Laminating apparatus

Abstract

A stacking device (100) is a device that discharges unit stacks (W) onto a stacking table (30) and stacks a plurality of unit stacks (W). The stacking device (100) includes a plurality of stacking heads (102) that hold unit stacks (W), a drum portion (104) that arranges the plurality of stacking heads (102) and holds each stacking head (102) so as to be swingable via a support shaft (108), rotation of which advances each stacking head (102) to a stacking position (A) opposite the stacking table (30), a cam portion (110) that contacts each stacking head (102) and moves each stacking head (102) swung around the support shaft (108) along with the rotation of the drum portion (104), and a force applying member (120) that applies a force to each stacking head (102) in a radial direction of the drum portion (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to stacked devices. Background Technology

[0002] As batteries for use in vehicles and other applications, laminated batteries have been developed. These batteries have a structure in which multiple positive and negative electrode plates, interleaved with separators, are stacked together, and an electrolyte is contained within a container. In such batteries, from the viewpoint of improving battery performance through high capacitance and high energy density, it is desirable to minimize electrode plate misalignment. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of aligning the electrode plates by inserting positioning bosses through through holes provided in each electrode plate to prevent stacking misalignment.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-232145 Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] When the electrode plate has through holes, the battery capacity is significantly reduced because there is no active electrode material in the area with the through holes. Furthermore, interference between the positioning bosses and the electrode plate can cause damage to the electrode plate or stripping of active material, potentially leading to a decrease in battery performance.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the circumstances, and one of its purposes is to provide a technique for improving battery performance.

[0009] Methods for solving technical problems

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is a stacking apparatus for discharging a unit stack containing separators and electrode plates onto a stacking stage, and stacking multiple unit stacks. The apparatus includes: multiple stacking heads for holding the unit stacks; a drum with multiple stacking heads arranged thereon and rotatably holding each stacking head via a support shaft, rotating to advance each stacking head to a stacking position opposite the stacking stage; a cam portion that contacts each stacking head, causing each stacking head to oscillate around the support shaft as the drum rotates; and a force-applying component that applies force to each stacking head in the radial direction of the drum.

[0011] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or any scheme that transforms the manifestation of this disclosure among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., is also valid as a scheme of this disclosure.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, battery performance can be improved. Attached Figure Description

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

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view illustrating the implementation of the stacking device.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram that schematically illustrates the changes in the position and posture of the stacked heads.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vibration suppression mechanism that uses a retaining surface with a force-applying component.

[0018] Figure 5 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism using a retaining surface with a first and a second attraction part.

[0019] Figure 6 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism using a retaining surface with a first repulsion part and a second repulsion part.

[0020] Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism using a retaining surface with a third and fourth attraction section. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting, and all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments do not necessarily represent the essential content of this disclosure. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales or shapes of the parts shown in the various drawings are set for ease of explanation and are not intended to be limiting unless specifically mentioned. Additionally, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this specification or claims does not indicate any order or importance unless specifically mentioned, but is used to distinguish one configuration from others. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of less important components are omitted when describing the embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1. As an example, the stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 is a continuous drum-type manufacturing apparatus that combines multiple drums. By performing various processes such as cutting, heating, bonding, and stacking of electrode bodies or separators using drums, stacked electrode bodies can be manufactured at high speed and continuously. Stacked electrode bodies are used, for example, in lithium-ion secondary batteries. Furthermore, the structure of the stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 is not limited to a continuous drum type.

[0023] The stacked electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a first electrode cutting drum 2, a first electrode heating drum 4, a second electrode cutting drum 6, a second electrode heating drum 8, a bonding drum 10, a separator cutting drum 12, and a stacking drum 14.

[0024] The first electrode cutting drum 2 is a drum that cuts a continuous body of multiple first electrode plates, monolithically divides them into multiple first electrode plates, and transports them. In this embodiment, the first electrode is the negative electrode. A strip-shaped first electrode continuous body N, which is a continuous body of multiple first electrode plates, is supplied to the first electrode cutting drum 2. The first electrode continuous body N has a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material layer. The first electrode active material layer is stacked on the first electrode current collector. In this embodiment, the first electrode active material layer is stacked on both sides of the first electrode current collector, but it is also possible that the first electrode active material layer is stacked on only one side of the first electrode current collector.

[0025] Both the first current collector and the first active material layer can be made of known materials and have known structures. The first current collector may be, for example, a foil or porous body made of copper or aluminum. The first active material layer is formed, for example, by coating a first active material, a binder, and a dispersant slurry onto the surface of the first current collector, and then drying and rolling the coating. The thickness of the first current collector is, for example, 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the first active material layer is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0026] The first-pole cutting drum 2 has a plurality of holding heads arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum and a cutting edge for cutting the first-pole continuous body N. The plurality of holding heads have holding surfaces for adsorbing and holding the first-pole continuous body N. The holding surfaces of each holding head face the outer side of the first-pole cutting drum 2. The first-pole continuous body N supplied to the first-pole cutting drum 2 is conveyed by the rotation of the first-pole cutting drum 2 while being adsorbed and held by the holding surfaces of the plurality of holding heads.

