Insulation checking device

Abstract

The insulation inspection device (100) includes: a conveying section (102) for conveying a stacked electrode (32), the stacked electrode (32) being formed by sequentially stacking a first partition (34), a first electrode plate (36), a second partition (38), and a second electrode plate (40); a pressure roller (104) for pressing the stacked electrode (32) relative to the conveying section (102); a first terminal (106) electrically connected to the first electrode plate (36); and a second terminal (108) connected to the first electrode plate (36). The two electrode plates (40) are electrically connected, and when the first partition plate (34) is disposed on the side of the conveying section (102), it is electrically connected to the conveying section (102), and when the first partition plate (34) is disposed on the side of the pressure roller (104), it is electrically connected to the pressure roller (104); and the insulation inspection section (110) is connected to the first terminal (106) and the second terminal (108) to apply voltage to the stacked electrode (32) and inspect the insulation status of the stacked electrode (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an insulation inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] A laminated battery has been developed for use in vehicles and other applications. This battery has a structure in which a laminated electrode assembly and an electrolyte are contained within a container. The laminated electrode assembly is formed by alternately stacking multiple positive electrode plates and multiple negative electrode plates with separators between them. One method for forming the laminated electrode assembly involves forming multiple laminated electrodes, each consisting of two electrode plates and two separators, as the constituent units of the assembly, and then sequentially stacking these electrodes to complete the laminated electrode assembly. When forming the laminated electrode assembly using this method, it is preferable to pre-check the insulation of each laminated electrode before stacking.

[0003] Regarding insulation testing of stacked electrodes, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following method: a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are overlapped with each other with a separator to form a sheet electrode stack, the sheet electrode stack is clamped with a pair of electrode rollers and a voltage is applied between the electrode rollers, thereby measuring the resistance value of the sheet electrode stack.

[0004] [Prior Technology Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-170134 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the aforementioned conventional insulation inspection, the stacked electrodes are clamped by a pair of electrode rollers. Therefore, insulation defects in the stacked electrodes can only be detected when there are openings or other insulation failures in the separators on either side, or when foreign matter mixed into the electrode plates is large enough to penetrate both separators. In other words, it is difficult to detect insulation defects in the stacked electrodes when insulation defects occur only in one separator, or when the conductive foreign matter mixed into the electrode plates is small. Therefore, there is room for improvement in insulation inspection performance. Furthermore, even foreign matter small enough not to penetrate both separators can dissolve in the electrolyte and precipitate on the electrode surface, growing into dendrites and causing short circuits; therefore, it is desirable to detect such foreign matter as insulation defects.

[0009] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a technique for improving the performance of insulation inspection of stacked electrodes.

[0010] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is an insulation inspection device. The device includes: a transport section for transporting stacked electrodes, the stacked electrodes being formed by stacking a first partition, a first electrode plate, a second partition, and a second electrode plate in sequence; a pressure roller that presses the stacked electrodes relative to the transport section; a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode plate; a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode plate, and electrically connected to the transport section when the first partition is disposed on the transport section side, and electrically connected to the pressure roller when the first partition is disposed on the pressure roller side; and an insulation inspection section connected to the first and second terminals to apply voltage to the stacked electrodes and inspect the insulation state of the stacked electrodes.

[0012] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as schemes for converting the form of this disclosure between methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., are also valid as solutions to this disclosure.

[0013] [Invention Effects]

[0014] According to this disclosure, the performance of insulation testing of stacked electrodes can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stacked electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus equipped with the insulation inspection device of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a part of an insulation inspection device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a part of an insulation inspection device.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the relationship between the number of pressure rollers and the rotation angle of the conveyor section during insulation inspection.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insulation inspection device according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a part of the insulation inspection device according to Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insulation inspection device according to Embodiment 4. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present disclosure will now be described based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting, and not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments constitute the essential content of the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales and shapes of the parts shown in the figures are conveniently set for ease of explanation and are not interpreted as limiting unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, 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 used to distinguish one component from others. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, some less important components are omitted from the description of the embodiments.

[0023] (Implementation Method 1)

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a laminated electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus equipped with the insulation inspection device of Embodiment 1. As an example, the laminated electrode assembly 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 and separators by the drums, laminated electrodes and laminated electrode assemblies can be manufactured at high speed and continuously. Laminated electrode assemblies are used, for example, in lithium-ion secondary batteries.

[0025] The stacked electrode assembly 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, a bonding drum 10, an insulation inspection device 100, a partition cutting drum 12, and a stacking drum 14.

[0026] The first electrode cutting drum 2 is a drum that cuts a continuous mass of multiple first electrode plates into single-piece first electrode plates and transports them. In this embodiment, the first electrode is the negative electrode. A strip-shaped first electrode continuous mass N, which is a continuous mass of multiple first electrode plates, is supplied to the first electrode cutting drum 2. The first electrode continuous mass N has a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material layer. The first electrode active material layer is stacked on both sides or one side of the first electrode current collector.

[0027] 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, for example, a foil or porous body made of copper or aluminum. The first electrode active material layer is formed by coating a first electrode mixture slurry containing, for example, a first electrode active material such as graphite, a binder, and a dispersant onto the surface of the first electrode current collector, and then drying and calendering 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.

[0028] The first electrode cutting drum 2 has a plurality of holding heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum and a cutting blade for cutting the first electrode continuous N into multiple first electrode plates. 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 the outside of 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.

