JP6585645B2 - Laminating equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stacking apparatus used in, for example, a manufacturing process of a stacked battery.

  A laminated body constituting a laminated battery or the like is formed by alternately laminating a positive electrode foil coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode foil coated with a negative electrode active material via a separator made of an insulating material. Yes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for manufacturing the above-described laminated body, a laminating apparatus is known in which sheet bodies such as a positive electrode foil, a negative electrode foil, and a separator are sequentially conveyed and placed on a predetermined laminating position by a predetermined conveying apparatus.

  In such a laminating apparatus, usually, the upper surface of the laminated body is pressed by pressing claws so that the laminated sheet bodies are not displaced during the work (see, for example, Patent Document 1). And, on the upper surface of the laminate in such a state, when a new sheet body is sucked and transported by the suction plate of the transport device, the suction plate remains in a state of pressing the laminate from above the new sheet body, The holding claws are replaced. For example, the presser claw rises by a predetermined amount and moves in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the pressing claw can be retreated from the laminated body without rubbing the upper surface of the laminated body. When the pressing claw is retracted from the laminated body, the edge of the sheet body that has been placed on the pressing claw so far extends straight and overlaps the upper surface of the laminated body. Thereafter, the pressing claw corresponding to the newly placed sheet body is lowered, and the upper surface of the laminate is pressed again from above the newly placed sheet body. When the replacement of the holding claws is completed and the laminated body is again pressed by the holding claws, the suction plate of the transport device is separated from the laminated body and rises.

JP 2014-78464 A

  However, conventionally, it has been necessary to hold the laminated body with the suction plate during the replacement operation of the holding claws. Therefore, the lifting operation of the suction plate cannot be started until the holding claw replacement operation is completed, and it is difficult to shorten the production tact in this respect.

  In particular, since the suction plate that adsorbs the sheet surface is relatively large and heavy, it is difficult to increase the rising speed. In addition, since the suction plate is in surface contact with the sheet body, negative pressure is likely to occur when the suction plate is rapidly raised. Therefore, even when the sheet body is pressed by the holding claws, if the suction plate is rapidly raised, the edge of the sheet body placed on the laminated body may be turned up and stacked in a bent state. There is. That is, it is difficult to increase the rising speed of the suction plate also in terms of suppressing deterioration in the quality of the laminate.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and makes it one of the main objectives to provide the lamination apparatus which can aim at the improvement of productivity, suppressing the quality fall of a laminated body.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problem will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. A laminating apparatus for producing a laminate in which a positive electrode foil coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode foil coated with a negative electrode active material are alternately laminated via a separator made of an insulating material. ,
A laminated portion (for example, a laminated table) for laminating the positive foil, the negative foil and the separator;
A conveying means having a predetermined adsorption part (for example, an adsorption plate), adsorbing a sheet body including the positive electrode foil, the negative electrode foil or the separator by the adsorption part, and conveying and placing the sheet body on the stacking unit;
A lamination-side pressing member for holding the laminated body laminated in the lamination part;
A conveyance-side pressing member that is provided so as to be relatively displaceable with respect to the suction portion, and presses the sheet body placed on the laminated portion or the laminated body by the suction portion;
In a state where a sheet body is newly placed by the suction portion on the laminated body pressed by at least the lamination side pressing member, the newly placed sheet body is pressed by the conveyance side pressing member. An operation of separating the suction portion from the newly placed sheet body, and a step of retracting the lamination side pressing member holding the laminated body under the newly placed sheet body and newly A replacement operation for pressing the stacked body by the stacked side pressing member from above the loaded sheet body is performed, and after the replacement operation by the stacked side pressing member is completed, the transport side pressing member from the newly mounted sheet body A laminating apparatus characterized in that an operation of separating the two can be performed.

  However, “when the sheet body is newly placed on the stacked portion by the suction portion, the newly placed sheet body is pressed with the conveyance-side pressing member. An operation of separating the adsorbing portion from the sheet body, and an operation of pressing the laminated body by the stacking side pressing member from above the newly placed sheet body, and a pressing operation by the stacking side pressing member. After the completion, the operation of separating the conveyance-side pressing member from the newly placed sheet member can be executed ”.

  According to the above means 1, by providing the conveyance side pressing member, while the conveyance side pressing member is pressing the sheet body, the separation operation of the suction portion and the replacement operation of the lamination side pressing member are performed at the same time. Can be executed.

  That is, the adsorption unit can start the separation operation immediately after placing the sheet body, without waiting for the completion of the replacement operation of the stacking side pressing member. By advancing the start timing of the separation operation of the suction unit, the production tact can be shortened without increasing the separation speed of the suction unit. As a result, productivity can be improved.

  On the other hand, since the conveyance-side pressing member continues to press the sheet body until the stacking-side pressing member replacement operation is completed, there is little possibility that the sheet body is displaced.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the separation speed of the suction portion, it is possible to suppress the generation of negative pressure and the like. As a result, generation | occurrence | production of the bending etc. of a sheet | seat body can be suppressed, and the quality fall of a laminated body can be suppressed.

  Mean 2. The conveyance-side pressing member is located at a position where the formation range in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion does not overlap at least the operation range of the stacked-side pressing member in the orthogonal direction in a plan view viewed in the vertical direction. The laminating apparatus according to the means 1, which is provided.

  According to the above means 2, the stacked side pressing member does not exist on the moving path of the conveyance side pressing member when the suction portion moves horizontally. As a result, the horizontal movement operation of the suction portion can be started immediately after the conveyance-side pressing member is slightly lifted without receiving interference from the lamination-side pressing member. As a result, the production tact can be further shortened and the productivity can be further improved.

