JP2023132203A - Manufacturing method and manufacturing device for laminate battery - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method for a laminate battery with which it is possible to realize improvement in productivity while maintaining highly accurate quality; and a manufacturing device for conducting such a method.SOLUTION: Included are: a lamination step S02 for zigzag-folding an elongate strip-shaped separator 103, and each time the separator 103 is folded, alternately placing, in order on the folded separator 103, a predetermined number of positive electrode sheets 101 and the predetermined number of negative electrode sheets 102, each arranged together and arranged side-by-side in a longitudinal direction of the separator 103, to form an electrode laminated body group 110 comprising a plurality of the positive electrode sheets 101 and the negative electrode sheets 102, the predetermined number thereof being laminated on one another with the separator 103 interposed therebetween; and a dividing step S03 for cutting the formed electrode laminated body group 110 by means of heat cutting in a laminating direction of the positive electrode sheets 101 and the negative electrode sheets 102, to divide the electrode laminated body group into electrode laminated bodies 110A each comprising a plurality of the positive electrode sheets 101 and the negative electrode sheets 102 laminated singly with the separator 103 interposed therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stacked battery, and an apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery that implements the manufacturing method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stacked battery is known in which a plurality of electrode plates, such as a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, are alternately stacked one after another, each with a separator interposed therebetween.
Various methods have been proposed for manufacturing the laminated battery. For example, in Patent Document 1, on both sides of a negative electrode sheet consisting of a long strip-shaped negative electrode core coated with a negative electrode active material layer, After forming a laminated sheet by adhering the long belt-shaped first separator and second separator to each other via an adhesive layer made of an adhesive sheet or an adhesive, and cutting the formed laminated sheet into a predetermined shape, By alternately stacking a plurality of cut laminated sheets (negative electrode plates sandwiched between two separators) and a plurality of pre-prepared positive electrode plates, the plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are formed. A method for manufacturing the above-described stacked battery in which the batteries are stacked alternately with separators in between is disclosed.
For example, in Patent Document 2, while folding a long belt-shaped separator, each time the separator is folded back, a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are alternately stacked one by one on the separator. A method for manufacturing the above-mentioned stacked battery is disclosed, in which a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are alternately stacked with separators in between.

International Publication No. 2018/021263 Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-16946

By the way, in recent years, the demand for stacked batteries with such a configuration has been increasing, and there is an increasing demand for improving productivity (the number of stacked batteries manufactured per unit time) in the manufacturing process of the stacked batteries. It has become.
However, in the manufacturing method in Patent Document 1, a negative electrode plate sandwiched between two separators is prepared in advance by cutting a laminated sheet, so that, for example, a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, Although a slight improvement in productivity can be expected compared to the case where multiple separators are laminated one after another in order, it is still necessary to position each time when laminating multiple positive and negative electrode plates. etc., and it is difficult to obtain sufficient effects that meet the above requirements.
Furthermore, in the manufacturing method described in Patent Document 2, the separators interposed between each of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, which are alternately laminated one by one, are arranged while being folded. Compared to the manufacturing method in Patent Document 1, at least the work of cutting the laminated sheet can be omitted and productivity can be expected to be further improved, but this manufacturing method also does not provide sufficient effects that meet the above requirements. was difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the current problems described above, and provides a method for manufacturing a stacked battery that can improve productivity while maintaining high precision quality, and the method. The objective is to provide manufacturing equipment that performs the following steps.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and next, means for solving this problem will be explained.

That is, the method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a stacked battery in which a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are laminated alternately, and separators are interposed between the plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates. A long belt-shaped separator is folded in a zigzag manner, and each time the separator is folded back by the zigzag fold, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates are placed on the folded separator along the longitudinal direction of the separator. a lamination step of forming an electrode laminate group consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates laminated in a predetermined number with separators interposed, by placing the positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates in a predetermined number of layers with separators interposed therebetween; The electrode laminate group formed by the lamination step is cut by heat cutting in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrodes are laminated one by one with a separator interposed in between. The method is characterized by comprising a dividing step of dividing into electrode laminates made of plates.
Further, a manufacturing apparatus for a laminated battery according to the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a laminated battery in which a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates are alternately laminated, and separators are interposed between the plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates. A meandering device for folding a long belt-shaped separator, and each time the separator is folded back by the meandering device, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates are placed on the folded separator. an electrode plate mounting device that sequentially and alternately places the electrode plates arranged in the longitudinal direction; An electrode laminate group consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and a plurality of negative electrode plates laminated in the same direction is cut by heat cutting in the stacking direction of the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates, and a plurality of electrode laminates are laminated one by one with a separator interposed between them. The present invention is characterized by comprising a dividing device that divides the electrode stack into an electrode stack consisting of a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate.
As described above, in the method and apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention, a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates each having a predetermined shape are formed in a predetermined number while interposing a separator to be folded in between. A plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrodes are laminated one by one with a separator in between, by alternately laminating each electrode layer to form an electrode laminate group, and then cutting the electrode layer laminate group by heat cutting. It has a structure in which it is divided into electrode laminates consisting of plates.
Therefore, the conventional lamination method is to form an electrode laminate by alternately laminating positive and negative electrode plates formed in a predetermined shape one by one while interposing a separator that is folded each time. Compared to an apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery, it is possible to at least reduce the number of times the separator is folded and shorten the process, thereby improving the productivity of the stacked battery manufactured.
In addition, as described above, the formed electrode layer stack group is cut by heat cutting and divided into each electrode layer stack, so the separator interposed between each positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate is For example, without using an adhesive sheet or adhesive, the cut ends are welded to each other in a bag shape at the same time as they are cut.
Therefore, the shape of each divided electrode laminate is sufficiently maintained by the plurality of cut separators interposed between each positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate. Also, it is possible to prevent the negative electrode plate from collapsing, etc., and to obtain a high-quality stacked battery.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention, in the stacking step, the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates are separated from each other by a predetermined interval, and the separator It is preferable that the electrode stacks are arranged along the longitudinal direction, and in the dividing step, the electrode stack group is cut at a position between mutually adjacent positive electrode plates or mutually adjacent negative electrode plates.
Further, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the electrode plate mounting device is arranged such that the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The separators are placed side by side along the longitudinal direction, and the dividing device cuts the electrode stack group at a position between mutually adjacent positive electrode plates or mutually adjacent negative electrode plates while heating in the stacking direction. It is preferable to do so.
By having such a configuration, when cutting the formed electrode layer laminate group by heat cutting, only the separator is reliably cut without accidentally cutting the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate at the same time. Since the cut ends of the separators can be welded, a stacked battery of high quality can be stably obtained.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention, in the stacking step, the predetermined interval between the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates is preferably 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less.
Further, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, in the electrode plate mounting device, the predetermined interval between the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates is 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less. is preferred.
By having such a configuration, when cutting the formed electrode layer laminate group by heat cutting, only the separator can be cut more reliably without accidentally cutting the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate at the same time. Since the cut ends of the separator can be welded together, a more stable and high quality stacked battery can be obtained.

