Apparatus for manufacturing electrode composite material layer and method for manufacturing electrode composite material layer

Abstract

The invention provides a manufacturing device of an electrode composite material layer. The manufacturing device comprises a supporting part; a supply unit that supplies granulated pellets on or above the support unit; a transport unit that transports the supplied granulated pellets; a strike-off unit that is provided so as to have a gap with the support unit, the strike-off unit including a passage part for the granulated particles and non-passage parts for the granulated particles, the non-passage parts being provided at both ends of the passage part, and that forms a granulated particle layer by smoothing the conveyed granulated particles; and a molding unit that forms an electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer, and the strike-off unit has a first adjustment mechanism that can continuously vary the gap in the width direction so that the gap in the ends of the passage unit in the width direction becomes narrower than the gap in the center of the passage unit in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An electrode sheet as a constituent element of a battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery may include an electrode composite material layer. The electrode composite material layer is usually formed on a substrate as a current collector. As a device for forming an electrode composite material layer, there is known a device for forming a layer of granulated particles containing an electrode active material by depositing them in a layer on a substrate and applying a load to the layer of granulated particles (Patent Documents 1 to 7).

[0002] Prior art literature

[0003] Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-115569;

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-018682 (corresponding publication: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0179465);

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-100067;

[0007] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-018763;

[0008] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-176772;

[0009] Patent document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-068510;

[0010] Patent document 7: Japanese Patent No. 6922731. Summary of the invention

[0011] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer, for example, has: a supply section that supplies granulated particles; a conveying section that conveys the supplied granulated particles; a leveling section that flattens the conveyed granulated particles to form a granulated particle layer; and a forming section that forms the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer. In order to achieve good electrode performance, it is desired that the ratio of the weight of the granulated particles per unit area of ​​the electrode composite material layer, that is, the uniformity of the unit area weight is high. However, in the manufacturing device having the above structure, sometimes the unit area weight of the end portion of the granulated particle layer in the width direction becomes high. Since the load is concentrated on the end portion of the granulated particle layer in the width direction in the forming section, sometimes the electrode sheet is prone to strain, and sometimes it is prone to adverse conditions in the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet that are accompanied by this.

[0013] In addition, when the electrode composite material layer having a deviation in the weight per unit area of ​​the above-mentioned granulated particles is used as a battery, the cycle characteristics and the storage characteristics under the high charge state sometimes become insufficient due to the uneven charge and discharge reaction in the electrode surface. In addition, from the viewpoint of battery safety, it is also desired that the uniformity of the charge and discharge reaction in the electrode surface is high.

[0014] The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer and a manufacturing method for an electrode composite material layer using the same, which can suppress the excessive unit area weight of the granulated particles at the ends of the electrode composite material layer in the width direction when manufacturing the electrode composite material layer, and can manufacture an electrode composite material layer with good uniformity in the unit area weight of the granulated particles.

[0015] Solutions for solving problems

[0016] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the invention exemplified below.

[0017] [1] A device for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, comprising: a supporting portion; a supply portion, which supplies granulated particles containing an active material and a binder onto the supporting portion or above the supporting portion; a conveying portion, which conveys the granulated particles supplied to the supporting portion or above the supporting portion; a scraping portion, which is arranged in a manner having a gap with the supporting portion and comprises a passing portion for allowing the granulated particles to pass through, and a non-passing portion arranged at both ends of the passing portion and blocking the passage of the granulated particles, the scraping portion smoothes the conveyed granulated particles to form a granulated particle layer; and a forming portion, which forms the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer, the scraping portion having a first adjusting mechanism, and the first adjusting mechanism can continuously change the gap in the width direction in a manner such that the gap at the end of the passing portion in the width direction becomes narrower than the gap in the central portion.

[0018] [2] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer according to [1], wherein the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming section, wherein the preforming section is arranged between the leveling section and the forming section, wherein the preforming section includes a main body section, wherein the main body section compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being leveled by the leveling section and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed by the forming section, wherein the main body section of the preforming section is configured in a manner to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer, and wherein the preforming section comprises a pair of width limiting clamps, wherein the pair of width limiting clamps are arranged at both ends of the main body section to limit the width of the granulated particle layer.

[0019] [3] The manufacturing apparatus for an electrode composite material layer according to [2], wherein the width of the pair of width limiting jigs is larger than the width of the passing portion of the flattening portion.

[0020] [4] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer according to [1], wherein the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming section, wherein the preforming section is arranged between the leveling section and the forming section, wherein the preforming section includes a main body section, wherein the main body section compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being leveled by the leveling section and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed by the forming section, wherein the main body section of the preforming section is configured in a manner to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer, and the main body section of the preforming section has a second adjusting mechanism, wherein the second adjusting mechanism can continuously change the gap in the width direction in such a manner that the gap at the end of the width direction of the preforming section becomes narrower than the gap at the central portion.

[0021] [5] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer according to [1], wherein the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming section, wherein the preforming section is arranged between the flattening section and the forming section, wherein the preforming section includes a main body section, wherein the main body section compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being flattened by the flattening section and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed by the forming section, wherein the main body section of the preforming section is configured in a manner to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer, wherein the main body section of the preforming section has a second adjustment mechanism, wherein the second adjustment mechanism can continuously change the gap in the width direction in a manner such that the gap at the end portions of the preforming section in the width direction becomes narrower than the gap at the central portion, and wherein the preforming section further comprises a pair of width limiting clamps, wherein the pair of width limiting clamps are arranged at both ends of the main body section to limit the width of the granulated particle layer.

[0022] [6] The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to [5], wherein the width between the pair of width limiting clamps is larger than the width of the passing portion of the flattening portion.

[0023] [7] The apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein the second adjustment mechanism is a roller having a concave roller shape.

[0024] [8] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the first adjustment mechanism has a blade shape, and the first adjustment mechanism has an adjustment mechanism (A) that can arbitrarily adjust the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion.

[0025] [9] The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to [8], wherein the above-mentioned adjustment mechanism (A) is selected from one or more of a push-pull bolt and a heating bolt.

[0026]

[10] A device for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the device for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer has a unit area weight inspection unit, and the unit area weight inspection unit inspects the unit area weight of at least one of the granulated particle layer and the electrode composite material layer in the width direction.

[0027]

[11] The manufacturing apparatus for an electrode composite material layer according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode composite material layer comprises an appearance inspection unit for inspecting the appearance of the granulated particle layer.

[0028]

[12] A method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, using the manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer described in any one of [1] to

[11] , the method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprising: a process of transporting the granulated particles supplied from the supply portion to the support portion or above the support portion by the transport portion, and using the scraping portion to flatten the transported granulated particles, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; and a process of applying a load to the granulated particle layer by using the forming portion to form the electrode composite material layer.

[0029]

[13] A method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, using the manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer described in

[10] , the method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprising: a step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply portion to the support portion or above the support portion by the conveying portion, and using the flattening portion to flatten the conveyed granulated particles, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; a step of applying a load to the granulated particle layer by the forming portion to form the electrode composite material layer; and a step of checking the unit area weight in the width direction of at least one of the granulated particle layer and the electrode composite material layer by the unit area weight inspection portion, and when a portion where the unit area weight in the width direction is outside the management value is detected, adjusting the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion.

[0030]

[14] A method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, which uses the manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer described in

[11] , wherein the method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprises: a step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply portion to the support portion or above the support portion by the conveying portion, and using the flattening portion to flatten the conveyed granulated particles, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; a step of inspecting the appearance of the granulated particle layer by the appearance inspection portion, and when a portion where a linear defect is generated in the granulated particle layer is detected, temporarily enlarging the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion to eliminate the linear defect; and a step of applying a load to the granulated particle layer by using the forming portion to form the electrode composite material layer.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a device for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer and a method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer using the same can be provided. When manufacturing the electrode composite material layer, the excessive unit area weight of the granulated particles at the ends in the width direction of the electrode composite material layer can be suppressed, and an electrode composite material layer with good uniformity in the unit area weight of the granulated particles can be manufactured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A front view of the scraping portion used in the manufacturing device.

[0035] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A side view of the scraping portion used in the manufacturing device.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0040] Figure 8It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0041] Fig. 9 This is a front view schematically showing an example of a preformed portion.

[0042] Fig.10 This is a front view schematically showing an example of the positional relationship between the scraping portion and the preforming portion as viewed from the front on the upstream side of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0043] Fig.11 It is a front view and a top view which schematically show an example of the unit weight inspection part.

[0044] Fig.12 Schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to the second embodiment.

[0045] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to the third embodiment.

[0046] Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to a fourth embodiment.