[0029] Multiple holding heads rotate around the central axis of the first pole cutting drum 2, and can move independently of each other along the circumference of the drum. Through independent driving of the holding heads, adjustments can be made to the cutting position of the first pole continuous N based on the cutting blade, and the position of the monolithic first pole plate. The first pole cutting drum 2 holds and rotates the supplied first pole continuous N, in… Figure 1 The diagram schematically shows the cutting position 16, which cuts the first electrode continuum N to generate the first electrode plate. The first electrode continuum N is cut by a cutting blade at a position between adjacent holding heads, monolithically dividing it 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 multiple generated first electrode plates are monitored by a camera or the like.

[0030] The first electrode heating drum 4 and the first electrode cutting drum 2 are positioned close to each other. The holding head of the first electrode cutting drum 2 temporarily accelerates or decelerates near its approach position to the first electrode heating drum 4 until its linear velocity is approximately the same as that 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 time when the relative velocity is approximately zero, the holding head discharges the adsorbed and held first electrode plate towards the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0031] The first electrode heating drum 4 holds and rotates the first electrode plate discharged from the first electrode cutting drum 2, preheating it via a built-in heater. This preheating is performed to thermally bond the separator to the first electrode plate in a subsequent bonding process. In this embodiment, the first electrode plate is heated at heating position 18, but this is not a limitation; for example, the first electrode plate can be heated over the entire circumferential area of ​​the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0032] The second electrode cutting drum 6 is a drum that cuts a continuous body of multiple second electrode plates into single-piece second electrode plates and transports them. 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 both sides or one side of the second electrode current collector.

[0033] Both the second electrode current collector and the second electrode active material layer can be made of known materials and have known structures. The second electrode current collector is, for example, a foil or porous body made of stainless steel or aluminum. The second electrode active material layer is formed by coating a second electrode mixture slurry containing, for example, a second electrode active material such as lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate, a binder, and a dispersant, onto the surface of the second electrode current collector, and then drying and calendering the coating. The thickness of the second electrode current collector is, for example, 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the second electrode active material layer is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0034] The second electrode cutting drum 6 has multiple holding heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum and a cutting blade that cuts the second electrode continuum P into multiple second electrode plates. The multiple holding heads have holding surfaces that hold and absorb the second electrode continuum P. The holding surfaces of each holding head face outwards from the second electrode cutting drum 6. The second electrode continuum P, supplied to the second electrode cutting drum 6, is conveyed by the rotation of the second electrode cutting drum 6 while being held and absorbed by the holding surfaces of the multiple holding heads.

[0035] Multiple holding heads rotate around the central axis of the second-pole cutting drum 6, and can move independently of each other along the circumference of the drum. Through independent driving of the holding heads, adjustments can be made to the cutting position of the second-pole continuous P based on the cutting blade, and the position of the monolithic second-pole plate. The second-pole cutting drum 6 holds and rotates the supplied second-pole continuous P, in… Figure 1 The diagram schematically shows the cutting position 20, which cuts the second electrode continuum P to generate a second electrode plate. The second electrode continuum P is cut by a cutting blade at a position between adjacent holding heads, monolithically dividing it 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 multiple generated second electrode plates are monitored by a camera or the like.

[0036] The second electrode heating drum 8 and the second electrode cutting drum 6 are positioned close to each other. The holding head of the second electrode cutting drum 6 temporarily accelerates or decelerates near its approach position to the second electrode heating drum 8 until its linear velocity is approximately the same as that of 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 towards the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0037] The second electrode heating drum 8 holds and rotates the second electrode plate discharged from the second electrode cutting drum 6, preheating it via a built-in heater. This preheating is performed to thermally bond the separator to the second electrode plate in a subsequent bonding process. 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 can be heated over the entire circumferential area of ​​the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0038] The bonding drum 10 is a drum forming a continuous laminated electrode body consisting of a first septum, a first electrode plate, a second septum, and a second electrode plate. The bonding drum 10 is configured close to the first electrode heating drum 2 and the second electrode heating drum 8. A plurality of continuous first septum strips S1 and a plurality of continuous second septum strips S2 are supplied to the bonding drum 10. A thermally adhesive layer is provided on the surface of each of the first septum strips S1 and the second septum strips S2. The thermally adhesive layer has the property of not exhibiting adhesiveness at room temperature but exhibiting adhesiveness upon heating.

[0039] Additionally, multiple first electrode plates are supplied from the first electrode cutting drum 2 to the bonding drum 10 via the first electrode heating drum 4, and multiple second electrode plates are supplied from the second electrode cutting drum 6 to the bonding drum 10 via the second electrode heating drum 8. The first electrode plates are preheated by the first electrode heating drum 4 and rotated and conveyed, and are discharged to the side of the bonding drum 10 at a position close to the first electrode heating drum 4. The second electrode plates are preheated by the second electrode heating drum 8 and rotated and conveyed, and are discharged to the side of the bonding drum 10 at a position close to the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0040] The first partition continuous S1, the first electrode plate, the second partition continuous S2, and the second electrode plate are arranged in the listed order relative to the supply position of the bonding drum 10, starting from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the bonding drum 10. Therefore, the first partition continuous S1 is first supplied to the bonding drum 10 at a predetermined position. The first partition continuous S1 is held and rotated within the bonding drum 10. Next, the first electrode plate is supplied from the first electrode heating drum 4 to the bonding drum 10 at a downstream side from the supply position of the first partition continuous S1 and placed on the first partition continuous S1. A plurality of first electrode plates are arranged on the first partition continuous S1 at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction of the first partition continuous S1.

