JP3585340B2

JP3585340B2 - Electrode panel separation method and electrode panel separation apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3585340B2
Application number: JP06823197A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正鳥居; 昭稲野辺; 聖志浅岡; 隆司岡井
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1996-05-15
Filing date: 1997-03-21
Publication date: 2004-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-21
Also published as: JPH1032000A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、鉛蓄電池の極板製造工程において、密着状態に重ね合わされて搬送されて来る極板パネルを１枚ずつに分離するための極板パネル分離方法および装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、鉛蓄電池は、自動車用の電源、コンピュータバックアップ用電源、大型施設の非常用電源などの多くの用途に使用されており、携帯用の小形のものから据置用の大型のものまで種々のものが幅広く製造されている。これらの各種の鉛蓄電池における極板の製作に際しては、生産合理化を図るために、複数枚の極板パネルを同時に得ることのできる一体物の素材に対し鋳造、練塗および化成をそれぞれ行い、そののちに、上記素材を切断加工により所定個数に分割することによって個々の極板を得る手順で行われる。
【０００３】
図１１は、従来の鉛蓄電池用の極板パネル１の搬送状態を示す正面図であり、この極板パネル１として、同図にはペースト式のものを示してある。上記極板パネル１は、鉛または鉛合金からなる鉛格子体２の両側の対向する角部から耳部４が突設された形状になっている。鉛格子体２には、鉛酸化物粉末または鉛粉末をペースト状とした活物質を塗着するための活物質塗着部３が格子縞状に配設されている。極板パネル１は、鉛格子体２と同じ厚みに形成された両側の耳部４を図示のチェーンコンベア７あるいは治具などに引っ掛けることにより、両側に架け渡した吊り下げ状態で保管または搬送される。さらに、極板パネル１の保管または搬送に際しては、スペースの有効活用を目的として、各極板パネル１が互いに密着状態に重ね合わせた状態で吊り下げられる。なお、この極板パネル１は図示の左右方向の中央部を上下方向に切断して２枚の極板を得られるものであり、耳部４は個々の極板の集電子となる。
【０００４】
ところで、極板パネル１に練塗や極板加工する場合には、密着状態に重ね合わせて吊り下げられながら搬送されてくる各極板パネル１を１枚ずつに分離する必要がある。このような用途に用いられる従来の極板パネル分離装置は、図１０に示すような構成になっている。すなわち、上記極板パネル分離装置は、それぞれ一対のスプロケット８に巻き掛けられて図示の矢印方向へ回送される一対の搬送用チェーンコンベア７と、それぞれ一対のスプロケット９に巻き掛けられて図示の矢印方向へ回送される一対の次工程への供給用チェーンコンベア１０と、一対の分離用の真空吸着パッド１１とを備えている。なお、一対ずつのの搬送用チェーンコンベア７、供給用チェーンコンベア１０および真空吸着パッド１１は、いずれも極板パネル１の搬送方向に対し直交方向の両側に配置されている。
【０００５】
上記極板パネル分離装置において、互いに密着状態に重ね合わされた各極板パネル１は、図１１に示すように各々の両側の耳部４を一対の搬送用チェーンコンベア７に掛止めして両側に架け渡した吊り下げ状態で真空吸着パッド１１に向け搬送される。バキューム装置などの真空発生装置（図示せず）に接続された真空吸着パッド１１は、周知の往復運動機構により図１０の矢印で示す方向に往復運動されて、図１０の左方へ進出したときに、搬送方向の最前部に位置する極板パネル１における図１１に２点鎖線で示す吸着部１ａに圧接してそれぞれ吸着したのちに、搬送用チェーンコンベア７の回送速度よりも速い速度で瞬時に図１０の右方へ後退する。それにより、真空吸着パッド１１は、吸着した最前部の極板パネル１枚のみを後方側の極板パネル１から剥がすように分離して取り出す。
【０００６】
その後に、真空吸着パッド１１が真空切換弁の作動により真空発生装置から一時的に開放されるので、分離して取り出された極板パネル１は、吸着が解除されたことによって真空吸着パッド１１から離脱し、供給用チェーンコンベア１０上に乗り移されたのちに次工程に供給される。密着状態に重ね合わされて搬送されて来る各極板パネル１は、上述の動作を繰り返すことにより最前部に位置するものが順次１枚ずつ分離して取り出される。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記の極板パネル分離装置では以下のような三つの問題点が残存している。すなわち、第１の問題点は、真空吸着パッド１１の往復運動機構と真空発生装置とを必要とすることから、構成が比較的大型化してしまうことである。そのため、各極板パネル１を互いに重ね合わせてスペースの有効活用を図っているにも拘わらず、その効果がなくなっている。
【０００８】
また、第２の問題点として、例えば、極板パネル１の吸着部１ａに小さな孔が開いているような場合には、この孔を通して最前部とその後方側との２枚の極板パネル１が真空吸着パッド１１に同時に吸着されてしまい、分離ミスが発生する。しかも、両側の真空吸着パッド１１を同一タイミングで往復動させて、同一タイミングで極板パネル１に吸着させる必要があり、この両真空吸着パッド１１の動作タイミングが少しでもずれると、極板パネル１の分離動作が不安定となって分離ミスが発生し易い。
【０００９】
さらに、第３の問題点として、極板パネル１の分離動作を高速化しようとすれば、真空吸着パッド１１の極板パネル１への当接タイミングと後退開始タイミングとの時間間隔を短く設定しなければならないので、それに伴って真空吸着パッド１１で極板パネル１を吸着するのに必要な真空度が得られ難くなり、吸着ミスが発生する確率が高くなる。したがって、上記の極板パネル分離装置では、極板パネル１の分離速度に限界があって高速化を図ることができない。
【００１０】
そこで本発明は、上述の問題点を解消し、簡単で小型の構成としながらも分離ミスの発生を確実に防止して分離動作を高速化できる極板パネル分離方法および極板パネル分離装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明の極板パネル分離方法は、活物質が塗着されるパネル本体の上側両角部のそれぞれに耳部が外側方に向け突設された鉛蓄電池用の極板パネルを分離する極板パネル分離方法において、前記極板パネルの両耳部の板面のそれぞれに上方および外側方が開放された凹部を形成し、極板パネル搬送部上に極板パネルを密着状態に重ね合わせてそれらの両耳部を下方から支持することにより、これら極板パネルを吊り下げて所定の搬送方向に搬送し、一対の分離用部材のそれぞれを、搬送されてくる各極板パネルの凹部に挿入し、前記一対の分離用部材により、極板パネル間の隙間を拡大しつつ前記搬送方向に極板パネルを移動させて、極板パネルを分離することを特徴とする。
本発明によれば、極板パネルを密着状態に重ね合わせて搬送しながら１枚ずつに分離する場合、小さな分離用部材を各極板パネルの凹部に挿入することにより、隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に隙間を作ることができる。それにより、極板パネルを、損傷することなく、容易に且つ迅速に１枚ずつに分確実に離することが可能となる。
【００１３】
また、密着状態に重ね合わせて搬送される極板パネルを１枚ずつに分離する場合、一対の分離用部材を極板パネルの両側の耳部の凹部に同時に挿入することにより、各極板パネルを、搬送方向に対し直交する姿勢を確実に保持しながら、隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に隙間を作ることができるので、極板パネルを安定に分離することが可能となる。
【００１６】
上記発明において、凹部が、一方の板面から他方の板面頂辺に向かって下り勾配となる傾斜面を有して形成されていると好適である。
【００１７】
上記構成によれば、分離用部材を傾斜面に摺接させることにより、隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に確実に隙間を作ることができるから、極板パネルの分離動作時の損傷発生を確実に防止しながら隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に円滑、且つ迅速に隙間を作って分離動作を確実に行える効果を得られるのに加えて、耳部に凹部と傾斜ガイド面またはガイド部とを共に形成する場合に比較して加工が容易となる利点がある。
【００１８】
本発明の極板パネル分離装置は、上記極板パネルを、密着状態に重ね合わせてそれらの両側の耳部を支持することにより、架け渡した状態に吊り下げて搬送する極板パネル搬送部と、前記極板パネル搬送部で搬送されて来る密着状態の各極板パネルを、それらの間に空隙を設けて１枚ずつに分離する極板パネル分離部とを備え、前記極板パネル分離部は、前記極板パネルの前記両耳部にそれぞれ対設された２個一対の分離ローラを備えるとともに、この両分離ローラに、極板パネル分離用の螺旋条部が、共に同じ配設ピッチで、且つ互いに逆の捩じり方向にそれぞれ設けられ、前記両分離ローラが、各々の端面を同一面に揃えて各々の軸心を前記極板パネル搬送部による前記極板パネルの搬送方向に一致させ、且つ各々の前記螺旋条部の位相を互いに一致させて対称配置されるているとともに、前記極板パネル搬送部に対し、これにより搬送されて来る各極板パネルの両耳部における各凹部に各々の前記螺旋条部がそれぞれ順次挿入または順次当接して摺動する相対位置で設置され、前記両分離ローラが、同一速度で、且つ互いに逆方向に同期回転するように構成されている。
【００１９】
この極板パネル分離装置は、両側の一対の分離ローラの各々の螺旋条部が、極板パネルの両側の耳部の凹部に正確な同一タイミングで係合するので、極板パネルの分離を両側の分離ローラでバランスよくスムーズに行うことができ、分離ミスの発生を確実に防止しながら分離動作を高速化できる。また、この極板パネル分離装置は、真空発生装置や真空吸着パッドの往復運動機構などの大掛かりな機構が不要であり、一対の分離ローラとこれの回転駆動機構を設けるだけでよいので、装置全体を格段に小形化できる。
【００２０】
上記発明の極板パネル分離装置において、極板パネル分離部における両分離ローラを、各々の螺旋条部の配設ピッチが、前記極板パネルに対する分離始端部においてのみ前記極板パネルの厚みよりも小さく形成するとともに、前記螺旋条部の各間に、前記極板パネルの耳部における凹部を除く残存部の厚みよりも大きいガイド溝を形成した構成とすることが好ましい。
【００２１】
この鉛蓄電池用極板パネル分離装置では、分離ローラの螺旋条部が、極板パネルに対する分離始端部においてのみ極板パネルの厚みよりも小さい配設ピッチに形成されているから、分離ローラが１回転する毎に、螺旋条部の分離始端が、密着した重ね合わせ状態で極板パネル搬送部により搬送されて来る各極板パネルの各々の凹部に確実に順次入り込むとともに、ガイド溝内に２枚の極板パネルの各々の耳部における凹部の残存部が同時に嵌まり込むことがない。したがって、各極板パネルは、各々の残存部が個々のガイド溝内に順次嵌まり込むことによって１枚ずつに連続的に分離される。この搬送されて来る各極板パネルの凹部と分離ローラの回転に伴う螺旋条部の分離始端との相対位置関係は分離ローラの回転速度に拘わらず常に不変であるから、分離ローラを高速回転させても、極板パネルの分離ミスが生じない。
【００２２】
