Sheet member conveying device, electrode body disassembling device, and sheet member conveying method

Abstract

The present application relates to a sheet member conveying device, an electrode body disintegrating device, and a sheet member conveying method that improve the time efficiency of recycling of a sheet member. An electrode body disintegrating device (10) is provided with a pair of first holding rollers (41) that hold a first separator sheet (2) in a band shape and a conveying motor (42) that rotates the first holding rollers (41) to convey the first separator sheet (2). The first holding rollers (41) are provided with a wire (47). The wire (47) extends in a direction that is in a tangential direction of the first holding rollers (41) and on a downstream side of a conveying direction of the first separator sheet (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sheet component conveying device, an electrode body disassembly device, and a sheet component conveying method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136 discloses a method for reusing lithium-ion secondary batteries to recover rare resources such as nickel from used lithium-ion secondary batteries. In this method, a battery with positive and negative electrodes wound together with a separator is separated into positive, negative, and separator electrodes using a wound electrode assembly, and then wound separately by rollers or the like. This allows for the recovery of the positive and negative electrodes, which utilize rare resources.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-165136 Summary of the Invention Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In addition, the inventors of this application considered to want to improve the time efficiency of recycling sheet components.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The sheet component conveying device proposed herein includes: a pair of clamping rollers that clamp a strip-shaped sheet component; and a driving device that rotates the clamping rollers to convey the sheet component. The clamping rollers include guide members extending in the tangential direction of the clamping rollers and downstream of the conveying direction of the sheet component.

[0011] The sheet component conveying device described above can improve the time efficiency of sheet component recycling. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of an energy storage device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of electrode body 1 according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrode body decomposition device 10.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrode housing 20.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top view of the electrode housing 20.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the electrode housing 20.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the electrode housing 20 when the cylinder 24b is extended.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the first separation device 50.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first conveying unit 40.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the first clamping roller 41 and the pulley 44.

[0022] Figure 11 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.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a front view of the first conveying section 40 when the first diaphragm 2 is held by the first clamping roller 41.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150 after the stripping roller 153 has been lowered.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of decomposing electrode body 1.

[0027] Figure 16 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.

[0028] Figure 17 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.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1: Electrode body