  Means 3. The conveyance-side pressing member is provided in the formation range of the suction portion in the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion and in the formation range of the suction portion in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction in plan view as viewed in the vertical direction. The laminating apparatus according to means 1 or 2, wherein the laminating apparatus is provided.

  For example, the structure which provides a notch-shaped recessed part in the outer peripheral edge part of an adsorption | suction part by planar view seen in the up-down direction, and arrange | positions a conveyance side pressing member in this recessed part is mentioned as an example.

  If a conveyance-side pressing member is provided at a position outside a predetermined side of the suction portion having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, not only the range where the conveyance-side pressing member is positioned, but also the conveyance-side pressing member is provided. The vicinity of the edge portion of the sheet body cannot be sucked in the entire area on one side of the sheet, and the suction area is greatly reduced.

  In such a case, in the process of transporting the sheet body, the protruding portion of the sheet body from the suction portion may be subjected to air resistance, and the sheet body may fall off the suction portion. Moreover, although it does not fall out, there exists a possibility that a sheet | seat body may bend and it may be laminated | stacked in that state. As a result, there is a risk that quality and productivity may be reduced.

  On the other hand, according to the means 3, it is possible to suck up to the vicinity of the edge of the sheet member in the horizontal movement direction and the orthogonal direction of the suction portion. Accordingly, the sheet body can be adsorbed in a wider range, and the area of the protruding portion of the sheet body from the adsorption portion can be reduced as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to suppress dropping or bending of the sheet body during conveyance, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in quality and productivity.

  Means 4. The laminating apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the conveying side pressing member is constituted by an adsorbing means capable of adsorbing the sheet member.

  When the conveyance-side pressing member is provided, the adsorption area by the adsorption portion is reduced at least by that amount, so that the sheet body may be easily dropped or bent during conveyance as described above.

  On the other hand, according to the means 4, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the adsorption area of the adsorption portion and to adsorb the sheet body in a wider range. As a result, it is possible to suppress deterioration in quality and productivity.

  Means 5. The stacking apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the suction portion is a suction plate having a substantially flat plate shape.

  When the suction plate is used, it is difficult to increase the separation speed, as described in the above-mentioned “Problem to be Solved by the Invention”. That is, under the configuration related to the means 5, the functions and effects related to the means 1 to 4 are more effective.

It is a perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a laminated body. It is a plane schematic diagram for demonstrating schematic structure of a lamination apparatus. It is a top view which shows a lamination stand and a holding mechanism. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: One operation | movement aspect, such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member (in the state which the pressing nail is pressing down a laminated body, a sheet | seat body is the upper position of a laminated body FIG. It is side surface fragmentary sectional view which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: It is a figure which shows one operation | movement aspects (state in which the adsorption | suction part fell and the sheet | seat body was mounted on the laminated body), such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member is there. It is side surface fragmentary sectional view which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: One operation | movement aspect, such as a suction part and a holding member (The state where only the suction part started the raising operation in the state where the sheet pressing part pressed the sheet body) ). It is side surface sectional drawing which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: One action | operation aspect, such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member (The press nail | claw lifts slightly from the upper surface of a laminated body, The edge of the sheet | seat body mounted on it lifts FIG. It is a side partial sectional view showing a transport unit, a holding mechanism, and the like, and is an operation mode of a suction unit, a holding member, and the like (the pressing claw is retracted from the laminated body, and the edge of the sheet body that has been placed on the upper side until then is It is a figure which extends straightly and overlaps the upper surface of the laminate. It is side surface fragmentary sectional drawing which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: It is a figure which shows one operation | movement aspects (The state where the new pressing claw has turned on a laminated body), such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member. It is side surface fragmentary sectional drawing which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: It is a figure which shows one operation | movement aspects (The press nail | claw descend | lowered and pressed the laminated body), such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member. It is side surface fragmentary sectional view which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: It is a figure which shows one operation | movement aspects (state which the sheet pressing part started the raising operation | movement), such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member. It is side surface fragmentary sectional view which shows a conveyance part, a holding mechanism, etc., Comprising: It is a figure which shows one operation | movement aspects (state in which the conveyance part is moving horizontally), such as an adsorption | suction part and a holding member.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the laminated body 4 which comprises laminated | stacked batteries, such as a lithium ion secondary battery, is the negative electrode foil 1, the separator 2, the positive electrode foil 3, and the separator 2 being piled up repeatedly in this order from the bottom. Is formed.

  The negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3 are configured by applying and forming active materials 1B and 3B on both front and back surfaces of the electrode foil main bodies 1A and 3A made of a rectangular metal foil, and the active materials 1B and 3B are applied. It has a coated part formed and an uncoated part formed by exposing the electrode foil main bodies 1A and 3A.

  Specifically, the electrode foil main body 1A of the negative electrode foil 1 is made of, for example, copper, and the electrode foil main body 3A of the positive electrode foil 3 is made of, for example, aluminum. In addition, particles containing, for example, silicon as a negative electrode active material are coated on both front and back surfaces of the negative electrode foil 1, and particles containing, for example, lithium cobaltate, etc., as a positive electrode active material on both front and back surfaces of the positive electrode foil 3. Is applied.

  The separator 2 is formed of a rectangular sheet-like porous resin film having insulating properties, and is a rectangle that is slightly larger than the planar rectangular coating portions (active materials 1B and 3B) of the negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3. It has a shape.

  Hereinafter, when it is not particularly necessary to distinguish between positive and negative, the negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3 may be collectively referred to as “electrode foils 1 and 3”. Similarly, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2, the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2 may be collectively referred to as a “sheet body”.

