Electrode manufacturing apparatus, energy storage device manufacturing apparatus, liquid discharging apparatus, electrode manufacturing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to discharge a liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate to be transported in a predetermined direction. The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a detector, a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction, and configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer, and a controller configured to control a discharge condition of the liquid discharger. Along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, at a point where there is a performance variation on the electrode substrate, the detector outputs detection information obtained by detecting one of the points in a time series, and the controller controls the discharge condition of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the detection information.

Description

Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosures in this article typically relate to electrode manufacturing apparatus, energy storage device manufacturing apparatus, liquid discharge device electrode manufacturing methods, and recording media. 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0003] As a related technology, a liquid discharge device is known for discharging liquid onto a liquid discharge target that is being transported in a predetermined direction.

[0004] As such a liquid discharge device, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a droplet nozzle unit that discharges droplets onto a strip member extending in a predetermined direction to form a film-forming region at fixed intervals in the predetermined direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65111 Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electrode manufacturing apparatus is configured to discharge liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate conveyed in a predetermined direction. The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a detector, a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction, the liquid discharger being configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer, and a controller configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger. The detector is configured to output a plurality of detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of a plurality of points, and the controller controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the plurality of detection information. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a plan view showing a first example of the electrode composition layer portion; Figure 2 This is a plan view showing a second example of the electrode composition layer portion; Figure 3 This is a view showing a first example of a resin layer portion formed on an electrode constituent layer portion; Figure 4 This is a view showing a second example of a resin layer portion formed on an electrode composition layer portion; Figure 5 This is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 6 This is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 7This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware arrangement of a processor according to an embodiment; Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of a processor according to a first embodiment; Figure 9 This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the detectors according to the first embodiment; Figure 10 This is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of optical sensors included in the detector; Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of detection information according to the first embodiment; Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of detection information according to the first embodiment; Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrode printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 14 This is a view showing an example of a resin layer portion formed by an electrode printing apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 15 This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the detectors according to the second embodiment; Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of combined detection information according to the second embodiment; Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of combined detection information according to the second embodiment; Figure 18 This is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus according to the third embodiment; Figure 19 This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus according to the third embodiment; Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of a processor according to a third embodiment; Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of a processor according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 22 This is a view showing examples of multiple image data; and Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of generating multiple image data by an electrode printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 24A This is a view showing an example of the arrangement of printing units using an intermediate transfer drum to perform printing by employing a transfer method; Figure 24B This is a view showing an example of the arrangement of printing units using a ring-shaped intermediate transfer belt for printing by a transfer method. Figure 25 This is a schematic exploded view showing an example of a liquid discharge head; Figure 26 This is an explanatory view showing an example of the arrangement of channels for a liquid discharge head; Figure 27 It is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the channels of the liquid discharge head; Figure 28 This is a view showing an example arrangement of a liquid discharge head including a parallelogram nozzle plate; and Figure 29 It shows that multiple arrangements are made. Figure 28 A view showing the status of the liquid discharge head. Detailed Implementation

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to allow control of the liquid discharge operation of a liquid discharger based on changes in liquid discharge targets.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals will denote the same components throughout the drawings, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0009] The embodiments described below present an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an energy storage device manufacturing apparatus, a liquid discharge device, an electrode manufacturing method, and a recording medium as examples to illustrate the technical concept of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described below are intended as illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, for clarity, the dimensions and positional relationships of the components shown in the figures may be exaggerated.

[0010] Each embodiment describes the electrode printing apparatus as an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an example of a liquid discharging apparatus. The electrode printing apparatus is an apparatus that uses a liquid composition (which can form a resin layer portion (resin layer) or an inorganic layer portion (inorganic layer)) to form a resin layer portion (resin layer) or an inorganic layer portion (inorganic layer) to cover the corresponding surface of an electrode composition layer portion formed on the surface of a current collector. An electrode substrate including a current collector (the current collector having an electrode composition layer portion (electrode composition layer) formed thereon) corresponds to the liquid discharging target. The electrode composition layer portion corresponds to a first thin film region, while the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion corresponds to a second thin film region. Note that discharging liquid to form a resin layer portion (resin layer) or an inorganic layer portion (inorganic layer) on the electrode substrate includes not only the case of forming a resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion on the electrode substrate by performing a liquid discharging process alone, but also the case of performing a liquid discharging process to form a precursor and subsequently performing a post-processing (e.g., heat treatment, etc.) on the precursor to form the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the liquid discharge operation of the liquid discharger can be controlled according to changes in the liquid discharge target.

[0012] (Current collector) The current collector according to the embodiment is a planar conductive foil, which can be suitably used in secondary batteries and capacitors, which are commonly used as energy storage devices. The current collector is particularly suitable for lithium-ion secondary batteries. Aluminum foil, copper foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, etched foil with fine pores formed by etching one of these foils, porous current collectors for lithium-ion capacitors, etc., can be used as conductive foils. A current collector obtained by flattening carbon paper or carbon fiber electrodes used in power generation devices such as fuel cells into a non-woven or woven material can also be used. Furthermore, in the aforementioned porous current collector, a substrate including fine pores can be used as the electrode substrate.

[0013] (Electrode composition layer) Each electrode composition layer portion (electrode composition layer) according to the embodiment is a layer portion comprising active material disposed on a current collector. The electrode composition layer portion is formed by dispersing powdered active material into a liquid or dissolving a catalyst compound into a liquid, coating the electrode substrate with the liquid, and fixing and drying the liquid on the electrode substrate. An application process using a sprayer, dispenser, die coater, dip coater, etc., is performed to form the electrode composition layer portion. The formation of the electrode composition layer portion is completed when the drying process following the application process ends.

[0014] Furthermore, if the electrode constituent layers are to be formed by on-demand printing, such as electrophotographic printing or liquid electrophotography, the shape of the electrodes can be freely changed. Additionally, if the current collector is also a thin conductive foil, such as aluminum foil, non-contact printing can be performed by controlling the position of a specific pattern. Therefore, it is likely preferable to perform printing using an inkjet method with a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection method using a dispenser, nozzle, etc., and inkjet printing is particularly preferred.

[0015] Any given material can be used as a cathode active material, provided it is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating alkali metal ions. Typically, alkali metal-containing transition metal compounds are used as cathode active materials. Lithium-containing transition metal compounds, such as composite oxides containing lithium and at least one element selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, iron, and vanadium, can be used as cathode active materials. Other examples of cathode active materials are lithium-containing transition metal compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, and lithium manganese oxide; olivine lithium salts such as LiFePO4; chalcogenides such as titanium disulfide and molybdenum disulfide; manganese dioxide, etc.

[0016] Lithium-containing transition metal compounds are metal oxides containing lithium and a transition metal, or metal oxides in which a portion of the transition metal has been replaced by a different element. Examples of heterojunctions include sodium, magnesium, selenium, yttrium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, aluminum, chromium, lead, antimony, and boron. Manganese, aluminum, cobalt, nickel, and magnesium are particularly preferred. A single heterojunction or two or more different elements can be used. A single cathode active material or a combination of two or more cathode active materials can be used. Nickel hydroxide and the like are examples of active materials that can be used in nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0017] Any given material can be used as an anode active material, as long as it is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating alkali metal ions. Typically, carbon materials containing graphite with a crystalline structure can be used as anode active materials. Examples of such carbon materials are natural graphite, spherical or fibrous synthetic graphite, non-graphitized carbon (hard carbon), graphitized carbon (soft carbon), etc. Lithium titanate is an example of anode active materials other than carbon materials. Using high-capacity materials such as silicon, tin, silicon alloys, tin alloys, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, tin oxide, etc., as anode active materials may be preferred to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.

[0018] Examples of active materials used in nickel-metal hydride batteries are hydrogen-absorbing alloys, such as AB2 or A2B type hydrogen-absorbing alloys represented by Zr—Ti—Mn—Fe—Ag—V—Al—W, Ti15Zr21V15Ni29Cr5Co5Fe1Mn8, etc.

[0019] As cathode or anode binders, materials such as PVDF, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polypropylene, aramid resin, polyamide, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polyhexyl methacrylate, polymethacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polyhexyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyether, polyethersulfone, hexafluoropolypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and carboxymethyl cellulose can be used. Alternatively, copolymers made from two or more materials selected from tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, vinylidene fluoride, trichlorofluoroethylene, ethylene, propylene, pentafluoropropylene, fluoromethyl vinyl ether, acrylic acid, and hexadiene can be used as cathode or anode binders. Furthermore, two or more materials selected from these materials can be mixed and used.

[0020] Examples of conductive agents to be included in the electrodes are graphite such as natural graphite and synthetic graphite, carbon black such as acetylene black, kerosene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, etc., conductive fibers such as carbon fibers, metal fibers, etc., metal powders such as fluorinated carbon and aluminum, conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate, conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide, and conductive organic materials such as phenylene derivatives, graphene derivatives, etc.

[0021] Generally, catalysts are used as active materials in fuel cells. These catalysts are obtained by allowing a catalyst support (e.g., carbon) to carry fine metal particles (e.g., platinum, ruthenium, platinum alloys, etc.) to form the cathode and anode electrodes. To allow the catalyst particles to be carried on the surface of the catalyst support, for example, the catalyst support is suspended in water, and a precursor of the catalyst particles is added and dissolved in the suspension (containing alloy components such as chloroplatinic acid, dinitrodiaminoplatinum, platinum(II) chloride, platinum chloride, diacetylacetonate platinum, dichlorodiaminoplatinum, dichlorotetraaminoplatinum, platinum(II) sulfate, ruthenium chloride, iridium chloride, rhodium chloride, ferric chloride, cobalt chloride, chromium chloride, gold chloride, silver nitrate, rhodium nitrate, palladium chloride, nickel nitrate, ferric sulfate, and copper chloride). An alkali is added to generate metal hydroxides, and a catalyst support carrying the metal hydroxides is formed on the surface of the catalyst support. Such a catalyst support is applied to the electrode and reduced in a hydrogen environment, etc., to obtain an electrode with catalyst particles (active material) coated on its surface.

[0022] (Electrode substrate) The electrode substrate according to an embodiment includes a current collector and an electrode composition layer portion on the current collector. (Resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion) The resin layer portion (resin layer) or inorganic layer portion (inorganic layer) is a layer portion formed by discharging a liquid composition onto an electrode composition layer portion formed on an electrode substrate using a liquid discharge head. When the electrodes are ultimately fabricated into an energy storage device, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion physically insulates the electrodes from each other. The resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion can be formed on the current collector first by using a coating method with relatively high precision, such as screen printing, gravure coating, inkjet coating, dispensing machine drawing, etc., to form a desired electrode pattern, such as an insulating frame. In this case, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion is formed. Subsequently, a slurry of active material is applied to the pattern, and the resulting product is dried. Therefore, even when it is necessary to greatly increase the formation rate of the active material layer, or when it is necessary to form a relatively thick film from a slurry with limited viscosity, a state can be created in which the active material of the desired size is continuously contacted with the current collector during the subsequent drying process. As a result, the desired coating size can be continuously achieved.

[0023] Therefore, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion can possess properties that allow them to be accurately applied and dried on the current collector, as well as properties that prevent reaction or dissolution in the aforementioned active materials and the electrolyte solution to be used in the final fabrication of the device. That is, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion surrounding the electrode constituent layer portion is an insulating film. Typically, the insulating film can have an insulating property of megaohms / cm or more in the thickness direction. Furthermore, since the insulating properties need to be maintained in the device for a long time, the insulating film is preferably insoluble in the electrolyte solution. Therefore, since it is difficult to achieve these properties using only resins dissolved in typical organic solvents, it is preferable to use resins that possess non-crosslinking properties in response to the application of heat or ionizing radiation after the coating process. Alternatively, fine particles with insulating properties can also be used as inorganic materials. These fine particles can be dispersed in a solvent, and a thin film with insulating properties can be obtained after the coating and drying process. The inorganic material can also be a solid electrolyte material or a quasi-solid electrolyte material. Furthermore, since the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion can undergo a pressing process with a maximum linear pressure of approximately 250 kN during electrode manufacturing, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion should preferably have the ability to resist linear pressure.

