JP2020180798A - Thickness measurement mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a thickness measurement mechanism capable of accurately measuring the thickness of an individual piece of a sheet body.SOLUTION: A thickness measurement mechanism 100 is provided with an adsorption mechanism 27 for applying adsorption force to an electrode 20 toward a transport surface F2 of a transport section 24. Even when a warp in an individual piece of the electrode 20 occurs, the electrode 20 is transported to the transport surface F2 with the warp eliminated by the adsorption force applied to the electrode 20. A transport section 26 supports a portion of the electrode 20 that protrudes from the transport surface F2, thus enabling the electrode 20 to maintain its posture. A measuring section 28 is then disposed at a position of a gap GP1 between the transport section 24 and a transport section 26, as viewed from a thickness direction D2. Consequently, the measuring section 28 can measure thickness from both sides in the thickness direction D2 without interfering with the transport section 24 and the transport section 26. From the above, it is possible to measure thickness of an individual piece of the electrode 20 with high accuracy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a thickness measuring mechanism.

As a thickness measuring mechanism for measuring the thickness of a sheet body, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This thickness measuring mechanism measures the thickness of the base material of the electrode before cutting as a sheet body. This base material is a strip-shaped sheet body formed by applying an active material to a strip-shaped metal foil. The thickness measuring mechanism measures the thickness of the strip-shaped base material to be fed out from both the upper side and the lower side.

JP-A-2015-210935

Here, it may be required to measure the thickness of the individual sheet body. Unlike the strip-shaped base material described above, such individual sheet bodies may have a problem of warpage. For example, strip-shaped base materials are often rolled or stored or transported in rolls during the manufacturing process. In such a case, the base material has a so-called curl habit, and even if it becomes an individual sheet body, it remains as a warp. By applying tension to the base material, it is easy to measure the thickness while correcting the curl (warp). On the other hand, in order for the thickness measuring mechanism to accurately measure the thickness of the individual sheet body, a mechanism such as suctioning to the transport surface is required to eliminate the warp. However, when such a mechanism is provided, it may not be possible to measure the thickness from the transport surface side because the mechanism becomes an obstacle. If the thickness measuring mechanism can measure only one side in the thickness direction of the individual sheet body, for example, it cannot cope with the fluttering of the belt that occurs during transportation, and there arises a problem that the measurement accuracy is lowered.

An object of the present invention is to provide a thickness measuring mechanism capable of accurately measuring the thickness of an individual sheet body.

The thickness measuring mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is a thickness measuring mechanism for measuring the thickness of individual sheet bodies, and includes a first transport unit that mounts the sheet body on a transport surface and transports the sheet body in the transport direction, and A force applying means for applying a force to the sheet body toward the transport surface of the transport unit 1, a measuring unit for measuring the thickness of the sheet body from both sides in the thickness direction orthogonal to the transport surface, and a thickness direction and a transport direction. A support portion that is arranged with respect to the first transport portion in the orthogonal width direction and supports a portion of the sheet body that protrudes from the transport surface is provided, and is provided between the first transport portion and the support portion. Is formed with a gap in the width direction, and the measuring unit is arranged at the position of the gap when viewed from the thickness direction.

This thickness measuring mechanism includes a force applying means for applying a force to the sheet body toward the transport surface of the first transport portion. Even if the individual sheet bodies are warped, the sheet body is conveyed to the transport surface in a state where the warp is eliminated by the force applied to the sheet body. Here, when the sheet body is conveyed so as to protrude from the conveying surface and the thickness of the protruding portion is to be measured from both sides, the sheet body may hang down and the posture may be disturbed. On the other hand, since the support portion supports the portion of the seat body that protrudes from the transport surface, the posture of the seat body can be maintained. Then, the measuring portion is arranged at a position of a gap between the first conveying portion and the supporting portion when viewed from the thickness direction. Therefore, the measuring unit can measure the thickness from both sides in the thickness direction without interfering with the first transport unit and the supporting unit. From the above, the thickness of the individual sheet body can be measured with high accuracy.

