Electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electrode sheet having a protective layer, the sheet being capable of suppressing variation in the shape of the protective layer.SOLUTION: An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus includes: a support roll 61 for supporting a first surface 10D of an electrode sheet 10; a pressing roll 62 having a rubber layer in a surface and disposed on a second surface 10U side of the electrode sheet 10 such that the pressing roll 62 faces the support roll 61; and a driving device 73 for pressing the pressing roll 62 against the support roll 61. The electrode sheet 10 has a protective layer 16 formed at the boundary between an active material layer 14 and a non-formed portion 12a. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism 90 capable of adjusting the position of the pressing roll 62 and the electrode sheet 10 such that, in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10, the end portion of the pressing roll 62 is positioned within a predetermined range near a boundary portion 17 between the protective layer 16 and the active material layer 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-36089 discloses a method for manufacturing an electrode in a precursor sheet (electrode sheet) having a metal foil, a coated portion on the metal foil coated with an electrode material, and an uncoated portion on the metal foil not coated with the electrode material, in which the uncoated portion is pressed with a pair of elastic rolls (rubber rolls). The coated portion and the uncoated portion are pressed separately to adjust the difference in elongation. If the uncoated portion is pressed with a roll other than the elastic roll, tensile force generates voids inside the uncoated portion. These voids may cause the uncoated portion to break. By pressing the uncoated portion with a pair of elastic rolls, compressive force and deformation force can be applied to the same location of the uncoated portion. The compressive force is generated by contact between the pair of elastic rolls and deformation of the elastic body of the elastic roll. This allows the uncoated portion to be stretched while suppressing breakage.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2024-34890 discloses a positive electrode sheet in which a positive electrode protective layer is provided at the boundary between a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode protective layer contains ceramic particles and is configured to have lower electrical conductivity than the positive electrode active material layer. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2024-34890, the provision of the positive electrode protective layer can prevent the positive electrode from coming into direct contact with the negative electrode active material layer when the separator is damaged, thereby preventing an internal short circuit in the battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-36089 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-34890 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an electrode sheet having a protective layer such as that described in JP 2024-34890 A is rolled using the method described in JP 2023-36089 A, the elastic roll presses the vicinity of the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer. According to the knowledge of the present inventors, if there is variation in the position of the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer in the width direction of the electrode sheet, there is a risk that the shape of the protective layer after rolling will vary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus disclosed herein is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode sheet having: a current collector made of a long metal foil; an unformed portion set along the length of the current collector at a predetermined position in the width direction; an active material layer formed on the current collector except for the unformed portion; and a protective layer formed at the boundary between the unformed portion and the active material layer, and the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus comprises: a conveying device that conveys the electrode sheet along a predetermined conveying path; a support roll that is arranged on the conveying path and extends in the width direction of the electrode sheet and supports a first surface of the electrode sheet conveyed along the conveying path; a pressing roll that has a rubber layer on its surface and is arranged on the side of the second surface of the electrode sheet so as to face the support roll and extend in the width direction of the electrode sheet; a driving device that drives at least one of the support roll and the pressing roll so that the pressing roll is pressed against the support roll; and an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet so that an end of the pressing roll is positioned within a predetermined range near the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

[0007] According to this electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, by adjusting the position of the pressing roll so that the end of the pressing roll is located within a predetermined range near the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer, it is possible to suppress variation in the shape of the protective layer after rolling, even if there is variation in the position of the boundary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of the manufacturing process of the electrode sheet 10. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrode sheet 10. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the roll press machine 60. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a map M for determining the adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll 62. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of adjusting the position of the pressing roll 62. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described here is, of course, not intended to limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily reflect the actual product. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are appropriately used for components and parts that perform the same function, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram of the production of an electrode sheet 10 (see Fig. 2) by an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the production of an electrode sheet 10 by the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a conveying step S1, a measuring step S2A of the material for the electrode active material layer 14, a measuring step S2B of the material for the protective layer 16, a kneading step S3A of the material for the electrode active material layer 14, a kneading step S3B of the material for the protective layer 16, a coating step S4A of the electrode active material layer 14, a coating step S4B of the protective layer 16, a drying step S5, and a roll pressing step S6. However, the production of an electrode sheet 10 by the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may include other steps.

[0011] <Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment 1> An electrode sheet 10 that constitutes an electricity storage device is manufactured in an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The electrode sheet 10 constitutes the positive electrode sheet or negative electrode sheet of an electrode body housed inside the electricity storage device. An electricity storage device refers to a device that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, and is a concept that encompasses so-called storage batteries (i.e., chemical batteries) such as lithium ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries, as well as capacitors (i.e., physical batteries) such as electric double layer capacitors. Below, as an example, the configuration of an electrode sheet 10 used in a lithium ion secondary battery will be described, along with the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 that manufactures the electrode sheet 10.

[0012] <Electrode sheet 10> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode sheet 10 includes a current collector 12 and an electrode active material layer 14. The current collector 12 is a member made of a long metal foil. The current collector 12 is a strip-shaped metal member. A metal material having a required conductivity can be used for the current collector 12. For example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy can be used for the positive electrode current collector foil. For example, copper or a copper alloy can be used for the negative electrode current collector foil. The electrode active material layer 14 is applied to a predetermined position on the current collector 12. The electrode active material layer 14 is formed on at least one surface of the strip-shaped current collector 12. In this embodiment, the electrode active material layer 14 is formed on both surfaces of the current collector 12. The electrode active material layer 14 is a layer containing an electrode active material. For example, a lithium transition metal composite oxide can be used as the positive electrode active material. Examples of the negative electrode active material that can be used include carbon materials, silicon-based materials, and mixed oxides thereof. The electrode active material layer may contain additives other than the electrode active material, such as a binder and a conductive material.

