Battery manufacturing apparatus and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a battery manufacturing device capable of preventing welding failure in the welding of the terminal and the film at the end of the electrode.SOLUTION: A posture correction member 120 is configured to correct the posture of a terminal 16 electrically connected to at least one end of an electrode 12. A terminal pressing member 150 is configured to press the end face of the terminal 16 opposite to the electrode 12 toward the electrode 12 in a state where the posture of the terminal 16 is corrected. A welding material 140 is configured to weld a film 18 to the terminal 16 with the end face of the terminal 16 pressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method, and particularly to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method for manufacturing a battery in which an electrode is packaged with a film.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a laminated battery capable of appropriately welding a laminated exterior body in a state where a terminal protrudes outward from the inside. In the technique according to Patent Document 1, an assembly in which a power generation element is disposed in a state where a terminal protrudes outward is prepared. Further, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, a heat compression member is brought into contact with the assembly, and at least an edge portion sandwiching the terminal in the laminated exterior body in the assembly is welded.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique according to Patent Document 1, there is no configuration to prevent the power generation element (electrode) and the terminal from separating during welding. Therefore, when welding is performed in a state where the power generation element (electrode) and the terminal are separated, the position of the terminal with respect to the power generation element (electrode) becomes unstable, and there is a risk of welding failure.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method capable of suppressing the occurrence of welding failure in welding between a terminal and a film performed at an end portion of an electrode.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery manufacturing apparatus according to this disclosure is a battery manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a battery in which electrodes are packaged in a film, comprising: a posture correction member configured to correct the posture of a terminal electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode; a terminal pressing member configured to press the end face of the terminal opposite to the electrode side toward the electrode when the posture of the terminal is corrected; and a welding member configured to weld the film to the terminal when the end face of the terminal is pressed.

[0007] The battery manufacturing method according to this disclosure is a battery manufacturing method for manufacturing a battery in which electrodes are packaged in a film, comprising: a posture correction step of correcting the posture of a terminal electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode; a terminal pressing step of pressing the end face of the terminal opposite to the electrode side toward the electrode while the posture of the terminal has been corrected; and a welding step of welding the film to the terminal while the end face of the terminal has been pressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method that can suppress the occurrence of welding defects in the welding of terminals and film performed at the ends of electrodes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the battery manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a battery manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a process diagram showing a battery manufacturing method performed by the battery manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a process diagram showing a battery manufacturing method performed by the battery manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 manufactures batteries in which the electrodes are packaged with a film such as a laminate film. Details of the configuration of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described later.

[0012] Figure 3 shows a battery 10 manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The battery 10 has electrodes 12, at least one electrode tab 14, at least one terminal 16, and a film 18. The battery 10 is, for example, a laminated battery. That is, in the battery 10, the electrodes 12 are packaged with a film 18 such as a laminate film. The electrodes 12 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular sheet, or plate.

[0013] The electrode tab 14 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The electrode tab 14 may be formed in the shape of an extremely thin plate. The electrode tab 14 is provided at at least one end of the electrode 12. In Embodiment 1, the electrode tab 14 is connected to the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the electrode 12, respectively.

[0014] The terminal 16 is formed, for example, in the shape of a U-shaped plate. The terminal 16 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The terminal 16 is electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode 12 via an electrode tab 14. In Embodiment 1, the terminal 16 is connected to the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the electrode 12, respectively. Terminal 16A (the first terminal) is connected to an electrode tab 14A provided on the first end 12a of the electrode 12. Also, terminal 16B (the second terminal) is connected to an electrode tab 14B provided on the second end 12b of the electrode 12. Note that terminals 16 are not required to be provided on both ends of the electrode 12. Terminals 16 may be provided on only one end of the electrode 12.

