JP2015185359A - Separator joint method for electric device, separator joint device for electric device and electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separator joint method for an electric device with which a separator for pinching an electrode can be sufficiently joined even when the separator has a heat-resistant member which is difficult to be joined.SOLUTION: A separator joint method for an electric device (bagged electrode) is a method of joining a separator for pinching an electrode (a positive electrode 20 or a negative electrode 30) by using a separator (ceramic separator) containing a sheet-shaped fusion material (polypropylene layer) and a heat-resistant material (ceramic layer) which is laminated on the fusion material and has a higher melting temperature than the fusion material. The separator joint method has a processing step and a joining step. The processing step folds up at least one of the end portions of the separators which confront each other through the electrode. The joining step joins the fusion materials of the confronting end portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a separator bonding method for an electric device, a separator bonding apparatus for an electric device, and an electric device.

  Conventionally, a battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery is configured by sealing a power generating element to be charged and discharged with an exterior material. The power generation element is configured, for example, by laminating a plurality of packaged electrodes formed by sandwiching a positive electrode with a pair of separators and negative electrodes. The packaged electrode joins both ends thereof to suppress the movement of the positive electrode, thereby preventing a short circuit with the adjacent negative electrode through the separator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-320636

  However, in the configuration as described in Patent Document 1, when the amount of heat generated at the positive electrode and the negative electrode at the time of charging / discharging increases as the output of the battery increases, the heat resistance of the separator may be insufficient.

  Therefore, there is a demand for a technique for improving the heat resistance of a separator by laminating a molten material and a heat-resistant material having a melting temperature higher than that of the molten material to form a separator. On the other hand, since the heat-resistant material of the separator has a higher melting temperature than the molten material, it is difficult to heat and join the separator.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and even in a separator having a heat-resistant material that is difficult to join, the separator joining of an electric device that can sufficiently join a separator that sandwiches an electrode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a separator bonding apparatus for an electric device. Furthermore, even if it is a case where the separator provided with the heat-resistant material which is difficult to join is used, the purpose is to provide an electrical device capable of sufficiently joining the separator holding the electrode and exhibiting the intended electrical characteristics. To do.

  The separator joining method for an electric device according to the present invention that achieves the above object uses a separator including a sheet-like molten material and a heat-resistant material laminated on the molten material and having a higher melting temperature than the molten material, and sandwiches the electrodes. This is a method of joining separators. The separator joining method has a processing step and a joining step. In the processing step, at least one of the end portions of the separator facing each other through the electrode is folded. In the joining step, the molten materials at the ends facing each other are joined together.

  An electrical device separator bonding apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object uses a separator including a sheet-like molten material and a heat-resistant material laminated on the molten material and having a higher melting temperature than the molten material, and sandwiches the electrode. It is an apparatus which joins the separator which performs. The separator joining apparatus has a processed part and a joined part. The processing portion folds the end portion in a stepwise manner along the guide member while urging the guide member toward at least one of the end portions of the separator facing the electrode. The joining portion joins the molten materials at the end portions facing each other while melting them.

  An electrical device according to the present invention that achieves the above object has a separator and an electrode. The separator includes a sheet-like molten material and a heat-resistant material laminated on the molten material and having a higher melting temperature than the molten material. The electrode is sandwiched between separators. Here, the separator folds at least one of the end portions facing each other through the electrodes, and joins the molten materials at the facing end portions.

  The separator joining method and the separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to the present invention folds at least one of the end portions of the facing separator, and joins the molten materials at the facing end portions. That is, the melted materials that are easier to melt than the heat-resistant material face each other and are joined. Therefore, even when a separator provided with a heat-resistant material that is difficult to join is used, the separator that sandwiches the electrode can be sufficiently joined. Furthermore, in the electrical device of the present invention, even when a separator with a heat-resistant material that is difficult to bond is used, the separator that sandwiches the electrode is sufficiently bonded, so that the expected electrical characteristics are exhibited. Can be made.

It is a perspective view which shows the lithium ion secondary battery comprised using the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the lithium ion secondary battery of FIG. 1 to each structural member. It is a perspective view which shows the state which each laminated | stacked the negative electrode on both surfaces of the packaging electrode of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3. It is a perspective view which shows the separator joining apparatus which actualized the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows principal parts, such as a process part of the separator joining apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the principal part of the separator joining apparatus of FIG. It is a side view which shows the principal part of the separator joining apparatus which actualized the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the principal part of the bagging electrode joined by the separator joining apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the junction part of the separator joining apparatus which actualized the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on the 1st Embodiment and the modification 2 of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows typically the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows typically the principal part of the separator joining method of FIG.11 (D) from a side surface. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically the important section of the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode) concerning the modification of a 2nd embodiment from the side. It is a perspective view which shows the separator joining method and separator joining apparatus of the electric device (packed electrode) which concern on 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The sizes and ratios of the members in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual sizes and ratios. In all the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 14, the azimuth is indicated by using arrows represented by X, Y, and Z. The direction of the arrow represented by X indicates the transport direction X of the packaged electrode 11 or the like. The direction of the arrow represented by Y indicates the crossing direction Y that intersects the transport direction X of the packaged electrode 11 or the like. The direction of the arrow represented by Z indicates the stacking direction Z of the ceramic separator and the positive electrode 20.

(First embodiment)
The separator bonding apparatus 100 embodies a separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 11). Separator joining apparatus 100 joins the ends of separators (a pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42) that sandwich an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) to each other.

  First, an electric device (packed electrode 11) formed by being bonded by the separator bonding apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the packaged electrode 11 will be described based on the configuration of the lithium ion secondary battery 10.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a lithium ion secondary battery 10 configured using an electric device (packed electrode 11). FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the lithium ion secondary battery 10 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the negative electrodes 30 are laminated on both surfaces of the packaged electrode 11 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 shown in FIG.

  The positive electrode 20 corresponds to an electrode, and is formed by binding a positive electrode active material 22 on both surfaces of a positive electrode current collector 21 which is a conductor. The positive electrode terminal 21 a for taking out electric power is formed to extend from a part of one end of the positive electrode current collector 21. The positive electrode terminals 21a of the stacked positive electrodes 20 are fixed to each other by welding or adhesion.

The material of the positive electrode current collector 21 of the positive electrode 20 is, for example, aluminum expanded metal, aluminum mesh, or aluminum punched metal. The material of the positive electrode active material 22 of the positive electrode 20 includes various oxides (lithium manganese oxide such as LiMn ₂ O ₄ , manganese dioxide, lithium nickel oxide such as LiNiO ₂ , and lithium cobalt oxide such as LiCoO _2. Products, lithium-containing nickel cobalt oxide, or lithium-containing amorphous vanadium pentoxide) or chalcogen compounds (titanium disulfide, molybdenum disulfide) or the like.

  The negative electrode 30 corresponds to an electrode having a polarity different from that of the positive electrode 20, and is formed by binding a negative electrode active material 32 on both surfaces of a negative electrode current collector 31 that is a conductor. The negative electrode terminal 31 a extends from a part of one end of the negative electrode current collector 31 so as not to overlap with the positive electrode terminal 21 a formed on the positive electrode 20. The length of the negative electrode 30 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the positive electrode 20 in the longitudinal direction. The length of the negative electrode 30 in the short direction is the same as the length of the positive electrode 20 in the short direction. The negative electrode terminals 31a of the plurality of negative electrodes 30 that are stacked are fixed to each other by welding or adhesion.

  As the material of the negative electrode current collector 31 of the negative electrode 30, for example, a copper expanded metal, a copper mesh, or a copper punched metal is used. As the material of the negative electrode active material 32 of the negative electrode 30, a carbon material that absorbs and releases lithium ions is used. For such carbon materials, for example, natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, activated carbon, carbon fiber, coke, or organic precursor (phenol resin, polyacrylonitrile, or cellulose) is heat-treated in an inert atmosphere and synthesized. Carbon is used.

