Electrolyte impregnation method and electrolyte impregnation device

Abstract

The invention provides an electrolyte solution impregnation method and an electrolyte solution impregnation device, which can grasp the impregnation amount of an electrolyte solution impregnated in each electrochemical element while performing an impregnation process of impregnating the electrochemical element with the electrolyte solution through batch processing. In the electrolyte solution impregnation method, capacitor elements (11) (electrochemical elements) are conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path (21), the pre-impregnation weight of each capacitor element (11) is measured in a first weight measurement unit (3), a plurality of conveyed capacitor elements (11) are collectively impregnated in an electrolyte solution tank (42) in an electrolyte solution impregnation unit (4), the capacitor elements (11) are impregnated with an electrolyte solution (19), and the capacitor elements (11) are impregnated with the electrolyte solution (19). The post-impregnation weight of each capacitor element (11) is measured in a second weight measurement unit (5). Then, on the basis of the difference between the post-impregnation weight and the pre-impregnation weight, the impregnation amount of the electrolyte (19) impregnated in each capacitor element (11) is acquired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyte filling method and an electrolyte filling device for filling an electrochemical element with an electrolyte. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an electrolyte impregnation method for impregnating electrochemical elements such as capacitor elements with electrolyte. In the electrolyte impregnation method of the document, a plurality of electrochemical elements are moved into an electrolyte impregnation chamber equipped with an electrolyte tank, and the electrolyte impregnation chamber is depressurized to a first pressure value lower than atmospheric pressure. Next, the electrochemical element is immersed in the electrolyte tank. Afterwards, after a predetermined time, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is increased to atmospheric pressure. Thus, the electrolyte is impregnated into the electrochemical element rapidly. Then, the electrochemical element is pulled up from the electrolyte tank. In addition, after the electrochemical element is pulled up from the electrolyte tank, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is depressurized to a second pressure value higher than the first pressure value and lower than atmospheric pressure. Thus, a portion of the electrolyte impregnated in the electrochemical element is dripped from the electrochemical element.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the amount of electrolyte impregnated in the electrochemical element is specified by the difference or ratio between the first pressure value and the atmospheric pressure. In addition, after the electrochemical element is pulled up from the electrolyte tank, when the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is maintained at the second pressure value, the amount of electrolyte corresponding to the difference or ratio between the atmospheric pressure and the second pressure value drips from the electrochemical element. Therefore, the electrochemical element can be impregnated with a specified amount of electrolyte.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes an electrolyte impregnation device for impregnating electrochemical elements with electrolyte. In the electrolyte impregnation device of the document, the electrochemical elements are transported through an electrolyte impregnation chamber by a conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes an endless chain wound on a plurality of sprockets and a clamp fixed on the endless chain at a predetermined interval. The clamp is composed of a retaining body and an elastic component, and the element body is suspended downward by clamping the lead of the electrochemical element between the retaining body and the elastic component. In the electrolyte impregnation chamber, an electrolyte tank is brought close to a plurality of electrochemical elements that are transported in a posture suspended by the conveying mechanism from below, and a plurality of electrochemical elements are impregnated in the electrolyte at one time. Then, the electrolyte tank is lowered, and a plurality of electrochemical elements are pulled up from the electrolytic tank. The conveying mechanism intermittently transports the electrochemical elements at intervals corresponding to the time when the electrochemical elements are immersed in the electrolyte tank. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-109162 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-217991 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] In Patent Documents 1 and 2, an impregnation treatment of impregnating an electrochemical element with an electrolyte is performed in a batch process in which a plurality of electrochemical elements are concentratedly immersed in an electrolyte tank. Thus, the electrolyte can be impregnated into a plurality of electrochemical elements at a time, thereby shortening the takt time of impregnating each electrochemical element with the electrolyte. However, in the batch process, the amount of electrolyte impregnation is not known for each of the plurality of electrochemical elements impregnated with the electrolyte.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte impregnation method and an electrolyte impregnation device, which can perform batch processing of immersing multiple electrochemical elements in electrolyte at one time while controlling the amount of electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the electrolyte impregnation method of the present invention is characterized in that the electrochemical element is transported along a transmission path that sequentially passes through a first weight measuring part having a first weight measuring device, an electrolyte impregnation part having an electrolyte tank storing an electrolyte, and a second weight measuring part having a second weight measuring device. In the first weight measuring part, the weight before impregnation of each electrochemical element is measured, and the weight before impregnation is stored and maintained in a first memory in a manner that determines the information for determining each electrochemical element and the weight before impregnation are associated with each other. In the electrolyte impregnation part, a plurality of the electrochemical elements that have been transported are concentratedly immersed in the electrolyte tank so that the electrochemical elements are impregnated with the electrolyte. In the second weight measuring part, the weight after impregnation of each electrochemical element is measured, and the weight after impregnation is stored and maintained in a second memory in a manner that determines the information for each electrochemical element and the weight after impregnation are associated with each other. Based on the determination information, the first memory and the second memory are referred to, and the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element is obtained according to the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation.

[0009] In the present invention, the impregnation treatment of the electrochemical element by impregnating the electrolyte with the electrochemical element is carried out by a batch process in which a plurality of electrochemical elements are concentratedly impregnated in the electrolyte tank in the electrolyte impregnation section. Thus, the electrolyte can be impregnated with a plurality of electrochemical elements at a time, so that the takt time of impregnating each electrochemical element with the electrolyte can be shortened. In addition, in the present invention, the weight before and after the electrochemical element is transferred to the electrolyte impregnation section is measured. Therefore, according to the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation, the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each capacitor element can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to perform a batch process in which a plurality of electrochemical elements are impregnated with the electrolyte at one time, while mastering the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element.