[0015] The film 18 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin. The film 18 covers the electrode 12 and a portion of the terminal 16. More specifically, the film 18 covers the electrode 12 and the terminal 16 such that the end face 16a of the terminal 16 opposite to the electrode 12 is exposed. Here, as shown in Figure 2, the film 18 has one or more folds 18f formed therein. When the film 18 is folded at the folds with the electrode 12 placed on it, the electrode 12 is wrapped in the film 18 such that the end face 16a of the terminal 16 is exposed. The vicinity of the end of the film 18 is then welded to the terminal 16. In Embodiment 1, the vicinity of the end 18a of the film 18 on the terminal 16A side is welded to the terminal 16A. Also, the vicinity of the end 18b of the film 18 on the terminal 16B side is welded to the terminal 16B.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrode tab 14 does not have enough rigidity to support the terminal 16. Therefore, when the film 18 is not welded to the terminal 16, unless the terminal 16 is restrained (supported) in some way, the terminal 16 may become unstable, tilting downward relative to the electrode 12 and separating from the end of the electrode 12 due to its own weight. As shown in Figure 1, when the film 18 is not welded to the terminal 16, terminal 16A hangs down away from the first end 12a of the electrode 12, and terminal 16B hangs down away from the second end 12b of the electrode 12. Then, when the film 18 is welded to the terminal 16, the terminal 16 becomes stable at the end of the electrode 12.

[0017] Here, in the battery 10, let L1 be the distance between the end faces of the terminals 16 provided at both ends of the electrode 12. Let L2 be the distance between the end face 16a of terminal 16B and the first end 12a of electrode 12 on the side opposite to terminal 16B. Let L3 be the distance between the end face 16a of terminal 16B and the end 18a of film 18 on the side opposite to terminal 16B. Let L4 be the height difference between the bottom surface of terminal 16 and the bottom surface of electrode 12. Let L5 be the height difference between the bottom surface of terminal 16 and the bottom surface of film 18.

[0018] In manufacturing the battery 10, the precision of each dimension L1 to L5 must be good. To achieve this, it is necessary to ensure that the position of the terminal 16 relative to the electrode 12 is stable when the film 18 is welded to the terminal 16. As described below, the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 can weld the film 18 to the terminal 16 while the position of the terminal 16 relative to the electrode 12 is stable. Therefore, the occurrence of welding defects can be suppressed.

[0019] The battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a welding unit 110, a terminal pressing member 150, a jig 160, a drive mechanism 170, and a control device 200. The jig 160 supports a workpiece 30 in a state where the film 18 is not welded to the battery 10. That is, the workpiece 30 is composed of an electrode 12, a terminal 16 electrically connected to the electrode 12, and a film 18 covering both surfaces of the electrode 12. Therefore, the workpiece 30 is generally configured in a substantially plate shape. The jig 160 is movable in a direction approaching and a direction away from the terminal pressing member 150.

[0020] Here, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional coordinate system of XYZ is assumed as follows. The direction along which the jig 160 moves closer to or away from the terminal pressing member 150 is defined as the X-axis direction. And the direction in which the jig 160 moves away from the terminal pressing member 150 (the left direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the +X direction, and the direction in which the jig 160 moves closer to the terminal pressing member 150 (the right direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the -X direction. Also, the direction along a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece 30 (electrode 12) supported by the jig 160 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The upward direction of the workpiece 30 (the upward direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the +Z direction, and the downward direction of the workpiece 30 (the downward direction in FIG. 1) is defined as the -Z direction. In other words, in a state where the workpiece 30 is supported by the jig 160, the surface on the +Z direction side of the workpiece 30 is the upper surface 30a, and the surface on the -Z direction side of the workpiece 30 is the lower surface 30b. Further, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Z-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the left side when looking in the +X direction (the front direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1) is defined as the +Y direction. Also, in a state where the workpiece 30 is supported by the jig 160, the plate-shaped electrode 12 is substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0021] The control device 200 is, for example, a computer. The control device 200 includes a processing device such as a processor and a storage device such as a memory. The control device 200 operates by the processing device executing a program stored in the storage device. The control device 200 controls the operations of each component of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 so as to manufacture a battery 10 having a predetermined size. The control device 200 may be, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0022] The welding unit 110 is disposed above (+Z direction) and below (-Z direction) of the workpiece 30 supported by the jig 160, respectively. That is, the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an upper welding unit 110A and a lower welding unit 110B. Each welding unit 110 includes a support member 112, elastic members 114 and 116, a posture correction member 120, a film pressing member 130, and a welding member 140. The elastic members 114 and 116 are, for example, springs or the like, but other elastic members may also be used.

