JP6828355B2 - Inversion device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a reversing device.

On the production line, for convenience of processing and processing, the workpieces may be aligned or inverted during the transfer of the workpieces to be conveyed. In the reversing stacking device described in Patent Document 1, articles supplied by a supply conveyor are sandwiched between a pair of blades (supporting portions), intermittently circulated and conveyed, inverted, and then a plurality of workpieces are stacked. , Discharging. The reversing stacking device described in Patent Document 1 is structurally accompanied by reversing of the work for the purpose of stacking the work, but is intended, for example, when inspecting the front and back surfaces of the work in the inspection process. It may be reversed. Here, regardless of the purpose of the device, a device that inverts the work by circulating transportation in the vertical direction is referred to as an inversion device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-96954

When such a reversing device is used, the work is transferred from a transport device (for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor) that transports the work in the horizontal direction to the reversing device. In the reversing device, when the work to be conveyed is supplied, the support portion of the reversing device is temporarily stopped, and after it is confirmed that the work has been transferred to the support portion, the support portion is circulated. In the production line including the above-mentioned reversing device, when the machine cycle time is to be shortened, it is also necessary to shorten the time required for receiving such a work.

The present invention provides a reversing device capable of shortening the time required for receiving a work.

The reversing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reversing unit that sequentially inverts a plurality of sheet-shaped workpieces, a supply unit that sequentially supplies a plurality of works to the reversing unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the reversing unit. The reversing portion is arranged on the outer peripheral surface along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface, and the inversion portion has an outer peripheral surface that circulates so as to form a circulation path that descends after ascending. The supply unit is provided with a plurality of support portions for receiving and supporting each of the plurality of workpieces, and the supply portion includes a mounting surface on which the plurality of workpieces are mounted in a movable state toward the reversing portion and a mounting surface. Also includes a plurality of protrusions that project upward and convey while pushing each of the plurality of workpieces toward the reversing portion, and the control unit continuously circulates the circulation member.

In this reversing device, the circulation member circulates continuously, and the work is transferred to the support portion in the ascending section of the outer peripheral surface. That is, the work is transferred to the rising support. Therefore, the work is lifted by the rising support portion and separated from the mounting surface during the transfer. Here, the supply unit includes a protrusion that projects upward from the mounting surface. According to this protrusion, even if the work moves away from the mounting surface and above the mounting surface, the work can be continuously pushed toward the reversing portion. Therefore, the support portion can receive the work while rising in the rising section of the outer peripheral surface. In this way, since it is not necessary to stop the support portion when receiving the work, the time required for receiving the work can be shortened.

In the reversing device, each of the plurality of support portions has a pair of side walls facing each other in the circulation direction, and each of the plurality of works may be arranged between the pair of side walls. In this case, the supply unit needs to supply the work between the pair of side walls. That is, since the transferable range is narrow, the above configuration in which the work can be continuously pushed toward the reversing portion even if the work moves away from the mounting surface and above the mounting surface is particularly effective. is there.

In the reversing device, the length from the mounting surface to the tip of each of the plurality of protrusions in the direction in which the outer peripheral surface rises is equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the plurality of workpieces, and in the circulation direction among the plurality of support portions. It may be less than or equal to the distance between two adjacent supports in the circulation direction. In this case, by setting the length of the protrusion to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the work, the work can be continuously pushed by the protrusion until the height position of the work rises by at least the thickness of the work from the mounting surface. .. By setting the length of the protrusion to be equal to or less than the distance between the two adjacent support portions, it is possible to prevent the protrusion from interfering with a portion other than the support portion to which the work is to be delivered in the reversing portion.

The reversing device further includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the protrusion on the mounting surface, and the control unit starts transferring the work from the supply unit to the support unit based on the detection result of the position detection unit. At the timing when the work reaches the transfer start position, the support unit may reach the transferable range in which the work can be transferred from the supply unit to the support unit. In this case, the position of the work transported by the protrusion can be grasped based on the position of the protrusion grasped from the detection result of the position detection unit. Therefore, the support portion can reach the transferable range at the timing when the work reaches the transfer start position. As a result, it is not necessary to make the support portion wait within the transferable range until the work reaches the transfer start position, so that the time required for receiving the work can be further shortened.

According to the present invention, the time required for receiving the work can be shortened.

It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the power storage device manufactured by applying the electrode stacking device which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. It is a top view of the positive electrode with a separator and the negative electrode shown in FIG. It is a side view (including a partial cross section) which shows the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a top view of the electrode stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the support part of the electrode stacking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the positive electrode supply unit. It is a figure which shows the structure of the negative electrode supply unit. It is a perspective view of a stacking table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the support structure and the drive mechanism of the circulation member of a positive electrode transport unit. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the support structure and the drive mechanism of the circulation member of a positive electrode transport unit. It is a figure which shows the 1st operation example of a circulation member. It is a figure which shows the 2nd operation example of a circulation member. It is a figure which shows the 3rd operation example of a circulation member. It is a partial side view for demonstrating the transfer of the positive electrode with a separator from a positive electrode supply unit to a support part. It is a figure for comparing the receiving time of an electrode between an electrode stacking apparatus and a comparative example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a power storage device manufactured by applying the electrode stacking device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3A and 3B are plan views of the positive electrode with a separator and the negative electrode shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A is a plan view of the positive electrode with a separator, and FIG. 3B is a plan view of the negative electrode. The power storage device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The power storage device 1 includes, for example, a case 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and an electrode assembly 3 housed in the case 2. The case 2 is made of a metal such as aluminum. Although not shown, a non-aqueous (organic solvent-based) electrolytic solution is injected into the case 2. The case 2 has a case main body 2a having an opening at the upper portion, and a lid 2b fixed to the case main body 2a by welding so as to close the opening. The positive electrode terminal 4 and the negative electrode terminal 5 are arranged on the lid 2b so as to be separated from each other. The positive electrode terminal 4 is fixed to the case 2 via the insulating ring 6, and the negative electrode terminal 5 is fixed to the case 2 via the insulating ring 7. Further, although not shown, an insulating film is arranged between the electrode assembly 3 and the inner side surface and the bottom surface of the case 2, and the insulating film insulates the case 2 from the electrode assembly 3. There is. In FIG. 1, for convenience, a slight gap is provided between the lower end of the electrode assembly 3 and the bottom surface of the case 2, but in reality, the lower end of the electrode assembly 3 is inside the case 2 via an insulating film. Is in contact with the bottom of the. By arranging the spacer between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 2, a gap may be formed between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 2.

The electrode assembly 3 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes 8 and a plurality of negative electrodes 9 (workpieces) are alternately laminated via a bag-shaped separator 10. The positive electrode 8 is wrapped in a bag-shaped separator 10. The positive electrode 8 in a state of being wrapped in the bag-shaped separator 10 is configured as a positive electrode 11 (work) with a separator. Therefore, the electrode assembly 3 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes 11 with separators and a plurality of negative electrodes 9 are alternately laminated. The electrodes located at both ends of the electrode assembly 3 are negative electrodes 9.

The positive electrode 8 has, for example, a metal foil 14 which is a positive electrode current collector made of an aluminum foil, and a positive electrode active material layer 15 formed on both sides of the metal foil 14. The metal foil 14 has a rectangular foil main body portion 14a in a plan view and a tab 14b integrated with the foil main body portion 14a. The tab 14b projects from the edge of the foil body 14a near one end in the longitudinal direction. Then, the tab 14b penetrates the separator 10 in the vicinity of the side edge in the longitudinal direction of the separator 10. The tab 14b is connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 via the conductive member 12. In FIG. 2, tab 14b is omitted for convenience.

The positive electrode active material layer 15 is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the foil main body portion 14a. The positive electrode active material layer 15 is a porous layer formed by containing the positive electrode active material and the binder. Examples of the positive electrode active material include composite oxides, metallic lithium, sulfur and the like. Composite oxides include, for example, at least one of manganese, nickel, cobalt and aluminum and lithium.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the positive electrode 11 with a separator includes an upper edge 11a, a bottom edge 11b, a side edge 11c, a side edge 11d, a surface 11e, and a surface 11f. The upper edge 11a is an edge on the tab 14b side of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, and is an edge of the separator 10 through which the tab 14b penetrates. The bottom edge 11b is the edge of the positive electrode 11 with a separator opposite to the tab 14b. The side edge 11c and the side edge 11d are edges that connect the upper edge 11a and the bottom edge 11b to each other, and intersect the upper edge 11a and the bottom edge 11b. The surfaces 11e and 11f are surfaces partitioned by an upper edge 11a, a bottom edge 11b, a side edge 11c, and a side edge 11d, and are located on opposite sides of each other.