The force applying means may be configured by a suction mechanism provided in the first transport unit that sucks the sheet body onto the transport surface. By applying a suction force to the sheet body, such a suction mechanism can hold the sheet body on the transport surface in a state where the warp is eliminated.

The support portion may be composed of a second transport portion that is driven in the transport direction in synchronization with the first transport portion. The second transport unit can transport the sheet body in synchronization with the first transport unit while supporting the sheet body. Therefore, rubbing between the sheet body and the support portion can be suppressed.

The second transport unit may be composed of a flat belt not provided with a suction mechanism. In this case, the flat belt can support a portion of the seat body protruding from the transport surface over a wide range. Further, even if the sheet body is bent in the width direction immediately after cutting, it is attracted only by the first transporting portion and can move freely on the second transporting portion side which does not have a suction mechanism, so that the bending is eliminated. In this state, it is transported to the downstream side.

Support portions are provided on both sides in the width direction with respect to the first transport portion, a gap is formed between each support portion and the first transport portion, and a measurement unit is arranged in each gap. May be done. In this case, it is possible to measure the thickness on both sides of the first transport portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thickness measuring mechanism capable of accurately measuring the thickness of an individual sheet body.

It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the power storage device. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the electrode manufacturing apparatus provided with the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the thickness measuring mechanism shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on the modification. It is a top view which shows the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on the modification. It is a side view which shows the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on the modification. It is a top view of the electrode manufacturing apparatus provided with the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on a modification. It is a top view of the electrode manufacturing apparatus provided with the thickness measuring mechanism which concerns on a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

First, a power storage device including an electrode manufactured by an electrode manufacturing device including a thickness measuring mechanism according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the power storage device. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the power storage device 1 is a lithium ion secondary battery having a laminated electrode assembly.

The power storage device 1 includes, for example, a case 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an electrode assembly 3 housed in the case 2. The case 2 is composed of a case body and a lid made of a metal such as aluminum. Although not shown, a non-aqueous (organic solvent-based) electrolytic solution is injected into the case 2. The positive electrode terminal 4 and the negative electrode terminal 5 are arranged on the case 2 so as to be separated from each other. The positive electrode terminal 4 is fixed to the case 2 via the insulating ring 6, and the negative electrode terminal 5 is fixed to the case 2 via the insulating ring 7. Further, an insulating film is arranged between the electrode assembly 3 and the inner side surface and the bottom surface of the case 2, and the case 2 and the electrode assembly 3 are insulated by the insulating film. In FIG. 1, for convenience, a slight gap is provided between the lower end of the electrode assembly 3 and the bottom surface of the case 2, but in reality, the lower end of the electrode assembly 3 is inside the case 2 via an insulating film. Is in contact with the bottom of the.

The electrode assembly 3 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes 8 and a plurality of negative electrodes 9 are alternately laminated via a bag-shaped separator 10. The positive electrode 8 is wrapped in a bag-shaped separator 10. The positive electrode 8 in a state of being wrapped in the bag-shaped separator 10 is configured as a positive electrode 11 with a separator. Therefore, the electrode assembly 3 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes 11 with separators and a plurality of negative electrodes 9 are alternately laminated. The electrodes located at both ends of the electrode assembly 3 are negative electrodes 9.

The positive electrode 8 has, for example, a metal foil 14 which is a positive electrode current collector made of an aluminum foil, and a positive electrode active material layer 15 formed on both sides of the metal foil 14. The metal foil 14 has a foil main body portion 14a having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a tab 14b integrated with the foil main body portion 14a. The tab 14b projects from the edge of the foil body 14a near one end in the longitudinal direction. The tab 14b penetrates the separator 10. The plurality of tabs 14b extending from the plurality of positive electrodes 8 are connected (welded) to the conductive member 12 in a foil-collected state, and are connected to the positive electrode terminals 4 via the conductive member 12. In FIG. 2, tab 14b is omitted for convenience.

