JP5994220B2 - Electrode sheet inspection device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrode sheet inspection apparatus which is a constituent member of a fuel cell or the like, and more particularly to an electrode sheet inspection apparatus used for inspecting an electric resistance in the thickness direction of an electrode sheet.

  Conventionally, as an inspection apparatus for an electrode sheet, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is a nondestructive inspection apparatus for graphite sheets, and includes a load measuring head and a thickness direction electric resistance measuring head. This non-destructive inspection apparatus intermittently conveys a roll-shaped long product (graphite sheet) by a certain amount and, while stopping conveyance, compresses the long product to a predetermined thickness while repelling force and electricity. The resistance is measured.

Japanese Patent No. 3058585

  By the way, this kind of inspection device can greatly contribute to the improvement of the quality of the electrode sheet by being an in-line type device arranged during the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet.

  However, in the conventional inspection apparatus (non-destructive inspection apparatus) as described above, inspection is performed while intermittently transporting a long product by a certain amount, so an inline type that continuously transports an electrode sheet. It is difficult to apply to the apparatus, and there is a problem that it must be an independent inspection process, and it has been a problem to solve such a problem.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can continuously and rapidly measure the electric resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet, and can be used as an inline type that continuously conveys the electrode sheet. It aims at providing the inspection apparatus of the electrode sheet suitable for an apparatus.

  The inspection apparatus for an electrode sheet according to the present invention is an apparatus for inspecting the electric resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet, which is installed in the conveyance path of the electrode sheet that is continuously conveyed in the horizontal direction. This inspection apparatus includes a roller-like upper electrode that rotates and contacts the upper surface of the electrode sheet, and a roller-shaped lower electrode that rotates and contacts the lower surface of the electrode sheet below the upper electrode.

The electrode sheet inspection apparatus includes a thickness resistance measuring unit that measures an electrical resistance in a thickness direction of the electrode sheet by energization between the upper and lower electrode elements that are in contact with the electrode sheet, and a pressure contact of the upper electrode element to the electrode sheet. Electrode raising / lowering means for raising and lowering the upper electrode so that the force is constant is provided , the upper and lower electrodes and the electrode raising / lowering means are set as a set of inspection units, and a plurality of inspection units are arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet. The inspection units are arranged and sequentially shifted at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet, and the above configuration is a means for solving the conventional problems.

According to the electrode sheet inspection apparatus of the present invention, by adopting the above-described configuration, the electrical resistance measurement in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet can be continuously and rapidly performed, and the in-line that continuously conveys the electrode sheet Very suitable for the device of the type.
In addition, the electrode sheet inspection device lifts and lowers the upper electrode so that the pressure contact force with the upper electrode is constant by the electrode lifting and lowering means, so that the electrode sheets of different thicknesses are transported depending on the manufacturing process and environment. Even in this case, the pressure contact force of the upper electrode with respect to the electrode sheet is always constant, and the measurement conditions can be made constant over the entire area of the electrode sheet.
Furthermore, since the inspection apparatus for the electrode sheet has a plurality of inspection units arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet and sequentially shifted at a predetermined interval in the transport direction, the details are provided for each area set on the electrode sheet. In this case, measurements involving energization do not interfere with each other, and the electrical resistance in the thickness direction can be accurately measured without being affected by adjacent inspection units. Thereby, the electrical resistance in the thickness direction can be accurately measured over the entire electrode sheet.

It is the side view (A) and top view (B) explaining one Embodiment of the inspection apparatus of the electrode sheet of this invention. It is a side view of the 1st test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the 1st test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view of the 1st test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view of the 2nd test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the 2nd test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view of the 2nd test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is the front view (A) and side view (B) explaining other embodiment of the inspection apparatus of the electrode sheet of this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an inspection apparatus for an electrode sheet of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
The electrode sheet inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is installed in the conveyance path of the electrode sheet S that is continuously conveyed in the horizontal direction. The conveying direction of the electrode sheet S is the right direction in FIG. The inspection apparatus of the illustrated example includes a first inspection apparatus C1 that inspects the electrical resistance in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S on the upstream side (left side in the figure) in the conveyance direction, and the downstream side (right side in the figure). In addition, a second inspection device C2 for inspecting the electric resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S is provided.

