BATTERY CELL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A BATTERY CELL

Abstract

[Problem] Proper welding of resin pieces during the manufacturing of a battery cell. [Means of solution] A manufacturing apparatus 9 for a battery cell 1 includes: a first heating plate 91, which pressurizes and heats the outer materials 11, which form a container 10 of the battery cell 1, and resin pieces 5 in a layering direction at a position of an opening 12, 13 of the container 10, thereby sealing the opening; and a second heating plate 92, which pressurizes and heats the edges of the outer materials, which are stacked in the layering direction, at least in the layering direction, thereby sealing an edge section of the container.

Description

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] One of the techniques disclosed herein relates to a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell and a method for manufacturing a battery cell. [STATE OF THE ART]

[0002] Patent literature 1 describes a conventional laminated battery. The laminated battery is a battery in which an electrode body is housed within an outer component. The laminated battery includes a plurality of current-collecting terminals that extend from the electrode body to the outside of the outer component. The plurality of current-collecting terminals are stacked with thermoplastic resin pieces inserted between them. At the edge of the outer component, the resin pieces are welded to each other and to the outer component, thereby sealing the edge of the outer component from which the current-collecting terminals extend. In the laminated battery, each of the plurality of current-collecting terminals extends to the outside of the outer component. The plurality of current-collecting terminals are not interconnected within the outer component.In a laminated battery, the space within the outer component can be used to expand the electrode body. The structure of a laminated battery is advantageous for improving the battery's energy density. [Source reference][Patent literature]

[0003] [Patent literature 1] JP 2009 - 272 161 A [SUMPT OF THE INVENTION][Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A laminated battery is manufactured using a thermal sealing process. In this process, the stacked resin pieces are welded together at the edge of the outer component by being pressed in the stacking direction by a heating plate, which serves as the energy source. Additionally, the outer components, which are stacked on the lateral side of the resin pieces and at the edge of the outer components, are also joined together using a thermal sealing process with a heating plate.

[0005] As the number of current collectors pulled out of the outer material increases due to the increase in the number of electrodes layered in the battery cell, the number of resin pieces welded together in the thermal sealing process also increases. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an example of a manufacturing device 90 for a battery cell in which a large number of resin pieces 5 are to be welded together. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-section corresponding to an opening 19 of a container 10. The container 10 is formed by stacking sheet-like outer materials 11 and welding together the edges of the outer materials 11 in the layering direction (i.e., the top-bottom direction on the paper surface). Fig. 7) formed. The container 10 houses an electricity generating element. The reference numerals 30 denote current collectors 30 of the electricity generating element, and the current collectors 30 protrude through the opening 19 to the outside of the container 10. It should be noted that the opening 19 of the container 10 here signifies an opening through which the current collectors 30 are pulled out. The part where the edges of the outer materials 11 are welded together is not included in the opening 19.

[0006] Since the number of resin pieces 5 is large, the thickness T of the opening 19 is considerably greater than the thickness of the welded part of the edges of the outer materials 11. Here, the thickness T is the distance from the upper end of the opening 19 to the edge section of the outer material 11. A corner 18 is formed between a lateral part of the opening 19 and the welded part of the edges of the outer materials 11 adjacent to the lateral part.

[0007] If the welding of the resin pieces 5 and the welding of the edges of the outer materials 11 are carried out simultaneously, the manufacturing labor hours for the battery cell can be reduced. Each heating plate 99, which is to be used for heating plate welding of the resin pieces 5, can be shaped to have a recess 98 that fits the shape of the battery cell. The depth D of the recess 98 is preset to correspond to the thickness T of the opening 19, and the width W of the recess 98 is preset to correspond to the width of the opening 19.

[0008] However, the pressure and temperature required for the heating plate 99 at the part where a large number of layered resin pieces 5 are welded together differ from the pressure and temperature required for the part where the edges of the outer materials 11 are welded together. It is difficult for the heating plate 99 to adequately weld both the large number of layered resin pieces 5 and the edges of the outer materials 11 together.

[0009] Additionally, since a large number of resin pieces 5 are layered, it is conceivable to pre-adjust the depth D and width W of the recess 98 to a larger size, taking into account the variation in the shape of the resin pieces 5. However, if the size of the recess is made larger, a gap will appear between the resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11 during the hot plate welding process, and the opening 19 may not be stably sealed.

[0010] Furthermore, a heating plate 99 with a fixed-size recess 98 can only be used to produce battery cells of the same shape. If, for example, the number of layered electrodes in the battery cell differs, the thickness T of the opening 19 changes. The heating plate 99 with the recess 98 of depth D cannot be used to produce battery cells with openings 19 of different thicknesses T. The heating plate 99 with the recess 98 has limited versatility.

[0011] The technique disclosed herein is used to properly weld together pieces of resin during the manufacturing process of a battery cell. [Means to solve the problem]

[0012] The technology disclosed herein relates to a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell and a method for manufacturing a battery cell.

[0013] The battery cell includes a container, a plurality of current collectors, and resin pieces, wherein the container houses a power-generating element in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked in a layering direction, wherein the plurality of current collectors are each connected to a corresponding one of the electrodes in the container, wherein the current collectors each protrude through an opening of the container to the outside of the container in a state in which the current collectors are stacked in the layering direction, and wherein the resin pieces are each welded to a corresponding one of the current collectors between the adjacent stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container.

[0014] The container with the opening is formed by welding together edges of outer materials, with the outer materials stacked in the layering direction.

