Electrode body decomposition method

Abstract

This invention relates to an electrode body decomposition method for improving the recovery rate of electrode materials. The decomposition method of the electrode body (1) includes: a preparation step (S10) for preparing the electrode body (1), wherein the electrode body is formed by stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm sheet (2), a strip-shaped second diaphragm sheet (4), a strip-shaped negative electrode sheet whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first diaphragm sheet (2) and the second diaphragm sheet (4), and a strip-shaped positive electrode sheet whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the negative electrode sheet, and winding them in a predetermined winding direction; and a separation step (S30) in which the first diaphragm sheet (2) and the second diaphragm sheet (4) are pulled and the electrode body (1) is disassembled by separating the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet from the first diaphragm sheet (2) and the second diaphragm sheet (4) while the first diaphragm sheet (2) and the second diaphragm sheet (4) are fixed at their innermost periphery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for disassembling electrode bodies. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299 discloses a method for reusing lithium-ion secondary batteries to recover usable materials such as nickel from used lithium-ion secondary batteries. In this method, a discharged lithium-ion secondary battery is shredded into small pieces, which are then immersed in a polar solvent to form a mixture of different components. By stirring, sieving, and separating this mixture, recyclable electrode materials are obtained.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-004299 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In addition, the inventors of this application considered to want to improve the recovery rate of electrode materials.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The proposed electrode body disassembly method includes: a step of preparing an electrode body, wherein the electrode body is formed by stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the negative electrode in a predetermined winding direction; a step of disassembling the electrode body by pulling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and fixing them at the innermost periphery of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm in a manner that separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode from the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; and a step of recovering the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.

[0010] The electrode body decomposition method described above can improve the recovery rate of electrode materials. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of electrode body 1 according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of electrode 1.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrode body decomposition device 10.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrode housing 20.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a top view of the electrode housing 20.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the electrode housing 20.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the electrode housing 20 when the cylinder 24b is extended.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the first separation device 50.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first separation device 50 with the scraper 52 inserted into the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150 after the stripping roller 153 has been lowered.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of decomposing electrode body 1.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first conveying section 40 and the first separation device 50 during the process of conveying the first diaphragm sheet 2.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a front view of the second conveying section 140 and the second separation device 150 during the process of conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a front view of the vicinity of the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 during the execution of the first diaphragm conveying process S36 and the second diaphragm conveying process S136.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a front view of the cutting device 90 around the cutting device 90 when the cutter 91 is descending.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of disassembling electrode body 1 in the second embodiment.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1 Electrode body

[0030] 2 First diaphragm

[0031] 3. Negative electrode plate

[0032] 3S negative electrode laminate (first separator and negative electrode laminate)

[0033] 3a Negative electrode current collector foil

[0034] 3b Negative electrode active material layer

[0035] 3e outer end

[0036] 5 Positive electrode plates

[0037] 5S Positive Electrode Laminate (Second Separator and Positive Electrode Laminate)

[0038] 5a Positive current collector foil

[0039] 5b Positive electrode active material layer

[0040] 5e outer end

[0041] 10 Electrode Body Decomposition Device

[0042] 20 Electrode housing section

[0043] 21. Hold the clamp

[0044] 21R Right side

[0045] 21a Holding section

[0046] 21aa Periphery

[0047] 22 Rotary Box

[0048] 22D bottom surface

[0049] 22h through hole

[0050] 23. Clamp lowering device

[0051] Component 23a

[0052] Cylinder 23b

[0053] 24 Electrode support device

[0054] 24a Supporting components

[0055] 24b cylinder

[0056] 30 First Control Department

[0057] 31 First clamping member (first holding member)

[0058] 31F Front Side Clamping Component

[0059] 31Rr Rear Side Clamping Part

[0060] 32a Support section

[0061] 32a1 Rotating device

[0062] 32a2 Rotary Motor

[0063] 32b Vertical guide

[0064] 32c Left and right directional guide

[0065] 32d vertical movement motor

[0066] 32e Left and right movement motor

[0067] 41L drive roller

[0068] 41R Driven Roller

[0069] 42 Conveyor Motor

[0070] 43 Clamping Cylinder

[0071] 51 Bending Roller (First Roller)

[0072] 52 Scraper

[0073] 52D lower surface

[0074] 52L base end

[0075] 52R Top section

[0076] 52U top surface

[0077] 53 Scraper Insertion Device

[0078] 53a Guide rod

[0079] 53b Insertion cylinder

[0080] 70 Negative Electrode Recycling Section

[0081] 71 Guide Board

[0082] 72 Negative electrode recycling bin

[0083] 80 Positive and negative electrode separation device

[0084] 81 Central scraper

[0085] 82 Scraper Lifting Device

[0086] 82a cylinder

[0087] 100 Control device

[0088] 130 Second Control Division

[0089] 131 Second clamping member (second holding member)

[0090] 131F Front Side Clamping Component

[0091] 131Rr Rear Side Clamping Part

[0092] 132a Support section

[0093] 132a1 Rotating device

[0094] 132a2 Rotary Motor

[0095] 132b Vertical guide

[0096] 132c Left and right directional guide

[0097] 132d vertical movement motor

[0098] 132e Left and right movement motor

[0099] 141L drive roller

[0100] 141R Driven Roller

[0101] 142 Conveyor Motor

[0102] 143 Clamping Cylinder

[0103] 145 Bending Roller

[0104] 151 Upstream Roller

[0105] 152 Downstream Roller

[0106] 153 Peeling Roller (Second Roller)

[0107] 154 Roller Lowering Device

[0108] 154a cylinder

[0109] 170 Positive Electrode Recycling Section

[0110] A1 axis

[0111] P1 Containment Location

[0112] P2 Separation Position

[0113] R1 First diaphragm conveying path

[0114] R1a Bending Section

[0115] R2 Second Diaphragm Delivery Path

[0116] R2a Bending Section

[0117] S10 Preparation Process

[0118] S20 Separation Preparation Process

[0119] S21 Electrode housing process

[0120] S22 Holding process

[0121] S23 Scraper Lowering Process

[0122] S26 Scraper Lifting Process

[0123] S30 Separation Process

[0124] S31 Pulling process

[0125] S32 Central scraper lifting process

[0126] S33 Electrode Removal Process

[0127] S34 Negative electrode separation process

[0128] S34b Scraper Insertion Process

[0129] S34c Clamping Part Relocation Process

[0130] S35 First Diaphragm Clamping Process

[0131] S36 First Diaphragm Conveying Process

[0132] S134 Positive electrode separation process

[0133] S134a Clamping Part Movement Process

[0134] S134b Roller Lowering Process

[0135] S134c Clamping Part Relocation Process

[0136] S135 Second Diaphragm Clamping Process

[0137] S136 Second Diaphragm Conveying Process

[0138] S40 First Stripping Process

[0139] S50 Cutting Process

[0140] S60 Second Stripping Process

[0141] S260 Second Stripping Process

[0142] S270 Third Diaphragm Conveying Process

[0143] W winding shaft Detailed Implementation

[0144] [First Implementation Method]

[0145] The electrode body disassembly apparatus of the first embodiment will now be described. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are not intended to specifically limit the present invention. Hereinafter, components and parts that perform the same function will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0146] In this specification, "energy storage device" refers to all devices capable of extracting electrical energy, including primary and secondary batteries, as well as chemical batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, and physical batteries such as double-layer capacitors.

[0147] [Structure of the electrode]

[0148] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the electrode body 1 according to the first embodiment. The electrode body 1 is constructed from the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment (see reference 10). Figure 2 The object to be decomposed. Electrode 1 is removed from the energy storage device, which includes the battery casing containing electrode 1, electrode terminals, electrolyte, etc. The type of electrode 1 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be an electrode from a lithium-ion secondary battery. Various methods for removing electrode 1 from the energy storage device have been proposed, without particular limitation.

[0149] like Figure 1 As shown, electrode body 1 is formed by sequentially stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm 2, a strip-shaped negative electrode 3, a strip-shaped second diaphragm 4, and a strip-shaped positive electrode 5, and winding them in a predetermined winding direction. The length of the negative electrode 3 in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction of winding) is shorter than that of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. The length of the positive electrode 5 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the negative electrode 3. Electrode body 1 is a so-called wound electrode body. Here, electrode body 1 is wound in the direction of the first diaphragm 2, the negative electrode 3, the second diaphragm 4, and the positive electrode 5 in the outermost circumferential direction.

[0150] The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are, for example, porous resin sheets with the required heat resistance and allowing electrolyte to pass through. The materials of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are not particularly limited. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are sandwiched between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 3, thus insulating the positive electrode 5 from the negative electrode 3.

