Power storage module manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

A power storage module manufacturing apparatus (41) comprises: a nozzle (43) (head body (52)) for injecting a fluid (F) into an internal space (S) via a communication hole (31) of a sealing body (3); and a seal (53) that provides a hermetic seal between the sealing body (3) and the head body (52) by being pressed onto the sealing body (3) by the head body (52). The head body (52) includes a first protrusion (52p) provided on a first side surface (52a) facing the seal (53) side, and a second protrusion (52r) provided on a first bottom surface (52c). The seal (53) includes a through-hole (53p) provided in a second side surface (53a) facing the head body (52) side, and a recess (53r) provided in a second bottom surface (53c). The first protrusion (52p) is fitted into the through-hole (53p), and the second protrusion (52r) is fitted into the recess (53r).

Description

Energy storage module manufacturing equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a bipolar battery as a conventional energy storage module. This conventional energy storage module has multiple bipolar electrodes, each with a positive electrode formed on one side of a current collector and a negative electrode formed on the other side. The multiple bipolar electrodes are stacked with separators that hold electrolyte layers interposed between them. A sealing resin is molded and arranged around the outer periphery of the separator.

[0003] JP 2011-151016 A

[0004] In some energy storage modules, a sealing body for sealing the internal spaces between electrodes is provided with communication holes that communicate with each of the internal spaces, and fluids such as electrolytes or test gases are injected into each internal space through the communication holes. In this case, a packing may be interposed between the sealing body and the nozzle for injecting the fluid to ensure airtightness between the sealing body and the nozzle. This packing requires periodic replacement to maintain airtightness. However, using fastening members such as bolts to secure the packing to the nozzle in the appropriate position increases the number of replacement steps, which may reduce the productivity of the energy storage module.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus that can suppress a decrease in productivity.

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

[0007] This manufacturing apparatus is used to manufacture an energy storage module that includes an electrode stack including a plurality of electrodes, and a sealing body that is provided in the electrode stack, seals a plurality of internal spaces formed between the electrodes, and has a plurality of communication holes that communicate with each of the plurality of internal spaces. In this manufacturing apparatus, a gasket is interposed between the sealing body and a nozzle for injecting a fluid into the internal spaces or discharging a fluid from the internal spaces through the communication holes in the sealing body, and the nozzle presses the gasket against the sealing body. This ensures airtightness between the sealing body and the nozzle.

[0008] In particular, the nozzle and the packing have mating portions (first and second mating portions) that fit together when the packing is attached so that their side surfaces and bottom surfaces contact each other, thereby positioning the packing relative to the nozzle. Therefore, by moving the packing away from the nozzle, the positioning achieved by the mating portions is released, making it possible to easily remove the packing. Furthermore, by mating the mating portions while moving the packing closer to the nozzle, the packing can be easily attached while being positioned. Therefore, compared to using fastening members such as bolts to position and secure the packing to the nozzle, the number of steps required to replace the packing is reduced, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed.

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

[0010] The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a cap for engaging the nozzle and the gasket, wherein the nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the opposite side of the first bottom surface and a first engagement portion provided on the first top surface, the gasket includes a second top surface opposite the second bottom surface and a second engagement portion provided on the second top surface, and the cap is arranged from the first top surface to the second top surface and may engage with each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion to engage the nozzle and the gasket.

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

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

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

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus that can suppress a decrease in productivity.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an energy storage module that can be manufactured by the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a communication hole in a sealing body. FIG. 4 is a side view of the sealing body from the outer surface side on which a frame is provided. FIG. 5( a) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between a cell and a communication hole, and FIG. 5( b) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between a frame and a communication hole. FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the periphery of a communication hole during an injection step. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the nozzle head and packing shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 9( a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the tip surface of the nozzle head in FIG. 8 , and FIG. 9( b) is a bottom view of the packing. Fig. 10(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing and a nozzle head according to a modified example, and Fig. 10(b) is a bottom view of the packing according to the modified example. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a packing and a nozzle head according to another modified example. Fig. 12 is a partial plan view showing yet another modified example.

[0016] An energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of each figure, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. Each figure may also show an orthogonal coordinate system defined by a coordinate axis indicating a first direction D1, a coordinate axis indicating a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and a coordinate system indicating a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As an example, the first direction D1 indicates a vertical direction, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are two horizontal directions intersecting each other.