[0015] In other words, the battery cell includes a container, a plurality of current collectors, and resin pieces, wherein the container houses a power-generating element which may comprise or be formed by a plurality of electrodes stacked in a layering direction, each of the plurality of current collectors being connected to a corresponding electrode in the container, each of the current collectors protruding through an opening of the container to the outside of the container, particularly in a state in which the current collectors are stacked in the layering direction, each resin piece being welded to a corresponding current collector, particularly between the adjacent stacked current collectors, to seal the opening of the container.

[0016] The container with the opening can be formed by welding together the edges of outer materials. The outer materials can be stacked, particularly in the layering direction.

[0017] The battery cell manufacturing device includes: a first heating plate that pressurizes and / or heats the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, particularly at a position of the container opening, thereby sealing the opening; and a second heating plate that pressurizes and / or heats the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction, at least in the layering direction, on the lateral sides of the resin pieces at a position of the opening of the container, thereby welding the edges of the outer materials together.

[0018] In other words, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus disclosed herein may in particular include: a first heating plate configured to heat external materials in the layering direction to form a container for the battery cell and pieces of resin to seal the battery cell, particularly at a position of the opening of the container, to apply pressure and / or heat in order to seal the opening; and a second heating plate configured to apply pressure and / or heat, at least partially in the layering direction, edges of the outer materials that may be stacked in the layering direction, particularly on lateral sides of the resin pieces, for example, on lateral sides of the resin pieces located at a position of the opening of the container, in order to weld edges of the outer materials together.

[0019] A method for manufacturing a battery cell, as disclosed herein, comprises: Applying pressure and / or heating to the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, particularly at a position of the container opening, in order to seal the opening; and for example simultaneously or sequentially, Applying pressure and / or heating to the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction, at least partially in the layering direction on lateral sides of the resin pieces at a position of the opening of the container, in order to seal an edge section of the container.

[0020] In other words, a process for manufacturing a battery cell as disclosed herein comprises: Applying pressure and / or heating, in the layering direction, to external materials to form a container for the battery cell and to pieces of resin to seal an opening of the container, particularly at a position of the opening of the container, in order to seal the opening; and for example simultaneously or successively, Applying pressure and / or heating, at least partially in the layering direction or (only) partially in the layering direction, to edges of the outer materials that may be stacked in the layering direction on lateral sides of the resin pieces, for example on lateral sides of the resin pieces that are arranged at a position of the opening of the container to seal an edge section of the container.

[0021] Features and effects as described herein with respect to the battery cell manufacturing apparatus shall apply accordingly to the battery cell manufacturing process as described herein, and vice versa.

[0022] In the battery cell, each of the multitude of stacked current collectors can protrude through the opening of the container to the outside of the container.

[0023] The multitude of current collectors can, for example, be connected to electrodes with the same polarity.

[0024] Inside the container, the multiple power collectors may not be interconnected.

[0025] The connecting space between the power collectors inside the container can be omitted.

[0026] The electrodes of the battery cell can be expanded by utilizing the space inside the container.

[0027] The battery cell of this structure can have a high energy density.

[0028] The opening of the container can be sealed with pieces of resin.

[0029] The resin pieces can, for example, include or be thermoplastic resin pieces.

[0030] The container with the opening is formed by welding together the edges of outer materials, with the outer materials being stacked, for example, in the layering direction.

[0031] The opening of the container is a part through which the current collector protrudes and, in particular, a part that is sealed with the resin pieces.

[0032] The part where the edges of the outer materials are welded together may not be enclosed in the opening of the container.

[0033] The battery cell manufacturing device welds the outer materials and resin pieces together and welds the edges of the outer materials. The battery cell manufacturing process welds the outer materials and resin pieces together and welds the edges of the outer materials together.

[0034] The first heating plate applies pressure to and / or heats the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, especially at the position of the container opening.

[0035] To weld together the large number of stacked resin pieces, it may be necessary for the first heating plate to apply a relatively high pressure and / or a relatively high temperature.

[0036] The second heating plate applies pressure to and / or heats the edges of the outer materials in the layering direction on the lateral side of the resin pieces, especially at the position of the opening of the container.

[0037] Since the second heating plate welds the edges of the outer materials together to seal an edge section of the container, it is necessary for the second heating plate to apply a relatively low pressure and / or a relatively low temperature.

[0038] The manufacturing device welds different parts of the battery cell together using the first heating plate and the second heating plate.

[0039] The pressure and temperature of the first heating plate can be optimized, and the pressure and temperature of the second heating plate can be optimized.

[0040] The manufacturing device can adequately perform welding during the manufacturing process of the battery cell.

[0041] Furthermore, since the manufacturing device and manufacturing process described above allow different parts of the battery cell to be welded simultaneously using the first heating plate and the second heating plate, the manufacturing device makes it possible to reduce manufacturing working hours.

[0042] It is also possible that: a corner is formed between a lateral part of the opening and an edge section of the container.

[0043] For example, the first heating plate can move in the layering direction to apply pressure to the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction; and / or The second heating plate can have a first surface that comes into contact with a lateral part of the opening and a second surface that comes into contact with the edge section of the container, and can, for example, move diagonally towards the opening with respect to the layering direction in order to apply pressure to the outer materials both in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction and in the layering direction.

[0044] In other words, a corner can be formed between a lateral part of the opening and an edge section of the container.

[0045] In particular, the outer materials and the resin pieces can be pressurized and heated by a first heating plate that moves essentially in the layering direction to pressurize the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, and / or The edges of the outer materials can be pressurized and / or heated by a second heating plate, which has a first surface that comes into contact with a lateral part of the opening and a second surface that comes into contact with the edge section of the container.

[0046] The second heating plate can, for example, move diagonally towards the opening with respect to the layering direction in order to apply pressure to the outer materials both in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction and in the layering direction.