Further, in the method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention, the negative electrode plate includes a strip-shaped negative electrode core extending in one direction, and negative electrode active material layers coated on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core. , in the lamination step, the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate is placed on the separator so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the separator, and the width direction of the separator perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is: It is preferable that the size is larger than the dimension in the extending direction of the negative electrode core.
Further, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the negative electrode plate includes a strip-shaped negative electrode core extending in one direction, and negative electrode active material layers coated on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core. , the electrode plate mounting device places the predetermined number of negative electrode plates on each of the separators in a manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the separator, and the width dimension of the separator in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is It is preferable that the dimension of the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate is larger than the dimension in the extending direction of the negative electrode core.
Generally, the coating area of the negative electrode active material layer on the negative electrode core of the negative electrode plate is set to be slightly larger than the coating area of the positive electrode active material layer on the positive electrode core of the positive electrode plate.
Therefore, as in the present invention, by setting the dimension in the width direction of the separator to be larger than the dimension in the extending direction of the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate, the positive electrode active material layer of the positive electrode plate can be It is possible to reliably isolate the material layer from the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate, and prevent short circuits occurring between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

Further, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the zigzag folding device and the electrode plate mounting device are arranged, a stacking area forming the electrode stack group and the dividing device are arranged, and the electrode plate mounting device is arranged. a positive electrode side transport device that is provided with a dividing area that divides the stacked body group into each of the electrode stacks, continuously transports a plurality of positive electrode plates in one direction, and supplies the positive electrode plates to the laminated area; a negative electrode side transport device that continuously transports a plurality of negative electrode plates in one direction and supplies the negative electrode plates to the stacking area; and movement that moves the electrode stack group between the stacking area and the divided area. It is preferable to further include a device.
In this way, the lamination area where the lamination process is performed to form an electrode stack group, and the dividing area where the division process is performed to divide the electrode stack group into individual electrode stacks are individually separated. By providing the The productivity of stacked batteries can be further improved.

Furthermore, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the moving device is constituted by a rotary table.
By having such a configuration, the stacked battery can be transported more easily than when the transport device is configured by, for example, a shuttle conveyor that enables reciprocating transport via transport surfaces arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. The layout of the equipment in the manufacturing equipment can be made more compact.

Further, in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the positive electrode side transport device and the negative electrode side transport device are arranged in parallel with each other in plan view.
By having such a configuration, for example, in plan view, the positive electrode side transport device and the negative electrode side transport device are arranged in a straight line with the laminated area in between, which is more reliable. Furthermore, the layout of the equipment in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus can be made more compact.

The present invention has the following effects.
That is, according to the method and apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the productivity of the stacked battery while maintaining highly accurate quality.

FIG. 1 is a process chart sequentially showing a method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to the present invention over time. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the procedure for forming individual electrode bodies from a long strip-shaped electrode core, in which (a) is a schematic diagram of a positive electrode plate, and (b) is a schematic diagram of a negative electrode plate. It is a diagram. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for stacking a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates while folding a long strip-shaped separator to form a stacked battery, and each state of the stacked battery to be formed is shown in (a). ) to (e) are schematic cross-sectional views shown in order. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a manufacturing apparatus for a stacked battery according to the present invention, in which (a) is a front view seen in the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. 2, and (b) is a front view shown in the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. 2. It is a front view seen in the direction of X2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus in a first alternative embodiment. 7 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus in a first alternative embodiment, and is a front view seen in the direction of arrow X3 in FIG. 6. FIG. It is a top view which showed the whole structure of the manufacturing apparatus of the laminated battery in 2nd another embodiment.

Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 to 8.
In the following description, for convenience, the directions of the arrows shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 are used to indicate the laminated battery manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment and the laminated battery manufacturing apparatuses 201 and 301 in other embodiments. Specify and describe the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction.
4 to 8, the direction of transport of the positive electrode plate 101 is defined by arrow A1, the direction of transport of negative electrode plate 102 is defined by arrow A2, and the direction of electrode stack group 110 is defined by arrow A3. do.
Furthermore, in FIG. 3, the external size, thickness, etc. of each member constituting the stacked battery 100 (or the electrode stack group 110) are exaggerated for ease of understanding. It may be different from the parts.

[Manufacturing method of stacked battery]
First, a method for manufacturing a stacked battery, which is realized by this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the present embodiment, the method for manufacturing a stacked battery (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturing method") is to fabricate a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and negative electrode plates 102, 102... one by one. A stacked battery 100 is manufactured by alternately stacking each of the positive electrode plates 101, 101, and interposing separators 103, 103, and so on between the plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and negative electrode plates 102, 102, respectively. It's a method.

Here, examples of the manufactured stacked battery 100 include a lithium ion secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged and is provided as a power source for driving a motor of an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). I can do it.

Note that the stacked battery 100 is not limited to such a lithium ion secondary battery installed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, but can be installed as a storage battery in a house, a solar panel, or an electronic device, for example. Various stacked batteries can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing method in this embodiment mainly includes a supply step S01, a lamination step S02, a division step S03, etc., which are sequentially performed over time.

In the supply step S01, a positive electrode plate 101 and a negative electrode plate 102, which are electrode bodies having a predetermined shape, are formed from long strip-shaped electrode core bodies (more specifically, a positive electrode core 101a and a negative electrode core 102a), and This is a step of supplying the formed positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102 to a predetermined work area (later-described lamination area Z1, see FIG. 4).

Here, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the positive electrode plate 101 includes a sheet-like positive electrode core 101a made of, for example, aluminum, and a positive electrode active material layer 101b coated on both the front and back surfaces of the positive electrode core 101a. and a positive electrode tab 101c that is a part of the positive electrode core body 101a and protrudes to one side without being coated with the positive electrode active material layer 101b.
Further, the positive electrode active material layer 101b is made of a positive electrode active material made of, for example, lithium cobalt oxide, or a positive electrode mixture slurry containing a conductive agent and a binder.

Then, the positive electrode plate 101 is continuously formed according to the following procedure.
That is, first, a long strip-shaped positive electrode core 101a wound into a roll is pulled out in the longitudinal direction Y1, and is cut on one side along a predetermined cutting line L1 by a positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22, which will be described later. It is cut into strips that extend to .
Note that a positive electrode active material layer 101b is coated in advance on both the front and back surfaces of the positive electrode core body 101a, except for one side end portion in the width direction Y2 (direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y1 in plan view).

Thereafter, the position of each positive electrode core 101a cut into strips is accurately determined by an image detection means, and then the positive electrode core 101a is fused and cut along predetermined cutting lines L2 and L3 by a positive electrode side laser cutting device 23, which will be described later. be done.
As a result, a positive electrode tab 101c is formed at one end where the positive electrode active material layer 101b is not coated, and both corners are removed at the other end opposite to the one end. , a positive electrode plate 101 having a predetermined shape is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the negative electrode plate 102 includes a sheet-shaped negative electrode core 102a made of, for example, copper, and a negative electrode active material layer 102b coated on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core 102a. , and a negative electrode tab 102c that is a part of the negative electrode core body 102a and protrudes to one side in a state where the negative electrode active material layer 102b is not coated.
Further, the negative electrode active material layer 102b is made of, for example, a negative electrode active material made of graphite or the like, and a negative electrode mixture slurry containing a conductive agent and a binder.

