Sheet conveying device

Abstract

The present invention reduces the load applied to a sheet when the sheet is transferred between a curved holding surface and a planar holding surface. A sheet conveying device (100) includes a plurality of first holding heads (102) having curved first holding surfaces (116), a first drum (104) holding and rotating the plurality of first holding heads (102), a plurality of second holding heads (106) having planar second holding surfaces (120), a second drum (108) holding and rotating the plurality of second holding heads (106), a tilt adjustment mechanism (110) adjusting the tilt of each second holding surface (120), and a speed adjustment mechanism (112) adjusting the relative moving speed of the first holding heads (102) and the second holding heads (106). The first holding heads (102) and the second holding heads (106) move to a transfer position IV due to the rotation of the drums, and the sheet (W) is transferred between the first holding surfaces (116) and the second holding surfaces (120) under the conditions that the tilt adjustment mechanism (110) and the speed adjustment mechanism (112) have been adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sheet conveying devices. Background Technology

[0002] As batteries for automotive applications, laminated batteries are being developed. These batteries have the following structure: a stacked electrode body, in which multiple positive and negative electrode plates are alternately stacked with separators sandwiched between them, and an electrolyte (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-221715 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Laminated electrode bodies can be formed, for example, by sequentially conveying a sheet, i.e., a unit laminate, formed by alternately stacking several electrode plates and spacers, and stacking multiple unit laminates on a stacking table. During the conveying of unit laminates, there are sometimes exchanges between a holding head with a curved holding surface and a holding head with a planar holding surface. In this case, because the holding surface changes from curved to planar or from planar to curved, there is a risk that shear forces and other loads may be applied to the unit laminate. Furthermore, not limited to unit laminates, there are also situations where exchanges between curved and planar holding surfaces occur during the conveying of other sheets, and there is a risk that loads may also be applied to these sheets during conveying.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of such circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a technique for reducing the load applied to a sheet when the sheet is joined between a curved retaining surface and a planar retaining surface.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is a sheet conveying device. The device includes: a plurality of first holding heads having first holding surfaces for holding curved shapes of the sheet; a first drum that holds the plurality of first holding heads at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction with each first holding surface facing outwards, and rotates in a first direction, thereby causing the plurality of first holding heads to circumferentially rotate; a plurality of second holding heads having second holding surfaces for holding planar shapes of the sheet; a second drum that holds the plurality of second holding heads at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction with each second holding surface facing outwards, and rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby causing the plurality of second holding heads to circumferentially rotate; a tilt adjustment mechanism that adjusts the tilt of the second holding surfaces relative to the radial direction of the second drum; and a speed adjustment mechanism that adjusts the relative movement speed of a set of first and second holding heads for sheet transfer. The first and second holding heads, which hold the sheet in one and do not hold the sheet in the other, will exchange the sheet between the first and second holding surfaces under the following conditions: the first and second holding surfaces move to the opposite handover position due to the rotation of each drum, and the tilt and relative movement speed have been adjusted by the tilt adjustment mechanism and the speed adjustment mechanism.

[0011] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as the result of converting the statements of this disclosure into methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid solutions of this disclosure.

[0012] [Invention Effects]

[0013] According to this disclosure, when a sheet is joined between a curved retaining surface and a planar retaining surface, the load applied to the sheet can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a device for manufacturing stacked electrode bodies.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sheet conveying device according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second holding head, tilt adjustment mechanism, speed adjustment mechanism, and radius position adjustment mechanism.

[0017] Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4 (c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sheet conveying device.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sheet conveying device according to Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the second holding head, tilt adjustment mechanism, and speed adjustment mechanism.

[0020] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sheet conveying device.

[0021] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0022] 30-layer stacking platform, 100 sheet conveying device, 102 first holding head, 104 first drum, 106 second holding head, 108 second drum, 110 tilt adjustment mechanism, 112 speed adjustment mechanism, 114 radius position adjustment mechanism, 116 first holding surface, 120 second holding surface, 124 junction point. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely illustrative. All features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not limited to the substantive content of this disclosure. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the scales or shapes of the parts shown in the figures are provided for ease of explanation and are not to be interpreted limitingly unless specifically mentioned. In addition, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this specification or claims does not indicate any order or importance unless specifically mentioned, but is only used to distinguish one component from others. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of components that are not important for describing the embodiments are omitted from the illustration.

[0024] (Implementation Method 1)

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1. As an example, the stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 is a continuous drum-type manufacturing apparatus composed of multiple drums. By performing various processes such as cutting, heating, bonding, and stacking of electrode bodies or separators using drums, stacked electrode bodies can be manufactured at high speed and continuously. Stacked electrode bodies are used, for example, in lithium-ion secondary batteries.

[0026] The stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a first electrode cutting drum 2, a first electrode heating drum 4, a second electrode cutting drum 6, a second electrode heating drum 8, an adhesive drum 10, a separator cutting drum 12, and a stacking drum 14.

[0027] The first electrode cutting drum 2 is a drum used to cut a continuous mass of multiple first electrode plates and transport them as individual first electrode plates. In this embodiment, the first electrode is the negative electrode. A strip-shaped continuous mass N of the first electrode, which is a continuous mass of multiple first electrode plates, is supplied to the first electrode cutting drum 2. The continuous mass N of the first electrode has a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material layer. The first electrode active material layer is stacked on the first electrode current collector. In this embodiment, the first electrode active material layer is stacked on both sides of the first electrode current collector, but it is also possible that the first electrode active material layer is stacked on only one side of the first electrode current collector.

[0028] Both the first electrode current collector and the first electrode active material layer can be made of known materials and have known structures. The first electrode current collector is made of, for example, a foil or a porous body made of copper or aluminum. The first electrode active material layer is formed, for example, by coating a first electrode composite material slurry containing the first electrode active material, a binder, and a dispersant onto the surface of the first electrode current collector, and then drying and rolling the coating. The thickness of the first electrode current collector is, for example, 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the first electrode active material layer is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0029] The first electrode cutting drum 2 includes: a plurality of holding heads arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum; and a cutting blade that cuts the first electrode continuous N. The plurality of holding heads have holding surfaces for adsorbing and holding the first electrode continuous N. The holding surfaces of each holding head face outwards from the first electrode cutting drum 2. The first electrode continuous N, supplied to the first electrode cutting drum 2, is conveyed by the rotation of the first electrode cutting drum 2 while being adsorbed and held by the holding surfaces of the plurality of holding heads.

[0030] Multiple holding heads are each capable of rotating around the central axis of the first pole cutting drum 2, and can move independently of each other along the circumference of the drum. The relative movement of each holding head is achieved by mounting a motor, different from the motor that rotates the first pole cutting drum 2, on each holding head. Through independent driving of the holding heads, the cutting position of the cutting blade in the first pole continuum N, or the position of the monolithic first pole plate, can be adjusted.

[0031] The first electrode cutting drum 2 adsorbs and holds the supplied first electrode continuous N, and rotates and conveys it, and... Figure 1 The first electrode continuum N is cut at the 16 schematically shown locations. The first electrode continuum N is cut by a cutting blade at positions between adjacent holding heads and monolithically divided into multiple first electrode plates. The resulting first electrode plates are transported while being held in place by their respective holding heads. The positions of the generated multiple first electrode plates are monitored by a camera or similar device.