  In an appropriate laminated state, the coated portions of the negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3 are completely covered with the separator 2 and do not protrude, and only the uncoated portions of the negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3 are different positions. Projecting from the separator 2. Each uncoated portion corresponds to a negative electrode tab and a positive electrode tab, and is an area electrically connected to the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the electrode terminal inside the laminated battery.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram (plan view) showing a main part of the stacking device (stacked battery manufacturing device) 5. As shown in the figure, the laminating apparatus 5 includes a separator supply stage 6, an electrode foil supply stage 7, and a lamination stage 8.

  On the separator supply stage 6, the separators 2 stored on a predetermined pallet 9 are supplied one by one by a separator supply unit (not shown) every time the layers are stacked.

  On the electrode foil supply stage 7, the negative electrode foils 1 or the positive electrode foils 3 accumulated on the predetermined pallets 10 and 11 are alternately supplied one by one by an electrode foil supply means (not shown) at every lamination.

  The laminating apparatus 5 includes a transport device 12 as a transport unit that transports the separator 2 or the electrode foils 1 and 3 from the separator supply stage 6 or the electrode foil supply stage 7 to the stack stage 8.

  The conveying device 12 includes a guide rail 13 provided so as to pass above the stages 6 to 8, and a horizontal moving unit 14 provided so as to be movable along the guide rail 13 by a driving unit such as a motor (not shown). The horizontal movement unit 14 includes a conveyance unit 15 provided in a suspended state.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 12 and the like, the transport unit 15 includes a pair of main fluid pressure cylinders 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as “main cylinders 16”) provided in a suspended state on the horizontal movement unit 14. A rod 16a is provided at the lower part of each main cylinder 16 so as to be able to appear and retract along the vertical direction.

  A suction portion 17 is provided at the lower end of the rod 16a. Thereby, the adsorption | suction part 17 can move up and down with the drive of the main cylinder 16 (protrusion operation | movement of the rod 16a).

  The adsorbing part 17 has a base part 18 fixed to the lower end of the rod 16 a and an adsorbing plate 19 made of a porous body provided below the base part 18.

  In addition, regarding the cross-sections of the base portion 18 and the suction plate 19 in FIGS. 4 to 12, the spaces formed therein and various members disposed therein are appropriately omitted for simplification. It is illustrated in a non-hollow shape.

  A suction path (not shown) communicating with the suction plate 19 is formed inside the base portion 18. A vacuum hose 20 communicating with the suction path is connected to the outside of the base portion 18. A vacuum pump (not shown) is connected to the other end of the vacuum hose 20. The vacuum pump is controlled to be turned on and off by a control device (not shown), so that suction and suction release in the suction portion 17 (suction plate 19) can be switched.

  When the vacuum pump is turned on, suction is performed from the suction plate 19 via the vacuum hose 20 and the suction path, and the separator 2 or the electrode foils 1 and 3 are sucked onto the lower surface (suction surface) of the suction plate 19 ( (See FIG. 4).

  Accommodating recesses 17a are respectively formed on both side portions of the suction portion 17 (base portion 18 and suction plate 19) in the horizontal direction of the transport portion 15 in the horizontal direction. Each accommodation recess 17a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (see FIG. 3). Each housing recess 17 a is formed so as to be cut out from the side surface of the base portion 18 to the lower surface portion of the suction plate 19, and opens in a substantially rectangular shape on the side surface portion and the lower surface portion of the suction portion 17. .

  In both the left and right receiving recesses 17a, sheet pressing portions 21 each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape are received. The “sheet pressing portion 21” corresponds to the “conveying side pressing member” in the present embodiment.

  Each sheet pressing portion 21 has a lower surface substantially flush with a lower surface (suction surface) of the suction plate 19 in a state of being stored in the storage recess 17a.

  Each sheet pressing portion 21 is provided so as to be relatively displaceable in the vertical direction with respect to the suction portion 17, and is configured to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the housing recess 17 a. More specifically, the transport unit 15 is provided with a pair of sub fluid pressure cylinders 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as “sub cylinders 22”) corresponding to the left and right sheet pressing units 21.

  Each sub-cylinder 22 is provided in a suspended state on the horizontal movement unit 14. A rod 22a is provided at the bottom of each sub-cylinder 22 so as to be able to appear and retract along the vertical direction.

  Each rod 22a protrudes into the accommodating recess 17a through a through hole 18a formed through the base portion 18 so as to correspond to the rod 22a. The lower end portion of the rod 22a is connected to the sheet pressing portion 21 in the housing recess 17a.

  As a result, the sheet pressing portion 21 can be moved up and down as the sub cylinder 22 is driven (the rod 22a moves in and out). Further, by making the operations of the main cylinder 16 and the sub cylinder 22 different, the suction portion 17 and the sheet pressing portion 21 can be displaced relative to each other in the vertical direction.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the notch part 27 is each formed in four corners of planar view of the adsorption | suction part 17 so that it may not interfere with the holding member 31 (pressing claw 42) mentioned later (refer FIG. 3). As a result, the sheet body can be adsorbed in a wider range, and the area of the protruding portion of the sheet body from the adsorbing plate 19 that can be bent can be reduced as much as possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a stacking table 29 is provided on the stacking stage 8 as a stacking unit for stacking the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2.

  The stacking table 29 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view that is slightly larger than the electrode foils 1, 3 and the separator 2, and the electrode foils 1, 3 and the separator 2 have their respective sides with respect to each side of the stacking table 29. It is mounted so as to be substantially parallel.

  As described above, the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2 are different in size, and even in an appropriate laminated state, the uncoated part of the electrode foils 1 and 3 protrudes from the separator 2 and is completely Although the surroundings are configured not to coincide with each other, for the sake of simplicity, the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2 are illustrated in the same shape in other drawings except FIG.

  A holding mechanism 30 for holding the stacked body 4 (electrode foils 1 and 3 and separator 2) stacked on the stacking table 29 is provided around the stacking table 29.