[0024] Next, the liquid composition used to form the resin layer portion will be described first. This liquid composition used to form the aforementioned resin layer portion is obtained by dissolving at least one of a resin or a resin precursor in a liquid.

[0025] As such resins and resin precursors, those resins or oligomers with cross-linked structures obtained by dissolving their molecules in an organic solvent as a liquid and then applying ionizing radiation or infrared light (heat) are preferred. As precursors for such resins and resins, low molecular weight oligomer precursors of polyimide resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyolefin resins, or acrylic resins are preferred, or polyimide resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyolefin resins, or acrylic resins that have been modified with hydrocarbon moieties having aliphatic unsaturated bonds are preferred. For example, resins and precursors having unsaturated bonds such as allyl, alkenyl, acryloyl, butenyl, cinnamyl, cinnamyl, juglone, cyclohexadienyl, isopropenyl, methacryl, pentenyl, propenyl, styrene, vinyl, butadienyl, etc., on the partial side chains of acrylic copolymers are even better.

[0026] In addition, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyetherketone, polyethylene naphthalate, polysulfone, polyimide, polyester, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, etc., can also improve the insolubility and crosslinking of the resin layer or inorganic layer after the fixing process by using cellulose nanofibers or relatively low molecular weight dispersion precursors with a molecular weight of less than 10,000, and heating the resin layer or inorganic layer with ionizing radiation or infrared light.

[0027] Furthermore, to improve the crosslinking properties of these precursors, the precursors may contain up to about 30 parts by weight of an azide compound. Examples of azide compounds include 3,3'-dichloro-4,4'-diazadiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diazadiphenyl ether, 4,4'-diazadiphenyl disulfide, 4,4'-diazadiphenyl sulfide, 4,4'-azidodiphenyl sulfone, 4-azidochalcone, 4-azido-4'-hydroxychalcone, 4-azido-4'-methoxychalcone, 4-azido-4'-morpholinochalcone, 4-dimethylamino-4'-azidochalcone, 2,6-bis(4'-azido) 2,6-Bis(4'-azidophenyl)-cyclohexanone, cinnamyl-4-azidoacetophenone, 4-azidocinnamyl ethyl ketone, 4-azido-4'-dimethylaminocinnamyl ethyl ketone, cinnamyl-4-azidomethylcinnamyl acetone, 2,6-bis(4'-azidoimino)-4-methylcyclohexanone, 2,6-bis(4'-azidoimino)-cyclohexanone, 1,4'-azidobenzylidene indene, 1,4'-azidobenzylidene indene, 1,4'-Azidobenzyme-3-α-hydroxy-4"-Azidobenzyme-indene, 9,4'-Azidobenzyme-fluorene, 9,4'-Azidocinonide-benzyme-fluorene, 4,4'-Azidobenzyme-2,2'-disulfonyl-n-(p-methoxy)amide, 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-disulfonyl-n-(p-hydroxyphenyl)amide, 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-diphenyl-n-(p-hydroxyphenyl)amide, 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-diphenyl-n-(p-hydroxyphenyl)amide, 4,4'-diphenyl 2,2'-disulfonamide, 4,4'-diphenylbenzophenone, 4,4'-diphenyl, 4,4'-diphenylchalcone, 4,4'-diphenylacetone, 6-azido-2-(4'-azidophenyl)benzimidazole, 3-azidomethyleneaniline-N-oxo-p(4-azidomethylene)benzoic acid, 1,4-bis(3'-azido-1-styryl)benzene, 3,3'-azidodiphenyl sulfone, and 4,4'-azidodiphenylmethane.

[0028] Among these materials, 2,6-bis(4'-azidophenyl)-4-methylcyclohexanone, in particular, can be used appropriately. Although there are no particular limitations on the solvents used to dissolve these materials, solvents capable of dissolving the aforementioned compounds and having boiling points and surface tensions suitable for subsequent coating and drying processes can be used alone, or mixtures of such solvents can be adjusted and used.

[0029] Furthermore, a resin layer portion or an inorganic layer portion can first be formed around each region where the electrode constituent layer portion is to be formed on the current collector (on its frame region), and the current collector having the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion formed on each frame region can be coated with a slurry of active material and dried. As a result, even when the formation rate of the electrode constituent layer portion is greatly increased, or when a relatively thick film is to be formed from a slurry with limited viscosity, a state can be set in which the active material with the desired size and width is continuously in contact with the current collector during the subsequent drying process. Since the desired coating size can be continuously achieved, the preferred resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion can be formed. Therefore, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion preferably has the ability to be accurately applied and dried on the current collector, and the ability to prevent dissolution in the active material or electrolyte solution during the final manufacture of the device. That is, the resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion disposed around the periphery of each electrode constituent layer portion is an insulating film.

[0030] (An example of an electrode layer formed on a current collector) Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a view showing an example of the electrode composition layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2. Figure 1 The first example is shown. Figure 2 A second example is shown. (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, three electrode constituent layer portions 2a are formed on the current collector 2, each having an approximately rectangular shape in plan view, i.e., when viewed from the +Z direction, and one electrode constituent layer portion 2a having a rectangular shape with its length direction in the X direction in plan view. The shape of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a can be appropriately set according to the purpose. In the plan view, the shape of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a corresponds to a predetermined pattern. In other words, the electrode constituent layer portion 2a (first thin film region) is arranged in a predetermined pattern that has already been formed on the current collector 2.

[0031] The positional accuracy of the coating process used to form the electrode constituent layer portion 2a by a sprayer or mold coating machine is at most only about a few hundred micrometers. Therefore, the position of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a on the current collector 2 may shift from the desired position.

[0032] Figure 2The displacement of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is shown. Although in Figure 2 Each of the three electrode assembly layer portions 2a shown ideally should have a rectangular shape with its length direction in the X direction in the plan view, but the displacement of position has caused the width of each electrode assembly layer portion 2a to deviate in the Y direction from width w1 to width w2. For example, if the length L of each electrode assembly layer portion 2a is 2,000.0 mm in the X direction, the difference between width w1 and width w2 is approximately 1.0 mm.

[0033] (Example of a resin layer portion or inorganic layer portion formed on an electrode constituent layer portion) Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view showing an example of a resin layer portion 2b formed on an electrode composition layer portion 2a. Figure 3 The first example is shown. Figure 4 A second example is shown. Note that the resin layer portion and the inorganic layer portion can be treated in the same way. Therefore, except where special distinction is required, for the sake of convenience, the term "resin layer portion 2b" will be collectively referred to as the resin layer portion and the inorganic layer portion.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In this process, the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined position on the current collector 2. Therefore, by forming the resin layer portion 2b at the predetermined position according to the predetermined pattern, the resin layer portion 2b, indicated by the broken line, can cover the corresponding electrode constituent layer portion 2a. As a result, the resin layer portion 2b can appropriately exhibit its insulating effect, etc.

[0035] Notice, Figure 3 The width P of the protrusion represents the width of each resin layer portion 2b protruding from the corresponding electrode component layer portion 2a in the Y direction. By setting such a protrusion width to form the resin layer portion 2b on each electrode component layer portion 2a, it is possible to reliably cover the electrode component layer portion 2a with the resin layer portion 2b. The width of the protrusion can also be provided in a similar manner in the X direction.

[0036] exist Figure 4 In this process, the electrode constituent layer portion 2a has been displaced from the predetermined pattern on the current collector 2. Therefore, if the resin layer portion 2b is formed according to the predetermined pattern, due to the displacement of the respective positions of the electrode constituent layer portions 2a, an uncovered region 2c that is not covered by the resin layer portion 2b may be formed on the electrode constituent layer portion 2a. As a result, defects such as short circuits may occur in the uncovered region 2c.

[0037] If the displacement of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is taken into account, and each resin layer portion 2b is formed to cover an area larger than the corresponding electrode constituent layer portion 2a, then an unnecessarily large area of ​​the current collector 2 may be covered by the resin layer portion 2b. As a result, when a conductive area is cut out from the current collector 2 and used, the area of ​​the current collector 2 may not be effectively utilized.

[0038] Therefore, it is necessary to allow the respective positions of the resin layer portions 2b to be controlled by controlling the liquid discharge operation of the liquid discharge device according to the changes in the position and pattern of the electrode composition layer portion 2a on the current collector 2.

[0039] The electrode printing apparatus according to the embodiments described below can answer, for example, the following requirements.

[0040] Note that the X, Y, and Z axes can be used to represent the respective directions in the figures described below. Assume that the X direction along the X-axis represents the direction in which the electrode printing apparatus will transport the electrode substrate. Also assume that the Y direction along the Y-axis represents a direction perpendicular to the X direction on the electrode substrate, and the Z direction along the Z-axis represents a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The X direction is an example of a predetermined direction, and the Y direction is an example of a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

[0041] An arrow pointing in the X direction indicates the +X direction or +X side, while the opposite direction is indicated as the -X direction or -X side. Similarly, an arrow pointing in the Y direction indicates the +Y direction or +Y side, while the opposite direction is indicated as the -Y direction or -Y side. Likewise, an arrow pointing in the Z direction indicates the +Z direction or +Z side, while the opposite direction is indicated as the -Z direction or -Z side.

[0042] [First Embodiment] <Example of the arrangement of electrode printing device 1>. Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are views showing examples of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus 1. Figure 5 This is a side view of the electrode printing device 1 taken from the -Y direction, and Figure 6 This is a plan view of the electrode printing device 1 taken from the +Z direction.

[0043] The electrode printing apparatus 1 includes a detector 4, a liquid discharge head 5, and a processor 100. A conveying mechanism 3 conveys a current collector 2 or an electrode substrate including the current collector 2 in the +X direction, wherein an electrode composition layer portion 2a is formed on the current collector 2. The detector 4 and the liquid discharge head 5 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the +X direction. Furthermore, a light source 6 and a heater 7 are arranged in this order downstream of the liquid discharge head 5 in the +X direction.

[0044] The electrode printing apparatus 1 also includes an operation unit 8. The operation unit 8 is formed by a touch screen or the like. The operation unit 8 can receive operation inputs performed by the user on the electrode printing apparatus 1, and display the status and settings of the electrode printing apparatus 1 on the screen.

[0045] The current collector 2 is an elongated sheet of conductive foil extending along the X direction. The conductive foil is, for example, copper foil. Multiple points of performance variation exist on the electrode substrate along the Y direction intersecting the +X direction. These properties can be, for example, the thickness, color, reflectivity, etc., of the electrode substrate. It may be suitable to consider at least one of thickness, color, or reflectivity as such a property. More specifically, since the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed on the current collector 2, at least one of the thickness, color, reflectivity, etc., of each region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed on the electrode substrate can differ from the corresponding one of the thickness, color, reflectivity, etc., of the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is not formed on the electrode substrate. The points of performance variation are points at the boundary between the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed and the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is not formed.

[0046] The conveying mechanism 3 transports the electrode substrate sequentially through the detector 4, the liquid discharge head 5, the light source 6, and the front end of the heater 7. The conveying mechanism 3 includes a drive roller 3a, a driven roller 3b, an encoder 31 for outputting a rotation angle signal of the drive roller 3a, and a motor for driving the drive roller 3a. The electrode substrate is laid on at least the drive roller 3a and the driven roller 3b and is transported in the +X direction according to the rotation of the drive roller 3a. Note that the conveying mechanism 3 may further include guides or similar elements to assist in the movement of the electrode substrate.

[0047] Detector 4 is an example of a detector that detects at least the aforementioned points of performance change on the electrode substrate in a time sequence to output multiple detection information. The electrode printing apparatus 1 can use the multiple detection information output from detector 4 to obtain positional information about each electrode constituent layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2. Reference will be made below. Figures 9 to 12 Detector 4 is described in detail.

[0048] The liquid discharge head 5 is an example of a liquid discharge device that discharges and applies a liquid composition onto an electrode composition layer portion 2a formed on a current collector 2 on an electrode substrate. The electrode substrate is conveyed in the +X direction to form a resin layer portion 2b (resin layer) as the liquid composition layer portion on the electrode substrate. The liquid discharge head 5 is mounted at a distance M from the detector 4 in the +X direction.