[0027] Multiple holding heads rotate around the central axis of the first pole cutting drum 2, and can move independently of each other in the circumferential direction of the drum. The relative movement of each holding head is achieved by mounting a motor, different from the motor that rotates the first pole cutting drum 2, on each holding head. By independently driving the holding heads, adjustments can be made to the cutting position of the first pole continuum N based on the cutting blade, or to the position of the monolithic first pole plate, etc.

[0028] The first electrode cutting drum 2 adsorbs and holds the supplied first electrode continuous N and rotates it for transport. Figure 1The cutting position 16, shown schematically, cuts the first electrode continuum N. The first electrode continuum N is cut by the cutting blade at positions between adjacent holding heads, monolithizing it into multiple first electrode plates. Each of the resulting first electrode plates is transported while being held and held by its respective holding head. The positions of the generated multiple first electrode plates are monitored by a camera or similar device.

[0029] The first electrode heating drum 4 is positioned close to the first electrode cutting drum 2. At the front side of the position close to the first electrode heating drum 4, the holding head of the first electrode cutting drum 2 temporarily accelerates or decelerates to approximately the same linear velocity as the first electrode heating drum 4. Thus, the relative velocity between the holding head and the first electrode heating drum 4 is approximately zero. At the moment when the relative velocity is approximately zero, the holding head discharges the adsorbed and held first electrode plate to the side of the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0030] The first electrode heating drum 4 rotates while adsorbing and holding the first electrode plate discharged from the first electrode cutting drum 2, and preheats the first electrode plate by means of a built-in heater. This preheating is performed for thermally bonding the separator and the first electrode plate in a subsequent bonding process. In this embodiment, the first electrode plate is heated at heating position 18, but it is not limited to this; for example, the first electrode plate can be heated throughout the circumference of the first electrode heating drum 4.

[0031] The second electrode cutting drum 6 is a drum that cuts a continuous body of multiple second electrode plates, monolithically divides them into multiple second electrode plates, and transports them. In this embodiment, the second electrode is the positive electrode. A strip-shaped second electrode continuous body P, which is a continuous body of multiple second electrode plates, is supplied to the second electrode cutting drum 6. The second electrode continuous body P has a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material layer. The second electrode active material layer is stacked on the second electrode current collector. In this embodiment, the second electrode active material layer is stacked on both sides of the second electrode current collector, but it is also possible to stack the second electrode active material layer only on one side of the second electrode current collector.

[0032] Both the second current collector and the second active material layer can be made of known materials and have known structures. The second current collector may be, for example, a foil or porous body made of stainless steel or aluminum. The second active material layer is formed, for example, by coating a second electrode mixture slurry containing the second active material, binder, and dispersant onto the surface of the second current collector, drying, and rolling the coating. The thickness of the second current collector is, for example, 3 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the second active material layer is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0033] The second-pole cutting drum 6 has multiple holding heads arranged circumferentially on the drum and a cutting edge for cutting the second-pole continuous body P. Each holding head has a holding surface for adsorbing and holding the second-pole continuous body P. The holding surface of each holding head faces outward from the second-pole cutting drum 6. The second-pole continuous body P, supplied to the second-pole cutting drum 6, is conveyed by the rotation of the second-pole cutting drum 6 while being adsorbed and held by the holding surfaces of the multiple holding heads.

[0034] Multiple retaining heads rotate around the central axis of the second-pole cutting drum 6 and can move independently of each other in the circumferential direction of the drum. The relative movement of each retaining head is achieved by a motor mounted on each retaining head, which is different from the motor that rotates the second-pole cutting drum 6. By independently driving the retaining heads, the cutting position of the second-pole continuum P based on the cutting blade, or the position of the monolithic second-pole plate, can be adjusted.

[0035] The second-electrode cutting drum 6 adsorbs and holds the supplied second-electrode continuous P and rotates it for transport. Figure 1 The second electrode continuum P is cut at the schematic cutting position 20. The second electrode continuum P is cut by the cutting blade at positions between adjacent holding heads, monolithically dividing it into multiple second electrode plates. The resulting second electrode plates are transported while being held and held by their respective holding heads. The positions of the generated multiple second electrode plates are monitored by a camera or similar device.

[0036] The second electrode heating drum 8 is positioned close to the second electrode cutting drum 6. The holding head of the second electrode cutting drum 6, located in front of the position close to the second electrode heating drum 8, is temporarily accelerated or decelerated to approximately the same linear velocity as the second electrode heating drum 8. Thus, the relative velocity between the holding head and the second electrode heating drum 8 is approximately zero. At this moment of approximately zero relative velocity, the holding head discharges the adsorbed and held second electrode plate to the side of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0037] The second electrode heating drum 8 rotates while adsorbing and holding the second electrode plate discharged from the second electrode cutting drum 6, and preheats the second electrode plate by means of a built-in heater. This preheating is performed for the thermal bonding of the separator and the second electrode plate in a subsequent bonding process. In this embodiment, the second electrode plate is heated at heating position 22, but it is not limited to this; for example, the second electrode plate can be heated over the entire circumference of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0038] The bonding drum 10 is a drum that forms a continuous laminate 26 of multiple unit laminates. Each unit laminate consists of a first separator, a first electrode plate, a second separator, and a second electrode plate. The bonding drum 10 is disposed close to the first electrode heating drum 4 and the second electrode heating drum 8. A plurality of continuous, strip-shaped first separator strips S1 and a plurality of continuous, strip-shaped second separator strips S2 are supplied to the bonding drum 10. A thermally adhesive layer is provided on the surface of each of the first separator strips S1 and the second separator strips S2. The thermally adhesive layer has the property of not exhibiting adhesiveness at room temperature, but exhibiting adhesiveness upon heating. For example, the thermally adhesive layer is a thermoplastic layer containing a thermoplastic slurry, exhibiting adhesiveness based on the plastic deformation of the thermoplastic slurry caused by heating.