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

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

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

[0020] In the electrode stack 2, the multiple bipolar electrodes 11 are stacked such that the positive electrode active material layer 16 of one bipolar electrode 11 faces the negative electrode active material layer 17 of another bipolar electrode 11 adjacent to the one bipolar electrode 11. The positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 have a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the negative electrode active material layer 17 is slightly larger than the positive electrode active material layer 16 when viewed from the first direction D1. That is, in a plan view viewed from the first direction D1, the entire formation region of the positive electrode active material layer 16 is located within the formation region of the negative electrode active material layer 17.

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

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

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

[0024] Separators 14 are respectively disposed between adjacent bipolar electrodes 11, between the positive terminal electrode 12 and the bipolar electrode 11, and between the negative terminal electrode 13 and the bipolar electrode 11. Separators 14 are disposed between the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 between the electrodes. By isolating the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17, the separator 14 serves to prevent short circuits due to contact between adjacent electrodes while allowing charge carriers such as lithium ions to pass through.

[0025] The separator 14 may be impregnated with an electrolyte. Examples of the electrolyte impregnated in the separator 14 include a liquid electrolyte (electrolytic solution) containing a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent. Examples of the electrolyte salt contained in the electrolytic solution include LiClO ４ , LiAsF ６ , LiPF６ , LiBF ４ , LiCF ３ SO ３ , LiN(FSO ２ ) ２ , LiN(CF ３ SO ２ ) ２ Examples of the non-aqueous solvent include cyclic carbonates, cyclic esters, chain carbonates, chain esters, ethers, etc. Two or more of these solvents may be used in combination.

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

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

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

[0029] The negative electrode active material layer 17 is a layer containing a negative electrode active material capable of absorbing and releasing charge carriers such as lithium ions. The negative electrode active material may be any of a simple substance, an alloy, and a compound. Examples of the negative electrode active material include Li, carbon, and metal compounds. The negative electrode active material may be an element that can be alloyed with lithium, or a compound thereof. Examples of carbon include natural graphite, artificial graphite, hard carbon (non-graphitizable carbon), and soft carbon (easily graphitizable carbon). Examples of artificial graphite include highly oriented graphite and mesocarbon microbeads. Examples of elements that can be alloyed with lithium include silicon and tin. In this embodiment, the negative electrode active material layer 17 contains graphite, which is a carbon-based material.

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

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

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

[0033] The sealing body 3 prevents moisture and the like from penetrating into the internal space S from the outside of the electrode stack 2. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the separator 14 is joined to the sealing body 3 while being embedded in the sealing body 3. The sealing body 3 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin material. Examples of the resin material include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, acid-modified polypropylene, acid-modified polyethylene, and acrylonitrile-styrene resin.

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

[0035] The spacers 22 are disposed between the sealing materials 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The spacers 22 maintain the space between the adjacent sealing materials 21, i.e., the space between the adjacent current collectors 15. The spacers 22 have a rectangular frame shape and are disposed on the peripheral edge portions 15c of the current collectors 15. The peripheral edge portions of the separators 14 are sandwiched between the sealing materials 21 and the spacers 22. The peripheral edge portions of the separators 14 are welded to at least one of the sealing materials 21 and the spacers 22.

[0036] In this embodiment, the edge of each spacer 22 on the internal space S side (i.e., inner edge 22 a) is located outside (on the opposite side to the internal space S) of the edge of each sealant 21 on the internal space S side (i.e., inner edge 21 a). When viewed from the first direction D1, a gap is formed between adjacent sealants 21 in the region between the inner edges 21 a and 22 a. On the other hand, in the region outside the inner edges 22 a, the spacers 22 are interposed between the adjacent sealants 21, so that the sealants 21 and the spacers 22 overlap each other.

[0037] The inner edge 22 a of the spacer 22 may be located closer to the internal space S (i.e., more inward) than the inner edge 21 a of the sealing material 21. In this case, the inner edge 22 a of the spacer 22 may be located more inward than the outer edge of the negative electrode active material layer 17. That is, the spacer 22 may include an overlapping portion that overlaps with the negative electrode active material layer 17 when viewed from the first direction D1. In this case, the spacer 22 may not be in contact with the current collector 15 (more specifically, the first surface 15 a of the current collector 15 on which the positive electrode active material layer 16 is provided) at the overlapping portion.