  The holding mechanism 30 includes four holding members 31 </ b> A, 31 </ b> B, 31 </ b> C, and 31 </ b> D provided corresponding to the four corners of the stacking base 29 (laminated body 4). The four holding members 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D according to the present embodiment are configured to move in synchronization. Hereinafter, the holding members 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D may be collectively referred to as the “holding member 31” when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  Next, the configuration of the holding member 31 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the stacking table 29 and the holding mechanism 30.

  The holding member 31 includes a shaft portion 40 that is rotatable about the vertical direction (the depth direction in FIG. 3) and is displaceable in the vertical direction, and a regular pentagon in plan view provided at the upper end of the shaft portion 40. The base 41 has a shape, and four pressing claws 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D that extend from four of the five sides of the base 41 toward the radially outer periphery of the shaft 40. . Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, the pressing claws 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D may be collectively referred to as “pressing claws 42”. The “pressing claw 42” corresponds to the “lamination side pressing member” in the present embodiment.

  The shaft portion 40 of the holding member 31 has one side α out of two orthogonal sides α and β constituting each corner portion of the four corners of the stacking table 29 (stacked body 4) [in this embodiment, the stacking table 29 ( Of the four sides of the laminate 4), two sides along the left-right direction in FIG. 2 parallel to the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17 are provided at positions facing the side α. That is, two holding members 31 (shaft portions 40) are each 1 along two sides α facing each other across the guide rail 13 of the transport device 12 among the four sides of the stacking base 29 (stacked body 4). Each group is arranged.

  The holding member 31 (shaft portion 40) is configured to be rotatable and vertically movable by a driving unit (not shown). Thereby, the holding claw 42 can be swung in the horizontal direction or moved up and down.

  As a driving means for driving the holding member 31 (shaft portion 40), a direct acting fluid pressure cylinder (vertical driving means) for moving the shaft portion 40 up and down, and a rotary for rotating the shaft portion 40 are used. An example is a combination of a cylinder (rotation drive means) and the like. Of course, the structure of the drive means which concerns on the holding member 31 (shaft part 40) is not limited to this, You may employ | adopt another drive means.

  However, in this embodiment, each holding member 31 is configured to rotate only in a predetermined direction. More specifically, the holding members 31A and 31C located on the left side of the pair of holding members 31 toward the side surface (side α) of the stacking base 29 (laminated body 4) rotate counterclockwise in plan view. On the other hand, the holding members 31B and 31D located on the right side rotate clockwise in plan view.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the holding member 31 is configured to intermittently rotate by 72 ° (360 ° / 5) in the one direction. Accordingly, the holding claws 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D are sequentially moved from the first stop position X1 to the fifth stop position X5 in this order.

  That is, among the pair of holding members 31, the left holding member 31 </ b> A (31 </ b> C) and the right holding member 31 </ b> B (31 </ b> D) having different rotation directions have the pressing claws 42 </ b> A, 42 </ b> B, 42 </ b> C, 42 </ b> D and the stop position X <b> 1. The arrangement order of X2, X3, X4, and X5 is the reverse direction.

  More specifically, the pressing claw 42A is provided on the first side in the counter-rotating direction from the side where the pressing claw 42 is not provided (hereinafter referred to as the intermittent portion K) among the five sides of the base 41. In addition, a pressing claw 42B is provided on the second side in the counter-rotating direction from the intermittent portion K, a pressing claw 42C is provided on the third side in the counter-rotating direction, and a fourth side in the counter-rotating direction. A presser claw 42D is provided on the front.

  When the presser pawl 42 stops at the first stop position X1 (pressing position), the extending direction of the presser pawl 42 and the side α of the stacking base 29 (laminated body 4) with which the shaft portion 40 is opposed to each other. It will be in the state orthogonal in planar view.

  Further, in each holding member 31, when one pressing claw 42 is stopped at the first stop position X <b> 1, the other three pressing claws 42 are stopped at a position where they do not overlap with the stacked body 4 in plan view. It is configured. That is, when the presser pawl 42 is in the second stop position X2 to the fifth stop position X5, the presser pawl 42 does not overlap the stacked body 4 in plan view.

  Therefore, when pressing the sheet body placed on the stacking base 29 (laminated body 4), one of the two orthogonal sides α and β constituting the corner portion in the vicinity of the corner portion of the sheet body. The side α is pressed by one pressing claw 42 stopped at the first stop position X1.

  Further, when the shaft portion 40 moves up and down, the position of the presser claw 42 in the vertical direction is separated from the stacked body 4 upward (see FIG. 4) and the contact position where the stacked body 4 can be contacted. (See FIG. 5). In FIGS. 4 to 12, the stacked body 4 is illustrated in a simplified manner with a gap between the sheet bodies stacked on the stacking table 29.

  Then, when the pressing claw 42 that has pressed the stacked body 4 at the first stop position X1 is moved to the second stop position X2, the first claw 42 is slightly lifted from the stacked body 4 in the first state. A turning movement is made from the stop position X1 to the second stop position X2.

  In the present embodiment, the types of holding claws 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D that hold the stacked body 4 are selected according to the type of sheet placed on the uppermost surface of the stacked body 4 (on the stacking base 29 at the start of stacking). It becomes the composition to be replaced.

  More specifically, when the sheet body placed on the uppermost surface of the laminate 4 is the negative foil 1, the pressing claw 42A is used among the four pressing claws 42A to 42D. Hereinafter, the “holding claw 42A” is referred to as a “negative electrode pressing claw 42A”.

  When the sheet body placed on the uppermost surface of the laminated body 4 is the separator 2 stacked on the upper side of the negative foil 1, the pressing claw 42B is used among the four pressing claws 42A to 42D. Hereinafter, the “holding claws 42B” are referred to as “negative electrode separator pressing claws 42B”.

