Examination device and winding device

Abstract

Investigation device (100) used in the manufacturing process of a winding element (1) which is produced by winding a ribbon-shaped cathode layer (4) and anode layer (5), coated with an active material and placed on top of each other with a ribbon-shaped separating layer (2, 3) formed of an insulating material between them, from a rotatable winding core (13, 14), wherein the investigation device (100) comprises: an irradiation medium (19a, 19b) which has the layers wound onto the winding core (13, 14) as the object of investigation and irradiates the object of investigation with a specific light, a receiving means (20) that receives the object under investigation irradiated with light by the irradiating means (19a, 19b), a recording time control device (81) that controls the time of recording by the recording device (20), and a quality assessment tool (81) which assesses the quality of the object under investigation based on an image obtained through the recording tool (20), wherein the winding core (13, 14) has a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core (13, 14) to the receiving means (20) varies during the rotation of the winding core (13, 14), wherein the acquisition time control means (81) controls the time of acquisition by the acquisition means (20) according to the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) and the thickness of each layer wound on the core such that the acquisition is carried out when the acquisition means (20) focuses on the object under investigation.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an examination device for examining a winding element used for secondary cells and the like, and a winding device comprising the examination device. General state of the art

[0002] A winding element is a component used in secondary cells such as lithium-ion batteries and the like. This type of winding element is manufactured by winding a cathode layer coated with an active cathode material and an anode layer coated with an active anode material, with a separating layer in between to insulate the two electrode layers, around a rotatable winding core.

[0003] However, during the winding process, a winding deviation (positional shift in the layer width direction) sometimes occurs, or the coating position of the active material is misaligned, which can lead to positional deviations in the layer width direction at the formation section of the winding element. Positional deviations of this kind can, for example, cause short circuits and the like, and the quality of the winding element can be impaired.

[0004] Therefore, a device was proposed as an investigative device for checking the presence of winding deviations, wherein a receiving means (a receiving device) which is arranged upstream of the winding core (a rotating shaft) according to a layer transport path, receives the separation layer and through the separation layer the electrode layers and performs an investigation on winding deviations on the basis of the obtained receiving data (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication JP 2009– 170 136 A).

[0005] However, this testing device only checks for deviations in layer position before winding onto the core. Therefore, there is a possibility that the quality assessment result of the testing device and the quality of the winding element actually obtained by winding the layers will not match. Consequently, there is a risk that a precise assessment of the winding element's quality will not be possible.

[0006] Therefore, an inspection device was proposed that records the layers wound onto the winding core and uses the recorded image to assess whether winding deviations are present in the winding element (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication JP 2006– 145 298 A, Japanese Patent Publication JP 2016– 58 179 A).

[0007] From US 2016 / 0308240A1, a winding device is also known which includes a splitter that splits radiant light from a light source unit into measurement light, which is applied to a side surface part of a first layer and a second layer, and reference light, which is applied to a reference surface; an interference detector that detects interference light formed by interference between the reference light reflected from the reference surface and the measurement light reflected from the side surface part; a position detector that detects the position of the first layer and the position of the second layer based on the detected interference light; and a decision processor that decides the quality of the wound body based on the detected positions of the first layer and the second layer. Brief description of the invention Task of the invention

[0008] However, with such an examination device, it is desirable to significantly increase the measurement resolution (resolution of the recordings) from the perspective of increasing the reliability of the examination.

[0009] However, increasing the measurement resolution reduces the image depth of the imaging medium. As the layers wound onto the core become thicker during winding, and the layers to be measured approach the imaging medium, it becomes difficult to focus the layers, resulting in a risk of a blurred image.

[0010] On the other hand, a design is conceivable in which the layers are focused after some layers have been wound up, but in this case it is difficult to focus layers immediately after the start of winding, i.e. layers to be recorded that are far away from the recording device, so that there is a risk of a blurry image.

[0011] Therefore, if the image depth is reduced to increase the measurement resolution, it is not possible to adequately account for the change in the distance between the layers and the recording medium during winding, so there is a risk that the reliability of the examination cannot be sufficiently increased.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an inspection and winding device that allows for a more precise assessment of the quality of a winding element and also sufficiently increases the reliability of the inspection. This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. Means of solving the task

[0013] The following section describes in detail the means for solving the problem. Where necessary, the respective effects of each means are also listed. Medium 1

[0014] An investigation device used in the manufacturing process of a winding element, which is produced by winding a ribbon-shaped cathode layer and anode layer, coated with an active material and placed on top of each other with a ribbon-shaped separating layer formed of an insulating material between them, onto a rotatable winding core, characterized by an irradiation means which has the layers wound onto the winding core as the object of investigation and irradiates the object of investigation with a specific light, A recording device that records the object under investigation irradiated with light by the irradiating agent, a recording time control device that controls the time of recording by the recording device, and a quality assessment device that assesses the quality of the object under investigation based on a recording obtained by the recording device, wherein the winding core has a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation and, in the course of the rotation of the winding core, varies the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core to the recording device, wherein the recording time control device controls the time of recording by the recording device according to the rotation angle of the winding core such that the recording is carried out when the recording device focuses on the object under investigation.

[0015] “Winding onto the winding core” refers to a tight adhesion to the underlying outer circumferential surface of the winding core or layer without any protrusion from it.

[0016] According to Method 1, the electrode layers wound onto the core and the separating layer are used as the test object. An image of the test object is then created by the recording device, and the quality assessment device uses this image to evaluate the quality of the test object. In other words, the quality assessment device performs a quality assessment on the actual wound test object. The quality assessment can refer to various aspects, such as whether there is a winding deviation of the layers, the position where the electrode layers are coated with active material (sections coated with active material), or the position of tabs provided on the electrode layers. Because the quality assessment is performed on the actual wound test object, the quality of the winding element can be evaluated more precisely.

[0017] According to device 1, the core of the winding has a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation, so that the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the core to the receiving device (hereinafter also referred to as the "distance between the two") varies according to the rotation angle of the core. Utilizing this fact, the acquisition timing control device controls the timing of the acquisition by the receiving device according to the rotation angle of the core such that the acquisition occurs when the receiving device is focused on the object under investigation. For example, if, during the winding process, the layers wound onto the core become thicker (the number of layers wound on the core increases), the acquisition timing control device allows the acquisition to take place when the rotation angle of the core reaches a certain angle and the distance between the two is comparatively large.If, for example, the winding of the layers has only just begun and the thickness of the layers wound onto the core is small, the acquisition time control allows the acquisition to take place when the rotation angle of the core reaches a certain angle and the distance between the two is relatively small. The object under investigation can thus be focused more reliably, while the depth of field is reduced and the measurement resolution is increased. Although increasing the measurement resolution and increasing the depth of field (expanding the focusing range) are therefore inversely related, an effect can be achieved that would result from realizing both simultaneously. Consequently, the reliability of the examination can be increased sufficiently. Medium 2

[0018] An examination device of the means 1, characterized in that the receiving means has a specific lens and is designed in such a way that it is movable along a light axis of the lens relative to the winding core.