[0031] 2: First diaphragm

[0032] 2e: First outer end

[0033] 3: Negative electrode sheet

[0034] 3S: Negative electrode laminate

[0035] 3a: Negative electrode current collector foil

[0036] 3b: Negative electrode active material layer

[0037] 3e: outer end

[0038] 4: Second diaphragm

[0039] 4e: Second outer end

[0040] 5: Positive electrode plate

[0041] 5S: Positive electrode laminate

[0042] 5a: Positive electrode current collector foil

[0043] 5b: Positive electrode active material layer

[0044] 10: Electrode body decomposition device

[0045] 20: Electrode housing section

[0046] 21: Hold the clamp

[0047] 21L1: First left side

[0048] 21L2: Second left side

[0049] 21R: Right side

[0050] 21a: Retention section

[0051] 21aa: Peripheral part

[0052] 21b: First mounting section

[0053] 21c: Second mounting section

[0054] 22: Rotating Box

[0055] 22D: Bottom surface

[0056] 22h: Through hole

[0057] 23: Clamp lowering device

[0058] 23a: Positioning component

[0059] 23b: Cylinder

[0060] 24: Electrode support device

[0061] 24a: Supporting component

[0062] 24b: Cylinder

[0063] 30: First Control Department

[0064] 31: First clamping element

[0065] 31F: Front side clamping component

[0066] 31Rr: Rear side clamping component

[0067] 32: First moving device

[0068] 32a: Support portion

[0069] 32a1: Rotating device

[0070] 32a2: Rotary motor

[0071] 32b: Vertical guide

[0072] 32c: Left and right directional guide

[0073] 32d: Vertical movement motor

[0074] 32e: Motor for left and right movement

[0075] 40: First Conveying Section

[0076] 41: First clamping roller

[0077] 41L: Drive roller

[0078] 41R: Driven roller

[0079] 41a, 41b: slots

[0080] 42: Conveyor motor

[0081] 43: Clamping cylinder

[0082] 44, 44L, 44R: Pulleys

[0083] 47: Wire

[0084] 48, 48L, 48R: Support section

[0085] 50: First separation device

[0086] 51: Bending Roller

[0087] 52: Scraper

[0088] 52D: Lower surface

[0089] 52L: Base end

[0090] 52R: Top part

[0091] 52U: Top surface

[0092] 53: Scraper insertion device

[0093] 53a: Guide rod

[0094] 53b: Insertion cylinder

[0095] 60: First diaphragm recovery unit

[0096] 70: Negative electrode recycling section

[0097] 71: Guide board

[0098] 72: Negative electrode recycling box

[0099] 80: Positive and negative electrode separation device

[0100] 81: Central scraper

[0101] 82: Scraper Lifting Device

[0102] 82a: Cylinder

[0103] 90: Electrostatic removal device

[0104] 100: Control device

[0105] 130: Second Control Department

[0106] 131: Second clamping element

[0107] 131F: Front Side Clamping Component

[0108] 131Rr: Rear side clamping component

[0109] 132: Second mobile device

[0110] 132a: Support section

[0111] 132a1: Rotating device

[0112] 132a2: Rotary motor

[0113] 132b: Vertical guide

[0114] 132c: Left and right directional guide

[0115] 132d: Vertical movement motor

[0116] 132e: Motor for moving left and right

[0117] 140: Second Conveyor Section

[0118] 141: Second clamping roller

[0119] 141L: Drive roller

[0120] 141R: Driven roller

[0121] 141a, 141b: slots

[0122] 142: Conveyor motor

[0123] 143: Clamping cylinder

[0124] 144: Pulley

[0125] 144L: Pulley

[0126] 144R: Pulley

[0127] 145: Bending Roller

[0128] 147: Wire

[0129] 148, 148L, 148R: Support section

[0130] 150: Second separation device

[0131] 151: Upstream Roller

[0132] 152: Downstream Roller

[0133] 153: Peeling Roller

[0134] 154: Roller lowering device

[0135] 154a: Cylinder

[0136] 160: Second diaphragm recovery unit

[0137] 170: Positive electrode recycling section

[0138] 200: Energy storage devices

[0139] 210: Shell

[0140] 212: Main body of the shell

[0141] 212h: Opening

[0142] 214: Sealing plate

[0143] 220: Positive extreme

[0144] 222: Positive current collector

[0145] 230: Negative extreme

[0146] 232: Negative electrode current collector

[0147] 240: Electrolyte

[0148] A1, A2: Axis

[0149] P1: Containment Location

[0150] P2: Separation position

[0151] R1: Conveying path

[0152] R1a: Bending section

[0153] R2: Conveying path

[0154] R2a: Bending section

[0155] S10: Preparation process

[0156] S20: Separation preparation process

[0157] S21: Electrode housing process

[0158] S22: Control process

[0159] S23: Scraper descent process

[0160] S30: Separation process

[0161] S31: Pulling process

[0162] S31a: Rolling-up process

[0163] S32: Central scraper lifting process

[0164] S33: Electrode removal process

[0165] S34: Negative electrode separation process

[0166] S34a: Roll-up process

[0167] S34b: Scraper insertion process

[0168] S34c: Clamping component repositioning process

[0169] S35: First diaphragm clamping process

[0170] S36: Electrostatic removal process

[0171] S37: First diaphragm conveying process

[0172] S134: Positive electrode separation process

[0173] S134a: Clamping component movement process

[0174] S134b: Roller lowering process

[0175] S134c: Clamping component relocation process

[0176] S135: Second diaphragm clamping process

[0177] S136: Second diaphragm conveying process

[0178] S137: Second diaphragm conveying process

[0179] W: winding shaft Detailed Implementation

[0180] The electrode body disassembly apparatus according to one embodiment will now be described. Furthermore, the embodiment described herein is 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.

[0181] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of an energy storage device 200 according to one embodiment. (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 200 includes a housing 210, a positive terminal 220, a negative terminal 230, an electrolyte 240, and an electrode body 1. The energy storage device 200 is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The energy storage device 200 is constructed by housing the electrode body 1 and the electrolyte 240 within the housing 210, which houses the positive terminal 220 and the negative terminal 230. Furthermore, in this specification, "energy storage device" refers to all devices capable of repeated charging and discharging, including secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, and capacitors such as lithium-ion capacitors and double-layer capacitors.

[0182] The housing 210 houses the electrode body 1 and the electrolyte 240. The housing 210 has a flat, bottomed cuboid shape (square). However, the shape of the housing 210 is not limited to this. The material of the housing 210 can be the same as conventionally used materials, without particular limitation. The housing 210 comprises a cylindrical housing body 212 with an opening 212h and a sealing plate 214 that blocks the opening 212h. The housing 210 is integrally formed by joining (e.g., welding) the sealing plate 214 to the periphery of the opening 212h of the housing body 212. The housing 210 is hermetically sealed (airtight). The sealing plate 214 is a plate-shaped member that seals the openings 212h. The sealing plate 214 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. A positive terminal 220 and a negative terminal 230 are provided on the sealing plate 214.

[0183] The positive terminal 220 is, for example, a terminal made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Inside the housing 210, the positive terminal 220 is connected via the positive current collector 222 to the positive electrode plate 5 of the electrode body 1 (see reference 1). Figure 2 Electrical connection. The negative terminal 230 is, for example, a terminal made of copper or a copper alloy. The negative terminal 230 is connected inside the housing 210 to the negative electrode plate 3 of the electrode body 1 (see reference 1) via the negative current collector 232. Figure 2 Electrical connection.

[0184] The electrolyte 240 is housed together with the electrode body 1 inside the casing 210. A portion of the electrolyte 240 is immersed in the electrode body 1. The electrolyte 240 is, for example, a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent (organic solvent) and a supporting salt (electrolyte salt, such as lithium salt or sodium salt). Examples of non-aqueous solvents include carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate. Examples of supporting salts include fluorinated lithium salts such as lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). The electrolyte 240 is typically liquid, but can also be gel-like.

[0185] [Structure of the electrode]

[0186] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the electrode body 1 according to one embodiment. The electrode body 1 is constructed from the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment (see reference 10). Figure 3 The object of decomposition. Electrode 1 is removed from the housing 210 of the energy storage device 200 (refer to...). Figure 1 Various methods for removing the electrode 1 from the energy storage device 200 are proposed, without particular limitation.

[0187] like Figure 2 As shown, the 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 electrode body 1 is a so-called wound electrode body. Here, the electrode body 1 is wound from the outermost periphery in a direction that is, in the order of the first diaphragm 2, the negative electrode 3, the second diaphragm 4, and the positive electrode 5. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are configured such that their length in the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction of winding) is longer than that of the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5. The winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is composed of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are examples of electrode components in this invention.

[0188] 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, thereby insulating the positive electrode 5 from the negative electrode 3.

[0189] like Figure 2As 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 made 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 other than natural graphite have been proposed for the negative electrode active material, and there is no particular limitation. In the energy storage device 200 (refer to...) Figure 1 In the case of devices other than lithium-ion secondary batteries, the negative electrode sheet 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 200.

[0190] 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 a 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 made of aluminum foil with 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 solutions for the positive electrode active material have been proposed, besides lithium transition metal composite materials, and there is no particular limitation. In the energy storage device 200 (see reference...) Figure 1 In the case of 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 200.