The positive electrode active material layer 15 is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the foil body portion 14a. The positive electrode active material layer 15 is a porous layer formed by containing the positive electrode active material and the binder. Examples of the positive electrode active material include composite oxides, metallic lithium, sulfur and the like. Composite oxides include, for example, at least one of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum and lithium.

The negative electrode 9 has, for example, a metal foil 16 which is a negative electrode current collector made of copper foil, and a negative electrode active material layer 17 formed on both sides of the metal foil 16. The metal foil 16 has a foil main body portion 16a having a rectangular shape in a plan view and a tab 16b integrated with the foil main body portion 16a. The tab 16b projects from the edge of the foil body 16a near one end in the longitudinal direction. The tab 16b is connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 via the conductive member 13. Note that in FIG. 2, tab 16b is omitted for convenience.

The negative electrode active material layer 17 is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the foil body portion 16a. The negative electrode active material layer 17 is a porous layer formed by containing the negative electrode active material and the binder. Examples of the negative electrode active material include graphite, highly oriented graphite, mesocarbon microbeads, carbon such as hard carbon and soft carbon, alkali metals such as lithium and sodium, metal compounds, and SiOx (0.5 ≦ x ≦ 1.5). ) And other metal oxides or boron-added carbon and the like.

The separator 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Examples of the material for forming the separator 10 include a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and a woven cloth or non-woven fabric made of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), methyl cellulose and the like. ..

When manufacturing the power storage device 1 configured as described above, first, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are manufactured, and then the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated. Next, the electrode assembly 3 is obtained by fixing the laminated positive electrode 11 and negative electrode 9 with a separator with tape or the like. Then, the lid, the positive electrode terminal 4, and the negative electrode terminal 5 are assembled in advance, the tab 14b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 via the conductive member 12, and the tab 16b of the negative electrode 9 is connected via the conductive member 13. After connecting to the negative electrode terminal 5, the electrode assembly 3 is housed in the case 2.

Next, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 including the thickness measuring mechanism 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 including the thickness measuring mechanism 100. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the thickness measuring mechanism 100 shown in FIG. The electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode 20 (sheet body) having active material layers on both sides of a metal foil. The electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 manufactures the electrode 20 while transporting the member that is the material of the electrode 20 in the transport direction D1. The electrode 20 manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 may be either a positive electrode 8 or a negative electrode 9. Further, the electrode 20 in this embodiment is completed by being pressed by a press section described later. However, here, for the sake of simplicity, even if the member is not pressed, the member formed in the shape of the electrode 20 at the cut portion is referred to as "electrode 20".

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 includes a cutting portion 21, a pressing portion 22, and a thickness measuring mechanism 100. Further, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 includes a transport unit 23 between the cutting unit 21 and the pressing unit 22. In the following description, the direction in which the electrode 20 is conveyed is defined as the transport direction D1, and the direction orthogonal to the transport surface F2 described later (the direction of the thickness of the electrode 20 transported on the transport surface F2) is defined as the thickness direction D2. The direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1 and the thickness direction D2 is defined as the width direction D3.

The cutting portion 21 is configured as, for example, a rotary die-cut type cutting device including a pair of rollers. The strip-shaped base material W is conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the base material W so as to pass between the pair of rollers of the cutting portion 21. The pair of rollers are arranged so that the rotation axis is parallel to the width direction D3. The base material W has a coated portion Wa in which the active material is coated on the metal foil, and an uncoated portion Wb in which the metal foil is exposed without the active material being coated. The coated portion Wa and the uncoated portion Wb are continuously formed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction.

The roller of the cutting portion 21 is formed with a blade portion that cuts the base material W into a desired shape. Therefore, the cutting portion 21 sandwiches the base material W with a pair of rollers and cuts the base material W by the blade portion. The cutting portion 21 cuts the strip-shaped base material W to form individual electrodes 20. The cutting portion 21 cuts the base material W and sends it out in the longitudinal direction of the base material W, that is, in the transport direction D1 to form the electrode 20. However, the cut portion 21 may have a structure other than the rotary die-cut method as long as the electrode 20 can be formed.

