JP7042090B2 - Laminating equipment and laminating method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a stacking device and a stacking method for battery laminates.

As an electrode structure of a lithium ion secondary battery or the like, a laminated structure in which a separator sheet is sandwiched between a sheet-shaped positive electrode (positive electrode sheet) and a negative electrode (negative electrode sheet) and laminated over a plurality of layers is known. In manufacturing a battery having such a laminated structure, a plurality of manufacturing methods such as a kudzu type, a winding type, a bagging type, and a single-wafer laminated type have been conventionally known.

Since the upper and lower separators are connected to each other, the former three have the advantage that the position of the positive electrode sheet or the negative electrode sheet between them is unlikely to shift, but it is difficult to cope with the size change (larger or smaller) of the laminated body. There is a demerit that it is.

Further, in the single-wafer laminated type, each sheet is laminated in the order of a negative electrode sheet, a separator, a positive electrode sheet, a separator, a negative electrode sheet, and so on, but there is a demerit that each sheet is easily displaced in the plane direction. Therefore, for example, a method of suppressing the displacement of each sheet by using a chuck or a claw that temporarily presses the laminated body in the stacking direction (vertical direction) has been proposed.

Further, as in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed that each sheet is electrostatically adsorbed by charging each sheet to prevent misalignment. The single-wafer laminating process provided with such a charge-type temporary holding mechanism is more mechanical when changing the size of the laminated body than the single-wafer laminating process provided with a mechanical holding mechanism using a chuck or a claw. There is a merit that there are few setting changes.

Japanese Patent No. 5588579

By the way, the separator sheet, which is an insulator, that is, a dielectric, is easily charged according to the surrounding environment and the like not only when it is provided with a charging type temporary holding mechanism but also in other laminating processes. The charged separator sheet may be electrostatically adsorbed on the holder, making it difficult to separate it from the holder.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a laminating device and a laminating method capable of easily separating a separator sheet and a holder for transporting the separator sheet.

The present invention relates to a laminating device. The laminating device includes a laminating stage, a separator position table, a transport holder, and a holder control unit. A positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator sheet are laminated on the laminating stage. The separator position table positions the separator sheet. The transport holder transports the separator sheet from the separator position table to the laminating stage. The holder control unit controls the transport holder. The transport holder includes a central holder plate, a peripheral holder plate, a central elevating mechanism, and a peripheral elevating mechanism. The lower surface of the central holder plate is the central holding surface that holds the central portion of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction. The lower surface of the peripheral edge holder plate is the peripheral edge holding surface that holds both ends of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction. The central elevating mechanism can raise and lower the central holder plate, and the peripheral elevating mechanism can raise and lower the peripheral holder plate. When the transport holder places the separator sheet on the laminated stage, the holder control unit outputs a descending thrust to the peripheral elevating mechanism after the conveyed separator sheet comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. By outputting the ascending thrust to the central elevating mechanism while doing so, it is possible to execute the first ascending control in which the central holder plate is independently separated from the separator sheet.

According to the above configuration, when the separator sheet is placed on the laminate, the central holder plate is independently separated from the separator while the peripheral holder plate holds the peripheral portions (both end portions) of the separator sheet. As a result, the transport holder and the separator sheet can be separated more easily than before.

Further, in the above invention, the outer edge portion of the central holder plate in the longitudinal direction may have a stepped shape in which the upper portion projects from the lower portion in the longitudinal direction. Further, the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate in the longitudinal direction may have a stepped shape in which the lower portion projects from the upper portion in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is arranged so as to vertically overlap the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral holder plate. In addition, the holder control unit increases the descending thrust of the central elevating mechanism with respect to the descending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism when the transport holder moves onto the laminated stage, and the peripheral holder plate is placed on the upper part of the outer edge of the central holder plate. It is possible to carry out lowering control to lower the peripheral holder plate together with the central holder plate by hooking the lower part of the inner edge portion of the.

When the separator sheet is held by the central holder plate and the peripheral holder plate, if there is a difference in the vertical movement between the two, the adsorbed separator sheet may be placed on the laminate in a distorted (wrinkled) state. be. As in the above configuration, the downward thrust of the central elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the descending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism, and the lower part of the inner edge of the peripheral holder plate is hooked on the upper part of the outer edge of the central holder plate. It is possible to lower the holder plate and the peripheral holder plate in synchronization.

Further, in the above invention, the holder control unit may be able to execute the lowering control and the second ascending control when the transport holder sucks the separator sheet on the separator position table. In the second ascending control, after the central holding surface and the peripheral edge holding surface come into contact with the separator sheet on the separator position table by the descending control, the ascending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the ascending thrust of the central elevating mechanism. , Hook the upper part of the outer edge of the central holder plate on the lower part of the inner edge of the peripheral holder plate, and raise the central holder plate together with the peripheral holder plate.

According to the above configuration, the ascending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the ascending thrust of the central elevating mechanism, and the upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is hooked on the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate. It is possible to raise the holder plate and the center holder plate in synchronization (without displacement).

Further, in the above configuration, an elevating sensor for measuring the descending position of the central holder plate may be provided. In this case, the holder control unit obtains the difference in the descending position at a predetermined time interval, and when the difference in the descending position becomes zero, the separator sheet to be conveyed hits the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. It is determined that they have touched.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect that the separator sheet is in contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body, which rises as the stacking of the sheets progresses.