[0023] The support member 112 supports the welding member 140. Also, the support member 112 supports the posture correction member 120 via the elastic member 114. Also, the support member 112 supports the film pressing member 130 via the elastic member 116. Accordingly, the posture correction member 120 and the welding member 140 are integrally configured via the elastic member 114. The support member 112 moves in a direction along the Z-axis by a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor or a servo motor that operates under the control of the control device 200. When the support member 112 moves in a direction along the Z-axis by the driving mechanism, the posture correction member 120, the film pressing member 130, and the welding member 140 of the welding unit 110 move in a direction along the Z-axis. Also, the posture correction member 120 may protrude on the side opposite to the support member 112 with respect to the film pressing member 130.

[0024] Here, welding units 110A and 110B move toward and toward each other by a drive mechanism. In other words, welding units 110A and 110B move in opposite directions. That is, when welding unit 110A moves in the -Z direction, welding unit 110B moves in the +Z direction, bringing welding units 110A and 110B closer together. On the other hand, when welding unit 110A moves in the +Z direction, welding unit 110B moves in the -Z direction, causing welding units 110A and 110B to move away from each other. Note that the support members 112 of each welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B may be connected to a single drive mechanism via left and right screws. This makes it possible to operate welding units 110A and 110B in conjunction with a single drive mechanism. Furthermore, welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B do not necessarily have to operate in conjunction with each other.

[0025] The posture correction member 120 is configured to correct the posture of the terminal 16, which is in an unstable position. Specifically, when welding the film 18 to the terminal 16, the posture correction member 120 corrects the posture of the terminal 16 so that it is aligned with the surface of the electrode 12. More specifically, the posture correction member 120 corrects the posture of the terminal 16 from a drooping state to a position aligned with the XY plane. This allows the film 18 to be welded to the terminal 16 when the terminal 16 is in an appropriate position. In addition, the posture correction member 120 of the upper welding unit 110A corrects the posture of the terminal 16 from above, and the posture correction member 120 of the lower welding unit 110B corrects the posture of the terminal 16 from below.

[0026] The film pressing member 130 is configured to press the film 18 near the terminal 16 in order to prevent the film 18 from lifting up when welding the film 18 to the terminal 16. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, when the workpiece 30 is supported by the jig 160, the film 18 may separate from the electrode 12 and the terminal 16 at both ends of the electrode 12. If welding is performed with the film 18 separated from the terminal 16 in this way, proper welding may not be possible. Therefore, the film pressing member 130 presses the film 18 near the terminal 16 to prevent the film 18 from lifting up. In addition, the film pressing member 130 of the upper welding unit 110A presses the film 18 near the terminal 16 from above, and the film pressing member 130 of the lower welding unit 110B presses the film 18 near the terminal 16 from below.

[0027] The welding member 140 is configured to weld the film 18 to the terminal 16. At least the tip of the welding member 140 is heated to such an extent that when it comes into contact with the film 18, it heats the film 18 and melts it. When the film 18 is in contact with the terminal 16, the welding member 140 presses against the film 18 and heats the film 18, thereby bonding the film 18 to the terminal 16. The welding member 140 is configured to weld the vicinity of the ends 18a and 18b of the film 18 to the terminal 16 when the end face 16a of the terminal 16 is pressed by the terminal pressing member 150, which will be described later. In other words, when the end face 16a of the terminal 16A is pressed by the terminal pressing member 150, the welding member 140 welds the vicinity of the end 18a of the film 18 to the terminal 16A. Furthermore, the welding member 140 welds the vicinity of the end 18b of the film 18 to the terminal 16B while the end face 16a of the terminal 16B is pressed by the terminal pressing member 150. In addition, the welding member 140 of the upper welding unit 110A welds the film 18 to the terminal 16 from above, and the welding member 140 of the lower welding unit 110B welds the film 18 to the terminal 16 from below.

