Polar plate lamination apparatus

Abstract

To provide a polar plate lamination apparatus capable of stably positioning while laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate at a high-speed.SOLUTION: A polar plate lamination apparatus comprises: a rotation part; and a supply part 730 that is arranged at a circumference of the rotation part, and supplies a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate 640 to the rotation part. The rotation part comprises a plurality of lamination parts 750 that are arranged at positions different in a peripheral direction of the rotation part and made by laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The supply part of the positive electrode plate comprises a positive electrode inclination surface that becomes lower toward the lamination part, and supplies the positive electrode plate from the positive electrode inclination surface. The supply part of the negative electrode plate comprises a negative electrode inclination surface 735 in which an inclination surface that becomes lower toward the lamination part is formed, and supplies the negative electrode plate from the negative electrode inclination surface. The lamination part comprises: an installation surface 751 that is arranged in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; a first position 752 that is arranged at an inner side in a radial direction of the rotation part from the installation surface; and a second portion 753 that is directed in the peripheral direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode laminate device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an electrode laminating apparatus including a positive electrode storage section for storing a positive electrode, a negative electrode storage section for storing a negative electrode, a transfer mechanism for transferring the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a lamination table on which the positive electrode and the negative electrode transferred from the positive electrode storage section and the negative electrode storage section are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional electrode laminating apparatus, between the lamination table for performing electrode lamination and the electrode storage section, (1) the electrode transfer mechanism (positive electrode transfer mechanism, negative electrode transfer mechanism) holds the electrodes in the electrode storage section, (2) the electrode transfer mechanism moves the electrodes (positive electrode, negative electrode) from the electrode storage section to the lamination table, (3) the electrode transfer mechanism places the electrodes held on the lamination table, and (4) the electrode transfer mechanism returns from the position of the lamination table to the position of the electrode storage section. A series of movements such as these had to be repeated alternately for the positive electrode and the negative electrode. In particular, the movements involved in (2) and (4) required the transfer mechanism to be temporarily stopped on each storage section to stabilize the posture of each electrode and then to be stored in each storage section, resulting in a time loss and a hindrance to productivity.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode laminate device capable of stable positioning while laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate at high speed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The electrode plate laminating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotating part, a positive electrode plate supply part arranged around the rotating part for supplying at least a positive electrode plate to the rotating part, and a negative electrode plate supply part arranged at a position different from the positive electrode plate supply part around the rotating part for supplying at least a negative electrode plate to the rotating part. The rotating part includes a plurality of laminating parts arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the rotating part, and includes a plurality of laminating parts for laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate supply part includes a positive electrode inclined surface forming an inclined surface downward toward the laminating part, supplies the positive electrode plate from the positive electrode inclined surface, the negative electrode plate supply part includes a negative electrode inclined surface forming an inclined surface downward toward the laminating part, supplies the negative electrode plate from the negative electrode inclined surface, and the laminating part includes an installation surface arranged in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, a first part arranged inward in the radial direction of the rotating part than the installation surface, and a second part arranged in the circumferential direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrode plate laminating device capable of stable positioning while laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate at high speed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (1) The electrode plate laminating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotating part, a positive electrode plate supply part arranged around the rotating part for supplying at least a positive electrode plate to the rotating part, and a negative electrode plate supply part arranged at a position different from the positive electrode plate supply part around the rotating part for supplying at least a negative electrode plate to the rotating part. The rotating part includes a plurality of laminating parts arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the rotating part, and includes a plurality of laminating parts for laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode plate supply part includes a positive electrode inclined surface forming an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the laminating part, and supplies the positive electrode plate from the positive electrode inclined surface. The negative electrode plate supply part includes a negative electrode inclined surface forming an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the laminating part, and supplies the negative electrode plate from the negative electrode inclined surface. The laminating part includes an installation surface arranged in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, a first part arranged inward in the radial direction of the rotating part than the installation surface, and a second part arranged in the circumferential direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0010] According to the electrode plate laminating device according to one aspect of the present invention, the positive electrode plate supply part and the negative electrode plate supply part are arranged at different positions around the rotating part. Therefore, by rotating the rotating part, the positive electrode plate supplied by sliding on the positive electrode inclined surface of the positive electrode plate supply part and the negative electrode plate supplied by sliding on the negative electrode inclined surface of the negative electrode plate supply part can be received and laminated in one laminating part. Since the laminating part is provided with a first part and a second part, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate can be received in the laminating part in conjunction with each other, and the positioning in the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate can be achieved. Therefore, the movement of the transfer mechanism that was conventionally required becomes unnecessary, and stable positioning is possible while laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate at high speed. Furthermore, for one movement of the rotating part, simultaneously, the supply of the positive electrode plate from a plurality of positive electrode plate supply parts and the supply of the negative electrode plate from a plurality of negative electrode plate supply parts are possible, and the lamination of the electrode plates at a higher speed is possible.

[0011] (2) In the electrode plate laminating device described in the above (1), the installation surface may be an inclined surface forming an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first part.

[0012] According to the electrode plate laminating device described in (2) above, since the installation surface is an inclined surface that forms an inclined plane that slopes downward toward the first part, the positive electrode plate supplied by sliding from the positive electrode inclined surface and the negative electrode plate supplied by sliding from the negative electrode inclined surface can be smoothly received on the installation surface.

[0013] (3) In the electrode plate laminating device described in (1) or (2) above, at least one of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may be provided with a convex portion protruding toward the first part, and a receiving portion for receiving the convex portion may be formed in the first part.

[0014] According to the electrode plate laminating device described in (3) above, since a receiving portion for receiving at least one convex portion of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate is formed in the first part, even when the positive electrode plate and / or the negative electrode plate has a convex portion, it can be positioned more reliably.

[0015] (4) In the electrode plate laminating device described in (1) to (3) above, the number of the laminating parts may be more than the total number of the positive electrode plate supply parts and the negative electrode plate supply parts.

[0016] According to the electrode plate laminating device described in (4) above, since the number of the laminating parts is more than the total number of the positive electrode plate supply parts and the negative electrode plate supply parts, there are laminating parts remaining from the positive electrode plate supply part and the negative electrode plate supply part as one rotating part. In this surplus laminating part, since the lamination of the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate is not performed, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate for which the lamination is completed can be taken out from the laminating part. Thereby, while laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate after lamination can be taken out, and the speed can be increased until the taking out.

[0017] Also, the lamination in this case does not necessarily complete the lamination of the electrode plates (positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate) by one rotation, and the laminate may be taken out after lamination by several rotations. Also, it is not necessary for electrodes to be supplied from all the electrode plate supply parts (positive electrode plate supply part and negative electrode plate supply part) during all the rotation operations, and supply may be performed only when necessary.

[0018] (5) In the electrode plate laminating apparatus according to the above (1) to (4), it is also possible that the positive electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the positive electrode plate and the separator are integrated, or the negative electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the negative electrode plate and the separator are integrated.