[0191] The structure of electrode body 1 has been described above. Furthermore, for example, in the process of reusing used secondary batteries, metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese (so-called rare metals) are sometimes recovered. During the reuse of secondary batteries, for example, after the electrode body is separated into sheet-like negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator (hereinafter collectively referred to as "sheet components"), the sheet components are held by clamping rollers and conveyed by the rotation of the clamping rollers. Since the sheet components are relatively thin, they may be caught in the rotation of the conveying clamping rollers. In this case, the sheet components are not conveyed as desired, and the reuse process is interrupted midway. Therefore, the time efficiency of sheet component recycling becomes relatively low. The inventors of this application believe that if a guide member is provided on the clamping rollers to prevent sheet components from being caught, the sheet components can be conveyed continuously, and the time efficiency of recycling will be improved.

[0192] [Overview of the Electrode Decomposition Device]

[0193] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrode body decomposition device 10. Hereinafter, for convenience, [the following will be...] Figure 3The left and right directions are called the left and right directions. Figure 3 The direction of depth is called the front-to-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. For example... 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 current removal device 90 (see reference). Figure 12 ) and control device 100.

[0194] 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 of the electrode body 1, the electrode body 1 is approximately wound around the winding axis W (see reference 20) inside the electrode body receiving section 20. Figure 2 Rotate.

[0195] 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 2 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... 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.

[0196] The first conveying unit 40 conveys the first diaphragm 2 by clamping and rotating the first clamping rollers 41. 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 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 conveys only 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] The second conveying section 140 conveys the second diaphragm 4 by clamping and rotating the pair of second clamping rollers 141. The second conveying section 140 is positioned 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 20 side) in the conveying path R2 of the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, the second conveying section 140 conveys only 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, which is positioned below the second separating device 150.

[0199] 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.

[0200] [Electrode housing section]

[0201] 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 ).

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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 1 The 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 part 21a is generally consistent with the front-back direction of the holding part 21a. 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 front-back length of the first left side surface 21L1 is approximately the same as the front-back length of the first mounting portion 21b. The front-back length of the second left side surface 21L2 is approximately the same as the front-back 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 is exposed outside the holding clamp 21.

[0204] 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 )) . For example Figure 6 As shown, the first mounting portion 21b extends to the left from the upper ends of the first left side surface 21L1 and the second left side surface 21L2, respectively. Furthermore, 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.

[0205] like Figure 5As 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 6 As shown, the second mounting portion 21c extends to the right from the upper end of the right side face 21R. The second mounting portion 21c extends from the front end side and the rear end side of the right side face 21R respectively. In addition, the second mounting portion 21c may not only be provided on the front end side and the rear end side of the right side face 21R, but also between the front end end and the rear end end of the right side face 21R.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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 through the through hole 22h and downwards and upwards from the bottom surface 22D.

[0208] 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 8 ,exist Figure 8 The 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] [Positive and negative electrode separation device]

[0213] 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 descending state of the central scraper 81. (See diagram for example.) 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.

[0214] [First Control Department]

[0215] like Figure 4 As shown, the first gripping part 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 is an example of the gripping members in this invention. The pair of first clamping members 31 includes a front-side clamping member 31F and a rear-side clamping member 31Rr disposed at a position rearward of 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 parts 21b arranged in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the number of first clamping members 31 is not particularly limited.

[0216] 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 3 ) Move to a position relative to the pair of first clamping rollers 41 (refer to Figure 3The position is downstream of the conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2. Here, "moving along the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2" is not limited to moving along a path consistent with the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2, but broadly means moving along a predetermined side (here, between the pair of first clamping rollers 41, above the bending roller 51) of a component disposed in the conveying path R1 (e.g., a pair of first clamping rollers 41 of the first conveying section 40, a bending roller 51 of the first separating device 50 described later). "The conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2" is the direction along the conveying path R1. The conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2 changes depending on its position in the conveying path R1. 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 part 30 grips the first diaphragm 2 by using a pair of first clamping members 31 and moves the pair of first clamping members 31 by using the first moving device 32, thereby pulling the first diaphragm 2.

[0217] 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 ).

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] [First Conveying Section]

[0221] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first conveying unit 40. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the first conveying unit 40 includes a pair of first clamping rollers 41 that clamp and rotate the first diaphragm sheet 2, a conveying motor 42 that rotates the first clamping rollers 41, a clamping cylinder 43 that moves the first clamping rollers 41 in a left-right direction, a pair of pulleys 44, and a pair of support portions 48. The pair of first clamping rollers 41 includes a driving roller 41L and a driven roller 41R arranged to the right of the driving roller 41L in a manner opposite to the driving roller 41L. Each pair of first clamping rollers 41 includes a wire 47. The wire 47 is an example of a linear member (guide member) in this invention. The pair of pulleys 44 includes a pulley 44L and a pulley 44R arranged in a manner opposite to the pulley 44L. The pair of support portions 48 includes a support portion 48L that supports the driving roller 41L and the pulley 44L so that they can rotate, and a support portion 48R that supports the driven roller 41R and the pulley 44R so that they can rotate. The wire 47 is wound on the drive roller 41L and pulley 44L, and the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R.

[0222] The driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are located on the bending roller 51 described later (see reference). Figure 8 Below the electrode body 1. The materials used to form the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are not particularly limited. For example, the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are metal rollers. The front-to-back length of the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R is longer than the front-to-back length of the electrode body 1.

[0223] Multiple grooves 41a and 41b are formed along their respective circumferential directions on the driving roller 41L and driven roller 41R. Groove 41a covers the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the driving roller 41L. Groove 41b covers the entire circumference of the outer circumference of the driven roller 41R. A portion of wire 47 is wound into grooves 41a and 41b. The grooves 41a and 41b are used to suppress the deviation of wire 47 in the front-to-back direction. The depth of grooves 41a and 41b (the radial length of the first clamping roller 41) is not particularly limited. Here, the depth of grooves 41a and 41b is formed to be approximately the same as or slightly deeper than the diameter of wire 47. Here, the depth of grooves 41a and 41b is formed to be slightly deeper than the diameter of wire 47. Multiple grooves 41a and 41b are formed at equal intervals in the front-to-back direction. However, the number of grooves 41a and 41b is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the spacing between slots 41a and slots 41b is not limited to equal spacing.

