Apparatus for manufacturing energy storage elements, and method for manufacturing energy storage elements

Abstract

In imaging examinations using a camera while transporting electrode sheets, the tabs are captured stably. [Solution] The manufacturing apparatus is a device for transporting a long electrode sheet having a main body that realizes the main function of an energy storage element and a tab that protrudes outward in the width direction of the main body. This energy storage element manufacturing apparatus includes a transport roller, a first auxiliary roller, and a camera. The transport roller has a circumferential surface and transports the electrode sheet by bringing it into contact with the circumferential surface with a predetermined pressure. The first auxiliary roller is positioned opposite the circumferential surface of the transport roller via the electrode sheet transport path and is positioned to sandwich the tab together with the circumferential surface. The camera images the electrode sheet downstream of the first auxiliary roller in the transport path and at a position on the circumferential surface of the transport roller. The first angle determined by the auxiliary roller contact position where the first auxiliary roller contacts the tab and the camera's imaging position is smaller than the tab's gripping angle when the tab is transported along the circumferential surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing technology for sheet-shaped power storage elements. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus for manufacturing a power storage element. The apparatus for manufacturing a power storage element in Patent Document 1 includes a conveying roller that conveys an electrode sheet to be formed into a power storage element, and a tab pressing roller that presses a tab attached to an end portion in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

[0003] The tab pressing roller is arranged upstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-68766 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] However, in the conventional apparatus for manufacturing a power storage element as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an electrode sheet including a tab is conveyed and imaged with a camera for inspection, the tab cannot be stably imaged.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to stably image a tab while conveying an electrode sheet. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to one embodiment of this invention is a device for transporting a long electrode sheet having a main body that realizes the main function of the energy storage element and a tab protruding outward in the width direction of the main body. This energy storage element manufacturing apparatus comprises a transport roller, a first auxiliary roller, and a camera. The transport roller has a circumferential surface and transports the electrode sheet by bringing it into contact with the circumferential surface with a predetermined pressure. The first auxiliary roller is positioned opposite the circumferential surface of the transport roller via the transport path of the electrode sheet and is positioned to sandwich the tab together with the circumferential surface. The camera images the electrode sheet downstream of the first auxiliary roller in the transport path and at a position on the circumferential surface of the transport roller. The first angle determined by the auxiliary roller contact position where the first auxiliary roller contacts the tab and the camera imaging position is smaller than the tab's gripping angle when the tab is transported along the circumferential surface.

[0008] In this configuration, the tab is transported to the imaging position while in contact with the surrounding surface. This allows the camera to stably image the tab. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, the tab can be stably imaged while transporting the electrode sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for an energy storage element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2(A) and 2(B) show the first configuration of the electrode sheet during transport according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) show a second configuration of the electrode sheet transport according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) show a third configuration of the electrode sheet transport according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show a fourth aspect of the transport of the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the electrode sheet, including the tabs, being transported on the circumferential surface of the transport roller. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for an energy storage element according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [First Embodiment] A manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for an energy storage element according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0012] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for an energy storage element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2(A) and 2(B) show a first mode of transporting the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment. Figures 3(A) and 3(B) show a second mode of transporting the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) show a third mode of transporting the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show a fourth mode of transporting the electrode sheet according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in each figure, the energy storage element manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises a transport roller 20, an auxiliary roller 30, a camera CAM, a lighting fixture LT, and a computing unit PU. The manufacturing apparatus 1 transports an electrode sheet 90, which is configured to form multiple energy storage elements in the longitudinal direction, along the longitudinal direction using the transport roller 20.

[0014] Here, the electrode sheet 90 is composed of a main body 90M and a plurality of tabs 90T. The main body 90M is elongated in shape and includes an electrode foil and an active material layer formed on the surface of the electrode foil. When the electrode is a positive electrode, for example, aluminum foil can be used as the electrode foil, and nickel-cobalt-aluminum can be used as the active material of the active material layer. When the electrode is a negative electrode, for example, copper foil can be used as the electrode foil, and graphite can be used as the active material of the active material layer. However, a region in which the active material layer is not formed on a part of the electrode foil may be included. With this configuration, the main body 90M realizes the main function of the energy storage element.

