JP2011258418A - Electrode lamination apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrode lamination apparatus capable of laminating a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator and further improving a battery production speed in such a way that a battery performance is not varied.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an electrode lamination apparatus 1 for forming a structure by laminating a positive electrode P and a negative electrode N while holding a separator S therebetween. The electrode lamination apparatus includes: a first supply section 10 for supplying the positive electrode P; a second supply section 20 for supplying the negative electrode N; a third supply section 30 for supplying the separator S; roller couples 13, 23, 33 each for holding and conveying the positive electrode P supplied from the first supply section 10, the negative electrode N supplied from the second supply section 20 and the separator S supplied from the third supply section 30 therebetween; a lamination section 50 positioned at a downstream side in a conveying direction of the roller couples 13, 23, 33; and regulation means 60 for regulating positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N and the separator S conveyed from the roller couples 13, 23, 33, in the lamination section 50.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrode stacking apparatus.

  Conventionally, there is a secondary battery having a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked. For example, in a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium-containing metal oxide is used for the positive electrode, a carbon material is used for the negative electrode, and a structure in which insulating porous separators are alternately stacked between them is impregnated with an electrolytic solution. It has a sealed structure.

  By the way, since the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator that constitute such a secondary battery are formed of a thin material, they have low rigidity and are very difficult to handle. In addition, if a displacement occurs when the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator are stacked, the characteristics such as voltage are affected, and the battery performance varies. For this reason, a technique capable of laminating a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator so as not to cause variations in battery performance is required.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a positive electrode magazine, a negative electrode magazine, an electrode transfer having a pair of suction mechanisms, and alignment of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are studied. An electrode laminating apparatus including an electrode gauging mechanism for performing a laminating process, a laminating transfer, and a laminating table is disclosed. This suppresses the occurrence of positional deviation when laminating the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator, and prevents variations in battery performance.

JP 2005-50583 A

In the technique of Patent Document 1, it is considered that the accuracy of electrode superposition can be ensured by taking out the electrodes from the electrode magazine using a pair of suction mechanisms and transferring them to the electrode gauging mechanism.
However, in Patent Document 1, when the electrodes are taken out from the electrode magazine one by one, the electrodes are taken out in a curved state. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a certain amount of time for sucking the electrodes, thereby improving the suction and gripping speed of the electrodes. There are also limitations. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the battery production rate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. The positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator can be stacked so that the battery performance does not vary, and the battery production rate can be improved. An object of the present invention is to provide a possible electrode stacking apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electrode stacking apparatus that forms a structure by stacking a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween, and a first supply unit that supplies the positive electrode; A second supply unit for supplying the negative electrode, a third supply unit for supplying the separator, the positive electrode supplied from the first supply unit, the negative electrode supplied from the second supply unit, The roller pair that sandwiches and conveys the separator supplied from the third supply unit, the stacking unit that is positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction of the roller pair, and the stacking unit that is transported from the roller pair An electrode stacking apparatus including a positive electrode, the negative electrode, and a regulating unit that regulates the position of the separator is employed.

  By adopting such a configuration, in the present invention, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator supplied from each supply unit are conveyed by the roller pair. That is, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator is determined by the rotation speed of the roller pair. For this reason, it is not the structure which transfers an electrode using a pair of suction mechanism like patent document 1, and it is not necessary to ensure the suction time etc. of an electrode. That is, the transport speed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrode stacking apparatus capable of improving the battery production rate. Further, in the stacked portion, the positions of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator that are conveyed from the roller pair by the regulating means are regulated. For this reason, it can suppress that position shift arises when laminating | stacking a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator so that dispersion | variation may not arise in the performance of a battery.

  In the present invention, the restricting means includes a first restricting portion that restricts the positions of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a second restricting portion that restricts the position of the separator. A configuration is adopted in which the restricting portion is located upstream of the second restricting portion in the transport direction.

  Moreover, in this invention, the structure that the said roller pair is arrange | positioned convexly seeing from a conveyance direction is employ | adopted.

  Further, in the present invention, when any of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator conveyed from the roller pair is positioned above the stacked portion, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator Among them, a configuration is adopted in which pressing means for pressing the one located above the stacked portion toward the stacked portion is provided.

  Moreover, in this invention, the said press means employ | adopts the structure that it has the non-contact part which does not contact these in the side which contacts the said positive electrode, the said negative electrode, and the said separator.

  In the present invention, the roller pair sandwiches and conveys the first roller pair that sandwiches and conveys the positive electrode, the second roller pair that sandwiches and conveys the negative electrode, and the separator. A configuration of having a third roller pair is employed.

  Moreover, in this invention, the structure that the said press means is arrange | positioned corresponding to each of the said 1st roller pair, the said 2nd roller pair, and the said 3rd roller pair is employ | adopted.

  In the present invention, the positive electrode conveyed from the first roller pair, the negative electrode conveyed from the second roller pair, and conveyed from the third roller pair in the vicinity of the stacked portion. A configuration is adopted in which a discharge port is provided for discharging the separator to the stacked portion through the same path.

  Moreover, in this invention, the structure that the said discharge port is formed in convex shape seeing from the conveyance direction is employ | adopted.