[0047] The layered product, in which numerous resin pieces are stacked, can exhibit large dimensional variations. If there is a large dimensional variation, a gap can form between the resin pieces and the outer materials in the layering direction or in the direction perpendicular to the layering direction at the opening of the container.

[0048] In contrast, in the manufacturing device and manufacturing process described above, the first heating plate moves in the layering direction.

[0049] The first heating plate applies pressure to the outer materials and resin pieces in the layering direction, enabling the multitude of resin pieces and outer materials stacked in the opening to be adequately welded together.

[0050] The second heating plate can move diagonally towards the opening in relation to the layering direction.

[0051] The first surface of the second heating plate can come into contact with the lateral part of the opening and can exert pressure on the outer materials in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0052] The outer materials are welded without gaps to the lateral parts of the resin pieces stacked in the opening.

[0053] In the direction perpendicular to the layering direction, the formation of a gap between the resin pieces and the outer materials is prevented.

[0054] The second surface of the second heating plate can come into contact with the edge section of the container and can exert pressure on the outer materials in the layering direction.

[0055] The edges of the outer materials are welded together appropriately.

[0056] The second heating plate, which can move in a direction different from that of the first heating plate, works in particular with the first heating plate to prevent a gap from forming at the opening of the container, thus enabling the opening to be sealed securely.

[0057] The first heating plate can exhibit a variable degree of movement relative to the second heating plate in the layering direction. In particular, the first heating plate can exhibit an adjustable degree of movement and / or an adjustable speed of movement relative to the second heating plate, especially in the layering direction.

[0058] If the degree of relative movement of the first heating plate is variable or adjustable, the battery cell manufacturing device can optimize the position of the first heating plate depending on the shape of the battery cell.

[0059] The manufacturing device can reliably seal the openings of containers for battery cells of various shapes. The device is versatile.

[0060] It is also possible that: the temperature of the first heating plate is set to a first temperature; and / or The temperature of the second heating plate is set to a second temperature, which is particularly lower than the first temperature.

[0061] In particular, the heating of the outer materials and the resin pieces can be carried out at an initial temperature, and / or The heating of edges of the outer materials on lateral sides of the resin pieces can be carried out at a second temperature, which may be independent of the first temperature and which may be lower than the first temperature.

[0062] Since the first heating plate and the second heating plate are separate bodies, the temperature of the first heating plate and the temperature of the second heating plate can be optimized individually.

[0063] Since the second heating plate, which welds the edges of the outer materials together, has a relatively low temperature, it can prevent the outer materials from overheating.

[0064] It is also possible that: the pressure of the first heating plate is set to a first pressure force, and / or The pressure force of the second heating plate is adjusted to a second pressure force, which is particularly lower than the first pressure force.

[0065] In particular, the application of pressure to the outer materials and the resin pieces can be carried out at a first compressive force, and / or Applying pressure to the edges of the outer materials on the lateral sides of the resin pieces can be carried out with a second pressure force, which may be independent of the first pressure force and which may be lower than the first pressure force.

[0066] Since the first and second heating plates are separate bodies, the pressure force of the first heating plate and the pressure force of the second heating plate can be individually optimized.

[0067] Since the second heating plate, which welds the edges of the outer materials together, has a relatively low pressure, the second heating plate can prevent the outer materials from being subjected to excessive pressure.

[0068] It is also possible that: a pressure application and / or a heating time of the first heating plate is set to a specific time; and / or The pressure application and / or heating time of the second heating plate is set to a second time, which is particularly shorter than the first time.

[0069] In particular, applying pressure and / or heating the outer materials and the resin pieces can be carried out for an initial period of time, and / or Applying pressure and / or heating edges of the outer materials on lateral sides of the resin pieces can be carried out for a second time, which may be independent of the first time and may in particular be shorter than the first time.

[0070] Since the first heating plate and the second heating plate are separate bodies, the pressurization and / or heating time of the first heating plate and the pressurization and / or heating time of the second heating plate can be individually optimized.

[0071] The second heating plate, which in particular welds the edges of the outer materials together, can have a relatively short pressurization and / or heating time, especially compared to the pressurization and / or heating time of the first heating plate, so that the second heating plate can prevent the outer materials from being excessively pressurized and heated.

[0072] It is also possible that: the battery cell has first current collectors and second current collectors, the first current collectors each being connected to a negative electrode, the second current collectors each being connected to a positive electrode; a direction in which the first current collectors protrude outwards through a first opening of the container is the same as, or substantially parallel to, a direction in which the second current collectors protrude outwards through a second opening of the container; and The battery cell manufacturing device may further include a third heating plate which pressurizes and / or heats the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction between the first opening and the second opening, which are adjacent in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction, thereby sealing an edge section of the container.

[0073] In particular, the battery cell manufacturing device may further include a third heating plate which pressurizes and / or heats the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction, in particular between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the area between the first opening and the second opening which is heated and / or pressurized by the third heating plate may adjoin the first opening and the second opening in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0074] This allows an edge section of the container to be sealed.

[0075] In particular, the method for manufacturing a battery cell may further include applying pressure and / or heating edges of the outer materials which are stacked in the layering direction, in particular in the layering direction, especially between a first opening and a substantially opposite second opening of the container.

[0076] The third heating plate may be required to apply a relatively low pressure and / or a relatively low temperature, similar to the second heating plate, especially compared to the first heating plate, in order to weld together the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction.

[0077] The battery cell manufacturing device includes the third heating plate in addition to the first and second heating plates, so that the manufacturing device can optimize the pressure and temperature of the third heating plate.