[0013] The electrode sheet 10 is formed by applying an electrode mixture slurry that will become the electrode active material layer 14 to a current collector 12 and drying the applied slurry. The current collector 12 has an uncoated portion 12a and a coated portion 12b. The uncoated portion 12a is a portion of the current collector 12 that is not coated with the electrode active material layer 14. The uncoated portion 12a is set along the length of the current collector 12 at a predetermined position in the width direction. In this embodiment, the uncoated portion 12a is set at both ends of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction. The uncoated portion 12a is an example of an unformed portion set along the length of the current collector 12 at a predetermined position in the width direction, where the electrode active material layer 14 is not formed. The electrode active material layer 14 is formed on a portion of the current collector 12 excluding the uncoated portion 12a. Here, the electrode active material layer 14 is formed by coating the portion of the current collector 12 excluding the uncoated portion 12a. The coated portions 12b are disposed between the uncoated portions 12a on both ends of the electrode sheet 10. The electrode mixture slurry is applied to the coated portions 12b. As a result, an electrode active material layer 14 is formed on the coated portions 12b of the current collector 12. In other words, the electrode active material layer 14 is disposed between the uncoated portions 12a on both ends of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction.

[0014] Of the electrode sheets 10, the positive electrode sheet 10P further includes a protective layer 16. The protective layer 16 is configured to have lower electrical conductivity than the electrode active material layer 14. The protective layer 16 contains, for example, ceramic particles. As shown in FIG. 2, the protective layer 16 is formed at the boundary between the electrode active material layer 14 and the uncoated portion 12a. In this embodiment, the protective layer 16 is formed by coating at the boundary between the electrode active material layer 14 and the uncoated portion 12a. The protective layer 16 is formed in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the current collector 12. Although the protective layer 16 may slightly overlap the electrode active material layer 14 in a plan view of the electrode sheet 10, it is generally coated adjacent to the electrode active material layer 14 on the outside thereof (on the uncoated portion 12a). A stepped boundary 17 is formed between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14 (see FIG. 4). When the protective layer 16 slightly overlaps the electrode active material layer 14, the step formed by the protective layer 16 is the boundary portion 17. By providing the protective layer 16, if the separator in the electricity storage device is damaged, the positive electrode sheet 10P is prevented from coming into direct contact with the electrode active material layer 14 of the negative electrode sheet. This makes it possible to prevent an internal short circuit in the electricity storage device.

[0015] <Conveyor device 15> In the conveying step S1 shown in FIG. 1, the electrode sheet 10 is conveyed. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1. The conveying step S1 can be achieved by a conveying device 15. The conveying device 15 conveys the long electrode sheet 10 along a predetermined conveying path 18. For example, a motor is used for the conveying device 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the conveying device 15 includes an unwinding roll 15a and a take-up roll 15b. The unwinding roll 15a is disposed upstream of the roll press machine 60 in the conveying direction. The take-up roll 15b is disposed downstream of the roll press machine 60 in the conveying direction. However, the conveying device 15 is not limited to the unwinding roll 15a and the take-up roll 15b. For example, the conveying device 15 may include rolls in addition to the unwinding roll 15a and the take-up roll 15b.

[0016] <Measuring process S2, kneading process S3, coating process S4, drying process S5> In the weighing step S2A shown in FIG. 1, raw materials for the electrode active material layer 14 (see FIG. 2) are weighed. The weighing can be achieved, for example, by a weighing device (not shown) having a balance, a load cell, or the like. The weighed raw materials for the electrode active material layer 14 are mixed in the kneading step S3A. The kneading step S3A can be achieved by a kneading device (not shown). Similarly, in the weighing step S2B, raw materials for the protective layer 16 (see FIG. 2) are weighed. In the kneading step S3B, the weighed raw materials for the protective layer 16 are mixed.

[0017] The raw material for the electrode active material layer 14, which has been made into a slurry by the kneading device, is applied to the current collector 12 (see FIG. 2) in the coating step S4A. The coating step S4A can be achieved by a coating device (not shown) such as a slit coater, gravure coater, die coater, or comma coater. In the coating step S4B, the material for the protective layer 16 is applied to the boundary between the uncoated portion 12a and the electrode active material layer 14. In the drying step S5, the applied slurry-like raw material for the electrode active material layer 14 and the protective layer 16 is dried. The drying step S5 can be achieved by, for example, a drying device (not shown) that emits hot air or infrared rays.

[0018] <Roll Press Machine 60> In the roll press step S6, the electrode sheet 10 is pressed. The roll press step S6 can be achieved by a roll press machine 60 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode sheet 10 is pressed by the roll press machine 60 midway along the conveying path 18. The electrode sheet 10 is supplied by an unwinding roll 15a. The electrode sheet 10 pressed by the roll press machine 60 is taken up by a take-up roll 15b. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the unwinding roll 15a, the take-up roll 15b, and the roll press machine 60.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of a roll press machine 60. The roll press machine 60 according to this embodiment is a device that presses the uncoated portion 12 a of the electrode sheet 10 with a rubber roll before or after pressing the electrode active material layer 14. When the uncoated portion 12 a is pressed by the rubber roll, the uncoated portion 12 a receives a reaction force from the elastic deformation and compressive deformation of the rubber roll, and the portion pressed by the roll is pressed and stretched. As a result, the uncoated portion 12 a can be stretched while preventing breakage of the uncoated portion 12 a. In view of this function, a device that presses the uncoated portion 12 a of the electrode sheet 10 with a rubber roll may be appropriately referred to as an EPS (Elasticity Powered Stretching) device. In addition to the roll press machine 60, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 may also include a device that presses the electrode active material layer 14.