[0224] The conveyor motor 42 rotates the first clamping roller 41 to convey the first diaphragm 2. The conveyor motor 42 is an example of the drive device in this invention. When the conveyor motor 42, which is connected to the drive roller 41L, is driven, the drive roller 41L rotates. The clamping cylinder 43 is a cylinder that extends and retracts in the left-right direction. The clamping cylinder 43 is connected to the support portion 48R. By extending the clamping cylinder 43 to the left, the support portion 48R moves to the left. At this time, the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R supported on the support portion 48R move to the left, and the first diaphragm 2 (see reference) moves to the left. Figure 3 The driven roller 41L and the driven roller 41R are clamped together. The clamping cylinder 43 retracts to the right, causing the support portion 48R to move to the right. At this time, the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R supported on the support portion 48R move to the right. However, the actuator that moves the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R in the left-right direction is not limited to a cylinder; for example, it could be an electric motor.

[0225] Pulley 44L is positioned below drive roller 41L. Pulley 44R is positioned below driven roller 41R. Pulley 44 is located downstream of the first diaphragm 2 in the conveying direction relative to the first clamping roller 41. Here, pulleys 44L and 44R are aligned vertically. Wire 47 is wound onto pulleys 44L and 44R respectively. When drive roller 41L rotates, wire 47 moves forward, and pulley 44L rotates. When driven roller 41R rotates, wire 47 moves forward, and pulley 44R rotates.

[0226] The wire 47 is wound on the first clamping roller 41 and the pulley 44. More specifically, the wire 47 is wound on the groove 41a of the driving roller 41L and the pulley 44L, and on the groove 41b of the driven roller 41R and the pulley 44R. Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of the first clamping roller 41 and pulley 44. The right-side portion of the wire 47 wound on the drive roller 41L and pulley 44L is wound in a manner extending in a generally vertical direction. Here, the generally vertical direction is the tangential direction of the drive roller 41L and the conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2 when it is conveyed by the first conveying unit 40. The pulley 44L is positioned in the left-right direction by the wire 47 extending in a generally vertical direction along the tangential direction. Similarly, the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R have the wire 47 wound on them in a manner extending in a generally vertical direction by the left-side portion of the wire 47. The generally vertical direction is the tangential direction of the driven roller 41R and the conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2 when it is conveyed by the first conveying unit 40.

[0227] Figure 12 This is a front view of the first conveying unit 40 when the first diaphragm 2 is held by the first clamping roller 41. The first conveying unit 40 drives the clamping cylinder 43 (see reference) when the first diaphragm 2 is located between the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. Figure 9 The first diaphragm 2 is held between the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. When the drive conveyor motor 42 (see reference) Figure 9 When the driven roller 41L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 41R, it conveys the first diaphragm 2 downwards together with the driven roller 41R. At this time, the wire 47 wound on the driven roller 41L and pulley 44L, and the wire 47 wound on the driven roller 41R and pulley 44R, travel. The first diaphragm 2 moves along the wire 47 on the predetermined conveying path R1. Figure 3 As shown, a first diaphragm recovery section 60 is provided below the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R.

[0228] [First Separation Device]

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] The scraper 52 is a component that peels the negative electrode sheet 3 from the first diaphragm sheet 2. 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 sheet 2 and the negative electrode sheet 3 from 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 sheet 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 sheet 3.

[0233] The scraper insertion device 53 inserts the scraper 52 into the curved portion R1a of the conveying path R1, or retracts it from the curved portion R1a. Figure 11 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 11 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.

[0234] like Figure 11 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).

[0235] 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 11 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.

[0236] [Second Control Department]

[0237] 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 is an example of a gripping member in this invention. 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.

[0238] 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 device moves to a position downstream of the second diaphragm 4 in the conveying direction from the pair of second clamping rollers 141. The meaning of "along the conveying path R2" is the same as the meaning of the conveying path R1 of the first diaphragm 2 (refer to...). Figure 3 The situation is the same. The "second diaphragm 4 conveying direction" is along the conveying path R2. The conveying direction of the second diaphragm 4 changes depending on its position in the conveying path R2. The second moving device 132 includes: a support portion 132a having a rotating device 132a1 for rotating a pair of second clamping members 131; a vertical guide member 132b supporting the support portion 132a so that it can move in the vertical direction; and a horizontal guide member 132c supporting the vertical guide member 132b so that it can move 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.

[0239] [Second Conveyor Section]

[0240] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the second conveying section 140 and the second separating device 150. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, the second conveying section 140 that conveys the second diaphragm sheet 4 and the first conveying section 40 that conveys the first diaphragm sheet 2 (see reference) Figure 9 Similarly, the second conveying unit 140 is configured to include a pair of second clamping rollers 141 that clamp and rotate the second diaphragm 4, and a conveying motor 142 that rotates the second clamping rollers 141 (see reference). Figure 17 ), and the clamping cylinder 143 that moves the second clamping roller 141 in the left-right direction (see reference) Figure 2 The system comprises a pair of pulleys 144, a bending roller 145, and a pair of support portions 148. The pair of second clamping rollers 141 includes a driving roller 141L and a driven roller 141R positioned to the right of the driving roller 141L and opposite to it. Each pair of second clamping rollers 141 includes a wire 147. The pair of pulleys 144 includes a pulley 144L located below the driving roller 141L and a pulley 144R located below the driven roller 141R. The pair of support portions 148 includes a support portion 148L that rotatably supports the driving roller 141L and the pulley 144L, and a support portion 148R that rotatably supports the driven roller 141R and the pulley 144R. The wire 147 is wound around the driving roller 141L and the pulley 144L, and the driven roller 141R and the pulley 144R. A bending roller 145 is provided above the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R to bend the conveying path R2 of the previously approximately horizontal second diaphragm sheet 4 in a generally vertical direction and to make it face the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R.

