Power storage module manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a power storage module manufacturing apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in productivity.SOLUTION: A power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 comprises: a nozzle 43 (head body 52) for injecting a fluid F into an internal space S through a communication hole 31 of a sealing body 3; and a packing 53 that is pressed against the sealing body 3 by the head body 52 to hermetically seal a space between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52. The head body 52 includes: a first protrusion 52p provided on a first side surface 52a facing the packing 53 side; and a second protrusion 52r provided on a first bottom surface 52c. The packing 53 includes: a through-hole 53p provided on a second side surface 53a facing the head body 52 side; and a recess 53r provided on a second bottom surface 53c. The first protrusion 52p is fitted into the through-hole 53p, and the second protrusion 52r is fitted into the recess 53r.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a power storage module.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a bipolar battery as a conventional power storage module. This conventional power storage module has a plurality of bipolar electrodes each having a positive electrode formed on one side of a current collector and a negative electrode formed on the other side. The plurality of bipolar electrodes are stacked via a separator that holds an electrolyte layer. A sealing resin is molded and disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the separator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a power storage module, for a sealing body for sealing the internal space between electrodes, communication holes communicating with each of the internal spaces are provided, and in some cases, a fluid such as an electrolytic solution or a gas for inspection is injected into each internal space through the communication holes. In this case, in order to ensure the airtightness between the nozzle for injecting the fluid and the sealing body, it is conceivable to interpose a packing between the sealing body and the nozzle. This packing needs to be periodically replaced to maintain airtightness. However, if a fastening member such as a bolt is used to fix the packing to the nozzle at an appropriate position, the man - hours for replacement increase, and there is a risk that the productivity of the power storage module decreases.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a power storage module capable of suppressing a decrease in productivity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure is an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus used for manufacturing an energy storage module including an electrode stack including a plurality of electrodes stacked along a first direction, and a sealing body provided on the electrode stack so as to surround the electrode stack, sealing a plurality of internal spaces formed between adjacent electrodes in the first direction, and having a plurality of communication holes communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus including a nozzle for injecting a fluid into each of the plurality of internal spaces via the communication holes and / or discharging a fluid from the plurality of internal spaces via the communication holes, and a gasket interposed between the sealing body and the nozzle and pressed against the sealing body by the nozzle to airtightly seal the space between the sealing body and the nozzle, the sealing body having an outer surface facing the side opposite the internal spaces and having first openings which are openings of the plurality of communication holes, and a gasket provided integrally on the outer surface and surrounding each of the plurality of first openings when viewed from a second direction intersecting the outer surface. the nozzle is provided with an inlet / outlet portion for leading out and / or leading out of a fluid, and includes a first side surface facing the packing side, and a first bottom surface extending from one end of the first side surface in a direction away from the first side surface; the packing has a plurality of flow paths for circulating a fluid between the inlet / outlet portion and the sealing body, a second side surface facing the nozzle side and having the plurality of flow paths opening therein, and a surface opposite to the second side surface, which contacts the frame when the packing is pressed against the sealing body; The nozzle includes a third side surface having a plurality of flow paths opening at a position opposite the first opening, and a second bottom surface connecting the second side surface and the third side surface, and the nozzle and the gasket are provided with fitting portions which fit together when the gasket is attached to the nozzle so that the second side surface contacts the first side surface and the second bottom surface contacts the first bottom surface, and the fitting portions include a first fitting portion provided on the first side surface and the second side surface, and a second fitting portion provided on the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface.

[0007] This manufacturing apparatus is used for manufacturing a power storage module including an electrode laminate including a plurality of electrodes and a sealing body provided on the electrode laminate for sealing a plurality of internal spaces formed between the electrodes and provided with a plurality of communication holes communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces. In this manufacturing apparatus, a packing is interposed between a nozzle for injecting a fluid into the internal space and discharging the fluid from the internal space through the communication hole of the sealing body and the sealing body, and the packing is pressed against the sealing body by the nozzle. Thereby, airtightness between the sealing body and the nozzle is ensured.

[0008] In particular, the nozzle and the packing have fitting portions (a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion) that fit when the packing is attached so that their side surfaces and bottom surfaces contact each other, whereby the packing is positioned with respect to the nozzle. For this reason, by moving the packing away from the nozzle, the positioning by the fitting of the fitting portion is also released, and the packing can be easily removed. Also, by fitting the fitting portion while bringing the packing closer to the nozzle, it is possible to easily attach the packing while performing positioning. Therefore, compared with the case of using a fastening member such as a bolt for positioning and fixing the packing and the nozzle, the man-hours for replacing the packing are reduced, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed.

[0009] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the first fitting portion may include a first convex portion provided on the first side surface and a first fitting portion provided on the second side surface into which the first convex portion is fitted, and the second fitting portion may include a second convex portion provided on the first bottom surface and a second fitting portion provided on the second bottom surface into which the second convex portion is fitted.

[0010] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, a cap for engaging a nozzle and a packing is provided. The nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the side opposite the first bottom surface, and a first engaging portion provided on the first top surface. The packing includes a second top surface on the side opposite the second bottom surface, and a second engaging portion provided on the second top surface. The cap may be disposed from the first top surface to the second top surface, and engage the nozzle and the packing by engaging with each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.

[0011] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the flow path may be provided in the packing so as to be located between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction.

[0012] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, when the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction, the first fitting portion may restrict the movement of the packing along the first direction and the third direction, and the second fitting portion may restrict the movement of the packing along the second direction and the third direction.

[0013] The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of nozzles and a single packing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power storage module manufacturing apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in productivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of each figure, the same or corresponding elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In addition, each figure may show a rectangular coordinate system defined by a coordinate axis indicating a first direction D1, a coordinate axis indicating a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and a coordinate system indicating a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As an example, the first direction D1 indicates the vertical direction, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are two horizontal directions intersecting each other.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a power storage module that can be manufactured by the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. The power storage module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a module used for batteries of various vehicles such as forklifts, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. The power storage module 1 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery or a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power storage module 1 may be an electric double layer capacitor or an all-solid-state battery. Here, the case where the power storage module 1 is a lithium-ion secondary battery is exemplified.

[0018] The power storage module 1 includes an electrode laminate 2 and a sealing body 3. The electrode laminate 2 includes a plurality of electrodes laminated along a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the lamination direction of the electrodes in the electrode laminate 2 and corresponds to the thickness direction of the power storage module 1. The second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are in-plane directions of a current collector 15 described later. The second direction D2 corresponds to the depth direction of the power storage module 1, and the third direction D3 corresponds to the width direction of the power storage module 1.

[0019] The plurality of electrodes are configured to include a plurality of bipolar electrodes 11, a positive electrode terminal electrode 12, and a negative electrode terminal electrode 13. A separator 14 is disposed between the electrodes adjacent to each other in the lamination direction. The bipolar electrode 11 has a current collector 15, a positive electrode active material layer 16, and a negative electrode active material layer 17. The current collector 15 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The positive electrode active material layer 16 is provided on the first surface 15a of the current collector 15. The negative electrode active material layer 17 is provided on the second surface 15b of the current collector 15. The first surface 15a of the current collector 15 is the surface facing one side of the first direction D1, and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 is the surface facing the other side of the first direction D1.