[0032] The first electrode heating drum 4 is positioned near the first electrode cutting drum 2. The holding head of the first electrode cutting drum 2, near the first electrode heating drum 4, temporarily increases or decreases its speed until it is approximately the same as the linear velocity of the first electrode heating drum 4. Thus, the relative velocity between the holding head and the first electrode heating drum 4 is approximately zero. At a timing when the relative velocity is approximately zero, the holding head discharges the adsorbed and held first electrode plate to the side of the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0033] The first electrode heating drum 4 rotates while adsorbing and holding the first electrode plate discharged from the first electrode cutting drum 2, and preheats the first electrode plate with a built-in heater. This preheating is performed in the subsequent bonding process to thermally bond the separator to the first electrode plate. In this embodiment, the first electrode plate is heated at heating position 18, but it is not limited to this; for example, the first electrode plate could be heated over the entire circumferential region of the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0034] The second electrode cutting drum 6 is a drum used to cut a continuous body of multiple second electrode plates and transport them as individual pieces of second electrode plates. In this embodiment, the second electrode is the positive electrode. A strip-shaped second electrode continuous body P, which is a continuous body of multiple second electrode plates, is supplied to the second electrode cutting drum 6. The second electrode continuous body P has a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material layer. The second electrode active material layer is stacked on the second electrode current collector. In this embodiment, the second electrode active material layer is stacked on both sides of the second electrode current collector, but it is also possible that the second electrode active material layer is stacked on only one side of the second electrode current collector.

[0035] Both the second current collector and the second active material layer can be made of known materials and have known structures. The second current collector is made of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum, a foil or a porous body. The second active material layer is formed, for example, by coating a second-electrode composite slurry containing the second active material, a binder, and a dispersant onto the surface of the second current collector, and then drying and rolling the coating. The thickness of the second current collector is, for example, 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the second active material layer is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0036] The second-pole cutting drum 6 includes: a plurality of holding heads arranged circumferentially around the drum; and a cutting blade for cutting the second-pole continuous P. The plurality of holding heads have holding surfaces for adsorbing and holding the second-pole continuous P. The holding surfaces of each holding head face outwards from the second-pole cutting drum 6. The second-pole continuous P, supplied to the second-pole cutting drum 6, is conveyed by the rotation of the second-pole cutting drum 6 while being adsorbed and held by the holding surfaces of the plurality of holding heads.

[0037] Multiple holding heads rotate around the central axis of the second-pole cutting drum 6 and are capable of moving independently of each other along the circumference of the drum. The relative movement of each holding head is achieved by mounting a motor, different from the motor that rotates the second-pole cutting drum 6, on each holding head. Through independent driving of the holding heads, the cutting position of the cutting blade in the second-pole continuum P, or the position of the monolithic second-pole plate, can be adjusted.

[0038] The second-stage cutting drum 6 adsorbs and holds the supplied second-stage continuous body P, and rotates and conveys it. Figure 1 The second electrode continuum P is cut at the schematically shown cutting positions 20. The second electrode continuum P is cut by a cutting blade at positions between adjacent holding heads and monolithically divided into multiple second electrode plates. The resulting second electrode plates are transported while being held in place by their respective holding heads. The positions of the generated multiple second electrode plates are monitored by a camera or similar device.

[0039] The second electrode heating drum 8 is positioned near the second electrode cutting drum 6. The holding head of the second electrode cutting drum 6, near the second electrode heating drum 8, temporarily increases or decreases its speed until it reaches approximately the same linear velocity as the second electrode heating drum 8. Thus, the relative velocity between the holding head and the second electrode heating drum 8 is approximately zero. At a time when the relative velocity is approximately zero, the holding head discharges the adsorbed and held second electrode plate to the side of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0040] The second electrode heating drum 8 rotates while adsorbing and holding the second electrode plate discharged from the second electrode cutting drum 6, and preheats the second electrode plate with a built-in heater. This preheating is performed in the subsequent bonding process to thermally bond the separator to the second electrode plate. In this embodiment, the second electrode plate is heated at heating position 22, but it is not limited to this; for example, the second electrode plate could be heated over the entire circumferential region of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0041] The bonding drum 10 is a drum for forming a continuous laminate 26 of multiple unit laminates. Each unit laminate consists of a first spacer, a first electrode plate, a second spacer, and a second electrode plate. Multiple continuous strips of first spacer S1 and multiple continuous strips of second spacer S2 are supplied to the bonding drum 10. A thermally adhesive layer is provided on the surface of each of the continuous first spacer S1 and the continuous second spacer S2. The thermally adhesive layer does not exhibit adhesiveness at room temperature, but has the property of exhibiting adhesiveness by heating. For example, the thermally adhesive layer is a thermoplastic layer containing a thermoplastic polymer, and exhibits adhesiveness based on the plastic deformation of the thermoplastic polymer caused by heating.

[0042] Furthermore, the bonding drum 10 is positioned near the first electrode heating drum 4 and the second electrode heating drum 8. A plurality of first electrode plates are supplied to the bonding drum 10 from the first electrode cutting drum 2 via the first electrode heating drum 4, and a plurality of second electrode plates are supplied to the bonding drum 10 from the second electrode cutting drum 6 via the second electrode heating drum 8. The first electrode plates are rotated and conveyed while being prepared for heating in the first electrode heating drum 4, and are discharged to the bonding drum 10 side at a position where the first electrode heating drum 4 is close to the bonding drum 10. The second electrode plates are rotated and conveyed while being prepared for heating in the second electrode heating drum 8, and are discharged to the bonding drum 10 side at a position where the second electrode heating drum 8 is close to the bonding drum 10.

[0043] The first separator continuous S1, the first electrode plate, the second separator continuous S2, and the second electrode plate are arranged in the listed order relative to the supply position of the bonding drum 10 from the upstream side of the rotation direction of the bonding drum 10. Therefore, the first separator continuous S1 is first supplied to the bonding drum 10 at a predetermined position. The first separator continuous S1 is held in place on the bonding drum 10 and is rotated and conveyed. Next, at a position downstream of the supply position of the first separator continuous S1, the first electrode plate is supplied from the first electrode heating drum 4 to the bonding drum 10 and placed on the first separator continuous S1. A plurality of first electrode plates are arranged on the first separator continuous S1 at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction of the first separator continuous S1.

[0044] Next, downstream of the supply position of the first electrode plate, the second separator continuous S2 is supplied to the bonding drum 10 and placed on the plurality of first electrode plates. Then, downstream of the supply position of the second separator continuous S2, the first separator continuous S1, the plurality of first electrode plates, and the second separator continuous S2 are pressed together by the hot-pressing roller 24. Next, downstream of the pressing position of the hot-pressing roller 24, the second electrode plate is supplied from the second electrode heating drum 8 to the bonding drum 10 and placed on the second separator continuous S2. The plurality of second electrode plates are arranged at predetermined intervals along the conveying direction of the second separator continuous S2. Furthermore, the plurality of second electrode plates are bonded to the second separator continuous S2 by the pressing pressure of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0045] Through the above processes, the first separator continuous S1, multiple first electrode plates, the second separator continuous S2, and multiple second electrode plates are stacked and bonded in this order to form a continuous laminate 26. The continuous laminate 26 has the following structure: a unit laminate composed of the first separator, the first electrode plate, the second separator, and the second electrode plate is connected and continuous by the first separator continuous S1 and the second separator continuous S2. The continuous laminate 26 is conveyed from the bonding drum 10 to the separator cutting drum 12. Alternatively, the second electrode plates may not be supplied from the second electrode cutting drum 6 side, thereby generating a unit laminate with a 3-layer structure without second electrode plates in fixed quantities. Furthermore, the unsupplied electrode plates may also be first electrode plates.

