Manufacturing method of secondary batteries

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a secondary battery that can suppress the occurrence of unintended deformation during the electrode insertion process and the occurrence of misalignment between electrode plates. [Solution] In a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the step of inserting an electrode body into an outer casing includes a first step of inserting a portion of the electrode body corresponding to at least two-thirds of the length of the main body in the direction of the long side into the outer casing while gripping the electrode body, and a second step of inserting the remaining portion of the electrode body in the direction of the long side into the outer casing after the first step, wherein in at least the second step, the outer casing and the electrode body are arranged so that the direction of the long side faces the vertical direction and the electrode body is inserted vertically downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

Background Art

[0002] A method for inserting an electrode body of a secondary battery into an outer can is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-346902 (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is required to smoothly insert the electrode body and suppress the occurrence of unintentional deformation and the displacement between electrode plates during the insertion process of the electrode body. From this perspective, there is still room for improvement in the conventional method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0005] An object of this technology is to provide a method for manufacturing a secondary battery capable of suppressing the occurrence of unintentional deformation and the displacement between electrode plates during the insertion process of the electrode body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This technology provides the following method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0007] [1] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising the steps of: preparing a rectangular outer casing having a first opening; preparing an electrode body having a substantially rectangular body portion including a long side and a short side when viewed from the first direction, and including a positive electrode and a negative electrode stacked in a first direction; and inserting the electrode body into the outer casing from the first opening along the direction of the long side, wherein the step of inserting the electrode body into the outer casing includes a first step of inserting into the outer casing a portion corresponding to 2 / 3 or more of the length of the body portion of the electrode body in the direction of the long side while gripping the electrode body; and a second step after the first step of inserting the remaining portion of the electrode body in the direction of the long side into the outer casing, wherein at least in the second step, the outer casing and the electrode body are arranged so that the direction of the long side faces vertically and the electrode body is inserted vertically downward.

[0008] [2] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [1], wherein the outer casing has a second opening provided on the opposite side of the first opening, and in the second step, the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing by moving the jig vertically downward while supporting the electrode body with the jig inserted into the outer casing through the second opening.

[0009] [3] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [1] or [2], wherein the longer side has a first length, the shorter side has a second length, and the first length is three times or more the second length.

[0010] [4] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of items [1] to [3], wherein the length of the long side is 300 mm or more.

[0011] [5] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising the step of providing an insulating spacer at the end of the electrode body in the direction of the long side, wherein the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing together with the spacer.

[0012] [6] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [5], further comprising the steps of providing an insulating sheet member that covers at least a portion of the electrode body, and joining the sheet member and the spacer.

[0013] [7] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising the step of providing an insulating sheet member that covers at least a portion of the electrode body, wherein the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing together with the sheet member.

[0014] [8] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [6] or [7], wherein in the step of inserting the electrode body into the outer casing, the gap between the sheet member and the outer casing is greater than 0 and 0.6 mm or less.

[0015] [9] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising the step of sealing the first opening with a sealing plate.

[0016]

[10] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [9], wherein in the step of sealing the first opening, the position or direction of the sealing plate is controlled based on the magnitude of the reaction force to the sealing plate.

[0017]

[11] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to [9] or

[10] , wherein in the step of sealing the first opening, the gap between the sealing plate and the outer can is greater than 0 and 0.1 mm or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] This technology makes it possible to suppress unintended deformation and misalignment of electrode plates during the electrode insertion process in the manufacturing of secondary batteries. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the secondary battery shown in Figure 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow II. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the state of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the state of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow IV. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the state of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow V. [Figure 6] It is a front cross-sectional view of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the negative electrode plate. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing the negative electrode plate. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of the positive electrode plate. [Figure 10] It is a front view showing the positive electrode plate. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing the state before two electrode bodies included in the secondary battery according to one embodiment overlap. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of the electrode body and the current collector shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a holder and a spacer are attached to the electrode body. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a sealing plate is attached to the current collector on the negative electrode side. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of the electrode body and the current collector shown in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a sealing plate is attached to the current collector on the positive electrode side. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the secondary battery. [Figure 21] It is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the electrode body. [Figure 22]This diagram shows the configuration of the jig used in the electrode insertion process. [Figure 23] This figure shows the area around the lower end of the electrode body during the first stage of the insertion process. [Figure 24] This diagram shows the area around the upper end of the electrode body during the first stage of the insertion process. [Figure 25] This figure shows the area around the lower end of the electrode body during the second stage of the insertion process. [Figure 26] This diagram shows the area around the upper end of the electrode body during the second stage of the insertion process. [Figure 27] This figure shows the area around the upper end of the electrode body during the sealing process using a sealing plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of this technology are described below. Note that the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may not be repeated.

[0021] In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, quantity, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of this technology is not necessarily limited to that number, quantity, etc. Also, in the embodiments described below, each component is not necessarily essential to this technology unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, this technology is not necessarily limited to achieving all of the effects and advantages mentioned in these embodiments.

[0022] In this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are in open-ended form. That is, if a certain configuration is included, other configurations may or may not be included.

[0023] Furthermore, where geometric terms and terms describing positional and directional relationships are used in this specification, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "45° oblique," "coaxial," and "alongside," these terms allow for manufacturing tolerances or slight variations. Where terms describing relative positional relationships, such as "upper" and "lower," are used in this specification, these terms are used to indicate the relative positional relationship in a single state, and the relative positional relationship may be reversed or rotated to any angle depending on the installation direction of each mechanism (for example, by inverting the entire mechanism upside down).

[0024] Furthermore, the dimensions of each component illustrated in this specification, such as width, length, and diameter, are not limited to those shown and may be changed as appropriate. In this specification, each component may be assigned an ordinal number such as "1st" or "2nd," but these ordinal numbers do not limit priority, order, etc., unless explicitly specified.