[0049] Based on image data that serves as source data for forming each resin layer portion 2b and combined detection information obtained by combining detection information acquired by detector 4, liquid discharge head 5 discharges liquid composition to form a resin precursor layer portion in a precursor state as a resin layer portion 2b.

[0050] As the liquid discharge head 5, a linear head array with a width greater than or equal to the width of the electrode substrate in the Y direction can be used. The driving method and pressure generating unit for discharging the liquid composition from the liquid discharge head 5 are not particularly limited. For example, a thermal actuator that uses vapor pressure generated by heat from a heating element to actuate droplets of the liquid composition, a piezoelectric actuator that uses mechanical pressure pulses generated by a piezoelectric element to actuate droplets of the liquid composition, or an electrostatic actuator formed by a diaphragm and a counter electrode can be used. Furthermore, the liquid composition can be propelled by correspondingly performing on / off pressure control in the liquid composition supply system.

[0051] Light source 6 illuminates each liquid composition layer portion formed on the electrode substrate to solidify the liquid composition layer portion into resin layer portion 2b. Light source 6 can be, for example, a mercury lamp (e.g., a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a high-pressure mercury lamp), a tungsten lamp, an arc lamp, an excimer lamp, an excimer laser, a semiconductor laser, a high-brightness ultraviolet semiconductor illumination, a semiconductor laser, a laser system combining a laser and a nonlinear optical crystal, a high-frequency induced ultraviolet radiation generator, an electron irradiation device (such as an electron beam curing device), an X-ray irradiation device, or a similar device. From a system simplification perspective, using a high-frequency induced ultraviolet generator, a high-pressure mercury lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a semiconductor laser, etc., may be preferable. Furthermore, light source 6 can be equipped with a focusing lens or a scanning optical system.

[0052] An example of light source 6 could be one manufactured by Heraeus. Series. Additionally, high-brightness ultraviolet semiconductor lighting or laser diodes of 1W or higher can be arranged in a row or a plane and used as a light source. These high-brightness ultraviolet semiconductor lighting, laser diodes, or similar products are sold by semiconductor lighting manufacturers such as Nichia Corporation. Furthermore, in cases where light is difficult to reach due to absorption by the gaps between particles of the active material powder, electron or X-ray irradiation devices can be used as the light source. For example, a small electron beam irradiator from NEC Corporation can be used.

[0053] Heater 7 heats the resin precursor layer portions, which are formed by discharging the liquid composition that forms the resin layer portions onto the electrode substrate, to promote the curing and drying of the resin precursor layer portions. For example, infrared lamps, rollers containing heating elements (heat rollers), blowers that blow hot air or hot air, furnaces containing hot air from steam boilers, etc., can all be used as heater 7.

[0054] Heater 7 can be any known and controllable heat source. That is, for example, if a device that generates infrared light in addition to visible light is used as the light source 6, it is possible to heat the resin while it is being irradiated with light. Using such a device can advantageously promote curing. Since each resin precursor layer portion is heated by the heat generated by the light source 6, it may not be necessary to provide a heating unit as a separate component in the form of heater 7 when light is emitted onto the resin precursor layer portion. However, if the resin precursor layer portion is left to cure at room temperature solely by the heat from the light source 6, it may take a very long time for the resin precursor layer portion to fully cure. Therefore, room temperature curing may be suitable for applications where a sufficiently long time can be ensured for the resin precursor portion to fully cure.

[0055] The processor 100 controls the operation of the conveying mechanism 3, detector 4, liquid discharge head 5, light source 6, heater 7, etc., and processes multiple detection information output from the detector 4. As long as the signal or data can be exchanged with the electrode printing device 1, the processor 100 can be arranged inside or outside the electrode printing device 1, or at a remote location away from the electrode printing device 1.

[0056] <Example of processor 100 layout>. Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware layout of processor 100. Processor 100 is constructed in a computer configuration and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, read-only memory (ROM) 102, random access memory (RAM) 103, hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105. These components are electrically connected to each other via a system bus B.

[0057] The central processing unit 101 performs various arithmetic and control processing operations. Read-only memory 102 stores programs, such as an initial program loader (IPL), used to drive the central processing unit 101. Random access memory 103 is used as the working area of ​​the central processing unit 101. Hard disk drive 104 stores various types of data, such as programs. Hard disk drive 104 can be a solid-state drive (SSD) or the like.

[0058] Interface 105 is used to connect various external devices. In this case, the external devices are the conveying mechanism 3, the detector 4, the liquid discharge head 5, the light source 6, the heater 7, the operating unit 8, etc.

[0059] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of processor 100. Processor 100 includes, for example, a measurement unit 11, a decision unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, a correction unit 14, a controller 15, and a storage unit (storage device) 16. Controller 15 also includes an emission controller 151, a delivery controller 152, an irradiation controller 153, and a heat controller 154.

[0060] To implement the respective functions of the measurement unit 11, the judgment unit 12, the acquisition unit 13, the correction unit 14, and the controller 15, the processor 100 causes the central processing unit 101 to execute a program loaded from the read-only memory 102 into the random access memory 103, a control interface 105, or a similar program. Additionally, to implement the function of the storage unit 16, the processor 100 causes the central processing unit 101 to execute a program loaded from the read-only memory 102 into the random access memory 103 to control the hard disk drive 104 or a similar program.

[0061] In this embodiment, the processor 100 combines multiple detection information output by the detector 4 in a time sequence into a single combined detection information, and controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the obtained combined detection information.

[0062] The measurement unit 11 counts the clock signal of the central processing unit 101 to measure time and outputs the time measurement result to the acquisition unit 13. Alternatively, the measurement unit 11 can use the rotation angle signal of the drive roller 3a input from the encoder 31 to measure the distance the electrode substrate is transported (the distance the electrode substrate has traveled) and output the transport distance measurement result to the acquisition unit 13.

[0063] The determination unit 12 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 11, and outputs the determination result to the acquisition unit 13. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 can determine whether the electrode substrate has been transported a predetermined transport distance based on the transport distance measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 11, and output the determination result to the acquisition unit 13. The predetermined time and predetermined transport distance are preset based on the dimensions corresponding to the X direction of the image data 90 stored in the storage unit 16.

[0064] By combining multiple detection information input from detector 4, acquisition unit 13 obtains a combined detection information. For example, if the determination unit 12 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed or that the electrode substrate has been transported a predetermined distance, acquisition unit 13 can combine multiple detection information segments to obtain a combined detection information. Acquisition unit 13 outputs the obtained combined detection information to controller 15. Acquisition unit 13 can also use rotation angle information about drive roller 3a, which is detected by encoder 31 provided in conveying mechanism 3, to obtain combined detection information.

[0065] The correction unit 14 corrects the image data 90 stored in the storage unit 16 based on the combined detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13, and outputs the corrected image data to the controller 15. The storage unit 16 is an example of a storage unit.

[0066] Discharge controller 151 is an example of a controller for controlling the discharge conditions of liquid discharge head 5. Discharge controller 151 controls the discharge conditions of liquid discharge head 5 based on corrected image data input from correction unit 14.

[0067] The transport controller 152 controls the transport of the electrode substrate by the transport mechanism 3. The irradiation controller 153 controls the light irradiation of each resin precursor layer portion by the light source 6. The heating controller 154 controls the heating application of the heater 7 to each resin precursor layer portion.

[0068] <Arrangement and detection information of detector 4>. The arrangement of detector 4 will refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 To describe. Figure 9 This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of detector 4. Figure 10 This is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of the optical sensors included in detector 4.

[0069] exist Figure 9In the figure, electrode composition layer portion 2a includes three electrode composition layer regions, from electrode composition layer region 21 to electrode composition layer region 23. Electrode composition layer region 21 and electrode composition layer region 23 are each a region with a rectangular shape in the plan view and extending along the X direction. Electrode composition layer region 22 consists of seven independent regions, each of which has a rectangular shape in the plan view and is arranged along the X direction.

[0070] Detector 4 includes nine optical sensors 41 to 49. Note that optical sensors 41 to 49 are arranged in different positions, have different detection areas, or emit beams of different shapes onto the surface of the detection area. Unless otherwise stated below, optical sensors 41 to 49 will be collectively referred to as optical sensor 40.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, each optical sensor 40 includes a light-emitting element 40a, such as a semiconductor laser, and a light-receiving element 40b, such as a photodiode. The wavelength of the light beam from the light-emitting element 40a can be a wavelength in which the difference between the absorbance in the current collector 2 and the absorbance in the electrode constituent layer portion 2a becomes twice or greater. If the substrate is a copper-containing current collector, the wavelength of the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element 40a can be in the range of 530 to 630 nanometers. That is, the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element 40a can be near-infrared light around 600 nanometers.

[0072] In the detection area, the area (illumination point) illuminated by the light beam from the light emitting element 40a can be linear in shape, with the Y direction being the longer direction and the X direction the shorter direction. By setting the Y direction as the longer direction, the non-uniformity generated when the slurry is applied by the die coater to form the electrode composition layer can be homogenized in the Y direction. This allows for more accurate detection. Setting the X direction as the shorter direction can also reduce timing detection errors. Note that the shape of the light beam emitted from the light emitting element 40a on the surface of the detection area can be approximately circular.

[0073] Each optical sensor 40 causes a light emitting element 40a to illuminate a light spot on an electrode substrate, such that points where the properties of the electrode substrate change are included in the light spot, and receives reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate through a light receiving element. The maximum diameter of the illuminated light spot can be greater than or equal to the minimum change period of the shape of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a at the boundary between the current collector 2 and the electrode constituent layer portion 2a.

[0074] Each optical sensor 40 can be arranged to have a variable mounting angle. That is, each optical sensor 40 can be arranged such that the angle of incidence of light emitted from the light emitting element 40a onto the electrode substrate or the angle of incidence of light reflected from the electrode substrate onto the light receiving element is variable. For example, if in Figure 10 In a detection target, when one of the high-absorbency current collector 2 and the high-absorbency electrode layer portion 2a is set as the detection target, and the angle of the light emitting element 40a, such as a semiconductor laser, relative to the electrode substrate is arranged to be approximately the same as the angle of the light receiving element 40b, such as a photodiode, then light that is specularly reflected from the light emitting element 40a may easily enter the light receiving element 40b. This may reduce the signal-to-noise ratio. By allowing the mounting angle of each optical sensor 40 to be variable, the angle of the light emitting element 40a, such as a semiconductor laser, relative to the electrode substrate can be arranged to be approximately the same as the angle of the photodiode. Figure 10 The angles of the light-receiving element 40b, such as a photodiode, vary. This can provide an arrangement in which specularly reflected light (light with an incident angle equal to the reflection angle) from the light-emitting element 40a may not easily enter the light-receiving element 40, resulting in an increased signal-to-noise ratio. Since a significant decrease can be observed during detection, the accuracy of edge detection can be improved.

[0075] However, if in Figure 10 In a detection target, when one of the current collector 2 with low absorbance and the electrode layer portion 2a with high absorbance is set as the detection target, if the angle of the light emitting element 40a (e.g., a semiconductor laser) relative to the electrode substrate is arranged differently from the angle of the light receiving element 40b (e.g., a photodiode), then the light that is specularly reflected from the light emitting element 40a may not easily enter the light receiving element 40b. This may reduce the signal-to-noise ratio. By allowing the mounting angle of each optical sensor 40 to be variable, the angle of the light emitting element 40a, such as a semiconductor laser, relative to the electrode substrate can be arranged differently from the angle of the photodiode. Figure 10 The light receiving element 40b in the light emitting element 40a has an angle approximately the same as that of a photodiode. This provides an arrangement in which specularly reflected light (light with an incident angle equal to the reflection angle) from the light emitting element 40a can easily enter the light receiving element 40, resulting in an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio. Since a significant decrease can be observed during detection, the accuracy of edge detection can be improved.

[0076] As described above, a mechanism can be provided that allows the mounting angle of each optical sensor 40 to be variable to accommodate changes in the properties of the current collector 2 and the electrode composition layer portion 2a.