[0078] The manufacturing device described above can adequately perform the welding during the manufacturing of the battery cell and can seal each of the first opening and the second opening simultaneously and stably. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0079] The battery cell manufacturing apparatus and the battery cell manufacturing process described above allow welding to be carried out appropriately during the battery cell manufacturing process. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the battery cell. Fig. Figure 3 shows a manufacturing device for the battery cell. Fig. Figure 4 shows a manufacturing state of a battery cell in which the number of layered electrodes differs. Fig. Figure 5 shows a manufacturing state of a battery cell in which the edges of the container are in different positions. Fig. Figure 6 shows a manufacturing device for producing a battery cell, in which a first opening and a second opening are located next to each other. Fig. Figure 7 shows a conventional manufacturing device for a battery cell. [Mode for carrying out the invention]

[0080] An embodiment of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a battery cell are described below with reference to the drawings. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus described here is an example. Features and effects described with respect to the manufacturing apparatus apply accordingly to the method for manufacturing the battery cell and vice versa. (Battery cell structure)

[0081] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the overall structure of a battery cell 1.

[0082] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view, for example of battery cell 1.

[0083] More precisely, Fig. 2 a perspective view of an electricity generating element 2 of the battery cell 1.

[0084] The following describes the left-right direction on the paper surface in Fig. 1. An X-direction is called a direction that relates to the plane of the paper in Fig. One vertical direction is called a Y-direction, and the top-bottom direction on the paper surface is called a . Fig. 1 is called a Z-direction.

[0085] The Z-direction corresponds to the layering direction described later, and the Y-direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0086] Battery cell 1 can be a secondary battery.

[0087] Battery cell 1, for example, is a lithium-ion battery.

[0088] Battery cell 1 can be a so-called pouch-type battery.

[0089] The battery cell 1 includes a power generation element 2 and a container 10.

[0090] Container 10 can be sealed with the electricity generating element 2 and the electrolyte contained therein.

[0091] The container 10 can, for example, be formed into a bag shape by folding an outer material 11 or by stacking two outer materials 11 and sealing the edges.

[0092] Each of the outer materials 11 can have a three-layer structure in which a metal layer is inserted between two resin layers.

[0093] The metal layer is, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. The resin layer consists, for example, of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0094] The electricity generating element 2 has first electrode sheets 3.

[0095] The first electrode sheets 3, for example, are negative electrode sheets.

[0096] The electricity generating element 2 has second electrode laminations 4.

[0097] The second electrode plates 4 are, for example, positive electrode plates.

[0098] The first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are stacked alternately.

[0099] The number of first electrode sheets 3 and second electrode sheets 4 in the electricity generating element 2 are optional.

[0100] The electricity-generating element 2 is an electrode-layered product. The electricity-generating element 2 can comprise or be formed from the stacked electrodes, or in other words, it can comprise or be formed from the stacked electrode sheets 3, 4.

[0101] In the following, the direction in which the first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are layered, or in other words, stacked, can be referred to as the layering direction.

[0102] Each first electrode plate 3 can have a current collector 31.

[0103] The current collector 31 can be a thin sheet material or a film extending in the X direction.

[0104] One end of the current collector 31, that is, the left end in Fig. 1, may protrude to the outside of the container 10, in particular from the (left) opening 12 of the container 10.

[0105] A first surface and / or a second surface of each current collector 31 located inside the container 10 can be coated with an active material.

[0106] The first surface is the upper surface of the current collector 31 in Fig. 1 and the second surface is the lower surface of the current collector 31 in Fig. 1.

[0107] The active material can form first electrodes 32.

[0108] The current collector 31 can be connected to the first electrodes 32 inside the container 10.

[0109] Each first electrode plate 3 can have separators 33.

[0110] Each separator 33 can separate the first electrode 32 of the first electrode sheet 3 from a second electrode 42 of the second electrode sheet 4, as will be described later.

[0111] Separator 33, for example, is a porous material through which ionic substances can pass.

[0112] Each separator 33 can cover the surface of one of the two first electrodes 32 in the first electrode sheet 3.

[0113] The separator 33 can be formed by sticking a film forming the separator 33 onto the first electrode 32.

[0114] The separator 33 can also be formed by drying the slurry applied to the first electrode 32.

[0115] The area of ​​the separator 33 can be equal to or greater than the area of ​​the first electrode sheet 3.

[0116] Every second electrode plate 4 can have a current collector 41.

[0117] The current collector 41 can be a thin sheet material or a film extending in the X direction.

[0118] One end of the current collector 41, that is, the right end in Fig. 1, may protrude to the outside of the container 10, in particular from the (right) opening 13 of the container 10.

[0119] The right opening 13 is an opening opposite or essentially opposite the left opening 12 in the X direction.

[0120] The direction of projection of the current collector 41 is not limited to the opposite direction to the direction of projection of the current collector 31.

[0121] A first surface and / or a second surface of each current collector 41 located inside the container 10 can be coated with an active material.

[0122] The active material can form second electrodes 42.

[0123] The current collector 41 is connected to the second electrodes 42, particularly inside the container 10.

[0124] As described above, the first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are stacked alternately.

[0125] The first electrodes 32 and the second electrodes 42 are stacked in the layering direction, i.e. the Z-direction, inside the container 10, in particular by means of the separators 33.

[0126] The left opening 12 of the container 10 can be sealed with resin pieces 5.

[0127] Each resin piece 5 can include or be a sealing material.

[0128] The resin pieces 5 can be located between the outer materials 11 and the current collectors 31 and / or between the current collectors 31.

[0129] Similarly, additionally or alternatively, the right opening 13 can be sealed with resin pieces 5.