  The electrode sheet S is a member that constitutes, for example, an electrode structure or a separator of a fuel cell, and has a thickness that varies depending on the manufacturing process. That is, the electrode sheet S includes an electrode material, a sheet immediately after forming an electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, or the like on the electrode material, a sheet that has been manufactured, and the like. In addition, the electrode sheet S is made of the same continuous material, and is cut into electrode parts having a predetermined shape in a subsequent process, or is formed by arranging electrode parts at a predetermined interval on a continuous film.

  This electrode sheet S is continuously drawn out from a roll outside the figure, and is wound around a roll outside the figure through an inspection process by the inspection apparatus. Although not shown, a tension roller that applies a constant tension to the electrode sheet S and an appropriate guide roller are disposed in the conveyance path of the electrode sheet S.

  The first inspection apparatus C1 includes a frame F1 formed by three-dimensionally combining support columns and upper and lower girders. 2 to 4, the first inspection apparatus C1 moves up and down at least two roller-shaped electrode elements 1 that are in rotational contact with the upper surface of the electrode sheet S and the electrode elements 1 in the frame F1. An electrode lifting / lowering means 2 to be moved and a guide body 3 that receives the lower surface of the electrode sheet S on the lower side of the electrode 1 are provided.

  In addition, the first inspection device C1 includes an in-plane resistance measuring unit 50A that measures the electric resistance in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S by energization between the electrode elements 1 in contact with the electrode sheet S, and the thickness of the electrode sheet S. Thickness measuring means 4 for measuring is provided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode sheet S of this embodiment is formed by arranging rectangular electrode parts (parts indicated by phantom lines) P at a constant interval on a continuous film.

  In this embodiment, the first inspection apparatus C1 includes four roller-shaped electrode elements 1. These electrode elements 1 are of a wheel type, are provided in parallel on the mounting plate 5 via respective brackets 6, and are plate spring-like current collectors attached to the mounting plate 5 on the respective outer peripheral portions. The tip of 7 is pressed. Each electrode 1 is used as a resistance measuring terminal by a four-terminal method. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and third electrodes 1 (current collector 6) from the left are connected to current electrodes (current collectors 6). A1, A2), and the second and fourth electrode elements 1 (collector 6) are voltage electrodes (V1, V2). The mounting plate 5 and the bracket 6 have electrical insulation.

  The electrode lifting / lowering means 2 is an air cylinder, and is fixed to the top of the frame F1 with the output shaft (cylinder rod) 2A suspended. Then, the mounting plate 5 is fixed to the lower end portion of the output shaft 2A in a state where each electrode 1 is on the lower side. At this time, the four electrode elements 1 are arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet S (left and right direction in FIG. 4). Thus, the electrode lifting / lowering means 2 lifts and lowers each electrode 1 together with the mounting plate 5 by driving the output shaft 2A to extend and contract.

  The guide body 3 is a roller that is long in the width direction of the electrode sheet S as shown in FIG. 4, and is rotatably held by a base 8 fixed to the lower part of the frame F1 via a bracket 9. Even this guide body 3 has electrical insulation. In addition to the roller, the guide body 3 may be a block having a smooth upper surface. In this case, the electrode sheet S comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the guide body 3.

  The in-plane resistance measuring means 50A is one function included in the main controller 50 shown in FIG. The thickness measuring means 4 is an optical distance meter attached to the electrode lifting / lowering means 2. The thickness measuring means 4 is interposed between the guide body 3 and the electrode element 1 by measuring the distance to the mounting plate 5 with the electrode element 1 in contact with the guide body 3 being zero, for example. The thickness of the electrode plate S is indirectly measured.

  Further, the first inspection apparatus C1 controls the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 based on the pressure contact force detection means 10 for detecting the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 against the electrode sheet S and the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 10. A pressing force control means 50B is provided.

  The pressure contact force detecting means 10 is a load cell provided in the base 8 of the guide body 3, and detects the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 against the electrode sheet S via the guide body 3 and the bracket 9. The pressure contact force control means 50B is a function included in the main controller 50. Based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 10, the electrode lifting / lowering means 2 is driven and the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 is increased. Control to be constant. In other words, based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 10, the electrode lifting / lowering means 2 is driven so that the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 becomes constant.