  The separator is composed of a pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. The pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 electrically isolates the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30. The pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 holds an electrolytic solution between the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30 to ensure ion conductivity. The pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are formed in a rectangular shape. The length in the longitudinal direction of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode 30 excluding the portion of the negative electrode terminal 31a.

  The pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 have the same configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the ceramic separator 41 is formed by laminating a ceramic layer 41n corresponding to a heat-resistant material on a polypropylene layer 41m corresponding to a molten material. The ceramic layer 41n has a higher melting temperature than the polypropylene layer 41m. The ceramic separators 41 and 42 sandwich the positive electrode 20 and are laminated with the ceramic layers 41n and 42n facing each other. The ceramic layers 41n and 42n are in contact with the positive electrode active material 22 of the positive electrode 20.

  The polypropylene layer 41m of the ceramic separator 41 is formed of polypropylene in a sheet shape. The polypropylene layer 41m is impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolytic solution prepared by dissolving an electrolyte in a nonaqueous solvent. In order to hold the non-aqueous electrolyte in the polypropylene layer 41m, a polymer is contained. The ceramic layer 41n is formed, for example, by applying a ceramic obtained by molding an inorganic compound at a high temperature to the polypropylene layer 41m and drying it. The ceramic is made of a porous material formed by bonding a ceramic particle such as silica, alumina, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide or the like and a binder.

  The pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are joined to each other by a plurality of joining portions 40 h formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the transport direction X of the separator joining device 100. Specifically, the ceramic separator 41 has one end portion 41p and the other end portion 41q along the longitudinal direction folded at a constant width such that the polypropylene layer 41m is on the outside and the ceramic layer 41n is on the inside. Yes. Similarly, the ceramic separator 42 has one end 42p and the other end 42q along the longitudinal direction folded with a constant width so that the polypropylene layer 42m is on the outside and the ceramic layer 42n is on the inside. One end 41p of the ceramic separator 41 faces the one end 42p of the ceramic separator 42 through the positive electrode 20. Similarly, the other end portion 41 q of the ceramic separator 41 faces the other end portion 42 q of the ceramic separator 42 through the positive electrode 20. That is, the joining portion 40h is formed by joining the melting materials (polypropylene layers) at the ends of the facing ceramic separators 41 and 42 while melting them.

  The packaged electrode 11 is formed by stacking so that both surfaces of the positive electrode 20 are sandwiched by a pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. In the packaged electrode 11, the joint portion 40 h is formed at a total of three locations at both end portions and the central portion along both longitudinal sides of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. Even if the lithium ion secondary battery 10 vibrates or receives an impact, the movement of the positive electrode 20 in the packaged electrode 11 is suppressed by the joint portions 40 h formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the ceramic separators 41 and 42. Can do. That is, a short circuit between the adjacent positive electrode 20 and negative electrode 30 can be prevented via the ceramic separators 41 and 42. Therefore, the lithium ion secondary battery 10 can maintain the desired electrical characteristics.

  The exterior material 50 is composed of, for example, laminate sheets 51 and 52 each provided with a metal plate, and covers and seals the power generation element 17 from both sides. When the power generating element 17 is sealed with the laminate sheets 51 and 52, a part of the periphery of the laminate sheets 51 and 52 is opened, and the other periphery is sealed by heat welding or the like. An electrolyte solution is injected from the open portions of the laminate sheets 51 and 52, and the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are impregnated with the charge solution. While decompressing the inside from the open portions of the laminate sheets 51 and 52, the open portions are also heat-sealed and completely sealed.

  For example, the laminate sheets 51 and 52 of the exterior material 50 each have a three-layer structure formed by laminating three kinds of materials. The first layer corresponds to a heat-fusible resin and uses, for example, polyethylene (PE), ionomer, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The first layer material is adjacent to the negative electrode 30. The second layer corresponds to a metal foil formed, for example, an Al foil or Ni foil. The third layer corresponds to a resinous film and uses, for example, rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon.

  Next, a separator bonding apparatus 100 that embodies a separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 11) will be described in order with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, FIG. 10 (A), and FIG. 10 (B).

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a separator joining apparatus 100 that embodies a separator joining method for an electric device (packed electrode 11). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part such as a processing part (separator end folding part 140) of the separator joining apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a main part of the separator joining apparatus 100 of FIG. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are perspective views showing a joint portion of the separator joining device 100. FIG.

  The separator bonding apparatus 100 includes, for example, an electrode conveyance unit 110, a first separator conveyance unit 120 (corresponding to the first arrangement step), a second separator conveyance unit 130 (corresponding to the first arrangement step), and a separator end folding unit 140. (Corresponding to a processing part and a processing step), a separator joining part 150 (corresponding to a joining part and a joining process), a packaged electrode transport part 160, and a control part 170. Hereinafter, the configuration of the separator bonding apparatus 100 will be described in order for each component.

  The electrode transport unit 110 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 and cuts into a predetermined shape while transporting the positive electrode 20.

  The electrode supply roller 111 of the electrode transport unit 110 has a cylindrical shape, and the positive electrode 20 is wound around and held. The conveyance roller 112 has an elongated cylindrical shape, and guides the conveyance belt 113 while applying a certain tension to the positive electrode 20 wound around the electrode supply roller 111. The conveyor belt 113 is an endless belt provided with a plurality of suction ports on the outer peripheral surface, and conveys the positive electrode 20 along the conveyance direction X while sucking the positive electrode 20. The conveyance belt 113 has a width along the cross direction Y longer than the width of the positive electrode 20. A plurality of rotating members 114 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 113 along the intersecting direction Y to rotate the conveyor belt 113. Among the plurality of rotating members 114, one is a driving roller provided with power, and the other is a driven roller driven by the driving roller. The transport roller 112 and the electrode supply roller 111 rotate following the rotation of the transport belt 113.

  The cutting members 115 and 116 of the electrode transport unit 110 are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other in the cross direction Y, and the positive electrode 20 is cut into a predetermined shape and formed. The cutting member 115 is provided with a straight and sharp blade at the tip, and cuts one end of the positive electrode 20 along the cross direction Y in a straight line. The cutting member 116 is provided with a sharp blade that is partially refracted at the tip, and cuts the other end of the positive electrode 20 just after one end is cut according to the shape of the positive electrode terminal 21a. The cradle 117 receives the cutting member 115 and the cutting member 116 that cut the positive electrode 20. The cradle 117 is disposed to face the cutting member 115 and the cutting member 116 with the positive electrode 20 being conveyed. The electrode transport unit 110 transports the cut out positive electrode 20 so as to pass between the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130.

  The first separator transport unit 120 (corresponding to the first arrangement step) is shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, and is a ceramic separator 41 for stacking on one surface of the positive electrode 20 (downward in FIG. 5 along the stacking direction Z). Is cut into a predetermined shape while being conveyed.

  The first separator transport unit 120 is disposed downstream of the electrode transport unit 110 in the transport direction X and below the stacking direction Z in FIG.

  The 1st separator conveyance part 120 respond | corresponds to a 1st arrangement | positioning process. In the first arrangement step, the ceramic separator 41 is arranged so that the central portions 41nc and 42nc of the heat-resistant materials (ceramic layers 41n and 42n) face each other with the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) therebetween.

  The 1st separator supply roller 121 of the 1st separator conveyance part 120 consists of a column shape, and winds and hold | maintains the elongate ceramic separator 41. FIG. The first separator supply roller 121 winds and holds the ceramic separator 41 so that the polypropylene layer 41m is on the inner side and the ceramic layer 41n is on the outer side. The first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller 123 that are arranged to face each other have an elongated cylindrical shape, and are in a state where a certain tension is applied to the ceramic separator 41 wound around the first separator supply roller 121. Guided to the first transport drum 124. The first transport drum 124 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The first transport drum 124 has a width along the intersecting direction Y shorter than the width of the ceramic separator 41. That is, both ends of the ceramic separator 41 protrude outward from the first transport drum 124 in the cross direction Y. In this way, the first transport drum 124 avoids interference with the separator joint 150.