また、上記発明の極板パネル分離装置において、極板パネル分離部における両分離ローラは、各々の螺旋条部の配設ピッチが、前記極板パネルの厚みよりも大きく、且つ少なくとも前記極板パネルに対する分離始端部において前記極板パネルの厚みと前記極板パネルの耳部における凹部を除く残存部の厚みとの和よりも小さく形成されているとともに、前記螺旋条部の各間に、前記残存部の厚みよりも大きいガイド溝が形成されている構成とすることが好ましい。
【００２３】
この極板パネル分離装置では、小型化した構成により極板パネルを分離ミスなく高速で分離できる効果に加えて、螺旋条部を、分離ローラの分離始端部において極板パネルの厚みよりも小さい配設ピッチに形成する必要がなく、分離ローラの全長にわたり極板パネルの厚みよりも大きく形成できるから、分離ローラの製作が容易となる利点がある。
【００２４】
さらに、上記発明の極板パネル分離装置において、分離ローラの分離始端面に、円形の一部が切欠した形状の鍔部が設けられ、前記鍔部は、極板パネル搬送部に対して、前記分離ローラの回転に伴い前記凹部に挿入して前記極板パネルの移送を一時的に阻止したのちに、前記分離ローラの回転に伴って前記極板パネルから離脱する相対位置で対設されている構成とすることもできる。
【００２５】
この極板パネル分離装置では、小型化した構成により極板パネルを分離ミスなく高速で分離できる効果に加えて、分離ローラの分離始端面に鍔部を設ける簡単な構成を付設するだけで、螺旋条部を、分離ローラの全長にわたり極板パネルの厚みよりも大きく形成できるから、分離ローラの製作が容易となり、しかも、極板パネルは、単に傾斜面を形成するだけあるから、加工が容易となる利点がある。
【００２６】
また、上記各発明の極板パネル分離装置において、分離ローラのガイド溝が、前記分離ローラの分離始端部を除く全体または前記分離始端部を含む全体にわたり同一の溝幅を有し、且つ螺旋条部が極板パネルの搬送方向にいくにしたがって配設ピッチが徐々に大きくなるよう形成されており、前記螺旋条部における分離始端部の挿入端が、前記分離ローラの分離始端面と面一に形成されている構成とすることが好ましい。
【００２７】
それにより、極板パネルは、耳部の凹部を除く残存部が分離ローラのガイド溝に嵌まり込むことによって１枚ずつに分離されたのちに、分離ローラに沿って移送される過程において、各々の間隔を徐々に大きくなるようスムーズに離間される。したがって、極板パネルは、分離ローラの前段部において隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に僅かな空隙が生じる程度に分離すればよく、分離速度をさらに高速化できる。また、螺旋条部の分離始端である挿入端を、極板パネルへの損傷をさらに確実に防止して凹部に挿入または傾斜面に摺接させることができる。
【００２８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の好ましい実施の形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。図１は本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置を示す正面図、図２はその右側面図である。この分離装置は、極板パネル１２を互いに密着状態に重ね合わせて搬送する極板パネル搬送部１３と、この極板パネル搬送部１３により搬送されて来た極板パネル１２を１枚ずつに分離する極板パネル分離部１４と、この極板パネル分離部１４で分離された極板パネル１２を次工程に供給する極板パネル供給部１７とにより構成されている。なお、図２では極板パネル供給部１７の図示を省略してある。
【００２９】
上記極板パネル搬送部１３は、極板パネル１２の両側の耳部１８をそれぞれ架け渡す状態で摺動自在に載置させる一対のガイド板１９と、一対の回送用スプロケット２０と一対の駆動用スプロケット２１とにそれぞれ巻き掛けられて回送する一対の搬送用チェーンコンベア２２と、駆動用の単一の減速機付きモータ２３と、このモータ２３のモータ軸に直結されたスプロケット２４と回転伝達用スプロケット２７とに巻き掛けられて回送する回転伝達用チェーン２８とを備えている。一対の回送用スプロケット２０、駆動用スプロケット２１および搬送用チェーンコンベア２２は、図２に示すように、極板パネル１２の両耳部１８に対向して一組ずつ配設されており、両駆動用スプロケット２１と回転伝達用スプロケット２７とは単一の駆動軸２９に同心に固定されている。したがって、両搬送用チェーコンベア２２は、単一のモータ２３の回転力を受けて同一の方向に同期して回送されることにより、極板パネル１２を、搬送方向Ｒに対し直交方向に位置する姿勢を保持しながらガイド板１９に摺動させて、図１の搬送方向Ｒへ向け搬送する。
【００３０】
ここで、極板パネル１２は、その耳部１８の拡大斜視図を示す図３のように、耳部１８の一面側（一方の板面）に上方および外側方が開放された凹部３０が形成されており、この凹部３０は、両側の耳部１８における同一の側面（板面）にそれぞれ設けられている。極板パネル１２は、図１に示すように、凹部３０を搬送方向Ｒに向けた状態で両側の耳部１８を対応するガイド板１９および搬送用チェーンコンベア２２に架け渡して、吊り下げ状態で搬送方向Ｒへ搬送される。なお、図３に示すように、極板パネル１２は、既存のものに対し耳部１８に凹部３０を設けた点が異なるのみで、鉛格子体２および活物質塗着部３を備えているのは言うまでもない。
【００３１】
極板パネル分離部１４は、極板パネル搬送部１３により搬送されて来る極板パネル１２における両耳部１８にそれぞれ対向して設けられた２個一対の分離ローラ３１，３２を備えており、この両分離ローラ３１，３２の外周面には、極板パネル分離用の螺旋条部４０が、共に同一の配設ピッチで、且つ互いに逆の捩じり方向にそれぞれ設けられいる。両分離ローラ３１，３２は、各々の端面を同一面に揃えて各々の軸心を極板パネル搬送部１３による搬送方向Ｒに一致させ、且つ各々の螺旋条部４０の位相を互いに一致させて対称配置されている。
【００３２】
さらに、極板パネル分離部１４は、一対の分離ローラ３１，３２の回転駆動源の駆動モータ３７と、この駆動モータ３７のモータ軸に直結された一対の駆動プーリ３８と、各分離ローラ３１，３２の駆動軸３３にそれぞれ固定された従動プーリ３４と、一対の駆動プーリ３８と各分離ローラ３１，３２の駆動プーリ３８とにそれぞれ巻き架けられた一対のベルト３９とを備えている。
【００３３】
各分離ローラ３１，３２は、それらを拡大して詳細に示した図４（ａ），（ｂ）のように、螺旋条部４０の各間に、極板パネル１２の耳部１８における凹部３０を除く残存部４２が入り込むガイド溝４１が形成されている。両分離ローラ３１，３２の各々の螺旋条部４０における分離のための始端（図４の左端）には、分離ローラ３１，３２の分離始端面に面一となった挿入端４３が設けられている。
【００３４】
螺旋条部４０は、挿入端４３から約１周目までの分離始端部の配設ピッチＰ１が、極板パネル１２の残存部４２の厚みｄよりも大きく、且つ極板パネル１２の厚みｆ（残存部４２の厚みｄと凹部３０の幅ｅの和）よりも僅かに小さく設定されているとともに、この分離始端部に続く１周目の配設ピッチＰ２が極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きく設定されている。一方、ガイド溝４１は、上記分離始端部のみが極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに小さい溝幅Ｄ１に設定され、分離始端部以外の全ての部分では極板パネル１２よりも僅かに大きい一定の溝幅Ｄ２に設定されている。これに対し螺旋条部４０は、極板パネル１２の搬送方向Ｒ（図４における右方向）にいくにしたがって徐々に厚みが大きくなるよう形成されて、その配設ピッチＰ２〜Ｐｎが搬送方向Ｒにいくにしたがって徐々に大きくなっている。
【００３５】
また、両分離ローラ３１，３２は、図４（ａ），（ｂ）の比較から明らかなように、分離始端部を除き同一の溝幅Ｄ２を有するガイド溝４１が互いに反対の捩じり方向に形成されているが、螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチＰ２〜Ｐｎが極板パネル１２の搬送方向Ｒに向かって徐々に大きくなっていく度合いは同じである。一方、図１および図２に示すように、一対のベルト３９のうちの一方はけさ掛けされ、且つ他方はたすき掛けされている。これにより、両分離ローラ３１，３２は、単一の駆動モータ３７の回転がそれぞれ正方向および逆方向に伝達されて、図４（ａ），（ｂ）に矢印で示すように互いに異なる方向に同一速度で回転する。
【００３６】
この両分離ローラ３１，３２による搬送パネル１２の搬送速度は、極板パネル搬送部１３の搬送用チェーンコンベア２２による搬送速度よりも僅かに遅く設定されている。そして、各分離ローラ３１，３２は、極板パネル搬送部１３に対して、搬送されて来る極板パネル１２の凹部３０に螺旋条部４０が入り込む相対位置で配置されている。
【００３７】
上述のように、この極板パネル分離装置の極板パネル分離部１４は、一対の分離ローラ３１，３２とこれの回転伝達機構とにより構成されており、真空吸着パッドの往復運動機構や真空発生装置により極板パネル分離部を構成する従来装置に比較して格段に小型化できる。
【００３８】
極板パネル供給部１７は、図１に示すように、一対の回送用スプロケット４４と駆動用スプロケット４７とに巻き掛けられて回送する次工程への供給用チェーンコンベア４８と、駆動用の単一の減速機付きモータ４９と、このモータ４９のモータ軸に直結されたスプロケット５０と駆動用スプロケット４７とに巻き掛けられて回送する回転伝達用チェーン５１とを備えており、極板パネル搬送部１３に対しその下方に位置して連設されている。
【００３９】
一対の回送用スプロケット４４、駆動用スプロケット４７および供給用チェーンコンベア４８は、搬送方向Ｒに対し直交方向に配置されて、それぞれ極板パネル１２の両耳部１８に対応する間隔で配設されている。供給用チェーンコンベア４８は、単一のモータ４９の回転力を受けて同一の方向に同期して回送されることにより、極板パネル１２を図１の右方へ向け搬送して次工程に供給する。この供給用チェーンコンベア４８は極板パネル分離部１４による極板パネル１２の搬送速度よりも速い速度で回送される。
【００４０】
つぎに、上記極板パネル分離装置の動作について、図５（ａ），（ｂ）の動作説明図を参照しながら説明する。密着状態に重ね合わされた極板パネル１２は、極板パネル搬送部１３の搬送用チェーンコンベア２２およびガイド板１９に架け渡した状態に吊り下げられて搬送方向Ｒに搬送されていき、その凹部３０に、螺旋条部４０における挿入端４３が入り込む。ここで、両分離ローラ３１，３２による極板パネル１２の搬送速度は極板パネル搬送部１３の搬送用チェーンコンベア２２による搬送速度よりも遅く設定されているため、極板パネル１２は、搬送用チェーンコンベア２２の搬送力により残存部４２における凹部３０側の壁面が螺旋条部４０に押し付けられて、分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴い螺旋条部４０にガイドされながら移送されていく。
【００４１】
この極板パネル１２が螺旋条部４０に係合するときの動作を、図５の２枚の極板パネル１２Ａ，１２Ｂを例に説明する。同図（ａ）に示すように、螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３に係合する寸前の極板パネル１２Ｂは、搬送用チェーンコンベア２２の搬送力により、分離始端部の螺旋条部４０に係合している搬送方向Ｒの前方側の極板パネル１２Ａに押し付けられて移動を規制され、この極板パネル１２Ａと一体的に移動する。この一体的に移動にする２枚のうちの前方の極板パネル１２Ａにおける螺旋条部４０に係合している残存部４２の厚みｄと、後方の極板パネル１２Ｂにおける挿入端４３が入り込もうとしている凹部３０の幅ｅとの和が、極板パネル１２の厚みｆに相当する。また、螺旋条部４０における分離始端部の配設ピッチＰ１は、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに小さく設定されている。
【００４２】