[0046] The separator cutting drum 12 is used to cut the first separator continuous S1 and the second separator continuous S2 of the continuous laminate 26, thereby monolithizing it into multiple unit laminates. The separator cutting drum 12 has: multiple holding heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum; and a cutting blade that cuts the continuous laminate 26. The multiple holding heads have holding surfaces that hold and absorb the continuous laminate 26. The holding surfaces of each holding head face outwards from the separator cutting drum 12. The continuous laminate 26 supplied to the separator cutting drum 12 is conveyed by the rotation of the separator cutting drum 12 while being held and absorbed by the holding surfaces of the multiple holding heads.

[0047] Alternatively, multiple retaining heads can rotate around the central axis of the separator cutting drum 12 and can move independently relative to each other along the circumference of the drum. The relative movement of each retaining head is achieved by mounting a motor, different from the motor that rotates the separator cutting drum 12, on each retaining head. Through independent driving of the retaining heads, the cutting position of the cutting blade in the continuous laminate 26, or the position of the monolithized unit laminate, can be adjusted, etc.

[0048] Separator cutting drum 12 in Figure 1 At the schematically shown cutting position 28, the continuous laminate 26 is cut. The continuous laminate 26 is cut between adjacent holding heads, thereby being monolithized into multiple unit laminates. At this time, the first separator continuous S1 and the second separator continuous S2 of the continuous laminate 26 are cut between adjacent electrode plates in the transport direction of the continuous laminate 26. The resulting unit laminates are transported while being held in place by their respective holding heads. The holding heads discharge the held unit laminates to the side of the lamination drum 14. The positions of the generated multiple unit laminates are monitored by a camera or the like.

[0049] The stacking drum 14 is a drum in which multiple unit stacks are stacked on the stacking stage 30 to form a stacked electrode body. The stacking drum 14 has multiple stacking heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum. Each stacking head has a holding surface that holds the unit stack. The holding surface of each stacking head faces the outer side of the stacking drum 14. The multiple stacking heads rotate about the central axis of the stacking drum 14 and thus travel to a stacking position opposite to the stacking stage 30. The stacking head that has reached the stacking position discharges the held unit stack into the stacking stage 30.

[0050] The stacking stage 30 is positioned directly below the stacking drum 14. Unit laminates discharged from each stacking head of the stacking drum 14 are sequentially stacked on the stacking stage 30. This forms a stacked electrode body. The stacking stage 30 can be driven along mutually orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the stacking stage 30 can be adjusted for tilt angles in the XY plane. Thus, the position and tilt angle of the unit laminates discharged from the stacking drum 14 relative to the unit laminates already stacked on the stacking stage 30 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions are adjusted.

[0051] The separator cutting drum 12 and the stacking drum 14 are constituted by the sheet conveying device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sheet conveying device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Additionally, in Figure 2 The illustrations of the cams and guide rails 158 set on the fixed plate 154 are omitted.

[0052] The sheet conveying device 100 includes a plurality of first holding heads 102, a first drum 104, a plurality of second holding heads 106, a second drum 108, a tilt adjustment mechanism 110, a speed adjustment mechanism 112, and a radius position adjustment mechanism 114. The first drum 104 corresponds to the separator cutting drum 12, and the plurality of first holding heads 102 correspond to the plurality of holding heads provided by the separator cutting drum 12. Furthermore, the second drum 108 corresponds to the stacking drum 14, and the plurality of second holding heads 106 correspond to the plurality of stacking heads. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first holding heads 102 are junction heads, and the second holding heads 106 are receiving heads. Additionally, in… Figure 1 In the middle, the separator cutting drum 12 and the stacked drum 14 are arranged laterally, in Figure 2 In the middle, the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 are arranged vertically, but those skilled in the art will certainly understand that the positional relationship of these two drums can be appropriately changed.

[0053] Each first holding head 102 has a first holding surface 116 for holding the sheet W. For example, each first holding surface 116 has an adsorption mechanism (not shown) such as a vacuum valve for attracting atmospheric gases such as air, and the sheet W is held by adsorption mechanism. Each first holding surface 116 has a plurality of adsorption holes arranged along the circumferential direction of the first drum 104. The start and stop of the attraction of atmospheric gases in each adsorption hole can be switched independently. As an example, the sheet W in this embodiment is a unit laminate containing one or two electrode plates and two spacers. That is, the sheet W includes the electrode plates and spacers of the battery. In addition, in Figure 2 The diagram shows eight first holding heads 102, but the number of first holding heads 102 is not limited.

[0054] A plurality of first holding heads 102 are held by a first drum 104. The first drum 104 is a cylindrical drum that holds the plurality of first holding heads 102 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each first holding surface 116 facing outward of the cylinder. A drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor is connected to the rotation center C1 of the first drum 104. Thus, the first drum 104 rotates along a first direction D1, causing the plurality of first holding heads 102 to circumferentially rotate. In this embodiment, as an example, the first direction D1 is counterclockwise.

[0055] Each first holding surface 116 has a curved shape. For example, the entire first holding surface 116 extends from the rotation center C1 of the first drum 104 to a position at an equal distance. Therefore, when each first holding head 102 moves in the circumferential direction due to the rotation of the first drum 104, each first holding surface 116 will move on the same cylindrical surface.

[0056] Each first holding head 102 has a drive unit 118 and is capable of moving independently of the other first holding heads 102 along the circumferential direction of the first drum 104. The drive unit 118 is, for example, a known stepper motor. That is, each first holding head 102 moves differently from the first drum 104 due to rotation, and is capable of moving along the circumferential direction of the first drum 104. Thus, the first holding head 102 can cause the first holding surface 116 to be displaced back and forth in the rotational direction in response to the rotation of the first drum 104.

[0057] Each second holding head 106 has a second holding surface 120 for holding the sheet W. For example, each second holding surface 120 has a suction mechanism (not shown) for attracting atmospheric gases such as air, and the sheet W is held by adsorption using the suction mechanism. Each second holding surface 120 has a plurality of adsorption holes arranged along the circumferential direction of the second drum 108. The start and stop of the attraction of atmospheric gases in each adsorption hole can be switched independently. In addition, in Figure 2 The diagram shows eight second holding heads 106, but the number of second holding heads 106 is not limited.

[0058] Multiple second holding heads 106 are held by a second drum 108. The second drum 108 is a cylindrical drum that holds the multiple second holding heads 106 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each second holding surface 120 facing outward from the cylinder. A drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor is connected to the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108. As a result, the second drum 108 rotates in a second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1, causing the multiple second holding heads 106 to circumferentially rotate. In this embodiment, as an example, the second direction D2 is clockwise. Furthermore, as an example, the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 rotate at the same speed.

[0059] Each of the second holding surfaces 120 has a planar shape. In this embodiment, each of the second holding heads 106 discharges the sheet W onto the planar stacking platform 30 and stacks the sheet W on the stacking platform 30. Therefore, the second holding surfaces 120 preferably have a planar shape.

[0060] The second drum 108 is positioned near the first drum 104. Thus, at predetermined positions on the circumferences of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108, an intersection position IV is formed where the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 face each other. Each first holding head 102 holding the sheet W and each second holding head 106 not holding the sheet W moves sequentially to the intersection position IV due to the rotation of each drum.

[0061] Specifically, each first holding head 102 holds the monolithized sheet W at position I on the circumference of the first drum 104. Furthermore, a camera 122 is positioned at position II on the circumference downstream of position I in the first direction D1. The camera 122 detects the state of the sheet W and its position on the first holding surface 116. Then, at position III on the circumference downstream of position II in the first direction D1, the drive unit 118 is driven based on the detection results from the camera 122. Thus, each first holding head 102 advances or retracts in response to the rotation of the first drum 104, depending on the position of the sheet W on the first holding surface 116. As a result, the position of the first holding surface 116 relative to the second holding surface 120, which will be opposite at the junction position IV, is corrected.