According to the present invention, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator supplied from each supply unit are conveyed by the roller pair. That is, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator is determined by the rotation speed of the roller pair. For this reason, it is not the structure which transfers an electrode using a pair of suction mechanism like patent document 1, and it is not necessary to ensure the suction time etc. of an electrode. That is, the transport speed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electrode stacking apparatus capable of improving the battery production rate. Further, in the stacked portion, the positions of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator that are conveyed from the roller pair by the regulating means are regulated. For this reason, it can suppress that position shift arises when laminating | stacking a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator so that dispersion | variation may not arise in the performance of a battery.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to stack the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator so that the battery performance does not vary, and it is possible to obtain an electrode stacking apparatus capable of improving the battery production rate.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the electrode lamination apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the electrode lamination apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the electrode lamination apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the roller pair in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a bottom view of the press means in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of the battery in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing process of the battery following FIG. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the electrode lamination apparatus in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the electrode lamination apparatus in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the discharge port in 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, an actual structure and a scale, a number, and the like in each structure are different.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an electrode stacking apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the electrode stacking apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the electrode stacking apparatus 1. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the illustration of the frame 16 (see FIG. 2) that supports the rotation shaft of the roller pair is omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 2, illustration of the press means 40 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience. In FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, the pedestal 15, the supply units 10, 20, 30 and the frame 16 are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode laminating apparatus 1 forms a structure by laminating a sheet-like positive electrode P and a sheet-like negative electrode N with a sheet-like separator S interposed therebetween.
The electrode stacking apparatus 1 includes a pedestal 15 installed on the floor, a first supply unit 10 that supplies the positive electrode P, and a second supply unit 20 that supplies the negative electrode N, which are arranged on the pedestal 15. A third supply part 30 for supplying the separator S, a positive electrode P supplied from the first supply part 10, a negative electrode N supplied from the second supply part 20, and a separator S supplied from the third supply part 30. A pair of rollers that sandwich and convey, a stacking unit 50 located downstream in the transport direction of the roller pair, and positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are transported from the roller pair in the stacking unit 50 And a pressing means 40 that presses the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, which are positioned above the stacked portion 50, toward the stacked portion 50. In addition, the electrode stacking apparatus 1 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of various components.

  The 1st supply part 10, the 2nd supply part 20, and the 3rd supply part 30 are arrange | positioned at the conveyance direction upstream (-X direction side). Moreover, the 1st supply part 10, the 2nd supply part 20, and the 3rd supply part 30 are laminated | stacked and arranged in this order from the top (from + Z direction) in the position which overlaps when planarly viewed.

  The first supply unit 10 stores the positive electrode P in a stacked manner. The first supply unit 10 includes a lift mechanism (not shown) that moves up and down so that the height position of the uppermost positive electrode P is constant.

  The positive electrode P is accommodated in the first supply unit 10 in a state in which a tab (an ear portion for taking out electricity) is formed in advance, for example, by cutting a roll-shaped positive electrode into a predetermined length. . The positive electrode P is housed with the tab facing the −Y direction. The thickness of the positive electrode P (the height in the Z direction) is, for example, about 8 to 20 μm. Further, as a material for forming the positive electrode P, for example, a lithium-containing metal oxide can be used. The positive electrode P can be formed by using, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum or copper as a base material and disposing powdery lithium metal on the surface of the base material.

  The second supply unit 20 stores the negative electrode N in a stacked manner. The second supply unit 20 includes a lift mechanism (not shown) that moves up and down so that the height position of the uppermost negative electrode N is constant.

  The negative electrode N is accommodated in the 2nd supply part 20 in the state in which the tab was previously formed, for example by cut | disconnecting a roll-shaped negative electrode to predetermined length. Further, the negative electrode N is housed in a state where the tab faces the side opposite to the tab of the positive electrode P (+ Y direction side). Note that the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are formed so that the main body portion (the rectangular portion in plan view excluding the tab) has the same size in plan view. Further, the thickness of the negative electrode N is, for example, about 8 to 20 μm. Further, as a material for forming the negative electrode N, for example, a carbon material can be used. The negative electrode N can be formed by using, for example, a metal foil such as aluminum or copper as a base material and arranging powdery carbon on the surface of the base material.

  The third supply unit 30 stores the separators S in a stacked manner. The third supply unit 30 includes a lift mechanism (not shown) that moves up and down so that the height position of the uppermost separator S is constant.

  The separator S is accommodated in the 3rd supply part 30 in the state previously formed in the planar view rectangular shape, for example by cut | disconnecting a roll-shaped separator to predetermined length. The separator S is formed so as to be slightly larger than the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N in plan view. Specifically, in plan view, the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are accommodated in the separator S, and the tabs of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are formed to protrude from the separator S by a predetermined length. (See FIG. 2). Moreover, as a forming material of the separator S, for example, an insulating resin can be used. The separator S is made of, for example, porous polyethylene or polyester.

  The frame 16 is disposed to face both side ends (+ Y direction side and −Y direction side) of the gantry 15. A rotation shaft that rotatably supports the pair of anti-overlapping rollers and a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the pair of feed rollers are fixed between the frames 16. Note that six rotation shafts (three rotation shafts for the anti-overlapping roller pair and three rotation shafts for the feed roller pair) are arranged between the frames 16.

  The first take-out roller 11 is disposed at the side end (+ X direction side) of the first supply unit 10. The first take-out roller 11 takes out the stacked positive electrode P. Specifically, the first take-out roller 11 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis and takes out a plurality of stacked positive electrodes P from the top (see FIG. 3). The first take-out roller 11 is disposed at a total of three locations with respect to the positive electrode P, with the center portion and both end portions (the end portion on the + Y direction side and the end portion on the −Y direction side) with respect to the rotation axis. . Moreover, as the 1st taking-out roller 11, the thing with a larger friction coefficient between the 1st taking-out roller 11 and the positive electrode P than the friction coefficient of the laminated | stacked positive electrodes P is used.

  The first overlapping feed prevention roller pair 12 is arranged on the downstream side (+ X direction side) in the transport direction of the first take-out roller 11. The first overlapping feed prevention roller pair 12 includes an upper roller 12a and a lower roller 12b. The friction coefficient u1 between the upper roller 12a and the positive electrode P is larger than the friction coefficient u2 between the lower roller 12b and the positive electrode P (u1> u2). The upper roller 12a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis, and sends the positive electrode P supplied from the first supply unit 10 to the + X direction side. Further, the lower roller 12b rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis (in the direction opposite to the feeding of the upper roller 12a). Thereby, even when the positive electrodes P are not taken out from the first take-out roller 11 one by one but are taken out in piles, it is possible to feed the positive electrodes P one by one by the first overlapping feed roller pair 12. It has become.

  Further, the first overlapping feed preventing roller pair 12 is arranged in a total of three locations corresponding to the arrangement location of the first take-out roller 11 when viewed from the transport direction of the positive electrode P. A guide portion (not shown) for guiding the positive electrode P may be disposed between the first take-out roller 11 and the first overlapping feed prevention roller pair 12.