[0020] In the electrode laminate 2, the plurality of bipolar electrodes 11 are laminated such that the positive electrode active material layer 16 of one bipolar electrode 11 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 of another bipolar electrode 11 adjacent to the one bipolar electrode 11 face each other. The positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 are rectangular when viewed from the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the negative electrode active material layer 17 is slightly larger than the positive electrode active material layer 16 when viewed from the first direction D1. That is, in a plan view when viewed from the first direction D1, the entire formation region of the positive electrode active material layer 16 is located within the formation region of the negative electrode active material layer 17.

[0021] The positive electrode terminal electrode 12 has a current collector 15 and a positive electrode active material layer 16 provided on the first surface 15a of the current collector 15. No active material layer is provided on the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 in the positive electrode terminal electrode 12. The positive electrode terminal electrode 12 is laminated on the bipolar electrode 11 at one end in the first direction D1 in the electrode laminate 2. The positive electrode active material layer 16 of the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 of the bipolar electrode 11 adjacent to the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 are in a state of facing each other. The second surface 15b of the current collector 15 in the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 is exposed from the sealing body 3 as one laminated end of the electrode laminate 2.

[0022] The negative electrode terminal electrode 13 has a current collector 15 and a negative electrode active material layer 17 provided on the second surface 15b of the current collector 15. No active material layer is provided on the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 in the negative electrode terminal electrode 13. The negative electrode terminal electrode 13 is laminated on the bipolar electrode 11 at the other end in the first direction D1 in the electrode laminate 2. The negative electrode active material layer 17 of the negative electrode terminal electrode 13 and the positive electrode active material layer 16 of the bipolar electrode 11 adjacent to the negative electrode terminal electrode 13 are in a state of facing each other. The first surface 15a of the current collector 15 in the negative electrode terminal electrode 13 is exposed from the sealing body 3 as the other laminated end of the electrode laminate 2.

[0023] On the exposed portion R1 of the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 in the positive terminal electrode 12 that is exposed from the sealing body 3, and on the exposed portion R2 of the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 in the negative terminal electrode 13 that is exposed from the sealing body 3, conductive members 18 are respectively arranged. The conductive member 18 is electrically connected to the electrode laminate 2 and functions as a terminal for extracting current from the power storage module 1. The conductive member 18 also functions as a restraint member that applies a predetermined restraint load to the electrode laminate 2. A cooling flow path may be formed in the conductive member 18. By flowing a cooling medium through the cooling flow path, the electrode laminate 2 can be efficiently cooled.

[0024] The separator 14 is respectively arranged between adjacent bipolar electrodes 11, between the positive terminal electrode 12 and the bipolar electrode 11, and between the negative terminal electrode 13 and the bipolar electrode 11. The separator 14 is arranged between the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 between each electrode. The separator 14 has the role of preventing short circuits due to contact of adjacent electrodes while allowing charge carriers such as lithium ions to pass through by isolating the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17.

[0025] The separator 14 may be impregnated with an electrolyte. Examples of the electrolyte impregnated in the separator 14 include a liquid electrolyte (electrolyte solution) containing a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent. Examples of the electrolyte salt contained in the electrolyte solution include, for example, LiClO 4 , LiAsF 6 , LiPF 6 , LiBF 4 , LiCF 3 SO 3 , LiN(FSO 2 ) 2 , LiN(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 and other lithium salts. Examples of the non-aqueous solvent include solvents such as cyclic carbonates, cyclic esters, chain carbonates, chain esters, and ethers. Two or more of these solvents may be used in combination.

[0026] The current collector 15 is a chemically inert electrical conductor for continuously supplying current to the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 during discharge or charge of the lithium-ion secondary battery. Examples of the material of the current collector 15 include a metal material, a conductive resin material, and a conductive inorganic material. Examples of the conductive resin material include a conductive polymer material and a resin obtained by adding a conductive filler to a non-conductive polymer material as needed. The current collector 15 may include a plurality of layers. In this case, each layer of the current collector 15 may contain the above metal material, conductive resin material, and the like.

[0027] A coating layer may be formed on the surface of the current collector 15. The coating layer is formed by a method such as plating or spray coating, for example. The current collector 15 has various shapes such as a plate shape, a foil shape (e.g., metal foil), a film shape, and a mesh shape. Examples of the metal foil include aluminum foil, copper foil, nickel foil, titanium foil, and stainless steel foil. The current collector 15 may be an alloy foil of the above metals or a foil obtained by integrating a plurality of metal foils. When the current collector 15 is in a foil shape, the thickness of the current collector 15 may be, for example, about 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0028] The positive electrode active material layer 16 is a layer containing a positive electrode active material capable of occluding and releasing charge carriers such as lithium ions. Examples of the positive electrode active material include a lithium composite metal oxide having a layered rock salt structure, a metal oxide having a spinel structure, and a polyanion-based compound. The positive electrode active material layer 16 may contain a plurality of positive electrode active materials. In the present embodiment, the positive electrode active material layer 16 contains olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) which is a composite oxide.

[0029] The negative electrode active material layer 17 is a layer containing a negative electrode active material capable of occluding and releasing charge carriers such as lithium ions. The negative electrode active material may be any of a single substance, an alloy, or a compound. Examples of the negative electrode active material include Li, carbon, and metal compounds. The negative electrode active material may also be an element capable of alloying with lithium, or a compound thereof. Examples of carbon include natural graphite, artificial graphite, hard carbon (carbon with low graphitization property), soft carbon (carbon with high graphitization property), etc. Examples of artificial graphite include highly oriented graphite, mesocarbon microbeads, etc. Examples of elements capable of alloying with lithium include silicon, tin, etc. In this embodiment, the negative electrode active material layer 17 contains graphite which is a carbon-based material.

[0030] Each of the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 may further contain a conductive assistant, a binder, an electrolyte (such as a polymer matrix, an ion-conductive polymer, an electrolytic solution, etc.), an electrolyte supporting salt (lithium salt) for enhancing ion conductivity, etc., as necessary. The conductive assistant is added to enhance the conductivity of each electrode (bipolar electrode 11, positive electrode terminal electrode 12, negative electrode terminal electrode 13). Examples of the conductive assistant include acetylene black, carbon black, graphite, etc.

[0031] Examples of the binder include fluorine-containing resins such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and fluororubber, thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, imide-based resins such as polyimide and polyamideimide, alkoxysilyl group-containing resins, acrylic resins such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxymethyl cellulose, alginates such as sodium alginate and ammonium alginate, water-soluble cellulose ester crosslinked products, starch-acrylic acid graft polymers, etc. These binders can be used alone or in combination. Examples of the solvent include water, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), etc.

[0032] The sealing body 3 is formed in a frame shape at the peripheral edge of the electrode laminate 2 so as to surround the electrode laminate 2. The sealing body 3 is joined to each of the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 at each peripheral edge 15c of the current collector 15. The sealing body 3 forms an internal space S between the current collectors 15 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 (between the electrodes), and seals each of these internal spaces S. Each of the internal spaces S contains the above-described electrolyte (electrolytic solution). The sealing body 3 defines an internal space S that houses the electrolytic solution together with the current collectors 15 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and prevents leakage of the electrolytic solution from the internal space S to the outside.

[0033] The sealing body 3 suppresses the intrusion of moisture and the like from the outside of the electrode laminate 2 into the internal space S. In the present embodiment, the peripheral edge of the separator 14 is joined to the sealing body 3 in a state of being buried in the sealing body 3. The sealing body 3 is formed of, for example, a resin material having insulating properties. Examples of the resin material include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, acid-modified polypropylene, acid-modified polyethylene, acrylonitrile styrene resin, and the like.