  When the first transport drum 124 of the first separator transport unit 120 is rotated, the first separator supply roller 121 is driven and rotated in addition to the first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller 123. The first cutting member 125 is provided with a straight and sharp blade at the tip and is disposed along the crossing direction Y, and the long ceramic separator 41 sucked by the first transport drum 124 is fixed with a certain width. Disconnect. The first transport drum 124 is laminated with the ceramic separator 41 cut into a rectangular shape being brought close to the one surface side of the positive electrode 20 transported from the electrode transport unit 110. The ceramic separator 41 has the ceramic layer 41 n side opposed to one surface of the positive electrode 20.

  The second separator conveyance unit 130 (corresponding to the first arrangement step) is stacked on the other surface (upper direction in FIG. 5 along the stacking direction Z) opposed to one surface of the positive electrode 20 as shown in FIGS. The ceramic separator 42 is cut into a predetermined shape while being conveyed.

  The second separator transport unit 130 is disposed downstream of the electrode transport unit 110 in the transport direction X and above the stacking direction Z in FIG.

  The 2nd separator conveyance part 130 respond | corresponds to a 1st arrangement | positioning process. In the first arrangement step, the ceramic separator 42 is arranged so that the central portions 41nc and 42nc of the heat-resistant materials (ceramic layers 41n and 42n) face each other with the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) therebetween.

  The second separator transport unit 130 is disposed to face the first separator transport unit 120 along the stacking direction Z. The second separator supply roller 131 of the second separator transport unit 130 has a cylindrical shape, and holds the long ceramic separator 42 by winding it. The second separator supply roller 131 winds and holds the ceramic separator 42 so that the polypropylene layer 42m is on the inner side and the ceramic layer 42n is on the outer side. The second pressure roller 132 and the second nip roller 133 that are disposed to face each other have an elongated cylindrical shape, and are in a state where a certain tension is applied to the ceramic separator 42 wound around the second separator supply roller 131. It is guided to the second transport drum 134. The second transport drum 134 has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Similar to the first transport drum 124, the second transport drum 134 avoids interference with the separator joint 150 by making the width along the intersecting direction Y shorter than the width of the ceramic separator 42.

  When the second transport drum 134 of the second separator transport unit 130 is rotated, the second separator supply roller 131 is driven and rotated in addition to the second pressure roller 132 and the second nip roller 133. The second cutting member 135 is provided with a straight and sharp blade at the tip and is disposed along the crossing direction Y, and the long ceramic separator 42 sucked by the second transport drum 134 is fixed with a certain width. Disconnect. The second transport drum 134 is laminated with the ceramic separator 42 cut into a rectangular shape being brought close to the other surface side of the positive electrode 20 unloaded from the electrode transport unit 110. The ceramic separator 42 has the ceramic layer 42 n side opposed to the other surface of the positive electrode 20.

  The first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are stacked so that the positive electrode 20 is sandwiched between the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 in the gap portion between the first transport drum 124 and the second transport drum 134. While transporting along the transport direction X. Separator joint portions 150 are disposed at both ends on the downstream side along the transport direction X, respectively.

  The separator end folding unit 140 (processing unit) rotates as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 while urging the rotating roller 141 to the ends of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 facing each other through the positive electrode 20. Fold along the roller 141 in a stepwise manner.

  The separator end folding unit 140 is disposed adjacent to the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130.

  The separator end folding unit 140 corresponds to a processing unit. The separator end folding unit 140 embodies a processing step of folding the end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 facing each other through the positive electrode 20. The separator end folding unit 140 has the same specifications as the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130. Therefore, the separator joining unit 150 will be described by a configuration adjacent to the first separator transport unit 120.

  The separator end folding unit 140 is between the first separator supply roller 121, the first pressure roller 122, and the first nip roller 123, and is on the one end 41p side and the other end 41q side of the ceramic separator 41. In addition, a plurality of rotating rollers 141 are provided. The plurality of rotating rollers 141 are arranged in the same configuration on the one end 41p side and the other end 41q side. Therefore, a configuration in which the separator joint 150 is adjacent to the one end 41p of the first separator transport unit 120 will be described.

  The rotating roller 141 corresponds to a guide member. The rotating roller 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is rotatable. A plurality of rotating rollers 141 are provided at regular intervals so as to bias the polypropylene layer 41m of the one end 41p of the ceramic separator 41 between the first separator supply roller 121, the first pressure roller 122, and the first nip roller 123. It is arranged.

  The rotating roller 141 is disposed so that the contact angle with respect to the one end 41p is increased stepwise in the direction from the first separator supply roller 121 toward the first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller 123. . The plurality of rotating rollers 141 fold the one end 41p with a constant width so that the polypropylene layer 41m is on the outside and the ceramic layer 41n is on the inside. The plurality of rotating rollers 141 rotate following the ceramic separator 41 conveyed by the first separator conveying unit 120.

  Among the plurality of rotating rollers 141, the one end 41p is turned over by the rotating roller 141 closest to the first separator supply roller 121. In this state, the one end 41p is further turned back toward the first pressure roller 122 and the first nip roller by the plurality of rotating rollers 141, and is turned back so that the twisted width becomes longer. Among the plurality of rotating rollers 141, the first pressing roller 122 and the rotating roller 141 closest to the first nip roller are configured as a pair. One end 41p folded with the polypropylene layer 41m facing outward is pressed from both sides by the pair of rotating rollers 141, and the one end 41p is completely folded.

  Separator joint 150 (joint) is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 and joins while melting the melting materials (polypropylene layers) at the ends of ceramic separators 41 and 42 facing each other.

  Separator joint 150 is disposed downstream of transport direction X from first separator transport unit 120 and second separator transport unit 130. One set of separator joints 150 is disposed at both ends along the transport direction X.

  Separator joint 150 corresponds to a joint. Separator bonding portion 150 embodies a bonding step of bonding molten materials (polypropylene layers) at end portions facing each other. The separator joint 150 includes a heating member 151 and an urging member 152. The heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 are opposed to each other with the ceramic separators 41 and 42 being conveyed. The heating member 151 heats the ceramic separators 41 and 42 while coming into contact with the end from the ceramic separator 42 side. The urging member 152 urges the ceramic separators 41 and 42 toward the heating member 151 while abutting against the end portion from the ceramic separator 41 side. The heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 are movable so as to approach and separate from each other along the stacking direction Z, with the ceramic separators 41 and 42 being conveyed as a boundary. The heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 are joined by melting the end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 while heating them.

