WO2015162698A1 - Secondary-battery production method and production device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is capable of ensuring more stable shaping properties of a separator during shaping, and is capable of also achieving a reduction in cycle time. The present invention is provided with: a step in which a separator (4) is zigzaggedly folded; a step in which positive electrode plates (5) and negative electrode plates (6) are alternately inserted into respective valley grooves of the separator to form a stacked body in which the positive electrode plates (5) and the negative electrode plates (6) alternately overlap each other; and a step in which guide rods (21) are extracted from inside the respective valley grooves, and electrode groups are subsequently formed in the stacked body. A separator of a length that is withdrawn during the zigzag folding is stored in advance, and an upstream-side excess-length portion is formed. Furthermore, at the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, while an end of the separator is in a clamped state, a downstream-side buffer roller (64) is brought into contact with the separator and is moved in a direction away from the clamped section of the separator to form a downstream-side excess-length portion.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, and is particularly useful when applied to the manufacture of a lithium ion secondary battery.

Secondary batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries have a group of electrode plates formed by alternately stacking positive and negative electrode plates so that a separator is interposed between positive and negative electrode plates. As one of the manufacturing apparatuses of this electrode plate group, there is a manufacturing apparatus of a zigzag stack system in which a continuous body of separators is zigzag-folded, and a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are inserted into each valley groove and crushed flatly ( For example, see Patent Document 1). In such a zigzag stack type manufacturing apparatus, a continuous separator is sandwiched between a pair of rollers, and the pair of rollers is reciprocated in a horizontal direction to zigzag the separator. The electrode plates are alternately placed on the separator.

In order to further reduce the tact time in the zigzag stack type manufacturing apparatus of Patent Document 1, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery capable of improving the positional accuracy of the positive and negative electrodes and the separator have been proposed ( Patent Document 2). This is because a strip-shaped separator is suspended from above to be in a tension-free state, and then a plurality of guide members are horizontally intersected between rows to sandwich the separator (or one electrode plate between two separators). The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are separated from each other by inserting a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate (the other electrode plate in the case of an overlap body) into each valley groove formed by zigzag folding. The electrode plate group of the secondary battery superimposed on several layers across the electrode is manufactured.

In the method and apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Patent Document 2 described above, when zigzag folding is performed in the zigzag folding means, the separator suspended between the guide members facing each other is placed in the housing case above the zigzag folding means. The upper side is accommodated and suspended downward via a roller, and the lower side is accommodated in the accommodation case below the zigzag folding means, so that the position in the width direction is not restricted at all and is tension free. .

As a result, according to Patent Document 2, an improvement in the positional accuracy of the positive and negative electrodes and the separator can be expected as compared with that described in Patent Document 1, but when the separator is zigzag folded by the movement of the plurality of guide members, May be drawn into the guide member while fluttering. Such a possibility increases due to variations in the width, thickness, and surface condition of the separator, and there is a case where the accuracy of the electrode plate group does not fall within an allowable value. Therefore, it is suitable for the use of a specific separator with uniform accuracy such as width and thickness, but usually there are some variations in the dimensions of the separator, so the effect of separator flutter must be considered. I must.

Further, in Patent Document 2, a separator is provided for each zigzag folding process in order to create a tension-free state in a state where the upper and lower sides of the separator suspended between the guide members of the zigzag folding means are accommodated in the accommodation case. Are cut once and used. For this reason, it is inevitably necessary to secure a margin portion for cutting the separator in the vicinity of the cutting portion.

In order to solve such a problem, by smoothly pulling in the separator by the guide member during zigzag folding, the product accuracy can be further improved, and at the same time, the yield of the separator can be improved as much as possible. A method and apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery is disclosed in Patent Document 3.
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery described in Patent Document 3, zigzag folding is performed with the separator suspended from a suspension roller. Then, a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are alternately inserted into each valley groove of the separator that is zigzag folded, thereby forming a laminate in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are alternately overlapped via the separator. And after extracting the said guide member from the inside of each trough of the said separator, the said laminated body is pressed in the direction where the said positive electrode plate and the said negative electrode plate were laminated | stacked, and the electrode plate group is manufactured.
Here, on the upstream side of the suspension roller with respect to the transport direction of the separator, the separator is disposed between three support rollers on the upstream side and the downstream side. Then, in a state where the two upstream buffer rollers arranged in contact with one surface of the separator so as to be vertically movable are occupied at a predetermined ascending position or descending position while abutting the separator, The separator is suspended between the guide members via a suspension roller. In this state, in the zigzag folding process by the movement of the guide member, the buffer roller is lowered or raised.
According to Patent Document 3, since the pull-in length of the separator zigzag folded by raising the buffer roller disposed so as to be movable up and down can be complemented, a predetermined state can be obtained in a continuous state without cutting the separator in advance. Zigzag folding can be performed. Thus, zigzag folding is performed in a substantially tension free state. As a result, when the separator or the like is pulled by the guide member, the separator moves in the width direction and the phenomenon of fluttering is suppressed, and the separator can be drawn smoothly by the guide member.

In addition, the separator does not need to be cut to a predetermined length before zigzag folding, and the predetermined zigzag folding can be performed in a continuous state, so that the yield of the separator can be improved.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-22449 JP 2012-226910 A PCT / JP2012 / 0776826

As described above, in Patent Document 3, two buffer rollers, which are disposed between three support rollers so as to be in contact with one surface of the separator and can be moved up and down in the vertical direction, are in contact with the separator. When the separator is suspended between the guide members via the suspension roller in a state where the buffer roller is in the raised or lowered position, the buffer roller is lowered or raised when zigzag folding is performed by the movement of the guide member. Yes.
However, in Patent Document 3, the buffer portion (extra length portion) of the separator when zigzag folding is performed is formed only on the upstream side of the zigzag folding means. That is, the separator on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means is, for example, drawn out while being suspended in a tension-free state and accommodated with the extra length portion folded and accommodated in an accommodation case disposed below the zigzag folding means. In the zigzag folding process from the state, it is drawn into the zigzag folding means. As a result, a phenomenon occurs in which the separator on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means is pulled into the zigzag folding means while fluttering in the zigzag folding process. Such fluttering is molded and causes deterioration of quality such as wrinkles of the separator, bending, and deviation on the electrode (protrusion of the active material portion).
In view of the above-described conventional technology, the present invention is a superposed body in which one of a separator and a positive and negative electrode plate is sandwiched between two separators by molding with a proper tension applied to the separator (hereinafter referred to as both And a secondary battery manufacturing method capable of preventing the occurrence of folds, wrinkles, and misalignment during molding, and ensuring more stable moldability and shortening the tact time. An object is to provide a manufacturing apparatus.

The first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A step of zigzag folding the separator by moving the guide member in a state where the separator is suspended via a suspension roller between a plurality of guide members arranged opposite to each other; and the zigzag folded separator A step of forming a laminate in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are alternately overlapped via the separator by alternately inserting a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate into each of the trough grooves, After removing the guide member from the inside of the groove, the laminate is pressed in the direction in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated to produce an electrode plate group, and
Prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member, a separator having a length that is drawn in the zigzag folding is retained in advance in the middle of the upstream of the suspension roller in the transport direction of the separator. While forming the upstream extra length part,
On the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, the downstream buffer roller is moved in a direction away from the clamping portion of the separator while being in contact with the separator in a state where the end portion of the separator is clamped. A secondary battery manufacturing method is characterized by forming a downstream surplus length portion in which a separator having a sufficient length is retained.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prepare in advance the length of the separator that is pulled in when zigzag folding is performed by the movement of the downstream buffer roller, and it is possible to maintain a state in which an appropriate tension is applied. Thus, it is possible to suppress the fluttering of the separator at the time of pulling in and the like, and to smoothly pull in the separator by the guide member. As a result, the moldability of the separator can be improved, and the molding speed can be increased accordingly. Therefore, the tact time during molding can be improved.