[0019] According to the electrode plate laminating apparatus described in the above (5), since the positive electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the positive electrode plate and the separator are integrated, the positive electrode plate and the separator can be supplied together, or since the negative electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the negative electrode plate and the separator are integrated, the negative electrode plate and the separator can be supplied together. Therefore, it is possible to omit the step of supplying only the separator, which is separate from the step of supplying the electrode plates (positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates), and the entire lamination process can be speeded up.

[0020] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an electrode plate laminating apparatus according to an embodiment (including its modified examples) of the present invention will be described. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each figure, the dimensions, etc. are not strictly illustrated. In each figure, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names of the constituent members (each component) of the present embodiment are those in the present embodiment and may be different from the names of the constituent members (each component) in the background art.

[0021] Furthermore, expressions indicating relative directions or postures such as parallel and orthogonal also include cases where they are not strictly in that direction or posture. For example, when it is said that two directions are orthogonal, it means not only that the two directions are completely orthogonal, but also that they are substantially orthogonal, that is, for example, including a difference of about several percent. In the following description, when the expression "insulation" is used, it means "electrical insulation". A material having insulating properties has a volume resistivity of 1×10 10It is preferably formed from a material of Ωm or more. In some cases, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may be collectively referred to as the electrode plate without distinction.

[0022] [Power storage element] First, a power storage element including an electrode body will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage element 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the power storage element 10 according to the embodiment after disassembly.

[0023] The power storage element 10 is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity. More specifically, it is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power storage element 10 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape (rectangular). The power storage element 10 is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, a capacitor, or a primary battery. The power storage element 10 may be a solid electrolyte battery.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the power storage element 10 includes a container 100, a pair of (positive and negative) electrode terminals 200, and a pair of (positive and negative) external gaskets 300. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the container 100, a pair of (positive and negative) internal gaskets 400, a pair of (positive and negative) current collectors 500, and an electrode body 600 are accommodated. Also, although an electrolytic solution (non-aqueous electrolyte) is enclosed inside the container 100, it is omitted from the illustration. The type of the electrolytic solution is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of the power storage element 10, and various types can be selected. In addition to the above components, a spacer disposed on the side or above the electrode body 600, or an insulating film that wraps the electrode body 600 or the like may be disposed.

[0025] The container 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped (angular or box-shaped) case having a container body 110 with an opening formed therein and a lid body 120 that closes the opening of the container body 110. With such a configuration, after the electrode body 600 and the like are accommodated inside the container body 110, the container body 110 and the lid body 120 are welded or the like, thereby closing (sealing) the inside. The material of the container 100 (the container body 110 and the lid body 120) is not particularly limited, and it can be a weldable (joinable) metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or a plated steel sheet, and a resin can also be used. The container body 110 and the lid body 120 may be formed of the same material or different materials. When the power storage element 10 is a pouch-type power storage element, the container 100 may be a laminated film composed of a plurality of layers including a metal layer and a resin layer.

[0026] The container body 110 is a rectangular cylindrical member with a bottom that constitutes the main body of the container 100, and an opening is formed at one end. The lid body 120 is a rectangular plate-shaped member that constitutes the lid portion of the container 100, and is disposed at one end of the container body 110. The lid body 120 is provided with a liquid injection portion 121 for injecting an electrolytic solution into the container 100, a gas discharge valve 122 for discharging gas inside the container 100 when the internal pressure of the container 100 rises, and the like.

[0027] The electrode body 600 includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and is a power storage element (power generation element) capable of storing electricity. Specifically, the electrode body 600 is formed by being arranged in layers such that a separator 650 (see FIG. 3) is sandwiched between a positive electrode plate 630 (see FIG. 3) and a negative electrode plate 640 (see FIG. 3). Thereby, in the electrode body 600, the positive electrode tabs 631 of the positive electrode plate 630 are laminated to form a positive electrode tab bundle 610, and the negative electrode tabs 641 of the negative electrode plate 640 are laminated to form a negative electrode tab bundle 620. That is, the electrode body 600 includes an electrode body main body portion 601 and tab bundles 610 and 620 that protrude from a part of the electrode body main body portion 601. A detailed description of the configuration of the electrode body 600 will be described later.

[0028] The electrode body 600 is attached with a fixing member 602 that integrally fixes the positive electrode plate 630, the negative electrode plate 640, and the separator 650. The fixing member 602 is an insulating tape arranged at two locations on each of the both side portions of the electrode body 600, and sandwiches and fixes the laminated positive electrode plate 630, negative electrode plate 640, and separator 650 in their lamination direction. The fixing member 602 does not have to be a tape as long as it is a member that holds the laminated state of the positive electrode plate 630, negative electrode plate 640, and separator 650.

[0029] The electrode terminal 200 is an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to the electrode body 600 via the current collector 500. The electrode terminal 200 is connected to the current collector 500 by caulking or the like and is attached to the lid body 120. Specifically, the electrode terminal 200 includes a shaft portion (rivet portion) that extends downward, and this shaft portion is inserted into the through holes of the external gasket 300, lid body 120, internal gasket 400, and current collector 500 and is caulked and fixed.

[0030] The current collector 500 is a rectangular and flat plate member that electrically connects the electrode body 600 and the electrode terminal 200. Specifically, the positive current collector 500 is connected (joined) to the positive tab bundle 610 of the electrode body 600 by welding or the like, and is connected (joined) to the positive electrode terminal 200 by caulking or the like. The same applies to the negative electrode.

[0031] The external gasket 300 is a flat plate-shaped insulating sealing member arranged between the lid body 120 of the container 100 and the electrode terminal 200. The internal gasket 400 is a flat plate-shaped insulating sealing member arranged between the lid body 120 and the current collector 500. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a rectangular battery using a metal case was used for the explanation, but the lamination device of the present invention is not limited to this shape as long as it is a power storage element using a laminated electrode body, and it goes without saying that a pouch-shaped battery may be used.

[0032] [Electrode body] Next, the configuration of the electrode body 600 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the electrode body 600 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the positive electrode plate 630, the negative electrode plate 640, and the separator 650 provided in the electrode body 600 in an exploded manner.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode body 600 is formed by laminating a plurality of flat plate-like electrode plates. Specifically, the electrode body 600 is formed by alternately laminating the positive electrode plate 630 and the negative electrode plate 640 while sandwiching the separator 650. That is, the separator 650 is disposed at both ends in the stacking direction of the electrode body 600, and inside thereof, the negative electrode plate 640, the separator 650, the positive electrode plate 630, the separator 650, the negative electrode plate 640, the separator 650, the positive electrode plate 630, and the separator are repeatedly laminated in this order. Note that the negative electrode plate 640 is the negative electrode plate 640 located at the outermost end in the stacking direction of the electrode plates.

[0034] In this way, by laminating a plurality of positive electrode plates 630 and a plurality of negative electrode plates 640, a plurality of positive electrode tabs 631 are laminated, and a plurality of negative electrode tabs 641 are laminated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a positive tab bundle 610 composed of a plurality of positive electrode tabs 631 and a negative tab bundle 620 composed of a plurality of negative electrode tabs 641 are formed in the electrode body 600. The positive tab bundle 610 and the negative tab bundle 620 are joined to the current collectors 500 of the positive electrode and the negative electrode by welding or the like, and are electrically connected to the electrode terminals 200 of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Hereinafter, the configurations of the positive electrode plate 630, the negative electrode plate 640, and the separator 650 will be described in more detail.