[0019] Even if the winding element is large and the variation in the diameter of the wound layers between the beginning and end of the winding process is comparatively large, a more precise focusing of the layers forming the object under investigation is possible by moving the receiving device relative to the winding core, as described in method 2. Therefore, winding elements of different sizes can be examined with high accuracy. Medium 3

[0020] An examination device of the means 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating layer is transparent or semi-transparent and the receiving means is designed such that it receives at least one of the two electrode layers through the separating layer, whereby the two electrode layers and the separating layer are received at once.

[0021] According to method 3, both electrode layers and the separation layer can be recorded simultaneously. Therefore, the images required for the examination can be obtained with only a few acquisitions, thus increasing examination efficiency. Medium 4

[0022] An inspection device comprising one of the means 1 to 3, characterized in that it is operable in a learning mode to determine the time of recording by the recording means in advance, wherein the recording means in learning mode, in a state in which the layers are wound onto the core, creates a series of recordings of the object under investigation and, from the multiple recordings obtained by the series recording, those are determined in which the recording means focuses on the object under investigation, and the rotation angle of the core is determined at the time at which the recordings with focus were obtained, wherein the recording time control means controls the time of recording by the recording means on the basis of the rotation angle of the core obtained in advance in learning mode.

[0023] According to method 4, the timing of the images is controlled based on the rotation angle of the winding core achieved during the actual winding of the layers, at which focusing has occurred. Therefore, the image acquisition time can be appropriately controlled by considering the shape changes of the winding points of the layers over time, as well as factors such as the hardness and thickness of the layers. In this way, images with focusing can be obtained more reliably, thus further increasing the reliability of the investigation. Medium 5

[0024] An examination device of the means 4, characterized in that in the learning mode, based on the brightness of the recordings, those of the several recordings are determined in which the recording means focuses on the object under investigation.

[0025] A comparison of images taken with and without focus reveals a difference in brightness. For example, images taken with focus have greater brightness, or changes in brightness are more abrupt.

[0026] By exploiting this fact, method 5 uses brightness to identify the images in focus. This makes it easier to identify images with focus, thus enabling a more reliable determination of the appropriate time for taking the images. Medium 6

[0027] A winding device characterized in that it has an examination device according to one of means 1 to means 5.

[0028] According to remedy 6, essentially the same effects can be achieved as with the aforementioned remedies 1, etc. Brief description of the characters

[0029] They show: Fig. 1. A perspective schematic view of the structure of a battery cell; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the structure of the battery element; Fig. 3 a simplified design view of a winding device; Fig. 4 a simplified construction view of a winding section; Fig. 5 a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a camera, etc.; Fig. 6. A flowchart of winding steps; Fig. 7 a flowchart of processing in a learning mode; Fig. 8 a flowchart of an investigation processing; Fig. 9 a flowchart of processing in a wind-up mode; Fig. 10 a schematic view of an angle of the winding core, etc., when a focused image is obtained immediately after the winding of the layers begins; Fig. 11 a schematic view of an angle of the winding core, etc., when a focused image is obtained immediately before the winding of the layers; Fig. 12 a schematic view of a photograph obtained by a camera; Fig. 13 a simplified construction view of the winding section at the beginning of the winding process; and Fig. 14 A simplified design view of the winding section when cutting off the separating layer. embodiment of the invention

[0030] In the following, an embodiment will be described with reference to the figures. First, the structure of a lithium-ion battery cell, specifically the winding element obtained through the winding device, will be described.

[0031] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the lithium-ion battery cell 1 (hereinafter referred to as "battery cell 1") is manufactured by winding a cathode layer 4 and an anode layer 5 in a state with two separating layers 2, 3 placed one on top of the other. Hereinafter, the separating layers 2, 3 and the electrode layers 4, 5 are collectively referred to as "layers 2-5".

[0032] The separating layers 2 and 3 are each ribbon-shaped and of the same width, and are made of an insulating material such as polypropylene (PP) or the like, to prevent the different electrode layers 4 and 5 from touching each other and causing a short circuit. The separating layers 2 and 3 are transparent or semi-transparent. Therefore, the cathode layer 4 and the anode layer 5, respectively, are visible through the separating layers 2 and 3.

[0033] Electrode layers 4 and 5 are thin metal layers whose front and back surfaces are coated with an active material. For example, an aluminum foil is used as the cathode layer 4, the front and back surfaces of which are coated with an active cathode material (such as lithium manganese oxide particles or the like). An anode layer 5 is used, for example, as a copper foil, the front and back surfaces of which are coated with an active anode material (such as activated carbon or the like).

[0034] Electrode layers 4 and 5 are electrode layers that have undergone continuous coating, and a specific portion in the layer width direction is an area coated with active material 4a, 5a (dotted areas in Fig. 2), while everything else is an area 4b, 5b not coated with active material. Ion exchange between cathode layer 4 and anode layer 5 is possible via the areas 4a, 5a coated with active material. More precisely, during charging, ions migrate from cathode layer 4 to anode layer 5, while during discharging, ions migrate from anode layer 5 to cathode layer 4.

[0035] Furthermore, anode layer 5 is narrower than separating layers 2 and 3, and cathode layer 4 is narrower than anode layer 5. In battery cell 1, cathode layer 4 is covered by anode layer 5. This prevents defects associated with cathode layer 4 not being covered by anode layer 5 (for example, due to needle-shaped deposits forming on cathode layer 4 and damage to separating layers 2 and 3, etc.), thus improving the quality of battery cell 1.

[0036] Furthermore, several cathode conductor tracks (not shown) extend from one end edge of the cathode layer 4 in the width direction, and several anode conductor tracks (not shown) extend from the other end edge of the anode layer 5 in the width direction.

[0037] In the production of a lithium-ion battery, the battery element 1 is arranged in a cylindrical metal battery housing (not shown), and the cathode and anode conductors are grouped together. The grouped cathode conductors are connected to a cathode contact (not shown), and likewise the grouped anode conductors are connected to an anode contact (not shown), and the two contacts are arranged to close the two end openings of the battery housing, thus completing the lithium-ion battery.

[0038] Next, a winding device 10 for manufacturing the battery element 1 is described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the winding device 10 comprises a winding section 11 for winding layers 2-5, a cathode layer feeder mechanism 31 for feeding the cathode layer 4 to the winding section 11, an anode layer feeder mechanism 41 for feeding the anode layer 5 to the winding section 11, separator layer feeder mechanisms 51 and 61 for feeding the respective separator layers 2 and 3 to the winding section 11, and a control unit 81, which serves as a quality assessment device and intake time control device. The various devices in the winding device 10, such as the winding section 11 and the feeder mechanisms 31, 41, 51, and 61, are controlled by the control unit 81.

[0039] The cathode layer feed mechanism 31 has a cathode layer roller 32 onto which the cathode layer 4 is wound in a coil-like fashion. The cathode layer roller 32 is supported by a bearing shaft 33, which is rotatable by a drive element (not shown). As the bearing shaft 33 rotates, the cathode layer 4 is unwound from the cathode layer roller 32.

[0040] Furthermore, the cathode layer feeding mechanism 31 has a layer insertion mechanism 71, a layer cutting knife 72, a clamping mechanism 73 and a buffer mechanism 75.