[0041] Next, a second partition plate continuous body S2 is supplied to the bonding drum 10 at a position downstream of the first electrode plate supply position and placed on a plurality of first electrode plates. Then, at a position downstream of the second partition plate continuous body S2 supply position, the first partition plate continuous body S1, the plurality of first electrode plates, and the second partition plate continuous body S2 are pressed by the hot pressing roller 24. As a result, the first partition plate continuous body S1, each of the first electrode plates, and the second partition plate continuous body S2 are bonded together. Next, at a position downstream of the pressing position of the hot pressing roller 24, a second electrode plate is supplied from the second electrode heating drum 8 to the bonding drum 10 and placed on the second partition plate continuous body S2. A plurality of second electrode plates are arranged at predetermined intervals on the second partition plate continuous body S2 in the conveying direction of the second partition plate continuous body S2. Furthermore, the plurality of second electrode plates are bonded to the second partition plate continuous body S2 by the pressing pressure of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0042] Through the above processes, the first partition continuous S1, multiple first electrode plates, the second partition continuous S2, and multiple second electrode plates are stacked and bonded in this order to form a stacked electrode continuous 26. The stacked electrode continuous 26 has a structure in which electrodes composed of the first partition, first electrode plate, second partition, and second electrode plate are continuously connected by the first partition continuous S1 and the second partition continuous S2. Furthermore, since the second electrode plate is not supplied from the second electrode cutting drum 6 side, a three-layer structure without a second electrode plate can also be generated at regular intervals. Additionally, the unsupplied electrode plate can also be a first electrode plate.

[0043] The laminated electrode continuum 26 is conveyed from the bonding drum 10 to the insulation inspection device 100. In the insulation inspection device 100, the insulation condition of each laminated electrode is inspected. The construction of the insulation inspection device 100 will be described in detail later. After passing through the insulation inspection device 100, the laminated electrode continuum 26 is conveyed to the diaphragm cutting drum 12.

[0044] The septum cutting drum 12 is a drum that cuts the first septum continuous S1 and the second septum continuous S2 of the laminated electrode continuous 26 to monolithize them into multiple laminated electrodes. The septum cutting drum 12 has multiple holding heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum and a cutting blade for cutting the laminated electrode continuous 26 to monolithize it into multiple laminated electrodes. The multiple holding heads have holding surfaces that hold and adhere the laminated electrode continuous 26. The holding surfaces of each holding head face outwards from the septum cutting drum 12. The laminated electrode continuous 26 supplied to the septum cutting drum 12 is conveyed by the rotation of the septum cutting drum 12 while being held and adhered to the holding surfaces of the multiple holding heads.

[0045] Multiple holding heads can also rotate independently around the central axis of the partition cutting drum 12, and can move independently of each other along the circumference of the drum. By independently driving the holding heads, it is possible to adjust the cutting position of the stacked electrode continuum 26 based on the cutting blade, adjust the position of the monolithic stacked electrodes, etc.

[0046] The diaphragm-cutting drum 12 holds and rotates the supplied stacked electrode continuum 26, allowing it to be conveyed. Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows the cutting position 28 where the stacked electrode continuum 26 is cut. The stacked electrode continuum 26 is cut by a cutting blade at a position between adjacent holding heads, becoming a single stacked electrode. At this time, the first partition continuous S1 and the second partition continuous S2 of the stacked electrode continuum 26 are cut between adjacent electrode plates in the transport direction. The resulting stacked electrodes are transported while being held in place by their respective holding heads. The holding heads discharge the held stacked electrodes toward the stacking drum 14. The positions of the generated multiple stacked electrodes are monitored by a camera or the like.

[0047] The stacked drum 14 is a drum in which multiple stacked electrodes are stacked on the stacking stage 30 to form a stacked electrode assembly. The stacked drum 14 has multiple stacking heads arranged along the circumferential direction of the drum. Each stacking head has a holding surface for adsorbing and holding the stacked electrodes. The holding surface of each stacking head faces the outer side of the stacked drum 14. The multiple stacking heads rotate about the central axis of the stacked drum 14 respectively, and can move independently relative to each other along the circumferential direction of the drum. By independently driving the stacking heads, while maintaining the rotation of the stacked drum 14 at a certain angular velocity, each stacking head can be stopped at a stacking position opposite to the stacking stage 30. By stopping the stacking heads at a position opposite to the stacking stage 30, the stacked electrodes adsorbed and held by the stacking heads can be discharged onto the stacking stage 30 with high positional accuracy.

[0048] The stacking stage 30 is positioned directly below the stacking drum 14. Stacked electrodes discharged from the stacking drum 14 are sequentially stacked on the stacking stage 30, thus forming a stacked electrode assembly. The stacking head 30 can be driven in mutually orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the stacking stage 30 can be adjusted in its tilt angle in the XY plane. This allows adjustment of the position and tilt angle of the stacked electrodes discharged from the stacking drum 14 relative to the stacked electrodes already stacked on the stacking stage 30 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0049] Next, the insulation inspection device 100 will be described in detail. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a part of the insulation inspection device 100. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insulation inspection device 100. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the insulation inspection section is omitted. Additionally, in Figure 3 The conveyor unit 102 is schematically illustrated in the diagram. Additionally, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 For ease of illustration, the stacked electrode 32 in a single-unit state is shown in the figure.