Further, in the above invention, an adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the longitudinal position of the peripheral holder plate with respect to the central holder plate may be provided.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to flexibly respond to the size change of the laminated body.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a laminating method in a laminating apparatus. The laminating device includes a laminating stage, a separator position table, a transport holder, and a holder control unit. A positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator sheet are laminated on the laminating stage. The separator position table positions the separator sheet. The transport holder transports the separator sheet from the separator position table to the laminating stage. The holder control unit controls the transport holder. The transport holder includes a central holder plate, a peripheral holder plate, a central elevating mechanism, and a peripheral elevating mechanism. The lower surface of the central holder plate is the central holding surface that holds the central portion of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction. The lower surface of the peripheral edge holder plate is the peripheral edge holding surface that holds both ends of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction. The central elevating mechanism allows the central holder plate to be raised and lowered, and the peripheral elevating mechanism allows the peripheral holder plate to be raised and lowered. When the transport holder places the separator sheet on the laminated stage, the holder control unit outputs a descending thrust to the peripheral elevating mechanism after the conveyed separator sheet comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. By outputting the ascending thrust to the central elevating mechanism, the first ascending control for separating the central holder plate from the separator sheet is executed.

Further, in the above invention, the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the central holder plate may have a stepped shape in which the upper portion protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the lower portion, and the inner edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the peripheral holder plate has an upper portion at the lower portion. It may have a stepped shape overhanging in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is arranged so as to vertically overlap the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral holder plate. The holder control unit increases the descending thrust of the central elevating mechanism with respect to the descending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism when the transport holder moves onto the laminated stage, and the peripheral holder plate is placed on the upper part of the outer edge of the central holder plate. By hooking the lower part of the inner edge portion, the lowering control of lowering the peripheral holder plate together with the central holder plate is executed.

Further, in the above invention, the holder control unit may execute the lowering control and the second ascending control when the transport holder sucks the separator sheet on the separator position table. In the second ascending control, after the central holding surface and the peripheral edge holding surface come into contact with the separator sheet on the separator position table by the descending control, the ascending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the ascending thrust of the central elevating mechanism. , Hook the upper part of the outer edge of the central holder plate on the lower part of the inner edge of the peripheral holder plate, and raise the central holder plate together with the peripheral holder plate.

Further, in the above invention, an elevating sensor for measuring the descending position of the central holder plate may be provided. In this case, the holder control unit obtains the difference in the descending position at a predetermined time interval, and when the difference in the descending position becomes zero, the separator sheet to be conveyed hits the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. It is determined that they have touched.

According to the present invention, the separator sheet and the holder for transporting the separator sheet can be separated more easily than before.

It is a figure explaining the outline of the laminating apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view which illustrates the transport holder unit of the stacking apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a side view (X view) which illustrates the transport holder. It is a figure explaining the size adjustment mechanism of a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the adsorption process (1/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the adsorption process (2/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the adsorption process (3/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the adsorption process (4/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the laminating process (1/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the laminating process (2/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the laminating process (3/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder. It is a figure which illustrates the laminating process (4/4) of a separator sheet by a transport holder.

<Overall configuration of laminating equipment>
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a laminating device according to this embodiment. The laminating device manufactures a battery laminate by laminating a positive electrode sheet 10, a negative electrode sheet 12, and a separator sheet 14. The battery laminate may be, for example, a square battery or a laminated battery. Further, the battery laminate may be a laminate of batteries having a laminated structure, such as a lithium ion secondary battery and an all-solid-state battery.

The laminating device is provided with a positive electrode line 20, a negative electrode line 30, a separator line 40, a laminating stage 50, and a control unit 60. Sheets (positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, separator sheet) are formed in each line, aligned, and then laminated on the laminating stage 50. Further, as for the separator line 40, a separator line 40A corresponding to the positive electrode line 20 and a separator line 40B corresponding to the negative electrode line 30 are provided.

The positive electrode line 20 includes a positive electrode loader 21, a positive electrode sheet cutting portion 22, a positive electrode supply stage 23, a positive electrode position stage 24, first positive electrode transfer holders 25A and 25B, and second positive electrode transfer holders 26A and 26B.

The positive electrode loader 21 supplies a roll-shaped positive electrode (positive electrode roll) to the positive electrode sheet cutting portion 22. At the positive electrode sheet cutting portion 22, the positive electrode roll is cut to a desired length to obtain the positive electrode sheet 10. After cutting, the positive electrode sheets 10 are slid and moved one by one and transported to the positive electrode supply stage 23. The positive electrode supply stage 23 moves to the bottom of the first positive electrode transfer holders 25A and 25B.

Further, the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 on the positive electrode supply stage 23 are adsorbed on the first positive electrode transfer holders 25A and 25B by, for example, vacuum suction. The first positive electrode transport holders 25A and 25B transport the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 from the positive electrode supply stage 23 to the positive electrode position stage 24. During this transfer, the first positive electrode transfer holders 25A and 25B are appropriately rotated to change the orientation of the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10. For example, the orientations of the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 are changed so that the positive electrode tab (not shown) provided on the positive electrode sheet 10 is on the opposite side of the negative electrode tab (not shown) provided on the negative electrode sheet 12. .. When the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 are placed on the positive electrode position stage 24, for example, the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 are separated from the holder by ejecting air from the suction surface of the first positive electrode transport holders 25A and 25B.

The positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 placed on the positive electrode position stage 24 are conveyed to the laminated stage 50A by the second positive electrode transfer holders 26A and 26B. For example, the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 are adsorbed on the second positive electrode transport holders 26A and 26B by vacuum suction.

In the laminating stage 50A, the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 adsorbed on the second positive electrode transport holders 26A and 26B are separated from the holder and laminated on the laminated bodies 55 and 55. At the time of separation, for example, the positive electrode sheets 10 and 10 are separated from the second positive electrode transport holders 26A and 26B by ejecting air from the suction surface.

The negative electrode line 30 includes a negative electrode loader 31, a negative electrode sheet cutting portion 32, a negative electrode supply stage 33, a negative electrode position stage 34, first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B, and second negative electrode transfer holders 36A and 36B.

The negative electrode loader 31 supplies a roll-shaped negative electrode (negative electrode roll) to the negative electrode sheet cutting portion 32. In the negative electrode sheet cutting portion 32, the negative electrode roll is cut to a desired length to obtain the negative electrode sheet 12. After cutting, the negative electrode sheet 12 is slid and moved one by one and conveyed to the negative electrode supply stage 33. The negative electrode supply stage 33 moves to the bottom of the first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B.

Further, the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 on the negative electrode supply stage 33 are adsorbed on the first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B by, for example, vacuum suction. The first negative electrode transport holders 35A and 35B transport the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 from the negative electrode supply stage 33 to the negative electrode position stage 34. During this transfer, the first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B are appropriately rotated to change the orientation of the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12. For example, the orientations of the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 are changed so that the negative electrode tab (not shown) provided on the negative electrode sheet 12 is on the opposite side of the positive electrode tab (not shown) provided on the positive electrode sheet 10. .. When the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 are placed on the negative electrode position stage 34, for example, the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 are separated from the holders by ejecting air from the suction surfaces of the first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B.

The negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 placed on the negative electrode position stage 34 are conveyed to the laminated stage 50B by the second negative electrode transfer holders 36A and 36B. For example, the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 are adsorbed on the second negative electrode transfer holders 36A and 36B by vacuum suction.

In the stacking stage 50B, the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 adsorbed on the second negative electrode transport holders 36A and 36B are separated from the holders and laminated on the laminated bodies 55 and 55. At the time of separation, for example, the negative electrode sheets 12 and 12 are separated from the second negative electrode transfer holders 36A and 36B by ejecting air from the suction surface.

The separator line 40A includes a separator loader 41A, a separator sheet cutting portion 42A, a separator position table 43A, and separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2. The separator line 40B has a structure line-symmetrical with the separator line 40A and has the same structure. Therefore, in the following, only the separator line 40A will be described. Here, regarding the following description, if the suffix A is changed to B, the separator line 40B will be described.

The separator loader 41A supplies a roll-shaped separator (separator roll) to the separator sheet cutting portion 42A. In the separator sheet cutting portion 42A, the separator roll is cut to a desired length to obtain the separator sheet 14. After cutting, the separator sheets 14 are conveyed to the separator position table 43A in a pair (a set of two).

In the separator position table 43A, the separator sheets 14 and 14 are positioned. For example, the positions and angles of the separator sheets 14 and 14 on the table are adjusted by using an image pickup device such as a camera 44A. After the adjustment, the separator position table 43A moves to the bottom of the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2.

The separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 transport the separator sheets 14 and 14 on the separator position table 43A to the laminating stage 50A. For example, the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 adsorb the separator sheets 14 and 14 by using electrostatic adsorption in addition to vacuum adsorption.

The separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 reciprocate between the separator position table 43A and the laminating stage 50A. A charging bar 46A is provided on this reciprocating path. The charging bar 46A is provided, for example, on the floor on which the separator position table 43A and the laminating stage 50A are arranged, and is capable of discharging charged particles upward. For example, the charging bar 46A is composed of an ionizer.

After the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 have transferred the separator sheets 14 and 14 to the stacking stage 50A, on the way back to the separator position table 43A, the charged particles of the charging bar 46A are received and the suction surface of the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 becomes. It is charged. In that state, the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 come into contact with the separator sheet 14 on the separator position table 43A. At this time, since the suction surfaces of the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2 are charged, the separator sheets 14 and 14 are electrostatically adsorbed on the suction surfaces of the separator transfer holders 45A1 and 45A2. This adsorption process will be described later.

The separator sheets 14 and 14 are conveyed to the laminating stage 50A by the separator conveying holders 45A1 and 45A2. Further, in the stacking stage 50A, the separator sheets 14 and 14 are separated from the separator transport holders 45A1 and 45A2 and laminated on the laminated body 55. This separation process will be described later.

The stacking stage 50 moves from the positive electrode side to the negative electrode side, for example, as illustrated in FIG. Further, it is possible to return to the positive electrode side by a transport mechanism (not shown). By repeating the movement from the positive electrode side to the negative electrode side a predetermined number of times, a laminated body 55 having a desired number of laminated bodies can be obtained.