[0130] The resin pieces 5 can be located between the outer materials 11 and the current collectors 41 and / or between the current collectors 41.

[0131] The multiple power collectors 31 may not be connected to each other inside the container 10 and may, in particular, protrude individually from the container 10.

[0132] Similarly, additionally or alternatively, the multitude of current collectors 41 inside the container 10 may not be connected to each other and may, in particular, protrude individually to the outside of the container 10.

[0133] Inside the container 10, since the connecting space of the current collectors 31 and 41 can be omitted, the areas of the first electrodes 32 and the second electrodes 42 can be increased by the omitted space.

[0134] Battery cell 1 can have a high energy density. (Method for manufacturing a battery cell)

[0135] A method for manufacturing the battery cell 1 follows the procedure below. First, the first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 can be prepared.

[0136] As described above, each first electrode plate 3 can have a current collector 31, first electrodes 32, and in particular separators 33. The first electrode plate 3 can also have resin pieces 5 (see Fig. 2).

[0137] Each resin piece 5 can be located on the current collector 31 between the end of the current collector 31 and the first electrodes 32.

[0138] Each resin piece 5 can be pre-welded to a corresponding first surface and second surface of the current collectors 31.

[0139] Every second electrode plate 4 can have a current collector 41, second electrodes 42 and in particular resin pieces 5.

[0140] Each resin piece 5 of the second electrode sheet 4 can be located on the current collector 41 between the end of the current collector 41 and the second electrodes 42, for example similar to the resin piece 5 of the first electrode sheet 3.

[0141] Each resin piece 5 can be pre-welded to a corresponding first surface and second surface of the current collectors 41.

[0142] Next, the first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are stacked alternately, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0143] The first electrodes 32 and the second electrodes 42 can be stacked, in particular with the separators 33 inserted between them.

[0144] The first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are stacked to form the electricity generating element 2.

[0145] At this point, the first electrode sheets 3 and the second electrode sheets 4 are stacked, with the current collectors 31 of the first electrode sheets 3 and the current collectors 41 of the second electrode sheets 4 protruding in opposite directions.

[0146] In each current collector 31 of the first electrode sheet 3, resin pieces 5 can be located between the end of the current collector 31 and the electricity generating element 2.

[0147] The resin pieces 5 can be aligned in the layering direction or substantially in the layering direction.

[0148] In each current collector 41 of the second electrode sheet 4, resin pieces 5 can also be located between the end of the current collector 41 and the electricity-generating element 2. The resin pieces 5 can be aligned in the layering direction.

[0149] Each resin piece 5 can comprise or be a thermoplastic resin piece.

[0150] The resin piece 5 may comprise or consist of one or more of a material selected from cast polypropylene (CPP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or oriented nylon (ONY).

[0151] The resin pieces 5 and the resin layers of the outer materials 11 can comprise or consist of the same resin.

[0152] Once the electricity generating element 2 is formed, as shown in Fig. 2 shown imaginarily, the outer materials 11 are placed on the electricity generating element 2.

[0153] First edges 111 in the X-direction of the outer materials 11, which are in Fig. The areas marked with 2 hatching are located at a position of the resin pieces 5 of the first electrode sheets 3.

[0154] Second edges 112 in the X-direction of the outer materials 11 are located at a position of the resin pieces 5 of the second electrode sheets 4.

[0155] The two edges of each outer material 11 in the Y direction are each located on the outside of a corresponding end of the electricity generating element 2.

[0156] Next, the edges of the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5 can be welded together.

[0157] Fig. 3 corresponds in particular to a III-III cross-sectional view of Fig. 2.

[0158] Here, the process for manufacturing the battery cell 1 using the welding of the resin pieces 5 and the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 at the left opening 12 is described as an example, but the same applies in particular to the welding of the resin pieces 5 and the second edges 112 of the outer materials 11 at the right opening 13.

[0159] A manufacturing device 9 of a battery cell 1 is a device which in particular performs hot plate welding.

[0160] The manufacturing device 9 includes, for example, first heating plates 91. The first heating plates 91 are heating plates that weld together the resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11. More precisely, the first heating plates 91 apply pressure to and / or heat the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5, particularly in the layering direction, at the position of the (left) opening 12 of the container 10.

[0161] The width of each first heating plate 91 (width in left-right direction on the paper surface in Fig. 3) can correspond to the width of the left opening 12. In particular, the width of each first heating plate 91 (width in the left-right direction on the paper surface in Fig. 3, or in other words, in the Y-direction) correspond to a width of one or both of the openings 12, 13, particularly in the Y-direction, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0162] In the Z-direction, a first heating plate 91 can be located on the outside of the upper outer material 11, and the other first heating plate 91 is located on the outside of the lower outer material 11. In other words, a heating plate 91 can be located adjacent to each outermost outer material 11 in the Z-direction.

[0163] The first heating plates 91 can apply pressure to the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5, particularly in the Z-direction, for example with hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 (see black arrows in Fig. 3).

[0164] The hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 can extend in the Z-direction. For example, extending the hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 causes the first heating plates 91 to exert pressure on the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5 in the Z-direction.

[0165] The hydraulic cylinders 911, 911 are an example of a pressurization mechanism that generates a pressure force on the first heating plates 91.

[0166] Each dash-dot-dot line in Fig. Figure 3 shows an imaginary interface where the resin pieces 5 of the first electrode sheets 3 can be welded together.

[0167] The battery cell 1 can have a large number of current collectors 31, 41 stacked in the Z direction.

[0168] Corners 18 are each formed between a lateral part of the opening 12 and an edge section of the container 10 that borders the lateral part in the Y direction.