The negative electrode 9 has, for example, a metal foil 16 which is a negative electrode current collector made of copper foil, and a negative electrode active material layer 17 formed on both sides of the metal foil 16. The metal foil 16 has a rectangular foil main body portion 16a in a plan view and a tab 16b integrated with the foil main body portion 16a. The tab 16b projects from the edge of the foil body 16a near one end in the longitudinal direction. The tab 16b is connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 via the conductive member 13. Note that in FIG. 2, tab 16b is omitted for convenience.

The negative electrode active material layer 17 is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the foil body portion 16a. The negative electrode active material layer 17 is a porous layer formed by containing the negative electrode active material and the binder. Examples of the negative electrode active material include graphite, highly oriented graphite, mesocarbon microbeads, carbon such as hard carbon and soft carbon, alkali metals such as lithium and sodium, metal compounds, and SiOx (0.5 ≦ x ≦ 1.5). ) And other metal oxides or boron-added carbon and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the negative electrode 9 includes an upper edge 9a, a bottom edge 9b, a side edge 9c, a side edge 9d, a surface 9e, and a surface 9f. The upper edge 9a is an edge on the tab 16b side of the negative electrode 9 (foil body portion 16a). The bottom edge 9b is the edge of the negative electrode 9 opposite to the tab 16b. The side edge 9c and the side edge 9d are edges that connect the upper edge 9a and the bottom edge 9b to each other, and intersect the upper edge 9a and the bottom edge 9b. The surfaces 9e and 9f are surfaces defined by an upper edge 9a, a bottom edge 9b, a side edge 9c, and a side edge 9d, and are located on opposite sides of each other. In the present embodiment, the length (height Hn) from the upper edge 9a to the bottom edge 9b of the negative electrode 9 is smaller than the length (height Hp) from the upper edge 11a to the bottom edge 11b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The length (width Wn) from the side edge 9c to the side edge 9d of the negative electrode 9 is substantially the same as the length (width Wp) from the side edge 11c to the side edge 11d of the positive electrode 11 with a separator.

The separator 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Examples of the material for forming the separator 10 include a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), or a woven cloth or non-woven fabric made of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), methyl cellulose and the like. ..

When manufacturing the power storage device 1 configured as described above, first, the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are manufactured, and then the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are alternately laminated, and the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are alternately laminated. The electrode assembly 3 is obtained by fixing the electrode assembly 3. Then, in a state where the lid 2b of the case 2, the conductive members 12, 13 and the positive electrode terminal 4 and the negative electrode terminal 5 are assembled and integrated in advance, the tab 14b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is attached to the positive electrode terminal 4 via the conductive member 12. After connecting the tab 16b of the negative electrode 9 to the negative electrode terminal 5 via the conductive member 13, the electrode assembly 3 is housed in the case 2 and the case body 2a and the lid 2b are welded to each other.

Next, the electrode laminating device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. FIG. 4 is a side view (including a partial cross section) showing the electrode laminating device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrode laminating device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a support portion of the electrode laminating device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a positive electrode supply unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the negative electrode supply unit. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the stacking table.

The electrode stacking device 20 (reversing device) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a positive electrode transport unit 21 (reversing section), a negative electrode transport unit 22 (reversing section), a positive electrode supply unit 23 (supply section), and a negative electrode supply. It includes a unit 24 (supply unit), a stacking unit 25, an extrusion unit 26, an extrusion unit 27, a positioning unit 28, a positioning unit 29, and a controller 30 (control unit). In the electrode stacking device 20, the positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied by the positive electrode supply unit 23 is received by the positive electrode transport unit 21 and inverted. Similarly, the negative electrode 9 supplied by the negative electrode supply unit 24 is received by the negative electrode transfer unit 22 and inverted. The inverted positive electrode 11 and negative electrode 9 with a separator are extruded by the extrusion unit 26 and the extrusion unit 27, and are alternately laminated on the lamination unit 25. The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are taken out by a conveyor for taking out the laminated body after a predetermined number of sheets are laminated. In FIG. 5, the positive electrode supply unit 23, the negative electrode supply unit 24, and the like are omitted.

The positive electrode transport unit 21 is a unit that sequentially transports the positive electrodes 11 with a plurality of separators while storing them. The positive electrode transport unit 21 sequentially inverts a plurality of positive electrodes 11 with separators during transport. The positive electrode transport unit 21 is attached to a loop-shaped circulation member 31 (circulation member) extending in the vertical direction and an outer peripheral surface 31b (outer peripheral surface) of the circulation member 31, and a plurality of support portions 32 for supporting the positive electrode 11 with a separator. And a drive unit 33 for driving the circulation member 31.

The circulation member 31 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 31 is bridged by two rollers 31a arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller 31a. That is, the outer peripheral surface 31b circulates so as to form a circulation path that rises and then falls. As the circulation member 31 rotates (circulates) in this way, each support portion 32 circulates and moves. Further, the circulation member 31 can move in the vertical direction together with the two rollers 31a. In addition, in order to prevent the phase shift between the circulation member 31 and the roller 31a, the circulation member 31 may be a belt with teeth and the roller 31a may be a sprocket.

The plurality of support portions 32 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 31b along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 31b. Here, the plurality of support portions 32 are arranged at a fixed interval L1 (interval between two adjacent support portions 32). The support portion 32 starts receiving the positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied by the positive electrode supply unit 23 in the ascending section where the outer peripheral surface 31b rises in the circulation path of the outer peripheral surface 31b. The support portion 32 receives the positive electrode 11 with a separator in the ascending section and supports the positive electrode 11 with a separator. In the descending section where the outer peripheral surface 31b descends in the circulation path of the outer peripheral surface 31b, the positive electrode 11 with a separator supported by the support portion 32 is discharged to the stacking unit 25 by the extrusion unit 26.

The drive unit 33 rotates the circulation member 31 and moves the circulation member 31 in the vertical direction. The details of the drive mechanism of the drive unit 33 will be described later. The drive unit 33 rotates the circulation member 31 clockwise (direction of arrow A in the drawing) when viewed from the front side (front side of the paper surface in FIG. 4) of the electrode laminating device 20. Therefore, the support portion 32 on the positive electrode supply unit 23 side rises with respect to the circulation member 31, and the support portion 32 on the laminated unit 25 side descends with respect to the circulation member 31.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the support portion 32 in a state where the positive electrode 11 with a separator is supported, and FIG. 6B is a cross section taken along line bb of FIG. 6A. It is a figure. As shown in FIG. 6, the support portion 32 is a member having a U-shaped cross section having a bottom wall 32a and a pair of side walls 32b. The bottom wall 32a is a rectangular plate-shaped member attached to the outer peripheral surface 31b of the circulation member 31. The pair of side walls 32b are rectangular plate-shaped members erected on both edges of the bottom wall 32a in the direction in which the circulation member 31 circulates. The positive electrode 11 with a separator is arranged between the pair of side walls 32b. As shown in FIG. 6B, the side wall 32b is formed in a bifurcated shape as an example in the present embodiment. However, the shape of the side wall 32b may be any shape as long as it can support the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The pair of side walls 32b face each other in the circulation direction of the circulation member 31 and are separated to an extent that the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be accommodated. The bottom wall 32a and the side wall 32b are integrally formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

A cushioning material 32d such as a sponge is provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall 32a. The positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32 collides with the cushioning material 32d, but the impact of the collision is mitigated by the cushioning material 32d. That is, the cushioning material 32d functions as an impact mitigation portion that cushions the impact on the separator-equipped positive electrode 11 when the support portion 32 receives the separator-equipped positive electrode 11. The positive electrode 11 with a separator is arranged between the pair of side walls 32b in a state where the side edge 11d is brought into contact with the cushioning material 32d and the side edge 11c is projected from the end 32e of the side wall 32b.

The negative electrode transport unit 22 is a unit that sequentially transports a plurality of negative electrodes 9 while accumulating them. The negative electrode transfer unit 22 sequentially inverts the negative electrode 9 during transfer. The negative electrode transport unit 22 includes a loop-shaped circulation member 41 (circulation member) extending in the vertical direction, and a plurality of support portions 42 attached to the outer peripheral surface 41b (outer peripheral surface) of the circulation member 41 to support the negative electrode 9. It has a drive unit 43 that drives the circulation member 41.