[0241] The driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R are located below the bending roller 145. The materials used to form the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R are not particularly limited. For example, the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R are metal rollers. The longitudinal length of the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R is longer than the longitudinal length of the electrode body 1.

[0242] In the drive roller 141L and driven roller 141R, and the first conveying section 40 (see reference) Figure 9 The active roller 41L (refer to) Figure 9 ) and driven roller 41R (refer to Figure 9 Similarly, grooves 141a and 141b are formed respectively. Wire 147 is wound into grooves 141a and 141b respectively. The conveyor motor 142 rotates the second clamping roller 141 to convey the second diaphragm sheet 4. The conveyor motor 142 is an example of the drive device in this invention. The conveyor motor 142 is connected to the drive roller 141L. The pulley 144 is located below the second clamping roller 141 (downstream of the second clamping roller 141 in the conveying direction of the second diaphragm sheet 4).

[0243] The wire 147 is wound around the second clamping roller 141 and the pulley 144. More specifically, the wire 147 is wound around the groove 141a of the drive roller 141L and the pulley 144L, and the groove 141b of the driven roller 141R and the pulley 144R. The wire 147 is wound in a manner that extends in a generally vertical direction. Here, the generally vertical direction is the tangential direction of the drive roller 141L, and is the conveying direction of the second diaphragm 4 when it is conveyed by the second conveying unit 140.

[0244] 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 17 When driving the conveyor motor 142 (refer to...) Figure 17 When the driven roller 141L rotates downwards on the side opposite to the driven roller 141R, it conveys the second diaphragm 4 downwards together with the driven roller 141R. At this time, the wire 147 wound on the driven roller 141L and pulley 144L travels. The second diaphragm 4 moves along the wire 147 on the predetermined conveying path R2. A second diaphragm recovery section 160 is provided below the driven roller 141L and the driven roller 141R (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0245] [Second Separation Device]

[0246] like Figure 13 As shown, 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. Furthermore, Figure 13 This diagram shows the state of the second diaphragm 4 being wound up in the second separation device 150. (See diagram for example.) Figure 13 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.

[0247] An upstream roller 151 is disposed on 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.

[0248] 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 holding 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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 so that it collides 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.

[0251] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the second separation device 150 after the stripping roller 153 has descended. Figure 14 As shown, if the positive electrode laminate 5S is wound on the upstream roller 151 and the downstream roller 152, the driving roller lowering device 154 lowers the stripping roller 153 to a position lower than line L1, then 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] like Figure 12 As shown, a destatic device 90 is disposed below the first separation device 50. The destatic device 90 is positioned downstream of the scraper 52 in the conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2. The destatic device 90 is a device for destaticating the first diaphragm 2 after the negative electrode 3 has been stripped. The destatic device 90 includes an ion generator (not shown). The ion generator is a device that generates ions. Various known methods can be used to generate ions, and there is no particular limitation. For example, a method utilizing corona discharge to generate ions can also be used. In this case, the ion generator has multiple needle-shaped electrodes. Corona discharge refers to the phenomenon of discharge at the tip of a needle-shaped electrode when a high voltage is applied. This discharge ionizes the air surrounding the electrode. For example, the destatic device 90 includes an air supply section (not shown) for blowing air. The air ionized by the ion generator is supplied through this air supply section. The destatic device 90 supplies ionized air to the first diaphragm 2 after the negative electrode 3 has been stripped. Furthermore, the position of the destatic device 90 is not limited to below the first separation device 50. The deionization device 90 can be any location capable of supplying ionized air to the first diaphragm 2, to which the negative electrode 3 has been stripped by the scraper 52. Furthermore, the deionization device 90 is not limited to a device with an ion generator, as long as it can deionize the first diaphragm 2.

[0254] [Control Device]

[0255] 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, and conveying motor 142 of the second conveying unit 140 (see reference) Figure 17 ) and clamping cylinder 143, cylinder 154a of roller lowering device 154, cylinder 82a of scraper lifting device 82, and electrostatic removal device 90 (see reference) Figure 12 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.

[0256] 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).

[0257] [Electrode disassembly process]

[0258] 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 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of decomposing electrode body 1.

[0259] [Separation of negative and positive electrodes]

[0260] Figure 15 The preparation step S10 shown is a process of preparing a strip-shaped first diaphragm sheet 2, a strip-shaped second diaphragm sheet 4, a strip-shaped negative electrode sheet 3, and a strip-shaped positive electrode sheet 5. Here, an electrode body 1 is prepared by stacking the first diaphragm sheet 2, the second diaphragm sheet 4, the negative electrode sheet 3, and the positive electrode sheet 5 and winding them in a specified winding direction.

[0261] Here, from the used energy storage device 200 (refer to...) Figure 1 Remove electrode 1 and prepare electrode 1. For example, along... Figure 1 The cutting line F shown cuts through the housing 210 of the energy storage device 200, and the electrode body 1 is removed from inside the housing 210. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the preparation step S10 shown, a holding fixture 21 is also prepared. The separation preparation step S20 is a step that prepares to separate the electrode body 1 into a first diaphragm sheet 2 and a negative electrode sheet 3, and a second diaphragm sheet 4 and a positive electrode sheet 5. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the separation preparation process S20 includes an electrode body receiving process S21, a holding process S22, and a scraper descent process S23.