[0038] The welded end 23 has a rectangular frame shape surrounding the electrode stack 2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The welded end 23 is formed by integrating an edge of each sealant 21 opposite the internal space S with an edge of each spacer 22 opposite the internal space S through welding. In this embodiment, the welded end 23 is formed by welding together a portion of each sealant 21 located outside the outer periphery of the current collector 15 and a portion of each spacer 22 located outside the outer periphery of the current collector 15. In a region of the sealing body 3 where a communication hole 31 (described later) is not provided, an outer surface 23 s of the welded end 23 located opposite the internal space S extends along the first direction D1 and constitutes a side surface of the main body 20, i.e., a side surface of the sealing body 3.

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

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

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

[0042] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the communication holes in the sealed body. Fig. 4 is a side view of the sealed body from the outer surface side where the frame portion is provided. Fig. 5(a) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the cells and the communication holes, and Fig. 5(b) is a schematic side view showing the positional relationship between the frame portion and the communication holes. Fig. 5(b) corresponds to an enlarged view showing a part of Fig. 4. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 5(a) omits illustration of the frame portion 26 and the sealing film 30, and Figs. 4 and 5(b) omit illustration of the sealing film 30.

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

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

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

[0046] In this embodiment, the positions of the openings 31A of the communication holes 31 corresponding to three cells C with numbers that differ by 10 (for example, 1st, 11th, and 21st) are approximately the same in the third direction D3, and they are arranged along the first direction D1. Therefore, in this embodiment, ten rows of three openings 31A arranged along the first direction D1 are arranged in the third direction D3.

[0047] The frame portions 26 protrude from the outer surface 24s so as to surround the respective openings 31A of the plurality of communication holes 31 as viewed from the second direction D2. In this embodiment, one frame portion 26 is provided for the openings 31A of the plurality of (here, three) communication holes 31. In other words, each of the plurality of frame portions 26 is formed by integrating a plurality of frames (injection frames) 26f that protrude from the outer surface 24s so as to surround each of the plurality of openings 31A. Here, as an example, ten frame portions 26, each formed by integrating three frames 26f, are arranged along the third direction D3.

[0048] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the multiple frame portions 26 may be configured to form at least two enclosed regions 33 having different lengths in the first direction D1, and may be asymmetric with respect to the first direction D1. Each enclosed region 33 is an area surrounded by a single frame 26f. In this example, each frame portion 26 forms three enclosed regions 33 (i.e., frames 26f). One of the three enclosed regions 33 (enclosed region 33A) has a longer length in the first direction D1 than the other two in the first direction D1. Note that FIG. 2 also schematically illustrates the relationship between the size of the frame portion 26 in the first direction D1 (size of frame 26f) and the size of the internal space S, which differs from the actual relationship. For example, unlike the description in FIG. 2 , the size of one frame 26f in the first direction D1 may be large enough to include multiple internal spaces S.

[0049] Next, a method for manufacturing the above-described energy storage module 1 will be described.

[0050] The manufacturing method for this energy storage module 1 includes an injection step of pressing a nozzle 43 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) against the periphery of the opening 31A of the communication hole 31 and injecting a fluid F into each of the multiple internal spaces S through the communication hole 31. Specific examples of the injection step include a step of injecting an electrolyte solution into the internal space S and a step of inspecting the airtightness of the energy storage module 1. In the step of injecting the electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution, which is the fluid F, is injected into the internal space S of each cell C through the communication hole 31.

[0051] The step of conducting an airtightness test is carried out before the step of injecting the electrolyte. As the airtightness test, for example, a cell-to-external airtightness test is carried out. In this case, the fluid F is a test gas. In the cell-to-external airtightness test, a test gas such as helium is injected into the internal space S of the multiple cells C through the communication holes 31, and a detection sensor disposed outside the energy storage module 1 detects whether or not the test gas is leaking. If the detection sensor does not detect the test gas, it is determined that there is no problem with the airtightness between the cells and the external space. In addition to helium, the test gas may be, for example, a rare gas such as argon, an inert gas such as nitrogen, or hydrogen, ammonia, or a halogen gas.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the injection step is performed using an energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41. The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 includes a decompression chamber 42, a nozzle 43, a first restraining member 44, and a second restraining member 45. In the energy storage module 1, which is the workpiece in the injection step, the conductive member 18 and the sealing film 30, which are the components shown in FIG. 2, are not provided, and no electrolyte solution is disposed in the internal space S. The conductive member 18 and the sealing film 30 are attached to the workpiece in a step subsequent to the injection step, and the energy storage module 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is obtained.