  The first feed roller pair 13 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first overlap feed prevention roller pair 12. The first delivery roller pair 13 includes an upper roller 13a and a lower roller 13b. The upper roller 13a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis. Further, the lower roller 13b rotates clockwise around the rotation axis (the same direction as the feeding of the upper roller 13a). Thereby, it is possible to send out the positive electrode P conveyed from the first overlapping feed preventing roller pair 12 to the + X direction side.

  In addition, the first delivery roller pair 13 is arranged at a total of three locations corresponding to the arrangement location of the first overlapping feed prevention roller pair 12. A guide portion for guiding the positive electrode P may be disposed between the first overlapping feed prevention roller pair 12 and the first delivery roller pair 13.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an arrangement state of the roller pair in the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, for convenience, the first delivery roller pair 13 among the delivery roller pairs is illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first delivery roller pair 13 is arranged in a convex shape when viewed from the transport direction.

  Specifically, the first delivery roller pair 13 is disposed so as to be convexly curved downward (−Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction. Of the first delivery roller pairs 13 arranged in a total of three places, the central one is arranged in parallel to the X direction, and the ones at both ends are inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction (the one at the left end) Is located at the lower right of the front view, and the one at the right end is at the lower left of the front view. For this reason, the positive electrode P sandwiched between the first delivery roller pair 13 is curved in a convex shape when viewed from the front, and becomes firmer than before being curved, that is, when it is linear when viewed from the front. Thereby, even if the positive electrode P is thin and flexible, it can be prevented from being bent or deformed in an unintended direction, and the shape of the positive electrode P can be maintained during conveyance.

  On the other hand, the second take-out roller 21 is disposed at the side end (+ X direction side) of the second supply unit 20. The second take-out roller 21 takes out the laminated negative electrode N. Specifically, the second take-out roller 21 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation axis, and takes out a plurality of stacked negative electrodes N from the top (see FIG. 3). The second take-out roller 21 is disposed at a total of three locations with respect to the negative electrode N, with a central portion and both end portions (an end portion on the + Y direction side and an end portion on the −Y direction side) with respect to the rotation axis. . Moreover, as the 2nd taking-out roller 21, the thing with a larger friction coefficient between the 2nd taking-out roller 21 and the negative electrode N than the friction coefficient of the laminated | stacked negative electrodes N is used.

  The second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the second take-out roller 21. The second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22 includes an upper roller 22a and a lower roller 22b. The friction coefficient u3 between the upper roller 22a and the negative electrode N is larger than the friction coefficient u4 between the lower roller 22b and the negative electrode N (u3> u4). Further, the upper roller 22a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis, and sends the negative electrode N supplied from the second supply unit 20 to the + X direction side. The lower roller 22b rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis (in the direction opposite to the feeding of the upper roller 22a). As a result, even when the negative electrodes N are not taken out from the second take-out roller 21 one by one but are taken out in piles, the negative electrodes N can be fed out one by one by the second overlapping feed roller pair 22. It has become.

  Further, the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22 is arranged in a total of three locations corresponding to the arrangement location of the second take-out roller 21 as viewed from the conveyance direction of the negative electrode N. A guide portion that guides the negative electrode N may be disposed between the second take-out roller 21 and the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22.

  The second delivery roller pair 23 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22. The second delivery roller pair 23 includes an upper roller 23a and a lower roller 23b. The upper roller 23a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis. Further, the lower roller 23b rotates clockwise about the rotation axis (the same direction as the feeding of the upper roller 23a). Thereby, it is possible to send the negative electrode N conveyed from the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22 to the + X direction side.

  Further, the second delivery roller pair 23 is arranged at a total of three locations corresponding to the arrangement location of the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22. Moreover, the 2nd sending roller pair 23 is arrange | positioned in the convex shape seeing from the conveyance direction similarly to the 1st sending roller pair 13 (refer FIG. 4). A guide portion for guiding the negative electrode N may be disposed between the second overlapping feed prevention roller pair 22 and the second feed roller pair 23.

  The third take-out roller 31 is disposed on the + X direction side of the third supply unit 30. The third take-out roller 31 takes out the laminated separator S. Specifically, the third take-out roller 31 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis, and takes out a plurality of stacked separators S from the top (see FIG. 3). The third take-out roller 31 is arranged at a total of three locations with respect to the separator S, with a central portion and both end portions (an end portion on the + Y direction side and an end portion on the −Y direction side) with respect to the separator S. Moreover, as the 3rd taking-out roller 31, the thing with a larger friction coefficient between the 3rd taking-out roller 31 and the separator S than the friction coefficient of the laminated separators S is used.

  The third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the third take-out roller 31. The third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32 includes an upper roller 32a and a lower roller 32b. The friction coefficient u5 between the upper roller 32a and the separator S is larger than the friction coefficient u6 between the lower roller 32b and the separator S (u5> u6). Further, the upper roller 32a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis, and sends the separator S supplied from the third supply unit 30 to the + X direction side. Further, the lower roller 32b rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis (in the direction opposite to the feeding of the upper roller 32a). Thereby, even when the separators S are not taken out from the third take-out roller 31 one by one but are taken out in piles, it is possible to feed the separators S one by one by the third overlapping feed roller pair 32. ing.

  Further, the third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32 is arranged in a total of three positions corresponding to the arrangement positions of the third take-out rollers 31 when viewed from the conveying direction of the separator S. A guide portion that guides the separator S may be disposed between the third take-out roller 31 and the third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32.

  The third feed roller pair 33 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the third overlap feed prevention roller pair 32. The third delivery roller pair 33 includes an upper roller 33a and a lower roller 33b. The upper roller 33a rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis. Further, the lower roller 33b rotates clockwise about the rotation axis (the same direction as the feeding of the upper roller 33a). Thereby, it is possible to feed the separator S conveyed from the third overlapped feed prevention roller pair 32 to the + X direction side.

  Further, the third feed roller pair 33 is arranged in a total of three locations corresponding to the arrangement location of the third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32. Moreover, the 3rd sending roller pair 33 is arrange | positioned convexly seeing from the conveyance direction similarly to the 1st sending roller pair 13 (refer FIG. 4). A guide portion that guides the separator S may be disposed between the third overlapping feed prevention roller pair 32 and the third delivery roller pair 33.