Here, the electrode 20 will be described. The electrode 20 has a rectangular shape including edge portions 20a and 20b facing each other in the lateral direction and edge portions 20c and 20d facing each other in the longitudinal direction. The edges 20a and 20b and the edges 20c and 20d are orthogonal to each other. The electrode 20 has a tab 20e protruding from the edge 20a. The tab 20e is an uncoated portion in which the active material is not coated. The shape of the electrode 20 may be opposite in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. Further, the uncoated portion may be formed not only in the tab 20e but also in the vicinity of the edge portion 20a.

The electrode 20 is delivered from the cutting portion 21 in a state where the tab 20e protrudes in the width direction D3. The transport unit 23 transports the electrode 20 delivered from the cutting portion 21 in the transport direction D1. The transport unit 23 is composed of a suction conveyor, and can transport the electrode 20 in a state where the electrode 20 is sucked on the transport surface F1. The transport unit 23 supplies the electrode 20 to the press unit 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the suction conveyor includes a flat belt 23a spanned by rollers 23b at the upstream end and the downstream end in the transport direction D1. The flat belt 23a is a member formed in an annular shape by connecting the ends of a strip-shaped sheet having a plurality of through holes formed therein. On the opposite side of the flat belt 23a from the transport surface F1, a suction box 23c for generating an attractive force on the transport surface F1 is provided. As a result, the electrode 20 is sucked into the suction box 23c via the transport surface F1, so that the electrode 20 is transported in the transport direction D1 in a state of being attracted to the transport surface F1.

The pressing unit 22 presses the electrode 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the press unit 22 includes a pair of press rollers 22a and 22b. The press unit 22 presses the electrodes 20 with a pair of press rollers 22a and 22b. The pair of press rollers 22a and 22b are arranged in the vertical direction in a state of being parallel to each other. Further, the rotation axes of the pair of press rollers 22a and 22b extend parallel to the width direction D3. The electrode 20 is pressed by passing between the pair of press rollers 22a and 22b. The press unit 22 presses the electrodes 20 in a row one by one. The press unit 22 sends the pressed electrode 20 to the transport path 25 of the thickness measuring mechanism 100.

The thickness measuring mechanism 100 is a mechanism for measuring the thickness of the individual electrodes 20. The thickness measuring mechanism 100 measures the thickness of the electrode 20 while transporting the electrode 20 in the transport direction D1 through the transport path 25. Specifically, the thickness measuring mechanism 100 includes a transport unit 24 (first transport unit), a transport unit 26 (support unit, second transport unit), a suction mechanism 27 (force applying means), and a measurement unit 28. And. The transport path 25 is composed of a transport unit 24 and a transport unit 26 arranged side by side with each other.

The transport unit 24 places the electrode 20 on the transport surface F2 and transports it in the transport direction D1. The transport unit 24 is arranged at a position closer to one side in the width direction D3 with respect to the press unit 22. Therefore, the region of the electrode 20 on the edge portion 20b side opposite to the tab 20e is placed on the transport surface F2 of the transport unit 24. Therefore, the region of the electrode 20 on the edge portion 20a side protrudes from the edge portion of the transport portion 24. The transport unit 24 extends from the press unit 22 toward the downstream side in the transport direction D1. By moving the transport surface F2 in the transport direction D1, the transport unit 24 transports the electrode 20 mounted on the transport surface F2 in the transport direction D1.