  Further, the first inspection apparatus C1 includes a reading unit 11 that detects an inspection point instruction unit provided on the electrode sheet S, an in-plane resistance measurement unit 50A and a thickness based on a detection signal of the inspection point instruction unit by the reading unit 11. Measurement command means 50C for instructing the measurement means 4 to start measurement is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reading means 11 is an optical detection sensor mounted on the side of the frame F1, for example, and is provided in advance at the end of the electrode component P of the electrode sheet S. The inspection location indicating section that has been detected is detected. The inspection location instruction section is not particularly limited, and may be any mark that can be optically read. The measurement command means 50C is a function included in the main controller 50, and when the detection signal of the inspection location instruction portion by the reading means 11 is input, the in-plane resistance measurement means 50A and the thickness measurement means 4 To start measurement.

  Further, the first inspection device C1 operates the marking means 12 that forms a mark on the electrode sheet S, and the marking means 12 when the measurement results by the in-plane resistance measuring means 50A and the thickness measuring means 4 deviate from the reference values. The failure command means 50D is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the marking means 12 is an ink ejecting device mounted on the side of the frame F1, for example, and ejects ink of an appropriate color into a predetermined shape in the same manner as an ink jet printer. A mark made of ink is formed at the end of the electrode part P of the electrode sheet S. The defect command means 50D is a function included in the main controller 50. When the measurement results by the in-plane resistance measurement means 50A and the thickness measurement means 4 deviate from the reference values, that is, the measurement results are defective. If there is, the marking means 12 is actuated to form a mark indicating a defect at the end of the electrode sheet S.

  Here, the main control device 50 centrally controls the first inspection device C1 at a place different from the inspection process, and as shown in FIG. It has the functions of force control means 50B, measurement command means 50C, and defect command means 50D. The main controller 50 outputs and inputs signals between the electrode lifting / lowering means 2, the thickness measuring means 4, the current collector 7 of each electrode 1, the pressure contact force detecting means 10, the reading means 11 and the marking means 12. At the same time, calculations for various measurements are performed and command signals are transmitted to the corresponding devices.

Next, the configuration of the second inspection apparatus C2 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second inspection apparatus C <b> 2 includes a roller-like upper electrode element 21 that is in rotational contact with the upper surface of the electrode sheet S and a lower electrode element 21. The electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S is measured by energization between the roller-like lower electrode element 23 that is in rotational contact with the lower surface of the electrode sheet S and the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23 that are in contact with the electrode sheet S. Thickness resistance measuring means 60A is provided.

  Further, the second inspection apparatus C2 includes an electrode lifting / lowering means 22 for lifting and lowering the upper electrode 21 and a thickness measuring means 24 for measuring the thickness of the electrode sheet S. In addition, the electrode sheet S of this embodiment is formed by arranging rectangular electrode parts (parts indicated by phantom lines) P at a constant interval on a continuous film as shown in FIG.

  The upper electrode 21 is of a wheel type and is provided on the mounting plate 25 via a bracket 26, and the tip of a plate spring-like current collector 27 attached to the mounting plate 25 is pressed against each outer peripheral portion. I'm allowed.

  The electrode raising / lowering means 22 is an air cylinder and is fixed to the upper part of the frame F2 with the output shaft 22A suspended. Then, the mounting plate 25 is fixed to the lower end portion of the output shaft 22A with the upper electrode element 21 facing downward. In this way, the electrode lifting / lowering means 22 lifts and lowers the upper electrode 21 together with the mounting plate 25 by driving the output shaft 22A to extend and contract.

  The lower electrode 23 is also of a wheel type and is rotatably held on a base 28 fixed to the lower part of the frame F2 via a bracket 29. A plate spring-like shape attached to the base 28 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The tip of the current collector 27 is pressed.

  The upper electrode 21 and the lower electrode 23 are used as resistance measuring terminals by a four-terminal method, and in this embodiment, since a pair of upper and lower electrodes 21 and 23 are used, as shown in FIG. The child 21 is one current electrode and voltage electrode (A1, V1), and the lower electrode 23 is the other current electrode and voltage electrode (A2, V2).

  The thickness resistance measuring means 60A is one function included in the main controller 60 shown in FIG. The thickness measuring means 24 is an optical distance meter attached to the electrode lifting / lowering means 22. This thickness measuring means 24 is interposed between the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23 by measuring the distance to the mounting plate 25, for example, with the upper electrode element 21 in contact with the lower electrode element 23 being zero. The thickness of the electrode plate S to be measured is indirectly measured.

  In addition, the second inspection device C2 detects the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 against the electrode sheet S, and the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 30. A pressing force control means 60B for controlling is provided.