The second aspect of the present invention is:
Movement of the guide member in a state in which a superposed body in which one of the positive and negative electrode plates is sandwiched between two separators is suspended via a suspension roller between a plurality of guide members arranged opposite to each other. The zigzag folding step and the other of the electrode plates are inserted into each valley groove of the zigzag folded superposed body so that the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are alternately overlapped via the separator. A step of forming a laminated body, and after further removing the guide member from each valley groove of the superposed body, pressing the laminated body in a direction in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated to form an electrode plate And manufacturing a group,
Prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member, the superposed body having a length that is drawn in the zigzag folding is arranged in advance on the upstream side of the suspension roller with respect to the conveying direction of the superimposed body. While retaining it to form an upstream surplus length part,
On the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, when the zigzag folding is performed, the downstream buffer roller is moved in a direction away from the clamping portion of the separator while abutting the separator while the end of the superposed body is clamped. A secondary battery manufacturing method is characterized in that a downstream surplus length portion for retaining the superposed body having a length to be drawn is formed.

According to this aspect, in addition to the same operation and effect as the first aspect, it is only necessary to insert one electrode plate into the superposed body, so that an electrode plate group having the same performance as the first and second aspects is manufactured. In this case, the number of valley grooves in the superposed body is halved, the number of guide members and the like can be reduced to almost half, and simplification of the apparatus and improvement in yield can be expected.

The third aspect of the present invention is:
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery described in the first or second aspect,
The downstream surplus length portion is formed at least one downstream buffer roller between at least two position regulating rollers in a state where the end of the separator or the superimposed body is clamped on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means. Is moved in one direction and in the opposite direction crossing the direction in which the separator or the superimposed body is suspended.

According to this aspect, the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is fed out by the movement of the downstream buffer roller in the direction intersecting the separator, and the separator or the superposed body with respect to the zigzag folding means is moved by the movement in the opposite direction. Appropriate tension is applied when the extra length portion is pulled in, and predetermined molding can be performed stably.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is:
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery described in the first or second aspect,
The downstream surplus length portion is formed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller in contact with the upper surface of the separator or superposed body with the end of the separator or superposed body clamped. A secondary battery manufacturing method is characterized in that the battery is moved up and down in the downward direction.

According to this aspect, the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is satisfactorily drawn out by lowering the downstream buffer roller in the hanging direction, and the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is drawn into the zigzag folding means by the ascent. Sometimes appropriate tension is applied, and predetermined molding can be carried out stably. Here, since the generation of the extra length portion on the downstream side can also be performed by raising and lowering the downstream buffer roller, the space factor of the apparatus can be increased by setting the movement range of the downstream buffer roller along the hanging direction of the separator or the like. Improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The upstream surplus length portion is disposed between at least two support rollers that are supported on the upstream side and the downstream side in the middle of the upstream side of the suspension roller in the transport direction of the separator or the superimposed body. In a state where at least one upstream buffer roller disposed in contact with one surface of the separator so as to be vertically movable can be positioned at a predetermined ascending or descending position while abutting against the separator. The separator is suspended between the guide members via the suspension roller, and the upstream buffer roller is lowered or raised prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member. And a manufacturing method of the secondary battery.

According to this aspect, since the pull-in length of the separator zigzag-folded by the rise of the upstream buffer roller disposed so as to be able to move up and down can be supplemented, the separator is continuously cut without being cut in advance. Zigzag folding can be performed. Thus, zigzag folding is performed in a state where an appropriate tension is applied, and when the separator or the like is pulled in by the guide member, the fluttering of the separator is suppressed and the separator can be smoothly pulled in by the guide member. it can.
Moreover, the separator does not need to be cut to a predetermined length before zigzag folding, and can perform predetermined zigzag folding in a continuous state, thereby improving the yield of the separator as much as possible. Can do.

The sixth aspect of the present invention is:
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
Among the support rollers, at least of the separator or superimposed body that moves between the most downstream support roller and the suspension roller, or the separator or superimposed body that moves along the movement path of the downstream buffer roller. In the method of manufacturing a secondary battery, gas is blown from one of the lower surfaces to support the separator or the superimposed body.

According to this aspect, since the slack of the separator or the superimposed body can be prevented without blowing mechanically by blowing air, the predetermined conveyance of the separator or the superimposed body can be performed satisfactorily.

The seventh aspect of the present invention is
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery described in the sixth aspect,
In the method of manufacturing a secondary battery, the gas is ion air.

According to this aspect, since the charging of the separator or the superposed body can be prevented or removed by the charge eliminating effect by the ion air, it is possible to prevent the adjacent separator or the superposed bodies from being adsorbed by the electrostatic force in the zigzag folding process. Can do.

The eighth aspect of the present invention is
In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of the first to seventh aspects,
The separator or the superimposed body is inclined and conveyed so as to rise from the support roller toward the suspension roller between the support roller at the most downstream of the support rollers and the suspension roller. In a method of manufacturing a secondary battery.

According to this aspect, the kinetic energy accompanying the travel of the separator or the superposed body conveyed from the support roller toward the suspension roller can be converted into potential energy and braked. As a result, even if the separator is abruptly pulled in the zigzag folding process, it can be satisfactorily stopped at a predetermined position.

The ninth aspect of the present invention provides
A plurality of guide members arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction, and separators suspended via a suspension roller between one row of the guide members and the other row, Zigzag folding means for zigzag folding between each other in the horizontal direction,
A positive plate transport member for a positive plate on which a predetermined number of positive plates are placed and a negative plate transport member for a negative plate on which a predetermined number of negative plates are placed, respectively, for the positive plate and for the negative plate An electrode plate insertion member that alternately inserts the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate into each trough by moving the electrode plate transport member into each trough of the separator;
An upstream surplus length portion is made upstream of the suspension roller by preliminarily retaining a separator having a length that is disposed upstream of the suspension roller in the conveying direction of the separator and pulled in the zigzag folding. Separator supply means for
A combination of a clamp that holds the leading end of the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means and a downstream buffer roller that contacts the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means. A downstream buffer part preparation means for producing a downstream excess length part for retaining a separator having a length drawn into the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, and
The downstream buffer section manufacturing means moves the downstream buffer roller away from the clamp portion of the separator while moving the downstream buffer roller in contact with the separator while the end of the separator is clamped. The downstream surplus length portion is moved in the retracting direction by preparing the long portion and returning the downstream buffer roller to the position before creating the downstream surplus length portion when the zigzag folding is performed by the retracting means. It exists in the manufacturing apparatus of the secondary battery characterized by being.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prepare in advance the length of the separator that is pulled in when zigzag folding is performed by the movement of the downstream buffer roller, and it is possible to maintain a state in which an appropriate tension is applied. The fluttering of the separator at the time of pulling in or the like is suppressed, and the separator can be pulled in smoothly by the guide member.

Thus, the moldability of the separator can be improved, and the molding speed can be increased accordingly, so that the tact time at the time of molding can be improved.

The tenth aspect of the present invention provides
A plurality of guide members arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction, and separators suspended via a suspension roller between one row of the guide members and the other row, Zigzag folding means for zigzag folding between each other in the horizontal direction,
A positive plate transport member for a positive plate on which a predetermined number of positive plates are placed and a negative plate transport member for a negative plate on which a predetermined number of negative plates are placed, respectively, for the positive plate and for the negative plate An electrode plate insertion member that alternately inserts the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate into each trough by moving the electrode plate transport member into each trough of the separator;
An upstream surplus length portion is made upstream of the suspension roller by preliminarily retaining a separator having a length that is disposed upstream of the suspension roller in the conveying direction of the separator and pulled in the zigzag folding. Separator supply means for
A combination of a clamp that holds the leading end of the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means and a downstream buffer roller that contacts the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means. A downstream buffer part preparation means for producing a downstream excess length part for retaining a separator having a length drawn into the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, and
The downstream buffer section manufacturing means moves the downstream buffer roller away from the clamp portion of the separator while moving the downstream buffer roller in contact with the separator while the end of the separator is clamped. The downstream surplus length portion is moved in the retracting direction by preparing the long portion and returning the downstream buffer roller to the position before creating the downstream surplus length portion when the zigzag folding is performed by the retracting means. It exists in the manufacturing apparatus of the secondary battery characterized by being.