[0050] The insulation inspection device 100 includes a conveying section 102, a pressure roller 104, a first terminal 106, a second terminal 108, and an insulation inspection section 110. The conveying section 102 is a mechanism for conveying the stacked electrode 32. In this embodiment, the conveying section 102 is composed of a conveying roller. The conveying section 102 has a holding surface 102a for holding the stacked electrode 32. The holding surface 102a is provided throughout the entire circumference of the conveying roller. The stacked electrode 32 has a structure in which a first partition 34, a first electrode plate 36, a second partition 38, and a second electrode plate 40 are stacked in this order. In this embodiment, the stacked electrode 32 is placed on the holding surface 102a with the first partition 34 facing the conveying section 102. Therefore, the first partition 34 is in contact with the holding surface 102a.

[0051] The pressure roller 104 is a mechanism that presses the laminated electrode 32 relative to the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 is arranged opposite the holding surface 102a at a predetermined interval and rotates as the laminated electrode 32 is conveyed. The laminated electrode 32 is conveyed by the conveying section 102 through the gap between the conveying section 102 and the pressure roller 104. The laminated electrode 32 is pressed against the holding surface 102a sequentially by the pressure roller 104 from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The pressure roller 104 abuts against the second electrode plate 40. The linear pressure of the pressure roller 104 is, for example, approximately 2 N / cm.

[0052] The first terminal 106 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 36. The first electrode plate 36 has a current-collecting connector 36a protruding from one side of the electrode plate extending along the transport direction of the stacked electrodes 32. The connector 36a protrudes from a portion of that side. Viewed from the stacking direction of the separators and electrode plates, the connector 36a protrudes to the outside of the first separator 34 and the second separator 38. The first terminal 106 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 36 by abutting against the connector 36a.

[0053] The second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 40. The second electrode plate 40 has a current-collecting connector 40a protruding from one side of the electrode plate extending along the transport direction of the stacked electrodes 32. The connector 40a protrudes from a portion of that side. Furthermore, the connector 40a is located on the same side as the connector 36a. Viewed from the stacking direction of the separators and electrode plates, the connector 40a protrudes to the outside of the first separator 34 and the second separator 38. The second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 40 by abutting against the connector 40a.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108 are provided on the holding surface 102a. On the holding surface 102a, a plurality of group terminals, each consisting of a first terminal 106 and a second terminal 108, are arranged at predetermined intervals along the transport direction of the stacked electrode 32. The interval between adjacent group terminals corresponds to the interval between two adjacent stacked electrodes 32 in the stacked electrode continuum 26. The interval between the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108 in each group corresponds to the interval between the connector portion 36a and the connector portion 40a in each stacked electrode 32.

[0055] Therefore, when the stacked electrode continuum 26 is held by the holding surface 102a, the connector portion 36a of each stacked electrode 32 can abut against the first terminal 106, and the connector portion 40a can abut against the second terminal 108. Thus, by simply placing the stacked electrode continuum 26 on the holding surface 102a, the electrical connection between the first electrode plate 36 and the first terminal 106, and the electrical connection between the second electrode plate 40 and the second terminal 108, can be completed.

[0056] Both the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108 are flat. Furthermore, since the orientation of the stacked electrode 32 is determined by the first partition 34 being in contact with the holding surface 102a, the connector 40a is positioned further away from the holding surface 102a than the connector 36a. Therefore, the thickness of the second terminal 108 is set to be greater than the thickness of the first terminal 106. As a result, when the stacked electrode 32 is placed on the holding surface 102a, the first terminal 106 and the connector 34a, and the second terminal 108 and the connector 40a, can be made to contact more reliably.

[0057] The first terminal 106 is electrically insulated from the conveying section 102. On the other hand, the second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the conveying section 102. At least the holding surface 102a of the conveying section 102 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The first terminal 106 is fixed to the holding surface 102a via an insulating sheet (not shown) or an insulating adhesive. Thus, the first terminal 106 is electrically insulated from the conveying section 102. On the other hand, the second terminal 108 is fixed to the holding surface 102a directly or via a conductive adhesive or the like. Thus, the second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the conveying section 102.

[0058] Therefore, connector 36a is electrically insulated from conveying section 102. On the other hand, connector 40a is electrically connected to conveying section 102 via second terminal 108. Furthermore, first terminal 106 is not connected to second electrode 40, and second terminal 108 is not connected to first electrode 36. Therefore, if there is no insulation failure in the stacked electrode 32, first terminal 106 is electrically insulated from second electrode 40, and second terminal 108 is electrically insulated from first electrode 36.

[0059] The insulation inspection unit 110 inspects the insulation condition of the stacked electrodes 32. As an example, the insulation inspection unit 110 includes a resistance measuring unit 111 and a judgment unit 112. The resistance measuring unit 111 is, for example, a known insulation resistance meter, and includes a power supply 114, an ammeter 116, and a voltmeter 118. The power supply 114 is connected to the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108, and applies a voltage to the stacked electrodes 32. The ammeter 116 is connected in series with the wiring connecting the power supply 114 and the second terminal 108. The voltmeter 118 is connected to the wiring connecting the power supply 114 and the first terminal 106, and the wiring connecting the power supply 114 and the second terminal 108.

[0060] The resistance measuring unit 111 applies a voltage to the laminated electrode 32 from the power supply 114, measures the leakage current generated in the laminated electrode 32 at this time using the ammeter 116, and measures the voltage using the voltmeter 118. The resistance measuring unit 111 calculates the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32 by dividing the measured voltage by the current. The resistance measuring unit 111 sends a signal indicating the obtained insulation resistance value to the judgment unit 112.