  The pressing force detecting means 30 is a load cell provided in the base 28 of the lower electrode 23 and detects the pressing force of the upper electrode 21 against the electrode sheet S via the lower electrode 23 and the bracket 29. The pressure contact force control means 60B is a function included in the main control device 60. Based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 30, the pressure elevating means 22 is driven and the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 is driven. Is controlled to be constant. In other words, based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 30, the electrode lifting / lowering means 22 is driven so that the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 becomes constant.

  Further, the second inspection apparatus C2 includes the upper and lower electrode elements 21, 23 and the electrode lifting / lowering means 22 as a set of inspection units U, a plurality of inspection units U arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet S, and each inspection. The units U are sequentially shifted in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet S at predetermined intervals.

  In this embodiment, four inspection units U are provided, and these inspection units U are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the electrode sheet S as shown in FIGS. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the four inspection units U are shifted and arranged at the same interval as the interval of the electrode parts P arranged on the electrode sheet S.

  Furthermore, the second inspection apparatus C2 includes a reading unit 31 that detects an inspection point instruction unit provided on the electrode sheet S, and a thickness resistance measurement unit 60A and a thickness based on a detection signal of the inspection point instruction unit by the reading unit 31. Measurement command means 60C for instructing the measurement means 24 to start measurement is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the reading means 31 is an optical detection sensor mounted on the side portion of the frame F2, and the electrode of the electrode sheet S is similar to the configuration of the first inspection apparatus C1. An inspection location instruction section provided in advance at the end of the component P is detected. The measurement command means 60C is a function included in the main control device 60. When a detection signal of the inspection location instruction section by the reading means 31 is input, the measurement command means 60C is supplied to the thickness resistance measurement means 60A and the thickness measurement means 24. Command the start of measurement.

  Further, the second inspection apparatus C2 operates the marking means 32 for forming a mark on the electrode sheet S, and the marking means 32 when the measurement results by the thickness resistance measuring means 60A and the thickness measuring means 24 deviate from the reference values. The failure command means 60D is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the marking means 32 is an ink ejecting device mounted on the side portion of the frame F1, and the electrode component P of the electrode sheet S is similar to the configuration of the first inspection device C1. A mark made of ink is formed at the end of the ink. The defect command means 60D is a function included in the main controller 60, and when the measurement results by the thickness resistance measurement means 60A and the thickness measurement means 24 deviate from the reference value, that is, the measurement results are defective. If there is, the marking means 32 is operated to form a mark indicating a defect at the end of the electrode sheet S.

  Here, the main controller 60 centrally controls the second inspection device C2 at a place different from the inspection process, and as shown in FIG. It has the functions of force control means 60B, measurement command means 60C, and defect command means 60D. The main control device 60 transmits signals between the electrode lifting / lowering means 22, the thickness measuring means 24, the current collectors 27 of the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23, the pressure contact force detecting means 30, the reading means 31 and the marking means 32. In addition to performing input / output, calculations for various measurements are performed and command signals are transmitted to the corresponding devices.

The inspection method of the present invention will be described together with the operation of the inspection apparatus having the above configuration.
The inspection apparatus continuously conveys the electrode sheet S at a low speed, measures the electrical resistance (surface resistance) in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S in the first inspection apparatus C1, and the electrode sheet S in the second inspection apparatus C2. The electrical resistance (volume resistance) in the thickness direction is measured. In this embodiment, since the electrode sheet S is formed by arranging the electrode parts P on a continuous film, the in-plane resistance and thickness resistance of each electrode part P are measured.

  In the first inspection apparatus C1, the pressure contact force detection means 11 detects the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 against the electrode sheet S, and the pressure contact force control means 50B of the main controller 50 generates a detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 11. Based on this, the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 is controlled. Thereby, the press contact force of the electrode element 1 with respect to the electrode sheet S is always constant, and the measurement conditions can be kept constant.

  Then, when the reading unit 11 detects the inspection location instruction part of the electrode sheet S, the first inspection apparatus C1 inputs the detection signal to the main control unit 50, and the measurement command unit 50C in the main control unit 50 The resistance measurement unit 50A and the thickness measurement unit 4 are instructed to start measurement. Thereby, in the 1st detection apparatus C1, it supplies with electricity between the electrode elements 1 which contacted the electrode sheet S, measures an electric current (A1, A2) and a voltage (V1, V2) based on the quadrupole terminal method, The internal resistance measuring means 50A measures the electrical resistance in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S. At the same time, the thickness measuring unit 4 measures the thickness of the electrode sheet S and inputs the measured value to the main control unit 50.