Similarly to the above-described positive electrode plate 101, the negative electrode plate 102 is also formed continuously according to the following procedure.
That is, first, a long strip-shaped negative electrode core 102a wound into a roll is pulled out in the longitudinal direction Y3, and cut on one side along a predetermined cutting line L4 by a negative electrode side sizing cutting device 25, which will be described later. It is cut into strips that extend to .
Note that the negative electrode active material layer 102b is coated in advance on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core body 102a, except for one side end portion in the width direction Y4 (direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Y3 in plan view).

Thereafter, the position of the negative electrode core 102a cut into strips is accurately determined by an image detection means, and then the negative electrode core 102a is melt-cut along predetermined cutting lines L5 and L6 by a negative electrode side laser cutting device 26, which will be described later. Ru.
As a result, a negative electrode tab 102c is formed at one end where the negative electrode active material layer 102b is not coated, and both corners are removed at the other end opposite to the one end. , a negative electrode plate 102 having a predetermined shape is formed.

In this embodiment, the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 are continuously formed according to the above-described procedure while being transported in predetermined directions by a positive electrode side transport device 21 and a negative electrode side transport device 24, which will be described later.
The formed positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102 are then continuously transported by the positive electrode side transport device 21 and the negative electrode side transport device 24, respectively, to a predetermined standby position P1 located near the stacking area Z1. P2 (see FIG. 4) and is supplied to the lamination area Z1.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the stacking step S02, for example, a long strip-shaped separator 103 is folded in a zigzag manner on a moving pallet 120 arranged horizontally, and each time the separator 103 is folded back by the zigzag fold, the folded separator 103 is folded back. A predetermined number (for example, six in this embodiment) of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102... are placed on top of the separator 101 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the separator A plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and 101 are laminated in a predetermined number (six) with separators 103 interposed between each positive electrode plate 101, 101, and 101, which are stacked in a predetermined number (six) with the separator 103 interposed. This is a step of forming an electrode stack group 110 consisting of the negative electrode plates 102, 102, and so on.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a), first, the tip of the separator 103 wound into a roll is gradually moved downward while being held between a pair of moving rollers 31c and 31c, which will be described later. and reaches the top surface of the moving pallet 120.

When the tip of the separator 103 reaches the top surface of the moving pallet 120, the pair of moving rollers 31c, 31c moves the tip of the separator 103 to one side in the horizontal direction (relative to the separator 103 on the moving pallet 120). , to one side (in this embodiment, the left side) in the longitudinal direction Y5.
As a result, the leading end of the separator 103 is placed on the upper surface of the movable pallet 120 by a predetermined length.

When the tip of the separator 103 is placed on the upper surface of the movable pallet 120 by a predetermined length, a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102... (or positive electrode plates 101, 101...) are collectively supplied onto the laid separator 103, and are arranged (placed) along the longitudinal direction Y5 of the separator 101, each separated by a predetermined interval d. .

Specifically, a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, . They are placed in a spaced-apart position.

When a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102... are placed on the separator 103 on the moving pallet 120, the pair of moving rollers 31c, 31c move the separator 103, as shown in FIG. 3(b). While letting out the tip, it moves to the other side in the horizontal direction (the other side in the longitudinal direction Y5 (in this embodiment, the right side) with respect to the separator 103 on the movable pallet 120).
As a result, the leading end of the separator 103 is folded back and placed on the upper surface of the predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102 by a predetermined length.

When the tip of the folded separator 103 is laid down by a predetermined length on the upper surface of the predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102..., the predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101 formed in the supply step S01 - 101... (or negative electrode plates 102, 102...) are collectively supplied onto the laid separator 103, and in plan view, a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, which have already been placed. It is placed in the same position as...
In other words, the predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, etc. are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y5 of the separator 103 on the folded separator 103 with a predetermined distance d from each other. ).

Specifically, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . They are placed in a spaced-apart position.

Here, the coating area of the negative electrode active material layer 102b on the negative electrode core 102a of the negative electrode plate 102 (see FIG. 2(b)) is generally the same as that of the positive electrode core 101a of the positive electrode plate 101 (see FIG. 2(a)). However, in this embodiment, the dimension in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y5 of the separator 103 is set to be slightly larger than the coating area of the positive electrode active material layer 101b in the negative electrode plate 102. It is set larger than the dimension of the negative electrode active material layer 102b in the extending direction of the negative electrode core 102a.

With such a configuration, the positive electrode active material layer 101b of the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode active material layer 102b of the negative electrode plate 102 are reliably separated via the separator 103, and the positive electrode active material layer 101b of the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode active material layer 102b of the negative electrode plate 102 are separated. It is possible to prevent short circuits that occur during

When a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101... are placed on the folded separator 103, the pair of moving rollers 31c, 31c again feeds out the tip of the separator 103 and moves it to one side in the horizontal direction. (Move to one side (left side) in the longitudinal direction Y5).
As a result, the leading end of the separator 103 is folded back again, and a predetermined length is laid on the upper surface of the predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . .

When the tip of the separator 103 that has been folded back again is laid down by a predetermined length on the upper surface of the predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101..., the predetermined number of negative electrode plates formed in the supply step S01 102, 102... (or positive electrode plates 101, 101...) are collectively supplied onto the laid separator 103, and in plan view, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101 that have already been placed. It will be placed in the same position as...
In other words, the predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, etc. are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y5 of the separator 101 on the separator 103 that has been folded back again, with each of them spaced apart from each other with a predetermined interval d. (to be placed).

By repeating these steps, the elongated strip-shaped separator 103 is folded onto the moving pallet 120, and each time the separator 103 is folded back, a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . and negative electrode plates 102, 102 . . . are sequentially stacked together in a predetermined number.

As shown in FIG. 3(c), a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, . , a total of four layers), the separator 103 is cut on the downstream side in the feeding direction with respect to the pair of moving rollers 31c, 31c.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(d), a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and negative electrode plates 102, 102... are stacked together in a predetermined number with separators 103 interposed therebetween. An electrode stack group 110 is formed.

In this embodiment, as described above, a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, etc. are placed on the separator 103 placed on the moving pallet 120 in order. The present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . may be placed in order.
However, as described above, the coating area of the negative electrode active material layer 102b on the negative electrode plate 102 (more specifically, the negative electrode core 102a) is generally Since the coating area of the positive electrode active material layer 101b is set to be slightly larger than the coating area of the positive electrode active material layer 101b on the body 101a), a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, etc. are placed first, and then a predetermined number of positive electrode plates are placed. If the plates 101, 101, .

In the dividing step S03, the electrode laminate group 110 formed in the laminating step S02 is cut by heat cutting in the stacking direction of the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 (in the vertical direction in this embodiment), with the separator 103 interposed. A plurality of (for example, six in this embodiment) electrode laminates 110A, each consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and negative electrode plates 102, 102, which are laminated one by one. This is a step of dividing into 110A...

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3D, the electrode stack group 110 is placed on a moving pallet 120 and moved to a predetermined work area (divided area Z2 to be described later; see FIG. 4). They are transported and cut (heat cut) by a dividing device 41 (described later) along a predetermined cutting line L7 set at a position between the positive electrode plates 101, 101 adjacent to each other or the negative electrode plates 102, 102 adjacent to each other. ) to be done.
As a result, at the cutting line L7, the plurality of separators 101, 101, . A plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and negative electrode plates 102, 102... are laminated one by one with each separator 103 interposed in between (for example, in this embodiment) In this case, six electrode stacked bodies 110A, 110A, . . . are formed.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the stacked battery is formed by winding the separator 103a around each divided electrode stack 110A several times to constrain the stacked structure. 100, but the invention is not limited to this, and the stacked battery 100 may be constructed by having each divided electrode stack 110A without having the separator 103a.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, in the lamination step S02, a predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and a predetermined number (six) of negative electrode plates 102, 102... are arranged together along the longitudinal direction Y5 of the folded separator 103 with a predetermined interval d in advance; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, these A predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and a predetermined number (six) of negative electrode plates 102, 102... are placed close to each other (with no gaps between them), respectively. It is also possible to arrange them all together.