[0041] The layer insertion mechanism 71 serves to feed the cathode layer 4 to the winding section 11 and is designed such that it can be moved along the transport path of the cathode layer 4 between an approach position, in which it is close to the winding section 11, and a distance position, in which it is spaced away from the winding section 11. The layer insertion mechanism 71 has a pair of clamping jaws 71a, 71b that can hold the cathode layer 4. The clamping jaws 71a, 71b are designed such that they can be opened and closed by an actuating means (not shown). When the cathode layer 4 is fed to the winding section 11, the cathode layer 4 is held by the clamping jaws 71a, 71b, and the layer insertion mechanism 71 is moved close to the winding section 11.

[0042] The layer cutting knife 72 serves to cut through the cathode layer 4 and has a pair of blade sections 72a, 72b, which are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the cathode layer 4, respectively. The layer cutting knife 72 is designed such that it can move between a layer cutting position, in which the pair of blade sections 72a, 72b engage the cathode layer 4 between them, and a retraction position, in which they have retracted from the transport path of the cathode layer 4.

[0043] The cutting of the cathode layer 4 takes place in a state in which the cathode layer 4 is held by the clamping jaws 71a, 71b. When the layer insertion mechanism 71 for feeding the cathode layer 4 to the winding section 11 approaches the winding section 11, the pair of blade sections 72a, 72b move away from the transport path of the cathode layer 4 so that it does not impede the movement of the layer insertion mechanism 71.

[0044] The tensioning mechanism 73 comprises a pair of rollers 73a, 73b and a dancer roller 73c freely movable back and forth between the two rollers 73a, 73b. The dancer roller 73c is driven by a motor (not shown) with a specific constant torque and is designed such that it always maintains the cathode position 4 at a specific web tension. Tensioning the cathode position 4 prevents it from sagging.

[0045] The buffer mechanism 75 serves to temporarily receive the cathode layer 4 unwound from the cathode layer roller 32. The buffer mechanism 75 comprises a pair of trailing rollers 75a, 75b and a lifting roller 75c that can be moved vertically between the two rollers 75a, 75b. The vertical position of the lifting roller 75c changes in conjunction with the amount of cathode layer 4 received.

[0046] The anode layer feed mechanism 41 has an anode layer roller 42 on its upstream side, onto which the anode layer 5 is wound in a coil-like fashion. The anode layer roller 42 is supported by a bearing shaft 43, which is rotatable by a drive element (not shown). As the bearing shaft 43 rotates, the anode layer 5 is unwound from the anode layer roller 42.

[0047] Furthermore, the anode layer feed mechanism 41, like the cathode layer feed mechanism 31, has a layer insertion mechanism 71, a layer cutting blade 72, a clamping mechanism 73, and a buffer mechanism 75. Except that these elements are provided for the anode layer 5, they correspond to the elements provided on the cathode layer feed mechanism 31. Therefore, their detailed description is omitted.

[0048] The separating layer feeding mechanisms 51, 61 in turn have separating layer rollers 52, 62, onto which the separating layers 2, 3 are wound in a coil-like fashion. The separating layer rollers 52, 62 are mounted to rotate freely, and the separating layers 2, 3 are unwound from them as required.

[0049] Furthermore, the separating layer feeding mechanisms 51, 61, as well as the electrode layer feeding mechanisms 31, 41, each have a clamping mechanism 73. Except that this clamping mechanism 73 is intended for separating layers 2, 3, it corresponds to the mechanism provided on the cathode layer feeding mechanism 31. Therefore, its detailed description is omitted.

[0050] A pair of pressure rollers 78a, 78b are also provided along the transport path for layers 2-5. The pressure rollers 78a, 78b serve to hold layers 2-5 stacked on top of each other so that they are transported along the same path. Layers 2-5, stacked on top of each other by means of the pressure rollers 78a, 78b, are then fed to the take-up section 11 in this position.

[0051] The rotational speed of the pressure rollers 78a, 78b (in the present embodiment, the rotational speed of pressure roller 78b) can be determined by a pressure roller encoder (not shown). Information on the rotational speed of pressure roller 78b is fed into the control unit 81 by the pressure roller encoder. The rotational speed of pressure roller 78b corresponds to the transport rate of layers 2-5.

[0052] Next, the construction of the winding section 11 will be described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the winding section 11 has a spool wheel 12 formed by two opposing, round, disc-shaped plates rotatably arranged by means of a drive mechanism (not shown), two winding cores 13, 14 spaced 180° apart in the direction of rotation of the spool wheel 12, clamping sections 15a, 15b, a separating layer knife 16, a pressure roller 17 which prevents the layers 2-5 from separating after winding, and a tape adhesive mechanism 18 for applying a specific fixing adhesive tape.

[0053] Layers 2-5 are wound onto the outer circumference of the winding cores 13, 14, which are rotatable about their central axis by means of a drive mechanism (not shown). The rotational speed of the winding cores 13, 14 can be determined by a winding core encoder (not shown), and information about the rotational speed of the winding cores 13, 14 is fed from the winding core encoder into the control unit 81.

[0054] The winding cores 13, 14 are aligned axially with the coil wheel 12 (in Fig. 4 etc. in the depth direction of the paper) are provided to be retractable with respect to the plates that form the spool wheel 12. When the winding cores 13, 14 project from one of the plates, their front end section enters a receiving hole formed on the other plate, and they are supported by the two plates in a rotatable position.

[0055] Furthermore, the winding cores 13, 14 are designed such that they have a non-circular contour in cross-section orthogonal to their respective axis of rotation. In the present embodiment, the winding cores 13, 14 have an oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to their axis of rotation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core 13, 14 to a camera 20, described later, changes during rotation. Consequently, the distance of the layers 2-5 wound onto the winding core 13, 14 from the camera 20 also changes during rotation.

[0056] Furthermore, the winding cores 13 (14) each have a pair of core pieces 13a, 13b (14a, 14b) which align in their axial direction (in Fig. 4 in the depth direction of the paper). A space 13c (14c) is formed between the core pieces 13a, 13b (14a, 14b).

[0057] The winding cores 13, 14 are designed such that they can be rotated between a winding position P1 and a removal position P2 by turning the spool wheel 12.

[0058] Winding position P1 is the position in which layers 2-5 are wound from the winding cores 13 and 14. In winding position P1, layers 2-5 are fed by the feeding mechanisms 31, 41, 51, and 61.

[0059] Removal position P2 is the position from which layers 2-5, i.e., battery element 1, are removed after winding. A removal device (not shown) or the like is provided in the vicinity of removal position P2 for removing battery element 1 from the winding cores 13, 14.

[0060] The clamping sections 15a, 15b serve to hold the separating layers 2, 3 between the winding position P1 and the unwinding position P2. The clamping sections 15a, 15b are designed such that they can be rotated by a drive means (not shown) about a rotary axis parallel to the rotary axis of the spool wheel 12 or the winding cores 13, 14. The clamping sections 15a, 15b can each be moved between a holding position and a return position. When the clamping sections 15a, 15b are moved into the holding position, they can hold the separating layers 2, 3, which run from the pressure rollers 78a, 78b to the unwinding position P2 (see Figure 1). Fig. 13). If, on the other hand, the clamping sections 15a, 15b are moved into the return position, they are positioned so that they do not impede the movement of the winding cores 13, 14 and the separating layers 2, 3 and the like (see Fig. 3).