[0169] The manufacturing device 9 includes in particular second heating plates 92.

[0170] The second heating plates 92 are heating plates that weld together the first edges 111 of the outer material 11.

[0171] More precisely, the second heating plates 92 apply pressure and / or heat to the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 stacked in the Z direction on the lateral sides of the resin pieces 5 at the position of the (left) opening 12 of the container 10.

[0172] In the Z direction, part of the second heating plates 92 may be located above the upper outer material 11, and the remainder may be located, for example, below the lower outer material 11.

[0173] In the Y direction, part of the second heating plates 92 may be located on one side of the first heating plates 91, and the remainder may be located, for example, on the opposite side of the first heating plates 91.

[0174] The manufacturing device 9 can include a total of four second heating plates 92.

[0175] In particular, the second heating plates 92 can comprise two pairs of second heating plates 92. For example, a pair of second heating plates 92 can face each other in the layering direction, particularly on a first side of the first heating plates 91, especially on a first side of the first heating plates 91 in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0176] Additionally or alternatively, another pair of second heating plates 92 can be oriented towards each other in the layering direction, in particular on a second side of the first heating plates 91, in particular on a second side of the first heating plates 91 in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0177] One pair of second heating plates 92 can be oriented towards the other pair of second heating plates 92 in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0178] Every second heating plate 92 can have a first surface 921 and a second surface 922.

[0179] The first surface 921 is a surface facing the Y direction and a surface that comes into contact with a lateral part of the (left) opening 12.

[0180] As described later, the first surfaces 921 can exert pressure on the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 in the Y direction towards lateral parts of the stacked resin pieces 5.

[0181] The second surface 922 is a surface facing the Z direction and a surface that comes into contact with an edge section of the container 10.

[0182] As described later, the second surfaces 922 can exert pressure on the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 in the Z-direction.

[0183] The second heating plates 92 can be independent of the first heating plates 91.

[0184] Every second heating plate 92 can have a pressurization mechanism that is separate from the first heating plate 91.

[0185] In other words, the pressurization mechanism of the second heating plate 92 can have a hydraulic cylinder 923.

[0186] The extension direction of the hydraulic cylinder 923 can be inclined with respect to the Z-direction.

[0187] The direction of pressure application of the second heating plate 92 may differ from the direction of pressure application of the first heating plate 91.

[0188] More precisely, the extension direction of each hydraulic cylinder 923 can be inclined towards the (left) opening 12 with respect to the Z-direction.

[0189] The first surfaces 921 of the second heating plates 92 can apply pressure to the outer materials 11 towards the lateral parts of the left opening 12, for example by extending the hydraulic cylinders 923.

[0190] The second surfaces 922 of the second heating plates 92 can apply pressure to the outer materials 11 in the Z-direction, for example by extending the hydraulic cylinders 923.

[0191] The pressure force of each first heating plate 91 can be set to a first pressure force.

[0192] The first pressure force is a relatively high pressure force, especially in comparison to a second and / or third pressure force, such as that applied by the corresponding second heating plate 92 and the third heating plate 93.

[0193] The first heating plates 91 can exert sufficient pressure on the multitude of resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11, which are stacked in the Z direction.

[0194] The pressure force of each second heating plate 92 can be adjusted to a second pressure force.

[0195] The second pressure force can be a pressure force that is less than the first pressure force.

[0196] The second heating plates 92 can adequately apply pressure to the outer materials 11 stacked in the Z direction, in particular without applying excessive pressure to them.

[0197] The temperature of each first heating plate 91 can be set to a first temperature.

[0198] The first temperature is a relatively high temperature, especially compared to a second and / or third temperature, such as that set in relation to a corresponding second heating plate 92 and third heating plate 93.

[0199] Heat energy from the first heating plates 91, 91 at high temperature can be transferred in the layering direction from the outside to the center, in particular through the outer materials 11, the resin pieces 5 and in particular the current collectors 31.

[0200] Each of the numerous resin pieces stacked in the Z direction 5 can absorb heat energy and melt.

[0201] The temperature of every second heating plate 92 can be set to a second temperature.

[0202] The second temperature can be lower than the first temperature.

[0203] Heat energy from the second heating plates 92 can be transferred to the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces on the back surfaces of the outer materials 11, or in other words, the resin pieces adjacent to the outer materials 11, especially in the layering direction, can melt due to the absorbed heat energy.

[0204] The pressurization and / or heating time of the first heating plates 91 can be set to a first time. The first time can be a relatively long time, especially compared to a second time and / or a third time for pressurizing and / or heating with a corresponding second heating plates 92 and third heating plates 93.

[0205] The first heating plates 91 can supply sufficient heat energy to each of the multitude of resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11 stacked in the Z direction.

[0206] The pressurization and / or heating time of the second heating plates 92 can be set to a second time.

[0207] The second time can be shorter than the first time.

[0208] The second heating plates 92 can prevent excessive heat energy from being supplied to the outer materials 11 stacked in the Z direction.

[0209] The manufacturing device 9 welds different parts together in the openings 12, 13 of the battery cell 1, in particular using the first heating plates 91 and the second heating plates 92.

[0210] The pressure, temperature and / or time of each first heating plate 91 can be optimized, and the pressure, temperature and / or time of each second heating plate 92 can also be optimized.

[0211] The manufacturing device 9 described above can perform welding appropriately during the manufacturing of a battery cell 1. In addition, the manufacturing device 9, which includes the first heating plates 91 and the second heating plates 92, can, for example, simultaneously weld different parts in the openings 12, 13 of the battery cell 1, thereby reducing the manufacturing labor hours.