[0035] The positive electrode plate 630 includes a positive electrode main body portion 632 and a positive electrode tab 631. The positive electrode main body portion 632 is a rectangular and flat plate-like portion constituting the main body of the positive electrode plate 630, and a positive electrode active material layer 632a is disposed on the surface of the positive electrode base material. The positive electrode active material layer 632a is disposed on the entire surfaces of both sides of the positive electrode base material of the positive electrode main body portion 632. The positive electrode tab 631 is a rectangular tab protruding upward from the positive electrode main body portion 632, and is integrally formed with the positive electrode base material of the positive electrode main body portion 632.

[0036] Similarly, the negative electrode plate 640 includes a negative electrode main body portion 642 and a negative electrode tab 641. The negative electrode main body portion 642 is a rectangular and flat plate-like portion that constitutes the main body portion of the negative electrode plate 640, and a negative electrode active material layer 642a is disposed on the surface of the negative electrode base material. The negative electrode active material layer 642a is disposed on the entire surfaces of both sides of the negative electrode base material of the negative electrode main body portion 642. The negative electrode tab 641 is a rectangular tab that protrudes upward from the negative electrode main body portion 642 and is integrally formed with the negative electrode base material of the negative electrode main body portion 642. Note that, for the negative electrode plate 640 disposed at the outermost end in the stacking direction, it is not always necessary to dispose the negative electrode active material layer 642a on both surfaces of the negative electrode base material. It may be disposed only on the surface that becomes the inner surface in the stacking direction among the negative electrode plates 640.

[0037] The positive electrode active material layer 632a contains a positive electrode active material and a binder. Similarly, the negative electrode active material layer 642a contains a negative electrode active material and a binder. As the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material used in the positive electrode active material layer 632a and the negative electrode active material layer 642a, any known material can be appropriately used as long as it is a positive electrode active material capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions. As for the conductive assistant and the binder, any known material can be appropriately used. The positive electrode base material and the positive electrode tab 631 of the positive electrode main body portion 632 are current collector foils made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or the like. The negative electrode base material and the negative electrode tab 641 of the negative electrode main body portion 642 are current collector foils made of copper or a copper alloy or the like.

[0038] The separator 650 is a flat and rectangular microporous sheet made of, for example, resin. As the material of the separator 650, any known material can be appropriately used as long as it does not impair the performance of the power storage element 10.

[0039] Two separators 650 sandwiching the positive electrode plate 630 are attached to the positive electrode main body 632, so that the positive electrode plate 630 and the two separators 650 are integrated. The separator 650 has the same size as the negative electrode main body 642 (negative electrode active material layer 642a). Therefore, when the ends of each separator 650 after integration are aligned with the ends of the negative electrode main body 642, each separator 650 and the negative electrode main body 642 overlap, and the positive electrode main body 632 and the negative electrode main body 642 between the separators 650 are also aligned.

[0040] Further, by making the positive electrode main body 632 (positive electrode active material layer 632a) of the positive electrode plate 630 integrated with the separator 650 and the negative electrode main body 642 (negative electrode active material layer 642a) of the negative electrode plate 640 have the same size, the negative electrode active material layer 642a is always formed on the facing surface of the positive electrode active material layer 632a, so that electrodeposition is suppressed.

[0041] [Integrating device for positive electrode plate and separator] Next, the integrating device 501 for the positive electrode plate 630 and the separator 650 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the integrating device 501 according to the embodiment. The integrating device 501 includes a roll body holding portion 510, an insertion portion 520, a pair of rollers 530, a welding portion 540, and a cutting portion 550.

[0042] The roll body holding part 510 includes a pair of roll bodies 512 of a base material 511 that becomes a separator 650, and holds each roll body 512 in a rotatable state. The insertion part 520 is a part where the positive electrode plate 630 is inserted between a pair of base materials 511 pulled out from the roll body holding part 510. The pair of rollers 530 is a part that presses a pair of base materials 511 sandwiching the positive electrode plate 630 and sends them to the welding part 540. The welding part 540 is a part that welds a pair of base materials 511 and the positive electrode plate 630. In the welding part 540, a pair of base materials 511 and the positive electrode plate 630 sandwiched between the pair of base materials 511 are connected so as to be integrated. The cutting part 550 is a part that separates the part of the pair of base materials 511 attached to the positive electrode plate 630. By the cutting part 550, an integrated object 660 with one positive electrode plate 630 sandwiched between a pair of base materials 511 is formed. The cutting part 550 may cut the base material 511 with a cutter that rotates and moves as shown in the figure, or may cut the base material 511 with a laser. Thereby, an integrated object 660 of the positive electrode plate 630 and the separator 650 is manufactured. The integrated object 660 manufactured by the integration device 501 is sent to the positive electrode plate supply part 720. Note that the negative electrode plate 640 and the separator 650 may be integrated using the integration device 501. The integration of the electrode plate and the separator 650 does not have to be in a state where the electrode plate is sandwiched between a pair of separators 650, and may be integrated so that the separator 650 is disposed only on one side of the electrode plate.

[0043] [Electrode plate laminating device] Next, the electrode plate laminating device 700 for manufacturing the electrode body 600 will be described. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the electrode plate laminating device 700 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the electrode plate laminating device 700 according to the embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode plate laminating device 700 includes a rotating part 710, a plurality of positive electrode plate supply parts 720, a plurality of negative electrode plate supply parts 730, a carry-out part 740, and a control part 770 that controls these. The control part 770 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU expands the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to control each part.

[0045] In this embodiment, the number of installed positive electrode plate supply units 720 is three, and the number of installed negative electrode plate supply units 730 is four. However, these installation numbers may be values corresponding to the number of laminated layers of the positive electrode plates 630 and negative electrode plates 640 that make up the electrode body 600. In FIG. 5, signs (S1 to S7) indicating the lamination order of the electrode plates are attached to each positive electrode plate supply unit 720 and each negative electrode plate supply unit 730.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating part 710 is a rotating table having a circular shape in a top view, and a plurality of lamination parts 750 are arranged on its upper surface. In this embodiment, eight lamination parts 750 are provided, and each lamination part 750 is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating part 710. Details of the lamination part 750 will be described later.