According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain the same operations and effects as in the eighth embodiment.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention is
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in the ninth or tenth aspect,
The downstream buffer section manufacturing means has at least two position regulating rollers,
The formation of the extra length portion in the downstream side buffer portion preparation means is performed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller between the position regulating rollers in a state in which the end of the separator or superposed body is clamped. Is moved in one direction opposite to the direction in which the separator or the superimposed body is suspended and in the opposite direction.

According to this aspect, the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is fed out by the movement of the downstream buffer roller in the direction intersecting the separator, and the separator or the superposed body with respect to the zigzag folding means is moved by the movement in the opposite direction. Appropriate tension is applied when the extra length portion is pulled in, and predetermined molding can be performed stably.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention provides
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in the ninth or tenth aspect,
In the downstream buffer portion preparation means, the extra length portion is formed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller placed on the upper surface of the separator or overlap body with the end of the separator or overlap body clamped. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, wherein the secondary battery is moved up and down in the hanging direction.

According to this aspect, the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is satisfactorily drawn out by lowering the downstream buffer roller in the hanging direction, and the extra length portion of the separator or the superposed body is drawn into the zigzag folding means by the ascent. Sometimes appropriate tension is applied, and predetermined molding can be carried out stably. Here, since the generation of the extra length portion on the downstream side can also be performed by raising and lowering the downstream buffer roller, the space factor of the apparatus can be increased by setting the movement range of the downstream buffer roller along the hanging direction of the separator or the like. Improved.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in the ninth or twelfth aspect,
The separator supply unit or the superimposed body supply unit includes at least two support rollers that support the upstream side of the suspension roller with respect to the conveyance direction of the separator or the superimposed body, relative to the upstream side and the downstream side. And at least one upstream buffer roller disposed between the support rollers and disposed in contact with one surface of the separator or the superposed body so as to be vertically movable. The separator is supplied to the zigzag folding means side through a roller, and an upstream surplus portion of the length of the separator or superposed body drawn in the zigzag folding is produced on the upstream side of the suspension roller, When in a state of being in a predetermined raised position or lowered position while being in contact with the separator or the superposed body, the guide is passed through the suspension roller. The separator or the superimposed body is suspended between the members, and at the time of zigzag folding by the movement of the guide member, the upstream buffer roller is lowered or raised, so that the upstream surplus length portion is removed from the suspension roller. And supplying to the zigzag folding means via the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus.

According to this aspect, since the pull-in length of the separator zigzag-folded by the rise of the upstream buffer roller disposed so as to be movable up and down can be supplemented, a predetermined state can be obtained in a continuous state without cutting the separator in advance. Zigzag folding can be performed. Thus, zigzag folding is performed in a state where an appropriate tension is applied, and when the separator or the like is pulled in by the guide member, the fluttering of the separator is suppressed and the separator can be smoothly pulled in by the guide member. it can.
Moreover, the separator does not need to be cut to a predetermined length before zigzag folding, and can perform predetermined zigzag folding in a continuous state, thereby improving the yield of the separator as much as possible. Can do.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects,
Air blowing means for blowing the gas from the lower surface side of the separator or the superposed body to support the separator or the superposed body is provided between the most downstream support roller and the suspension roller of the support rollers or the downstream buffalo An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: a separator or a superposed body that moves along a moving path of a battery;

According to this aspect, since the slack of the separator or the superimposed body can be prevented without blowing mechanically by blowing air, the predetermined conveyance of the separator or the superimposed body can be performed satisfactorily.

The fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in the fourteenth aspect,
The blowing means extends in the conveying direction of the separator or the superimposed body so that the separator or the superimposed body is positioned in the width direction of the separator or the superimposed body so that the lower surface of the separator or the superimposed body is in contact with the top. A flat plate portion having a plurality of rib members dispersed in the width direction and a long hole extending in the transport direction formed in the central portion of the flat plate portion, and ejecting ion air through the long hole There exists in the manufacturing method of the secondary battery characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to this aspect, since the charging of the separator or the superposed body can be prevented or removed by the charge eliminating effect by the ion air, it is possible to prevent the adjacent separator or the superposed bodies from being adsorbed by the electrostatic force in the zigzag folding process. Can do. Here, since the position of the separator or the superposed body in the width direction is restricted by the wall portion, the separator or the superposed body is favorably transported along a predetermined transport path without causing meandering flutter or the like. In addition, since the separator or the superposed body can be brought into contact with the rib member to make a line contact with a contact area as small as possible, it can be recharged by friction with the rib member after neutralization with ion air. Absent.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides
In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in any one of the ninth to fifteenth aspects,
The separator or the superposed body is configured to be inclined and conveyed so as to rise from the support roller toward the suspension roller between the support roller at the most downstream of the support rollers and the suspension roller. The present invention provides a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus.

According to this aspect, the kinetic energy accompanying the travel of the separator or the superposed body conveyed from the support roller toward the suspension roller can be converted into potential energy and braked. As a result, even if the separator is abruptly pulled in the zigzag folding process, it can be satisfactorily stopped at a predetermined position.

According to the present invention, a separator or a superposed body (hereinafter also referred to as “separator or the like”) is suspended between guide members of a zigzag folding means in a continuous state, and the guide member moves in a state where an appropriate tension is applied. Thus, zigzag folding is performed, so that when the separator or the like is pulled in by the guide member, the phenomenon that the separator or the like fluctuates can be suppressed and the separator or the like can be pulled in smoothly by the guide member. As a result, even if the width, thickness, and surface state of the separator and the like vary somewhat, the accuracy of the electrode plate group can be kept within the allowable value range, which can contribute to the improvement of quality.

In addition, the separator or the like does not need to be cut to a predetermined length before zigzag folding, and the predetermined zigzag folding can be performed in a continuous state, thereby improving the yield of the separator or the like as much as possible. be able to.

According to the present invention, even on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, the extra length portion on the downstream side of the separator drawn in the zigzag folding is formed in a state where the end of the separator is clamped. The moldability can be improved. Since the molding speed can be increased, the tact time at the time of molding can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the square battery in which the electrode group which concerns on embodiment of this invention was accommodated. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the electrode group shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the electrode group manufacturing means in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is the top view, (b) is the front view. It is the schematic which shows the aspect in the middle of the zigzag folding process of the separator using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the other aspect in the middle of the zigzag folding process of the separator using the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upstream buffer roller which is the first (initial) step of zigzag folding is the first in relation to the separator supply unit, the electrode plate group manufacturing unit, and the buffer unit manufacturing unit. It is the schematic shown in the state in a position (lowermost position). In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upstream buffer roller, which is the second step of zigzag folding, is in the second position (center) according to the separator supply unit, the electrode plate group manufacturing unit, and the buffer unit manufacturing unit. It is the schematic shown in the state in a lower position. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upstream buffer roller, which is the third step of zigzag folding, is in the third position (center) according to the separator supply unit, the electrode plate group manufacturing unit, and the buffer unit manufacturing unit. It is the schematic shown in the state which exists in an upper position. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upstream buffer roller, which is the fourth step of zigzag folding, is in the fourth position (the uppermost position). It is the schematic shown in the state which exists in a position. It is a figure which shows an example of the air blowing means in embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view, (c) is a detailed figure which extracts an ionizer and shows in detail. It is the schematic which shows the downstream buffer part preparation means in other embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the downstream buffer part preparation means in other embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing method of the secondary battery using the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the other electrode plate group manufactured with the manufacturing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the constituent elements in the following embodiments can be appropriately replaced with existing constituent elements, and various variations including combinations with other existing constituent elements are possible. Accordingly, the description of the following embodiments does not limit the contents of the invention described in the claims.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rectangular battery (secondary battery) 1 that is a lithium ion secondary battery includes a rectangular case 2, and an electrode plate group 3 is accommodated in the rectangular case 2. A positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal (not shown) are provided at predetermined positions of the rectangular case 2. The square case 2 is filled with an electrolytic solution obtained by blending an organic solvent with a lithium salt.

