Power storage module manufacturing method and power storage module manufacturing system

Abstract

This power storage module manufacturing method comprises: a transport step, in which a module body into a space of which an electrolyte solution has been injected and which has been activated is transported in a horizontal orientation so that a first direction runs along the vertical direction; an inversion step (S2), in which the module body that was transported in the horizontal orientation in the transport step is received, and the orientation of the module body is inverted from the horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation in which an opening faces upward along the vertical direction; and a sealing step (S10), in which the opening of the module body that was put in the vertical orientation in the inversion step (S2) is sealed off with a sealing member in a reduced-pressure environment.

Description

Energy storage module manufacturing method and energy storage module manufacturing system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for manufacturing an energy storage module.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a secondary battery. In this method, a secondary battery is housed in a containment vessel, and the inside of the containment vessel is adjusted to a dry environment. For example, the inside of the containment vessel is adjusted to a dry environment by evacuating it. Next, within the containment vessel, a portion of the joint sealing the power generating element is cut to form an opening. Then, gas generated from the charged secondary battery is released through the opening, and the opening is then sealed.

[0003] JP 2017-107885 A

[0004] As with the above-described technology, when an opening is formed in an energy storage module during the manufacturing process, the opening needs to be properly sealed. Here, when the energy storage module is configured as a flattened rectangular parallelepiped in a horizontally placed state, with its vertical sides shorter than its horizontal sides, and when an opening is provided on a vertically extending surface of the horizontally placed energy storage module, sealing the opening while the module is in the horizontally placed state may result in leakage of the electrolyte injected into the battery from the opening during the sealing process. Furthermore, when a flattened rectangular parallelepiped energy storage module is transported between processes in a vertically placed state, the energy storage module may become unstable during transport. In particular, when manufacturing large batteries in which one side of the energy storage module exceeds 1 meter, it is difficult to ensure stability during transport between processes in a vertically placed state.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing an energy storage module that can transport an energy storage module in a stable state and can properly seal an opening.

[0006] The method for manufacturing an energy storage module according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an energy storage module including a module main body having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a first direction, a sealing body that seals a space between adjacent electrodes, and an opening formed in the sealing body so as to communicate the inside and outside of the space and opening in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The method includes a transport step of transporting the module main body, which has been activated by injecting an electrolyte into the space, in a horizontal position so that the first direction is along the vertical direction, an inversion step of receiving the module main body transported in the horizontal position in the transport step and inverting the position of the module main body from the horizontal position to a vertical position so that the opening faces upward along the vertical direction, and a sealing step of sealing the opening of the module main body that has been in the vertical position in the inversion step with a sealing member under a reduced pressure environment.

[0007] The manufacturing method includes a step of transporting the module body, which has been activated by injecting the electrolyte solution, in a horizontal position, so that the module body can be transported in a stable state during this step. Furthermore, by rotating the module body transported in a horizontal position, the opening of the module body faces upward, which prevents leakage of the electrolyte solution during the step of sealing the opening, and allows the opening to be properly sealed.

[0008] In the inversion process, the module body may be placed in a horizontal position on a frame-shaped pallet so that the module body is held on the pallet, and the module body held on the pallet in a horizontal position may be rotated together with the pallet.

[0009] In the inversion process, the module body is rotated by rotating a rotating body on which a pallet holding the module body is placed, and the position of the rotation axis of the rotating body may pass through the position of the center of gravity of the entire rotating body including the loaded object when the loaded object including the pallet holding the module body is placed on the rotating body.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage module manufacturing system that includes a module main body that includes a plurality of electrodes stacked in a first direction, a sealing body that seals a space between adjacent electrodes, and an opening that is formed in the sealing body to communicate between the inside and outside of the space and that opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The manufacturing system includes: a conveying device that conveys the module main body, in which an electrolyte solution has been injected into the space, in a horizontal position so that the first direction is along the vertical direction; a rotating device that receives the module main body conveyed in the horizontal position by the conveying device and inverts the module main body from the horizontal position to a vertical position in which the opening faces upward along the vertical direction; and a reduced-pressure sealing device that seals the opening of the module main body that has been turned upright by the rotating device with a sealing member under a reduced-pressure environment.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing an energy storage module that can transport an energy storage module in a stable state and can properly seal an opening.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a workpiece for manufacturing an energy storage module according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating a liquid injection port of an example module main body. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of stations constituting an example energy storage module manufacturing system in a plan view. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example loading / unloading station and a reversing station. FIG. 6 is a front view schematically illustrating an example loading / unloading station and a reversing station. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating an example loading / unloading station and a reversing station. FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating an example loading / unloading station and a reversing station. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating an example loading / unloading station and a reversing station. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing workpieces accommodated on a pallet. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the inner frame of an example pallet. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the outer frame of an example pallet. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a pallet plate. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment station. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a chamber station. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a chamber station. FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an imaging device provided in the chamber station. FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a wiping device provided in the chamber station. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the flow of a manufacturing method in an energy storage module manufacturing system.

[0013] An energy storage module manufacturing system according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of each drawing, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. Some drawings may 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 may indicate the vertical direction, and the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 may indicate two horizontal directions that intersect with each other. Furthermore, other drawings may refer to an orthogonal coordinate system in which the vertical direction is the Z direction and two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are the X direction and the Y direction, in addition to the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a workpiece to be machined in the energy storage module manufacturing system according to this embodiment. In the energy storage module manufacturing system according to this embodiment, a workpiece W is machined to manufacture an energy storage module. The energy storage module 1 is used, for example, 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 is illustrated. The size of the energy storage module 1 along the first direction D1 may be approximately 200 mm to 500 mm, the size of the energy storage module 1 along the second direction D2 may be approximately 1000 mm to 2000 mm, and the size of the energy storage module 1 along the third direction D3 may be approximately 1000 mm to 2000 mm.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the workpiece W includes a module main body 1A and a pair of restraint plates 3. The module main body 1A in the horizontally placed state is formed in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped, with the length of the sides in the first direction D1 being shorter than the length of the sides in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3. That is, the module main body 1A in the horizontally placed state has a substantially rectangular plate shape and has a liquid injection port 53A (opening) on ​​one outer surface 20sA facing the second direction D2. The liquid injection port 53A is used as an injection port when injecting an electrolyte solution into the module main body 1A. In this embodiment, the energy storage module manufacturing system seals the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A with a sealing member, thereby manufacturing the energy storage module 1. Details of the module main body 1A will be described later.

[0016] The pair of restraint plates 3 sandwich the module main body 1A in the first direction D1. The pair of restraint plates 3 are connected to each other by a plurality of fastening members 6, such as bolts and nuts, while restraining the module main body 1A. In this embodiment, the module main body 1A is sandwiched in the first direction D1 between a current collector plate 7 arranged on the positive electrode side and a current collector plate 7 arranged on the negative electrode side, and is further sandwiched from the outside by the pair of restraint plates 3. In the example of FIG. 1 , terminals 7 a formed on each current collector plate 7 protrude from between the pair of restraint plates 3 in the second direction D2. An elastic member, an insulating member, or the like may be disposed between the restraint plates 3 and the current collector plates 7.

[0017] In one example of the workpiece W, a composite connector may be attached to the outer surface of one of the restraint plates 3. In this case, the voltage, surface temperature, etc. of the power storage module 1 are measured via the composite connector. Such a composite connector may be fixed to an edge on one side of the one of the restraint plates 3 in the second direction D2. For example, the composite connector and the liquid injection port 53A may be provided on the same side in the second direction D2.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram partially showing the outer side surface 20sA of the module main body 1A. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example module main body 1A. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the outer side surface 20sA of the module main body 1A includes a region R1 in which a liquid injection port portion 53A including a plurality of liquid injection ports is formed, and regions R2 and R3 adjacent to this region R1.