  The heating member 151 includes a main body portion 151a and a contact portion 151b. The main body 151a is formed in a rectangular shape. The main body 151a incorporates a heat source such as a heating thermocouple or a Peltier element. The contact portion 151b is formed to protrude from one end of the main body portion 151a. The contact portion 151b is heated by the heat source of the main body portion 151a. The urging member 152 includes a main body portion 152a and a contact portion 152b. The main body 152a is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The contact portion 152b is formed to protrude from one end of the main body portion 152a. The contact portion 152b is disposed so as to face the contact portion 151b of the heating member 151 along the stacking direction Z.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, the separator joining section 150 follows the transport of the packaged electrode transport section 160 and energizes the heating member 151 while the ceramic separators 41 and 42 are joined. The member 152 can also be configured to move downstream in the transport direction X. In such a configuration, the heating member 151 and the urging member 152 move at high speed along the upstream side in the transport direction X and return to the original position when the joining of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 is completed. . While the heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 are moved along the transport direction X, the ceramic separators 41 and 42 are partially joined to continue the operations of the first separator transport unit 120, the second separator transport unit 130, and the like. Can be made.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, the separator joining portion 150 is configured to be joined while the end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 are integrally held by a rotatable heating member 153 and a biasing member 154. be able to. The heating member 153 includes a main body portion 153a and a contact portion 153b. The main body 153a is formed in a disk shape. The main body 153a incorporates a heat source such as a heating thermocouple or a Peltier element. A plurality of contact portions 153b are formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 153a at regular intervals. The contact portion 153b is heated by the heat source of the main body portion 153a. The biasing member 154 includes a main body portion 154a and a contact portion 154b. The main body 154a is formed in a disk shape. A plurality of contact portions 154b protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 154a at regular intervals. By partially joining the ceramic separators 41 and 42 while the heating member 153 and the biasing member 154 rotate, the operations of the first separator transport unit 120, the second separator transport unit 130, and the like can be continued.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the packaged electrode transport unit 160 transports the packaged electrode 11 formed by the separator end folding unit 140, the separator joint 150, and the like.

  The packaged electrode transport unit 160 is adjacent to the electrode transport unit 110 along the transport direction X, and is disposed downstream of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 in the transport direction X.

  The transport belt 161 of the packaged electrode transport unit 160 is an endless belt having a plurality of suction ports provided on the outer peripheral surface, and transports the packaged electrode 11 along the transport direction X while sucking the packaged electrode 11. The conveyor belt 161 has a width along the intersecting direction Y shorter than the width of the packaged electrode 11. That is, both ends of the bagging electrode 11 protrude outward from the conveyance belt 161 in the cross direction Y. In this way, the conveyor belt 161 avoids interference with the separator joint 150. A plurality of rotating members 162 are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 161 along the intersecting direction Y to rotate the conveyor belt 161. The rotating member 162 is not protruded from the conveyor belt 161 in order to avoid interference with the separator joint 150. Among the plurality of rotating members 162, one is a driving roller provided with power, and the other is a driven roller driven by the driving roller. The conveyance belt 161 is disposed along the conveyance direction X, for example.

  The suction pad 163 of the packaged electrode transport unit 160 is positioned to face the packaged electrode 11 above the packaged electrode 11 placed on the transport belt 161 in the stacking direction Z in FIG. Yes. The suction pad 163 has a plate shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the surface that comes into contact with the bagging electrode 11. The elastic member 164 is located above the suction pad 163 in the stacking direction Z shown in FIG. One end of the elastic member 164 is joined to the suction pad 163. The expansion / contraction member 164 can expand and contract along the stacking direction Z using an air compressor or the like as power. The X-axis stage 165 and the X-axis auxiliary rail 166 movably support the other end facing the one end of the elastic member 164. The X-axis stage 165 is disposed along the transport direction X and scans the telescopic member 164 along the transport direction X. The X-axis auxiliary rail 166 is disposed in parallel with the X-axis stage 165 and assists the scanning of the telescopic member 164 by the X-axis stage 165. The mounting table 167 has a plate shape, and is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction X with respect to the transport belt 161 disposed, for example. The mounting table 167 temporarily stores and stores the packaged electrode 11.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 170 controls the operations of the electrode transport unit 110, the first separator transport unit 120, the second separator transport unit 130, the separator bonding unit 150, and the packaged electrode transport unit 160.

  The controller 171 of the control unit 170 includes a ROM, a CPU, and a RAM. A ROM (Read Only Memory) stores a control program related to the separator bonding apparatus 100. The control program includes the rotation member 114 and the cutting members 115 and 116 of the electrode transport unit 110, the first transport drum 124 and the first cutting member 125 of the first separator transport unit 120, and the second transport drum of the second separator transport unit 130. 134 and the control of the second cutting member 135 are included. Further, the control program includes a program related to the control of the heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 of the separator joining portion 150, the rotating member 162 and the expansion and contraction member 164 of the packaged electrode transport portion 160, and the like.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the control unit 170 controls the operation of each component of the separator joining apparatus 100 based on a control program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily stores various data related to each component of the separator joining apparatus 100 under control. The data relates to the temperature of the heating member 151, for example.

  Next, the operation of the separator bonding apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrode transport unit 110 cuts and shapes the positive electrode 20 into a predetermined shape one by one by the cutting members 115 and 116. The electrode transport unit 110 transports the formed positive electrode 20 between the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first separator transport unit 120 cuts out and transports the ceramic separator 41 laminated on one surface of the positive electrode 20. Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the separator end folding unit 140 urges the rotating roller 141 against the one end 41 p and the other end 41 q of the ceramic separator 41 being transported, The portion 41p and the other end portion 41q are refracted and folded stepwise. The first cutting member 125 cuts the ceramic separator 41 in which the one end 41p and the other end 41q are folded into a rectangular shape. The 1st separator conveyance part 120 laminates | stacks the ceramic separator 41 on the one surface side of the positive electrode 20 carried out from the electrode conveyance part 110. FIG.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second separator transport unit 130 is a ceramic separator for laminating on the other surface facing one surface of the positive electrode 20 in parallel with the operation of the first separator transport unit 120. 42 is cut out and conveyed. Here, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the separator end folding unit 140 urges the rotating roller 141 to the one end 42 p and the other end 42 q of the ceramic separator 42 being conveyed, thereby And the other end portion 42q is bent in a stepwise manner. The second cutting member 135 cuts the ceramic separator 41 in which the one end 42p and the other end 42q are folded into a rectangular shape. The second separator transport unit 130 stacks the ceramic separator 42 on the other surface side of the positive electrode 20 transported from the electrode transport unit 110.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the separator joining portion 150 integrally sandwiches the polypropylene layers at the end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 by the heating member 151 and the biasing member 152, and the polypropylene layer Are melted and joined.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the packaged electrode transport unit 160 transports the packaged electrode 11 formed by the separator end folding unit 140, the separator joint unit 150, and the like. The packaged electrode transport unit 160 places the packaged electrode 11 on the mounting table 167 and temporarily stores it.

  According to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  Separation method for separators of electrical devices (packed electrodes) is a sheet-like molten material (polypropylene layer) and a heat-resistant material (ceramic layer) that is laminated on the molten material (polypropylene layer) and has a higher melting temperature than the molten material (polypropylene layer). ) And a separator (ceramic separator) that sandwiches an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). The separator joining method has a processing step and a joining step. In the processing step, at least one of the end portions (at least one of the one end portion and the other end portion) of the separator (ceramic separator) facing each other through the electrode (the positive electrode 20 or the negative electrode 30) is folded. In the joining step, the molten materials (polypropylene layers) at the end portions (at least one of the one end portion and the other end portion) facing each other are joined together.

  Separator bonding apparatus 100 of an electric device (packed electrode) is a sheet-like molten material (polypropylene layer) and a heat-resistant material (ceramics) that is laminated on the molten material (polypropylene layer) and has a higher melting temperature than the molten material (polypropylene layer). And a separator (ceramic separator) that sandwiches an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). Separator joining device 100 has a processed part (separator end folding part 140) and a joined part (separator joined part 150). The processing portion (separator end folding portion 140) is guided to at least one of the end portions (at least one of the one end portion and the other end portion) of the separator (ceramic separator) facing each other through the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). While urging the member (rotating roller 141), the end portion is bent along the guide member (rotating roller 141) stepwise and folded. The joining portion (separator joining portion 150) is joined while melting the melting materials (polypropylene layers) at the end portions (at least one of the one end portion and the other end portion) facing each other.