  Further, the main controller 50 compares the measured values of the electrical resistance and thickness in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S with the preset reference values of the electrical resistance and thickness to make a pass / fail judgment. That is, it is determined whether or not both the measured value of electrical resistance and the measured value of thickness are within the reference value. Then, when any measured value is within the reference value, the inspection is terminated as being good, and when any measured value is out of the reference value, it is determined as defective and the defect command means 50D. The marking means 12 is actuated to mark the end of the electrode part P indicating a defect.

  Here, for example, in the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet S (electrode part P) constituting the electrode structure or separator in the fuel cell, the humidity environment exceeds 60% RH, or the temperature environment exceeds 50 ° C. Further, the humidity environment has a humidity fluctuation range exceeding 10% RH, or the temperature fluctuation range exceeds 10 ° C. The electrode sheet S manufactured in such an environment may not necessarily have a uniform thickness because an electrode layer or an electrolyte layer is formed on the surface of the material, or these layers are in a wet state. When this thickness becomes non-uniform, the electrical resistance also changes.

  On the other hand, the first inspection apparatus C1 measures the electrical resistance and thickness in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S, and compares and determines these measured values and the reference value. Even in an environment where these fluctuation ranges are severe, or even in the case of the electrode sheet S in the manufacturing process in which the thickness varies, the electrical resistance in the in-plane direction can be accurately measured.

  Moreover, said 1st test | inspection apparatus C1 can be arrange | positioned during the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet S, and can perform the electrical resistance measurement of the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet P continuously and quickly by an in-line type. When the electrode sheet S is formed by arranging a large number of electrode parts P as in this embodiment, the entire inspection of the electrode parts P can be performed. That is, sampling inspection and destructive inspection are not necessary.

  Further, since the first inspection device C1 makes the roller-shaped electrode element 1 in rotational contact with the electrode sheet S, the first inspection apparatus C1 can continuously perform measurement without stopping the line as described above, and can also damage the electrode sheet S. There is an advantage not to give.

  Furthermore, since the first inspection apparatus C1 employs the pressure contact force control means 50B that controls the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 11, the pressure contact force of the electrode element 1 against the electrode sheet S. Is always constant, and the measurement conditions can be constant over the entire area of the electrode sheet S.

  Furthermore, since the first inspection apparatus C1 employs the measurement command means 50C for instructing the measurement start to the in-plane resistance measurement means 50A and the thickness measurement means 4 based on the detection signal of the inspection location instruction part by the reading means 12. For example, it is possible to measure and inspect only the parts that are products, thereby reducing the burden on the main controller 50 and contributing to energy saving.

  Furthermore, since the first inspection apparatus C1 employs the failure command means 50D that activates the marking means 12 when the measurement results by the in-plane resistance measurement means 50A and the thickness measurement means 4 deviate from the reference values, in the subsequent process It becomes easy to discriminate the defective portion of the electrode sheet S both artificially and mechanically. And the defective part of the electrode sheet S can be removed reliably. The defective part can be recycled later.

   Next, the operation and inspection method of the second inspection apparatus C2 will be described.

  In the second inspection apparatus C2, the pressure contact force detection means 30 detects the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 against the electrode sheet S, and the pressure contact force control means 60B of the main controller 60 detects the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 30. Based on the above, the pressure contact force of the upper electrode 21 is controlled. Thereby, the press contact force of the upper electrode element 21 with respect to the electrode sheet S is always constant, and the measurement conditions can be maintained constant.

  Then, in the second inspection apparatus C2, when the reading unit 31 detects the inspection location instruction part of the electrode sheet S, the detection signal is input to the main control unit 60, and the measurement command unit 60C in the main control unit 60 has the thickness. The resistance measurement unit 60A and the thickness measurement unit 24 are instructed to start measurement. Thereby, in the 2nd detection apparatus C2, it supplies with electricity between the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23 which contacted the electrode sheet S in the 1st test | inspection unit U which becomes the left end side in FIG. Based on this, the current (A1, A2) and voltage (V1, V2) are measured, and the thickness resistance measuring means 60A measures the electrical resistance in the heat direction of the electrode sheet S. At the same time, the thickness measuring means 4 measures the thickness of the electrode sheet S and inputs the measured value to the main control means 60.