[0061] The judgment unit 112 determines the insulation state of the stacked electrodes 32 based on the measurement results of the resistance measuring unit 111. The judgment unit 112 is implemented as hardware by components and circuits, such as a computer's CPU and memory, and as software by a computer program. Figure 3 The diagram depicts functional blocks implemented through their collaboration. Those skilled in the art will naturally understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software.

[0062] For example, the judgment unit 112 pre-establishes a threshold value for the insulation resistance value, and determines that the insulation of the laminated electrode 32 is defective when the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32 is lower than this threshold value. Furthermore, the judgment unit 112 can also obtain voltage and current values ​​from the resistance measuring unit 111 to calculate the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32. Additionally, the insulation inspection unit 110 can also measure the current value while maintaining a constant voltage applied to the laminated electrode 32, and determine the insulation of the laminated electrode 32 is defective based on changes in the current value.

[0063] When a through hole or similar object is present in the first partition 34, or when a conductive foreign object is present that connects the first electrode plate 36 and the holding surface 102a, a closed circuit is formed including the power supply 114, the first terminal 106, the first electrode plate 36, the delivery section 102, and the second terminal 108, and current flows through it. Similarly, when a through hole or similar object is present in the second partition 38, or when a conductive foreign object is present that connects the first electrode plate 36 and the second electrode plate 40, a closed circuit is formed including the power supply 114, the first terminal 106, the first electrode plate 36, the second electrode plate 40, and the second terminal 108, and current flows through it.

[0064] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is insulation failure in either the first partition 34 or the second partition 38, or if the foreign matter mixed into the first electrode plate 36 or the second electrode plate 40 is so small that it does not penetrate the two partitions, insulation failure of the stacked electrode 32 can be detected.

[0065] The insulation inspection unit 110 can inspect the insulation status of the portions of the laminated electrode 32 pressed by the pressure roller 104. By pressing the laminated electrode 32 by the pressure roller 104, the thickness of the first partition 34 and the second partition 38 decreases, and the distance between the holding surface 102a and the first electrode plate 36, as well as the distance between the first electrode plate 36 and the second electrode plate 40, decreases. Consequently, at the position pressed by the pressure roller 104, a short circuit is formed between the holding surface 102a and the first electrode plate 36, or between the first electrode plate 36 and the second electrode plate 40, thus detecting insulation defects. The laminated electrode 32 flows downwards from the upstream side of the conveying direction as it is conveyed by the conveying unit 102, and is sequentially pressed by the pressure roller 104. The insulation inspection of the entire laminated electrode 32 ends when it has completely passed through the gap between the conveying unit 102 and the pressure roller 104.

[0066] The preferred insulation inspection apparatus 100 includes a plurality of pressure rollers 104 arranged along the transport direction of the stacked electrodes 32. The insulation inspection apparatus 100 of this embodiment has two pressure rollers 104. The insulation inspection of the stacked electrodes 32 is performed from the moment the front end of the stacked electrodes 32 reaches the downstreammost pressure roller 104 in the transport direction of the stacked electrodes 32 until the moment the rear end of the stacked electrodes 32 reaches the upstreammost pressure roller 104. Therefore, by including a plurality of pressure rollers 104, the area of ​​the stacked electrodes 32 pressed by each pressure roller 104 can be reduced during insulation inspection. In other words, the area pressed by each pressure roller 104 in a single operation of the stacked electrodes 32 can be increased. This reduces the rotation angle of the transport section 102 required for insulation inspection. Therefore, the time required for insulation inspection can be shortened.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of pressure rollers 104 and the rotation angle of the conveyor section 102 during insulation testing. The insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32 cannot be measured if the laminated electrode 32 is not in a charged state. Therefore, before pressurizing the laminated electrode 32 through the downstream pressure roller 104, it is necessary to start energizing the laminated electrode 32 from the power source 114. Therefore, the insulation test begins with the energization of the laminated electrode 32.

[0068] The timing for starting the insulation check is calculated based on the conveying speed of the laminated electrode 32 and the time required for charging the laminated electrode 32, and is determined based on the positional relationship between the laminated electrode 32 and the pressure roller 104. For example, the conveying speed of the laminated electrode 32 is 65 m / min, and the charging time required for the laminated electrode 32 is approximately 10 ms. Figure 4 As shown, with the 12 o'clock position of the conveyor roller as a reference (0°), when there is one pressure roller 104 at the 0° position, the timing for starting the insulation check is when the leading edge of the laminated electrode 32 is at a position of -4°. Furthermore, when there are two pressure rollers 104 at ±17° positions, the timing for starting the check is when the leading edge of the laminated electrode 32 is at a position of 12°. Additionally, when there are three pressure rollers 104, with one at the 0° position and the remaining two at ±26° positions, the timing for starting the check is when the leading edge of the laminated electrode 32 is at a position of 22°.

[0069] Simultaneously with the completion of charging of the stacked electrode 32, the leading edge of the stacked electrode 32 reaches the downstream pressure roller 104, and pressure application to the stacked electrode 32 begins. From this moment until the trailing edge of the stacked electrode 32 reaches the upstream pressure roller 104, the resistance value of the stacked electrode 32 is measured (under inspection). Once the trailing edge of the stacked electrode 32 reaches the upstream pressure roller 104, the pressure application to the entire area of ​​the stacked electrode 32, i.e., the measurement of its resistance value, ends. At this timing, the energizing of the stacked electrode 32 also ceases.