[0025] In this specification, "battery" is not limited to lithium-ion batteries, but may include other batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and sodium-ion batteries. In this specification, "electrode" may refer collectively to the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Also, "electrode plate" may refer collectively to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0026] In this specification, "battery" can be installed in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), etc. However, the use of "battery" is not limited to in-vehicle applications.

[0027] In this specification, the X direction may be referred to as the "width direction" of the secondary battery, electrode body, and case body; the Z direction may be referred to as the "height direction" of the secondary battery, electrode body, and case body; and the Y direction may be referred to as the "thickness direction" of the secondary battery, electrode body, and case body.

[0028] (Overall configuration of a secondary battery) The overall configuration of the secondary battery 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The secondary battery 1 includes a case 100 (outer casing), an electrode body 200, electrode terminals 300, and a current collector 400. The case 100 includes a case body 110, a sealing plate 120, and a sealing plate 130.

[0029] When a battery pack including a secondary battery 1 is constructed, multiple secondary batteries 1 are stacked in the thickness direction. The stacked secondary batteries 1 may be constrained in the stacking direction (Y direction) by a restraining member to form a battery module, or the battery pack may be directly supported on the side of the battery pack case without using a restraining member.

[0030] The case body 110 consists of a cylindrical, preferably rectangular, member. This results in a rectangular secondary battery 1. The case body 110 is made of metal. Specifically, the case body 110 is made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or iron alloy.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, sealing plates 120 and 130 are provided at both ends of the case body, respectively. The case body 110 can be formed into a rectangular tube shape by, for example, bringing together the ends of bent plate-like members (joint portion 115 as illustrated in Figure 2) and joining them together (for example, by energy ray irradiation such as laser welding). The corners of the "rectangular tube" may have a rounded shape.

[0032] In this embodiment, the case body 110 is formed to be longer in the width direction (X direction) of the secondary battery 1 than in the thickness direction (Y direction) and height direction (Z direction) of the secondary battery 1. The dimension (width) of the case body 110 in the X direction is preferably about 300 mm or more, more preferably about 350 mm or more. This makes it possible to construct a relatively large (high capacity) secondary battery 1. The dimension (height) of the case body 110 in the Z direction is preferably about 200 mm or less, more preferably about 150 mm or less, and even more preferably about 100 mm or less. This makes it possible to construct a relatively low-height secondary battery 1, which improves, for example, its mountability in a vehicle.

[0033] The case body 110 includes a pair of first side sections 111 and a pair of second side sections 112. The pair of first side sections 111 constitute a part of the side surface of the case 100. The pair of second side sections 112 constitute the bottom and top surfaces of the case 100. Each of the pair of first side sections 111 and the pair of second side sections 112 is provided so as to intersect each other. The pair of first side sections 111 and the pair of second side sections 112 are connected at their respective ends. It is desirable that each of the pair of first side sections 111 has a larger area than each of the pair of second side sections 112.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, a gas exhaust valve 150 is provided on one of the pair of second side portions 112A. The gas exhaust valve 150 extends in the width direction (X direction) of the secondary battery 1. The gas exhaust valve 150 extends in the X direction to the extent that it does not reach the ends of the case body 110 from the center in the X direction. The shape of the gas exhaust valve 150 can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] The thickness of the plate-shaped member in the gas discharge valve 150 is thinner than the thickness of the other plate-shaped members in the case body 110. As a result, when the pressure inside the case 100 exceeds a predetermined value, the gas discharge valve 150 preferentially ruptures compared to other parts of the case body 110, and discharges the gas inside the case 100 to the outside.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, a joint portion 115 is formed on the other second side portion 112B of the pair of second side portions 112. The joint portion 115 extends in the width direction (X direction) of the secondary battery 1. At the joint portion 115, the ends of the plate-shaped members constituting the case body 110 are joined together.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, an opening 113 (first opening) is provided at one end of the case body 110 in the first direction (X direction). The opening 113 is sealed by a sealing plate 120. A joint 115 is formed in the opening 113 to seal it. The opening 113 and the sealing plate 120 have a substantially rectangular shape with the Y direction being the short side and the Z direction being the long side. The substantially rectangular shape includes a rectangular shape, or a rectangular shape with rounded corners, etc.

[0038] A negative terminal 301 is provided on the sealing plate 120. The position of the negative terminal 301 can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, an opening 114 (second opening) is provided at the other end of the case body 110 in the X direction. That is, the opening 114 is located at the end opposite to the opening 113, and the openings 113 and 114 face each other. The opening 114 is sealed by a sealing plate 130. A joint 115 is formed in the opening 114 to seal it. The opening 114 and the sealing plate 130 have a substantially rectangular shape with the Y direction being the short side and the Z direction being the long side.

[0040] A positive electrode terminal 302 and an electrolyte injection hole 134 are provided on the sealing plate 130. The electrolyte injection hole 134 only needs to be large enough to inject electrolyte into the case 100, and is preferably smaller than the insertion hole for the positive electrode terminal 302 provided on the sealing plate 130. It is preferable that the electrolyte injection hole 134 is offset from the center of the sealing plate 130 in the Z direction. The positions of the positive electrode terminal 302 and the electrolyte injection hole 134 can be changed as appropriate.

[0041] The sealing plates 120 and 130 are made of metal. Specifically, the sealing plates 120 and 130 are made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or iron alloy, etc.

[0042] The negative electrode terminal 301 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode body 200. The negative electrode terminal 301 is attached to the sealing plate 120, i.e., the case 100.

[0043] The positive terminal 302 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body 200. The positive terminal 302 is attached to the sealing plate 130, i.e., the case 100.

[0044] The negative electrode terminal 301 is made of a conductive material (more specifically, a metal), such as copper or a copper alloy. A portion or layer made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy may be provided on the outer surface of the negative electrode terminal 301.