したがって、（ａ）の状態から分離ローラ３１が僅かに回転した状態を示す（ｂ）のように、挿入端４３は、分離ローラ３１が１回転する毎に、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の各々の凹部３０に確実に入り込み、耳部１８の残存部４２に当接して極板パネル１２に損傷を与えるといった事態は生じることがない。この搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の凹部３０と分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴う螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３との相対位置関係は、分離ローラ３１，３２の回転速度に拘わらず常に不変である。それにより、分離ローラ３１，３２を高速回転させても、極板パネル１２の分離ミスが生じない。
【００４３】
凹部３０に挿入端４３が入り込んだ時点から分離ローラ３１，３２が約２回転すると、その極板パネル１２の耳部１８の残存部４２は、分離始端部に続くガイド溝４１内に入り込む。このガイド溝４１を形成する螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチＰ２は、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きく形成されているので、極板パネル１２がガイド溝４１内で詰まった状態となって損傷や変形を受けるといったことは生じない。また、上述のように、螺旋条部４０における分離始端部の配設ピッチＰ１は極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに小さく設定されているので、ガイド溝４１内に２枚の極板パネル１２の各々の耳部１８の残存部４２が同時に嵌まり込むこともない。
【００４４】
極板パネル１２が分離ローラ３１，３２の分離始端部を過ぎたときに、極板パネル１２に対する搬送用チェーンコンベア２２の搬送力がなくなるが、螺旋条部４０が極板パネル１２の耳部１８の残存部４２における凹部３０とは反対側の壁面に摺接する。そのため、極板パネル１２は、その残存部４２がガイド溝４１に案内されながら分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴い搬送方向Ｒに円滑に移送されていく。このように、各極板パネル１２は、各々の残存部４２が個々のガイド溝４１内に順次嵌まり込むことによって１枚ずつに連続的に分離される。また、螺旋条部４０は、搬送方向Ｒにいくにしたがって徐々に厚みが大きくなるよう形成されて、その配設ピッチＰ２〜Ｐｎが徐々に大きくなっているから、残存部４２が分離ローラ３１，３２のガイド溝４１に嵌まり込んで１枚ずつに分離された各極板パネル１２の間隔は、分離ローラ３１，３２により搬送されていくに従って徐々に大きくなっていく。
【００４５】
ところで、図２に明示するように、ガイド溝４１が互いに逆の捩じり方向に形成された両分離ローラ３１，３２は、同期して同一の回転速度で互いに異なる方向に回転されているので、両分離ローラ３１，３２は、その回転力によって極板パネル１２の対応する耳部１８に対してそれぞれ外方へ向け引き出すような力を付与する。したがって、両分離ローラ３１，３２の極板パネル１２に作用する力は互いに相殺されるので、極板パネル１２は両分離ローラ３１，３２によってバランスよく１枚ずつに分離される。なお、両分離ローラ３１，３２は、その回転力によって極板パネル１２の対応する耳部１８に対してそれぞれ内方へ向け押圧するような力を付与するように互いに逆回転させるようにしてもよい。
【００４６】
残存部４２が分離ローラ３１，３２の各々のガイド溝４１に嵌まり込んで１枚ずつに分離された各極板パネル１２は、両分離ローラ３１，３２が同期して同一速度で回転していることによって、極板パネル搬送部１３により搬送されて来た状態、つまり搬送方向Ｒに対し直交した状態を確実に保持しながらスムーズに移送されていき、ガイド板１９の後端部から落下して一対の供給用チェーンコンベア４８に架け渡し状態に受け止められ、次工程に供給される。ここで、供給用チェーンコンベア４８は搬送用チェーンコンベア２２よりも高速度で回送されているので、極板パネル１２は供給用チェーンコンベア４８によって所要の大きな間隔になるよう配列されて次工程に供給される。
【００４７】
なお、上記実施の形態では、分離ローラ３１，３２に１条の螺旋条部４０を形成した場合を例示して説明したが、２条または３条の螺旋条部４０を形成した分離ローラを用いることもできる。そのような分離ローラを用いれば、各極板パネル１２の残存部４２がさらに迅速にガイド溝４１へ嵌まり込むので、分離速度を高めることができる。
【００４８】
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について説明する。図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）は第２の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置により分離するのに適した極板パネル１２における耳部１８を示す斜視図である。（ａ）の極板パネル１２は、残存部４２の上端面を面取りして凹部３０に向かい下り勾配となった傾斜ガイド面５２が形成されている。（ｂ）の極板パネル１２は、残存部４２の上端部に断面形状が山形のガイド部５３が形成されている。（ｃ）の極板パネル１２は、その凹部が、耳部１８の一側面から他側面の頂辺に向かって下り勾配の傾斜面４５を有する形状のものに形成されている。
【００４９】
図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）は、図６（ａ）に示した極板パネル１２の分離に用いる極板パネル分離装置における極板パネル分離部１４の動作説明図を示す。同図において、図５と同一若しくは同等のものには同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。この極板パネル分離部１４の一対の分離ローラ３１，３２は、螺旋条部４０が互いに異なる捩じり方向に形成されている以外は共に同一形状であるので、以下に一方の分離ローラ３１のみについて説明する。
【００５０】
分離ローラ３１は、螺旋条部４０が始端から２〜３周回する分離始端部において同一の配設ピッチＰで形成されており、その配設ピッチＰは、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも大きく、且つその厚みｆと残存部４２の厚みｄとの和よりも小さく形成されている。また、ガイド溝４１は分離始端部から終端部までの全体にわたり同一の溝幅Ｄに形成され、その溝幅Ｄは、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きく設定されている。したがって、この実施の形態の分離ローラ３１，３２は、分離始端部のみ極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに小さい溝幅Ｄ１のガイド溝４１を形成する第１の実施の形態のものに比較して、製作が容易となる利点がある。
【００５１】
また、両分離ローラ３１，３２は、第１の実施の形態と同様に、極板パネル１２の搬送方向Ｒにいくにしたがって螺旋条部４０の厚みが徐々に大きくなるよう形成されて、螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチが搬送方向Ｒにいくにしたがって徐々に大きくなるよう形成されている。
【００５２】
つぎに、第２の実施の形態の極板パネル分離装置における極板パネル１２の分離動作について説明する。分離始端部の螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチＰは、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも大きく設定されているから、図７（ａ）に示すように、分離ローラ３１の螺旋条部４０に係合した隣接する２枚の極板パネル１２Ａ，１２Ｂは、互いの間に僅かな隙間が生じる配置でガイド溝４１内に保持され、分離ローラ３１の回転に伴い螺旋条部４０により円滑に移送される。螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３が係合する前の極板パネル１２Ｃは、搬送用チェーンコンベア２２による搬送力により、螺旋条部４０に係合している隣接の極板パネル１２Ｂに押し付けられて移動を規制され、この極板パネル１２Ｂと一体的に移動する。
【００５３】
上記の一体的に移動する２枚のうちの搬送方向Ｒの前方側の極板パネル１２Ｂにおける螺旋条部４０に係合している残存部４２の厚みｄと、後方の極板パネル１２Ｃにおける挿入端４３が入り込もうとしている凹部３０の幅ｅとの和が、極板パネル１２の厚みｆに相当する。また、螺旋条部４０における分離始端部の配設ピッチＰは極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きく、且つ厚みｆと残存部４２の厚みｄとの和よりも小さく設定されている。それにより、（ａ）の状態から分離ローラ３１が僅かに回転した状態を示す（ｂ）のように、挿入端４３は、極板パネル１２Ｃに対しその耳部１８における傾斜ガイド面５２に接触したのちに、（ｂ）の状態から分離ローラ３１がさらに僅かに回転した状態を示す（ｃ）に示すように、挿入端４３は分離ローラ３１の回転に伴って傾斜ガイド面５２にスライドしながら極板パネル１２Ｃを搬送方向Ｒの後方へ僅かに押し戻して凹部３０内に円滑に入り込む。それにより、後方側の極板パネル１２Ｃは、前方側の極板パネル１２Ｂに対し間隙を存した配置で螺旋条部４０に係合する。
【００５４】
このように、螺旋条部４０は分離始端部において極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きい配設ピッチＰで形成されているにも拘わらず、挿入端４３は、分離ローラ３１が１回転する毎に、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の各々の凹部３０に支障無く確実に入り込む。この搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の凹部３０と分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴う螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３との相対位置関係は、分離ローラ３１，３２の回転速度に拘わらず常に不変である。そのため、分離ローラ３１が高速回転される場合においても、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の各々の凹部に螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３を分離ローラ３１，３２の１回転毎に確実に入り込ませることができ、分離ミスを確実に防止しながら極板パネル１２の分離動作を高速に行える。
【００５５】
なお、この実施の形態の極板パネル分離装置により図６（ｂ）の極板パネル１２を分離する場合には、極板パネル１２の搬送方向に対する配置の方向性が無くなる。すなわち、極板パネル１２は、残存部４２を搬送方向Ｒの前方側に向けた配置で搬送しても、上記と同様の分離動作で支障なく１枚ずつに分離することができる。同図（ｃ）の極板パネル１２の分離動作は、上述した同図（ａ）の極板パネル１２の場合とほぼ同様に行われる。
【００５６】
次に、本発明の第３の実施の形態について説明する。図８（ａ）〜（ｃ）は第３の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置における極板パネル分離部１４の動作説明図、図９（ａ）〜（ｃ）は図８（ａ）〜（ｃ）の各々の左側面図である。これらの図において、図５および図７と同一若しくは同等のものには同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００５７】