[0077] Each optical sensor 40 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of reflected light from the electrode substrate in a timing sequence. Lens 40c is a lens used to focus the light emitted from the light emitting element 40a.

[0078] exist Figure 9In the diagram, the white circles representing the nine optical sensors 40 indicate cases where each shape of the light spot illuminated by the optical sensors 40 is a circle. In this embodiment, each optical sensor 40 is arranged to detect points with different properties between the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed and the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is not formed on the electrode substrate. The electrode constituent layer portion 2a has a different reflectivity than the current collector 2. Therefore, for example, if the reflectivity of the current collector 2 is higher than that of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a, the intensity of the reflected light decreases as the ratio of the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed to the region where the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is not formed increases within the illuminated point according to the electrode substrate's transport in the +X direction.

[0079] Detector 4 outputs a timing electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of reflected light transported by the electrode substrate in the +X direction as detection information. Based on the detection information output by detector 4, electrode printing equipment 1 can detect changes in the boundary position corresponding to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction. Each position where the boundary can be detected can be set by using the position of the liquid discharge head 5, more specifically, the position of each nozzle provided in the liquid discharge head 5 and used for discharging the liquid composition, as a reference.

[0080] like Figure 9 As shown, optical sensor 41 is arranged in the Y direction near the center of electrode constituent layer region 21 and detects the boundary of electrode constituent layer region 21 in the X direction. Optical sensor 42 is arranged in the Y direction near the center of a corresponding electrode constituent layer region 22 and detects the boundary of the corresponding electrode constituent layer region 22 in the X direction. Optical sensor 43 is arranged in the Y direction near the center of electrode constituent layer region 23 and detects the boundary of electrode constituent layer region 23 in the X direction. Note that "near the center" means within 10% of the side center in the Y direction of the electrode constituent layer region. More specifically, "within 10% of the center" means within 10% of the center extending along the side length in the Y direction of the electrode constituent layer region.

[0081] Optical sensor 44 is arranged to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the +Y side of the electrode layer region 21. Optical sensor 45 is arranged to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the -Y side of the electrode layer region 21. Optical sensor 46 is arranged to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the +Y side of the electrode layer region 23.

[0082] Optical sensor 47 is positioned from optical sensor 44 onto the +X side to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the +Y side of the electrode constituent layer region 21. Optical sensor 48 is positioned from optical sensor 45 onto the +X side to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the -Y side of the electrode constituent layer region 21. Optical sensor 49 is positioned from optical sensor 46 onto the +X side to detect the boundary between the current collector 2 and the +Y side of the electrode constituent layer region 23.

[0083] Optical sensors 44 to 49 detect changes in the boundary position in the Y direction, corresponding to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction.

[0084] Each of the optical sensors 44 to 49 can be arranged such that only a single boundary line extends in the X direction between the corresponding electrode constituent layer region and the current collector, and is included in the illumination spot (i.e., such that the spot crosses a single boundary line). Because only one boundary line is included in the illumination spot instead of multiple boundary lines, the optical sensor 40 can detect boundary changes more accurately. The width of the illumination spot in the Y direction can be less than or equal to the space between the electrode constituent layer portions in the Y direction. In other words, the width of the illumination spot in the Y direction can be less than or equal to the width of the current collector 2, where electrode constituent layer portions are not formed between the electrode constituent layer portions. Therefore, only one boundary line extending in the X direction can include the illuminated spot.

[0085] Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are diagrams illustrating examples of detection information according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 The detection information 111 output by the optical sensor 41 is shown, and Figure 12 The detection information 112 output by the optical sensor 44 is shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In each of these, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection information output from the optical sensor 40 (in this example, the voltage signal).

[0086] exist Figure 11 During period t1, the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is not formed at the location of the light spot illuminated by the optical sensor 41, and the value of the detection information 111 has increased (high reflectivity). During period t2, the electrode constituent layer portion 2a is formed at the location of the light spot illuminated by the optical sensor 41, and the value of the detection information 111 decreases (low reflectivity). In other words, the voltage value of the voltage signal has changed according to the position of the boundary in the X direction.

[0087] Detector 4 outputs the detection information 111 obtained from optical sensor 41 during periods t1 and t2 to acquisition unit 13. The time obtained by adding periods t1 and t2 is an example of a predetermined time.

[0088] The acquisition unit 13 combines the timing-input detection information 111 to obtain combined detection information 121. The correction unit 14 uses the combined detection information 121 to detect the boundary position in the X direction of the electrode constituent layer region 21. If it is determined that the boundary position has shifted from the desired position, the image data 90 is corrected according to the shift.

[0089] Similarly, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can also use detection information output from the optical sensor 42 to detect the boundary in the X direction of the electrode constituent layer region 22, and detection information output from the optical sensor 43 to detect the boundary in the X direction of the electrode constituent layer region 23. If it is determined that the boundary position has deviated from the desired position, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can cause the electrode printing apparatus 14 to correct the image data. By controlling the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the corrected image data, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can control each position in the X direction, wherein the liquid component discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 falls onto the current collector 2.

[0090] exist Figure 12 In period t3, the optical sensor 44 illuminates a light spot on the electrode substrate, such that a portion of the light spot is on the electrode constituent layer portion 2a, and the remainder is on the current collector 2. Therefore, compared to the case where the light spot is only on the current collector 2, the value of the detection information 112 decreases. In period t4, the boundary on the +Y side of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a gradually moves towards the +Y side, reducing the area of ​​the light spot on the current collector 2. Therefore, the value of the detection information 112 gradually decreases (reflectivity decreases). In other words, the voltage value of the voltage signal decreases depending on the position of the boundary in the Y direction.

[0091] Detector 4 outputs segments of the detection information 112 obtained in periods t3 and t4 to acquisition unit 13. Acquisition unit 13 combines the segments of the detection information 112 that are input in time sequence to obtain combined detection information 122. The time obtained by adding periods t3 and t4 is an example of a predetermined time.

[0092] The correction unit 14 obtains information about the position of the boundary on the +Y side of the electrode composition layer region 21 based on the combined detection information 122, and corrects the image data 90 according to the change in the boundary position. Similarly, if the boundary positions in the Y direction of the corresponding electrode composition layer region 22 and the boundary positions in the Y direction of the corresponding electrode composition layer region 23 have changed based on the detection information output from the optical sensors 48 and 49, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the correction unit 14 to correct the image data. The electrode printing apparatus 1 can use the corrected image data to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 and control the position of the liquid composition discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 on the electrode substrate in the Y direction.

[0093] The electrode printing apparatus 1 can detect not only the positional movement of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a in the Y direction, but also the change in the width (dimension) of the electrode constituent layer portion 2a in the Y direction. For example, if, according to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction, the boundary position of the +Y side of the electrode constituent layer region 21 gradually moves towards the +Y side (i.e., the voltage value gradually decreases), and the boundary position of the -Y side of the electrode constituent layer region 21 gradually moves towards the -Y side (i.e., the voltage value gradually decreases), then the electrode printing apparatus 1 can detect that the width of the electrode constituent layer region 21 in the Y direction gradually increases.

[0094] Based on the arrangement of each optical sensor 40, a relationship is pre-correlated between the movement of the boundary position in the Y direction and the change in the voltage value delivered to the electrode substrate in the +X direction. The storage unit 16 stores the relevant information. The electrode printing apparatus 1, based on the change in voltage value, refers to the storage unit 16 to detect the direction of the boundary position movement in the Y direction, thereby detecting the width change in the Y direction.

[0095] The electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the correction unit 14 to correct the image data based on this change in width. The electrode printing apparatus 1 controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the corrected image data to control the position of the liquid components discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 on the electrode substrate.

[0096] By having the detector 4 detect at least two points along the Y direction, where the properties of the boundary between the current collector 2 and the electrode constituent layer portion 2a are different, the electrode printing device 1 can detect the width variation in the Y direction of an electrode constituent layer portion 2a.

[0097] <Example of operation of electrode printing device 1>. Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrode printing apparatus 1. The electrode printing apparatus 1 begins operation when triggered by receiving a start electrode printing operation input performed by a user on the operation unit 8. Figure 13The operation shown is illustrated.

[0098] First, in step S131, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the transport controller 152 to drive the transport mechanism 3 to begin transporting the electrode substrate along the +X direction. The transport speed of the electrode substrate here is, for example, between 0.1 m / min and several 100 m / min. The electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the transport mechanism 3 to continue transporting the electrode substrate until the electrode substrate needs to be stopped.

[0099] Next, in step S132, the electrode printing device 1 causes the measurement unit 11 to start counting the clock signal of the central processing unit 101 to begin measuring the time.

[0100] Next, in step S133, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the acquisition unit 13 to begin receiving detection information regarding the respective boundaries between the current collector 2 and the electrode constituent layer portion 2a detected by the detector 4, and causes the storage unit 16 to temporarily store the received multiple pieces of detection information. The electrode printing apparatus 1 continues to receive detection information until it stops receiving detection information from the detector 4.

[0101] Next, in step S134, the electrode printing device 1 causes the determination unit 12 to determine whether the predetermined time has passed based on the time measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 11.

[0102] If it is determined in step S134 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S134), the electrode printing device 1 will perform the operation of step S133 again.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S134 that the predetermined time has passed (YES in step S134), the electrode printing device 1 obtains combined detection information by having the acquisition unit 13 combine multiple detection information temporarily stored in the storage unit 16 in step S135.

[0104] Next, in step S136, the electrode printing apparatus 1 resets the time measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 11. Note that the order of operations in steps S135 and S136 can be interchanged. Operations in steps S135 and S136 can also be performed in parallel.

[0105] Next, in step S137, the electrode printing device 1 causes the correction unit 14 to read the image data 90 stored in the storage unit 16, and corrects the read image data 90 based on the combined detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13. Subsequently, the correction unit 14 outputs the corrected image data to the controller 15 and deletes multiple pieces of detection information temporarily stored in the storage unit 16.

[0106] Next, in step S138, when the electrode composition layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2 of the electrode substrate has reached the position facing the liquid discharge head 5, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the discharge controller 151 to drive the liquid discharge head 5 to discharge the liquid composition according to the corrected image data. As a result, a liquid composition layer portion is formed by applying the liquid composition to the electrode composition layer portion 2a.

[0107] Next, in step S139, when the electrode composition layer portion 2a having the liquid composition layer portion formed thereon has reached the position facing the light source 6, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the irradiation controller 153 to drive the light source 6 to irradiate each liquid composition layer portion with light to cure the resin precursor layer portion. Note that the irradiation intensity at the surface position of each liquid composition layer portion varies depending on the wavelength of the light source to be used. That is, the irradiation intensity can fall in the range from several megawatts per square centimeter to 1 kilowatt per square centimeter. The irradiation time of each liquid composition layer portion can be appropriately set according to the sensitivity of the liquid composition, the transport speed of the electrode substrate, etc.

[0108] Next, in step S140, when each electrode constituent layer portion 2a carrying the cured resin precursor layer reaches a position facing or near the heater 7, the electrode printing apparatus 1 causes the thermal controller 154 to drive the heater 7. The electrode printing apparatus 1 heats the resin precursor layer portion formed on the electrode constituent layer portion 2a to promote the crosslinking reaction of the resin precursor layer portion. Note that in the electrode printing apparatus 1, the heating time of the heater 7 is relatively short, approximately a few seconds to tens of seconds. Therefore, if the curing of the resin precursor layer portion is to be completed by the heater 7, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can perform heating at a maximum temperature of approximately, for example, 200°C or lower, or at a relatively high temperature of approximately 80°C to 200°C or 60°C to 180°C.

[0109] Next, in step S141, the electrode printing device 1 causes the processor 100 to determine whether to end electrode printing. For example, if the user has already used the operation unit 8 to perform an operation input to end electrode printing, the electrode printing device 1 can determine to end electrode printing.

[0110] In step S141, if it is determined that electrode printing should not be terminated (No in step S141), the electrode printing device 1 will again execute the operation of step S132 and subsequent steps.

[0111] On the other hand, in step S141, if it is determined that electrode printing should be ended (Yes in step S141), the electrode printing device 1 causes the acquisition unit 13 to stop receiving detection information from the detector 4 in step S142.