[0061] The separating layer knife 16 is arranged between the winding position P1 and the unwinding position P2 and is positioned closer to the unwinding position P2 than the clamping sections 15a, 15b. The separating layer knife 16 is movable back and forth vertically between a defined upper and lower position and cuts through the separating layers 2, 3 by moving from the upper position to the lower position.

[0062] The pressure roller 17 is arranged near the removal position P2 and is designed such that it moves between an approach position, in which it is close to the spool wheel 12 and presses down the layers 2-5, and a return position, in which it is away from the spool wheel 12 and does not impede the movement of the winding cores 13, 14.

[0063] The tape adhesive mechanism 18 is located near the removal position P2 and, after the winding process is complete, adheres a fixing adhesive tape to the end sections of the separating layers 2, 3. The winding of the battery element 1 ends with the application of the fixing adhesive tape.

[0064] Furthermore, the winding section 11 includes lighting devices 19a, 19b as irradiation means and a camera 20 as recording means. The lighting devices 19a, 19b and the camera 20 are each arranged according to the winding position P1.

[0065] The illumination devices 19a, 19b illuminate a point on the layers 2-5 forming the object under investigation, which are wound onto the core 13, 14 in winding position P1 and which contains at least one end edge in the width direction, with a specific light (for example, visible light or infrared light or the like). The illumination devices 19a, 19b shine the light onto at least one position that is offset from the axis of rotation of the core 13, 14 by less than the minor axis of the core 13, 14. While the layers 2-5 are being wound onto the core 13, 14, they can thus be continuously illuminated.

[0066] The camera 20 is sensitive to the wavelength range of the light emitted by the illumination devices 19a, 19b and serves to record at least the layers 2-5 (object of investigation) illuminated by the illumination devices 19a, 19b.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the lighting devices 19a, 19b and the camera 20 are provided in two groups, one group being provided in the width direction of layers 2-5 at one end edge and the other group being provided in the width direction of layers 2-5 at the other end edge.

[0068] In the recording area of ​​camera 20, the cathode layer 4 is located at the outermost edge, below it the separator layer 3, below it the anode layer 5, and below it the separator layer 2. Therefore, camera 20 records at least the cathode layer 4, the separator layer 3, the anode layer 5 visible through the separator layer 3, and the separator layer 2 all at once.

[0069] Camera 20 shows how Fig. Figure 5 shows a lens 21, a recording element 22, a trigger signal output section 23, a recording memory 24, a focusing section 25, a computation section 26 and an output section 27.

[0070] The lens 21 receives the light reflected from layers 2-5 of the light emitted by the illumination devices 19a, 19b and focuses it to form an image for the recording element 22. The lens 21 can be a conventional lens or a telecentric lens.

[0071] The receiving element 22 serves to convert the light that has passed through the lens 21 into an electrical signal and is formed, for example, by a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor.

[0072] The trigger signal output section 23 outputs a trigger signal to the recording element 22. With each output of a trigger signal, the recording element 22 is exposed, and an image of layers 2-5 (exposure data) is output from the recording element 22 to the image memory 24. The acquired image contains at least the cathode layer 4, the separator layer 3, the anode layer 5 (exposure through the separator layer 3), and the separator layer 2 (see Fig. 12) However, since the edge sections 2E, 3E (end edges in the width direction) of the separation layers 2, 3 always lie on top of each other, it sometimes happens that the separation layer 2 is not visible in the image. The present embodiment is designed such that the imaging depth of the camera 20 is comparatively small, which is why the resolution of the obtained image, i.e. the measurement resolution, is relatively high.

[0073] Furthermore, a learning mode signal or recording execution signal, described later, is input from the control unit 81 into the camera 20. When the learning mode signal is input, the trigger signal output section 23 repeatedly outputs a trigger signal at specific short intervals until a learning mode termination signal, described later, is input. This initiates a series of shots, and multiple shots are output from the recording element 22 to the recording memory 24. Conversely, when the recording execution signal is input into the camera 20, the trigger signal output section 23 outputs a trigger signal. This results in only one shot being taken, and a single shot is output from the recording element 22 to the recording memory 24.

[0074] Recording memory 24 stores the recordings entered by recording element 22. Recording memory 24 also stores numbers indicating the recording sequence associated with the recordings. Calculation section 26 performs processing on these recording sequence numbers.

[0075] The focusing section 25 is only activated when a learning mode signal is input by the control unit 81. From the multiple images obtained during the continuous shooting process, the focusing section 25 identifies those images in which layers 2-5 are in focus. More precisely, during the winding of layers 2-5, the focusing section 25 calculates a value based on the brightness values ​​of the individual images, taking into account several images obtained during one revolution of the winding core 13, 14. The image with the highest calculated value is identified as the image with focus. This is based on the fact that, in principle, the brightness value of the individual pixels is higher in an image with focus.

[0076] If multiple images are available where the calculated value is highest, one of them is determined to be the image with focus. As a result, the focusing section 25 determines one image with focus for each revolution of the winding core 13, 14. The value based on the brightness values ​​can, for example, be an average brightness value of several pixels that make up an image, or a difference in brightness values ​​between certain adjacent pixels.

[0077] When a learn-mode signal is input from the control unit 81 and recordings are stored in the recording memory 24, the calculation section 26 performs processing to relate the recordings to the numbers that indicate the recording sequence. A counter for recording the sequence is provided at the calculation section 26, and the value of this counter is incremented by one with each output of a trigger signal from the trigger signal output section 23. The counter value is initialized upon input of a learn-mode termination signal.

[0078] When a learning mode signal is input from the control unit 81, the calculation section 26 sends the image determined by the focusing section 25, including focus and the number indicating the image sequence, from the image memory 24 to the output section 27. Conversely, when a recording execution signal is input from the control unit 81, the calculation section 26 sends the images stored in the image memory 24 to the output section 27.

[0079] Output section 27 serves to send the images and the numbers indicating the recording sequence, or just the images, to the control unit 81. In the present embodiment, the number of images sent by output section 27 to the control unit 81 is equal to or less than the number of turns of the winding core 13, 14 during the winding of layers 2-5. Therefore, the output section 27, or the transmission path connecting output section 27 and the control unit 81, does not need to be particularly powerful in terms of processing or transmission performance. Thus, the images can be sent from output section 27 to the control unit 81 using an ordinary transmission system (for example, an ordinary image transmission system).

[0080] Next, the control unit 81 will be described. The control unit 81 comprises a CPU serving as a computational tool, a ROM for storing various programs, a RAM for temporarily storing various data such as calculation data, input / output data, and the like, and a hard disk for long-term storage of calculation data and the like. As described above, the control unit 81 controls the various devices of the winding device 10, such as the winding section 11 and the feeding mechanisms 31, 41, 51, 61, and the like.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 81 is designed to switch the operating mode of the winding device 10 between the learning mode and the winding mode. The learning mode is an operating mode whose purpose is to obtain the camera 20's recording times for the winding mode during the production of a battery cell 1. The winding mode is an operating mode used to produce a battery cell 1 using the recording times obtained in the learning mode. Regardless of which of these modes the control unit 81 operates the winding device 10 in, it performs an examination for positional deviations, etc., of layers 2-5 based on the images transmitted by the camera 20. The specific procedure for the examination is described later.