However, in this way, a predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . and a predetermined number (six) of negative electrode plates 102, 102, . By arranging them together, when the formed electrode layer laminate group 110 is cut by heat cutting in the subsequent dividing step S03, the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 are accidentally cut at the same time. Since only the separators 103 can be reliably cut and the cut ends of the separators 103 can be welded to each other in a bag shape, a stable and high quality electrode laminate 110A (stacked battery 100) can be obtained. be able to.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101,... and a predetermined number (six) of negative electrode plates 102, 102,... are collectively assembled in the laminating step S02. The predetermined interval d when arranging them is set to be 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less (4 mm≦d≦6 mm).

With such a configuration, when the formed electrode layer stack group 110 is cut by heat cutting in the subsequent dividing step S03, the cutting blade of the dividing device 41 is aligned with the set cutting line L7. Even if the position of the separator 101 is slightly shifted, it is possible to more reliably cut only the separator 103 without accidentally cutting the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 at the same time, and weld the cut ends of the separators 101 to each other in a bag shape. Therefore, a more stable and high quality electrode laminate 110A (stacked battery 100) can be obtained.

As described above, the manufacturing method in this embodiment is configured to include at least the laminating step S02 and the dividing step S03.
In the lamination step S02, the elongated strip-shaped separator 103 is folded in a zigzag manner, and each time the separator 103 is folded back by the zigzag fold, a predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . are placed on the folded separator 103. , and a predetermined number (6) of negative electrode plates 102, 102... are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y5 of the separator 103, and are placed together and alternately in order to form the separator 103. An electrode laminate group 110 is formed of a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and negative electrode plates 102, 102, which are interposed and stacked at a predetermined number (six).
In addition, in the dividing step S03, the electrode stack group 110 formed in the stacking step S02 is cut by heat cutting in the stacking direction of the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102,
The electrode stack 110A is divided into a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . and negative electrode plates 102, 102, .

As described above, in the method for manufacturing the stacked battery 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . 102, 102, etc. are alternately laminated in a predetermined number (six) to form an electrode layer laminate group 110, and then the electrode layer laminate group 110 is cut by heat cutting to form a separator. The electrode stack 110A is composed of a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and negative electrode plates 102, 102, which are stacked one by one with 103 interposed therebetween.

Therefore, in the conventional method, the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102, which have been formed in a predetermined shape, are alternately laminated one by one to form the electrode stack 110A, with a separator 103 that is folded each time being interposed therebetween. Compared to a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus such as the above, it is possible to reduce the number of times the separator 103 is folded and shorten the process, thereby improving the productivity of the stacked battery 100 being manufactured. .

Further, as described above, the formed electrode layer stack group 110 is cut by heat cutting and divided into each electrode stack 110A, so that there is a gap between each positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102. The intervening separators 103 are cut and simultaneously welded to each other in a bag shape at the cut ends, without using an adhesive sheet or adhesive, for example.
Therefore, the shape of each divided electrode laminate 110A is sufficiently maintained by the plurality of cut separators 103, 103, etc., interposed between each positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the stacked positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102 from collapsing, and to obtain a high-quality stacked battery 100.

[Configuration of stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 1 (this embodiment)]
Next, the configuration of the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 1, which is realized by this embodiment, will be described using FIGS. 4 and 5.

In this embodiment, a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 1") is an apparatus that implements the manufacturing method described above, and includes a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... Negative electrode plates 102, 102... are stacked alternately one by one, and separators 103, 103... This is an apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery 100 in which .

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a lamination area Z1 which is a work area for carrying out the lamination process S02 and which forms the electrode laminate group 110 described above, and a lamination area Z1 for carrying out the dividing process S03. A dividing area Z2 is provided as a work area for dividing the formed electrode stack group 110 into electrode stacks 110A, 110A, . . . .

The formed electrode stack group 110 is placed on a moving pallet 120 that is reciprocated between the stack area Z1 and the divided area Z2 by a moving device 11, which will be described later. It is configured to be moved from Z1 toward divided area Z2.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the lamination area Z1 is formed by performing the lamination step S02 to form the electrode laminated body group 110, and the electrode laminated body group 110 is divided into the electrode laminated bodies 110A by performing the dividing step S03.・Since the dividing areas Z2 that are divided into 110A... are provided individually, it is possible to carry out the dividing step S03 even during the implementation of the laminating step S02, or It is possible to perform the stacking step S02 even during the implementation of the step S03, and it is possible to further improve the productivity of the manufactured stacked battery.

The manufacturing apparatus 1 mainly includes a moving device 11 that reciprocates a moving pallet 120 between a stacking area Z1 and a dividing area Z2, a positive electrode plate 101, and a negative electrode plate 102, which are continuously formed. and a supply unit 2 that supplies the negative electrode plate 102 to the stacking area Z1, a stacking section 3 that forms the electrode stack group 110 in the stacking area Z1, and a stacking unit 3 that supplies the formed electrode stack group 110 to the electrode stack group 110 in the dividing area Z2. It is provided with a dividing part 4 that divides the body 110A, 110A, etc., and a winding part 5 that winds a finishing separator 103a around each divided electrode laminate 110A.

For example, in the present embodiment, the moving device 11 is configured by a shuttle conveyor or the like that extends horizontally and in one direction (in the present embodiment, the front-back direction) and has a conveyance path that is arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. , in the upper conveyance path, the moving pallet 120 is conveyed from the stacking area Z1 toward the divided area Z2, and in the lower conveyance path, the moving pallet 120 is conveyed from the divided area Z2 toward the laminated area Z1. The structure is as follows.
Furthermore, a first elevating section 11a and a second elevating section 11b for elevating the moving pallet 120 are provided at both ends of the moving device 11 in the extending direction between the upper conveying path and the lower conveying path. It is being

Then, the moving pallet 120 that has been lifted by the first lifting section 11a and moved from the lower conveyance path to the upper conveyance path is conveyed to the stacking area Z1 and the divided area Z2 in this order via the upper conveyance path, It reaches the second elevating section 11b.
Upon reaching the second elevating section 11b, the movable pallet 120 is lowered by the second elevating section 11b, moved from the upper conveyance path to the lower conveyance path, and then passed through the lower conveyance path. 1 is transported to the elevating section 11a.
After that, when reaching the first elevating section 11a, the movable pallet 120 is raised again by the first elevating section 11a and is moved from the lower conveyance path to the upper conveyance path.
In this way, the moving pallet 120 is reciprocated by the moving device 11 between the stacking area Z1 and the divided area Z2.

The supply unit 2 includes a positive electrode side conveying device 21 that continuously forms the positive electrode plate 101, a positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22, a positive electrode side laser cutting device 23, and a negative electrode side conveying device that continuously forms the negative electrode plate 102. 24, a negative electrode side fixed size cutting device 25, a negative electrode side laser cutting device 26, and the like.