[0151] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of electrode body 1. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the outer end portion 3e of the winding terminal of the negative electrode 3 is positioned closer to the inner circumference of the winding than the first outer end portion 2e of the winding terminal of the first diaphragm 2 and the second outer end portion 4e of the winding terminal of the second diaphragm 4. The inner end portion 3f of the winding start of the negative electrode 3 is positioned closer to the outer circumference of the winding than the first inner end portion 2f of the winding start of the first diaphragm 2 and the second inner end portion 4f of the winding start of the second diaphragm 4. The outer end portion 5e of the winding terminal of the positive electrode 5 is positioned closer to the inner circumference of the winding than the outer end portion 3e of the negative electrode 3. The inner end portion 5f of the winding start of the positive electrode 5 is positioned closer to the outer circumference of the winding than the inner end portion 3f of the negative electrode 3. Within the electrode body 1 from the start of winding to one lap, only the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are stacked; the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are not stacked. Adhesive tape 8 is attached to the first outer end portion 2e. The winding end of electrode body 1 is only stacked with the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4, while the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are not stacked.

[0152] The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 have an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer is fixed, for example, by heating, pressing (typically stamping), etc. The adhesive layer contains an adhesive. The adhesive layer is formed by applying an adhesive to the surface of the substrate or heat-resistant layer of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 using existing methods such as vapor deposition. The adhesive layer can be applied to the entire surface or applied in a prescribed pattern. The adhesive layer can have shapes such as dots, stripes, waves, bands (stripes), dotted lines, or combinations thereof when viewed from above. An adhesive layer is also disposed on the innermost circumference NR of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 (hereinafter referred to as "innermost circumference NR"). Therefore, the innermost circumference NR is fixed in the electrode body 1. In this embodiment, the innermost circumference NR is the range from the beginning of winding to approximately one circumference in the electrode body 1. Furthermore, the method of fixing the innermost circumference NR is not limited to fixing based on the adhesive layer.

[0153] like Figure 1 As shown, the negative electrode 3 includes a negative electrode current collector foil 3a and a negative electrode active material layer 3b formed on the negative electrode current collector foil 3a. The negative electrode 3 is a component in which a negative electrode active material layer 3b containing a negative electrode active material is formed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector foil 3a. Here, the negative electrode current collector foil 3a is composed of copper foil of a predetermined width and thickness. The negative electrode active material is, for example, a material such as natural graphite that can absorb lithium ions during charging and release the lithium ions absorbed during charging during discharging. Various options for the negative electrode active material have been proposed in addition to natural graphite, and there is no particular limitation. When the energy storage device is a device other than a lithium-ion secondary battery, the negative electrode 3 may include various negative electrode current collector foils 3a and negative electrode active material layers 3b corresponding to the type of energy storage device.

[0154] The positive electrode 5 includes a positive electrode current collector foil 5a and a positive electrode active material layer 5b formed on the positive electrode current collector foil 5a. The positive electrode 5 is a component in which a positive electrode active material layer 5b containing the positive electrode active material is formed on the surface of the positive electrode current collector foil 5a. Here, the positive electrode current collector foil 5a is composed of aluminum foil of a predetermined width and thickness. The positive electrode active material is, for example, a material such as a lithium transition metal composite material that can release lithium ions during charging and absorb lithium ions during discharging. Various options for the positive electrode active material have been proposed, in addition to lithium transition metal composite materials, and there is no particular limitation. When the energy storage device is a device other than a lithium-ion secondary battery, the positive electrode 5 may include various positive electrode current collector foils 5a and positive electrode active material layers 5b corresponding to the type of energy storage device.

[0155] The structure of electrode body 1 has been described above. Furthermore, in the process of reusing used secondary batteries, there is a strong desire to recover metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese (so-called rare metals). When reusing secondary batteries, if the battery is broken, the metals to be recovered mix with other metals, resulting in a relatively low recovery rate for the metals to be recovered. Therefore, the inventors of this application believe that if the negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator of the electrode body can be decomposed separately without breaking them, the recovery rate of the metals to be recovered can be higher.

[0156] [Overview of the Electrode Decomposition Device]

[0157] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrode body decomposition device 10. Hereinafter, for convenience, [the following will be...] Figure 3 The left and right directions are called the left and right directions. Figure 3 The direction of depth is called the front-back direction. In the attached drawings, front, back, left, right, top, and bottom are represented by the reference numerals F, Rr, L, R, U, and D, respectively. Figure 3 As shown, the electrode body decomposition device 10 includes an electrode body receiving section 20, a first holding section 30, a first conveying section 40, a first separation device 50, a first diaphragm recovery section 60, a negative electrode recovery section 70, a second holding section 130, a second conveying section 140, a second separation device 150, a second diaphragm recovery section 160, a positive electrode recovery section 170, a positive and negative electrode separation device 80, and a cutting device 90 (see reference). Figure 8 ) and control device 100.

[0158] An electrode body 1, before disassembly, is provided in the electrode body receiving section 20. The electrode body disassembly device 10 is configured to unwind the wound electrode body 1 by pulling the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 of the electrode body 1. During the unwinding process, the electrode body 1 is approximately wound around the winding axis W (see reference 20) inside the electrode body receiving section 20. Figure 1 Rotate.

[0159] The first gripping part 30 grips the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 extending outward toward the electrode body receiving part 20 (refer to...). Figure 4 Negative electrode 3 (refer to) Figure 1 The negative electrode 3 is attached to the first separator 2. The length of the negative electrode 3 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first separator 2. Therefore, the laminate of the first separator 2 and the negative electrode 3 (hereinafter also referred to as the negative electrode laminate 3S, see reference) is attached to the first separator 2. Figure 4 The winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is composed only of the first diaphragm sheet 2. The first gripping portion 30 grips and moves the first outer end portion 2e of the first diaphragm sheet 2 during the initial stage of unwinding the electrode body 1, thus mounting the first diaphragm sheet 2 onto the first conveying portion 40. In this embodiment, the first gripping portion 30 is positioned to the left of the electrode body receiving portion 20.

[0160] The first conveying unit 40 uses a pair of first clamping rollers 41 to clamp the first diaphragm 2, causing the pair of first clamping rollers 41 to rotate, thereby conveying the first diaphragm 2. The first conveying unit 40 is positioned further to the left of the first holding unit 30. The first separating device 50 separates the first diaphragm 2 from the negative electrode 3 at a position upstream of the first conveying unit 40 (on the electrode housing 20 side) in the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. Therefore, the first conveying unit 40 only conveys the first diaphragm 2 using the pair of first clamping rollers 41. The first diaphragm 2 is conveyed by the first conveying unit 40 to the first diaphragm recovery unit 60. The negative electrode 3 separated from the first diaphragm 2 moves forward as the first diaphragm 2 is conveyed and is recovered to the negative electrode recovery unit 70, which is located in front of the first separating device 50.

[0161] The second gripping part 130 grips the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4 extending outward toward the electrode body receiving part 20 (refer to...). Figure 4 Positive electrode 5 (refer to) Figure 1 The positive electrode 5 is attached to the second separator 4. The length of the positive electrode 5 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the second separator 4. Therefore, the laminate of the second separator 4 and the positive electrode 5 (hereinafter also referred to as the positive electrode laminate 5S, see reference) is attached to the second separator 4. Figure 4 The winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is composed only of the second diaphragm sheet 4. The second gripping portion 130 grips and moves the second outer end portion 4e of the second diaphragm sheet 4 during the initial stage of unwinding the electrode body 1, thus mounting the second diaphragm sheet 4 onto the second conveying portion 140. In this embodiment, the second gripping portion 130 is located to the right of the electrode body receiving portion 20.

[0162] The second conveying section 140 uses a pair of second clamping rollers 141 to clamp the second diaphragm 4, causing the pair of second clamping rollers 141 to rotate, thereby conveying the second diaphragm 4. The second conveying section 140 is located further to the right of the second holding section 130. The second separating device 150 separates the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode 5 at a position upstream of the second conveying section 140 (on the electrode housing section 20 side) in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, the second conveying section 140 only conveys the second diaphragm 4 using the pair of second clamping rollers 141. The second diaphragm 4 is conveyed from the second conveying section 140 to the second diaphragm recovery section 160. The positive electrode 5 separated from the second diaphragm 4 falls into the positive electrode recovery section 170 located below the second separating device 150.

[0163] When the first gripping part 30 pulls the negative electrode stack 3S and the second gripping part 130 pulls the positive electrode stack 5S, the positive and negative electrode separation device 80 assists in separating the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S. The positive and negative electrode separation device 80 assists in separating the electrode body 1 into the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S by inserting a central scraper 81 between the negative electrode stack 3S and the positive electrode stack 5S. The positive and negative electrode separation device 80 is disposed above the electrode body receiving part 20.

[0164] [Electrode housing section]

[0165] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrode housing 20. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the electrode housing 20 includes a retaining clamp 21 and a rotating box 22 (see also...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), clamp lowering device 23 (refer to) Figure 3 ) and electrode support device 24 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0166] The retaining clamp 21 holds the electrode body 1 before the first outer end 2e is pulled by the first gripping part 30 and the second outer end 4e is pulled by the second gripping part 130. The retaining clamp 21 is a clamp with a side opening that can accommodate the electrode body 1. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the retaining clamp 21 is open. The retaining clamp 21 includes a retaining part 21a, a first mounting part 21b, and a second mounting part 21c.