[0034] The main body portion 20 of the sealing body 3 includes a plurality of sealing materials 21, a plurality of spacers 22, and a welding end portion 23. The sealing material 21 is provided for each of the current collectors 15. The sealing material 21 has a rectangular frame shape and is provided at the peripheral edge 15c of the current collector 15. The sealing material 21 covers the first surface 15a, the second surface 15b, and the end surface at the peripheral edge 15c of the current collector 15. The sealing material 21 is welded to at least one of the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15.

[0035] The spacer 22 is disposed between the sealing materials 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The spacer 22 holds the space between the adjacent sealing materials 21, that is, the space between the adjacent current collectors 15. The spacer 22 has a rectangular frame shape and is disposed on the peripheral edge portion 15c of the current collector 15. The peripheral edge portion of the separator 14 is sandwiched between the sealing material 21 and the spacer 22. The peripheral edge portion of the separator 14 is welded to at least one of the sealing material 21 and the spacer 22.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the edge on the inner space S side (that is, the inner edge 22a) of each spacer 22 is located outside (on the side opposite to the inner space S) of the edge on the inner space S side (that is, the inner edge 21a) of each sealing material 21. When viewed from the first direction D1, in the region between the inner edge 21a and the inner edge 22a, there is a gap between the adjacent sealing materials 21. On the other hand, in the region outside the inner edge 22a, the sealing material 21 and the spacer 22 overlap each other due to the interposition of the spacer 22 between the adjacent sealing materials 21.

[0037] Note that the inner edge 22a of the spacer 22 may be located on the inner space S side (that is, the inner side) of the inner edge 21a of the sealing material 21. In this case, the inner edge 22a of the spacer 22 may be located inside the outer edge of the negative electrode active material layer 17. That is, the spacer 22 may include an overlapping portion that overlaps the negative electrode active material layer 17 when viewed from the first direction D1. At this time, the spacer 22 may not be in contact with the current collector 15 (more specifically, the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 where the positive electrode active material layer 16 is provided) in the overlapping portion.

[0038] The welded end portion 23 forms a rectangular frame shape so as to surround the electrode laminate 2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The welded end portion 23 is formed by integrally welding the edge portion on the side opposite to the internal space S in each sealing material 21 and the edge portion on the side opposite to the internal space S in each spacer 22. In the present embodiment, the welded end portion 23 is formed by welding a portion of each sealing material 21 located outside the outer peripheral edge of the current collector 15 and a portion of each spacer 22 located outside the outer peripheral edge of the current collector 15 to each other. In a region where a communication hole 31 (described later) provided in the sealing body 3 is not provided, the outer surface 23s located on the side opposite to the internal space S of the welded end portion 23 extends along the first direction D1 and constitutes the side surface of the main body portion 20, that is, the side surface of the sealing body 3.

[0039] The sealing body 3 has a first resin portion 24, a pair of second resin portions 25, and a frame portion 26 in a region where a communication hole 31 (described later) is provided. The first resin portion 24 extends along the outer surface 23s of the welded end portion 23 and is welded to the outer surface 23s. The outer surface 24s of the first resin portion 24 (the surface facing the side opposite to the outer surface 23s) constitutes the outer surface of the sealing body 3 in a region where a communication hole (described later) is provided. The pair of second resin portions 25 extend from both ends of the first resin portion 24 in the first direction D1 inward (toward the internal space S side when viewed from the first direction D1), extending from the welded end portion 23 to the sealing material 21. Each of the pair of second resin portions 25 is welded to the outer surface of the sealing material 21 and the welded end portion 23 provided on the current collector 15 of the positive terminal electrode 12 and the negative terminal electrode 13 in the first direction D1.

[0040] The frame portion 26 is provided on the outer surface 24s of the first resin portion 24. The frame portion 26 extends from the second resin portion 25 on the positive terminal electrode 12 side to the second resin portion 25 on the negative terminal electrode 13 side. Here, the outer edge of the frame portion 26 in the first direction D1 coincides with both ends of the second resin portion 25 in the first direction D1. The frame portion 26 may be configured separately from the first resin portion 24 and joined to the first resin portion 24, or may be formed integrally with the first resin portion 24. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first resin portion 24, the second resin portion 25, and the frame portion 26 are integrally formed by injection molding with respect to the main body portion 20. The frame portion 26 is in a state of being blocked by the sealing film 30. The sealing film 30 is, for example, a laminate film.

[0041] Hereinafter, the configuration of the sealing body 3 will be described in more detail.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the communication hole in the sealing body. FIG. 4 is a side view from the outer surface side where the frame portion of the sealing body is provided. FIG. 5(a) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the cell and the communication hole, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the frame portion and the communication hole. FIG. 5(b) corresponds to an enlarged view showing a part of FIG. 4 in an enlarged manner. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5(a), the illustration of the frame portion 26 and the sealing film 30 is omitted, and in FIGS. 4 and 5(b), the illustration of the sealing film 30 is omitted.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of communication holes 31 communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces S are formed in the main body portion 20 and the first resin portion 24 of the sealing body 3. Here, the plurality of communication holes 31 are provided in a wall portion 3A (see FIG. 1) located on one side in the second direction D2 among the frame-shaped sealing bodies 3. In other words, the region where the communication holes 31 are provided in the above-described sealing body 3 is included in the wall portion 3A. The communication hole 31 is formed by, for example, cutting out a part of the spacer 22 and removing a part of the first resin portion 24 at a position corresponding to the cutout of the spacer 22, so as to penetrate the spacer 22 (and the welded end portion 23) and the first resin portion 24. One opening (first opening) 31A of the communication hole 31 is provided on the outer surface 24s of the first resin portion 24, and the other opening 31B is provided on the surface facing the internal space S of the main body portion 20.

[0044] In the power storage module 1, a cell C including one internal space S is formed by a pair of adjacent current collectors 15. Therefore, the plurality of internal spaces S are arranged along the first direction D1. In other words, the internal spaces S adjacent to each other along the first direction D1 share the current collector 15 as a partition wall. Here, one communication hole 31 is provided for one cell C. Each of the plurality of frame portions 26 is integrally provided on the outer surface 24s of the first resin portion 24, and includes a plurality of frames 26f protruding from the outer surface 24s of the first resin portion 24 so as to surround the respective openings 31A of the plurality of communication holes 31 when viewed from the second direction D2. That is, each of the plurality of frame portions 26 is configured by integrating a predetermined number (here, three) of frames 26f surrounding each of a predetermined number (here, three) of openings 31A that overlap when viewed from the first direction D1 among the plurality of openings 31A, while sharing the partition wall 26w. When viewed from the second direction D2 intersecting (orthogonal) with the outer surface 24s, the positions of the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 in the first direction D1 are different for each cell C. Also, the positions of the openings 31A of the respective communication holes 31 of the cells C adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 in the third direction D3 are different from each other.