[0019] 3, the module main body 1A includes an electrode stack 10 and a sealing body 29 that surrounds the electrode stack 10 when viewed from the first direction D1. The electrode stack 10 includes a plurality of electrodes stacked along the first direction D1. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes 11, a positive terminal electrode 12, and a negative terminal electrode 13. Separators 14 are interposed between adjacent electrodes.

[0020] The bipolar electrode 11 includes a current collector 15, a positive electrode active material layer 16 provided on one surface of the current collector 15, and a negative electrode active material layer 17 provided on the other surface of the current collector 15. The current collector 15 is rectangular and sheet-shaped when viewed from the first direction D1. The active material layers (positive electrode active material layer 16, negative electrode active material layer 17) are provided in the center of the current collector 15 when viewed from the first direction D1, and the peripheral portion 15c of the current collector 15 is a so-called uncoated portion where no active material layer is provided. 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, which is the surface opposite to the first surface 15a. The first surface 15a of the current collector 15 faces the other side of the first direction D1 (the side where the negative terminal electrode 13 is arranged in FIG. 3 ), and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 faces the other side of the first direction D1 (the side where the positive terminal electrode 12 is arranged in FIG. 3 ). The multiple bipolar electrodes 11 are stacked such that the positive electrode active material layer 16 of one bipolar electrode 11 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 of the other bipolar electrode 11 adjacent in the stacking direction face each other with the separator 14 interposed therebetween.

[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 of the positive terminal electrode 12. In other words, the second surface 15b of the current collector 15 of the positive terminal electrode 12 constitutes the positive electrode terminal surface of the module body 1A. The positive terminal electrode 12 is stacked on the bipolar electrode 11 at one end of the electrode stack 10 in the first direction D1. The positive terminal electrode 12 is stacked on the bipolar electrode 11 so that the positive electrode active material layer 16 faces the negative electrode active material layer 17 of the bipolar electrode 11 with the separator 14 interposed therebetween.

[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 of the negative electrode terminal electrode 13. That is, the first surface 15a of the current collector 15 of the negative electrode terminal electrode 13 constitutes the negative electrode terminal surface of the module body 1A. The negative electrode terminal electrode 13 is stacked on the bipolar electrode 11 at the end of the electrode stack 10 on the other side in the first direction D1, opposite the side on which the positive electrode terminal electrode 12 is provided. The negative electrode terminal electrode 13 is stacked on the bipolar electrode 11 so that the negative electrode active material layer 17 faces the positive electrode active material layer 16 of the bipolar electrode 11 via the separator 14. In this embodiment, the current collectors of the bipolar electrode 11, the positive terminal electrode 12, and the negative terminal electrode 13 are designated by the same reference numeral 15, but the current collectors of the bipolar electrode 11, the positive terminal electrode 12, and the negative terminal electrode 13 may be the same as or different from one another.

[0023] The separators 14 are 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. The separators 14 are interposed between the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17, and separate the positive electrode active material layer 16 from the negative electrode active material layer 17. The separators 14 allow charge carriers such as lithium ions to pass through while preventing short circuits due to contact between adjacent electrodes.

[0024] The current collector 15 is a chemically inactive electrical conductor that allows current to continue to flow through 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. The material of the current collector 15 is, for example, a metal material, a conductive resin material, or a conductive inorganic material. Examples of conductive resin materials include resins obtained by adding a conductive filler to a conductive polymer material or 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 material or conductive resin material.

[0025] A coating layer may be formed on the surface of the current collector 15. The coating layer may be formed by a known method such as plating or spray coating. The current collector 15 may be, for example, in the form of a plate, foil (e.g., metal foil), film, or mesh. Examples of metal foil include aluminum foil, copper foil, nickel foil, titanium foil, and stainless steel foil. The current collector 15 may be an alloy foil or clad foil of the above metals. When the current collector 15 is in the form of a foil, the thickness of the current collector 15 may be, for example, 1 μm to 100 μm. In this embodiment, the current collector 15 is an aluminum foil, or a foil formed by bonding and integrating aluminum foil and copper foil.

[0026] The positive electrode active material layer 16 contains 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 may be any material that can be used in lithium ion secondary batteries. 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 contains an olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO ) as a composite oxide. ４ )

[0027] The negative electrode active material layer 17 includes a negative electrode active material capable of absorbing and releasing charge carriers such as lithium ions. The negative electrode active material may be a simple substance, an alloy, or a compound. Examples of the negative electrode active material include Li, carbon, and metal compounds. The negative electrode active material may be an element or a compound thereof that can be alloyed with lithium. 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 includes graphite as a carbon-based material.

[0028] Each of the positive electrode active material layer 16 and the negative electrode active material layer 17 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "active material layer") may further contain, as necessary, a conductive additive to enhance electrical conductivity, a binder, an electrolyte (polymer matrix, ion-conductive polymer, electrolyte solution, etc.), an electrolyte supporting salt (lithium salt) to enhance ionic conductivity, etc. The conductive additive is added to enhance the conductivity of each electrode (bipolar electrode 11, positive terminal electrode 12, negative terminal electrode 13). Examples of the conductive additive include acetylene black, carbon black, and graphite.

[0029] 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 may be used alone or in combination. Examples of solvents that may be used include water and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).

[0030] The separator 14 may be, for example, a porous sheet or nonwoven fabric containing a polymer that absorbs and retains an electrolyte. Examples of materials for the separator 14 include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, and polyester. The separator 14 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include, for example, a ceramic layer as an adhesive layer or a heat-resistant layer. The separator 14 may be impregnated with an electrolyte. The separator 14 may be composed of an electrolyte such as a polymer electrolyte or an inorganic electrolyte. Examples of the electrolyte impregnated in the separator 14 include a liquid electrolyte (electrolytic solution) containing a nonaqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt dissolved in the nonaqueous solvent, and a polymer gel electrolyte containing an electrolyte retained in a polymer matrix.

[0031] When the separator 14 is impregnated with an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte salt is LiClO ４ , LiAsF ６ , LiPF ６ , LiBF ４ , LiCF ３ SO ３ , LiN(FSO ２ ) ２ , LiN(CF ３ SO ２ ) ２ Known lithium salts such as those listed above may be used. Furthermore, known solvents such as cyclic carbonates, cyclic esters, chain carbonates, chain esters, and ethers may be used as the nonaqueous solvent. Two or more of these known solvent materials may be used in combination.

[0032] The seal 29 includes a seal main body 20 and a liquid injection port 53A provided in the seal main body 20. The seal main body 20 is formed in a frame shape around the periphery of the electrode stack 10 so as to surround the periphery of the electrode stack 10 when viewed from the first direction D1. The seal main body 20 can be joined to the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of each current collector 15 at the peripheral portion 15c of the current collector 15. The seal main body 20 can form an internal space S between adjacent current collectors 15 in the first direction D1 and seal each of the internal spaces S. In this embodiment, each internal space S contains an electrolyte (not shown). That is, the seal main body 20 cooperates with adjacent current collectors 15 in the first direction D1 to define an internal space S in which the electrolyte is contained. The seal main body 20 can prevent the electrolyte contained in the internal space S from leaking out to the outside.

[0033] The seal body 20 can prevent air, moisture, and the like from entering the internal space S from the outside of the electrode stack 10. The seal body 20 can prevent, for example, gas generated in each electrode due to a charge / discharge reaction or the like from leaking to the outside of the energy storage module 1. The edge of the separator 14 is joined to the seal body 20. The seal body 20 contains an insulating material. Examples of materials for the seal body 20 include various resin materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, acid-modified polypropylene, acid-modified polyethylene, and acrylonitrile-styrene resin.