[0047] Fig.15 This is a front view showing an example of a scraping unit used in a conventional apparatus for producing a composite electrode material layer.

[0048] Fig.16 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electrode composite material layer in which the weight per unit area of ​​granulated particles varies.

[0049] Fig.17 This is a schematic front view for explaining an example of a "step for blocking granulated particles" of the flattening portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention is described in detail below by showing the embodiments and the illustrative objects. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and the illustrative objects shown below, and can be arbitrarily changed and implemented without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents. The constituent elements of the embodiments shown below can be appropriately combined. In addition, in the drawings, the same constituent elements are marked with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are sometimes omitted.

[0051] In the following description, a "long strip" substrate refers to a substrate having a length of 5 times or more relative to the width, preferably 10 times or more, and specifically refers to a substrate having a length that can be rolled up for storage or transportation. The upper limit of the length of the substrate is not particularly limited, for example, it can be 100,000 times or less relative to the width.

[0052] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of elements "parallel", "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" may include errors within the range of, for example, ±3°, ±2° or ±1° within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0053] In the following description, “on a certain element” or “over a certain element” means including a case where the certain element is in direct contact with the certain element and a case where the certain element is in indirect contact with the certain element.

[0054] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, “upstream” and “downstream” refer to upstream and downstream in the flow direction of granulated particles, a granulated particle layer, or an electrode composite material layer.

[0055] The electrode composite material layer produced by the production apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is obtained by applying a load to the granulated particle layer. The electrode composite material layer is preferably formed on a substrate. The substrate is preferably long.

[0056] Examples of the substrate include metal foils made of aluminum, platinum, nickel, tantalum, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and other alloys; films containing conductive materials (e.g., carbon, conductive polymers); paper; cloths made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and the like; and resin films containing polymers. Examples of polymers contained in the resin film include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; polyimide; polypropylene; polyphenylene sulfide; polyvinyl chloride; aramid; PEN; and PEEK. These materials can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0057] Among them, as the substrate, preferably metal foil, a film containing a carbon material, and a film containing a conductive polymer material, more preferably metal foil, from the viewpoint of conductivity and voltage resistance, more preferably copper foil, aluminum foil, and aluminum alloy foil. These substrates are preferably used as electrode sheets for manufacturing lithium ion batteries.

[0058] The substrate may be subjected to surface treatments such as coating, drilling, polishing, sandblasting, and etching, or may be subjected to a plurality of surface treatments.

[0059] The thickness of the substrate is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm or more, and is preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less. The substrate may have any width.

[0060] Granulated particles usually contain an electrode active material and a binder, and may contain any components such as a dispersant, a conductive material, and an additive as necessary.

[0061] The electrode active material contained in the granulated particles may be a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. Examples of positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials include materials that can be used as electrode active materials for lithium ion batteries. Examples of positive electrode active materials include metal oxides that can be reversibly doped and dedoped with lithium ions. Examples of such metal oxides include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and ternary active materials (e.g., LiCoO2) in which a portion of lithium cobalt oxide is replaced with nickel and manganese. 1 / 3 Ni 1 / 3Mn 1 / 3 O2). The positive electrode active material may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0062] Examples of negative electrode active materials include low-crystalline carbon (amorphous carbon) (e.g., graphitizable carbon, non-graphitizable carbon, pyrolytic carbon); graphite (e.g., natural graphite, artificial graphite); alloy materials containing tin, silicon, etc.; oxides (e.g., silicon oxide, tin oxide, lithium titanate), etc. The negative electrode active material may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0063] The electrode active material is preferably in the form of particles. When the electrode active material is in the form of particles, the electrode active material can be molded into a high-density electrode.

[0064] The volume average particle size (D50) of the electrode active material is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 0.3 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and further preferably 0.5 μm or more and 30 μm or less. When the volume average particle size (D50) of the electrode active material is within the above range, it can be preferably used as a material for lithium ion battery electrodes.

[0065] The binding material contained in the granulated particles is preferably a compound that can bind the above-mentioned electrode active materials to each other. The binding material is more preferably a dispersed binding material having the property of being dispersed in a solvent. Examples of dispersed binding materials include polymers such as silicon-containing polymers, fluorine-containing polymers, conjugated diene polymers, acrylate polymers, polyimides, polyamides, and polyurethanes.

[0066] The shape of the dispersed binder is not particularly limited, but is preferably in a granular form. By being in a granular form, the adhesiveness can be improved, and the capacity reduction of the manufactured electrode and the degradation caused by repeated charge and discharge can be reduced. Examples of granular binders include aqueous dispersions of binder particles such as latex, and granular binders obtained by drying such aqueous dispersions.

[0067] From the viewpoint of fully ensuring the close adhesion between the obtained electrode composite material layer and the substrate and being able to reduce the internal resistance, the amount of the binding material is preferably from 0.1 parts by weight to 50 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, and further preferably from 1 part by weight to 15 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the electrode active material, on a dry weight basis.

[0068] Granulated particles can contain a dispersant as an optional component. Examples of dispersants include cellulose polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, and their ammonium salts or alkali metal salts. These dispersants can be used alone or in combination.

[0069] Granulated particles can contain a conductive material as an arbitrary component. Examples of conductive materials include conductive carbon blacks such as furnace black, acetylene black, and Ketjen black (registered trademark of Akzo Nobel Chemicals Besloten Vennootschap), preferably acetylene black and Ketjen black. In addition, vapor-grown carbon fibers such as VGCF (registered trademark) and carbon nanotubes; graphite-based carbon materials such as expanded graphite and graphite, and graphene can also be used as conductive materials. These conductive materials can be used alone or in combination.

[0070] Granulated particles can be produced by granulating the electrode active material and the binder, and any component that can be included as needed. There is no particular limitation on the example of the method for producing granulated particles, and well-known granulation methods such as fluidized bed granulation, spray drying granulation, and tumbled layer granulation can be cited.

[0071] Each granulated particle is preferably in the form of a secondary particle formed by aggregation of a plurality of primary particles.

[0072] Specifically, secondary particles are preferably formed by binding a plurality (preferably several to several tens) of electrode active materials and optional components with a binding material.

[0073] From the viewpoint of easily obtaining an electrode composite material layer of a desired thickness, the volume average particle size (D50) of the granulated particles is preferably 0.1 μm or more, more preferably 1 μm or more, further preferably 20 μm or more, further preferably 30 μm or more, preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less, further preferably 250 μm or less.

[0074] The volume average particle size (D50) of the granulated particles is the 50% volume average particle size measured and calculated by a dry method using a particle size distribution measuring device based on a laser scattering diffraction method (e.g., Microtrac MT3300EX II; manufactured by Microtrac Biore Corporation). The 50% volume average particle size is the particle size at a position where the cumulative frequency accumulated from the smaller diameter side in the obtained particle size distribution (volume basis) is 50%.

[0075] [1. Overview of the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode composite material layer]

[0076] One embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer, which has: a support portion; a supply portion, which supplies granulated particles containing an active material and a binder to the support portion or above the support portion; a conveying portion, which conveys the granulated particles supplied to the support portion or above the support portion; and a flattening portion, which is arranged in a manner with a gap with the support portion, and includes a passing portion for passing the granulated particles, and a non-passing portion arranged at both ends of the passing portion and blocking the passage of the granulated particles, the flattening portion flattens the conveyed granulated particles to form a granulated particle layer; and a forming portion, which forms the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer. In addition, the flattening portion has a first adjustment mechanism, and the first adjustment mechanism can continuously change the gap in the width direction in a manner that the gap at the end of the width direction of the passing portion becomes narrower than the gap in the central portion.

[0077] According to the present invention, by providing the above-mentioned flattened portion, the excessive basis weight of the granulated particles at the ends in the width direction of the electrode composite layer can be suppressed, and an electrode composite layer having a good uniformity in basis weight of the granulated particles can be manufactured.

[0078] Here, if Fig.15 As shown, in the manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer, the scraping part 520 used in the past is usually set so that the gap between its end and the center and the main surface of the substrate 1 is fixed. When the manufacturing device with such a scraping part is used to manufacture the electrode composite material layer, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the unit area weight of the granulated particles at the ends of the electrode composite material layer 3 in the width direction sometimes becomes higher than the unit area weight of the granulated particles in the central part. In the manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer, a width limiting fixture such as a stopper 523 for limiting the width of the electrode composite material layer is sometimes arranged at both ends of the flattening part 520 to set a non-passing part, but the inventors have found that despite the difference in degree caused by the presence or absence of the above-mentioned width limiting fixture, the unit area weight of the ends of the granulated particles tends to be higher in both the case of having a width limiting fixture and the case of not having a width limiting fixture.