この実施の形態では、図３および図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）のいずれの極板パネル１２をも第２の実施の形態と同様の螺旋条部４０を備えた分離ローラ３１，３２を有する極板パネル分離部１４により１枚ずつに分離できるようになっている。すなわち、分離ローラ３１は、螺旋条部４０が始端から２〜３周回する分離始端部において同一の配設ピッチＰで形成されており、その配設ピッチＰは、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも大きく、且つその厚みｆと残存部４２の厚みｄとの和よりも小さく形成されている。また、ガイド溝４１は分離始端部から終端部までの全体にわたり同一の溝幅Ｄに形成され、その溝幅Ｄは、極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きく設定されている。
【００５８】
この実施の形態の極板パネル分離装置が第２の実施の形態のものと異なる点は、分離ローラ３１，３２の分離始端面に、ほぼ半円の湾曲形状となった板状の鍔部５４が螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３に接して固着されている構成のみである。この鍔部５４は、螺旋条部４０の分離始端部における挿入端４３に対し分離ローラ３１，３２の回転方向の前後箇所に対向するよう位置決めして配置されている。
【００５９】
鍔部５４の回転方向の先端部５４ａの外面と螺旋条部４０との距離ｇは、図８（ａ）に明示するように、極板パネル１２の残存部４２の厚みｄよりも大きく、且つ極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも小さく設定されている。
【００６０】
なお、鍔部５４は、図８および図９では螺旋状部４０よりも外方に突出した形状に図示してあるが、要は極板パネル１２に対し凹部３０に僅かでも入り込んで残存部４２の側壁に接触する形状であればよいので、螺旋状部４０に対し同径または小さい径の半円湾曲形状であってもよい。また、鍔部５４は分離ローラ３１，３２に一体形成してもよい。
【００６１】
つぎに、第３の実施の形態の極板パネル分離装置における極板パネル１２の分離動作について説明する。分離始端部の螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチＰは極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも大きく設定されているから、図８（ａ）に示すように、分離ローラ３１の螺旋条部４０に係合した隣接する２枚の極板パネル１２Ａ，１２Ｂは、互いの間に僅かな隙間が生じる配置でガイド溝４１内に保持され、分離ローラ３１の回転に伴い螺旋条部４０により円滑に移送される。螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３が係合する前の極板パネル１２Ｃは、搬送用チェーコンベア２２による搬送力により、螺旋条部４０に係合している隣接の極板パネル１２Ｂに押し付けられて移動を規制され、この極板パネル１２Ｂと一体的に移動する。
【００６２】
上記の一体的に移動する２枚のうちの前方の極板パネル１２Ｂにおける螺旋条部４０に係合している残存部４２の厚みｄと、後方の極板パネル１２Ｃにおける挿入端４３が入り込もうとしている凹部３０の幅ｅとの和が、極板パネル１２の厚みｆに相当する。また、鍔部５４の先端部５４ａの外面と螺旋条部４０との距離ｇは、前述のように極板パネル１２の残存部４２の厚みｄよりも大きく、且つ極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも小さく設定されている。したがって、図８（ａ）および図９の（ａ）に示すように、鍔部５４の先端部５４ａは、分離ローラ３１，３２が１回転する毎に、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２における凹部３０に確実に入り込む。
【００６３】
極板パネル１２Ｃは、図８（ａ）および図９の（ａ）の状態から分離ローラ３１が回転するのに伴って前方の極板パネル１２Ｂと一体的に移動して、その残存部４２の側壁が鍔部５４に接触した時点で、鍔部５４により移送を阻止される。
【００６４】
この極板パネル１２Ｃが移送を阻止されている間に、図８（ｂ）および図９（ｂ）に示すように、上記極板パネル１２Ｃの凹部３０に螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３が支障なく入り込む。このように、鍔部５４の先端部５４ａが順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２における凹部３０にそれぞれ確実に入り込んで各極板パネル１２の移送を一時的に阻止させていることにより、分離ローラ３１，３２の分離始端部における螺旋条部４０の配設ピッチＰが極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも大きく設定されているにも拘わらず、螺旋条部４０の挿入端４３を、分離ローラ３１，３２が１回転する毎に、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２における凹部３０に確実に挿入させることができる。
【００６５】
上記の極板パネル１２Ｃが鍔部５４により移送を阻止されているときに、前方側の極板パネル１２Ｂは、分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴い螺旋条部４０にガイドされながら移送され、後方の極板パネル１２Ｃから僅かに離間される。続いて、図８（ｃ）および図９の（ｃ）に示すように、鍔部５４が極板パネル１２Ｃの凹部３０から離脱すると、極板パネル１２Ｃは、移送阻止を解除されて、搬送用チェーンコンベア２２の搬送力により螺旋条部４０における挿入端４３に対し回転方向の前方側箇所に接触し、以下、上述と同様の極板パネル１２の分離動作を繰り返す。
【００６６】
このように、螺旋条部４０は分離始端部において極板パネル１２の厚みｆよりも僅かに大きい配設ピッチＰで形成されているにも拘わらず、鍔部５４を設けたことにより、挿入端４３は、分離ローラ３１が１回転する毎に、順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の各々の凹部３０に支障無く確実に入り込む。順次搬送されてくる各極板パネル１２の凹部３０と分離ローラ３１，３２の回転に伴う鍔部５４の先端部５４ａとは、分離ローラ３１，３２の回転速度に拘わらず、常に図８および図９の（ａ）に示した相対位置関係で相対向する。そのため、分離ローラ３１が高速回転される場合においても、分離ミスを確実に防止しながら極板パネル１２の分離を高速に行える。
【００６７】
また、この第３の実施の形態は、分離ローラ３１，３２の始端面に鍔部５４を設ける簡単な構成を付設するだけでよく、第１の実施の形態よりも分離ローラ３１，３２の製作が容易となり、且つ第２の実施の形態よりも極板パネル１２の加工が容易となる利点がある。なお、第３の実施例では、図３に示した極板パネル１２を分離する場合について説明したが、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）のいずれの極板パネル１２をも上述とほぼ同様の分離動作で分離できるのはいうまでもない。
【００６８】
【発明の効果】
本発明の極板パネル分離方法によれば、極板パネルを密着状態に重ね合わせて搬送しながら１枚ずつに分離する場合、分離用部材を各極板パネルの凹部に挿入することにより、隣接する各２枚の極板パネル間に隙間を作ることができる。それにより、極板パネルを、損傷することなく、容易に且つ迅速に１枚ずつに分確実に離することが可能となる。
【００６９】
本発明の極板ぱねる分離装置によれば、両側の一対の分離ローラの各々の螺旋条部を、極板パネルの両側の耳部の凹部に正確な同一タイミングで係合する構成としたので、極板パネルの分離を両側の分離ローラでバランスよくスムーズに行うことができ、分離ミスの発生を確実に防止しながら分離動作を高速化できる。また、この極板パネル分離装置は、真空発生装置や真空吸着パッドの往復運動機構などの大掛かりな機構が不要であり、一対の分離ローラとこれの回転駆動機構を設けるだけでよいので、装置全体を格段に小形化できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置を示す正面図。
【図２】同上装置の一部を省略した右側面図。
【図３】本発明の一実施の形態に係る鉛蓄電池用極板パネルを示す要部の拡大斜視図。
【図４】（ａ），（ｂ）は共に同上分離装置の分離ローラを示す拡大正面図。
【図５】（ａ），（ｂ）は同上分離装置の分離動作を説明するための極板パネル分離部の要部の概略正面図。
【図６】（ａ）〜（ｃ）は何れも本発明の他の実施の形態に係る鉛蓄電池用極板パネルを示す要部の拡大斜視図。
【図７】（ａ）〜（ｃ）は本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置の分離動作を説明するための極板パネル分離部の要部の概略正面図。
【図８】（ａ）〜（ｃ）は本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る極板パネル分離装置の分離動作を説明するための極板パネル分離部の要部の概略正面図。
【図９】（ａ）〜（ｃ）は図８の（ａ）〜（ｃ）に対応する左側面図。
【図１０】従来の鉛蓄電池用極板パネル分離装置を示す正面図。
【図１１】従来の鉛蓄電池用極板パネルの拡大正面図。
【符号の説明】
２鉛格子体（パネル本体）
１２極板パネル
１３極板パネル搬送部
１４極板パネル分離部
１８耳部
３０凹部
３１，３２分離ローラ
４０螺旋条部
４１ガイド溝
４２残存部分
４３螺旋条部の挿入端
４５傾斜面
５２傾斜ガイド面
５３ガイド部
５４鍔部
ｄ残存部の厚み
ｅ凹部の幅
ｆ極板パネルの厚み
Ｄ，Ｄ１，Ｄ２ガイド溝の溝幅
Ｐ，Ｐ１〜Ｐｎ螺旋条部の配設ピッチ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrode plate separation for separating electrode plates, which are conveyed while being superposed in close contact with each other, in an electrode plate manufacturing process of a lead storage battery.Method and apparatusIt is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, lead-acid batteries have been used in many applications, such as power supplies for automobiles, power supplies for computer backup, and emergency power supplies for large facilities, and various types of batteries, from small portable ones to large stationary ones. Are widely manufactured. When manufacturing the electrode plates of these various lead-acid batteries, in order to streamline production, casting, kneading and forming are performed on an integrated material capable of simultaneously obtaining a plurality of electrode plate panels. After that, the above-mentioned material is cut into a predetermined number by cutting to obtain individual electrode plates.
