer to...) in the Z-direction. Figure 3 (The black arrow indicates pressure). Hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 extend in the Z direction. By extending hydraulic cylinders 911, 911, the first heating plate 91 can pressurize the first edge 111 of the outer material 11 and the resin 5 in the Z direction. Hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 are an example of a pressurizing mechanism that generates the pressurizing pressure of the first heating plate 91. Figure 3 The double-dotted line virtual diagram shows the boundary surfaces of the resin 5 welded together on the first electrode sheet 3.

[0065] In the battery cell 1, there are a large number of current collectors 31 and 41 stacked in the Z direction. A corner 18 is formed between the side of the opening 12 and the edge of the container 10 adjacent to the side in the Y direction.

[0066] The manufacturing apparatus 9 includes a second heating plate 92. The second heating plate 92 is a heating plate for welding the first edges 111 of the outer packaging material 11. More specifically, the second heating plate 92 is located on the side of the resin 5 at the left opening 12 of the container 10, and presses and heats the first edges 111 of the outer packaging material 11 that overlap in the Z direction, at least in the Z direction. In the Z direction, the second heating plate 92 is located above the upper outer packaging material 11 and below the lower outer packaging material 11, respectively. In the Y direction, the second heating plate 92 is also located on both sides of the first heating plate 91. The manufacturing apparatus 9 includes a total of four second heating plates 92.

[0067] The second heating plate 92 has a first surface 921 and a second surface 922. The first surface 921 is the surface facing the Y direction and is the surface that abuts against the side of the left opening 12. As will be described later, the first surface 921 presses against the side of the stacked resin 5 in the Y direction against the first edge 111 of the outer material 11. The second surface 922 is the surface facing the Z direction and is the surface that abuts against the edge of the container 10. As will be described later, the second surface 922 presses against each of the first edges 111 of the outer material 11 in the Z direction.

[0068] The second heating plate 92 is independent of the first heating plate 91. Separate from the first heating plate 91, the second heating plate 92 has a pressurizing mechanism. Specifically, the pressurizing mechanism of the second heating plate 92 has a hydraulic cylinder 923. The extension direction of the hydraulic cylinder 923 is inclined relative to the Z-direction. The pressurizing direction of the second heating plate 92 is different from the pressurizing direction of the first heating plate 91.

[0069] More specifically, the extension direction of the hydraulic cylinder 923 is inclined towards the left opening 12 relative to the Z-direction. Through the extension of the hydraulic cylinder 923, the first surface 921 of the second heating plate 92 presses the outer material 11 towards the side of the left opening 12. Through the extension of the hydraulic cylinder 923, the second surface 922 of the second heating plate 92 presses each outer material 11 in the Z-direction.

[0070] The pressure of the first heating plate 91 is set to the first pressure. The first pressure is a relatively high pressure. The first heating plate 91 can fully pressurize the plurality of resins 5 and outer packaging materials 11 stacked in the Z direction.

[0071] The pressure applied by the second heating plate 92 is set to a second pressure. The second pressure is lower than the first pressure. The second heating plate 92 does not over-pressurize the various outer materials 11 that overlap in the Z direction, and can apply pressure appropriately.

[0072] The temperature of the first heating plate 91 is set to a first temperature. The first temperature is a relatively high temperature. The heat energy from the high-temperature first heating plate 91 is transferred from the outer side to the central side in the stacking direction through the outer casing material 11, resin 5, and current collector 31. The plurality of resins 5 stacked in the Z direction receive the heat energy and melt.

[0073] The temperature of the second heating plate 92 is set to a second temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature. The heat energy from the second heating plate 92 is transferred to the outer material 11, and the resin on the back of the outer material 11 receives the heat energy and melts.

[0074] The pressurization and heating time of the first heating plate 91 is set to the first time. The first time is a relatively long time. The first heating plate 91 is able to supply sufficient heat energy to the plurality of resins 5 and the outer packaging material 11 stacked in the Z direction.

[0075] The pressurization and heating time of the second heating plate 92 is set to a second time. The second time is shorter than the first time. The second heating plate 92 can suppress excessive heat supply to the outer casing material 11 that overlaps in the Z direction.

[0076] The manufacturing apparatus 9 uses a first heating plate 91 and a second heating plate 92 to weld different portions of the openings 12 and 13 of the battery cell 1. The pressure, temperature, and time applied to the first heating plate 91 can be optimized, as can the pressure, temperature, and time applied to the second heating plate 92. The manufacturing apparatus 9 can appropriately perform welding during the manufacturing of the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 9 equipped with the first heating plate 91 and the second heating plate 92 can simultaneously weld different portions of the openings 12 and 13 of the battery cell 1, thus reducing manufacturing time.