  The stacking unit 50 is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the delivery roller pair described above. The stacked portion 50 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and its size is slightly larger than the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S (for example, A4 size). Thereby, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are stacked and accommodated inside can be accommodated so as not to protrude outside. Moreover, the lamination | stacking part 50 is a box shape which has predetermined | prescribed depth. Accordingly, even when a plurality of positive electrodes P, negative electrodes N, and separators S stacked and accommodated therein are stacked, they do not collapse.

  The stacking unit 50 stacks the positive electrode P transported from the first delivery roller pair 13, the negative electrode N transported from the second delivery roller pair 23, and the separator S transported from the third delivery roller pair 33. Is to be placed. For example, in the stacking unit 50, the rotation speed and rotation timing of the roller pair are adjusted by a control unit (not shown), so that the conveyed positive electrode P and negative electrode N are alternately arranged with the separator S interposed therebetween. Are arranged in a stacked manner.

  The stacked unit 50 includes a gauging mechanism (not shown) that regulates the positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S. This gauging mechanism is movable so as to come into contact with, for example, the side end portion (end portion on the Y direction side) of the positive electrode P. As a result, the position that cannot be regulated by the regulating means 60, for example, the side end of the positive electrode P (end in the Y direction) can be regulated.

  The restricting means 60 is disposed at the end of the laminated portion 50 on the + X direction side. The regulating means 60 regulates the positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S conveyed from the roller pair. The restricting means 60 includes a first restricting portion 61 that restricts the positions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N, and a second restricting portion 62 that restricts the position of the separator S. In addition, the first restricting portion 61 protrudes upstream of the second restricting portion 62 in the transport direction (−X direction side).

  For example, the allowance for the upstream of the first restricting portion 61 in the transport direction can be set according to the sizes of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S. For this reason, in plan view, the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are accommodated in the separator S (positioned inside the separator S), and the main electrode portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N overlap each other. The tabs of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N can be positioned so as to protrude from the separator S by a predetermined length.

  The pressing means 40 is disposed above the stacked unit 50. The pressing means 40 presses the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are positioned above the stacked unit 50 toward the stacked unit 50. Thereby, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be arrange | positioned in the lamination | stacking part 50 at a quick speed compared with the conventional structure.

  The pressing means 40 includes a pressing portion 41 provided on the side in contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and a driving portion 42 that drives the pressing portion 41 in the Z direction. The drive unit 42 is configured by a mechanism combining, for example, a piston / cylinder and a cam. Thereby, the pressing part 41 can move at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing in the Z direction.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the pressing means 40 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing means 40 has a non-contact portion 41 b that does not come into contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the side in contact with the separator S (pressing portion 41).

  Specifically, the pressing portion 41 includes a contact portion 41a that contacts the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and a non-contact portion 41b that does not contact the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S. Yes. In other words, the contact portion 41a protrudes in the −Z direction side from the non-contact portion 41b and is formed in a mesh shape. Moreover, the non-contact part 41b is a dent part or an opening part, for example. For this reason, the pressing means 40 has a smaller contact area with respect to the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S than when the pressing portion 41 is only a contact portion (when flat).

  Thereby, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be reliably pressed by the pressing means 40. That is, when any of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S is pressed by the pressing unit 40, it is possible to suppress the pressed item from sticking to the pressing part 41. In other words, the pressed object does not leave the pressing part 41 and moves as it is moved by the pressing means 40 as it is.

  Moreover, the pressing part 41 is preferably composed of a flexible elastic member such as rubber. Thereby, even if it presses any one of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S with the press means 40, it can suppress that the pressed thing is damaged or deform | transformed.

  6 and 7 are diagrams showing a battery manufacturing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, for convenience, the positive electrode P of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S is shown as an example for the medium. Moreover, about the process before the positive electrode P is sent out by the first delivery roller pair 13, reference is made to FIGS.

  First, the separator S is disposed in the stacked unit 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the uppermost one of the separators S arranged in a stack on the third supply unit 30 is taken out by a third take-out roller 31. Next, the taken-out separator S is conveyed through the 3rd duplication prevention roller pair 32. FIG. Thereby, the separator S is reliably conveyed one sheet at a time. Next, the conveyed separator S is sent out via the third delivery roller pair 33. Since the third delivery roller pair 33 is arranged in a convex shape (see FIG. 4), the separator S is delivered toward the upper side of the stacking unit 50 with stiffness. Moreover, the conveyance speed of the separator S is determined by the rotation speed of the third overlap prevention roller pair 32 and the third delivery roller pair 33 under the control of the control unit.

  Then, the separator S comes into contact with the second restricting portion 62 of the restricting means 60 with the sent-out momentum. Thereby, the position regulation of the separator S is performed. Specifically, the side end portion (+ X direction side) of the separator S comes into contact with the second restricting portion 62 to restrict the position in the X direction. Note that the position restriction of the separator S in the Y direction can be performed by, for example, providing a guide portion along the X direction in the transport path of the separator S.

  Next, the separator S is pressed by the pressing means 40. Specifically, the separator S is pressed from the + Z direction toward the −Z direction in a state where the position is restricted. For this reason, the separator S is disposed in a state of being positioned at a predetermined position of the stacked unit 50. In addition, by using the above-described gauging mechanism as necessary, the position of the separator S in the Y direction can be regulated after the separator S is arranged in the stacked unit 50.

  Next, the positive electrode P is disposed on the separator S disposed in the stacked unit 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the uppermost one of the positive electrodes P arranged in a stack on the first supply unit 10 is taken out by the first take-out roller 11. Next, the taken out positive electrode P is conveyed via the first duplication prevention roller pair 12. Thus, the positive electrodes P are reliably conveyed one by one. Next, the conveyed positive electrode P is sent out through the first delivery roller pair 13 (see FIG. 6A). Thereby, the positive electrode P is sent out upward of the laminated portion 50 in a state where there is stiffness. Further, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode P is determined by the rotation speed of the first overlap prevention roller pair 12 and the first delivery roller pair 13 by the control of the control unit.

  Then, the positive electrode P comes into contact with the first restricting portion 61 of the restricting means 60 with the sent-out momentum (see FIG. 6B). Thereby, the position regulation of the positive electrode P is performed. Specifically, the side end portion (+ X direction side) of the positive electrode P comes into contact with the first restricting portion 61 to restrict the position in the X direction. Note that the position restriction on the Y direction side of the positive electrode P can be performed, for example, by providing a guide portion along the X direction in the transport path of the positive electrode P.