[0010] In the present invention, the electrolyte impregnation part can be provided with: an electrolyte impregnation chamber in which the electrolyte tank is provided; and a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber, the transmission path passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber, in the electrolyte impregnation part, after the electrolyte impregnation chamber is depressurized to a first air pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, a plurality of the electrochemical elements are concentratedly immersed in the electrolyte tank, and when the time after the plurality of the electrochemical elements are immersed in the electrolyte tank has passed a set time, the electrolyte impregnation chamber is made to be a second air pressure higher than the first air pressure, and then the plurality of the electrochemical elements are concentratedly pulled up from the electrolyte tank. Thus, by raising the electrolyte impregnation part to a second air pressure higher than the first air pressure, the electrolyte can be quickly impregnated in the electrochemical element. Therefore, the electrolyte can be impregnated into the electrochemical element in a short time. Here, when the amount of electrolyte impregnation into the electrochemical element is managed by air pressure, even if the electrochemical element is immersed in the electrolyte for a predetermined time, the amount of impregnation sometimes changes depending on the weather. In response to this, in the present invention, before and after the electrochemical element is transferred to the electrolyte impregnation unit, the weight before and after impregnation of each electrochemical element is measured to obtain the amount of electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element. Therefore, the amount of electrolyte contained in each electrochemical element can be grasped based on the weight that is not affected by air pressure changes.

[0011] In the present invention, in the electrolyte impregnation section, after the plurality of electrochemical elements are pulled up from the electrolyte tank, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber can be reduced to a third pressure that is higher than the first air pressure and lower than the second air pressure. Thus, a portion of the electrolyte impregnated in the electrochemical element can drip outward from the electrochemical element. Therefore, it is easy to set the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in the capacitor element to a specified impregnation amount.

[0012] In the present invention, it is possible to determine whether the impregnation amount is within a specified range for each electrochemical element, and if the impregnation amount is not within the specified range, the electrochemical element is discharged to the discharge unit. Thus, for example, an electrochemical element whose impregnation amount is zero due to a problem caused by the electrochemical element can be discharged.

[0013] In the present invention, for each electrochemical element whose impregnation amount is within the specified range, it is determined whether the impregnation amount has reached the specified impregnation amount. If the impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount, the electrochemical element is transferred to the electrolyte filling unit, and the electrochemical element is filled with the difference between the specified impregnation amount and the impregnation amount in the electrolyte filling unit. Thus, for an electrochemical element that cannot be impregnated with the specified amount of electrolyte in the electrolyte impregnation unit, its impregnation amount can be set to the specified impregnation amount.

[0014] The electrochemical element is for an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor or a battery.

[0015] Next, the electrolyte impregnation device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first weight measuring unit, the first weight measuring unit is provided with a first weight measuring device; an electrolyte impregnation unit, the electrolyte impregnation unit is provided with an electrolyte tank storing an electrolyte; a second weight measuring unit, the second weight measuring unit is provided with a second weight measuring device; a conveying mechanism, the conveying structure intermittently conveys the electrochemical element along a conveying path that passes through the first weight measuring unit, the electrolyte impregnation unit and the second weight measuring unit in sequence; and a calculation unit, the first weight measuring unit is provided with: a first handover mechanism, the first handover mechanism takes out the electrochemical elements one by one from the conveying mechanism in accordance with the conveying order and hands them over to the first weight measuring device, and returns the electrochemical element whose weight measurement based on the first weight measuring device has been completed to the conveying mechanism while maintaining the conveying order; and a first recording unit, the first recording unit associates the pre-impregnation weight of each electrochemical element measured by the first weight measuring device with the determination information of each electrochemical element and stores them in a first memory, the electrolyte impregnation unit is provided with a lifting mechanism, the The lifting mechanism brings the electrolyte tank close to the plurality of electrochemical elements being transported in a posture suspended by the conveying mechanism from below, immerses the plurality of electrochemical elements in the electrolyte, impregnates the electrochemical elements with the electrolyte, and lowers the electrolyte tank to pull up the plurality of electrochemical elements from the electrolyte. The second weight measuring unit comprises: a second handover mechanism, which takes out the electrochemical elements one by one from the conveying mechanism in accordance with the conveying sequence and hands them over to the second weight measuring device, and returns the electrochemical elements whose weight measurement based on the second weight measuring device has been completed to the conveying mechanism while maintaining the conveying sequence; and a second recording unit, which associates the post-impregnation weight of each electrochemical element measured by the second weight measuring device with the determination information of each electrochemical element and stores them in a second memory. The calculation unit obtains the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element based on the difference between the post-impregnation weight and the pre-impregnation weight, based on the determination information.

[0016] According to the present invention, the electrolyte impregnation unit brings the electrolyte tank close to the multiple electrochemical elements transmitted in the posture suspended by the conveying mechanism from below, and immerses the multiple electrochemical elements in the electrolyte tank at one time. That is, the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte impregnation is carried out by batch processing for multiple electrochemical elements. Thus, the electrolyte can be impregnated in multiple electrochemical elements at one time, so the takt time of impregnating each electrochemical element with the electrolyte can be shortened. On the other hand, before the electrochemical element is conveyed to the electrolyte impregnation unit, the pre-impregnation weight of each electrochemical element is measured in the first weight measuring unit. In addition, after the electrolyte is impregnated in the electrochemical element, the post-impregnation weight of each electrochemical element is measured in the second weight measuring unit. Therefore, the calculation unit can obtain the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each capacitor element according to the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation. Therefore, it is possible to perform a batch process of impregnating multiple electrochemical elements in the electrolyte at one time, while mastering the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element.

[0017] In the present invention, there is a timer for measuring the elapsed time after the plurality of electrochemical elements are immersed in the electrolyte, and the electrolyte impregnation part is provided with: an electrolyte impregnation chamber in which the electrolyte tank is provided; and a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the internal pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber, the transmission mechanism passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber, in the electrolyte impregnation part, after the electrolyte impregnation chamber is depressurized to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by the pressure regulating mechanism, the lifting mechanism moves the electrolyte tank to concentrate the plurality of electrochemical elements in the electrolyte tank, when the elapsed time measured by the timer reaches the set time, the pressure regulating mechanism is used to make the electrolyte impregnation chamber a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and then the lifting mechanism moves the electrolyte tank to pull up the plurality of electrochemical elements from the electrolyte. Thus, by raising the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation part to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, the electrolyte can be quickly impregnated into the electrochemical element. Therefore, the electrochemical element can be impregnated with the electrolyte in a short time. Here, when the impregnation amount of the electrolyte into the electrochemical element is managed by air pressure, even if the electrochemical element is immersed in the electrolyte for a predetermined time, the impregnation amount sometimes changes according to the weather. In this regard, in the present invention, before and after the electrochemical element is transferred to the electrolyte impregnation unit, the weight before and after the impregnation of each electrochemical element is measured to obtain the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element. Therefore, based on the weight that is not affected by air pressure changes, the amount of electrolyte contained in each electrochemical element can be grasped.