[0047] Around the rotating part 710, three positive electrode plate supply units 720, four negative electrode plate supply units 730, and one carry-out unit 740 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Among these, the three positive electrode plate supply units 720 and the four negative electrode plate supply units 730 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The rotating part 710 rotates one full turn intermittently. The rotation of the rotating part 710 is temporarily stopped when (1) the lamination part 750 of the rotating part 710 is disposed opposite to the positive electrode plate supply unit 720, (2) the lamination part 750 of the rotating part 710 is disposed opposite to the negative electrode plate supply unit 730, and (3) the lamination part 750 of the rotating part 710 is disposed opposite to the carry-out unit 740. In this embodiment, when the rotation of the rotating part 710 is temporarily stopped, each lamination part 750 is disposed opposite to any one of the three positive electrode plate supply units 720, the four negative electrode plate supply units 730, and the one carry-out unit 740. Then, while the rotating part 710 is temporarily stopped, the supply of the electrode plates from each supply unit to the lamination part 750 and the carry-out of the laminated electrodes from the lamination part 750 to the carry-out unit 740 are performed simultaneously. Note that when the rotation of the rotating part 710 is temporarily stopped, some of the lamination parts 750 do not have to be disposed opposite to any of the positive electrode plate supply unit 720, the negative electrode plate supply unit 730, and the carry-out unit 740. In FIG. 5, the rotation direction of the rotating part 710 is indicated by an arrow Y1. The rotating part 710 rotates by the operation of a drive source (not shown) based on the control of the control unit 770.

[0048] The positive electrode plate supply unit 720 is a part that supplies the integrated object 660 to the rotating unit 710. Specifically, the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 supplies two separators 650 integrated with the positive electrode plate 630 sandwiched therebetween to each lamination part 750 of the rotating unit 710.

[0049] The negative electrode plate supply unit 730 is a part that supplies the negative electrode plate 640 to the rotating unit 710. Specifically, the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 supplies the negative electrode plate 640 to each lamination part 750 of the rotating unit 710. In the order of the rotation direction from the carry-out unit 740, there are the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S1), the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 (S2), the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S3), the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 (S4), the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S5), the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 (S6), and the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S7) side by side. The most upstream in the rotation direction is the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S1), and the most downstream is the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 (S7). In the order of the rotation direction, that is, in order from the supply unit on the upstream side, the electrode plates are laminated on the lamination part 750. Therefore, the negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode supply unit 730 (S1) located at the most upstream becomes the lowermost electrode plate among the plurality of electrode plates laminated on the lamination part 750. The negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode supply unit 730 (S7) located at the most downstream becomes the uppermost electrode plate among the plurality of electrode plates laminated on the lamination part 750.

[0050] In addition, a separator 650 is attached to the lower surface of the negative electrode main body part 642 of the negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 located at the most upstream, and a separator 650 is attached to the upper surface of the negative electrode main body part 642 of the negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 located at the most downstream. Thereby, separators 650 are arranged at both ends in the lamination direction of the electrode body 600. In other words, separators 650 are arranged on both the surface in the +Z-axis direction and the surface in the -Z-axis direction of the electrode body 600.

[0051] Also, when laminating the negative electrode plate 640 that becomes the lowermost layer of the electrode body 600 on the lamination part 750, a separator 650 is attached to the lower surface of the negative electrode main body part 642.

[0052] As described above, the positive electrode plate supply section 720 and the negative electrode plate supply section 730 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. In one lamination section 750, when the separator 650 is ignored, the negative electrode plate 640 and the integral body 660 are laminated alternately.

[0053] Next, the details of the negative electrode plate supply section 730 will be described. Since the positive electrode plate supply section 720 and the negative electrode plate supply section 730 have basically the same structure, the details of the negative electrode plate supply section 730 will be described here, and the details of the positive electrode plate supply section 720 will be omitted.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the negative electrode plate supply section 730 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 7, the rotating section 710 is temporarily stopped, and a state where the lamination section 750 and the negative electrode plate supply section 730 face each other is shown. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane VI-VI in FIG. 5.

[0055] From FIG. 7 onwards, the radial direction of the rotating section 710 is defined as the Y-axis direction, the lamination direction of the electrode plates (positive electrode plate 630 and negative electrode plate 640) in the lamination section 750, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction can generally be said to be the circumferential direction and the rotation direction of the rotating section 710. In the following description, for example, the positive X-axis direction indicates the side in the arrow direction of the X-axis, and the negative X-axis direction indicates the side opposite to the positive X-axis direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 7, the negative electrode plate supply section 730 includes a storage section 731, a conveyance roller 732, and a supply table 733. The supply table 733 is arranged at a position adjacent to the lamination section 750 in the positive Y-axis direction. The storage section 731 is arranged at a position adjacent to the supply table 733 in the positive Y-axis direction. The conveyance roller 732 is arranged in the positive Z-axis direction of the storage section 731.

[0057] The storage part 731 is a part for storing a plurality of negative electrode plates 640 laminated in the Z-axis direction. The storage part 731 is a box body with the Z-axis positive direction and the Y-axis negative direction open, and a plurality of negative electrode plates 640 are laminated inside thereof. A conveying roller 732 is arranged above the storage part 731. The conveying roller 732 is a roller that rotates based on the control of the control part 770. By rotating, the conveying roller 732 feeds out the negative electrode plate 640 located in the most Z-axis positive direction among the plurality of laminated negative electrode plates 640 toward the supply table 733. The storage part 731 moves up and down based on the control of the control part 770. The storage part 731 rises according to the remaining number of negative electrode plates 640, and the negative electrode plate 640 located in the most Z-axis positive direction in the storage part 731 at that time comes into contact with the conveying roller 732.

[0058] The supply table 733 is a guide section that guides the negative electrode plate 640 sent out from the conveying roller 732 to the stacking section 750. A pair of guide walls 734 are provided above the supply table 733 at a predetermined interval in the X-axis direction. Between this pair of guide walls 734, a negative electrode inclined surface 735 that forms an inclined surface in the negative Z-axis direction (downward) toward the stacking section 750 is arranged. The negative electrode plate 640 sent out from the conveying roller 732 is guided by the pair of guide walls 734 and slides on the negative electrode inclined surface 735 to be guided to the stacking section 750. At this time, the pair of guide walls 734 prevent the negative electrode plate 640 from falling off the negative electrode inclined surface 735. A vibration section for the supply table that vibrates the supply table 733 may be provided, and when guiding the negative electrode plate 640 to the stacking section 750, the supply table 733 is vibrated by the vibration section for the supply table to enhance the slidability of the negative electrode plate 640 with respect to the negative electrode inclined surface 735. In the present embodiment, although the negative electrode inclined surface 735 is a flat surface as a whole, as long as it forms an inclination in the negative Z-axis direction (downward) toward the stacking section 750, it may be a convex curved surface or a concave curved surface. For example, the negative electrode inclined surface 735 may be a curved surface that is convex in the positive Z-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction or a curved surface that is concave in the negative Z-axis direction, or a curved surface that is convex or concave when viewed from other directions. The inclination angle of the negative electrode inclined surface 735 may vary depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. It is not necessary for all positions of the negative electrode inclined surface 735 to form an inclination in the negative Z-axis direction (downward). In order to adjust the supply speed of the electrode plate, a part of the negative electrode inclined surface 735 may be a horizontal surface (a surface parallel to the XY plane) and an inclined surface that inclines in the positive Z-axis direction toward the stacking section. In the case of the positive electrode plate supply section 720, the positive electrode inclined surface 725 corresponds to the negative electrode inclined surface 735. Since the configuration of the positive electrode inclined surface 725 is the same as that of the negative electrode inclined surface 735, the description thereof is omitted.