  In such a configuration, at least one of the end portions of the facing separator (ceramic separator) is folded, and the molten materials (polypropylene layers) at the facing end portions are joined to each other. That is, the melting materials (polypropylene layers) that are easier to melt than the heat-resistant materials (ceramic layers) face each other and are joined. Therefore, even when a separator (ceramic separator) provided with a heat-resistant material (ceramic layer) that is difficult to join is used, the separator (ceramic separator) that sandwiches the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) can be sufficiently joined. it can.

  The electric device (packed electrode) has a separator (ceramic separator) and an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). The separator (ceramic separator) includes a sheet-like molten material (polypropylene layer) and a heat-resistant material (ceramic layer) laminated on the molten material (polypropylene layer) and having a higher melting temperature than the molten material (polypropylene layer). Yes. The electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) is sandwiched between separators (ceramic separator). Here, the separator (ceramic separator) is formed by folding at least one end (at least one of the one end and the other end) facing the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) and facing the end (one end and The molten materials (polypropylene layers) of at least one of the other end portions are joined together.

  In such a configuration, at least one of the end portions of the facing separator (ceramic separator) is folded, and the molten materials (polypropylene layers) at the facing end portions are bonded to each other. That is, the melting materials (polypropylene layers) that are easier to melt than the heat-resistant materials (ceramic layers) face each other and are joined. Therefore, even when a separator (ceramic separator) provided with a heat-resistant material (ceramic layer) that is difficult to bond is used, the separator (ceramic separator) that sandwiches the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) is sufficiently bonded. Therefore, the desired electrical characteristics can be exhibited.

  Specifically, for example, the electric device (packed electrode 11) sufficiently bonds the end of the separator (ceramic separator) even when the lithium ion secondary battery 10 vibrates or receives an impact. Therefore, the movement of the positive electrode 20 can be suppressed. That is, a short circuit between the positive electrode 20 and the negative electrode 30 that are adjacent to each other via the separator (ceramic separator) can be prevented. Therefore, the lithium ion secondary battery 10 can maintain the desired electrical characteristics.

  In addition, the electrical device (packed electrode 11) has an increased thickness by folding an end portion of a separator (ceramic separator) in which no electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) is provided. That is, the electric device (packed electrode 11) can reduce the difference in the layer thickness between the center and the end.

  Further, particularly in the separator joining method, a pair of separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) can be used. In this joining method, the processing steps include the end of one separator (ceramic separator 41) (at least one of the one end 41p or the other end 41q) and the other separator (ceramic). The end of the separator 42) (at least one of the one end 42p or the other end 42q) is folded. This separator bonding method further includes a first arrangement step. The first arrangement step is provided before the joining step. In the first arrangement step, a pair of separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) are arranged so that the central portions 41nc and 42nc of the heat-resistant materials (ceramic layers 41n and 42n) face each other with the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) therebetween. Deploy.

  As shown in such a configuration, this separator joining method can be applied to a very versatile method consisting of a single wafer type. That is, this separator joining method can be used for a method of laminating and stacking each member in the order of the ceramic separator 41, the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30), and the ceramic separator 42.

  Further, particularly in the separator joining apparatus 100, the guide member can be formed of a rotatable roller 141 that is formed in a columnar shape and is rotatable. A plurality of the rotating rollers 141 are arranged at different angles with respect to the separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) stepwise along the end portions of the separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) in the transport direction.

  According to such a configuration, the end portions of the separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) can be easily folded by the rotating roller 141 having a very simple configuration. Furthermore, the rotation roller 141 can respond | correspond to the various hardness and folding width | variety of a separator (ceramic separators 41 and 42) by setting the space | interval and angle. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, the end portions of the separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) can be folded while the operations of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are continued. . That is, productivity related to the joining of the separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42) can be maintained. Furthermore, according to such a structure, the rotating roller 141 can be attached with respect to the existing apparatus. That is, by modifying an existing device, the manufacturing cost of the device can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, the rotating roller 141 rotates following the conveyed separators (ceramic separators 41 and 42), and thus does not require electric power for driving.

  Further, particularly in the separator bonding apparatus 100, each of the bonding portions (separator bonding portion 150) is formed in a disk shape, and a pair of rotatable bonding members (the heating member 153 and the attached member) are sandwiched between the facing end portions. It can be set as the structure provided with the biasing member 154). The pair of joining members (the heating member 153 and the biasing member 154) partially joins the end portions.

  According to such a configuration, the pair of joining members (the heating member 153 and the urging member 154) join the end portions of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 while intermittently contacting the end portions. . Therefore, the pair of joining members (the heating member 153 and the urging member 154) are easily separated from the molten material (polypropylene layer), and can be prevented from adhering to the molten material (polypropylene layer). That is, the pair of joining members (the heating member 153 and the urging member 154) can be joined to the end portions of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 without being damaged.

  Further, according to such a configuration, the ends of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are partially joined while rotating the pair of joining members (the heating member 153 and the biasing member 154). Accordingly, the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 can be joined while the operations of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are continued. That is, the productivity related to the joining of the separator can be maintained.

  Further, particularly in the separator bonding apparatus 100, the bonding portion (separator bonding portion 150) includes heat conduction from a heat source, Joule heat generated by energization, heat generated by intermittently applying current, or ultrasonic waves. It can be set as the structure which fuse | melts melting materials (polypropylene layer) with the heat | fever generated with the vibration, and joins them.

  As shown in such a configuration, in the separator bonding apparatus 100, the configuration in which the molten materials (polypropylene layers) are bonded to each other by the bonding member is very versatile, and an arbitrary configuration is appropriately selected according to specifications and requests. be able to.

(Modification 1 of the first embodiment)
A separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 12) according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment and a separator bonding apparatus 200 that embodies the method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The modification 1 of 1st Embodiment concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above that the structure which folds only the edge part of the ceramic separator 41 among the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 43, and does not fold the edge part of the ceramic separator 43. Different from the configuration. In the first embodiment described above, both ends of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are folded. In the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment, about the thing which consists of a structure similar to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is used and the description mentioned above is abbreviate | omitted.

  The separator end folding unit 240 of the separator bonding apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing a main part of a separator bonding apparatus 200 that embodies a separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 12).

  The 1st separator conveyance part 120 and the 2nd separator conveyance part 130 respond | correspond to a 2nd arrangement | positioning process. In the second arrangement step, the ceramic separators 41 and 43 are arranged so that the central portion 41nc of the ceramic layer 41n of the ceramic separator 41 and the central portion 43mc of the polypropylene layer 43m of the ceramic separator 43 face each other with the positive electrode 20 therebetween. .

  In the second separator transport unit 130, the second separator supply roller 131 holds the ceramic separator 43 by winding it so that the polypropylene layer 43m is on the outside and the ceramic layer 43n is on the inside. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the second separator supply roller 131 winds the ceramic separator 43 around the second separator supply roller 131 so that the polypropylene layer 43m is on the outside. The separator end folding unit 140 is disposed adjacent to only the first separator transport unit 120. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the separator end folding unit 140 is not disposed adjacent to the second separator transport unit 130.

  The packaged electrode 12 bonded by the separator bonding apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the main part of the packaged electrode 12 joined by the separator joining device 200 of FIG.

  The packaged electrode 12 is configured by sandwiching the positive electrode 20 between ceramic separators 41 and 43. The ceramic separator 41 is folded at one end 41p and the other end. In the ceramic separator 41, the central portion 41nc of the ceramic layer 41n is brought into contact with the positive electrode 20. On the other hand, the ceramic separator 43 is not folded at one end 43p and the other end. In the ceramic separator 43, the central portion 43mc of the polypropylene layer 43m is brought into contact with the positive electrode 20. The polypropylene layer 41m at one end 41p of the ceramic separator 41 is joined to the polypropylene layer 43m at one end 43p of the ceramic separator 43. Similarly, the polypropylene layer 41 m at the other end of the ceramic separator 41 is joined to the polypropylene layer 43 m at the other end of the ceramic separator 43.