[0062] The first holding heads 102 of the sheet W reach the junction position IV, which is downstream of the circumferential position III in the first direction D1. Furthermore, due to the rotation of the second drum 108, the second holding heads 106 that are not holding the sheet W also reach the junction position IV. And at the junction position IV, the sheet W is transferred from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120.

[0063] The first holding surface 116 is curved, and the second holding surface 120 is planar. Therefore, on the opposing first holding surfaces 116 and 120, locally form portions that are closest to each other. At these closest positions, a junction point 124 of the sheet W is formed. Strictly speaking, the junction point 124 is a straight line parallel to the axial direction of each drum. As the first holding head 102 moves, the junction point 124 moves rearward from the forward direction of the first holding head 102's movement direction on the first holding surface 116. Furthermore, as the second holding head 106 moves, the junction point 124 moves rearward from the forward direction of the second holding head 106's movement direction on the second holding surface 120.

[0064] Regarding the adsorption holes on the first holding surface 116, the adsorption of sheet W is sequentially released (broken) starting from the sheet W that has passed through the junction point 124. On the other hand, regarding the adsorption holes on the second holding surface 120, the adsorption of sheet W is sequentially initiated starting from the sheet W that has passed through the junction point 124. Thus, the sheet W held on the first holding surface 116 is sequentially transferred to the second holding surface 120 starting from the portion that has passed through the junction point 124. In addition, there is actually a time lag from the activation of the adsorption mechanism to the generation of attraction (vacuum pressure) at the adsorption holes. Therefore, at the time of passing through the junction point 124, before the predetermined time before each adsorption hole passes through the junction point 124, the adsorption mechanism corresponding to each adsorption hole is activated, causing attraction to be generated at the adsorption holes on the second holding surface 120.

[0065] When the sheet W is transferred from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120 while maintaining the rotation of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108, there is a risk that shear forces and other loads will be applied to the sheet W as it moves from the curved surface to the flat surface. In contrast, the sheet conveying device 100 of this embodiment uses an inclination adjustment mechanism 110, a speed adjustment mechanism 112, and a radius position adjustment mechanism 114 to reduce the load applied to the sheet. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second holding head 106, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112, and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114.

[0066] The second holding head 106 has a head 126, a head support 128, a base plate 130, and a connecting rod 132. The head 126 is generally flat, and its main surface facing outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108 forms a second holding surface 120. A first cam follower 134 is provided on the main surface of the head 126 facing inward in the radial direction R. As an example, the first cam follower 134 is provided at the rear end in the movement direction of the second holding head 106.

[0067] The head support portion 128 is generally rod-shaped and extends along the radial direction R of the second drum 108. The end of the head support portion 128 located outside the radial direction R is connected to the head 126 via a rocking shaft 136. The head 126 is rotatable about the rocking shaft 136, thereby changing the inclination of the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction R. A second cam follower 138 is provided at the end of the head support portion 128 located inside the radial direction R.

[0068] The base plate 130 slidably holds the head support portion 128 along the radial direction R. The base plate 130 has an elongated hole 140 extending substantially along the radial direction R. The connecting rod portion 132 is a substantially "L"-shaped member, having: a first portion 142 extending substantially along the radial direction R; and a second portion 144 extending substantially at a right angle from the end of the first portion 142 outside the radial direction R. The end of the first portion 142 inside the radial direction R is connected to the elongated hole 140 via a third cam follower 146. Thus, displacement of the third cam follower 146 in the radial direction R is permitted corresponding to the length of the elongated hole 140, which is generated by the rotation of the connecting rod portion 132 about the connecting rod axis 148.

[0069] A connecting rod shaft 148 is provided at the intersection of part 142 and part 144 (the corner of the "L" shape). The connecting rod shaft 148 is connected to the second drum 108 and rotates with the second drum 108. The connecting rod portion 132, base plate 130, head support portion 128, and head 126 are connected to the second drum 108 via the connecting rod shaft 148. Therefore, since the connecting rod shaft 148 rotates with the second drum 108, the connecting rod portion 132, base plate 130, head support portion 128, and head 126 move in conjunction along the circumferential direction of the second drum 108. A fourth cam follower 150 is provided at the front end of part 144.

[0070] The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 is a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction R of the second drum 108. Since the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 adjusts the tilt of the second holding surface 120, the tilt of the normal to the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction R will change. The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 of this embodiment is composed of a cam mechanism including a first cam 152 and a first cam follower 134.

[0071] In the second drum 108, a circular fixed plate 154 is provided that does not rotate with the second drum 108. A first cam 152 is provided on the fixed plate 154. The center of the fixed plate 154 is configured to overlap with the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108. The first cam 152 extends along the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 154. As an example, the first cam 152 is provided on the outer peripheral end face of the fixed plate 154. The first cam follower 134 slidably abuts against the first cam 152 and moves along the first cam 152 as the second drum 108 rotates.

[0072] The first cam 152 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. However, the portion extending into the first cam 152 that includes the area of ​​the junction position IV is offset from the base circle, causing a change in the inclination of the second retaining surface 120. The area including the junction position IV includes, for example, a predetermined area that contacts the junction position IV on the rear side of the second retaining head 106 in the direction of movement (i.e., the area that the second retaining head 106 passes through just before reaching the junction position IV), and the junction position IV itself.

[0073] For example, when the first cam 152 bends towards the base circle in a direction away from the center of the circle, the first cam follower 134 passing through this part will displace outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the second holding surface 120 will rotate around the rocking shaft 136, causing the front end of the second holding head 106 in the travel direction to displace inward in the radial direction R. Therefore, the second holding surface 120 can be tilted forward. On the other hand, when the first cam 152 bends towards the base circle in a direction close to the center of the circle, the first cam follower 134 passing through this part will displace inward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the second holding surface 120 will rotate around the rocking shaft 136, causing the front end of the second holding head 106 in the travel direction to displace outward in the radial direction R. Therefore, the second holding surface 120 can be tilted backward. In addition, the attitude of the second holding surface 120 when the first cam follower 134 is on the base circle of the first cam 152, that is, the attitude of the second holding surface 120 with the normal of the second holding surface 120 parallel to the radial direction R, is set as the reference tilt attitude.

[0074] The speed adjustment mechanism 112 is a mechanism for adjusting the relative movement speed of a set of first holding heads 102 and second holding heads 106 for the transfer of sheet W. For the first holding head 102, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 of this embodiment sets the movement speed to a constant throughout the entire circumference of the first drum 104. On the other hand, for the second holding head 106, the movement speed in a predetermined area that contacts the transfer position IV on the rearward side of the movement direction and in the transfer position IV are different from the movement speed in other areas. Therefore, in the transfer position IV, the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 is adjusted.

[0075] The speed adjustment mechanism 112 of this embodiment is composed of a cam mechanism including a second cam 156 and a fourth cam follower 150. The second cam 156 is provided on the fixed plate 154. The second cam 156 extends in the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 154. As an example, the second cam 156 is a slotted cam provided on the main surface of the fixed plate 154. The fourth cam follower 150 slidably abuts against the second cam 156 and moves along the second cam 156 as the second drum 108 rotates.

[0076] The second cam 156 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. However, the portion extending into the second cam 156 that includes the area of ​​the intersection position IV is offset from the base circle, thereby adjusting the relative movement speed of the first retaining head 102 and the second retaining head 106.