[0112] Next, in step S143, the electrode printing equipment 1 stops the transport of the electrode substrate by stopping the transport mechanism 3 through the transport controller 152.

[0113] In this way, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can form a resin layer portion 2b on each electrode constituent layer portion 2a on the current collector 2.

[0114] Subsequently, the electrode substrate is rolled into a roll or conveyed to a storage container (a container for storing thin-film electrodes). Note that the electrode printing apparatus may also include pressure rollers as a means of pressing the manufactured thin-film electrodes and a cutting mechanism for dividing the thin-film electrodes, such as a cutting blade or a laser.

[0115] The electrode printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include two or more liquid discharge heads that discharge different liquid compositions (e.g., liquid compositions for resin layer portions and liquid compositions for inorganic layer portions) to perform simultaneous multilayer printing or to mix liquid compositions at landing points.

[0116] To move the electrode substrate relative to the liquid discharge head 5, the electrode printing apparatus 1 provides a transport mechanism 3 for transporting the electrode substrate to form a resin layer portion or an inorganic layer portion having a desired thickness, thereby moving the electrode substrate. However, the liquid discharge head 5 can be arranged to move in the -X direction. Alternatively, both the electrode substrate and the liquid discharge head 5 can be arranged to move.

[0117] Figure 14 This is a view showing an example of the result of forming a resin layer portion 2b by the electrode printing apparatus 1. Figure 14 It can be similar to Figure 4 View it in this way. Figure 14 In the image, multiple rectangular regions 20, represented by broken lines and forming each resin layer portion 2b, represent regions of the resin layer portion 2b formed based on image data. The width of each rectangular region 20 in the Y direction is modified according to the variation of the width of the corresponding electrode constituent layer portion 2a in the Y direction. Therefore, uncovered areas can be eliminated, and the electrode constituent layer portion 2a can be completely covered by the resin layer portion 2b.

[0118] <Effects of Electrode Printing Device 1> As described above, the electrode printing apparatus 1 (electrode manufacturing apparatus, liquid discharge apparatus) is a device for discharging a liquid component (liquid) onto an electrode substrate (liquid discharge target) being transported in the X direction (a predetermined direction). The electrode printing apparatus 1 includes a detector 4, a liquid discharge head 5 disposed downstream of the detector 4 along the X direction, and a controller 15 for controlling the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5. On the current collector 2 of the electrode substrate, multiple boundaries (points where properties change) of the current collector 2 and the electrode component layer portion 2a exist along the Y direction (the direction intersecting the predetermined direction). The detector 4 detects at least the boundaries in a time sequence and outputs multiple detection information 112 based on the boundaries detected in the time sequence. The controller 15 controls the liquid discharge head 5 based on combined detection information 122 obtained by combining the multiple detection information 112.

[0119] When the widths of the electrode constituent layer portions 2a on the current collector 2 in the Y direction change according to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction, the detection information sheet 112 obtained by the detector 4 detecting multiple boundaries between the electrode constituent layer portions 2a in the Y direction changes according to the change in their respective widths. The electrode printing apparatus 1 can correct the image data based on the combined detection information 122, which includes such timing information about the changes in width, to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5. As a result, the liquid discharge operation of the liquid discharge head 5 can be controlled according to the changes in the electrode substrate.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detector 4 outputs multiple detection information segments 112 in a time sequence within a predetermined time period or when the electrode substrate is transported to a predetermined transport distance. This allows predetermined time-series detection information to be obtained according to desired acquisition conditions based on the size of image data corresponding to the X direction or similar requirements, thereby enabling control of the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance of the electrode substrate includes at least one of the thickness, color, or reflectivity of the electrode substrate, or the thickness, color, or reflectivity of the current collector 2 formed on the electrode substrate. Therefore, it is possible to detect the variation in the width of each portion 2a of the electrode constituent layer in the Y direction corresponding to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, each optical sensor 40 of the detector 4 includes a light emitting element 40a that illuminates a light spot on the electrode substrate, and a light receiving element 40b that receives reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light.

[0123] Each light-emitting element 40a illuminates a point on the electrode substrate such that the boundary between the corresponding electrode constituent layer portion 2a and the current collector 2 is included within the illuminated point. Multiple detection information includes a voltage signal (electrical signal) output sequentially by each light-receiving element 40b. The controller 15 controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on fluctuations in the voltage value of each voltage signal. In this embodiment, such a simple arrangement can be used to detect changes in the boundary position between the current collector 2 and the electrode constituent layer portion 2a and control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5. Note that the electrical signal can be a current signal instead of a voltage signal. That is, the controller 15 can control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on fluctuations in the current value of the current signal output sequentially by each light-receiving element.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the combined detection information includes information about the position of the boundary between each electrode constituent layer portion 2a and the current collector 2 in the Y direction and information about the position of the boundary between each electrode constituent layer portion 2a and the current collector 2 in the X direction. Therefore, the respective changes of each electrode constituent layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2 in the X and Y directions can be detected.

[0125] In this embodiment, the electrode substrate includes an electrode assembly layer portion 2a (first thin film region) already formed on the current collector 2 in a predetermined pattern. The controller 15 controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 according to the assembly detection information 122, so that the liquid components discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 form a resin layer portion 2b (second film region) for covering the electrode assembly layer portion 2a. Since each electrode assembly layer portion 2a can be covered with the resin layer portion 2b according to the pattern of the electrode assembly layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2, the insulating function of the resin layer portion 2b formed by the liquid components can be effectively achieved. Furthermore, even if a conductive area is cut out from the electrode substrate for use, the area of ​​the electrode substrate can be used effectively, while preventing faults such as short circuits in the electrode substrate.

[0126] Furthermore, the controller 15 controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 so that the resin layer portion 2b for covering each electrode constituent layer portion 2a forms along the X and Y directions, while protruding from the electrode constituent layer portion 2a at a predetermined length. The predetermined length may be 1.0 mm or less. More specifically, Figure 3 The width P of the protrusion corresponds to the predetermined length, and the width P of the protrusion can be 1.0 mm or less.

[0127] By setting the width P of the protrusion to 1.0 mm or less, the electrode printing apparatus 1 can more reliably cover each electrode composition layer portion 2a with the resin layer portion 2b. Therefore, the insulating function and other functions of the resin layer portion 2b formed of liquid composition can be implemented more effectively.

[0128] [Second Embodiment] The electrode printing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as in the first embodiment, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. This will also apply to other embodiments described below.

[0129] Figure 15 This is a plan view illustrating an example arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus 1a. The electrode printing apparatus 1a includes a detector 4a. The detector 4a also includes an optical sensor 41a and an in-line sensor 41b. The term "optical sensor 41a" generally refers to three optical sensors.

[0130] The arrangement of each optical sensor 41a is similar to that of each optical sensor 40 according to the first embodiment. Each of the three optical sensors 41a is arranged near the center in the Y direction of a corresponding one of the three electrode constituent layer regions, which are formed by electrode constituent layer regions 21 to 23, in pairs with a corresponding one of the three electrode constituent layer regions. Each optical sensor 41a detects the position of the corresponding electrode constituent layer region in the X direction. Note that "near the center" means a range within 10% from the side center in the Y direction of the electrode constituent layer region. More specifically, "range within 10% from the center" means a range within 10% from the center extending along the side length in the Y direction of the electrode constituent layer region.

[0131] The in-line sensor 41b includes a line sensor composed of a plurality of pixels arranged along the Y direction. Each pixel in the line sensor outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. The in-line sensor 41b may also include a light source, if desired, for illuminating the electrode substrate with light for image capture.

[0132] Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are diagrams showing examples of detection information according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 The detection information 111a output from each optical sensor 41a is shown. Figure 16 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection information output by the optical sensor 41a (in this case, voltage).

[0133] Detector 4a outputs detection information 111a obtained by each optical sensor 41a at times t1a and t2a to acquisition unit 13. Acquisition unit 13 combines the time-sequentially input detection information 111a to obtain combined detection information 121a. Correction unit 14 detects the position of electrode composition layer region 21 in the X direction based on the combined detection information 121a. If the position has shifted from a desired position, correction unit 14 corrects the shift based on image data 90. By controlling the discharge conditions of liquid discharge head 5 using the corrected image data, electrode printing apparatus 1a can control the liquid composition discharged from liquid discharge head 5 to land at each position on the electrode substrate in the X direction.

[0134] Figure 17 The detection information 112a output from the online sensor 41b is shown. Figure 17 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents position (pixel position) in the Y direction. Detection information 112a is a line image captured by the online sensor 41b.

[0135] Since the relative positions of the online sensor 41b and the electrode substrate in the X direction change over time, the horizontal axis corresponds to the position in the X direction. Therefore, the combined detection information 122a obtained by combining the fragments of detection information 112a output from the detector 4a in a time sequence by the acquisition unit 13 corresponds to the two-dimensional image obtained by capturing the electrode substrate from the +Z direction.

[0136] Since the position or size of each electrode component layer portion 2a formed on the current collector 2 varies according to the transport of the electrode substrate in the +X direction, an image of the electrode component layer portion 2a corresponding to the variation is obtained from the combined detection information 122a. The correction unit 14 uses the combined detection information 122a to detect the position or size of the electrode component layer portion 2a in the Y direction. If the position has shifted from the desired position, the correction unit 14 corrects the image data 90 according to the shift. By controlling the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the corrected image data, the electrode printing apparatus 1a can control the liquid composition discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 to fall on each position on the electrode substrate in the Y direction.

[0137] Including the inline sensor 41b in the detector 4a in this manner allows the electrode printing apparatus 1a to more accurately detect the position or size of the electrode composition layer portion 2a in the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately control the liquid composition discharged from the liquid discharge head 5 at each position on the electrode substrate in the Y direction. Note that other effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0138] [Third Embodiment] The electrode printing apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0139] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 Describe the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus 1b. Figure 18 and Figure 19 These are views showing examples of the arrangement of the electrode printing apparatus 1b. Figure 18 This is a side view of the electrode printing device 1b, and Figure 19 This is a plan view of electrode printing device 1b.

[0140] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the electrode printing device 1b from From upstream to downstream in the +X direction, the device sequentially includes detector 4a, liquid discharge head 5, light source 6, heater 7, detector 4aA, liquid discharge head 5A, light source 6A, heater 7A, and detector 4aA. The electrode printing device 1b also includes processor 100b.

[0141] Each detector 4aA is an example of a downstream detection unit arranged on the downstream side of the liquid discharge head 5 in the +X direction. Each detector 4aA outputs multiple downstream detection information, which is obtained by sequentially detecting each point with different properties on the electrode substrate.

[0142] At the position where the electrode substrate faces each detector 4aA, a resin layer portion 2b is formed on the electrode composition layer portion 2a of the current collector 2. Each detector 4aA is arranged to detect points of performance change in a planar view. The points of performance change are the respective locations of the boundary between the resin layer portion 2b and the current collector 2.

[0143] The downstream detection information obtained by detector 4aA is used to detect the respective positions or dimensions of the resin layer portions 2b, defective areas (e.g., areas where the resin layer portion 2b is not partially formed), and similar areas on the electrode substrate. Note that in the specification and appended claims, a defective area refers to an area where the difference between the film thickness in the Z direction and the area surrounding the defective area is 1.0% or greater. The electrode printing apparatus 1b can control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5A, which is arranged upstream of detector 4aA in the +X direction and downstream of detector 4aA, based on the detection results.

[0144] Liquid discharge head 5A discharges liquid composition along the +X direction onto the electrode substrate on the upstream side of the formed resin layer portion 2b to continuously form the electrode composition layer portion or the resin layer portion.

[0145] Liquid composition can be applied in place of liquid discharge head 5A using a die head with intermittent setting function, high-speed dispenser, nozzle, spray nozzle, liquid discharge head similar to the one described above, or something similar.

[0146] Based on the defect area information obtained from downstream detection information from detector 4aA, liquid discharge head 5A forms an electrode composition layer portion or a resin layer portion on the defective area of ​​the electrode substrate.