[0079] The present inventors speculate that the principle of increasing the weight per unit area of ​​the granulated particles at the ends of the electrode composite material layer in the width direction and the principle of suppressing the deviation of the weight per unit area in the present invention are as follows. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the principle described below.

[0080] The inventors speculate that: Fig.15 As shown, when the existing flattening part 520 is used, when the granulated particles P pass through the gap of the flattening part 520, the force X1 of the granulated particles P pushing the flattening part 520 upward acts, and the load generated by the reaction force X2 causes the granulated particles P to flow in both width directions, so the unit area weight of the end of the granulated particle layer becomes higher. Furthermore, it is considered that when the flattening part has a width limiting fixture, the granulated particles located around the width limiting fixture are restricted from moving by the width limiting fixture, and are easily accumulated at the end, and as a result, the unit area weight of the end becomes further higher.

[0081] In contrast, according to the present invention, the scraping section has a first adjustment mechanism that can continuously change the gap in the width direction in such a way that the gap at the end of the width direction of the section becomes narrower than the gap at the central section, thereby dispersing the force of the granulated particles pushing the scraping device upward. As a result, the granulated particles can be suppressed from flowing in both width directions due to the load of the reaction force.

[0082] The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer of one embodiment of the present invention has at least a support part, a supply part, a conveying part, a flattening part and a forming part. In addition, as an arbitrary structure, it can have a preforming part, a unit area weight inspection part and an appearance inspection part. Below, more specific embodiments are given to illustrate such a manufacturing device, but the present invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments.

[0083] In addition, in the manufacturing device, depending on the form of the device, for example, a second conveying unit and a third conveying unit for conveying the substrate may be provided. In order to distinguish the conveying unit for conveying granulated particles from the second conveying unit and the third conveying unit, it may be referred to as the first conveying unit for explanation.

[0084] [2. First embodiment]

[0085] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A front view of the scraping portion used in the manufacturing device. Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A side view of the scraping portion used in the manufacturing device. Figures 4 to 8It is a schematic diagram for explaining the continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 100 (100A) of the electrode composite material layer of the first embodiment includes a second conveying unit 102, a supply unit 104, a support roller 101, a flattening unit 120 (120A), a unit weight inspection unit 150, an appearance inspection unit 160, a preforming unit 140, and a forming unit 130. The support roller 101 functions as a supporting unit and a first conveying unit.

[0087] The support roller 101 is a cylindrical member, and is supported rotatably in the direction DR101 with the axis R101 as the center. The second conveying unit 102 conveys the substrate 1 to the support roller 101 as a support unit and a first conveying unit, and the support roller 101 conveys the substrate 1 downstream while rotating in the direction DR101. The second conveying unit 102 is, for example, a conveying roller. The surface material of the support roller and the conveying roller can use, for example, the same material as the surface material of the forming roller described later.

[0088] The supply unit 104 supplies the granulated particles P onto the main surface of the substrate 1 supported by the support roller 101 above the support roller 101. Any powder supply device can be used as the supply unit 104. Examples of the powder supply mechanism include a pressure feed type, a rotary blade type, a screw type, and a drum type.

[0089] The supply unit 104 includes a hopper unit having a granulated particle inlet and a granulated particle outlet. Granulated particles P are introduced from the granulated particle inlet, and the granulated particles P are supplied from the granulated particle outlet to the main surface of the substrate 1 supported by the support roller 101. That is, the surface to which the granulated particles P are supplied is the main surface of the substrate 1.

[0090] The support roller 101 as the first conveying unit rotates in the direction DR101 to convey the granulated particles P supplied onto the main surface of the substrate 1 together with the substrate 1 toward the downstream.

[0091] The flattening section 120 is a member for flattening the granulated particles P conveyed by the support roller 101 and forming a granulated particle layer 2. Figure 1 In the embodiment, as the flattening portion 120, a flattening portion 120A having a blade shape is used.

[0092] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the flattening portion 120A is provided with a gap G with the support roller 101 and includes a passage portion p for allowing the granulated particles to pass therethrough and non-passage portions n provided at both ends of the passage portion p for blocking the passage of the granulated particles.

[0093] The flattening section 120A is provided with a first adjustment mechanism 121 in the passing portion p, and a stopper 123 as a width limiting jig is provided in the non-passing portion n.

[0094] The first adjustment mechanism 121 has a structure capable of continuously changing the gap G in the width direction so that the gap at the end portion e in the width direction of the passing portion p becomes narrower than the gap at the central portion c.

[0095] The first adjustment mechanism 121 has a first surface F1, which faces the peripheral surface of the support roller 101 as the support portion across the substrate 1. The peripheral surface of the support roller 101 is usually flat in the width direction of the flattened portion and does not have a height difference that affects the width of the gap. On the other hand, the first surface F1 of the first adjustment mechanism 121 has a height difference such that the gap at the end e in the width direction of the through portion p is relatively narrow and the gap at the central portion c is relatively wide. In other words, the first surface F1 has a height difference in which the end e is relatively high when the central portion c is used as a reference. Therefore, the first adjustment mechanism 121 has a structure in which the height difference between the central portion c and the end e of its first surface F1 changes continuously. The height of the end e when the central portion c is used as a reference refers to the distance in the height direction of the end when the central portion c is used as a reference and viewed in the direction of the support portion side (downward). In the following description, the same applies to the height of the end when the central portion is used as a reference.

[0096] In the flattening portion, the central portion in the width direction of the passing portion refers to a portion that is approximately equidistant from both ends in the width direction of the passing portion. Approximately equidistant from both ends in the width direction of the passing portion includes not only a case where the distance d1 from one end and the distance d2 from the other end are exactly the same (d1=d2), but also a case where the absolute value of the difference between the distances d1 and d2 has an error of about ±3% relative to the distance in the width direction.

[0097] "Continuously changing" means that there is no step change that hinders the flow of granulated particles in the width direction of the passing portion. "Step that blocks granulated particles" means a step that locally increases the weight per unit area of ​​granulated particles in the width direction by hindering the flow of granulated particles in the contact portion of the flattening portion with the granulated particles. For example, Fig.17 As shown, in the blade-shaped flattening portion 620, when the first surface f1 of the support roller 601 facing each other across the substrate 1 has at least two adjacent planes f11 and f12, the angle θ formed by the planes f11 and f12 of such a step is less than 135°. The angle θ formed by the planes f11 and f12 refers to the smaller angle of the two angles formed by the planes f11 and f12.

[0098] As a specific shape of the first surface F1 of the first adjustment mechanism 121, a shape including a curved surface can be adopted. In the case where the first surface F1 includes a curved surface, for example, Figure 4 As shown, the first surface F1 can be in an arc shape with the height increasing from the center c to the end e. In this case, the first adjustment mechanism 121 can narrow the gap in the width direction of the passing portion p from the gap G(c) in the center to the gap G(e) at the end in an arc shape.

[0099] In addition, when the shape of the first surface F1 includes a curved surface, it can also include a flat surface parallel to the support roller (support portion). In this case, for example, Figure 5 As shown, the first surface F1 is composed of a plane including the central portion c and parallel to the support roller 101 to any position a between the central portion c and the end e, and can be in an arc-shaped shape that becomes higher from the position a to the end e. In this case, the first adjustment mechanism 121 can make the gap in the width direction of the passing portion p fixed at the gap G (c) to the position a including the central portion c, and the gap G (c) from the position a to the end e narrow in an arc-shaped shape.

[0100] Furthermore, when the shape of the first surface includes a curve, although not shown in the drawings, the first surface may have concavities and convexities formed by curved surfaces.

[0101] In addition, as the specific shape of the first surface of the first adjustment mechanism, a shape including at least two adjacent planes can be adopted. In this case, the angle θ formed by the two adjacent planes can be, for example, greater than 135° and less than 180°. The angle θ formed by the two adjacent planes refers to the smaller angle of the two angles formed by the above two planes, and refers to the angle when measured on the interface side in contact with the granulated particles.

[0102] In the case where the shape of the first surface includes at least two adjacent planes, for example Figure 6 As shown, the first surface F1 can include two adjacent planes F11 and F12. In this case, the first surface F1 can have a shape in which the height of the surface increases linearly from the central portion c to the end portion e. In addition, the angle θ formed by the planes F11 and F12 is within the above-mentioned numerical range. In this case, the first adjustment mechanism 121 can narrow the gap in the width direction of the through portion p linearly from the gap G (c) in the central portion to the gap G (e) at the end portion.

