JP6922335B2 - Electrode stacking device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrode laminating device.

Patent Document 1 describes a sheet laminating device for laminating sheet-shaped workpieces (for example, electrodes). In this sheet laminating device, the electrodes are laminated at the laminating portion. The laminated portion is a container on which the electrodes are placed, and has a box shape having a depth at which a plurality of electrodes can be laminated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-56648

The above-mentioned laminating device is used in a step of forming a laminated electrode assembly, and the electrodes are laminated to form a laminated body which is a precursor of the electrode assembly. The electrodes (laminated bodies) laminated in the laminated portion of the laminating apparatus are formed into an electrode assembly by being taken out from the laminated portion, then brought into close contact with each other by applying a load, and integrated by tape sticking or the like. A battery cell can be formed by connecting this electrode assembly to an external terminal, housing it in a case, and injecting an electrolytic solution. By the way, in the laminating apparatus as described above, it is required to suppress the positional deviation between the electrodes in the laminating portion. This is because, for example, if there is a portion where the positive electrode and the negative electrode do not face each other, it contributes to the deterioration of the performance, and if the misalignment becomes large, the housing in the case may be hindered. In order to suppress the misalignment between the electrodes, as an example, the side wall of the box-shaped laminated portion can be used for positioning. However, in such a case, when the laminated electrodes are taken out from the laminated portion, the side portions of the electrodes and the side walls of the laminated portion rub against each other, causing powder falling off of the electrodes. When foreign matter is generated due to powder falling off of the electrode, that is, peeling of active material particles from the active material layer, the foreign matter is mixed in the electrode assembly and contributes to the generation of defective products.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode laminating device capable of suppressing the occurrence of defective products while suppressing the displacement between electrodes.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, both ends of the laminating portion in which the electrodes are laminated, the introduction portion in which the electrodes are introduced into the laminating portion, and the laminating portion in the first direction so as to face each other in the first direction along the horizontal direction. The first wall portion and the second wall portion, which are arranged on the side and regulate the position of the electrodes laminated on the laminated portion in the first direction, and the first wall portion and the second wall portion are reciprocated along the first direction. It is provided with a first moving mechanism for causing the movement, and at least a control unit for controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism. The first process of controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism is executed so that the portions are separated from both ends of the laminated portion.

In this electrode laminating device, the first wall portion and the second wall portion arranged on both ends of the laminating portion regulate the positions of the electrodes laminated on the laminating portion in the first direction (direction along the horizontal direction). .. Therefore, the positional deviation between the electrodes laminated on the laminated portion is suppressed. Further, after the introduction of the electrodes is completed, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are separated from both ends of the laminated portion by the first moving mechanism under the control of the control unit (first process). .. Therefore, when the electrodes laminated in the laminated portion are carried out from between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the electrodes are rubbed against each other and the electrodes are powdered off. It is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder falling from being mixed into the electrode assembly, and the occurrence of defective products is suppressed. Therefore, according to this electrode laminating device, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defective products while suppressing the positional deviation between the electrodes.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the laminated portions are arranged along the vertical direction and have a plurality of support portions that support the electrodes, and the first wall portion and the second wall portion are common to the plurality of support portions. The first wall portion and the second wall portion may be provided with a plurality of slits on the support portion for passing the electrodes. According to this configuration, the first wall portion and the second wall portion guide the electrodes to be introduced onto the corresponding support portions through the slits, and suppress the misalignment of the electrodes laminated on the support portions. can do. Further, since the first wall portion and the second wall portion are provided in common to the plurality of support portions, the first process can be easily performed.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the laminating portion further has a sandwiching portion for sandwiching the electrode between the laminating portion and the supporting portion, and the introducing portion is formed between the supporting portion and the sandwiching portion from any horizontal direction. Electrodes may be introduced in the laminated portion. According to this configuration, the positional deviation between the electrodes can be reliably suppressed.

The electrode laminating device of the present invention further includes a second moving mechanism for moving the laminated portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the control unit attaches the laminated portion to the first wall after the first treatment. A second process for controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism may be executed so as to carry out from between the portion and the second wall portion. According to this configuration, the laminated portion in which the electrodes are laminated is carried out from between the first wall portion and the second wall portion by the second moving mechanism under the control of the control unit (second processing). Will be done. At this time, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are separated from both ends of the laminated portion by the first moving mechanism under the control of the control unit (first process). Therefore, powder dropping of the electrodes due to rubbing between the laminated electrodes and the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the laminated portion is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder falling from being mixed into the electrode assembly, and the occurrence of defective products is suppressed.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the control unit executes a third process of sandwiching the electrodes by the support unit and the sandwiching unit before the second process, and the second direction is a direction along the horizontal direction. You may. According to this configuration, even when the laminated portion in the state where the electrodes are laminated is moving, the positional deviation between the electrodes can be reliably suppressed.

In the electrode laminating apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may execute the third process before the first process. According to this configuration, in the first treatment, for example, the positional deviation between the electrodes due to the influence of the movement of the first wall portion and the second wall portion can be reliably suppressed.

In the electrode laminating apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may execute the third process after the first process. According to this configuration, when the electrode is sandwiched between the support portion and the sandwiching portion, both ends of the sandwiching portion in the first direction are prevented from interfering with the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Therefore, according to this configuration, the degree of freedom in designing the sandwiching portion in the first direction can be increased.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the control unit is of the fourth process and the fourth process of controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism so as to carry the laminated portion between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Later, a fifth process of controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism so that the first wall portion and the second wall portion are close to both ends of the laminated portion may be executed. According to this configuration, when the laminated portion is carried in between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, both ends of the laminated portion in the first direction interfere with the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Is suppressed. Therefore, according to this configuration, the degree of freedom in designing the laminated portion in the first direction can be increased.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the control unit is of the fourth process and the fourth process of controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism so as to carry the laminated portion between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Prior to this, a fifth process of controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism so that the first wall portion and the second wall portion are close to both ends of the laminated portion may be executed. According to this configuration, when the laminated portion is carried out from between the first wall portion and the second wall portion and provided to a subsequent process, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are brought close to each other to a reference position. Can be returned to. That is, according to this configuration, the electrodes can be laminated more efficiently. The reference positions of the first wall portion and the second wall portion are positions where the positions of the electrodes in the first direction can be regulated when the laminated portion is between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. be.

In the electrode laminating device of the present invention, the electrode includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the introducing portion has a first introducing portion for introducing the positive electrode into the laminating portion and a second introducing portion for introducing the negative electrode into the laminated portion. In the first introduction section and the second introduction section, the positive electrode and the negative electrode may be introduced into the laminated section so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately laminated. According to this configuration, since the introduction section has two introduction sections, a first introduction section and a second introduction section, the electrodes can be laminated more efficiently.

The electrode laminating device of the present invention further includes a circulation member having a loop-shaped outer peripheral surface extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of support members attached to the outer peripheral surface, and the introduction portion is supported by the plurality of support members. It may have an extrusion portion that extrudes the electrode to a plurality of support portions at the same time. According to this configuration, a plurality of electrodes can be introduced into the laminated portion at the same time.

In the electrode stacking device of the present invention, the width of the support member in the first direction is smaller than the width of the laminated portion in the first direction, and the control unit is in the original position after the extrusion unit pushes the electrode toward the support unit. The first process may be performed after returning to the above and before circulating the circulating member. According to this configuration, the width of the support member in the first direction is limited, and a new support member that supports the electrodes with respect to the positions corresponding to the first wall portion and the second wall portion is introduced. Previously, the first process relating to the movement of the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the first direction is executed. Therefore, it is possible to expand the moving range of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrode laminating device capable of suppressing the occurrence of defective products while suppressing the displacement between electrodes.

It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of the power storage apparatus manufactured by applying the electrode stacking apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. It is a side view (including a part cross section) which shows the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the support member. It is a top view of the electrode stacking apparatus. It is an enlarged side view of a part of an electrode laminating apparatus. It is an enlarged side view of a part of an electrode laminating apparatus. It is an enlarged side view of a part of an electrode laminating apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of a circulation member. It is a partial side view explaining the operation of a circulation member at the time of a preparatory operation. It is a partial side view explaining the operation of a circulation member at the time of a stacking operation. It is a partial side view explaining the operation of a circulation member at the time of a return operation. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of the extrusion unit on the positive electrode and negative electrode supply side. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of the extrusion unit on the positive electrode supply side. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of the extrusion unit on the negative electrode supply side. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of a moving mechanism. 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 figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electrode laminating apparatus which concerns on a modification.