[0018] In the electrolyte impregnation section, after the electrochemical element is pulled up from the electrolyte, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber can be reduced to a third pressure higher than the first air pressure and lower than the second air pressure by the pressure regulating mechanism. Thus, a portion of the electrolyte impregnated in the electrochemical element can drip outward from the electrochemical element. Therefore, it is easy to set the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in the capacitor element to a specified impregnation amount.

[0019] In the present invention, it is possible to have: a discharge unit; a first determination unit that determines whether the impregnation amount of each electrochemical element is within a specified range; and a discharge mechanism that discharges the electrochemical element from the conveying mechanism to the discharge unit on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring unit when the impregnation amount is not within the specified range. Thus, for example, an electrochemical element with zero impregnation amount can be discharged.

[0020] In the present invention, it can be provided with: an electrolyte filling unit; a second determination unit, the second determination unit determines whether the impregnation amount of each electrochemical element within the specified range has reached the specified impregnation amount; and a second conveying mechanism, the second conveying mechanism conveys the electrochemical element from the conveying mechanism to the electrolyte filling unit on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring unit when the impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount, the electrolyte filling unit having a dispenser, and filling the electrochemical element with the electrolyte of the filling amount equal to the difference between the specified impregnation amount and the impregnation amount. Thus, for an electrochemical element that cannot be impregnated with the specified impregnation amount of the electrolyte in the electrolyte impregnation unit, its impregnation amount can be set to the specified impregnation amount.

[0021] The electrochemical element can be used for an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor, or a battery. Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the electrolyte solution impregnation method and electrolyte solution impregnation apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the amount of electrolyte solution impregnated into each electrochemical element while performing an impregnation process of impregnating electrochemical elements with electrolyte solution in a batch process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of an electrochemical element. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrolyte impregnation device. Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the first weight measuring unit and the second weight measuring unit. Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the holding portion of the first weight measuring device. Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution impregnation part. Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution impregnation part. Figure 7 This is a flow chart of an electrolyte impregnation operation performed using an electrolyte impregnation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an electrolyte impregnation device and an electrolyte impregnation method to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram of an electrochemical element to be treated by the electrolyte impregnation device. Figure 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view of an electrolytic capacitor. Figure 1 (b) is an explanatory diagram of a capacitor element. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an electrolyte impregnation device to which the present invention is applied. Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram of the first weight measuring unit and the second weight measuring unit. Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram of the holding portion of the first weight measuring device. Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution impregnation part. Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution impregnation part. Figure 7 This is a flow chart of an electrolyte impregnation operation performed using an electrolyte impregnation device.

[0026] (Electrochemical Components) Reference Figure 1 , the electrochemical element to be treated by the electrolyte impregnation device is described. In this example, the electrochemical element is a capacitor element used in an electrolytic capacitor. Figure 1 As shown in (a), electrolytic capacitor 10 generally includes capacitor element 11 and case 12 that houses capacitor element 11 therein.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the capacitor element 11 includes: a winding portion 16, which winds the anode foil 13 and the cathode foil 14 into a cylindrical shape with the electrolytic paper 15 sandwiched therebetween; and two lead wires 17, which are led out from the anode foil 13 and the cathode foil 14 and protrude from the winding portion 16. After the gap between the anode foil 13 and the cathode foil 14 of the capacitor element 11 is impregnated with the electrolyte 19, the winding portion 16 is accommodated in the housing 12. The opening of the housing 12 is sealed by a sealing body 18 having elasticity such as rubber. The lead wire 17 is led out to the outside from a through hole provided in the sealing body 18.

[0028] The electrolyte 19 is, for example, a solvent containing ethylene glycol or water as needed, and a mixture of boric acid or an ammonium salt of an organic acid. Alternatively, the electrolyte 19 is an organic solvent such as γ-butyrolactone and a mixture of an ammonium salt or an amine salt of an organic acid. Such an electrochemical element is used for a double-layer capacitor or a battery.

[0029] (Electrolyte impregnation device) Next, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 7 The electrolyte impregnation device is described. Figure 2 As shown, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 of this example includes a conveying mechanism 2 for conveying capacitor element 11, a first weight measuring unit 3, an electrolyte impregnation unit 4, and a second weight measuring unit 5. The electrolyte impregnation device 1 also includes a timer 6 and a computing unit 7.

[0030] The conveying mechanism 2 conveys the capacitor element 11 along the conveying path 21 which passes through the first weight measuring unit 3, the electrolyte impregnation unit 4, and the second weight measuring unit 5 in sequence. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the conveying mechanism 2 includes an endless chain 23 wound around a plurality of sprockets 22 and clamps 24 fixed to the endless chain 23 at predetermined intervals. Figure 3 As shown, the clamp 24 holds each lead 17 of the capacitor element 11. As a result, the capacitor element 11 is suspended on the clamp 24 with the winding portion 16 facing downward. Therefore, the conveying mechanism 2 conveys the capacitor element 11 while it is suspended. In addition, the conveying mechanism 2 includes a driving mechanism 25 that drives the sprocket 22 to move the endless chain 23. Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism 25 is a motor. The drive mechanism 25 drives the sprocket 22 intermittently at predetermined intervals. Therefore, the conveying mechanism 2 intermittently conveys the capacitor element 11 along the conveying path 21. The conveying mechanism 2 is a well-known technique.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the first weight measuring unit 3 includes a first weight measuring device 31, a first delivery mechanism 32, and a first recording unit 33. The first weight measuring device 31 is an electronic scale and includes a holding portion 35 for detachably holding the capacitor element 11 and a load sensor 34.

[0032] The holding portion 35 of the first weight measuring device 31 has the same structure as the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2. Figure 4As shown in the figure, the holding part 35 includes a main body 70 extending in the up-down direction, a pair of leaf springs 71 sandwiching the main body 70 and extending in the up-down direction, and an O-ring 72 pressing each leaf spring 71 to the main body 70. The main body 70 includes a fixing part 70a from top to bottom, a plate part 70b extending downward from the fixing part 70a, and an expansion part 70c extending downward from the lower end of the plate part 70b in the thickness direction of the plate part 70b. The fixing part 70a is a part for connecting the holding part 35 to the load sensor 34.