[0103] In the case where the first surface includes at least two adjacent planes, the first surface may include a plane parallel to the support portion in addition to the two adjacent planes. In this case, for example, Figure 7As shown, the first surface F1 can take a shape including planes F14, F15 and F16. In the first surface F1, the plane F15 is composed of a plane including the central portion c and parallel to the support roller 101 to any position a between the central portion c and the end e, and has planes F14 and F16 whose height increases linearly from the position a to the end e. The angle θ1 formed by the planes F14 and F15, and the angle θ2 formed by the planes F15 and F16 are within the above-mentioned numerical range. In this case, the first adjustment mechanism 121 can fix the gap of the passing portion p at the gap G (c) to the position a including the central portion c, and narrow the gap G (c) from the position a to the end e linearly.

[0104] In addition, when the shape of the first surface includes two adjacent planes, although not shown, the first surface may also have concavities and convexities formed by a plurality of planes. In this case, the angle formed by the two adjacent planes forming each concavity and convexity is greater than 135° and less than 180°.

[0105] Furthermore, if Figure 8 As shown, the first adjustment mechanism 121 can change the gap within a range that does not affect the continuous change of the gap, for example, the gap G(i) at any position i between the end e and the central part c of the gap becomes larger than the gap G(c) at the central part c. For example, in the manufacturing device of the first embodiment, when an unfavorable situation such as granulated particles blocking the gap occurs, the gap at the corresponding position can be accurately enlarged to eliminate the unfavorable situation.

[0106] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first adjustment mechanism 121 shown is a member 121a having a blade shape. The first adjustment mechanism 121 has an adjustment mechanism (A) 122 that can arbitrarily adjust the gap G in the width direction of the passage portion p to continuously change. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , an example in which the adjustment mechanism (A) 122 is a push-pull bolt is shown.

[0107] The push-pull bolt that can be used by the adjustment mechanism (A) 122 can be used, for example, as the push-pull bolt used in the T-die used in the extrusion molding device of the resin film. In the T-die of the extrusion molding device, when adjusting the die lip gap, the push-pull bolt is brought into contact with the die lip, and the die lip is pressed down by tightening the bolt, or the die lip is pushed up by loosening the bolt, thereby adjusting the die lip gap. In the first embodiment, the push-pull bolt as the adjustment mechanism (A) 122 is also brought into contact with the portion of the first adjustment mechanism 121 that includes the first surface F1 (for example, the back side of the first surface F1), and by tightening or loosening the bolt, the shape of the first surface F1 can be adjusted to the above-mentioned Figures 4 to 8The shape shown. In addition, as the adjustment mechanism (A), a heating bolt of a T-die can be used instead of a push-pull bolt. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism (A) is preferably one or more selected from a push-pull bolt and a heating bolt.

[0108] The scraping portion 120 can form a portion where the granulated particles P are not deposited into a strip shape on the substrate 1 by having a non-passing portion n. Thus, compared with the portion where the granulated particles are removed in a strip shape from the formed granulated particle layer 2, the loss of granulated particles produced by the electrode can be reduced. For example, the non-passing portion can have a contact surface that contacts the substrate. In addition, for example, the non-passing portion can be configured to provide a gap with the substrate to the extent that the granulated particles can be blocked.

[0109] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the non-passing portion n of the flattening portion 120A can be set by arranging the stoppers 123 as width limiting fixtures at both ends of the width direction of the first adjustment mechanism 121. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the non-passing portion of the flattening portion can be arranged integrally with the first adjustment mechanism. In the first embodiment, it is preferred that the non-passing portion n is provided with a stopper 123. This is because the stopper 123 is a plate-shaped member, and the width of the non-passing portion can be adjusted by adjusting its thickness. The stopper 123 can usually be fixed to the first adjustment mechanism 121 of the flattening portion 120A using a fixing. The stopper 123 can be configured in a manner such as having a contact surface that contacts the substrate 1 supplied to the support roller 101 as a support portion.

[0110] The material constituting the stopper 123 is not particularly limited. Examples of the material of the stopper include resins such as tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, monomer cast nylon (UMC), vinyl chloride (PVC), polyacetal, and methacrylic resin; and metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. As the material of the stopper can reduce the dynamic friction coefficient of the stopper, resin is preferred, and fluororesin such as PTFE is more preferred.

[0111] At least the surface of the stopper 123 is preferably formed of a material having good sliding properties such as fluororesin. Thus, the friction between the stopper 123 and the flattening portion 120A is reduced. In addition, even if the stopper 123 contacts the substrate 1, the strain of the substrate 1 can be reduced, and the substrate 1 can be suppressed from breaking. As a result, the electrode composite material layer 3 can be stably manufactured.

[0112] The stopper 123 preferably has a small dynamic friction with the substrate 1. Specifically, the dynamic friction coefficient of the stopper 123 is preferably 0.50 or less, preferably 0.40 or less. The dynamic friction coefficient of the stopper 110 is 0 in an ideal case, and as a lower limit, can be 0.04 or more. The dynamic friction coefficient of the stopper 110 and the substrate 1 can be measured according to JIS K7125.

[0113] Furthermore, as the dynamic friction coefficient of the stopper 123 decreases, the adhesion between the granulated particles P and the stopper 123 decreases more easily, thereby preventing the decrease in smoothness of the end of the electrode composite material layer due to the adhesion of the granulated particles to the stopper 123 .

[0114] In order to reduce the dynamic friction coefficient, the stopper 123 may be subjected to a surface treatment. Examples of the surface treatment include fluorine resin coating, lubricant coating, and plating.

[0115] In addition, when the non-through portion of the scraping portion is integrally arranged with the first adjustment mechanism, the angle formed by the portion constituting the non-through portion, for example, and the surface parallel to the substrate and the surface adjacent to the surface and located on the through portion side is less than 135°.

[0116] The forming section 130 is composed of a pair of forming rollers 107 and 108. The forming rollers 107 and 108 are cylindrical components, and are driven to rotate at a fixed speed along the direction DR107 and DR108 in which the substrate 1 and the granulated particle layer 2 are transported downstream, with the axes R107 and R108 as the center. The axis R107 and the axis R108 are arranged in parallel to each other. A gap is provided between the pair of forming rollers 107 and 108. The granulated particle layer 2 is guided to the gap between the pair of forming rollers 107 and 108. In the manufacturing device 100, the laminate of the substrate 1 and the granulated particle layer 2 is guided to the gap between the pair of forming rollers 107 and 108. When the granulated particle layer 2 stacked on the substrate 1 passes through the gap between the pair of forming rollers 107 and 108, it is closely attached to the substrate 1 by applying a load, and an electrode composite material layer 3 having a predetermined thickness is formed on the substrate 1. The granulated particle layer 2 is usually rolled while passing through the gap between the pair of molding rollers 107 and 108 to be molded into the electrode composite material layer 3 , so the molding portion 130 can also be regarded as a rolled portion.

[0117] The gap between the pair of molding rolls 107 and 108 (the distance between the peripheral surfaces of each roll) can be appropriately adjusted according to the desired thickness, porosity, etc. of the electrode composite material layer.

[0118] Examples of the material constituting the peripheral surfaces of the molding rollers 107 and 108 include rubber, metal, and inorganic materials.

[0119] The forming roller 108 may also have a mechanism for heating its circumferential surface. Thus, the granulated particle layer 2 can be rolled while being heated. By rolling while heating the granulated particle layer 2, the binding material contained in the granulated particles P can be softened or melted, and the granulated particles P can be more firmly bonded to each other.

[0120] The manufacturing device 100 can have a pre-forming section 140 as needed. The pre-forming section 140 is a component that compresses the granulated particle layer 2 before applying a load to the granulated particle layer 2 in the forming section 130 to form the electrode composite material layer 3. By compressing the granulated particle layer 2 in the pre-forming section 140, the amount of air discharged from the granulated particle layer when the granulated particle layer 2 is compressed in the forming section 130 can be reduced. As a result, when the production speed is increased to manufacture the electrode composite material layer, the undesirable situation of deterioration of the surface condition of the electrode composite material layer can be improved. The pre-forming section 140 usually includes at least a main body 141 that compresses the granulated particle layer 2.

[0121] The pre-forming part 140 is disposed between the flattening part 120 and the forming part 130. In addition, the main body 141 of the pre-forming part is configured in such a way as to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer 2. Figure 1 In the figure, the main body 141 of the pre-molding part 140 is arranged with a predetermined gap with the peripheral surface of the molding roller 107. Although not shown, when the pre-molding part is arranged above the support part, the pre-molding part is arranged with a predetermined gap with the support part.

[0122] The main body 141 of the preforming part 140 compresses the granulated particle layer 2 so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer 2 is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer 2 after being leveled by the scraping part 120 and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer 3 formed in the forming part 130. There is no particular restriction on the degree to which the granulated particle layer 2 is compressed, and it can be appropriately adjusted according to the thickness of the electrode composite material layer, the porosity, the material of the granulated particles, etc.