  When the sheet body placed on the uppermost surface of the laminate 4 is the positive foil 3, the pressing claws 42C are used among the four pressing claws 42A to 42D. Hereinafter, the “holding claw 42C” is referred to as a “positive electrode pressing claw 42C”.

  When the sheet body placed on the uppermost surface of the laminated body 4 is the separator 2 laminated on the upper side of the positive foil 3, the pressing claw 42D is used among the four pressing claws 42A to 42D. Hereinafter, the “holding claw 42D” is referred to as a “positive electrode separator pressing claw 42D”.

  Next, the lamination procedure of the laminated body 4 by the lamination apparatus 5 will be described. In the present embodiment, a negative electrode foil laminating step for laminating the negative electrode foil 1, a first separator laminating step for laminating the separator 2 thereon, a positive foil laminating step for laminating the positive electrode foil 3 thereon, and a separator 2 thereon The laminated body 4 is manufactured by repeating the second separator laminating step for laminating a predetermined number of times in this order.

  Hereinafter, the operation modes of the transport device 12 and the holding mechanism 30 will be described with reference to an example of a stacking operation (when one or more sheets are already stacked on the stacking base 29 and the stacked body 4 is present) as shown in FIGS. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, the negative electrode foil lamination step will be described as an example.

  When the negative electrode foil lamination step is started, first, the transport unit 15 of the transport device 12 horizontally moves to an upper position of the electrode foil supply stage 7. When the transport unit 15 reaches the upper position of the electrode foil supply stage 7, the suction unit 17 starts to descend.

  More specifically, the rods 16a and 22a of the cylinders 16 and 22 perform a protruding operation in synchronization. Thereby, the adsorption | suction part 17 and both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 move down integrally, without relative displacement.

  When the suction unit 17 is lowered to the height position of the negative electrode foil 1 supplied onto the electrode foil supply stage 7, the vacuum pump is turned on. Thereby, the adsorption plate 19 adsorbs the negative electrode foil 1. At this time, both sheet pressing portions 21 are maintained in a state of being accommodated in the accommodating recess 17a, and the lower surface thereof is substantially flush with the lower surface (adsorption surface) of the adsorption plate 19.

  When the negative electrode foil 1 is adsorbed, the adsorbing unit 17 starts an ascending operation. More specifically, the rods 16a and 22a of the cylinders 16 and 22 perform an immersion operation in synchronization. Thereby, the adsorption | suction part 17 and both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 rise as a unit without relative displacement.

  When the adsorbing part 17 adsorbing the negative electrode foil 1 rises to a predetermined height position, the conveying part 15 moves horizontally to the upper position of the stacking stage 29 of the stacking stage 8 (see FIG. 4).

  When the transport unit 15 reaches the upper position of the stacking table 29, the suction unit 17 starts to descend. More specifically, the rods 16a and 22a of the cylinders 16 and 22 perform a protruding operation in synchronization. Thereby, the adsorption | suction part 17 and both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 move down integrally, without relative displacement.

  When the adsorbing portion 17 is lowered to the height position of the uppermost surface of the laminated body 4, the negative electrode foil 1 is placed on the laminated body 4 (see FIG. 5). And the adsorption | suction part 17 and both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 stop in the state which pressed down the negative electrode foil 1 to the downward direction (laminated body 4).

  At this time, below the negative electrode foil 1, each corner portion of the laminate 4 (separator 2) is pressed by the positive electrode separator pressing claw 42 </ b> D. Therefore, the protruding portion of the negative electrode foil 1 that protrudes outward from the peripheral edge of the adsorbing portion 17 is in a state of being placed on the positive electrode separator pressing claw 42D that holds the laminate 4 (see FIG. 5).

  When the negative electrode foil 1 is placed on the laminate 4 and is pressed by the suction portion 17 and the both sheet pressing portions 21, the vacuum pump is turned off. Thereby, the suction by the suction plate 19 is stopped and the suction of the negative foil 1 is released.

  Then, only the adsorption | suction part 17 starts a raise operation | movement slowly with the both sheet | seat pressing part 21 pressing the negative electrode foil 1 (refer FIG. 6).

  More specifically, the rod 16a of the main cylinder 16 is immersed while the rod 22a of the sub cylinder 22 is maintained in the protruding state. Thereby, the adsorption | suction part 17 and both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 are displaced relatively, and only the adsorption | suction part 17 separates from the negative electrode foil 1, and raises. And the adsorption | suction part 17 continues the raise operation | movement at a slow speed even during the horizontal movement of the conveyance part 15 mentioned later until it reaches a predetermined height position.

  At the same time, the replacement operation of the pressing claws 42 is executed while the negative foil 1 is pressed by the both sheet pressing portions 21.

  More specifically, the holding member 31 (shaft portion 40) first rises. Thereby, each presser claw 42 rises to a predetermined height position. At the first stop position X1 (pressing position), the positive electrode separator presser claw 42D is slightly lifted from the upper surface (separator 2) of the laminate 4, and the edge of the negative electrode foil 1 placed thereon is lifted (See FIG. 7).

  When the presser claw 42 is raised to a predetermined height position, the shaft portion 40 rotates in a predetermined direction (for example, the counterclockwise direction in the holding member 31A and the clockwise direction in the holding member 31D), and each presser claw 42 is in a predetermined direction. Swivel in the horizontal direction at the height position.

  As a result, at the first stop position X1, the positive electrode separator pressing claw 42D retreats from the stacked body 4 without rubbing the upper surface of the stacked body 4, and has been placed on the positive electrode separator pressing claw 42D until then. The edge of the negative electrode foil 1 extends straight and overlaps the upper surface of the laminate 4 (see FIG. 8).