[0262] Electrode housing process S21 is the process of housing the electrode body 1 in the holding clamp 21. In electrode housing process S21, the winding end portion of the electrode body 1 is peeled off, the first outer end portion 2e of the first diaphragm sheet 2 is bent to the left, and the second outer end portion 4e of the second diaphragm sheet 4 is bent to the right. Then, the two ends (here, the front end portion and the rear end portion) of the first outer end portion 2e of the first diaphragm sheet 2 are placed in the first mounting portion 21b of the holding clamp 21, and the two ends (here, the front end portion and the rear end portion) of the second outer end portion 4e of the second diaphragm sheet 4 in the width direction are placed in the second mounting portion 21c of the holding 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.

[0263] 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)

[0264] 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 described later, or it can be performed afterward. Figure 15 Execute before the indicated timing.

[0265] Separation step S30 is a process of pulling and separating the first diaphragm 2, the second diaphragm 4, the negative electrode 3, and the positive electrode 5 by pulling the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. Separation step S30 includes pulling step S31, central scraper rising step S32, electrode body removal step S33, negative electrode separation step S34, first diaphragm clamping step S35, current removal step S36, first diaphragm conveying step S37, positive electrode separation step S134, second diaphragm clamping step S135, and second diaphragm conveying step S136.

[0266] The pulling process S31 is a process in which the first diaphragm 2, held by a pair of first clamping members 31, is pulled diagonally upward 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 upward to the right using the second moving device 132 (see reference). Figure 7 ).like Figure 7 As shown, when the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are pulled, the pair of first clamping members 31 rotate clockwise in the main view, so that the top ends of the pair of first clamping members 31 face downward to the right. Additionally, when the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are pulled, the pair of second clamping members 131 rotate counterclockwise by 45 degrees, so that the top ends of the pair of second clamping members 131 face downward 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.

[0267] Figure 15 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.

[0268] 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.

[0269] [Recycling of the first diaphragm and negative electrode plate]

[0270] The negative electrode separation process S34 is as follows (see also...) Figure 8 The 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.

[0271] The winding process S34a is as follows (refer to...) Figure 8 The 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 that the first diaphragm 2 is wound onto the bending roller 51. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the first clamping members 31 are located inside the front and rear ends of the wire 47 (see reference). Figure 8 Here, "front end of wire 47" refers to the front end of the foremost wire 47 among a plurality of wires 47 arranged in the front-back direction. "Rear end of wire 47" refers to the rear end of the last wire 47 among a plurality of wires 47 arranged in the front-back direction. When the first diaphragm 2 is wound onto the bending roller 51, the movement of the pair of first clamping members 31 is stopped. At this time, the negative electrode 3 is located upstream of the bending roller 51 along the conveying path R1.

[0272] The scraper insertion process S34b is as follows (refer to...) Figure 11 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.

[0273] The clamping member re-moving step S34c is a process of conveying the negative electrode 3 and the first diaphragm sheet 2 along the conveying path R1 and peeling the negative electrode 3 off from the first diaphragm sheet 2. In the clamping member re-moving step S34c, a pair of first clamping members 31 move downwards. As a result, the negative electrode 3 moves to the location of the top part 52R of the scraper 52 (see reference). Figure 11 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 conveying the first diaphragm 2 is changed to the first conveying section 40. Through the clamping member repositioning process S34c, the top part 52R of the scraper 52 is inserted between the first diaphragm 2 and the raised negative electrode 3.

[0274] The first diaphragm clamping step S35 is a step in which the first diaphragm sheet 2 is moved along the conveying path R1 to a position downstream of the pair of first clamping rollers 41 in the conveying direction of the first diaphragm sheet 2, and the first clamping rollers 41 are used to clamp the first diaphragm sheet 2. Figure 12 As shown, a pair of first clamping members 31 are connected by a first moving device 32 (see reference). Figure 4 The pair of first clamping members 31 move between a pair of first clamping rollers 41 to a position lower than the pair of pulleys 44. In the winding process S31a (see...),... Figure 15In the first diaphragm clamping process S35, the first clamping member 31 is located inside the front and rear ends of the wire 47. Therefore, in the first diaphragm clamping process S35, the first clamping member 31 is also located inside the front and rear ends of the wire 47 (see also...). Figure 8 When the first diaphragm 2 is guided between a pair of first clamping rollers 41, the clamping cylinder 43 (see reference) Figure 9 Driven by the driving roller 41L, the driven roller 41R moves to the left, clamping the first diaphragm 2 using the driving roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. When the first diaphragm 2 is clamped, the grip of the first clamping member 31 is released.

[0275] The de-energizing step S36 is a step of de-energizing the first diaphragm 2 after the negative electrode 3 has been stripped. In the de-energizing step S36, ionized air is supplied to the first diaphragm 2 through the de-energizing device 90. As a result, the first diaphragm 2 is de-energized. Alternatively, the de-energizing device 90 may supply ionized air before the de-energizing step S36. When the first diaphragm 2 after the negative electrode 3 has been stripped is conveyed to a position lower than the scraper 52, the ionized air comes into contact with the first diaphragm 2 and de-energizes it.

[0276] Figure 15 The first diaphragm conveying process S37 shown is a process of conveying and drawing out the first diaphragm sheet 2 by rotating the drive roller 41L (i.e., rotating a pair of first clamping rollers 41). Figure 16 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 16 As shown, the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 are unwound from the electrode body 1 by being conveyed by the first conveying section 40, and the first diaphragm 2 and the negative electrode 3 are separated and recovered. This is achieved by the conveying motor 42 (see reference). Figure 9 The first diaphragm 2 rotates downwards on the side of the drive roller 41L opposite to the driven roller 41R, and is conveyed together with the driven roller 41R in a generally vertical direction. Therefore, the first diaphragm 2 is conveyed in a generally vertical direction along the wire 47 extending in the generally vertical direction (the tangential direction of the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R and the conveying direction of the first diaphragm 2). A first diaphragm recovery section 60 (see reference 41R) is disposed below the drive roller 41L and the driven roller 41R. Figure 12 Therefore, the first diaphragm sheet 2 that was transported is recycled to the first diaphragm recycling unit 60.