[0123] The ratio (ad2 / ad1) of the apparent density (ad2) of the granulated particle layer after compression by the main body of the preformed part to the apparent density (ad1) of the granulated particle layer before compression by the main body of the preformed part is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.2 or more, further preferably 1.3 or more, preferably 2.0 or less, and more preferably 1.7 or less. In addition, the ratio (ad3 / ad2) of the apparent density (ad3) of the electrode composite material layer to the apparent density (ad2) of the granulated particle layer after compression by the main body of the preformed part is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.2 or more, preferably 2.0 or less, and more preferably 1.8 or less. By making the above ratio (ad2 / ad1) and the above ratio (ad3 / ad2) within the above range, the amount of air discharged from the granulated particle layer when the granulated particle layer 2 is compressed by the forming part 130 can be reduced. As a result, the disadvantage of deterioration of the surface condition of the electrode composite material layer can be improved when the production speed is increased to manufacture the electrode composite material layer.

[0124] The apparent density of the granulated particle layer refers to the weight per unit volume of the granulated particle layer containing voids when the granulated particle layer contains voids. In addition, the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer refers to the weight per unit volume of the electrode composite material layer containing voids when the electrode composite material layer contains voids.

[0125] Here, the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is the weight per unit volume of the granulated particle layer, and can be obtained by dividing the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer by the thickness of the granulated particle layer. Similarly, the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer is the weight per unit volume of the electrode composite material layer, and can be obtained by dividing the unit area weight of the electrode composite material layer by the thickness of the electrode composite material layer.

[0126] More specifically, the apparent density (ad1) of the granulated particle layer before being compressed by the main body of the preforming part is obtained by dividing the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer after passing through the flattening part by the thickness of the granulated particle layer. In addition, the apparent density (ad2) of the granulated particle layer after being compressed by the preforming part is obtained by dividing the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer after passing through the preforming part by the thickness of the granulated particle layer. Here, the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer is usually adjusted by the flattening part, and sometimes the unit area weight does not change at the downstream of the flattening part, so it can sometimes be regarded as the same as the unit area weight of the electrode composite material layer. In this case, the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is obtained by dividing the unit area weight after passing through the forming part by the thickness of the granulated particle layer after passing through the flattening part or after passing through the preforming part. Regarding the thickness of the granulated particle layer after the flattening part and after the preforming, when the thickness is measured by a contact film thickness meter, the thickness varies due to its load, so it is preferably measured by a non-contact film thickness meter. As a non-contact film thickness meter, there is no particular limitation, and if an example is given, a laser displacement meter can be given. The basis weight of the granulated particle layer can be inspected using, for example, a basis weight inspection unit described later.

[0127] The apparent density (ad3) of the electrode composite material layer is obtained by dividing the unit area weight of the electrode composite material layer after passing through the forming section by the thickness of the electrode composite material layer. The thickness of the electrode composite material layer can be measured by either contact or non-contact methods. However, when the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer is low and the use of a contact film thickness meter causes the thickness of the electrode composite material layer to vary, it is preferred to use a non-contact film thickness meter in the same manner as for measuring the thickness of the granulated particle layer. The unit area weight of the electrode composite material layer can be checked, for example, using a unit area weight inspection unit described later.

[0128] The main body of the preformed part can be any method that can compress the granulated particle layer. As such a method of the main body, for example, a roller is preferred. This is because a good load can be applied to the granulated particle layer being transported continuously by a roller-to-roll method.

[0129] As the main body of the preformed part, for example, a second adjustment mechanism can be used that can be continuously changed so that the gap at the end in the width direction becomes narrower than the gap in the center. As a preferred example of such a main body, for example, a roller having a second adjustment mechanism can be cited. In the case where the main body of the preformed part is a roller having a second adjustment mechanism, for example, by moving the roller in the same direction as the conveying direction of the substrate ( Figure 1 The granulated particle layer formed on the main surface of the substrate supported by the support roller can be compressed by rotating in the direction DR141A).

[0130] The case where the main body of the preform portion is a roller having a second adjustment mechanism will be described using the drawings. Fig. 9 This is a front view schematically showing an example of a preformed portion. Fig. 9 The main body 141 (141A) of the preforming part 140 (140A) shown is a roller-shaped component. In addition, the preforming part 140A generally has a rotating shaft 142 of the main body 141A. Such a main body 141A has a second adjustment mechanism 105 that can continuously change the gap of the end e (pre) in the width direction thereof to be narrower than the gap of the central part c (pre). Specifically, the main body 141A serves as the second adjustment mechanism 105, and the circumferential surface of the roller has a height difference such that the gap of the end e (pre) in the width direction of the main body 141A is relatively narrow, and the gap of the central part c (pre) is relatively wide. The circumferential surface of the roller of the main body 141A of the preforming part 140 is not limited to Fig. 9 The shape shown in the figure has, for example, a gap in the width direction of the main body portion. Figures 4 to 8 When the main body 141A has the second adjustment mechanism 105, the circumference of the roller can be adjusted by changing the radius of the roller in the width direction of the main body 141A.

[0131] For example, Fig. 9 As shown, the shape of the roller having the second adjustment mechanism 105, i.e., the main body 141A, is preferably a concave roller shape in which the height of the circumference increases in an arc shape from the central part c (pre) to the end e (pre) in the width direction. That is, the main body having the second adjustment mechanism is preferably a roller having a concave roller shape. The height of the central part and the height of the end in the axial direction can be understood as the size of the diameter of the central part and the end from the rotation axis. The main body of such a preformed part is usually fixed by a fixing member in a rotatable manner.

[0132] In addition, as another form of the main body of the preformed part, for example, a form in which the gap in the width direction can be fixed can be adopted. As such a main body of the preformed part, for example, a cylindrical roller can be used.

[0133] As the form of the main body of the pre-forming part, among the above-mentioned forms, it is more preferable to use a roller having a second adjustment mechanism. This can suppress the granulated particles from flowing in two width directions in the granulated particle layer due to compression of the granulated particle layer 2 in the pre-forming part 140, thereby making the uniformity of the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer better.

[0134] like Figure 1 and Fig. 9As shown, the preformed part 140 preferably includes a pair of width limiting fixtures 106 provided at both ends of the main body 141 and limiting the width of the granulated particle layer 2. The granulated particle layer after the flattening part 120 has a tendency to flow easily because the granulated particles are not sufficiently close to each other. Therefore, when the granulated particle layer is compressed by the preformed part, the granulated particles flow to the part of the substrate where the electrode composite material layer is not formed at both ends of the granulated particle layer, so it is difficult to apply a load to the two ends of the granulated particle layer. As a result, the substrate at both ends of the electrode composite layer and the electrode composite layer, as well as the granulated particles in the electrode composite layer, are not close to each other. Moreover, therefore, when the electrode having the electrode composite layer is used to manufacture a battery, the yield rate in the battery manufacturing process is easily reduced. In addition, the above-mentioned undesirable situation is particularly significant when the uniformity of the unit area weight in the width direction of the electrode composite layer is good by utilizing the effect of the present invention. In contrast, by having a width limiting fixture, it is possible to suppress a portion of the granulated particles in the granulated particle layer at the two end portions from flowing to the portion of the substrate where the electrode composite material layer is not formed, so that the load can be reliably applied to the two end portions of the granulated particle layer. Thus, the reduction in the above-mentioned tightness can be suppressed, and the reduction in the yield rate in the battery manufacturing process caused by this can be suppressed. In addition, in addition to having the above-mentioned width limiting fixture in the pre-molding part, the above-mentioned effect can be further improved by using a roller having the above-mentioned second adjustment mechanism in the main body of the pre-molding part.

[0135] The width limiting jig is not limited as long as it can limit the width of the granulated particle layer, but preferably a sub-stopper is used. The sub-stopper can be made of the same material as the stopper used in the above-mentioned flattening part and can have the same physical properties. Figure 1 The auxiliary stopper 106 shown has a contact surface that contacts the substrate 1. In addition, the contact surface of the auxiliary stopper 106 has a shape along the circumferential surface of the forming roller 107 across the substrate 1. The above-mentioned contact surface is a concave curved surface having a curvature radius that is substantially the same as the curvature radius of the forming roller 107, preferably having a curvature radius that is greater than 95% and less than 110% of the curvature radius of the forming roller 101.

[0136] The pair of width regulating jigs of the preforming section is usually arranged on the downstream side of the flattening section, so the width between the pair of width regulating jigs is adjusted according to the width of the passing portion of the flattening section.