[0082] Whether the operating mode of the winding device 10 is set to the learning mode or the winding mode is determined by an input to the control unit 81 via a specific input device (not shown). The input content is stored on the hard drive of the control unit 81 or the like.

[0083] When the winding device 10 is operated in teach-in mode, the operation of the control unit 81 is as follows. When a winding process of layers 2-5 begins, the control unit 81 outputs a teach-in mode signal to the camera 20.

[0084] In conjunction with the output of the learning mode signal, the images from camera 20 and the numbers indicating the recording sequence of these images are sequentially entered into the control unit 81. The entered images are focused images. The control unit 81 uses the entered images to analyze positional deviations, etc., of layers 2-5. Based on the entered numbers indicating the recording sequence, a rotation angle sum of the winding core 13, 14 at the time of recording is also obtained, corresponding to the respective number. This is done, for example, using a predefined table that illustrates the relationship between the numbers indicating the recording sequence and the rotation angle sums. The control unit 81 then stores the obtained rotation angle sum as the recording execution angle on the hard drive or similar storage medium.As a result, a number of recording angles are stored, corresponding to the number of entered recordings.

[0085] When the winding device 10 is operated in winding mode, the control unit 81 operates as follows. When a winding process of layers 2-5 begins, the control unit 81 outputs a recording execution signal whenever the sum of the rotation angles of the winding core 13, 14 from the start of the winding process corresponds to the recording execution angle obtained in the learning mode. This causes the camera 20 to record layers 2-5 when they are within the focus range. The camera 20 transmits the focused recordings sequentially to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 uses the transmitted recordings to analyze positional deviations, etc., of layers 2-5.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the camera 20 and the control unit 81 form an examination device 100 for examining the battery element 1.

[0087] Next, the winding process of layers 2-5 using the winding device 10 described above is described. Before each winding process, the separating layers 2, 3 are first arranged in the space 13c (14c) of one winding core 13 (14), and the separating layers 2, 3 are held by the clamping sections 15a, 15b (see Fig. 13).

[0088] During the winding process, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in step S11, one winding core 13 (14) is first rotated by a certain number so that the one winding core 13 (14) winds a certain quantity of the separating layers 2, 3. Subsequently, the clamping sections 15a, 15b are moved into their return position.

[0089] Next, in step S12, the anode layer 5 is fed into the anode layer 5 on the side of one of the winding cores 13 (14) by the layer insertion mechanism 71 of the anode layer feeding mechanism 41. More precisely, the layer insertion mechanism 71, which holds the anode layer 5, approaches the side of the winding section 11, and the anode layer 5 is fed in by being guided between the separating layers 2 and 3. After insertion, the layer insertion mechanism 71 releases the anode layer 5, and the layer insertion mechanism 71 returns to its original position.

[0090] In the next step S13, after the anode layer 5 has been added, the cathode layer 4 is added via the layer insertion mechanism 71 on the side of the winding core 13 (14) in a stage where one of the winding cores 13 (14) has been rotated a certain number of times (for example, one revolution). More precisely, the layer insertion mechanism 71, which holds the cathode layer 4, approaches the side of the winding section 11, and the cathode layer 4 is inserted by being guided between the separating layers 2 and 3. After insertion, the layer insertion mechanism 71 releases the cathode layer 4 and returns to its original position.

[0091] Next, in step S14, the content of an input to the control unit 81 is used to determine whether the selected operating mode is the learning mode. If the selected operating mode is the learning mode (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, and a learning mode processing operation is performed to operate the winding device 10 in learning mode.

[0092] During the learning mode processing, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows that, first in step S31, a control is implemented to rotate the winding core 13 (14) at a specific speed and wind the layers 2-5. The speed of the winding core 13, 14 during the winding of layers 2-5 is identical in both the learning mode and the winding mode.

[0093] Next, in step S32, a learning mode signal is output to camera 20. Based on this, camera 20 performs a series of shots of the wound layers 2-5. Then, camera 20 transmits the shots identified by the focusing section 25 as shots with focus, and the numbers indicating the shooting sequence, to the control unit 81.

[0094] Next, in step S33, it is assessed whether a transport quantity of the cathode layer 4 has reached a specific, preset value. That is, it is assessed whether a condition for ending the learning mode processing is met. The transport quantity of the cathode layer 4 can be the transport quantity of layers 2-5 from the start of winding, obtained from the pressure roller encoder. This specified quantity corresponds to a length of the cathode layer 4 that constitutes a single battery element 1. When the specified quantity of the cathode layer 4 has been transported to the winding core 13, 14, a state is reached in which an end section of the cathode layer 4 for an element is positioned relative to the layer cutting knife 72.

[0095] If a negative assessment occurs in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, it is assessed whether recordings, etc., from camera 20 have been entered. If a negative assessment occurs in step S34, the process returns to step S33. Conversely, if a positive assessment occurs in step S34, the process proceeds to step S35, and an investigation is performed.

[0096] During the investigation processing, the following steps are taken first, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in step S101, based on the entered images, an edge section 3E (end edge section in the width direction) of the separation layer 3, an edge section 2E of the separation layer 2, an edge section 4E of the cathode layer 4 and an edge section 5E of the anode layer 5 are extracted (see Figure 8). Fig. 12) If edge segments 2E and 3E overlap and edge segment 2E cannot be extracted, edge segment 3E is treated as edge segment 2E.

[0097] In the next step S102, based on the input images, a boundary section 4T between the area 4a coated with active material and the area 4b not coated with active material of the cathode layer 4 and a boundary section 5T between the area 5a coated with active material and the area 5b not coated with active material of the anode layer 5 are extracted (see Fig. 12).

[0098] Next, in step S103, distance calculations are performed based on the edge sections 2E, 3E, 4E, 5E and boundary sections 4T, 5T extracted in steps S101 and 102. This means that a position deviation calculation is performed for the layers 2-5 wound onto the single core 13 (14).

[0099] More precisely, based on edge section 3E, a distance L1 in the layer width direction to the boundary section 4T, a distance L2 in the layer width direction to edge section 4E, a distance L3 in the layer width direction to the boundary section 5T, a distance L4 in the layer width direction to edge section 5E and a distance (not shown) in the layer width direction to edge section 2E are calculated (see Fig. 12).

[0100] Subsequently, in step S104, based on the distances calculated in step S103, it is assessed whether the distances are within a predefined permissible range.

[0101] If it is determined that one of the distances is not within the permissible range, that is, if it is assumed that a winding deviation of layers 2-5 or a coating position deviation of the areas 4a, 5a coated with active material has occurred, then in step S105 the judgment “deficient” is made, and the investigation processing ends.

[0102] If, on the other hand, step S104 determines that all distances are within the permissible range, step S106 will determine that the result is "OK" and the investigation processing will end.