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 present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the power storage device 1 is a lithium ion secondary battery having a laminated electrode assembly.

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, for example. The positive electrode terminal 4 and the negative electrode terminal 5 are arranged on the case 2 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, a thickness adjusting film is arranged at one end of the electrode assembly 3 in the laminating direction. The required number of thickness adjusting films are used in order to close the gap between the electrode assembly 3 and the case 2. An insulating film is arranged between the electrode assembly 3 and the thickness adjusting film and the inner side surface and the bottom surface of the case 2, and the case 2 and the electrode assembly 3 are insulated by the insulating film.

The electrode assembly 3 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes 8 and a plurality of negative electrodes 9 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 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 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. The tab 14b penetrates the separator 10. The plurality of tabs 14b extending from the plurality of positive electrodes 8 are connected (welded) to the conductive member 12 in a foil-collected state, and are connected to the positive electrode terminals 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.

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 foil main body portion 16a having a rectangular shape 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. 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.

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. .. In the present embodiment, the separator 10 is formed into a bag shape by stacking two porous films and heat-welding the outer circumference.

When manufacturing the power storage device 1 configured as described above, first, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are manufactured, and then the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated to form a predetermined number of electrodes. Obtain a laminate. The electrode assembly 3 is formed by applying a load to the laminated body to bring it into close contact with the laminated body and then fixing it integrally. That is, the laminate is a precursor of the electrode assembly 3. Then, the tab 14b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is connected to the positive electrode terminal 4 via the conductive member 12, the tab 16b of the negative electrode 9 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 5 via the conductive member 13, and the positive electrode terminal 4 and the negative electrode are also connected. The terminal 5 is fixed to the lid of the case 2. After that, the electrode assembly 3 is housed in the main body of the case 2, and the lid of the case 2 and the main body of the case 2 are welded to complete the case 2. In the following, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 may be simply referred to as an electrode 18. That is, the electrode 18 includes a positive electrode 8 and a negative electrode 9. Further, as described above, the electrode 18 includes a metal foil and an active material layer formed on the surface of the metal foil.

Next, the electrode laminating apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a side view (including a partial cross section) showing the electrode laminating device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the support member. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the electrode laminating device.

The electrode laminating device 300 includes a positive electrode transport unit 301, a negative electrode transport unit 302, a positive electrode supply conveyor 303, a negative electrode supply conveyor 304, a laminating unit 305, a wall portion (first wall portion) 317, and a wall portion. A (second wall portion) 318, an extrusion unit (introduction portion) 320, a moving mechanism (first moving mechanism) 380, a moving mechanism (second moving mechanism) 390, and a controller (control unit) 350 are provided. ing. Further, the electrode stacking device 300 includes electrode supply sensors 306 and 307 and stacking position sensors 308 and 309.

The positive electrode transport unit 301 is a unit that sequentially transports the positive electrode 11 (electrode 18) with a separator while accumulating it. The positive electrode transport unit 301 includes a loop-shaped circulation member 310 extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction), a plurality of support members 311 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the circulation member 310 to support the positive electrode 11 with a separator, and a circulation member 310. It has a drive unit 312 for driving the above.

The circulation member 310 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 310 is bridged over two rollers arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller. As the circulation member 310 rotates (circulates) in this way, each support member 311 circulates and moves. Further, the circulation member 310 can move in the vertical direction together with the two rollers. In order to prevent the phase shift between the circulation member 310 and the roller, the circulation member 310 may be a belt with teeth and the roller may be a pulley. For example, the toothed pulleys 403 and 404 described below correspond to the two rollers.

The drive unit 312 rotates the circulation member 310 and moves the circulation member 310 in the vertical direction. For example, the drive unit 312 includes two motors arranged so as to sandwich the circulation member 310 and a timing belt driven by the two motors. Details of this mechanism will be shown later in FIG. 17 and will be described later. The drive unit 312 rotates the circulation member 310 clockwise when viewed from the front side of the electrode laminating device 300. Therefore, the support member 311 on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side rises with respect to the circulation member 310, and the support member 311 on the lamination unit 305 side descends with respect to the circulation member 310.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the support member 311 in a state where the positive electrode 11 with a separator is supported, and FIG. 4B is a cross section taken along line bb of FIG. 4A. It is a figure. As shown in FIG. 4, the support member 311 is a member having a U-shaped cross section having a bottom wall 311a and a pair of side walls 311b. The bottom wall 311a is a rectangular plate-shaped member attached to the outer peripheral surface of the circulation member 310. The pair of side walls 311b are rectangular plate-shaped members erected on both edges of the bottom wall 311a in the direction in which the circulation member 310 circulates. As shown in FIG. 4B, the side wall 311b is formed in a bifurcated shape as an example in the present embodiment. However, the shape of the side wall 311b may be any shape as long as it can support the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The pair of side walls 311b face each other and are separated to an extent that the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be accommodated. The bottom wall 311a and the side wall 311b are integrally formed of a metal such as stainless steel.

A cushioning material 311d such as a sponge is provided on the inner surface of the bottom wall 311a. The positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied from the positive positive supply conveyor 303 to the support member 311 collides with the cushioning material 311d when the transport speed of the positive positive supply conveyor 303 is high, but the impact of the collision is caused by the cushioning material 311d. Is relaxed. That is, the cushioning material 311d functions as an impact mitigating portion that alleviates the impact on the separator-equipped positive electrode 11 when the support member 311 receives the separator-equipped positive electrode 11. As a result, when the positive electrode 11 with a separator is supplied to the support member 311, the peeling of the positive electrode active material layer 15 of the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be suppressed. In the following figures, the cushioning material 311d is omitted.

The negative electrode transport unit 302 is a unit that sequentially transports the negative electrode 9 (electrode 18) while accumulating it. The negative electrode transport unit 302 has a loop-shaped circulation member 313 extending in the vertical direction, a plurality of support members 314 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the circulation member 313 to support the negative electrode 9, and a drive unit 315 for driving the circulation member 313. And have. Here, the structure of the support member 314 is the same as that of the support member 311.

Like the circulation member 310 described above, the circulation member 313 is composed of, for example, an endless belt. The circulation member 313 is bridged over two rollers arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction, and is carried around with the rotation of each roller. As the circulation member 313 rotates (circulates) in this way, each support member 314 circulates and moves. Further, the circulation member 313 can move in the vertical direction together with the two rollers.

The drive unit 315 rotates the circulation member 313 and moves the circulation member 313 in the vertical direction. For example, the drive unit 315 includes two motors arranged so as to sandwich the circulation member 313 and a timing belt driven by the two motors. Details of this mechanism will be shown later in FIG. 17 and will be described later. The drive unit 315 rotates the circulation member 313 counterclockwise when viewed from the front side of the electrode laminating device 300. Therefore, the support member 314 on the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 side rises with respect to the circulation member 313, and the support member 314 on the lamination unit 305 side descends with respect to the circulation member 313.

The positive electrode supply conveyor 303 horizontally conveys the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the positive electrode transfer unit 301, and supplies the positive electrode 11 with a separator to the support member 311 of the positive electrode transfer unit 301. The positive electrode supply conveyor 303 has a plurality of claw portions 303a provided at equal intervals along the circulation direction of the positive electrode supply conveyor 303. The claw portion 303a extends in a direction orthogonal to the circulation direction and comes into contact with the end portion of the positive electrode 11 with a separator rearward in the transport direction. As a result, the positive electrode 11 with a separator is supplied to the positive electrode transport unit 301 at regular intervals.

The negative electrode supply conveyor 304 horizontally conveys the negative electrode 9 toward the negative electrode transfer unit 302, and supplies the negative electrode 9 to the support member 314 of the negative electrode transfer unit 302. The negative electrode supply conveyor 304 has a plurality of claw portions 304a provided at equal intervals along the circulation direction of the negative electrode supply conveyor 304. The claw portion 304a extends in a direction orthogonal to the circulation direction and comes into contact with the end portion of the negative electrode 9 rearward in the transport direction. As a result, the negative electrode 9 is supplied to the negative electrode transport unit 302 at regular intervals.