[0137] Fig.10 1 is a front view schematically showing an example of the positional relationship between the flattening portion and the preforming portion as viewed from the front on the upstream side of the manufacturing device. Fig.10In FIG. 1 , the flattening portion 120 is indicated by a dotted line. In addition, an example is shown in which the preformed portion 140 ( 140B) has a main body portion 141B having a cylindrical roller shape. Fig.10 As shown, it is preferred that the width w2 between the pair of width limiting jigs 106 of the pre-forming part 140 is greater than the width w1 of the passing portion p of the flattening part 120. More specifically, the difference (w2-w1) between the width w2 between the pair of width limiting jigs 106 and the width w1 of the passing portion p of the flattening part 120 is, for example, preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and further preferably 0.5 mm or more. In addition, the above-mentioned width difference (w2-w1) is, for example, preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or less, and further preferably 2 mm or less. In the case where the width between the pair of width limiting jigs is equal to the width of the passing portion of the flattening part, the granulated particle layer that has passed the flattening part may be scraped by the width limiting jig. This is because by making the above-mentioned width difference greater than the above-mentioned lower limit value, it is possible to suppress scraping, breakage, etc. caused by the contact between the width limiting jig and the granulated particle layer, and the width direction dimension of the granulated particle layer can be stabilized. On the other hand, by making the difference in the width below the upper limit, the effect of improving the strength of the end of the granulated particle layer can be better exerted. The difference between the width w2 between the pair of width limiting jigs 106 and the width w1 of the passing portion p of the flattening portion 120 refers to the difference between the distance in the width direction between the pair of width limiting jigs 106 and the distance in the width direction of the passing portion p of the flattening portion 120. In addition, the difference in the width (w2-w1) is preferably equal in both width directions. The difference in the width (w2-w1) is equal in both width directions, which means that in the width direction, the distance from one width limiting jig to the width w3 of the passing portion and the distance from the other width limiting jig to the width w4 of the passing portion are roughly equal. In addition, the roughly equal distance of the two widths not only refers to the case where the distances of the two widths are strictly equal, but also refers to the error of the distance that one width can contain within ±5% relative to the other width.

[0138] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the manufacturing device 100 can have a unit area weight inspection unit 150 for inspecting the unit area weight of at least one of the granulated particle layer 2 and the electrode composite material layer 3 in the width direction as needed. This is because, by having the unit area weight inspection unit 150, the unit area weight of the granulated particle layer 2 and the electrode composite material layer 3 in the width direction can be inspected, and if a part with a unit area weight outside the management value is detected, a defect in the part can be discovered at an early stage and dealt with.

[0139] Fig.11 (a) is a front view schematically showing an example of a unit weight inspection unit, Fig.11 (b) schematically shows Figure 1 A top view of a portion of a manufacturing device of which a unit area weight inspection unit is arranged ( Fig.11 (a) is a top view of the α-α portion of (a). The unit area weight inspection unit 150 includes a support body 151, a signal transmitting unit 152 disposed on the support body 151, and a detection unit 153 disposed on the support body 151 and facing the signal transmitting unit 152. The signal transmitting unit 152 includes a radiation source for measuring radiation such as X-rays, β-rays, etc. In the unit area weight inspection unit, for example, the signal transmitting unit 152 can irradiate a stack of a substrate 1 and a granulated particle layer 2, or a stack of a substrate and an electrode composite material layer (not shown) with measuring radiation, and the detection unit 153 detects the amount of radiation that passes through the stack, and the unit area weight is calculated based on the detected amount.

[0140] exist Figure 1 In the manufacturing device 100, an example is shown in which the unit area weight inspection unit 150 is arranged between the flattening unit 120 and the preforming unit 140, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the unit area weight inspection unit can be arranged between the preforming unit and the forming unit. In addition, for example, the unit area weight inspection unit can be arranged downstream of the forming unit.

[0141] like Figure 1 As shown, the manufacturing device 100 can have an appearance inspection unit 160 for inspecting the appearance of the granulated particle layer 2 as needed. This is because, by having the appearance inspection unit 160, linear defects of the granulated particle layer 2 can be detected at an early stage. If a linear defect is detected, a defect in the part can be found at an early stage and dealt with. As the appearance inspection unit 160, for example, a line scanning film thickness meter (inline type) manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. can be used. A plurality of appearance inspection units 160 can be arranged in the width direction of the granulated particle layer as needed.

[0142] exist Figure 1 In the manufacturing device 100, an example in which the appearance inspection unit 160 is arranged between the flattening unit 120 and the preforming unit 140 is shown, but it is not limited to this. Although not shown in the figure, for example, the appearance inspection unit can be arranged between the preforming unit and the forming unit.

[0143] Although not shown in the figure, the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode composite material layer of the first embodiment can dispose the above-mentioned appearance inspection unit downstream of the molding unit as needed to detect defects in the electrode composite material layer.

[0144] In addition, the manufacturing device can have a coating part as needed, and the coating part is arranged at a position closer to the upstream side than the supply part of the manufacturing device, and the adhesive coating liquid is applied on the substrate and dried. In the case where the manufacturing device has a coating part, the adhesive coating liquid can be applied on the substrate and dried to form an adhesive layer, and the granulated particles are supplied to the adhesive layer, so that the granulated particles can be fixed on the substrate. As a coating part, it is possible to have, for example, a slit die head, a gravure head, a rod coating head, a knife coating head, etc. The adhesive layer can also be understood as an adhesive layer that bonds the current collector to the electrode composite material layer. In the case of using a substrate as a current collector, it is preferred that the electrode composite material layer is fixed to the current collector via the adhesive layer, so it is desired that the manufacturing device has a coating part.

[0145] The manufacturing device may include a winding section for winding the electrode having the electrode composite material layer formed on the substrate at a position downstream of the molding section. The winding section may be, for example, a winding device for winding the electrode.

[0146] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus may include a take-out section that supplies the substrate toward the downstream side at a position upstream of the supply section. The take-out section may be, for example, a take-out device that takes out the substrate.

[0147] [3. Second embodiment]

[0148] Next, a production apparatus for an electrode composite material layer according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig.12 Schematic diagram showing an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to a second embodiment.

[0149] like Fig.12 As shown, the manufacturing device 200 of the electrode composite material layer of the second embodiment includes a second conveying unit 202, a supply unit 204, a forming roller 207, a flattening unit 220, and a forming roller 208. The forming roller 207 functions as a supporting unit and a first conveying unit, and the forming roller 207 and the forming roller 208 function as a forming unit 230.

[0150] In the manufacturing device 200, the forming roller 207 is supported rotatably in the direction DR207 around the axis R207. The second conveying unit 202 conveys the substrate to the forming roller 207 as a supporting unit, and the forming roller 207 conveys the substrate 1 downstream while rotating in the direction DR207. In addition, the supply unit 204 supplies granulated particles P to the main surface of the substrate 1 supplied to the forming roller as a supporting unit, and the supplied granulated particles P are conveyed downstream together with the substrate 1 through the forming roller 207 as the first conveying unit. The second conveying unit 202 and the supply unit 204 can be the same as the second conveying unit 102 and the supply unit 104 of the first embodiment.

[0151] In the manufacturing device 200, the flattening part 220 is provided so as to have a gap with the forming roller 207. Fig.12 In the embodiment, the flattening part 220 has: a first adjustment mechanism 221, which is provided in the through part and has an adjustment mechanism (A) 222; and a stopper 223, which is provided in the non-through part. Fig.12 The following example is shown in which the stopper 223 has a contact surface that contacts the substrate 1, and the contact surface has a shape along the circumference of the forming roller across the substrate. The above-mentioned contact surface has a concave curved surface, and the above-mentioned concave curved surface has a curvature radius that is substantially the same as the curvature radius of the forming roller 207. Regarding other aspects, the first adjustment mechanism 221, the adjustment mechanism (A) 222, and the stopper 223 of the flattening section 220 can be the same as the first adjustment mechanism 121, the adjustment mechanism (A) 122, and the stopper 123 of the flattening section 120A of the first embodiment.

[0152] In the manufacturing apparatus 200, the molding unit 230 is composed of the molding roller 207 and the molding roller 208. The molding unit 230 and the molding rollers 207 and 208 (including the relationship between the axes R207 and R208 and the directions DR207 and DR208) can be the same as the contents described in the molding unit 130 and the molding rollers 107 and 108 (including the relationship between the axes 107 and R108 and the directions DR107 and DR108) of the first embodiment.

[0153] The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode composite material layer of the second embodiment may include a roll-out unit, a coating unit, a preforming unit, a basis weight inspection unit, an appearance inspection unit, and a winding unit as necessary. These structures may be the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0154] According to the second embodiment, the forming roller 207 also serves as the supporting portion, the first conveying portion, and a part of the forming portion, so that the structure of the manufacturing apparatus can be simplified.