[0277] In addition, although Figure 15 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 4As 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.

[0278] [Recycling of the second diaphragm and positive electrode plate]

[0279] 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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 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 13 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.

[0282] 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 14 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.

[0283] 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.

[0284] The second diaphragm clamping process S135 involves moving the second diaphragm sheet 4 along the conveying path R2 to a position downstream of the pair of second clamping rollers 141 in the conveying direction of the second diaphragm sheet 4, and clamping the second diaphragm sheet 4 using the second clamping rollers 141. The 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. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, similar to the first diaphragm clamping process S35, in the second diaphragm clamping process S135, the second clamping members 131 are located inside the front and rear ends of the wire 147. When the second diaphragm sheet 4 is introduced between the pair of second clamping rollers 141, the clamping cylinder 143 (see reference...) Figure 2 Driven by the driving roller 141L, the driven roller 141R moves to the left, clamping the second diaphragm 4 using the driving roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. When the second diaphragm 4 is clamped, the grip of the second clamping member 131 is released.

[0285] The second diaphragm conveying process S136 is a process of conveying and drawing out the second diaphragm sheet 4 by rotating the drive roller 141L (i.e., rotating a pair of second clamping rollers 141). Figure 17 This is a front view of the second conveying section 140 and the second separation device 150 during the conveying of 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. The second diaphragm sheet 4 is conveyed together with the driven roller 141R in a generally vertical direction by rotating the conveying motor 142 so that it moves downward on the side of the drive roller 141L opposite to the driven roller 141R. Therefore, the second diaphragm sheet 4 is conveyed in a generally vertical direction along the wire 147 extending in the generally vertical direction (the tangential direction of the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R and the conveying direction of the second diaphragm sheet 4). A second diaphragm recovery section 160 (see reference 150) is arranged below the drive roller 141L and the driven roller 141R. Figure 3 Therefore, the second diaphragm sheet 4 that was transported is recycled to the second diaphragm recycling section 160.

[0286] Although Figure 15Not 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 13 In 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.

[0287] As described above, in the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 (sheet component conveying apparatus) according to this embodiment, the first clamping roller 41 includes a wire 47 extending in a substantially vertical direction (the direction tangential to the first clamping roller 41 and downstream of the conveying direction of the first diaphragm sheet 2). This suppresses the situation where the first diaphragm sheet 2 is wound into the rotation of the first clamping roller 41 and moves in the circumferential direction of the first clamping roller 41. Since the first diaphragm sheet 2 can be continuously drawn out and retrieved, the time efficiency of retrieving the first diaphragm sheet 2 can be improved. The same applies to the wire 147 included in the second clamping roller 141.

[0288] According to the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 (sheet component conveying apparatus) of this embodiment, the wire 47 is a linear component wound around the first clamping roller 41 and the pulley 44. Therefore, the contact area between the first diaphragm 2 and the wire 47 is relatively small. As a result, it is possible to prevent the conveyed first diaphragm 2 from adhering to the wire 47 (guide member). Therefore, by using the wire 47 (linear component) as a guide member, the first diaphragm 2 can be conveyed more appropriately. The same applies to the wire 147 wound around the second clamping roller 141 and the pulley 144.

[0289] In this embodiment, an electrode body disassembly apparatus 10, which serves as a sheet component conveying device, is disclosed. The electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 disassembles an electrode body 1 formed by winding a first diaphragm sheet 2 and a second diaphragm sheet 4, which are sheet components. Here, the electrode body 1 is housed inside a housing 210 along with an electrolyte 240 (see reference 210). Figure 1Therefore, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 of the removed electrode body 1 are wetted by the electrolyte 240. During the conveying of the wetted first diaphragm 2, due to surface tension, the first diaphragm 2 is easily wound into the first clamping roller 41. The same applies to the second diaphragm 4. Therefore, the technique disclosed herein is particularly effective when the electrode body 1 is decomposed using the electrode body decomposition device 10. Furthermore, since the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 can be continuously recovered, for example, in the reuse of the electrode body 1, the recovery rate of the electrode material can be improved compared to recovering the electrode material by chopping or separating the electrode body 1.

[0290] According to the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment, when the first clamping member 31 moves to a position lower than the first clamping roller 41, the first clamping member 31 is located inside the front and rear ends of the wire 47 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a portion of the first diaphragm 2 held by the first clamping member 31 from being located in the front and / or rear of the wire 47 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the first diaphragm 2 can be conveyed along the wire 47 more reliably. The same applies to the second clamping member 131 and the wire 147.

[0291] According to the electrode body disassembly apparatus 10 of this embodiment, after the negative electrode sheet 3 is peeled off using the scraper 52, the first diaphragm sheet 2 is destaticated using the static electricity removal device 90. Therefore, the following situation can be prevented: the first diaphragm sheet 2 adheres to the first clamping roller 41 due to static electricity generated when the negative electrode sheet 3 is peeled off from the first diaphragm sheet 2, thereby getting caught in the rotation of the first clamping roller 41. Therefore, the first diaphragm sheet 2 can be transported more appropriately.

[0292] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] In the above embodiments, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are conveyed by clamping rollers, but this is not a limitation. For example, the negative electrode 3 and the positive electrode 5 can also be clamped and conveyed by clamping rollers.

[0297] In the above embodiment, the first diaphragm 2 is de-electrified using the de-electrification device 90, but the second diaphragm 4 can also be de-electrified. For example, the de-electrification device 90 can also be disposed below the scraper 52 and below the second conveying section 140, respectively. In this case, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 can be de-electrified separately.