Similar to the circulation member 31 described above, the circulation member 41 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 41 is bridged by two rollers 41a arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller 41a. That is, the outer peripheral surface 41b of the circulation member 41 circulates so as to form a circulation path that rises and then falls. As the circulation member 41 rotates (circulates) in this way, each support portion 42 circulates and moves. Further, the circulation member 41 can move in the vertical direction together with the two rollers 41a.

The plurality of support portions 42 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 41b along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 41b. Here, the plurality of support portions 42 are arranged at a fixed interval L2 (interval between two adjacent support portions 42). Here, the interval L2 is equivalent to the interval L1. The support portion 42 starts receiving the negative electrode 9 supplied by the negative electrode supply unit 24 in the ascending section where the outer peripheral surface 41b rises in the circulation path of the outer peripheral surface 41b. The support portion 42 receives the negative electrode 9 in the ascending section and supports the negative electrode 9. In the descending section where the outer peripheral surface 41b descends in the circulation path of the outer peripheral surface 41b, the negative electrode 9 supported by the support portion 42 is discharged to the stacking unit 25 by the extrusion unit 27.

The drive unit 43 rotates the circulation member 41 and moves the circulation member 41 in the vertical direction. The details of the drive mechanism of the drive unit 43 will be described later. The drive unit 43 rotates the circulation member 41 counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow B in the drawing) when viewed from the front side (front side of the paper surface in FIG. 4) of the electrode laminating device 20. Therefore, the support portion 42 on the negative electrode supply unit 24 side rises with respect to the circulation member 41, and the support portion 42 on the laminated unit 25 side descends with respect to the circulation member 41. The configuration of the support portion 42 is the same as that of the support portion 32.

The positive electrode supply unit 23 horizontally conveys the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the positive electrode transfer unit 21, and supplies the positive electrode 11 with a separator to the support portion 32 of the positive electrode transfer unit 21. The detailed configuration of the positive electrode supply unit 23 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a side view of the positive electrode supply unit 23, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the positive electrode supply unit 23.

As shown in FIG. 7, the positive electrode supply unit 23 includes a loop-shaped circulation member 34 extending in the horizontal direction, a plurality of protrusions 35 attached to the outer peripheral surface 34b of the circulation member 34, and a positive electrode 11 with a separator. It has a plurality of rollers 36 arranged horizontally along the transport direction, and a drive unit (not shown) for driving the circulation member 34. Note that, in FIGS. 4, 10 to 14, the roller 36 is omitted.

The circulation member 34 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 34 is bridged by two rollers 34a arranged horizontally apart from each other, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller 34a. That is, the outer peripheral surface 34b of the circulation member 34 circulates so as to form a circulation path away from the positive electrode transport unit 21 after facing the positive electrode transport unit 21 (see FIG. 4). The roller 34a rotates around a rotation axis that intersects (orthogonally) the transport direction of the positive electrode 11 with a separator in a horizontal plane. As the circulation member 34 rotates (circulates) in this way, each protrusion 35 circulates and moves. The protrusion 35 on the upper side of the circulation member 34 advances toward the positive electrode transport unit 21, and the protrusion 35 on the lower side of the circulation member 34 advances away from the positive electrode transport unit 21. The circulation member 34 has a frame (not shown) that rotatably supports each roller 34a, but it is omitted in each drawing.

The circulation member 34 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 34a. For example, a gear is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 34a, and a recess that meshes with the gear of the roller 34a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the circulation member 34. The circulation member 34 is arranged horizontally separated from the end portion 32e (see FIG. 4) of the support portion 32 in the ascending section. The distance between the circulation member 34 and the end portion 32e of the support portion 32 in the ascending section in the horizontal direction is set to be longer than the length of the protrusion 35 (the length from the outer peripheral surface 34b to the tip of the protrusion 35). Has been done. Therefore, the protrusion 35 does not interfere with the positive electrode transport unit 21 even when moving from the upper outer peripheral surface 34b of the circulation member 34 to the lower outer peripheral surface 34b.

The plurality of protrusions 35 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 34b along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 34b. Here, the plurality of protrusions 35 are arranged at a predetermined interval L3. The separation distance between the two adjacent protrusions 35 in the circulation direction is larger than the width Wp (see FIG. 3) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The protruding portion 35 has a rectangular plate shape and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 34b in a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 34b. The protrusion 35 on the upper side of the circulation member 34 projects upward from the mounting surface 37 described later. The length from the mounting surface 37 to the tip of the protrusion 35 (hereinafter, also referred to as the protrusion length of the protrusion 35) in the direction in which the outer peripheral surface 31b rises changes depending on the position of the protrusion 35 on the outer peripheral surface 34b. .. The protrusion length of the protrusion 35 reaches a maximum value when the protrusion 35 moves horizontally on the outer peripheral surface 34b on the upper side of the circulation member 34. The maximum value of the protruding length of the protruding portion 35 is not less than the thickness of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and not more than the interval L1.

The plurality of rollers 36 are arranged horizontally along the transport direction of the positive electrode 11 with a separator so as to form a pair of rows that are separated from each other in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. Each roller 36 is provided so that the outer peripheral surface on the upper side of the roller 36 is located above the outer peripheral surface 34b of the circulation member 34. The roller 36 is a free roller and has a rotation axis in the same direction as the rotation axis of the roller 34a. The rows of the pair of rollers 36 are arranged so as to sandwich the circulation member 34 in a plan view. The distance between the rows of the pair of rollers 36 is smaller than the height Hp (see FIG. 3), and the distance is such that the row of the pair of rollers 36 can support the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The row of the pair of rollers 36 extends horizontally to the support portion 32 in the ascending section along the transport direction of the positive electrode 11 with a separator so as not to interfere with the support portion 32 in the ascending section. The horizontal separation distance between the pair of rollers 36 forming the ends of the row of the pair of rollers 36 and the end 32e of the support portion 32 in the ascending section is smaller than the width Wp (see FIG. 3), and the pair The distance is such that the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be transferred to the support portion 32 in the ascending section by the row of rollers 36.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the positive electrode supply unit 23, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is placed on the roller 36 so as to be located between two adjacent protrusions 35 in the circulation direction of the circulation member 34. Specifically, the side edge 11d is located downstream in the transport direction of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, the surface 11f faces upward, and the surface 11e is placed so as to make contact with the roller 36. In this state, the circulation member 34 circulates so that the protrusion 35 comes into contact with the upstream end (side edge 11c) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator in the transport direction. Further, as the circulation member 34 circulates, the protrusion 35 pushes the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the positive electrode transport unit 21 (see FIG. 4), and the positive electrode 11 with a separator is moved along with the rotation of the roller 36.

Since the roller 36 is a free roller, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is conveyed with the protrusion 35 in contact with the side edge 11c. That is, the protrusion 35 conveys the positive electrode 11 with a separator while pushing it toward the positive electrode conveying unit 21 by the rotation of the roller 34a. Therefore, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is transported in a state of being positioned in the transport direction. For example, by keeping the moving speed of the protrusion 35 constant, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is sequentially supplied to the positive electrode transport unit 21 at a constant time interval according to the interval L3. It can be said that the positive electrode supply unit 23 includes a mounting surface 37 defined by the top (the uppermost portion) of each roller 36. Here, the mounting surface 37 is a horizontal plane. The positive electrode 11 with a separator is placed on the mounting surface 37 in a state where it can move toward the positive electrode transport unit 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the positive electrode 11 with a separator transferred from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32 of the positive electrode transport unit 21 is in the circulation direction of the circulation member 31 of the pair of side walls 32b of the support portion 32. The inner surface of the upstream side wall 32b is supported by the side wall 32b so that the surface 11e (see FIG. 3) is in contact with each other. Then, the rotation of the circulation member 31 causes the circulation member 31 to circulate so as to rise and then fall. At this time, the front and back sides of the positive electrode 11 with a separator are inverted at the upper part of the circulation member 31, and the positive electrode 11 with a separator is the inner surface of the downstream side wall 32b in the circulation direction of the circulation member 31 among the pair of side walls 32b of the support portion 32. It is supported by the side wall 32b so as to make contact with the surface 11f (see FIG. 3). That is, the positive electrode transport unit 21 sequentially inverts the sheet-shaped separator-equipped positive electrode 11 that is sequentially supplied from the positive electrode supply unit 23.