[0155] [4. Third embodiment]

[0156] Next, a production apparatus for an electrode composite material layer according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to a third embodiment.

[0157] like Fig.13 As shown, the manufacturing device 300 of the electrode composite material layer of the third embodiment includes a forming roller 307, a baffle 310, a supply unit 304, a flattening unit 320, a forming roller 308, and a third conveying unit 303. The forming roller 307 functions as a supporting unit and a first conveying unit, and the forming roller 307 and the forming roller 308 function as a forming unit 330.

[0158] In the manufacturing device 300, the granulated particles P are directly supplied to the peripheral surface of the forming roller 307 from the supply unit 304 disposed above the forming roller 307, and the forming roller 307 is rotated in the direction DR307 around the axis R307 to convey the granulated particles P downstream. The supply unit 304 can be the same as the supply unit 104 of the first embodiment. In addition, in the manufacturing device 300, in order to prevent the granulated particles P from flowing downward to the bottom of the forming roller 307 (in the direction opposite to the rotation direction DR307 of the forming roller 307), the baffle 310 is disposed at a position in contact with the forming roller 307 and below the supply unit 304.

[0159] Furthermore, the flattening section 320 flattens the granulated particles P conveyed by the forming roller 307 by means of the first adjustment mechanism 321 having the adjustment mechanism (A) 322, thereby forming the granulated particle layer 2. The flattening section 320 includes a stopper 323 disposed at both ends in the width direction of the baffle plate 310 and the first adjustment mechanism 321, and a contact surface that contacts the forming roller 307 and has a shape along the peripheral surface thereof, and except for these points, it can be the same as the flattening section 220 described in the second embodiment.

[0160] In the manufacturing device 300, the forming section 330 is composed of a forming roller 307 and a forming roller 308. In the third embodiment, the substrate 1 is supplied to the forming roller 308 from the third conveying section 303, and when the granulated particle layer 2 is rolled in the gap between the forming rollers 307 and 308 to form the electrode composite material layer 3, the electrode composite material layer 3 is transferred to the main surface of the substrate 1 and closely attached to form a laminate of the substrate 1 and the electrode composite material layer 3 as an electrode sheet. The forming section 330 and the forming rollers 307 and 308 (including the relationship between the axes R307 and R308 and the directions DR307 and DR308) can be the same as the contents described in the forming section 130 and the forming rollers 107 and 108 (including the relationship between the axes 107 and R108 and the directions DR107 and DR108) of the first embodiment.

[0161] The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer of the third embodiment can have a roll-out unit, a coating unit, a preforming unit, a unit area weight inspection unit, an appearance inspection unit, and a winding unit as needed. In the third embodiment, the coating unit can usually be arranged between the third conveying unit and the forming unit. For these structures, the contents described in the first embodiment can be the same.

[0162] According to the third embodiment, the electrode composite material layer can be molded in the molding section and transferred to the substrate, so that the burden on the substrate during the production of the electrode composite material layer can be reduced.

[0163] [5. Fourth embodiment]

[0164] Next, a production apparatus for an electrode composite material layer according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0165] Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing an example of an apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to a fourth embodiment.

[0166] like Fig.14 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a second conveying unit 402 , a supporting unit 401 , a supply unit 404 , a scraping unit 420 , a pair of forming rollers 430 a and 430 b as a first conveying unit, and a forming unit 430 .

[0167] The support portion 401 is disk-shaped. The supply portion 404 supplies the granulated particles P to the main surface of the substrate 1 supported by the support portion 401 above the support portion 401. That is, the surface to which the granulated particles P are supplied is the main surface of the substrate 1. The forming rollers 430a and 430b as the first conveying portion convey the substrate and the granulated particles P supplied to the main surface of the substrate 1 by rotating in opposite directions to each other. The flattening portion 420 is arranged with a gap provided above the support portion 401, and the granulated particles P are flattened by the first adjustment mechanism 421 having an adjustment mechanism (A) 422, thereby forming a granulated particle layer 2. The supply portion 404 and the pair of forming rollers 430a and 430b of the forming portion 430 can be the same as the supply portion 104 and the pair of forming rollers 107 and 108 of the forming portion 130 of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned points. The flattening section 420 and its respective structures of the fourth embodiment are similar to the flattening section 120A and its respective structures of the first embodiment except that the stopper 423 is arranged with a gap to the substrate 1 to prevent the granulated particles P from passing therethrough.

[0168] The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode composite material layer of the fourth embodiment may include a roll-out unit, a coating unit, a preforming unit, a unit weight inspection unit, an appearance inspection unit, and a winding unit as required. These structures may be the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0169] [6. Method for producing electrode composite material layer]

[0170] A method for producing an electrode composite material layer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing an electrode composite material layer using the above-mentioned apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer, and includes the following steps (1) and (2) in order.

[0171] (1) A step of conveying granulated particles supplied from a supply section to a support section or above the support section by a conveying section, and flattening the conveyed granulated particles by a flattening section to form a granulated particle layer.

[0172] (2) A step of forming an electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer using a molding unit.

[0173] According to the present invention, by using the above-mentioned manufacturing device to carry out the above-mentioned steps (1) and (2), when manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, the excessive unit area weight of the granulated particles at the ends in the width direction of the electrode composite material layer can be suppressed, and an electrode composite material layer with good uniformity of the unit area weight of the granulated particles can be manufactured.

[0174] In the production method according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the production apparatus has a basis weight inspection unit, it is preferred that the production method further includes the following step (3) in addition to the above steps (1) and (2).

[0175] (3) A step of inspecting the unit area weight of at least one of the granulated particle layer and the electrode composite material layer in the width direction using a unit area weight inspection unit, and, when a portion where the unit area weight in the width direction is outside a management value is detected, adjusting the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion.

[0176] By including step (3), in the manufacturing process, for portions outside the management value such as excessive or insufficient unit area weight in the width direction, the undesirable situation can be eliminated by adjusting the gap in the width direction of the scraping portion, or the portions outside the management value that need to be discarded can be controlled to a minimum.

[0177] As a method for adjusting the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion whose weight per unit area is outside the management value, for example, a method of adjusting the width of the gap in the width direction of the portion by changing the relative position of the flattening portion as a whole relative to the support portion can be cited. In addition, when a flattening portion having a first adjustment mechanism having an adjustment mechanism (A) is used as the flattening portion, the width of the gap in the portion or the portion and its periphery can be accurately adjusted.

[0178] In the production method according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the production apparatus includes an appearance inspection unit, it is preferable to include the following step (4) between the above steps (1) and (2).

[0179] (4) A step of inspecting the appearance of the granulated particle layer using an appearance inspection unit, and when a portion where a linear defect is generated is detected in the granulated particle layer, temporarily widening the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion to eliminate the linear defect.

[0180] One of the main causes of linear defects in the granulated particle layer is the adhesion of granulated particles to the flattened portion corresponding to the location where the linear defects occur, and the granulated particles being blocked (stuck) in the gap corresponding to the location. According to one embodiment of the present invention, by including step (4), the gap in the width direction of the flattened portion corresponding to the location where the linear defects occur in the granulated particle layer is temporarily enlarged, thereby eliminating linear defects caused by undesirable conditions such as adhesion and blockage of granulated particles. In addition, by including step (4), the location where the linear defects occur can be discovered and eliminated at an early stage, thereby reducing the defects of the electrode composite material layer.

[0181] [7. Modifications]

[0182] In the above description, a manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer having a supporting portion, a supply portion, a conveying portion, a scraping portion, and a forming portion is described, but in the present invention, a manufacturing device including the following structure can be provided as a modified example of a manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer.

[0183] A manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer, comprising: a supporting portion; a supplying portion, which supplies granulated particles containing an active material and a binder onto the supporting portion or above the supporting portion; a conveying portion, which conveys the granulated particles supplied onto the supporting portion or above the supporting portion; a flattening portion, which is arranged in a manner with a gap between the supporting portion and the supporting portion, and comprises a passing portion for allowing the granulated particles to pass through, and a non-passing portion arranged at both ends of the passing portion and blocking the passage of the granulated particles, so that the conveyed granulated particles are flattened to form a granulated particle layer; a forming portion, which forms a granulated particle layer by forming a granulated particle layer onto the granulated particle layer; A load is applied to form an electrode composite material layer; and a preforming part, which is arranged between the above-mentioned scraping part and the above-mentioned forming part, and the above-mentioned preforming part includes: a main body, which compresses the above-mentioned granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the above-mentioned granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the above-mentioned granulated particle layer after being leveled by the above-mentioned scraping part and less than the apparent density of the above-mentioned electrode composite material layer formed by the above-mentioned forming part; and a pair of width limiting clamps, which are arranged at both ends of the above-mentioned main body to limit the width of the above-mentioned granulated particle layer, and the main body of the above-mentioned preforming part is configured in a manner to provide a gap that can compress the above-mentioned granulated particle layer.