The positive electrode side conveying device 21 includes a first upstream conveyor 21A, a first downstream conveyor 21B, etc., each of which is, for example, a belt conveyor.
Further, the first upstream conveyor 21A and the first downstream conveyor 21B each have one side in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, the left side) as the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1), and the upstream side in the conveying direction. They are arranged in a straight line from the side to the downstream side.

The positive electrode side conveying device 21 is arranged so that the stacking area Z1 is located near the downstream end of the first downstream conveyor 21B in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1).

Here, as shown in FIG. 5(a), on the upstream side of the first upstream conveyor 21A in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1), a long strip-shaped positive electrode core 101a is wound into a roll. , are arranged such that the direction perpendicular to the transport direction in plan view is the axial direction.
Further, between the first upstream conveyor 21A and the roll-shaped positive electrode core 101a, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) guide rollers 6, 6 and a pair of feeding rollers 7, 7 are provided. They are arranged parallel to the positive electrode core 101a in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction (direction of arrow A1).

The tip pulled out from the roll-shaped positive electrode core 101a is guided by guide rollers 6, 6 to a pair of delivery rollers 7, 7, and by the delivery rollers 7, 7, it is transferred to the first upstream conveyor 21A. It is structured so that it can be played out.

The positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22 is a device that continuously cuts the long strip-shaped positive electrode core 101a fed out to the first upstream conveyor 21A into a predetermined strip shape extending in one direction.

The positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22 is arranged between the upstream end of the first upstream conveyor 21A in the conveyance direction (direction of arrow A1) and the pair of delivery rollers 7.
In addition, the positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22 cuts the positive electrode core 101a fed out from the pair of feed rollers 7 in the width direction of the positive electrode core 101a (with respect to the conveyance direction (direction of arrow A1)). a surface plate portion 22b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the planar view) and supports the lower surface of the positive electrode core 101a; and a cutting surface that is movable up and down above the surface plate portion 22b and extends in the width direction. It has a blade 22a and the like.

Then, the tip of the positive electrode core 101a fed out from the pair of feeding rollers 7, 7 is cut into a predetermined strip shape by the positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22, and then supplied to the first upstream conveyor 21A. and is transported by the first upstream conveyor 21A to the first downstream conveyor 21B.

The positive electrode side laser cutting device 23 uses a laser to fuse and cut the positive electrode core 101a cut into strips to form positive electrode tabs 101c (see FIG. 2(a)), etc., and forms the final form of the positive electrode plate. This is a device for forming 101.

The positive electrode side laser cutting device 23 has an image detection means (not shown), and has a laser irradiation port directed downward, directly above the first upstream conveyor 21A and at the center in the conveyance direction (direction of arrow A1). placed in the state.

Then, when the positive electrode core 101a cut into strips passes directly under the positive electrode laser cutting device 23 while being conveyed by the first upstream conveyor 21A, the position is accurately determined by the image detection means, and the position of the positive electrode core 101a is accurately determined by the image detection means. The positive electrode plate 101 is cut into a predetermined shape by the positive electrode laser cutting device 23 .

In this way, the long strip-shaped positive electrode core 101a wound into a roll is fed out by a pair of feeding rollers 7, 7, and then cut into strips by the positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22, and then, By passing through the positive electrode side laser cutting device 23 while being conveyed by the first upstream conveyor 21A, the positive electrode plate 101 having a predetermined shape is continuously formed.
Then, the plurality of continuously formed positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . are continuously conveyed by the first upstream conveyor 21A, and sequentially transferred to the first downstream conveyor 21B.

An image inspection device 8 is provided near the positive electrode side laser cutting device 23 on the downstream side in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1) on the first upstream conveyor 21A. The positive electrode plate 101 formed by 23 is inspected for quality (for example, external size, shape, etc.) by the image inspection device 8, and if it does not meet the desired quality, it is discharged from the first upstream conveyor 21A. be done.

The positive electrode plate 101 transferred to the first downstream conveyor 21B is conveyed toward the stacking area Z1 by the first downstream conveyor 21B.
The number of the plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, etc., which are sequentially conveyed by the first downstream conveyor 21B, is in the vicinity of the stacking area Z1 (that is, in the conveying direction on the first downstream conveyor 21B (in the direction of arrow A1). ) When a predetermined number of sheets (for example, six in this embodiment) is reached from the standby position P1 located at the downstream end of The plate mounting device 32 moves, and the predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . are collectively supplied to the stacking area Z1.
In other words, the positive electrode side transport device 21 continuously transports the plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... in one direction (direction of arrow A1), and transfers these plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101... to the stacking area Z1. supply to.

The negative electrode side conveyance device 24 includes a second upstream conveyor 24A and a second downstream conveyor 24B, which are, for example, a belt conveyor.
Further, the second upstream conveyor 24A and the second downstream conveyor 24B each have one side in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, the right side) as the conveying direction (direction of arrow A2), and the upstream side in the conveying direction. They are arranged in a straight line from the side to the downstream side.

As shown in FIG. 4, the negative electrode side conveyor 24 is arranged so that the stacking area Z1 is located near the downstream end of the second downstream conveyor 24B in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A2). At the same time, it is arranged in a straight line with the above-mentioned positive electrode side transport device 21 with the stacking area Z1 in between.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5(a), on the upstream side of the second upstream conveyor 24A in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A2), a long strip-shaped negative electrode core 102a is wound into a roll. , are arranged such that the direction perpendicular to the transport direction in plan view is the axial direction.
Further, between the second upstream conveyor 24A and the rolled negative electrode core 102a, a plurality of (in this embodiment, two) guide rollers 6, 6 and a pair of feeding rollers 7, 7 are provided. They are arranged parallel to the negative electrode core 102a in order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction (direction of arrow A2).

The tip pulled out from the roll-shaped negative electrode core 102a is guided by guide rollers 6, 6 to a pair of delivery rollers 7, 7, and by the delivery rollers 7, 7, to a second upstream conveyor 24A. It is structured so that it can be played out.

The negative electrode side sizing cutting device 25 is a device that continuously cuts the long strip-shaped negative electrode core body 102a fed out to the second upstream conveyor 24A into a predetermined strip shape extending in one direction.
Note that the negative electrode side sizing cutting device 25 has the same configuration as the above-mentioned positive electrode side sizing cutting device 22, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The negative electrode side laser cutting device 26 fuses and cuts the negative electrode core 102a cut into strips with a laser to form negative electrode tabs 102c (see FIG. 2(b)), etc., and forms the final form of the negative electrode plate. 102.
In addition, since the negative electrode side laser cutting device 26 has the same configuration as the positive electrode side laser cutting device 23 described above, detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this way, the long strip-shaped negative electrode core 102a wound into a roll is fed out by a pair of feeding rollers 7, similar to the above-described positive electrode core 101a, and then passed through the negative electrode side sizing cutting device. The negative electrode plate 102 is continuously formed into a predetermined shape by cutting the negative electrode plate 102 into strips by the laser cutter 25 and then passing through the negative laser cutting device 26 while being conveyed by the second upstream conveyor 24A.
Then, the plurality of continuously formed negative electrode plates 102, 102, . . . are continuously conveyed by the second upstream conveyor 24A, and sequentially transferred to the second downstream conveyor 24B.