The negative electrode supply unit 24 horizontally conveys the negative electrode 9 toward the negative electrode transfer unit 22, and supplies the negative electrode 9 to the support portion 42 of the negative electrode transfer unit 22. The detailed configuration of the negative electrode supply unit 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a side view of the negative electrode supply unit 24, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of the negative electrode supply unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 8, the negative electrode supply unit 24 has a loop-shaped circulation member 44 extending in the horizontal direction, a plurality of protrusions 45 attached to the outer peripheral surface 44b of the circulation member 44, and a transfer direction of the negative electrode 9. It has a plurality of rollers 46 arranged horizontally along the above, and a drive unit (not shown) for driving the circulation member 44. In FIG. 4, the roller 46 is omitted.

The circulation member 44 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 44 is bridged by two rollers 44a arranged horizontally apart from each other, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller 44a. That is, the outer peripheral surface 44b of the circulation member 44 circulates so as to form a circulation path away from the negative electrode transfer unit 22 after facing the negative electrode transfer unit 22 (see FIG. 4). The roller 44a rotates around a rotation axis that intersects (orthogonally) the transport direction of the negative electrode 9 in a horizontal plane. As the circulation member 44 rotates (circulates) in this way, each protrusion 45 circulates and moves. The protrusion 45 on the upper side of the circulation member 44 advances toward the negative electrode transport unit 22, and the protrusion 45 on the lower side of the circulation member 44 advances away from the negative electrode transfer unit 22.

The circulation member 44 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 44a. For example, a gear is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 44a, and a recess that meshes with the gear of the roller 44a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the circulation member 44. The circulation member 44 is arranged horizontally separated from the end portion 42e (see FIG. 4) of the support portion 42 in the ascending section. The distance between the circulation member 44 and the end portion 42e of the support portion 42 in the ascending section in the horizontal direction is set to be longer than the length of the protrusion 45 (the length from the outer peripheral surface 44b to the tip of the protrusion 45). Has been done. Therefore, the protrusion 45 does not interfere with the negative electrode transport unit 22 even when moving from the upper outer peripheral surface 44b of the circulation member 44 to the lower outer peripheral surface 44b.

The plurality of protrusions 45 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 44b along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 44b. Here, the plurality of protrusions 45 are arranged at a predetermined interval L4. Here, the interval L4 is equivalent to the interval L3. The separation distance between the two adjacent protrusions 45 in the circulation direction is larger than the width Wn of the negative electrode 9 (see FIG. 3). The protruding portion 45 has a rectangular plate shape and projects from the outer peripheral surface 44b in a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 44b. The protrusion 45 on the upper side of the circulation member 44 projects upward from the mounting surface 47 described later. The length from the mounting surface 47 to the tip of the protrusion 45 (hereinafter, also referred to as the protrusion length of the protrusion 45) in the direction in which the outer peripheral surface 41b rises changes depending on the position of the protrusion 45 on the outer peripheral surface 44b. .. The protrusion length of the protrusion 45 reaches a maximum value when the protrusion 45 moves horizontally on the outer peripheral surface 44b on the upper side of the circulation member 44. The maximum value of the protrusion length of the protrusion 45 is not less than the thickness of the negative electrode 9 and not more than the interval L2.

The plurality of rollers 46 are arranged horizontally along the transport direction of the negative electrode 9 so as to form a pair of rows that are separated in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the negative electrode 9. Each roller 46 is provided so that the outer peripheral surface on the upper side of the roller 46 is located above the outer peripheral surface 44b of the circulation member 44. The roller 46 is a free roller and has a rotation axis in the same direction as the rotation axis of the roller 44a. The rows of the pair of rollers 46 are arranged so as to sandwich the circulation member 44 in a plan view. The separation distance between the rows of the pair of rollers 46 is smaller than the height Hn (see FIG. 3), and the distance is such that the negative electrode 9 can be supported by the rows of the pair of rollers 46. The row of the pair of rollers 46 extends horizontally along the transport direction of the negative electrode 9 to the support portion 42 in the ascending section so as not to interfere with the end portion 42e of the support portion 42 in the ascending section. The horizontal separation distance between the pair of rollers 46 forming the ends of the row of the pair of rollers 46 and the end 42e of the support portion 42 in the ascending section is smaller than the width Wn (see FIG. 3), and the pair The distance is such that the negative electrode 9 can be transferred to the support portion 42 in the ascending section by the row of rollers 46.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the negative electrode supply unit 24, the negative electrode 9 is placed on the roller 46 so as to be located between two adjacent protrusions 45 in the circulation direction of the circulation member 44. Specifically, the side edge 9d is located downstream in the transport direction of the negative electrode 9, the surface 9f faces upward, and the surface 9e is placed so as to make contact with the roller 46. In this state, the circulation member 44 circulates so that the protrusion 45 comes into contact with the upstream end (side edge 9c) of the negative electrode 9 in the transport direction. Further, as the circulation member 44 circulates, the protrusion 45 pushes the negative electrode 9 toward the negative electrode transport unit 22 (see FIG. 4), and the negative electrode 9 is moved as the roller 46 rotates.

Since the roller 46 is a free roller, the negative electrode 9 is conveyed with the protrusion 45 in contact with the side edge 9c. That is, the protrusion 45 transports the negative electrode 9 while pushing it toward the negative electrode transport unit 22 by the rotation of the roller 44a. Therefore, the negative electrode 9 is transported in a state of being positioned in the transport direction. For example, by keeping the moving speed of the protrusion 45 constant, the negative electrode 9 is sequentially supplied to the negative electrode transport unit 22 at a constant time interval corresponding to the interval L4. It can be said that the negative electrode supply unit 24 includes a mounting surface 47 defined by the top (the uppermost portion) of each roller 46. The mounting surface 47 is a horizontal plane. The negative electrode 9 is mounted on the mounting surface 47 in a state where it can move toward the negative electrode transport unit 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, the negative electrode 9 transferred from the negative electrode supply unit 24 to the support portion 42 of the negative electrode transport unit 22 is upstream of the pair of side walls 42b of the support portion 42 in the circulation direction of the circulation member 41. The inner surface of the side wall 42b and the surface 9e (see FIG. 3) are supported by the side wall 42b so as to make contact with each other. Then, the rotation of the circulation member 41 causes the circulation member 41 to circulate so as to rise and then fall. At this time, the front and back sides of the negative electrode 9 are reversed at the upper part of the circulation member 41, and the negative electrode 9 is the inner surface and the surface 9f of the downstream side wall 42b in the circulation direction of the circulation member 41 among the pair of side walls 42b of the support portion 42 (FIG. It is supported by the side wall 42b so as to make contact with (see 3). That is, the negative electrode transport unit 22 sequentially inverts the sheet-shaped negative electrode 9 sequentially supplied from the negative electrode supply unit 24.

The laminating unit 25 is arranged between the positive electrode transport unit 21 and the negative electrode transport unit 22. The laminating unit 25 has a plurality of laminating bases 52 in which the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated, and a drive unit 53 for driving the laminating base 52.

As shown in FIG. 9, as an example in the present embodiment, the stacking table 52 is erected on a plate-shaped base 52a on which the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are placed and the base 52a, and has a separator. It has a U-shaped side wall 52b that positions the bottom edge 11b and side edges 11c and 11d of the positive electrode 11 (see FIG. 3) and the bottom edge 9b and side edges 9c and 9d (see FIG. 3) of the negative electrode 9. ing. Further, here, as an example, the upper surface of the side wall 52b on the positive electrode transport unit 21 side is an inclined surface that inclines downward toward the base 52a. Similarly, the upper surface of the side wall 52b on the negative electrode transport unit 22 side is also an inclined surface that inclines downward toward the base 52a. With the above configuration, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 can be smoothly moved to the base 52a. The base 52a is provided with two slits 52c into which a part of the conveyor for taking out the laminated body (not shown) enters.

The drive unit 53 drives the stacking table 52. Specifically, the drive unit 53 moves the stacking table 52 in the vertical direction. Although not shown in particular, the drive unit 53 has an elevating motor that moves the stacking table 52 in the vertical direction via an elevating mechanism (not shown).