[0053] The decompression chamber 42 has a stage 46 and a chamber 47. The stage 46 has a mounting surface 46a on which the power storage module 1 is placed. A flat pallet 48, for example, is placed on the mounting surface 46a, and the power storage module 1 is placed on the pallet 48 (i.e., the power storage module 1 is placed via the pallet 48). The chamber 47 is formed in a box shape by four side walls 49 standing on the stage 46 and a roof 50 that closes the space defined by the stage 46 and the side walls 49.

[0054] In the chamber 47, one of the four side walls 49 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening this side wall 49, the energy storage module 1 placed on the flat pallet 48 can be inserted into and removed from the chamber 47. Of the four side walls 49, a pair of side walls 49, 49 that intersect with the side wall 49 on which the nozzle 43 is provided, may be configured to be openable and closable. In this case, the energy storage module 1 placed on the flat pallet 48 can be introduced into the chamber 47 from one side of the pair of side walls 49, 49, and can be removed from the other side of the pair of side walls 49, 49 after the injection process has been performed. This makes it possible to perform the injection process while transporting a plurality of energy storage modules 1 in one direction, thereby improving the efficiency of the injection process.

[0055] The nozzle 43 is provided on one side wall portion 49 of the chamber chamber 47 so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the mounting surface 46a. As shown in FIG. 7 , the nozzle 43 has a nozzle head 51 that ejects the fluid F. The nozzle head 51 has a head main body 52. ​​A packing 53 is provided on the head main body 52. ​​The head main body 52 and the packing 53 are disposed within the chamber chamber 47. The head main body 52 is provided with an outlet portion 54 that circulates and discharges the fluid F. The outlet portion 54 also serves as an inlet portion when introducing the fluid F into the head main body 52. ​​In other words, the outlet portion 54 is an inlet / outlet portion for discharging and / or introducing the fluid F. The packing 53 is provided on a first side surface 52a, which is the tip surface of the head main body 52. ​​The packing 53 is provided with a flow path 55 that communicates with the outlet portion 54.

[0056] When the fluid F is injected from the nozzle 43 into the internal space S, the nozzle 43 advances toward the mounting surface 46a, and the packing 53 of the nozzle head 51 is pressed against the frame 26, thereby sealing the enclosed area 33 of the frame 26 from the outside. In this state, the fluid F is discharged from the flow path 55 of the nozzle head 51, and the fluid F is injected into the internal space S of each cell C in the energy storage module 1 via the communication hole 31. That is, in the injection step, the packing 53 is pressed against the frame 26 surrounding the periphery of the opening 31A of the communication hole 31, and the fluid F is injected from the outlet portion 54 into each of the multiple internal spaces S via the flow path 55 of the packing 53 and the communication hole 31.

[0057] When injecting the fluid F, the nozzle head 51 is pressed against the frame 26, and then the chamber 47 is evacuated with the energy storage module 1 placed thereon, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal space S of each cell C in the energy storage module 1. When injecting the electrolyte solution, the internal space S of the energy storage module 1 is reduced in pressure using the decompression chamber 42, thereby enabling the electrolyte solution to be efficiently injected through the communication holes 31.

[0058] When the internal space S is decompressed under atmospheric pressure, the internal space S is compressed by the atmospheric pressure, and the entrance to the internal space S (the portion connected to the communication hole 31) is blocked by the current collector 15 that constitutes the internal space S, which is thought to prevent the efficiency of electrolyte injection from improving. Therefore, by placing the energy storage module 1 in a decompression chamber 42 and decompressing the outside of the energy storage module 1, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cell C is eliminated, and the efficiency of electrolyte injection can be sufficiently improved.

[0059] The same applies to the case where the test gas is injected, and by reducing the pressure in the internal space S of the energy storage module 1 using the decompression chamber 42, the test gas can be efficiently injected through the communication hole 31. Furthermore, by placing the energy storage module 1 inside the decompression chamber 42, the influence of the test gas contained in the atmosphere is suppressed, and the accuracy of the airtightness test can be improved.