[0028] The terminal pressing member 150 is configured to press the end face 16a of the terminal 16 toward the electrode 12 when the orientation of the terminal 16 has been corrected by the orientation correction member 120. The terminal pressing member 150 may be fixedly positioned in the battery manufacturing apparatus 100. In this case, the terminal pressing member 150 may press the end face 16a of the terminal 16 toward the electrode 12 by the jig 160 supporting the workpiece 30 moving toward the terminal pressing member 150.

[0029] The jig 160 is configured to support the workpiece 30. The jig 160 is configured to support the workpiece 30 so that it can be transported. The jig 160 can transport the workpiece 30 while it is positioned. The jig 160 has a workpiece support section 162 and a film holding section 164. The workpiece support section 162 is configured to support the workpiece 30. The workpiece support section 162 has a table or stand-like shape. The workpiece support section 162 supports the workpiece 30 substantially horizontally on its upper surface. The film holding section 164 is configured to hold the film 18 so that it does not separate from the surface of the electrode 12. The film holding section 164 may hold the film 18 so that it does not separate from the surface of the electrode 12 by having the film holding section 164 and the workpiece support section 162 work together to sandwich (grip) the workpiece 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the jig 160 is configured to transport the workpiece 30 to a subsequent process. The "subsequent process" refers to a process in the battery manufacturing process that follows the welding process of the film 18 to the terminals 16, which is performed by the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The subsequent process is, for example, a vacuum welding process in which the film 18 is welded under vacuum to seal the electrodes 12 inside the film 18, but is not limited to this. The jig 160 is movably positioned relative to the terminal pressing member 150. In other words, the jig 160 is a movable jig that can be moved to the work area where the subsequent process is performed. The jig 160 may be moved by control by the control device 200. The jig 160 may be moved by being suspended in the air by electromagnetic force, for example. Alternatively, the jig 160 may be moved by being guided by a guide mechanism. Alternatively, the jig 160 may be moved by the rotation of a ball screw.

[0031] The drive mechanism 170 is configured to drive the jig 160. The drive mechanism 170 may, for example, levitate and move the jig 160 in the air by electromagnetic force, but is not limited thereto. The drive mechanism 170 may be a motor or a servo motor. The drive mechanism 170 is configured to move the jig 160 in translation along the X-axis. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 170 is configured to rotate (swivel) the jig 160 around a rotation axis along the Z-axis. The drive mechanism 170 drives the jig 160 under the control of the control device 200.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 are process diagrams showing a battery manufacturing method performed by the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The jig 160 moves the workpiece 30 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 (process S102). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170, under the control of the control device 200, moves the jig 160 on which the workpiece 30 is mounted in the direction of arrow A1, with the terminal 16A facing the terminal pressing member 150. As a result, the terminal 16A enters the position between the welding unit 110A and the welding unit 110B and approaches the terminal pressing member 150.

[0033] The posture correction member 120 corrects the posture of the terminal 16A (step S104; posture correction step). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B1 under the control of the control device 200. The welding unit 110B also moves in the direction indicated by arrow B2 under the control of the control device 200. As a result, the posture correction member 120 of the welding unit 110B presses the vicinity of the end face 16a of the terminal 16A upward (+Z direction), causing the terminal 16A to be raised as indicated by arrow C1. As a result, the posture of the terminal 16A is corrected from a state where it is hanging down relative to the electrode 12 to a state where it is aligned with the surface of the electrode 12 (a state aligned with the horizontal plane). Note that the jig 160 may move in the +X direction (the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow A1) so that the end of the terminal 16A does not come into contact with the terminal pressing member 150 while the posture of the terminal 16A is changing as indicated by arrow C1.