[0045] The positive terminal 302 is made of a conductive material (more specifically, a metal), which may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example.

[0046] The injection hole 134 is sealed by a sealing member (not shown). For example, a blind rivet or other metal member can be used as the sealing member.

[0047] The electrode body 200 is a flat-shaped electrode body in which negative electrode plates and positive electrode plates, described later, are stacked. Specifically, the electrode body 200 is a laminated electrode body in which a plurality of negative electrode plates and a plurality of positive electrode plates are alternately stacked with a separator in between. The separator may be a strip-shaped insulating sheet member folded in a zigzag pattern, or it may be a plurality of insulating sheets provided individually. In this specification, "electrode body" is not limited to a laminated electrode body, and may also be a wound electrode body in which a strip-shaped negative electrode plate and a strip-shaped positive electrode plate are wound together with a strip-shaped separator in between. The separator can be made of, for example, a polyolefin microporous film. When the electrode body is a laminated electrode body including a plurality of negative electrode plates and a plurality of positive electrode plates, the negative electrode tabs provided on each negative electrode plate can be stacked to form a negative electrode tab group, and the positive electrode tabs provided on each positive electrode plate can be stacked to form a positive electrode tab group.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the case 100 houses the electrode body 200. In Figure 6, the first electrode body 201, which will be described later, is shown as an example. The first electrode body 201 is housed in the case 100 so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the X direction.

[0049] Specifically, one or more laminated electrode bodies are housed inside the insulating sheet 700 (described later) placed within the case 100, together with an electrolyte (not shown). As the electrolyte (non-aqueous electrolyte), for example, a non-aqueous solvent prepared by mixing ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in a volume ratio (25°C) of 30:30:40, in which LiPF6 is dissolved at a concentration of 1.2 mol / L can be used. A solid electrolyte may be used instead of an electrolyte.

[0050] The electrode body 200 includes a first electrode body 201. The first electrode body 201 includes a substantially rectangular main body, a negative electrode tab group 220, and a positive electrode tab group 250.

[0051] The main body is composed of a negative electrode plate 210 and a positive electrode plate 240, which will be described later. The negative electrode tab group 220 is located at one end (sealing plate 120 side) of the first electrode body 201 in the X direction relative to the main body. The positive electrode tab group 250 is located at the other end (sealing plate 130 side) of the first electrode body 201 in the X direction relative to the main body.

[0052] The negative electrode tab group 220 and the positive electrode tab group 250 are formed to protrude from the central portion of the electrode body 200 toward the sealing plate 120 or the sealing plate 130, respectively.

[0053] The current collector 400 includes a negative electrode current collector 400A and a positive electrode current collector 400B. The negative electrode current collector 400A and the positive electrode current collector 400B are each made of plate-shaped members. The electrode body 200 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 301 and the positive electrode terminal 302 via the current collector 400.

[0054] The negative electrode current collector 400A is positioned on the sealing plate 120 via a resin insulating member. The negative electrode current collector 400A is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode terminal 301. The negative electrode current collector 400A is made of a conductive material (more specifically, a metal), which may be made of copper or a copper alloy, for example. Details of the negative electrode current collector 400A will be described later.

[0055] The positive electrode current collector 400B is positioned on the sealing plate 130 via a resin insulating member. The positive electrode current collector 400B is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab group 250 and the positive electrode terminal 302. The positive electrode current collector 400B is made of a conductive material (more specifically, a metal), such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The positive electrode tab group 250 may be electrically connected to the sealing plate 130 directly or via the positive electrode current collector 400B. In this case, the sealing plate 130 may also function as the positive electrode terminal 302. Details of the positive electrode current collector 400B will be described later.

[0056] (Configuration of electrode body 200) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a negative electrode tab 230, consisting of a negative electrode core 211, is provided at one end of the negative electrode plate 210 in the width direction. When the negative electrode plates 210 are stacked, multiple negative electrode tabs 230 are stacked to form a negative electrode tab group 220. The negative electrode tab group 220 is electrically connected to the negative electrode. The length of each negative electrode tab 230 in the protruding direction on the multiple negative electrode plates 210 is appropriately adjusted considering the state in which the negative electrode tab group 220 is connected to the negative electrode current collector 400A. The shape of the negative electrode tab 230 is not limited to that illustrated in Figure 8.

[0057] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a positive electrode tab 260, consisting of a positive electrode core 241, is provided at one end of the positive electrode plate 240 in the width direction. When the positive electrode plates 240 are stacked, multiple positive electrode tabs 260 are stacked to form a positive electrode tab group 250. The positive electrode tab group 250 is electrically connected to the positive electrode. The length of each positive electrode tab 260 in the protruding direction on the multiple positive electrode plates 240 is appropriately adjusted considering the state in which the positive electrode tab group 250 is connected to the positive electrode current collector 400B. The shape of the positive electrode tab 260 is not limited to that illustrated in Figure 10.

[0058] A positive electrode protective layer 243 is provided at the base of the positive electrode tab 260. However, the positive electrode protective layer 243 is not necessarily provided at the base of the positive electrode tab 260.

[0059] In a typical example, the thickness of one negative electrode tab 230 is less than the thickness of one positive electrode tab 260. In this case, the thickness of the negative electrode tab group 220 is less than the thickness of the positive electrode tab group 250.

[0060] (Connection structure between electrode body 200 and current collector 400) The connection structure between the electrode body 200 and the current collector 400 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0061] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the electrode body 200 includes a first electrode body 201 and a second electrode body 202. Each of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The electrode body 200 may be composed of three or more electrode bodies.