The positive electrode 11 with a separator transferred from the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 to the support member 311 of the positive electrode transport unit 301 circulates so as to rise and then fall due to the rotation of the circulation member 310. At this time, the front and back sides of the positive electrode 11 with a separator are reversed at the upper part of the circulation member 310. The negative electrode 9 transferred from the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 to the support member 314 of the negative electrode transfer unit 302 circulates so as to rise and then fall due to the rotation of the circulation member 313. At this time, the front and back sides of the negative electrode 9 are reversed at the upper part of the circulation member 313.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the stacking unit 305 has, as an example, a stacking portion 316 on which the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 (electrode 18) are laminated. Here, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated on the laminated portion 316.

The laminated portion 316 is arranged between the positive electrode transfer unit 301 and the negative electrode transfer unit 302. The laminated portion 316 has a plurality of support portions 316a and a plurality of sandwiching portions 316b. The plurality of support portions 316a are arranged along the vertical direction. The plurality of sandwiching portions 316b are arranged along the vertical direction. The support portion 316a and the holding portion 316b face each other in the vertical direction.

The support portion 316a is a plate-shaped base on which the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are placed. The support portion 316a has a plate-like structure that extends in the horizontal direction. As a result, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are laminated on the upper surface of the support portion 316a. Then, the support portion 316a supports the laminated positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator.

The sandwiching portion 316b has a plate shape. That is, the sandwiching portion 316b has a plate-like structure that extends in the horizontal direction. As a result, the sandwiching portion 316b sandwiches the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 laminated on the support portion 316a in the vertical direction. That is, the sandwiching portion 316b sandwiches the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 with the supporting portion 316a. The width of the sandwiching portion 316b in the first direction D1 is, for example, narrower than the width of the supporting portion 316a in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is a direction along the horizontal direction, and here is a direction from the positive electrode transport unit 301 to the negative electrode transport unit 302.

The laminating unit 305 further includes a plate-shaped member 316c extending in the vertical direction and another plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. Each support portion 316a of the laminated portion 316 is fixed to the plate-shaped member 316c. Each sandwiching portion 316b of the laminated portion 316 is fixed to another plate-shaped member. The plate-shaped member 316c and another plate-shaped member can slide with each other in the vertical direction. The positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator laminated on the plurality of support portions 316a are simultaneously sandwiched by the plurality of sandwiching portions 316b by sliding the plate-shaped member 316c and another plate-shaped member to each other.

The wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are arranged on both ends of the laminated portion 316 in the first direction D1 so as to face each other along the first direction D1. The wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 regulate the positions of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 (electrode 18) laminated on the laminated portion 316 in the first direction D1. The wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 have a plate-like structure extending in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. Here, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 extend in the vertical direction so as to be bridged over the laminated portion 316. That is, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are commonly provided in the plurality of support portions 316a. The wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are configured to be reciprocally movable along the first direction D1, and the configuration will be described later.

The wall portion 317 is arranged between the laminated portion 316 and the positive electrode transport unit 301. The wall portion 317 is formed with a plurality of slits 317a for passing the positive electrode 11 with a separator extruded by the extrusion portion 321 described later on the support portion 316a. The slits 317a are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction so as to open between the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b.

In this embodiment, as an example, the upper portion of the slit 317a is an inclined surface that inclines downward from the positive electrode transport unit 301 toward the laminated portion 316. Further, the lower portion of the slit 317a is an inclined surface that inclines upward from the positive electrode transport unit 301 toward the laminated portion 316. As a result, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be appropriately guided to the laminated portion 316, and the opening portion on the inlet side (positive electrode transport unit 301 side) of the slit 317a can be enlarged. As a result, even if the height position of the positive electrode 11 with a separator extruded by the extrusion portion 321 is slightly displaced, the positive electrode 11 with a separator can be passed through the slit 317a.

The wall portion 318 is arranged between the laminated portion 316 and the negative electrode transport unit 302. The wall portion 318 is formed with a plurality of slits 318a for passing the negative electrode 9 extruded by the extrusion portion 322, which will be described later, onto the support portion 316a. Like the slits 317a, the slits 318a are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction so as to open between the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b in each laminated portion 316.

In this embodiment, as an example, the upper portion of the slit 318a is an inclined surface that inclines downward from the negative electrode transport unit 302 toward the laminated portion 316. Further, the lower portion of the slit 318a is an inclined surface that inclines upward from the negative electrode transport unit 302 toward the laminated portion 316. As a result, the negative electrode 9 can be appropriately guided to the laminated portion 316, and the opening portion on the inlet side (negative electrode transport unit 302 side) of the slit 318a can be enlarged. As a result, even if the height position of the negative electrode 9 extruded by the extrusion portion 322 is slightly displaced, the negative electrode 9 can be passed through the slit 318a.

The extrusion unit 320 introduces the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 (electrode 18) into the laminated portion 316. Here, the extrusion unit 320 introduces the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 into the laminated portion 316 so that the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated. The extrusion unit 320 includes an extrusion unit (first introduction unit) 321 and an extrusion unit (second introduction unit) 322, a drive unit (first introduction unit) 44, and a drive unit (second introduction unit) 46. Have.

The extrusion unit 321 and the drive unit 44 introduce the positive electrode 11 with a separator into the laminated unit 316 along the first direction D1. Specifically, the drive unit 44 moves the extrusion unit 321 toward the laminated unit 316 along the first direction D1. As a result, the extrusion portion 321 pushes the plurality of separator-equipped positive electrodes 11 supported by the plurality of support members 311 onto the plurality of support portions 316a at the same time, whereby the plurality of separator-equipped positive electrodes 11 are pushed onto the plurality of support portions 316a. Introduce at the same time. The drive unit 44 is composed of, for example, a motor and a link mechanism. At this time, the speed of the positive electrode 11 with a separator extruded is slower than the speed of the positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied by the positive electrode supply conveyor 303.

The extrusion unit 322 and the drive unit 46 introduce the negative electrode 9 into the laminated unit 316 along the first direction D1. Specifically, the drive unit 46 moves the extrusion unit 322 toward the laminated unit 316 along the first direction D1. As a result, the extrusion portion 322 simultaneously introduces the plurality of negative electrodes 9 onto the plurality of support portions 316a by simultaneously pushing out the plurality of negative electrodes 9 supported by the plurality of support members 314 onto the plurality of support portions 316a. The drive unit 46 is composed of, for example, a motor and a link mechanism. At this time, the speed of the negative electrode 9 extruded is slower than the speed of the negative electrode 9 supplied by the negative electrode supply conveyor 304.

Here, the electrode stacking device 300 further includes positioning units 47 and 48 for positioning the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 (electrode 18) in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is a direction along the horizontal direction and intersects (orthogonally) the first direction D1. The positioning unit 47 aligns the positions of the bottom edges 11c of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The positioning unit 48 aligns the positions of the bottom edges 9c of the negative electrode 9. The bottom edge 11c of the positive electrode 11 with a separator is the edge of the positive electrode 11 with a separator opposite to the tab 14b side. The bottom edge 9c of the negative electrode 9 is the edge of the negative electrode 9 opposite to the tab 16b side.

The positioning unit 47 is arranged on the front side of the positive electrode transport unit 301 and is arranged on the rear side of the positive electrode transport unit 301 and the receiving portion 49 which comes into contact with the bottom edge 11c of the positive electrode 11 with a separator. It has a pressing portion 50 that presses against. A plurality of free rollers are provided side by side in the receiving portion 49. The surface of the receiving portion 49 may be made of a slippery resin.

The pressing portion 50 has a pushing plate 51 that pushes the positive electrode 11 with a separator, and a driving portion 52 that moves the pushing plate 51 toward the receiving portion 49. The drive unit 52 has, for example, a cylinder. The push plate 51 is fixed to the tip of the piston rod of the cylinder. The push plate 51 is provided with a slit 51a for allowing the tab 14b of the positive electrode 11 with a separator to escape.

The positioning unit 48 is arranged on the front side of the negative electrode transport unit 302 and is arranged on the rear side of the receiving portion 53 which is in contact with the bottom edge 9c of the negative electrode 9 and the negative electrode transport unit 302 and presses the negative electrode 9 against the receiving portion 53. It has a pressing portion 54 to be pressed. The structure of the receiving portion 53 is the same as that of the receiving portion 49. The pressing portion 54 has a pushing plate 55 that pushes the negative electrode 9, and a driving portion 56 that moves the pushing plate 55 toward the receiving portion 53. The push plate 55 is provided with a slit 55a for allowing the tab 16b of the negative electrode 9 to escape. The configuration of the drive unit 56 is the same as that of the drive unit 52.