[0059] The carry-out unit 740 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a part for carrying out the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a laminate) laminated in the lamination unit 750. The carry-out unit 740 takes out the laminate on the lamination unit 750 in a state of sandwiching the laminate in the Z-axis direction and carries it out to the outside of the electrode plate laminating apparatus 700. For example, the carry-out unit 740 includes a fork part that supports the laminate in the minus Z-axis direction and a pressing part that presses the laminate from the plus Z-axis direction. Here, the fork part is a plate-like member, and the surface of the fork part facing the plus Z-axis direction includes a plate-like portion that is parallel to the XY plane and protrudes in the Y-axis direction. By pressing the upper surface (the surface in the plus Z-axis direction) of the laminate with the pressing part while supporting the lower surface (the surface in the minus Z-axis direction) of the laminate with the fork part, the lamination unit 750 can be sandwiched. Thereby, the positioning of the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 constituting the laminate is maintained. The carry-out unit 740 may have a function of attaching the fixing member 602 to the laminate. Thereby, displacement of the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 can be suppressed.

[0060] Next, the details of the lamination unit 750 will be described. FIG. 8 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the lamination unit 750 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lamination unit 750 includes an installation surface 751, a first wall portion 752, and a pair of second wall portions 753. Further, as the number of laminated electrode plates in the lamination unit 750 increases, the relative height between the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 and the electrode plates laminated on the lamination unit 750 shifts. Therefore, a height adjustment function for adjusting the relative position may be provided. In the lamination unit 750, as the number of electrode plates laminated on the installation surface 751 increases, the position of the uppermost electrode plate on the installation surface 751 becomes the position in the plus Z-axis direction, and the height of the uppermost electrode plate on the installation surface 751 approaches the height of the negative electrode inclined surface 735 of the negative electrode plate supply unit 730. In this case, if the conditions for sliding the negative electrode plate 640 are not changed, there may be a problem in the lamination of the electrode plates. By providing a height adjustment function in the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 or the lamination unit 750, the relative height relationship between the uppermost surface of the installation surface 751 (when electrode plates are laminated on the lamination unit 750, the uppermost layer of electrode plates) and the negative electrode inclined surface 735 is kept constant, and problems related to the lamination of the electrode plates can be suppressed.

[0061] The installation surface 751 includes the surface on which the integrated body 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed, and is the surface that supports the integrated body 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 from the minus Z-axis direction. It can be said that the installation surface 751 is arranged in the stacking direction of the integrated body 660 and the negative electrode plate 640. The installation surface 751 is an inclined surface that forms an inclined surface that is in the minus Z-axis direction (downward) toward the first wall portion 752 (see FIG. 7). The inclined surface of the installation surface 751 may be referred to as an installation inclined surface in order to distinguish it from the positive electrode inclined surface 725 and the negative electrode inclined surface 735, which are other inclined surfaces. As shown in FIG. 7, in order to smoothly receive the negative electrode plate 640 that has slid on the negative electrode inclined surface 735 of the negative electrode plate supply unit 730, the height in the Z-axis direction of the base end portion (the end portion in the plus Y-axis direction) of the installation surface 751 is lower than the height in the Z-axis direction of the tip end portion (the end portion in the minus Y-axis direction) of the negative electrode inclined surface 735. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the base end portion of the installation surface 751 is arranged in the minus Z-axis direction rather than the extension line of the tip end portion of the negative electrode inclined surface 735.

[0062] The stacking portion 750 may move up and down based on the control of the control unit 770. Specifically, the stacking portion 750 may descend according to the number of stacked electrode plates on the installation surface 751, so that among the plurality of electrode plates stacked on the stacking portion 750, the electrode plate located in the most plus Z-axis direction is always positioned in the minus Z-axis direction rather than the tip end portion of the negative electrode inclined surface 735.

[0063] The stacked portion 750 includes a first part and a second part. The first wall portion 752 is an example of the first part arranged in the negative Y-axis direction (the direction toward the rotation center of the rotating portion 710, the inner side in the radial direction) from the installation surface 751. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the first wall portion 752 is a wall extending in the X-axis direction, and the surface of the first wall portion 752 facing the electrode plate faces the radial direction of the rotating portion 710 (the direction in which the stacked portion 750 and the rotation center of the rotating portion 710 face each other when the rotation temporarily stops). The first wall portion 752 is a portion for radially positioning the electrode plate supplied to the installation surface 751. The first wall portion 752 is located in the direction toward the center of the rotating portion 710 (the negative Y-axis direction in FIG. 7) when the rotation of the rotating portion 710 temporarily stops, as viewed from the negative electrode plate supply portion 730 (or the positive electrode plate supply portion 720). On the inner wall of the first wall portion 752 facing the installation surface 751, a pair of concave accommodating portions 754 and 755 are formed. The pair of accommodating portions 754 and 755 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the X-axis direction (the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 710). The positive electrode tab 631 of the integrated object 660 (positive electrode plate 630) is accommodated in the accommodating portion 754 in the negative X-axis direction. The negative electrode tab 641 of the negative electrode plate 640 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 754 in the negative X-axis direction. The bottom surfaces of the respective accommodating portions 754 and 755 are continuous with the installation surface 751 without a step. The inner wall surface of the first wall portion 752 is substantially parallel to the XZ plane.

[0064] A pair of second wall portions 753 are arranged at positions sandwiching the installation surface 751 in the X-axis direction. That is, each second wall portion 753 is an example of the second part arranged in the circumferential direction of the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 installed on the installation surface 751. The surfaces of each second wall portion 753 facing the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 installed on the installation surface 751 are arranged to face the circumferential direction of the rotating portion 710. Each second wall portion 753 is a portion for circumferentially positioning the electrode plate supplied to the installation surface 751. Each second wall portion 753 is arranged at the circumferential end portion rather than the installation surface 751 and the first wall portion 752. In FIG. 9, the circumferential direction corresponds to the X-axis direction.