[0039] Furthermore, multiple first electrode plates are supplied from the first electrode cutting drum 2 to the bonding drum 10 via the first electrode heating drum 4, and multiple second electrode plates are supplied from the second electrode cutting drum 6 to the bonding drum 10 via the second electrode heating drum 8. The first electrode plates are rotated and conveyed while being prepared for heating by the first electrode heating drum 4, and are discharged to the bonding drum 10 side near the first electrode heating drum 4 and the bonding drum 10. The second electrode plates are rotated and conveyed while being prepared for heating by the second electrode heating drum 8, and are discharged to the bonding drum 10 side near the second electrode heating drum 8 and the bonding drum 10.

[0040] The positions of the first separator continuous S1, the first electrode plate, the second separator continuous S2, and the second electrode plate supplied to the bonding drum 10 are arranged in an exemplified order from the upstream side of the bonding drum 10 in the direction of rotation. Therefore, the first separator continuous S1 is first supplied to the bonding drum 10 at a predetermined position. The first separator continuous S1 is held and rotated by the bonding drum 10. Next, the first electrode plate is supplied from the first electrode heating drum 4 to the bonding drum 10 at a position further downstream than the first separator continuous S1, and is placed on top of the first separator continuous S1. A plurality of first electrode plates are arranged on the first separator continuous S1 at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction of the first separator continuous S1.

[0041] Next, a second separator continuous body S2 is supplied to the bonding drum 10 at a position further downstream than the supply position of the first electrode plate, and is placed on top of the plurality of first electrode plates. Next, at a position further downstream than the supply position of the second separator continuous body S2, the first separator continuous body S1, the plurality of first electrode plates, and the second separator continuous body S2 are pressed together by the hot pressing roller 24. Next, at a position further downstream than the pressing position of the hot pressing roller 24, a second electrode plate is supplied from the second electrode heating drum 8 to the bonding drum 10 and is placed on top of the second separator continuous body S2. The plurality of second electrode plates are arranged at predetermined intervals on the second separator continuous body S2 in the conveying direction of the second separator continuous body S2. Furthermore, the plurality of second electrode plates are bonded to the second separator continuous body S2 by the pressing force of the second electrode heating drum 8.

[0042] Through the above processes, the first separator continuous body S1, multiple first electrode plates, the second separator continuous body S2, and multiple second electrode plates are stacked and bonded in this order to form a continuous laminate 26. The continuous laminate 26 has a structure in which unit laminates composed of first separators, first electrode plates, second separators, and second electrode plates are connected and continuous through the first separator continuous body S1 and the second separator continuous body S2. The continuous laminate 26 is conveyed from the bonding drum 10 to the separator cutting drum 12. Alternatively, by not supplying second electrode plates from the second electrode cutting drum 6 side, a certain number of unit laminates with a three-layer structure without second electrode plates can be generated. Furthermore, the electrode plates not supplied can also be first electrode plates.

[0043] The separator cutting drum 12 is a drum that cuts the first separator continuous body S1 and the second separator continuous body S2 of the continuous laminate 26, monolithizing them into multiple unit laminates. The separator cutting drum 12 has multiple holding heads arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum and a cutting blade for cutting the continuous laminate 26. The multiple holding heads have holding surfaces that hold the continuous laminate 26. The holding surfaces of each holding head face the outer side of the separator cutting drum 12. The continuous laminate 26 supplied to the separator cutting drum 12 is conveyed by the rotation of the separator cutting drum 12 while being held by the holding surfaces of the multiple holding heads.

[0044] Multiple retaining heads can rotate independently around the central axis of the separator cutting drum 12, and can also move independently of each other in the circumferential direction of the drum. The relative movement of each retaining head is achieved by a motor mounted on each retaining head, which is different from the motor that rotates the separator cutting drum 12. By independently driving the retaining heads, it is possible to adjust the cutting position of the continuous laminate 26 based on the cutting blade, or to adjust the position of the monolithized unit laminate, etc.

[0045] The separator cutting drum 12 adsorbs and holds the supplied continuous laminate 26 and rotates it for conveying. Figure 1 The continuous laminate 26 is cut at the schematic cutting position 28. The continuous laminate 26 is cut by the cutting blade at a position between adjacent holding heads, and is monolithized into multiple unit laminates. At this time, the first separator continuous S1 and the second separator continuous S2 of the continuous laminate 26 are cut between adjacent electrode plates in the transport direction of the continuous laminate 26. The resulting unit laminates are transported while being held by the respective holding heads. The holding heads discharge the held unit laminates to the side of the lamination drum 14. The positions of the generated multiple unit laminates are monitored by a camera or the like.