[0062] The electrode body 200 is formed by stacking a first electrode body 201 and a second electrode body 202. The first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 are aligned in the thickness direction (Y direction) of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11 (connection structure on the negative electrode side), the first electrode body 201 includes a group of negative electrode tabs 220. The group of negative electrode tabs 220 is electrically connected to the current collector 410 (negative electrode current collector) at its first end 205 in the X direction. The second electrode body 202 includes a group of negative electrode tabs 270. The group of negative electrode tabs 270 is electrically connected to the current collector 410 (negative electrode current collector) at its third end 207 in the X direction.

[0064] The negative electrode tab group 220 has a curved portion 221 and a tip portion 222. The curved portion 221 is the part of the negative electrode tab group 220 that is curved. The tip portion 222 is the part located at the end of the negative electrode tab group 220.

[0065] The negative electrode tab group 270 has a curved portion 271 and a tip portion 272. The curved portion 271 is the part of the negative electrode tab group 270 that is curved. The tip portion 272 is the part located at the end of the negative electrode tab group 270.

[0066] Each of the negative electrode tab group 220 and negative electrode tab group 270 is curved in opposite directions such that their tips 222 and 272 are closer together. In this embodiment, the tips 222 and 272 are spaced apart, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the tips 222 and 272 may be in contact with each other.

[0067] The negative electrode current collector 400A electrically connects the negative electrode terminal 301 to the negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270. In this embodiment, the negative electrode current collector 400A is connected to the negative electrode terminal 301 between the electrode body 200 and the sealing plate 120. The negative electrode current collector 400A includes current collectors 410 and 430.

[0068] The current collector 410 is a plate-shaped member. The current collector 410 has a longitudinal direction in the Z direction and a short direction in the Y direction. The current collector 410 is made up of a single, integrated part. The current collector 430 is a plate-shaped member. The current collector 430 has a longitudinal direction in the Z direction and a short direction in the Y direction. The current collectors 410 and 430 are arranged in parallel in the X direction. Thus, the current collectors 410 and 430 are made up of separate parts.

[0069] The negative electrode tab groups 220 and 270 are joined to the current collector 410 at a joint 411, which will be described later (see Figure 15). The joint 411 can be formed, for example, by laser welding.

[0070] The current collector 430 is joined to the current collector 410 at a joint located at its Z-direction end. The current collector 430 is connected to the negative terminal 301. The connection between the current collector 430 and the negative terminal 301 can be formed, for example, by crimping and / or welding.

[0071] The negative electrode terminal 301 is exposed to the outside of the sealing plate 120. The negative electrode terminal 301 is connected to the plate-shaped member 303. The negative electrode terminal 301 includes a region 301A made of copper or a copper alloy and a region 301B made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and it is preferable that the region 301A made of copper or a copper alloy is connected to the current collector 430.

[0072] The plate-shaped member 303 is located on the outside of the sealing plate 120. The plate-shaped member 303 is arranged along the sealing plate 120. The plate-shaped member 303 is electrically conductive. The plate-shaped member 303 is positioned to secure connection area with busbars, etc., that electrically connect the secondary battery 1 to other adjacent secondary batteries. The connection between the negative electrode terminal 301 and the plate-shaped member 303 can be formed, for example, by laser welding.

[0073] An insulating member 510 is placed between the plate-shaped member 303 and the sealing plate 120. An insulating member 520 is placed between the negative terminal 301 and the sealing plate 120. An insulating member 530 is placed between the current collector 430 and the sealing plate 120.

[0074] However, the negative terminal 301 may be electrically connected to the sealing plate 120. The sealing plate 120 may also serve as the negative terminal 301.

[0075] A spacer 600 is positioned between the sealing plate 120 and the main body of the electrode body 200 (excluding the negative electrode tab groups 220 and 270). The spacer 600 is made of an insulating resin material. The spacer 600 suppresses the movement of the electrode body 200 within the case 100 in the X direction, thereby suppressing damage to the negative electrode tab group 220, the negative electrode tab group 270, and the electrode body 200.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12 (connection structure on the positive electrode side), the connection structure between the electrode body 200 and the current collector 400 on the positive electrode side differs from the configuration on the negative electrode side in that the part corresponding to the current collector 410 on the negative electrode side is composed of two parts.

[0077] The first electrode body 201 includes a group of positive electrode tabs 250. The group of positive electrode tabs 250 is electrically connected to the current collector 420 (positive electrode current collector) at a second end 206 in the X direction. The second electrode body 202 includes a group of positive electrode tabs 280. The group of positive electrode tabs 280 is electrically connected to the current collector 420 at a fourth end 208 in the X direction.

[0078] The positive electrode tab group 250 has a curved portion 251 and a tip portion 252. The curved portion 251 is the part of the positive electrode tab group 250 that is curved. The tip portion 252 is the part located at the end of the positive electrode tab group 250.

[0079] The positive electrode tab group 280 has a curved portion 281 and a tip portion 282. The curved portion 281 is the part of the positive electrode tab group 280 that is curved. The tip portion 282 is the part located at the end of the positive electrode tab group 280.

[0080] Each of the positive electrode tab group 250 and the positive electrode tab group 280 is curved in opposite directions such that their tips 252 and 282 are closer together. In this embodiment, the tips 252 and 272 are spaced apart, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the tips 252 and 282 may be in contact with each other.

[0081] The positive electrode current collector 400B electrically connects the positive electrode terminal 302 to the positive electrode tab group 250 and the positive electrode tab group 280. In this embodiment, the positive electrode current collector 400B is connected to the positive electrode terminal 302 between the electrode body 200 and the sealing plate 130.

[0082] The positive electrode current collector 400B includes a current collector 420 and a current collector 440. An insulating member 460 is interposed between the current collector 420 and the current collector 440, but the two are electrically joined at a position different from the cross-section shown in the figure.