The electrode plate group 3 includes a separator 4 that is zigzag-folded, one electrode plate (for example, the positive electrode plate 5) and the other electrode plate (for example, the negative electrode plate) that are alternately inserted into the valley grooves 4a of the separator 4. 6). The positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 are alternately overlapped so that the separators 4 are interposed therebetween, and the separators 4 are flatly folded. The positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 include lead portions 5a and 6a that protrude from the separator 4 to the opposite sides, and the lead portions 5a and 6a of each electrode are bundled. And the lead part 5a of the bundled positive electrode plate 5 is connected to the positive electrode terminal, and the lead part 6a of the bundled negative electrode plate 6 is connected to the negative electrode terminal.

The electrode plate group 3 having such a configuration is manufactured by a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus. In the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the separator 4 is zigzag-folded to manufacture the electrode plate group 3, the electrode plate group manufacturing means I and the zigzag configured to have zigzag folding means and electrode plate insertion means. Separator supply means II for supplying the separator 4 for folding is provided. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the electrode plate group manufacturing means I, wherein FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is a front view thereof. As shown in the figure, the zigzag folding means 20 has a plurality of guide rods (guide members) 21 arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction, and will be described in detail later. The separator 4 is disposed between the second row 22B and the guide rod 21 is horizontally intersected between the rows 22A and 22B, and the separator 4 is zigzag folded.

The number of guide bars 21 is the same as or more than the number of positive plates 5 and negative plates 6 supplied to the separator 4. The plurality of guide bars 21 are horizontally arranged in two rows 22A and 22B in a vertical direction on a base (not shown). Each guide bar 21 is arranged to be zigzag between the rows 22A and 22B, that is, to be zigzag in the vertical direction. These guide bars 21 are supported in a cantilevered manner by vertical frames 23 and 24 provided for the respective rows 22A and 22B.

Further, the zigzag folding means 20 includes a drive unit for zigzag folding the separator 4 by crossing the rows 22A and 22B by moving the guide bar 21 in the horizontal direction. This drive part is comprised by the motor etc. which rotate a ball screw and a ball screw, for example. In addition, since the drive part comprised by a ball screw, a motor, etc. in this way is a normal feeding means, illustration is abbreviate | omitted.

The electrode plate inserting means 30 includes a pair of electrode plate conveying members 31 (31A, 31B) arranged behind the rows 22A, 22B of the guide rods 21 constituting the zigzag folding means 20. Each electrode plate conveyance member 31 has a plurality of electrode plate conveyance trays 32 on which a predetermined number of positive plates 5 or negative plates 6 are placed. In FIG. 3, the positive electrode plate 5 is placed on the electrode plate conveyance tray 32 of the electrode plate conveyance member 31 </ b> A arranged on the left side of the separator 4, and the electrode plate of the electrode plate conveyance member 31 </ b> B arranged on the right side of the separator 4. A negative electrode plate 6 is placed on the transport tray 32. The electrode plate insertion means 30 moves these electrode plate transport trays 32 into the valley grooves 4a (see FIG. 2) formed in the separator 4 in synchronization with the horizontal movement of the guide rods 21. The positive electrode plates 5 and the negative electrode plates 6 are alternately inserted into the valley grooves 4a.

In this embodiment, the electrode plate insertion means 30 includes a first electrode plate conveying member (for example, an electrode plate conveying member for a positive electrode plate) 31A that conveys one electrode plate (for example, the positive electrode plate 5), and the other electrode plate. And a second electrode plate conveying member (for example, an electrode plate conveying member for a negative electrode plate) 31B that conveys (for example, the negative electrode plate 6). The first electrode plate conveyance member 31A includes the same number of electrode plate conveyance trays 32 as the number of one electrode plate (for example, the positive electrode plate 5) required for the electrode plate group 3. Each electrode plate conveyance tray 32 of the first electrode plate conveyance member 31A is arranged behind the guide bar 21 constituting one row 22A so that the electrode plate placement surface of the electrode plate conveyance tray 32 is horizontal. The rear end is connected by the support frame 33A. Similarly, the second electrode plate transport member 31B includes the same number of electrode plate transport trays 32 as the number of other electrode plates (for example, the negative electrode plate 6) necessary for the electrode plate group 3. Each electrode plate transport tray 32 of the second electrode plate transport member 31B is arranged behind the guide bar 21 constituting the other row 22B so that the electrode mounting surface of the electrode plate transport tray 32 is horizontal, The rear end is connected by the support frame 33B.

The support frames 33A and 33B are respectively connected to a piston rod 34a of a piston / cylinder device 34 that can expand and contract in the conveying direction of the positive electrode plate 5 as one electrode plate or the negative electrode plate 6 as the other electrode plate. Each piston / cylinder device 34 is installed on a carriage 35 that can reciprocate in the conveying direction of the positive electrode plate 5 or the negative electrode plate 6.

Each carriage 35 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction by a drive unit composed of a ball screw or the like. Specifically, each carriage 35 is connected to a nut 37 that is screwed onto a screw shaft 36 that is a feed screw rotatably installed on a base (not shown). The screw shaft 36 is rotated by a motor (not shown). When the screw shaft 36 rotates, each of the first and second electrode plate transport members 31A and 31B is moved toward the separator 4 or away from the separator 4 in accordance with the rotation direction.

The left and right sides of the electrode plate tray 32 of each of the first and second electrode plate members 31A and 31B (in the direction horizontal to the electrode placement surface, in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the electrode plate tray 32) On both sides, a pair of pressing members 38 that are in contact with the edges of the electrode plates placed on the electrode plate transport tray 32 are provided. Specifically, the pressing member 38 is configured as a pair of vertical bars that come into contact with the edges of the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 protruding from the left and right sides of each electrode plate transport tray 32, and is attached to each carriage 35. Yes.

The separator 4 is suspended between opposing rows 22A and 22B of the guide rod 21 of the zigzag folding means 20 via a suspension roller 41 of the separator supply means II.

Here, the mode at the time of manufacturing the electrode group 3 using the electrode group manufacturing means I as described above will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views respectively showing a state in the middle of the zigzag folding process of the separator using the electrode plate group manufacturing means I shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in a state where the separator 4 is suspended between the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rods 21 arranged in a zigzag shape, the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rods 21 are horizontally directed toward the separator 4 side. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide bar 21 is crossed between the rows 22A and 22B. At this time, although not shown, the buffer roller of the separator supply means II moves upward and supplies the separator 4 for the length that is pulled into the guide rod 21. Accordingly, the pull-in of the separator 4 by the guide rod 21 is smoothly performed in a state where the separator 4 is applied with an appropriate tension. The operation of the separator supply unit II will be described in detail later.