[0034] The welding units 110A and 110B work together to temporarily hold the terminal 16A of the workpiece 30 and its vicinity (process S106; temporary holding process). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves further in the direction indicated by arrow B1 under the control of the control device 200. Similarly, the welding unit 110B moves further in the direction indicated by arrow B2 under the control of the control device 200. As a result, the terminal 16A is sandwiched between the welding units 110A and 110B. This ensures that the orientation of the terminal 16A is corrected to be aligned with the surface of the electrode 12. In this state, the orientation correction members 120 of each welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B are lightly abutting against the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal 16A. Furthermore, in this state, the film pressing members 130 of welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B are lightly abutting against the vicinity of the edge 18a of the film 18. Therefore, in this state, the workpiece 30 (terminal 16A) is not restricted in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), and if the jig 160 moves in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), the workpiece 30 (terminal 16A) can also move in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Note that in this state, the welding member 140 is not in contact with the film 18 of the workpiece 30.

[0035] The jig 160 moves, and the terminal pressing member 150 presses the end face 16a of the terminal 16A (process S108; terminal pressing process). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170, under the control of the control device 200, moves the jig 160 on which the workpiece 30 is mounted in the direction indicated by arrow A2. As a result, the end face 16a of the terminal 16A abuts against the terminal pressing member 150. With the orientation of the terminal 16A corrected by the orientation correction member 120, the terminal pressing member 150 presses the end face 16a of the terminal 16A toward the electrode 12. At this time, the orientation and position of the terminal 16A relative to the jig 160 and the electrode 12 are determined.

[0036] The welding member 140 welds the film 18 to the terminal 16A (process S110; welding process). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B1 under the control of the control device 200. The welding unit 110B also moves in the direction indicated by arrow B2 under the control of the control device 200. At this time, in both the welding unit 110A and the welding unit 110B, the support member 112 moves toward the terminal 16A against the elastic force of the elastic members 114 and 116. As a result, the welding member 140 heats the film 18 and presses the film 18 toward the terminal 16A. As a result, the welding member 140 welds the film 18 to the terminal 16A with the end face 16a of the terminal 16A pressed by the terminal pressing member 150. Then, the welding unit 110 returns to its original position (process S112). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B3 under the control of the control device 200. Also, the welding unit 110B moves in the direction indicated by arrow B4 under the control of the control device 200. In this way, the vicinity of the end 18a of the film 18 is welded to the terminal 16A. Then, the jig 160 returns to its original position (step S114). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170 moves the jig 160, on which the workpiece 30 is mounted, in the direction of arrow A3 under the control of the control device 200. As a result, the terminal 16A moves away from the terminal pressing member 150.

[0037] The jig 160 rotates along the horizontal plane (XY plane) (step S116). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170 rotates the jig 160 180 degrees as indicated by arrow D1, under the control of the control device 200. In other words, the jig 160 rotates so that the second end 12b of the electrode 12 faces the terminal pressing member 150. After the film 18 is welded to the terminal 16A, the jig 160 rotates to swap the positions of terminal 16A and terminal 16B. As a result, terminal 16B faces the terminal pressing member 150.

[0038] Similar to step S102, the jig 160 moves the workpiece 30 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 (step S122). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170, under the control of the control device 200, moves the jig 160 on which the workpiece 30 is mounted in the direction of arrow A1, with the terminal 16B facing the terminal pressing member 150. As a result, the terminal 16B enters the position between welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B and approaches the terminal pressing member 150.

[0039] Similar to step S104, the posture correction member 120 corrects the posture of the terminal 16B (step S124; posture correction step). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B1 under the control of the control device 200. The welding unit 110B also moves in the direction indicated by arrow B2 under the control of the control device 200. As a result, the posture correction member 120 of the welding unit 110B presses the vicinity of the end face 16a of the terminal 16B upward (+Z direction), causing the terminal 16B to be raised as indicated by arrow C1. As a result, the posture of the terminal 16B is corrected from a state where it hangs down relative to the electrode 12 to a state where it is aligned with the surface of the electrode 12 (aligned with the horizontal plane).