[0167] The holding part 21a is a frame that can accommodate the electrode body 1. Figure 5 This is a top view of the electrode housing 20. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the retaining portion 21a is open. In this embodiment, the length of the retaining portion 21a in the left-right direction is shorter than its length in the front-back direction. The retaining portion 21a is wound around the axis W (see reference). Figure 1The electrode body 1 is held in a manner that is generally oriented in the front-back direction. That is, the width direction of the electrode body 1 housed in the holding portion 21a is generally aligned with the front-back direction of the holding portion 21a. In this embodiment, the electrode body 1 is housed in the holding portion 21a such that the winding direction of the electrode body 1 is clockwise when viewed from the front (see reference 21a). Figure 4 ). Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the electrode housing 20. (See image below.) Figure 6 As shown, the holding portion 21a has a right side surface 21R, a first left side surface 21L1, and a second left side surface 21L2. The right side surface 21R is a side surface extending forward and backward and upward. The first left side surface 21L1 and the second left side surface 21L2 are side surfaces located to the left of the right side surface 21R and extending forward and backward and upward. The first left side surface 21L1 is formed at the rear end of the holding portion 21a. The second left side surface 21L2 is formed at the front end of the holding portion 21a. The periphery 21aa of the opening of the holding portion 21a has a roughly C-shaped form when viewed from above. The forward and backward length of the first left side surface 21L1 is approximately the same as the forward and backward length of the first mounting portion 21b. The forward and backward length of the second left side surface 21L2 is approximately the same as the forward and backward length of the second mounting portion 21c. In the electrode body 1 (refer to...) Figure 1 When housed in the holding part 21a, the electrode body 1 is held between the first left side surface 21L1 and the second left side surface 21L2 in a state that exposes it to the outside of the holding clamp 21. In this embodiment, the electrode body 1 is held such that the winding direction of the electrode body 1 is clockwise in the main view.

[0168] like Figure 5 As shown, the first mounting portion 21b is for mounting the first diaphragm sheet 2 (the negative electrode laminate 3S (reference)). Figure 4 The first outer end portion 2e of the )) is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the first mounting portion 21b extends to the left from the upper ends of both the first left side surface 21L1 and the second left side surface 21L2. Furthermore, to prevent the first diaphragm sheet 2 mounted on the first mounting portion 21b from slipping off, an anti-slip material such as adhesive tape can be applied to the first mounting portion 21b. Additionally, the first mounting portion 21b may be provided not only at the front and rear ends of the peripheral portion 21aa, but also between the front and rear ends of the peripheral portion 21aa.

[0169] like Figure 5 As shown, the second mounting portion 21c is for mounting the second separator sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S (reference)). Figure 4 The second outer end portion 4e of the )) . For example Figure 6As shown, the second mounting portion 21c extends to the right from the upper end of the right side surface 21R. The second mounting portion 21c extends from both the front and rear ends of the right side surface 21R. Similar to the first mounting portion 21b, in order to prevent the second diaphragm sheet 4 from falling off the second mounting portion 21c, the second mounting portion 21c may be provided with an anti-slip function such as adhesive tape. In addition, the second mounting portion 21c may not only be provided on the front and rear ends of the right side surface 21R, but also between the front and rear ends of the right side surface 21R.

[0170] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotating box 22 is a box-shaped component that houses the electrode body 1 after it has exited the holding clamp 21. The upper surface of the rotating box 22 is open. The holding clamp 21 is positioned at a predetermined location on the rotating box 22. The positioning member 23a, which determines the position of the holding clamp 21, will be explained when describing the clamp lowering device 23. By determining the position of the holding clamp 21, the positions of the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 (negative electrode laminate 3S) and the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) are determined. After exiting the holding clamp 21, the electrode body 1 is approximately wound around the winding axis W (see reference 21) inside the rotating box 22 as the first diaphragm 2, negative electrode 3, second diaphragm 4, and positive electrode 5 unwind. Figure 1 Rotation. The length of the rotating box 22 in the left-right direction is longer than the rotation diameter of the electrode body 1, so as to allow the electrode body 1 to move in the left-right direction.

[0171] like Figure 5 As shown, a through hole 22h extending vertically is formed on the bottom surface 22D of the rotating box 22. The through hole 22h has a generally H-shaped form when viewed from above. The through hole 22h is formed to be slightly larger than the holding clamp 21 when viewed from above. Therefore, the holding clamp 21 can move downwards and upwards from the bottom surface 22D through the through hole 22h.

[0172] Figure 4 The clamp lowering device 23 shown is used to hold the clamp 21 in the receiving position P1 and the separation position P2 (see reference). Figure 8 The device moves between the electrode body 1 and the retaining part 21a. The receiving position P1 is the position where the electrode body 1 is received in the retaining part 21a. In this embodiment, the receiving position P1 is the position of the retaining clamp 21 when the bottom surface of the retaining part 21a is approximately flush with the bottom surface 22D of the rotating box 22. The separation position P2 is the position where the retaining part 21a is separated from the electrode body 1. In this embodiment, the separation position P2 is the position below the rotating box 22. With the retaining clamp 21 in the receiving position P1, after the first outer end 2e is held by the first holding part 30 and the second outer end 4e is held by the second holding part 130, the retaining clamp 21 is lowered to a position lower than the rotating box 22 (see reference 130). Figure 7 ,exist Figure 7The retaining clamp 21 is lowered. Thus, the retaining clamp 21 moves from the receiving position P1 to the separating position P2. The clamp lowering device 23 includes: a positioning member 23a that supports the retaining clamp 21 and determines the setting position of the retaining clamp 21; and a cylinder 23b (see...). Figure 3 The cylinder 23b supports the positioning member 23a and extends and retracts in the vertical direction. However, the structure of the clamp lowering device 23 is not particularly limited.

[0173] like Figure 6 As shown, the electrode support device 24 is positioned diagonally below the left side of the rotating box 22. The electrode support device 24 is located on the electrode body 1 (refer to...) Figure 5 The electrode support device 24 is a device that supports the electrode body 1 together with the rotating box 22 after it comes out of the holding clamp 21. The electrode body support device 24 includes a support member 24a and a cylinder 24b.

[0174] The support member 24a, when viewed from above, has a through hole 22h (see reference). Figure 5 They have roughly the same shape. The support member 24a has a slightly smaller shape than the through hole 22h when viewed from above.

[0175] Cylinder 24b is a cylinder that extends and retracts diagonally upward to the right and diagonally downward to the left to bring the support member 24a closer to or away from the rotating box 22. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the periphery of the electrode housing 20 when the cylinder 24b extends. When the cylinder 24b extends obliquely upwards to the right, the support member 24a moves obliquely upwards to the right. Thus, the support member 24a is positioned inside the through hole 22h (see reference). Figure 5 At this time, the upper surface of the support member 24a is approximately flush with the bottom surface 22D of the rotating box 22. When the cylinder 24b retracts diagonally downward to the left, the support member 24a moves away from the rotating box 22. After the clamp 21 has moved to the bottom of the rotating box 22 and before the electrode body 1 is unwound, the cylinder 24b moves the support member 24a so that the upper surface of the support member 24a is approximately flush with the bottom surface 22D of the rotating box 22. Furthermore, the direction of extension and retraction of the cylinder 24b is not limited to this. In addition, the actuator that moves the support member 24a is not limited to a cylinder.

[0176] [Positive and negative electrode separation device]

[0177] like Figure 4 As shown, the positive and negative electrode separation device 80 includes a central scraper 81 and a scraper lifting device 82. The central scraper 81 guides the negative electrode sheet 3 (see reference 82) towards the side of the first diaphragm sheet 2 (i.e., to the left). Figure 7The central scraper 81 is a plate-shaped component extending in both the front-to-back and vertical directions. The scraper lifting device 82 is configured to lower the central scraper 81 such that its lower end is positioned between the first outer end 2e and the second outer end 4e, and to raise the central scraper 81 such that its lower end disengages from between the first outer end 2e and the second outer end 4e. Figure 3 As shown, the scraper lifting device 82 here includes a cylinder 82a that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the downward movement of the central scraper 81. Figure 4 As shown, the central scraper 81 is lowered by the scraper lifting device 82 and inserted between the first outer end 2e and the second outer end 4e of the electrode body 1 before it is unwound. When the scraper lifting device 82 raises the central scraper 81, the central scraper 81 is located above the rotating box 22. However, the position of the central scraper 81 when it moves from the position between the first outer end 2e and the second outer end 4e is not limited to this.

[0178] [First Control Department]

[0179] like Figure 4 As shown, the first gripping portion 30 includes a pair of first clamping members 31 and a first moving device 32. The pair of first clamping members 31 grip the first outer end portion 2e of the first diaphragm sheet 2 (negative electrode laminate 3S). The pair of first clamping members 31 includes a front-side clamping member 31F and a rear-side clamping member 31Rr disposed behind the front-side clamping member 31F. The front-side clamping member 31F grips the front side of the first outer end portion 2e. The rear-side clamping member 31Rr grips the rear side of the first outer end portion 2e. The first clamping members 31 are disposed between two first mounting portions 21b arranged in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the number of first clamping members 31 is not particularly limited.