The carriage 35 is moved by the rotation of the screw shaft 36 in synchronization with the horizontal movement of the guide bar 21. As a result, the first and second electrode plate conveying members 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B and the pressing member 38 are moved toward the separator 4. The movement of the carriage 35 may be started at the same time as the movement of the guide bar 21, during the movement of the guide bar 21 after the movement of the guide bar 21, simultaneously with the end of the movement of the guide bar 21, or after a predetermined time. Considering the tact time, it is desirable that the guide bar 21 is moving simultaneously with the start of the movement of the guide bar 21 or after a short time from the start of the movement, and this timing is detected to perform a synchronized movement. It is good. As a result, the first and second electrode plate conveying members 31A, 31B move in the horizontal direction so that the guide bar 21 intersects between the rows 22A, 22B and enter the valley grooves 4a formed in the separator 4. In addition, the pushing member 38 is moved in the horizontal direction. Thus, the positive electrode plate 5 previously mounted on each electrode plate transport tray 32 of the first electrode plate transport member 31A and the negative electrode plate 6 previously mounted on each electrode plate transport tray 32 of the second electrode plate transport member 31B. Are alternately inserted into the valley grooves 4a of the separator 4 which is zigzag folded. As a result, a laminated body in which the positive electrode plates 5 and the negative electrode plates 6 are alternately overlapped with each other through the separator 4 is formed. Thereafter, the guide bar 21 is pulled out from each valley groove 4a of the separator 4, and the first and second electrode plate conveying members 31A and 31B are moved away from the separator 4 while leaving the pushing member 38. 4, the positive electrode plate 5 and the positive electrode plate 6 are left in each valley groove 4 a, and a laminate in which the positive electrode plates 5 and the negative electrode plates 6 are alternately stacked via the separator 4 is formed. The laminated body is pressed and integrated by a predetermined pressing means (not shown) in the laminating direction of the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 to form the electrode plate group 3.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the separator supplying means, the electrode plate group manufacturing means, and the buffer section manufacturing means in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as an upstream buffalo that is the first (initial) step of zigzag folding. It is the schematic shown in the state which is in the 1st position (lowermost position). Similarly, FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the upstream buffer roller in the second position (lower center position), which is the second step of zigzag folding, and FIG. 8 is the upstream buffer roller in the third step. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the upstream buffer roller in the fourth position (uppermost position).

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a laminate (described in detail later) formed through a predetermined molding process of the separator is cut off and the clamp 50 including the clamp members 50A and 50B is moved to a position where the tip of the separator 4 can be clamped. The state which clamped the front-end | tip part of the separator 4 in this movement position is shown. Such a state is an initial state of the electrode plate group manufacturing means I which is an upstream buffer preparation means for forming the extra length portion of the separator 4 on the upstream side of the zigzag folding means 20. On the other hand, the separator supply means II is in an initial state by rotating the roll member 40 and feeding the separator 4 while lowering the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 that were in the fourth position which is the highest position. More specifically, the separator 4 is rotatably supported on the rotary shaft 48 as a roll member 40 wound in a roll shape. Between the roll member 40 and the suspension roller 41, there are support rollers 42, 43, 44 and upstream buffer rollers 45, 46 formed so that the position of the central axis can move in the vertical direction. The upstream buffer rollers 45, 46 are disposed between the support rollers 42, 43, 44. As shown in FIG. 6, the support rollers 42, 43, 44 and the upstream buffer roller 45 in the horizontal direction in the figure. 46 are alternately arranged. Further, a movable roller 49 that moves toward the suspending roller 41 and sandwiches the separator 4 with the suspending roller 41 is also shown in the figure. The operation and role of the movable roller 49 will be described later. Further, on the downstream side of the roller 41, two rollers 62, 63 are disposed in order from the upstream side on the left side along the hanging direction of the separator 4, and the separator 4 is further interposed between the rollers 62, 63. A dancer roller 61 is disposed on the right side. The dancer roller 61 and the rollers 62 and 63 will be described later in detail.

In the present embodiment, the separator 4 is disposed downstream of the zigzag folding means 20 with respect to the electrode group manufacturing means I that is upstream buffer preparation means provided for the pull-in at the time of molding of the separator 4 upstream of the zigzag folding means 20. The downstream side buffer part preparation means III provided for drawing-in at the time of molding is disposed on the extension line in the suspension direction of the separator 4 suspended by the suspension roller 41. More specifically, the buffer section preparation means III includes two rollers 65, 66 disposed on the same line in the vertical direction on the left side of the suspended separator 4, and the separator 4 between the rollers 65, 66. It has a downstream buffer roller 64 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a downstream buffer roller 64) disposed on the right side, and a clamp 67 composed of clamp members 67A and 67B.

FIG. 7 shows the state of the pre-process of zigzag folding of the separator. In this pre-process, the rows 22A and 22B of the guide bar 21 are separated from each other, and the separator 4 is suspended through the suspension roller 41 therebetween. Such a state is formed by the following operation. As shown in FIG. 6, the clamp 50 holding the tip of the separator 4 with the clamp members 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B descends in the direction in which the separator 4 is suspended and delivers the tip of the separator 4 to the clamp 67. As a result, the separator 4 passes between the downstream buffer roller 64 and the two rollers 65 and 66 and is clamped at the tip by the clamp members 67A and 67B.

In the preceding process, as the clamp 50 is lowered, the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 are raised to the second position (lower center position) shown in FIG. As a result of this rise, the clamp 4 is lowered, and the length of the separator 4 drawn out is complemented. Here, the clamp 50 lowered to the re-lowering position delivers the tip of the separator 4 to the clamp 67 and then moves to the front side or the back side in FIG. 7 to rise and prepare for the next processing. That is, the clamp 50 moves in the vertical direction between the upper and lower predetermined positions of the zigzag folding means 20 while drawing an elongated track-like endless track.

FIG. 8 also shows the state of the pre-process of zigzag folding of the separator. Also in this pre-process, as in the case shown in FIG. 7, the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rod 21 are separated, and the separator 4 is suspended via the suspension roller 41 therebetween.

In this step, prior to the zigzag folding step of the separator 4 by the zigzag folding means 20, the downstream buffer portion producing means III produces the extra length portion on the downstream side of the separator 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the separator 4 is moved in the horizontal direction by moving the downstream buffer roller 64 in the horizontal direction (left direction in the figure) with the clamp 67 holding the front end of the separator 4. Pull out to. Accordingly, the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 are supplemented from the second position (center lower position) shown in FIG. 7 to the third position (center center) shown in FIG. Ascend to the upper position).

FIG. 9 shows that the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rods 21 of the zigzag folding means 20 are moved in the direction in which the separators 4 are zigzag folded, and the positive and negative plates 5 and negative plates are alternately placed between the zigzag folded separators 4 6 shows the inserted state. At this time, the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 are synchronized with the movement of the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rods 21 from the third position (center upper position) shown in FIG. 8 to the fourth position (uppermost position) shown in FIG. Position). As the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 ascend, an extra length is supplied to the length of the separator 4 from the support roller 44 to the tip via the suspension roller 41. That is, the extra length of the separator 4 held by the support rollers 42, 43, 44 and the upstream buffer rollers 45, 46 when the upstream buffer rollers 45, 46 are lowered to the lowest position is the zigzag of the separator 4. At the time of folding, the guide bar 21 corresponds to the amount of the separator 4 that is drawn horizontally. Thus, the extra length portion of the separator 4 formed on the upstream side of the zigzag folding means 20 by the electrode group manufacturing means I which is the upstream side buffer manufacturing means is mainly zigzag folding means along with the zigzag folding by the zigzag folding means 20. 20 is pulled into the top.

On the other hand, the downstream buffer roller 64 moves horizontally from the state shown in FIG. 8 in synchronization with the movement of the rows 22A and 22B of the guide rod 21 and in the opposite direction (right direction in the figure) to that shown in FIG. The extra length of the separator 4 produced by the movement of the buffer roller 64 corresponds to the amount of the separator 4 that is drawn horizontally by the guide rod 21 when the separator 4 is zigzag folded. Thus, the extra length portion of the separator 4 formed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means 20 by the downstream side buffer section preparation means III is mainly drawn into the lower part of the zigzag folding means 20 along with the zigzag folding by the zigzag folding means 20. . By providing the mechanism of the downstream side buffer section preparation means III, the separator 4 can be prevented from fluttering when the separator 4 is pulled in by the guide bar 21, thereby preventing the separator from being folded, wrinkled or misaligned during zigzag folding. can do.