A wall portion 54 extending in the vertical direction is arranged between the laminating unit 25 and the positive electrode conveying unit 21. The wall portion 54 is provided with a plurality of (four in this case) slits 54a through which the positive electrode 11 with a separator extruded by the extrusion unit 26 described later passes. The slits 54a are arranged at equal intervals (interval L1) in the vertical direction. As an example in the present embodiment, the upper portion of the slit 54a is an inclined surface that inclines downward from the positive electrode transport unit 21 side toward the stacking table 52 side. Further, the lower portion of the slit 54a is an inclined surface that inclines upward from the positive electrode transport unit 21 side toward the stacking table 52 side. As a result, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be appropriately guided to the stacking table 52, and the opening portion of the slit 54a on the inlet side (positive electrode transport unit 21 side) can be enlarged. As a result, even if the height position of the positive electrode 11 with a separator extruded by the extrusion unit 26 is slightly displaced, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be passed through the slit 54a.

A wall portion 55 extending in the vertical direction is arranged between the laminating unit 25 and the negative electrode conveying unit 22. The wall portion 55 is provided with a plurality of (here, four) slits 55a through which the negative electrode 9 extruded by the extrusion unit 27 described later passes. The slits 55a are arranged at equal intervals (interval L2) in the vertical direction. The height position of each slit 55a is the same as the height position of each slit 54a. In the present embodiment, as an example, the upper portion of the slit 55a is an inclined surface that inclines downward from the negative electrode transport unit 22 side toward the stacking table 52 side. Further, the lower portion of the slit 55a is an inclined surface that inclines upward from the negative electrode transport unit 22 side toward the stacking table 52 side. As a result, the negative electrode 9 can be appropriately guided to the stacking table 52, and the opening portion of the slit 55a on the inlet side (negative electrode transport unit 22 side) can be enlarged. As a result, even if the height position of the negative electrode 9 extruded by the extrusion unit 27 is slightly displaced, the negative electrode 9 can be passed through the slit 55a.

The extrusion unit 26 simultaneously extrudes a plurality of (here, four) positive electrodes with separators 11 toward a stacking table 52 having a plurality of upper and lower stages (here, four upper and lower stages) in a stacking area where the positive electrodes 11 with separators are laminated. The four positive electrode 11s with separators are simultaneously laminated on the four-stage laminating table 52. The extrusion unit 26 has a pair of push members 26a that push the four positive electrodes 11 with separators together, and a drive unit 26b that moves the push members 26a toward the four-stage stacking table 52 side. The drive unit 26b is composed of, for example, a motor and a link mechanism.

The extrusion unit 27 simultaneously extrudes a plurality of (four in this case) negative electrodes 9 toward a stacking table 52 in a plurality of stages (here, four upper and lower stages) in a stacking area where the negative electrodes 9 are laminated, thereby causing the four negative electrodes 9 to be laminated. Are simultaneously laminated on the four-stage laminating table 52. The extrusion unit 27 has a pair of push members 27a that push the four negative electrodes 9 together, and a drive unit 27b that moves the push members 27a toward the four-stage stacking table 52 side. The configuration of the drive unit 27b is the same as that of the drive unit 26b of the extrusion unit 26. Cylinders and the like may be used as the drive units 26b and 27b.

The positioning unit 28 aligns the positions of the bottom edges 11b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The positioning unit 28 is arranged on the front side of the positive electrode transport unit 21 (front side of the paper surface in FIG. 4), and is arranged on the receiving portion 81 that abuts on the bottom edge 11b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and on the rear side of the positive electrode transport unit 21. It has a pressing portion 82 that presses the attached positive electrode 11 against the receiving portion 81. A plurality of free rollers are provided side by side on the receiving portion 81. The surface of the receiving portion 81 may be made of a slippery resin.

The pressing portion 82 has a pushing plate 83 that pushes the positive electrode 11 with a separator, and a driving portion 84 that moves the pushing plate 83 toward the receiving portion 81. The drive unit 84 has, for example, a cylinder. The push plate 83 is fixed to the tip of the piston rod of the cylinder. The push plate 83 is provided with a slit 83a for allowing the tab 14b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator to escape.

The positioning unit 29 aligns the positions of the bottom edges 9b of the negative electrode 9. The positioning unit 29 is arranged on the front side of the negative electrode transfer unit 22 (the front side of the paper in FIG. 4), and is arranged on the receiving portion 91 that abuts on the bottom edge 9b of the negative electrode 9 and on the rear side of the negative electrode transfer unit 22 to provide the negative electrode 9. It has a pressing portion 92 that presses against the receiving portion 91. The structure of the receiving portion 91 is the same as that of the receiving portion 81. The pressing portion 92 has a pushing plate 93 that pushes the negative electrode 9, and a driving portion 94 that moves the pushing plate 93 toward the receiving portion 91. The push plate 93 is provided with a slit 93a for allowing the tab 16b of the negative electrode 9 to escape. The configuration of the drive unit 94 is the same as that of the drive unit 84.

The controller 30 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, and the like. The controller 30 controls the operation of the electrode stacking device 20 in an integrated manner. The controller 30 controls the transport control unit that controls the drive units 33 and 43, the stacking control unit that controls the drive unit 53, the extrusion control unit that controls the drive units 26b and 27b, and the drive units 84 and 94. It has a positioning control unit to be used. Further, the controller 30 is connected to the stacking position sensors 63 and 64, which will be described later, and can receive detection signals from these sensors. Further, the controller 30 is connected to encoders 65 to 68 described later, and can receive encoder signals from these encoders. For example, the controller 30 controls the operation of the positive electrode transport unit 21 based on the encoder signal from the encoder 65 (position detection unit). Further, the controller 30 controls the operation of the negative electrode transfer unit 22 based on the encoder signal from the encoder 66 (position detection unit). Details of the operation control of the positive electrode transfer unit 21 and the negative electrode transfer unit 22 by the controller 30 will be described later.

Further, the electrode stacking device 20 includes stacking position sensors 63 and 64, encoders 65 and 66, and encoders 67 and 68.

The stacking position sensor 63 indicates that the support portion 32 supporting the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached a predetermined stacking position (for example, the lower end position of the slit 54a corresponding to the lowermost stacking table 52 of the stacking unit 25). Detect. The stacking position sensor 63 is independent of the vertical movement of the circulation member 31, for example, is attached to the wall portion 54, and the height position of the stacking position sensor 63 is fixed with respect to the slit 54a. When the stacking position sensor 63 detects that the support portion 32 supporting the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached the stacking position, it transmits a detection signal indicating that fact to the controller 30.

The stacking position sensor 64 detects that the support portion 42 supporting the negative electrode 9 has reached a predetermined stacking position (for example, the lower end position of the slit 55a corresponding to the stacking table 52 at the bottom of the stacking unit 25). .. The stacking position sensor 64 is independent of the vertical movement of the circulation member 41, for example, is attached to the frame of the circulation member 41, and the height position of the stacking position sensor 64 is fixed with respect to the slit 55a. When the stacking position sensor 64 detects that the support portion 42 supporting the negative electrode 9 has reached the stacking position, the stacking position sensor 64 transmits a detection signal indicating that fact to the controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 7, the encoder 65 is provided on the roller 34a and detects the amount of rotation of the roller 34a. The encoder 65 has a rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the roller 34a. For example, the encoder 65 transmits a pulse-shaped encoder signal to the controller 30 each time the roller 34a rotates by a predetermined angle. The amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the roller 34a is calculated from the number of pulses of this encoder signal. Further, since the circulation member 34 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 34a, the circulation distance of the circulation member 34 can be calculated from the amount of rotation of the roller 34a. That is, since the amount of movement of the protrusion 35 along the circulation direction of the circulation member 34 can be calculated from the encoder signal, the position of the protrusion 35 on the outer peripheral surface 34b at a certain time point (for example, when the operation of the positive electrode supply unit 23 starts) can be calculated. Then, the position of the protrusion 35 on the outer peripheral surface 34b can be calculated.

The position of the protrusion 35 on the outer peripheral surface 34b corresponds to the position of the protrusion 35 on the mounting surface 37. Therefore, the position of the protrusion 35 on the mounting surface 37 can be detected based on the encoder signal from the encoder 65. As described above, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is transported in a state of being positioned in the transport direction by the protrusion 35. Therefore, if the width Wp (see FIG. 3) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is further known, the protrusion 35 will be used. The position of the tip (side edge 11d) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator that is conveyed while being pushed can be calculated. The resolution of the encoder 65 is set so that the minimum value of the moving distance of the positive electrode 11 with a separator that can be calculated based on the encoder signal is sufficiently smaller than the width Wp of the positive electrode 11 with a separator.