The suction mechanism 27 is provided on the transport unit 24 and is a mechanism for sucking the electrode 20 on the transport surface F2. The suction mechanism 27 functions as a force applying means for applying a force to the electrode 20 toward the transport surface F2 of the transport unit 24. In FIG. 3, the transport surface having the suction function is marked with a dot pattern, and the transport surface without the suction function is not marked with a dot pattern for identification. Specifically, a dot pattern is shown on the transport surface F2 having a suction function. Since the above-mentioned transport surface F1 also has a suction function, a dot pattern is shown. Since the transport surface F3 described later does not have a suction function, a dot pattern is not shown.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the transport unit 24 is composed of a suction conveyor, and can transport the electrode 20 in a state where the electrode 20 is sucked on the transport surface F2. The transport unit 24 includes a flat belt 24a spanned by rollers 24b at the upstream end and the downstream end in the transport direction D1. One of the upstream end roller 24b and the downstream roller (not shown) is a driving roller and the other is a driven roller, but which is the driving roller is not particularly limited. The flat belt 24a is a porous member in which a plurality of through holes are formed. On the opposite side of the flat belt 24a from the transport surface F2, a suction box 24c for generating an attractive force on the transport surface F2 is provided. As a result, the electrode 20 is sucked into the suction box 24c via the transport surface F2, so that the electrode 20 is transported in the transport direction D1 in a state of being attracted to the transport surface F2. As described above, the suction mechanism 27 is composed of a combination of the porous flat belt 24a and the suction box 24c.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport portion 26 is arranged with respect to the transport portion 24 in the width direction D3, and functions as a support portion that supports a portion of the electrode 20 that protrudes from the transport surface F2. The transport unit 26 is composed of a flat belt conveyor that drives in the transport direction D1 in synchronization with the transport unit 24. The transport unit 26 extends from the press unit 22 toward the downstream side in the transport direction D1. The transport unit 26 transports the electrode 20 mounted on the transport surface F3 in the transport direction D1 by moving the transport surface F3 in the transport direction D1. The transport speed of the transport unit 26 is set to the same speed as the transport speed of the transport unit 24. As a result, the electrode 20 can move in the transport direction D1 without causing a misalignment.

The transport unit 26 is arranged in a state of being separated from the transport unit 24 on one side in the width direction D3. In this way, the transport units 24 and 26 are arranged side by side so as to extend parallel to the transport direction D1 in a state of being separated from each other in the width direction D3. Therefore, a gap GP1 is formed between the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26 in the width direction D3. The gap GP1 is formed between the edge portion of the transport portion 24 and the edge portion of the transport portion 26. The gap GP1 extends straight in the transport direction D1 with a constant width dimension. The width dimension of the gap GP1 is not particularly limited, but is not particularly limited as long as the size is within the range in which the measurement unit 28 can measure.

The transport unit 26 places the electrode 20 on the transport surface F3 and transports it in the transport direction D1. On the transport surface F3 of the transport unit 26, a region of the electrodes 20 on the edge portion 20a side where the tab 20e is provided and the tab 20e are placed. As a result, the transport portion 26 can support the region of the electrode 20 on the edge portion 20a side that protrudes from the transport portion 24.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transport unit 26 is composed of a roller 26b and a flat belt 26a. The transport unit 26 does not have a suction mechanism. Specifically, the transport unit 26 has a configuration in which the suction box 24c is removed from the suction conveyor of the transport unit 24. The roller 26b of the transport unit 26 may be configured by extending the roller 24b of the transport unit 24 in the width direction D3. In this case, the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26 can transport the electrode 20 by using a common drive roller and driven roller. In this case, the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26 can be synchronized with each other in a state where the control systems of the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26 are shared. However, the rollers 24b of the transport unit 24 and the rollers 26b of the transport unit 26 may be provided as separate bodies. In this case, the control system of the transport unit 24 and the control system of the transport unit 26 synchronize with the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26 by synchronizing with each other in terms of control.