[0083] The current collector 420 is a plate-shaped member. The current collector 420 has a longitudinal direction in the Z direction and a short direction in the Y direction. The current collector 420 is composed of one current collector and another current collector. That is, the current collector 420 is composed of two parts.

[0084] The positive electrode tab group 250 and the positive electrode tab group 280 are joined to the current collector 420, which is composed of two parts, at a joint 421 (see Figure 15), which will be described later. The joint 421 can be formed, for example, by laser welding.

[0085] The current collector 440 is joined to the current collector 420 at a joint located at its Z-direction end. The current collector 440 is connected to the positive terminal 302. The connection between the current collector 440 and the positive terminal 302 can be formed, for example, by crimping and / or welding.

[0086] The positive terminal 302 is exposed on the outside of the sealing plate 130 and is positioned to reach the current collector 440 of the positive current collector 400B, which is located on the inner surface side of the sealing plate 130. The positive terminal 302 is connected to the plate-shaped member 304.

[0087] The plate-shaped member 304 is located on the outside of the sealing plate 130. The plate-shaped member 304 is arranged along the sealing plate 130. The plate-shaped member 304 is conductive. The plate-shaped member 304 is arranged to secure connection area with busbars, etc., that electrically connect the secondary battery 1 to other adjacent secondary batteries. The connection between the positive electrode terminal 302 and the plate-shaped member 304 can be formed, for example, by laser welding.

[0088] An insulating member 510 is placed between the plate-shaped member 304 and the sealing plate 130. An insulating member 520 is placed between the positive terminal 302 and the sealing plate 130. An insulating member 470 is placed between the current collector 440 and the sealing plate 130.

[0089] However, the positive terminal 302 may be electrically connected to the sealing plate 130. The sealing plate 130 may also serve the role of the positive terminal 302.

[0090] A spacer 600 is positioned between the sealing plate 130 and the main body of the electrode body 200 (excluding the positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280). The spacer 600 is made of an insulating resin material. The spacer 600 suppresses the movement of the electrode body 200 within the case 100 in the X direction, thereby suppressing damage to the positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280 and the electrode body 200.

[0091] The spacer 600 shown in Figures 11 and 12 is made of, for example, resin. The material of the spacer 600 may be, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).

[0092] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a resin insulating sheet 700 (electrode holder) is placed between the electrode body 200 and the case body 110. The insulating sheet 700 may be made of resin, for example. More specifically, the material of the insulating sheet 700 may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), or polyolefin (PO).

[0093] (Manufacturing process for secondary battery 1) The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to this embodiment will be described below using the flowchart in Figure 13. In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to this embodiment, first, the case body 110 is manufactured (step S10), and the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 are manufactured (step S20). It is preferable that a portion of the tip of each of the negative electrode tab group 220, positive electrode tab group 250, negative electrode tab group 270, and positive electrode tab group 280 is cut so that the length of the tips is the same when bundled. After that, current collectors 410 and 420 are joined to the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 (step S30).

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, after the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 are manufactured, the positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280 are joined to the current collector 420 (step S31). The positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280 are joined to the current collector 420 at the joining point 421.

[0095] Next, the first electrode body 201, the current collector 410, and the second electrode body 202 are arranged in this order in the DR0 direction. The negative electrode tab group 220 is placed on one side of the current collector 410 in the DR0 direction. With the negative electrode tab group 270 placed on the other side of the current collector 410 in the DR0 direction, the negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270 are joined to the current collector 410 (step S32). The negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270 are joined to the current collector 410 at the joining point 411.

[0096] In the height direction of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202, the current collectors 410 and 420 are positioned off-center to one side of the center of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202. This allows the current collectors to be made shorter, thus enabling them to be made smaller. The current collectors 410 and 420 are not limited to this configuration. The current collectors 410 and 420 may be positioned in the center of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 in the height direction of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202.

[0097] The order in which the current collectors 410 and 420 are joined to the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 is not limited to the above, and the order may be changed. The step of joining the current collectors 420 to the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 is preferably performed before the step of overlapping the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202, which will be described later, and is preferably performed before the step of joining the current collector 410 to the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202.

[0098] Next, after joining the negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270 to the current collector 410, the negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270 are bent in the thickness direction of the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 (in the direction perpendicular to the DR0 direction in Figures 17 and 18) to overlap the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 (step S40). In other words, the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 are brought together.

[0099] "Overlapping the first electrode and the second electrode" means that the first electrode and the second electrode may be directly overlapped, or other components may be placed between the first and second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may or may not be fixed with tape or the like. Furthermore, the first electrode, the current collector, and the second electrode do not have to be arranged in a straight line in the DR0 direction, and the first electrode or the second electrode may be inclined with respect to the current collector in the DR0 direction.

[0100] The negative electrode tab group 220 and the negative electrode tab group 270 are bent so that their tips face each other. The positive electrode tab group 250 and the positive electrode tab group 280 are also bent so that their tips face each other.

[0101] Next, as shown in Figure 16, the spacers 600 and insulating sheet 700 are assembled to the electrode body 200 (step S50). After the spacers 600 are assembled to both the negative and positive sides of the electrode body 200, the electrode body 200 and the spacers 600 on both sides are covered with the insulating sheet 700. In this way, with the spacers 600 positioned on both sides of the electrode body 200, the electrode body 200 and the spacers 600 on both sides are covered with the insulating sheet 700. The insulating sheet 700 is joined or fixed to the spacers 600 on both sides.

[0102] Next, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the current collector 410 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 301 via the current collector 430 (step S60). Step S60 can also be performed before step S50. Specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the negative tab group 220 and the negative tab group 270 are bent so that their tips 222 and 272 face each other.