The controller 350 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output interface, and the like. The controller 350 controls each drive unit. Further, the controller 350 is connected to the electrode supply sensors 306, 307 and the stacking position sensors 308, 309, and can receive the detection signals from these sensors. The controller 350 determines the control content based on the detection signal from each sensor and the program stored in the ROM, and drives and controls each drive unit (that is, executes each process described later).

The electrode supply sensor 306 is arranged near the end of the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 on the positive electrode transport unit 301 side, and detects the presence or absence of the positive electrode 11 with a separator or the claw portion 303a and the positive electrode 11 with a separator. The electrode supply sensor 306 periodically transmits a detection signal indicating the presence / absence of the claw portion 303a or the positive electrode 11 with a separator to the controller 350.

The electrode supply sensor 307 is arranged near the end of the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 on the negative electrode transfer unit 302 side, and detects the presence or absence of the claw portion 304a or the negative electrode 9. The electrode supply sensor 307 periodically transmits a detection signal indicating the presence / absence of the claw portion 304a or the negative electrode 9 to the controller 350.

In the stacking position sensor 308, the positive electrode with a separator supported by the support member 311 on the most downstream side of the positive electrode 11 with a separator supported by the support member 311 is placed at a predetermined stacking position (for example, in the stacking unit 305). It is detected that the lower end position of the slit 318a corresponding to the lowermost support portion 316a) has been reached. The stacking position sensor 308 is independent of the vertical movement of the circulation member 310, and the height position of the stacking position sensor 308 is fixed with respect to the slit 318a. For example, the stacking position sensor 308 may be fixed to the wall portion 317. When the stacking position sensor 308 detects that the support member 311 supporting the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached the stacking position, it transmits a detection signal to that effect to the controller 350.

In the stacking position sensor 309, the negative electrode 9 supported by the most downstream support member 314 of the negative electrodes 9 laminated on the support member 314 is supported at a predetermined stacking position (for example, the lowermost support of the stacking unit 305). It is detected that the position of the lower end of the slit 318a corresponding to the portion 316a) has been reached. The stacking position sensor 309 is independent of the vertical movement of the circulation member 313, and the height position of the stacking position sensor 309 is fixed with respect to the slit 318a. When the stacking position sensor 309 detects that the support member 314 supporting the negative electrode 9 has reached the stacking position, the stacking position sensor 309 transmits a detection signal indicating that fact to the controller 350.

Subsequently, the details of the electrode laminating device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. Although only the pair of support portions 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 for easy understanding, the other support portions 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b also have the same configuration. 6 to 8 are enlarged side views of a part of the electrode laminating device. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the introduction (lamination) of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 into the laminated portion 316 is completed. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are sandwiched. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the wall portions 317 and 318 have moved, and FIG. 8B shows a state in which the stacking unit 305 (laminated portion 316) moves.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the moving mechanism 380 reciprocates the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 along the first direction D1. More specifically, the moving mechanism 380 includes a moving portion 360 that reciprocates the wall portion 317 along the first direction D1 and a moving portion 370 that reciprocates the wall portion 318 along the first direction D1. I have. The moving unit 360 includes a driving unit 361 that applies a driving force for reciprocating movement to the wall unit 317, and a connecting unit 362 that connects the driving unit 361 and the wall unit 317. The moving unit 370 includes a driving unit 371 that applies a driving force for reciprocating movement to the wall unit 318, and a connecting unit 372 that connects the driving unit 371 and the wall unit 318. The operation of the moving mechanism 380 is controlled by the controller 350. That is, the drive unit 361 and the drive unit 371 are controlled by the controller 350 to reciprocate the wall unit 317 and the wall unit 318 along the first direction D1.

More specifically, the drive unit 361 may be configured by a cylinder device including a cylinder unit 361a that expands and contracts in the first direction D1. One end of the connecting portion 362 is connected to the cylinder portion 361a of the driving portion 361, and the other end is connected to the wall portion 317. The connecting portion 362 reciprocates in the first direction D1 as the cylinder portion 361a of the driving unit 361 expands and contracts. Therefore, the connecting portion 362 can transmit the driving force of the driving portion 361 to the wall portion 317 and reciprocate the wall portion 317 in the first direction D1 according to the expansion and contraction of the cylinder portion 361a of the driving unit 361.

Specifically, as the cylinder portion 361a of the drive portion 361 contracts, the wall portion 317 moves in a direction away from the laminated portion 316 (see (a) in FIG. 8). This operation is referred to as a separation operation of the wall portion 317. By extending the cylinder portion 361a of the drive portion 361, the wall portion 317 moves so as to approach the laminated portion 316. This operation is referred to as a proximity operation of the wall portion 317. The connecting portion 362 extends so as to bend between the driving portion 361 and the wall portion 317 so as not to interfere with other members of the electrode laminating device 300. However, the arrangement of the drive unit 361 and the shape of the connection unit 362 associated therewith are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

The drive unit 371 may be configured by a cylinder device including a cylinder unit 371a that expands and contracts in the first direction D1. One end of the connecting portion 372 is connected to the cylinder portion 371a of the driving portion 371, and the other end is connected to the wall portion 318. The connecting portion 372 reciprocates in the first direction D1 as the cylinder portion 371a of the driving unit 371 expands and contracts. Therefore, the connecting portion 372 can transmit the driving force of the driving portion 361 to the wall portion 318 and reciprocate the wall portion 318 in the first direction D1 according to the expansion and contraction of the cylinder portion 371a of the driving unit 371.

Specifically, as the cylinder portion 371a of the drive portion 371 contracts, the wall portion 318 moves in a direction away from the laminated portion 316 (see (a) in FIG. 8). This operation is referred to as a separation operation of the wall portion 318. By extending the cylinder portion 371a of the drive portion 371, the wall portion 318 moves so as to approach the laminated portion 316. This operation is referred to as a proximity operation of the wall portion 318. The connecting portion 372 extends so as to bend between the driving portion 371 and the wall portion 318 so as not to interfere with other members of the electrode laminating device 300. However, the arrangement of the drive unit 371 and the shape of the connection unit 372 associated therewith are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

The fact that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are close to the laminated portion 316 means that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are moved to the reference position from a state in which the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from the laminated portion 316 from the reference position. .. Further, the reference positions of the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 regulate the positions of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 in the first direction D1 when the laminated portion 316 is between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. It is a possible position. The regulateable position is, for example, slightly separated from at least one end of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 in the first direction even if the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 have the maximum values within the manufacturing error. The position.

The moving mechanism 390 moves the laminating unit 305 (including the laminating portion 316) along the second direction D2. The moving mechanism 390 includes a driving unit 391 that applies a driving force for movement to the laminated unit 305, and a connecting unit 392 that connects the driving unit 391 and the laminated unit 305. The operation of the moving mechanism 390 is controlled by the controller 350.

Specifically, the drive unit 391 may be configured by a cylinder device including a cylinder unit 391a that expands and contracts in the second direction D2. One end of the connecting portion 392 is connected to the cylinder portion 391a of the driving portion 391, and the other end is detachably connected to the plate-shaped member 316c. The connecting portion 392 reciprocates in the second direction D2 as the cylinder portion 391a of the driving unit 391 expands and contracts. Therefore, the connection unit 392 can transmit the driving force of the drive unit 391 to the stacking unit 305, and move the stacking unit 305 along the second direction D2 according to the expansion and contraction of the cylinder portion 391a of the drive unit 391.

Specifically, as the cylinder portion 391a of the drive portion 391 contracts, the stacking unit 305 moves so as to be carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 (see (b) in FIG. 8). This operation is referred to as the unloading operation of the stacking unit 305. By extending the cylinder portion 391a of the drive portion 391, the stacking unit 305 moves between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. This operation is referred to as the carry-in operation of the stacking unit 305. The connecting portion 392 extends so as to bend between the driving portion 391 and the laminating unit 305 so as not to interfere with other members of the electrode laminating device 300. However, the arrangement of the drive unit 391 and the shape of the connection unit 392 associated therewith are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate. In FIG. 8B, the arrow indicating the movement of the stacking unit 305 is shown downward on the paper surface for convenience, but in reality, the moving direction of the stacking unit 305 intersects the paper surface. The second direction is D2. The connecting portion 392 can replace the laminated unit 305 as described later by engaging or disengaging the plate-shaped member 316c.