[0045] As an example, in the illustrated example, in the power storage module 1, 30 cells C are configured. When the cells C are numbered from 1 to 30 from one end to the other end in the first direction D1, the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 corresponding to the cells C from the first cell C to the tenth cell C are arranged in the third direction D3 while the positions in the first direction D1 are sequentially and slightly changed. Similarly, the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 corresponding to the cells C from the eleventh cell C to the twentieth cell C are arranged in the third direction D3 while the positions in the first direction D1 are sequentially and slightly changed. Further, the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 corresponding to the cells C from the twenty-first cell C to the thirtieth cell C are arranged in the third direction D3 while the positions in the first direction D1 are sequentially and slightly changed.

[0046] Also, in the present embodiment, the positions of the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 corresponding to the cells C with three different numbers (for example, the first, the eleventh, and the twenty-first) every ten are made substantially the same, and they are arranged along the first direction D1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, ten columns each composed of three openings 31A arranged along the first direction D1 are arranged in the third direction D3.

[0047] The frame portion 26 projects from the outer surface 23s so as to surround each of the openings 31A of the plurality of communication holes 31 as viewed from the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, one frame portion 26 is provided for the openings 31A of the plurality (here, three) of communication holes 31. In other words, each of the plurality of frame portions 26 is configured by integrating a plurality of frames (injection frames) 26f that project from the outer surface 23s so as to surround each of the plurality of openings 31A. Here, as an example, ten frame portions 26 configured by integrating three frames 26f are arranged along the third direction D3.

[0048] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of frame portions 26 are configured to form at least two surrounding regions 33 having different lengths in the first direction D1, and may be asymmetric with respect to the first direction D1. Each of the surrounding regions 33 is a region surrounded by one frame 26f. In this example, each of the frame portions 26 forms three surrounding regions 33 (i.e., frames 26f). In one of the three surrounding regions 33 (surrounding region 33A), the length in the first direction D1 is larger than the lengths of the other two first directions D1. Note that in FIG. 2, the relationship between the size of the frame portion 26 in the first direction D1 (the size of the frame 26f) and the size of the internal space S is schematically shown, which is different from the actual situation. For example, different from the description in FIG. 2, the size of one frame 26f in the first direction D1 can be a size including a plurality of internal spaces S.

[0049] Subsequently, the manufacturing method of the above-described power storage module 1 will be described.

[0050] This manufacturing method of the power storage module 1 includes an injection step of pressing a nozzle 43 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) against the periphery of the opening 31A of the communication hole 31 and injecting a fluid F into each of the plurality of internal spaces S through the communication hole 31. Specific examples of the injection step include, for example, a step of injecting an electrolytic solution into the internal space S, a step of performing an airtight inspection of the power storage module 1, and the like. In the step of injecting the electrolytic solution, the electrolytic solution, which is the fluid F, is injected into the internal space S of each cell C through the communication hole 31.

[0051] The step of performing the airtightness inspection is carried out before the step of injecting the electrolytic solution. As the airtightness inspection, for example, an airtightness inspection between the cell and the outside is carried out. In this case, the fluid F is a gas for inspection. In the airtightness inspection between the cell and the outside, a gas for inspection such as helium is injected into the internal space S of the plurality of cells C through the communication hole 31, and the presence or absence of leakage of the gas for inspection is detected by a detection sensor arranged outside the power storage module 1. When the gas for inspection is not detected by the detection sensor, it is determined that there is no problem with the airtightness between the cell and the outside. As the gas for inspection, in addition to helium, for example, noble gases such as argon, inert gases such as nitrogen, or hydrogen, ammonia, or halogen gases may be used.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, here, the injection step is carried out using the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41. The power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 includes a decompression chamber 42, a nozzle 43, a first restraint member 44, and a second restraint member 45. In the power storage module 1 which is the workpiece in the injection step, among the components shown in FIG. 1, the conductive member 18 and the sealing film 30 are not provided, and the internal space S is in a state where the electrolytic solution is not arranged. The conductive member 18 and the sealing film 30 are attached to the workpiece in a subsequent step of the injection step, and the power storage module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is obtained.

[0053] The decompression chamber 42 has a stage 46 and a chamber 47. The stage 46 has a mounting surface 46a on which the power storage module 1 is mounted. On the mounting surface 46a, for example, a flat pallet 48 is mounted, and the power storage module 1 is mounted on the pallet 48 (that is, the power storage module 1 is mounted via the pallet 48). The chamber 47 is formed in a box shape by four side wall portions 49 erected on the stage 46 and a roof portion 50 that closes the space formed by the stage 46 and the side wall portions 49.

[0054] In the chamber 47, one of the four side wall portions 49 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening this side wall portion 49, the power storage module 1 placed on the flat pallet 48 can be taken in and out of the chamber 47. Among the four side wall portions 49, a pair of side wall portions 49, 49 that intersect the side wall portion 49 provided with the nozzle 43 may be configured to be openable and closable. In this case, the power storage module 1 placed on the flat pallet 48 can be introduced into the chamber 47 from one side of the pair of side wall portions 49, 49, and taken out from the other side of the pair of side wall portions 49, 49 after the injection process is performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform the injection process while transporting a plurality of power storage modules 1 in one direction, and the efficiency of the injection process can be improved.

[0055] The nozzle 43 is provided on one side wall portion 49 in the chamber 47 so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the placement surface 46a. As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzle 43 has a nozzle head 51 that discharges the fluid F. The nozzle head 51 has a head body 52. A packing 53 is provided on the head body 52. The head body 52 and the packing 53 are arranged in the chamber 47. A lead-out portion 54 for circulating and leading out the fluid F is provided on the head body 52. The lead-out portion 54 is also an introduction portion when introducing the fluid F into the head body 52. That is, the lead-out portion 54 is an access portion for leading out and / or introducing the fluid F. The packing 53 is provided on a first side surface 52a that is the tip surface of the head body 52. A flow path 55 communicating with the lead-out portion 54 is provided in the packing 53.

[0056] When injecting the fluid F from the nozzle 43 into the internal space S, the nozzle 43 advances toward the mounting surface 46a side, and the packing 53 of the nozzle head 51 is pressed against the frame portion 26, thereby sealing the surrounding region 33 of the frame portion 26 from the outside. In this state, when the fluid F is discharged from the flow path 55 of the nozzle head 51, the fluid F is injected into the internal space S of each cell C in the power storage module 1 through the communication hole 31. That is, in the liquid injection process, by pressing the packing 53 against the frame portion 26 surrounding the opening 31A of the communication hole 31, the fluid F is injected from the lead-out portion 54 into each of the plurality of internal spaces S through the flow path 55 of the packing 53 and the communication hole 31.

[0057] When injecting the fluid F, after pressing the nozzle head 51 against the frame portion 26, evacuation is performed in the chamber 47 with the power storage module 1 placed thereon, and the internal space S of each cell C in the power storage module 1 is decompressed. When injecting the electrolytic solution, by decompressing the internal space S of the power storage module 1 using the decompression chamber 42, the injection of the electrolytic solution through the communication hole 31 can be efficiently performed.

[0058] When decompressing the internal space S under atmospheric pressure, the internal space S is compressed by atmospheric pressure, and the inlet of the internal space S (the portion connected to the communication hole 31) is blocked by the current collector 15 constituting the internal space S, so it is considered that the injection efficiency of the electrolytic solution is not improved. Therefore, by placing the power storage module 1 in the decompression chamber 42 and decompressing the outside of the power storage module 1, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cell C is eliminated, and the injection efficiency of the electrolytic solution can be sufficiently improved.