[0180] The first moving device 32 causes a pair of first clamping members 31 to move along a predetermined conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 (see reference). Figure 3The movement of the first moving device 32 is not limited to "moving along the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2" but broadly means moving along a path that coincides with the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. It means moving along a predetermined side (here, between the pair of first clamping rollers 41, above the bending roller 51) of a component disposed on the conveying path R1 (e.g., a pair of first clamping rollers 41 of the first conveying unit 40, a bending roller 51 of the first separating device 50 described later). Here, the path by which the first moving device 32 moves the pair of first clamping members 31 is along the conveying path R1, up to the point between at least one pair of first clamping rollers 41. Details of the path by which the first moving device 32 moves the pair of first clamping members 31 will be described later. The first gripping unit 30 pulls the first diaphragm 2 by gripping it with the pair of first clamping members 31 and by moving the pair of first clamping members 31 with the first moving device 32.

[0181] like Figure 4 As shown, the first moving device 32 includes a support portion 32a supporting a pair of first clamping members 31, a vertical guide member 32b supporting the support portion 32a so that it can move in the vertical direction, and a horizontal guide member 32c supporting the vertical guide member 32b so that it can move in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 3 ), and a vertical movement motor 32d that moves the support 32a along the vertical guide 32b (see reference). Figure 3 ), and a left-right moving motor 32e that moves the up-down guide 32b along the left-right guide 32c (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0182] like Figure 4 As shown, the support portion 32a extends in the front-rear direction. The support portion 32a includes a rotating device 32a1 that rotates a pair of first clamping members 31 in the vertical direction. The rotating device 32a1 includes a rotating motor 32a2, which has a rotating shaft that rotates about an axis A1 that is offset from the base ends (here, the left ends) of each pair of first clamping members 31 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The axis A1 of the rotating shaft of the rotating motor 32a2 extends in the front-rear direction. The pair of first clamping members 31 rotate about axis A1. The posture of the pair of first clamping members 31 can be changed by the rotating device 32a1.

[0183] like Figure 3As shown, the vertical guide 32b extends in the vertical direction. When the vertical movement motor 32d is driven, the support portion 32a and the pair of first clamping members 31 supported on the support portion 32a are positioned in the vertical direction along the vertical guide 32b. The horizontal guide 32c extends in the horizontal direction. When the horizontal movement motor 32e is driven, the vertical guide 32b, the support portion 32a, and the pair of first clamping members 31 are positioned in the horizontal direction along the horizontal guide 32c. By combining the driving of the vertical movement motor 32d and the driving of the horizontal movement motor 32e, the pair of first clamping members 31 can be moved along a predetermined path when viewed in the front-back direction.

[0184] [First Conveying Section]

[0185] like Figure 3 As shown, the first conveying unit 40 includes a pair of first clamping rollers 41 that clamp and rotate the first diaphragm sheet 2. The pair of first clamping rollers 41 includes a driving roller 41L and a driven roller 41R positioned to the right of the driving roller 41L and opposite to it. The driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are each configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. The first conveying unit 40 includes a conveying motor 42 that rotates the driving roller 41L and a clamping cylinder 43 that moves the driven roller 41R in the left-right direction to approach or move away from the driving roller 41L (see reference). Figure 8 The clamping cylinder 43 is a cylinder that extends and retracts in the left-right direction. However, the actuator that moves the driven roller 41R in the left-right direction is not limited to a cylinder; for example, it could be an electric motor. In this embodiment, the conveying motor 42 of the first conveying unit 40 is configured to switch between constant torque control and constant speed control. The switching between constant torque control and constant speed control is controlled by the control device 100 (see reference 100). Figure 2 )conduct.

[0186] The first conveying unit 40 drives the clamping cylinder 43 while the first diaphragm 2 is positioned between the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R, clamping the first diaphragm 2 using the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. When the conveying motor 42 is driven, the driving roller 41L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 41R, conveying the first diaphragm 2 downwards together with the driven roller 41R. By being conveyed to the first conveying unit 40, the first diaphragm 2 moves along a predetermined conveying path R1. A first diaphragm recovery unit 60 is provided below the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R.

[0187] [First Separation Device]

[0188] The first separation device 50 is located upstream of the first conveying section 40 in the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, separating the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 (see reference). Figure 1 Separation. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first separation device 50. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, the first separation device 50 includes a bending roller 51, a scraper 52, and a scraper insertion device 53.

[0189] A bending roller 51 is disposed on the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, causing the conveying path R1 to bend. The bending roller 51 extends in the front-to-back direction. The bending roller 51 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the bending roller 51 is disposed to the left and above the rotating box 22 of the electrode housing 20. The first diaphragm 2 is wound onto the bending roller 51 from above by the first holding part 30. The first diaphragm 2 is conveyed obliquely upward to the left from the electrode housing 20 to the bending roller 51.

[0190] A bending roller 51 is positioned above a pair of first clamping rollers 41 of the first conveying section 40. The bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 toward the pair of first clamping rollers 41 (in this case, below). However, the direction in which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the direction in which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 could be upward. The angle at which the bending roller 51 bends the conveying path R1 is not particularly limited.

[0191] The scraper 52 is a component that separates the first diaphragm 2 from the negative electrode 3. The scraper 52 is configured as a plate extending in both the front-back and left-right directions, and has an upper surface 52U and a lower surface 52D. The scraper 52 separates the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 on the upper surface 52U side and the lower surface 52D side. The top end 52R of the scraper 52, in the main view, is formed into a conical shape, with its vertical height decreasing towards the upstream side of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. In this embodiment, the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52 is bent to form the conical shape of the top end 52R. The lower surface 52D of the scraper 52 is flat. The width of the scraper 52 in the front-back direction is longer than the width of the negative electrode 3.

[0192] The scraper insertion device 53 inserts the scraper 52 into the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1, or causes the scraper 52 to retract from the curved portion R1a. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first separation device 50 with the scraper 52 inserted into the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1. (See image below.) Figure 9 As shown, the scraper 52 is positioned at its right end at the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2. The scraper insertion device 53 is located at the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 (see reference). Figure 1After passing through the bending section R1a and before the outer end 3e of the negative electrode 3 reaches the bending section R1a, the scraper 52 is inserted into the conveying path R1. By inserting the scraper 52 into the conveying path R1 at this time, the first diaphragm 2 can be wound onto the bending roller 51, and with the subsequent movement of the first diaphragm 2, the top end 52R of the scraper 52 enters between the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3. When the negative electrode 3 is peeled off from the first diaphragm 2 using the scraper 52, the negative electrode 3 located above the first diaphragm 2 crosses onto the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52. The first diaphragm 2 located below the negative electrode 3 is conveyed on the lower surface 52D side of the scraper 52.

[0193] like Figure 9 As shown, the scraper insertion device 53 includes a pair of guide rods 53a at the front and rear and an insertion cylinder 53b. By driving the insertion cylinder 53b, the scraper 52 approaches or moves away from the bending roller 51 along the guide rods 53a. In this embodiment, the scraper insertion device 53 supports the scraper 52 at an angle such that the top end 52R of the scraper 52 is located above the base end 52L. The scraper 52 is tilted upward to the right. The scraper insertion device 53 moves the scraper 52 obliquely upward to the right and approaches the bending roller 51. When the scraper insertion device 53 is driven toward the approaching side of the scraper 52, the scraper 52 abuts against the surface of the first diaphragm 2 wound on the bending roller 51 (abutting the bending roller 51 through the first diaphragm 2).

[0194] like Figure 3 As shown, the negative electrode recycling section 70 includes a guide plate 71 positioned below the scraper 52 and extending to the left of the scraper 52, and a negative electrode recycling box 72 positioned below the left end of the guide plate 71. The negative electrode is separated by the first separation device 50 and crosses onto the upper surface 52U of the scraper 52 (see reference). Figure 9 The negative electrode 3 is conveyed onto the guide plate 71 by the first conveying unit 40 along with the first diaphragm 2. The guide plate 71 tilts downwards to the left. The negative electrode 3, after passing through the guide plate 71, is housed in... Figure 3 The negative electrode recycling box 72 is shown.

[0195] [Second Control Department]

[0196] Figure 4The second gripping portion 130 shown is configured similarly to the first gripping portion 30 that grips the first diaphragm sheet 2. The second gripping portion 130 includes a pair of second clamping members 131 and a second moving device 132. The pair of second clamping members 131 grip the second outer end portion 4e of the second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S). The pair of second clamping members 131 includes a front-side clamping member 131F and a rear-side clamping member 131Rr disposed at a position rearward of the front-side clamping member 131F. The front-side clamping member 131F grips the front side of the second outer end portion 4e. The rear-side clamping member 131Rr grips the rear side of the second outer end portion 4e. The second clamping members 131 are disposed between two second mounting portions 21c arranged in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the number of second clamping members 131 is not particularly limited.