[0077] For example, when the second cam 156 bends towards the base circle in a direction away from the center of the circle, the fourth cam follower 150 passing through this part will displace outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the connecting rod portion 132 rotates about the connecting rod axis 148 in the second direction D2, and the third cam follower 146 displaces in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the second holding head 106. The base plate 130 is slidably fitted into the guide rail 158 provided on the fixed plate 154. The guide rail 158 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. Therefore, the base plate 130 slides on the guide rail 158 in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the second holding head 106 (displaces backward in the movement direction) along the guide rail 158, accompanying the displacement of the third cam follower 146. As a result, the movement speed of the second holding head 106 decreases.

[0078] On the other hand, when the second cam 156 bends towards the base circle in a direction close to the center of the circle, the fourth cam follower 150 passing through this part will move inward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the connecting rod portion 132 will rotate around the connecting rod axis 148 in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 (the first direction D1), and the third cam follower 146 will displace in the moving direction of the second holding head 106. The base plate 130 slides on the guide rail 158 in the moving direction of the second holding head 106 (displaces forward in the moving direction) along the moving direction of the second holding head 106, accompanied by the displacement of the third cam follower 146. As a result, the moving speed of the second holding head 106 will increase. In addition, the moving speed of the second holding head 106 when the fourth cam follower 150 is on the base circle of the second cam 156, that is, the moving speed derived only from the rotation of the second drum 108, is set as the reference moving speed. Furthermore, the forward and backward position of the second holding head 106, which is not accelerated or decelerated by the speed adjustment mechanism 112, is set as the reference forward and backward position.

[0079] The radius position adjustment mechanism 114 is a mechanism for adjusting the position of each of the second holding surfaces 120 in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. In this embodiment, the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 is composed of a cam mechanism including a third cam 160 and a second cam follower 138. The third cam 160 is provided on the fixed plate 154. The third cam 160 extends along the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 154. As an example, the third cam 160 is a slotted cam provided on the main surface of the fixed plate 154. The second cam follower 138 slidably abuts against the third cam 160 and moves along the third cam 160 as the second drum 108 rotates.

[0080] The third cam 160 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. However, the portion extending into the third cam 160 that includes the intersection position IV is offset from the base circle, causing a change in the radial position of the second retaining surface 120.

[0081] For example, when the third cam 160 bends towards the base circle in a direction away from the center of the circle, the second cam follower 138 passing through this portion will displace outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the head support portion 128 will slide outward in the radial direction R, and the second holding surface 120 will approach the first holding surface 116. On the other hand, when the third cam 160 bends towards the base circle in a direction close to the center of the circle, the second cam follower 138 passing through this portion will displace inward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the head support portion 128 will slide inward in the radial direction R, and the second holding surface 120 will move away from the first holding surface 116. Furthermore, the position of the second holding surface 120 when the second cam follower 138 is on the base circle of the third cam 160 is defined as the reference radial direction position.

[0082] When the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 reach the handover position IV, the tilt of the second holding surface 120, the relative moving speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120, and the radial position of the second holding surface 120 are adjusted by the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114, and the sheet W is handed over from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120.

[0083] Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4 (c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sheet conveying device 100. Additionally, in Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4In (c), the illustrations of each cam and guide rail 158 are omitted. The tilt adjustment mechanism 110, speed adjustment mechanism 112, and radius position adjustment mechanism 114 of this embodiment adjust the tilt of the second holding surface 120, the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120, and the radial position of the second holding surface 120, so that the position of the junction point 124 is fixed relative to the rotation centers C1 and C2 of each drum, and the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 at the junction point 124 is close to zero.

[0084] Specifically, through the cooperation of the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112, and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114, the second holding surface 120 moves parallel to and at a constant speed at the tangent at the intersection point 124 of the first holding surface 116. Therefore, at the intersection point 124, the angle of the second holding surface 120 relative to the first holding surface 116 is maintained at a constant value. Furthermore, the second holding surface 120 moves linearly. Thus, the position of the intersection point 124 can be fixed relative to the rotation center C1 of the first drum 104 and the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108. For example, the position of the intersection point 124 is fixed on the same straight line L as the rotation center C1 of the first drum 104 and the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108. Furthermore, the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the intersection point 124 is close to zero. For example, the relative movement speed is substantially zero until the sheet W is completely joined.

[0085] First, such as Figure 4 As shown in (a), the second holding surface 120 is tilted further forward than the reference tilt posture due to the action of the tilt adjustment mechanism 110. Furthermore, due to the action of the speed adjustment mechanism 112, its movement speed is reduced further than the reference speed, and it is displaced further rearward from the reference position. Additionally, due to the action of the radius position adjustment mechanism 114, it protrudes towards the side of the first holding surface 116, which is closer to the reference radius direction position. In this state, the second holding head 106 enters the junction position IV. Thus, a junction point 124 is formed at the leading edge of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 in the movement direction. The junction point 124 is located on the straight line L connecting the rotation center C1 and the rotation center C2. The first holding head 102 sequentially junctions with the second holding head 106 from the portion of the sheet W passing through the junction point 124.

[0086] During the movement of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 gradually reduces the tilt of the second holding surface 120, bringing it closer to the reference tilt angle. Furthermore, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 accelerates the second holding surface 120 in the direction of travel and maintains the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the junction point 124 at approximately zero. Additionally, the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 gradually moves the second holding surface 120 away from the first holding surface 116, bringing it closer to the reference radial position. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown in (b), the junction point 124 remains on the straight line L and reaches the midpoint of both the first retaining surface 116 and the second retaining surface 120. In this state, the second retaining surface 120 takes the reference tilt angle, the reference front-back position, and the reference radius direction position. Therefore, the second retaining surface 120 is perpendicular to the straight line L.

[0087] As the first retaining head 102 and the second retaining head 106 advance further, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 causes the second retaining surface 120 to gradually tilt backward from the reference tilt angle. Furthermore, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 maintains the accelerated state of the second retaining surface 120 and keeps the relative movement speed of the first retaining surface 116 and the second retaining surface 120 at the junction point 124 approximately zero. Additionally, the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 causes the second retaining surface 120 to gradually approach the first retaining surface 116 from the reference radius position. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown in (c), the junction point 124 maintains its position on the straight line L as it reaches the rear end of the movement direction of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120. Through the above actions, the junction of the sheet W from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120 is completed.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the second holding head 106 receiving the sheet W moves to a position V on the circumference of the second drum 108 due to the rotation of the second drum 108. A camera 162 is disposed at position V on the circumference. The state of the sheet W and its position on the second holding surface 120 are detected by the camera 162.

[0089] Furthermore, each of the second holding heads 106 moves sequentially towards the stacking position VI opposite to the stacking stage 30 due to the rotation of the second drum 108, and discharges the held sheet W onto the stacking stage 30, thereby stacking multiple sheets W. While the sheet W is being discharged from the second holding head 106 onto the stacking stage 30, the stacking stage 30 adjusts its X-axis position, Y-axis position, and tilt angle based on the detection results of the camera 162. This adjustment enables high-precision stacking of the sheet W.

[0090] In this embodiment, each of the second holding heads 106 brings the second holding surface 120 close to the stacking table 30 at the stacking position VI and discharges the sheet W. The displacement of the second holding surface 120 can be achieved by the radius position adjustment mechanism 114. Furthermore, the second holding head 106 is displaced rearward in the moving direction at the stacking position VI to counteract the movement of the second holding surface 120 caused by the rotation of the second drum 108. Thus, the sheet W can be stacked on the stacking table 30 in the circumferential direction of the second drum 108 while the second holding surface 120 appears to be stationary. The displacement of the second holding head 106 can be achieved by the speed adjustment mechanism 112.

[0091] Furthermore, the curve shape of each cam constituting the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112, and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 can be appropriately set based on the position or posture of the second holding surface 120, according to the designer's geometric calculations or simulations.