If the tension applied to the separator 4 is too small, the fluttering of the separator 4 cannot be suppressed. If the tension is too large, the zigzag folding means stops during zigzag folding.
An experiment was conducted to confirm how much tension should be applied to the separator during zigzag folding. In the experiment, zigzag fold molding was performed by applying tension to the lower separator, and it was visually checked whether the active material portion of the electrode sandwiched between the zigzag fold separators of the electrode plate group was completely covered with the separator. It was judged that the separator was displaced if the active material portion of the electrode protruded even a little. Thirty zigzag folds were formed for each tension to create an electrode plate group.
The result is shown in the table.

From this, it can be seen that the zigzag folding can be stably performed when a tension of 10 mN or more is applied to the separator during zigzag folding.
Further, when the tension applied to the separator 4 exceeded 500 mN, the zigzag folding device stopped. It seems that the safety device in the zigzag folding means has been activated due to excessive tension inside. From this, it is preferable to keep the tension applied to the separator 4 to 500 mN or less.

The tension applied to the separator can be set as appropriate within the above-mentioned range, and the length of the separator, the distance between the rollers in the downstream buffer section preparation means III, the size of the roller, the moving speed of the roller, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate. You can set it.

Here, in this embodiment, air blowing means 47 that blows air from the lower surface side of the separator 4 to support the separator 4 is disposed between the support roller 44 at the most downstream of the support rollers and the suspension roller 41. It is set up. Similar air blowing means 68 is also provided below the separator 4 that moves along the movement path of the downstream buffer roller 64. By blowing air from the air blowing means 47, 68, it is possible to prevent sagging of the separator 4 between the most downstream support roller 44 and the suspension roller 41 and between the roller 66 and the downstream buffer roller 64. The separator 4 is transported well. By using the air blowing means 47 and 68, the apparatus can be installed in a non-contact state with the separator, and the charging of the separator can be reduced as compared with the case where a roller that contacts and supports the separator is added. Furthermore, by using ionized air as the air blown from the air blowing means 47 and 68, it is possible to prevent or remove the separator due to the charge removal effect of the ion air, so that static electricity between adjacent separators can be removed in the zigzag folding process. Adsorption by electric power can be prevented beforehand.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the air blowing means 47 and 68, where FIG. 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 10C is a detailed view showing an ionizer in detail. Since the air blowing means 47 and 68 have exactly the same structure, only the air blowing means 47 will be described. However, since the description is applicable to the air blowing means 68 as well, redundant description is omitted. .
As shown in FIG. 10, the blowing means 47 extends in a wall portion 69 that regulates the position of the separator 4 in the width direction, and in the conveying direction of the separator 4 (vertical direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. A flat plate portion 70 in which rib members 70A, 70B, 70C, and 70D are disposed in a width direction so that the lower surface of the separator 4 comes into contact with the top portion thereof, and extends in the transport direction formed in the central portion of the flat plate portion 70. It has a long hole 70E, and ion air is ejected through the long hole 70E. That is, the ionizer 70 shown in FIG. 10C ejects ionized air from the long hole 70E through the nozzle 71A at the top.

Thus, the charging of the separator 4 can be prevented or removed by the charge removing effect of the ion air, so that the adjacent separator can be prevented from being adsorbed by the electrostatic force in the zigzag folding process. Here, since the position of the separator 4 in the width direction is regulated by the wall portion 69, the separator 4 is favorably transported along a predetermined transport path without causing meandering or flapping. Moreover, since the separator 4 can be in line contact with the rib members 70A to 70D in contact with the rib members 70A to 70D, the contact area can be reduced as much as possible. There is no charge.

Such air blowing means 47 and 68 are not necessarily required, but by adopting such a structure, a direct contact portion with the separator 4 can be provided as in the case where the separator 4 is supported by a roller. Can be reduced. By the way, the separator 4 is pulled out from the roll member 40 and conveyed to the electrode plate group manufacturing means I while being in contact with the roller or the like, so that the separator 4 is charged due to the friction accompanying the drawing or the contact with the roller. As described above, when charged, the separator 4 may not be conveyed in the correct direction due to contact with a guide portion (not shown) for defining the conveying direction when the separator 4 is conveyed, The separator 4 is attracted and cannot be pulled in smoothly by the movement of the guide rod 21. For this reason, as the gas to be blown, charging such as ion air can be prevented, and by blowing a gas for discharging, the separator 4 can be prevented from being charged and the charged separator 4 can be discharged. Air blowing from the air blowing means 47 and 68 may be performed at all times, blown before and after the separator 4 is transported, or stopped when not transported for a while. You may make it control blowing. If it is made to blow out constantly, since the static elimination can be reliably performed on the entire separator 4 to be conveyed, it can be expected to more surely suppress the adsorption between the adjacent separators 4, and the blowing can be carried out according to the conveyance situation. If controlled, unnecessary ion air blowing operation can be reduced, and the possibility of causing problems such as deformation of the separator 4 due to continuous blowing of ion air to the same location for a long time can be suppressed. Can do.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a downstream buffer section manufacturing means in another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the downstream buffer section preparation means IV, a plurality of (two in the figure) downstream buffer rollers 75 and 76 are disposed between the roller 65 and the roller 66. As described above, by providing a plurality of the downstream buffer rollers 75 and 76, it is possible to shorten the extra length portion of the separator 4 manufactured for each of the downstream buffer rollers 75 and 76. That is, since the horizontal dimension of the extra length per piece can be shortened, it is possible to effectively prevent fluttering and the like during suction (movement of the separator 4) in the zigzag folding process by the zigzag folding means 20 of the separator 4. can do. That is, the moldability is further improved. Also, the horizontal dimension of the device can be reduced.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a downstream buffer section manufacturing means according to still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the downstream buffer section preparation means V, the downstream buffer roller 80 moves up and down along the separator 4 suspended from above. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12A, the tip of the separator 4 is clamped by the clamp 67, and then the clamp 67 is placed on the side where the separator 4 is in contact with the downstream buffer roller 80 (left side in the case shown in the figure). As shown in FIG. 12 (b), a crank portion that is bent by the downstream buffer roller 80 is formed by moving toward the bottom. Then, as shown in FIG.12 (c), the downstream buffer roller 80 is lowered | hung, and the surplus length part according to the fall amount is produced. In the zigzag folding step, when the surplus length part is drawn into the zigzag folding means 20, the downstream buffer roller 80 moves up.

In such a downstream buffer section preparation means V, the buffer roller 80 does not move in the horizontal direction but only moves in the vertical direction, and when the predetermined surplus length part is formed, the smoothest movement of the separator 4 is ensured, However, the moldability can be improved.
Furthermore, the vertical position of the support roller 44 in this embodiment is disposed below the vertical position of the suspension roller 41. In accordance with this, the air blowing means 47 and 68 have the downstream side 47B, which is the discharge side, higher than the upstream side 47A, which is the supply side of the separator 4, so that the air blowing surface is parallel to the lower surface of the separator 4. It is positioned and inclined so as to rise to the right in the figure. Thus, the kinetic energy associated with the travel of the separator 4 conveyed from the support roller 44 toward the suspending roller 41 can be converted into potential energy for braking. As a result, even if the separator 4 is suddenly drawn in the zigzag folding process, it can be stopped well at a predetermined position.

Here, a secondary battery manufacturing method using the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a method for manufacturing an electrode plate group using the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment. This figure shows the initial state after the manufacture of the electrode plate group 3 is completed in the previous step. In such an initial state, the tip end of the separator 4 cut in the previous process is suspended from the suspension roller 41. At this time, the movable roller 49 is moved in the direction of the suspending roller 41, and the separator supply means II is connected to the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 while the separator 4 is sandwiched between the suspending roller 41 and the movable roller 49. The roll member 40 is rotated with the lowering (see FIG. 6; the same applies hereinafter), and the separator 4 is fed out, resulting in the state shown in FIG. At this time, the opposing rows 22A and 22B of the electrode plate group manufacturing means I are separated from each other.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 14, the movable roller 49 is moved in a direction away from the suspending roller 41, and clamps comprising clamp members 50 </ b> A and 50 </ b> B disposed on both sides of the separator 4. 50, the front end of the separator 4 is clamped. The pressing member 51 is used to form the electrode plate group 3 by applying a pressing process to the laminated body of the separators 4 in which the electrode plates are inserted in the valley grooves zigzag-folded with the pressing member 52 of FIG. Is.