[0212] A layered product, in which a large number of resin pieces 5 are stacked, can exhibit significant dimensional variations. If the dimensional variation is large, a gap may appear between the resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11 in the Y-direction or Z-direction at the openings 12, 13 of the container 10 during the welding process using the manufacturing device 9. The more resin pieces 5 are stacked, the more difficult it becomes to adequately weld the resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11 together to create a stable seal at the openings 12, 13.

[0213] In contrast, in the manufacturing device 9, the first heating plates 91 can apply pressure to the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5 in the Z-direction independently of the second heating plates 92. The multitude of stacked resin pieces 5 and the outer materials 11 are appropriately welded together at the positions of the openings 12, 13.

[0214] The second heating plates 92 can also move in a diagonal direction with respect to the Z-direction. In other words, the second heating plates 92 can move at an angle in order to apply pressure to a section of the outer material 11 in the layering direction as well as in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction, in particular simultaneously.

[0215] The first surfaces 921 of the second heating plates 92 can weld the outer materials 11 with the lateral parts of the resin pieces 5 stacked at the openings 12, 13 without any gaps.

[0216] The second surfaces 922 of the second heating plates 92 can weld the edges of the outer material 11 together appropriately.

[0217] The second heating plates 92, which can move in a direction different from that of the first heating plates 91, can interact with the first heating plates 91 to prevent gaps from forming in the openings 12, 13 of the container 10, thereby sealing the openings 12, 13 securely.

[0218] In this way, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows the opening of container 10 (here the left opening 12) sealed by the welded resin pieces 5. The manufacturing device 9 can improve the sealing quality of the openings 12, 13 of container 10.

[0219] In the manufacturing device 9, the measure of movement of each first heating plate 91 in the Z direction relative to the second heating plate 92 is configured to be variable, or configured to be adaptable.

[0220] The manufacturing device 9 can stably seal the openings 12, 13 of the containers 10 for battery cells 1 of different shapes.

[0221] For example, it illustrates Fig. 4 a manufacturing state of a battery cell 101 in which the number of layered electrode sheets 3, 4 compared to battery cell 1 in Fig. 3 is smaller.

[0222] The thickness T of the openings 12, 13 of the container 10 is relatively thin.

[0223] Since the first heating plates 91 can have a variable or adjustable degree of relative movement, they can be positioned at a position corresponding to the thickness T of the openings 12, 13 and exert pressure on the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5 in the Z-direction.

[0224] The manufacturing device 9 can stably seal the openings 12, 13 of the container 10 even with battery cells 101 of different shapes.

[0225] For example, it illustrates Fig. 5 a manufacturing state of a battery cell 102, in which, compared to battery cell 1, Fig. Three connecting parts between the edges of the outer materials 11 are located in different positions in the Z-direction. It can be said that the battery cell 102 can have different thicknesses T of the openings 12, 13 of the container 10. In particular, the present manufacturing apparatus and method may be suitable for producing battery cells 1, 101, 102 with openings 12, 13 having a thickness that differs from other battery cells.

[0226] It should be noted that, as described above, the thickness T is the distance from the upper ends of the openings 12, 13 to the edges of the outer material 11 in the Z-direction, in particular to the edges of the outer material 11 which may extend substantially perpendicular to the layering direction.

[0227] Since the first heating plates 91 can have a variable or adjustable degree of movement relative to the second heating plates 92, they can be positioned at a position corresponding to the thickness T of the openings 12, 13 and exert pressure on the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 and the resin pieces 5 in the Z-direction.

[0228] The second heating plates 92 can apply pressure in the Z direction to the edges of the outer materials 11, which are stacked in the Z direction on the lateral side of a first heating plate 91, and can apply pressure to the outer materials 11 in the Y direction towards the lateral parts of the stacked resin pieces 5.

[0229] The manufacturing device 9 can stably seal the openings 12, 13 of the container 10 even for battery cells 102 with different shapes.

[0230] The manufacturing device 9, which includes the first heating plates 91 and the second heating plates 92, which are in particular independent of each other, can produce battery cells 1 of different shapes and is highly versatile. (Modification)

[0231] Fig. Figure 6 shows a modification of the manufacturing device 9 and the corresponding manufacturing process.

[0232] The manufacturing device 9 in Fig. 6 includes third heating plates 93.

[0233] In the manufacturing device 9 of Fig. In 6 manufactured battery cell 1, the current collectors 31 and the current collectors 41 can protrude in the same direction in battery cell 1 and / or substantially parallel in battery cell 1.

[0234] At the first end of the container 10 in the X-direction, a first opening 14, from which the current collectors 31 protrude, and a second opening 15, from which the current collectors 41 protrude, are provided side by side in the Y-direction. The container 10 has a welded section between the first opening 14 and the second opening 15, where the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 stacked in the Z-direction are welded together.

[0235] It should be noted that in the manufacturing device 9 of Fig.6 the third heating plates 93 are inserted in such a way that each of the first heating plates 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 may be of one piece.

[0236] The third heating plates 93 can apply pressure and / or heat the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11 stacked in the layering direction in the Z-direction, in particular between the first opening 14 and the second opening 15.

[0237] The manufacturing device 9 can include a pressurization mechanism for the third heating plates 93.

[0238] The pressurization mechanism can consist of hydraulic cylinders 931. The hydraulic cylinders 931 can extend in the Z-direction.

[0239] Extending the hydraulic cylinders 931 enables the third heating plates 93 to apply pressure to the first edges 111 of the outer materials 11, particularly in the Z direction.

[0240] The third heating plates 93 can be independent of the first heating plates 91 and / or the second heating plates 92.