[0033] Each leaf spring 71 includes an extension portion 71a extending along the side of the plate portion 70b and an inclined portion 71b inclined downward from the lower end of the extension portion 71a and away from the plate portion 70b. The inclined portion 71b extends along the upper surface of the extension portion 70c. The O-ring 72 surrounds the plate portion 70b and the extension portion 71a from the outer peripheral side, pressing each leaf spring 71 to the main body 70. Here, the extension portion 70c includes two through holes 70d that penetrate in the up-down direction. The lower end of each through hole 70d opens at the lower end surface of the extension portion 70c. The upper end of each through hole 70d opens at the boundary portion between the plate portion 70b and the extension portion 70c of the main body 70.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the first delivery mechanism 32 includes a holding mechanism 38, which includes a holding portion 36 that can hold the lead 17 and a holding portion lifting mechanism 37 that raises and lowers the holding portion 36. The holding portion lifting mechanism 37 has a robot cylinder. In addition, the first delivery mechanism 32 includes a holding mechanism moving mechanism 39 that moves the holding mechanism 38 in the horizontal direction. The holding mechanism moving mechanism 39 has a robot cylinder. The first delivery mechanism 32 takes out the capacitor elements 11 one by one from the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2 according to the conveying order and delivers them to the first weight measuring device 31. In addition, the first delivery mechanism 32 returns the capacitor element 11, for which the measurement of the pre-impregnation weight based on the first weight measuring device 31 has been completed, to the conveying mechanism 2 while maintaining the conveying order.

[0035] More specifically, after the first handover mechanism 32 holds the lead wire 17 of the capacitor element 11 held by the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2 by the holding portion 36, it drives the holding portion lifting mechanism 37 to lower the holding portion 36. Thus, the first handover mechanism 32 pulls the capacitor element 11 downward from the clamp 24. Then, the holding mechanism moving mechanism 39 moves the holding mechanism 38 to place the capacitor element 11 directly below the holding portion 35 of the first weight measuring device 31. Then, the holding mechanism 38 drives the holding portion lifting mechanism 37 to move the holding portion 36 upward so that the front end portion of each lead wire 17 held by the holding portion 36 passes through each through hole 70d of the holding portion 35. Thus, the front end of each lead wire 17 is sandwiched between the main body 70 and each leaf spring 71, so that the capacitor element 11 is held by the holding portion 35.

[0036] When returning the capacitor element 11, which has been measured by the first weight measuring device 31, from the holding portion 35 to the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2, first, the leads 17 of the capacitor element 11 are held by the gripping portion 36. Then, the gripping portion lifting mechanism 37 is driven to lower the gripping portion 36. As a result, the front ends of the leads 17 are separated from between the main body 70 and the leaf springs 71. Therefore, the capacitor element 11 is transferred from the holding portion 35 to the gripping portion 36. Next, the gripping mechanism moving mechanism 39 is used to move the gripping mechanism 38, and the capacitor element 11 is arranged directly below the clamp 24 after the capacitor element 11 is pulled out. Then, the gripping mechanism 38 drives the gripping portion lifting mechanism 37 to move the gripping portion 36 upward, so that the front end portions of the leads 17 held by the gripping portion 36 pass through the through holes 70d of the clamp 24. As a result, the tip of each lead wire 17 is sandwiched between main body portion 70 of jig 24 and each leaf spring 71 , so that capacitor element 11 is held by holding portion 24 .

[0037] When the capacitor element 11 is taken out from the jig 24 of the conveying mechanism 2, the leads 17 of the capacitor element 11 held by the jig 24 are gripped by the gripping section 36. Then, the gripping section lifting mechanism 37 is driven to lower the gripping section 36. Thus, the capacitor element 11 is transferred from the jig 24 to the gripping section 36.

[0038] The first recording unit 33 associates the pre-impregnation weight of each capacitor element 11 measured by the first weight measuring device 31 with the identification information identifying each capacitor element 11 and stores it in the first memory 40. The identification information is, for example, the order in which the capacitor elements 11 are conveyed along the conveying path 21. In this example, the first weight measuring unit 3 includes a plurality of sets of the first weight measuring device 31 and the first delivery mechanism 32. Therefore, in the first weight measuring unit 3, the pre-impregnation weights of the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are measured in parallel.

[0039] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the electrolyte impregnation unit 4 includes an electrolyte tank 42 storing an electrolyte 19 and a lifting mechanism 43 for lifting the electrolyte tank 42. The lifting mechanism 43 brings the electrolyte tank 42 close to the plurality of capacitor elements 11 intermittently conveyed in a posture suspended by the conveying mechanism 2 from below, and immerses the plurality of capacitor elements 11 in the electrolyte 19. In addition, when the immersion time reaches a set time, the lifting mechanism 43 lowers the electrolyte tank 42 and pulls up the plurality of capacitor elements 11 from the electrolyte 19. Here, the timer 6 measures the immersion time after the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are immersed in the electrolyte 19, and the lifting mechanism 43 obtains the situation that the immersion time has reached the set time based on the measurement of the timer 6.

[0040] In addition, the electrolyte impregnation unit 4 includes an electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 in which an electrolyte tank 42 is provided, and a pressure regulating mechanism 46 for regulating the internal pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. Figure 2 As shown, the conveying path 21 for conveying the capacitor element 11 by the conveying mechanism 2 passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the pressure regulating mechanism 46 includes a vacuum device 47, a tube 48 connecting the vacuum device 47 and the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45, and an electromagnetic valve 49 for opening and closing the tube 48. The vacuum device 47 includes a vacuum pump. In addition, the pressure regulating mechanism 46 includes an atmosphere opening tube 50 connected to the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 and an electromagnetic valve 51 for opening and closing the atmosphere opening tube 50. By setting the electromagnetic valve 51 to an open state, the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 in a reduced pressure state can be returned to the atmospheric pressure (second air pressure).