[0003]
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state in which a conventional electrode plate panel 1 for a lead storage battery is transported. FIG. 11 shows a paste type of the electrode plate panel 1 in FIG. The electrode panel 1 has a shape in which ears 4 are protruded from opposing corners on both sides of a lead lattice body 2 made of lead or a lead alloy. The lead lattice body 2 is provided with an active material application section 3 for applying an active material in the form of a lead oxide powder or a lead powder in paste form, in a checkerboard pattern. The electrode plate panel 1 is stored or transported in a suspended state with both ends formed on the both sides formed on the chain conveyor 7 or a jig as shown in the drawing by hooking the ears 4 on both sides formed to the same thickness as the lead grid body 2. You. Further, when storing or transporting the electrode plate panels 1, the respective electrode plate panels 1 are suspended in a state of being brought into close contact with each other in order to effectively utilize the space. In addition, this electrode plate panel 1 can obtain two electrode plates by cutting the center part in the left-right direction of the drawing in the vertical direction, and the ears 4 serve as current collectors of the individual electrode plates.
[0004]
By the way, when kneading or processing the electrode panel 1, it is necessary to separate each electrode panel 1 that is conveyed while being hung and suspended in close contact with each other. A conventional electrode panel separating apparatus used for such an application has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the above-mentioned pole plate separating apparatus is wound around a pair of sprockets 8 and fed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and a pair of transport chain conveyors 7 wound around a pair of sprockets 9 and the arrow shown in the figure. It is provided with a pair of chain conveyors 10 for supply to the next process which are fed in the direction, and a pair of vacuum suction pads 11 for separation. The pair of transport chain conveyors 7, the supply chain conveyor 10, and the vacuum suction pads 11 are arranged on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the electrode panel 1.
[0005]
In the above-mentioned electrode plate panel separating apparatus, each of the electrode plate panels 1 superposed in close contact with each other has the ears 4 on both sides hooked on a pair of transport chain conveyors 7 as shown in FIG. It is transported toward the vacuum suction pad 11 in a suspended state of being suspended. When the vacuum suction pad 11 connected to a vacuum generating device (not shown) such as a vacuum device is reciprocated in a direction shown by an arrow in FIG. 10 by a well-known reciprocating mechanism, and advances to the left in FIG. Then, after being pressed against and attracted to the adsorption portions 1a of the electrode plate panel 1 located at the forefront in the transport direction, which are indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 11, the instantaneous speed is higher than the forwarding speed of the transport chain conveyor 7. Then, it retreats to the right in FIG. As a result, the vacuum suction pad 11 separates and removes only one of the foremost electrode plate panels from the rear electrode plate 1.
[0006]
Thereafter, since the vacuum suction pad 11 is temporarily released from the vacuum generator by the operation of the vacuum switching valve, the separated electrode plate 1 is released from the vacuum suction pad 11 by the release of the suction. After being separated and transferred onto the supply chain conveyor 10, it is supplied to the next step. By repeating the above-described operation, the pole plate panels 1 that are conveyed while being superimposed in close contact with each other are sequentially separated one by one and taken out one by one.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned electrode plate separation apparatus has the following three problems. That is, the first problem is that the configuration is relatively large because a reciprocating mechanism of the vacuum suction pad 11 and a vacuum generator are required. For this reason, despite the fact that the respective electrode plate panels 1 are superimposed on each other to effectively utilize the space, the effect is lost.
[0008]
As a second problem, for example, when a small hole is formed in the suction portion 1a of the electrode plate panel 1, the two electrode plate panels 1 at the frontmost portion and the rear side are formed through the hole. Are simultaneously adsorbed to the vacuum adsorption pad 11, and a separation error occurs. In addition, it is necessary to reciprocate the vacuum suction pads 11 on both sides at the same timing to cause the vacuum suction pads 11 to be sucked to the electrode plate panel 1 at the same timing. The separation operation becomes unstable, and a separation error easily occurs.
[0009]
Further, as a third problem, in order to speed up the separating operation of the electrode panel 1, the time interval between the contact timing of the vacuum suction pad 11 to the electrode panel 1 and the retreat start timing is set short. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a degree of vacuum necessary for sucking the electrode plate 1 with the vacuum suction pad 11, and the probability of occurrence of suction error increases. Therefore, in the above-mentioned electrode plate separation apparatus, the separation speed of the electrode plate 1 is limited, and the speed cannot be increased.
[0010]
Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-described problems, and enables a separation of an electrode plate capable of speeding up the separation operation by reliably preventing the occurrence of separation errors while having a simple and small configuration.Method and electrode panel separatorThe purpose is to provide.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present inventionThe electrode plate separation method ofOf the panel body to which the active material is appliedIn an electrode panel separating method for separating an electrode panel for a lead-acid battery, the ears of which are protruded outward at each of the upper upper corners, an upper plate and an upper plate are provided on both plate surfaces of both ears of the electrode plate. By forming a concave part whose outer side is open, overlapping the electrode panel on the electrode panel transport section in a close contact state and supporting both ears from below, these electrode panels are suspended from a predetermined position. In the transport direction, and each of the pair of separating members is inserted into the concave portion of each of the conveyed electrode plate panels. The electrode plate panel is moved in the direction to separate the electrode plate panel.
According to the present invention, the electrode plate panelWhen separating one by one while superimposing and transporting in close contact, it is possible to create a gap between each two adjacent electrode plates by inserting a small separating member into the recess of each electrode panel. it can. This makes it possible to easily and quickly separate the electrode plate panels one by one without damage.
[0013]
Also,When separating the electrode panels to be conveyed while being superposed in close contact with each other, by inserting a pair of separating members simultaneously into the recesses of the ears on both sides of the electrode panel, each electrode panel is Since a gap can be formed between each two adjacent electrode plate panels while reliably maintaining a posture orthogonal to the transport direction, the electrode plate panels can be stably separated.
[0016]
In the above invention, it is preferable that the concave portion is formed to have an inclined surface having a downward slope from one plate surface toward the top of the other plate surface.
[0017]
According to the above configuration,By sliding the separating member on the inclined surface, a gap can be reliably formed between each two adjacent electrode plate panels, so that the occurrence of damage during the separation operation of the electrode plate panels can be reliably prevented. In addition to obtaining the effect that a gap can be smoothly and quickly formed between each two adjacent electrode plate panels so that the separating operation can be reliably performed, the concave portion and the inclined guide surface or the guide portion are formed together in the ear portion. There is an advantage that processing is easier than in the case where
[0018]
The electrode panel separation device of the present invention is:the aboveThe electrode plate panel is superimposed in a close contact state, and by supporting the ears on both sides thereof, an electrode plate panel transport unit that is suspended and transported in a bridged state, and transported by the electrode panel transport unit. An electrode panel separating portion for separating each of the coming electrode plate panels from each other by providing a gap between them, wherein the electrode panel separating portion is provided with the both ear portions of the electrode plate panel. And a pair of separating rollers, each of which is provided with a pair of separating rollers, and the two separating rollers are provided with spiral strips for separating the electrode plate panels at the same arrangement pitch and in mutually opposite twisting directions. The separation rollers are provided so that each end face is aligned on the same plane, each axis is aligned with the transport direction of the electrode panel by the electrode panel transport unit, and the phase of each spiral strip is Are aligned symmetrically with each other Rutotomoni, with respect to the electrode plate panel conveyance unit, each concave on both ears of each electrode plate panels conveyed by thisPartEach of the helical strips is installed at a relative position where it is sequentially inserted or sequentially abutted and slid, and the two separation rollers are configured to synchronously rotate at the same speed and in opposite directions to each other.
[0019]
In this electrode plate separating apparatus, the spiral ridges of the pair of separation rollers on both sides are formed by recesses in the ears on both sides of the electrode plate panel.PartSince the engagement is performed at exactly the same timing, the separation of the electrode plate panels can be smoothly performed in a well-balanced manner by the separation rollers on both sides, and the separation operation can be sped up while reliably preventing the occurrence of separation errors. In addition, this pole plate separation device does not require a large-scale mechanism such as a vacuum generating device or a reciprocating mechanism of a vacuum suction pad, and only needs to provide a pair of separation rollers and a rotation driving mechanism thereof. Can be significantly reduced in size.
[0020]
In the electrode plate separation apparatus of the above invention,,veryBoth separation rollers in the plate panel separation unit, the arrangement pitch of each spiral strip is formed smaller than the thickness of the electrode plate panel only at the separation start end with respect to the electrode plate panel, and each of the spiral strips It is preferable that a guide groove larger than the thickness of the remaining portion excluding the concave portion in the ear portion of the electrode plate panel is formed therebetween.
[0021]
In this lead-acid battery electrode panel separating apparatus, the helical ridge of the separating roller is formed at a disposition pitch smaller than the thickness of the electrode panel only at the separation start end with respect to the electrode plate. With each rotation, the separation start end of the spiral strip portion is surely sequentially inserted into each concave portion of each electrode plate panel which is transported by the electrode panel transport portion in a closely overlapping state, and two sheets are inserted into the guide groove. The remaining portions of the concave portions in the respective ear portions of the electrode plate panel do not fit together. Therefore, each of the electrode plate panels is successively separated one by one by each of the remaining portions being sequentially fitted into each of the guide grooves. Since the relative positional relationship between the conveyed concave portion of each electrode plate panel and the separation start end of the helical ridge caused by the rotation of the separation roller is always constant regardless of the rotation speed of the separation roller, the separation roller is rotated at high speed. However, separation of the electrode plate panel does not occur.
[0022]
Further, in the electrode plate separation device of the above invention,,veryBoth separation rollers in the plate panel separation section, the arrangement pitch of each spiral ridge is larger than the thickness of the electrode plate panel, and at least the thickness of the electrode plate panel at the separation start end with respect to the electrode plate panel. A guide groove that is formed smaller than the sum of the thickness of the remaining portion excluding the concave portion in the ear portion of the electrode plate panel and that is larger than the thickness of the remaining portion is formed between each of the spiral strips. It is preferable to have a configuration.
[0023]
In this electrode plate separating apparatus, in addition to the effect that the electrode plate panel can be separated at a high speed without a separation error due to the miniaturized configuration, the spiral strip portion is disposed at the separation start end of the separation roller smaller than the thickness of the electrode plate panel. There is no need to form the separation roller at a set pitch, and it can be formed to be larger than the thickness of the electrode plate panel over the entire length of the separation roller.