[0241] The pressure force of each third heating plate 93 can be adjusted to a third pressure force.

[0242] The temperature of the third heating plate 93 can be set to a third temperature.

[0243] The pressurization and / or heating time of the third heating plate 93 can be set to a third time.

[0244] The pressure, temperature and / or time of each third heating plate 93 are individually optimized.

[0245] Since the first heating plates 91, the second heating plates 92 and the third heating plates 93 can be independent of each other, the manufacturing device 9 can adequately pressurize and heat different parts in the openings 14, 15 of the container 10.

[0246] The manufacturing device 9 can stably seal the openings 14, 15 of the container 10.

[0247] The hydraulic cylinders 923 described above are an example of a pressurization mechanism that generates a pressure force on the second heating plates 92.

[0248] The pressurization mechanism of the second heating plates 92 is not limited to the hydraulic cylinders 923.

[0249] The pressurization mechanism of the second heating plates 92 can utilize a known cam mechanism. This cam mechanism can convert the vertical pressure force into a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. The cam mechanism allows the second heating plates 92 to be moved diagonally relative to the Z-direction.

[0250] It should be noted that the second heating plates 92 can be configured to move (exclusively) in the Z direction. [List of reference symbols] 1 battery cell 10 containers 11 Outer material 111 First Edge 112 Second Edge 12 Left opening 13 Right Opening 14 First Opening 15 Second opening 18 Corner 3 First electrode sheet 31 Power collector 32 First electrode 4 Second electrode sheet 41 Power collector 42 Second electrode 5 resin pieces 91 First heating plate 92 Second heating plate 921 First surface 922 Second surface 93 Third heating plate QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2009 - 272 161 A

[0003]

Claims

A manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a container, a plurality of current collectors, and resin pieces, the container housing an electricity-generating element in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked in a layering direction, the plurality of current collectors each being connected to a corresponding electrode in the container, the current collectors each protruding through an opening of the container to the outside of the container in a state in which the current collectors are stacked in the layering direction, the resin pieces each being welded to a corresponding current collector between the adjacent stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container, the container having the opening being formed by welding together edges of outer materials, the outer materials being stacked in the layering direction.wherein the device comprises: a first heating plate which pressurizes and heats the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction at a position of the opening of the container, thereby sealing the opening; and a second heating plate which pressurizes and heats the edges of the outer materials, which are stacked in the layering direction, at least in the layering direction on the lateral sides of the resin pieces at a position of the opening of the container, thereby sealing an edge section of the container. Manufacturing apparatus for the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein a corner is formed between a lateral part of the opening and an edge section of the container, the first heating plate moves in the layering direction to apply pressure to the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, and the second heating plate has a first surface that comes into contact with a lateral part of the opening and a second surface that comes into contact with the edge section of the container, and moves in a diagonal direction to the opening with respect to the layering direction to apply pressure to the outer materials both in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction and in the layering direction. Manufacturing apparatus for the battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heating plate has a variable amount of movement relative to the second heating plate in the layering direction. Manufacturing apparatus for the battery cell according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a temperature of the first heating plate is set to a first temperature and a temperature of the second heating plate is set to a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature. Manufacturing device for the battery cell according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pressure force of the first heating plate is set to a first pressure force and a pressure force of the second heating plate is set to a second pressure force which is less than the first pressure force. Manufacturing device for the battery cell according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a pressurization and heating time of the first heating plate is set to a first time and a pressurization and heating time of the second heating plate is set to a second time which is shorter than the first time. Manufacturing apparatus for the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery cell has first current collectors and second current collectors, wherein the first current collectors are each connected to a negative electrode, the second current collectors are each connected to a positive electrode, a direction in which the first current collectors protrude to the outside through a first opening of the container is the same as a direction in which the second current collectors protrude to the outside through a second opening of the container, wherein the apparatus further comprises a third heating plate, which pressurizes and heats the edges of the outer materials, which are stacked in the layering direction, in the layering direction between the first opening and the second opening, which are adjacent in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction, and thereby seals an edge section of the container.A method for manufacturing a battery cell, wherein the battery cell comprises a container, a plurality of current collectors, and resin pieces, the container housing a power-generating element formed by a plurality of electrodes stacked in a layering direction, each of the plurality of current collectors being connected to a corresponding electrode in the container, each current collector protruding through an opening of the container to the outside of the container in a state in which the current collectors are stacked in the layering direction, each resin piece being welded to a corresponding current collector between the adjacent stacked current collectors to seal the opening of the container, the container having the opening being formed by welding together edges of external materials.wherein the outer materials are substantially stacked in the layering direction, the method comprising: applying pressure and heating to the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction at a position of the opening of the container to seal the opening; and applying pressure and heating to the edges of the outer materials stacked in the layering direction, at least partially in the layering direction, on lateral sides of the resin pieces at a position of the opening of the container to seal an edge section of the container. A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 8, comprising forming a corner between a lateral part of the opening and an edge section of the container, wherein the outer materials and the resin pieces are pressurized and heated by a first heating plate which moves substantially in the layering direction to pressurize the outer materials and the resin pieces in the layering direction, and wherein the edges of the outer materials are pressurized and heated by a second heating plate which has a first surface which comes into contact with a lateral part of the opening and a second surface which comes into contact with the edge section of the container, and wherein the second heating plate moves in a diagonal direction to the opening with respect to the layering direction.to apply pressure to the outer materials both in a direction perpendicular to the layering direction and in the layering direction. Method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising applying pressure and heating edges of the outer materials which are stacked in the layering direction between a first opening and a substantially opposite second opening of the container in the layering direction.

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