The measuring unit 28 measures the thickness of the electrode 20 from both sides in the thickness direction D2. The measuring unit 28 is arranged at the position of the gap GP1 when viewed from the thickness direction D2. Therefore, the measuring unit 28 can measure the thickness of the portion of the electrode 20 that passes through the gap GP1. Which portion of the electrode 20 the measuring unit 28 measures the thickness of the electrode 20 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the thickness of the portion closer to the center position than the edge portions 20a and 20b can be measured. The electrode 20 moves in the transport direction D1, and the position of the measuring unit 28 is fixed. Therefore, the measurement point by the measurement unit 28 moves relatively on the electrode 20 in the transport direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring unit 28 includes an upper measuring instrument 28a and a lower measuring instrument 28b with the electrode 20 interposed therebetween. The upper measuring instrument 28a measures the position of the upper surface 20g of the electrode 20. The lower measuring instrument 28b measures the position of the lower surface 20h of the electrode 20. As the measuring instruments 28a and 28b, laser measuring instruments that perform measurement by irradiating an object with a laser L are used. Since the laser L of the lower measuring instrument 28b passes through the gap GP1 (see FIG. 3), it irradiates the lower surface 20h of the electrode 20 without interfering with the flat belts 24a and 26a of the conveying portions 24 and 26. .. However, the type of measuring instrument is not particularly limited. Further, the measuring instrument is not limited to the non-contact type, and a contact type may be adopted. Even in the case of the contact type, the lower measuring instrument 28b can come into contact with the lower surface 20h of the electrode 20 without interfering with the conveying portions 24 and 26 by passing through the gap GP1.

The electrode manufacturing apparatus 150 may have a positioning mechanism for positioning the electrode 20 in the width direction D3 on the transport path 25 in order to make the measurement position of the thickness of the electrode 20 constant. As the positioning mechanism, for example, by providing a transport roller inclined with respect to the transport direction D1, the electrode 20 is moved to one side of the width direction D3 while being transported in the transport direction D1, and a wall for positioning on one side of the width direction D3. A mechanism for positioning by applying the electrode 20 to the portion may be adopted. Such a positioning mechanism may be provided in the transport unit 23 or the transport path 25 (between the press unit 22 and the measurement unit 28).

Next, the action / effect of the thickness measuring mechanism 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

The thickness measuring mechanism 100 includes a suction mechanism 27 that applies a suction force to the electrode 20 toward the transport surface F2 of the transport unit 24. Even if the individual electrodes 20 are warped, the electrodes 20 are conveyed to the transport surface F2 in a state where the warpage is eliminated by the suction force applied to the electrodes 20.

Here, as a comparative example, in order for the measuring unit 28 to measure the thickness from both sides, the electrode 20 is made to protrude from the transport surface F2 (without providing the transport portion 26), and the thickness of the protruding portion is measured. Think about the composition. In such a comparative example, the electrode 20 may hang down and the posture may be disturbed. More specifically, in the measuring unit 28, the electrode 20 has an inclination with respect to the transport surface, and the thickness of the electrode 20 detected by the upper measuring instrument 28a and the lower measuring instrument 28b is larger than the actual value. May become. Therefore, in the comparative example, the thickness of the electrode 20 cannot be measured accurately. On the other hand, in the thickness measuring mechanism 100 according to the present embodiment, the transport unit 26 supports the portion of the electrode 20 that protrudes from the transport surface F2, so that the posture of the electrode 20 can be maintained. Then, the measuring unit 28 is arranged at the position of the gap GP1 between the conveying unit 24 and the conveying portion 26 when viewed from the thickness direction D2. Therefore, the measuring unit 28 can measure the thickness from both sides in the thickness direction D2 without interfering with the transport unit 24 and the transport unit 26. From the above, the thickness of the individual electrode 20 can be measured with high accuracy.

The force applying means is configured by a suction mechanism 27 provided in the transport unit 24 that attracts the electrode 20 to the transport surface F2. By applying the suction force to the electrode 20, such a suction mechanism 27 can hold the electrode 20 on the transport surface F2 in a state where the warp is eliminated.