[0103] The negative electrode terminal 301 and the current collector 430 are attached to the sealing plate 120 via an insulating member. The current collector 430 is brought into contact with the current collector 410 in the X direction. The connection of the plate-shaped member 303 to the negative electrode terminal 301 can be done at any time. The current collector 430 and the current collector 410 are joined by laser welding from between the sealing plate 120 and the insulating sheet 700.

[0104] Next, the spacer 600 and electrode body 200 are inserted into the case body 110 through the opening 113, with the current collector 420 side leading (step S70). In this step, the electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110 while being held (step S71), and in the subsequent second step, gravity is used to move the electrode body 200 vertically downwards, thereby inserting it into the case body 110 (step S72). In this embodiment, the electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110 after the insulating members 460 have been attached to the two current collectors 420. In this way, the electrode body 200 can be inserted into the case body 110 with the two current collectors 420 combined into one.

[0105] After the electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110, the negative electrode tab group 220 and negative electrode tab group 270 are bent by bringing the sealing plate 120 and the main body of the electrode body 200 (first electrode body 201 and second electrode body 202) closer together, starting from an extended state (as shown in Figure 11). The negative electrode tab group 220 and negative electrode tab group 270 are bent along the shape of the spacer 600 so that the folded portions of the bent parts 221 and 271 are closer to the case body 110 in the Y direction.

[0106] As shown in Figure 19, after the sealing plate 120 is brought into contact with the case body 110, the sealing plate 120 is temporarily joined to the case body 110. This temporary joining partially joins the sealing plate 120 to the opening 113 of the case body 110. This positions the sealing plate 120 relative to the case body 110.

[0107] After inserting the electrode body 200 into the case body 110, the current collector 420 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 302 (step S80). Specifically, the positive terminal 302 is attached to the sealing plate 130 via an insulating member. After inserting the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 into the case body 110, the current collector 440 is brought into contact with the current collector 420 protruding from the opening 114 in the X direction. The connection of the plate-shaped member 304 to the positive terminal 302 can be done at any time.

[0108] The positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280 connected to the current collector 420 are bent so that their tips 252 and 282 face each other. As shown in Figure 12, the positive electrode tab groups 250 and 280 are curved to conform to the shape of the spacer 600 so that the folded portions of the curved sections 251 and 281 approach the case body 110 in the Y direction.

[0109] After inserting the spacer 600 and electrode body 200 into the case body 110, the sealing plate 130 and sealing plate 120 are joined to the case body 110 (step S90).

[0110] As shown in Figure 20, after the sealing plate 130 is brought into contact with the case body 110, the sealing plate 130 is tack-welded to the case body 110. Through this tack-welding, the sealing plate 130 is partially joined to the opening 114 of the case body 110. This positions the sealing plate 130 relative to the case body 110.

[0111] Next, the sealing plates 120 and 130 are joined to the case body 110. Sealing plate 120 seals the opening 113 of the case body 110, and sealing plate 130 seals the opening 114 of the case body 110. As a result, the first electrode body 201 and the second electrode body 202 are housed in the case 100.

[0112] After the above process, inspections such as leak testing are performed (S100 process). After the leak testing, the secondary battery 1 is dried to remove moisture from inside the case 100.

[0113] Next, with the sealing plate 130 positioned above the sealing plate 120 in the vertical direction and the spacer 600 positioned below the electrode body 200, the electrolyte is injected into the case 100 through the injection hole 134 provided in the sealing plate 130 (step S110). Because the spacer 600 is provided around where the electrolyte is injected, damage to the electrode body 200 and other components is suppressed even if the electrolyte is injected forcefully into the case 100. As a result, the secondary battery 1 of this embodiment can inject the electrolyte in a shorter time compared to the case without the spacer 600. After that, degassing and charging are performed. During degassing and charging, the injection hole 134 may be temporarily sealed. After that, the injection hole 134 is sealed, and the secondary battery 1 is completed.

[0114] (Insertion process of electrode body 200) As shown in Figure 21, the electrode body 200 has a roughly rectangular main body portion 2000 (excluding the roughly rectangular portion excluding the negative electrode tab group 220, 270 and the positive electrode tab group 250, 280) when viewed from the Y direction (first direction), including a long side 2100 and a short side 2200. The long side 2100 extends in the Y direction, and the short side 2200 extends in the Z direction. The long side 2100 has a length L (first length), and the short side 2200 has a length H (second length). The length L of the long side 2100 is preferably about three times or more the length H of the short side 2200 (for example, L = about 308 mm, H = about 90 mm). The length L of the long side 2100 is preferably about 300 mm or more. However, the dimensions of the main body portion 2000 of the electrode body 200 are not limited to those described above.

[0115] As shown in Figure 22, in the electrode body 200 insertion step, an insertion jig including a first jig 10 (first gripping means), a second jig 20 (elastic jig), and a third jig 30 (second gripping means) is used. The electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110 along the direction of arrow DR1. In this embodiment, the electrode body 200 is positioned so that the direction of the long side 2100 of the electrode body 200 is vertical, and the case body 110 and the electrode body 200 are positioned so that the direction of arrow DR1 is vertically downward.

[0116] The first jig 10 grips (for example, clamps in the Y direction) the laminate 200A including the electrode body 200. The first jig 10 can move vertically while gripping the laminate 200A by, for example, attaching it to a robot arm. The laminate 200A gripped by the first jig 10 is inserted into the case body 110 through the opening 113 (first opening).

[0117] The second jig 20 is inserted into the case body 110 through an opening 114 (second opening) located on the opposite side of the opening 113. After the laminate 200A inserted into the case body 110 through the opening 113 reaches the second jig 20, the second jig 20 can move vertically downward (in the direction of arrow DR1) while supporting the laminate 200A.

[0118] After the laminated body 200A, gripped by the first jig 10, moves (descends) to a position where it is supported by the second jig 20, the vertical movements of the first jig 10 and the second jig 20 are synchronized. This prevents unintended loads (loads from the second jig 20) from acting on the electrode body 200 inserted into the case body 110. Subsequently, by releasing the grip of the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) by the first jig 10, the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) is supported from below by the second jig 20.