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), during the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte 19 in the electrolyte impregnation section 4, first, the vacuum device 47 of the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven to reduce the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. Figure 5 As shown in (b), the lifting mechanism 43 allows the plurality of electrochemical elements to be immersed in the electrolyte tank 42 from the electrolyte 19 in a manner that the plurality of electrochemical elements are concentrated. In addition, when the time measured by the timer 6 reaches the set time, the electromagnetic valve 51 of the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven to make the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 have a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Then, as shown in Figure 5 As shown in (c), the lifting mechanism 43 moves the electrolyte tank 42 to pull up the plurality of capacitor elements 11 from the electrolyte 19. In this example, the second gas pressure is the atmospheric pressure.

[0042] In addition, in the impregnation treatment of this example, Figure 6As shown in (a), after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is reduced to a third pressure that is higher than the first pressure and lower than the second pressure. That is, after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the vacuum device 47 of the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven to reduce the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a third pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. As a result, a portion of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 drips from the capacitor element 11.

[0043] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in (b), after a part of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is dripped from the capacitor element 11, in the electrolyte impregnation part 4, the electromagnetic valve 51 of the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven to return the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, the conveying mechanism 2 carries out the plurality of capacitor elements 11 from the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. The conveying mechanism 2 intermittently conveys the electrochemical element at intervals longer than the time for performing these impregnation treatments.

[0044] Here, if after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is depressurized to a third pressure lower than the second pressure (atmospheric pressure), so that a portion of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 drips from the capacitor element 11, it is easy to set the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 to a specified impregnation amount.

[0045] The second weight measuring unit 5 has the same structure as the first weight measuring unit 3. Therefore, in the description of the second weight measuring unit 5, the same reference numerals as those of the first weight measuring unit 3 are given to the corresponding structures, and the detailed description is omitted. Figure 2 As shown, the second weight measuring unit 5 includes a second weight measuring device 31, a second handover mechanism 32, and a second recording unit 33. The second weight measuring device 31 is an electronic scale, and includes a holding portion 35 for detachably holding the capacitor element 11 and a load sensor 34. The second handover mechanism 32 takes out the capacitor elements 11 one by one from the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2 in the conveying order and hands them over to the second weight measuring device 31. In addition, the second handover mechanism 32 returns the capacitor element 11, for which the measurement of the weight after impregnation based on the second weight measuring device 31 has been completed, to the conveying mechanism 2 while maintaining the conveying order.

[0046] The second recording unit 33 associates the weight after impregnation of each capacitor element 11 measured by the second weight measuring device 31 with the identification information identifying each capacitor element 11 and stores it in the second memory 40. Here, the second weight measuring unit 5 is also provided with a plurality of sets of the second weight measuring device 31 and the second delivery mechanism 32. Therefore, in the second weight measuring unit 5, the weight after impregnation of the plurality of capacitor elements 11 is measured in parallel.

[0047] The calculation unit 7 refers to the first memory 40 of the first weight measuring unit 3 and the second memory 40 of the second weight measuring unit 5 based on the determination information. In addition, the calculation unit 7 obtains the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 based on the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation obtained from the first memory 40 and the second memory 40.

[0048] Then, if Figure 2 As shown, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 includes: a first determination unit 61, which determines whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 is within a specified range; and a discharge mechanism 63, which discharges the capacitor element 11 from the conveying mechanism 2 to the discharge unit 62 when the impregnation amount is not within the specified range. The discharge mechanism 63 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring unit 5. Here, when the target impregnation amount impregnated in each capacitor element 11 is set to a specified impregnation amount, the specified range of the impregnation amount is more than 20% of the specified impregnation amount and less than 105% of the specified impregnation amount. In addition, the specified range of the impregnation amount varies depending on the electrolytic capacitor element to be manufactured, and this value is only an example. The discharge mechanism 63 takes out the capacitor element 11 whose impregnation amount is not within the specified range from the clamp 24 of the conveying mechanism 2 and moves it to the discharge unit 62.

[0049] In addition, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 includes a second determination unit 65 that determines whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 within the specified range has reached the specified impregnation amount. In addition, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 includes an electrolyte filling unit 66 and a second conveying mechanism 67 that conveys the capacitor element 11 whose impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount to the electrolyte filling unit 66. The second conveying mechanism 67 is located downstream of the second weight measuring unit 5 and the discharge mechanism 63 in the conveying direction, and takes out the capacitor element 11 whose impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount from the conveying mechanism 2 and conveys it to the electrolyte filling unit 66.

[0050] Electrolyte filling unit 66 includes dispenser 69 . Electrolyte filling unit 66 uses dispenser 69 to fill capacitor element 11 with electrolyte 19 in an amount corresponding to a difference between a predetermined impregnation amount and an impregnation amount of capacitor element 11 that has been transferred.

[0051] (Electrolyte impregnation method) Figure 7 Flow chart of the electrolyte impregnation treatment operation performed by the electrolyte impregnation device 1. Figure 7As shown, in the electrolyte impregnation treatment operation, the capacitor element 11 is intermittently conveyed along the conveying path 21 which sequentially passes through the first weight measuring section 3 having the first weight measuring device 31, the electrolyte impregnation section 4 having the electrolyte tank 42 storing the electrolyte 19, and the second weight measuring section 5 having the second weight measuring device 31 (step ST1). Then, in the first weight measuring section 3, the weight before impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured by the first weight measuring device 31, and the identification information of each capacitor element 11 is stored and maintained in the first memory 40 in a manner associated with the weight before impregnation (step ST2).

[0052] Next, in electrolyte solution impregnation section 4 , a plurality of capacitor elements 11 conveyed are collectively immersed in electrolyte solution tank 42 for a set time to impregnate capacitor elements 11 with electrolyte solution 19 (step ST3 ).

[0053] In step ST3, first, the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven and controlled to reduce the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a first air pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure (step ST31). Then, the lifting mechanism 43 and the pressure regulating mechanism 46 are driven and controlled to concentrate the plurality of capacitor elements 11 in the electrolyte tank 42 (step ST32). Moreover, when the time after the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are immersed in the electrolyte tank 42 has passed a preset set time, the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is set to a second air pressure higher than the first air pressure. Thus, the electrolyte 19 is rapidly contained in the capacitor element 11. Then, the lifting mechanism 43 is driven to pull up the plurality of capacitor elements 11 from the electrolyte tank 42 (step ST33).