[0103] Returning to Fig. 7. After the examination processing is completed, the process transitions to step S36, and it is assessed whether the assessment in the immediately preceding examination processing was "OK". If a negative assessment occurs in step S36 and the assessment in the examination processing was "deficient", the process transitions to step S37, and the winding of layers 2-5 is interrupted by stopping the rotation of the winding core 13, 14. If the processing of step S39, described later, has already been carried out and the recording execution angles have been stored on the disk, the stored recording execution angles are discarded. Furthermore, in step S38, the currently wound battery element 1 is assessed as a defective product, and the process transitions to step S42.

[0104] If, on the other hand, a positive assessment occurs in step S36 and the assessment in the examination processing was "OK", the process proceeds to step S39, and based on the number indicating the recording sequence, a rotation angle sum of the winding core 13, 14 at the time of the recordings is obtained, corresponding to the respective number. The obtained rotation angle sum is then stored as the recording execution angle on the hard drive or similar storage medium.

[0105] After step S39, the process returns to step S33. In this way, during the learning mode processing, the processing of steps S35 and S39 is repeated with each input of images, etc., from camera 20, until a certain amount of the cathode position 4 has been transmitted, provided the assessment during the examination processing is not "deficient". As a result, several image execution angles are obtained, and these angles are stored on the hard drive or similar storage medium. Furthermore, an examination processing step is performed on each of the several images with focus.

[0106] If the storage of the recording execution angles or the examination processing was carried out without problems and a certain amount of the cathode layer 4 was transported (step S33: Yes), the rotation of one winding core 13, 14 is stopped in step S40. Next, in step S41, the currently wound battery element 1 from layers 2-5 is assessed as a flawless product, and a transition to step S42 takes place.

[0107] In step S42, a learning mode termination signal is output to camera 20, and the learning mode processing ends. The processing of step S42 interrupts the output of trigger signals by the trigger signal output section 23.

[0108] Returning to Fig. If a negative assessment occurs in step S14, the process proceeds to step S16, where the input to control unit 81 is analyzed to determine if the operating mode is the rewind mode. If a negative assessment occurs in step S16 and the operating mode has not been selected, error processing is performed in step S19, and the rewinding process terminates. This error processing might, for example, inform an operator that the operating mode has not been selected or that no pickup angles have been saved.

[0109] If, on the other hand, a positive assessment occurs in step S16, the process transitions to step S17, where it is assessed whether recording execution angles have already been stored, i.e., whether information about the recording execution times in rewind mode has been saved. If a negative assessment occurs in step S17, error handling is performed in step S19, and the rewinding process ends.

[0110] If, on the other hand, a positive assessment takes place in step S17, a transition to step S18 occurs, and a rewind mode processing is carried out to operate the winding device 10 in rewind mode.

[0111] In the winding mode processing, as in Fig. 9 shown, first in step S51 a control to rotate the one winding core 13 (14) at a certain speed and to wind the layers 2-5.

[0112] Next, in step S52, it is assessed whether a transport quantity for cathode layer 4 has reached a specific, preset value. That is, it is assessed whether a condition for ending the rewind mode processing is met.

[0113] If a negative assessment occurs in step S52, step S53 assesses whether the sum of the rotation angles of the single winding core 13 (14) has reached one of the pre-stored multiple take-up angles from the start of winding layers 2-5. Taking into account a delay in subsequent processing steps, it can be assessed whether the sum of the rotation angles of the single winding core 13 (14) has reached a value at which a specific value has been subtracted from the take-up angle.

[0114] If a negative assessment occurs in step S53, the process returns to step S52. Conversely, if a positive assessment occurs in step S53, a recording execution signal is output to camera 20 in step S54. This causes camera 20 to record as described in... Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows that layers 2-5 appear when they are located within the focusing area R. For example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, immediately after the winding of layers 2-5 begins, the distance between the outer circumferential surface of one winding core 13 (14) and the camera 20 is relatively small, so layers 2-5 are located within a focusing area R of the camera 20. This is therefore a recording time at which a recording is made by the camera 20. If, on the other hand, for example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, immediately before the winding of layers 2-5, the distance between the outer circumferential surface of one winding core 13 (14) and the camera 20 is relatively large, so layers 2-5 are located in the focusing area R of the camera 20. This is therefore a recording time at which a recording is made by the camera 20.

[0115] Returning to Fig. In step S55, after step S54, it is assessed whether a transport quantity of the cathode layer 4 has reached a specific, preset value. This assessment is performed to terminate the rewind mode processing when a certain quantity of the cathode layer 4 has been rewound before a picture is sent from camera 20. If a positive assessment occurs in step S55, the process proceeds to step S61.

[0116] If, on the other hand, a negative assessment occurs in step S55, step S56 assesses whether an image was captured by camera 20. If a negative assessment occurs in step S56, the process returns to step S55. If, on the other hand, a positive assessment occurs in step S56, the process proceeds to step S57, and the investigation processing described above is executed.

[0117] After the inspection processing is completed, the system proceeds to step S58 and assesses whether the assessment in the immediately preceding inspection processing was "OK". If a negative assessment occurs in step S58 and the assessment in the inspection processing was "deficient", the system proceeds to step S59, and the winding of layers 2-5 is interrupted by stopping the rotation of the winding core 13, 14. Furthermore, in step S60, the currently wound battery element 1 from layers 2-5 is assessed as a defective product, and the winding mode processing ends.

[0118] If, however, a positive assessment occurs in step S58, the process returns to step S52. As a result, in the rewind mode processing, the processing of step S57 is repeated until a certain amount of the cathode layer 4 has been transported, as long as the assessment in the examination processing is not "deficient". In this way, an examination processing is performed on each of several images with focus.

[0119] If the inspection process was completed without problems and a positive assessment takes place in step S52 or step S55, the rotation of one winding core 13, 14 is stopped in step S61. Then, in step S62, the currently wound battery element 1 from layers 2-5 is assessed as a flawless product, and the winding mode processing ends.

[0120] Returning to Fig. 6. After the teach-in or rewind-in process in step S20, the cathode layer 4 is held by the layer insertion mechanism 71, whereupon the cathode layer 4 is cut by the layer cutting blade 72. If, during the teach-in or rewind-in process, the currently wound battery cell 1 was assessed as a satisfactory product, the cathode layer 4 is cut at its end section for that cell. Conversely, if, during the teach-in or rewind-in process, the currently wound battery cell 1 was assessed as a defective product, the cathode layer 4 is cut before its end section.

[0121] In the next step S21, it is assessed whether the evaluation in the teach-in mode processing or the rewind mode processing was "flawless product". If a positive evaluation occurs in step S21, the rotation of one of the winding cores 13 (14) is resumed, and a transition to step S22 takes place.

[0122] If, on the other hand, a negative assessment occurs in step S21, the rotation of one winding core 13 (14) is not resumed, and a transition to step S23 takes place. That is, if the currently wound battery element 1 was assessed as defective, no further anode layer 5 is added.

[0123] In step S22, the assessment of whether the transport quantity of the anode layer 5 has reached a specific amount since the start of the feed is repeated until the condition is met. The specific amount corresponds to a length of anode layer 5 that constitutes a single battery cell 1. The transport quantity of anode layer 5 can be calculated based on the transport quantity of layers 2-5 obtained from the pressure roller encoder. If a positive assessment occurs in step S22, i.e., if the end section of the currently wound anode layer 5 for a cell has reached the layer cutting knife 72, the rotation of one winding core 13 (14) is temporarily stopped, and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0124] In step S23, the anode layer 5 is held by the layer insertion mechanism 71, whereupon the anode layer 5 is cut with the layer cutting knife 72.