  According to the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are produced.

  In the separator bonding method and the separator bonding apparatus 200 embodying the method, a pair of separators (ceramic separators 41 and 43) are used. For example, in the separator joining method, in the processing step, only one end (at least one of the one end 41p or the other end 41q) of one separator (ceramic separator 41) of the pair of separators (ceramic separators 41 and 43) is folded. This separator bonding method further includes a second arrangement step. The second arrangement step is provided before the joining step. In the second arrangement step, the central portion 41nc of the heat-resistant material (ceramic layer 41n) of one separator (ceramic separator 41) and the central portion 43mc of the molten material (polypropylene layer 43m) of the other separator (ceramic separator 43) A pair of separators (ceramic separators 41 and 43) are arranged to face each other with an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) therebetween.

  According to such a configuration, since only the end portion (at least one of the one end portion 41p or the other end portion 41q) of one separator (ceramic separator 41) is folded, the separator joining device is compared with the first embodiment. The configuration of 200 can be further simplified.

(Modification 2 of the first embodiment)
A separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 13) according to a second modification of the first embodiment and a separator bonding apparatus 300 that embodies the method will be described with reference to FIG.

  The modification 2 of 1st Embodiment differs in the structure which joins the edge parts of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 continuously from the structure which concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above. In the first embodiment described above, the ends are partially joined. In the second modification of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.

  The separator bonding portion 350 of the separator bonding apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10C is a perspective view showing a separator bonding portion 350 of a separator bonding apparatus 300 that embodies a separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 13) according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment.

  Separator joining portion 350 is joined by sandwiching the end portions of ceramic separators 41 and 42 by rotatable heating member 351 and biasing member 352. The heating member 351 is formed in a disk shape. The heating member 351 contains a heat source such as a heating thermocouple or a Peltier element. The biasing member 352 is formed in a disk shape. The urging member 352 faces the heating member 351 along the stacking direction Z. The ceramic separators 41 and 42 are continuously joined while the heating member 351 and the biasing member 352 rotate. The separator joining unit 350 joins the ceramic separators 41 and 42 in a state where the operations of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are continued.

  According to the modification 2 of 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  In the separator bonding method 300 and the separator bonding apparatus 300 embodying the method, in particular, the bonding portion (separator bonding portion 350) of the separator bonding device 300 is formed in a disc shape, and the end portions facing each other are sandwiched together. A pair of rotatable joining members (heating member 351 and urging member 352) is provided. The pair of joining members (the heating member 351 and the biasing member 352) continuously join the end portions.

  According to such a configuration, the pair of joining members (the heating member 351 and the urging member 352) are welded while continuously contacting the end portions of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. Therefore, the pair of joining members (the heating member 351 and the urging member 352) can join the molten material (polypropylene layer) linearly. That is, the pair of joining members (the heating member 351 and the biasing member 352) can more firmly join the end portions of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. Further, according to such a configuration, the ends of the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 are joined together while rotating the pair of joining members (the heating member 351 and the biasing member 352). Accordingly, the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42 can be joined while the operations of the first separator transport unit 120 and the second separator transport unit 130 are continued. That is, productivity related to the joining of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 can be maintained.

(Second Embodiment)
A separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode 14) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the long ceramic separator 44 is wound around the positive electrode 20 and the one end 44r and the other end 44s face each other. In the first embodiment described above, the end portions face each other while the positive electrode 20 is sandwiched between the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.

  The separator bonding method will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode 14). FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of the separator joining method of FIG.

  The ceramic separator 44 is formed such that the width along the short direction of the positive electrode 20 (cross direction Y in FIG. 11) is at least twice as long as the width of the positive electrode 20 in the short direction. First, as shown in FIG. 11A, the positive electrode 20 is placed on one side of the ceramic separator 44 so that the positive electrode terminal 21 a protrudes from the ceramic separator 44. One end 20 r of the positive electrode 20 is located at the center of the ceramic separator 44, and the other end 20 s is located slightly inside the other end 44 s of the ceramic separator 44. Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, one end portion 44 r of the ceramic separator 44 is folded along the one end portion 20 r of the positive electrode 20 with a certain width by a processing step. Further, the other end portion 44s of the ceramic separator 44 is folded and folded with a certain width so as to sandwich the other end portion 20s in the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode 20 by a processing step.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11C, the ceramic separator 44 is wound around both surfaces of the positive electrode 20 while the ceramic separator 44 is folded back at the other end 20 s of the positive electrode 20 by a winding process. In this state, one end 44r and the other end 44s of the ceramic separator 44 face each other. Finally, as shown in FIG. 11D and FIG. 12, the polypropylene layer 44m of the one end portion 44r and the other end portion 44s of the ceramic separator 44 is melted by the joining process using the heating member 151 and the biasing member 152. And join.

  According to 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  In the separator bonding method, a separator (ceramic separator 44) formed longer than the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) is used. In this joining method, the processing step folds the first end (one end 44r) and the second end (the other end 44s) of the separator (ceramic separator 44). This separator joining method further includes a winding step. The winding process is provided before the joining process. In the winding step, the first end (one end 44r) and the second end (the other end 44s) are wound while the separator (ceramic separator 44) is wound around the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). Face to face.

  As shown in such a configuration, the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode 14) can be applied to a highly versatile method including a winding type. That is, this separator joining method can be used in a method in which a long separator (ceramic separator 44) is wound around an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) so that the respective members are stacked and laminated.

  Furthermore, according to such a configuration, the long separator (ceramic separator 44) does not need to join the folded portion while being wound around the electrode (the positive electrode 20 or the negative electrode 30). Can be reduced. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, since the long separator (ceramic separator 44) is folded back along the edge of the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30), there is no margin for the folded portion. Costs related to materials can be reduced. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, since a single separator (ceramic separator 44) is used, the number of cut portions when the separator (ceramic separator 44) is cut out can be minimized. The time required for this can be reduced.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
A separator joining method for an electric device (packed electrode 15) according to a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The modification of the second embodiment is different from the structure according to the second embodiment described above in that both the one end 45r and the other end 45s of the ceramic separator 45 are folded around the positive electrode 20. In the second embodiment described above, only the other end portion 44 s is folded while being wound around the positive electrode 20. In the modified example of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment described above, and the above description is omitted.

  The separator joining method will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the main part of the separator joining method of the electric device (packed electrode 15) from the side.

  In the winding step of winding the ceramic separator 45 around the positive electrode 20, a part of the second embodiment related to FIG. 11C is partially different. That is, after the one end portion 45r is folded by the processing step, the winding step folds the one end portion 45r to the opposite surface across the positive electrode 20. In this state, as shown in FIG. 13, in the joining process, the heating member 151 and the biasing member 152 are used to join the polypropylene layers 45 m of the one end portion 45 r and the other end portion 45 s of the ceramic separator 45.

  According to the modification of 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  In the separator bonding method, in the processing step, both the first end (one end 45r) and the second end (the other end 45s) are folded while being wound around the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30).

  According to such a configuration, the contact area between the first end (one end 45r) and the second end (the other end 45s) of the separator (ceramic separator 45) can be increased. Therefore, since the frictional force between the first end (one end 45r) and the second end (the other end 45s) increases, it can be firmly joined to each other.

(Third embodiment)
A separator bonding method for an electric device (packed electrode 16) according to a third embodiment and a separator bonding apparatus 400 that embodies the method will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the third embodiment, the configuration in which the one end portions 46p and the other end portions 46q face each other with the edge 20t as a boundary while the ceramic separator 46 is folded back with the edge 20t of the positive electrode 20 as the boundary is the first described above. Different from the configuration according to the embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the positive electrode 20 is sandwiched between the pair of ceramic separators 41 and 42, and the one end 41p and the one end 42p and the other end 41q and the other end 42q face each other. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description is omitted.