[0024]
Further, in the electrode panel separating apparatus of the invention, a flange having a partially cutout circular shape is provided on the separation start end face of the separation roller, and the flange is provided with respect to the electrode panel transport unit. Inserted into the recess as the separation roller rotatesEnterAfter the transfer of the electrode plate panel is temporarily stopped by the rotation of the separation roller, the electrode plate panel may be separated from the electrode plate panel at a relative position.
[0025]
In this electrode plate separation apparatus, in addition to the effect that the electrode plate panel can be separated at a high speed without a separation error due to the miniaturized configuration, the spiral plate is simply provided with a simple configuration of providing a flange portion on the separation start end face of the separation roller. The strips can be formed over the entire length of the separation roller to be larger than the thickness of the electrode plate panel, so that the separation roller can be easily manufactured, and since the electrode plate panel simply forms an inclined surface, processing is easy. There are advantages.
[0026]
Further, in the electrode panel separating apparatus of each of the above inventions, the guide groove of the separation roller has the same groove width over the entirety excluding the separation start end of the separation roller or over the entirety including the separation start end, and the helical strip. The arrangement pitch is gradually increased as the part goes in the transport direction of the electrode plate panel, and the insertion end of the separation start end in the spiral strip is flush with the separation start end face of the separation roller. It is preferable to adopt a configuration that is formed.
[0027]
Thereby, the electrode plate panels are separated one by one by fitting the remaining portions of the ear portions excluding the concave portions into the guide grooves of the separation roller, and then, in the process of being transported along the separation roller, Are smoothly separated from each other so as to gradually increase. Therefore, the electrode plate panels need only be separated to such an extent that a slight gap is formed between each two adjacent electrode plate panels at the front part of the separation roller, and the separation speed can be further increased. Further, the insertion end, which is the separation start end of the spiral strip, can be more reliably prevented from being damaged to the electrode plate panel, and can be inserted into the concave portion or brought into sliding contact with the inclined surface.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an electrode plate separating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a right side view thereof. This separating apparatus separates an electrode plate transport section 13 for transporting the electrode panels 12 in a state of being brought into close contact with each other and an electrode panel 12 transported by the electrode panel transport section 13 into one sheet. And an electrode panel supply unit 17 that supplies the electrode panel 12 separated by the electrode panel separation unit 14 to the next process. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the electrode panel supply unit 17 is omitted.
[0029]
The electrode panel transport section 13 includes a pair of guide plates 19 that slidably mount the ear portions 18 on both sides of the electrode panel 12 in a state of being bridged therebetween, a pair of forwarding sprockets 20, and a pair of driving sprockets. A pair of transport chain conveyors 22 each wound around a sprocket 21 for feeding, a single motor 23 with a reduction gear for driving, a sprocket 24 directly connected to the motor shaft of the motor 23, and a sprocket for rotation transmission 27 and a rotation transmission chain 28 that is wound around and sent around. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of the forward sprocket 20, the driving sprocket 21, and the transport chain conveyor 22 are arranged one by one so as to face the both ears 18 of the electrode plate panel 12. Sprocket 21 and rotation transmitting sprocket 27 are fixed concentrically to a single drive shaft 29. Accordingly, the two conveyor chain conveyors 22 are rotated synchronously in the same direction by receiving the rotational force of the single motor 23, thereby positioning the electrode plate panel 12 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction R. The sheet is slid on the guide plate 19 while maintaining the posture, and is conveyed in the conveyance direction R of FIG.
[0030]
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, which shows an enlarged perspective view of the ear 18, the electrode panel 12 has one side of the ear 18.The upper and outer sides are open to (one plate surface)A concave portion 30 is formed, and the concave portion 30 is formed on the same side surface of the ear portion 18 on both sides.(Plate surface)Respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode panel 12 hangs the ears 18 on both sides to the corresponding guide plate 19 and the transport chain conveyor 22 in a state where the recess 30 is directed in the transport direction R, and is suspended. It is transported in the transport direction R. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode plate 12 is different from the existing one only in that a concave portion 30 is provided in the ear 18, and is provided with the lead lattice body 2 and the active material application part 3. Needless to say.
[0031]
The electrode panel separation unit 14 includes a pair of two separation rollers 31 and 32 provided opposite to the both ears 18 of the electrode plate panel 12 conveyed by the electrode panel conveyance unit 13, respectively. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the separation rollers 31 and 32, spiral strips 40 for separating the electrode panel are provided at the same arrangement pitch and in mutually opposite torsional directions. The two separation rollers 31 and 32 have their respective end faces aligned on the same plane, the respective axes coincide with the conveyance direction R by the electrode plate panel conveyance section 13, and the phases of the respective spiral strips 40 coincide with each other. They are arranged symmetrically.
[0032]
Further, the electrode panel separating section 14 includes a drive motor 37 serving as a rotational drive source of the pair of separation rollers 31 and 32, a pair of drive pulleys 38 directly connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor 37, and each of the separation rollers 31 and 32. The driven pulley 34 is fixed to a drive shaft 33 of the drive roller 32, and a pair of belts 39 are wound around a pair of drive pulleys 38 and a drive pulley 38 of each of the separation rollers 31 and 32.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), each of the separation rollers 31 and 32 is an enlarged view of each of the separation rollers 31 and 32. The guide groove 41 into which the remaining portion 42 excluding the above is inserted is formed. At the start end (left end in FIG. 4) of each of the spiral ridges 40 of the two separation rollers 31 and 32, an insertion end 43 is provided which is flush with the separation start end surfaces of the separation rollers 31 and 32. I have.
[0034]
In the spiral ridge portion 40, the arrangement pitch P1 of the separation start end portion from the insertion end 43 to the first round is larger than the thickness d of the remaining portion 42 of the electrode plate panel 12, and the thickness f ( (The sum of the thickness d of the remaining portion 42 and the width e of the concave portion 30), and the pitch P2 of the first turn following the separation start end is larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. It is set slightly larger. On the other hand, in the guide groove 41, only the separation start end is set to have a groove width D1 slightly smaller than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, and in all portions other than the separation start end, it is slightly larger than the electrode plate panel 12. It is set to a constant groove width D2. On the other hand, the spiral streak portion 40 is formed so as to gradually increase in thickness in the transport direction R (the right direction in FIG. 4) of the electrode plate panel 12, and the arrangement pitches P <b> 2 to Pn correspond to the transport direction R. It gradually increases as you go.
[0035]
4A and 4B, the guide grooves 41 having the same groove width D2 except for the separation start end have opposite twisting directions. However, the degree to which the arrangement pitches P2 to Pn of the spiral streak portion 40 gradually increase in the transport direction R of the electrode plate panel 12 is the same. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one of the pair of belts 39 is hung and the other is crossed. As a result, the rotation of the single drive motor 37 is transmitted in the forward direction and the reverse direction, respectively, so that the two separation rollers 31 and 32 move in different directions as indicated by arrows in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). Rotate at the same speed.
[0036]
The transfer speed of the transfer panel 12 by the separation rollers 31 and 32 is set slightly lower than the transfer speed of the transfer chain conveyor 22 of the electrode panel transfer unit 13. Each of the separation rollers 31 and 32 is arranged at a relative position with respect to the electrode panel transport unit 13 such that the spiral ridge 40 enters the concave portion 30 of the electrode panel 12 being transported.
[0037]
As described above, the electrode panel separating section 14 of the electrode panel separating apparatus is constituted by the pair of separation rollers 31 and 32 and the rotation transmitting mechanism thereof, and the reciprocating mechanism of the vacuum suction pad and the vacuum generation The apparatus can be significantly reduced in size as compared with a conventional apparatus that forms an electrode panel separating section.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode panel supply unit 17 includes a supply chain conveyor 48 for the next process, which is wound around a pair of the forwarding sprocket 44 and the driving sprocket 47 and forwarded, and a single driving sprocket. And a rotation transmission chain 51 which is wound around a sprocket 50 and a driving sprocket 47 which are directly connected to the motor shaft of the motor 49 and feeds the rotation. , And are continuously arranged below it.
[0039]
The pair of recirculating sprockets 44, the driving sprockets 47, and the supply chain conveyor 48 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction R, and are arranged at intervals corresponding to the both ears 18 of the electrode plate panel 12, respectively. I have. The supply chain conveyor 48 receives the rotational force of the single motor 49 and is synchronously fed in the same direction to convey the electrode plate panel 12 rightward in FIG. 1 and supply it to the next process. I do. The supply chain conveyor 48 is circulated at a speed higher than the transport speed of the electrode panel 12 by the electrode panel separating section 14.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the electrode plate separating apparatus will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). The pole plate panel 12 superimposed in a close contact state is suspended in a state of being bridged over the transport chain conveyor 22 and the guide plate 19 of the pole plate panel transport section 13 and is transported in the transport direction R, and the recess 30 is formed. , The insertion end 43 of the spiral strip portion 40 enters. Here, since the transport speed of the electrode plate panel 12 by the separation rollers 31 and 32 is set to be lower than the transport speed of the transport chain conveyor 22 of the electrode panel transport unit 13, the electrode panel 12 is The wall of the remaining portion 42 on the side of the concave portion 30 is pressed against the spiral ridge 40 by the conveying force of the chain conveyor 22, and is transported while being guided by the spiral ridge 40 as the separation rollers 31 and 32 rotate.
[0041]
The operation when the electrode plate panel 12 is engaged with the spiral strip portion 40 will be described with reference to the two electrode plate panels 12A and 12B in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the electrode plate panel 12B immediately before engaging with the insertion end 43 of the spiral strip portion 40 is engaged with the spiral strip portion 40 at the separation start end by the transport force of the transport chain conveyor 22. The movement is restricted by being pressed against the combined electrode plate panel 12A on the front side in the transport direction R, and moves integrally with the electrode plate panel 12A. Let the thickness d of the remaining portion 42 engaging with the spiral strip portion 40 of the front electrode plate panel 12A of the two electrode plates to be moved integrally and the insertion end 43 of the rear electrode plate panel 12B enter. The sum with the width e of the concave portion 30 corresponds to the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. The arrangement pitch P1 of the separation start end of the spiral strip portion 40 is set slightly smaller than the thickness f of the electrode panel 12.