[0020] The roll press machine 60 includes a support roll 61, a pressure roll 62, a press pressure adjusting mechanism 70, a roll driving device 80, a position adjusting mechanism 90, and a displacement sensor 95 (see FIG. 3).

[0021] <Support Roll 61> The support roll 61 is disposed on the conveying path 18 (see FIG. 3). The support roll 61 extends in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The support roll 61 supports the lower surface 10D of the electrode sheet 10 conveyed along the conveying path 18 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The lower surface 10D is an example of the first surface in the present invention. The support roll 61 is disposed below the pressing roll 62. The support roll 61 is a rubber roll that presses the uncoated portion 12a of the electrode sheet 10 together with the pressing roll 62. The support roll 61 comprises a main body portion 61a and two shaft portions 61b.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the VV cross section shown in FIG. 4. However, FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the uncoated portion 12a is pressed by the support roll 61 and the pressing roll 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 61a includes a shaft portion 61aa and a rubber portion 61ab. The shaft portion 61aa is made of metal. The material forming the shaft portion 61aa is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a material with relatively high hardness such as SUS304 (stainless steel). The rubber portion 61ab is arranged to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 61aa. The material forming the rubber portion 61ab is, for example, nitrile rubber (NBR). The support roll 61 presses the uncoated portion 12a and the protective layer 16 of the electrode sheet 10 with the rubber portion 61ab.

[0023] The support roll 61 is rotated in a predetermined direction by a roll driving device 80 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the support roll 61 rotates in the direction of arrow A1 shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the electrode sheet 10 is transported from left to right as viewed in the drawing. That is, the left side in FIG. 5 is the upstream side in the transport direction, and the right side in FIG. 5 is the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, both shaft portions 61b are inserted into the main body portion 61a. Both shaft portions 61b are inserted into shaft portions 61aa (see Fig. 5) of the main body portion 61a. Both shaft portions 61b extend to the outside in the axial direction of the support roll 61. Although not shown, bearings, gap screws for adjusting the gap between the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62, and the like are attached to both shaft portions 61b.

[0025] <Pressing Roll 62> As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing roll 62 is disposed on the side of the upper surface 10U of the electrode sheet 10 so as to face the support roll 61. The pressing roll 62 extends in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The pressing roll 62 is configured to sandwich the uncoated portions 12a of the electrode sheet 10, excluding the electrode active material layer 14 (see FIG. 2), between the pressing roll 62 and the support roll 61. The upper surface 10U is an example of the second surface of the present invention. The axial center of the pressing roll 62 and the axial center of the support roll 61 are aligned in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing roll 62 is a rubber roll that presses the uncoated portions 12a of the electrode sheet 10 together with the support roll 61. The pressing roll 62 is not disposed above the electrode active material layer 14 of the electrode sheet 10. In this embodiment, as described above, the uncoated portions 12a of the electrode sheet 10 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure rolls 62 are respectively arranged above the uncoated portions 12a at both ends in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. Hereinafter, of the two pressure rolls 62, the one arranged on the left will also be referred to as the pressure roll 62L, and the one arranged on the right will also be referred to as the pressure roll 62R. However, the name "pressure roll 62" will be used appropriately in descriptions that apply to both the pressure rolls 62L and 62R. The left and right pressure rolls 62L and 62R each have a main body portion 62a. The left and right pressure rolls 62L and 62R have common shaft portions 62b.

[0026] The left and right pressing rolls 62L, 62R each have a rubber layer on their surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 62a of the left pressing roll 62L includes a shaft 62aa and a rubber portion 62ab. The shaft 62aa is made of metal. The material forming the shaft 62aa is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a material with relatively high hardness such as SUS304 (stainless steel). The rubber portion 62ab is arranged to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 62aa. The material forming the rubber portion 62ab is not particularly limited, but is, for example, nitrile rubber (NBR). The pressing roll 62 presses the uncoated portion 12a of the electrode sheet 10 with the rubber portion 62ab.

[0027] The right pressing roll 62R is arranged alongside the left pressing roll 62L in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The right pressing roll 62R presses the uncoated portion 12a at the right end of the electrode sheet 10 with a rubber portion 62ab. The right pressing roll 62R has a similar configuration to the left pressing roll 62L.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 4, both shaft portions 62b are inserted into the main body portions 62a of the left and right pressing rolls 62L, 62R. Both shaft portions 62b are inserted into the shaft portions 62aa (see Fig. 5) of the main body portions 62a. Both shaft portions 62b extend to the outside in the axial direction of the two pressing rolls 62. Although not shown, both shaft portions 62b are fitted with bearings, gap screws for adjusting the gap between the support roll 61 and the pressing roll 62, and the like.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, when the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 sandwich the electrode sheet 10 and the support roll 61 rotates in the direction of arrow A1, the pressure roll 62 receives a force rotating in the direction of arrow A2 via the electrode sheet 10. Alternatively, when the electrode sheet 10 is not disposed and the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 are in contact, the pressure roll 62 receives a force rotating in the direction of arrow A2 due to the rotational force of the support roll 61. As a result, the pressure roll 62 rotates in the direction of arrow A2. In other words, the pressure roll 62 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the support roll 61.

[0030] <Press pressure adjustment mechanism 70> As shown in FIG. 4, the press pressure adjusting mechanism 70 includes a press cylinder 71, a roll chock 72, a cylinder driving device 73, and a support portion 74.