  In the negative electrode foil laminating process during the laminating operation (from the second order onward), the positive electrode separator presser claw 42D pivots from the first stop position X1 to the second stop position X2, and then moves to the second stop position X2. Without stopping, it continues to turn to the third stop position X3.

  That is, when the positive separator separator presser claw 42D turns from the first stop position X1, each presser claw 42 does not stop at the position where it has turned 72 °, but further turns by 144 ° by 72 °. It becomes.

  Thereby, after the intermittent part K turns and moves from the fifth stop position X5 to the first stop position X1, it does not stop at the first stop position X1 and continues to turn to the second stop position X2. Become.

  Then, the negative electrode pressing claw 42A pivots to the first stop position X1 so as to be replaced with the intermittent portion K. However, the intermittent portion K of the holding member 31 is stopped at the first stop position X1 before the start of lamination, and in the negative electrode foil lamination process at the start of lamination (first order), each pressing claw 42 Only turn 72 °, the negative electrode holding claw 42A turns to the first stop position X1.

  When the negative electrode holding claws 42A are turned to the first stop position X1, the turning movements of the holding claws 42 are stopped (see FIG. 9).

  Thereafter, the holding member 31 (shaft portion 40) is lowered. As a result, at the first stop position X1, the negative electrode pressing claw 42A is displaced from the spaced position spaced above the negative electrode foil 1 to a contact position where the negative electrode foil 1 can be contacted. And each corner part vicinity of the four corners of the negative electrode foil 1 will be in the state pressed by the negative electrode pressing nail | claw 42A (refer FIG. 10).

  When the laminated body 4 (negative electrode foil 1) is in a state of being pressed by the negative electrode pressing claws 42A, the ascending operation of both sheet pressing portions 21 is started (see FIG. 11). More specifically, the immersion operation of the rod 22a of the sub cylinder 22 is performed. Thereby, both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 space apart from the laminated body 4, and raise.

  And after both the sheet | seat holding | suppressing parts 21 have left | separated slightly from the laminated body 4, the horizontal movement operation | movement of the conveyance part 15 is started immediately (refer FIG. 12), and it transfers to a 1st separator lamination process. The sheet pressing unit 21 is housed in the housing recess 17a of the suction unit 17 during the horizontal movement of the transport unit 15, and thereafter slowly until the sheet holding unit 21 reaches the predetermined height position together with the suction unit 17. Continue ascending at the specified speed.

  Thereafter, similarly, by repeating the above various lamination steps a predetermined number of times, it is possible to obtain a laminated body 4 in which the negative electrode foil 1, the separator 2, the positive electrode foil 3, and the separator 2 are repeatedly stacked in order from the bottom.

  And when a predetermined | prescribed 2nd separator lamination process is complete | finished and the laminated body 4 is completed, the taking-out operation | work of the laminated body 4 is performed. At this time, as in the other cases, the positive electrode separator presser claw 42D is turned by 72 ° from the first stop position X1 in a predetermined direction.

  That is, the operation of each holding member 31 is stopped in a state where the intermittent portion K has pivoted to the first stop position X1. In this state, the completed laminate 4 is taken out from the stacking base 29 by a take-out device (not shown).

  In the above description, the operation mode of the conveying device 12 and the holding mechanism 30 has been described in detail by way of example during the stacking operation. However, no sheet body is stacked on the stacking table 29, and directly on the stacking table 29. At the start of stacking on which the negative electrode foil 1 is placed, since the pressing claw 42 is not stopped at the first stop position X1, main operation modes of the transport device 12 and the holding mechanism 30 according to the present invention are as follows. It becomes like this.

  When the negative electrode foil 1 is newly placed on the stacking base 29 by the adsorption unit 17, the operation of separating the adsorption unit 17 from the negative electrode foil 1 with the negative electrode foil 1 being held by the sheet holding unit 21. In addition, an operation of pressing the negative electrode foil 1 by the pressing claw 42 is performed, and an operation of separating the sheet pressing portion 21 from the negative electrode foil 1 after the pressing operation by the pressing claw 42 is completed.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the sheet pressing portion 21 provided so as to be relatively displaceable with respect to the suction portion 17 is provided.

  By providing the sheet pressing portion 21, while the sheet pressing portion 21 is pressing the sheet body, the raising operation of the suction portion 17 and the replacement operation of the pressing claw 42 can be executed at the same time.

  That is, the suction part 17 can start the ascending operation immediately after placing the sheet body, without waiting for the end of the replacement operation of the pressing claws 42. By increasing the start timing of the ascending operation of the adsorption unit 17, the production tact can be shortened without increasing the ascending speed of the adsorption unit 17. As a result, productivity can be improved.

  On the other hand, since the sheet pressing portion 21 keeps pressing the sheet body until the replacement operation of the pressing claws 42 is completed, there is little possibility that the sheet body is displaced.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the ascending speed of the suction portion 17, the generation of negative pressure or the like can be suppressed. As a result, generation | occurrence | production of the bending of a sheet | seat body, etc. can be suppressed, and the quality fall of the laminated body 4 can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sheet pressing portion 21 has a formation range in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3) of the suction portion 17 in plan view, at least in the orthogonal direction. It is provided at a position that does not overlap the operating range W1 of the presser claw 42.

  Thereby, the pressing claw 42 does not exist on the moving path of the sheet pressing portion 21 when the suction portion 17 moves horizontally. Therefore, the horizontal movement operation of the suction portion 17 can be started immediately after the sheet pressing portion 21 is slightly lifted without receiving interference from the pressing claws 42. As a result, the production tact can be further shortened and the productivity can be further improved.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the sheet pressing portion 21 is in the orthogonal direction (in the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17 (left and right direction in FIG. 3) in the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17 and orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction in plan view ( It is provided within the formation range W3 of the suction portion 17 in the vertical direction of FIG.