[0119] The third jig 30 grips (for example, attracts in the Z direction) the sealing plate 120 to which the negative electrode current collector 400A is attached. The third jig 30 is attached to the same robot arm as the first jig 10. However, the first jig 10 and the third jig 30 may be attached to different robot arms.

[0120] As shown in Figures 22 to 27, the insertion process of the electrode body 200 (laminated body 200A) includes a first step (Figures 23 and 24) in which a portion of the electrode body 200 (laminated body 200A) in the X direction (long side direction) is inserted into the case body 110 while gripping the laminated body 200A with the first jig 10, and a second step (Figures 25 and 26) in which the remaining portion of the electrode body 200 (laminated body 200A) in the X direction is inserted into the case body 110 after the first step. After that, the opening 113 of the case body 110 is sealed by the sealing plate 120 (Figure 27).

[0121] Although not explicitly shown in Figures 23 to 26 for illustrative purposes, the process of inserting the electrode body 200 into the case body 110 is performed with the electrode body 200 connected to the sealing plate 120 via the negative electrode tab groups 220, 270 and the current collectors 410, 430, and with the electrode body 200 electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 301 (see Figures 17 and 18).

[0122] The laminate 200A includes a spacer 600 provided at the end of the electrode body 200 in the X direction, and an insulating sheet 700 (sheet member) covering the electrode body 200. The electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110 together with the spacer 600 and the insulating sheet 700. The spacer 600 and the insulating sheet 700 can be joined or fixed to each other, for example, by welding.

[0123] However, the laminate 200A does not necessarily have to include the spacer 600 and the insulating sheet 700. Also, the spacer 600 and the insulating sheet 700 do not necessarily have to be joined or fixed to each other. Furthermore, the insulating sheet 700 does not necessarily have to cover the entire electrode body 200, but may cover only a part of it.

[0124] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, in the first step of the electrode body 200 insertion process, a portion of the electrode body 200 corresponding to approximately 2 / 3 or more (preferably 3 / 4 or more, more preferably 4 / 5 or more, and even more preferably 5 / 6 or more) of the length L of the main body portion 2000 is inserted into the case body 110 while being held by the first jig 10.

[0125] As shown in Figure 23, in the electrode body 200 insertion process, the first jig 10 grips (clamps) the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) and inserts it into the case body 110. Here, a gap is provided between the laminate 200A (insulating sheet 700) and the inner surface of the case body 110. When viewed from the insertion direction, with the center of the laminate 200A and the centers of the openings 113 and 114 coinciding, the width (C) of the gap is preferably greater than 0 and about 0.6 mm or less. More specifically, the gap between the inner surface of the first side portion 111, which is the long side, and the insulating sheet 700 is preferably about 0.15 mm or less, and the gap between the inner surface of the second side portion 112, which is the short side, and the insulating sheet 700 is preferably about 0.53 mm or less.

[0126] The first jig 10 has a control unit 11. In the first step of the electrode body 200 insertion process, the control unit 11 can control the position or direction of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) based on the magnitude of the reaction force on the laminate 200A (electrode body 200). More specifically, based on the magnitude of the reaction force along the Y-axis (first axis), X-axis (second axis), and Z-axis (third axis), as well as the magnitude of the reaction force of the rotational moments around the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis, the control unit 11 can control the position of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) along the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis, and the direction of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) in the rotational directions around the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis.

[0127] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, in the second stage of the electrode body 200 insertion process, the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) is supported by the second jig 20 inserted into the case body 110 through the opening 114, and the remaining portion of the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) is inserted into the case body 110 by lowering (moving) the second jig 20 vertically downward. In other words, in the second stage of the insertion process, the electrode body 200 is inserted into the case body 110 using its own weight (gravity). At this time, the electrode body 200 is not held by the first jig 10.

[0128] The second jig 20 supports the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) from below by contacting the spacer 600. Preferably, the second jig 20 includes an elastic material such as Unilate® PC (an elastic material with an elastic modulus of approximately 7.0 GPa to 11.0 GPa). By including an elastic material in the second jig 20, the weight of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) can be absorbed during the second stage of inserting the electrode body 200, thereby preventing unintended loads from being applied to the electrode body 200.

[0129] In the second stage of the electrode insertion process, the remaining portion of the electrode 200 that was not inserted in the first stage is inserted. Preferably, a portion corresponding to about 1 / 5 or more (more preferably about 1 / 4 or more) of the length L of the main body 2000 is not gripped by the first jig 10, but is inserted into the case body 110 while being supported from below by the second jig 20. For example, the total movement (stroke) of the electrode 200 insertion process, combining the first and second stages, is about 340 mm, of which the movement in the second stage is about 90 mm.

[0130] Referring to Figure 27, in the sealing process of the opening 113 with the sealing plate 120, the third jig 30 grips (adsorbs) the sealing plate 120 and fits it into the opening 113 of the case body 110. This seals the opening 113. Here, when viewed from the insertion direction, with the center of the sealing plate 120 and the center of the opening 113 coinciding, it is preferable that the gap between the sealing plate 120 and the case body 110 is greater than 0 and about 0.1 mm or less.

[0131] The third jig 30 has a control unit 31. The control unit 31 can control the position or direction of the sealing plate 120 based on the magnitude of the reaction force on the sealing plate 120. More specifically, it is possible to control the position of the sealing plate 120 in the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis, as well as the direction of the sealing plate 120 in the rotational directions around the Y-axis (first axis), X-axis (second axis), and Z-axis (third axis), based on the magnitude of the reaction force of the forces along each direction of the Y-axis (first axis), X-axis (second axis), and Z-axis (third axis), and the magnitude of the reaction force of the rotational moments around each direction of the Y-axis, X-axis, and Z-axis.