[0034] An example of the seal main body 20 includes a plurality of seal materials 21, a pair of end seal materials 24, and a plurality of spacers 22. The seal materials 21, the end seal materials 24, and the spacers 22 may be frame-shaped members formed in a sheet shape. The seal main body 20 also has a welded end portion 23. The seal material 21 is frame-shaped when viewed from the first direction D1 and is provided along the peripheral edge portion 15c of the current collector 15. The seal material 21 is provided so as to extend from the first surface 15a of the current collector 15, passing through the end face, to the second surface 15b, and covers the peripheral edge portion 15c. That is, on the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15, the seal material 21 has an inner portion overlapping the current collector 15 and an outer portion located outside the edge of the current collector 15, as viewed from the Z direction. The outer portions of a pair of seal materials 21 adjacent to each other across the current collector 15 are connected to each other. The seal material 21 can be welded to at least one of the first surface 15 a and the second surface 15 b of the current collector 15. In this embodiment, the seal material 21 is welded to both the first surface 15 a and the second surface 15 b of the current collector 15.

[0035] The end seal material 24 has a frame shape when viewed from the first direction D1 and is provided along the peripheral edge 15c of the current collector 15 that constitutes the positive terminal electrode 12 and the negative terminal electrode 13. Therefore, the end seal material 24 is arranged to sandwich the plurality of seal materials 21 from the first direction D1. The end seal material 24 can be welded to at least one of the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15. In this embodiment, the end seal material 24 is welded to both the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b of the current collector 15.

[0036] The spacer 22 has a frame shape when viewed from the first direction D1, and is arranged along the peripheral edge 15c of the current collector 15. The spacer 22 is arranged so as to be interposed between the sealing materials 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The spacer 22 is also arranged so as to be interposed between the sealing materials 21 and the end sealing materials 24 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The spacer 22 can maintain the distance between the current collectors 15 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. In other words, the spacer 22, the sealing materials 21, and the end sealing materials 24 define an internal space S between the adjacent current collectors 15.

[0037] The welded end 23 is formed by welding together and integrating the ends of the multiple sealants 21, the pair of end sealants 24, and the multiple spacers 22 on the opposite side to the internal space S. When viewed from the first direction D1, the welded end 23 has a frame shape that surrounds the electrode stack 10. The side of the welded end 23 on the opposite side to the internal space S extends along the first direction D1 and forms the outer surface (e.g., outer surface 20sA) of the sealing main body 20. In other words, the sealing main body 20 includes an outer surface on the opposite side to the internal space S. The outer surface may be formed as a flat surface.

[0038] The seal main body 20 has a plurality of communication holes 27 that communicate with each of the plurality of internal spaces S. As an example, the communication holes 27 are notched portions formed in the spacer 22, and are formed to penetrate the welded end portion 23. Each communication hole 27 has one opening in the internal space S and the other opening on the outer surface of the seal main body 20. In the illustrated example, the opening is formed on the outer surface 20sA.

[0039] The liquid inlet portion 53A is formed in a region R1 of the outer surface 20sA where the communication holes 27 are formed. The liquid inlet portion 53A has a plurality of liquid inlet frames surrounding the plurality of communication holes 27. The liquid inlet portion 53A is joined to the welded end portion 23. For example, the liquid inlet portion 53A is joined integrally to the welded end portion 23 by injection molding.

[0040] The liquid inlet portion 53A partially covers the outer surface 20sA. For example, the liquid inlet portion 53A covers the outer surface 20sA so as to include the region R1 where the plurality of communication holes 27 are formed on the outer surface 20sA. As described above, the plurality of communication holes 27 are connected to the plurality of internal spaces S, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , 30 communication holes 27 corresponding to the 30 internal spaces formed between the current collectors 15 are arranged discretely in the third direction D3 and the first direction D1. More specifically, the communication holes 27 corresponding to the internal spaces of the first to tenth layers, with the positive terminal electrode 12 as the base end, are arranged at equal intervals along the third direction D3, and the communication holes 27 corresponding to the internal spaces of the 11th to 20th layers and the communication holes 27 corresponding to the internal spaces of the 21st to 30th layers are arranged sequentially below the internal spaces of the first to tenth layers in the first direction D1. The liquid inlet portion 53A is provided so as to cover the region R1 in which the 30 communication holes 27 are formed.

[0041] The liquid inlet portion 53A has a rectangular plate-shaped portion with a predetermined thickness in the second direction D2. The liquid inlet portion 53A has an opening 52 at a position corresponding to the communication hole 27. The opening 52 is a through-hole penetrating the rectangular plate-shaped portion. The liquid inlet portion 53A also has multiple protruding frame portions 53 protruding from the outer surface 20sA in the second direction D2 intersecting (orthogonal to) the outer surface 20sA. Each of the multiple protruding frame portions 53 is integrally molded with the rectangular plate-shaped portion. When viewed from the second direction D2, the multiple protruding frame portions 53 have frame portions that independently surround each opening 52 and function as partition walls that separate the openings 52. In the example of FIG. 3 , ten protruding frame portions 53, each composed of three frame portions connected together to separate three openings 52 arranged vertically, are arranged in the third direction D3.

[0042] As an example, the protruding frame portions 53 are used when injecting the electrolyte solution into each of the internal spaces S. For example, when injecting the electrolyte solution, a nozzle of a liquid injection device is brought into close contact with the top surface of the protruding frame portions 53, and the electrolyte solution is introduced from the nozzle into the space of each of the protruding frame portions 53. This makes it possible to inject the electrolyte solution into the internal spaces S through the openings 52 and the communication holes 27. After the electrolyte solution has been injected, a sealing member 54 for sealing the respective internal spaces S may be provided at the tip of each of the protruding frame portions 53.

[0043] In one example, a terminal unit 58 for voltage detection is provided adjacent to the liquid inlet portion 53A. The terminal unit 58 provides a plurality of terminals 58a electrically connected to the plurality of current collectors 15, respectively. One end of the terminal 58a is connected to the corresponding current collector 15, and the other end of the terminal 58a is exposed from the seal 29. The terminal 58a may be, for example, a metal pin.

[0044] Next, an outline of a manufacturing system used to manufacture the above-described energy storage module 1 will be described.

[0045] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each station constituting an example energy storage module manufacturing system in a plan view. The manufacturing system MS according to this embodiment is a system for sealing the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A, which has been injected with an electrolyte and activated, with a sealing member 54. The example manufacturing system MS includes a loading / unloading station ST1, a reversing station ST2 (rotating device), a first delivery part C1, an adjusting station ST3, a second delivery part C2, and a chamber station ST4 (vacuum sealing device).

[0046] 5 to 9 are side views schematically illustrating an example of a loading / unloading station and a reversing station. The loading / unloading station ST1 loads and unloads a workpiece W into and from the manufacturing system MS. The workpiece W loaded into the manufacturing system MS includes a module body 1A whose liquid injection port 53A is not sealed. In one example, a detachable liquid injection coupler (not shown) is attached to the liquid injection port 53A of the workpiece W loaded into the manufacturing system MS as a temporary sealing member to prevent leakage of the electrolyte.

[0047] The loading / unloading station ST1 includes a transport table 103 having a transport surface 101 located above the floor. For example, the workpiece W is transported horizontally by a conveyor or the like and placed on the transport table 103. The workpiece W placed on the transport table 103 is transported to the reversing station ST2. In this embodiment, the workpiece W has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is a large battery that is large in size in the horizontal direction when placed horizontally (sideways). Therefore, it is difficult to transport the workpiece W with the liquid injection port 53A facing upward. Therefore, the workpiece W is placed on the transport table 103 with the liquid injection port 53A facing horizontally (in the illustrated example, the X direction). As described above, a liquid injection coupler is connected to the liquid injection port 53A, thereby preventing leakage of electrolyte from the liquid injection port 53A. In the following description, the state of the workpiece W in which the liquid inlet portion 53A faces horizontally is referred to as a "horizontal" state (posture), and the state of the workpiece W in which the liquid inlet portion 53A faces vertically upward is referred to as a "vertical" state (posture).