[0054] Then, the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven and controlled to reduce the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a third pressure that is higher than the first pressure and lower than the second pressure, so that a portion of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 drips from the capacitor element 11, and then the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is returned to atmospheric pressure (step ST34). The operations from step ST31 to step ST34 are performed during the period when the conveying mechanism 2 stops conveying.

[0055] Next, in the second weight measuring unit 5, the weight after impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured by the second weight measuring device 31, and the identification information of each capacitor element 11 is stored and maintained in the second memory 40 in a manner associated with the weight after impregnation (step ST4). Then, the calculation unit 7 refers to the first memory 40 and the second memory 40, and obtains the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 based on the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation (step ST5).

[0056] When the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 is obtained, the first determination unit 61 determines whether the impregnation amount of the capacitor element 11 is within a predetermined range (step ST6). Then, if the impregnation amount is not within the predetermined range (step ST6: No), the capacitor element 11 is discharged to the discharge unit 62 (step ST7).

[0057] When the impregnation amount is within the prescribed range (step ST6: yes), the second determination unit 65 determines whether the impregnation amount of the capacitor element 11 has reached the prescribed impregnation amount (step ST8). Here, when the impregnation amount has not reached the prescribed impregnation amount (step ST8: no), the second conveying mechanism 67 takes out the capacitor element 11 from the conveying mechanism 2 and conveys it to the electrolyte filling unit 66 (step ST9). In the electrolyte filling unit 66, the dispenser 69 is used to directly fill the capacitor element 11 with the filling amount of the difference between the prescribed impregnation amount and the impregnation amount of the capacitor element 11 (step ST10). The capacitor element 11 filled with the electrolyte 19 is provided to the next processing step.

[0058] If the impregnation amount reaches the predetermined impregnation amount in step ST8 (step ST8 : Yes), capacitor element 11 is provided to the next process step. In the next process step, winding portion 16 of capacitor element 11 is inserted into case 12 , and the opening of case 12 is sealed by sealing member 18 .

[0059] (Effect) The electrolyte impregnation device 1 of this example comprises: a first weight measuring unit 3 having a first weight measuring device 31, an electrolyte impregnation unit 4 having an electrolyte tank 42 storing an electrolyte 19, a second weight measuring unit 5 having a second weight measuring unit 31, a conveying mechanism 2 for intermittently conveying capacitor elements 11 along a conveying path 21 sequentially passing through the first weight measuring unit 3, the electrolyte impregnation unit 4, and the second weight measuring unit 5, and a computing unit 7. The first weight measuring unit 3 comprises: a first delivery mechanism 32 for taking out capacitor elements 11 one by one from the conveying mechanism 2 in a conveying order and delivering them to the first weight measuring unit 31, and returning the capacitor elements 11 whose weights have been measured by the first weight measuring unit 31 to the conveying mechanism 2 while maintaining the conveying order; and a first recording unit 33 for associating the weight before impregnation of each capacitor element 11 measured by the first weight measuring unit 31 with identification information for identifying each capacitor element 11 and storing them in the first memory 40. The electrolyte impregnation section 4 includes a lifting mechanism 43, which brings the electrolyte tank 42 close to the plurality of capacitor elements 11 conveyed in a suspended posture by the conveying mechanism 2 from below, immerses the plurality of capacitor elements 11 in the electrolyte 19, impregnates the capacitor elements 11 with the electrolyte 19, and lowers the electrolyte tank 42 to pull up the plurality of capacitor elements 11 from the electrolyte 19. The second weight measuring section 5 includes: a second delivery mechanism 32, which takes out the capacitor elements 11 one by one from the conveying mechanism 2 in the conveying order and delivers them to the second weight measuring device 31, and returns the capacitor elements 11 whose weight measurement by the second weight measuring device 31 has been completed to the conveying mechanism 2 while maintaining the conveying order; and a second recording section 33, which associates the weight after impregnation of each capacitor element 11 measured by the second weight measuring device 31 with the identification information of each capacitor element 11 and stores them in the second memory 40. Calculation unit 7 refers to first memory 40 and second memory 40 based on the identification information, and acquires the impregnation amount of electrolyte solution 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 from the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation.

[0060] In addition, the electrolyte impregnation method of this example conveys the capacitor element 11 along the conveying path 21 which sequentially passes through the first weight measuring section 3 having the first weight measuring device 31, the electrolyte impregnation section 4 having the electrolyte tank 42 storing the electrolyte 19, and the second weight measuring section 5 having the second weight measuring device 31. In addition, in the first weight measuring section 3, the weight before impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured, and the identification information for identifying each capacitor element 11 is stored and maintained in the first memory 40 in a manner associated with the weight before impregnation. In the electrolyte impregnation section 4, a plurality of the conveyed capacitor elements 11 are collectively immersed in the electrolyte tank 42, so that the capacitor elements 11 are impregnated with the electrolyte 19. In the second weight measuring unit 5, the weight after impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured and stored in the second memory 40 in a manner that associates the specific information of each capacitor element 11 with the weight after impregnation. Based on the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation, the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 is obtained.

[0061] According to this example, the electrolyte tank 42 is brought close to the plurality of capacitor elements 11 conveyed in a suspended posture by the conveying mechanism 2 from below, and the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are immersed in the electrolyte tank 42 at a time. Thus, the impregnation treatment of the capacitor elements 11 with the electrolyte 19 is performed by batch processing. Thus, the plurality of capacitor elements 11 can be impregnated with the electrolyte 19 at a time, so that the takt time of impregnating each capacitor element 11 with the electrolyte 19 can be shortened. On the other hand, before the capacitor element 11 is conveyed to the electrolyte impregnation section 4, the weight before impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured in the first weight measuring section 3. In addition, after the capacitor element 11 is impregnated with the electrolyte 19, the weight after impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured in the second weight measuring section 5. Therefore, based on the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation, the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 can be obtained. Therefore, the amount of electrolyte 19 impregnated in each capacitor element 11 can be grasped while performing a batch process of immersing a plurality of capacitor elements 11 in electrolyte 19 at one time.