[0070] Furthermore, if a residual voltage remains on the stacked electrode 32, there is a concern that a short circuit may occur downstream of the insulation inspection device 100, potentially causing sparks. Therefore, it is preferable that the conveying unit 102 holds the stacked electrode 32 until the discharge of the stacked electrode 32 is complete. Thus, the insulation inspection of the stacked electrode 32 ends when the discharge of the stacked electrode 32 is complete. The time required from the cessation of power-on to the completion of discharge is, for example, approximately 10 ms.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, when there is only one pressure roller 104, the insulation test ends when the tip of the laminated electrode 32 is at a 90° position. When there are two pressure rollers 104, the insulation test ends when the tip of the laminated electrode 32 is at a 74° position. When there are three pressure rollers 104, the insulation test ends when the tip of the laminated electrode 32 is at a 63° position. Therefore, the required rotation angle for the insulation test is 94° when there is only one pressure roller 104, 62° when there are two pressure rollers, and 41° when there are three pressure rollers.

[0072] Based on the above results, it can be understood that by providing multiple pressure rollers 104, the time required for insulation inspection can be shortened. Furthermore, the arrangement of each pressure roller 104 relative to the conveyor section 102 is not limited to... Figure 4 The configuration shown is correct. Alternatively, there can be four or more pressure rollers 104. However, as the number of pressure rollers 104 increases, the disadvantages, such as increased cost, outweigh the advantages, such as reduced inspection time. Therefore, it is preferable to have three or fewer pressure rollers 104.

[0073] As described above, the insulation inspection device 100 of this embodiment includes: a conveying unit 102, which conveys a stacked electrode 32 formed by stacking a first partition 34, a first electrode 36, a second partition 38, and a second electrode 40 in that order, with the first partition 34 disposed on the conveying unit 102 side; a pressure roller 104 that presses the stacked electrode 32 relative to the conveying unit 102; a first terminal 106 electrically connected to the first electrode 36; a second terminal 108 electrically connected to the second electrode 40 and the conveying unit 102; and an insulation inspection unit 110, which is connected to the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108 to apply voltage to the stacked electrode 32 and inspect the insulation state of the stacked electrode 32.

[0074] Therefore, insulation defects in the stacked electrode 32 can be detected even if only either the first partition plate 34 or the first electrode plate 36 has an insulation defect. Furthermore, compared to checking the insulation state of the stacked electrode 32 by sandwiching its two outer sides with a pair of electrodes, insulation defects caused by smaller foreign objects can be detected. Thus, the performance of insulation inspection of the stacked electrode 32 is improved.

[0075] Furthermore, the insulation inspection device 100 according to this embodiment can perform inline insulation inspection. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the possibility of prolonged lead time for the production of the stacked electrode assembly due to insulation inspection of the stacked electrodes 32. Additionally, the insulation inspection device 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of pressure rollers 104 arranged along the transport direction of the stacked electrodes 32. This reduces the time required for insulation inspection of the stacked electrodes 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the possibility of slowing down the transport speed of the stacked electrodes 32 due to the placement of the insulation inspection device 100 on the transport line.

[0076] Furthermore, the transport section 102 has a holding surface 102a for holding the stacked electrodes 32, and the first terminal 106 and the second terminal 108 are provided on the holding surface 102a. Thus, while the stacked electrodes 32 are placed on the holding surface 102a, each electrode plate can be electrically connected to each terminal. In addition, each terminal follows the movement of the stacked electrodes 32. Therefore, the electrical connection between each electrode plate and each terminal can be maintained with a simpler structure.

[0077] (Implementation Method 2)

[0078] Embodiment 2 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except for the orientation of the stacked electrodes 32 placed in the transport section 102 and the structure of the insulation inspection device 100. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with a focus on the configuration that differs from Embodiment 1, and the common configuration will be described simply or omitted. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insulation inspection device 100 according to Embodiment 2. Furthermore, in Figure 5The conveying unit 102 is schematically illustrated. Additionally, for clarity, the stacked electrode 32 in a single-unit state is shown.

[0079] The insulation inspection device 100 includes a conveying section 102, a pressure roller 104, a first terminal 106, a second terminal 108, and an insulation inspection section 110. The conveying section 102 has a holding surface 102a. In this embodiment, the stacked electrode 32 is placed on the holding surface 102a with the second electrode plate 40 facing the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 presses the stacked electrode 32 against the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 abuts against the first partition 34 to press the stacked electrode 32 against the holding surface 102a. Therefore, the stacked electrode 32 is conveyed with the first partition 34 positioned on the side of the pressure roller 104. The pressure roller 104 is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0080] The first terminal 106 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 36. The first terminal 106 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 36 by abutting against the connector portion 36a. The second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 40. The second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 40 by abutting against the connector portion 40a. In addition, the first terminal 106 is electrically insulated from the pressure roller 104. On the other hand, the second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the pressure roller 104.

[0081] For example, the first terminal 106 is fixed to the holding surface 102a via an insulating sheet or insulating adhesive (not shown) and connected to the connector portion 36a. The second terminal 108 is divided into multiple parts; one part is fixed to the holding surface 102a via an insulating sheet or insulating adhesive (not shown) and connected to the connector portion 40a. Another part is electrically connected to the pressure roller 104. Therefore, the connector portions 36a and 40a are electrically insulated from the conveying section 102. Furthermore, the first terminal 106 is not connected to the second electrode plate 40, and the second terminal 108 is not connected to the first electrode plate 36.