In addition, in the negative electrode side conveyor 24, similarly to the above-mentioned positive electrode side conveyor 21, an image inspection device is provided near the downstream side of the second upstream conveyor 24A in the conveying direction with respect to the negative electrode side laser cutting device 26. 8 is provided, and the negative electrode plate 102 formed by the negative electrode side laser cutting device 26 is inspected for quality (for example, external size, shape, etc.) by the image inspection device 8, and if it does not meet the desired quality. Then, it is discharged from above the second upstream conveyor 24A.

The negative electrode plate 102 transferred to the second downstream conveyor 24B is conveyed toward the stacking area Z1 by the second downstream conveyor 24B.
Then, the number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, etc., which are sequentially conveyed by the second downstream conveyor 24B, is in the vicinity of the stacking area Z1 (that is, in the conveying direction on the second downstream conveyor 24B (in the direction of arrow A2)). ) When a predetermined number of electrodes (for example, 6 in this embodiment) is reached from the standby position P2 located at the downstream end of the The mounting device 32 moves, and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102, . . . are collectively supplied to the stacking area Z1.
In other words, the negative electrode side transport device 24 continuously transports the plurality of negative electrode plates 102, 102... in one direction (direction of arrow A2), and transfers these plural negative electrode plates 102, 102... to the stacking area Z1. supply to.

The supplying step S01 described above is carried out by the supply unit 2 having such a configuration, and the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 are continuously supplied from the long strip-shaped electrode core bodies (the positive electrode core body 101a and the negative electrode core body 102a). The formed positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102 are supplied to the stacking area Z1.

The stacking section 3 is arranged in the stacking area Z1 and includes a meandering device 31, an electrode plate mounting device 32, etc. that form the electrode stack group 110.

The zigzag folding device 31 is a device that zigzag-folds the long strip-shaped separator 103 on the upper surface of the moving pallet 120 that is transported by the moving device 11 to the stacking area Z1 and is stopped in the stacking area Z1.
The zigzag folding device 31 includes a plurality of (in this embodiment, three) guide rollers 31a, 31a, 31a, a pair of delivery rollers 31b, 31b, a pair of moving rollers 31c, 31c, and the like.

The plurality of guide rollers 31a, 31a, 31a and the pair of feed-out rollers 31b, 31b move in the transport direction of the positive electrode side transport device 21 (direction of arrow A1) above the moving pallet 120 stopped in the stacking area Z1. , or arranged with the axial direction being a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the negative electrode side conveying device 24 (direction of arrow A2) in plan view.
Further, the pair of moving rollers 31c and 31c are arranged above the moving pallet 120 and below the guide roller 31a and the feeding rollers 31b and 31b in the conveying direction of the positive electrode side conveying device 21 (direction of arrow A1), Alternatively, it is arranged such that its axial direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the negative electrode side conveying device 24 (direction of arrow A2) in plan view.
Furthermore, the pair of moving rollers 31c and 31c are both configured to be able to reciprocate along the conveyance direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2).

The long strip-shaped separator 103 wound into a roll is arranged above the lamination area Z1 with its axial direction being perpendicular to the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2) in plan view. be done.
Further, the tip pulled out from the separator 103 is guided by a plurality of guide rollers 31a, 31a, 31a, and led between a pair of feeding rollers 31b, 31b. After passing through and hanging down, it is held between a pair of moving rollers 31c and 31c, and placed on the upper surface of the moving pallet 120 that is stopped in the stacking area Z1.

In this state, the tip of the roll-shaped separator 103 is fed out by the pair of feeding rollers 31b and 31b, and each time the length of the fed out tip reaches a predetermined length, the pair of moving rollers 31b and 31b By sequentially and alternately moving the rollers 31c and 31c toward one side and the other side in the conveying direction (the direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2), the separator 103 is folded in a zigzag manner on the upper surface of the movable pallet 120.

Note that an unused separator 103 wound into a roll may be placed in advance in the vicinity of the separator 103 to be folded.

Each time the separator 103 is folded back by the zigzag folding device 31, the electrode plate mounting device 32 places a predetermined number (six) of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . . . , and a predetermined number (six) on the folded separator 103. ) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the separator 103, and the negative electrode plates are placed together and alternately in order.
The electrode plate mounting device 32 includes a moving frame 32a, a positive electrode side adsorption section 32b, a negative electrode side adsorption section 32c, etc., which are supported by the moving frame 32a so as to be movable up and down.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the moving frame 32a is made of a U-shaped member in plan view, and a pair of support parts 32a1 and 32a1 provided parallel to each other support the first downstream conveyor 21B and the stacking area Z1. It is configured to be able to be placed above or above the second downstream conveyor 24B and the stacking area Z1 at the same time.

The movable frame 32a is configured to be able to reciprocate along the transport direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2) by a drive mechanism (not shown).

The positive electrode side suction part 32b includes a plurality of suction pads 32b1, 32b1, etc., which are arranged so as to overlap a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and so on, and these plurality of suction pads 32b1, 32b1. It has a plurality of supporting members 32b2, 32b2, etc. that support..., and is movable up and down on the lower surface of the support part 32a1 located on the positive electrode side transport device 21 side (in this embodiment, on the right side). It is provided.

Further, similarly to the positive electrode side suction part 32b, the negative electrode side suction part 32c also has a plurality of suction pads 32c1, 32c1, . , and a plurality of supporting materials 32c2, 32c2, etc. that support these plurality of suction pads 32c1, 32c1, etc., and are located on the negative electrode side transport device 24 side (in the present embodiment, on the left side) The lower surface of the support part 32a1 is provided so as to be movable up and down.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the electrode plate mounting device 32, the positive electrode suction portion 32b and moving the negative electrode suction unit 32c up and down to take out a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101... from the first downstream conveyor 21B, and placing a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102... in the stacking area Z1. It is configured so that the work of placing the pallet on the upper surface of the moving pallet 120 that is stopped at the same time can be carried out at the same time.
Further, the electrode plate mounting device 32 supports the positive electrode side suction portion 32b and the negative electrode side suction portion 32c in a state where the pair of support portions 32a1 and 32a1 are respectively located above the second downstream conveyor 24B and the stacking area Z1. A moving pallet 120 that moves up and down to take out a predetermined number of negative electrode plates 102, 102... from the second downstream conveyor 24B, and stops a predetermined number of positive electrode plates 101, 101... in the stacking area Z1. The structure is such that it is possible to carry out the work of placing the device on the top surface of the device at the same time.

The stacking section 3 having such a configuration performs the above-described stacking step S02, and forms the electrode stack group 110 (see FIG. 3(d)) on the upper surface of the moving pallet 120 in the stacking area Z1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dividing unit 4 includes a dividing device 41 disposed in a dividing area Z2 and dividing the electrode stack group 110 formed in the stacking area Z1 into respective electrode stacks 110A, 110A, . . . Equipped with etc.

The dividing device 41 is constituted by a heat cutting device that performs a cutting operation (heat cutting) using electric heat, and in a plan view, it cuts in a direction (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2)). It has an electric heating blade 41a etc. that extends in the front-rear direction).
Further, the electric heating blade 41a is configured to be able to move up and down, and to be able to move back and forth along the above-mentioned conveyance direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2), and is constantly heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater (not shown). The situation is as follows.