Thereafter, while the roll member 40 is rotated in the state of FIG. 7 to feed out the separator 4, as shown in FIG. 15, the clamp 50 (not shown in FIG. 15) is moved downward while the tip of the separator 4 is clamped. The separator 4 is moved down so as to be disposed between the rows 22A and 22B. Thereafter, the separator 4 is transferred from the clamp members 50A and 50B to the clamp members 67A and 67B, and the separator 4 is clamped by the clamp members 67A and 67B, so that the clamped state by the clamp members 50A and 50B is released. Although not shown in the drawings, the clamp 50 moves to the near side or the far side in FIG. 15 and moves upward to prepare for the next process.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 8, after the extra length portion of the separator 4 is produced on the downstream side by the downstream buffer portion producing means III, each guide bar 21 is moved in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 16. The rows 22A and 22B of the guide bar 21 are crossed. At this time, the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 of the separator supply means II are moved in synchronism with each other, and the downstream buffer roller 64 of the downstream buffer section preparation means III is moved to the right in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. Let By this movement, the separator 4 having a length twice as long as the added value of the movement amounts of the upstream buffer rollers 45 and 46 and the downstream buffer roller 64 can be fed out as an extra length, and is thus drawn into the guide rod 21. A separator 4 corresponding to the length is supplied. Therefore, the pull-in and zigzag folding of the separator 4 by the guide rod 21 are smoothly performed in a state where the separator 4 is applied with an appropriate tension. In particular, in this embodiment, the separator 4 is zigzag folded in a continuous state without being cut from the separator supply means II, and an extra length portion whose movement is restricted by the downstream buffer roller 64 is formed. Since the separator 4 can be prevented from fluttering when the guide 4 is pulled in by the guide rod 21, it is possible to prevent the separator from being bent, wrinkled or displaced during zigzag folding.

After the zigzag folding of the separator 4 is completed, the positive electrode plates 5 and the negative electrode plates 6 are alternately inserted between the zigzag folded separators 4 in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. A laminate of the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6 is formed. At the same time, the pressing member 51 is lowered from above the laminated body and brought into contact with the upper surface of the laminated body to obtain the state shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 17, the same pressing member 52 is raised from below and brought into contact with the lower surface of the laminate.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 18, the laminate is sandwiched from above and below by the pressing members 51 and 52. From this state, the guide bar 21 is retracted, and the first and second electrode plate transport members 31A and 31B are retracted. Thereafter, the laminated body is lifted while being sandwiched between the pressing members 51 and 52, the movable roller 49 is moved in the direction of the suspension roller 41, the separator 4 is sandwiched between the suspension roller 41 and the movable roller 49, and the dancer The roller 61 is pressed between one of the rollers 62 and 63 on one surface (the right surface in the figure) of the separator 4 to provide a tension suitable for cutting the separator 4 between the hanging roller 41 and the top of the laminate. Give. Thus, with the slack of the separator 4 removed, the end portion of the separator 4 is cut off by the cutter 53 at a predetermined upper position as shown in FIG. The separated laminate is molded into the electrode plate group 3 to become a product. The tension on the dancer roller 61 can be suitably generated by pulling the dancer roller 61 to the left in the drawing with the air cylinder 90. Since the air cylinder 90 can apply a predetermined tension using a buffering effect due to the elasticity of air as a compressed fluid, it is optimal as such a tension applying means.

As a result of the separation of the laminate, as shown in FIG. 20, the clamp members 50A and 50B move to a position where the leading end of the separator 4 can be clamped, and the electrode plate group manufacturing means I is the same as that shown in FIG. This is the initial state.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing an electrode plate group according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the electrode plate group 3A in the present embodiment includes a laminated body 100 that is zigzag-folded and a positive electrode plate 5 that is inserted into each trough 100a of the superimposed body 100. Configured as a body. The superimposed body 100 is a stacked body formed by sandwiching the negative electrode plate 6A between two separators 4A. For this reason, the positive electrode plate 5 inserted in each trough 100a of the superimposed body 100 faces the negative electrode plate 6A via the separator 4A.

Also in the configuration of this embodiment, as in the case of the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 20, the positive electrode plate 5 and the negative electrode plate 6A have lead portions 5a protruding from the separator 4A in opposite directions. 6a is provided (see FIG. 2). The lead portions 5a and 6a of each pole are bundled and connected to a positive terminal and a negative terminal (not shown) of the rectangular case 2 (see FIG. 1), respectively.

A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing such an electrode plate group 3A has basically the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. Is provided and arranged between the rows 22A and 22B of the guide bar 21 of the zigzag folding means 20. At the same time, each of the first and second electrode plate conveying members 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B conveys the positive electrode plate 5 into the valley groove 100 a of the superimposed body 100.

According to this embodiment, the valley groove 100a into which only the positive electrode plate 5 is inserted may be formed in the superimposed body 100. For this reason, when manufacturing the electrode plate group 3A having the same performance as the electrode plate group 3 of the above embodiment, the number of valley grooves 100a of the superposed body 100 is half that of the above embodiment. Therefore, the number of the guide bars 21 and the electrode plate transport tray 32 can be reduced to almost half, and the tact time can be further shortened.

In addition, although the superposition body 100 in this embodiment is a laminated body formed by sandwiching the negative electrode plate 6A with two separators 4A, it may be formed by sandwiching the positive electrode plate instead of the negative electrode plate 6A. In this case, each of the first and second electrode plate conveying members 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B conveys the negative electrode plate 6 into the valley groove 100 a of the superimposed body 100.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is effectively used in an industrial field for manufacturing an emergency power supply system using a secondary battery as an emergency power supply device for an electronic device or an industrial field for manufacturing an electric vehicle using a secondary battery as an energy source. can do.

I Electrode plate group production means II Separator supply means III Downstream buffer part preparation means 1 Square battery 2 Square case 3 Electrode plate group 4 Separator 4a Valley groove 5 Positive electrode plate 6 Negative electrode plate 5a, 6a Lead part 20 Zigzag folding means 21 Guide rod 23, 24 Vertical frame 30 Electrode plate insertion means 31 Electrode plate conveyance member 32 Electrode plate conveyance tray 33 Support frame 38 Push member 41 Suspension roller
42, 43, 44 Support rollers 45, 46 Upstream buffer roller 47 Air blowing means 47A Upstream 47B Downstream 50 Clamp 53 Cutter 61 Dancer roller 62, 63 Roller 64 Downstream buffer roller 65, 66 Roller 67 Clamp

Claims (16)