[0082] As an example, the insulation inspection unit 110 includes a resistance measuring unit 111 and a judgment unit 112. The resistance measuring unit 111 includes a power supply 114, an ammeter 116, and a voltmeter 118. The resistance measuring unit 111 applies a voltage to the laminated electrode 32 from the power supply 114, measures the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32, and sends a signal indicating the measurement result to the judgment unit 112. The judgment unit 112 judges whether the laminated electrode 32 has poor insulation.

[0083] When a through hole or other obstruction exists in the first partition 34, or when a foreign object exists that connects the first electrode plate 36 and the pressure roller 104, a closed circuit is formed including the power supply 114, the first terminal 106, the first electrode plate 36, the pressure roller 104, and the second terminal 108, and current flows through it. Similarly, when a through hole or other obstruction exists in the second partition 38, or when a foreign object exists that connects the first electrode plate 36 and the second electrode plate 40, a closed circuit is formed including the power supply 114, the first terminal 106, the first electrode plate 36, the second electrode plate 40, and the second terminal 108, and current flows through it.

[0084] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when there is insulation failure in either the first partition 34 or the second partition 38, as in Embodiment 1, or when the foreign matter mixed into the first electrode plate 36 or the second electrode plate 40 is only to the extent that it does not penetrate the two partitions, insulation failure of the stacked electrode 32 can still be detected. Therefore, the performance of insulation inspection of the stacked electrode 32 can be improved.

[0085] (Implementation Method 3)

[0086] Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except for the structure of the stacked electrode 32 and the insulation inspection device 100. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with a focus on the configuration that differs from Embodiment 1, and the common configuration will be described simply or omitted. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of the insulation inspection device 100 according to Embodiment 3. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The circuit structure of the insulation inspection unit 110 is omitted in the illustration. For clarity, the stacked electrode 32 in its single-unit state is shown.

[0087] The stacked electrode 32 of this embodiment has a structure in which a first partition 34, a first electrode plate 36, a second partition 38, and a second electrode plate 40 are stacked in this order. The first electrode plate 36 has a connector portion 36a protruding from one side of the electrode plate extending along the transport direction of the stacked electrode 32. In this embodiment, the connector portion 36a protrudes throughout that side. The second electrode plate 40 has a connector portion 40a protruding from one side of the electrode plate extending along the transport direction of the stacked electrode 32. The connector portion 40a protrudes throughout that side. In addition, the connector portion 40a is disposed on the side opposite to the connector portion 36a.

[0088] The insulation inspection device 100 includes a conveying section 102, a pressure roller 104, a first terminal 106, a second terminal 108, and an insulation inspection section 110. The conveying section 102 has a holding surface 102a. A stacked electrode 32 is placed on the holding surface 102a with the first partition 34 facing the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 presses the stacked electrode 32 against the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 abuts against the second electrode plate 40 to press the stacked electrode 32 against the holding surface 102a.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first terminal 106 is composed of a probe having a roller at its front end. The roller of the first terminal 106 abuts against the connector portion 36a. The roller rotates as the stacked electrode 32 is conveyed, maintaining electrical connection with the connector portion 36a. The connector portion 36a is electrically insulated relative to the holding surface 102a by an insulating member existing between it and the holding surface 102a.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second terminal 108 is composed of a probe with a roller at its front end. The roller of the second terminal 108 abuts against the connector portion 40a. The roller rotates as the stacked electrode 32 is conveyed, maintaining electrical connection with the connector portion 40a. Furthermore, the connector portion 40a is electrically connected relative to the conveying portion 102 by being pressed against the holding surface 102a by the second terminal 108. Thus, the second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the holding surface 102a via the connector portion 40a. Alternatively, the second terminal 108 may be electrically connected to the holding surface 102a without via the connector portion 40a. Additionally, the first terminal 106 is not connected to the second electrode plate 40, and the second terminal 108 is not connected to the first electrode plate 36.

[0091] Based on the above configuration, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in Embodiment 2, the stacked electrode 32 can be placed on the holding surface 102a with the second electrode plate 40 facing the conveying section 102.

[0092] (Implementation Method 4)

[0093] Embodiment 4 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except for the structure of the insulation inspection device 100. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described focusing on the configuration that differs from Embodiment 1, and the common configuration will be briefly described or omitted. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the insulation inspection device 100 according to Embodiment 4. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The conveying unit 102 is schematically illustrated. Additionally, for clarity, the stacked electrode 32 in a single-unit state is shown.

[0094] The insulation inspection device 100 includes a conveying section 102, a pressure roller 104, a first terminal 106, a second terminal 108, and an insulation inspection section 110. The conveying section 102 has a holding surface 102a. A stacked electrode 32 is placed on the holding surface 102a with the first partition 34 facing the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 presses the stacked electrode 32 against the conveying section 102. The pressure roller 104 abuts against the second electrode plate 40 to press the stacked electrode 32 against the holding surface 102a.

[0095] The first terminal 106 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate 36 by abutting against the connector portion 36a. The second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate 40 by abutting against the connector portion 40a. Furthermore, the first terminal 106 is electrically insulated from the conveying section 102. On the other hand, the second terminal 108 is electrically connected to the conveying section 102. Additionally, the first terminal 106 is not connected to the second electrode plate 40, and the second terminal 108 is not connected to the first electrode plate 36.