  At this time, in the second inspection apparatus C2, the first inspection unit U locally measures the electrical resistance and thickness in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S. Then, as the electrode sheet S is conveyed, the second to fourth inspection units U are similarly measured locally in order while shifting the electric resistance and thickness in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S in the width direction. When the measurement is finished in the fourth inspection unit U, the entire electrode part P is measured.

  Further, the main controller 60 compares the electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S with a preset electrical resistance to make a pass / fail judgment. Alternatively, the main controller 60 compares the measured values of the electric resistance and thickness in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S with a preset reference value of the electric resistance and thickness, and performs pass / fail judgment. That is, it is determined whether or not both the measured value of electrical resistance and the measured value of thickness are within the reference value. If any measured value is within the reference value, the inspection is terminated as being good, and if any measured value is outside the reference value, it is determined that the measured value is defective. The marking means 32 is actuated to mark the end of the electrode part P as defective.

  At this time, as described above, in the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet S, a humidity environment exceeding 60% RH, a temperature environment exceeding 50 ° C., a humidity environment where the humidity fluctuation range exceeds 10% RH, or In some cases, the temperature fluctuation range exceeds 10 ° C. And the electrode sheet S manufactured in such an environment is not necessarily uniform in thickness because an electrode layer or an electrolyte layer is formed on the surface of the material, or these layers are in a wet state. Yes, if this thickness is non-uniform, the electrical resistance may also change.

  On the other hand, the second inspection apparatus C2 measures the electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S and compares and determines the measured value and the reference value. Even in a severe environment, and even in the case of the electrode sheet S in the manufacturing process in which the thickness varies, the electrical resistance in the thickness direction can be measured. In addition, the second inspection apparatus C2 also measures the thickness of the electrode sheet S by the thickness measuring means 24, and compares and determines the measured values of the electrical resistance and thickness in the thickness direction and the reference values thereof. The measurement of the electrical resistance in the vertical direction becomes even more accurate.

  Moreover, said 2nd test | inspection apparatus C2 can be arrange | positioned in the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet S, and can perform the electrical resistance measurement of the thickness direction of the electrode sheet P continuously and rapidly. Therefore, it is not necessary to use an independent inspection process, and it is very suitable as an in-line type apparatus. Of course, it is also possible to use it as an independent inspection process. When the electrode sheet S is formed by arranging a large number of electrode parts P as in this embodiment, the entire inspection of the electrode parts P can be performed. That is, sampling inspection and destructive inspection are not necessary.

  Furthermore, since the second inspection apparatus C2 makes the roller-like upper electrode element 21 and the lower electrode element 23 rotationally contact the electrode sheet S, the measurement can be continuously performed without stopping the line as described above. There is an advantage that the electrode sheet S is not damaged.

  Furthermore, since the second inspection apparatus C2 employs the pressure contact force control means 60B for controlling the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element 21 based on the detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means 30, the second electrode inspection apparatus C2 The pressure contact force is always constant, and the measurement conditions can be constant over the entire area of the electrode sheet S.

  Furthermore, the second inspection apparatus C2 has a plurality of inspection units U arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet S, and the inspection units U are sequentially shifted at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the electrode sheet S. Detailed measurement can be performed for each area set on the electrode sheet S.

  That is, in the case of the electrode sheet S formed by arranging rectangular electrode parts P as in this embodiment, the electrode part P to be measured is divided into four areas in the long side direction, and each area is divided. Measure the electrical resistance for each. At this time, in the second inspection apparatus C2, since the adjacent inspection units U are displaced in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet S, the measurement with energization does not interfere with each other and is affected by the adjacent inspection unit U. Therefore, the electrical resistance in the thickness direction can be accurately measured. Thereby, the electrical resistance in the thickness direction can be accurately measured over the entire electrode sheet (electrode component P) S.

  Furthermore, since the second inspection apparatus C2 employs the measurement command means 60C for instructing the thickness resistance measurement means 60A and the thickness measurement means 24 to start measurement based on the detection signal of the inspection location instruction portion by the reading means 31, For example, it is possible to measure and inspect only the parts that are products, thereby reducing the burden on the main controller 60 and contributing to energy saving.

  Further, since the second inspection apparatus C2 employs the failure command means 60D that activates the marking means 32 when the measurement result by the thickness resistance measurement means 60A (and the thickness measurement means 4) deviates from the reference value, In the process, it becomes easy to discriminate the defective portion of the electrode sheet S both artificially and mechanically. And the defective part of the electrode sheet S can be removed reliably. The defective part can be recycled later.