The controller 350 executes the first process, the second process, the third process, the fourth process, and the fifth process. Specifically, in the controller 350, as the first process, after the introduction of the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator (that is, a plurality of electrodes 18) by the extrusion unit 320 is completed by the extrusion unit 320, FIG. As shown in (a), the operation of the moving mechanism 380 is controlled so that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from both ends of the laminated portion 316. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the controller 350 moves the stacking unit 305 from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 as a second process after the first process. Controls the operation of 390.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the controller 350 sandwiches the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 by the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b before the second treatment as the third treatment. On the other hand, as a fourth process, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 390 so as to carry the laminated unit 305 between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. Then, as the fifth process, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 380 so that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are close to both ends of the laminated portion 316 after the fourth process.

Subsequently, the operation control of the circulation members 310, 313, the positioning units 47, 48, and the extrusion units 321 and 322 by the controller 350 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 16.

First, the control flow of the circulation member (here, the circulation member 310 as an example) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the circulation member. FIG. 10 is a partial side view illustrating the operation of the circulation member during the preparatory operation (step S201 of FIG. 9). FIG. 11 is a partial side view illustrating the operation of the circulation member during the stacking operation (step S203 of FIG. 9). FIG. 12 is a partial side view illustrating the operation of the circulation member during the return operation (step S206 of FIG. 9). Since the control flow of the circulation member 313 of the negative electrode transfer unit 302 is the same as the control flow of the circulation member 310, the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 9, the controller 350 receives a trigger (for example, an input by an operator or the like) of the production line including the electrode laminating device 300 to start the preparatory operation of the circulation member 310 (step S201).

In the preparatory operation, from the initial state in which the positive electrode 11 with a separator is not supported by any of the support members 311 to the receiving position to the stacking position of the positive electrode 11 with a separator, each support member 311 supports the positive electrode 11 with a separator. It is an operation to make it in a state of being. Specifically, the preparatory operation is an operation in which the support member 311 is circulated only by the rotation (circulation) of the circulation member 310 by, for example, driving the above-mentioned two motors (motors 405 and 406 described later) at the same time. (See FIG. 10). More specifically, when the amount of movement of the distance between the support members 311 adjacent to each other in the circulation member 310 is 1, the controller 350 separates the support member 311 at the receiving position of the positive electrode 11 with the separator in the circulation member 310. Every time it is confirmed that the positive electrode 11 is supplied, the circulation member 310 is circulated clockwise (hereinafter, simply referred to as “clockwise”) by the amount of movement 1 when viewed from the front side of the paper surface of FIG. In the following description, the amount of movement is expressed with the clockwise movement as the positive direction for the circulation of the circulation member 310 and the upward direction as the positive direction for the vertical movement of the circulation member 310.

During the preparatory operation, the controller 350 determines at any time whether or not the detection signal is received from the stacking position sensor 308 (that is, whether or not the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached the stacking position) (step S202). The controller 350 continues the preparatory operation of the circulation member 310 until the detection signal is received from the stacking position sensor 308 (step S202: NO). On the other hand, when the controller 350 receives the detection signal from the stacking position sensor 308 (that is, detects that the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached the stacking position), the controller 350 switches the circulation member 310 to the stacking operation (step S202: YES, step. S203).

The laminating operation is an operation for laminating the positive electrode 11 with a separator on the laminating portion 316. Specifically, in the stacking operation, for example, the height of the support member 311 on the stacking unit 305 side is driven by driving only the motor on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side (motor 405 described later) of the two motors described above. The position is stopped relative to the support portion 316a, and each time one positive electrode 11 with a separator is supplied from the positive positive supply conveyor 303, the support member 311 on the positive positive supply conveyor 303 side is changed to the positive positive supply conveyor 303. This is an operation of increasing the movement amount by 1. More specifically, the controller 350 is the time between the supply of one positive electrode 11 with a separator from the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 and the supply of the next positive electrode 11 with a separator (hereinafter referred to as "unit time"). ), The circulation member 310 is circulated clockwise with a movement amount of 0.5, and is raised with a movement amount of 0.5 (see FIG. 11).

The controller 350 determines at any time during the stacking operation whether or not the simultaneous supply of the positive electrode 11 with the separator to the plurality of support portions 316a is completed (step S204). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the extrusion operation by the extrusion unit 321 described later is completed. For example, by detecting that the extrusion unit 321 has returned to the original position (the position before extruding the positive electrode 11 with a separator), it is possible to detect that the extrusion operation is completed. The controller 350 continues the stacking operation of the circulation member 310 until it detects that the extrusion operation by the extrusion unit 321 is completed (step S204: NO). On the other hand, when the controller 350 detects that the extrusion operation by the extrusion unit 321 is completed (step S204: YES), it determines whether or not to complete the lamination of the positive electrode 11 with a separator on the lamination unit 305 (step S205). ..

Specifically, the controller 350 detects, for example, the number of electrodes 18 laminated on each support portion 316a by a sensor or the like, and determines whether or not the number of laminated electrodes 18 has reached a predetermined number. It is possible to determine whether or not the lamination is completed. That is, the controller 350 determines that the lamination is completed when the number of laminated electrodes 18 reaches a predetermined number, and the lamination is not completed when the number of laminated electrodes 18 does not reach the predetermined number. can do.

When it is determined that the stacking is completed (step S205: YES), the controller 350 ends the control of the circulation member 310. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the stacking is completed (step S205: NO), the controller 350 switches the circulation member 310 to the return operation (step S206). When it is determined that the stacking is completed (step S205: YES), the controller 350 once finishes the control of the circulation member 310, then further completes the replacement of the stacking unit 305, and an instruction from the operator or the like to start the control. After receiving the above, the control of the circulation member 310 may be resumed. In this case, the return operation (step S206) will be started.

The return operation is an operation of returning (lowering) the circulation member 310 that has moved to a position higher than the original position (the position before the start of the stacking operation) in the stacking operation. Specifically, the return operation is performed, for example, by driving the two motors in a state where the drive speed of the motor on the stacking unit 305 side (motor 406 described later) of the two motors described above is relatively increased. This is an operation in which the height position of the leading support member 311 that supports the positive electrode 11 with a separator on the stacking unit 305 side is slid to the stacking position, and the support member 311 on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side is raised by a movement amount of 1. .. More specifically, the controller 350 circulates the circulation member 310 clockwise with a movement amount of 2.5 and lowers the circulation member 310 with a movement amount of −1.5 in the above-mentioned unit time (see FIG. 12).

As a result, in the unit time, the support member 311 rises by one on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side with respect to the positive electrode supply conveyor 303. On the other hand, on the laminated unit 305 side, the support member 311 is lowered by four with respect to the laminated unit 305. As a result, while receiving the positive electrode 11 with a separator supplied from the positive electrode supply conveyor 303, the extrusion operation of simultaneously pushing out the four positive electrodes with a separator by the extrusion section 321 becomes feasible. Therefore, the controller 350 switches the circulation member 310 to the stacking operation after the return operation of the circulation member 310 is completed (step S206 → S203).

Next, the control flow of the positioning units 47 and 48 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the extrusion unit on the positive electrode and negative electrode supply sides. Here, the control of the positioning unit 47 will be described as an example. Since the control flow of the positioning unit 48 is the same as the control flow of the positioning unit 47, the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 13, the controller 350 periodically checks whether or not a detection signal is received from the stacking position sensor 308 to confirm whether or not the positive electrode 11 with a separator is located at a position where positioning by the positioning unit 47 is possible. (Step S301). The controller 350 continues the above check until it receives the detection signal from the stacking position sensor 308 (step S301: NO). When the controller 350 receives the detection signal from the stacking position sensor 308 and detects that the positive electrode 11 with a separator has reached the stacking position (step S301: YES), causes the positioning unit 47 to execute the positioning operation (step S302). .. Specifically, the controller 350 controls to execute the pressing operation by the pressing unit 54 of the positioning unit 47.

Subsequently, the controller 350 determines whether or not to complete the lamination by the same determination as in step S205 of FIG. 9 described above (step S303). When it is determined that the stacking is completed (step S303: YES), the controller 350 ends the control of the positioning unit 47. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the stacking is completed (step S303: NO), the controller 350 performs a circulation operation in which the height position of the support member 311 on the stacking unit 305 side changes relative to the stacking unit 305 (that is,). , The operation of the positioning unit 47 is stopped until the return operation of the circulation member 310 described above occurs (step S304: NO). When the controller 350 confirms that the circulation operation has occurred (that is, when the controller 350 switches the circulation member 310 to the return operation), the controller 350 returns to step S301 and continues to control the positioning unit 47 (step S304: YES). ..