  Next, the positive electrode P is pressed by the pressing means 40 (see FIG. 6C). Specifically, the positive electrode P is pressed from the + Z direction to the −Z direction in a state where the position is restricted. For this reason, the positive electrode P is disposed in a state of being positioned at a predetermined position on the separator S disposed in the stacked unit 50. That is, in plan view, the main body portion of the positive electrode P is positioned inside the separator S, and the tab of the positive electrode P is positioned and disposed so as to protrude a predetermined length from the separator S (FIG. 7A). reference). In addition, by using the above-described gauging mechanism as necessary, the position of the positive electrode P in the Y direction can be regulated after the positive electrode P is arranged in the stacked unit 50.

  Next, the separator S is disposed on the positive electrode P disposed in the stacked unit 50. In addition, about a specific process, since it is the same as that of the process mentioned above, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Thereby, on the lamination | stacking part 50, the separator S, the positive electrode P, and the separator S will be laminated | stacked and arranged in this order from the -Z direction side.

  Next, the negative electrode N is disposed on the separator S disposed in the stacked unit 50. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the uppermost one of the negative electrodes N arranged in a stacked manner on the second supply unit 20 is taken out by the second take-out roller 21. Next, the extracted negative electrode N is transported through the second duplication prevention roller pair 22. Thereby, the negative electrodes N are reliably conveyed one by one. Next, the conveyed negative electrode N is sent out through the second delivery roller pair 23. Thereby, the negative electrode N is sent out upward of the lamination | stacking part 50 in a state with stiffness. Moreover, the conveyance speed of the negative electrode N is determined by the rotation speed of the second overlap prevention roller pair 22 and the second delivery roller pair 23 under the control of the control unit.

  Then, the negative electrode N comes into contact with the first restricting portion 61 of the restricting means 60 with the sent-out momentum. Thereby, the position regulation of the negative electrode N is performed. Specifically, the side end portion (+ X direction side) of the negative electrode N abuts on the first restricting portion 61 to restrict the position in the X direction. Note that the position restriction of the negative electrode N on the Y direction side can be performed, for example, by providing a guide portion along the X direction in the conveyance path of the negative electrode N.

  Next, the negative electrode N is pressed by the pressing means 40. Specifically, the negative electrode N is pressed from the + Z direction to the −Z direction in a state where the position of the negative electrode N is restricted. For this reason, the negative electrode N is disposed in a state of being positioned at a predetermined position on the separator S disposed in the stacked unit 50. That is, in plan view, the main body portion of the negative electrode N is positioned inside the separator S, the tab of the negative electrode N protrudes from the separator S by a predetermined length, and the main body portion of the negative electrode N is the positive electrode P. It is positioned and arranged so as to overlap with the main body portion. In addition, by using the above-described gauging mechanism as necessary, the position of the negative electrode N in the Y direction can be regulated after the negative electrode N is arranged in the stacked unit 50.

  Next, the separator S is disposed on the negative electrode N disposed in the stacked unit 50. In addition, about a specific process, since it is the same as that of the process mentioned above, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Thereby, on the lamination | stacking part 50, the separator S, the positive electrode P, the separator S, the negative electrode N, and the separator S will be laminated | stacked and arranged in this order from the -Z direction side.

  In addition, in each supply part 10,20,30, the lift mechanism provided in each supply part 10,20,30 moves up and down by control of a control part. Thereby, the uppermost one of the media (positive electrode P, negative electrode N, separator S) stacked on each of the supply units 10, 20, and 30 has a constant height position when taken out. .

  By repeating the above steps a plurality of times (for example, about 100 times), the separator S, the positive electrode P, the separator S, the negative electrode N, the separator S,... A structure in which P, the separator S, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are stacked in this order is disposed (see FIG. 7B). This structure is composed of, for example, about 100 layers.

  At this time, the lowermost separator S and the uppermost separator S are arranged at positions that overlap when viewed in a plan view by the regulating means 40. Further, the main body portion of each positive electrode P and the main body portion of each negative electrode N sandwiched between the plurality of separators S are also arranged at positions that overlap when viewed in plan. Further, the tab of each positive electrode P and the tab of each negative electrode N are in a state of protruding from the separator S by a predetermined length.

  Next, the tab P1 of each positive electrode P and the tab P2 of each negative electrode N protruding from the separator S by a predetermined length are welded. And this structure is put into the laminate film F which consists of aluminum, for example, electrolyte solution is poured, and a structure is impregnated. Then, a laminated battery cell is obtained by sealing and sealing the structure (see FIG. 7C).

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S supplied from each supply part 10,20,30 are conveyed by each roller pair (each duplication prevention roller pair and each delivery roller pair). That is, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S is determined by the rotation speed of each roller pair. For this reason, it is not the structure which transfers an electrode using a pair of suction mechanism like patent document 1, and it is not necessary to ensure the suction time etc. of an electrode. That is, the transport speed of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be improved as compared with the conventional configuration. Therefore, it is possible to provide the electrode stacking apparatus 1 capable of improving the battery production rate. Moreover, in the lamination | stacking part 50, position control of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S which were conveyed from each roller pair by the control means 60 is performed. For this reason, it can suppress that position shift arises when laminating | stacking the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S so that dispersion | variation may not arise in the performance of a battery.