  As described above, the inspection apparatus accurately measures the electrical resistance in the in-plane direction of the electrode sheet S in the first inspection apparatus C1, and then in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet S in the second inspection apparatus C2. The electrical resistance is accurately measured, which can greatly contribute to the improvement of the inspection accuracy and quality of the electrode sheet S (electrode part P).

  Further, the first and second inspection devices C1 and C2 in the above-described inspection device include frames F1 and F2, electrode lifting and lowering means 2 and 22, bases 8 and 28, reading means 11 and 31, and marking means 12 and 32, respectively. Such a configuration can be shared. Thus, for example, the mounting plates 5 and 25, the brackets 6 and 26, the current collectors 7 and 27, and the electrodes (upper electrode) 1 and 21 are used as a set of inspection heads, and the first and second inspection devices C1 and C1 are used. Compatibility can be provided between C2.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the inspection apparatus (second inspection apparatus) of the present invention.
In the illustrated inspection apparatus C2, in the previous embodiment, the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23 in the form of a roller are wheel-type, whereas the upper and lower electrode elements 21 and 23 are ball-type. Even in the inspection apparatus C2, the same operations and effects as those of the previous embodiment can be obtained.

  The details of the configuration of the inspection apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the details of the configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the electrode elements 1 are arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet S in the first inspection apparatus C1 that measures the electrical resistance in the in-plane direction is shown. The structure arranged in the conveyance direction may be used.

  The reading means 11 and 31 may be mechanical means in addition to the optical type. Further, the making means 12 and 32 are not only an ink ejecting apparatus, but also engrave or perforate the electrode sheet S. Things can be used. Furthermore, the number of electrode pieces and inspection units can be appropriately changed according to the size of the electrode sheet S and the like. The ball-shaped upper and lower electrodes 21 and 23 shown in FIG. 8 can also be used for the electrodes of the first inspection apparatus C1.

C1 1st inspection device C2 2nd inspection device S Electrode sheet U Inspection unit 1 Electrode 2 22 Electrode raising / lowering means 3 Guide body 4 24 Thickness measuring means 10 30 Pressure contact detecting means 11 31 Reading means 12 32 Marking means 21 Upper part Electrode 23 Lower electrode 50 60 Main controller 50A In-plane resistance measurement means 50B 60B Pressure contact control means 50C 60C Measurement command means 50D 50D Defect command means 60A Thickness resistance measurement means

Claims (6)

An apparatus for inspecting the electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet, installed in the conveyance path of the electrode sheet that is continuously conveyed in the horizontal direction,
A roller-like upper electrode that rotates and contacts the upper surface of the electrode sheet;
A roller-like lower electrode that is in rotational contact with the lower surface of the electrode sheet on the lower side of the upper electrode;
A thickness resistance measuring means for measuring the electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet by energization between the upper and lower electrode elements in contact with the electrode sheet;
Electrode lifting / lowering means for lifting and lowering the upper electrode so that the pressure contact force of the upper electrode against the electrode sheet is constant ,
The upper and lower electrodes and the electrode lifting and lowering means are a set of inspection units,
An inspection apparatus for an electrode sheet, wherein a plurality of inspection units are arranged in the width direction of the electrode sheet, and the inspection units are sequentially shifted at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the electrode sheet.   The apparatus for inspecting an electrode sheet according to claim 1, further comprising a thickness measuring unit that measures the thickness of the electrode sheet. Pressure contact force detecting means for detecting the pressure contact force of the upper electrode with respect to the electrode sheet;
3. The electrode according to claim 2, further comprising pressure contact force control means for driving the electrode lifting / lowering means based on a detection signal from the pressure contact force detection means to control the pressure contact force of the upper electrode element against the electrode sheet. Sheet inspection device. A reading means for detecting the inspection location instruction section provided on the electrode sheet;
The electrode sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising measurement command means for instructing the thickness resistance measurement means to start measurement based on a detection signal of the inspection point instruction portion by the reading means. Inspection equipment. Marking means for forming marks on the electrode sheet;
5. The electrode sheet inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a failure command unit that activates the marking unit when a measurement result by the thickness resistance measurement unit deviates from a reference value. 6.   When inspecting the electrode sheet continuously conveyed in the horizontal direction using the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the electrical resistance in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet is measured, and this measurement A method for inspecting an electrode sheet, wherein a pass / fail judgment is made by comparing a value with a preset reference value of electrical resistance.

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