The support unit is composed of a transport unit 26 that drives in the transport direction D1 in synchronization with the transport unit 24. For example, when a simple plate member or the like is used instead of the transport portion 26 as the support portion, the electrode 20 rubs against the plate member, causing damage to the electrode 20 or dropping the active material to generate foreign matter. It may be the cause. On the other hand, the transport unit 26 can transport the electrode 20 in synchronization with the transport unit 24 while supporting the electrode 20. Therefore, rubbing between the electrode 20 and the transport portion 26 can be suppressed. Even in the modified example in which the plate member is adopted as the support portion, the thickness can be measured while maintaining the posture of the electrode 20, so that it is not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

The transport unit 26 is composed of a flat belt 26a having no suction mechanism. In this case, the flat belt 26a can support a portion of the electrode 20 that protrudes from the transport surface F2 over a wide range. Therefore, the transport unit 26 can move the electrode 20 in the transport direction D1 in a state where vibration or the like is suppressed in the electrode 20 (compared to the case where the roller 327 as shown in FIG. 6 is used). it can. Further, the flat belt 26a in the present embodiment does not have a through hole, and the transport unit 26 is a transport unit that does not have a suction mechanism. As a result, even if the electrode 20 is bent in the width direction immediately after cutting, it is attracted only by the transport portion 24 and can move freely on the transport portion 26 side, so that the deflection is eliminated and the electrode 20 is moved to the downstream side. Be transported.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, the thickness measuring mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. 5 may be adopted. In this thickness measuring mechanism 200, two rows of electrodes 20 are cut from the base material W in the width direction D3 (double stripping). On the other hand, the transport path 225 of the thickness measuring mechanism 200 includes a transport section 224 (first transport section) by a suction conveyor and transport sections 226A and 226B by a flat belt conveyor having no suction mechanism. The transport units 226A and 226B that function as support portions are provided on both sides of the transport unit 224 in the width direction D3. Gap GP1 and GP2 are formed between the respective transport portions 226A and 226B and the transport portion 224. The measuring units 28 and 28 are arranged in the gaps GP1 and GP2, respectively. In this case, it is possible to measure the thickness on both sides of the transport unit 224. Therefore, the transport unit 224 can transport the electrodes 20A related to one row on one side of the width direction D3 and the electrodes 20B related to the other row on the other side of the width direction D3. Then, the transport portion 226A on one side supports the electrode 20A, and the transport portion 226B on the other side supports the electrode 20B. Thereby, in the case of double-row removal, the thickness of both electrodes 20A and 20B can be measured by one transport unit 224.

In the case of three-row removal, another first transport section may be added next to the transport section 226B, which is a support section. Further, in the case of four-row removal, another support portion may be added next to the increased first transport portion. By increasing the number of the first transporting portion and the supporting portion in this way, it becomes possible to measure the thickness by the thickness measuring mechanism according to the present invention even in the case of three or more strips. The thickness of a row of electrodes 20 (single strip) may be measured by using the thickness measuring mechanism 200 as shown in FIG. In this case, the thickness of one electrode 20 can be measured at two points, the gap GP1 and the gap GP2.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a flat belt conveyor having no suction mechanism has been adopted as the support portion, but the configuration of the support portion is not particularly limited. For example, the thickness measuring mechanism 300 as shown in FIG. 6 may be adopted. The transport path 325 of the thickness measuring mechanism 300 includes a transport section 324 using a suction conveyor and transport sections 326A and 326B by arranging a plurality of rollers 327. The roller 327 is a free roller that does not have a drive unit and has a roller attached to a shaft. When the electrode 20 moves, the roller 327 rotates by coming into contact with the electrode 20. Instead of using a free roller as the roller 327, a drive roller that is driven to rotate may be used. At this time, all the rollers 327 of the transport units 326A and 326B may be drive rollers, and some rollers 327 may be drive rollers. When the drive roller is adopted, the transfer speed of the electrode 20 is set to be the same as the transfer speed of the transfer unit 324.