[0046] The stacking drum 14 is a drum in which multiple unit stacks are stacked on the stacking stage 30 to form a stacked electrode body. The stacking drum 14 has multiple stacking heads arranged in the circumferential direction of the drum. Each stacking head has a holding surface that holds the unit stack. The holding surface of each stacking head faces the outer side of the stacking drum 14. The multiple stacking heads rotate around the central axis of the stacking drum 14 and advance sequentially to a stacking position opposite to the stacking stage 30. The stacking head that reaches the stacking position discharges the held unit stack to the stacking stage 30.

[0047] The stacking stage 30 is positioned directly below the stacking drum 14. Unit laminates discharged from each stacking head of the stacking drum 14 are sequentially stacked on the stacking stage 30, thereby forming a stacked electrode body. The stacking stage 30 can be driven in mutually orthogonal X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the stacking stage 30 can be adjusted in its tilt angle in the XY plane. This allows adjustment of the position and tilt angle of the unit laminates discharged from the stacking drum 14 relative to the unit laminates already stacked on the stacking stage 30 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0048] The stacking drum 14 is constructed from the stacking device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic front view illustrating the stacking device 100 of an embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The illustrations of the force-applying component 120, the first attraction part 122, the second attraction part 124, the first repulsion part 126, the second repulsion part 128, the third attraction part 130, and the fourth attraction part 132, which will be described later, are omitted.

[0049] The stacking apparatus 100 is an apparatus for discharging unit stacked bodies W behind the stacking separator and electrode plate onto the stacking stage 30, and stacking multiple unit stacked bodies W. The stacking apparatus 100 includes multiple stacking heads 102 and a drum 104. Each stacking head 102 has a holding surface 106 for holding the unit stacked body W. For example, the holding surface 106 has an attraction mechanism for attracting atmospheric gases such as air, which can adsorb and hold the unit stacked body W.

[0050] The drum section 104 is disc-shaped, with multiple stacked heads 102 arranged at approximately equal intervals on the circumference. Figure 2The drum 104 shown has 10 stacking heads 102 arranged in a row, but the number of stacking heads 102 is not limited. When arranged in the drum 104, the holding surface 106 of each stacking head 102 faces outward in the radial direction of the drum 104. The drum 104 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor at its central axis, allowing it to rotate around the central axis. Each stacking head 102 moves as the drum 104 rotates, sequentially advancing to a stacking position A opposite to the stacking stage 30.

[0051] When the unit stack W is discharged from the stacking head 102 that has reached the stacking position A onto the stacking stage 30, in order to discharge the unit stack W onto the stacking stage 30 with high positional accuracy, it is desirable to stop each stacking head 102 at the stacking position A. As a method to achieve this, it is conceivable to stop the rotation of the drum 104 whenever each stacking head 102 reaches the stacking position A. However, repeatedly stopping the rotation of the drum 104 will reduce the processing efficiency of the stacking device and prolong the battery production cycle.

[0052] In this embodiment, the stacking apparatus 100 achieves instantaneous stopping of the stacking heads 102 at stacking position A via a cam mechanism. Specifically, the drum 104 holds each stacking head 102 in a rocking manner via the support shaft 108. Furthermore, the stacking apparatus 100 includes a cam portion 110. The cam portion 110 contacts each stacking head 102, and as each stacking head 102 moves based on the rotation of the drum 104, it causes each stacking head 102 to rock around the support shaft 108. That is, the cam portion 110 is the driving member, and each stacking head 102 is the driven member.

[0053] The cam portion 110 does not follow the rotation of the drum portion 104. That is, the posture of the cam portion 110 is fixed, and even if the drum portion 104 rotates, the cam portion 110 does not rotate (remains stationary). Therefore, the drum portion 104 is displaced relative to the cam portion 110. Furthermore, the cam portion 110 has a cam groove 112 extending in the circumferential direction of the drum portion 104. Therefore, the cam portion 110 is a front cam. However, the structure of the cam portion 110 is not limited to this. The cam groove 112 has a shape based on a circle that is concentric with the drum portion 104 and has a smaller radius than the drum portion 104. In the entry region B, which the laminating head 102 passes through when it approaches the laminating position A, the cam groove 112 bends in a direction further away from the center of the circle than the basic circle. Furthermore, in the exit region C, which the laminating head 102 passes through when it separates from the laminating position A, the cam groove 112 bends in a direction closer to the center of the circle than the basic circle. The cam groove 112 has an inner side 112a and an outer side 112b that are opposite to each other. The inner side 112a is located on the radial side of the drum 104, which is closer to the inner side 112b than the outer side 112b. The outer side 112b is located on the radial side of the drum 104, which is closer to the outer side 112a than the inner side 112a.

[0054] Each stack head 102 has an arm 114 that is longer in the radial direction of the drum portion 104. A retaining surface 106 is provided at the outer radial end of the drum portion 104 located at the arm 114. Furthermore, a protrusion 116 is provided at the inner radial end. The protrusion 116 engages with a cam groove 112. When engaged with the cam groove 112, the protrusion 116 can slidably clamp the inner surface 112a and the outer surface 112b. A support shaft 108 is provided between the retaining surface 106 and the protrusion 116 in the arm 114.

[0055] The drum 104 has an elongated hole 118 at the position where it overlaps with the support shaft 108. The support shaft 108 is inserted into the elongated hole 118, thereby being held oscillatingly by the drum 104. Each elongated hole 118 is longer in the radial direction of the drum 104. Thus, when the stack heads 102 are oscillating, the support shaft 108 is allowed to shift in the radial direction of the drum 104.