[0096] The insulation inspection unit 110 includes a resistance measuring unit 111, a judgment unit 112, and a waveform measuring unit 120. The resistance measuring unit 111 includes a power supply 114, an ammeter 116, and a voltmeter 118. The resistance measuring unit 111 applies a voltage to the laminated electrode 32 from the power supply 114 and measures the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32. The resistance measuring unit 111 sends a signal indicating the measurement result to the judgment unit 112.

[0097] The waveform measuring unit 120 measures the waveform of the current or voltage generated when a voltage is applied to the stacked electrode 32. The waveform measuring unit 120 is, for example, constructed using a known pulse meter. The insulation inspection unit 110 has a resistor 122 connected in series with the wiring connecting the power supply 114 and the first terminal 106, and the waveform measuring unit 120 is connected in parallel with the resistor 122. The waveform measuring unit 120 can detect spike-like waveforms of the current and / or voltage generated when the stacked electrode 32 is pressurized by the pressure roller 104. Such spike-like waveforms are generated, for example, by conductive foreign objects being pressed by the pressure roller 104. The waveform measuring unit 120 sends a signal indicating the measurement result to the judgment unit 112.

[0098] The judgment unit 112 determines the insulation state of the laminated electrode 32 based on the measurement results of the resistance measurement unit 111 and the waveform measurement unit 120. For example, if the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode 32 is lower than a threshold, or if a waveform is measured by the waveform measurement unit 120, the laminated electrode 32 is determined to have poor insulation. When performing an insulation check by pressing the laminated electrode 32 with the pressure roller 104, it is assumed that only the part pressed by the pressure roller 104 is locally short-circuited. In this case, the measured insulation resistance value is the average of the resistance value of the part pressed by the pressure roller 104 and the resistance value of the unpressed part. Therefore, if the decrease in the resistance value of the part pressed by the pressure roller 104 is small, it may not be determined to be poor insulation. In contrast, by detecting the leakage (RIK) waveform of current or voltage generated when the pressure roller 104 passes by the waveform measurement unit 120, even a small decrease in resistance value caused by a small-diameter foreign object can be determined to be poor insulation of the laminated electrode 32.

[0099] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the insulation testing performance of the laminated electrode 32 can be further improved. Furthermore, the judgment unit 112 can also determine the insulation failure of the laminated electrode 32 solely based on the measurement results of the waveform measurement unit 120. Additionally, in this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 2, the laminated electrode 32 can be placed on the holding surface 102a with the second electrode plate 40 facing the transport unit 102.

[0100] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The above embodiments are merely examples illustrating specific ways of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure; various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, can be made within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the claims. New embodiments with applied design changes possess the effects of both the combined embodiments and their variations. In the above embodiments, the aspects enabling such design changes are emphasized by markings such as "in this embodiment" or "in this embodiment," but design changes are also permitted even without such markings. Any combination of the above constituent elements is also valid as a form of this disclosure. The shaded lines marked on the cross-sections of the drawings are not intended to limit the material of the objects marked with shaded lines.

[0101] The insulation inspection device 100 can perform insulation inspections on the stacked electrodes 32 in the state of a stacked electrode continuum 26, and it can also perform insulation inspections on the stacked electrodes 32 in the state of being monolithic. Therefore, the insulation inspection device 100 can also be disposed between the partition cutting drum 12 and the stacking drum 14.

[0102] The stacked electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 may not be a continuous drum type. Furthermore, the insulation inspection device 100 is not limited to a roller type. The conveying unit 102 may not be a conveying roller, but rather a flat conveyor table. Additionally, the insulation inspection unit 110 may only include a resistance measuring unit 111 and / or a waveform measuring unit 120, and the measurement results may be directly monitored by the user. Furthermore, the judgment unit 112 may be provided on an external device such as an external computer.

[0103] [Industrial Availability]

[0104] This disclosure can be used for insulation inspection devices.

[0105] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0106] 32. Stacked electrodes, 34. First partition plate, 36. First electrode plate, 38. Second partition plate, 40. Second electrode plate, 100. Insulation inspection device, 102. Conveying unit, 102a. Holding surface, 104. Pressure roller, 106. First terminal, 108. Second terminal, 110. Insulation inspection unit, 111. Resistance measuring unit, 120. Waveform measuring unit.

Claims

1. An insulation testing device, comprising: A conveying unit for conveying stacked electrodes, wherein the stacked electrodes are formed by stacking a first partition, a first electrode plate, a second partition, and a second electrode plate in this order. The pressure roller that presses against the stacked electrodes relative to the conveying section The first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode plate, The second terminal is electrically connected to the second electrode plate, and is electrically connected to the conveying section when the first partition plate is disposed on the conveying section side, and to the pressure roller when the first partition plate is disposed on the pressure roller side. An insulation inspection unit is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal to apply voltage to the stacked electrodes and inspect the insulation status of the stacked electrodes.

2. The insulation inspection device as described in claim 1, It includes a plurality of pressure rollers arranged along the conveying direction of the stacked electrodes.

3. The insulation inspection device as described in claim 1 or 2, The conveying section has a holding surface for holding the stacked electrodes; The first terminal and the second terminal are located on the retaining surface.

4. The insulation inspection device as described in claim 1 or 2, The insulation inspection unit includes a resistance measuring unit, which measures the insulation resistance value of the laminated electrode based on the current and voltage generated when a voltage is applied to the laminated electrode.

5. The insulation inspection device as described in claim 1 or 2, The insulation inspection unit has a waveform measuring unit that measures the waveform of the current or voltage generated when a voltage is applied to the stacked electrodes.

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