[0065] Specifically, each second wall portion 753 is a wall extending in the Y-axis direction (the radial direction of the rotating portion 710). The inner surface of each second wall portion 753 includes a parallel surface 7531 parallel to the YZ plane and an inclined surface 7532 inclined with respect to the YZ plane. The inclined surface 7532 is arranged in the positive Y-axis direction with respect to the parallel surface 7531. The parallel surface 7531 is a surface substantially parallel to the direction in which the supply table 733 extends (the Y-axis direction, the radial direction of the rotating portion 710) when the rotation of the rotating portion 710 temporarily stops. The inclined surface 7532 is inclined in a direction away from the installation surface 751 as it goes in the positive Y-axis direction. The inclined surface 7532 may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are arranged between the pair of second wall portions 753. Since each second wall portion 753 has the inclined surface 7532, it is easy to receive the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 between the pair of second wall portions 753. In the present embodiment, the case where the height of the second wall portion 753 in the Z-axis direction is the same as the height of the first wall portion 752 in the Z-axis direction is illustrated, but the height of the first wall portion 752 in the Z-axis direction may be higher than the height of the second wall portion 753 in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] Around the installation surface 751, a first wall portion 752 and a pair of second wall portions 753 are arranged in this manner, and the Y-axis positive direction of the installation surface 751 is open. That is, on the installation surface 751, the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are received from the Y-axis positive direction. At the end of the installation surface 751 in the Y-axis positive direction, a pair of groove portions 756 arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction are formed. Each groove portion 756 is a groove extending in the Y-axis direction and recessed in the Z-axis negative direction, and the end of each groove portion 756 in the Y-axis positive direction is open. Note that each groove portion 756 may penetrate in the Z-axis direction. The fork portion of the carry-out portion 740 is inserted into each groove portion 756 from the Y-axis positive direction. The fork portion with respect to each groove portion 756 is preferably inserted so that the stacked state of the electrode plates constituting the laminate does not collapse (so that the positions do not shift in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction). The fork portion may be provided with portions inserted into the groove portions 756 in the same number as the number of groove portions 756. Among the portions inserted into the groove portions 756, it is preferable to have a portion where the surface directly facing the laminate (the surface perpendicular to the installation surface 751 and facing the Z-axis positive direction) is parallel to the XY plane. Between the pair of second wall portions 753, the pressing portion of the carry-out portion 740 is inserted from the Y-axis positive direction or the Z-axis positive direction.

[0067] [Laminating Method] Next, a method for laminating electrode plates executed by the electrode plate laminating apparatus 700 will be described. Here, the case where electrode plates are laminated on one lamination portion 750 will be described, but in the electrode plate laminating apparatus 700, while electrode plates are laminated on one lamination portion 750, electrode plates can also be laminated on other lamination portions 750 at the same time.

[0068] First, the non-laminated lamination portion 750 is arranged to face the first (S1) negative electrode supply portion 730 as the rotation portion 710 rotates. At this time, the rotation of the rotation portion 710 is temporarily stopped, and the negative electrode plate 640 integrated with the separator 650 on the surface in the Z-axis negative direction is supplied from the negative electrode supply portion 730 to the lamination portion 750.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a top view showing a state in which the stacking portion 750 according to the embodiment has received the negative electrode plate 640. The negative electrode plate 640 supplied while sliding on the negative electrode inclined surface 735 of the negative electrode plate supply portion 730 has the negative electrode tab 641 facing the first wall portion 752. That is, the negative electrode tab 641 is an example of a convex portion. The negative electrode plate 640 enters from the +Y-axis direction with respect to the installation surface 751 and contacts the inner wall surface of the first wall portion 752. Thereby, the positioning of the negative electrode plate 640 in the Y-axis direction is performed. At this time, the negative electrode tab 641 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 755 in the +X-axis direction, but does not contact the inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 755, so it does not hinder the positioning. A vibrating portion for the stacking portion for vibrating the stacking portion 750 may be provided, and at the time of positioning, the stacking portion 750 may be vibrated by the vibrating portion for the stacking portion to improve the positioning accuracy.

[0070] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the stacking portion 750 moves so as to face the second positive electrode plate supply portion 720 (S2) as the rotating portion 710 rotates. During rotation, the negative electrode plate 640 on the installation surface 751 contacts the second wall portion 753 behind the rotation direction, and the positioning in the X-axis direction is performed. Here, the second wall portion 753 behind the rotation direction is the second wall portion 753 having an inner surface facing in the direction opposite to the rotation direction among the two second wall portions 753 arranged in the rotation direction of the stacking portion 750.

[0071] When the stacking portion 750 is disposed opposite to the second positive electrode plate supply portion 720 (S2) in the radial direction, the rotation of the rotating portion 710 is temporarily stopped, and the integrated object 660 is supplied from the negative electrode plate supply portion 730 to the stacking portion 750. At this time, in the stacking portion 750 located adjacent in the circumferential direction to the stacking portion 750 to which the integrated object 660 is supplied, the negative electrode plates 640 are supplied at the same timing, so that a plurality of electrode bodies 600 can be stacked simultaneously. In the electrode plate stacking apparatus 700 illustrated in FIG. 5, since three positive electrode plate supply portions 720 and four negative electrode plate supply portions 730 are provided, at most, three integrated objects 660 and four negative electrode plates 640 can be stacked simultaneously, and the stacking speed can be improved by seven times as compared with the case where there is only one electrode plate supply portion.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a state in which the integrated object 660 is disposed on the stacked portion 750 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 10, the outer shape of the positive electrode main body portion 632 of the positive electrode plate 630 is indicated by a broken line, and the outer shape of the separator 650 is indicated by a solid line. The integrated object 660 supplied while sliding on the positive electrode inclined surface 725 of the positive electrode plate supply portion 720 has the positive electrode tab 631 facing the first wall portion 752. The positive electrode tab 631 is an example of a convex portion. The integrated object 660 enters from the +Y axis direction with respect to the installation surface 751 and contacts the inner wall surface of the first wall portion 752. Thereby, the integrated object 660 is positioned in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the positive electrode tab 631 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 754 in the -X axis direction, but does not contact the inner wall surface of the accommodating portion 754, so it does not hinder the positioning.

[0073] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the stacked portion 750 moves toward the third negative electrode plate supply portion 730 (S3) as the rotating portion 710 rotates. During the rotation, since the integrated object 660 on the installation surface 751 contacts the second wall portion 753 behind the rotation direction, positioning in the X-axis direction is performed.

[0074] Similar operations are performed at the third negative electrode plate supply portion 730 (S3), the fourth positive electrode plate supply portion 720 (S4), the fifth negative electrode plate supply portion 730 (S5), the sixth positive electrode plate supply portion 740 (S6), and the seventh negative electrode plate supply portion 730 (S7), whereby a laminate is formed. Finally, in the carry-out portion 740, the laminate is clamped and carried out.

[0075] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 and the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 are arranged at different positions around the rotating unit 710. Therefore, by rotating the rotating unit 710, the integrated object 660 supplied from the positive electrode inclined surface 725 of the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 and the negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode inclined surface 735 of the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 can be laminated in one lamination unit 750. Since the lamination unit 750 is provided with the first wall portion 752 and the second wall portion 753, the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 can be received by the lamination unit 750, and the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 can be positioned in the circumferential direction (X-axis direction) and the radial direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the temporary stop process for stabilizing the posture of the electrode plate, which was necessary in the past, becomes unnecessary, and stable positioning is possible while laminating the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 at high speed.

[0076] Since the installation surface 751 is an inclined surface (installation inclined surface) that forms an inclined surface in the negative Z-axis direction (downward) toward the first wall portion 752, the integrated object 660 supplied from the positive electrode inclined surface 725 and the negative electrode plate 640 supplied from the negative electrode inclined surface 735 can be smoothly received and positioned on the installation surface 751. In the present embodiment, when the electrode plate (integrated object 660 or negative electrode plate 640) slides and is supplied to the lamination unit 750, the inclined surface (installation inclined surface) of the installation surface 751 makes it easier for the electrode plate (integrated object 660 or negative electrode plate 640) to contact the first wall portion 752. In other words, since the installation surface 751 is an inclined surface (installation inclined surface), the electrode plate (integrated object 660 or negative electrode plate 640) becomes easier to move (easier to slide), and the movement of the electrode plate (integrated object 660 or negative electrode plate 640) in the radial direction of the rotating unit 710 continues to the position of the first wall portion 752 in the radial direction and is likely to stop at the position of the first wall portion 752. Thereby, the positioning of the electrode plate (integrated object 660 or negative electrode plate 640) can be made more reliable.