[0062] Next, in the electrolyte impregnation device 1 of this example, the electrolyte impregnation part 4 includes an electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 in which an electrolyte tank 42 is provided, and a pressure regulating mechanism 46 for regulating the internal pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. The conveying mechanism 2 passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. In the electrolyte impregnation part 4, after the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is depressurized to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by the pressure regulating mechanism 46, the lifting mechanism 43 moves the electrolyte tank 42, and the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are immersed in the electrolyte tank 42 from the electrolyte 19 in a manner that the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are concentrated. Thereafter, when the elapsed time measured by the timer 6 reaches a set time, the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is made to have a second pressure higher than the first pressure by the pressure regulating mechanism 46, and then the electrolyte tank 42 is moved by the lifting mechanism 43, and the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are pulled up from the electrolyte 19. In this example, the second pressure is the atmospheric pressure.

[0063] In the electrolyte impregnation method of this example, the electrolyte impregnation unit 4 includes an electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 having an electrolyte tank 42 disposed therein, and a pressure regulating mechanism 46 for regulating the internal pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. The conveying path 21 passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45. In the electrolyte impregnation unit 4, after the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is reduced to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are collectively immersed in the electrolyte tank 42, the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is increased to an atmospheric pressure (second pressure) higher than the first pressure, and the capacitor elements 11 are impregnated with the electrolyte 19. After a set time has passed since the plurality of capacitor elements 11 have been immersed in the electrolyte tank 42, the electrolyte impregnation unit 45 is made to have the second pressure, and then the plurality of capacitor elements 11 are collectively pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42.

[0064] According to this example, by increasing the second air pressure (atmospheric pressure) in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a higher pressure than the first air pressure, the electrolyte 19 can be quickly impregnated into the capacitor element 11. Therefore, the electrolyte 19 can be impregnated into the capacitor element 11 in a short time. Here, in the case where the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 into the capacitor element 11 is managed by air pressure, even if the capacitor element 11 is immersed in the electrolyte 19 for a prescribed time, the impregnation amount sometimes changes depending on the weather. In this regard, in this example, before and after the capacitor element 11 is transferred to the electrolyte impregnation section 4, the weight before and after the impregnation of each capacitor element 11 is measured, and the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated into each capacitor element 11 is obtained. Therefore, based on the weight that is not affected by air pressure changes, the content of the electrolyte 19 in each capacitor element 11 can be grasped.

[0065] In addition, in the impregnation treatment of this example, Figure 7As shown, after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 is reduced to a third pressure that is higher than the first pressure and lower than the second pressure. That is, in the electrolyte impregnation method, after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the vacuum device 47 of the pressure regulating mechanism 46 is driven to reduce the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a third pressure lower than the second pressure. According to this example, after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, by reducing the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a third pressure lower than the second pressure, a portion of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 can be dripped from the capacitor element 11. Therefore, it is easy to set the impregnation amount of the electrolyte 19 impregnated in the capacitor element 11 to a specified impregnation amount.

[0066] Next, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 of this example is provided with: a discharge section 62; a first determination section 61 that determines whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 is within a prescribed range; and a discharge mechanism 63 that, when the impregnation amount is not within the prescribed range, discharges the capacitor element 11 from the conveying mechanism 2 to the discharge section 62 on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring section 5. In addition, in the electrolyte impregnation method of this example, it is determined whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 is within the prescribed range, and when the impregnation amount is not within the prescribed range, the capacitor element 11 is discharged to the discharge section 62. Therefore, for example, a capacitor element 11 whose impregnation amount is zero due to a problem caused by the capacitor element 11 can be discharged.

[0067] Next, the electrolyte impregnation device 1 of this example includes: an electrolyte filling unit 66; a second determination unit 65 that determines whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 within the specified range has reached the specified impregnation amount; and a second conveying mechanism 67 that conveys the capacitor element 11 from the conveying mechanism 2 to the electrolyte filling unit 66 on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring unit 5 when the impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount. The electrolyte filling unit 66 includes a dispenser 69 that fills the capacitor element 11 with a filling amount equal to the difference between the specified impregnation amount and the impregnation amount. In addition, the electrolyte impregnation method of this example determines whether the impregnation amount of each capacitor element 11 within the specified range has reached the specified impregnation amount, and when the impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount, the capacitor element 11 is conveyed to the electrolyte filling unit 66, and the capacitor element 11 is filled with a filling amount equal to the difference between the specified impregnation amount and the impregnation amount in the electrolyte filling unit 66. Therefore, for capacitor element 11 in which electrolyte solution impregnation portion 4 is not impregnated with electrolyte solution 19 at a predetermined amount, the impregnation amount can be set to a predetermined amount.

[0068] (Variation Example) In the electrolyte filling section 66, the housing 12 may be prepared in advance, and the electrolyte 19 of the filling amount corresponding to the difference between the prescribed impregnation amount and the impregnation amount of the capacitor element 11 may be injected into the housing 12 using the dispenser 69, and then the winding section 16 of the capacitor element 11 may be set to be inserted into the housing 12. In this way, the electrolyte 19 of the filling amount corresponding to the difference between the prescribed impregnation amount and the impregnation amount of the capacitor element 11 may be impregnated into the capacitor element 11. In this case, the capacitor element 11 is transferred to the next processing step with the winding section 16 inserted into the housing 12.

[0069] Here, the electrochemical element that needs to be impregnated with the electrolyte solution is an electrochemical element for an electric double layer capacitor or a battery.

[0070] In addition, in the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte impregnation part 4, after the capacitor element 11 is pulled up from the electrolyte tank 42, the step ST34 of reducing the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to a third pressure higher than the first gas pressure and lower than the second gas pressure (atmospheric pressure), and the step ST35 of returning the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45 to the second gas pressure (atmospheric pressure) after step ST34 can be omitted. In addition, the impregnation treatment of the electrolyte impregnation part 4 can also be performed by managing the impregnation time in the second gas pressure (atmospheric pressure) without changing the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber 45.