[0056] By combining the shape of the cam groove 112 with the holding structure (including the shape of the elongated hole 118) of the stacking head 102 based on the drum 104, the rotation of the drum 104 is maintained at a certain angular velocity, and each stacking head 102 can be stopped at the stacking position A. Thus, high-quality stacked electrode bodies can be produced by stacking unit laminates W with high positional accuracy, while also suppressing the extension of battery production cycles. Furthermore, it is easy to accommodate the addition of stacking heads 102 or the increase in the rotational speed of the drum 104.

[0057] Figure 3 This diagram schematically illustrates the position and orientation changes of the stacking head 102. Figure 3 The illustrations of the force-applying component 120, the first attraction part 122, the second attraction part 124, the first repulsion part 126, the second repulsion part 128, the third attraction part 130, and the fourth attraction part 132, which will be described later, are omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the diagram, the posture of the stacking head 102 without the cam section 110 is shown by a dashed line (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the reference posture).

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the protrusions 116 move along the cam groove 112 due to the rotation of the drum 104, causing each laminating head 102 to rock around the support shaft 108. That is, in the entry region B and exit region C, the trajectory of the cam groove 112 is offset in the radial direction of the drum 104, thus the movement of the protrusions 116 relative to the movement of the support shaft 108 is either faster or slower. Therefore, in the circumferential direction of the drum 104, the positions of the protrusions 116 and the support shaft 108 are misaligned. When the positions of the protrusions 116 and the support shaft 108 are misaligned in the circumferential direction of the drum 104, the laminating head 102 rocks around the support shaft 108 as a fulcrum.

[0059] In the following text, the positions of the various parts of the drum 104 in the circumferential direction are referred to as circumferential positions. The circumferential positions of the protrusion 116 and the support shaft 108 are aligned when the straight line passing through the center of the drum 104 and the protrusion 116 overlaps with the straight line passing through the center of the drum 104 and the support shaft 108. Conversely, the circumferential positions of the protrusion 116 and the support shaft 108 are offset when these two lines are staggered. When the laminating head 102 is in a reference posture, the circumferential positions of the protrusion 116 and the support shaft 108 are aligned.

[0060] The movement of the protrusion 116 in the entry region B of the cam groove 112 relative to the support shaft 108 gradually slows down until it reaches the apex 112c of the protrusion in the entry region B. Figure 3 (The movement is indicated by arrow I). That is, the circumferential position of the protrusion 116 is shifted from the circumferential position of the support shaft 108 in the opposite direction to the forward direction of the laminating head 102. Therefore, the holding surface 106 is shifted to the forward direction of the laminating head 102.

[0061] Subsequently, during the movement from the apex 112c of the convex portion to the stacking position A ( Figure 3 As indicated by arrow II, the circumferential position of the protrusion 116 gradually approaches the circumferential position of the support shaft 108. Furthermore, at the stacking position A, the circumferential positions of the protrusion 116 and the support shaft 108 are aligned. Therefore, the stacking head 102 is in a reference posture. During the process of the circumferential position of the protrusion 116 approaching the circumferential position of the support shaft 108, the holding surface 106 shifts in the opposite direction to the forward direction of the stacking head 102. This opposite shift counteracts a portion of the movement of the holding surface 106 caused by the rotation of the drum 104, thus slowing down the holding surface 106.

[0062] When the stacking head 102 stops at stacking position A via the cam mechanism, the holding surface 106 may vibrate due to inertia. As described above, even when the stacking head 102 is stopped by the stopping of the drum 104, the holding surface 106 may still vibrate. When the holding surface 106 vibrates, it causes a positional shift in the unit stack W, reducing the quality of the stacked electrode. Furthermore, if the stacking head 102 is stopped at stacking position A until the vibration of the holding surface 106 stops, the productivity of the stacked electrode will decrease. To address this, by reducing the moving speed of the holding surface 106 when reaching stacking position A, the vibration of the holding surface 106 when the stacking head 102 stops can be reduced. Thus, a balance between the quality and productivity of the stacked electrode can be achieved.

[0063] The protrusion 116, moving from the stacking position A into the exit region C, gradually advances relative to the support shaft 108 until it reaches the bottom point 112d of the recess in the exit region C. Figure 3 (The movement is indicated by arrow III). That is, the circumferential position of the protrusion 116 shifts from the circumferential position of the support shaft 108 toward the forward direction of the laminating head 102. Therefore, the holding surface 106 shifts in the opposite direction to the forward direction of the laminating head 102.

[0064] Subsequently, the protrusion 116 passes the bottom point 112d of the recess ( Figure 3 (As indicated by arrow IV), the circumferential position of the protrusion 116 gradually approaches the circumferential position of the support shaft 108. Then, at the end of the exit region C, the circumferential positions of the protrusion 116 and the support shaft 108 are aligned. During the process of the protrusion 116 approaching the circumferential position of the support shaft 108, the holding surface 106 shifts in the forward direction of the laminating head 102. This forward shift accelerates the holding surface 106. Furthermore, the trajectory of the cam groove 112 is not limited to... Figure 3 The situation is shown.