Further, in the laminating apparatus according to the present embodiment, the first positive electrode transfer holders 25A and 25B, the first negative electrode transfer holders 35A and 35B, the second positive electrode transfer holders 26A and 26B, the second negative electrode transfer holders 36A and 36B, and the separator. The holders 45A1, 45A2, 45B1, 45B2 are connected to each other via the arm 52, and their operations are synchronized. That is, each of these holders reciprocates in synchronization as the transport unit 54.

When the transfer unit 54 moves closer to the separator line 40, the separator transfer holder 45 is arranged on the separator position table 43, and the separator sheet 14 can be adsorbed.

Further, the first positive electrode transfer holder 25 and the first negative electrode transfer holder 35 are arranged on the positive electrode position stage 24 and the negative electrode position stage 34, respectively, and the transferred positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 can be placed on each stage.

Further, the second positive electrode transfer holder 26 and the second negative electrode transfer holder 36 are arranged on the laminated stages 50A and 50B, and the transferred positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 can be placed on the laminated stages 50A and 50B.

Next, when the transport unit 54 moves closer to the positive electrode line 20 and the negative electrode line 30, the separator transport holder 45 is arranged on the stacking stage 50, and the transported separator sheet 14 can be placed on the stacking stage 50.

Further, the first positive electrode transfer holder 25 and the first negative electrode transfer holder 35 are arranged on the positive electrode supply stage 23 and the negative electrode supply stage 33, respectively, and can adsorb the positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 on the respective stages.

Further, the second positive electrode transfer holder 26 and the second negative electrode transfer holder 36 are arranged on the positive electrode position stage 24 and the negative electrode position stage 34, respectively, and can adsorb the positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 on the respective stages.

In this way, with the reciprocating movement of the transport unit 54, the sheet suction and separation of each holder are alternately repeated. Further, the access to the stacking stage 50 is alternately switched between the separator transfer holder 45, the second positive electrode transfer holder 26, and the second negative electrode transfer holder 36. Further, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, the laminated stage 50 is movable between the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side. As a result, in the laminated stage 50, the separator sheet 10 → the positive electrode sheet 10 → the separator sheet 14 → the negative electrode sheet 12 → the separator sheet 14 → the positive electrode sheet 10 ... A laminated body 55 having a structure in which the sheet 14 is sandwiched is formed.

Further, a charging bar 46B is provided between the separator transfer holder 45 and the second positive electrode transfer holder 26 and the second negative electrode transfer holder 36 of the arm 52 of the transfer unit 54. The charging bar 46B can radiate charged particles downward. As the transport unit 54 reciprocates, the charging bar 46B crosses over the stacking stage 50. At the time of this crossing, the charging bar 46B radiates charged particles toward the stacking stage 50. For example, when none of the sheets is mounted on the laminated stage 50, the mounting surface of the laminated stage 50 is charged. For example, this mounting surface is composed of a dielectric. By charging the mounting surface, the separator sheet 14 mounted on the mounting surface is adsorbed on the mounting surface.

Further, by radiating the charged particles from the charging bar 46B toward the uppermost surface of the laminated body 55 on the laminated stage 50, the uppermost surface is electrostatically adsorbed with the sheet to be laminated on the upper layer, and the misalignment is caused. Can be suppressed.

The control unit 60 controls the operation of each device of the positive electrode line 20, the negative electrode line 30, and the separator lines 40A and 40B. It also controls the operation of each transport holder of the transport unit 54. The control unit 60 is composed of, for example, a computer. Further, virtually or physically, the control unit 60 constitutes an individual control unit according to the control target. For example, as a control unit that controls the operation of the separator transfer holder 45, the control unit 60 includes a holder control unit 62.

<Details of separator transport holder>
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the separator transport holders 45A1, 45A2, 45B1, 45B2 according to the present embodiment. The separator transfer holders 45A1, 45A2, 45B1, 45B2 are supported by the base plate 56. The base plate 56 is connected to the arm 52 of the transport unit 54.

Since these separator transfer holders 45A1, 45A2, 45B1, 45B2 are all the same, the structure thereof will be described by taking the separator transfer holder 45B2 shown in FIG. 3 as an example. Further, in the following, the description will be simply referred to as "separator transport holder 45" as appropriate.

The separator transfer holder 45 includes a central holder plate 70, peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B, a central cylinder 72, peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B, guide pins 74A and 74B, an elevating sensor 75, and a slide adjusting mechanism 76.

The central holder plate 70 is a holding plate having a central holding surface that holds the central portion of the upper surface of the separator sheet 14 in the longitudinal direction as a lower surface. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the separator sheet 14 is a substantially rectangular thin film whose longitudinal direction is the Y-axis direction. The central holder plate 70 abuts on the central portion of the upper surface excluding both end portions (upper and lower portions) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

The central holder plate 70 is configured over a plurality of stages of plates. For example, the central holder plate 70 includes an upper plate 70-1 and a lower plate 70-2. The outer edge portion in the Y-axis direction of the upper plate 70-1 is configured to project more than the outer edge portion in the same direction of the lower plate 70-2. The outer edge portion in the X-axis direction may be aligned with the upper plate 70-1 and the lower plate 70-2. By adopting such a shape, the central holder plate 70 is configured to have a stepped shape in which the upper portion of the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) projects from the lower portion in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

Further, an air flow path (not shown) may be formed in the central holder plate 70. This air flow path has, for example, an opening on the upper surface of the upper plate 70-1 of the central holder plate 70 and an opening on the lower surface (center holding surface) of the lower plate 70-2 to allow both openings to communicate with each other. good. By attaching an airline hose for an air chuck to the upper surface opening of the upper plate 70-1, vacuum suction becomes possible when the separator sheet 14 is sucked. Further, it is possible to blow out air when the separator sheet 14 is separated.