[0197] The second moving device 132 causes a pair of second clamping members 131 to move along the predetermined conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 (see reference). Figure 3 The meaning of "along the conveying path R2" is the same as the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 (refer to...). Figure 3 The same applies to the case of the second moving device 132. The second moving device 132 includes: a support portion 132a of a rotating device 132a1 that rotates a pair of second clamping members 131; a vertical guide member 132b that supports the support portion 132a and is movable in the vertical direction; and a horizontal guide member 132c that supports the vertical guide member 132b and is movable in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 3 ), and a vertical movement motor 132d that moves the support 132a along the vertical guide 132b (see reference). Figure 3 ), and a left-right moving motor 132e that moves the up-down guide 132b along the left-right guide 132c (see reference). Figure 3 The rotating device 132a1 includes a rotating motor 132a2, which has a rotating shaft that rotates about an axis A2 that is offset from the base ends (in this case, the right ends) of the pair of second clamping members 131 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The rotation device 132a1 allows the orientation of the pair of second clamping members 131 to be changed. The second gripping part 130 pulls the second diaphragm 4 by gripping the second diaphragm 4 with the pair of second clamping members 131 and moving the pair of second clamping members 131 using the second moving device 132.

[0198] [Second Conveyor Section]

[0199] like Figure 3As shown, the second conveying section 140 for conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4 is configured similarly to the first conveying section 40 for conveying the first diaphragm sheet 2. The second conveying section 140 includes a pair of second clamping rollers 141 that clamp and rotate the second diaphragm sheet 4. Each pair of second clamping rollers 141 includes a drive roller 141L and a driven roller 141R positioned to the right of the drive roller 141L and opposite to it. The second conveying section 140 includes a conveying motor 142 (see reference 142) that rotates the drive roller 141L. Figure 14 The driven roller 141R moves in the left-right direction to approach or move away from the driving roller 141L. Above the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R, a bending roller 145 is provided to bend the conveying path R2 of the previously approximately horizontal second diaphragm sheet 4 in a approximately vertical direction and to make it face the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R.

[0200] The second conveying unit 140 drives the clamping cylinder 143 while the second diaphragm 4 is positioned between the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R, thereby clamping the second diaphragm 4 using the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R (see reference). Figure 14 When the drive conveyor motor 142 is driven, the drive roller 141L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 141R, conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4 downwards together with the driven roller 141R. A second diaphragm recovery section 160 is provided below the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. In this embodiment, the conveyor motor 142 of the second conveyor section 140 is configured to switch between constant torque control and constant speed control. The switching between constant torque control and constant speed control is performed by the control device 100.

[0201] [Second Separation Device]

[0202] The second separation device 150 separates the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode 5 at a position upstream of the second conveying section 140 in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150. Furthermore, Figure 10 This diagram shows the state of the second diaphragm 4 being wound up in the second separation device 150. (See diagram for example.) Figure 10 As shown, the second separation device 150 includes an upstream roller 151, a downstream roller 152, a stripping roller 153, and a roller lowering device 154.

[0203] An upstream roller 151 is disposed in the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm sheet 4 and is wound with the second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S). The upstream roller 151 extends in the front-to-back direction. The upstream roller 151 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the upstream roller 151 is disposed to the right and above the rotating box 22 of the electrode housing 20. The second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) is wound onto the upstream roller 151 from above via the second holding part 130. The second diaphragm sheet 4 (positive electrode laminate 5S) is transported obliquely upward to the right from the electrode housing 20 to the upstream roller 151.

[0204] The downstream roller 152 is positioned downstream of the upstream roller 151 in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4, and the second diaphragm 4 is wound onto it. Here, the downstream roller 152 is positioned to the right and above the upstream roller 151. The downstream roller 152 extends in the front-to-back direction. The downstream roller 152 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction. The second diaphragm 4 is wound onto the upstream roller 151 from above via the second gripping part 130. The downstream roller 152 is positioned at approximately the same height as the bending roller 145 of the second conveying part 140. Between the downstream roller 152 and the bending roller 145, the second diaphragm 4 is conveyed approximately horizontally.

[0205] A stripping roller 153 is positioned in the left-right direction between the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. The stripping roller 153 is a roller disposed along the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 and bends the conveying path R2 to separate the second diaphragm 4 from the positive electrode sheet 5. The stripping roller 153 extends in the front-back direction. The stripping roller 153 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the front-back direction.

[0206] The roller lowering device 154 is configured to lower the peeling roller 153 to a position below the line L1 connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. Here, the roller lowering device 154 moves the peeling roller 153 downwards to collide with the second diaphragm 4. Alternatively, the roller lowering device 154 is configured to raise the peeling roller 153 to a position above the line L1 connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152. Figure 3 As shown, the roller lowering device 154 includes a cylinder 154a that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. However, the structure of the roller lowering device 154 is not limited to this. For example, the roller lowering device 154 may also include a motor for raising and lowering the stripping roller 153.

[0207] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150 after the stripping roller 153 has descended. Figure 11As shown, when the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound on the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152, the drive roller lowering device 154 lowers the stripping roller 153 to a position below line L1, and the stripping roller 153 bends the conveying path R2 into a V-shape. By bending the conveying path R2 into a V-shape, the positive electrode 5 separates from the second diaphragm 4. A positive electrode recovery section 170 for recovering the positive electrode 5 is provided below the stripping roller 153. The angle at which the conveying path R2 is bent by the stripping roller 153 is not particularly limited.

[0208] Furthermore, the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152 can also be arranged in a direction other than left-right, such as up-down. The direction of movement of the stripping roller 153 is not particularly limited as long as it intersects the line connecting the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152.

[0209] [Cutting device]

[0210] Cutting device 90 cuts the innermost circumference NR (refer to...) Figure 2 The cutting device 90 includes a cutter 91 (see also...). Figure 8 The device comprises a cutter holding part 92 and a cutter lifting device 93. The cutter 91 is a component that cuts the innermost peripheral portion NR. In this embodiment, the cutter 91 is a nickel-chromium alloy wire extending in the front-rear direction and is configured to be heated. The cutter 91 is heated by energizing it. The cutter holding part 92 is a part that holds the front end and the rear end of the cutter 91. The cutter holding part 92 is mounted on the cutter lifting device 93. The cutter lifting device 93 is a device that raises and lowers the cutter 91. The cutter 91 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the innermost peripheral portion NR via the cutter lifting device 93. "The cutter 91 contacts the innermost peripheral portion NR" means that the cutter 91 contacts the innermost peripheral portion NR when the electrode body 1 is unwound and the innermost peripheral portion NR is exposed (see also [reference]). Figure 16 (Details will be described later.) In this embodiment, the cutter lifting device 93 includes a cylinder 93a that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. When the cutter 91 and the cutter holding part 92 descend via the cutter lifting device 93, the heated cutter 91 contacts the innermost circumferential part NR. At this time, the innermost circumferential part NR is heated and cut off.

[0211] [Control Device]

[0212] Figure 3 The control device 100 shown includes the cylinder 23b of the clamp lowering device 23 and the cylinder 24b of the electrode support device 24 (see reference). Figure 6 ), a pair of first clamping members 31 of the first gripping part 30, and a rotating motor 32a2 (see reference) Figure 4), vertical moving motor 32d and horizontal moving motor 32e, conveying motor 42 of the first conveying unit 40 and clamping cylinder 43 (see reference) Figure 8 ), the insertion cylinder 53b of the scraper insertion device 53 (refer to Figure 8 ), a pair of second clamping members 131 of the second gripping part 130, and a rotating motor 132a2 (see reference) Figure 4 ), vertical moving motor 132d and horizontal moving motor 132e, conveying motor 142 and clamping cylinder 143 of the second conveying section 140, cylinder 154a of the roller lowering device 154, cylinder 82a of the scraper lifting device 82, and cutter lifting device 93 (see reference) Figure 8 The control device 100 connects and controls the operation of each part. During the process of disassembling the electrode body 1, the control device 100 controls each part to perform the operations described later.

[0213] The structure of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 100 may include a microcomputer. The microcomputer may include, for example, an interface (I / F) for receiving data from external devices, a central processing unit (CPU) for executing program commands, a ROM (read-only memory) storing the program executed by the CPU, RAM (random access memory) serving as the working area for program expansion, and a memory storing the aforementioned program and various data. The control device 100 may also include, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0214] [Electrode disassembly process]

[0215] Hereinafter, an example of the process for decomposing the electrode body 1 using the electrode body decomposition apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of decomposing electrode body 1.

[0216] [Separation of negative and positive electrodes]

[0217] Figure 12 The preparation step S10 shown is the process of preparing the electrode body 1 and the holding fixture 21. The electrode body 1 is formed by stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm 2, a strip-shaped second diaphragm 4, a strip-shaped negative electrode 3 whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4, and a strip-shaped positive electrode 5 whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the negative electrode 3, and winding them in a specified winding direction. The separation preparation step S20 is the process of separating the electrode body 1 into the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3, and the second diaphragm 4 and the positive electrode 5. Figure 12As shown, the separation preparation process S20 includes an electrode body receiving process S21, a holding process S22, and a scraper descent process S23.