[0060] The first restraining member 44 and the second restraining member 45 are members that restrain the energy storage module 1 at a constant pressure or at a constant size in order to protect the electrode stack 2 and the sealing body 3 from the load that occurs when the fluid F is injected. Examples of the load that occurs when the fluid F is injected include the pressing force that is applied to the main body 20 of the sealing body 3 when the nozzle 43 is pressed against the periphery of the opening 31A of the communication hole 31, the expansion force of the internal space S due to the injection of the fluid F, and the expansion force of the internal space S due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cell C when placed in the decompression chamber 42.

[0061] It is desirable to apply an appropriate confining pressure to both the portion of the sealing body 3 against which the nozzle 43 is pressed and to the electrode stack 2 in which the internal space S is located. However, in the energy storage module 1, the dimensional tolerance in the thickness direction (first direction D1 / electrode stacking direction) may differ between the electrode stack 2 in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked and the sealing body 3 that seals the internal space S formed between the electrodes of the electrode stack 2. Because the dimensional tolerance in the stacking direction during manufacturing differs between the electrode stack 2 and the sealing body 3, the dimensions in the stacking direction may differ between the electrode stack 2 and the sealing body 3 for each energy storage module 1 (work).

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

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

[0064] If the electrode stack 2 and sealing body 3 of such a workpiece are restrained with a uniform restraining force by a single restraining member, it is conceivable that the restraining pressure will be insufficient for either the portion of the sealing body 3 against which the nozzle 43 is pressed, or the electrode stack 2 in which the internal space S is located. In contrast, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 has the first restraining member 44 and the second restraining member 45 that are provided independently of each other, so that even if the dimensions of the electrode stack 2 in the stacking direction and the dimensions of the sealing body 3 in the stacking direction vary for each energy storage module 1, it is possible to apply an appropriate restraining pressure to both the portion of the sealing body 3 against which the nozzle 43 is pressed, and the electrode stack 2 in which the internal space S is located.

[0065] Note that, by separating the first restraining member 44 and the second restraining member 45, it is possible to restrain the energy storage module 1 so that the load generated when injecting the fluid F is not applied thereto, but the first restraining member 44 and the second restraining member 45 may be integrated as long as it is possible to prevent the load from being applied to the energy storage module 1. Furthermore, the first restraining member 44 and the second restraining member 45 may each be further separated.

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

[0067] Both constraining plates 62A and 62B are disposed within chamber 47. Constraining plates 62A and 62B have, for example, the same planar shape. Cylinder 61A of first constraining member 44A and cylinder 61B of first constraining member 44B cooperate to sandwich power storage module 1, which is the workpiece, between constraining plates 62A and 62B, thereby applying constraining pressure to a predetermined region of power storage module 1.

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

[0069] The second restraint member 45 includes a plurality of cylinders 63 that are extendable and retractable in the first direction D1 and restraint plates 64 attached to the tips of the cylinders 63. The second restraint member 45 is provided on the roof 50 of the chamber 47 so as to face the mounting surface 46a of the stage 46 and be movable back and forth in the first direction D1. As shown in the illustrated example, another restraint plate 65 may be provided between the restraint plate 64 and the energy storage module 1. The restraint plate 65 may be made of, for example, a stainless steel plate as a replaceable consumable item. The restraint plate 64 is arranged horizontally alongside the restraint plate 62B within the chamber 47. When the cylinders 63 are driven, the energy storage module 1 (the workpiece) is sandwiched between the restraint plates 64, 65, the stage 46, and the pallet 48, thereby applying restraint pressure to a predetermined region of the energy storage module 1.

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

[0071] Next, the nozzle head 51 and the packing 53 will be described in detail.

[0072] Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the nozzle head and gasket shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section intersecting the tip surface of the nozzle head in Fig. 8, and Fig. 9B is a bottom view of the gasket. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the head main body 52 includes a first side surface 52a, which is the tip surface on which the outlet portion (inlet / outlet portion) 54 is provided (opens), and a plate-shaped extending portion 52b extending from the lower end (one end) of the first side surface 52a in a direction away from the first side surface 52a (here, the negative direction of the second direction D2). A protruding frame 54p is formed on the first side surface 52a so as to surround the outlet portion 54 (not shown in Figs. 9 and subsequent figures).