A determination standard other than the determination standard used in the above-mentioned determination may be used for the determination to cause the positioning unit 47 to execute the positioning operation. For example, the fact that the extrusion unit 321 is stopped may be added as a determination condition for executing the positioning operation in step S302.

Next, the control flow of the extrusion unit 321 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the extrusion unit on the positive electrode supply side. In FIG. 14, the controller 350 confirms whether or not the positive electrode 11 with a separator exists at the stacking position based on the detection signal received from the stacking position sensor 308 (step S401). Further, the controller 350 confirms whether or not the positioning operation by the positioning unit 47 (step S302 in FIG. 13) is completed (step S402). The controller 350 confirms that the positioning operation of the positioning unit 47 is completed by confirming that the pressing portion 54 of the positioning unit 47 has returned to the original position (the position before pressing), for example. be able to.

Further, the controller 350 confirms whether or not the lamination of the negative electrode 9 (discharge to the support portion 316a) is completed in the negative electrode transport unit 302 on the other electrode side (here, the negative electrode 9 side) (step S403). The controller 350 confirms that, for example, the extrusion operation of the extrusion portion 322 of the negative electrode transfer unit 302 is completed and the extrusion portion 322 has returned to the original position (the position before the extrusion operation is performed). It can be confirmed that the lamination is completed.

The controller 350 determines whether or not stacking is possible (that is, whether or not the extrusion operation by the extrusion unit 321 can be executed) based on the confirmation results of steps S401 to S403 described above (step S404). Specifically, when it is confirmed that the positive electrode 11 with a separator is present at the stacking position, the positioning operation by the positioning unit 47 is completed, and the stacking of the negative electrode 9 is completed, the controller 350 is laminated. It is determined that it is possible (step S404: YES). On the other hand, when at least one of the above confirmation items cannot be confirmed, the controller 350 determines that stacking is not possible (step S404: NO), and returns to step S401.

Subsequently, when the controller 350 determines that stacking is possible (step S404: YES), the controller 350 executes an extrusion operation by the extrusion unit 321 (step S405). Specifically, the controller 350 controls the drive unit 44 so that the extrusion unit 321 pushes out the positive electrode 11 with a plurality of separators toward the upper and lower support portions 316a at the same time.

Subsequently, the controller 350 determines whether or not to complete the lamination by the same determination as in step S205 of FIG. 9 described above (step S406). When it is determined that the stacking is completed (step S406: YES), the controller 350 ends the control of the extrusion unit 321. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the stacking is completed (step S406: NO), the controller 350 performs a circulation operation in which the height position of the support member 311 on the stacking unit 305 side changes relative to the stacking unit 305 (that is,). The operation of the extrusion unit 321 is stopped until the above-mentioned return operation of the circulation member 310) occurs (step S407: NO). When the controller 350 confirms that the circulation operation has occurred (that is, when the controller 350 switches the circulation member 310 to the return operation), the controller 350 returns to step S401 and continues the control of the extrusion unit 321 (step S407: YES). ..

Next, the control flow of the extrusion unit 322 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the extrusion unit on the negative electrode supply side. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is defined that the negative electrode 9 is first laminated on the support portion 316a. Therefore, in the control flow of the extrusion portion 322 of the negative electrode 9, the control flow (steps S501 to S505) when the first negative electrode 9 is laminated on the support portion 316a supports the second and subsequent negative electrodes 9. It is partially different from the control flow (steps S506 to S512) in the case of laminating on 316a.

Specifically, since the negative electrode 9 is first laminated on the support portion 316a, it is not necessary to check the operation of the positive electrode 11 side with a separator when the first negative electrode 9 is laminated on the support portion 316a. Therefore, in the control flow (steps S501 to S505) when the first negative electrode 9 is laminated on the support portion 316a, the operation check on the other electrode side (step corresponding to step S403 in FIG. 14) is omitted. .. Further, since the lamination is not completed when only one negative electrode 9 is laminated, the determination of whether or not the lamination is completed (step corresponding to step S406 in FIG. 14) is also omitted.

On the other hand, the control flow (steps S506 to S512) when the second and subsequent negative electrodes 9 are laminated on the support portion 316a is the same as the control flow of the extrusion portion 321 described above (steps S401 to 407 in FIG. 14).

Subsequently, control of the operation of the moving mechanism 380 and the moving mechanism 390 by the controller 350 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 and 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the moving mechanism. As described above, the controller 350 executes the first process, the second process, the third process, the fourth process, and the fifth process.

Specifically, when it is determined by the determination of step S406 of FIG. 14 and step S511 of FIG. 15 described above that the stacking is completed, the controller 350 first executes the third process (step S601). That is, here, as the third process, the controller 350 has the support portion 316a after the introduction of the positive electrode 11 with the separator and the negative electrode 9 by the extrusion unit 320 is completed before the second process described later (see FIG. 6). The positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 laminated on the laminated portion 316 are sandwiched by the sandwiching portion 316b (see FIG. 7). At this time, the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b sandwich the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 in the vertical direction. When the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are laminated on the laminated portion 316, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are close to both ends of the laminated portion 316 in the first direction D1 (at a reference position). ..

Subsequently, the controller 350 executes the first process (step 602). That is, as the first process, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 380 so that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from both ends of the laminated portion 316 (see FIG. 8A). That is, in the first process, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from each other.

Subsequently, the controller 350 executes the second process (step 603). That is, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 390 so that the laminated unit 305 is carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 as the second processing after the first processing (FIG. 8 (b). )reference). That is, in the second process, the stacking unit 305 is carried out. The laminated unit 305 is carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 along the second direction D2.

At this time, since the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are already separated from both ends of the laminated portion 316 in the first direction, the side surfaces of the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 rub against the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. There is no such thing. The laminated unit 305 in which the laminated body is completed is taken out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318, and instead, an empty laminated unit 305 is attached to the electrode laminating device 300. The laminated body is completed, and the laminated body 305 that has been carried out is taken out from the laminated body formed in the laminated portion 316 by another facility and provided to a predetermined post-process. Then, the empty laminating unit 305 is transported to the electrode laminating device 300 again.

Subsequently, the controller 350 executes the fourth process (step 604). As the fourth process, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 390 so as to carry the empty laminated unit 305 between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. That is, in the fourth process, the loading operation of the stacking unit 305 is performed. The laminated unit 305 is carried between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 along the second direction D2.

Subsequently, the controller 350 executes the fifth process (step 605). Specifically, after the fourth process, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 380 so that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are close to both ends of the laminated portion 316 as the fifth process. That is, in the fifth process, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are moved in close proximity to each other.

Next, the details of the mechanism for realizing the drive (vertical movement and circulation) of the transport member will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21. Here, the support structure and the drive mechanism of the positive electrode transfer unit 301 will be described. A similar support structure and drive mechanism can be adopted for the negative electrode transfer unit 302. 17 and 18 are views showing a configuration example of a support structure and a drive mechanism for the circulation member of the positive electrode transport unit. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first operation example of the circulation member. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second operation example of the circulation member. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a third operation example of the circulation member.