[0125] Next, in step S24, the end section (unwound section) of the electrode layers 4, 5 is wound up by resuming the rotation of one winding core 13 (14).

[0126] After step S24, in step S25 the spool wheel 12 is rotated counterclockwise without cutting through the separating layers 2 and 3. This moves one winding core 13 (14), which was in the winding position P1, to the unwinding position P2, while pulling the separating layers 2 and 3 out of the separating layer feed mechanisms 51 and 61. The other winding core 14 (13), which was in the unwinding position P2, is moved to the winding position P1 in a state recessed into one plate of the spool wheel 12.

[0127] Then, in step S26, together with the rotation of the coil wheel 12, the winding core 13 (14) on which the layers 2-5 have been wound is rotated.

[0128] Then, in the next step S27, a winding completion process is carried out, which ends the winding process.

[0129] In the winding termination process, the rotation of one winding core 13 (14) is stopped at a point in time detected by the winding core encoder, at which the rotational speed of one winding core 13 (14) reaches a specific value after crossing the anode layer 5. Before, simultaneously with, or after the rotation of one winding core 13 (14) stops, the rotation of the coil wheel 12 is stopped.

[0130] When the rotation of one winding core 13 (14) and the spool wheel 12 is stopped, one winding core 13 (14), which was previously in the winding position P1, is in the unwinding position P2, while the other winding core 14 (13), which was previously in the unwinding position P2, is in the winding position P1.

[0131] In this state, the pressure roller 17 approaches one of the winding cores 13 (14), and the layers 2-5 are pressed against it. Furthermore, by moving the clamping sections 15a, 15b from the return position to the holding position, the separating layers 2, 3 are held between the two positions P1 and P2. Subsequently, the separating layer knife 16 approaches the separating layers 2, 3 and cuts through them (see figure). Fig. 14).

[0132] Furthermore, as the other winding core 14 (13) projects from one plate of the coil wheel 12, the separating layers 2, 3 are arranged in the space 14c (13c) of the other winding core 14 (13). During the next winding operation, as the other winding core 14 (13) is rotated by a certain amount, a specific quantity of the separating layers 2, 3 is wound onto its outer circumference. Then, the electrode layers 4, 5 are fed to the other winding core 14 (13) onto which the separating layers 2, 3 have been wound.

[0133] After the separating layers 2 and 3 are cut, the single winding core 13 (14) is rotated by the pressure roller 17 while layers 2-5 are pressed against it. This ensures that the end sections of the separating layers 2 and 3 and the electrode layers 4 and 5 are completely wound without separating. The end sections of the separating layers 2 and 3 are then fixed by the tape gluing mechanism 18 using a fixing tape, thus completing the winding process. The finished battery cell 1 is removed from the single winding core 13 (14) by the unwinding device. A battery cell 1 deemed to be a satisfactory product is conveyed to the regular production line. A battery cell 1 deemed to be defective is conveyed to a designated reject mechanism.

[0134] As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the electrode layers 4, 5 and separating layers 2, 3 wound onto the winding cores 13, 14 are used as the test object. A photograph of the test object is then taken by the camera 20, and the control unit 81 assesses the quality of the test object based on this photograph. That is, the control unit 81 performs a quality assessment on the actual wound test object. Because the quality assessment is carried out on the actual wound test object, the quality of the battery element 1 can be assessed more precisely.

[0135] Furthermore, the winding cores 13, 14 have a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to their axis of rotation, so that the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core 13, 14 to the camera 20 varies according to the rotation angle of the winding core 13, 14. Utilizing this property, the control unit 81 controls the timing of the camera 20's image acquisition according to the rotation angle of the winding core 13, 14 such that the image is captured when the camera 20 focuses on the object under investigation. In the present embodiment, the control unit 81 sends an image acquisition signal to the camera 20 to initiate an image acquisition when the sum of the rotation angles of the winding core 13, 14 reaches the image acquisition angle. Thus, the object under investigation can be focused more reliably, while the depth of field is reduced and the measurement resolution is increased.Although increasing the measurement resolution and increasing the depth of field (expanding the focusing range) are in competition with each other, an effect can be achieved that would result from implementing both simultaneously. Therefore, the reliability of the examination can be increased sufficiently.

[0136] Furthermore, electrode positions 4 and 5 and separation layers 2 and 3 can be captured simultaneously by camera 20. Therefore, the images required for the examination can be obtained with only a few acquisitions, thus increasing examination efficiency.

[0137] Furthermore, the acquisition time is controlled based on acquisition angles derived from the actual winding of layers 2-5. Therefore, the acquisition time can be appropriately controlled by considering the change in shape of the winding points of layers 2-5 over time, as well as factors such as the hardness and thickness of layers 2-5. In this way, focused images can be obtained more reliably, further increasing the reliability of the investigation.

[0138] Furthermore, when determining the shooting angles, the system identifies those shots where focus is achieved based on the brightness of the images. This makes it easier to identify shots with focus, thus enabling a more reliable determination of the optimal shooting time.

[0139] There is no restriction to the content of the embodiment described above, and the following embodiment, for example, is also possible. Of course, other application examples and variations are also possible, which are not listed below. (a) In the embodiment described above, the winding device 10 is operated in learning mode, and layers 2-5 are actually wound to obtain the recording angles. However, the recording angles can also be calculated based on the shape of the winding cores 13, 14, the thickness of layers 2-5, etc. That is, the recording time can be determined without actually winding layers 2-5. The information on the obtained recording times can be pre-programmed into the control unit 81, which can then control the recording time based on this information. (b) In the embodiment described above, the images obtained are used to investigate a winding deviation of layers 2-5 or a coating position deviation of the active material-coated areas 4a, 5a, but the investigation is not limited to this. For example, if a marking is provided on electrode layers 4, 5, the position of the marking along the width direction of electrode layers 4-5 can be investigated based on the images obtained. The marking could be a weld mark welded to the non-active material-coated areas 4b, 5b of electrode layers 4, 5, or a cut mark cut at intervals in the width direction at an end section of electrode layers 4, 5. Other elements can, of course, also be investigated based on the images obtained.Regardless of the research objective, the reliability of the examination can be considerably increased by performing the examination using focused images. (c) Although not specifically stated in the embodiment described above, the camera 20 can be designed to be movable along the light axis direction of the lens 21 with respect to the winding core 13, 14. Such a design enables precise focusing of the layers 2-5 forming the object under investigation by moving the camera 20 relative to the winding core 13, 14, even if the battery element 1 is large and the variation in the diameter of the wound layers 2-5 between the beginning and end of the winding is comparatively large. Therefore, battery elements 1 of different sizes can be examined with high accuracy.