  Thereby, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to adsorb | suck to the edge part vicinity of the sheet | seat body in the horizontal movement direction of the adsorption | suction part 17 and the orthogonal direction. Therefore, the sheet body can be adsorbed in a wider range, and the area of the protruding portion of the sheet body from the adsorbing portion 17 can be reduced as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to suppress dropping or bending of the sheet body during conveyance, and it is possible to suppress deterioration in quality and productivity.

  If a suction portion having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is provided in the left and right range between the left and right sheet pressing portions 21 (see FIG. 3) instead of the suction portion 17, not only the formation range of the sheet pressing portion 21 is provided. In addition, it becomes impossible to adsorb to the vicinity of the edge portion of the sheet body in the entire left and right side portions where the sheet pressing portion 21 is provided, and the adsorption area is greatly reduced.

  In this case, in the process of conveying the sheet body, the protruding portion of the sheet body from the suction unit 17 may be subjected to air resistance, and the sheet body may fall off the suction unit 17. Moreover, although it does not fall out, there exists a possibility that a sheet | seat body may bend and it may be laminated | stacked in that state. As a result, there is a risk that quality and productivity may be reduced.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

  (A) In the above-described embodiment, the laminated body 4 according to the laminated battery is manufactured by the laminated device 5, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the laminated device 5 relates to a lithium ion capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, or the like. It is good also as a structure which manufactures a laminated body.

  (B) The laminate 4 according to the above embodiment is formed by laminating the negative electrode foil 1, the separator 2, the positive electrode foil 3, and the separator 2 in this order so that they are repeatedly stacked in order from the bottom. The order is not limited to this. For example, the positive electrode foil 3, the separator 2, the negative electrode foil 1, and the separator 2 may be repeatedly stacked in order from the bottom.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure where the separator 2 is located in the lowest layer. That is, the separator 2, the negative electrode foil 1, the separator 2, and the positive foil 3 may be repeatedly stacked in order from the bottom, or the separator 2, the positive foil 3, the separator 2, and the negative foil 1 in the order You may make it pile up repeatedly in order.

  When the stacking order of the sheet bodies is changed, the “negative electrode pressing claw 42A”, the “negative electrode upper separator pressing claw 42B”, the “positive electrode pressing claw 42C” and the “positive electrode upper separator pressing” with respect to the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 40 are used. It is preferable that the arrangement order of the “claws 42D” is also varied according to the stacking order of the sheet bodies.

  (C) The material and shape of the electrode foils 1 and 3 and the separator 2 as the sheet body are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the said embodiment, although the separator 2 is comprised with the porous resin film, you may comprise with an insulating nonwoven fabric.

  Further, as the positive electrode active material, for example, other lithium-containing metal oxides such as lithium nickelate and lithium manganate may be used, and as the negative electrode active material, for example, a carbonaceous material may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it has the structure which conveys and mounts the negative electrode foil 1, the separator 2, and the positive electrode foil 3 as a separate sheet body to the lamination stand 29, respectively, it is not restricted to this, For example, negative electrode foil 1 ( Or what laminated | stacked the positive electrode foil 3) and the separator 2 is good also as a structure which conveys to the lamination | stacking stand 29 and mounts it as one sheet body.

  (D) In the said embodiment, although the electrode foil supply stage 7 common to the negative electrode foil 1 and the positive electrode foil 3 is provided, it is good also as a structure by which another electrode foil supply stage is provided, respectively. That is, the negative electrode foil supply stage and the positive electrode foil supply stage may be provided separately.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it has the structure which conveys each sheet | seat body supplied to each supply stage 6 and 7 to the lamination | stacking stage 8 using one conveyance apparatus 12, it replaces with this, for example, each A plurality of conveyance devices corresponding to the respective sheet bodies may be prepared, and the respective sheet bodies may be sequentially conveyed and stacked on the lamination stage 8 using the respective conveyance devices.

  In addition, the stacking stage 8 (stacking table 29) may be sequentially moved to a position corresponding to the plurality of transfer devices by moving means such as a turntable.

  (E) The configuration of the holding mechanism 30 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the holding member 31 includes four pressing claws 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D, and these four pressing claws 42 are configured to be unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 40, not at equal intervals of 90 °. ing. Instead of this, a plurality of pressing claws may be provided at equal intervals.

  The number of pressing claws 42 is not limited to four, and it is sufficient that one or more pressing claws are provided for one shaft portion 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the four holding members 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D are provided corresponding to the four corners of the stacking base 29 (laminated body 4). The arrangement configuration and number are not limited to this, and other configurations may be adopted.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it has the structure which can be displaced to a horizontal direction by turning the pressing claw 42 centering on the axial part 40, it is not restricted to this, A pressing claw is linearly horizontal. It is good also as a structure which carries out slide displacement.

  (F) The structure of the conveying means is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the fluid pressure cylinders 16 and 22 are employed as driving means for driving the suction portion 17 and the sheet pressing portion 21, but the driving means related to the suction portion 17 and the sheet pressing portion 21 is limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, other driving means such as a mechanism combining a ball screw and a servo motor may be employed.

  (G) The configuration of the adsorption unit is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the said embodiment, although the adsorption | suction board (porous adsorption | suction board) 19 which consists of a porous body is employ | adopted, not only this but a porous adsorption board may be employ | adopted. Further, instead of the suction plate, a suction part provided with a plurality of suction pads may be employed.