[0065] Figure 4 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism for the holding surface 106 using the force-applying member 120. When the stacking head 102 is rocked by the cam mechanism, the holding surface 106 is prone to vibration due to the accumulation of dimensional tolerances and other tolerances of the components including the support shaft 108, protrusion 116, elongated hole 118, and cam groove 112. To address this, the stacking device 100 includes a force-applying member 120, which applies force to each stacking head 102 in the radial direction of the drum 104. The force-applying member 120 can be, for example, a known elastic member. Examples of elastic members include coil springs and other springs.

[0066] By applying force to the stacking head 102 in the radial direction of the drum 104 through the force-applying member 120, loosening of the holding surface 106 caused by dimensional tolerances of various parts can be suppressed. Therefore, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 116 is pressed against the side of the cam groove 112 by the force-applying member 120. This stabilizes the posture of the protrusion 116, and consequently, the entire stacking head 102. Therefore, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0067] One end of the force-applying member 120 is connected to any position on the stacking head 102. The other end of the force-applying member 120 is connected to any position on the drum 104. In this embodiment, as an example, one end of the force-applying member 120 is connected to the arm 114, and the other end of the force-applying member 120 is connected to the disc surface of the drum 104. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection position of the force-applying member 120 with the stacking head 102 is located further in the radial direction inside the drum 104 than the connection position with the drum 104. Therefore, the stacking head 102 is subjected to force in the radial direction outward relative to the drum 104. Therefore, the force-applying member 120 presses the protrusion 116 outward to the outer side 112b.

[0068] Alternatively, the connection position of the force-applying member 120 to the stacking head 102 can be positioned further outward in the radial direction than the connection position to the drum 104, pressing the protrusion 116 towards the inner side 112a. Furthermore, the other end of the force-applying member 120 can be connected to the cam portion 110, or to both the drum 104 and the cam portion 110.

[0069] Figure 5 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism for the holding surface 106, which utilizes the first suction part 122 and the second suction part 124. As described above, by slowing down the holding surface 106 as it approaches the stacking position A, vibration of the holding surface 106 when the stacking head 102 stops can be suppressed. On the other hand, in order to further improve the throughput of the stacking device 100, there is a demand to further increase the rotational speed of the drum 104. If the rotational speed of the drum 104 is increased, a greater force will be applied to the stacking head 102 when it stops at the stacking position A. Therefore, the holding surface 106 is more prone to vibration.

[0070] In this embodiment, the stacking device 100 includes a first attraction portion 122 and a second attraction portion 124 that attract each other. The first attraction portion 122 is provided on each stacking head 102. As an example, the first attraction portion 122 is fixed to the arm portion 114. The second attraction portion 124 is provided in the drum portion 104 at a position overlapping (opposite) to the first attraction portion 122 provided on that stacking head 102 when each stacking head 102 is in the stacking position A. A plurality of second attraction portions 124 are provided in the drum portion 104, and each second attraction portion 124 is fixed at a position corresponding to each stacking head 102. Therefore, when each stacking head 102 adopts a reference posture, each first attraction portion 122 and each second attraction portion 124 overlap each other. The aforementioned "overlapping position" refers to the overlapping position when viewed from the central axis direction (normal direction of the disk) of the drum portion 104.

[0071] For example, the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124 are magnets (permanent magnets) or electromagnets. Furthermore, the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124 have different magnetic poles. At the stacking position A, the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124, which overlap, are brought closer together by magnetic attraction. This stabilizes the posture of the stacking head 102 when it stops. Therefore, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, if the second attraction part 124 is a magnet or electromagnet, the first attraction part 122 can also be a strongly magnetic material. In this case, the stacking head 102 itself can function as the first attraction part 122. Similarly, if the first attraction part 122 is a magnet or electromagnet, the second attraction part 124 can also be a strongly magnetic material. In this case, the drum part 104 itself can function as the second attraction part 124.

[0073] The stacking head 102 can be rocked against the attraction forces of the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124 via a cam mechanism. Therefore, even if an attraction force is generated between the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124, the stacking head 102 can assume any posture fixed by the cam mechanism. Furthermore, when the first attraction part 122 is made of an electromagnet, only the first attraction part 122 of the stacking head 102 in the stacking position A can generate a magnetic force. Similarly, when the second attraction part 124 is made of an electromagnet, only the second attraction part 124 in the stacking position A can generate a magnetic force. This allows for smoother movement of each stacking head 102.

[0074] Figure 6 This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism using a retaining surface 106 with a first repulsion part 126 and a second repulsion part 128. The vibration suppression mechanism for the retaining surface 106 can replace a structure utilizing the attraction of the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124, or, based on this, a structure utilizing the mutual repulsion of the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128 can be adopted.

[0075] That is, the stacking device 100 of this embodiment includes a first repulsion portion 126 and a second repulsion portion 128 that are mutually exclusive. The first repulsion portion 126 is provided on each stacking head 102. The first repulsion portion 126 is fixed to the arm portion 114 as an example. The second repulsion portion 128 is provided in the drum portion 104 at a position offset from the first repulsion portion 126 provided on the stacking head 102 when each stacking head 102 is in the stacking position A. A plurality of second repulsion portions 128 are provided in the drum portion 104, and each second repulsion portion 128 is fixed at a position corresponding to each stacking head 102. The above-mentioned "offset position" refers to a position where they do not overlap when viewed from the central axis direction of the drum portion 104. Preferably, the first repulsion portion 126 and the second repulsion portion 128 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the corresponding first repulsion part 126 and second repulsion part 128, when each stack head 102 is in stacking position A, fix their positions at the distance between them that generates mutual repulsion.