[0298] In the above embodiments, electrode components (first diaphragm 2 and second diaphragm 4) are used as sheet components, but the invention is not limited to this. The invention can be applied to sheet component conveying devices that convey any sheet component.

[0299] 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.

[0300] Item 1:

[0301] A sheet component conveying device, comprising: a pair of clamping rollers that clamp a strip-shaped sheet component; and a driving device that rotates the clamping rollers to convey the sheet component, wherein the clamping rollers have guide members extending in the tangential direction of the clamping rollers and in a direction downstream of the conveying direction of the sheet component.

[0302] Item 2:

[0303] According to the sheet component conveying device of claim 1, the sheet component conveying device includes a pair of pulleys disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet component relative to the pair of clamping rollers, and the guide member is a linear member wound around each of the clamping rollers and each of the pulleys.

[0304] Item 3:

[0305] An electrode body disassembly apparatus, wherein the sheet component is an electrode body formed by winding a strip-shaped electrode component and the electrode component used in a secondary battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte, the electrode body disassembly apparatus comprising: a holding member holding the electrode component; a moving mechanism moving the holding member along a conveying path in the conveying direction to a position downstream of the pair of clamping rollers in the conveying direction; and the sheet component conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0306] Item 4:

[0307] According to the electrode body disassembly apparatus of claim 3, when the holding member is moved to a position downstream of the pair of clamping rollers in the conveying direction, it is positioned in the axial direction of the pair of clamping rollers in a position inward of the end of the guide member in the axial direction.

[0308] Item 5:

[0309] According to the electrode body disassembly apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the electrode component includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator, the electrode body disassembly apparatus comprising: a scraper disposed in the conveying path and peeling the negative electrode sheet from the separator; and a destatic device disposed downstream of the scraper in the conveying direction and destaticating the separator after the negative electrode sheet has been peeled off.

[0310] Item 6:

[0311] A method for conveying a sheet component, comprising a preparation step of preparing a strip-shaped sheet component, a step of clamping the sheet component using a pair of clamping rollers, and a step of rotating the clamping rollers to convey the sheet component, wherein the clamping rollers have a guide member extending in the tangential direction of the clamping rollers and in a direction downstream of the conveying direction of the sheet component, and the sheet component is conveyed along the guide member in the step of conveying the sheet component.

[0312] Item 7:

[0313] According to the sheet component conveying method of item 6, wherein the sheet component prepared in the preparation step is the electrode component used in a secondary battery that houses an electrode body formed by winding a strip-shaped electrode component and a non-aqueous electrolyte, the sheet component conveying method further includes a step of holding the electrode component and a step of moving the electrode component along a predetermined conveying path to a position downstream of the conveying path than the pair of clamping rollers.

[0314] Item 8:

[0315] According to the sheet component conveying method of item 7, the electrode component prepared in the preparation step includes a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet and a separator. The sheet component conveying method further includes a step of conveying the negative electrode sheet and the separator along the conveying path and peeling the negative electrode sheet from the separator, and a step of removing electricity from the separator after peeling off the negative electrode sheet.

Claims

1. A sheet component conveying device, wherein, The sheet component conveying device includes: A pair of clamping rollers that clamp a strip-shaped sheet component; and A drive unit that rotates the clamping rollers to transport the sheet component. The clamping roller has a guide member extending in the tangential direction of the clamping roller and in the downstream direction of the conveying direction of the sheet component.

2. The sheet component conveying device according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet component conveying device includes a pair of pulleys disposed downstream of the sheet component in the conveying direction relative to the pair of clamping rollers. The guide member is a linear member wound around each of the clamping rollers and each of the pulleys.

3. An electrode body decomposition device, wherein, The sheet component is an electrode body formed by winding a strip-shaped electrode component and the electrode component used in a secondary battery containing a non-aqueous electrolyte. The electrode body decomposition device comprises: A holding member that holds the electrode member; A moving mechanism that moves the gripping member along the conveying path in the conveying direction to a position downstream of the pair of gripping rollers in the conveying direction; as well as The sheet component conveying device according to claim 1.

4. The electrode body decomposition device according to claim 3, wherein, When the holding member is moved to a position downstream of the pair of clamping rollers in the conveying direction, it is positioned in the axial direction of the pair of clamping rollers, inside the end of the guide member in the axial direction.

5. The electrode body decomposition device according to claim 3, wherein, The electrode components include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The electrode body decomposition device comprises: A scraper, disposed along the conveying path, peels the negative electrode sheet from the diaphragm; and A static electricity removal device is located downstream of the scraper in the conveying direction and removes static electricity from the diaphragm after the negative electrode sheet has been peeled off.

6. A method for conveying sheet components, wherein, The sheet component conveying method includes: Preparation process for preparing strip-shaped sheet components; The process of clamping the sheet component using a pair of clamping rollers; and The process of rotating the clamping rollers to transport the sheet component. The clamping roller has a guide member extending in the tangential direction of the clamping roller and in the downstream direction of the conveying direction of the sheet component. In the process of conveying the sheet component, the sheet component is conveyed along the guide member.

7. The sheet component conveying method according to claim 6, wherein, The sheet material component prepared in the preparation process is an electrode body formed by winding a strip-shaped electrode component and the electrode component used in a secondary battery without an aqueous electrolyte. The sheet component conveying method further includes the steps of holding the electrode component and moving the electrode component along a predetermined conveying path to a position downstream of the conveying path than the pair of clamping rollers.

8. The sheet component conveying method according to claim 7, wherein, The electrode components prepared in the preparation process include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The sheet component conveying method further includes the steps of conveying the negative electrode sheet and the diaphragm along the conveying path and peeling the negative electrode sheet from the diaphragm, and the step of removing electricity from the diaphragm after peeling off the negative electrode sheet.

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