[0092] In the above description, the sheet W is transferred from the curved first holding surface 116 to the planar second holding surface 120, but the transfer of the sheet W can also be reversed. Furthermore, in the above description, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 adjusts the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 by displacing the second holding head 106 in the rotational direction in accordance with the rotation of the second drum 108, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 can also adjust the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 by displacing the first holding head 102 in the rotational direction in accordance with the rotation of the first drum 104. In this case, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 can be composed of the drive portion 118 of each of the first holding heads 102. That is, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 can adjust the relative movement speed by displacing each of the first holding surfaces 116 and the first drum 104 in a corresponding rotational direction, or by displacing each of the second holding surfaces 120 and the second drum 108 in a corresponding rotational direction, or both.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above description, the separator cutting drum 12 corresponds to the first drum 104, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is also possible that the first drum 104 is relative to the drum in which the unit laminate is received from the separator cutting drum 12 and the stacking drum 14 is located between the separator cutting drum 12 and the stacking drum 14. In addition, the second drum 108 is not limited to the stacking drum 14, and the sheet W held by the second holding head 106 can also be transferred to a mechanism other than the stacking table 30. Furthermore, the sheet W is not limited to the unit laminate with electrode plates and separators; it can be either an electrode body or a separator, or a component other than a battery component. That is, the sheet conveying device 100 is applicable not only to the manufacture of laminated electrode bodies or batteries using such laminated electrode bodies, but also to the manufacture of thin film materials including capacitors or flexible substrates, or products using such thin film materials.

[0094] As described above, the sheet conveying device 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of first holding heads 102, a first drum 104, a plurality of second holding heads 106, a second drum 108, an inclination adjustment mechanism 110, a speed adjustment mechanism 112, and a radius position adjustment mechanism 114.

[0095] A plurality of first holding heads 102 have first holding surfaces 116 for holding the curved shape of the sheet W. A first drum 104 holds the plurality of first holding heads 102 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction with each first holding surface 116 facing outward, and rotates along a first direction D1, thereby causing the plurality of first holding heads 102 to be circumferential. A plurality of second holding heads 106 have second holding surfaces 120 for holding the planar shape of the sheet W. A second drum 108 holds the plurality of second holding heads 106 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction with each second holding surface 120 facing outward, and rotates along a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, thereby causing the plurality of second holding heads 106 to be circumferential.

[0096] The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 adjusts the tilt of the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction R of the second drum 108. The speed adjustment mechanism 112 adjusts the relative movement speed of the set of first holding heads 102 and second holding heads 106 that exchange sheet W. The radius position adjustment mechanism 114 adjusts the position of each of the second holding surfaces 120 in the radial direction R of the second drum 108.

[0097] The first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106, which hold the sheet W but not the other, move towards the intersection position IV of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 due to the rotation of the drums. The sheet W is then transferred between the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 after the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 have adjusted the tilt of the second holding surface 120, the relative moving speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 and the radial position of the second holding surface 120.

[0098] When a sheet W is joined between a curved first holding surface 116 and a planar second holding surface 120, there is a risk that shear forces or other loads may be applied to the sheet W due to changes in the relative position or relative velocity of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the joint point 124. In contrast, by adjusting the state of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 using the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, the speed adjustment mechanism 112, and the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 while joining the sheet W, the variation in the spacing between the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the joint point 124 during the joining of the sheet W can be suppressed. For example, the relative displacement of the two holding surfaces can be suppressed to less than 0.5 mm, and further suppressed to zero. Furthermore, the relative movement velocity of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the joint point 124 can be stabilized. Therefore, the load applied to the sheet W during joining can be reduced. Furthermore, it can suppress the formation of wrinkles or deviations from the target junction position of the sheet W on the second retaining surface 120.

[0099] Furthermore, the sheet conveying device 100 according to this embodiment can transfer sheet W in a single-piece state, thus increasing the design freedom of processes after the sheet W is conveyed by the second drum 108. Moreover, since sheet W can be transferred while the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 are moved, the throughput of the sheet conveying device 100 can be increased.

[0100] Furthermore, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, speed adjustment mechanism 112, and radius position adjustment mechanism 114 of this embodiment adjust the tilt of the second holding surface 120, the relative moving speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106, and the radial position of the second holding surface 120, so that the position of the junction point 124 is fixed relative to the rotation center C1 of the first drum 104 and the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108, and the relative moving speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 at the junction point 124 is close to zero.

[0101] During the transfer of sheet W, when the transfer point 124 moves toward the first drum 104 or the second drum 108, the relative position or relative velocity of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 may change due to the position of the transfer point 124 when the relative positions of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 deviate from their designed positions, potentially placing a load on the sheet W. Therefore, high-precision alignment of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 is required. In contrast, in this embodiment, because the transfer point 124 is fixed relative to the first drum 104 and the second drum 108, the degree of freedom in the relative positional relationship of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 can be increased. Therefore, the assembly operation of the sheet conveying device 100 becomes easier, and the design freedom of the sheet conveying device 100 can be increased.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the second holding heads 106 moves sequentially to a stacking position VI opposite to the stacking table 30 due to the rotation of the second drum 108, and discharges the held sheet W onto the stacking table 30, thereby stacking multiple sheets W. As an example, the sheet W is a unit stack containing the electrode plates of a battery. This allows for improvements in battery lead time and throughput. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the second holding heads 106 brings the second holding surface 120 close to the stacking table 30 at the stacking position VI. This simplifies the structure of the sheet conveying device 100 compared to fixing the second holding surface 120 and bringing the stacking table 30 close to the second holding surface 120.

[0103] (Implementation Method 2)

[0104] Except for the absence of the radius position adjustment mechanism 114, Embodiment 2 has a configuration that is largely the same as that of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with a focus on the configuration that differs from that of Embodiment 1, while the common configuration will be described simply or omitted.

[0105] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sheet conveying device 100 according to Embodiment 2. Additionally, in Figure 5 The illustrations of the cams and guide rails 158 set on the fixed plate 154 are omitted. The sheet conveying device 100 includes a plurality of first holding heads 102, a first drum 104, a plurality of second holding heads 106, a second drum 108, a tilt adjustment mechanism 110, and a speed adjustment mechanism 112.

[0106] Each first holding head 102 has a curved first holding surface 116. A plurality of first holding heads 102 are held by a first drum 104. The first drum 104 holds the plurality of first holding heads 102 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each first holding surface 116 facing outwards from the cylinder. The first drum 104 rotates about a rotation center C1 along a first direction D1, thereby causing the plurality of first holding heads 102 to circumferentially rotate. Each first holding head 102 has a drive portion 118 and is capable of moving independently relative to the other first holding heads 102 along the circumferential direction of the first drum 104.

[0107] Each second holding head 106 has a planar second holding surface 120. A plurality of second holding heads 106 are held by a second drum 108. The second drum 108 holds the plurality of second holding heads 106 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each second holding surface 120 facing outwards from the cylinder. The second drum 108 rotates about a rotation center C2 along a second direction D2, thereby causing the plurality of second holding heads 106 to circumferentially rotate. The second drum 108 is positioned near the first drum 104, forming an intersection position IV where the first holding surfaces 116 and the second holding surfaces 120 are opposite each other. Each first holding head 102 holding the sheet W and each second holding head 106 not holding the sheet W moves sequentially to the intersection position IV due to the rotation of each drum.

[0108] In the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120, which are opposite to each other, a junction point 124 of the sheet W is formed at the position closest to each other. As each head moves, the junction point 124 moves on each holding surface. When the sheet W is transferred from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120 while maintaining the rotation of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108, there is a risk that shear forces and other loads will be applied to the sheet W. In contrast, the sheet conveying device 100 of this embodiment uses a tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and a speed adjustment mechanism 112 to reduce the load applied to the sheet W. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second holding head 106, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110, and the speed adjustment mechanism 112.