[0040] Subsequently, in substantially the same manner as in step S106 described above, welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B cooperate to temporarily hold the terminal 16B of the workpiece 30 and its vicinity. As a result, the orientation of the terminal 16B is corrected to be aligned with the surface of the electrode 12. In this state, the workpiece 30 (terminal 16B) is not restricted in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), and if the jig 160 moves in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), the workpiece 30 (terminal 16B) can also move in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0041] Similar to step S108, the jig 160 moves, and the terminal pressing member 150 presses the end face 16a of the terminal 16B (step S128; terminal pressing step). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170, under the control of the control device 200, moves the jig 160 on which the workpiece 30 is mounted in the direction indicated by arrow A2. As a result, the end face 16a of the terminal 16B abuts against the terminal pressing member 150. With the orientation of the terminal 16B corrected by the orientation correction member 120, the terminal pressing member 150 presses the end face 16a of the terminal 16B toward the electrode 12. At this time, the orientation and position of the terminal 16B relative to the jig 160 and the electrode 12 are determined.

[0042] Similar to step S110, the welding member 140 welds the film 18 to the terminal 16B (step S130; welding step). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B1 under the control of the control device 200. The welding unit 110B also moves in the direction indicated by arrow B2 under the control of the control device 200. At this time, in both the welding unit 110A and the welding unit 110B, the support member 112 moves toward the terminal 16B against the elastic force of the elastic members 114 and 116. As a result, the welding member 140 heats the film 18 and presses the film 18 toward the terminal 16B. As a result, the welding member 140 welds the film 18 to the terminal 16B with the end face 16a of the terminal 16B pressed by the terminal pressing member 150. Then, the welding unit 110 returns to its original position (step S132). Specifically, the welding unit 110A moves in the direction indicated by arrow B3 under the control of the control device 200. The welding unit 110B also moves in the direction indicated by arrow B4 under the control of the control device 200. In this way, the vicinity of the end 18b of the film 18 is welded to the terminal 16B. Then, the jig 160 returns to its original position (step S140). Specifically, the drive mechanism 170 moves the jig 160, on which the workpiece 30 is mounted, in the direction of arrow A3 under the control of the control device 200. This causes the terminal 16B to move away from the terminal pressing member 150. In this way, the workpiece 30 is formed with the film 18 welded to terminals 16A and 16B.

[0043] If the orientation of the terminal 16 is not corrected and the terminal 16 is separated from the end of the electrode, and an attempt is made to weld the film 18 to the terminal 16, there is a risk that the orientation and position of the terminal 16 relative to the electrode 12 will not be maintained in an appropriate state during welding. Therefore, there is a risk of welding defects. In contrast, in the above-described embodiment 1, the orientation correction member 120 is configured to correct the orientation of the terminal 16 which is electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode 12. The terminal pressing member 150 is configured to press the end face of the terminal 16 opposite to the electrode 12 toward the electrode 12 when the orientation of the terminal 16 is corrected. The welding member 140 is configured to weld the film 18 to the terminal 16 when the end face of the terminal 16 is pressed. With this configuration, welding can be performed with the orientation and position of the terminal 16 relative to the electrode 12 in an appropriate state. Therefore, the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to embodiment 1 can suppress the occurrence of welding defects in the welding of the terminal 16 and the film 18 performed at the end of the electrode 12. This effect is particularly noticeable when automating the welding process between the film 18 and the terminal 16.

[0044] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the terminal pressing member 150 is configured such that the jig 160 moves toward the terminal pressing member 150, thereby pressing the end face of the terminal 16 toward the electrode 12. As a result, even if the terminal pressing member 150 is positioned in a fixed state, the terminal pressing member 150 can press the end face of the terminal 16 toward the electrode 12. Therefore, the structure of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 can be simplified.

[0045] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the jig 160 rotates after the film 18 is welded to terminal 16A, and then the film 18 is welded to terminal 16B. With this configuration, the film 18 can be efficiently welded to terminals 16 provided at both ends of the electrode 12.