Further, the central holder plate 70 may be detachable from the connection plate 77A provided on the central holder plate 70. For example, when the two are connected by bolting or the like, the central holder plate 70 may be removed from the connection plate 77 by a tool or the like. By doing so, it is possible to change the size of the central holder plate 70 according to the size change of the laminated body 55.

The central holder plate 70 is connected to the central cylinder 72 via the connection plate 77A. The central cylinder 72 is an elevating mechanism (central elevating mechanism) that elevates and elevates the central holder plate 70 along the height direction (Z-axis direction). The central cylinder 72 is, for example, an air cylinder, and the holder control unit 62 controls the flow rate and direction (positive pressure, negative pressure) of the air Air1 supplied to the air cylinder. The central cylinder 72 is fixed to the base plate 56, and the central holder plate 70 is displaced relative to the base plate 56 by the elevating operation thereof.

The peripheral edge holder plates 71A and 71B are provided at both ends of the separator transport holder 45 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The peripheral edge holder plates 71A and 71B have the peripheral edge holding surface that holds both ends of the upper surface of the separator sheet 14 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) as the lower surface. The peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B include the upper plates 71A-1 and 71B-1 and the lower plates 71A-2 and 71B-2 in the same manner as the central holder plate 70.

Most of the separator sheet 14 is in contact with the central holder plate 70, and the remaining small portion is in contact with the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. For example, the contact area ratio between the contact surface (center holding surface) of the central holder plate 70 with the separator sheet 14 and the contact surface (peripheral holding surface) of the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B with the separator sheet 14 is For example, it may be about 1: 2. That is, the contact area ratio of the separator sheet 14 of the peripheral edge holder plate 71A, the central holder plate 70, and the peripheral edge holder plate 71B may be about 1: 4: 1.

Further, in order to minimize the contact area of the peripheral holder plate 71B with the separator sheet 14, a pin (contact pin) may be provided in place of the lower plates 71A-2 and 71B-2 or on the lower surface thereof. ..

The inner edge of the lower plates 71A-2 and 71B-2 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) (the edge near the center holder plate 70) is from the same inner edge of the upper plates 71A-1 and 71B-1. Is also configured in a stepped shape that overhangs inward in the same longitudinal direction.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer edge portion of the upper plate 70-1 of the central holder plate 70 and the inner edge portion of the lower plates 71A-2, 71B-2 of the peripheral holder plates 71A, 71B are vertically and vertically. They are arranged so as to overlap (in the Z-axis direction). With such an arrangement, the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B and the central holder plate 70 can be synchronously moved as described later.

The peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are connected to the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B via the connection plates 77B and 77C. The peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are elevating mechanisms (peripheral elevating mechanism) for raising and lowering the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B along the height direction (Z-axis direction). The peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are, for example, air cylinders, and the holder control unit 62 controls the flow rate and direction (positive pressure, negative pressure) of the air Air2 and Air3 supplied to the air cylinder.

The peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are fixed to the base plate 56 via the slide adjusting mechanism 76. That is, the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are displaced relative to the base plate 56 by the raising and lowering operations of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the slide adjusting mechanism 76 can adjust the longitudinal (Y-axis direction) positions of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B with respect to the central cylinder 72 and the central holder plate 70. ing. For example, the slide adjusting mechanism 76 includes a guide slot cut along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and a guide pin inserted into the guide slot.

By providing the slide adjusting mechanism 76, it is possible to flexibly respond to the size change of the laminated body 55. For example, after widening the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) by the slide adjusting mechanism 76, the central holder plate 70 is removed, and a new central holder plate 70 suitable for the widened width is attached. This makes it possible to cope with the increase in the size of the laminated body 55.

Returning to FIG. 3, guide pins 74A and 74B are extended in the height direction (Z-axis direction) on the upper surface of the connection plate 77A connected to the central holder plate 70. The guide pins 74A and 74B pass through a through hole provided in the base plate 56 and penetrated in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and protrude from the upper surface of the base plate 56. Since the guide pins 74A and 74B are fixed to the connection plate 77A, they move up and down in synchronization with the central holder plate 70.

The base plate 56 is provided with an elevating sensor 75 close to the guide pin 74B. The detection surface of the elevating sensor 75 is directed to the guide pin 74B, and the elevating position of the guide pin 74B can be detected.

The elevating sensor 75 is composed of a laser sensor as illustrated in FIG. For example, a band-shaped light beam is emitted from the elevating sensor 75 toward the guide pin 74B in the height direction. The amount of reflected light returned to the elevating sensor 75 changes according to the elevating position of the guide pin 74B. Based on the change in the amount of reflected light, the elevating position of the guide pin 74B, that is, the elevating position of the central holder plate 70 can be grasped.