17 and 18 are views focusing on the configurations necessary for explaining the support structure and the drive mechanism of the positive electrode transport unit 301, and the other configurations are not shown as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 17, the positive electrode transport unit 301 includes a support frame 401 installed on the floor surface and a circulation frame 402 movably supported in the vertical direction with respect to the support frame 401. .. A pair of pulleys 403 and 404, which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, are rotatably supported on the circulation frame 402. Circulation members 310 in which a plurality of support members 311 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface are wound around the pulleys 403 and 404.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the positive electrode transport unit 301 includes a support frame 401 (see FIG. 17) or motors 405 and 406 fixed to the floor surface. Drive gears 405a and 406a are fixed to the drive shafts of the motors 405 and 406. The pulleys 403 and 404 (see FIG. 17) have driven gears 407 and 408 at one end of their rotating shaft. A timing belt 409 is wound around the drive gears 405a and 406a and the driven gears 407 and 408. In addition to the drive gears 405a and 406a and the driven gears 407 and 408, the guide rollers 410 (four guide rollers 410 in the example of FIG. 18) supported by the support frame 401 allow the circulation path of the timing belt 409 to move up, down, left and right. It forms an approximately cross-shaped character that extends to.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the drive gears 405a and 406a are rotated at a constant speed, the entire circulation frame 402 (see FIG. 17) and the circulation member 310 (see FIG. 17) are supported by the support frame 401 (see FIG. 17). The circulation member 310 and the timing belt 409 only perform the circulation operation without moving up and down with respect to the floor surface.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, when only the drive gear 405a is rotated, the circulation member 310 (see FIG. 17) circulates clockwise on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side, while the stacking unit 305 (FIG. 3). On the (see) side, the circulation member 310 is stopped. Therefore, only the portion of the timing belt 409 on the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 side rises. With the operation of the timing belt 409, the circulation frame 402 (see FIG. 17) rises with respect to the support frame 401 (see FIG. 17) or the floor surface. Along with this, the reference height position of the circulation member 310 supported by the circulation frame 402 via the pulleys 403 and 404 (see FIG. 17) (for example, the central position in the vertical direction of the circulation member 310) also rises. become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, when only the drive gear 406a is rotated, the laminated unit 305 (see FIG. 3) side of the circulation member 310 (see FIG. 17) circulates clockwise while supplying a positive electrode. It is stopped on the conveyor 303 side. Therefore, the timing belt 409 is lowered only on the laminating unit 305 side (the right side portion in FIG. 21). With the operation of the timing belt 409, the circulation frame 402 (see FIG. 17) descends with respect to the support frame 401 (see FIG. 17) or the floor surface. Along with this, the reference height position of the circulation member 310 is also lowered. Further, when both the drive gears 405a and 406a are rotated by making the rotation speed of the drive gear 405a different from the rotation speed of the drive gear 406a, the circulation frame 402 is raised or lowered according to the difference in the rotation speed. The reference height position of the circulation member 310 can be raised or lowered. Therefore, by adjusting the rotation speeds of the drive gears 405a and 406a, the above-mentioned preparatory operation, stacking operation, and return operation can be realized. That is, the controller 350 can realize the preparatory operation, the stacking operation, and the return operation by adjusting the rotation speeds of the drive gears 405a and 406a according to the operation mode of the circulation member 310 to be executed.

Next, the operation / effect of the electrode laminating device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the electrode laminating device 300 according to the present embodiment, the wall portions 317 and the wall portions 318 arranged on both end sides of the laminating portion 316 regulate the positions of the electrodes 18 laminated on the laminating portion 316 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the positional deviation between the electrodes 18 laminated on the laminated portion 316 is suppressed. Further, after the introduction of the electrode 18 is completed, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from both ends of the laminated portion 316 by the moving mechanism 380 under the control (first process) of the controller 350. Therefore, when the electrodes 18 laminated in the laminated portion 316 are carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318, the electrode 18 and the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are rubbed against each other, causing powder to fall off. It is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder falling from being mixed into the electrode assembly 3, and the occurrence of defective products is suppressed. Therefore, according to the electrode stacking device 300, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defective products while suppressing the positional deviation between the electrodes 18.

In the electrode lamination device 300 according to the present embodiment, the lamination portions 316 are arranged along the vertical direction and have a plurality of support portions 316a for supporting the electrodes 18, and the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 have a plurality of supports. A plurality of slits 317a and a plurality of slits 318a for passing the electrode 18 are formed on the support portion 316a on the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318, which are commonly provided in the portion 316a. According to this configuration, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 guide the electrode 18 to be introduced onto the corresponding support portion 316a through the slit, and the positions of the electrodes 18 laminated on the support portion 316a are displaced. Can be suppressed. Further, since the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are provided in common to the plurality of support portions 316a, the first process can be easily performed.

Further, in the electrode laminating device 300, the laminating portion 316 has a holding portion 316b that sandwiches the electrode 18 with the supporting portion 316a, and the extrusion unit 320 has a first sandwiching portion 316b between the supporting portion 316a and the holding portion 316b. The electrode 18 is introduced into the laminated portion 316 from the direction D1. According to this configuration, the positional deviation between the electrodes 18 can be reliably suppressed.

Further, the electrode laminating device 300 includes a moving mechanism 390 that moves the laminating unit 305 along the second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1, and the controller 350 puts the laminating unit 305 on the wall after the first processing. The second process of controlling the operation of the moving mechanism 390 so as to carry out from between the portion 317 and the wall portion 318 is executed. According to this configuration, the stacking unit 305 in which the electrodes 18 are stacked is carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 by the moving mechanism 390 under the control (second process) of the controller 350. NS. At this time, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are separated from both ends of the laminated portion 316 by the moving mechanism 380 under the control (first process) of the controller 350. Therefore, powder falling off of the electrode 18 due to rubbing between the laminated electrode 18, the wall portion 317, and the wall portion 318 in the laminated portion 316 is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the powder falling from being mixed into the electrode assembly 3, and the occurrence of defective products is suppressed.

Further, in the electrode stacking device 300, the controller 350 executes a third process of sandwiching the electrode 18 by the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b before the second process, and the second direction D2 is along the horizontal direction. The direction. According to this configuration, even when the stacking unit 305 in which the electrodes 18 are stacked is moving, the positional deviation between the electrodes 18 can be reliably suppressed.

Further, the controller 350 executes the third process before the first process. According to this configuration, in the first treatment, for example, the displacement between the electrodes 18 due to the influence of the movement of the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 can be reliably suppressed.

Further, in the electrode laminating device 300, the controller 350 controls the operation of the moving mechanism 390 so as to carry the laminating unit 305 between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318, and after the fourth processing, The fifth process of controlling the operation of the moving mechanism 380 so that the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are close to both ends of the laminated portion 316 is executed. According to this configuration, when the laminating unit 305 is carried between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318, both ends of the laminating portion 316 in the first direction D1 interfere with the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. Is suppressed. Therefore, according to this configuration, the degree of freedom in designing the laminated portion 316 in the first direction D1 can be increased.

Further, in the electrode lamination device 300, the electrode 18 includes a positive electrode 11 with a separator and a negative electrode 9, and the extrusion unit 320 has an extrusion portion 321 for introducing the positive electrode 11 with a separator into the laminated portion 316 and a negative electrode 9 in the laminated portion 316. The extrusion section 321 and the extrusion section 322 have an extrusion section 322 to be introduced, and the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are introduced into the laminated section 316 so that the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are alternately laminated. ing. According to this configuration, since the extrusion unit 320 has two extrusion portions, an extrusion portion 321 and an extrusion portion 322, the electrodes 18 can be laminated more efficiently.

Further, the electrode laminating device 300 includes a circulation member 310 having a loop-shaped outer peripheral surface extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of support members 311 attached to the outer peripheral surface, and the extrusion unit 320 includes the plurality of support members 311. It has extrusion portions 321 and 322 that simultaneously push out the electrodes 18 supported by the above to a plurality of support portions 316a. According to this configuration, a plurality of electrodes 18 can be introduced into the laminated portion 316 at the same time.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. 22 to 27 are views showing the configuration of the electrode laminating device according to the modified example.

In the above-described embodiment, the extrusion unit 320 has extrusion portions 321 and 322 for extruding the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 from the support members 311, 314 provided on the circulation members 310 and 313. Instead, as shown in FIG. 22, the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 and the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 are arranged on both sides of the laminated portion 316, and the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are separated from the respective conveyors 303 and 304. You may adopt the structure of laminating by introducing horizontally toward the laminating part 316. In this case, the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 functions as the first introduction unit, and the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 functions as the second introduction unit.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the electrode laminating device is arranged above the extruded portion 321 for introducing the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the extruded portion 322 for introducing the negative electrode 9 and the laminating portion 316, and is arranged at the time of introduction. Partition plates 120 and 130 for partitioning the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 may be further provided. As shown in FIG. 24, in the partition plate 120, the positive electrode 11 with a separator at the time of introduction is placed on the upper surface 120a, and the negative electrode 9 is guided to the lower surface 120b side. Further, in the partition plate 130, the negative electrode 9 is placed on the upper surface 130a. In this state, when the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are held by the members 140 and 150 on the back side orthogonal to the introduction direction and the partition plates 120 and 130 are pulled out to the back side, the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator are laminated. It is introduced into the unit 316 at the same time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the width of the support member 311 in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the width of the laminated portion 316 (here, the support portion 316a) in the first direction D1. Further, the controller 350 executes the first process after the extrusion portion 321 extrudes the positive electrode 11 with a separator toward the support portion 316a and then returns to the original position before circulating the circulation member 310. May be good. At this time, the wall portion 317 is moved to a position where it wraps with the positive electrode 11 with a separator supported by the support member 311 located above the wall portion 317 in the vertical direction.