[0073] The extending portion 52b includes a surface facing upward (here, the positive direction of the first direction D1), and this surface is defined as a first bottom surface 52c of the head main body 52. ​​That is, the head main body 52 includes a first bottom surface 52c extending from the lower end of the first side surface 52a in a direction away from the first side surface 52a. In the head main body 52, the first side surface 52a and the first bottom surface 52c, which are arranged in an L-shape, define a space in which the packing 53 is disposed. The head main body 52 also includes a first upper surface (first top surface) 52d extending from the upper end of the first side surface 52a in a direction opposite to the first bottom surface 52c (here, the positive direction of the second direction D2).

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

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

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

[0077] The packing 53 also has a flow path 55 that allows the fluid F, which is discharged from the outlet portion 54, to flow toward the sealing body 3. In this embodiment, the flow path 55 is divided into multiple holes arranged along the third direction D3, but may be a single hole extending along the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the flow path 55 (i.e., a group of holes) is arranged in multiple (three in this case) paths along the first direction D1. When the fluid F is introduced into the head main body 52 (i.e., when the outlet portion 54 is an inlet portion), the flow path 55 allows the fluid F to flow from the sealing body 3 toward the outlet portion 54. Therefore, the flow path 55 allows the fluid F to flow between the outlet portion 54 and the sealing body 3. Each of the flow paths 55 opens to the second side surface 53 a and the third side surface 53 b. When the packing 53 is pressed against the sealing body 3, the second side surface 53a of the packing 53 contacts the first side surface 52a of the head main body 52, and the third side surface 53b of the packing 53 contacts the frame portion 26 (frame 26f). The opening of the flow path 55 on the second side surface 53a is positioned opposite the outlet portion 54, and the opening of the flow path 55 on the third side surface 53b is positioned opposite the opening 31A of the communication hole 31. That is, the frame 54p surrounding the outlet portion 54 faces the frame 26f surrounding the opening 31A along the second direction D2. That is, each flow path 55 is provided so as to correspond to the frame 54p of each outlet portion 54 and each frame 26f. As a result, the flow path 55 is connected to the outlet portion 54 on the head main body 52 side and to the communication hole 31 on the sealing body 3 side. When the head body 52 presses the packing 53, the frame 54p provided on the first side surface 52a of the head body 52 is pressed against the second side surface 53a of the packing 53, thereby improving the airtightness between the outlet portion 54 of the head body 52 and the flow path 55 of the packing 53. In the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape (shape of the opening) of the flow path 55 is substantially circular, but it may also be an elongated shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) with the third direction D3 as the longitudinal direction.

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

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

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

[0081] As a result, when the packing 53 is placed on the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52 so that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a of the head body 52 and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c of the head body 52 (when the packing 53 is attached to the head body 52), the first convex portion 52p fits into the through hole 53p and the second convex portion 52r fits into the recess 53r, and the packing 53 is positioned and fixed to the head body 52. ​​In other words, the nozzle 43 (head body 52) and the packing 53 are provided with fitting portions that fit together when the packing 53 is placed on the first bottom surface 52c so that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c (when the packing 53 is attached to the head body 52). The fitting portion has a first protrusion 52p and a through hole 53p as a first fitting portion provided on the first side surface 52a and the second side surface 53a, and has a second protrusion 52r and a recess 53r as a second fitting portion provided on the first bottom surface 52c and the second bottom surface 53c. In other words, the through hole 53p is a first fitting portion into which the first protrusion 52p is fitted, and the recess 53r is a second fitting portion into which the second protrusion 52r is fitted.

[0082] In this way, the head main body 52 and the packing 53 are fixed by fitting at the fitting portions. As described above, the fitting portions are the first fitting portion (first convex portion 52p and through hole 53p) ​​and the second fitting portion (second convex portion 52r and recessed portion 53r) provided on the head main body 52 and the packing 53, respectively. In other words, corresponding fitting portions are provided on the opposing surfaces of the head main body 52 and the packing 53. By providing multiple fitting portions like the first fitting portion and second fitting portion described above, misalignment of the packing 53 is suppressed.

[0083] That is, first fitting portions provided on the first side surface 52a of the head main body 52 and the second side surface 53a of the packing 53, respectively, and fitted along the second direction D2, restrict movement of the packing 53 along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. Also, second fitting portions provided on the first bottom surface 52c of the head main body 52 and the second bottom surface 53c of the packing 53, respectively, and fitted along the first direction D1, restrict movement of the packing 53 along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the multiple flow paths 55 (or outlet portions 54) are provided in the packing 53 (or the head main body 52) so as to be located between the first fitting portions and the second fitting portions when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0084] Note that a plurality of first fitting portions may be provided. In this embodiment, as the first fitting portions, a plurality (two in this case) of first convex portions 52p are provided spaced apart near the top of the head main body 52, and a plurality (two in this case) of through holes 53p are provided spaced apart near the top of the packing 53. Furthermore, as the second fitting portions, a plurality (two in this case) of second convex portions 52r are provided spaced apart near the bottom of the head main body 52, and a plurality (two in this case) of recesses 53r are provided spaced apart near the bottom of the packing 53.