The dividing device 41 includes a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, . The separator 103 is cut by heat cutting the electrode laminate group 110 consisting of the negative electrode plates 102, 102, etc. in the stacking direction of the positive electrode plate 101 and the negative electrode plate 102 (in the present embodiment, the vertical direction). It is divided into an electrode laminate 110A consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates 101, 101, and negative electrode plates 102, 102, which are interposed and stacked one by one.

Specifically, the electrode stack group 110 formed in the stack area Z1 is transported by the moving device 11 to the divided area Z2 while being placed on a moving pallet 120, and the electrode stack group 110 is placed in the divided area Z2. When the group 110 arrives, the dividing device 41 intermittently moves the electric heating blade 41a toward one side (the right side in this embodiment) in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1 or arrow A2), and removes the electric heating. The electrode stack group 110 is cut (heat cut) along a plurality of predetermined cutting lines L7, L7, etc. (see FIG. 3(d)) using the blade 41a.

The above-mentioned dividing step S03 is carried out by the dividing unit 4 having such a configuration, and the plurality of electrode stacks 110A, 110A, and ... is formed.

The winding unit 5 includes, for example, a winder device 51 that winds a finishing separator 103a around each formed electrode stack 110A, and a winder device 51 that winds the electrode stack 110A formed from the divided area Z2. It has a transfer robot 52 etc. for supplying.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the winder device 51 includes a turret board 51a whose axial direction is the horizontal direction, and a plurality of (in this embodiment, the right side) arranged on one side (on the right side in this embodiment) with respect to the turret board 51a. In this embodiment, it has three guide rollers 51b, 51b, 51b, a cutting blade 51c arranged near the axis of the turret plate 51a, and the like.
Further, the winder device 51 includes a finishing separator 103a wound in a roll on the opposite side to the turret plate 51a side (in the present embodiment, on the right side) with respect to the plurality of guide rollers 51b, 51b, 51b. is held so that its axial direction is parallel to the axis of the turret disk 51a.
Further, the turret board 51a holds the pair of electrode stacks 110A, 110A in a state where they are opposed to each other in the radial direction (in the present embodiment, the left-right direction) of the turret board 51a.

The tip pulled out from the separator 103a is guided to the turret board 51a via a plurality of guide rollers 51b, 51b, 51b, and is one of the pair of electrode stacks 110A, 110A held by the turret board 51a. It is held so as to cover the side surface (in this embodiment, the top surface).

In such a state, first of all, of the pair of electrode stacks 110A, 110A, one electrode stack 110A located on the side away from the separator 103a (left side in this embodiment) rotates several times. Then, the separator 103a is wound around the electrode stack 110A.
Then, the separator 103a is cut near the one electrode stack 110A by the cutting blade 51c, and after the turret disk 51a rotates half a turn around the axis, the other electrode stack 110A rotates several times. , a separator 103a is wound around the electrode stack 110A.

Thereafter, the separator 103a is cut near the other electrode stack 110A by the cutting blade 51c, and the pair of electrode stacks 110A and 110A are taken out from the turret disk 51a.
As a result, a stacked battery 100 as a final product is formed in which the finishing separator 103a is wound.

Note that, as described above, the winding portion 5 is not an essential component, and may not be provided in the manufacturing apparatus 1 in this embodiment.
In this case, the stacked battery 100 may be formed by having each electrode stack 110A divided in the division area Z2 without having the finishing separator 103a.

[Stacked battery manufacturing device (first alternative embodiment)]
Next, the configuration of the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 201 in the first alternative embodiment will be described using FIGS. 6 and 7.

A stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 201 (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 201") in the first alternative embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment described above, but mainly includes: The configuration of the moving device 211 is different from that of the manufacturing device 1.
Therefore, in the following explanation, the differences from the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above will be mainly described.
A description of the configuration similar to that of the manufacturing apparatus 1 will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the manufacturing apparatus 201 mainly continuously forms a moving device 211 that reciprocates a moving pallet 120 between a stacking area Z1 and a divided area Z2, a positive electrode plate 101, and a negative electrode plate 102. , a supply unit 202 that supplies the formed positive electrode plate 101 and negative electrode plate 102 to the laminated area Z1, a laminated part 203 that forms the electrode laminated body group 110 in the laminated area Z1, and an electrode laminated body formed in the divided area Z2. A dividing section 204 that divides the group 110 into electrode stacks 110A, 110A, etc., and a winding section 205 that winds a finishing separator 103a around each divided electrode stack 110A are provided. .

The supply section 202, the lamination section 203, the division section 204, and the winding section 205 have the same configuration as the supply section 2, the lamination section 3, the division section 4, and the winding section 5 in the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above. Therefore, detailed explanation will be omitted.

The moving device 211 is constituted by a rotary table, and as shown in FIG. 7, has a rotary disk 211a that is rotatable around a vertical axis G1.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a pair of movable pallets 120 are placed on the rotary disk 211a.

The rotary disk 211a is in a standby state with the pair of movable pallets 120, 120 located in the stacking area Z1 and the divided area Z2, respectively, and at a predetermined timing (for example, in the stacking process S02 in the stacking area Z1). and/or at the end of the dividing step S03 in the dividing area Z2), the movable pallet 120 located in the stacking area Z1 is moved to the dividing area Z2 by making a half rotation around the axis G1. At the same time, the moving pallet 120 located in the divided area Z2 is moved to the stacking area Z1.

According to the manufacturing apparatus 201 according to the first alternative embodiment in which the moving apparatus 211 is configured with a rotary table, for example, like the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the moving apparatus 211 is arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. Compared to the case where the moving device 11 is configured by a shuttle conveyor or the like that enables reciprocating transportation via a conveying surface, the layout of the installation parts in the stacked battery manufacturing apparatus can be made more compact.

[Stacked battery manufacturing device (second alternative embodiment)]
Next, the configuration of a stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 301 in a second alternative embodiment will be described using FIG. 8.

A stacked battery manufacturing apparatus 301 (hereinafter simply referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 301") in the second alternative embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment described above, but mainly includes: The manufacturing apparatus 1 is different from the manufacturing apparatus 1 in the arrangement positions of the positive electrode side transport device 321 and the negative electrode side transport device 324, and the configurations of the moving device 311 and the electrode plate mounting device 332.
Therefore, in the following description, the differences from the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above will be mainly described, and descriptions of structures similar to the manufacturing apparatus 1 will be omitted.

The manufacturing apparatus 301 mainly includes a moving device 311 that reciprocates a moving pallet 120 between a stacking area Z1 and a divided area Z2, a positive electrode plate 101, and a negative electrode plate 102, which are continuously formed. and a supply unit 302 that supplies the negative electrode plate 102 to the stacking area Z1, a stacking unit 303 that forms the electrode stack group 110 in the stacking area Z1, a stacking unit 303 that forms the electrode stack group 110 in the dividing area Z2, and a supply unit 302 that supplies the negative electrode plate 102 to the stacking area Z1; It is provided with a dividing part 304 that divides the electrode laminates 110A, 110A, .

Note that the serpentine folding device 331, the dividing portion 304, and the winding portion 305 included in the laminating portion 303 have the same configurations as the serpentine folding device 31, the dividing portion 4, and the winding portion 5 in the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above. , detailed explanation will be omitted.
Furthermore, since the moving device 311 has the same configuration as the moving device 211 in the second alternative embodiment described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The supply unit 302 includes a positive electrode side conveying device 321 that continuously forms the positive electrode plate 101, a positive electrode side fixed size cutting device 322, a positive electrode side laser cutting device 323, and a negative electrode side conveying device that continuously forms the negative electrode plate 102. 324, a negative electrode side fixed size cutting device 325, a negative electrode side laser cutting device 326, and the like.