[0046] Furthermore, in the welding unit 110 of Embodiment 1, the posture correction member 120 and the welding member 140 are integrally configured via an elastic member. With this configuration, the posture correction member 120 and the welding member 140 can be operated by a single drive mechanism. Therefore, the posture correction and welding of the terminal 16 can be performed efficiently and reliably in a confined space. Also, in the welding process of S110 and S130, the elastic force of the elastic member 114 causes the posture correction members 120 of welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B to press against the upper and lower surfaces of the terminal 16. Therefore, the welding member 140 can weld the film 18 to the terminal 16 in a more stable position. In other words, because the posture correction member 120 and the welding member 140 are integrally configured via the elastic member 114 in the welding unit 110, posture correction and welding can be performed efficiently and reliably. Therefore, welding defects can be further suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, in the welding process of S110 and S130, the elastic force of the elastic member 116 causes the film pressing members 130 of welding unit 110A and welding unit 110B to press the film 18 to the upper and lower sides of the terminal 16. Therefore, the welding member 140 can weld the film 18 to the terminal 16 while the film 18 is in secure contact with the terminal 16A. In other words, because the film pressing member 130 and the welding member 140 are integrally configured in the welding unit 110 via the elastic member 116, welding can be performed efficiently while suppressing the film 18 from separating from the terminal 16. Therefore, welding defects can be further suppressed.

[0048] (modified version) It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the process diagrams of Figures 4 and 5, the order of steps S102 to S114 and steps S122 to S140 may be reversed. Also, if the terminal 16 is connected to only one end of the electrode 12, steps S116 to S140 may be omitted.

[0049] Alternatively, the terminal pressing member 150 may press the end face 16a of the terminal 16 by moving on its own. However, since the jig 160 moves toward the terminal pressing member 150, causing the terminal pressing member 150 to press the end face 16a of the terminal 16, it becomes unnecessary to provide a mechanism to move the terminal pressing member 150. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10...Battery, 12...Electrode, 14...Electrode tab, 16...Terminal, 18...Film, 30...Workpiece, 100...Battery manufacturing equipment, 110...Welding unit, 112...Support member, 114...Elastic member, 116...Elastic member, 120...Posture correction member, 130...Film pressing member, 140...Welding member, 150...Terminal pressing member, 160...Jig, 162...Workpiece support section, 164...Film holding section, 170...Drive mechanism, 200...Control device

Claims

1. A battery manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing batteries in which electrodes are packaged in film, A posture correction member configured to correct the orientation of a terminal electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode, A terminal pressing member configured to press the end face of the terminal opposite to the electrode side toward the electrode, while the orientation of the terminal is corrected, A welding member configured to weld the film to the terminal while the end face of the terminal is pressed, A battery manufacturing apparatus having the following features.

2. A jig configured to support a workpiece composed of the electrode, a terminal connected to the electrode, and the film covering both sides of the electrode, so as to be able to transport the workpiece. It further possesses, The terminal pressing member presses the end face of the terminal toward the electrode as the jig supporting the workpiece moves toward the terminal pressing member. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The terminal is connected to the first end of the electrode and to the second end, which is the end opposite to the first end of the electrode. With the terminal pressing member pressing the first terminal connected to the first end toward the first end, the welding member welds the film to the first terminal. The jig is rotated after the film has been welded to the first terminal so that the second end faces the terminal pressing member. With the terminal pressing member pressing the second terminal, which is connected to the second end of the electrode, toward the second end, the welding member welds the film to the second terminal. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The posture correction member and the welded member are integrally formed via an elastic member. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A battery manufacturing method for producing a battery in which electrodes are packaged in a film, A posture correction step for correcting the orientation of a terminal electrically connected to at least one end of the electrode, With the orientation of the terminal corrected, the terminal pressing step involves pressing the end face of the terminal opposite to the electrode towards the electrode, A welding step in which the film is welded to the terminal while the end face of the terminal is pressed, A method for manufacturing a battery.

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