[0031] The press cylinders 71 press the pressure roll 62 against the support roll 61. The press cylinders 71 are arranged one on each side of the pressure roll 62, one on the outside. In FIG. 4, the press cylinder 71 arranged to the left of the electrode sheet 10 is referred to as press cylinder 71L, and the press cylinder 71 arranged to the right of the electrode sheet 10 is also referred to as press cylinder 71R. However, when describing matters common to the press cylinders 71L and 71R, they will also be referred to as press cylinder 71. In this embodiment, the press cylinder 71 is a pneumatic cylinder. The press cylinder 71 includes a rod 71a. The rod 71a is connected to a roll chock 72. The roll chock 72 is a member that rotatably supports both shaft portions 62b of the pressure roll 62. When the press cylinders 71L and 71R are driven and the respective rods 71a are lowered, the pressure rolls 62L and 62R are lowered. When the press cylinders 71L and 71R are driven and the rods 71a thereof are raised, the pressing rolls 62L and 62R are raised.

[0032] The cylinder driving device 73 is a device that presses the pressure roll 62 against the support roll 61 with the electrode sheet 10 sandwiched therebetween. The cylinder driving device 73 is an example of a driving device in the present invention. The driving device drives at least one of the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 so that the pressure roll 62 is pressed against the support roll 61. Here, the cylinder driving device 73 drives the pressure roll 62. However, the driving device may also drive the support roll 61 or both the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62. The cylinder driving device 73 is connected to a control device 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0033] In this embodiment, the cylinder drive device 73 is configured to independently drive the press cylinder 71L and the press cylinder 71R. That is, the cylinder drive device 73 independently drives the press rolls 62L, 62R arranged above the uncoated portions 12a at both ends of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the cylinder drive device 73 includes a left cylinder drive device 73L that presses the left press roll 62L against the support roll 61 and a right cylinder drive device 73R that presses the right press roll 62R against the support roll 61. The left cylinder drive device 73L is connected to the left press cylinder 71L. The left cylinder drive device 73L drives the left press cylinder 71L, thereby raising and lowering the rod 71a of the left press cylinder 71L. The right cylinder drive device 73R is connected to the right press cylinder 71R. The right cylinder drive device 73R drives the right press cylinder 71R. This causes the rod 71a of the right press cylinder 71R to move up and down.

[0034] The support portion 74 is a member that supports the support roll 61. The support portion 74 supports both shaft portions 61b of the support roll 61.

[0035] <Roll driving device 80> The roll driving device 80 is connected to the support roll 61. The roll driving device 80 is a device that rotates the support roll 61. In this embodiment, the roll driving device 80 rotates the support roll 61 in the direction of arrow A1 shown in FIG. 5. The configuration of the roll driving device 80 is not particularly limited, but here, the roll driving device 80 includes an electric motor 81. The electric motor 81 is connected to the control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Note that the roll driving device 80 may also rotate the pressing roll 62.

[0036] <Position adjustment mechanism 90> The position adjustment mechanism 90 adjusts the position of the pressing roll 62 or the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 so that the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14. In this embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 90 is configured to adjust the position of the pressing roll 62 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. More specifically, the position adjustment mechanism 90 adjusts the positions of the left and right pressing rolls 62L, 62R. The position adjustment mechanism 90 includes a left position adjustment mechanism 90L that adjusts the position of the left pressing roll 62L, and a right position adjustment mechanism 90R that adjusts the position of the right pressing roll 62R.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the left position adjustment mechanism 90L includes a support member 91L that supports the left pressure roll 62L and is inserted through both shaft portions 62b, a ball screw 92L that meshes with the support member 91L, and an adjustment motor 93L that rotates the ball screw 92L. When the adjustment motor 93L is driven, the ball screw 92L rotates, thereby moving the support member 91L along both shaft portions 62b. This causes the left pressure roll 62L to move. The adjustment motor 93L is a servo motor whose rotation angle can be controlled. The adjustment motor 93L is connected to a control device 100 (see FIG. 3). The right position adjustment mechanism 90R also includes a support member 91R, a ball screw 92R, and an adjustment motor 93R similar to those of the left position adjustment mechanism 90L. However, the configurations of the left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L and 90R are not limited to those described above. The left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L, 90R may include, for example, rack and pinion mechanisms. The actuators of the left and right position adjustment mechanisms 90L, 90R are not limited to motors, and may be, for example, hydraulic cylinders.

[0038] <Displacement Sensor 95> The displacement sensor 95 (see FIG. 3) measures the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The displacement sensor 95 is an example of a measuring device in the present invention. The displacement sensor 95 measures the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a stretched by the roll press machine 60 at multiple points along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 at a predetermined sampling period. Because the electrode sheet 10 is transported in the longitudinal direction by the transport device 15, the displacement sensor 95 intermittently acquires the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the displacement sensor 95 measures the distance to the uncoated portion 12a at multiple locations along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10, and determines the amount of waviness (displacement in the thickness direction) of the uncoated portion 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 from the measured distance to each location. The displacement sensor 95 thereby indirectly measures the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a. "Measuring the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10" also includes such indirect measurement (estimation). The displacement sensor 95 is, for example, a laser displacement meter that measures the distance to a measurement object. However, the measurement device that measures the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 is not limited to such a non-contact displacement sensor. The measurement device that measures the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a may also include, for example, a contact-type thickness gauge.

[0040] <Control device 100> 3, the control device 100 includes a determination unit 101, a position control unit 102, and a warning unit 103. The configuration of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. The control device 100 includes, for example, a microcomputer. The microcomputer may include, for example, an interface (I / F) that receives data and the like from an external device, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes program instructions, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a random access memory (RAM) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as a memory that stores the program and various data.