Claims

1. An electrolyte impregnation method, characterized in that: The electrochemical element is transported along a transport path that sequentially passes through a first weight measuring section having a first weight measuring device, an electrolyte solution impregnation section having an electrolyte solution tank storing an electrolyte solution, and a second weight measuring section having a second weight measuring device. The first weight measuring unit measures the weight of each electrochemical element before impregnation, and stores and retains the information identifying each electrochemical element in a manner associated with the weight before impregnation in the first memory. In the electrolyte impregnation section, the plurality of electrochemical elements conveyed are collectively immersed in an electrolyte tank so that the electrochemical elements are impregnated with the electrolyte. The second weight measuring unit measures the weight of each electrochemical element after impregnation, and stores and retains the identification information of each electrochemical element in a manner associated with the weight after impregnation in a second memory. Based on the identification information, the first memory and the second memory are referred to, and the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element is acquired from the difference between the weight after the impregnation and the weight before the impregnation.

2. The electrolyte impregnation method according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrolyte impregnation unit comprises: an electrolyte impregnation chamber in which the electrolyte tank is provided; and a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber. The conveying path passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber, In the electrolyte impregnation section, after the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is reduced to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, the plurality of electrochemical elements are immersed in the electrolyte tank. When a set time has elapsed after the plurality of electrochemical elements have been immersed in the electrolyte tank, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is set to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and then the plurality of electrochemical elements are pulled up from the electrolyte tank.

3. The electrolyte impregnation method according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the electrolyte impregnation section, after the plurality of electrochemical elements are pulled up from the electrolyte tank, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is reduced to a third pressure that is higher than the first gas pressure and lower than the second gas pressure.

4. The electrolyte impregnation method according to claim 1, characterized in that It is determined whether the impregnation amount is within a predetermined range for each electrochemical element, and if the impregnation amount is not within the predetermined range, the electrochemical element is discharged to a discharge unit.

5. The electrolyte impregnation method according to claim 4, characterized in that: for each electrochemical element having the impregnation amount within the specified range, determining whether the impregnation amount has reached the specified impregnation amount, and if the impregnation amount has not reached the specified impregnation amount, transporting the electrochemical element to an electrolyte filling unit, In the electrolyte solution filling portion, the electrochemical element is filled with a filling amount corresponding to a difference between the predetermined impregnation amount and the impregnation amount.

6. The electrolyte impregnation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrochemical element is for an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor or a battery.

7. An electrolyte impregnation device, characterized in that: have: a first weight measuring unit, the first weight measuring unit comprising a first weight measuring device; an electrolyte impregnation portion, the electrolyte impregnation portion comprising an electrolyte tank storing an electrolyte; a second weight measuring unit, the second weight measuring unit comprising a second weight measuring device; a conveying mechanism that intermittently conveys the electrochemical element along a conveying path that sequentially passes through the first weight measuring section, the electrolyte impregnation section, and the second weight measuring section; as well as Operation Department, The first weight measuring unit comprises: a first handover mechanism, which takes out the electrochemical elements one by one from the conveying mechanism in a conveying order and hands them over to the first weight measuring device, and returns the electrochemical elements whose weights have been measured by the first weight measuring device to the conveying mechanism while maintaining the conveying order; and a first recording unit that stores the weight of each electrochemical element before impregnation measured by the first weight measuring device in association with identification information identifying each electrochemical element in a first memory, The electrolyte impregnation section includes a lifting mechanism, which brings the electrolyte tank close to the plurality of electrochemical elements being transported in a suspended posture by the transport mechanism from below, immerses the plurality of electrochemical elements in the electrolyte, impregnates the electrochemical elements with the electrolyte, and lowers the electrolyte tank to pull up the plurality of electrochemical elements from the electrolyte. The second weight measuring unit comprises: a second delivery mechanism, which takes out the electrochemical elements one by one from the conveying mechanism in accordance with the conveying order and delivers them to the second weight measuring device, and returns the electrochemical elements whose weights have been measured by the second weight measuring device to the conveying mechanism while maintaining the conveying order; and a second recording unit for storing the weight after impregnation of each electrochemical element measured by the second weight measuring device in association with the identification information of each electrochemical element in a second memory, The calculation unit refers to the first memory and the second memory based on the identification information, and acquires the impregnation amount of the electrolyte impregnated in each electrochemical element from the difference between the weight after impregnation and the weight before impregnation.

8. The electrolyte impregnation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: A timer is provided for measuring the elapsed time after the plurality of electrochemical elements are immersed in the electrolyte. The electrolyte impregnation unit includes: an electrolyte impregnation chamber in which the electrolyte tank is provided; and a pressure regulating mechanism for regulating the indoor pressure of the electrolyte impregnation chamber. The conveying mechanism passes through the electrolyte impregnation chamber, In the electrolyte impregnation section, after the pressure regulating mechanism is used to reduce the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber to a first pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, the lifting mechanism moves the electrolyte tank to concentrate the immersion of a plurality of electrochemical elements in the electrolyte tank. When the elapsed time measured by the timer reaches a set time, the pressure regulating mechanism is used to make the electrolyte impregnation chamber have a second pressure higher than the first pressure. Then, the electrolyte tank is moved by the lifting mechanism to pull up the plurality of electrochemical elements from the electrolyte.

9. The electrolyte impregnation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the electrolyte impregnation section, after the electrochemical element is pulled up from the electrolyte, the pressure in the electrolyte impregnation chamber is reduced by the pressure regulating mechanism to a third pressure that is higher than the first pressure and lower than the second pressure.

10. The electrolyte impregnation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: have: discharge part; a first determination unit configured to determine whether the impregnation amount of each electrochemical element is within a predetermined range; as well as A discharge mechanism that discharges the electrochemical element from the transport mechanism to the discharge section at a downstream side in a transport direction of the second weight measuring section when the impregnation amount is not within the predetermined range.

11. The electrolyte impregnation device according to claim 10, characterized in that: have: Electrolyte filling unit; a second determination unit configured to determine, for each electrochemical element having the impregnation amount within the prescribed range, whether the impregnation amount has reached a prescribed impregnation amount; as well as a second conveying mechanism, wherein the second conveying mechanism conveys the electrochemical element from the conveying mechanism to the electrolyte filling unit on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second weight measuring unit when the impregnation amount does not reach the predetermined impregnation amount; The electrolyte filling unit includes a dispenser and fills the electrochemical element with the electrolyte in an amount corresponding to a difference between the predetermined impregnation amount and the impregnation amount.

12. The electrolyte impregnation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electrochemical element is for an electrolytic capacitor, an electric double layer capacitor or a battery.

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