As shown in FIG. 8, the encoder 66 is provided on the roller 44a and detects the amount of rotation of the roller 44a. The encoder 66 has a rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the roller 44a. For example, the encoder 66 transmits a pulse-shaped encoder signal to the controller 30 each time the roller 44a rotates by a predetermined angle. The amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the roller 44a is calculated from the number of pulses of this encoder signal. Further, since the circulation member 44 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 44a, the circulation distance of the circulation member 44 can be calculated from the amount of rotation of the roller 44a. That is, since the amount of movement of the protrusion 45 along the circulation direction of the circulation member 44 can be calculated from the encoder signal, the position of the protrusion 45 on the outer peripheral surface 44b at a certain time point (for example, when the operation of the negative electrode supply unit 24 starts) can be determined. Then, the position of the protrusion 45 on the outer peripheral surface 44b can be calculated.

The position of the protrusion 45 on the outer peripheral surface 44b corresponds to the position of the protrusion 45 on the mounting surface 47. Therefore, the position of the protrusion 45 on the mounting surface 47 can be detected based on the encoder signal from the encoder 66. As described above, since the negative electrode 9 is conveyed in a state of being positioned in the conveying direction by the protrusion 45, if the width Wn of the negative electrode 9 (see FIG. 3) is further known, the negative electrode 9 is conveyed while being pushed by the protrusion 45. The position of the tip (side edge 9d) of the negative electrode 9 to be formed can be calculated. The resolution of the encoder 66 is set so that the minimum value of the moving distance of the protrusion 45, which can be calculated based on the encoder signal, is sufficiently smaller than the width Wn of the negative electrode 9.

As shown in FIG. 4, the encoder 67 is provided on the roller 31a and detects the amount of rotation of the roller 31a. The encoder 67 has a rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the roller 31a. The encoder 67 transmits, for example, a pulse-shaped encoder signal to the controller 30 each time the roller 31a rotates by a predetermined angle. The amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the roller 31a is calculated from the number of pulses of this encoder signal. Further, since the circulation member 31 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 31a, the circulation distance of the circulation member 31 can be calculated from the amount of rotation of the roller 31a. That is, since the amount of movement of the support portion 32 in the transport direction can be calculated from the encoder signal, if the position of the support portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface 31b at a certain time point (for example, when the operation of the positive electrode transport unit 21 starts) is known, the support portion 32 is supported. The position of the portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface 31b can be calculated. The resolution of the encoder 67 is set so that the minimum value of the moving distance of the support portion 32 that can be calculated based on the encoder signal is sufficiently smaller than, for example, the interval L1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the encoder 68 is provided on the roller 41a and detects the amount of rotation of the roller 41a. The encoder 68 has a rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the roller 41a. For example, the encoder 68 transmits a pulse-shaped encoder signal to the controller 30 each time the roller 41a rotates by a predetermined angle. The amount of rotation (rotation angle) of the roller 41a is calculated from the number of pulses of this encoder signal. Further, since the circulation member 41 is configured so as not to slip with the roller 41a, the circulation distance of the circulation member 41 can be calculated from the amount of rotation of the roller 41a. That is, since the amount of movement of the support portion 42 in the transport direction can be calculated from the encoder signal, if the position of the support portion 42 on the outer peripheral surface 41b at a certain time point (for example, when the operation of the negative electrode transport unit 22 starts) is known, the support portion 42 is supported. The position of the portion 42 on the outer peripheral surface 41b can be calculated. The resolution of the encoder 68 is set so that the minimum value of the moving distance of the support portion 42, which can be calculated based on the encoder signal, is sufficiently smaller than, for example, the interval L2.

Next, a mechanism for realizing driving (vertical movement and circulation) of the circulation member will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. Here, the support structure and the drive mechanism of the positive electrode transfer unit 21 will be described. A similar support structure and drive mechanism can be adopted for the negative electrode transfer unit 22.

10 and 11 are views focusing on the configurations necessary for explaining the support structure and the drive mechanism of the positive electrode transport unit 21, and the other configurations are not shown as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 10, the positive electrode transport unit 21 includes a support frame 101 installed on the floor surface and a circulation frame 102 movably supported in the vertical direction with respect to the support frame 101. .. A pair of sprockets 103 and 104 (members corresponding to the rollers 31a) rotatably supported on the circulation frame 102 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Circulation members 31 in which a plurality of support portions 32 are arranged are wound around the sprockets 103 and 104 on the outer peripheral surface 31b.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the positive electrode transport unit 21 includes motors 105 and 106 fixed to the support frame 101 or the floor surface. Drive gears 105a and 106a are fixed to the drive shafts of the motors 105 and 106. The sprockets 103 and 104 have drive gears 107 and 108 at one end of the rotating shaft thereof. A timing belt 109 is wound around the drive gears 105a, 106a, 107, and 108. In addition to the drive gears 105a, 106a, 107, 108, the circulation path of the timing belt 109 extends vertically and horizontally by the guide rollers 110 (four guide rollers 110 in the example of FIG. 11) supported by the support frame 101. It forms a cross.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the drive gears 105a and 106a are rotated at a constant speed, the entire circulation frame 102 and the circulation member 31 do not move up and down with respect to the support frame 101 or the floor surface. The circulation member 31 and the timing belt 109 only perform a circulation operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when only the drive gear 105a is rotated, the timing belt 109 circulates clockwise on the positive electrode supply unit 23 side, but stops on the stacking unit 25 side. Therefore, with the operation of the timing belt 109, the circulation frame 102 rises with respect to the support frame 101 or the floor surface. Along with this, the reference height position of the circulation member 31 supported by the circulation frame 102 via the sprockets 103 and 104 (for example, the central position in the vertical direction of the circulation member 31) also rises. At this time, similarly to the timing belt 109, the circulation member 31 and the support portion 32 also rise only on the positive electrode supply unit 23 side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when only the drive gear 106a is rotated, the timing belt 109 circulates clockwise on the laminated unit 25 side, but stops on the positive electrode supply unit 23 side. Therefore, with the operation of the timing belt 109, the circulation frame 102 descends with respect to the support frame 101 or the floor surface. Along with this, the reference height position of the circulation member 31 supported by the circulation frame 102 via the sprockets 103 and 104 (for example, the central position in the vertical direction of the circulation member 31) is also lowered. At this time, similarly to the timing belt 109, the circulation member 31 and the support portion 32 also descend only on the laminating unit 25 side. Further, when both the drive gears 105a and 106a are rotated by making the rotation speed of the drive gear 105a different from the rotation speed of the drive gear 106a, the circulation frame 102 is raised or lowered according to the difference in the rotation speed. , The reference height position of the circulation member 31 can be raised or lowered. The controller 30 (see FIG. 4) can realize the operation mode by adjusting the rotation speeds of the drive gears 105a and 106a according to the operation mode of the circulation member 31 to be executed.

The drive mechanism of the drive units 33 and 43 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the drive units 33 and 43 move the circulation members 31 and 41 in the vertical direction via a rotation motor that rotates (orbits) the circulation members 31 and 41 by rotating the rollers 31a and 41a and an elevating mechanism. It may have an elevating motor.

Next, the operation control of the circulation member by the controller 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 15. FIG. 15 is a partial side view for explaining the transfer of the positive electrode with a separator from the positive electrode supply unit to the support portion. Here, the circulation member 31 of the positive electrode transport unit 21 will be described. The circulation member 41 of the negative electrode transfer unit 22 is also controlled in the same manner. The controller 30 circulates the circulation member 34. As a result, the protrusion 35 moves, and the positive electrode 11 with a separator is pushed and conveyed. On the other hand, the controller 30 continuously drives the circulation member 31. That is, even when the support portion 32 of the positive electrode transport unit 21 receives the positive electrode 11 with a separator, the controller 30 continuously circulates the circulation member 31 without temporarily stopping it.