[0048] The reversing station ST2 reverses (rotates) the workpiece W by 90 degrees so that the workpiece W, which was carried in horizontally from the carrying-in / carry-out station ST1, becomes vertically oriented. The reversing station ST2 of this embodiment reverses the workpiece W by 90 degrees while it is mounted on a dedicated pallet P, and sends the workpiece W mounted on the pallet P to the first delivery section C1. The reversing station ST2 also completes a series of steps described below, and reverses the workpiece W by 90 degrees so that the workpiece W, which was vertically oriented with the liquid injection port section 53A sealed, becomes horizontally oriented.

[0049] Here, the pallet will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing workpieces W stored in the pallet. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the inner frame of an example pallet. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the outer frame of an example pallet. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the plate of an example pallet. An example pallet P includes an inner frame 110, an outer frame 120, and an adjustment unit 129 (see Fig. 12).

[0050] The inner frame 110 accommodates the workpiece W. The inner frame 110 in one example is configured by a framework assembled to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The inner frame 110 in the illustrated example includes a rectangular upper frame 111 forming an opening, a rectangular lower frame 112 facing the upper frame 111, and a plurality of support columns connecting the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112. The upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 have short sides extending along the X direction and long sides extending along the Y direction. The plurality of support columns include a first support column 113A connecting the centers of the long sides of the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112, a second support column 113B connecting the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 at positions sandwiching the first support column 113A in the Y direction, and a third support column 113C connecting the centers of the short sides of the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112.

[0051] A bottom plate 114 may be provided at the bottom of the lower frame 112. The lower frame 112 has a plurality of column-shaped reinforcing members 115 connecting the long sides. The reinforcing members 115 support the stored workpieces W. The columns are also provided with intermediate reinforcing portions. The intermediate reinforcing portion 116 in the illustrated example is L-shaped and connects the second column 113B and the third column 113C. The intermediate reinforcing portions 116 are provided in four locations so as to overlap the four corners of the upper frame 111 and the lower frame 112 in a plan view.

[0052] The workpiece W is accommodated in the inner frame 110 so that the side opposite the outer surface 20sA on which the liquid pouring port 53A is formed faces the bottom plate 114. The workpiece W may be held in the inner frame 110 so as to prevent misalignment. For example, a fixing member 117 may be disposed between the inner frame 110 and the workpiece W to fix them to each other. The inner frame 110 in the illustrated example has fixing members 117 at the top of the lower frame 112 and at the bottom of the intermediate reinforcement portion. For example, the fixing members 117 are provided at a total of eight locations: at the four corners of the rectangular lower frame 112 and at each corner of the four L-shaped intermediate reinforcement portions 116.

[0053] The fixing member 117 is L-shaped in a plan view and includes a fixing body 117a arranged to connect the second support column 113B and the third support column 113C, and an engaging body 117b provided on the fixing body 117a. For example, the fixing body 117a may be a square pipe or the like. The engaging body 117b may be a bolt that penetrates the fixing body 117a and whose protruding length toward the inner space can be adjusted. The engaging body 117b is provided at a position that penetrates the fixing body 117a in the X direction and a position that penetrates the fixing body 117a in the Y direction. With the workpiece W housed in the inner frame 110, the protruding length of the engaging body 117b can be adjusted to fix the workpiece W at any position within the inner frame 110.

[0054] The outer frame 120 accommodates the inner frame 110. The outer frame 120, as an example, is configured with a framework assembled to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is large enough to accommodate the inner frame 110. The outer frame 120 in the illustrated example includes a rectangular upper frame 121 that defines an opening, a rectangular lower frame 122 that faces the upper frame 121, and multiple support columns that connect the upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122. The multiple support columns are shown as first support columns 123A that connect the four corners of the upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122, and four second support columns 123B that connect the long sides of the upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122. The second support columns 123B are located a predetermined distance away from each of the first support columns 123A.

[0055] A plate 124 may be provided on the bottom of the lower frame 122. The plate 124 has a hole 124a for transportation and a hole 124b that serves as a reference position for positioning. The lower frame 122 has a pair of plates 125 that connect the long sides. Each of the plates 125 supports a counterweight 125a. The counterweights 125a are used to adjust the position of the center of gravity, which will be described later.

[0056] Further, reinforcing frames 126a and 126b are arranged between the upper frame 121 and the lower frame 122. The reinforcing frame 126a connects the columns to each other. The reinforcing frame 126b connects the pillars to each other below the reinforcing frame 126a, and supports the inner frame 110 disposed within the outer frame 120.

[0057] A support plate is disposed between the reinforcing frames 126a and 126b. The support plate includes a first support plate 127a extending between the first support columns 123A in the X direction and a second support plate 128a extending between the first support columns 123A and the second support columns 123B in the Y direction.

[0058] Adjustment unit 129 adjusts the position of the inner frame within the outer frame. One example of adjustment unit 129 has an X-axis adjustment bolt 128b that adjusts the position of the inner frame within the outer frame in the X direction, a Y-axis adjustment bolt 127b that adjusts the position of the inner frame within the outer frame in the Y direction, and a Z-axis adjustment bolt 129a that adjusts the position of the inner frame within the outer frame in the Z direction.

[0059] The X-axis adjustment bolt 128b is provided on the second support plate 128a and regulates the distance between the second support plate 128a and the inner frame 110. The X-axis adjustment bolt 128b passes through the second support plate 128a, and the length of its protrusion into the inner space can be changed.

[0060] The Y-axis adjustment bolt 127b is provided on the first support plate 127a, and regulates the distance between the first support plate 127a and the inner frame 110. The Y-axis adjustment bolt 127b passes through the first support plate 127a, and the length of the Y-axis adjustment bolt 127b extending toward the inner space can be changed.

[0061] The Z-axis adjustment bolt 129a is provided on the upper surface of the reinforcing frame 126b and regulates the distance between the reinforcing frame 126b and the inner frame 110. The Z-axis adjustment bolt is capable of changing the length of its projection from the upper surface of the reinforcing frame 126b. By adjusting the respective projection lengths of the X-axis adjustment bolt 128b, the Y-axis adjustment bolt 127b, and the Z-axis adjustment bolt 129a, the position of the inner frame 110 within the outer frame 120 can be adjusted to any position.

[0062] Returning to FIGS. 5 to 9 , the reversing station ST2 in this embodiment is connected to the loading / unloading station ST1, which transports the workpieces W sideways. An example of the reversing station ST2 includes a reversing basket 131 and a support gate 140 that supports the reversing basket 131. The reversing basket 131 accommodates the workpieces W and rotates the accommodated workpieces W by 90 degrees around a predetermined axis. In the reversing station ST2, a pallet P is set in the reversing basket 131 in advance, and the workpieces W are supported by the reversing basket 131 when they are accommodated on the pallet P. When the workpieces W are accommodated on the pallet P, an operator may adjust the fixing member 117 of the inner frame 110 to fix the workpieces W within the inner frame 110. The example of the reversing basket 131 includes a first placement portion 132, a second placement portion 133, and a pair of guide portions 134 arranged side by side in the Y direction, sandwiching the workpieces therebetween.

[0063] The first placement section 132 is a section for supporting the workpiece W in a horizontal position from below. An example of the first placement section 132 includes a rectangular outer frame body 132a and reinforcing columns 132b provided inside the outer frame body 132a. For example, multiple reinforcing columns 132b may be arranged to connect opposing sides of the outer frame body 132a. The second placement section 133 is a section for supporting the workpiece W in a vertical position from below. When the first placement section 132 is horizontal, the second placement section 133 is connected to the end of the first placement section 132 opposite the loading / unloading station ST1. The second placement sections 133 are provided as a pair spaced apart in the Y direction and protrude upward from both ends of the first placement section 132 in the Y direction when the first placement section 132 is horizontal.