[0041] The control device 100 controls the position adjustment mechanism 90 so that the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is positioned within a predetermined range near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 (here, the positive electrode sheet 10P). In this embodiment, the determination unit 101 determines the adjustment direction for the position of the pressing roll 62 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 based on the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a measured by the displacement sensor 95. In this embodiment, the determination unit 101 determines whether to move the position of the pressing roll 62 closer to or farther from the center in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 based on the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a. The position control unit 102 moves the pressing roll 62 a predetermined distance in the direction determined by the determination unit 101. By repeating this control, the control device 100 adjusts the position of the pressing roll 62 so that the inner end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14.

[0042] The determination unit 101 has registered therein a map M for determining the adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll 62. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the map M for determining the adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll 62. The vertical axis of map M represents the amount of elongation of the uncoated portion 12a. The horizontal axis of map M represents the position in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The position indicated by the horizontal axis of map M is closer to the center of the electrode sheet 10 on the left side and closer to the edge of the electrode sheet 10 on the right side. FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrode sheet 10 corresponding to the position on the horizontal axis of map M. Point X on the horizontal axis of map M represents the position of the boundary 17 between the electrode active material layer 14 and the protective layer 16.

[0043] 6, the determining unit 101 has registered therein a non-adjustment region R0 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is maintained, a first adjustment region R1 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is adjusted in a direction in which the pressing roll 62 approaches the electrode active material layer 14, and a second adjustment region R2 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is adjusted in a direction in which the pressing roll 62 moves away from the electrode active material layer 14, with respect to the distribution of the elongation amount of the uncoated portion 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. The first adjustment region R1 is a region in which the position in which the uncoated portion 12a starts to elongate is farther from the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region R0. The second adjustment region R2 is a region in which the position in which the uncoated portion 12a starts to elongate is closer to the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region.

[0044] Here, the "stretch start position of the uncoated portion 12a" refers to the position closest to the center of the widthwise positions of the electrode sheet 10 where the stretch of the uncoated portion 12a was measured. The uncoated portion 12a is stretched outward in the widthwise direction of the electrode sheet 10 from the stretch start position. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the stretch start position at the boundary between the non-adjustment region R0 and the first adjustment region R1 is position P1. The stretch start position at the boundary between the non-adjustment region R0 and the second adjustment region R2 is position P2.

[0045] The position where the uncoated portion 12a begins to stretch varies depending on the position of the inner end 62e of the pressing roll 62. Ideally, the position where the uncoated portion 12a begins to stretch and the position of the inner end 62e of the pressing roll 62 coincide. In this case, the "predetermined range" Y, within which the position of the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is adjusted, is the range between positions P1 and P2, as shown in Figure 6. The predetermined range Y is the appropriate range for the position of the end 62e. However, the position where the uncoated portion 12a begins to stretch and the position of the inner end 62e of the pressing roll 62 may not coincide. For example, the uncoated portion 12a may begin to stretch slightly inward or outward from the position of the inner end 62e of the pressing roll 62. In this case, the predetermined range Y in which the pressing roll 62 is actually positioned deviates slightly from the range between positions P1 and P2. However, for control purposes, the position where the uncoated portion 12 a begins to stretch may be regarded as the position of the end portion 62 e of the pressing roll 62 .

[0046] 6, the first adjustment region R1 is also a region where the amount of elongation of the uncoated portion 12a at the same position along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 is smaller than that of the non-adjustment region R0. The second adjustment region R2 is also a region where the amount of elongation of the uncoated portion 12a at the same position along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 is larger than that of the non-adjustment region R0.

[0047] If the position where the uncoated portion 12a starts to extend is too far from the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14, the determination unit 101 determines the adjustment direction for the position of the pressing roll 62 to be a direction closer to the electrode active material layer 14 (a direction closer to the center in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10).If the position where the uncoated portion 12a starts to extend is too close to the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14, the determination unit 101 determines the adjustment direction for the position of the pressing roll 62 to be a direction away from the electrode active material layer 14 (a direction away from the center in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10).

[0048] The determination unit 101 further registers error regions R3 and R4 set outside the non-adjustment region R0, the first adjustment region R1, and the second adjustment region R2. The first error region R3 is a region where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is further away from the electrode active material layer 14 than the first adjustment region R1. The second error region R4 is a region where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is closer to the electrode active material layer 14 than the second adjustment region R2.

[0049] 6, the position where the extension starts on the boundary line between the first adjustment region R1 and the first error region R3 is position P3, and the position where the extension starts on the boundary line between the second adjustment region R2 and the second error region R4 is position P4.

[0050] The warning unit 103 issues a warning when the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a is within error regions R3 and R4. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is provided with a display (not shown) or the like that displays the warning when the warning unit 103 issues a warning. In this embodiment, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is configured to stop rolling the electrode sheet 10 when the warning unit 103 issues a warning.