[0077] The dimensions of the stacked resins 5 may vary considerably. If the dimensions vary greatly, gaps may occur between the resins 5 and the outer packaging material 11 at the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10, in the Y or Z direction, during the welding of the resins 5 in the manufacturing apparatus 9. The more resins 5 are stacked, the more difficult it is to properly weld the resins 5 and the outer packaging material 11 and stably seal the openings 12 and 13.

[0078] In this regard, in the manufacturing apparatus 9, the first heating plate 91 and the second heating plate 92 can independently pressurize the outer material 11 and the resin 5 in the Z direction. The plurality of resins 5 and outer materials 11 stacked at the openings 12 and 13 can be properly fused together.

[0079] Furthermore, the second heating plate 92 is capable of moving obliquely relative to the Z direction. The first surface 921 of the second heating plate 92 allows the outer casing material 11 to be welded seamlessly to the sides of the resin 5 stacked at the openings 12 and 13. The second surface 922 of the second heating plate 92 is capable of properly welding the edges of the outer casing material 11. The second heating plate 92, which can move in a different direction from the first heating plate 91, together with the first heating plate 91, can suppress gaps at the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10, and can stably seal the openings 12 and 13.

[0080] Thus, as Figure 3 As shown, the opening of container 10 (here, the left opening 12) is sealed by the fused resin 5. The manufacturing apparatus 9 can improve the sealing quality of the openings 12 and 13 of container 10.

[0081] In the manufacturing apparatus 9, the relative movement of the first heating plate 91 with respect to the second heating plate 92 in the Z direction is variable. The manufacturing apparatus 9 is capable of stably sealing the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10 for battery cells 1 of various shapes.

[0082] For example Figure 4 Example: The ratio of the number of stacked electrode plates 3 and 4 Figure 3 The manufacturing state of the battery cell 101 is such that the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10 are relatively thin. The relative movement of the first heating plate 91 is variable, so it can be positioned corresponding to the thickness T of the openings 12 and 13, and pressurize the first edge 111 of the outer material 11 and the resin 5 in the Z direction. The manufacturing apparatus 9 can stably seal the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10 even for battery cells 101 of different shapes.

[0083] In addition, for example Figure 5 The Z-direction position of the joint locations of the various edges of the outer material 11 is shown. Figure 3The manufacturing state of the battery cells 102 varies. It can be said that the thickness T of the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10 of the battery cells 102 is different. As mentioned earlier, the thickness T is the distance in the Z direction from the upper end of the openings 12 and 13 to the edge of the outer material 11. The relative movement of the first heating plate 91 with respect to the second heating plate 92 is variable, therefore, it can be positioned corresponding to the thickness T of the openings 12 and 13, and pressurize the first edge 111 of the outer material 11 and the resin 5 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the second heating plate 92 can pressurize each edge of the overlapping outer material 11 in the Z direction from the side of the first heating plate 91, and can pressurize the outer material 11 in the Y direction toward the side of the stacked resin 5. The manufacturing apparatus 9 can stably seal the openings 12 and 13 of the container 10 for battery cells 102 with different shapes.

[0084] The manufacturing apparatus 9, equipped with independent first heating plate 91 and second heating plate 92, is capable of manufacturing battery cells 1 of various shapes, and has high versatility.

[0085] (Modified Example) Figure 6 The illustration shows a modified version of manufacturing apparatus 9. Figure 6 The manufacturing apparatus 9 includes a third heating plate 93. Through Figure 6 In the battery cell 1 manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 9, current collectors 31 and 41 protrude in the same direction within the battery cell 1. At the first end in the X direction of the container 10, a first opening 14 protruding from the current collector 31 and a second opening 15 protruding from the current collector 41 are arranged in the Y direction. Between the first opening 14 and the second opening 15, the container 10 has a welding portion for welding the respective first edges 111 of the outer casing material 11 that overlap in the Z direction.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In the manufacturing apparatus 9, since a third heating plate 93 is clamped in, the first heating plate 91 is separated into a first heating plate 91 corresponding to the first opening 14 and a first heating plate 91 corresponding to the second opening 15, but the first heating plate 91 can also be a single unit.

[0087] The third heating plate 93, located between the first opening 14 and the second opening 15, presses and heats each of the first edges 111 of the outer casing material 11 that overlaps in the lamination direction in the Z direction. The manufacturing apparatus 9 includes a pressurizing mechanism for the third heating plate 93. The pressurizing mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder 931. The hydraulic cylinder 931 extends in the Z direction. By extending the hydraulic cylinder 931, the third heating plate 93 can press each of the first edges 111 of the outer casing material 11 in the Z direction.