[0042]
Therefore, as shown in (b), which shows a state in which the separation roller 31 is slightly rotated from the state in (a), the insertion end 43 is provided with each of the electrode plate panels sequentially conveyed every time the separation roller 31 makes one rotation. There is no occurrence of a situation in which the electrode plate panel 12 is damaged by entering the recesses 30 of each of the twelve 12 securely and coming into contact with the remaining portions 42 of the ears 18. The relative positional relationship between the conveyed concave portion 30 of each electrode plate panel 12 and the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridge portion 40 due to the rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32 is always constant regardless of the rotation speed of the separation rollers 31 and 32. It is immutable. As a result, even if the separation rollers 31 and 32 are rotated at a high speed, the separation of the electrode plate panel 12 does not occur.
[0043]
When the separation rollers 31 and 32 rotate about two times from the time when the insertion end 43 enters the recess 30, the remaining portion 42 of the ear 18 of the electrode plate panel 12 enters the guide groove 41 following the separation start end. The arrangement pitch P2 of the spiral ridges 40 forming the guide grooves 41 is formed slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode panel 12, so that the electrode panel 12 is clogged in the guide grooves 41. No damage or deformation occurs. Further, as described above, since the arrangement pitch P1 of the separation start end of the spiral strip portion 40 is set slightly smaller than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, two electrode plate panels are provided in the guide groove 41. The remaining portions 42 of the respective ear portions 18 of the twelve do not simultaneously fit.
[0044]
When the electrode panel 12 passes the separation start end of the separation rollers 31 and 32, the conveying force of the conveying chain conveyor 22 with respect to the electrode panel 12 is lost. Is in sliding contact with the wall surface of the remaining portion 42 opposite to the concave portion 30. Therefore, the electrode panel 12 is smoothly transported in the transport direction R with the rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32 while the remaining portion 42 is guided by the guide grooves 41. In this way, each of the electrode plate panels 12 is continuously separated one by one by the respective remaining portions 42 being sequentially fitted into the respective guide grooves 41. Further, the spiral ridge portion 40 is formed so as to gradually increase in thickness in the transport direction R, and the arrangement pitches P2 to Pn gradually increase. The interval between the electrode plate panels 12 fitted into the 32 guide grooves 41 and separated one by one gradually increases as the separation is performed by the separation rollers 31 and 32.
[0045]
By the way, as clearly shown in FIG. 2, the two separation rollers 31, 32 in which the guide grooves 41 are formed in the opposite torsion directions are synchronously rotated in the different directions at the same rotation speed. The two separating rollers 31 and 32 apply a force to the corresponding ear portions 18 of the electrode plate panel 12 so as to be drawn outward by the rotational force. Therefore, the forces acting on the electrode panel 12 of the separation rollers 31 and 32 cancel each other, and the electrode panel 12 is separated by the separation rollers 31 and 32 one by one in a well-balanced manner. The two separating rollers 31 and 32 may be rotated in opposite directions so as to apply a force to press the corresponding ears 18 of the electrode plate panel 12 inward by their rotational force.Good.
[0046]
When the remaining portion 42 is fitted into the guide groove 41 of each of the separation rollers 31 and 32 and is separated into one by one, the two separation rollers 31 and 32 rotate at the same speed in synchronization with each other. As a result, while being transported by the electrode plate panel transport section 13, that is, a state perpendicular to the transport direction R, the transport is smoothly carried out, and the sheet is dropped from the rear end of the guide plate 19. And is received in a state of being bridged between a pair of supply chain conveyors 48 and supplied to the next step. Here, since the supply chain conveyor 48 is circulated at a higher speed than the transport chain conveyor 22, the electrode plate panels 12 are arranged by the supply chain conveyor 48 at a required large interval and supplied to the next step. Is done.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where one spiral ridge 40 is formed on the separation rollers 31 and 32 has been described as an example. However, a separation roller having two or three spiral ridges 40 is used. You can also. If such a separation roller is used, the remaining portion 42 of each electrode panel 12 is more quickly fitted into the guide groove 41, so that the separation speed can be increased.
[0048]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective views showing the ear portions 18 of the electrode plate panel 12 suitable for being separated by the electrode plate separation device according to the second embodiment. In the electrode plate panel 12 shown in (a), an inclined guide surface 52 which is formed by chamfering the upper end surface of the remaining portion 42 and having a downward slope toward the concave portion 30 is formed. In the electrode plate panel 12 of (b), a guide portion 53 having a mountain-shaped cross section is formed at the upper end of the remaining portion 42. (C) The electrode panel 12The recess isFrom one side of the ear 18 to the otherThe top ofSlope 45 with a downward slope towardWith a shapeIs formed.
[0049]
FIGS. 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the electrode panel separating section 14 in the electrode panel separating apparatus used for separating the electrode panel 12 shown in FIG. 6A. 5, the same or equivalent components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Since the pair of separation rollers 31 and 32 of the electrode panel separation unit 14 have the same shape except that the spiral ridges 40 are formed in different torsional directions, only one of the separation rollers 31 will be described below. Will be described.
[0050]
The separation roller 31 is formed at the same arrangement pitch P at the separation start end where the spiral ridge portion 40 makes two or three turns from the start end, and the arrangement pitch P is larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. And the thickness is smaller than the sum of the thickness f and the thickness d of the remaining portion 42. Further, the guide groove 41 is formed to have the same groove width D from the separation start end to the end, and the groove width D is set slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. Therefore, the separation rollers 31 and 32 of this embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment in which only the separation start end forms the guide groove 41 having a groove width D1 slightly smaller than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. Thus, there is an advantage that the production becomes easy.
[0051]
Further, both the separation rollers 31 and 32 are formed so that the thickness of the spiral strip 40 gradually increases in the transport direction R of the electrode plate panel 12 as in the first embodiment. The arrangement pitch of the portions 40 is formed so as to gradually increase as the direction of conveyance in the transport direction R.
[0052]
Next, a separating operation of the electrode panel 12 in the electrode panel separating apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the arrangement pitch P of the spiral strips 40 at the separation start end is set to be larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, as shown in FIG. The two adjacent electrode plate panels 12A and 12B engaged with each other are held in the guide groove 41 in such an arrangement that a slight gap is formed therebetween, and are smoothly transported by the spiral ridge portion 40 as the separation roller 31 rotates. Is done. The electrode plate panel 12C before the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridge portion 40 is engaged is pressed against the adjacent electrode plate panel 12B engaged with the spiral ridge portion 40 by the transport force of the transport chain conveyor 22. The movement is restricted, and the movement is integrated with the electrode plate panel 12B.
[0053]
The thickness d of the remaining portion 42 engaged with the spiral strip portion 40 in the front electrode plate 12B in the transport direction R of the two integrally moving plates, and the insertion in the rear electrode plate 12C. The sum of the width e of the recess 30 into which the end 43 is about to enter corresponds to the thickness f of the electrode panel 12. The arrangement pitch P of the separation start end of the spiral strip 40 is set slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12 and smaller than the sum of the thickness f and the thickness d of the remaining portion 42. Thereby, as shown in (b) showing a state where the separation roller 31 is slightly rotated from the state of (a), the insertion end 43 is in contact with the inclined guide surface 52 in the ear 18 of the electrode plate panel 12C. Thereafter, as shown in (c), which shows a state in which the separation roller 31 has been further slightly rotated from the state of (b), the insertion end 43 slides on the inclined guide surface 52 with the rotation of the separation roller 31, and the insertion end 43 is extremely thin. The plate panel 12 </ b> C is slightly pushed back to the rear in the transport direction R and smoothly enters the recess 30. As a result, the rear electrode panel 12C is engaged with the spiral ridge portion 40 in an arrangement with a gap with respect to the front electrode panel 12B.
[0054]
As described above, the spiral end portion 40 is formed at the disposition start end portion at the arrangement pitch P slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, but the insertion end 43 rotates the separation roller 31 one rotation. Each time, it enters into the recess 30 of each electrode plate panel 12 which is sequentially conveyed without any trouble. The relative positional relationship between the conveyed concave portion 30 of each electrode plate panel 12 and the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridge portion 40 due to the rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32 is always constant regardless of the rotation speed of the separation rollers 31 and 32. It is immutable. Therefore, even when the separation roller 31 is rotated at a high speed, the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridge 40 is securely inserted into each concave portion of each electrode plate panel 12 that is sequentially conveyed for each rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32. As a result, the separation operation of the electrode panel 12 can be performed at a high speed while reliably preventing a separation error.
[0055]
When the electrode panel panel 12 of FIG. 6B is separated by the electrode panel separation apparatus of this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the electrode panel 12 with respect to the transport direction is lost. That is, even if the electrode panel 12 is transported with the remaining portion 42 facing forward in the transport direction R, the electrode panel 12 can be separated one by one by the same separating operation as described above. The separating operation of the electrode plate panel 12 of FIG. 9C is performed in substantially the same manner as the above-described electrode panel 12 of FIG.
[0056]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. 8 (a) to 8 (c) are explanatory views of the operation of the electrode panel separating section 14 in the electrode panel separating apparatus according to the third embodiment, and FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are FIGS. It is a left view of each of-(c). In these drawings, the same or equivalent components as those in FIGS. 5 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0057]
In this embodiment, each of the electrode plate panels 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6A to 6C has the separation rollers 31 and 32 provided with the spiral ridges 40 similar to the second embodiment. The electrode panel separating section 14 can separate the sheets one by one. That is, the separation roller 31 is formed at the same arrangement pitch P at the separation start end where the spiral ridge 40 turns two or three times from the start end, and the arrangement pitch P is smaller than the thickness f of the electrode panel 12. And the thickness is smaller than the sum of the thickness f of the remaining portion 42 and the thickness d of the remaining portion 42. Further, the guide groove 41 is formed to have the same groove width D from the separation start end to the end, and the groove width D is set slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12.
[0058]
The difference between the electrode plate separating apparatus of this embodiment and that of the second embodiment is that a plate-like flange portion 54 having a substantially semicircular curved shape is provided on the separation start end surfaces of the separation rollers 31 and 32. Is in contact with and fixed to the insertion end 43 of the helical strip 40. The flange portion 54 is positioned so as to face the insertion end 43 at the separation start end portion of the spiral strip portion 40 and to the front and rear portions in the rotation direction of the separation rollers 31 and 32.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 8A, the distance g between the outer surface of the distal end portion 54a in the rotation direction of the flange portion 54 and the spiral ridge portion 40 is larger than the thickness d of the remaining portion 42 of the electrode plate panel 12, and The thickness is set smaller than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12.