[0184] In the existing manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer, due to the air contained in the granulated particle layer after being flattened by the scraping part, when the granulated particle layer is rolled by the forming part, the granulated particles sometimes flow or are blown up by the above air, so that a good surface condition cannot be obtained. In particular, when the production speed is increased to manufacture the electrode composite material layer, there is a tendency to easily produce the above phenomenon. Furthermore, since the granulated particles are easy to flow, especially at the end of the granulated particle layer, there is a situation where the granulated particles flow.

[0185] In view of this, according to a modified example, by having the above-mentioned pre-molding part, the amount of air discharged when the granulated particle layer is compressed in the molding part can be reduced, so when the production speed is increased to manufacture the electrode composite material layer, the undesirable situation that the surface condition of the electrode composite material layer deteriorates can be improved. In addition, by providing the above-mentioned pre-molding part with a pair of width limiting clamps, the flow of granulated particles at both ends of the granulated particle layer can be suppressed. As a result, the main body of the pre-molding part can be used to apply a good load to the entirety including the two ends of the granulated particle layer, so even when the granulated particle layer is compressed in the subsequent molding part, the entirety including the two ends can be loaded well, and the adhesion between the substrate and the granulated particle layer can be made good. Therefore, the yield rate of battery manufacturing can be made good.

[0186] The manufacturing device of the modified example has at least a supporting part, a supply part, a conveying part, a flattening part, a preforming part, and a forming part. Furthermore, as an arbitrary structure, it can have a unit area weight inspection part and an appearance inspection part. As an example of such a manufacturing device, it can be cited that Figure 1 In the manufacturing apparatus 100 shown, the form of the flattening portion is not limited to the manufacturing apparatus of the flattening portion 120, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0187] The form of the main body of the preformed portion of the modified example and the pair of width regulating jigs can be the same as those described in the manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0188] In the modification, the form of the flattening portion is not particularly limited, and as a preferred example, the form of the flattening portion of the first embodiment can be cited. In addition, for each structure of the manufacturing device except the flattening portion, the content described as each structure of the manufacturing device of the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment can be the same.

[0189] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a method for producing an electrode composite material layer using the manufacturing device of the above-described modification example, which method includes the following steps (5) to (7) in sequence.

[0190] (5) A step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply part to the support part or above the support part by the conveying part, and flattening the conveyed granulated particles by using the flattening part to form a granulated particle layer.

[0191] (6) A step of compressing the granulated particle layer using a pre-molding unit.

[0192] (7) A step of forming an electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer using a molding unit.

[0193] By performing steps (5) to (7) using the production apparatus of the modified example, it is possible to produce an electrode composite material layer having a good surface condition and good adhesion between the substrate and the granulated particle layer.

[0194] Description of Reference Numerals

[0195] 1: Base material;

[0196] 2: Granulation particle layer;

[0197] 3: electrode composite material layer;

[0198] P: granulated particles;

[0199] 100, 100A, 100B: manufacturing device;

[0200] 101: support roller (supporting part and first conveying part);

[0201] 102: second conveying unit;

[0202] 104: Supply Department;

[0203] 105: second regulating mechanism;

[0204] 106: auxiliary material stopper;

[0205] 107 and 108: forming rollers;

[0206] 120, 120A: scraping part;

[0207] 121, 124: first regulating mechanism;

[0208] 122: Adjustment mechanism (A);

[0209] 123: material stopper;

[0210] p: through part;

[0211] n: non-passing part;

[0212] c: central part;

[0213] e: end;

[0214] G: gap;

[0215] 130: forming section;

[0216] 140: preforming section;

[0217] 141, 141A, 141B: main body;

[0218] 150: Unit area weight inspection department;

[0219] 160: Appearance inspection department.

Claims

1. A device for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, comprising: Supporting part; a supplying part for supplying granulated particles containing an active material and a binder onto or above the supporting part; a conveying portion that conveys the granulated particles supplied onto or above the supporting portion; a scraping section, which is provided in a manner of having a gap with the supporting section and comprises a passing section for allowing the granulated particles to pass through, and a non-passing section provided at both ends of the passing section and blocking the passage of the granulated particles, wherein the scraping section flattens the conveyed granulated particles to form a granulated particle layer; and a forming section that forms an electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer, The scraping portion includes a first adjustment mechanism capable of continuously changing the gap in the width direction so that the gap at the end portions in the width direction of the passing portion becomes narrower than the gap at the center portion.

2. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming part, wherein the preforming part is arranged between the flattening part and the forming part. The preforming part includes a main body part, and the main body part compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being leveled by the scraping part and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed in the forming part, The main body of the preformed part is arranged so as to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer. The preforming part has a pair of width limiting clamps, which are arranged at both ends of the main body part to limit the width of the granulated particle layer.

3. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 2, wherein: A width between the pair of width limiting jigs is greater than a width of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

4. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming part, wherein the preforming part is arranged between the flattening part and the forming part. The preforming part includes a main body part, and the main body part compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being leveled by the scraping part and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed in the forming part, The main body of the preformed part is arranged so as to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer. The main body of the preformed portion includes a second adjustment mechanism capable of continuously changing the gap in the width direction so that the gap at the ends of the preformed portion in the width direction becomes narrower than the gap at the center portion.

5. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer comprises a preforming part, wherein the preforming part is arranged between the flattening part and the forming part. The preforming part includes a main body part, and the main body part compresses the granulated particle layer so that the apparent density of the granulated particle layer is greater than the apparent density of the granulated particle layer after being leveled by the scraping part and less than the apparent density of the electrode composite material layer formed in the forming part, The main body of the preformed part is arranged so as to provide a gap capable of compressing the granulated particle layer. The main body of the preformed portion has a second adjustment mechanism capable of continuously changing the gap in the width direction in such a manner that the gap at the end portions in the width direction of the preformed portion becomes narrower than the gap at the center portion. The preforming part further comprises a pair of width limiting clamps, which are arranged at two ends of the main body part to limit the width of the granulated particle layer.

6. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 5, wherein: A width between the pair of width limiting jigs is greater than a width of the passing portion of the scraping portion.

7. The apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The main body portion having the second adjustment mechanism is a roller having a concave roller shape.

8. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The first adjustment mechanism has a blade shape and includes an adjustment mechanism (A) capable of arbitrarily adjusting a continuous change of the gap in the width direction of the passage portion.

9. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 8, wherein: The adjustment mechanism (A) is selected from at least one of a push-pull bolt and a heating bolt.

10. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode composite material layer includes a basis weight inspection unit configured to inspect a basis weight in a width direction of at least one of the granulated particle layer and the electrode composite material layer.

11. The manufacturing device of the electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, wherein: The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode composite material layer includes an appearance inspection unit that inspects the appearance of the granulated particle layer.

12. A method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, using the manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer according to claim 1, the method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprising: The step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply part to the support part or above the support part by the conveying part, and flattening the conveyed granulated particles by the flattening part, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; and A step of forming the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer using the molding unit.

13. A method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer, using the manufacturing device for an electrode composite material layer according to claim 10, the method for manufacturing an electrode composite material layer comprising: The step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply part to the support part or above the support part by the conveying part, and flattening the conveyed granulated particles by the flattening part, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; The step of forming the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer using the molding unit; as well as The process comprises the steps of using the unit area weight inspection unit to inspect the unit area weight of at least one of the granulated particle layer and the electrode composite material layer in the width direction, and when a portion where the unit area weight in the width direction is outside the management value is detected, adjusting the gap in the width direction of the scraping portion corresponding to the portion.

14. A method for producing an electrode composite material layer, using the apparatus for producing an electrode composite material layer according to claim 11, wherein: The method for manufacturing the electrode composite material layer comprises: The step of conveying the granulated particles supplied from the supply part to the support part or above the support part by the conveying part, and flattening the conveyed granulated particles by the flattening part, thereby forming the granulated particle layer; A step of inspecting the appearance of the granulated particle layer using the appearance inspection unit, and when a portion where a linear defect is generated is detected in the granulated particle layer, temporarily widening the gap in the width direction of the flattening portion corresponding to the portion to eliminate the linear defect; and A step of forming the electrode composite material layer by applying a load to the granulated particle layer using the molding unit.

Images