[0064] The pair of guide portions 134 are portions for guiding the workpieces W contained in the reversing basket 131 so as not to shift in the Y direction. The pair of guide portions 134 are connected to the first loading portion 132 so as to sandwich the contained workpieces W from the Y direction. The guide portions 134 may also be connected to the Y direction end of the second loading portion 133. The size of the guide portions 134 in the thickness direction of the workpieces W may be the same as the thickness of the pallet P.

[0065] A rotation shaft 135 is provided on the guide portion 134. The rotation shaft 135 protrudes outward from each of the pair of guide portions 134 in the Y direction. The position of the rotation shaft 135 as viewed from the Y direction passes through the position of the overall center of gravity of the object to be inverted and the inverting basket 131. In this embodiment, the object to be inverted is the pallet P and the workpieces W contained on the pallet P. In other words, the position of the rotation shaft 135 as viewed from the Y direction coincides with the position of the overall center of gravity of the workpieces W, the pallet P, and the inverting basket 131.

[0066] The support gate 140 includes a base 141 placed on the floor, a pair of support stands 142 provided on the base 141 so as to sandwich the reversing basket 131 in the Y direction, and a gate 145 bridged between the pair of support stands 142. The support stand 142 protrudes upward from the base 141 to a predetermined height and has a bearing 143 at its upper portion for supporting the rotation shaft 135 of the reversing basket 131. The support gate 140 may be provided with an operating handle (not shown) that allows an operator to rotate the rotation shaft 135.

[0067] The gate 145 includes a support column 145a extending upward from each of the pair of support bases 142 and an upper frame 145b connecting the upper ends of the support columns 145a. The illustrated gate 145 is connected to a reinforcing gate 145c provided in the loading / unloading station ST1. This gate 145 is provided with a guard 145d to prevent the workpiece W from jumping out of the reversing basket 131 during reversal. The guard 145d has an arc shape centered on the rotation shaft 135. In the illustrated example, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft 135, with the transport platform 103 positioned to the right of the rotation shaft 135 (as shown in FIG. 7 ), the guard 145d is formed from the 12 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position. The guard 145d may be positioned so as to overlap the workpiece W in the Y direction.

[0068] The illustrated guide section 134 is provided with a regulating device 136 that regulates the workpieces W from protruding. The regulating device 136 may be provided at the upper end of each of the pair of guide sections 134 when the first placement section 132 is horizontal. The regulating device 136 may have a regulating member 136a that can be switched between a protruding state and a retracted state. For example, when the regulating member 136a is protruding, the workpieces W are restricted from protruding from the inverter basket 131, and when the regulating member 136a is retracted, the regulation is released. An example of the regulating device 136 is connected to a proximity sensor 137A that detects whether the inverter basket 131 is horizontal and a proximity sensor 137B that detects whether the inverter basket 131 is vertical. The regulating device 136 may be controlled to release the regulation when the inverter basket 131 is horizontal or vertical. The regulating device 136 may be manually switchable by an operator.

[0069] The support base 142 in the illustrated example is provided with a regulating device 144 that regulates the rotation of the inverter basket 131 in a horizontal position. The regulating device 144 may have a regulating member 144a that can be switched between a protruding state and a retracted state. For example, when the regulating member 144a is protruding, the rotation of the inverter basket 131 in a horizontal position is restricted, and when the regulating member 144a is retracted, the restriction on rotation is released. For example, the regulating device 144 can be operated in response to an operation by an operator.

[0070] The first delivery section C1 transfers the workpiece W between the reversing station ST2 and the adjusting station ST3, which are arranged close to each other. For example, if the reversing station ST2 and the adjusting station ST3 are aligned in the X direction in a plan view, the first delivery section C1 moves the workpiece W between the reversing station ST2 and the adjusting station ST3 along the X direction in a plan view. The first delivery section C1 may also be capable of moving the workpiece W in the vertical direction. Note that in the processes after the first delivery section C1, the workpiece W is mounted on a pallet. In the following description, the pallet and the workpiece W may be collectively referred to as the workpiece.

[0071] The adjustment station ST3 (position adjustment device) is a station for adjusting the position of the workpiece W delivered via the first delivery section C1. In the adjustment station ST3, the position of the workpiece W relative to the pallet P is adjusted so that the position of the liquid pouring port 53A relative to the pallet P is in a predetermined positional relationship. For example, a space for an operator to perform adjustment work may be provided at a position facing the first delivery section C1 across the adjustment station ST3.

[0072] An example adjustment station ST3 has a reference protrusion (first jig) for positioning a workpiece (here, a pallet carrying the workpiece W) with the liquid inlet portion 53A facing upward in the vertical direction, and a reference position member that serves as a reference for adjusting the position of the liquid inlet portion 53A included in the workpiece when positioned by the first jig.

[0073] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of an adjustment station. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cross section taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the example of the adjustment station ST3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped frame shape and includes an upper frame 151, a lower frame 152, and support columns 153. The example of the upper frame 151 may have a U-shape in plan view so that the long side portion opposite the first transfer section C1 is open. In the illustrated example, the U-shaped upper frame 151 is formed by a pair of long side members that form the long side portion closest to the first transfer section C1 and a pair of short side members that are connected to both ends of the long side member.

[0074] The lower frame 152 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The illustrated lower frame 152 has a notched portion 152a for accommodating a portion of a conveying device (not shown) that constitutes the first transfer section C1. As shown in FIG. 15 , a bottom plate 155 is fixed to the lower frame 152. A plurality of ball rollers 155a for conveying workpieces are arranged on the bottom plate 155. The bottom plate 155 also has a conveying device 156 having claws 156a that engage with conveying holes 124a formed in the plate 124 of the pallet P. For example, the conveying device 156 can pull the pallet P supported by the ball rollers 155a along the Y direction. Furthermore, the bottom plate 155 has a reference protrusion 155c (first jig) that engages with a positioning hole 124b formed in the plate 124. The reference protrusions 155c correspond to the arrangement of a pair of holes 124b formed in the plate 124, and are provided, for example, at positions on a diagonal line of the bottom plate 155.

[0075] The support columns 153 connect the four corners of the upper frame 151 and the four corners of the lower frame 152 to each other. That is, in the long side portion close to the first transfer section C1, the support columns 153 are provided only at both ends of the long side member. A workpiece transferred from the first transfer section C1 can pass between a pair of support columns 153 close to the first transfer section C1 and be placed inside the adjusting station ST3. In addition, a workpiece transferred from the adjusting station ST3 to the second transfer section C2 can pass between the support columns 153 close to the second transfer section C2.

[0076] A reference position member 157 is provided on the upper frame 151. The reference position member 157 is a reference for adjusting the position of the module main body 1A in the workpiece W accommodated on the pallet P positioned by the reference protrusion 155c. For example, the position of the inner frame 110 relative to the outer frame 120 of the pallet P is adjusted so that the position of the liquid pouring port portion 53A formed on the module main body 1A coincides with the reference of the reference position member 157. The reference position member 157 in the illustrated example has a rectangular parallelepiped frame shape and is fixed to the upper frame 151. For example, the pallet P may be adjusted so that the liquid pouring port portion 53A of the module main body 1A is positioned at a predetermined position within a rectangular lower frame 157a that constitutes the reference position member 157.