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

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

[0087] Furthermore, one head body 52 is provided for each frame portion 26 of the sealing body 3. That is, in this embodiment, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 includes the same number of head bodies 52 as the number of frame portions 26. In each head body 52, a frame 54p along the frame portion 26 is formed on a first side surface 52a that faces the outer surface 24s of the sealing body 3 via the packing 53. Therefore, when the head body 52 presses the packing 53 toward the sealing body 3, the portion of the packing 53 that corresponds to the frame 54p is pressed more strongly against the frame portion 26 and deforms, thereby more reliably ensuring airtightness between the sealing body 3 and the head body 52.

[0088] As described above, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 is used to manufacture an energy storage module 1 including an electrode stack 2 including a plurality of electrodes, and a sealing body 3 that is provided in the electrode stack 2, seals a plurality of internal spaces S formed between the electrodes, and has a plurality of communication holes 31 that communicate with each of the plurality of internal spaces S. In the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41, a gasket 53 is interposed between the sealing body 3 and a nozzle 43 (head main body 52) that injects a fluid F into the internal space S via the communication holes 31 of the sealing body 3 or discharges the fluid from the internal space S, and the gasket 53 is pressed against the sealing body 3 by the head main body 52. ​​This ensures airtightness between the sealing body 3 and the head main body 52.

[0089] In particular, the nozzle 43 and the packing 53 are provided with fitting portions that fit together when the packing 53 is attached to the head main body 52 so that the second side surface 53a contacts the first side surface 52a and the second bottom surface 53c contacts the first bottom surface 52c. The fitting portions have a first protrusion 52p, a second protrusion 52r, a through hole 53p, and a recess 53r as a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion. This positions the packing 53 relative to the head main body 52.

[0090] Therefore, even within the decompression chamber 42, by moving the packing 53 away from the head body 52, the positioning determined by the fitting of the fitting portion is released, and the packing 53 can be easily removed. Similarly, even within the decompression chamber 42, by fitting the fitting portion while bringing the packing 53 closer to the head body 52, the packing 53 can be easily attached while being positioned. Therefore, compared to using fastening members such as bolts to position and secure the packing 53 to the head body 52, the number of steps required to replace the packing 53 is reduced, and a decrease in productivity is suppressed.

[0091] As described above, in the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41, the first fitting portion includes a first protrusion 52p provided on the first side surface 52a and a through-hole (first fitting portion) 53p provided on the second side surface 53a, into which the first protrusion 52p is fitted. The second fitting portion includes a second protrusion 52r provided on the first bottom surface 52c and a recess (second fitting portion) 53r provided on the second bottom surface 53c, into which the second protrusion 52r is fitted. This allows the fitting portion to be configured with a simple structure.

[0092] Furthermore, in the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus, there are a plurality of first protrusions 52p and through holes 53p (i.e., first fitting portions) (two in the above embodiment), and a plurality of second protrusions 52r and recesses 53r (i.e., two second fitting portions) (two in the above embodiment). When viewed from the second direction D2, the plurality of first fitting portions are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the flow path 55. This prevents the packing 53 from rattling, and enables the packing 53 to be reliably positioned relative to the head main body 52. ​​However, there may be at least one first protrusion 52p and one through hole 53p (i.e., one first fitting portion), or one second protrusion 52r and one recess 53r (i.e., one second fitting portion).

[0093] Furthermore, in the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus, the flow path 55 is provided in the packing 53 so as to be located between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion when viewed from the second direction D2. The first fitting portion restricts movement of the packing 53 along the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and the second fitting portion restricts movement of the packing along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. This ensures that the packing 53 is positioned in all directions.

[0094] The above embodiment has described one aspect of the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, the power storage module manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be any modified version of the power storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the above embodiment. Next, modified versions will be described.