[0077] The first wall portion 752 is formed with a receiving portion 754 for receiving the positive electrode tab 631 which is a convex portion of the integrated object 660, and a receiving portion 755 for receiving the negative electrode tab 641 which is a convex portion of the negative electrode plate 640. Therefore, even when the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 have convex portions, the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 can be positioned more reliably.

[0078] Since the number of the lamination portions 750 is larger than the total number of the positive electrode plate supply portions 720 and the negative electrode plate supply portions 730, there are lamination portions 750 remaining from the positive electrode plate supply portions 720 and the negative electrode plate supply portions 730 as one rotation portion 710. In the surplus lamination portions 750, since the integrated object 660 or the negative electrode plate 640 is not laminated, a laminated body with lamination completed can be taken out from the lamination portions 750. Thereby, while laminating the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640, the laminated body can be taken out, and the speed can be increased until the taking out.

[0079] In the positive electrode plate supply portion 720, since the integrated object 660 in which the positive electrode plate 630 and the separator 650 are integrated is supplied, the separator 650 and the positive electrode plate 630 can be supplied together. That is, the supply of the positive electrode plate 630 also undertakes the supply of the separator 650. Therefore, a process of supplying only the separator 650, which is separate from the process of supplying the positive electrode plate 630, can be omitted, and the speed of the entire lamination process can be increased.

[0080] (Modification example) The following describes each modification example of the above embodiment. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above embodiment or other modification examples may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0081] [Modification example 1] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the first wall portion 752 of the laminated portion 750 is provided with a pair of accommodating portions 754 and 755 has been exemplified. However, the first wall portion may be provided with only one accommodating portion. FIG. 11 is a top view showing the laminated portion 750A according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 11, one concave accommodating portion 754a is formed in the first wall portion 752a of the laminated portion 750A. For example, the integrated object 660 is supplied to the laminated portion 750 in a posture in which the positive electrode tab 631 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 754a. The integrated object 660 enters from the +Y-axis direction with respect to the installation surface 751 and contacts the inner wall surface of the first wall portion 752a. Thereby, the positioning of the integrated object 660 in the Y-axis direction is performed.

[0082] On the other hand, the negative electrode plate 640 is supplied to the laminated portion 750A so that the negative electrode tab 641 is disposed on the side opposite to the accommodating portion 754a in the Y-axis direction (the radial direction of the rotating portion 710). In other words, when the negative electrode plate 640 is supplied to the laminated portion 750A, the negative electrode plate 640 is not disposed in the accommodating portion 754a, and the negative electrode tab 641 is disposed at a position farther from the accommodating portion 754a than the negative electrode main body portion 642. The negative electrode plate 640 enters from the +Y-axis direction with respect to the installation surface 751 and contacts the inner wall surface of the first wall portion 752a. Thereby, the positioning of the negative electrode plate 640 in the Y-axis direction is performed.

[0083] [Modification 2] In the above-described embodiment, the first wall portion 752 is exemplified as the first part, and the second wall portion 753 is exemplified as the second part. However, the first part may be any as long as it is disposed radially inward of the installation surface, and the second part may be any as long as it is disposed in the circumferential direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate laminated on the installation surface. That is, the first part and the second part do not have to be wall portions.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a top view showing the laminated portion 750B according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. 12, the laminated portion 750B includes a plurality of first column portions 752b and a plurality of second column portions 753b. The first column portion 752b and the second column portion 753b are each columnar, but may be polygonal columnar.

[0085] The plurality of first pillar portions 752b are arranged in the -Y axis direction (inward in the radial direction) with respect to the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed, and are fixed to the region outside the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed. That is, the first pillar portion 752b is an example of the first part. In this modification example, the number of installed first pillar portions 752b is four, but the number of installed first pillar portions 752b can be any number. The four first pillar portions 752b are arranged in the X-axis direction at a predetermined interval, but some of the first pillar portions 752b may be arranged with a shift in the Y-axis direction. In this modification example, four first pillar portions 752b are provided. The interval between the first first pillar portion 752b and the second first pillar portion 752b from the -X axis direction is a housing portion that houses the positive electrode tab 631 of the integrated object 660. The interval between the third first pillar portion 752b and the fourth first pillar portion 752b from the -X axis direction is a housing portion that houses the negative electrode tab 641 of the negative electrode plate 640.

[0086] The plurality of second pillar portions 753b are arranged at positions sandwiching the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed in the X-axis direction, and are fixed to the region outside the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed. That is, the second pillar portion 753b is an example of the second part. In this modification example, the number of installed second pillar portions 753b is four, but the number of installed second pillar portions 753b can be any number. The plurality of second pillar portions 753b may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction up to the Y-axis end of the laminated portion 750B. In Modification Example 2, two second pillar portions 753b are arranged in the +X axis direction with respect to the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed and are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The remaining two second pillar portions 753b are arranged in the -X axis direction with respect to the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed and are arranged in the Y-axis direction. Note that both the first part and the second part may be members combining a plate-like part and a columnar part.

[0087] [Modification Example 3] In Modification 2, an example was illustrated in which the first column portion 752b and the second column portion 753b are fixed to a region outside the region on the installation surface 751 where the integrated object 660 and the negative electrode plate 640 are installed. In this Modification 3, a case where the first column portion and the second column portion are detachable from the installation surface 751c will be described.

[0088] FIGS. 13 and 14 are top views showing the laminated portion 750C according to Modification 3. FIG. 13 shows a state where the first column portion 752c and the second column portion 753c are removed. FIG. 14 shows a state where the first column portion 752c and the second column portion 753c are attached.

[0089] The upper surface of the laminated portion 750C is the installation surface 751c, and a plurality of hole portions 757c to which the first column portion 752c and the second column portion 753c are attached are formed in a part thereof. The plurality of hole portions 757c are arranged in a matrix with the X-axis direction as the column direction and the Y-axis direction as the row direction. Each hole portion 757c is a cylindrical hole. Note that the plurality of hole portions 757c may be formed up to the end portion in the +Y-axis direction of the installation surface 751c. The shape of each hole portion 757c may be a polygonal shape or a shape composed of one or more corners and a curved shape.

[0090] The first column portion 752c and the second column portion 753c are each columnar, and a protrusion that fits into the hole portion 757c is provided on the bottom surface thereof. That is, by attaching the first column portion 752c and the second column portion 753c to an arbitrary hole portion 757c, it is possible to laminate integrated objects 660 and negative electrode plates 640 of various sizes. The shape of the first column portion 752c and the shape of the second column portion 753c may be a polygonal shape or a shape composed of one or more corners and a curved shape.