1. A step of zigzag folding the separator by moving the guide member in a state where the separator is suspended via a suspension roller between a plurality of guide members arranged opposite to each other; and the zigzag folded separator A step of forming a laminate in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are alternately overlapped via the separator by alternately inserting a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate into each of the trough grooves, After removing the guide member from the inside of the groove, the laminate is pressed in the direction in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated to produce an electrode plate group, and
   Prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member, a separator having a length that is drawn in the zigzag folding is retained in advance in the middle of the upstream of the suspension roller in the transport direction of the separator. While forming the upstream extra length part,
   On the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, the downstream buffer roller is moved in a direction away from the clamping portion of the separator while being in contact with the separator in a state where the end portion of the separator is clamped. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising forming a downstream excess length portion in which a separator having a sufficient length is retained.
2. Movement of the guide member in a state in which a superposed body in which one of the positive and negative electrode plates is sandwiched between two separators is suspended via a suspension roller between a plurality of guide members arranged opposite to each other. The zigzag folding step and the other of the electrode plates are inserted into each valley groove of the zigzag folded superposed body so that the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are alternately overlapped via the separator. A step of forming a laminated body, and after further removing the guide member from each valley groove of the superposed body, pressing the laminated body in a direction in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated to form an electrode plate And manufacturing a group,
   Prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member, the superposed body having a length that is drawn in the zigzag folding is arranged in advance on the upstream side of the suspension roller with respect to the conveying direction of the superimposed body. While retaining it to form an upstream surplus length part,
   On the downstream side of the zigzag folding means, when the zigzag folding is performed, the downstream buffer roller is moved in a direction away from the clamping portion of the separator while abutting the separator while the end of the superposed body is clamped. A method of manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising forming a downstream surplus length portion for retaining the superposed body having a length to be drawn.
3. In the manufacturing method of the secondary battery according to claim 1 or 2,
   The downstream surplus length portion is formed at least one downstream buffer roller between at least two position regulating rollers in a state where the end of the separator or the superimposed body is clamped on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means. Is moved in one direction opposite to the direction in which the separator or the superimposed body is suspended and in the opposite direction.
4. In the manufacturing method of the secondary battery according to claim 1 or 2,
   The downstream surplus length portion is formed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller in contact with the upper surface of the separator or superposed body with the end of the separator or superposed body clamped. A method of manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the battery is moved up and down in a downward direction.
5. In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The upstream surplus length portion is disposed between at least two support rollers that are supported on the upstream side and the downstream side in the middle of the upstream side of the suspension roller in the transport direction of the separator or the superimposed body. In a state where at least one upstream buffer roller disposed in contact with one surface of the separator so as to be vertically movable can be positioned at a predetermined ascending or descending position while abutting against the separator. The separator is suspended between the guide members via the suspension roller, and the upstream buffer roller is lowered or raised prior to the zigzag folding step by the movement of the guide member. A method for producing a secondary battery.
6. In the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   Among the support rollers, at least of the separator or superimposed body that moves between the most downstream support roller and the suspension roller, or the separator or superimposed body that moves along the movement path of the downstream buffer roller. A method for producing a secondary battery, characterized in that a gas is blown from any one lower surface side to support the separator or the superposed body.
7. In the manufacturing method of the secondary battery according to claim 6,
   The method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the gas is ion air.
8. The method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   The separator or the superimposed body is inclined and conveyed so as to rise from the support roller toward the suspension roller between the support roller at the most downstream of the support rollers and the suspension roller. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery.
9. A plurality of guide members arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction, and separators suspended via a suspension roller between one row of the guide members and the other row, Zigzag folding means for zigzag folding between each other in the horizontal direction,
   A positive plate transport member for a positive plate on which a predetermined number of positive plates are placed and a negative plate transport member for a negative plate on which a predetermined number of negative plates are placed, respectively, for the positive plate and for the negative plate An electrode plate insertion member that alternately inserts the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate into each trough by moving the electrode plate transport member into each trough of the separator;
   An upstream surplus length portion is made upstream of the suspension roller by preliminarily retaining a separator having a length that is disposed upstream of the suspension roller in the conveying direction of the separator and pulled in the zigzag folding. Separator supply means for
   A combination of a clamp that holds the leading end of the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means and a downstream buffer roller that contacts the separator downstream of the zigzag folding means. A downstream buffer section producing means for producing a downstream surplus length part for retaining the separator having a length drawn into the downstream side of the zigzag folding means;
   Have
   The downstream buffer section manufacturing means moves the downstream buffer roller away from the clamp portion of the separator while moving the downstream buffer roller in contact with the separator while the end of the separator is clamped. The downstream surplus length portion is moved in the retracting direction by preparing the long portion and returning the downstream buffer roller to the position before creating the downstream surplus length portion when the zigzag folding is performed by the retracting means. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein
10. One of the positive and negative electrode plates having a plurality of guide members arranged in a zigzag shape in the vertical direction and suspended via a suspension roller between one row of the guide members and the other row Zigzag folding means for zigzag folding the superposed body sandwiched between two separators by crossing the guide members horizontally between rows;
    An electrode plate conveying member on which the other of the predetermined number of the electrode plates is mounted is provided, and the other electrode plate is placed in each valley groove by moving the electrode plate conveying member into each valley groove of the superimposed body. An electrode plate insertion means for inserting;
    It is arranged upstream of the suspension roller with respect to the conveying direction of the superimposed body, and the superimposed body having a length that is pulled in when zigzag folding is retained in advance, and an upstream surplus length portion is disposed upstream of the suspension roller. Superimposed body supply means to be manufactured on the side;
    The zigzag folding means is a combination of a clamp that sandwiches the leading end of the superimposed body downstream of the zigzag folding means and a downstream buffer roller that contacts the superimposed body downstream of the zigzag folding means. A downstream buffer part preparation means for producing a downstream surplus length part that retains a superposed body of a length that is drawn during folding on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means;
    Have
    The downstream buffer section manufacturing means moves the downstream buffer roller in a direction away from the separator clamp portion while abutting the downstream buffer roller in contact with the separator in a state where the end portion of the superimposed body is clamped. When the zigzag folding is performed by the pull-in means, the downstream buffer roller is returned to the position before the downstream surplus length is created, thereby moving the downstream surplus length in the pull-in direction. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that:
11. In the manufacturing apparatus of the secondary battery according to claim 9 or 10,
    The downstream buffer section manufacturing means has at least two position regulating rollers,
    The formation of the extra length portion in the downstream side buffer portion preparation means is performed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller between the position regulating rollers in a state in which the end of the separator or superposed body is clamped. Is moved in one direction and in the opposite direction intersecting with the direction in which the separator or the superimposed body is suspended.
12. In the manufacturing apparatus of the secondary battery according to claim 9 or 10,
    In the downstream buffer portion preparation means, the extra length portion is formed on the downstream side of the zigzag folding means with the downstream buffer roller placed on the upper surface of the separator or overlap body with the end of the separator or overlap body clamped. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the apparatus is moved up and down in the hanging direction in contact with the battery.
13. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12,
    The separator supply unit or the superimposed body supply unit includes at least two support rollers that support the upstream side of the suspension roller with respect to the conveyance direction of the separator or the superimposed body, relative to the upstream side and the downstream side. And at least one upstream buffer roller disposed between the support rollers and disposed in contact with one surface of the separator or the superposed body so as to be vertically movable. The separator is supplied to the zigzag folding means side through a roller, and an upstream surplus portion of the length of the separator or superposed body drawn in the zigzag folding is produced on the upstream side of the suspension roller, When in a state of being in a predetermined raised position or lowered position while being in contact with the separator or the superposed body, the guide is passed through the suspension roller. The separator or the superimposed body is suspended between the members, and at the time of zigzag folding by the movement of the guide member, the upstream buffer roller is lowered or raised, so that the upstream surplus length portion is removed from the suspension roller. And supplying to the zigzag folding means via the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus.
14. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13,
    Air blowing means for blowing the gas from the lower surface side of the separator or the superposed body to support the separator or the superposed body is provided between the most downstream support roller and the suspension roller of the support rollers or the downstream buffalo An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the separator or superposed body moving along a moving path of the battery is disposed on at least one of the lower sides.
15. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 14,
    The blowing means extends in the conveying direction of the separator or the superimposed body so that the separator or the superimposed body is positioned in the width direction of the separator or the superimposed body so that the lower surface of the separator or the superimposed body is in contact with the top. A flat plate portion having a plurality of rib members dispersed in the width direction and a long hole extending in the transport direction formed in the central portion of the flat plate portion, and ejecting ion air through the long hole A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein:
16. In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 15,
    The separator or the superposed body is configured to be inclined and conveyed so as to rise from the support roller toward the suspension roller between the support roller at the most downstream of the support rollers and the suspension roller. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery.

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