Further, the conveyor as a support portion may have a suction mechanism. In this case, the displacement of the electrode 20 can be further reduced by holding the electrode 20 on the transport surface even in the support portion.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the suction mechanism is adopted as the force applying means, but the structure is not particularly limited as long as the structure can apply the force to the electrode 20 toward the transport surface of the first transport portion. .. For example, the thickness measuring mechanism 400 as shown in FIG. 7 may be adopted. The transport path 425 of the thickness measuring mechanism 400 is a flat belt conveyor 424B for sandwiching the electrode 20 between the flat belt conveyor 424A (first transport unit) that transports the electrode 20 in the transport direction D1 and the flat belt conveyor 424A. (Means for applying force) is provided. The upper flat belt conveyor 424B applies a force such as pressing the electrode 20 from the upper side toward the transport surface of the lower flat belt conveyor 424A. In this case, the transport speed of the upper flat belt conveyor 424B is set to be the same as the transport speed of the lower flat belt conveyor 424A. In FIG. 7, the upper flat belt conveyor 424B is provided only near the measuring unit 28, but may be provided at the same length as the lower flat belt conveyor 424A.

In addition, any structure may be adopted as the force applying means, and for example, the electrode 20 may be pressed against the conveying surface by blowing air or the like from above.

Further, the layout of each component of the electrode manufacturing apparatus may be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, an electrode manufacturing apparatus 550 having the thickness measuring mechanism 500 shown in FIG. 8 may be adopted. The electrode manufacturing apparatus 550 includes a press portion 22 on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 from the cutting portion 21. In this case, the press unit 22 presses the base material W. Further, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 650 having the thickness measuring mechanism 600 shown in FIG. 9 may be adopted. The electrode manufacturing apparatus 650 uses a roll R that is wound after pressing the base material W in advance. In this case, the cutting portion 21 may cut the base material W delivered from the roll R without going through the pressing portion 22.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the electrode 20 is completed by being pressed by the press portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after pressing, the electrode may be further cut to complete the electrode. When the electrode extends in the transport direction during pressing, shaping by cutting after pressing is effective.

In the above-described embodiment, the electrode is illustrated as an individual sheet body, but the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, a laminated sheet body in which an electrode and a separator are combined, an electrode unit coated with a separator active material, or the like may be adopted as an individual sheet body.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the electrode having a tab is exemplified as the individual sheet body, but the electrode may not have a tab protruding from the rectangular main body portion. For example, the overall shape of the electrode may be rectangular, and one side (one end) may be an unpainted portion.

20 ... Electrode (sheet body), 24,224,324 ... Conveyor unit (first conveyor unit), 424A ... Flat belt conveyor (first conveyor unit), 26,226A, 226B ... Conveyor unit (second conveyor) Part, support part), 26a ... flat belt, 27 ... suction mechanism (force applying means), 28 ... measurement part, 326A, 326B ... transport part (support part), 424A ... flat belt conveyor (first transport part), 424B ... Flat belt conveyor (force applying means), 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 ... Thickness measuring mechanism, F2 ... Conveying surface.

Claims (5)

A thickness measuring mechanism that measures the thickness of individual sheets.
A first transport unit that mounts the sheet body on a transport surface and transports the sheet in the transport direction,
A force applying means for applying a force to the sheet body toward the transport surface of the first transport unit, and
A measuring unit that measures the thickness of the sheet body from both sides in the thickness direction orthogonal to the transport surface.
A support portion which is arranged with respect to the first transport portion in the thickness direction and the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction and supports a portion of the sheet body protruding from the transport surface is provided.
A gap is formed in the width direction between the first transport portion and the support portion.
The measuring unit is a thickness measuring mechanism arranged at a position of the gap when viewed from the thickness direction. The thickness measuring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the force applying means is configured by a suction mechanism provided in the first transport section to adsorb the sheet body to the transport surface. The thickness measuring mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support portion includes a second transport portion that is driven in the transport direction in synchronization with the first transport portion. The thickness measuring mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the second conveying portion is composed of a flat belt not provided with a suction mechanism. The support portions are provided on both sides in the width direction with respect to the first transport portion.
The gap is formed between each of the support portions and the first transport portion.
The thickness measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring unit is arranged in each of the gaps.

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