[0109] The second holding head 106 has a head 126, a base plate 130, and a connecting rod portion 132. The head 126 is generally flat, and the main surface of the second drum 108 facing outward in the radial direction R constitutes a second holding surface 120. A rocking shaft 136 is provided on the main surface of the head 126 facing inward in the radial direction R, and the head 126 is connected to the base plate 130 via the rocking shaft 136. The head 126 is fixed to the rocking shaft 136, and the base plate 130 slidably holds the rocking shaft 136. Furthermore, one end of a generally rod-shaped arm portion 164 is connected to the rocking shaft 136. A first cam follower 134 is provided at the other end of the arm portion 164. When the arm portion 164 rotates, the rocking shaft 136 and the head 126 rotate accordingly. As a result, the inclination of the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction R can be changed.

[0110] The base plate 130 has an elongated hole 140 extending generally along the radial direction R. The connecting rod portion 132 is a generally "L"-shaped member, having: a first portion 142 extending generally along the radial direction R; and a second portion 144 extending generally at a right angle from the end of the first portion 142 inside the radial direction R. The end of the first portion 142 outside the radial direction R is connected to the elongated hole 140 via a third cam follower 146. Thus, displacement of the third cam follower 146 in the radial direction R is permitted corresponding to the length of the elongated hole 140, which is generated by the rotation of the connecting rod portion 132 about the connecting rod shaft 148.

[0111] A connecting rod shaft 148 is provided at the intersection of part 142 and part 144 (the corner of the "L" shape). The connecting rod shaft 148 is connected to the second drum 108 and rotates with the second drum 108. The connecting rod portion 132, the base plate 130, and the head 126 are connected to the second drum 108 via the connecting rod shaft 148. Therefore, since the connecting rod shaft 148 rotates with the second drum 108, the connecting rod portion 132, the base plate 130, and the head 126 move in conjunction along the circumferential direction of the second drum 108. A fourth cam follower 150 is provided at the front end of part 144.

[0112] The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 is a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the second holding surface 120 relative to the radial direction of the second drum 108. The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 is composed of a cam mechanism including a first cam 152 and a first cam follower 134. A circular fixed plate 154 that does not follow the rotation of the second drum 108 is provided on the second drum 108. The first cam 152 is provided on the fixed plate 154. The center of the fixed plate 154 is configured to overlap with the rotation center C2 of the second drum 108. The first cam 152 extends along the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 154. As an example, the first cam 152 is a slotted cam provided on the main surface of the fixed plate 154. The first cam follower 134 slidably abuts against the first cam 152 and moves along the first cam 152 as the second drum 108 rotates.

[0113] The first cam 152 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. However, the portion extending into the first cam 152 that includes the area of ​​the junction position IV is offset from the base circle, causing a change in the inclination of the second retaining surface 120. The area including the junction position IV includes, for example, a predetermined area that contacts the junction position IV on the rear side of the second retaining head 106 in the direction of movement, and the junction position IV itself.

[0114] For example, when the first cam 152 bends towards the base circle in a direction away from the center of the circle, the first cam follower 134 passing through this part will displace outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the arm 164 will rotate in the second direction D2. Due to the rotation of the arm 164, the rocker shaft 136 and the head 126 will rotate in the second direction D2. Consequently, the front end of the second holding head 106 of the second holding surface 120 in the travel direction will displace inward in the radial direction R. On the other hand, when the first cam 152 bends towards the base circle in a direction close to the center of the circle, the first cam follower 134 passing through this part will displace inward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the arm 164 will rotate in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. Due to the rotation of the arm 164, the rocker shaft 136 and the head 126 will rotate in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. As a result, the front end of the second holding head 106 of the second holding surface 120 in the direction of travel will be displaced outward in the radial direction R.

[0115] The speed adjustment mechanism 112 is a mechanism for adjusting the relative movement speed of a set of first holding heads 102 and second holding heads 106 for the transfer of sheet W. For the first holding head 102, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 of this embodiment sets the movement speed to a constant throughout the entire circumference of the first drum 104. On the other hand, for the second holding head 106, the movement speed in a predetermined area that contacts the transfer position IV on the rearward side of the movement direction and in the transfer position IV are different from the movement speed in other areas. Therefore, in the transfer position IV, the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 is adjusted.

[0116] The speed adjustment mechanism 112 of this embodiment is composed of a cam mechanism including a second cam 156 and a fourth cam follower 150. The second cam 156 is provided on the fixed plate 154. The second cam 156 extends in the circumferential direction of the fixed plate 154. As an example, the second cam 156 is a slotted cam provided on the main surface of the fixed plate 154. The fourth cam follower 150 slidably abuts against the second cam 156 and moves along the second cam 156 as the second drum 108 rotates.

[0117] The second cam 156 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. However, the portion extending into the second cam 156 that includes the area of ​​the intersection position IV is offset from the base circle, thereby adjusting the relative movement speed of the first retaining head 102 and the second retaining head 106.

[0118] For example, when the second cam 156 bends towards the base circle in a direction away from the center of the circle, the fourth cam follower 150 passing through this part will displace outward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the connecting rod portion 132 rotates about the connecting rod axis 148 in the second direction D2, and the third cam follower 146 displaces in the moving direction of the second retaining head 106. The base plate 130 is slidably fitted into the guide rail 158 provided on the fixed plate 154. The guide rail 158 has a shape based on a circle concentric with the second drum 108. Therefore, the base plate 130 slides on the guide rail 158 in the moving direction of the second retaining head 106 along with the displacement of the third cam follower 146. As a result, the moving speed of the second retaining head 106 increases.

[0119] On the other hand, when the second cam 156 bends towards the base circle in a direction close to the center of the circle, the fourth cam follower 150 passing through this part will displace inward in the radial direction R of the second drum 108. As a result, the connecting rod portion 132 rotates about the connecting rod axis 148 in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, and the third cam follower 146 displaces in the opposite direction of the movement direction of the second holding head 106. Accompanying the displacement of the third cam follower 146, the base plate 130 slides on the guide rail 158 in the opposite direction of the movement direction of the second holding head 106. As a result, the moving speed of the second holding head 106 decreases.

[0120] When the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 reach the handover position IV, the tilt of the second holding surface 120 and the relative moving speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 are adjusted by the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and the speed adjustment mechanism 112, and the sheet W is handed over from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120.

[0121] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the sheet conveying device 100. Additionally, in Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 In (c), the illustrations of each cam and guide rail 158 are omitted. The tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and speed adjustment mechanism 112 of this embodiment adjust the tilt of the second holding surface 120 and the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120, so that the junction point 124 moves parallel to the first holding surface 116, and the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 at the junction point 124 is close to zero.

[0122] Specifically, through the cooperation of the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and the speed adjustment mechanism 112, the second holding surface 120 oscillates in a manner that traces an arc along the curved surface of the first holding surface 116. That is, the second holding surface 120 rolls on the surface of the first holding surface 116, causing the tilt angle to change. As a result, the junction point 124 moves parallel to the curved surface of the first holding surface 116. Furthermore, the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the junction point 124 is close to zero. As an example, the relative movement speed is essentially zero until the junction of the sheet W is completed.