[0076] For example, the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128 are magnets or electromagnets. Furthermore, the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128 have the same magnetic poles. The first repulsion part 126 and the corresponding second repulsion part 128, located on the stacking head 102 in the stacking position A, repel each other through magnetic repulsion. On the other hand, the movable range of the stacking head 102 is limited by a cam mechanism. Therefore, the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128 repel each other, thereby pressing the stacking head 102 towards the boundary position of its movable range. This stabilizes the posture of the stacking head 102 when it stops. Therefore, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, if the second attraction part 124 is a magnet or electromagnet, the first attraction part 122 can also be a diamagnetic material. Similarly, if the first attraction part 122 is a magnet or electromagnet, the second attraction part 124 can also be a diamagnetic material.

[0078] The stacking head 102 can be rocked against the repulsive forces of the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128 via a cam mechanism. Therefore, even if a repulsive force is generated between the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128, the stacking head 102 can take any posture determined by the cam mechanism. Furthermore, when the first repulsion part 126 is made of an electromagnet, magnetic force can be generated only in the first repulsion part 126 of the stacking head 102 at the stacking position A. Similarly, when the second repulsion part 128 is made of an electromagnet, the corresponding first repulsion part 126 can generate magnetic force only in the second repulsion part 128 at the stacking position A. Thus, each stacking head 102 can be moved smoothly.

[0079] Figure 7This diagram schematically illustrates a vibration suppression mechanism using the holding surface 106 with the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132. The vibration suppression mechanism for the holding surface 106 can replace a structure utilizing the attraction of the first attraction part 122 and the second attraction part 124, or a structure utilizing the repulsion of the first repulsion part 126 and the second repulsion part 128, or, based on these, a structure utilizing the attraction of the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132.

[0080] That is, the stacking device 100 of this embodiment includes a third attraction part 130 and a fourth attraction part 132 that attract each other. The third attraction part 130 is provided on each stacking head 102. The fourth attraction part 132 is provided on the stacking platform 30. Preferably, the fourth attraction part 132 is provided in the stacking platform 30 at a (opposite) position that overlaps with the third attraction part 130 provided on the stacking head 102 when each stacking head 102 is in the stacking position A. The above-mentioned "overlapping position" is the position of overlap when viewed from the direction in which the stacking device 100 and the stacking platform 30 are arranged.

[0081] For example, the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132 are magnets or electromagnets. Furthermore, the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132 have different magnetic poles. The third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132, disposed on the stacking head 102 in the stacking position A, are attracted to each other by magnetic attraction. This stabilizes the posture of the stacking head 102 when it stops. This further suppresses vibration of the holding surface 106. Furthermore, if the fourth attraction part 132 is a magnet or electromagnet, the third attraction part 130 can also be a strongly magnetic material; similarly, if the third attraction part 130 is a magnet or electromagnet, the fourth attraction part 132 can also be a strongly magnetic material.

[0082] The stacking head 102 can be rocked against the attraction of the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132 via a cam mechanism. Therefore, even if an attraction is generated between the third attraction part 130 and the fourth attraction part 132, the stacking head 102 can take any posture fixed by the cam mechanism. On the other hand, as a more preferred structure, the third attraction part 130 is a magnet, electromagnet, or strong magnetic material, and the fourth attraction part 132 is an electromagnet. Moreover, the fourth attraction part 132 reduces the magnetic force when each stacking head 102 separates from the stacking position A. As a result, each stacking head 102 can separate from the stacking position A more smoothly. In addition, the object switching between demagnetization and energization is only one fourth attraction part 132, so smooth movement of each stacking head 102 can be achieved with a simple control structure.

[0083] The adjustment of the magnetic force of the fourth attraction part 132, and the switching of energization and de-energization of the fourth attraction part 132, can be executed by the control part 134. Figure 7In this diagram, the control unit 134 is drawn as a functional block. This functional block is implemented as a hardware structure using components or circuits, such as a computer's CPU or memory, and as a software structure using computer programs, etc. These functional blocks can be implemented in various forms through combinations of hardware and software, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The control unit 134 can control the energization of the fourth attraction part 132 according to a pre-set operating program. Furthermore, even when the first attraction part 122, the second attraction part 124, the first repulsion part 126, or the second repulsion part 128 are composed of electromagnets, the control unit 134 can switch between energization and de-energization.

[0084] As described above, the stacking apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes: a plurality of stacking heads 102 that hold a unit stacked body W; a drum 104 that arranges the plurality of stacking heads 102 and holds each stacking head 102 swayably via a support shaft 108, and rotates to advance each stacking head 102 to a stacking position A opposite to the stacking stage 30; a cam 110 that contacts each stacking head 102 and moves each stacking head 102 around the support shaft 108 as the drum 104 rotates; and a force-applying member 120 that applies force to each stacking head 102 in the radial direction of the drum 104.