[0218] Electrode housing process S21 is the process of housing the electrode body 1 in the holding fixture 21. In electrode housing process S21, the adhesive tape 8 (refer to...) attached to the electrode body 1 is... Figure 2 Peel off the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 and bend it to the left, and bend the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4 to the right. Then, place the two ends (here, the front end and the rear end) of the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 on the first mounting portion 21b of the retaining clamp 21, and place the two ends (here, the front end and the rear end) of the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4 in the width direction on the second mounting portion 21c of the retaining clamp 21 (see reference). Figure 4 The electrode housing process S21 can also be performed manually. However, the electrode housing process S21 can also be performed by an automatic or semi-automatic device.

[0219] The holding process S22 involves using a pair of first clamping members 31 of the first holding part 30 to hold the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 and using a pair of second clamping members 131 of the second holding part 130 to hold the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4 (see reference). Figure 4 The process of ( ).

[0220] The scraper lowering process S23 is the process of positioning the central scraper 81 of the guide negative electrode 3 between the first outer end 2e and the second outer end 4e. In the scraper lowering process S23, the central scraper 81 is lowered by the scraper lifting device 82 and inserted between the negative electrode laminate 3S and the positive electrode laminate 5S (see reference). Figure 4 When the central scraper 81 descends, it is positioned between the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 and the second outer end 4e of the second diaphragm 4. Furthermore, the scraper descent process S23 can be performed before the pulling process S31, or it can be performed during... Figure 12 Execute before the indicated timing.

[0221] Separation step S30 is the following step: pulling the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4, and at the innermost circumference NR (refer to...) Figure 2 In a fixed state, the electrode body 1 is disassembled by separating the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 from the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. The separation process S30 includes a pulling process S31, a central scraper lifting process S32, an electrode body removal process S33, a negative electrode separation process S34, a first diaphragm clamping process S35, a first diaphragm conveying process S36, a positive electrode separation process S134, a second diaphragm clamping process S135, and a second diaphragm conveying process S136.

[0222] The pulling process S31 is as follows (refer to...) Figure 7 The first diaphragm 2, held by a pair of first clamping members 31, is pulled diagonally upwards and to the left using the first moving device 32, and the second diaphragm 4, held by a pair of second clamping members 131, is pulled diagonally upwards and to the right using the second moving device 132. Figure 7 As shown, when the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are pulled, a pair of first clamping members 31 rotate 45 degrees clockwise in the main view. At this time, the pair of first clamping members 31 are positioned with their top ends facing downwards to the right. Additionally, when the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are pulled, a pair of second clamping members 131 rotate 45 degrees counterclockwise. At this time, the pair of second clamping members 131 are positioned with their top ends facing downwards to the left. When the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are pulled, the outer end 3e of the negative electrode 3 protrudes between the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4.

[0223] Figure 12 The central scraper lifting process S32 shown is a process that moves the central scraper 81 to a position where it does not contact the electrode body 1 after the pulling process S31. In the central scraper lifting process S32, the central scraper 81 is raised to a position above the rotating box 22 using the scraper lifting device 82.

[0224] Electrode removal step S33 is the process of removing the electrode 1 housed in the holding clamp 21. In electrode removal step S33, the cylinder 23b of the clamp lowering device 23 (see reference...) Figure 3 ) contraction, positioning component 23a (refer to Figure 4 Move downwards. Keep clamp 21 from its receiving position P1 (see reference). Figure 4 ) Descend to separation position P2 (refer to Figure 8 Thus, the clamp 21 is held to descend through the through hole 22h of the rotating box 22 in the vertical direction. At this time, the electrode body 1 is placed on the bottom surface 22D of the rotating box 22. At this time, the electrode body 1 is removed from the holding part 21a (see reference). Figure 7 After the retaining part 21a moves to the separation position P2, the support member 24a located below the rotating box 22 moves diagonally upward and to the right via the cylinder 24b. Thus, the support member 24a is positioned inside the through hole 22h of the rotating box 22, and the upper surface of the support member 24a is approximately flush with the bottom surface 22D (see reference). Figure 7 Therefore, electrode 1 can rotate freely.

[0225] [Recycling of the first diaphragm and negative electrode plate]

[0226] The negative electrode separation process S34 is as follows (see also...) Figure 8The negative electrode stack 3S is wound onto the bending roller 51, causing the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 to bend. A plate-shaped scraper 52 is inserted into the bent portion R1a of the conveying path R1, separating the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 towards the lower surface 52D and upper surface 52U of the scraper 52. The negative electrode separation process S34 includes a winding process S34a, a scraper insertion process S34b, and a clamping member re-movement process S34c.

[0227] The winding process S34a is as follows (refer to...) Figure 8 The pair of first clamping members 31 are moved to the upper and left side of the bending roller 51, and then from there to the lower and left side of the bending roller 51, so as to wind the first diaphragm 2 onto the bending roller 51. When the first diaphragm 2 is wound onto the bending roller 51, the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31 stops. At this time, the negative electrode 3 is located upstream of the bending roller 51 along the conveying path R1.

[0228] The scraper insertion process S34b is as follows (refer to...) Figure 9 After the first outer end 2e of the first diaphragm 2 passes through the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1 and before the outer end 3e of the negative electrode 3 reaches the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1, the scraper 52 is moved to the right and inserted into the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1.

[0229] The clamping member repositioning step S34c is a step in which a pair of first clamping members 31 are moved downwards. As a result, the negative electrode 3 moves to the location of the top end 52R of the scraper 52. As the first diaphragm 2 is conveyed downstream of the conveying path R1, the negative electrode 3 is sequentially peeled off from the first diaphragm 2 by the scraper 52. This process continues even after the device for conveying the first diaphragm 2 is changed to the first conveying unit 40. Through the clamping member repositioning step S34c, the top end 52R of the scraper 52 is inserted between the first diaphragm 2 and the raised negative electrode 3.

[0230] The first diaphragm clamping step S35 is a step in which the first diaphragm sheet 2 is clamped using the first clamping roller 41. A pair of first clamping members 31 move between the pair of first clamping rollers 41 to a position lower than the pair of first clamping rollers 41. When the first diaphragm sheet 2 is guided between the pair of first clamping rollers 41, the driven roller 41R moves to the left, and the first diaphragm sheet 2 is clamped using the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. When the first diaphragm sheet 2 is clamped, the gripping of the first clamping members 31 is released.

[0231] The first diaphragm conveying process S36 is the process of rotating the drive roller 41L to convey and draw out the first diaphragm sheet 2. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first conveying section 40 and the first separating device 50 during the process of conveying the first diaphragm sheet 2. (See diagram below.) Figure 13As shown, by using the first conveying section 40 to convey the first diaphragm sheet 2, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3 are unwound from the electrode body 1, and the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3 are separated and recovered. Furthermore, the first diaphragm conveying process S36 is performed at the innermost circumference NR (refer to...). Figure 2 The process is carried out in a fixed state until the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 extend straight between the bending roller 51 and the upstream roller 151. Here, the first diaphragm conveying process S36 is performed together with the second diaphragm conveying process S136, which will be described later. Figure 15 This is a front view of the vicinity of the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 during the execution of the first diaphragm conveying step S36 and the second diaphragm conveying step S136. When the first diaphragm conveying step S36 is executed, as... Figure 15 As shown, the portion of the first diaphragm 2 that is to the right of the bending roller 51 extends diagonally downwards to the right. At this time, the innermost circumference NR is located approximately midway between the bending roller 51 and the upstream roller 151 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, in the first diaphragm conveying process S36, the conveying motor 42 of the first conveying unit 40 is controlled by constant speed control.

[0232] In addition, although Figure 12 Not shown in the diagram, but during the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31, the posture of the pair of first clamping members 31 is changed in a timely manner by the rotating device 32a1. Specifically, in the holding process S22, the pair of first clamping members 31 are positioned with their top ends facing to the right (see reference). Figure 4 As described above, in the pulling process S31, the first clamping member 31 rotates with its top end facing downwards and to the right. In the negative electrode separation process S34, the pair of first clamping members 31 rotate counterclockwise in the main view, so that their top ends face upwards (see reference). Figure 7 Thus, the first diaphragm 2 can be smoothly pulled to the first conveying section 40 and transported. However, the posture of the pair of first clamping members 31 is not limited to the posture described above. Unless a particular problem arises, the pair of first clamping members 31 may be supported on the support section 32a in a swinging manner, or they may be fixed to the support section 32a in a non-swinging manner.

[0233] [Recycling of the second diaphragm and positive electrode plate]

[0234] In this embodiment, the second diaphragm 4 and the positive electrode 5 are separated and recovered in parallel with the separation and recovery of the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3.