[0051] <Roll press process> The operation of pressing the uncoated portion 12a of the electrode sheet 10 by the roll press machine 60 will be described below.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of adjusting the position of the pressing roll 62. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S61 of adjusting the position of the pressing roll 62, the pressing roll 62 is placed at a predetermined initial position with respect to the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. In step S62, the roll driving device 80 rotates the support roll 61. In step S63, the left and right cylinder driving devices 73L and 73R lower the left and right pressing rolls 62L and 62R to predetermined positions, respectively. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the roll driving device 80 rotates the support roll 61 in the direction of arrow A1. When the pressing roll 62 lowers, the portion of the uncoated portion 12a sandwiched between the support roll 61 and the pressing roll 62L and the portion sandwiched between the support roll 61 and the pressing roll 62R are compressed.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5 , the rubber portion 61ab of the support roll 61 and the rubber portion 62ab of the pressure roll 62 are compressed and deformed near the uncoated portion 12a. When the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 rotate, the compressed portions of the rubber portions 61ab and 62ab elastically return to their original shapes. At this time, the portions of the rubber portions 61ab and 62ab that have moved near the uncoated portion 12a are compressed. As the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 rotate and the electrode sheet 10 is transported, the rubber portions 61ab and 62ab in the vicinity of the uncoated portion 12a repeatedly elastically deform along the circumferential direction of the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62. This repeated elastic deformation of the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62 allows the uncoated portion 12a to be stretched while preventing breakage. At this time, the protective layer 16 is also rolled by the support roll 61 and the pressure roll 62.

[0054] In step S64, the displacement sensor 95 measures the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. In step S65, it is determined whether the measured distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a is within the non-adjustment region R0. If the measured distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a is, for example, like distribution A in FIG. 6, the distribution of the elongation falls within the non-adjustment region R0. In the case of distribution A, the position at which the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a begins is position Pa, which is inward from position P1 and outward from position P2. If the distribution of the elongation falls within the non-adjustment region R0 (the result of step S65 is YES), it is determined in step S66 that the position of the pressing roll 62 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 is maintained.

[0055] In addition, whether the distribution of the measured elongation amounts falls within the non-adjustment region R0 may be determined at a specific point (for example, the position where the elongation starts) so that it is possible to determine whether the distribution of the measured elongation amounts falls within the non-adjustment region R0 even when part of the distribution falls within the non-adjustment region R0 and other parts do not (for example, when the distribution of the measured elongation amounts approaches the outer boundary of the non-adjustment region R0). The same applies to determining whether the distribution of the measured elongation amounts falls within the non-adjustment region R0.

[0056] If the elongation distribution does not fall within the non-adjustment region R0 in step S65 (if the result of step S65 is NO), then in step S67, it is determined whether the measured elongation distribution of the uncoated portion 12a falls within the first adjustment region R1. If the measured elongation distribution of the uncoated portion 12a is, for example, like distribution B in FIG. 6, then the elongation distribution falls within the first adjustment region R1. In the case of distribution B, the position at which the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a begins is position Pb, which is outward from position P1 and inward from position P3. If the elongation distribution falls within the first adjustment region R1 (if the result of step S67 is YES), then in step S68, the pressing roll 62 is moved a predetermined distance in a direction approaching the electrode active material layer 14 (toward the center of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction).

[0057] If the elongation distribution does not fall within the first adjustment region R1 in step S67 (if the result of step S67 is NO), then in step S69, it is determined whether the measured elongation distribution of the uncoated portion 12a falls within the second adjustment region R2. If the measured elongation distribution of the uncoated portion 12a is, for example, distribution C in FIG. 6, then the elongation distribution falls within the second adjustment region R2. In the case of distribution C, the position where the elongation of the uncoated portion 12a begins is position Pc, which is inward from position P2 and outward from position P4. If the elongation distribution falls within the second adjustment region R2 (if the result of step S69 is YES), then in step S70, the pressing roll 62 is moved a predetermined distance in a direction away from the electrode active material layer 14 (a direction away from the center of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction).

[0058] If the result of any of steps S65, S67, and S69 is YES, step S64 is performed again after a predetermined sampling period has elapsed, and the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 is measured. As long as the result of any of steps S65, S67, and S69 is YES, the above-described steps S64 to S70 are repeated. This controls the position of the pressing roll 62 so that the end 62e is located within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14.

[0059] If the result of step S69 is NO, i.e., if the distribution of elongation amounts does not fall within any of the non-adjustment region R0, the first adjustment region R1, or the second adjustment region R2, a warning is issued in step S71, and rolling of the electrode sheet 10 is stopped. In this case, operation of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 is stopped, and the position of the pressing roll 62 is readjusted. In step S72, to indicate in which direction the position of the pressing roll 62 should be adjusted, it is determined whether the distribution of elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the first error region R3 or the second error region R4. Here, in step S72, it is determined whether the distribution of elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the first error region R3. In step S73, the result of step S72 is displayed.

[0060] If the result of step S72 is YES, the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the first error region R3. In this case, the position Pd (distribution indicated by symbol D) where the uncoated portions 12a begin to elongate is outward from position P3. In this case, the position of the pressing roll 62 is further outward in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 than the range where inline adjustment is possible. If the result of step S72 is NO, the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the second error region R4. In this case, the position Pe (distribution indicated by symbol E) where the uncoated portions 12a begin to elongate is further inward in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 than the range where inline adjustment is possible.

[0061] The above-described adjustment of the position of the pressing roll 62 is necessary because the widthwise position of the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14 may vary depending on the electrode sheet 10 and on the longitudinal position of the electrode sheet 10. If the position of the pressing roll 62 is not adjusted so that the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14 in the widthwise direction of the electrode sheet 10, roll pressing may cause the thickness and shape of the protective layer 16 to vary from place to place.

[0062] For example, if the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is too close to the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14, the shape of the boundary 17 may be distorted. For example, if the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is too far from the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14, the protective layer 16 will not be stretched near the boundary 17, and will become thicker. Such variations in the thickness and shape of the protective layer 16 may cause wrinkling or breakage of the electrode sheet 10. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can suppress variations in the thickness and shape of the protective layer 16, which may cause wrinkling or breakage of the electrode sheet 10.