For example, the position of the protrusion 35 on the outer peripheral surface 34b at the start of operation of the positive electrode supply unit 23 and the width Wp (see FIG. 3) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator are input to the controller 30 in advance by an operator or the like. Based on this information and the encoder signal from the encoder 65, the controller 30 calculates the position of the tip (side edge 11d) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator on the mounting surface 37. Further, for example, the position of the support portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface 31b at the start of operation of the positive electrode transport unit 21 is input to the controller 30 in advance by an operator or the like. The controller 30 calculates the position of the support portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface 31b based on this information and the encoder signal from the encoder 67.

The controller 30 causes the support portion 32 to reach the predetermined transferable range at the timing when the positive electrode 11 with the separator reaches the predetermined transfer start position. The transfer start position is a position on the mounting surface 37 of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, and is a position where the transfer of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is started from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32. At the transfer start position, the horizontal separation distance between the tip of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the outer peripheral surface 31b is equal to the horizontal length from the end 32e of the support portion 32 to the outer peripheral surface 31b in the ascending section. The transferable range is a range of positions on the outer peripheral surface 31b of the support portion 32, and is a range in which the transfer of the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be started from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32. Within the transferable range, the inner surface of the bottom wall 32a of the support portion 32 faces the tip of the positive electrode 11 with a separator mounted on the mounting surface 37 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the controller 30 adjusts the rotation speed of the roller 31a by the drive unit 33 to set the timing at which the support unit 32 reaches the transferable range and the timing at which the positive electrode 11 with a separator reaches the transfer start position. To match. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15A, the transfer of the positive electrode 11 with a separator from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32 is started.

Since the positive electrode 11 with a separator is kept in a state of being mounted on the mounting surface 37 for a while after the transfer of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is started, the protrusion 35 has a separator mounted on the mounting surface 37. Continue pressing the rear end (side edge 11c) of the positive electrode 11. As a result, the tip of the positive electrode 11 with a separator continues to advance toward the bottom wall 32a of the support portion 32. As a result, of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, a portion having a length corresponding to the distance to which the positive electrode 11 with a separator is conveyed after the start of transfer is inserted into the support portion 32. When the support portion 32 rises and the position of the support portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface 31b is out of the transferable range, the portion of the positive electrode 11 with a separator that has already been inserted into the support portion 32 is included in the pair of side walls 32b. The circulation member 31 is supported by abutting against the inner surface of the upstream side wall 32b in the circulation direction. As the portion of the positive electrode 11 with a separator that has already been inserted into the support portion 32 is supported by the support portion 32, the positive electrode 11 with a separator separates from the mounting surface 37 and begins to rise together with the support portion 32.

Even after the positive electrode 11 with a separator is separated from the mounting surface 37, the protrusion 35 continues to push the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the bottom wall 32a as shown in FIG. 15 (b). The positive electrode 11 with a separator is transferred to the support portion 32 while being pushed by the protrusion 35 so as to slide on the inner surface of the downstream side wall 32b of the pair of side walls 32b in the circulation direction of the circulation member 31. In this way, even after the positive electrode 11 with a separator moves upward away from the mounting surface 37, the protrusion 35 continues to push the positive electrode 11 with a separator, so that the positive electrode 11 with a separator is transferred from the positive electrode supply unit 23 to the support portion 32. Can be reprinted.

Here, for example, assuming that the moving speed of the protrusion 35 is constant by keeping the circulation speed of the circulation member 34 constant, as described above, the positive electrode supply unit 23 places the positive electrode 11 with a separator at the distance L3 between the protrusions 35. It is supplied at regular time intervals according to the above. Therefore, the controller 30 adjusts the circulation speed of the circulation member 31 so that the time interval at which the support portion 32 reaches the transferable range is equal to the time interval at which the positive electrode 11 with the separator reaches the transfer start position. Just do it. Specifically, the circulation speed of the circulation member 31 is kept constant so that the ratio of the circulation speed of the circulation member 31 to the circulation speed of the circulation member 34 is equal to the ratio of the interval L1 to the interval L3. As a result, at the timing when the positive electrode 11 with a separator reaches the transfer start position, the corresponding support portion 32 can always reach the transferable range, and the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be received by the support portion 32. That is, when the circulation speed of the circulation member 34 is constant, the controller 30 temporarily matches the timing when the support portion 32 reaches the transferable range with the timing when the tip of the positive electrode 11 with a separator reaches the transfer start position. For example, after that, by setting the circulation speed of the circulation member 31 to a constant speed that satisfies the above conditions, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can always be received by the support portion 32.

In the electrode laminating device 20 described above, the circulation member 31 circulates continuously, and the positive electrode 11 with a separator is transferred to the support portion 32 in the ascending section. That is, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is transferred to the rising support portion 32. Therefore, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is lifted by the rising support portion and separated from the mounting surface 37 during the transfer. Here, the positive electrode supply unit 23 includes a protrusion 35 that protrudes upward from the mounting surface 37 on which the positive electrode 11 with a separator is mounted. According to the protrusion 35, even if the positive electrode 11 with a separator moves away from the mounting surface 37 and above the mounting surface 37, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can continue to be pushed toward the positive electrode transport unit 21. .. Therefore, the support portion 32 can receive the positive electrode 11 with a separator while rising in the rising section of the outer peripheral surface 31b. As described above, since it is not necessary to stop the support portion 32 when receiving the positive electrode 11 with a separator, the time required for receiving the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be shortened. Similarly, the time required for the negative electrode transport unit 22 to receive the negative electrode 9 can be shortened. As a result, the machine cycle time of the electrode laminating device 20 can be shortened.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for comparing the electrode receiving time between the electrode laminating device 20 and the comparative example. The vertical axis of FIG. 16 indicates time (seconds). The bar graph G1 shows the electrode receiving time of the comparative example. The bar graph G2 shows the electrode receiving time of the positive electrode transport unit 21 of the electrode stacking device 20. The same applies to the electrode receiving time of the negative electrode transport unit 22.

The comparative example is mainly different from the electrode laminating device 20 of the embodiment in that the electrode supply unit is composed of a normal belt conveyor. The electrode supply unit of the comparative example conveys the electrodes mounted on the upper surface of the belt by circulating an endless belt spanned by two rollers arranged horizontally separated from each other. Since the electrodes are transported in a state where they are not positioned in the transport direction, the position of the electrodes cannot be grasped by the encoder signal based on the amount of rotation of the rollers. Therefore, in the comparative example, the support portion is made to reach a predetermined position for receiving the electrode in accordance with the shortest time interval in which the electrode can be supplied, and the support portion is held in the predetermined position until the transfer of the electrode is started. Make it wait at. At this predetermined position, the tip of the electrode mounted on the upper surface of the belt faces the inner surface of the bottom wall of the support portion. Even after the transfer of the electrodes is started, the support portion is allowed to stand by at a predetermined position until the transfer of the electrodes is completed, and after the transfer of the electrodes is completed, the support portion is circulated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, in the comparative example, the electrode receiving time is the time T0 in which the support portion is stopped at a predetermined position and waits until the transfer of the electrode is started, and the electrode is transferred to the support portion. It is the sum of the time T1 for the operation and the time T2 for circulating the support portion.

On the other hand, the electrode laminating device 20 includes an encoder 65 that detects the position of the protrusion 35 on the mounting surface 37. Since the controller 30 can grasp the position of the positive electrode 11 with a separator by the encoder signal from the encoder 65, it is not necessary to bring the support portion 32 to the transferable range early. The controller 30 causes the support portion 32 to reach the transferable range at the timing when the positive electrode 11 with a separator reaches the transfer start position. As a result, the time T0 can be deleted. Further, according to the protrusion 35, even if the positive electrode 11 with a separator leaves the mounting surface 37, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can continue to be pushed toward the support portion 32. Therefore, the support portion 32 can receive the positive electrode 11 with a separator while rising in the rising section. That is, the transfer of the positive electrode 11 with a separator to the support portion 32 and the circulation operation of the support portion 32 can be performed in parallel. Therefore, time T1 can be a part of time T2. As described above, in the positive electrode transport unit 21 of the electrode stacking device 20, the support portion 32 does not have to be stopped when receiving the positive electrode 11 with a separator, so that the electrode receiving time can be shortened to the time T2. When the circulation member is stopped, it may take extra time to recover the circulation speed. In this case, in the positive electrode transport unit 21, the time T2 itself can be further shortened.