[0091] [Modification 4] In Modification 4, a negative electrode plate supply unit 730D and a laminated portion 750D that can supply the electrode plates more stably will be described. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the negative electrode plate supply unit 730D and the laminated portion 750D according to Modification 4.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, in the supply table 733d of the negative electrode plate supply unit 730D, a plurality of first ventilation holes 738d penetrating the negative electrode inclined surface 735d are provided. A first blower (not shown) is connected to each of the first ventilation holes 738d. By the air from the first blower being emitted from each of the first ventilation holes 738d, it is possible to slide (supply) the negative electrode plate 640 on the negative electrode inclined surface 735d more smoothly. Further, by adopting such a structure, the friction between the inclined surface and the negative electrode plate 640 can be reduced, and peeling and dropping off of the active material layer of the negative electrode plate 640 can be reduced.

[0093] In the stacking portion 750D, a plurality of second ventilation holes 758d penetrating the installation surface 751d are provided. A second blower (not shown) is connected to each of the second ventilation holes 758d. Since the air from the second blower is emitted from each of the second ventilation holes 758d, it is possible to slide the negative electrode plate 640 on the installation surface 751d more smoothly. An air groove 759d for discharging air is formed along the Z-axis direction in the second wall portion 753d of the stacking portion 750D. Since this air groove 759d discharges air, it is possible to prevent the negative electrode plate 640 from floating on the installation surface 751d. The content described in this Modification 4 is also applicable to the positive electrode plate supply unit.

[0094] (Others) As described above, the electrode plate stacking apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. That is, the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the case where the rotating portion 710 is a turntable has been exemplified. However, the rotating portion may be a belt conveyor.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where the electrode plate slides from the supply unit and is arranged in the stacking unit has been exemplified. However, the electrode plate may be supplied from the supply unit to the stacking unit by a method that does not slide the electrode plate. For example, the surface of the supply unit may move to the stacking unit while the electrode plate is placed thereon.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the case where the separator 650 is attached to both surfaces of the positive electrode plate 630 so that the positive electrode plate 630 and the two separators 650 are integrated is illustrated. However, the positive electrode plate and the separator may be integrated by inserting the positive electrode plate into a bag-shaped separator.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the case where the positive electrode plate 630 and the separator 650 are integrated and supplied from the positive electrode plate supply unit 720 is illustrated. However, the positive electrode plate supply unit may supply only the positive electrode plate. In this case, the negative electrode plate supply unit may supply an integrated product in which the separator and the negative electrode plate are integrated. With this configuration, the negative electrode plate supply unit can supply the separator and the negative electrode plate together. In other words, the supply of the negative electrode plate also takes on the supply of the separator. Therefore, a process of supplying only the separator, which is separate from the process of supplying the negative electrode plate, can be omitted, and the entire lamination process can be speeded up. In addition, when the positive electrode plate supply unit supplies only the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate supply unit supplies only the negative electrode plate, a separator supply unit for supplying the separator to the rotating unit may be provided in the electrode laminate device.

[0099] In the above embodiment, in order to suppress electrodeposition, the negative electrode active material layer 642a is formed larger than the positive electrode active material layer 632a. However, electrodeposition may be suppressed by making the negative electrode active material layer and the positive electrode active material layer the same size and coding and inactivating the edge portion of the positive electrode active material layer with an insulating resin. In this case, the separator may also be the same size as the negative electrode active material layer and the positive electrode active material layer.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the case where the pair of second wall portions 753 are arranged at positions sandwiching the installation surface 751 in the X-axis direction is illustrated. However, there may be only one second wall portion. In this case, if the second wall portion is arranged in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the installation surface 751, the electrode plate on the installation surface contacts the second wall portion during rotation, and the electrode plate can be positioned in the rotation direction.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the storage unit 731 provided in the negative electrode plate supply unit 730 stores the negative electrode plate 640 was exemplified. However, the negative electrode plate supply unit may be provided with a negative electrode plate manufacturing apparatus that manufactures the negative electrode plate instead of the storage unit. Similarly, the storage unit of the positive electrode plate supply unit may be replaced with a positive electrode plate manufacturing apparatus. The positive electrode plate manufacturing apparatus includes the above-described integration apparatus.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, it was described that the power storage element may be a solid electrolyte battery. In the case of a solid electrolyte battery, the separator corresponds to an isolation layer (solid electrolyte layer) that isolates the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0103] A form constructed by arbitrarily combining the components included in the embodiment and its modification examples is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0104] The present invention can be applied to an electrode plate laminating apparatus that laminates a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate.

Explanation of Signs

[0105] 10 Power storage element 600 Electrode body 601 Electrode body main body part 630 Positive electrode plate 631 Positive electrode tab (protrusion) 632 Positive electrode main body part 632a Positive electrode active material layer 640 Negative electrode plate 641 Negative electrode tab (protrusion) 642 Negative electrode main body part 642a Negative electrode active material layer 650 Separator 660 Integrated object 700 Electrode plate laminating apparatus 710 Rotating part 720 Positive electrode plate supply unit 725 Positive electrode inclined surface 730, 730D Negative electrode plate supply unit 731 Storage unit 732 Conveyor roller Supply tables 733 and 733d Guide wall 734 Negative electrode inclined surfaces 735 and 735d First vent hole 738d Carrying-out section 740 Laminating sections 750, 750A, 750B, 750C, and 750D Installation surfaces 751, 751c, and 751d First wall part (first section) 752 and 752a First column part (first section) 752b and 752c Second wall part (second section) 753 and 753d Second column part (second section) 753b and 753c Accommodating sections 754, 754a, and 755 Groove part 756 Hole part 757c Second vent hole 758d Air groove 759d Control section 770

Claims

1. A rotating part that rotates, A positive electrode plate supply part that is arranged around the rotating part and supplies at least a positive electrode plate to the rotating part, A negative electrode plate supply part that is arranged at a position different from the positive electrode plate supply part around the rotating part and supplies at least a negative electrode plate to the rotating part, and The rotating part is A plurality of laminated parts arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the rotating part, and includes a plurality of laminated parts for laminating the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, The positive electrode plate supply part includes a positive electrode inclined surface that forms an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the laminated part, and supplies the positive electrode plate from the positive electrode inclined surface, The negative electrode plate supply part includes a negative electrode inclined surface that forms an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the laminated part, and supplies the negative electrode plate from the negative electrode inclined surface, The laminated part is An installation surface arranged in the lamination direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, A first part arranged inward in the radial direction of the rotating part than the installation surface, And a second part arranged in the circumferential direction of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, An electrode plate laminating device.

2. The installation surface is an inclined surface that forms an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first part, The electrode plate laminating device according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate includes a convex part that protrudes toward the first part, A housing part for housing the convex part is formed in the first part, The electrode plate laminating device according to claim 2.

4. The number of the laminated parts is larger than the total number of the number of the positive electrode plate supply parts and the number of the negative electrode plate supply parts, The electrode plate laminating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The positive electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the positive electrode plate and the separator are integrated. Or, The negative electrode plate supply unit supplies an integrated object in which the negative electrode plate and the separator are integrated. The electrode plate laminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images