[0059] The same applies when injecting the inspection gas. By decompressing the internal space S of the power storage module 1 using the decompression chamber 42, the injection of the inspection gas through the communication hole 31 can be efficiently performed. Also, by placing the power storage module 1 in the decompression chamber 42, the influence of the inspection gas contained in the atmosphere is suppressed, and the accuracy of the airtight inspection can be improved.

[0060] The first restraint member 44 and the second restraint member 45 are members that restrain the power storage module 1 at a constant pressure or constant dimension for the purpose of protecting the electrode laminate 2 and the sealing body 3 from the load when injecting the fluid F. Examples of the load when injecting the fluid F include the pressing force applied to the main body portion 20 of the sealing body 3 when the nozzle 43 is pressed against the periphery of the opening 31A of the communication hole 31, the expansion force of the internal space S due to the injection of the fluid F, and the expansion force of the internal space S due to the air pressure difference inside and outside the cell C when placed in the decompression chamber 42.

[0061] It is desirable to apply an appropriate restraint pressure to both the portion of the sealing body 3 where the nozzle 43 is pressed and the electrode laminate 2 where the internal space S is located. However, in the power storage module 1, there may be a difference in dimensional tolerance in the thickness direction (the first direction D1 / the stacking direction of the electrodes) between the electrode laminate 2 in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked and the sealing body 3 that seals the internal space S formed between the electrodes of the electrode laminate 2. Due to the difference in dimensional tolerance in the stacking direction during manufacturing between the electrode laminate 2 and the sealing body 3, the dimensions in the stacking direction may be different between the electrode laminate 2 and the sealing body 3 for each power storage module 1 (work).

[0062] For example, it is conceivable that the dimensional tolerance in the stacking direction of the electrode laminate 2 in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked is larger than the dimensional tolerance in the stacking direction of the sealing body 3. In a certain work, the dimension in the stacking direction of the electrode laminate 2 may be smaller than the dimension in the stacking direction of the sealing body 3. In this case, the end faces in the stacking direction of the electrode laminate 2 (here, the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 in the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 in the negative electrode terminal electrode 13) will be recessed with respect to the end faces in the stacking direction of the sealing body 3 (here, the outer surface in the first direction D1 of the sealing material 21 provided on the current collector 15 of the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 and the negative electrode terminal electrode 13).

[0063] In another workpiece, the dimension of the electrode laminate 2 in the stacking direction may be larger than the dimension of the sealing body 3 in the stacking direction. In this case, the end faces of the electrode laminate 2 in the stacking direction (here, the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 in the positive terminal electrode 12 and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 in the negative terminal electrode 13) will bulge with respect to the end faces of the sealing body 3 in the stacking direction (here, the outer surface in the first direction D1 of the sealing material 21 provided on the current collector 15 of the positive terminal electrode 12 and the negative terminal electrode 13).

[0064] When the electrode laminate 2 and the sealing body 3 of such workpieces are constrained with a uniform constraining force by a single constraining member, it is conceivable that the constraining pressure on either the portion of the sealing body 3 where the nozzle 43 is pressed or the electrode laminate 2 where the internal space S is located will be insufficient. In contrast, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 has a first constraining member 44 and a second constraining member 45 provided independently of each other, so that even when the dimensions of the electrode laminate 2 and the sealing body 3 in the stacking direction vary for each power storage module 1, an appropriate constraining pressure can be applied to both the portion of the sealing body 3 where the nozzle 43 is pressed and the electrode laminate 2 where the internal space S is located.

[0065] Note that by dividing the first constraining member 44 and the second constraining member 45, it is possible to constrain the power storage module 1 so that the load when injecting the fluid F described above is not applied. However, as long as the load can be prevented from being applied to the power storage module 1, the first constraining member 44 and the second constraining member 45 may be integrated. Further, the first constraining member 44 and the second constraining member 45 may each be further divided.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the first restraint member 44 includes cylinders 61A and 61B that are extendable and retractable in the first direction D1, and restraint plates 62A and 62B attached to the tips of the cylinders 61A and 61B. In the present embodiment, a pair of first restraint members 44A and 44B are adopted as the first restraint member 44. The first restraint member 44A includes the cylinder 61A and the restraint plate 62A, and the first restraint member 44B includes the cylinder 61B and the restraint plate 62B. The first restraint member 44A is provided on the stage 46 of the decompression chamber 42 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the first direction D1. The first restraint member 44B is provided on the roof portion 50 of the chamber 47 so as to face the first restraint member 44A and be able to advance and retreat in the first direction D1.

[0067] Both the restraint plate 62A and the restraint plate 62B are arranged in the chamber 47. The restraint plate 62A and the restraint plate 62B have, for example, the same planar shape as each other. By the cooperation of the cylinder 61A of the first restraint member 44A and the cylinder 61B of the first restraint member 44B, the power storage module 1 as the work is sandwiched between the restraint plate 62A and the restraint plate 62B, and a restraint pressure is applied to a predetermined region of the power storage module 1.

[0068] The first restraint member 44 restrains the first region in which a plurality of communication holes 31 are provided in the sealing body 3 with the first restraint pressure P1. In the present embodiment, the first restraint pressure P1 by the first restraint member 44 is applied in the stacking direction (first direction D1) to the first region. The first region is a region where the sealing material 21 and the spacer 22 overlap in the stacking direction. In the present embodiment, when the power storage module 1 is viewed from the stacking direction, the first region F1 is a rectangular (here, a rectangular) region corresponding to the wall portion 3A in the sealing body 3 where a plurality of communication holes 31 are provided.

[0069] The second restraining member 45 includes a plurality of cylinders 63 that are stretchable in the first direction D1, and a restraining plate 64 attached to the tips of the plurality of cylinders 63. The second restraining member 45 is provided in the roof portion 50 of the chamber 47 so as to be able to move forward and backward in the first direction D1 so as to face the placement surface 46a of the stage 46. As shown in the illustrated example, another restraining plate 65 may be further provided between the restraining plate 64 and the power storage module 1. The restraining plate 65 can be constituted by a SUS plate, for example, as a replaceable consumable. The restraining plate 64 is arranged in the chamber 47 horizontally side by side with the restraining plate 62B. By driving the cylinders 63, the power storage module 1, which is the workpiece, is sandwiched between the restraining plates 64 and 65, the stage 46, and the pallet 48, and a restraining pressure is applied to a predetermined region of the power storage module 1.

[0070] The second restraining member 45 restrains a second region including the internal space S with a second restraining pressure P2. In the present embodiment, the second restraining pressure P2 by the second restraining member 45 is applied to the second region in the first direction D1.

[0071] Subsequently, the details of the nozzle head 51 and the packing 53 will be described.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the nozzle head and the packing shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9, (a) of FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section intersecting the tip surface of the nozzle head in FIG. 8, and (b) of FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the packing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the head body 52 includes a first side surface 52a that is a tip surface where a lead-out portion (inlet / outlet portion) 54 is provided (opened), and a plate-like extending portion 52b that extends from the lower end (one end) of the first side surface 52a in a direction away from the first side surface 52a (here, the negative direction of the second direction D2). A frame 54p that protrudes so as to surround the lead-out portion 54 is formed on the first side surface 52a (not shown in FIGS. 9 and subsequent).