[0063] <Effects of the embodiment> The following describes the effects that can be achieved by the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0064] The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode sheet 10 having a current collector 12 made of a long metal foil, uncoated portions 12a set along the length of the current collector 12 at predetermined positions in the width direction, an electrode active material layer 14 formed on the current collector 12 in a region excluding the uncoated portions 12a, and a protective layer 16 formed on the boundary between the uncoated portions 12a and the electrode active material layer 14, and is provided with a conveying device 15 that conveys the electrode sheet 10 along a predetermined conveying path 18, and a protective layer 16 that is disposed on the conveying path 18 and extends in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 and is disposed on the underside of the electrode sheet 10 conveyed along the conveying path 18. 10D, a pressing roll 62 having a rubber portion 62ab on its surface and arranged on the side of the upper surface 10U of the electrode sheet 10 so as to face the support roll 61, and extending in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10, a cylinder driving device 73 that drives at least one of the support roll 61 and the pressing roll 62 so that the pressing roll 62 is pressed against the support roll 61, and a position adjustment mechanism 90 that can adjust the position of the pressing roll 62 so that an end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10.

[0065] As described above, with this electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 can be positioned within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14. By adjusting the position of the pressing roll 62 in this way, even if the position of the boundary 17 varies, variations in the thickness and shape of the protective layer 16 can be suppressed.

[0066] The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment further includes a displacement sensor 95 that measures the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10, and a determination unit 101 that determines the adjustment direction of the press roll 62 with respect to the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 based on the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a measured by the displacement sensor 95. With this electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1, the adjustment direction of the position of the press roll 62 is determined based on the distribution of the elongation of the uncoated portions 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10, so that the position of the end 62e of the press roll 62 can be brought closer to a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14. As a result, the end 62e of the press roll 62 can be positioned within the predetermined range Y.

[0067] In this embodiment, the determining unit 101 has registered therein a non-adjustment region R0 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is maintained, a first adjustment region R1 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is adjusted in a direction in which the pressing roll 62 approaches the electrode active material layer 14, and a second adjustment region R2 in which the position of the pressing roll 62 is adjusted in a direction in which the pressing roll 62 moves away from the electrode active material layer 14, with respect to the distribution of the elongation amount of the uncoated portion 12a along the width direction of the electrode sheet 10. With this configuration, the adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll 62 can be determined by determining in which region of the non-adjustment region R0, the first adjustment region R1, or the second adjustment region R2 the distribution of the elongation amount of the uncoated portion 12a is located.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first adjustment region R1 is a region where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is farther from the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region R0, and the second adjustment region R2 is a region where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is closer to the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region R0. According to this configuration, in the first adjustment region R1 where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is farther from the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region R0, the pressing roll 62 is brought closer to the electrode active material layer 14. In the second adjustment region R2 where the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a is closer to the electrode active material layer 14 than the non-adjustment region R0, the pressing roll 62 is moved away from the electrode active material layer 14. By this control, the extension start position of the uncoated portion 12a (which may be considered to be the position of the end 62e of the pressing roll 62) can be brought closer to a predetermined range Y near the boundary portion 17.

[0069] In this embodiment, the determination unit 101 registers error regions R3 and R4 that are set outside the non-adjustment region R0, the first adjustment region R1, and the second adjustment region R2. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a warning unit 103 that issues a warning when the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the error regions R3 and R4. With this configuration, when the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a falls within the error regions R3 and R4, a warning can be issued, indicating that offline adjustment should be performed instead of inline adjustment. Note that the content of the warning may include, in addition to a warning to prompt offline adjustment, a warning to prompt inspection of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 or the electrode sheet 10 for abnormalities, for example.

[0070] Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein have been described above. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments described herein do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and each component and each process described herein can be omitted or combined as appropriate, unless a particular problem arises.

[0071] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the support roll 61 includes the rubber portion 61ab. However, it is sufficient that the rubber layer is provided at least on the pressing roll 62, and the support roll 61 does not necessarily have to include the rubber portion 61ab.

[0072] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pressing rolls 62 include two pressing rolls, 62L and 62R, on the left and right. However, if the number of uncoated portions 12a of the electrode sheet 10 is three or more, the number of pressing rolls 62 may be three or more. If the number of uncoated portions 12a of the electrode sheet 10 is one, the number of pressing rolls 62 may be one.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 90 is configured to adjust the position of the pressing roll 62 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 so that the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14. However, the position adjustment mechanism 90 may also be configured to adjust the position of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 so that the end 62e of the pressing roll 62 is located within a predetermined range Y near the boundary 17 between the protective layer 16 and the electrode active material layer 14. In this case, the position adjustment mechanism 90 may include, for example, a mechanism for tilting one or more rolls arranged in the transport path 18 of the electrode sheet 10. By tilting the roll, the transport path 18 of the electrode sheet 10 can be shifted to the side where the roll is lowered, thereby adjusting the position of the electrode sheet 10. This configuration is effective when the uncoated portion 12a is provided only on one end of the electrode sheet 10.

[0074] In the above case, the determination unit 101 determines the adjustment direction of the position of the electrode sheet 10 in the width direction of the electrode sheet 10 based on the distribution of the elongation amounts of the uncoated portions 12a measured by the displacement sensor 95. In this case, the non-adjustment region R0 of the map M is a region where the position of the electrode sheet 10 is maintained. The first adjustment region R1 is a region where the position of the electrode sheet 10 is adjusted in the direction where the pressing roll 62 approaches the electrode active material layer 14. The second adjustment region R2 is a region where the position of the electrode sheet 10 is adjusted in the direction where the pressing roll 62 moves away from the electrode active material layer 14.