The elevating position signal detected by the elevating sensor 75 is transmitted to the holder control unit 62. As will be described later, the holder control unit 62 obtains a difference between the descending positions received from the elevating sensor 75 at a predetermined time interval, and when the difference becomes zero, the central holder plate 70 is set on the laminated stage 50. It is determined whether or not the contact (reach) with the uppermost surface is made.

<Separator sheet adsorption process>
The adsorption process of the separator sheet 14 using the separator transport holder 45 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 illustrates the separator transport holder 45 before adsorbing the separator sheet 14.

In FIG. 5, the separator transfer holder 45 is arranged on the separator position table 43A, but as described above, when the transfer unit 54 (see FIG. 1) is moved before the separator transfer holder 45, the central holder plate is provided by the charging bar 46A. The lower surfaces (adsorption surfaces) of the 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are irradiated with charged particles, and the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are charged.

With reference to FIG. 5, the holder control unit 62 lowers the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B by the central cylinder 72 and the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B. At this time, the holder control unit 62 executes a downward control in which the downward thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72 is largely set with respect to the downward thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B. That is, P1> P2 and P1> P3 are set for the downward thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72 and the downward thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

For example, the air of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B is exhausted to mechanically hold the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. Alternatively, the downward thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are set to negative values. That is, ascending thrust is output to the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

When the center holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are in contact with the separator sheet 14 at different timings when the separator sheet 14 is adsorbed, for example, the separator sheet 14 is pulled by the holder that has contacted earlier and wrinkles are formed. The separator sheet 14 may be adsorbed on the separator transport holder 45 in a certain state.

Therefore, it is conceivable to make the descending thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72 equal to the descending thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B so that the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are lowered in synchronization. However, perfect synchronization is actually difficult due to tolerances allowed in pneumatic control.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B are lowered exclusively by the central cylinder 72. At this time, the outer edge portion of the upper plate 70-1 of the central holder plate 70 hooks (engages) the inner edge portions of the lower plate 71A-2, 71B-2 of the peripheral holder plates 71A, 71B, and the peripheral edge holder plate 71A, Lower 71B. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B abut on the separator sheet 14 at the same time.

The lowering state of the central holder plate 70 is detected by the elevating sensor 75 via the guide pin 74B. The holder control unit 62 acquires the position signal (descending position signal) of the elevating sensor and obtains the difference in the descending position at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). When this difference becomes zero, that is, when the vertical movement of the central holder plate 70 is stopped, the lower surface of the central holder plate 70 abuts (touchs down) the lower surface of the central holder plate 70 on the upper surface of the separator sheet 14. Is determined.

In addition to electrostatically adsorbing the separator sheet 14, when vacuum is adsorbed, the holder control unit 62 generates a negative pressure on an air chuck mechanism (not shown) at the time of the touchdown determination, and causes a central holder plate. The separator sheet 14 is vacuum-sucked through an opening (not shown) formed in the lower surface (suction surface) of the lower plate 70-2 of the 70.

FIG. 7 illustrates the ascending (pulling) process of the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. If there is a difference in the rising positions of the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B during this pulling process, the adsorbed separator sheet 14 may be wrinkled or torn. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the central holder plate 70 is raised in addition to the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B exclusively by the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

The holder control unit 62 executes ascending control (second ascending control) in which the ascending thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are increased with respect to the ascending thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72. At this time, the air in the central cylinder 72 may be exhausted to mechanically hold the central holder plate 70. The rising thrusts P2 and P3 are set to equal values.

When the ascending / descending speed can be set for each air cylinder, the holder control unit 62 sets the ascending speeds S2 and S3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B to be faster than the ascending speed S1 of the central cylinder 72. .. Further, the ascending speeds S2 and S3 are set to equal values.

At this time, the inner edges of the lower plates 71A-2 and 71B-2 of the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B hook (engage) the outer edges of the upper plates 70-1 of the central holder plate 70 to engage the central holder plate 70. Pull up (raise the central holder plate 70 together with the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B). As a result, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B rise in synchronization with each other.

The ascending state of the central holder plate 70 is detected by the elevating sensor 75 via the guide pin 74B. The holder control unit 62 acquires the position signal (rising position signal) of the elevating sensor 75 and obtains the difference in the ascending position at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). When this difference becomes zero, the holder control unit 62 determines that the central holder plate 70 has reached the upper end position.

As described above, when the separator sheet 14 is successfully adsorbed, the separator transfer holder 45 is moved onto the stacking stage 50 by the transfer unit 54 (see FIG. 1).

<Separator stacking process>
The process of placing the separator sheet 14 on the stacking stage 50 from the separator transfer holder 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the laminated body 55 is placed on the laminated stage 50. The separator sheet 14 transported by the separator transport holder 45 is laminated (placed) on the uppermost surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the holder control unit 62 controls the central cylinder 72 and the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B to lower the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B to the laminating stage 50.