[0147] Light source 6A illuminates the additional liquid component applied to the electrode substrate from liquid discharge head 5A to solidify the additional liquid component. Heater 7A heats and dries the additional liquid component.

[0148] <Example of the functional layout of processor 100b> Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of processor 100b. Processor 100b includes an acquisition unit 13b, a correction unit 14b, and a controller 15b. Controller 15b also includes an emission controller 151b.

[0149] In addition to obtaining a combined detection information by combining multiple detection information output from each detector 4a, the acquisition unit 13b obtains a combined downstream detection information by combining multiple downstream detection information output from each detector 4aA.

[0150] Based on the combined detection information and combined downstream detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13b, the correction unit 14b corrects the image data for forming the resin layer portion 2b by the liquid discharge head 5 and the image data for forming the resin layer portion or electrode composition layer portion by the liquid discharge head 5A.

[0151] The emission controller 151b can control the emission conditions of liquid discharge head 5 based on combined detection information, and control the respective emission conditions of liquid discharge head 5 and liquid discharge head 5A based on combined downstream detection information.

[0152] As described above, the electrode printing apparatus 1b further includes a detector 4aA (downstream detection unit) in the +X direction downstream of the liquid discharge head 5. The detector 4aA outputs multiple downstream detection information, which is obtained by detecting points with different properties on the electrode substrate in a time sequence.

[0153] The controller 15b uses a single combined downstream detection information obtained by combining multiple downstream detection information to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 and the liquid discharge head 5A. Therefore, if the position or size of the resin layer portion 2b formed on the electrode substrate has shifted from the desired position or size, the subsequent formation of the resin layer portion 2b can be corrected by feeding back the shift information to the controller 15b. Furthermore, if the resin layer portion 2b formed on the upstream side in the +X direction includes a defective region, the liquid discharge head 5A can discharge and apply additional liquid composition on the downstream side to reduce or eliminate the defective region.

[0154] [Fourth Embodiment] The electrode printing apparatus 1c according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0155] Figure 21 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional arrangement of a processor 100c included in an electrode printing apparatus 1c. The processor 100c includes a generator 17, a storage unit 16c, and a correction unit 14c.

[0156] Generator 17 is an example of a generator that generates multiple image data with different widths in the Y direction using a combined detection information obtained by combining multiple detection information segments output from detector 4 before the electrode printing apparatus 1c performs a liquid component discharge operation on the electrode substrate being transported in the +X direction.

[0157] Storage unit 16c stores image data 91, image data 92 and image data 93, which are multiple image data generated by generator 17 and are related to the combined detection information used by generator 17 during the generation of multiple image data.

[0158] Based on the combined detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13, the correction unit 14c refers to the storage unit 16c to obtain image data related to the combined detection information. The obtained image data is output to the controller 15c.

[0159] The controller 15c controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the image data input from the correction unit 14c.

[0160] Figure 22 This is a view showing image data 91, image data 92, and image data 93 as examples of multiple image data. Width L1 is the width of image data 91 in the Y direction, width L2 is the width of image data 92 in the Y direction, and width L3 is the width of image data 93 in the Y direction. (Example...) Figure 22 As shown, widths L1, L2, and L3 are different from each other.

[0161] In the above embodiments, correction units 14 and 14b each perform image data processing based on the combined detection information obtained by acquisition unit 13, which has been set as a reference to correct the width in the Y direction to an appropriate width. Conversely, correction unit 14c selects one image data from image data 91, image data 92, and image data 93 already stored in storage unit 16c, based on the combined detection information obtained by acquisition unit 13, to correct the width of the image data in the Y direction. Therefore, the electrode printing apparatus 1c can simplify and speed up the processing for correcting the width of the image data in the Y direction.

[0162] Image data 91, image data 92 and image data 93 are generated by generator 17 and stored in storage unit 16c before the electrode printing equipment 1c performs operations to form resin layer portion 2b on electrode substrate.

[0163] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation performed by the electrode printing apparatus 1c to generate multiple image data. The electrode printing apparatus 1c begins operation when triggered by receiving an operation input performed by a user on the operation unit 8. Figure 23 The operation is explained in the instructions.

[0164] As long as it occurs before the electrode printing apparatus 1c forms the resin layer portion 2b on the electrode substrate, the electrode printing apparatus 1c can generate multiple image data at any time without any particular limitation. However, in order for the generated image data to function properly, the electrode printing apparatus 1c may generate multiple image data close to the time when it is about to form the resin layer portion 2b on the electrode substrate. Alternatively, the electrode printing apparatus 1c may generate multiple image data after its operating environment has changed due to a change in its installation position. The electrode printing apparatus 1c may also generate multiple image data on a regular schedule, such as every morning or similar situations.

[0165] First, in step S231, the electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the transport controller 152 to drive the transport mechanism 3 to begin transporting the electrode substrate along the +X direction. The transport speed of the electrode substrate at this time can be the same as the transport speed set by the electrode printing apparatus 1c when performing electrode printing. The electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the transport mechanism 3 to continue transporting the electrode substrate until the electrode substrate is stopped.

[0166] Next, in step S232, the electrode printing device 1c causes the measurement unit 11 to start calculating the clock signal of the central processing unit 101 to begin measuring the time.

[0167] Next, in step S233, the electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the acquisition unit 13 to begin receiving detection information detected by the detector 4 at the respective boundaries between the electrode constituent layer portion 2a and the current collector 2, and causes the storage unit 16c to temporarily store the received multiple segments of detection information. The electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the acquisition unit 13 to continue receiving detection information until the input of detection information from the detector 4 is stopped.

[0168] Next, in step S234, the electrode printing device 1c causes the determination unit 12 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time measurement result obtained by the measurement unit 11.

[0169] If it is determined in step S234 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S234), the electrode printing device 1c restarts the operation of step S233.

[0170] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S234 that the predetermined time has passed (Yes in step S234), then in step S235, the electrode printing device 1c causes the obtaining unit 13 to obtain a single combined detection information by combining multiple detection information temporarily stored in the storage unit 16c.

[0171] Next, in step S236, the electrode printing device 1c resets the time measurement result of the measurement unit 11. Note that the order of operations in steps S235 and S236 can be reversed, or the operations in steps S235 and S236 can be performed in parallel.

[0172] Next, in step S237, the electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the correction unit 14c to generate image data in which the width in the Y direction has been corrected based on the combined detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13. Subsequently, the correction unit 14c outputs the generated image data and combined detection information to the storage unit 16c and deletes multiple detection information segments temporarily stored in the storage unit 16c.

[0173] Note that the correction unit 14c can read the image data to be used as a reference and already stored in the storage unit 16c, and based on the combined detection information obtained by the acquisition unit 13, correct the width of the image data to be used as a reference in the Y direction to generate image data in which the width in the Y direction has been appropriately adjusted.

[0174] Next, in step S238, the electrode printing device 1c causes the storage unit 16c to store the image data generated by the generator 17, which is associated with the combined detection information.

[0175] Next, in step S239, the electrode printing device 1c causes the processor 100c to determine whether to end the electrode printing operation. For example, when the user has already entered an operation on the operation unit 8 to end the electrode printing operation, the electrode printing device 1c can determine to end the electrode printing operation.

[0176] If it is determined in step S239 that the electrode printing operation should not be terminated (No in step S239), the electrode printing equipment 1c will execute step S232 and its subsequent steps again.

[0177] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S239 that the electrode printing operation should be terminated (Yes in step S239), the electrode printing device 1c causes the acquisition unit 13 to stop receiving detection information input from the detector 4 in step S240.

[0178] Next, in step S241, the electrode printing apparatus 1c causes the transport controller 152 to stop the transport mechanism 3 to stop the transport of the electrode substrate.

[0179] In this way, the electrode printing device 1c can enable the generator 17 to generate image data and the storage unit 16c to store the generated image data.

[0180] As described above, the electrode printing apparatus 1c includes a storage unit 16c that stores multiple image data, each image data having a different width in the Y direction, and is associated with combined detection information. The controller 15 references the storage unit 16c based on the combined detection information obtained by combining multiple detection information segments output from the detector 4, and controls the discharge conditions of the liquid discharge head 5 based on the image data obtained from the storage unit 16c.

[0181] The electrode printing apparatus 1c includes a generator 17 that generates multiple image data based on a single combined detection information obtained by combining multiple detection information detected by the detector 4. The generator 17 generates the multiple image data before the electrode printing apparatus 1c performs the operation of discharging a liquid composition onto an electrode substrate, which is being transported along the +X direction. A storage unit 16c (storage device) stores the multiple image data generated by the generator 17.

[0182] Because this arrangement allows the processing of the width in the Y direction for correcting image data to be omitted during the electrode printing operation, the electrode printing apparatus 1c can simplify and speed up the process.

[0183] Reduce the installation distance M in the X direction between detector 4 and liquid discharge head 5 (see...) Figure 5This can reduce the size of the electrode printing device 1c. To reduce the installation distance M, a calibration process can be performed after detection by detector 4 to shorten the processing time until the liquid component is discharged by liquid discharge head 5. In the described embodiment, since the distance between detector 4 and liquid discharge head 5 in the X direction can be reduced by simplifying and speeding up the processing procedure, the size of the electrode printing device 1c can be reduced.

[0184] Note that the electrode printing apparatus according to the various embodiments can be used as a manufacturing apparatus for energy storage devices by providing means for performing various processes on the upstream or downstream side of the liquid discharge head 5 as needed.

[0185] In addition to the electrode printing apparatus 1 for supplying liquid to the electrode substrate, the energy storage manufacturing apparatus may include, for example, an electrode substrate processing apparatus that performs a process on the electrode substrate on which a resin layer portion or an inorganic layer portion is formed in preparation for battery assembly.

[0186] <Electrode substrate processing unit> The electrode substrate processing unit processes electrode substrates downstream of the liquid discharge head 5, wherein a resin layer portion (resin layer) or an inorganic layer portion (inorganic layer) is formed on the electrode substrate. The electrode substrate processing unit can perform at least one of cutting, folding, or bonding. For example, the electrode substrate processing unit can cut the electrode substrate, wherein the resin layer portion or the inorganic layer portion is formed, to create an electrode substrate stack. The electrode substrate processing unit can wind or stack electrode substrates having resin layer portions or inorganic layer portions together. If the insulating layer contains a material having a melting point or glass transition temperature, a portion of one electrode substrate stack can be adhered to another electrode substrate stack in the electrode substrate processing unit.

[0187] The electrode substrate processing unit includes, for example, an electrode substrate processing apparatus. The electrode substrate processing unit performs operations such as cutting, Z-folding, stacking, or winding of electrode substrates having resin or inorganic layers, and thermally bonding the electrode substrates after stacking or winding, according to the desired battery form. When the electrode substrate processing unit processes an electrode substrate on which a resin layer or inorganic layer is formed, the electrode substrate transport speed can be set to a relatively low speed to reduce damage to the processed electrode substrate, such as wrinkles.

[0188] The electrode substrate processing procedure performed by the electrode substrate processing unit is, for example, a process of processing the electrode substrate downstream of the liquid discharge head 5, wherein a resin layer portion or an inorganic layer portion is formed on the electrode substrate. The electrode substrate processing procedure may include at least one of a cutting procedure, a folding procedure, or an adhesion procedure.

[0189] Table 1 shows an example of experimental results examining the relationship between the mounting distance M and the displacement of a resin layer portion 2b formed on the electrode substrate.

[0190] [Table 1] 300.0 0.15 0.09 0.24 1000.0 0.5 0.3 0.8 3000.0 1.5 0.9 2.4

[0191] When the mounting distance M is 3000.0 mm, a width change of 1.0 mm in the Y direction was observed for the resin layer portion 2b. When the mounting distance M is 1000.0 mm, a tilt change of 0.3 mm occurred. Note that the tilt change represents a positional movement accompanying the tilt (rotation) of the resin layer portion 2b on the electrode substrate surface.

[0192] When the installation distance M is 300.0 mm, the sum of the width variation and tilt variation (hereinafter referred to as the "sum") is 0.24 mm. When the installation distance M is 1000.0 mm, the sum is 0.8 mm. When the installation distance M is 3000.0 mm, the sum is 2.4 mm.