[0235] The positive electrode separation process S134 is as follows: the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound onto the stripping roller 153, causing the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm sheet 4 to bend and separate the second diaphragm sheet 4 from the positive electrode sheet 5. The positive electrode separation process S134 includes a clamping member moving process S134a, a roller lowering process S134b, and a clamping member re-moving process S134c.

[0236] The clamping member moving step S134a is the step of moving a pair of second clamping members 131. In the clamping member moving step S134a, the pair of second clamping members 131 are first moved to the right of the downstream roller 152 (downstream of the conveying path R2), and the second diaphragm 4 is guided to a position above the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152 and below the peeling roller 153 (see reference). Figure 10 Then, the pair of second clamping members 131 are moved back a predetermined distance to the left (upstream side of the conveying path R2). As a result, the positive electrode laminate 5S relaxes and crosses onto the upstream roller 151 and downstream roller 152 without tension.

[0237] The roll lowering process S134b is a process in which the stripping roll 153 is lowered to a position below the upstream roll 151 and the downstream roll 152. As a result, the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound onto the stripping roll 153. Figure 11 As shown, the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 is bent into a V-shape by the stripping roller 153. The positive electrode 5 is separated from the second diaphragm 4 by the bending of the conveying path R2.

[0238] The clamping member repositioning process S134c is a process in which the pair of second clamping members 131 are moved to the right again. As the pair of second clamping members 131 move, the positive electrode sheet 5 is peeled off sequentially at the curved portion R2a of the conveying path R2. The same process is repeated after the device for conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4 is changed to the second conveying section 140.

[0239] The second diaphragm clamping process S135 is a process in which the second diaphragm sheet 4 is clamped using the second clamping roller 141. A pair of second clamping members 131 move between the pair of second clamping rollers 141 to a position lower than the pair of second clamping rollers 141. When the second diaphragm sheet 4 is introduced between the pair of second clamping rollers 141, the driven roller 141R moves to the left, and the second diaphragm sheet 4 is clamped using the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. When the second diaphragm sheet 4 is clamped, the gripping of the second clamping members 131 is released.

[0240] The second diaphragm conveying process S136 is a process in which the drive roller 141L is rotated to convey and draw out the second diaphragm sheet 4. Figure 14This is a front view of the second conveying section 140 and the second separating device 150 during the process of conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4. By conveying the second diaphragm sheet 4 using the second conveying section 140, the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the positive electrode sheet 5 are unwound from the electrode body 1, and the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the positive electrode sheet 5 are separated and recovered. Furthermore, the second diaphragm conveying step S136 is performed until the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 extend straight between the bending roller 51 and the upstream roller 151. Here, the second diaphragm conveying step S136 is performed together with the first diaphragm conveying step S36. When the second diaphragm conveying step S136 is performed, as... Figure 15 As shown, the portion of the second diaphragm 4 that is to the left of the upstream roller 151 extends diagonally upward to the left. At this time, the innermost circumference NR is located approximately midway between the curved roller 51 and the upstream roller 151 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, in the second diaphragm conveying process S136, the conveying motor 142 of the second conveying unit 140 is controlled by constant torque control.

[0241] As described above, in the first diaphragm conveying process S36, the first conveying unit 40 is set to constant speed control, and in the second diaphragm conveying process S136, the second conveying unit 140 is set to constant torque control. Therefore, when the torque of the first conveying unit 40 pulling the electrode body 1 exceeds a predetermined torque, the conveying motor 142 of the second conveying unit 140 stops or rotates in the reverse direction. As a result, the unwinding speed of the electrode body 1 becomes the speed at which the first conveying unit 40 unwinds the negative electrode laminate 3S from the electrode body 1. The speed at which the second conveying unit 140 unwinds the positive electrode laminate 5S from the electrode body 1 is synchronized with the speed at which the first conveying unit 40 unwinds the negative electrode laminate 3S from the electrode body 1. On the other hand, the tension applied to the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 is controlled to the tension set by the conveying motor 142 of the second conveying unit 140. Through this control, the unwinding of the negative electrode laminate 3S is synchronized with the unwinding of the positive electrode laminate 5S, and the tension applied to the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 is controlled to the set tension.

[0242] Although Figure 12 Not shown, but similarly to the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31, the posture of the pair of second clamping members 131 is changed in a timely manner by the rotating device 132a1 during the movement of the pair of second clamping members 131. Specifically, in the holding process S22, the pair of second clamping members 131 are positioned with their top ends facing left (see reference). Figure 4 As described above, in the pulling process S31, the pair of second clamping members 131 rotate with their top ends facing downwards to the left. In the positive electrode separation process S134, the pair of second clamping members 131 rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise in the main view, so that their top ends face downwards (see reference). Figure 10In the positive electrode separation process S134, a pair of second clamping members 131 rotate 180 degrees clockwise in the main view, so that the top part faces upward.

[0243] The first peeling step S40 is a step after the separation step S30 in which the first separator 2 and the second separator 4 are wound up and the positive electrode 5 is peeled off. In the first peeling step S40, after the separation step S30, with the innermost circumference NR fixed, the first separator 2 and the second separator 4 are wound up on one side (here, the right side) along their length direction while the positive electrode 5 is peeled off. In the first peeling step S40, the conveyor motor 42 of the first conveying unit 40 is controlled to constant torque, and the conveyor motor 142 of the second conveying unit 140 is controlled to constant speed. Figure 15 As shown, with the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 extending in the left-right direction, the drive roller 141L rotates, and the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are conveyed to the right. At this time, the positive electrode sheet 5 remaining on the positive electrode laminate 5S is gradually peeled off and recycled to the positive electrode sheet recycling section 170. In the first peeling process S40, the conveying of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 is performed before all the positive electrode sheets 5 are recycled to the positive electrode sheet recycling section 170.

[0244] The cutting process S50 is the process of cutting the innermost circumference NR after the positive electrode sheet 5 is peeled off in the first peeling process S40. In the cutting process S50, the cutter 91 is lowered by the cutter lifting device 93. Figure 16 It is the cutter 91 (see reference) Figure 8 A front view of the perimeter of the cutting device 90 during descent. Figure 16 The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are illustrated with double-dotted lines before the cutter 91 descends, i.e., before cutting the innermost circumference NR. Because the cutter 91 is energized and heats up, the innermost circumference NR is heated and melts when the cutter 91 descends and contacts it. Furthermore, in... Figure 16 The diagram illustrates a state where the innermost circumferential portion NR is cut off, resulting in a first diaphragm piece 2 and a second diaphragm piece 4. However, depending on the location of the cut in the innermost circumferential portion NR, for example, a portion of the second diaphragm piece 4 may be attached near the first inner end 2f of the first diaphragm piece 2, separating from the other portions of the second diaphragm piece 4. When the innermost circumferential portion NR is cut off, the cutter is raised by the cutter lifting device 93.

[0245] Second stripping process S60 (refer to) Figure 12The second peeling process (S60) involves winding up the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4, which were cut in the cutting process (S50), and peeling off the negative electrode sheet 3. The second peeling process (S60) is performed after the first peeling process (S40). In the second peeling process (S60), the drive rollers 41L and 141L rotate. Due to the rotation of the drive roller 41L, the first diaphragm sheet 2 is conveyed to the left. At this time, the negative electrode sheet 3 remaining on the negative electrode laminate 3S is gradually peeled off and recycled to the negative electrode sheet recycling box 72. Additionally, the conveyed first diaphragm sheet 2 is conveyed to the first diaphragm recycling section 60 and recycled. On the other hand, due to the rotation of the drive roller 141L, the second diaphragm sheet 4 is conveyed to the right. The conveyed second diaphragm sheet 4 is conveyed to the second diaphragm recycling section 160 and recycled.

[0246] As described above, according to the electrode body decomposition method of this embodiment, in the separation step S30, the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are separated from the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm 2 and the innermost circumference of the second diaphragm 4 are fixed. Therefore, compared with the case of recovering electrode materials by, for example, cutting and separating the electrode body 1, the recovery rate of electrode materials can be improved.

[0247] According to the electrode body disassembly method of this embodiment, the second stripping step S60 is performed after the first stripping step S40. Here, the length of the negative electrode 3 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the positive electrode 5 in the longitudinal direction (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, compared to the case where the second stripping step S60 is performed before the first stripping step S40, and the negative electrode 3 is recovered before the positive electrode 5, the amount of electrode body 1 being transported can be reduced. Therefore, the efficiency of the recovery time for both the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 can be improved.

[0248] According to the electrode body disassembly method of this embodiment, after the positive electrode sheet 5 is peeled off by the first peeling step S40, the innermost peripheral portion NR is cut off by the cutting step S50. Therefore, the cut first diaphragm sheet 2 and second diaphragm sheet 4 can be recovered using the first conveying section 40 and the second conveying section 140. Thus, compared to the case where the innermost peripheral portion NR is not cut off and only the first conveying section 40 and the second conveying section 140 are used to recover the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4, the efficiency of the recovery time for the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 can be improved.

