Storage Module Resin Frame Sealing with Low-Conductivity Restraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing storage modules face challenges in achieving excellent sealability due to heat conductivity issues with metal restraining members, which lead to insufficient sealing when the side surfaces of layered electrode sheets are heated.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a layered body with a resin frame and low heat conductivity restraining members, where the frame and restraining members are heated together to form a seal, using a radiation superheater, ensuring the heat is retained within the module to enhance sealability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal restraining members are used to apply restraining pressure to the layered body, then the volume energy density is improved by minimizing the thickness of the layered body, but the sealability deteriorates due to high heat conductivity of the metal material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of heat conductivity by replacing metal restraining members with non-metallic materials (resin or inorganic material) that have low heat conductivity (1 W/m·K or less). This parameter change allows the restraining members to maintain their mechanical function while preventing heat conduction that would compromise sealability during the heating step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material selection by using resin or inorganic materials for the restraining members instead of pure metal. These materials provide the necessary mechanical strength for restraining pressure while having inherently low heat conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between structural function and thermal insulation requirements.
2Reliability
If the side surface of the layered body is heated to form a seal, then the sealability is improved, but heat is conducted to the restraining member side reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of heat conduction to the restraining member into a beneficial outcome by selecting restraining members with low heat conductivity. The heat that would have been lost to the restraining member is now retained in the layered body, actually improving the heating efficiency and seal formation during the heating step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the restraining members from high heat conductivity (metal) to low heat conductivity (resin or inorganic material). This parameter change fundamentally alters the heat flow pattern during heating, preventing heat loss to the restraining members and improving overall sealing effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a storage module with improved sealability and durability by preventing heat conduction to the restraining member, allowing for larger seal lengths at the ends compared to the center, thus enhancing the module's ability to maintain a sealed state.
Implementation Method 1
in the heating step, the seal part in the layered body and the pair of restraining member are heated by a radiation superheater
Implementation Method 2
the seal part in the layered body and the pair of restraining member are heated by a radiation superheater
Implementation Method 3
a pair of restraining member of which heat conductivity is 1 W/m·K or less, in a position overlapping with the frame body
Implementation Method 4
a heat welding step of heat welding seal end surfaces configured by a surrounding end surface of the frame body adjacent to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing a storage module with excellent sealability. The present disclosure achieves the object by providing the method including: a preparing step of preparing a layered body, in which a plurality of electrode sheet that includes: an electrode including a current collector and an active material layer; and a frame body made of a resin arranged along an outer periphery of the electrode, is layered in a first direction; an arranging step of arranging a pair of restraining member of which heat conductivity is 1 W/m·K or less, in a position overlapping with the frame body in the layered body when viewed from the first direction; and a heating step of heating the frame body in the layered body and the pair of restraining member while applying a restraining pressure to the layered body by the pair of restraining member, and thereby welding the frame body adjacent to each other in the first direction to form a seal part.