[0073] The extension part 52b includes a surface facing upward (here, the positive direction of the first direction D1), and this surface is the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52. That is, the head body 52 includes a first bottom surface 52c that extends from the lower end of the first side surface 52a in a direction away from the first side surface 52a. In the head body 52, a space for arranging the packing 53 is defined by the first side surface 52a and the first bottom surface 52c arranged in an L shape. Note that the head body 52 includes a first upper surface (first top surface) 52d that extends from the upper end of the first side surface 52a in the direction opposite to the first bottom surface 52c (here, the positive direction of the second direction D2).

[0074] Here, the head body 52 includes a plurality (here, two) of first convex portions (first fitting portions) 52p provided on the first side surface 52a and a plurality (here, two) of second convex portions (second fitting portions) 52r provided on the first bottom surface 52c. The two first convex portions 52p respectively protrude from the first side surface 52a along the second direction D2 above the position of the lead-out portion 54 on the first side surface 52a. The first convex portions 52p are arranged along the third direction D3. Here, the two first convex portions 52p exhibit substantially the same cylindrical shape. The two second convex portions 52r respectively protrude from the first bottom surface 52c along the first direction D1. The second convex portions 52r are arranged along the third direction D3. Here, the two second convex portions 52r exhibit substantially the same cylindrical shape.

[0075] The packing 53 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is arranged in the space defined by the first side surface 52a and the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52. The packing 53 is interposed between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52, and is elastically deformed by being pressed by the head body 52, thereby hermetically sealing the space between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52.

[0076] The packing 53 includes a second side surface 53a facing the first side surface 52a side of the head body 52, a third side surface 53b on the opposite side of the second side surface 53a, a second bottom surface 53c facing the first bottom surface 52c side of the head body 52, and a second upper surface (second top surface) 53d on the opposite side of the second bottom surface 53c. The second bottom surface 53c connects the second side surface 53a and the third side surface 53b at the lower ends of the second side surface 53a and the third side surface 53b, and the second upper surface 53d connects the second side surface 53a and the third side surface 53b at the upper ends of the second side surface 53a and the third side surface 53b.

[0077] Further, the packing 53 has a flow path 55 for allowing the fluid F led out from the leading-out portion 54 to flow toward the sealing body 3. In the present embodiment, the flow path 55 is divided into a plurality of holes arranged along the third direction D3, but may be a single hole extending along the third direction D3. Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality (here, three) of the flow paths 55 (that is, a group of holes) are arranged along the first direction D1. When the fluid F is introduced into the head body 52 (that is, when the leading-out portion 54 is an introducing portion), the flow path 55 allows the fluid F to flow from the sealing body 3 toward the leading-out portion 54. Therefore, the flow path 55 allows the fluid F to flow between the leading-out portion 54 and the sealing body 3. Each of the flow paths 55 opens to the second side surface 53a and the third side surface 53b. When the packing 53 is pressed against the sealing body 3, the second side surface 53a of the packing 53 contacts the first side surface 52a of the head body 52, and the third side surface 53b of the packing 53 contacts the frame portion 26 (frame 26f). The position of the opening of the flow path 55 on the second side surface 53a is a position facing the leading-out portion 54 at this time, and the position of the opening of the flow path 55 on the third side surface 53b is a position facing the opening 31A of the communication hole 31. That is, the frame 54p surrounding the leading-out portion 54 faces the frame 26f surrounding the opening 31A along the second direction D2. That is, each flow path 55 is provided so as to correspond to the frame 54p of each leading-out portion 54 and each frame 26f. Thereby, the flow path 55 communicates with the leading-out portion 54 on the head body 52 side and communicates with the communication hole 31 on the sealing body 3 side. When the head body 52 presses the packing 53, the frame 54p provided on the first side surface 52a of the head body 52 is pressed against the second side surface 53a of the packing 53, thereby improving the airtightness between the leading-out portion 54 of the head body 52 and the flow path 55 of the packing 53. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape (shape of the opening) of the flow path 55 is substantially circular, but may be an elongated shape (for example, an elliptical shape) having the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction, for example.

[0078] Here, the packing 53 has a plurality (the same number as the first convex portions 52p, here two) of through holes (first fitting portions) 53p provided on the second side surface 53a, and a plurality (the same number as the second convex portions 52r, here two) of concave portions (second fitting portions) 53r provided on the second bottom surface 53c. The two through holes 53p are each provided above the position of the opening of the flow path 55 on the second side surface 53a. In the present embodiment, the two through holes 53p each extend in the second direction D2 so as to penetrate the packing 53 from the second side surface 53a and reach the third side surface 53b.

[0079] The through holes 53p are arranged along the third direction D3. Here, the two through holes 53p each exhibit a substantially identical cylindrical shape. Further, each of the through holes 53p is provided at a position facing each of the two first convex portions 52p of the head body 52, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the through holes 53p is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of each of the first convex portions 52p.

[0080] The two concave portions 53r each extend upward (here the positive direction of the first direction D1) from the second bottom surface 53c. The concave portions 53r are arranged along the third direction D3. Here, the two concave portions 53r each exhibit a substantially identical cylindrical shape. Further, each of the two concave portions 53r is provided at a position facing each of the two second convex portions 52r of the head body 52, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the concave portions 53r is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of each of the second convex portions 52r.

[0081] As a result, the packing 53 is placed (attached to the head body 52) on the first bottom surface 52c such that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a of the head body 52 and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52. In this way, the first convex portion 52p is inserted into the through hole 53p and the second convex portion 52r is inserted into the concave portion 53r, and the packing 53 is positioned and fixed with respect to the head body 52. That is, in the nozzle 43 (head body 52) and the packing 53, when the packing 53 is placed on the first bottom surface 52c (when the packing 53 is attached to the head body 52) such that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c, mating portions that mate with each other are provided. This mating portion has, as a first mating portion provided with respect to the first side surface 52a and the second side surface 53a, the first convex portion 52p and the through hole 53p, and has, as a second mating portion provided with respect to the first bottom surface 52c and the second bottom surface 53c, the second convex portion 52r and the concave portion 53r. That is, the through hole 53p is a first insertion portion into which the first convex portion 52p is inserted, and the concave portion 53r is a second insertion portion into which the second convex portion 52r is inserted.

[0082] In this manner, the head body 52 and the packing 53 are fixed by the mating in the mating portion. As described above, the mating portion is the first mating portion (the first convex portion 52p and the through hole 53p) and the second mating portion (the second convex portion 52r and the concave portion 53r) provided on each of the head body 52 and the packing 53. That is, corresponding mating portions are provided on each of the opposing surfaces of the head body 52 and the packing 53. By providing a plurality of mating portions such as the first mating portion and the second mating portion described above, displacement of the packing 53 is suppressed.

[0083] That is, the first fitting portions provided on the first side surface 52a of the head body 52 and the second side surface 53a of the packing 53 and fitted along the second direction D2 restrict the movement of the packing 53 along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. Further, the second fitting portions provided on the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52 and the second bottom surface 53c of the packing 53 and fitted along the first direction D1 restrict the movement of the packing 53 along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, the plurality of flow paths 55 (or the lead-out portions 54) are provided in the packing 53 (or the head body 52) so as to be positioned between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0084] Note that a plurality of first fitting portions may be provided. In the present embodiment, as the first fitting portions, a plurality (here, two) of first convex portions 52p are provided at intervals from each other near the top of the head body 52, and a plurality (here, two) of through holes 53p are provided at intervals from each other near the top of the packing 53. Further, as the second fitting portions, a plurality (here, two) of second convex portions 52r are provided at intervals from each other near the bottom of the head body 52, and a plurality (here, two) of concave portions 53r are provided at intervals from each other near the bottom of the packing 53.