[0123] First, such as Figure 7As shown in (a), the second holding surface 120 is tilted further forward than the reference tilt posture due to the action of the tilt adjustment mechanism 110. Furthermore, due to the action of the speed adjustment mechanism 112, its movement speed is reduced further than the reference speed, and it is displaced further rearward from the reference position. In this state, the second holding head 106 enters the junction position IV. Thus, a junction point 124 is formed at the leading edge of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 in the direction of movement. The junction point 124 is located ahead of the straight line L connecting the rotation centers C1 and C2 in the direction of movement of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120. The first holding head 102 sequentially junctions with the second holding head 106 from the portion of the sheet W passing through the junction point 124.

[0124] During the movement of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 gradually reduces the tilt of the second holding surface 120, thereby approaching the reference tilt angle. Furthermore, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 accelerates the second holding surface 120 in the direction of travel and maintains the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the junction point 124 approximately zero. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the junction point 124 moves parallel to the first holding surface 116 while reaching the midpoint between the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120. In this state, the second holding surface 120 takes a reference tilt angle and a reference front-to-back position. Therefore, the second holding surface 120 is perpendicular to the line L. Furthermore, the junction point 124 is located on the line L.

[0125] As the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 advance further, the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 causes the second holding surface 120 to gradually tilt backward from the reference tilt angle. Furthermore, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 maintains the accelerated state of the second holding surface 120 and keeps the relative movement speed of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120 at the junction point 124 approximately zero. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (c), the junction point 124 moves parallel to the first holding surface 116 and reaches the rear end of the moving direction of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120. The junction point 124 is located behind the moving direction of the first holding surface 116 and the second holding surface 120, more so than the straight line L. Through the above actions, the junction of the sheet W from the first holding surface 116 to the second holding surface 120 is completed.

[0126] like Figure 5As shown, the second holding head 106 receiving the sheet W moves to position V on the circumference of the second drum 108 due to the rotation of the second drum 108. The state of the sheet W or its position on the second holding surface 120 is detected by the camera 162. Furthermore, each second holding head 106 moves sequentially to a stacking position VI opposite to the stacking table 30 due to the rotation of the second drum 108, and discharges the held sheet W onto the stacking table 30, thereby stacking multiple sheets W.

[0127] In this embodiment, each of the second holding heads 106 brings the second holding surface 120 close to the stacking table 30 and discharges the sheet W at the stacking position VI. The displacement of the second holding surface 120 can be achieved by providing a position adjustment mechanism 114, which only displaces the second holding surface 120 in the radial direction R of the second drum 108 at the stacking position VI. Furthermore, the second holding head 106 displaces rearward in the moving direction at the stacking position VI to counteract the movement of the second holding surface 120 caused by the rotation of the second drum 108. This displacement of the second holding head 106 can be achieved by a speed adjustment mechanism 112.

[0128] Similar to Embodiment 1, the curve shape of each cam constituting the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and the speed adjustment mechanism 112 can be appropriately set based on geometric calculations or simulations by the designer. Alternatively, the sheet W may be transferred from the planar second holding surface 120 to the curved first holding surface 116. Furthermore, the speed adjustment mechanism 112 may adjust the relative movement speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 by displacing the first holding head 102 in the rotational direction in accordance with the rotation of the first drum 104. Furthermore, the first drum 104 is not limited to the separator cutting drum 12, and the second drum 108 is not limited to the stacking drum 14. Furthermore, the sheet W is not limited to a single stack.

[0129] In the sheet conveying device 100 of this embodiment, the tilt angle of the second holding surface 120 and the relative moving speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 are adjusted by the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and the speed adjustment mechanism 112, so that the junction point 124 moves parallel to the first holding surface 116, and the relative moving speed of the first holding head 102 and the second holding head 106 at the junction point 124 is close to zero. With this configuration, the load applied to the sheet W can be reduced when transferring the sheet W from a curved surface to a flat surface. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, the design freedom of processes after the sheet W conveyed by the second drum 108 can be increased, or the throughput of the sheet conveying device 100 can be improved.

[0130] That is, when at least the tilt adjustment mechanism 110 and the speed adjustment mechanism 112 are provided, the load applied to the sheet W during the transition from the curved surface to the flat surface can be reduced. On the other hand, since the radius position adjustment mechanism 114 is not provided in this embodiment, the position of the junction point 124 relative to the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 cannot be fixed. In this case, the required positional accuracy of the first drum 104 and the second drum 108 becomes higher. However, corresponding to the absence of the radius position adjustment mechanism 114, the movable portion of the second holding head 106 is reduced, thus reducing the number of components constituting the second holding head 106. Therefore, the rigidity of the second holding head 106 can be improved, and it is easier to achieve high-speed operation of the sheet conveying device 100.

[0131] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are not merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure, and various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the claims. New embodiments with design changes combine the effects of both the combined embodiments and the variations. In the foregoing embodiments, the phrases "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment" are added to emphasize the possibility of such design changes, but design changes are permissible even in the absence of such descriptions. Any combination of the above constituent elements is also valid as a solution of this disclosure. The shadows attached to the cross-sections of the drawings do not limit the material of the object to which the shadows are attached.

Claims

1. A sheet conveying device, comprising: Multiple first retaining heads, each having a first retaining surface for retaining the curved shape of the sheet. The first drum holds a plurality of the aforementioned first holding heads at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each first holding surface facing outwards, and rotates along a first direction, thereby causing the plurality of the aforementioned first holding heads to circumferentially rotate. A plurality of second retaining heads, each having a second retaining surface for retaining the planar shape of the aforementioned sheet, The second drum holds the plurality of the aforementioned second holding heads at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction, with each second holding surface facing outwards, and rotates in a second direction opposite to the aforementioned first direction, thereby causing the plurality of the aforementioned second holding heads to circumferentially rotate. The tilt adjustment mechanism adjusts the tilt of the second retaining surface relative to the radial direction of the second drum. A speed adjustment mechanism that adjusts the relative movement speed of the first holding head and the second holding head that are used for the transfer of the aforementioned sheets; The first holding head and the second holding head, which hold the sheet in one and do not hold the sheet in the other, move their first holding surfaces and second holding surfaces to a position of intersection due to the rotation of each drum. With the tilt and relative movement speed adjusted by the tilt adjustment mechanism and the speed adjustment mechanism, the sheet is transferred between the first holding surface and the second holding surface.

2. The sheet conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein, The junction of the aforementioned sheets is formed at the position where they are closest to each other in the first and second retaining surfaces that are opposite to each other; The tilt adjustment mechanism and the speed adjustment mechanism adjust the tilt and the relative movement speed so that the junction point moves parallel to the first holding surface and the relative movement speed at the junction point is close to zero.

3. The sheet conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein, It includes a radius position adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of each of the second holding surfaces in the radial direction of the second drum.

4. The sheet conveying device as described in claim 3, wherein, The junction of the aforementioned sheets is formed at the position where they are closest to each other in the first and second retaining surfaces that are opposite to each other; The tilt adjustment mechanism, speed adjustment mechanism and radius position adjustment mechanism adjust the tilt, relative movement speed and radius position of the second holding surface, so that the position of the junction point is fixed relative to the rotation center of each drum and the relative movement speed at the junction point is close to zero.

5. The sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each second holding head receives the sheet from each first holding head, moves sequentially to the stacking position opposite the stacking table due to the rotation of the second drum, and discharges the held sheet onto the stacking table, thereby stacking multiple sheets.

6. The sheet conveying device as described in claim 5, wherein, Each second holding head is positioned at the aforementioned stacking location, such that the second holding surface is close to the aforementioned stacking platform.

7. The sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The aforementioned sheet material includes at least one of the battery's electrode plate and separator.

8. The sheet conveying device as described in claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned sheet material includes at least one of the battery's electrode plate and separator.

9. The sheet conveying device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned sheet material includes at least one of the battery's electrode plate and separator.

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