  In the present embodiment, since the first restricting portion 61 constituting the restricting means 60 is located on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the second restricting portion 62, the surface on the −X direction side of the restricting means 60 is flat. Compared with the case where it forms, the position alignment of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be performed easily. Specifically, in a plan view, the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are positioned inside the separator S, and the main electrode portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are disposed so as to overlap with each other. In addition, the tab of the negative electrode N can be positioned so as to protrude from the separator S by a predetermined length. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the voltage due to the displacement of the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the battery.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, each sending-out roller pair is arrange | positioned convexly seeing from the conveyance direction. For this reason, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S sandwiched between the delivery roller pairs are each curved in a convex shape when viewed from the front, and have a firmness compared to before bending, that is, when the linear shape is viewed from the front. Become. Thereby, even if the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are thin and flexible, it is suppressed from being bent or deformed in an unintended direction, and the shape can be maintained during conveyance. . Therefore, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be easily aligned.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pressing means 40 presses the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are positioned above the stacked unit 50 toward the stacked unit 50. For this reason, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be arrange | positioned in the lamination | stacking part 50 at a quick speed compared with the conventional structure. Therefore, the production speed of the battery can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the pressing means 40 has the non-contact part 41b which does not contact these in the side (pressing part 41) in contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S. For this reason, the pressing means 40 has a smaller contact area with respect to the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S than when the pressing portion 41 is only a contact portion (when flat). Thereby, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be reliably pressed by the pressing means 40. That is, when any of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S is pressed by the pressing unit 40, it is possible to suppress the pressed item from sticking to the pressing part 41. In other words, the pressed object does not leave the pressing part 41 and moves as it is moved by the pressing means 40 as it is. Therefore, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be easily aligned.

  In the present embodiment, the roller pair sandwiches the first delivery roller pair 13 that sandwiches and conveys the positive electrode P, the second delivery roller pair 23 that sandwiches and transports the negative electrode N, and the separator S. And a third delivery roller pair 33 for transporting. For this reason, it is possible to control the rotation speed and the rotation timing for each of the delivery roller pairs 13, 23, and 33. Therefore, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be improved compared with the case where only one roller pair is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the positive electrode P is stored in the first supply unit 10 with the tab facing the −Y direction side, and the negative electrode N is supplied in the second state with the tab facing the + Y direction side. Although it is accommodated in the part 20, it is not restricted to this. For example, on the contrary, the positive electrode P may be stored with the tab facing the + Y direction side, and the negative electrode N may be stored with the tab facing the −Y direction side. Further, the tabs of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are respectively in the same Y direction side (+ Y direction side or −Y direction side), and the positions of these tabs in the X direction are different. Also good. That is, the tab of the positive electrode P and the tab of the negative electrode N are at least positions that do not overlap when viewed in plan, and positions that do not hinder the position restriction by the restriction means 60 (for example, except the + X direction side) ).

  In the present embodiment, three (one set) rotation shafts for the pair of delivery rollers are arranged on the frame 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the distance from each supply unit to the stacking unit 50 is long, a plurality of sets of rotation shafts for the pair of delivery rollers may be arranged. Moreover, when the distance from each supply part to the lamination | stacking part 50 is short, the rotating shaft for sending roller pairs may not be arrange | positioned, but only the rotating shaft for duplication prevention roller pairs may be arrange | positioned. That is, the number of sets of rotating shafts for the pair of delivery rollers can be changed as appropriate.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, in the press means 40, although the contact part 41a of the press part 41 is a bottom view mesh shape, it is not restricted to this. The contact portion can have various shapes such as a stripe shape and a dot shape. That is, the pressing means 40 only needs to be configured such that the contact area with respect to the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S is smaller than when the pressing portion 41 is flat.

  Further, in the present embodiment, each pair of delivery rollers is arranged to be convexly curved downward (−Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, each pair of delivery rollers may be arranged so as to be convexly curved upward (+ Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction. Moreover, each sending roller pair may be arrange | positioned so that it may wave when seeing from a conveyance direction. That is, each feed roller pair is deformed so that the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S sandwiched between each feed roller pair are curved or wavy in a front view, and before being deformed, that is, a straight line in front view. What is necessary is just to arrange | position so that it may be in a state (stiffness | rigidity) which is firm compared with the time of a shape.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the structure of the electrode lamination apparatus 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electrode stacking apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. In FIG. 8, for the sake of convenience, the illustration of the frame 16 (see FIG. 2) that supports the rotating shaft of the roller pair is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 8, the electrode laminating apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is different from the electrode laminating apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment in that the pressing means is disposed corresponding to each feed roller pair. . 8, elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The electrode stacking apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment includes a gantry 15 installed on the floor, a first supply unit 10 that supplies a positive electrode P, and a second electrode that supplies a negative electrode N. Supply unit 20, third supply unit 30 supplying separator S, positive electrode P supplied from first supply unit 10, negative electrode N supplied from second supply unit 20, supplied from third supply unit 30 A pair of rollers that sandwich and convey the separator S that has been transported, a stacking unit 50 located downstream in the transport direction of the roller pair, and in the stacking unit 50, a positive electrode P, a negative electrode N, Restricting means 60 for restricting the position of the separator S, and pressing means 110, 120, and 130 for pressing the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, which are positioned above the laminated portion 50, toward the laminated portion 50, It is equipped with. In addition, the electrode stacking apparatus 2 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls operations of various components.

  The first pressing means 110 is disposed on the + X direction side of the first delivery roller pair 13. The first pressing means 110 is relatively disposed on the + Y direction side in plan view. The 1st press means 110 is provided with the press part 111 provided in the side which contact | connects the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and the rotating shaft 112 which supports this press part 111 so that rotation is possible.

  Three pressing portions 111 are arranged at equal intervals around the rotation shaft 112. The pressing portion 111 is disposed so as to overlap with the stacked portion 50 in plan view at a predetermined timing (when parallel to the Y direction). The pressing portion 111 is preferably configured by, for example, arranging a flexible elastic member such as rubber on the support substrate on the side in contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S.

  The rotation shaft 112 is disposed on the + Y direction side of the stacked portion 50 in plan view so that the positive electrode P and the rotation shaft 112 do not interfere when the positive electrode P is positioned above the stacked portion 50. The rotation shaft can be rotated at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing under the control of a control unit (not shown). Thereby, the pressing part 111 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the + X direction side at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing.

  The second pressing means 120 is disposed on the + X direction side of the second delivery roller pair 23. The second pressing means 120 is disposed on the side opposite to the first pressing means 110 (relative to the −Y direction side in plan view). The 2nd press means 120 is provided with the press part 121 provided in the side which contact | connects the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and the rotating shaft 122 which supports this press part 121 so that rotation is possible.

  Three pressing portions 121 are arranged at equal intervals around the rotation shaft 122. The pressing portion 121 is disposed so as to overlap with the stacked portion 50 in plan view at a predetermined timing (when parallel to the Y direction). The pressing portion 121 may be configured by, for example, arranging a flexible elastic member such as rubber on the support substrate on the side in contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S.