At this time, the holder control unit 62 executes the above-mentioned lowering control. That is, the holder control unit 62 executes downward control in which the downward thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72 is largely set with respect to the downward thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

For example, the downward thrust P1 of the central cylinder 72 and the downward thrusts P2 and P3 of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B are set to P1> P2 and P1> P3. Alternatively, the air of the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B is exhausted to mechanically hold the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. Alternatively, an ascending thrust (negative descending thrust) is output to the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

At this time, the outer edge portion of the upper plate 70-1 of the central holder plate 70 hooks (engages) the inner edge portions of the lower plate 71A-2, 71B-2 of the peripheral holder plates 71A, 71B, and the peripheral edge holder plate 71A, Pull down 71B (lower the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B together with the central holder plate 70). As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the central holder plate 70 and the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B descend in synchronization, and the lower surface of the separator sheet 14 adsorbed on the plate comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body 55. ..

The lowering state of the central holder plate 70 is detected by the elevating sensor 75 via the guide pin 74B. The holder control unit 62 acquires the position signal (descending position signal) of the elevating sensor 75 and obtains the difference in the descending position at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). When this difference becomes zero, the holder control unit 62 determines that the lower surface of the separator sheet 14 held by the separator transfer holder 45 is in contact (touch down) with the uppermost surface of the laminated body 55 on the laminated stage 50. do.

As the stacking progresses, the height of the uppermost surface of the laminated body 55 changes. In order to cope with this height change, in this embodiment, instead of referring to the absolute position of the elevating sensor 75, the position signal change is used. That is, it is determined that the time point at which the descending position does not change is the touchdown time point. By doing so, it is possible to further shorten the throughput as compared with simple time control (it is estimated that the touchdown occurs after X seconds have elapsed). Further, as compared with the case where the uppermost surface of the laminated body 55 is detected by an imager such as a camera, image processing or construction of an uppermost surface determination algorithm based on the image becomes unnecessary.

In addition to the separator transfer holder 45 electrostatically adsorbing the separator sheet 14, when vacuum adsorption is performed, the holder control unit 62 presses positive pressure on an air chuck mechanism (not shown) at the time of the touchdown determination. To generate. That is, the pressure control of the air chuck is switched from the negative pressure for vacuum suction to the positive pressure for separating the separator sheet 14. As a result, air is ejected from the opening (not shown) formed in the lower surface (adsorption surface) of the lower plate 70-2 of the central holder plate 70, and the separation of the separator sheet 14 from the adsorption surface is promoted.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process of separating the separator sheet 14 from the separator transport holder 45. The holder control unit 62 outputs a downward thrust to the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B. On the other hand, ascending control (first ascending control) for outputting ascending thrust to the central cylinder 72 is executed.

At this time, both ends of the separator sheet 14 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis) are pressed by the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. In this state, the central cylinder 72 is independently separated from the separator sheet 14.

The holder control unit 62 detects the ascending position of the central holder plate 70 via the elevating sensor 75. For example, comparing the position signal of the central holder plate 70 at the start of the first ascent control and the position signal of the central holder plate 70 after the start of the first ascent control, the difference between the signal values becomes a predetermined value or more. At that time, that is, when it is estimated that the central holder plate 70 is sufficiently separated from the separator sheet 14, the holder control unit 62 outputs an ascending thrust to the peripheral cylinders 73A and 73B.

At this time, the lower surfaces of the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B and the upper surface of the separator sheet 14 are electrostatically adsorbed, while the lower surface of the separator sheet 14 and the uppermost surface of the laminate 55 are electrostatically adsorbed. Since the area of the latter is larger than the area of the former, the tension of the latter is qualitatively stronger. Therefore, as the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B rise, the separator sheet 14 is separated from the plate.

The ascending state of the central holder plate 70 is detected by the elevating sensor 75 via the guide pin 74B. The holder control unit 62 acquires the position signal (rising position signal) of the elevating sensor 75 and obtains the difference in the ascending position at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). When this difference becomes zero (see FIG. 12), the holder control unit 62 determines that the central holder plate 70 has reached the upper end position.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the separator sheet 14 is placed on the laminated stage 50 and separated from the separator transport holder 45, both ends of the separator sheet 14 are pressed by the peripheral holder plates 71A and 71B. , The central holder plate 70 is raised. As a result, even if the separator sheet 14 and the central holder plate 70 are electrostatically adsorbed, they are mechanically separated from each other.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the first ascending control, the second ascending control, and the descending control can be executed for the separator sheet 14 and the separator transport holder 45, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the above-mentioned first ascending control, second ascending control, and descending control may be executed when the positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 are transported by the first positive electrode transport holder 25A and the first negative electrode transport holder 35A. Further, the above-mentioned first ascending control, second ascending control, and descending control may be executed on the positive electrode sheet 10 and the negative electrode sheet 12 by the second positive electrode transport holder 26A and the second negative electrode transport holder 36A.

10 positive electrode sheet, 12 negative electrode sheet, 14 separator sheet, 20 positive electrode line, 30 negative electrode line, 40 separator line, 45 separator transfer holder, 46 charging bar, 50 laminated stage, 52 arm, 54 transfer unit, 55 laminated body, 56 base plate , 60 Control Unit, 62 Holder Control Unit, 70 Central Holder Plate, 70-1 Central Holder Plate Upper Plate, 70-2 Central Holder Plate Lower Plate, 71 Peripheral Holder Plate, 71-1 Peripheral Holder Plate Upper Plate, 71-2 Peripheral holder plate lower plate, 72 central cylinder, 73 peripheral cylinder, 74 guide pin, 75 elevating sensor, 76 slide adjustment mechanism, 77 connection plate.