  The separator bonding apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a separator bonding method and a separator bonding apparatus 400 for an electric device (packed electrode 16).

  The configuration of the separator bonding apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Separator joining apparatus 400 includes member transporting unit 410 (transporting positive electrode 20 and bagging electrode 16), separator transporting unit 420, separator folding unit 430 (corresponding to the folding process), separator end folding unit 440, and separator joining unit. 450 is included. Hereinafter, the configuration included in the separator bonding apparatus 400 will be described in order.

  The member transport unit 410 transports the positive electrode 20 and the packaged electrode 16. The member transport unit 410 includes a suction pad 411 and a support member 412. The suction pad 411 is formed in a plate shape, and a plurality of suction ports are provided on the surface in contact with the positive electrode 20 or the bagging electrode 16. The support member 412 has a suction pad 411 bonded to one end and a moving mechanism including a conductive stage, an air compressor, and the like bonded to the other end. The suction pad 411 is movable along the cross direction Y and the stacking direction Z.

  Separator transport unit 420 includes a pair of gripping members 421 and a pair of cutting members 422. The pair of gripping members 421 corresponds to a robot hand that can be opened and closed along the stacking direction Z. The pair of gripping members 421 grips the end of the long ceramic separator 46 wound around the separator supply roller, and pulls it out so as to be close to the fixed mold 431 and the movable mold 432. The pair of cutting members 422 is provided with a linear sharp blade at the tip. The pair of cutting members 422 cuts the long ceramic separator 46 held by the pair of holding members 421 with a certain width. The pair of cutting members 422 are arranged along the intersecting direction Y so as to face the end of the fixed die 431 and the end of the movable die 432 of the separator folding portion 430.

  The separator folding unit 430 corresponds to the folding process. In the folding step, the ceramic separator 46 is folded back at the edge 20t of the positive electrode 20, and the one end portions 46p and the other end portion 46q of the ceramic separator 46 face each other with the edge 20t of the positive electrode 20 as a boundary. The separator folding portion 430 includes a fixed mold 431 and a movable mold 432. The fixed mold 431 and the movable mold 432 face each other between the one end portions 46p and the other end portions 46q while folding the ceramic separator 46 with the edge 20t of the positive electrode 20 as a boundary. Each of the fixed mold 431 and the movable mold 432 is formed in a plate shape, and suction ports are provided in a matrix shape on the surface in contact with the ceramic separator 46. The movable mold 432 faces the fixed mold 431 while rotating with respect to one end of the fixed mold 431 so that the ceramic separator 46 is folded at the center.

  The separator end folding unit 440 corresponds to a processing unit. The separator end folding unit 440 is disposed adjacent to the separator transport unit 420. The separator end folding unit 440 is configured in the same manner as the separator end folding unit 140 described above. That is, the separator end folding unit 440 urges the rotating roller 141 against the polypropylene layer 46m of the one end 46p and the other end 46q of the ceramic separator 46 conveyed by the separator conveying unit 420, while the one end 46p. The other end 46q is bent along the rotating roller 141 in a stepwise manner.

  The separator joint portion 450 corresponds to a joint portion. The separator joint 450 includes a heating member 451. A plurality of heating members 451 are arranged at regular intervals on both ends of the separator folding unit 430 along the conveyance direction X of the movable mold 432. The heating member 451 is formed in a rectangular shape. The heating member 451 includes a heat source such as a Peltier element. The plurality of heating members 451 are disposed in a state where they are thermally insulated from the movable mold 432 using heat insulating members. The heating member 451 heats while pressing against the one end portion 46p and the other end portion 46q of the ceramic separator 46 when the movable die 432 is close to and opposed to the fixed die 431. The heating member 451 melts and joins the one end portions 46p and the other end portions 46q of the ceramic separator 46 to each other.

  The operation of the separator bonding apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14A, the separator transport section 420 grips the end of the long ceramic separator 46 wound around the separator supply roller by a pair of gripping members 421, and the ceramic separator 46 is pulled out along the conveyance direction X. Here, the separator end folding unit 440 urges the one end 46p and the other end 46q of the ceramic separator 46 by the rotating roller 141 in conjunction with the operation of the separator transport unit 420, while the one end 46p and the other end. The end 46q is bent in a stepwise manner and folded.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, the separator transport unit 420 cuts the long ceramic separator 46 with a certain width by the pair of cutting members 422. At this time, the separator folding portion 430 sucks and holds the ceramic separator 46 by the fixed mold 431 and the movable mold 432. Thereafter, the member transport unit 410 transports the positive electrode 20 to the upper side of the fixed mold 431 of the separator folding unit 430 by the suction pad 411, and stacks the positive electrode 20 on the ceramic separator 46.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14C, the movable die 432 faces the fixed die 431 while rotating with respect to one end of the fixed die 431 so that the ceramic separator 46 is folded at the center. At this time, the separator joint 450 is heated while being pressed against the one end 46p and the other end 46q of the ceramic separator 46 by the heating member 451, thereby melting the one end 46p and the other end 46q. Join.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 14D, the movable mold 432 moves away from the fixed mold 431 while rotating in reverse with respect to one end of the fixed mold 431. The member transport unit 410 sucks the packed electrode 16 with the suction pad 411 and transports it to the mounting table. The packaged electrode 16 is obtained by bonding a ceramic separator 46 sandwiching the positive electrode 20.

  According to 3rd Embodiment mentioned above, there exists an effect by the following structures.

  In the separator bonding apparatus 400 that embodies the separator bonding method and the method, for example, the separator bonding method uses a separator (ceramic separator 46) formed longer than the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30). This separator joining method has a folding step in addition to the processing step and the joining step. The folding process is provided before the joining process. In the folding step, the separator (ceramic separator 46) is folded back at the edge 20t of the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30), and at least one of the end portions (one end portion 46p or the other end portion 46q) of the separator (ceramic separator 46). ) Face each other at the edge.

  As shown in such a configuration, the separator joining method of the electrical device (packed electrode 16) and the separator joining apparatus 400 that embodies the method can be applied to a very versatile method that is a folding type. Can do. That is, this separator joining method can be used for a method in which each member is stacked and laminated by sandwiching an electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30) while folding a long separator (ceramic separator 46).

  Furthermore, according to such a structure, since the long separator (ceramic separator 46) does not need to join the folded part, the installation and time required for joining can be reduced. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, the long separator (ceramic separator 46) is folded back along the edge of the electrode (positive electrode 20 or negative electrode 30), so that there is no margin for the folded portion. Costs related to materials can be reduced. Furthermore, according to such a configuration, since a single separator (ceramic separator 46) is used, it is possible to minimize the number of cut portions when cutting the separator (ceramic separator 46), and to reduce the manufacturing cost and manufacturing. The time required for this can be reduced.

  In addition, the present invention can be variously modified based on the configurations described in the claims, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, in the packaged electrode used in the lithium ion secondary battery 10, the configuration is described in which the separators that sandwich the electrode are joined to each other, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. . The present invention can also be applied to joining of members other than the packaged electrode used in the lithium ion secondary battery 10.

  In the first to third embodiments, the secondary battery has been described with the configuration of the lithium ion secondary battery 10, but is not limited to such a configuration. The secondary battery can be configured as, for example, a polymer lithium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

  In the first to third embodiments, the heat-resistant material of the separator has been described with the configuration of the ceramic layer. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. The heat-resistant material is not limited to ceramics and may be a member having a melting temperature higher than that of the molten material.

  In the first to third embodiments, the melting material of the separator has been described with the configuration of polypropylene, but is not limited to such a configuration. The molten material is not limited to polypropylene and may be a member having a melting temperature lower than that of the heat-resistant material.