  The rotation shaft 122 is disposed on the −Y direction side of the stacked portion 50 in plan view so that the positive electrode P and the rotation shaft 122 do not interfere when the positive electrode P is positioned above the stacked portion 50. The rotation shaft can be rotated at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing under the control of a control unit (not shown). Thereby, the pressing part 121 rotates clockwise at a predetermined speed and at a predetermined timing when viewed from the + X direction side.

  The third pressing means 130 is disposed on the + X direction side of the third delivery roller pair 33. The third pressing means 130 is arranged on the same side as the first pressing means 110 (relative to the + Y direction side in plan view). The 3rd press means 130 is provided with the press part 131 provided in the side which contact | connects the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and the rotating shaft 132 which supports this press part 131 so that rotation is possible.

  Three pressing portions 131 are arranged at equal intervals around the rotation shaft 132. The pressing portion 131 is disposed so as to overlap with the stacked portion 50 in plan view at a predetermined timing (when parallel to the Y direction). The pressing portion 131 is preferably configured by, for example, arranging a flexible elastic member such as rubber on the support substrate on the side in contact with the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S.

  The rotation shaft 132 is arranged on the + Y direction side of the stacked portion 50 in plan view so that the positive electrode P and the rotation shaft 132 do not interfere when the positive electrode P is positioned above the stacked portion 50. The rotation shaft can be rotated at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing under the control of a control unit (not shown). Thereby, the pressing part 131 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the + X direction side at a predetermined speed and a predetermined timing.

  With such a configuration, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, which are positioned above the stacked unit 50, are pressed toward the stacked unit 50. In addition, since it is the same as that of the process mentioned above about the specific process (process before and behind the press process by each press means 110,120,130), the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, since each pressing means 110,120,130 is arrange | positioned corresponding to each of each sending roller pair 110,120,130, rather than the case where the pressing means 40 in 1st Embodiment is used. The conveyance speed of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be improved. That is, in the first embodiment, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S cannot be pressed toward the stacked portion 50 unless the pressing means 40 itself is moved in the Z direction. , 120, 130 are arranged in correspondence with the height positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S when positioned above the laminated portion 50, so that the pressing means 110, 120, 130 are arranged in the Z direction. There is no need to move to. That is, since it is only necessary to control the rotation speed and rotation timing of each pressing means 110, 120, and 130, the difference in moving time of the pressing means when the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are pressed toward the stacked portion 50. Does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to provide the electrode stacking apparatus 2 capable of improving the battery production rate.

  In the present embodiment, the three pressing portions are arranged at regular intervals around the rotation axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or two pressing portions may be disposed, or four or more pressing portions may be disposed. That is, the number of the pressing portions can be appropriately changed as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the pressing means 110, 120, and 130 are alternately arranged (the first pressing means 110 is relatively disposed on the + Y direction side in the plan view, and the second pressing means 120 is relatively positioned in the plan view. Although arranged on the −Y direction side and the third pressing means 130 is arranged on the + Y direction side in a plan view, this is not restrictive. For example, the pressing means 110, 120, and 130 are arranged in the Z direction (the first pressing means 110 is arranged on the + Y direction side or the −Y direction side in the plan view, and the second pressing means 120 is the first press in the plan view. It may be arranged on the same side as the means 110, and the third pressing means 130 may be arranged on the same side as the first pressing means 110 in plan view. That is, it is only necessary that the pressing means 110, 120, and 130 are arranged so as not to interfere with each other.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the structure of the electrode lamination apparatus 3 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the electrode stacking apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. In FIG. 9, for convenience, illustration of the gantry 15, the supply units 10, 20, 30 and the frame 16 is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, the electrode laminating apparatus 3 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are transported from each roller pair in the vicinity of the laminating unit 50 are placed in the laminating unit 50 through the same path. It differs from the electrode lamination apparatus 1 demonstrated in the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment that the discharge port 210 which discharges is provided. In FIG. 9, the same elements as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The electrode stacking apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment includes a gantry 15 installed on the floor, a first supply unit 10 that supplies the positive electrode P, and a second electrode that supplies the negative electrode N. Supply unit 20, third supply unit 30 supplying separator S, positive electrode P supplied from first supply unit 10, negative electrode N supplied from second supply unit 20, supplied from third supply unit 30 A pair of rollers that sandwich and convey the separator S that has been transported, a stacking unit 50 located downstream in the transport direction of the roller pair, and in the stacking unit 50, a positive electrode P, a negative electrode N, A regulating means 160 that regulates the position of the separator S, and a pressing means 40 that presses the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S positioned above the laminated portion 50 toward the laminated portion 50. Yes. In addition, the electrode stacking apparatus 3 includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of various components.

  Each roller pair constituting the electrode stacking apparatus 3 does not include the above-described delivery roller pairs. That is, each overlap prevention roller pair 12, 22, 32 is conveyed one by one even when a plurality of positive electrodes P, negative electrodes N, and separators S are taken out from each take-out roller 11, 21, 31. In addition to functioning as possible, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are fed to the + X direction side and function as a pair of feed rollers. The positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S sent out from each of the duplication prevention roller pairs 12, 22, and 32 are discharged from the discharge port 210 to the upper side of the stacking unit 50 through the respective conveyance paths 211, 212, and 213. The

  The first transport path 211 is disposed between the first overlap prevention roller pair 12 and the stacking unit 50. Further, the first transport path 211 is curved with a predetermined gradient from the + X direction of the first overlap prevention roller pair 12 toward the upper side of the stacking unit 50. As a result, the positive electrode P sent out from the first overlap prevention roller pair 12 and passing through the first transport path 211 does not bend or deform.

  The second transport path 212 is disposed between the second overlap prevention roller pair 22 and the stacking unit 50. In addition, the second transport path 212 is curved with a predetermined gradient from the + X direction of the second overlap prevention roller pair 22 toward the upper side of the stacked unit 50. Thereby, the negative electrode N sent out from the second overlap prevention roller pair 22 and passing through the second transport path 212 is not bent or deformed.