[0085] Thus, when a plurality of first fitting portions and second fitting portions are provided, each of the plurality of first fitting portions and the plurality of second fitting portions may be provided symmetrically (for example, line-symmetric with respect to the center line) with respect to the center of the third direction D3 of the flow path 55 when viewed from the second direction D2. Further, when a plurality of first fitting portions are provided, the plurality of first fitting portions may be provided so as to surround the plurality of flow paths 55 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0086] Note that one packing 53 is provided for one frame portion 26 of the sealing body 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 includes the same number of packings 53 as the number of frame portions 26. Further, the flow path 55 is divided into a plurality of holes corresponding to one frame 26f of the frame portion 26. The plurality of holes corresponding to one frame 26f in the flow path 55 are arranged in a line along the third direction D3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, three rows of flow paths 55 are formed in each packing 53 so as to correspond to the three frames 26f of one frame portion 26.

[0087] Further, one head body 52 is provided for one frame portion 26 of the sealing body 3. That is, in the present embodiment, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 includes the same number of head bodies 52 as the number of frame portions 26. In each head body 52, a frame-shaped protruding portion 56 along the frame portion 26 is formed on a first side surface 52a facing the outer surface 23s of the sealing body 3 via the packing 53. Therefore, when the packing 53 is pressed against the sealing body 3 by the head body 52, the portion of the packing 53 corresponding to the protruding portion 56 is more strongly pressed against the frame portion 26 and deformed, so that the airtightness between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52 is more reliably ensured.

[0088] As described above, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 is used for manufacturing the power storage module 1 including the electrode laminate 2 including a plurality of electrodes and the sealing body 3 provided on the electrode laminate 2 and sealing a plurality of internal spaces S formed between the electrodes, and provided with a plurality of communication holes 31 communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces S. In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41, a packing 53 is interposed between the nozzle 43 (head body 52) for injecting the fluid F into the internal space S or discharging the fluid from the internal space S through the communication hole 31 of the sealing body 3 and the sealing body 3, and the packing 53 is pressed against the sealing body 3 by the head body 52. Thereby, the airtightness between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52 is ensured.

[0089] In particular, the nozzle 43 and the packing 53 are provided with fitting portions that fit together when the packing 53 is attached to the head body 52 such that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c. The fitting portions include a first convex portion 52p, a second convex portion 52r, a through hole 53p, and a concave portion 53r as a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion. Thereby, the packing 53 is positioned with respect to the head body 52.

[0090] Therefore, even inside the decompression chamber 42, by moving the packing 53 away from the head body 52, the positioning by the fitting of the fitting portion is also released, and the packing 53 can be easily removed. Similarly, even inside the decompression chamber 42, by fitting the fitting portion while bringing the packing 53 closer to the head body 52, the packing 53 can be easily attached while performing positioning. Therefore, compared with the case of using a fastening member such as a bolt for positioning and fixing the packing 53 and the head body 52, the man-hours for replacing the packing 53 are reduced, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed.

[0091] Further, in the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41, as described above, the first fitting portion includes a first convex portion 52p provided on the first side surface 52a and a through hole (first fitting portion) 53p provided on the second side surface 53a into which the first convex portion 52p is inserted. The second fitting portion includes a second convex portion 52r provided on the first bottom surface 52c and a concave portion (second fitting portion) 53r provided on the second bottom surface 53c into which the second convex portion 52r is inserted. According to this, the fitting portion can be configured with a simple structure.

[0092] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus, each of the first convex portion 52p and the through hole 53p (i.e., the first fitting portion) is plural (two in the above embodiment), and each of the second convex portion 52r and the concave portion 53r (i.e., the second fitting portion) is plural (two in the above embodiment). And when viewed from the second direction D2, the plurality of first fitting portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the flow path 55. For this reason, rattling of the packing 53 is suppressed, and the packing 53 can be surely positioned with respect to the head body 52. However, at least one of the first convex portion 52p and the through hole 53p (i.e., the first fitting portion) may be one, or each of the second convex portion 52r and the concave portion 53r (i.e., the second fitting portion) may be one.

[0093] In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus, the flow path 55 is provided in the packing 53 so as to be positioned between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction D2. And the first fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing 53 along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and the second fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. Thereby, the packing 53 is surely positioned in all directions.

[0094] The above embodiment has described one aspect of the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be arbitrarily modified from the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the above embodiment. Subsequently, a modification example will be described.

[0095] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing and a nozzle head according to a modification example, and FIG. 10(b) is a bottom view of the packing according to the modification example. As shown in FIG. 10, the concave portion 53r (i.e., the second fitting portion) may be a notch that extends from the second bottom surface 53c side to the third side surface 53b side and opens to the third side surface 53b. In this case, insertion of the second convex portion 52r into the concave portion 53r becomes easy.

[0096] However, in this case, when viewed from the second bottom surface 53c side, the concave portion 53r ends midway on the second bottom surface 53c without reaching the second side surface 53a. As a result, when the head body 52 is removed from the sealing body 3 along the second direction D2, the second convex portion 52r on the head body 52 side abuts against the inner wall surface of the concave portion 53r along the second direction D2, and the head body 52 and the packing 53 can be integrally separated from the sealing body 3.

[0097] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing and a nozzle head according to another modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 may further include a cap 80 for engaging the head body 52 and the packing 53. In this example, the head body 52 includes a first engaging portion 52t which is a concave portion provided on the first upper surface 52d, and the packing 53 includes a second engaging portion 53t which is a concave portion provided on the second upper surface 53d. On the other hand, the cap 80 includes a main body portion 81, and a third engaging portion 82 and a fourth engaging portion 83 which are convex portions provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 81. Then, the cap 80 is disposed from the first upper surface 52d of the head body 52 to the second upper surface 53d of the packing 53, and the third engaging portion 82 engages with the first engaging portion 52t, and the fourth engaging portion 83 engages with the second engaging portion 53t, thereby engaging the head body 52 and the packing 53.

[0098] In this way, by engaging the head body 52 and the packing 53 with the cap 80, it becomes possible to more reliably fix the packing 53 to the head body 52. Note that at least one of the first engaging portion 52t and the second engaging portion 53t may be a convex portion, and at least one of the third engaging portion 82 and the fourth engaging portion 83 may be a concave portion.

[0099] In the example of FIG. 11, a third convex portion (first fitting portion) 52k is provided on the first side surface 52a of the head body 52, and a concave portion (first fitting portion) 53k is provided on the second side surface 53a of the packing 53. The third convex portion 52k is located, for example, below the lead-out portion 54 on the first side surface 52a. Further, the concave portion 53k is located at a position facing the third convex portion 52k, and is located, for example, below the flow path 55 on the second side surface 53a. The third convex portion 52k is fitted into the concave portion 53k. That is, the concave portion 53k is the first fitting portion. Thereby, the packing 53 is positioned and fixed to the head body 52 at two points, upper and lower, of the second side surface 53a, and rattling can be suppressed and reliable positioning can be achieved. Note that the number of the third convex portions 52k and the concave portions 53k may be the same as each other and is arbitrary, but is two or more as an example. Further, the third convex portions 52k and the concave portions 53k are not limited to the example of FIG. 11, and may be applied to the above-described embodiment and other modified examples.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a partial plan view showing still another modified example. In the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the above-described embodiment, a form in which a plurality of packings 53 that are separate from each other are provided by using one packing 53 for one head body 52 has been described. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 may include an airtight member 70 including two or more packings 53 integrated with each other. That is, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 can include a plurality of head bodies 52 and a single packing.