  Moreover, although the 1st-3rd embodiment demonstrated the structure which packs the positive electrode 20 with a separator and forms a packed electrode, it is not limited to such a structure. The negative electrode 30 may be packed with a separator to form a packed electrode.

  In the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the end portions of the separator are joined to each other while sandwiching the electrode is described. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. After joining the edge parts of a separator, it is good also as a structure which inserts an electrode and forms a packed electrode.

  In the first to third embodiments, the electrode, the ceramic separator, and the packaged electrode are described as being automatically conveyed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The electrode, the ceramic separator, and the packaged electrode may be transported manually.

  Moreover, in 1st and 3rd embodiment, although the structure cut | disconnected to predetermined length after folding the edge part of a separator was demonstrated, it is not limited to such a structure. It is good also as a structure which folds an edge part, after cut | disconnecting a separator to predetermined length.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the one end 41p and the other end 41q of the ceramic separator 41 are folded, the one end 42p and the other end 42q of the ceramic separator 42 are folded, and the one end 41p and the one end 42p are connected. Although the configuration has been described in which the other end portion 41q and the other end portion 42q are joined while being joined, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. Only one end 41p of the ceramic separator 41 may be folded and only one end 42p of the ceramic separator 42 may be folded, and the one end 41p and the one end 42p may be joined. Similarly, only the other end 41q of the ceramic separator 41 may be folded and only the other end 42q of the ceramic separator 42 may be folded, and the other end 41q and the other end 42q may be joined.

  Further, for example, in the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 are refracted and folded along the rotating roller 141 while the rotating roller 141 is urged. It is not limited to such a configuration. The end portions of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 may be refracted stepwise along the fixing member while being urged by the plate-like fixing members.

  Further, for example, in the first embodiment, the heating member 151 and the urging member 152 provided with the protrusions are used to describe spot welding at both ends of the ceramic separators 41 and 42. However, the first embodiment is limited to such a configuration. Never happen. The heating member 151 and the urging member 152 provided with the protruding portions may be operated so that the joining portion 40h is continuous along the transport direction X, and both ends of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 may be seam welded.

  Further, in the second modification of the first embodiment, the description has been given as the configuration in which both ends of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 are seam welded using the disc-shaped heating member 351 and the biasing member 352, but the configuration is limited to such a configuration. It will never be done. It is good also as a structure which carries out spot welding of the both ends of the ceramic separators 41 and 42 by separating the disk-shaped heating member 351 and the biasing member 352 from a separator by a fixed period.

  In the third embodiment, the ceramic separator 46 is described as being configured to be folded along the short direction of the positive electrode 20, but is not limited to such a configuration. The ceramic separator 46 may be folded back along the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode 20.

10 Lithium ion secondary battery,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Packed electrode (electric device),
17 Power generation elements,
20 positive electrode (electrode),
20r one end,
20s other end,
20t edge,
21 positive electrode current collector,
21a positive electrode terminal,
22 cathode active material,
30 negative electrode (electrode),
31 negative electrode current collector,
31a negative electrode terminal,
32 negative electrode active material,
41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 Ceramic separator (separator),
41m, 42m, 43m, 44m, 46m polypropylene layer (melting material),
41n, 42n, 43n ceramic layer (heat-resistant material),
41nc, 43mc central part,
41p, 42p, 43p, 46p one end,
41q, 42q, 46q the other end,
44r, 45r one end (first end),
44s, 45s the other end (second end),
40h joint,
50 exterior materials,
51,52 Laminate sheet,
100, 200, 300, 400 separator joining device,
110 Electrode transfer unit,
111 electrode supply roller,
112 transport rollers,
113 Conveyor belt,
114 rotating member,
115,116 cutting member,
117 cradle,
120 1st separator conveyance part (corresponding to the 1st arrangement process and the 2nd arrangement process),
121 first separator supply roller;
122 first pressure roller,
123 first nip roller,
124 first transport drum,
125 first cutting member,
130 2nd separator conveyance part (corresponding to the 1st arrangement process and the 2nd arrangement process),
131 second separator supply roller;
132 second pressure roller,
133 second nip roller,
134 second transport drum,
135 second cutting member,
140, 240, 440 Separator end folding part (corresponding to processing part, processing step),
141 Rotating roller (guide member),
150, 350, 450 Separator joint (corresponding to joint, joining process),
151,153,351,451 heating members,
151a, 153a body part,
151b, 153b contact part,
152,154,352 biasing member,
152a, 154a main body,
152b, 154b contact part,
160 Packed electrode transport section,
161 conveyor belt,
162 rotating member,
163 suction pad,
164 telescopic member,
165 X-axis stage,
166 X-axis auxiliary rail,
167 mounting table,
170 control unit,
171 controller,
410 member conveying section,
411 suction pad,
412 support member,
420 separator transport section,
421 gripping member,
422 cutting member,
430 Separator folding part (corresponding to folding process),
431 fixed type,
432 mobile,
X transport direction (packed electrode, etc.)
Y crossing direction (crossing the transport direction X),
Z Stack direction (with ceramic separator and positive electrode).

Claims (10)

A separator joining method for an electric device that uses a separator including a sheet-like melted material and a heat-resistant material that is laminated on the melted material and has a melting temperature higher than the melted material, and joins the separator that sandwiches an electrode. ,
A processing step of folding at least one of the end portions of the separator facing each other through the electrodes;
A joining step of joining the molten materials at the end portions facing each other. Using a pair of separators,
The processing step includes folding the end portion of the separator of one of the pair of separators and the end portion of the other separator,
2. The electrical device separator according to claim 1, further comprising a first disposing step of disposing a pair of the separators so that the central portions of the heat-resistant materials face each other with the electrode therebetween before the joining step. Joining method. Using a pair of separators,
The processing step is to fold only the end portion of one of the pair of separators,
Before the joining step, the pair of separators are arranged so that the central part of the heat-resistant material of one of the separators and the central part of the molten material of the other separators face each other with the electrode therebetween. The separator joining method for an electric device according to claim 1, further comprising a second arranging step. Using the separator formed longer than the electrode,
The processing step includes folding at least the first end of the separator,
Before the joining step, a winding step of winding the separator around the electrode and facing the first end and the second end opposite to the first end, The separator joining method of the electric device of Claim 1 which has. Using the separator formed longer than the electrode,
2. The folding process according to claim 1, further comprising a folding process in which the end portions of the separator face each other with the edge as a boundary while the separator is folded with the edge of the electrode as a boundary before the joining process. Separator joining method for electrical devices. A separator joining apparatus for an electrical device that joins the separator sandwiching an electrode using a separator including a sheet-like melted material and a heat-resistant material laminated on the melted material and having a melting temperature higher than that of the melted material. ,
A working portion that urges the guide member toward at least one of the end portions of the separator facing each other through the electrode and refracts and folds the end portion along the guide member;
A separator joining apparatus for an electric device, comprising: a joining portion that joins the molten materials at the end portions facing each other while melting them. The guide member is formed of a rotatable roller that is formed in a cylindrical shape and is rotatable.
The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the rotating rollers are arranged at different angles with respect to the separator along an end of the separator in the conveying direction. The joint portions are each formed in a disc shape, and include a pair of joint members that are rotatable while integrally holding the facing end portions,
The pair of said joining members are separator joining apparatuses of the electric device of Claim 6 or 7 which joins the said edge parts partially or continuously.   The joint is formed by heat conduction from a heat source, Joule heat generated by energization, heat generated by applying an electric current intermittently, or heat generated by ultrasonic vibration. The separator joining apparatus for an electric device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, which is melted and joined. A separator including a sheet-like molten material, and a heat-resistant material laminated on the molten material and having a higher melting temperature than the molten material;
An electrode sandwiched between the separators,
The separator is an electric device in which at least one of end portions facing each other through the electrodes is folded, and the molten materials at the end portions facing each other are joined.