[0193] Based on the results of the above experiments, for example, in order to set the specification value of the protrusion width P of the resin layer portion 2b relative to the electrode composition layer portion 2a to 1.0 mm or less, and to suppress the total amount to less than or equal to 1 / 2 (0.5 mm) of the specification value, it was found that the installation distance can be set to 300.0 mm or less.

[0194] Although the above embodiments have been described, the disclosure of this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0195] Each embodiment illustrates an arrangement in which the liquid dispenser dispenses liquid based on image data. However, the invention disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid dispenser may be arranged to dispense liquid based on detection information obtained by a detector. In this case, generator 17 in Figure 21 In the illustrated functional arrangement, combined detection information, input from the acquisition unit 13, can be used when the resin layer 2b is formed on the electrode substrate by the electrode printing device 1c, to generate real-time image data corresponding to changes in the electrode composition layer 2a. Subsequently, the generator 17 can output the generated image data to the controller 15. The controller 15 can then form the resin layer 2b on the electrode substrate by discharging liquid components based on the image data input from the generator 17.

[0196] Furthermore, as an example of forming a resin layer or inorganic layer through a liquid discharge process, an arrangement has been described in which the liquid discharger directly discharges liquid onto the electrode substrate to form a resin layer or inorganic layer on the electrode substrate. However, alternative arrangements may also be used. Figure 24A and 24B The arrangement described herein, wherein the resin layer or inorganic layer is formed by indirectly discharging liquid onto the electrode substrate. This arrangement of indirectly discharging liquid to form the resin layer or inorganic layer on the electrode substrate can, for example, employ a method of applying ink to the substrate via a transfer printing process (a transfer printing method). Figure 24A and 24B An example of a printing unit using the transfer method is shown.

[0197] Figure 24A and 24B These are views showing examples of the arrangement of printing units using the transfer method. Figure 24A A printing unit using an intermediate transfer drum is shown, while Figure 24B A printing unit using a ring-shaped intermediate transfer belt is shown.

[0198] Figure 24A The printing unit 400' shown is an inkjet printer that forms a functional layer on the base material (electrode substrate) by transferring liquid components onto the base material through an intermediate transfer component 4001.

[0199] The printing unit 400' includes an inkjet unit 420, a transfer drum 4000, a pretreatment unit 4002, an absorption unit 4003, a heating unit 4004, and a cleaning unit 4005.

[0200] The inkjet unit 420 includes a printhead module 422 that houses a plurality of liquid discharge heads 1001. The liquid discharge heads 1001 discharge liquid ink onto an intermediate transfer member 4001 supported by a transfer drum 4000, forming an ink layer on the intermediate transfer member 4001. Each liquid discharge head 1001 is a line printhead, with its nozzles arranged to cover the width of the printing area of ​​the largest usable substrate. Each liquid discharge head 1001 includes a nozzle face on its lower surface, in which nozzles are formed. The nozzle faces face the surface of the intermediate transfer member 4001, with minute gaps between them. Because the intermediate transfer member 4001 is arranged to move along a circular track in this embodiment, the plurality of liquid discharge heads 1001 are arranged radially.

[0201] The transfer cylinder 4000 faces the impression cylinder 621 and forms a transfer pressure zone. The pretreatment unit 4002 applies a reaction liquid to the intermediate transfer piece 4001 to increase the ink viscosity before the ink discharge head 1001 performs the ink discharge operation. The absorption unit 4003 absorbs the liquid components from the ink layer on the intermediate transfer piece 4001 before transfer. The heating unit 4004 heats the ink layer on the intermediate transfer piece 4001 before transfer. Heating the ink layer melts the resin in the ink layer and improves transferability on the substrate. The cleaning unit 4005 cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer piece 4001 after transfer to remove residual ink and debris, such as dust.

[0202] The outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder 621 is pressed onto the intermediate transfer member 4001. When the substrate passes through the transfer pressure area between the impression cylinder 621 and the intermediate transfer member 4001, the ink layer on the intermediate transfer member 4001 is transferred onto the substrate. Note that at least one clamping mechanism capable of clamping the leading edge portion of the substrate may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the impression cylinder 621.

[0203] Figure 24B The printing unit 400 shown is an inkjet printer that transfers a liquid composition onto a substrate material via an intermediate transfer belt 4006 to form a functional layer on the surface of the substrate material.

[0204] The printing unit 400” discharges ink droplets from a plurality of liquid discharge heads 1001 arranged in the inkjet unit 420 to form an ink layer on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4006. The ink layer formed on the intermediate transfer belt 4006 is dried by the drying unit 4007, and the ink layer becomes a thin film on the intermediate transfer belt 4006.

[0205] The ink layer, which forms a thin film on the intermediate transfer belt 4006, is transferred to the substrate in the transfer pressure area, wherein the intermediate transfer belt 4006 faces the transfer roller 622. The cleaning roller 4008 cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 4006 after the transfer.

[0206] The intermediate transfer belt 4006 is wound around the drive roller 4009a, the opposing roller 4009b, a plurality of (four in this example) shape-retaining rollers 4009c, 4009d, 4009e and 4009f, and a plurality of (four in this example) support rollers 4009g, and along... Figure 24B The movement is in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. When the ink droplets are to be discharged from the liquid discharge head 1001, the support rollers 4009g arranged to face the liquid discharge head 1001 maintain the tension of the intermediate conveyor belt 4006.

[0207] <Arrangement of liquid discharge heads> The following will refer to Figures 25 to 27 Describe the arrangement of the liquid discharge heads. Figure 25 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a liquid discharge head. Figure 26 This is an explanatory view showing an example of the channel arrangement of a liquid discharge head, and Figure 27 This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an example of the channel arrangement of a liquid discharge head.

[0208] The liquid discharge head 1001 includes a nozzle plate 10, a channel plate (single channel component) 200, a vibrating plate component 30, a common channel component 50, a damper component 60, a frame component 80, and a circuit board (flexible printed circuit board) 1005 on which the drive circuit 1004 is mounted.

[0209] The nozzle plate 10 includes a plurality of nozzles 37 for discharging ink. The plurality of nozzles 37 are arranged in two dimensions in the short direction and the long direction of the nozzle plate, and these two directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0210] The channel plate 200 includes multiple liquid chambers (single pressure chambers) 26, multiple supply channels (single supply channels) 27, and multiple recovery channels (single recovery channels) 28. Each liquid chamber 26 communicates with a corresponding one of the multiple nozzles 37. Each supply channel 27 and each recovery channel 28 communicates with a corresponding one of the multiple liquid chambers 26. It should be noted that, for ease of description, the group of one liquid chamber 26, one supply channel 27, and one recovery channel 28 communicating with the liquid chamber 26 will be collectively referred to below as a single channel 25.

[0211] Vibrating plate components 30 form each vibrating plate 35, which serves as a wall surface allowing deformation of the liquid chamber 26. A piezoelectric element 36 is integrally provided in the vibrating plate 35. A respective supply-side opening 32 communicating with the supply channel 27 and a respective recovery-side opening 33 communicating with the recovery channel 28 are formed in the vibrating plate components 30. The piezoelectric element 36 deforms the vibrating plate 35 to apply pressure to the ink in the liquid chamber 26.

[0212] Note that the channel plate 200 and the diaphragm component 30 need not be limited to being separate components. For example, the channel plate 200 and the diaphragm component 30 can be integrated into the same component using an SOI (silicon on insulator) substrate.

[0213] That is, an SOI substrate is obtained by sequentially depositing a silicon oxide film, a silicon layer, and a silicon oxide film on a silicon substrate. The silicon substrate can be a channel plate 200, and each vibrating plate 35 can be formed using a silicon oxide film, a silicon layer, and a silicon oxide film. In this arrangement, the layer structure of the SOI substrate formed by the silicon oxide film, the silicon layer, and the silicon oxide film can serve as the vibrating plate component 30. In this way, the vibrating plate component 30 can be a component formed from a material deposited on the surface of the channel plate 200.

[0214] In the common channel member 50, a plurality of common supply sub-channels 52 communicating with two or more supply channels 27 and a plurality of common recovery sub-channels 53 communicating with two or more recovery channels 28 are formed, such that a common supply sub-channel 52 and a common recovery sub-channel 53 are arranged adjacent to each other and repeating along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate. A through hole serving as a supply orifice 54 is formed in the common channel member 50, such that each common supply sub-channel 52 communicates with a corresponding supply-side opening 32 of the supply channel 27, and a through hole serving as a recovery orifice 55, such that each common recovery sub-channel 53 communicates with a corresponding recovery-side opening 33 of the recovery channel 28.

[0215] In the common channel component 50, one or more common supply main channels 56 leading to multiple common supply sub-channels 52 and one or more common recovery main channels 57 leading to multiple common recovery sub-channels 53 are formed.

[0216] The damper component 60 includes supply-side dampers 62, each facing a supply orifice 54 of a corresponding common supply sub-channel 52, and recovery-side dampers 63, each facing a recovery orifice 55 of a corresponding common recovery sub-channel 53. The common supply sub-channels 52 and 53 are formed by sealing grooves, which are alternately arranged in the same common channel component 50, together with the supply-side dampers 62 and recovery-side dampers 63 of the damper component 60. It should be noted that a thin metal film or a thin inorganic film resistant to organic solvents is preferably used as the damper material of the damper component 60. The thickness of the portion of the damper component 60 including the supply-side damper 62 and the recovery-side damper 63 is preferably 10 μm or less.

[0217] A protective film for protecting the inner wall surfaces from ink flowing in the channels is formed on the respective inner wall surfaces of the common supply sub-channel 52, common recovery sub-channel 53, common supply main channel 56, and common recovery main channel 57. For example, the silicon substrate can be annealed to form a silicon oxide film on the respective inner wall surfaces of the common supply sub-channel 52, common recovery sub-channel 53, common supply main channel 56, and common recovery main channel 57. Alternatively, a tantalum-silicon oxide film for protecting the surface of the silicon substrate from ink can be formed on the silicon oxide film.

[0218] The frame member 80 includes a supply port 81 and a discharge port 82. The supply port 81 supplies ink to the common main supply channel 56, while the discharge port 82 discharges ink discharged from the common main recovery channel 57.

[0219] As described above, the liquid discharge head 1001 includes a nozzle 37 for discharging ink, a liquid chamber 26 communicating with the nozzle 37, a supply channel 27 for supplying ink to the liquid chamber 26, and a recovery channel 28 for recovering ink from the liquid chamber 26. The liquid discharge head 1001 is an example of a "liquid discharge head", the liquid chamber 26 is an example of a "liquid chamber", the supply channel 27 is an example of a "supply channel", and the recovery channel 28 is an example of a "recovery channel".

[0220] Note that in the arrangement of the liquid discharge head 1001, the shape of the nozzle surface (the surface forming the nozzle 37) of the nozzle plate 10 is not limited to a rectangle, but can be a shape other than a rectangle, such as a trapezoid, rhombus, or parallelogram. An example in this regard will be provided in [reference needed]. Figure 28 and 29 To describe. Figure 28 This is a view showing an example arrangement of a liquid discharge head including a nozzle plate in the shape of a parallelogram. Figure 29 It is shown Figure 28 The diagram illustrates the arrangement of multiple liquid discharge heads.

[0221] The liquid discharge head 1R has an external shape (edge) that is inclined at an angle of θ° toward the short direction of the nozzle plate. The nozzle plate 10R of the liquid discharge unit 101R and the liquid discharge head 1R is also formed in an edge shape. That is, the liquid discharge unit 101R includes a nozzle plate 10R with an external shape of parallelogram, and a plurality of nozzles 11R are regularly arranged on the nozzle plate 10R in a two-dimensional manner. For example, the nozzles 11R are arranged such that N nozzles 11R form a nozzle column 11N, and the plurality of nozzle columns 11N are arranged parallel to the aforementioned edge in the long direction of the nozzle plate, and the long direction is perpendicular to the short direction of the nozzle plate.

[0222] The liquid discharge head 1R with the above arrangement can be arranged such that multiple liquid discharge heads 1Ra and 1Rb are arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle plate, as follows: Figure 29 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, the required length of thread can be obtained based on the printing width of the base material to be used.