[0101] In the airtight member 70, the same number of packings 53 as the number of head bodies 52 may be integrated, or some (two or more) packings 53 corresponding to some of the head bodies 52 and another packing corresponding to the remaining head bodies 52 may be integrated. That is, in the airtight member 70, at least two packings 53 having a positioning function with respect to the head body 52 by including through holes 53p and recesses 53r into which the first convex portion 52p and the second convex portion 52r of the head body 52 are fitted may be included. Thus, by using the airtight member 70 in which a plurality of packings are integrated, for example, mistakes such as removing individual packings 53 in the decompression chamber are suppressed.

[0102] The above embodiments are appended below.

[0103] [1] An apparatus for manufacturing an electric storage module used in manufacturing an electric storage module including: an electrode stack including a plurality of electrodes stacked along a first direction; and a sealing body provided on the electrode stack so as to surround the electrode stack, sealing a plurality of internal spaces formed between the electrodes adjacent to each other in the first direction, and having a plurality of communication holes communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces. The apparatus includes: a nozzle for injecting a fluid into each of the plurality of internal spaces via the communication holes and / or discharging the fluid from the plurality of internal spaces via the communication holes; and a gasket interposed between the sealing body and the nozzle and pressed against the sealing body by the nozzle to airtightly seal between the sealing body and the nozzle. The sealing body includes an outer surface facing the side opposite to the internal space and having first openings which are openings of the plurality of communication holes, and a plurality of frames provided integrally with the outer surface and protruding from the outer surface so as to surround each of the plurality of first openings when viewed from a second direction intersecting the outer surface. The nozzle is an inlet / outlet portion for leading out and / or leading in of the fluid, the inlet / outlet portion including a first side surface facing the packing side, and a first bottom surface extending from one end of the first side surface in a direction away from the first side surface, the packing corresponding to each of the plurality of frames, the inlet / outlet portion including a flow path for circulating the fluid between the inlet / outlet portion and the sealing body, a second side surface facing the nozzle side and having the plurality of flow paths opening therein, and a surface opposite to the second side surface, the second side surface contacting the frame when the packing is pressed against the sealing body, and having a plurality of openings facing the first opening. and a third side surface where the flow path opens, and a second bottom surface connecting the second side surface and the third side surface, the nozzle and the gasket are provided with fitting portions that fit together when the gasket is attached to the nozzle so that the second side surface contacts the first side surface and the second bottom surface contacts the first bottom surface, the fitting portions including a first fitting portion provided for the first side surface and the second side surface, and a second fitting portion provided for the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface.

[0104] [2] The first fitting portion includes a first convex portion provided on the first side surface and a first fitting portion provided on the second side surface into which the first convex portion is fitted. The second fitting portion includes a second convex portion provided on the first bottom surface and a second fitting portion provided on the second bottom surface into which the second convex portion is fitted. The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to [1] above.

[0105] [3] It includes a cap for engaging the nozzle and the packing. The nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the side opposite to the first bottom surface and a first engaging portion provided on the first top surface. The packing includes a second top surface on the side opposite to the second bottom surface and a second engaging portion provided on the second top surface. The cap is disposed across the first top surface to the second top surface and engages with each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion to engage the nozzle and the packing. The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to [1] or [2] above.

[0106] [4] The flow path is provided in the packing so as to be located between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction. The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3] above.

[0107] [5] When the direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction, the first fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing along the first direction and the third direction, and the second fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing along the second direction and the third direction. The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4] above.

[0108] [6] The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5] above, comprising a plurality of the nozzles and a single packing.

Description of reference numerals

[0109] 1... Battery module, 2... Electrode laminate, 3... Sealing body, 26... Frame part, 26f... Frame (injection frame), 31... Communication hole, 31A... Opening (first opening), 43... Nozzle, 52... Head body, 52a... First side surface, 52c... First bottom surface, 52d... First top surface, 52p... First convex part, 52r... Second convex part, 52t... First engaging part, 53... Packing, 53a... Second side surface, 53b... Third side surface, 53c... Second bottom surface, 53d... Second top surface, 53t... Second engaging part, 54... Lead-out part (inlet / outlet part), 55... Flow path, 80... Cap, S... Internal space, F... Fluid.

Claims

1. An electrode laminate including a plurality of electrodes laminated along a first direction, a sealing body provided on the electrode laminate so as to surround the electrode laminate, sealing a plurality of internal spaces formed between the electrodes adjacent to each other in the first direction, and provided with a plurality of communication holes communicating with each of the plurality of internal spaces, A power storage module manufacturing apparatus used for manufacturing a power storage module including: a nozzle for injecting a fluid into each of the plurality of internal spaces through the communication holes and / or discharging the fluid from the plurality of internal spaces through the communication holes, a packing interposed between the sealing body and the nozzle, and sealing the space between the sealing body and the nozzle airtightly by being pressed by the nozzle, comprising: The sealing body: an outer surface facing the side opposite to the internal space and having a first opening which is an opening of the plurality of communication holes formed thereon, a plurality of frames integrally provided on the outer surface and protruding from the outer surface so as to surround each of the plurality of first openings when viewed from a second direction intersecting the outer surface, The nozzle: a first side facing the packing side, provided with an inlet / outlet for guiding and / or introducing the fluid, a first bottom surface extending in a direction away from the first side surface from one end of the first side surface, comprising: The packing: corresponding to each of the plurality of frames, having a flow path for flowing the fluid between the inlet / outlet and the sealing body, a second side facing the nozzle side, where the plurality of flow paths open, a third side which is a surface on the opposite side of the second side and contacts the frame when the packing is pressed against the sealing body, and where the plurality of flow paths open at positions facing the first opening, a second bottom surface connecting the second side surface and the third side surface, comprising: On the nozzle and the packing: When the packing is attached to the nozzle such that the second side surface contacts the first side surface and the second bottom surface contacts the first bottom surface, fitting portions are provided to fit with each other, The fitting portion includes a first fitting portion provided for the first side surface and the second side surface, and a second fitting portion provided for the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface. A power storage module manufacturing apparatus.

2. The first fitting portion: a first convex portion provided on the first side surface, a first fitting portion provided on the second side surface and into which the first convex portion is inserted, comprising: The second fitting portion: the second convex portion provided on the first bottom surface; the second fitting portion provided on the second bottom surface and into which the second convex portion is fitted; comprising; The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. comprising a cap for engaging the nozzle and the packing, the nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the side opposite to the first bottom surface, and a first engaging portion provided on the first top surface; the packing includes a second top surface on the side opposite to the second bottom surface, and a second engaging portion provided on the second top surface; the cap is disposed across the first top surface to the second top surface, and engages the nozzle and the packing by engaging each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion; The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. the flow path is provided in the packing so as to be located between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction; The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. when a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing along the first direction and the third direction; the second fitting portion restricts the movement of the packing along the second direction and the third direction; The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. a plurality of the nozzles; a single packing; The power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising.

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