In addition, the positive electrode side fixed size cutting device 322, the positive electrode side laser cutting device 323, the negative electrode side fixed size cutting device 325, and the negative electrode side laser cutting device 326 are the positive electrode side fixed size cutting device 22 and the positive electrode side in the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above. Since it has the same configuration as the laser cutting device 23, the negative electrode side sizing cutting device 25, and the negative electrode side laser cutting device 26, detailed explanation will be omitted.

The positive electrode side conveyance device 321 includes a third upstream conveyor 321A, a third downstream conveyor 321B, and the like, each of which is, for example, a belt conveyor.
Further, the third upstream conveyor 321A and the third downstream conveyor 321B each have one side in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, approximately the front side) as the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 8). They are sequentially arranged in a straight line from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

The positive electrode side conveying device 321 is arranged so that the stacking area Z1 is located near the downstream end of the third downstream conveyor 321B in the conveying direction (direction of arrow A1).

On the other hand, the negative electrode side conveyance device 324 includes a fourth upstream conveyor 324A, a fourth downstream conveyor 324B, etc., each of which is, for example, a belt conveyor.
Further, the fourth upstream conveyor 324A and the fourth downstream conveyor 324B each have one side in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, approximately the front side) as the conveying direction (direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 8). They are sequentially arranged in a straight line from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

Similarly to the positive electrode side conveyor 321, the negative electrode side conveyor 324 is also configured such that the stacking area Z1 is located near the downstream end of the downstream conveyor 324B in the conveyance direction (direction of arrow A2). Placed.
That is, in plan view, the positive electrode side transport device 321 and the negative electrode side transport device 324 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

Further, between the third downstream conveyor 321B and the fourth downstream conveyor 324B, there is a moving frame 332a having an "L" shape in plan view, and a positive electrode adsorption section 332b that is supported so as to be movable up and down by the moving frame 332a. An electrode plate mounting device 332 having a negative electrode adsorption portion 332c is disposed, and a predetermined number (6) of positive electrode plates 101, 101... and negative electrode plates 102, 102... are each collectively supplied to the stacking area Z1.

According to the manufacturing apparatus 301 in the second alternative embodiment, which has such a configuration in which the positive electrode side transport device 321 and the negative electrode side transport device 324 are arranged substantially in parallel, for example, the manufacturing device 1 in the present embodiment described above Compared to the case where the positive electrode side transport device 21 and the negative electrode side transport device 24 are arranged in a straight line with the stacking area Z1 in between, as shown in FIG. It is possible to aim for

Although one embodiment embodying the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiment in any way, but is merely an example, and within the scope of the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the claims, and furthermore, the meaning of equivalents described in the claims and everything within the scope are including changes.

1, 201, 301 Stacked battery manufacturing device 11, 211, 311 Moving device 21, 321 Positive electrode side transport device 24, 324 Negative electrode side transport device 31, 331 Twisted folding device 32, 332 Electrode plate mounting device 41 Dividing device 100 Lamination Model battery 101 Positive electrode plate 102 Negative electrode plate 102a Negative electrode core 102b Negative electrode active material layer 103 Separator 110 Electrode laminate group 110A Electrode laminate d Predetermined interval S02 Lamination process S03 Division process Z1 Lamination area Z2 Division area

Claims (11)

A method for manufacturing a stacked battery comprising alternately stacking a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, and interposing a separator between the plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, the method comprising:
A state in which a long belt-shaped separator is folded in a zigzag manner, and each time the separator is folded back in a zigzag manner, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the separator on the folded separator. So, by putting them together and placing them alternately in order,
a lamination step of forming an electrode laminate group consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates laminated in a predetermined number with separators interposed therebetween;
Cutting the electrode laminate group formed by the lamination step in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate by heat cutting,
a dividing step of dividing into an electrode stack consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates stacked one by one with a separator interposed therebetween;
A method for manufacturing a stacked battery, characterized by: In the lamination step,
The predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the separator while being spaced apart from each other with a predetermined interval,
In the dividing step,
The electrode stack group is cut at a position between mutually adjacent positive electrode plates or mutually adjacent negative electrode plates,
The method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the lamination step,
The predetermined interval between the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates is
4 mm or more and 6 mm or less,
The method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 2, characterized in that: The negative electrode plate is
a strip-shaped negative electrode core extending to one side;
and a negative electrode active material layer coated on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core,
In the lamination step,
placed on the separator in a manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the separator;
The dimension of the separator in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is:
larger than the dimension of the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate in the extending direction of the negative electrode core;
The method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A manufacturing device for a stacked battery, in which a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are alternately laminated, and a separator is interposed between the plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates,
a serpentine folding device that serpentinely folds a long strip-shaped separator;
Each time the separator is folded back by the zigzag folding device, a predetermined number of positive electrode plates and a predetermined number of negative electrode plates are arranged on the folded separator along the longitudinal direction of the separator, and then the folded separators are stacked together and alternately arranged in order. an electrode plate mounting device to be mounted on the
An electrode laminate group formed by the zigzag folding device and the electrode plate mounting device and consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates laminated in a predetermined number with separators interposed therebetween is heated to separate the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates. cutting in the stacking direction of the negative electrode plate;
and a dividing device for dividing into an electrode stack consisting of a plurality of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates stacked one by one with a separator interposed therebetween.
A manufacturing device for a laminated battery characterized by the following. The electrode plate mounting device includes:
The predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates are placed side by side along the longitudinal direction of the separator, each with a predetermined interval between them.
The dividing device is
cutting the electrode stack group at a position between adjacent positive electrode plates or between mutually adjacent negative electrode plates;
The apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the electrode plate mounting device,
The predetermined interval between the predetermined number of positive electrode plates and the predetermined number of negative electrode plates is
4 mm or more and 6 mm or less,
The apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 6, characterized in that: The negative electrode plate is
a strip-shaped negative electrode core extending in one direction;
and a negative electrode active material layer coated on both the front and back surfaces of the negative electrode core,
The electrode plate mounting device includes:
placing each of the predetermined number of negative electrode plates on the separator so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the separator;
The dimension of the separator in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is:
larger than the dimension of the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode plate in the extending direction of the negative electrode core;
The method for manufacturing a stacked battery according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: a stacking area where the zigzag folding device and the electrode plate mounting device are arranged and forming the electrode stack group;
a dividing area in which the dividing device is arranged and divides the electrode stack group into each of the electrode stacks;
a positive electrode side transport device that continuously transports a plurality of positive electrode plates in one direction and supplies the positive electrode plates to the stacking area;
a negative electrode side transport device that continuously transports a plurality of negative electrode plates in one direction and supplies the negative electrode plates to the stacking area;
further comprising a moving device that moves the electrode stack group between the stack area and the divided area;
The apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The moving device is constituted by a rotating table.
The apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 9, characterized in that: In plan view,
The positive electrode side transport device and the negative electrode side transport device are arranged in parallel with each other,
The apparatus for manufacturing a stacked battery according to claim 9, characterized in that:

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