[0060]
8 and 9, the flange portion 54 is shown in a shape protruding outward from the spiral portion 40. Any shape may be used as long as it is in contact with the side wall of the spiral portion 40, and the shape may be a semicircular curved shape having the same diameter or a smaller diameter than the spiral portion 40. Further, the flange 54 may be formed integrally with the separation rollers 31 and 32.
[0061]
Next, the operation of separating the electrode plate panel 12 in the electrode plate separation apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. Since the arrangement pitch P of the spiral ridges 40 at the separation start end is set to be larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, as shown in FIG. The combined two adjacent electrode plate panels 12A and 12B are held in the guide groove 41 in such a manner that a slight gap is formed between them, and are smoothly transferred by the spiral strip 40 as the separation roller 31 rotates. You. The electrode plate panel 12C before the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridge portion 40 is engaged with the adjacent electrode plate panel 12B engaged with the spiral ridge portion 40 by the conveying force of the conveying chain conveyor 22. Movement is restricted, and moves integrally with the electrode plate panel 12B.
[0062]
The thickness d of the remaining portion 42 engaged with the helical strip portion 40 in the front electrode plate panel 12B of the two integrally moving plates and the insertion end 43 of the rear electrode plate 12C will enter. The sum with the width e of the concave portion 30 corresponds to the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12. Further, the distance g between the outer surface of the distal end portion 54a of the flange portion 54 and the spiral ridge portion 40 is larger than the thickness d of the remaining portion 42 of the electrode plate panel 12 and the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12 as described above. Is also set small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 9A, each time the separation rollers 31 and 32 make one rotation, the distal end portion 54a of each of the electrode plate panels 12 which are sequentially conveyed is rotated. Into the concave portion 30 at the time.
[0063]
The electrode plate panel 12C moves integrally with the front electrode plate panel 12B as the separation roller 31 rotates from the state shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. When the side wall comes into contact with the flange 54, the transfer is prevented by the flange 54.
[0064]
As shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B, the insertion end 43 of the spiral strip portion 40 does not interfere with the concave portion 30 of the electrode plate panel 12C while the transfer of the electrode plate panel 12C is prevented. Penetrate without. As described above, the distal end portion 54a of the flange 54 is securely inserted into the concave portion 30 of each of the electrode plate panels 12 to be sequentially conveyed to temporarily prevent the transfer of each of the electrode plate panels 12, so that separation is achieved. Despite the arrangement pitch P of the spiral ridges 40 at the separation start ends of the rollers 31 and 32 being set to be larger than the thickness f of the electrode panel 12, the insertion end 43 of the spiral ridges 40 is separated from the separation roller. Each time one of the rotations 31 and 32 makes one rotation, it can be reliably inserted into the concave portion 30 of each electrode plate panel 12 that is sequentially conveyed.
[0065]
When the above-mentioned electrode plate panel 12C is prevented from being transferred by the flange portion 54, the front electrode plate panel 12B is transferred while being guided by the helical strip portion 40 with the rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32, and is moved rearward. Is slightly separated from the electrode plate panel 12C. Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 9 (c), when the flange portion 54 is separated from the concave portion 30 of the electrode plate panel 12C, the electrode plate 12C is released from the transfer inhibition, and is transported. The transport force of the chain conveyor 22 causes the insertion end 43 of the spiral strip portion 40 to come into contact with the front portion in the rotation direction, and thereafter, the same separation operation of the electrode plate panel 12 as described above is repeated.
[0066]
As described above, although the spiral strip portion 40 is formed at the separation start end portion at the arrangement pitch P slightly larger than the thickness f of the electrode plate panel 12, the insertion end portion is formed by providing the flange portion 54. Each time the separation roller 31 makes one rotation, the recess 43 reliably enters each of the concave portions 30 of each of the electrode plate panels 12 that are sequentially conveyed. The concave portion 30 of each electrode plate panel 12 that is sequentially conveyed, and the tip end portion 54a of the flange portion 54 associated with the rotation of the separation rollers 31 and 32 always correspond to the rotation speed of the separation rollers 31 and 32, as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) are opposed to each other in the relative positional relationship shown in FIG. Therefore, even when the separation roller 31 is rotated at a high speed, the electrode panel 12 can be separated at a high speed while reliably preventing a separation error.
[0067]
Further, in the third embodiment, it is only necessary to add a simple configuration in which the flange 54 is provided on the starting end surfaces of the separation rollers 31 and 32, and the production of the separation rollers 31 and 32 is larger than in the first embodiment. This is advantageous in that the electrode plate panel 12 can be easily processed as compared with the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the case where the electrode plate panel 12 shown in FIG. 3 is separated has been described. However, any of the electrode plate panels 12 shown in FIGS. Needless to say, the separation operation can be performed.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
Of the present inventionAccording to the electrode panel separation method, the electrode panelWhen separating one sheet at a time while superimposing and transporting in close contact, MinutesBy inserting the separating member into the concave portion of each electrode plate panel, a gap can be created between each two adjacent electrode plate panels. This makes it possible to easily and quickly separate the electrode plate panels one by one without damage.
[0069]
According to the electrode plate separating device of the present invention, each of the spiral strips of the pair of separation rollers on both sides is provided with the concave portions of the ears on both sides of the electrode plate panel.PartSince the engagement is performed at exactly the same timing, the separation of the electrode plate panel can be smoothly performed in a well-balanced manner by the separation rollers on both sides, and the separation operation can be speeded up while reliably preventing the occurrence of separation errors. In addition, this pole plate separation device does not require a large-scale mechanism such as a vacuum generating device or a reciprocating mechanism of a vacuum suction pad, and only needs to provide a pair of separation rollers and a rotation driving mechanism thereof. Can be significantly reduced in size.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an electrode panel separating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a right side view in which a part of the device is omitted.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a lead storage battery electrode panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are enlarged front views each showing a separation roller of the separation device.
FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are schematic front views of a main part of an electrode plate separating section for explaining a separating operation of the separating apparatus.
6 (a) to 6 (c) are enlarged perspective views of main parts showing an electrode panel for a lead storage battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c) are schematic front views of main parts of an electrode panel separating section for explaining a separating operation of an electrode panel separating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c) are schematic front views of a main part of an electrode panel separating section for explaining a separating operation of an electrode panel separating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 (a) to 9 (c) are left side views corresponding to FIGS. 8 (a) to 9 (c).
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a conventional electrode panel separation device for a lead storage battery.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of a conventional electrode panel for a lead storage battery.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Lead grid body (panel body)
12-electrode panel
13 Electrode panel transport section
14 Electrode panel separation part
18 Ears
30 recess
31, 32 separation roller
40 spiral strip
41 Guide groove
42 Remaining part
43 Insertion end of spiral strip
45 slope
52 Inclined guide surface
53 Guide part
54 Tsubabe
d Thickness of remaining part
e Width of recess
f Thickness of electrode plate panel
D, D1, D2 Guide groove width
P, P1 to Pn Arrangement pitch of spiral strip

Claims

An electrode plate separating method for separating an electrode plate panel for a lead storage battery in which ears are protruded outward from each of the upper two corners of the panel body to which the active material is applied ,
Forming recesses whose upper and outer sides are open on each of the plate surfaces of both ears of the electrode plate panel,
By superposing the electrode panels on the electrode panel transport section in close contact with each other and supporting their both ears from below, these electrode panels are suspended and transported in a predetermined transport direction,
Each of the pair of separating members is inserted into the concave portion of each of the conveyed electrode plate panels, and the pair of separating members moves the electrode plate panels in the conveying direction while enlarging the gap between the electrode plate panels. And separating the electrode plate panel.

The electrode plate separating method according to claim 1, wherein the concave portion is formed to have an inclined surface having a downward slope from one plate surface toward the other plate surface top.

A pole having ears protruding outward at each of the upper corners of the panel body to which the active material is applied, and a concave portion formed on each of the plate surfaces of the ears with the upper and outer sides open. A plate panel transport unit that suspends and transports the plate panels in a suspended state by superimposing the panel panels in close contact with each other and supporting the ears on both sides thereof,
Each of the electrode plate panels in a close contact state being conveyed by the electrode plate panel conveyance unit, provided with a gap between them, and provided with an electrode plate separation unit for separating each one,
The electrode plate separating section,
A pair of separation rollers are provided opposite to each of the both ears of the electrode plate panel, and both the separation rollers are provided with a spiral strip for separating the electrode plate panel at the same arrangement pitch, and Provided in opposite torsional directions respectively,
The two separating rollers align their respective end faces on the same plane, align their respective axes with the transport direction of the electrode plate panel by the electrode panel transport unit, and match the phases of the spiral strips with each other. with and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the electrode plate panel conveyance unit, whereby said helical strip portion of each respective recess in both ears of each electrode plate panels conveyed sequentially inserted or sequentially respectively It is installed at a relative position where it slides in contact,
The electrode plate separating apparatus, wherein the two separating rollers are configured to rotate synchronously at the same speed and in mutually opposite directions.

The two separation rollers in the electrode panel separating section are arranged such that the arrangement pitch of each spiral strip is smaller than the thickness of the electrode panel only at the separation start end with respect to the electrode panel, and the spiral strip is formed. 4. The electrode plate panel separating apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a guide groove having a thickness larger than a thickness of a remaining portion excluding a concave portion in the ear portion of the electrode plate panel is formed between the portions.

Both separation rollers in the electrode plate panel separation unit , the arrangement pitch of each spiral strip is greater than the thickness of the electrode plate panel, and at least the thickness of the electrode plate panel at the separation start end with respect to the electrode plate panel. A guide groove larger than the thickness of the remaining portion is formed between each of the spiral strips, while being formed smaller than the sum of the thickness of the remaining portion excluding the concave portion in the ear portion of the electrode plate panel. The electrode plate separating apparatus according to claim 3 .

The separation starting end surface of the separation roller, the collar portion flange portion having a shape circular partially cut away is provided, with respect to plate panel conveyance unit, and insert in the recess with the rotation of the separation roller 6. The electrode panel separating apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the electrode panel separating device is provided at a relative position where the transfer of the electrode plate panel is temporarily stopped and then the electrode plate panel is separated from the electrode plate panel with the rotation of the separation roller.

The guide groove of the separation roller has the same groove width over the whole of the separation roller except for the separation start end or including the separation start end, and is arranged as the spiral streak moves in the transport direction of the electrode plate panel. It is formed so that the setting pitch gradually increases,
7. The electrode plate separating apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein an insertion end on the separation start end side of the spiral ridge is formed flush with a separation start end surface of the separation roller.