[0085] This suppresses vibrations of the holding surface 106 that occur when the stacking head 102 stops at the stacking position A. Consequently, positional shifts in the unit stack W are suppressed, thus improving the quality of the stacked electrode body. Furthermore, compared to cases where through-holes for preventing stacking shifts are provided in the electrode plates, reductions in battery capacity are suppressed. Additionally, battery performance degradation caused by damage to the electrode plates or peeling of active material is avoided. Therefore, improved battery performance is achieved. Moreover, since the unit stack W is discharged to the stacking stage 30 with high positional accuracy without stopping the rotation of the drum 104, improved battery quality and cycle life are achieved.

[0086] Furthermore, the cam portion 110 of this embodiment has a cam groove 112 that does not follow the rotation of the drum portion 104 and extends in the circumferential direction of the drum portion 104. Each stack head 102 has a protrusion 116 that engages with the cam groove 112. As the drum portion 104 rotates, the protrusion 116 moves along the cam groove 112, thereby rocking around the support shaft 108. The force-applying member 120 presses the protrusion 116 against one side of the cam groove 112. As a result, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, the stacking device 100 of this embodiment includes: a first attraction portion 122 disposed on each stacking head 102, and a second attraction portion 124 disposed in the drum portion 104 at a position overlapping with the first attraction portion 122 of the stacking head 102 when each stacking head 102 is in the stacking position A; the first attraction portion 122 of the stacking head 102 in the stacking position A and the corresponding second attraction portion 124 attract each other. As a result, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0088] Furthermore, the stacking apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes: a first repulsion portion 126 disposed in each stacking head 102 and a second repulsion portion 128 disposed in the drum portion 104, which is offset from the first repulsion portion 126 of the stacking head 102 when the stacking head 102 is in the stacking position A; the first repulsion portion 126 of the stacking head 102 in the stacking position A and the corresponding second repulsion portion 128 repel each other. As a result, vibration of the holding surface 106 can be further suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, the stacking apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a third attraction portion 130 disposed on each stacking head 102 and a fourth attraction portion 132 disposed on the stacking stage 30; the third attraction portion 130 and the fourth attraction portion 132 of the stacking head 102 located at stacking position A attract each other. This further suppresses vibration of the holding surface 106. Preferably, the third attraction portion 130 is a magnet, electromagnet, or a strongly magnetic material, and the fourth attraction portion 132 is an electromagnet. Moreover, the fourth attraction portion 132 reduces the magnetic force when each stacking head 102 separates from stacking position A. This allows the stacking head 102 to separate from stacking position A more smoothly.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure; various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the claims. New embodiments with design changes combine the effects of both combined embodiments and variations. In the foregoing embodiments, the phrases "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment" are used to emphasize the possibility of such design changes; however, design changes are permitted even without such expressions. Any combination of the aforementioned constituent elements is also valid as a solution of the present invention. The shading lines in the cross-sectional annotations of the drawings do not limit the material of the objects to be shaded.

[0091] Industrial availability

[0092] This disclosure can be used in stacked devices.

[0093] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0094] 30-layer stacking platform, 100-layer stacking device, 102-layer stacking head, 104-drum, 108-support shaft, 110-cam section, 112-cam groove, 116-protrusion, 120-force application component, 122-first attraction section, 124-second attraction section, 126-first repulsion section, 128-second repulsion section, 130-third attraction section, 132-fourth attraction section.

Claims

1. A stacking device for discharging unit stacks containing separators and electrode plates onto a stacking stage and stacking multiple unit stacks, comprising: Multiple stack heads maintain the unit stack; The drum section arranges the plurality of stack heads and holds each stack head in a rocking manner via a support shaft, and rotates to advance each stack head to a stacking position opposite to the stacking platform; The cam part contacts each stack head. As the drum part rotates, it drives the stack heads to move, causing each stack head to rock around the support shaft. At the stacking position, it counteracts the movement of the stack heads caused by the rotation of the drum part, thus stopping the stack heads. as well as The force-applying component applies force to each stacked head in the radial direction of the drum.

2. The stacking device according to claim 1, The cam portion has a cam groove extending in the circumferential direction of the drum portion that does not follow the rotation of the drum portion. Each stacked head has a protrusion that engages with the cam groove. The rotation of the drum causes the protrusion to move along the cam groove, thereby rocking around the support shaft. The force-applying component presses the protrusion toward the side of the cam groove.

3. The stacking device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The first attraction section is located at the top of each stack, and The second suction part is disposed in the drum part at a position that overlaps with the first suction part of the stacked head when each stacked head is in the stacked position; The first attraction portion and the second attraction portion corresponding to the first attraction portion of the stacked head in the stacked position attract each other.

4. The stacking device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The first repulsion section is located at the stack head of each layer, and The second repulsion part is disposed in the drum portion at a position offset from the first repulsion part of the stack head when each stack head is in the stacked position; The first repulsive portion and the second repulsive portion corresponding to the first repulsive portion of the stack head located at the stacking position repel each other.

5. The stacking device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The third attraction section is located at the top of each stack, and A fourth attraction section is disposed on the stacking platform; The third and fourth attraction portions of the stacked head at the stacked position attract each other.

6. The stacking device according to claim 5, The third attraction part is a magnet, electromagnet, or a strongly magnetic body. The fourth attraction part is an electromagnet. The fourth attraction part reduces the magnetic force when each stack head leaves the stacking position.

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