Angular Battery Case Assembly for Easier Electrode Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing angular batteries face challenges in inserting the electrode body into the battery case due to the risk of it getting caught in the angular opening, which complicates the insertion process and limits the size of the electrode body that can be used, affecting the volumetric energy density and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where the electrode body is first inserted into a U-shaped first member, and then the second and third members are joined to form the battery case, applying a sandwiching force to securely hold the electrode body in place without the need for a separate restraint jig, allowing for improved insertability and increased electrode body size without requiring clearance between the case and the electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the battery case is produced first with an angular opening and then the electrode body is inserted, then the battery case structure is complete, but the electrode body may be caught in the opening and insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode body is sandwiched between the long side surfaces of the first member before the battery case is fully assembled. This preliminary positioning action prevents the electrode body from being caught in the angular opening during insertion, as the long side surfaces provide guidance and constraint during the sandwiching step prior to joining the second and third members
Solution Approach 2:
The battery case is divided into multiple members (first member with long side surfaces, second member, and third member) that are joined together. The first member with its U-shaped end faces and long side surfaces is prepared separately, allowing the electrode body to be positioned and sandwiched before final assembly, thereby simplifying the insertion process
2Quantity of substance
If the electrode body is made as large as possible to improve volumetric energy density, then energy density increases, but the electrode body is more likely to be caught in the angular opening
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode body is positioned and sandwiched between the long side surfaces before the battery case is fully closed. This preliminary action allows larger electrode bodies to be properly positioned without risk of being caught in the angular opening, enabling maximization of volumetric energy density while maintaining ease of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The long side surfaces of the first member act as an intermediary structure that guides and constrains the electrode body during positioning. These surfaces provide a controlled interface between the electrode body and the angular opening, allowing larger electrode bodies to be inserted smoothly without getting caught
3Ease of operation
If clearance is ensured between the battery case and electrode body for easy insertion, then insertion becomes easier, but the electrode body size must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The function of providing insertion guidance and constraint is extracted from the overall battery case structure and implemented specifically through the long side surfaces of the first member. This allows the electrode body to be sandwiched and positioned accurately without requiring clearance, maximizing electrode body size while maintaining ease of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode body is sandwiched between the long side surfaces in a preliminary step before final assembly. This preliminary sandwiching action establishes proper positioning without requiring clearance, allowing the electrode body to be as large as possible while still enabling easy insertion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an angular battery having improved insertability of an electrode body. According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an angular battery including a battery case that has a rectangular bottom surface and a pair of long side surfaces having, as one side thereof, a long side of the rectangular bottom surface and facing each other, and an electrode body that is accommodated in the battery case and wide surfaces facing the long side surfaces. The manufacturing method includes a preparation step of preparing a first member having substantially U-shaped end faces including the bottom surface and the pair of long side surfaces extending from the bottom surface, and a second member and a third member that are to be joined to respective end faces of the first member and constitute short side surfaces; a sandwiching step of sandwiching the wide surfaces of the battery body between the pair of long side surfaces of the first member; and a joining step of joining the second and third members to the respective end faces of the first member in a state in which the electrode body is sandwiched by the pair of long side surfaces.