[0075] As described above, this specification includes the disclosures set forth in the following sections.

[0076] Section 1: 1. A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode sheet having a current collector made of a long metal foil, an unformed portion set along the length of the current collector at a predetermined position in the width direction, an active material layer formed on a portion of the current collector excluding the unformed portion, and a protective layer formed on a boundary between the unformed portion and the active material layer, a conveying device that conveys the electrode sheet along a predetermined conveying path; a support roll that is disposed in the transport path, extends in a width direction of the electrode sheet, and supports a first surface of the electrode sheet transported along the transport path; a pressing roll having a rubber layer on its surface, arranged on the second surface side of the electrode sheet so as to face the support roll, and extending in the width direction of the electrode sheet; a drive device that drives at least one of the support roll and the pressure roll so that the pressure roll is pressed against the support roll; an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet so that an end of the pressing roll is positioned within a predetermined range near the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer in the width direction of the electrode sheet, Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment.

[0077] Section 2: a measuring device for measuring the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion along the width direction of the electrode sheet; a determination device that determines an adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in the width direction of the electrode sheet based on the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion measured by the measurement device. Item 1. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to item 1.

[0078] Section 3: The determination device has registered therein, with respect to the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion along the width direction of the electrode sheet, a non-adjustment region that maintains the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet, a first adjustment region that adjusts the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in a direction in which the pressing roll approaches the active material layer, and a second adjustment region that adjusts the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in a direction in which the pressing roll moves away from the active material layer. Item 3. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to item 2.

[0079] Section 4: the first adjustment region is a region where the extension start position of the unformed portion is farther from the active material layer than the non-adjustment region, the second adjustment region is a region where the position at which the unformed portion starts to extend is closer to the active material layer than the non-adjustment region; Item 3. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to item 3.

[0080] Section 5: an error region set outside the non-adjustment region, the first adjustment region, and the second adjustment region is registered in the determination device; The method further includes a warning device that issues a warning when the distribution of the elongation amounts of the unformed portions is within the error region. Item 3 or 4. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to item 3 or 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment 10 Electrode sheet 10D Bottom surface (1st surface) 10P positive electrode sheet 10U top surface (second surface) 12 Current collector 12a Uncoated area (unformed area) 12b Coating Department 14 Electrode active material layer (active material layer) 15. Conveying equipment 15a Unwinding roll 15b Winding roll 16 Protective layer 17 Boundary 18 Transport Route 60 Roll press machine 61 Support Roll 61a Main body 61aa Shaft 61ab Rubber part 61b Both shafts 62 Pressing roll 62a Main body 62aa shaft 62ab Rubber part (rubber layer) 62b Both shafts 62e end 70 Press pressure adjustment mechanism 71 Press Cylinder 71a Rod 72 Roll Chock 73 Cylinder drive unit (drive unit) 74 Support part 80 Roll drive unit 81 Electric motor 90 Position adjustment mechanism (adjustment mechanism) 91L, 91R support member 92L, 92R ball screw 93L, 93R Adjustment motor 95 Displacement sensor (measuring device) 100 control device 101 Judgment section 102 Position control section 103 Warning section M Map R0 unadjusted region R1 1st adjustment area R2 2nd adjustment area R3 First error area (error area) R4 Second error area (error area) Y specified range S1 Transport process S2A Measuring process (electrode active material layer) S2B Weighing process (protective layer) S3A Kneading process (electrode active material layer) S3B kneading process (protective layer) S4A Coating process (electrode active material layer) S4B coating process (protective layer) S5 Drying process S6 Roll press process

Claims

1. 1. A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode sheet having a current collector made of a long metal foil, an unformed portion set along the length of the current collector at a predetermined position in the width direction, an active material layer formed on a portion of the current collector excluding the unformed portion, and a protective layer formed on a boundary between the unformed portion and the active material layer, a conveying device that conveys the electrode sheet along a predetermined conveying path; a support roll that is disposed in the transport path, extends in a width direction of the electrode sheet, and supports a first surface of the electrode sheet transported along the transport path; a pressing roll having a rubber layer on its surface, disposed on the second surface side of the electrode sheet so as to face the support roll, and extending in the width direction of the electrode sheet; a drive device that drives at least one of the support roll and the pressure roll so that the pressure roll is pressed against the support roll; an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet so that an end of the pressing roll is positioned within a predetermined range near the boundary between the protective layer and the active material layer in the width direction of the electrode sheet, Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment.

2. a measuring device for measuring the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion along the width direction of the electrode sheet; a determination device that determines an adjustment direction of the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in the width direction of the electrode sheet based on the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion measured by the measurement device. The electrode sheet manufacturing device according to claim 1 .

3. The determination device has registered therein, with respect to the distribution of the elongation amount of the unformed portion along the width direction of the electrode sheet, a non-adjustment region that maintains the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet, a first adjustment region that adjusts the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in a direction in which the pressing roll approaches the active material layer, and a second adjustment region that adjusts the position of the pressing roll or the electrode sheet in a direction in which the pressing roll moves away from the active material layer. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the first adjustment region is a region where the extension start position of the unformed portion is farther from the active material layer than the non-adjustment region, the second adjustment region is a region where the position at which the unformed portion starts to extend is closer to the active material layer than the non-adjustment region; The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. an error region set outside the non-adjustment region, the first adjustment region, and the second adjustment region is registered in the determination device; The method further includes a warning device that issues a warning when the distribution of the elongation amounts of the unformed portions is within the error region. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 .

Images