[0088] The third heating plate 93 is independent of the first heating plate 91 and the second heating plate 92. The pressure applied to the third heating plate 93 is set to a third pressure. The temperature of the third heating plate 93 is set to a third temperature. The pressure and heating time of the third heating plate 93 are set to a third time. The pressure, temperature, and time of the third heating plate 93 are optimized. Since the first heating plate 91, the second heating plate 92, and the third heating plate 93 are independent of each other, the manufacturing apparatus 9 can appropriately pressurize and heat different parts of the openings 14 and 15 of the container 10. The manufacturing apparatus 9 can stably seal the openings 14 and 15 of the container 10.

[0089] The aforementioned hydraulic cylinder 923 is one example of a pressurizing mechanism that generates the pressurizing pressure of the second heating plate 92. The pressurizing mechanism of the second heating plate 92 is not limited to the hydraulic cylinder 923. The pressurizing mechanism of the second heating plate 92 can employ a well-known cam mechanism. The cam mechanism changes the vertical pressurizing pressure in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. Through the cam mechanism, the second heating plate 92 can move obliquely relative to the Z-direction.

[0090] The second heating plate 92 can also move in the Z direction.

[0091] [Numbering Explanation] 1. Battery cell 10 containers 11. Exterior materials 111 First Edge 112 Second edge 12 Left opening 13. Right opening 14 First opening 15 Second opening 18 corners 3. Electrode 1 31 Current collector 32 First Electrode 4. Second electrode plate 41 Current collector 42 Second electrode 5. Resin 91 First heating plate 92 Second heating plate 921 Page 1 922 Page 2 93 Third heating plate

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell, characterized in that: The battery cell has: a container that houses a power generation element having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a stacking direction; and a plurality of current collectors that are connected to the electrodes inside the container and protrude out of the container through an opening in the container while stacked in the stacking direction. Resin is fused to the stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container. The container having the opening is formed by fusing the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the stacking direction; The apparatus for manufacturing the battery cell includes: A first heating plate pressurizes and heats the outer material and the resin at the opening of the container in the stacking direction, thereby sealing the opening; The second heating plate, located on the resin side at the opening of the container, pressurizes and heats each edge of the outer packaging material overlapping in the stacking direction, at least in the stacking direction, thereby sealing the edge of the container.

2. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: A corner is formed between the side of the opening and the edge of the container. The first heating plate moves in the lamination direction to pressurize the outer material and the resin in the lamination direction. The second heating plate has a first surface that abuts against the side of the opening and a second surface that abuts against the edge of the container. It moves obliquely toward the direction of the opening relative to the stacking direction, thereby pressurizing the outer material in both directions orthogonal to the stacking direction and the stacking direction.

3. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The amount of relative movement of the first heating plate with respect to the second heating plate in the stacking direction is variable.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The temperature of the first heating plate is set to the first temperature. The temperature of the second heating plate is set to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The pressure applied to the first heating plate is set to the first pressure. The pressure of the second heating plate is set to a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The pressurization and heating time of the first heating plate is set to the first time. The pressurization and heating time of the second heating plate is set to a second time that is shorter than the first time.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a single battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the battery cell, the first current collector connected to the negative electrode protrudes outward in the same direction through the first opening of the container as the second current collector connected to the positive electrode protrudes outward in the same direction through the second opening of the container. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a third heating plate, which pressurizes and heats each edge of the outer casing material overlapping in the stacking direction between the first opening and the second opening, which are adjacent in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction, thereby sealing the edge of the container.

8. A method for manufacturing a battery cell using the battery cell manufacturing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cell has: a container that houses a power generation element having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a stacking direction; and a plurality of current collectors that are connected to the electrodes inside the container and protrude out of the container through an opening in the container while stacked in the stacking direction. Resin is fused to the stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container. The container having the opening is formed by fusing the edges of the overlapping outer materials in the stacking direction; The method for manufacturing a single battery cell includes: At the location of the opening in the container, the outer material and the resin are pressurized and heated in the stacking direction by a first heating plate, thereby sealing the opening; On the resin side at the opening of the container, at least in the stacking direction, the edges of the overlapping outer materials are pressurized and heated by a second heating plate to seal the edge of the container.

9. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 8, characterized in that: A corner is formed between the side of the opening and the edge of the container. The first heating plate is moved in the lamination direction to apply pressure to the outer material and the resin in the lamination direction. The second heating plate moves obliquely toward the direction of the opening relative to the stacking direction, such that the first surface of the second heating plate abuts against the side of the opening and the second surface of the second heating plate abuts against the edge of the container, thereby pressurizing the outer material in both directions orthogonal to the stacking direction and the stacking direction.

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