Similarly, the width of the support member 314 in the first direction D1 may be smaller than the width of the laminated portion 316 (here, the support portion 316a) in the first direction D1. Further, the controller 350 performs the first process after the extrusion portion 322 (not shown) pushes the negative electrode 9 toward the support portion 316a and then returns to the original position before circulating the circulation member 313. You may do it. At this time, the wall portion 318 is moved to a position where it wraps with the negative electrode 9 supported by the support member 314 located above the wall portion 318 in the vertical direction. According to this configuration, the widths of the support member 311 and the support member 314 in the first direction D1 are limited, and a new support that supports the electrode 18 with respect to the positions corresponding to the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 is newly supported. Before the member 311 and the support member 314 are introduced, the first process relating to the movement of the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 in the first direction D1 is executed. Therefore, it is possible to expand the moving range of the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the laminated body formed in the laminated portion 316 is carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 along the second direction D2 by, for example, the manipulator 90. May be good. At this time, the support portion 316a is formed with a notch to the extent that the manipulator 90 can sandwich the laminated body. This notch is formed in a region that does not overlap with the sandwiching portion 316b in the vertical direction. In this case, the moving mechanism 390 may be unnecessary.

Further, the laminated portion 316 may have one support portion 316a instead of a plurality of laminated portions 316. At this time, the laminated portion 316 has one sandwiching portion 316b instead of a plurality of.

Further, the electrode 18 to be laminated may be either a positive electrode 11 with a separator or a negative electrode 9. In this case, the electrode laminating device 300 includes either the positive electrode transport unit 301 or the negative electrode transport unit 302. Further, the electrode laminating device 300 may include both the positive electrode transport unit 301 and the negative electrode transport unit 302. In this case, both the positive electrode transport unit 301 and the negative electrode transport unit 302 transport either the positive electrode 11 with a separator or the negative electrode 9.

When the electrode 18 is either the positive electrode 11 with a separator or the negative electrode 9, and either the positive electrode transport unit 301 or the negative electrode transport unit 302 is used, the electrode stacking device 300 is used for supplying the positive electrode. Either the conveyor 303 or the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 may be provided. When the electrode 18 is either the positive electrode 11 with a separator or the negative electrode 9, and both the positive electrode transport unit 301 and the negative electrode transport unit 302 are used, the electrode stacking device 300 is a positive electrode supply conveyor 303. And the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 may be provided. In this case, both the positive electrode supply conveyor 303 and the negative electrode supply conveyor 304 supply either the positive electrode 11 with a separator or the negative electrode 9.

Further, the width of the holding portion 316b in the first direction D1 does not have to be narrower than the width of the supporting portion 316a in the first direction D1. The shapes of the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b are not limited as long as they can support and sandwich the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9.

Further, the direction in which the moving mechanism 390 carries in and out the laminated unit 305 between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 is not limited to the second direction D2. That is, the moving mechanism 390 may carry in and out the laminated unit 305 between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 along various directions (for example, the vertical direction) intersecting the first direction D1.

Further, the introduction direction of the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 9 with a separator by the extrusion unit 320 is not particularly limited, and may be introduced from any of the horizontal directions. That is, the extruded portion 321 and the extruded portion 322 may introduce the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 into the laminated portion 316 from any horizontal direction between the supporting portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b. Specifically, for example, the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 may be introduced from the back surface side of the laminating unit 305.

Further, 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 support portion 316a, but the embodiment is particularly limited. Instead, the negative electrode with a separator and the positive electrode, in which the negative electrode is wrapped in a bag-shaped separator, may be alternately laminated on the support portion 316a.

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, for example, another secondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery, 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, the controller 350 may execute the third process after the first process. According to this configuration, when the positive electrode 11 with a separator and the negative electrode 9 are sandwiched by the support portion 316a and the sandwiching portion 316b, both ends of the sandwiching portion 316b in the first direction D1 interfere with the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318. Is suppressed. Therefore, according to this configuration, the degree of freedom in designing the sandwiching portion 316b in the first direction D1 can be increased.

Further, the controller 350 may execute the fifth process before the fourth process. According to this configuration, when the laminated unit 305 is carried out from between the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 and provided to a subsequent process, the wall portion 317 and the wall portion 318 are brought close to each other and returned to the reference position. Can be done. That is, according to this configuration, the electrodes 18 can be laminated more efficiently.

Further, although not particularly shown, the drive unit 312 is, for example, a rotation motor that rotates (circulates) the circulation member 310 by rotating a roller, and an elevating / lowering mechanism that moves the circulation member 310 in the vertical direction via an elevating mechanism. It may have a motor for use. Further, although not particularly shown, the drive unit 315 is, for example, a rotation motor that rotates (circulates) the circulation member 313 by rotating a roller, and an elevating / lowering mechanism that moves the circulation member 313 in the vertical direction via an elevating mechanism. It may have a motor for use.

9 ... Negative electrode, 11 ... Positive electrode with separator, 18 ... Electrode, 300 ... Electrode laminating device, 310 ... Circulation member, 311 ... Support member, 316 ... Laminated part, 316a ... Support part, 316b ... Holding part, 317 ... Wall part ( 1st wall part), 318 ... wall part (2nd wall part), 320 ... extrusion unit (introduction part), 321 ... extrusion part (1st introduction part), 322 ... extrusion part (2nd introduction part), 350 ... Controller (control unit), 380 ... moving mechanism (first moving mechanism), 390 ... moving mechanism (second moving mechanism), D1 ... first direction, D2 ... second direction.

Claims (12)

The laminated part where the electrodes are laminated and
An introduction part that introduces the electrode into the laminated part, and an introduction part.
A first that is arranged on both ends of the laminated portion in the first direction so as to face each other in the first direction along the horizontal direction, and regulates the position of the electrodes laminated on the laminated portion in the first direction. The wall part and the second wall part,
A first moving mechanism that reciprocates the first wall portion and the second wall portion along the first direction, and
At least a control unit that controls the operation of the first moving mechanism is provided.
The control unit
After the introduction of the plurality of electrodes by the introduction portion is completed, the operation of the first moving mechanism is controlled so that the first wall portion and the second wall portion are separated from both end sides of the laminated portion. Execute the first process,
Electrode stacking device. The laminated portions are arranged along the vertical direction and have a plurality of supporting portions that support the electrodes.
The first wall portion and the second wall portion are commonly provided on the plurality of support portions.
A plurality of slits for passing the electrodes are formed on the support portion in the first wall portion and the second wall portion.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 1. The laminated portion further has a sandwiching portion for sandwiching the electrode with the supporting portion.
The introduction portion introduces the electrode into the laminated portion from any direction in the horizontal direction between the support portion and the sandwiching portion.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 2. A second moving mechanism for moving the laminated portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction is further provided.
After the first process, the control unit executes a second process of controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism so that the laminated portion is carried out from between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. do,
The electrode laminating device according to claim 3. Prior to the second process, the control unit executes a third process of sandwiching the electrode between the support portion and the sandwiching portion.
The second direction is a direction along the horizontal direction.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 4. The control unit executes the third process before the first process.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 5. The control unit executes the third process after the first process.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 5. The control unit
A fourth process of controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism so as to carry the laminated portion between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.
After the fourth process, a fifth process of controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism so that the first wall portion and the second wall portion are close to both ends of the laminated portion is executed.
The electrode laminating device according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The control unit
A fourth process of controlling the operation of the second moving mechanism so as to carry the laminated portion between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.
Prior to the fourth process, a fifth process of controlling the operation of the first moving mechanism so that the first wall portion and the second wall portion are close to both ends of the laminated portion is executed. ,
The electrode laminating device according to any one of claims 4 to 7. The electrode includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode.
The introduction section
A first introduction section for introducing the positive electrode into the laminated section,
It has a second introduction portion for introducing the negative electrode into the laminated portion, and has a second introduction portion.
The first introduction section and the second introduction section introduce the positive electrode and the negative electrode into the laminated section so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately laminated.
The electrode laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A circulation member having a loop-shaped outer peripheral surface extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of support members attached to the outer peripheral surface is further provided.
The introduction portion has an extrusion portion that simultaneously extrudes the electrodes supported by the plurality of support members onto the plurality of support portions.
The electrode laminating device according to any one of claims 2 to 9. The width of the support member in the first direction is smaller than the width of the laminated portion in the first direction.
The control unit executes the first process after the extrusion unit pushes the electrode toward the support unit and then returns to the original position before circulating the circulation member.
The electrode laminating device according to claim 11.

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