[0077] The second transfer unit C2 transfers the workpiece between the adjusting station ST3 and the chamber station ST4, which are arranged close to each other. For example, if the adjusting station ST3 and the chamber station ST4 are aligned in the X direction in a plan view, the second transfer unit C2 moves the workpiece W between the adjusting station ST3 and the chamber station ST4 along the Y direction in a plan view. The workpiece W moved at the second transfer unit C2 is mounted on a pallet P. In this embodiment, the direction connecting the adjusting station ST3 and the chamber station ST4 (the Y direction) intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction connecting the adjusting station ST3 and the reversing station ST2 (the X direction). That is, the workpiece W moved along the X direction from the reversing station ST2 to the adjusting station ST3 by the first transfer unit C1 is then moved along the Y direction from the adjusting station ST3 to the chamber station ST4 by the second transfer unit C2. This allows the workpiece W to be moved appropriately while ensuring sufficient space for work at the adjusting station ST3.

[0078] Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an example of a chamber station. FIG. 16 shows a cross-section along the XZ plane, and FIG. 17 shows a cross-section along the YZ plane. The chamber station ST4 is a station for performing an inspection of the module main body 1A and sealing the liquid injection port portion 53A of the module main body 1A with a sealing member 54. The chamber station ST4 includes a chamber 160, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of positioners 180 disposed in the chamber 160, an inspection device 195, an imaging device 210, a liquid wiping device 220, and a sealing device 230.

[0079] The chamber 160 has a chamber main body 161 that defines a sealable internal space and a leg portion 170 that supports the chamber main body 161. The chamber main body 161 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has at least one door 161a. In the illustrated example, the door 161a is provided on a wall portion facing the second delivery portion C2. A vacuum pump 197 for evacuating the inside of the chamber 160 is connected to the chamber main body 161. The pressure inside the chamber 160 is measured by a measurement system 196 connected to a pipe connecting the vacuum pump 197 and the chamber 160.

[0080] The legs 170 support the chamber body 161 so that the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161 is spaced from the floor surface. For example, the legs 170 are arranged at a plurality of positions facing each other on both sides of the chamber body 161 in the X direction so as to support the chamber body 161 from both sides in the X direction. An example of the legs 170 includes a base 171 placed on the floor surface, an extension portion 172 supported by the base 171, and a connection portion 173 supported by the extension portion 172. The base 171 may be fixable to the floor surface or the like with a bolt or the like. The extension portion 172 may be fixed to the upper end of the base 171 with a bolt or the like. The extension portion 172 extends from the upper end of the base 171 toward the chamber body 161 and has an edge 172a that is close to the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161. The connecting portion 173 connects (fixes) the edge 172a of the extending portion 172 to the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161. In this state, the height positions of the edge 172a of the extending portion 172, the connecting portion 173, and the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161 are higher than the lower end (i.e., the floor surface) of the base 171. The fixing of the connecting portion 173 to the extending portion 172 and the fixing of the connecting portion 173 to the chamber body 161 may both be achieved by bolts or the like.

[0081] The positioning device 180 is a device for positioning the workpiece W transported into the chamber 160. In this embodiment, inspection of the module main body 1A and sealing of the liquid inlet portion 53A of the module main body 1A are carried out inside the chamber 160. Therefore, inside the chamber 160, a positioning device 180A used for inspection and a positioning device 180B used for sealing are arranged in order along the Y direction, starting from the position closest to the door 161a. When there is no need to distinguish between the positioning device 180A and the positioning device 180B, they are collectively referred to as the positioning device 180.

[0082] In this embodiment, as described above, the workpiece W including the module main body 1A is transported while being held on the pallet P. Therefore, the positioner 180 in the chamber 160 positions the pallet P using the reference protrusions in order to position the module main body 1A.

[0083] An example of the positioner 180 includes a bottom wall 181, support columns 187, and an upper frame 189. The bottom wall 181 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape and is disposed within the chamber body 161. In one example, the bottom wall 181 is supported by support columns 183 fixed to a support plate 182 outside the chamber 160. In the illustrated example, the bottom wall 181 is supported by four support columns 183 spaced apart from one another in the X and Y directions. The support columns 183 pass through through-holes in the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161 and are fixed to the support plate 182. The support columns 183 penetrate the inside and outside of the chamber body 161, for example, by passing through the inside of a bellows 184, which is a piping member connected to the bottom 161b of the chamber body 161 and the upper surface of the support plate 182. In other words, the chamber 160 and the positioner 180 disposed within the chamber 160 are supported by support members that are independent of each other. The bellows 184 and the chamber body 161, and the bellows 184 and the support plate 182 are both connected airtight, thereby maintaining the airtightness of the chamber 160. Furthermore, the bellows 184 connected to the chamber body 161 and the support plate 182 is configured to deform to follow the deformation of the chamber body 161 when the chamber body 161 deforms, thereby maintaining the airtightness of the chamber 160.

[0084] The bottom wall 181 is provided with a reference protrusion 185 (second jig) that engages with a positioning hole 124b formed in the plate 124 of the pallet P. The reference protrusion 185 corresponds to the arrangement of a pair of holes 124b formed in the plate 124, and is provided, for example, at a position diagonally across the bottom wall 181 in a plan view. A transport device (not shown) may be provided on the bottom wall 181. The transport device may include, for example, a plurality of ball rollers, similar to the configuration of the adjustment station ST3.

[0085] The support pillars 187 protrude upward from predetermined positions on the bottom wall 181. In the illustrated example, four support pillars 187 are provided, with a pair of two support pillars 187 arranged at positions spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, facing each other in the X direction and spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the pallet. The upper frame 189 has a rectangular frame shape and is fixed to the upper ends of the four support pillars 187. The four support pillars 187 may be connected to the four corners of the upper frame 189.

[0086] The positioning device 180A has an attachment 191 that abuts against the liquid pouring port 53A of the module main body 1A in the workpiece W positioned by the reference protrusion 185. The attachment 191 may be movable up and down between an intended abutment position where it can abut against the liquid pouring port 53A and a standby position set above the intended abutment position.

[0087] In the positioning device 180A, the attachment 191 is supported by an upper frame 189. The positional relationship between the reference protrusion 185 and the attachment 191 is the same as the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 155c and the reference position member 157 in the adjustment station ST3. Therefore, when the pallet P is adjusted in the adjustment station ST3 so that the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A is positioned at a predetermined position of the reference position member 157, the pallet P is positioned by the reference protrusion 185 of the positioning device 180A, and the intended contact position of the attachment 191 and the position of the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A coincide with each other.

[0088] The attachment 191 constitutes part of an inspection device 195 and is airtightly connected to the liquid filling port portion 53A. The inspection device 195 has a measurement system 192 that measures the pressure in each internal space S of the module main body 1A. The measurement system 192 is connected to a vacuum pump 193 via a valve and is also connected to the attachment 191 via a valve. The inspection device 195 can depressurize the internal space S of the module main body 1A connected by the attachment 191 by operating the vacuum pump 193. For example, the inspection device 195 measures the pressure in the internal space S of the module main body 1A in a state in which the inside of the chamber 160 is depressurized by operating the vacuum pump 197 and the internal space S of the module main body 1A is depressurized by operating the vacuum pump 193, and inspects whether the internal space S has been depressurized to the required pressure.

[0089] The positioning device 180B has a sealing device 230 that attaches the sealing member 54 to the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A in the workpiece W positioned by the reference protrusion 185. The sealing device 230 may be able to move the sealing member 54 up and down between a planned sealing position for bringing the sealing member 54 into contact with the liquid injection port 53A and a standby position set above the planned sealing position. Furthermore, one example of the sealing device 230 may have a heating device such as a heater that heats the sealing member 54 and be configured to weld the heated sealing member 54 to the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A.

[0090] In the positioning device 180B, the sealing device 230 is supported by an upper frame 189. The positional relationship between the reference protrusion 185 and the sealing device 230 is the same as the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 155c and the reference position member 157 in the adjustment station ST3. Therefore, when the pallet P is adjusted in the adjustment station ST3 so that the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A is positioned at a predetermined position of the reference position member 157, the pallet P is positioned by the reference protrusion 185 of the positioning device 180B, and the planned sealing position of the sealing device 230 and the position of the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A coincide with each other.