  The third transport path 213 is disposed between the third overlap prevention roller pair 32 and the stacking unit 50. The third transport path 213 is linear from the + X direction of the third overlap prevention roller pair 32 toward the upper side of the stacked unit 50. Thereby, the separator S sent out from the third overlap prevention roller pair 32 and passing through the third transport path 213 is not bent or deformed.

  The discharge port 210 is preferably formed in a straight line by a predetermined length along the X direction. As a result, even when the first transport path 211 and the second transport path 212 are curved with a predetermined gradient, the positive electrode P that passes through the first transport path 211 and the negative that passes through the second transport path 212. The electrode N can be discharged straight along the X direction.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the discharge port 210 in the third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge port 210 is formed in a convex shape when viewed from the transport direction. Specifically, the discharge port 210 is formed to be convexly curved downward (−Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction.

  For this reason, the positive electrode P sandwiched between the first overlap prevention roller pair 12 is curved in a convex shape when viewed from the front, and becomes firmer than before being curved, that is, when it is linear when viewed from the front. Thereby, even if the positive electrode P is thin and flexible, it can be prevented from being bent or deformed in an unintended direction, and the shape of the positive electrode P can be maintained after discharge.

  The restricting means 160 includes a restricting portion 161 that restricts the positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, and a support portion 162 that supports the restricting portion 161. This restricting means 160 is lower (smaller in size) than the restricting means 60 of the first embodiment.

  Further, the restricting portion 161 is supported so as to be movable in the transport direction (X direction). For example, when the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are discharged above the stacking unit 50 under the control of the control unit, the regulating unit 161 moves to the upstream side in the transport direction (−X direction side), and the separator S is stacked. When discharged above the portion 50, it moves downstream in the transport direction (+ X direction side). As described above, the restricting portion 161 is controlled to move in accordance with the sizes of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S. For this reason, in plan view, the main body portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N are accommodated in the separator S (positioned inside the separator S), and the main electrode portions of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N overlap each other. The tabs of the positive electrode P and the negative electrode N can be positioned so as to protrude from the separator S by a predetermined length.

  The pressing means 40 is disposed closer to the stacked unit 50 than the arrangement position of the first embodiment. The pressing means 40 presses the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that are discharged from the discharge port 210 and that is positioned above the stacked portion 50 toward the stacked portion 50. Thereby, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be arrange | positioned in the lamination | stacking part 50 at a quick speed compared with the case of 1st Embodiment.

  With such a configuration, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S, which are positioned above the stacked unit 50, are pressed toward the stacked unit 50. In addition, since it is the same as that of the process mentioned above about the specific process (process before and behind the press process by the press means 40), the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the discharge port 210 which discharges | emits the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S which were conveyed from each roller pair adjacent to the lamination | stacking part 50 to the lamination | stacking part 50 by the same path | route is provided. Therefore, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are discharged to the same height position. For this reason, the conveyance speed of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S can be improved rather than the case where the press means 40 in 1st Embodiment is used. That is, in the first embodiment, the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are pressed toward the stacked unit 50 unless the pressing means 40 is moved in the Z direction by the height sent from the first delivery roller pair. However, in this embodiment, the pressing means 40 is disposed corresponding to the height positions of the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S when the pressing means 40 is discharged from the discharge port 210. The moving distance is shorter than that in the first embodiment. That is, since the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are respectively arranged at the same height position, when the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S are pressed toward the stacked portion 50, the moving time difference of the pressing means Does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to provide the electrode stacking apparatus 3 capable of improving the battery production rate.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge port 210 is formed to be convexly curved downward (−Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge port 210 may be formed to be convexly curved upward (+ Z direction) when viewed from the transport direction. Moreover, the discharge port 210 may be arrange | positioned so that it may wave when it sees from a conveyance direction. That is, the discharge port 210 is deformed so that the positive electrode P, the negative electrode N, and the separator S that have passed through the discharge port 210 are curved or wavy in a front view, respectively, and before being deformed, that is, when the discharge port 210 is linear in a front view. It is only necessary to be formed so as to have a firmness (stiffness) compared to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3 ... Electrode lamination | stacking apparatus, 10 ... 1st supply part, 13 ... 1st delivery roller pair (1st roller pair), 20 ... 2nd supply part, 23 ... 2nd delivery roller pair (2nd roller pair) ), 30... 3rd supply section, 33... 3rd delivery roller pair (third roller pair), 40, 110, 120, 130... Pressing means, 41b. 61 ... 1st restriction part, 62 ... 2nd restriction part, P ... Positive electrode, N ... Negative electrode, S ... Separator

Claims (9)

An electrode stacking apparatus for forming a structure by stacking a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween,
A first supply for supplying the positive electrode;
A second supply unit for supplying the negative electrode;
A third supply unit for supplying the separator;
A pair of rollers that sandwich and convey the positive electrode supplied from the first supply unit, the negative electrode supplied from the second supply unit, and the separator supplied from the third supply unit;
A stacking unit located on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the roller pair;
In the laminating unit, a regulating means for regulating the position of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator conveyed from the roller pair;
An electrode stacking apparatus comprising: The restricting means includes a first restricting portion that restricts the positions of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a second restricting portion that restricts the position of the separator,
2. The electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first restricting portion is located upstream of the second restricting portion in the transport direction.   The electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roller pair is arranged in a convex shape when viewed from the transport direction.   When any one of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator conveyed from the roller pair is positioned above the stacked portion, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator above the stacked portion. The electrode stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a pressing unit that presses the positioned member toward the stacking unit.   5. The electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pressing unit includes a non-contact portion that does not come into contact with the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator on a side in contact with the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator.   The roller pair includes a first roller pair that sandwiches and transports the positive electrode, a second roller pair that sandwiches and transports the negative electrode, and a third roller pair that sandwiches and transports the separator. It has, The electrode lamination apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pressing unit is arranged corresponding to each of the first roller pair, the second roller pair, and the third roller pair.   The positive electrode transported from the first roller pair, the negative electrode transported from the second roller pair, and the separator transported from the third roller pair, respectively, in the same path, close to the stacking unit An electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a discharge port is provided in the stacking section.   The electrode stacking apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the discharge port is formed in a convex shape when viewed from the transport direction.

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