[0095] 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gasket and a nozzle head according to a modified example, and FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the gasket according to the modified example. As shown in FIG. 10, the recess 53r (i.e., the second fitting portion) may be a notch that extends toward the third side surface 53b and opens onto the third side surface 53b when viewed from the second bottom surface 53c. In this case, the second protrusion 52r can be easily inserted into the recess 53r.

[0096] However, in this case, when viewed from the second bottom surface 53c side, the recess 53r terminates halfway along the second bottom surface 53c without reaching the second side surface 53a. As a result, when the head main body 52 is removed from the sealing body 3 in the second direction D2, the second protrusion 52r on the head main body 52 side abuts against the inner wall surface of the recess 53r along the second direction D2, making it possible to remove the head main body 52 and the packing 53 together from the sealing body 3.

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

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

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , a third convex portion (first fitting portion) 52k is provided on the first side surface 52a of the head main body 52, and a concave portion (first fitting portion) 53k is provided on the second side surface 53a of the packing 53. The third convex portion 52k is located, for example, below the outlet portion 54 on the first side surface 52a. The concave portion 53k is located opposite the third convex portion 52k and, for example, below the flow path 55 on the second side surface 53a. The third convex portion 52k is fitted into the concave portion 53k. In other words, the concave portion 53k is the first fitting portion. This positions and fixes the packing 53 to the head main body 52 at two points, one above the other and one below the second side surface 53a, thereby suppressing rattle and ensuring reliable positioning. The number of third convex portions 52k and the number of concave portions 53k may be any number as long as they are the same, but for example, two or more are provided. Furthermore, the third convex portion 52k and the concave portion 53k are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11, and may be applied to the above embodiment or other modified examples.

[0100] Fig. 12 is a partial plan view showing yet another modified example. In the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 according to the above embodiment, a single gasket 53 is used for one head main body 52, thereby providing a plurality of separate gaskets 53. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 12, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 may include an airtight member 70 including two or more gaskets 53 that are integrated with one another. In other words, the energy storage module manufacturing apparatus 41 may include a plurality of head main bodies 52 and a single gasket.

[0101] The airtight member 70 may be integrated with the same number of gaskets 53 as the number of head bodies 52, or may be integrated with (two or more) some of the gaskets 53 corresponding to some of the head bodies 52 and other gaskets corresponding to the remaining head bodies 52. That is, the airtight member 70 may include at least two gaskets 53 that have a positioning function relative to the head bodies 52 by including through holes 53p and recesses 53r into which the first convex portions 52p and second convex portions 52r of the head bodies 52 are fitted. By using the airtight member 70 in which multiple gaskets are integrated in this way, mistakes such as dropping individual gaskets 53 inside a decompression chamber are suppressed.

[0102] The following additional notes will be made regarding the above embodiment.

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

[0104] [2] The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus described in [1] above, wherein the first fitting portion includes a first convex portion provided on the first side surface and a first fitting portion provided on the second side surface into which the first convex portion is fitted, and the second fitting portion includes a second convex portion provided on the first bottom surface and a second fitting portion provided on the second bottom surface into which the second convex portion is fitted.

[0105] [3] The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus described in [1] or [2] above, further comprising a cap for engaging the nozzle and the gasket, wherein the nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the opposite side of the first bottom surface and a first engagement portion provided on the first top surface, the gasket includes a second top surface opposite the second bottom surface and a second engagement portion provided on the second top surface, and the cap is arranged from the first top surface to the second top surface and engages with each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion to engage the nozzle and the gasket.

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

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

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

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

Claims

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

2. The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fitting portion includes a first convex portion provided on the first side surface and a first fitting portion provided on the second side surface into which the first convex portion is fitted; and the second fitting portion includes a second convex portion provided on the first bottom surface and a second fitting portion provided on the second bottom surface into which the second convex portion is fitted.

3. The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cap for engaging the nozzle and the gasket, wherein the nozzle includes a first top surface extending from the other end of the first side surface to the side opposite the first bottom surface, and a first engagement portion provided on the first top surface, the gasket includes a second top surface opposite the second bottom surface, and a second engagement portion provided on the second top surface, and the cap is disposed from the first top surface to the second top surface, and engages with each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, thereby engaging the nozzle and the gasket.

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

5. The energy storage module manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first fitting portion restricts movement of the gasket along the first direction and the third direction, and the second fitting portion restricts movement of the gasket along the second direction and the third direction.

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

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