[0091] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an imaging device provided in the chamber station. The imaging device 210 captures an image of the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A. The imaging device 210 includes an imaging unit 212 and a light irradiation unit 213. The imaging device 210 is housed in an airtight container 211 fixed to the ceiling 161c of the chamber main body 161. In the illustrated example, the imaging device 210 is fixed to the center of the ceiling 161c in the X direction (the center position of the positioning device 180 in the X direction) and the center in the Y direction (a position between the positioning devices 180A and 180B). A transparent plate 211a is fitted to the underside of the airtight container 211. The transparent plate 211a may be, for example, an acrylic plate. The imaging unit 212 captures an image of the downward direction through the transparent plate 211a. The light irradiation unit 213 irradiates light downward through the transparent plate 211a.

[0092] The imaging unit 212 may be, for example, a near-infrared camera. The light irradiation unit 213 may be, for example, a near-infrared illuminator. The electrolyte absorbs infrared light of a specific wavelength, thereby improving the discernibility of the electrolyte around the injection port in an image captured by the near-infrared camera. In the illustrated example, a diffuser plate 215 is disposed on the optical axis of the near-infrared illuminator. The diffuser plate 215 is a plate-shaped member for diffusing transmitted light and may be formed, for example, of a light-transmitting plate material containing air bubbles. The light from the light irradiation unit 213 passes through the diffuser plate 215, thereby enabling uniform irradiation of the light. The diffuser plate 215 is supported by an elevator device 214. In the illustrated example, the elevator device 214 is fixed to the ceiling 161c of the chamber main body 161 and includes a cylinder 214a that can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction. The diffuser plate 215 is provided at the tip of the cylinder 214a. The height position of the diffuser plate 215 can be changed according to the operation of the cylinder 214a. The imaging device 210 captures an image of the liquid pouring port portion 53A of the workpiece W, for example, during the process of transporting the workpiece W from the positioning device 180A to the positioning device 180B.

[0093] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid wiping device provided in the chamber station. The liquid wiping device 220 is a device for wiping off liquid (electrolyte) adhering to the liquid inlet port 53A. An example of the liquid wiping device 220 includes a lifting device 221 and a wiping unit 223. The lifting device 221 may include, for example, a cylinder 221a that can extend and retract in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the lifting device 221 includes a pair of guide pins 221b arranged to sandwich the cylinder 221a. The lifting device 221 is fixed to the center in the X direction of the side of the upper frame 189 of the positioning device 180B that is closer to the positioning device 180A. The wiping unit 223 is attached to the lower ends of the cylinder 221a and the guide pin 221b. For example, the wiping unit 223 has a plate-shaped base 223a attached to the cylinder 221a and the guide pin 221b, and a holding unit 223b attached to the bottom of the base 223a. The bottom surface of the holding unit 223b holds a water-absorbing member 223c. In this embodiment, a nonwoven fabric for wiping away liquid is held by the holding unit 223b. The liquid wiping device 220 can wipe away the electrolyte adhering to the liquid inlet 53A of the workpiece W, for example, during the process of transporting the workpiece W from the positioning device 180A to the positioning device 180B.

[0094] Next, the operational flow (manufacturing method) of the manufacturing system MS will be described. FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing an outline of the operational flow of the manufacturing system. First, the workpiece W is carried in a horizontal position into the carry-in / carry-out station ST1 (carry-in process S1). The workpiece W may be carried in by a conveyor or other transport means such as a forklift. The module body 1A included in the carried-in workpiece W has been injected with electrolyte and activated in a previous process. A liquid injection coupler is attached to the liquid injection port 53A of the module body 1A. In the carry-in / carry-out station ST1, the workpiece W is placed on the transport table 103 in a horizontal position with the liquid injection port 53A facing away from the reversal station ST2.

[0095] The workpiece W carried into the loading / unloading station ST1 is transported in a horizontal position on the transport table 103 along the X direction to the reversing station ST2 (transportation process). At this time, the first placement section 132 of the reversing basket 131 of the reversing station ST2 is in a state where it is aligned with the horizontal plane, and its rotation is regulated by the regulating device 144. The workpiece W transported to the reversing station ST2 is accommodated on the pallet P that was previously set on the reversing basket 131. That is, the workpiece W is accommodated in the inner frame 110 of the pallet P and fixed to the inner frame 110 by the fixing member 117.

[0096] The workpieces W accommodated on the pallet P are placed in the inverting basket 131 in a vertical position by inverting the inverting basket 131 by 90 degrees (inverting step S2). That is, when it is confirmed that the workpieces W have been accommodated on the pallet P, the restriction by the regulating device 144 is released, and the handle (not shown) is rotated to rotate the inverting basket 131. At this time, the inverting basket 131 moves away from the proximity sensor 137A, which activates the regulating device 136, preventing the pallet P and workpieces W from flying out of the inverting basket 131. The inverting basket 131 is rotated until the second placement section 133 is aligned with the horizontal plane. The pallet P and workpieces W accommodated in the inverting basket 131 are in a vertical position. In this state, the proximity sensor 137B detects that the inverting basket 131 is vertical, which releases the restriction by the regulating device 136, allowing the pallet P and workpieces W to be removed from the inverting basket 131. The workpiece W in the vertical orientation is transferred to the adjustment station ST3 via the first transfer section C1 while still being accommodated on the pallet P.

[0097] The workpiece W delivered to the adjustment station ST3 is adjusted so that the position of the pouring port 53A matches the reference of the reference position member 157 (position adjustment step S3). In one example, first, the pallet P accommodating the workpiece W is positioned. That is, the reference protrusion 155c of the adjustment station ST3 is inserted into (engaged with) the hole 124b of the plate 124, which is the reference position for positioning the pallet P. Next, the position of the pouring port 53A is adjusted. Note that prior to this adjustment, the pouring coupler may be removed. In this embodiment, the position of the workpiece W relative to the reference protrusion 155c is adjusted so that the position of the pouring port 53A matches the reference of the reference position member 157. In the illustrated example, the operator adjusts the adjustment unit 129 to change the position of the inner frame 110 relative to the outer frame 120 of the pallet P, thereby adjusting the position of the workpiece W (i.e., the position of the pouring port 53A). After adjustment, the workpiece W is transferred to the chamber station ST4 (i.e., inside the chamber 160) via the second transfer section C2 while still being accommodated on the pallet P.

[0098] The workpiece W transported into the chamber 160 is positioned by the positioner 180A (positioning step S4). That is, the reference protrusion 185 of the positioner 180A is inserted into (engaged with) the hole 124b of the plate 124 of the pallet P. As described above, the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 185 of the positioner 180 and the attachment 191 is the same as the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 155c and the reference position member 157 in the adjustment station ST3. Because the position of the module main body 1A has been adjusted in the position adjustment step S3, the workpiece W is positioned with respect to the reference protrusion 185 of the positioner 180, and thus the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A corresponds to the position of the attachment 191.

[0099] In the present disclosure, as the workpiece W becomes larger, the chamber 160 that accommodates the workpiece W also becomes larger. In such a large chamber 160, the chamber body 161 tends to deform to a greater extent when the pressure is reduced. However, when the workpiece is positioned by the position adjustment step S3 and the positioning step S4, the deformation of the chamber body 161 can be prevented from affecting the positioning. In particular, in the present disclosure, the support 183 of the positioner 180 passes through the bellows 184, and the positioner 180 and the chamber body 161 are independent of each other, so that the deformation of the chamber body 161 can be prevented from affecting the positioner 180.