[0132] According to the secondary battery manufacturing method of this embodiment, in the first step of inserting the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) into the case body 110 while gripping it with the first jig 10, the control unit 11 is used to control the position or direction of the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200). This allows for precise alignment of the center positions or rotational directions of the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) and precise control of the gap when inserting the laminated body 200A (electrode body 200) into the case body 110. As a result, the insertion resistance of the electrode body 200 is reduced, preventing unintended sagging (wrinkling) or bending of the insulating sheet 700, and also preventing misalignment between the electrode plates (negative electrode plate 210 and positive electrode plate 240).

[0133] According to the secondary battery manufacturing method of this embodiment, in the second step of inserting the case body 110 without gripping the electrode body 200 with the first jig 10, insertion is performed using the weight (gravity) of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200). This eliminates the need to push the electrode body 200 from above (the rear side in the insertion direction), suppressing unintended sagging (wrinkling) or bending of the insulating sheet 700, and also suppressing misalignment between the electrode plates (negative electrode plate 210 and positive electrode plate 240).

[0134] According to the secondary battery manufacturing method of this embodiment, in the step of pressing the sealing plate 120 with the third jig 30, the position or direction of the sealing plate 120 is controlled by the control unit 31, so that when the sealing plate 120 is fitted into the opening 113, their respective center positions or rotation directions are precisely aligned and the gap can be precisely controlled. As a result, an increase in fitting resistance can be suppressed. In addition, the generation of foreign matter due to contact between the case body 110 and the sealing plate 120 can be suppressed, and the ingress of this foreign matter into the case body 110 can be prevented.

[0135] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress unintended effects on the electrode body 200 and to suppress the ingress of foreign matter into the case body 110.

[0136] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the position or orientation of the laminate 200A (electrode body 200) and the sealing plate 120 are controlled during the electrode body 200 insertion process and the opening 113 sealing process. However, the scope of this technology is not limited to this, and control by the control unit 11 and control unit 31, or both, may not be performed.

[0137] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the insertion direction of the electrode body 200 is vertically downward throughout the first and second stages of the electrode body 200 insertion process. However, the scope of this technology is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the case body 110 and the electrode body 200 are arranged so that the insertion direction of the electrode body 200 is vertically downward at least in the second stage.

[0138] While embodiments of the present technology have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present technology is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1 Secondary battery, 10 First jig, 11 Control unit, 20 Second jig, 30 Third jig, 31 Control unit, 100 Case, 110 Case body, 111 First side section, 112, 112A, 112B Second side section, 113, 114 Opening, 115 Joint section, 120, 130 Sealing plate, 134 Liquid injection hole, 150 Gas discharge valve, 200 Electrode body, 200A Laminate, 201 First electrode body, 202 Second electrode body, 205 First end, 206 Second end, 207 Third end, 208 Fourth end, 210 Negative electrode plate, 211 Negative electrode core, 220 Negative electrode tab group, 221 Curved section, 222 Tip section, 230 Negative electrode tab, 240 Positive electrode plate, 241 Positive electrode core, 243 Positive electrode protective layer, 250 Positive electrode tab group, 251 Curved section, 252 Tip section, 260 Positive electrode tab, 270 Negative electrode tab group, 271 Curved section, 272 Tip section, 280 Positive electrode tab group, 281 Curved section, 282 Tip section, 300 Electrode terminal, 301 Negative electrode terminal, 301A, 301B Area, 302 Positive electrode terminal, 303, 304 Plate-shaped members, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440 Current collector, 400A Negative electrode current collector, 400B Positive electrode current collector, 411, 421 Joint points, 460, 470, 510, 520, 530 Insulating members, 600 Spacer, 700 Insulating sheet, 2000 Main body, 2100 Long side: 2200, Short side: 2200.

Claims

1. A step of preparing a rectangular outer can having a first opening, A step of preparing an electrode body having a main body portion that is substantially rectangular in shape, including a long side and a short side, and comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode stacked in a first direction, The process includes inserting the electrode body into the outer can through the first opening along the direction of the long side, The step of inserting the electrode body into the outer can is, The process includes a first step of inserting a portion of the electrode body corresponding to 2 / 3 or more of the length of the main body in the direction of the long side into the outer can while gripping the electrode body, and a second step of inserting the remaining portion of the electrode body in the direction of the long side into the outer can after the first step. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein in at least the second step, the outer casing and the electrode body are arranged such that the direction of the long side is oriented vertically and the electrode body is inserted vertically downward.

2. The outer can has a second opening provided on the opposite side of the first opening, The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein in the second step, the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing by moving the jig vertically downward while supporting the electrode body with the jig inserted into the outer casing through the second opening.

3. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the longer side has a first length, the shorter side has a second length, and the first length is three times or more the second length.

4. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length of the long side is 300 mm or more.

5. The process further includes providing an insulating spacer at the end of the electrode body in the direction of the longer side, The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing together with the spacer.

6. A step of providing an insulating sheet member that covers at least a portion of the electrode body, The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 5, further comprising the step of joining the sheet member and the spacer.

7. The process further includes providing an insulating sheet member that covers at least a portion of the electrode body, The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrode body is inserted into the outer casing together with the sheet member.

8. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein, in the step of inserting the electrode body into the outer casing, the gap between the sheet member and the outer casing is greater than 0 and 0.6 mm or less.

9. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the step of sealing the first opening with a sealing plate.

10. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein in the step of sealing the first opening, the position or direction of the sealing plate is controlled based on the magnitude of the reaction force to the sealing plate.

11. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein in the step of sealing the first opening, the gap between the sealing plate and the outer casing is greater than 0 and 0.1 mm or less.

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