Claims (9)

A laminated stage in which a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator sheet are laminated, and
A separator position table for positioning the separator sheet, a transport holder for transporting the separator sheet from the separator position table to the laminating stage, and a transfer holder.
A holder control unit that controls the transport holder,
It is a laminating device equipped with
The transport holder is
A central holder plate whose lower surface is the central holding surface that holds the central portion of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction,
A peripheral edge holder plate whose lower surface is a peripheral edge holding surface that holds both ends of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction.
With a central elevating mechanism that can elevate the central holder plate,
A peripheral elevating mechanism that can elevate the peripheral holder plate,
Equipped with
In the holder control unit, when the transport holder places the separator sheet on the laminated stage, the separator sheet to be transported comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage, and then the peripheral edge elevating mechanism is provided. By outputting the ascending thrust to the central elevating mechanism while outputting the descending thrust, the first ascending control for separating the central holder plate from the separator sheet can be executed.
Laminating equipment. The laminating device according to claim 1.
In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the separator sheet, the outer edge portion of the central holder plate has a stepped shape in which the upper portion projects from the lower portion toward the peripheral holder plate .
In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the separator sheet, the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate close to the central holder plate has a stepped shape in which the lower portion projects from the upper portion toward the central holder plate .
The upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is arranged so as to vertically overlap with the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate.
When the transport holder moves onto the laminated stage, the holder control unit increases the downward thrust of the central elevating mechanism with respect to the descending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism, and the outer edge portion of the central holder plate. It is possible to perform lowering control of lowering the peripheral holder plate together with the central holder plate by hooking the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate on the upper portion of the peripheral holder plate.
Laminating equipment. The laminating device according to claim 2.
The holder control unit is used when the transport holder sucks the separator sheet on the separator position table.
With the descent control
After the central holding surface and the peripheral edge holding surface come into contact with the separator sheet on the separator position table by the descending control, the ascending thrust of the peripheral edge elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the ascending thrust of the central elevating mechanism. A second ascending control in which the upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is hooked on the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate to raise the central holder plate together with the peripheral edge holder plate.
Is feasible,
Laminating equipment. The laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
It is equipped with an elevating sensor that measures the descending position of the central holder plate.
The holder control unit obtains the difference between the descending positions at a predetermined time interval, and when the difference between the descending positions becomes zero, the separator sheet to be conveyed is placed on the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. Judging that they have touched,
Laminating equipment. The laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A laminating device including an adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the peripheral holder plate with respect to the central holder plate in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the separator sheet . A laminated stage in which a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator sheet are laminated, and
A separator position table for positioning the separator sheet, a transport holder for transporting the separator sheet from the separator position table to the laminating stage, and a transfer holder.
A holder control unit that controls the transport holder,
It is a laminating method in a laminating device provided with
The transport holder is
A central holder plate whose lower surface is the central holding surface that holds the central portion of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction,
A peripheral edge holder plate whose lower surface is a peripheral edge holding surface that holds both ends of the upper surface of the separator sheet in the longitudinal direction.
With a central elevating mechanism that can elevate the central holder plate,
A peripheral elevating mechanism that can elevate the peripheral holder plate,
Equipped with
In the holder control unit, when the transport holder places the separator sheet on the laminated stage, the separator sheet to be transported comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage, and then the peripheral edge elevating mechanism is provided. By outputting the ascending thrust to the central elevating mechanism while outputting the descending thrust, the first ascending control for separating the central holder plate from the separator sheet is executed.
Laminating method. The laminating method according to claim 6.
In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the separator sheet, the outer edge portion of the central holder plate has a stepped shape in which the upper portion projects from the lower portion toward the peripheral holder plate .
In the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the separator sheet, the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate close to the central holder plate has a stepped shape in which the lower portion projects from the upper portion toward the central holder plate .
The upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is arranged so as to vertically overlap with the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate.
When the transport holder moves onto the laminated stage, the holder control unit increases the downward thrust of the central elevating mechanism with respect to the descending thrust of the peripheral elevating mechanism, and the outer edge portion of the central holder plate. The lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate is hooked on the upper portion of the peripheral holder plate, and the lowering control for lowering the peripheral edge holder plate together with the central holder plate is executed.
Laminating method. The laminating method according to claim 7.
The holder control unit is used when the transport holder sucks the separator sheet on the separator position table.
With the descent control
After the central holding surface and the peripheral edge holding surface come into contact with the separator sheet on the separator position table by the descending control, the ascending thrust of the peripheral edge elevating mechanism is increased with respect to the ascending thrust of the central elevating mechanism. A second ascending control in which the upper portion of the outer edge portion of the central holder plate is hooked on the lower portion of the inner edge portion of the peripheral edge holder plate to raise the central holder plate together with the peripheral edge holder plate.
To execute,
Laminating method. The laminating method according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
It is equipped with an elevating sensor that measures the descending position of the central holder plate.
The holder control unit obtains the difference between the descending positions at a predetermined time interval, and when the difference between the descending positions becomes zero, the separator sheet to be conveyed is placed on the uppermost surface of the laminated body on the laminated stage. Judging that they have touched,
Laminating method.

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