[0100] Subsequently, the pressure inside the chamber 160 is reduced (depressurization step S5), and the inspection device 195 performs an inspection of the workpiece W (inspection step S6). After the inspection is completed, the workpiece W positioned by the positioning device 180A is transported to the positioning device 180B by a transport device (not shown). The reduced pressure inside the chamber is maintained until sealing of the liquid injection port 53A by the sealing member 54, which will be described later, is completed.

[0101] The workpiece W being transported from the positioning device 180A to the positioning device 180B is imaged by the imaging device 210 arranged between the positioning device 180A and the positioning device 180B, and it is confirmed whether or not the electrolyte leaking from the liquid injection port 53A has adhered to the module main body 1A (particularly the periphery of the liquid injection port 53A) (confirmation step S7). For example, in the confirmation step S7, an image inspection device or an operator may check the captured image to determine whether or not the electrolyte has adhered.

[0102] If adhesion of the electrolyte is confirmed in the confirmation step S7, the adhering electrolyte is removed by the liquid wiping device 220 (removal step S8). That is, when the workpiece W being transported from the positioning device 180A to the positioning device 180B passes directly below the liquid wiping device 220, the lifting device 221 of the liquid wiping device 220 descends, and the water absorbing member 223c of the holding portion 223b wipes away the electrolyte adhering to the liquid inlet portion 53A. In this embodiment, the openings 52 are grouped together to form the liquid inlet portion 53A, so that the electrolyte can be efficiently wiped away. After the removal step S8 is completed, the workpiece W is transported toward the positioning device 180A, and the confirmation step S7 may be executed again.

[0103] If adhesion of the electrolyte is not confirmed in the confirmation step S7, the workpiece W is positioned by the positioning device 180B (positioning step S9). That is, the reference protrusion 185 of the positioning device 180B is inserted into (engaged with) the hole 124b of the plate 124 on the pallet P. As described above, the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 185 of the positioning device 180 and the sealing device 230 is the same as the positional relationship between the reference protrusion 155c and the reference position member 157 in the adjustment station ST3. Because the position of the module main body 1A has been adjusted in the position adjustment step S3, the workpiece W is positioned with respect to the reference protrusion 185 of the positioning device 180, and the liquid injection port 53A of the module main body 1A corresponds to the position of the sealing device 230.

[0104] Next, liquid inlet portion 53A is sealed by sealing device 230 (sealing step S10). That is, sealing device 230 brings sealing member 54 into contact with liquid inlet portion 53A. Sealing member 54 is heated by a heating device and is welded to liquid inlet portion 53A so as to seal liquid inlet portion 53A. In each of the preceding steps, there is a possibility that the electrolyte may leak from liquid inlet portion 53A of module main body 1A. However, in this manufacturing method, since it includes confirmation step S7, liquid inlet portion 53A of module main body 1A can be sealed with sealing member 54 in a state in which no electrolyte is attached to liquid inlet portion 53A.

[0105] After the sealing step S10 is completed, the workpiece W is moved to the reversing station ST2 via the second delivery section C2, the adjusting station ST3, and the first delivery section C1. At the reversing station ST2, the workpiece W is turned over 90 degrees, and the workpiece W is changed from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. Then, the workpiece W separated from the pallet P is carried out in a horizontal orientation from the carry-in / carry-out station ST1 by a conveyor or the like.

[0106] As described above, one example of a method for manufacturing an energy storage module includes the steps of: injecting an electrolyte into the internal space S and transporting the activated module main body 1A sideways so that the first direction D1 is along the vertical direction (Z direction); rotating the module main body 1A transported sideways around an axis along the third direction D3 as the axis of rotation so that the liquid inlet portion 53A faces upward in the vertical direction; and sealing the liquid inlet portion 53A of the module main body 1A, with the liquid inlet portion 53A facing upward in the vertical direction, with the sealing member 54 in a reduced pressure environment.

[0107] The above manufacturing method includes a step of transporting the module body 1A, which has been filled with and activated by the electrolyte, in a horizontal position, so that the module body 1A can be stably transported in this step. Furthermore, by rotating the module body 1A transported in a horizontal position, the liquid inlet portion 53A of the module body 1A faces upward, which prevents leakage of the electrolyte in the step of sealing the liquid inlet portion 53A, and allows the liquid inlet portion 53A to be properly sealed.

[0108] The above manufacturing method may include, before the rotating step, a step of holding the module body 1A in a horizontal position using a frame-shaped pallet P. In the rotating step, the module body 1A (workpiece W) held on the pallet P may be rotated together with the pallet P. In this configuration, because the module body 1A is held on the pallet P, the module body 1A can be stably transported in the step after rotation.

[0109] In the rotating step, the module body 1A may be rotated by rotating the diverter basket 131 on which the pallet P holding the workpieces W (module body) is placed. The position of the rotation axis 135 of the diverter basket 131 may pass through the position of the overall center of gravity of the placed objects and the diverter basket 131 when the placed objects, including the pallet P holding the workpieces W, are placed on the diverter basket 131. In this configuration, excessive load is prevented from being placed on the rotation axis 135, and the workpieces W, the pallet P, and the diverter basket 131 can be rotated in a stable state.

[0110] Although an example of the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0111] Although the example in which the presence or absence of the electrolyte solution is confirmed based on the image of the workpiece captured by the imaging device has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the presence or absence of the electrolyte solution may be determined by an image processing system that determines the presence or absence of the electrolyte solution. Furthermore, for example, a window or the like may be formed in the ceiling of the chamber main body 161, and the worker may visually check the workpiece through the window.

[0112] Although an example has been shown in which the inverting basket 131 is supported by the rotation shaft 135, the inverting basket may have any configuration as long as it can convert workpieces in a horizontal position into a vertical position.

[0113] 1 Energy storage module 1A Module body 29 Sealing body 53A Liquid injection port (opening) MS Manufacturing system P Pallet ST1 Loading / unloading station ST2 Reversing station ST3 Adjustment station ST4 Chamber station W Work

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an energy storage module including a module main body having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a first direction, a sealing body that seals a space between adjacent electrodes, and an opening that is formed in the sealing body to communicate between the inside and outside of the space and that opens in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the method comprising: a transport step of transporting the module main body, which has been activated by injecting an electrolyte into the space, in a horizontal position so that the first direction is along the vertical direction; an inversion step of receiving the module main body that has been transported in the horizontal position in the transport step and inverting the position of the module main body from the horizontal position to a vertical position in which the opening faces upward along the vertical direction; and a sealing step of sealing the opening of the module main body that has been placed in the vertical position in the inversion step with a sealing member under a reduced pressure environment.

2. The energy storage module manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein in the inversion step, the module body in the horizontal orientation is placed on a frame-shaped pallet so that the module body is held on the pallet, and the module body in the horizontal orientation held on the pallet is rotated together with the pallet.

3. The method for manufacturing an energy storage module according to claim 2, wherein in the inversion step, the module body is rotated by rotating a rotating body on which the pallet holding the module body is placed, and the position of the rotation axis of the rotating body passes through the position of the center of gravity of the entire rotating body including the object when the object including the pallet holding the module body is placed on the rotating body.

4. A manufacturing system for an energy storage module including a module main body having a plurality of electrodes stacked in a first direction, a sealing body that seals a space between adjacent electrodes, and an opening that is formed in the sealing body to communicate between the inside and outside of the space and that opens in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, the energy storage module manufacturing system comprising: a conveying device that conveys the module main body, in which an electrolyte solution has been injected into the space, in a horizontal position so that the first direction is along the vertical direction; a rotating device that receives the module main body conveyed in the horizontal position by the conveying device and inverts the position of the module main body from the horizontal position to a vertical position in which the opening faces upward along the vertical direction; and a reduced-pressure sealing device that seals the opening of the module main body that has been brought into the vertical position by the rotating device with a sealing member in a reduced-pressure environment.

Images