[0223] The liquid discharge device according to embodiments of the present invention is not limited to an electrode printing device. For example, the liquid discharge device according to embodiments of the present invention may be an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper.

[0224] This embodiment also includes an electrode manufacturing method. The electrode manufacturing method is performed by an electrode manufacturing apparatus for discharging liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate, the electrode substrate being conveyed along a predetermined direction. The electrode manufacturing method includes detecting a plurality of points on the electrode substrate with different properties along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction using a detector. A controller controls the discharge conditions of a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction. The liquid discharger is configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer. The detector is configured to output multiple detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points. The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information. Such an electrode manufacturing method can achieve effects similar to the electrode manufacturing apparatus (electrode printing apparatus) described above.

[0225] This embodiment also includes a recording medium storing a program. For example, the recording medium storing the program is a recording medium having a program embodied therein, the program having a program for causing an electrode manufacturing apparatus to perform a process, the electrode manufacturing apparatus being configured to discharge liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate conveyed in a predetermined direction, the program including: detecting a plurality of points on the electrode substrate with different directional attributes along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction by a detector; and controlling the discharge conditions of a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction by a controller, the liquid discharger being configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer, wherein the detector is configured to output multiple detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and wherein the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information. Effects similar to those of the electrode manufacturing apparatus (electrode printing apparatus) described above can be obtained using this recording medium storing the program.

[0226] The numbers such as serial numbers and quantities used in the description of the embodiments are merely examples for illustrating the technical features disclosed in this invention in detail, and the disclosure of this invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers. The connection relationships between components are given to illustrate the technical features disclosed in this invention in detail, and the connection relationships used to achieve the functions disclosed in this invention are not limited to those given.

[0227] Note that the block division illustrated in the function diagram is only an example. Multiple blocks can be implemented as a single block, divided into two or more blocks, and / or some functions can be transferred to another block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple blocks with similar capabilities can be handled by a single piece of hardware or software through parallel processing or time sharing.

[0228] The functionality of each of the above embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. As used herein, "processing circuit" includes a processor programmed by software to perform each function, such as a processor implemented in electronic circuitry; or devices such as application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the above functions.

[0229] Examples of aspects disclosed in this invention are as follows: <1> An electrode manufacturing apparatus for discharging liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate for transport in a predetermined direction, characterized in that the electrode manufacturing apparatus comprises: a detector; a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction and configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer; and a controller configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger, wherein a plurality of points with different properties exist on the electrode substrate along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, wherein the detector is configured to output a plurality of detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and wherein the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the plurality of detection information. <2> <1> An electrode manufacturing apparatus characterized in that, during a predetermined time or while the electrode substrate is being transported to a predetermined transport distance, the detector outputs the plurality of detection messages detected in a time sequence. <3> <1> or <2> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the direction intersecting the predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. <4> <1> to <3> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the attribute includes at least one or any combination thereof of the thickness, color, and reflectivity of the electrode substrate. <5> <1> to <4> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the detector comprises: a light emitting element configured to irradiate a light spot on the electrode substrate; and a light receiving element configured to receive reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate and output an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate; wherein the light emitting element is configured to irradiate the light spot such that one of a plurality of points is included in the light spot, the plurality of detection information includes the electrical signals output from the light receiving element in a time sequence, and the controller is configured to control the emission conditions based on at least one or any combination of voltage and current values ​​of the electrical signals. <6> <1> to <5> An electrode manufacturing apparatus characterized in that points with different properties also exist on the electrode substrate along the predetermined direction, and the combined detection information includes information about the position of one of the plurality of points existing on the electrode substrate along the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and information about the position of the point existing on the electrode substrate along the predetermined direction. <7> <1> to <6> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the electrode manufacturing apparatus is configured to discharge the liquid based on image data, the electrode manufacturing apparatus including a storage device configured to store a plurality of image data in association with the combined detection information, the plurality of image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a controller configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger according to the image data obtained by referring to the storage device based on the combined detection information. <8> <7> The electrode manufacturing apparatus further includes: a generator configured to generate, based on the combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information detected by the detector, a plurality of image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, wherein the generator is configured to generate the plurality of image data prior to the electrode manufacturing apparatus operating to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer on the electrode substrate conveyed along the predetermined direction, and the storage device is configured to store the plurality of image data generated by the generator. <9> <1> to <8> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the distance between the detector and the liquid discharger in the predetermined direction is less than or equal to 300.0 mm. <10> <1> to <9> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that a first thin film region with a predetermined pattern is present on the electrode substrate, and the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on the combined detection information, such that the liquid discharged by the liquid emitter forms a second thin film region to cover the first thin film region. <11> <10> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter to form a second thin film region to cover the first thin film region, such that the second thin film region protrudes from the first thin film region by a predetermined length on the electrode substrate along the predetermined direction and the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and the predetermined length is less than or equal to 1.0 mm. <12> <10> An electrode manufacturing apparatus, a downstream detector, is disposed on the downstream side of the liquid emitter in the predetermined direction, wherein the downstream detector is configured to output multiple downstream detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of a plurality of points with different properties on the electrode substrate, and the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on combined downstream detection information obtained by combining the multiple downstream detection information. <13> An energy storage device manufacturing apparatus, comprising <1> to <12> The electrode manufacturing apparatus described in any one of the following. <14> A liquid discharge device for discharging liquid onto a liquid discharge target conveyed in a predetermined direction, the liquid discharge device comprising: a detector; a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction; and a controller configured to control discharge conditions of the liquid discharger, wherein a plurality of points with different attributes exist on the liquid discharge target along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, wherein the detector is configured to output a plurality of detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and wherein the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the plurality of detection information. <15> An electrode manufacturing method is disclosed using an electrode manufacturing apparatus for discharging liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate, the electrode manufacturing method comprising: detecting a plurality of points on the electrode substrate with different properties along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction by a detector; and controlling the discharge conditions of a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction by a controller, the liquid discharger being configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer, wherein the detector is configured to output a plurality of detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and wherein the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the plurality of detection information. <16> A recording medium having a procedure for causing an electrode manufacturing apparatus to perform a process, the electrode manufacturing apparatus being configured to discharge liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate conveyed in a predetermined direction, the procedure comprising: detecting a plurality of points on the electrode substrate with different directional attributes along an intersection with the predetermined direction by a detector; and controlling, by a controller, the discharge conditions of a liquid discharger disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction, the liquid discharger being configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer, wherein the detector is configured to output a plurality of detection information obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and wherein the controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined detection information obtained by combining the plurality of detection information.

[0230] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-118051, filed on July 16, 2021, and Japanese Priority Application No. 2022-88736, filed on May 31, 2022. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An electrode manufacturing apparatus configured to discharge liquid for conveying in a predetermined direction, wherein a resin layer or an inorganic layer is formed on an electrode substrate, wherein... Along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, there are multiple points with different properties on the electrode substrate, and wherein the liquid is discharged based on image data, characterized in that the electrode manufacturing apparatus comprises: The detector is configured to output multiple detection messages obtained by detecting at least one of the plurality of points in a time sequence; A storage device is configured to store multiple image data in association with combined detection information, the multiple image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction; A liquid discharger, disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction, is configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer; The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on the combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information pieces, and according to the image data obtained by referring to the storage device based on the combined detection information; and A generator is configured to generate, based on the combined detection information, the plurality of image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The generator is configured to generate the plurality of image data before the electrode manufacturing apparatus operates to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer on the electrode substrate being transported in the predetermined direction. The storage device is configured to store the plurality of image data generated by the generator.

2. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, During a predetermined time period or while the electrode substrate is being transported a predetermined distance, the detector outputs the multiple detection messages detected in a time sequence.

3. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The direction intersecting the predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

4. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The properties include at least one or any combination thereof of the thickness, color, and reflectivity of the electrode substrate.

5. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The detector includes: A light-emitting element is configured to irradiate a light spot onto the electrode substrate, and A light receiving element is configured to receive reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate and output an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light from the light spot on the electrode substrate. The light emitting element is configured to illuminate the light spot such that one of the plurality of points is included in the light spot. The multiple detection information includes the electrical signals output from the optical receiving element in a time sequence, and The controller is configured to control the emission conditions based on at least one or any combination of the voltage value and current value of the electrical signal.

6. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Along the predetermined direction, there are also points with different properties on the electrode substrate, and The combined detection information includes information about the position of one of the plurality of points existing on the electrode substrate along the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and information about the position of the point existing on the electrode substrate along the predetermined direction.

7. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The distance between the detector and the liquid discharger in the predetermined direction is less than or equal to 300.0 mm.

8. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode substrate has a first thin film region with a predetermined pattern formed on it, and The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on the combined detection information, such that the liquid discharged by the liquid emitter forms a second film area to cover the first film area.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter to form a second thin film region to cover the first thin film region, such that the second thin film region protrudes a predetermined length from the first thin film region on the electrode substrate along the predetermined direction and the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and The predetermined length is less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

10. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further includes: A downstream detector is disposed on the downstream side of the liquid discharger in the predetermined direction. The downstream detector is configured to output multiple downstream detection messages obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points with different properties on the electrode substrate. The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid discharger based on combined downstream detection information obtained by combining the multiple downstream detection information.

11. An energy storage device manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2.

12. A liquid discharge device configured to discharge liquid onto a liquid discharge target being conveyed in a predetermined direction, wherein, Along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, there are multiple points with different attributes on the liquid discharge target, and wherein the liquid is discharged based on image data, characterized in that the liquid discharge device comprises: The detector is configured to output multiple detection messages obtained by detecting at least one of the plurality of points in a time sequence; A storage device is configured to store multiple image data in association with combined detection information, the multiple image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction; A liquid discharge device, wherein the liquid discharge device is disposed downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction; The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on the combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information pieces, and according to the image data obtained by referring to the storage device based on the combined detection information; and A generator is configured to generate, based on the combined detection information, the plurality of image data having different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The generator is configured to generate the plurality of image data before the liquid discharge device operates to discharge the liquid onto the liquid discharge target being transported in the predetermined direction. The storage device is configured to store the plurality of image data generated by the generator.

13. An electrode manufacturing method performed by an electrode manufacturing apparatus configured to discharge liquid for conveying in a predetermined direction, wherein a resin layer or an inorganic layer is formed on an electrode substrate, characterized in that, The electrode manufacturing method includes: The detector detects multiple points on the electrode substrate with different properties along directions intersecting the predetermined direction; and The discharge conditions of a liquid discharger positioned downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction are controlled by a controller. The liquid discharger is configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer. The detector is configured to output multiple detection messages obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information pieces, and based on image data obtained by referring to a storage device based on the combined detection information. The generator is configured to generate multiple image data with different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, based on the combined detection information. The generator is configured to generate the plurality of image data before the electrode manufacturing apparatus operates to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer on the electrode substrate being transported in the predetermined direction. The storage device is configured to store the plurality of image data generated by the generator.

14. A recording medium having a procedure for causing an electrode manufacturing apparatus to perform a process, the electrode manufacturing apparatus being configured to discharge liquid to form a resin layer or an inorganic layer on an electrode substrate being conveyed in a predetermined direction, the process comprising: The detector detects multiple points on the electrode substrate with different directional properties along the intersection with the predetermined direction; as well as The discharge conditions of a liquid discharger positioned downstream of the detector in the predetermined direction are controlled by a controller. The liquid discharger is configured to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer. The detector is configured to output multiple detection messages obtained by sequentially detecting at least one of the plurality of points, and The controller is configured to control the discharge conditions of the liquid emitter based on combined detection information obtained by combining the multiple detection information pieces, and based on image data obtained by referring to a storage device based on the combined detection information. The generator is configured to generate multiple image data with different widths in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction, based on the combined detection information. The generator is configured to generate the plurality of image data before the electrode manufacturing apparatus operates to discharge the liquid to form the resin layer or the inorganic layer on the electrode substrate being transported in the predetermined direction. The storage device is configured to store the plurality of image data generated by the generator.

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