[0249] According to the electrode body disassembly method of this embodiment, the cutting step S50 uses a heated cutter 91 to melt and cut the innermost peripheral portion NR. Here, when cutting the innermost peripheral portion NR without heating (e.g., using a cutter with a blade), it is necessary to keep the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 in a non-flexible, taut state. For example, tension is generated by pulling the first diaphragm 2 to the left using the drive roller 41L and pulling the second diaphragm 4 to the right using the drive roller 141L, thereby keeping the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 in a taut state. However, according to this embodiment, since the innermost peripheral portion NR is melted, compared to the case of cutting without heating, the innermost peripheral portion NR can be cut even with less tension generated by the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, the innermost peripheral portion NR can be cut more easily.

[0250] [Second Implementation]

[0251] Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the innermost circumference NR is cut off by the cutting device 90, but in the second embodiment, the innermost circumference NR is not cut off. Therefore, the cutting device 90 is not used in the second embodiment.

[0252] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of disassembling electrode body 1 in the second embodiment. Figure 17 The processes S10, S20, S30, and S40 in the first embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 12 The processes S10, S20, S30, and S40 in the first embodiment are the same, so their descriptions are omitted. The disassembly process of the electrode body 1 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment, and does not include the cutting process S50 (see reference). Figure 11 Therefore, in the second embodiment, the negative electrode 3 is peeled off while the innermost circumferential portion NR is fixed.

[0253] The second peeling process S260 is a process in which the negative electrode sheet 3 is peeled off while the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are wound up. The second peeling process S260 differs from the second peeling process S60 of the first embodiment in that it is performed with the innermost circumference NR not cut off. In the second peeling process S260, the negative electrode sheet 3 is peeled off while the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are wound up on the opposite side (in this case, the left side) along their length. In the second peeling process S260, the first conveying section 40 is set to constant speed control, and the second conveying section 140 is set to constant torque control. The first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are extended in the left-right direction (see reference...). Figure 15Under the influence of the rotating drive roller 41L, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are conveyed to the left. At this time, the negative electrode sheet 3 remaining on the negative electrode laminate 3S is gradually peeled off and recycled into the negative electrode sheet recycling box 72. In the second peeling process S260, before all the negative electrode sheets 3 are recycled into the negative electrode sheet recycling box 72, the conveying of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 is performed.

[0254] Figure 17 The third diaphragm conveying process S270 shown is as follows: After the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are peeled off through the first peeling process S40 and the second peeling process S260, with the innermost circumferential portion NR of the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 fixed, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are wound to the left to recover the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4. In this embodiment, since there is no cutting device 90 to cut the innermost circumferential portion NR (see cutting process S50 in the first embodiment (refer to...)). Figure 12 Therefore, during the second peeling process S260, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 remain in a fixed innermost circumference NR state. In this state, the first conveying unit 40 is set to constant speed control, and the second conveying unit 140 is set to constant torque control. As described above, in the second peeling process S260, the first conveying unit 40 is also set to constant speed control, and the second conveying unit 140 is also set to constant torque control. Therefore, between the second peeling process S260 and the third diaphragm conveying process S270, the conveying motors 42 of the first conveying unit 40 and 142 of the second conveying unit 140 are not stopped, and the second peeling process S260 and the third diaphragm conveying process S270 are performed continuously. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are conveyed to the left side. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are conveyed to the first diaphragm recovery unit 60 and recovered while the innermost circumference NR is fixed.

[0255] According to the electrode body disassembly method of this embodiment, in the third diaphragm conveying step S270, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are conveyed with the innermost circumference NR fixed. Therefore, when the electrode body 1 is disassembled, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are recycled in a connected state. Here, when reusing the electrode body 1, if the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are recycled in a connected state, it is easier to clean the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 compared to the case where the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are recycled separately. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the electrode body 1 can be reused more appropriately.

[0256] According to the electrode body decomposition method of this embodiment, in the third diaphragm conveying step S270, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are conveyed to the left. Therefore, after conveying the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 to the right in the first peeling step S40 and conveying them to the left in the second peeling step S60, the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are further conveyed to the left in the third diaphragm conveying step S270. Since the conveying direction in the second peeling step S60 is the same as the conveying direction in the third diaphragm conveying step S270, the time required to convey the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 is shortened compared to the case where the first diaphragm sheet 2 and the second diaphragm sheet 4 are conveyed to the right after the second peeling step S60. As a result, the efficiency of the decomposition time of the electrode body 1 can be improved.

[0257] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0258] The above describes various embodiments of the electrode body decomposition apparatus and method presented herein. However, the above embodiments are merely examples, and can be implemented in other ways.

[0259] In the above embodiment, the transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 separate from the electrode housing portion 20 from the left and right, but the transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 are not particularly limited. The transport path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 and the transport path R2 of the second diaphragm 4 immediately separate in opposite directions after branching, but for example, they can also be bent downstream of the branch in such a way that the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 are retrieved on the same side.

[0260] The structure of the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 is not particularly limited. For example, the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 can also move the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 131 along a guide rail laid on a predetermined track. For example, the first moving device 32 and the second moving device 132 can also be a multi-axis robot.

[0261] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not limited to the present invention except where specifically mentioned. Additionally, the technology disclosed herein is capable of various modifications. Various components and processes mentioned herein may be appropriately omitted or combined as long as no particular problems arise. This specification includes the disclosures described in the following items.

[0262] Item 1:

[0263] An electrode body disassembly method includes: a step of preparing an electrode body, wherein the electrode body is formed by stacking and winding a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and a strip-shaped positive electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the negative electrode in a predetermined winding direction; a step of disassembling the electrode body by pulling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and fixing the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm at their innermost periphery, in a manner that separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode from the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; and a step of recovering the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.

[0264] Item 2:

[0265] According to the electrode body disassembly method of claim 1, the electrode body disassembly method further includes: after the disassembly step, a step of winding up the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and peeling off the positive electrode; and after peeling off the positive electrode, a step of winding up the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and peeling off the negative electrode.

[0266] Item 3:

[0267] According to the electrode body disassembly method of item 2, in the step of peeling off the positive electrode, after the disassembly step, while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is fixed, the positive electrode is peeled off while the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on one side of the length direction. The electrode body disassembly method further includes a step of cutting off the innermost circumference after peeling off the positive electrode. In the step of peeling off the negative electrode, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm cut in the cutting step are wound up respectively, and the negative electrode is peeled off.

[0268] Item 4:

[0269] According to the electrode body decomposition method of item 3, the innermost periphery of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm is heated and cut during the cutting process.

[0270] Item 5:

[0271] According to the electrode body disassembly method described in item 2, in the step of peeling off the positive electrode, the positive electrode is peeled off while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is fixed, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on one side of the length direction. In the step of peeling off the negative electrode, the negative electrode is peeled off while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is fixed, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on one side or the other side of the length direction. In the step of recovering the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, after the positive electrode and the negative electrode are peeled off, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are recovered by winding up on one side or the other side of the length direction while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is fixed.

[0272] Item 6:

[0273] According to the electrode body disassembly method of item 5, in the step of recovering the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are recovered while being wound up on the other side of the length direction.

Claims

1. A method for disassembling an electrode body, wherein, The electrode body decomposition method includes: The process of preparing an electrode body involves stacking a strip-shaped first diaphragm, a strip-shaped second diaphragm, a strip-shaped negative electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the first and second diaphragms, and a strip-shaped positive electrode whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than that of the negative electrode, and then winding them in a specified winding direction. The process of disassembling the electrode body by pulling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and fixing them at their innermost circumferences, thereby separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode from the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; and The process of recycling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.

2. The electrode body decomposition method according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode body disassembly method further includes: after the disassembly step, a step of winding up the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and peeling off the positive electrode; and after peeling off the positive electrode, a step of winding up the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and peeling off the negative electrode.

3. The electrode body decomposition method according to claim 2, wherein, In the process of peeling off the positive electrode, after the disassembly process, while the innermost circumferences of the first and second diaphragms are fixed, the positive electrode is peeled off while the first and second diaphragms are wound up along one side of the length direction. The electrode body disassembly method further includes the step of cutting off the innermost circumference after stripping the positive electrode. In the process of stripping the negative electrode, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm cut in the cutting process are wound up respectively, and the negative electrode is stripped.

4. The electrode body decomposition method according to claim 3, wherein, In the cutting process, the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is heated and cut.

5. The electrode body decomposition method according to claim 2, wherein, In the process of peeling off the positive electrode, the positive electrode is peeled off while the innermost circumferences of the first and second separators are fixed, by winding the first and second separators along one side of the length direction. In the process of peeling off the negative electrode, while the innermost circumferences of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are fixed, the negative electrode is peeled off while the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on the other side of the length direction. In the process of recycling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, after the positive electrode and the negative electrode are peeled off, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on one side or the other side of the length direction to recycle the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm while the innermost circumference of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is fixed.

6. The electrode body decomposition method according to claim 5, wherein, In the process of recycling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are wound up on the other side of the length direction while recycling the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm.

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