[0140] The camera 20 can also be gradually moved in adaptation to the winding of layers 2-5, and when the winding quantity of layers 2-5 reaches a certain value, it can be moved to a specific position. (d) In the embodiment described above, the images from the camera 20 are output to the control unit 81, and the control unit 81 uses the images to assess the quality of layers 2-5. However, the camera 20 (for example, the computation section 26) can also assess the quality of layers 2-5 using the images and output the assessment result to the control unit 81. In this case, the amount of data transmitted from the camera 20 to the control unit 81 can be further reduced, and the processing effort can be lowered. (e) In the embodiment described above, the quality assessment is based on the relative position of layers 2-5, but the quality assessment can also be carried out based on the absolute position of layers 2-5. In this case, the absolute position of layers 2-5 can be obtained, for example, by markings attached to the winding cores 13, 14.

[0141] It is also possible to configure the system in which quality assessment is carried out by comparing several focused images. For example, by comparing an image of layers 2-5 immediately after winding begins with another image taken immediately before winding ends, if the change in position of layers 2-5 along their width is large, it can be determined that the layers 2-5 were wound at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of the winding core 13, 14, and thus a "deficient" rating can be made. Using this configuration, the overall change in position of layers 2-5 can be recorded, allowing for a more precise assessment of the quality of the battery cell 1. (f) In the embodiment described above, the separating layers 2, 3 and the two electrode layers 4, 5 are each fed to the winding core 13, 14 via the same transport path. The separating layers 2, 3 and the two electrode layers 4, 5 are also picked up simultaneously. However, an embodiment is also possible in which one of the two separating layers 2, 3 and one of the two electrode layers 4, 5 are fed to the winding core via one transport path, and the other of the two separating layers 2, 3 and the other of the two electrode layers 4, 5 are fed to the winding core via a different transport path. In this case, an embodiment is possible in which one of the two separating layers 2, 3 and one of the two electrode layers 4, 5 wound onto the winding core, as well as the other of the two separating layers 2, 3 and the other of the two electrode layers 4, 5 wound onto the winding core, are picked up separately.This means that in the embodiment described above, four layers are picked up at once, but it is also possible to pick up two layers separately. (g) In the embodiment described above, the winding cores 13, 14 are winding cores with an oval-shaped outer circumference onto which the layers 2-5 are wound, but the shape of the winding cores 13, 14 is not limited to this. For example, winding cores with a rectangular (flattened), polygonal or elliptical outer circumference can also be used. (h) The material of the separating layers 2, 3 and electrode layers 4, 5 is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, the separating layers 2, 3 are made of PP, but they can also be made of another insulating material. Similarly, the active material with which the electrode layers 4, 5 are coated can be changed as desired. (i) In the embodiment described above, the winding section 11 has two winding cores 13, 14, but there is no limitation in this respect, and an embodiment in which it has three or more winding cores is also possible. If there is only one winding core, the spool wheel 12, etc., can be omitted. (j) In the embodiment described above, the layers 2-5 are wound directly onto the outer circumference of the rotatable winding core 13, 14. Alternatively, an embodiment with a rotatable shaft section and a tubular winding core arranged on the outer circumference of the shaft section is also possible, onto whose outer circumferential surface the layers 2-5 are wound. In this case, the winding core may have a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation. Reference sign

[0142] 1...Battery element (winding element), 2, 3...Separation layer, 4...Cathode layer, 5...Anode position, 10...Winding device, 13, 14...Winding core, 19a, 19b...Illumination device (irradiation medium), 20...Camera (recording device), 21...Lens, 81...Control device (recording time control device, quality assessment device), 100...Examination device

Claims

[1] Testing device (100) used in the manufacturing process of a winding element (1) which is produced by winding a ribbon-shaped cathode layer (4) and anode layer (5) coated with an active material and placed on top of each other with a ribbon-shaped separating layer (2, 3) formed of an insulating material between them from a rotatable winding core (13, 14), wherein the testing device (100) comprises: an irradiation medium (19a, 19b) which has the layers wound onto the winding core (13, 14) as the object of investigation and irradiates the object of investigation with a specific light, a receiving means (20) that receives the object under investigation irradiated with light by the irradiating means (19a, 19b), a recording time control device (81) that controls the time of recording by the recording device (20), and a quality assessment tool (81) which assesses the quality of the object under investigation based on an image obtained through the recording tool (20), wherein the winding core (13, 14) has a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core (13, 14) to the receiving means (20) varies during the rotation of the winding core (13, 14), wherein the acquisition time control means (81) controls the time of acquisition by the acquisition means (20) according to the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) and the thickness of each layer wound on the core such that the acquisition is carried out when the acquisition means (20) focuses on the object under investigation. [2] Examination device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the receiving means (20) has a specific lens (21) and is designed in such a way that it is movable along a light axis of the lens (21) relative to the winding core (13, 14). [3] Examination device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the separating layer (2, 3) is transparent or semi-transparent and the receiving means (20) is designed such that it receives at least one of the two electrode layers through the separating layer (2, 3), thereby receiving the two electrode layers and the separating layer (2, 3) at once. [4] Examination device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that it can be operated in a learning mode to record in advance the time of recording by the recording device (20), wherein the recording device (20) in learning mode, in a state in which the layers are wound onto the winding core (13, 14), creates a series of images of the object under investigation, and from the several images obtained by the series of images, those are determined in which the recording device (20) focuses on the object under investigation, and the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) is recorded at the time when the images with focusing were obtained, wherein the recording time control means (81) controls the time of recording by the recording means (20) on the basis of the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) obtained in advance in the learning mode. [5] Investigation device (100) used in the manufacturing process of a winding element (1) which is produced by winding a ribbon-shaped cathode layer (4) and anode layer (5), coated with an active material and placed on top of each other with a ribbon-shaped separating layer (2, 3) formed of an insulating material between them, from a rotatable winding core (13, 14), characterized by an irradiation medium (19a, 19b) which has the layers wound onto the winding core (13, 14) as the object of investigation and irradiates the object of investigation with a specific light, a receiving means (20) that receives the object under investigation irradiated with light by the irradiating means (19a, 19b), a recording time control device (81) that controls the time of recording by the recording device (20), and a quality assessment tool (81) which assesses the quality of the object under investigation based on an image obtained through the recording tool (20), wherein the winding core (13, 14) has a non-circular contour at a cross-section orthogonal to its axis of rotation and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the winding core (13, 14) to the receiving means (20) varies during the rotation of the winding core (13, 14), wherein the acquisition time control means (81) controls the time of acquisition by the acquisition means (20) according to the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) such that the acquisition is carried out when the acquisition means (20) focuses on the object under investigation, characterized by , that it can be operated in a learning mode to record in advance the time of recording by the recording device (20), wherein the recording device (20) in learning mode, in a state in which the layers are wound onto the winding core (13, 14), creates a series of images of the object under investigation, and from the several images obtained by the series of images, those are determined in which the recording device (20) focuses on the object under investigation, and the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) is recorded at the time when the images with focusing were obtained, wherein the recording time control means (81) controls the time of recording by the recording means (20) on the basis of the rotation angle of the winding core (13, 14) obtained in advance in the learning mode. [6] Examination device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that in the learning mode, based on the brightness of the recordings, those of the several recordings are determined in which the recording device (20) focuses on the object under investigation. [7] Winding device (10), characterized by that it has an examination device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

Images