The support portion 32 has a pair of side walls 32b facing each other in the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 31b, and the positive electrode 11 with a separator is arranged between the pair of side walls 32b. By supporting the positive electrode 11 with a separator between the pair of side walls 32b in this way, the movement of the positive electrode 11 with a separator during inversion or the like can be suppressed, while the positive electrode supply unit 23 has the positive electrode 11 with a separator. Needs to be supplied between the pair of side walls 32b. That is, since the transferable range is narrow, even if the positive electrode 11 with a separator moves away from the mounting surface 37 and above the mounting surface 37, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be kept pressed. The configuration is particularly useful.

Similarly, the support portion 42 has a pair of side walls 42b facing each other in the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface 41b, and the negative electrode 9 is arranged between the pair of side walls 42b. Therefore, the negative electrode supply unit 24 needs to supply the negative electrode 9 between the pair of side walls 42b. That is, since the transferable range is narrow, the configuration of the present embodiment in which the negative electrode 9 can be kept pressed even if the negative electrode 9 moves away from the mounting surface 47 and above the mounting surface 47 is particularly effective. Is.

The protruding length of the protruding portion 35 is not less than the thickness of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the interval L1 or less. By setting the protruding length of the protruding portion 35 to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, the protrusions are formed until the height position of the positive electrode 11 with a separator rises at least by the thickness of the positive electrode 11 with a separator from the mounting surface 37. The positive electrode 11 with a separator can be continuously pushed by the portion 35. By setting the protruding length of the protruding portion 35 to the interval L1 or less, it is possible to prevent the protruding portion 35 from interfering with a portion other than the support portion 32 that intends to deliver the positive electrode 11 with a separator in the positive electrode transport unit 21. .. The protrusion length of the protrusion 35 is such that the protrusion 35 can be conveyed while pushing the positive electrode 11 with a separator until more than half of the positive electrode 11 with a separator in the width direction is accommodated in the support portion 32. Good.

Similarly, the protruding length of the protruding portion 45 is not less than the thickness of the negative electrode 9 and not more than the interval L2. By setting the protruding length of the protruding portion 45 to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the negative electrode 9, the negative electrode 9 is raised by the protruding portion 45 until the height position of the negative electrode 9 rises at least by the thickness of the negative electrode 9 from the mounting surface 47. You can keep pressing. By setting the protruding length of the protruding portion 45 to the interval L2 or less, it is possible to prevent the protruding portion 45 from interfering with a portion other than the support portion 42 to which the negative electrode 9 is delivered in the negative electrode transport unit 22. The protruding length of the protruding portion 45 may be such that the protruding portion 45 can be conveyed while pushing the negative electrode 9 until more than half of the negative electrode 9 in the width direction is accommodated in the support portion 42.

Further, in the electrode laminating device 20, the circulation members 31 and 41 do not stop on the side facing the positive electrode supply unit 23 or the negative electrode supply unit 24. Therefore, the number of stops of the circulation members 31 and 41 can be reduced, and the vibration generated when the circulation members 31 and 41 are intermittently driven can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 9 with a separator which is supported and conveyed by the support portions 32 and 42.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 in which the positive electrode 8 is wrapped in the bag-shaped separator 10 are alternately laminated on the laminating table, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the positive electrode. And the negative electrode with a separator in which the negative electrode is wrapped in a bag-shaped separator may be alternately laminated on the laminating table.

Further, in the above embodiment, the power storage device 1 is a lithium ion secondary battery, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the lithium ion secondary battery, and other secondary batteries such as a nickel hydrogen battery and an electric double layer. It can also be applied to stacking electrodes in a power storage device such as a capacitor or a lithium ion capacitor.

Further, although the electrode laminating device 20 includes a positive electrode transfer unit 21 and a negative electrode transfer unit 22, one transfer unit may be provided. At this time, the work to be transported is not the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator described above, but a unit body in which four pieces of, for example, a separator, a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are joined in this order and integrated. Good. The unit body has a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode sandwiched between a pair of separators are overlapped and joined. In the unit body, four sheets of a separator, a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked in this order, and the four corners between the respective layers are fixed by an adhesive. In the assembly process of the production line to which such a unit body is to be conveyed, an electrode assembly can be obtained by forming the unit body once and then laminating a plurality of unit bodies.

Further, in the above embodiment, as the drive units 33 and 43, motors are arranged on the supply unit side and the stacking unit side, respectively, and a structure in which a timing belt is wound is adopted, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, it may be a combination of a motor fixed to the circulation frame and rotationally driving one of the sprockets, and a motor fixed to the support frame and moving the circulation frame up and down via a ratchet mechanism or the like.

Further, the circulation speed of the circulation member 34 may be variable. In this case, the controller 30 can make the circulation speed of the circulation member 31 variable according to the circulation speed of the circulation member 34 (specifically, based on the encoder signal from the encoder 65). Similarly, the circulation speed of the circulation member 44 may be variable. In this case, the controller 30 can make the circulation speed of the circulation member 41 variable according to the circulation speed of the circulation member 44 (specifically, based on the encoder signal from the encoder 66).

Further, the mounting surface 37 is not limited to the horizontal plane. The mounting surface 37 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane as long as the positive electrode 11 with a separator mounted on the mounting surface 37 does not move toward the positive electrode transport unit 21 due to gravity. Similarly, the mounting surface 47 is not limited to the horizontal plane.

Further, the direction in which the protrusion 35 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 34b is not limited to the direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 34b. The protrusion 35 may be transported while pushing the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the positive electrode transport unit 21, and the direction in which the protrusion 35 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 34b is inclined from a direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 34b. May be good. Similarly, the direction in which the protrusion 45 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 44b is not limited to the direction orthogonal to the outer peripheral surface 44b.

Further, the support portion 32 may have at least one side wall 32b. Similarly, the support portion 42 may have at least one side wall 42b.

9 ... Negative electrode (work), 11 ... Positive electrode with separator (work), 20 ... Electrode laminating device (reversing device), 21 ... Positive electrode transport unit (reversing part), 22 ... Negative electrode transport unit (reversing part), 23 ... Positive electrode supply Unit (supply unit), 24 ... negative electrode supply unit (supply unit), 30 ... controller (control unit), 31 ... circulation member, 31b ... outer peripheral surface, 32 ... support part, 32b ... side wall, 35 ... protrusion, 37 ... Mounting surface, 41 ... Circulation member, 41b ... Outer peripheral surface, 42 ... Support portion, 42b ... Side wall, 45 ... Projection portion, 47 ... Mounting surface.

Claims (6)

A reversing unit for sequentially reversing a plurality of sheet-shaped workpieces, a supply unit for sequentially supplying the plurality of workpieces to the reversing unit, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the reversing unit are provided.
The reversing part
A circulation member having an outer peripheral surface that circulates to form a circulation path that descends after ascending.
A plurality of support portions arranged on the outer peripheral surface along the circulation direction of the outer peripheral surface and receiving and supporting each of the plurality of workpieces in an ascending section in which the outer peripheral surface rises are provided.
The supply unit
A mounting surface on which the plurality of workpieces are mounted so as to be movable toward the reversing portion, and
It is provided with a plurality of protrusions that project upward from the above-mentioned mounting surface and that carry the plurality of workpieces while pushing them toward the reversing portion.
The control unit continuously circulates the circulation member.
The length from the above-mentioned mounting surface to the tip of each of the plurality of protrusions in the direction in which the outer peripheral surface rises can keep pushing the work that rises while being supported by the support portion, and of the work. A reversing device set to a length that allows the work to be conveyed while being pushed until more than half is accommodated in the support portion. Each of the plurality of supports has a bottom wall attached to the outer peripheral surface and has a bottom wall.
The reversing device according to claim 1, wherein a cushioning material is provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall so that the edge of the work is brought into contact with the inner surface. The reversing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the work is an electrode. Each of the plurality of supports has a pair of side walls facing each other in the circulation direction.
The reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein each of the plurality of works is arranged between the pair of side walls. The length from the above-mentioned mounting surface to the tip of each of the plurality of protrusions in the direction in which the outer peripheral surface rises is equal to or greater than the thickness of each of the plurality of workpieces, and the circulation direction of the plurality of support portions. The reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the distance between two adjacent support portions in the circulation direction is equal to or less than that of the other. A position detection unit for detecting the position of the protrusion on the previously described mounting surface is further provided.
Based on the detection result of the position detection unit, the control unit receives the work from the supply unit at a timing when the work reaches the transfer start position where the transfer of the work from the supply unit to the support unit is started. The reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the support portion reaches the transferable range in which the transfer of the work can be started.

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