  (H) The shape of the suction plate 19 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, substantially arc-shaped cutout portions 27 are formed at the four corners of the suction portion 17 so as not to interfere with the presser pawl 42. A notched part may be used. Further, the notch portion may be omitted, and a suction portion having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view may be employed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the accommodation recessed part 17a in which the sheet | seat holding | suppressing part 21 is accommodated is formed in the right and left both sides of the adsorption | suction part 17, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate | omitted this. In such a case, for example, the sheet pressing portion 21 is independently disposed at an outer position of the suction portion having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

  (I) The number, shape, arrangement position, and the like of the sheet pressing portion 21 (conveying side pressing member) are not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the sheet pressing portion 21 is provided corresponding to two sides orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17 in the peripheral portion of the suction portion 17, but instead of or in addition to this, A configuration may be adopted in which sheet pressing portions are provided corresponding to two sides parallel to the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17. Alternatively, the sheet pressing portions may be provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the suction portion 17.

  However, in order to immediately start the horizontal movement operation of the suction portion 17 after slightly raising the sheet pressing portion 21 without receiving the interference of the presser claws 42, It is preferable that the formation range of the sheet pressing portion 21 in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction does not overlap at least the operation range of the pressing claw 42 in the orthogonal direction.

  Further, as described above, the sheet pressing portion 21 may be independently arranged at a position outside the planar view of the suction portion 17. However, in order for the suction portion 17 to suck up to the vicinity of the edge of the sheet body, the sheet pressing portion 21 is within the formation range W2 of the suction portion 17 in the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion 17 and in the horizontal movement direction in plan view. Is preferably provided within the formation range W3 of the suction portion 17 in the orthogonal direction.

  For example, instead of the housing recess 17a formed in the outer peripheral edge portion of the suction portion 17, a through hole penetrating vertically is provided at an inner position than the outer peripheral edge portion of the suction portion 17, and a sheet pressing portion is disposed in the through hole. It is good also as a structure.

  (J) The configuration of the sheet pressing portion 21 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the sheet pressing portion 21 may be configured to have a suction function (suction means). That is, the sheet pressing portion 21 may be configured in the same manner as the suction portion 17. As a result, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the suction area of the suction portion 17 and to suck the sheet body in a wider range.

  (K) In the above embodiment, the lower surface of the sheet pressing portion 21 is substantially flush with the lower surface of the suction plate 19 in a state where the sheet pressing portion 21 is stored in the storage recess 17 a of the suction portion 17. Not limited to this, the lower surface of the sheet pressing portion 21 may be positioned above the lower surface of the suction plate 19 in a state where the sheet pressing portion 21 is stored in the storage recess 17 a of the suction portion 17.

  In this case, at least after the adsorbing unit 17 places the sheet body on the laminated body 4, the sheet pressing unit 21 is lowered to start the operation of separating the adsorbing unit 17 from the laminated body 4. The operation of pressing the upper sheet body is executed.

  (L) Operation timings of various mechanisms, for example, timing when the suction unit 17 starts to rise from above the laminated body 4, timing when the sheet pressing unit 21 presses the sheet body on the laminated body 4, and suction unit 17 sucks the sheet body. The timing of releasing, the timing of starting the replacement operation of the presser claws 42, the timing of starting the horizontal movement of the transport unit 15 and the like are not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, after the sheet pressing unit 21 presses the sheet body, the lifting operation of the suction unit 17 and the replacement operation of the pressing claw 42 are started at the same time. It is good also as a structure which starts one of the raising operation | movement of the adsorption | suction part 17, or the replacement | exchange operation | movement of the holding claw 42 after the press part 21 presses a sheet | seat body.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Negative electrode foil, 2 ... Separator, 3 ... Positive electrode foil, 4 ... Laminated body, 5 ... Laminating apparatus, 6 ... Separator supply stage, 7 ... Electrode foil supply stage, 8 ... Laminating stage, 12 ... Conveying device, 15 ... Conveying , 16 ... main fluid pressure cylinder, 16a ... rod, 17 ... suction part, 17a ... receiving recess, 19 ... suction plate, 21 ... sheet pressing part, 22 ... sub fluid pressure cylinder, 22a ... rod, 29 ... stacking table, 30 ... Holding mechanism, 31 ... Holding member, 42 ... Holding claw.

Claims (5)

A laminating apparatus for producing a laminate in which a positive electrode foil coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode foil coated with a negative electrode active material are alternately laminated via a separator made of an insulating material. ,
A laminated portion for laminating the positive foil, the negative foil and the separator;
A conveying means that has a predetermined adsorbing portion, adsorbs the sheet body including the positive foil, the negative electrode foil, or the separator by the adsorbing portion, and conveys and places the sheet body on the laminated portion;
A lamination-side pressing member for holding the laminated body laminated in the lamination part;
A conveyance-side pressing member that is provided so as to be relatively displaceable with respect to the suction portion, and presses the sheet body placed on the laminated portion or the laminated body by the suction portion;
In a state where a sheet body is newly placed by the suction portion on the laminated body pressed by at least the lamination side pressing member, the newly placed sheet body is pressed by the conveyance side pressing member. An operation of separating the suction portion from the newly placed sheet body, and a step of retracting the lamination side pressing member holding the laminated body under the newly placed sheet body and newly A replacement operation for pressing the stacked body by the stacked side pressing member from above the loaded sheet body is performed, and after the replacement operation by the stacked side pressing member is completed, the transport side pressing member from the newly mounted sheet body A laminating apparatus characterized in that an operation of separating the two can be performed.   The conveyance-side pressing member is located at a position where the formation range in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion does not overlap at least the operation range of the stacked-side pressing member in the orthogonal direction in a plan view viewed in the vertical direction. The stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking apparatus is provided.   The conveyance-side pressing member is provided in the formation range of the suction portion in the horizontal movement direction of the suction portion and in the formation range of the suction portion in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction in plan view as viewed in the vertical direction. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laminating apparatus is provided.   The laminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conveyance-side pressing member is configured by an adsorption unit capable of adsorbing the sheet body.   The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction portion is a suction plate having a substantially flat plate shape.

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