[0015] The tab 90T protrudes outward from one end ED90 of the main body 90M in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The tab 90T is rectangular in plan view. A plurality of tabs 90T are formed in the direction in which the main body 90M extends. The plurality of tabs 90T are made of, for example, the same material as the electrode foil constituting the main body 90M. When the electrode sheet 90 is conveyed, tension is applied to the main body 90M in the longitudinal direction, but since the tabs 90T are spaced apart and individually arranged in the longitudinal direction and their lengths are also short, no tension is applied to the tabs 90T. Therefore, the movement of the tabs 90T is not restricted by tension in the longitudinal direction. That is, even if tension is applied to the main body 90M in the longitudinal direction, the tabs 90T can move and deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main body 90M.

[0016] The conveying roller 20 is cylindrical and has a rotation center OP and a peripheral surface SC20. The conveying roller 20 is made of metal having predetermined rigidity. In this case, the conveying roller 20 is preferably made of a material with high hardness. For example, the conveying roller 20 is made of hard alumite.

[0017] The conveying roller 20 is disposed, for example, at a position that changes the conveying direction of the electrode sheet 90.

[0018] The electrode sheet 90 is mounted on the conveying roller 20 in a state where the circumferential direction of the conveying roller 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction. In this state, the conveying roller 20 is in contact with the electrode sheet 90 such that a predetermined pressure is applied to an extent that allows the electrode sheet 90 to be conveyed. Then, by rotating the conveying roller 20 via a rotation shaft passing through the rotation center OP, the electrode sheet 90 is conveyed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0019] At this time, the position where the electrode sheet 90 first contacts the conveying roller 20 on the conveying path of the electrode sheet 90 is an insertion position PIN, and the position where the electrode sheet 90 finally contacts the conveying roller 20 is a discharge position POUT.

[0020] The auxiliary roller 30 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the auxiliary roller 30 is smaller than the diameter of the conveying roller 20. The auxiliary roller 30 is softer than the conveying roller 20 and is formed of a material having predetermined elasticity. For example, the auxiliary roller 30 is formed of a resin such as polyacetal. The auxiliary roller 30 corresponds to the "first auxiliary roller".

[0021] The auxiliary roller 30 is disposed at a position facing the peripheral surface SC20 of the conveying roller 20 via the conveying path of the electrode sheet 90. More specifically, the auxiliary roller 30 is disposed at a position closer to the insertion position PIN than the discharge position POUT in a region of the peripheral surface SC20 of the conveying roller 20 where the electrode sheet 90 abuts. The auxiliary roller 30 is disposed in a state where the peripheral surface of the auxiliary roller 30 and the peripheral surface SC20 of the conveying roller 20 face each other. That is, the electrode sheet 90 (the main body portion 90M and the tab 90T) can be sandwiched between the peripheral surface of the auxiliary roller 30 and the peripheral surface of the conveying roller 20.

[0022] The auxiliary roller 30 abuts against the electrode sheet 90 in a state where the electrode sheet 90 is conveyed between the conveying roller 20 and the auxiliary roller 30. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2(B), FIG. 3(B), FIG. 4(B), and FIG. 5(B), the auxiliary roller 30 abuts at least the full width of the tab 90T. However, it is preferable that the auxiliary roller 30 abuts not only the tab 90T but also a portion including one end ED90 of the main body portion 90M. Accordingly, the auxiliary roller 30 reliably abuts the full width of the tab 90T, including the connection portion with the main body portion 90M.

[0023] The point at which the conveying roller 20 and the auxiliary roller 30 are closest to each other on the conveying path of the electrode sheet 90 (the position at which the auxiliary roller 30 contacts the electrode sheet 90 when conveying the electrode sheet 90 with the auxiliary roller 30 sandwiching the electrode sheet 90) is the auxiliary roller contact position PP.

[0024] The camera CAM is disposed on the same side as the auxiliary roller 30 with respect to the conveying roller 20. The camera CAM performs imaging such that focus is achieved at the imaging position PM. The imaging position PM is set between the auxiliary roller contact position PP and the discharge position POUT on the conveying path of the electrode sheet 90.

[0025] The camera CAM is, for example, a line sensor, and it captures an image as a point cloud parallel to the width direction of the electrode sheet 90 at the imaging position PM. The camera CAM outputs the image data to the processing unit PU.

[0026] The lighting fixture LT illuminates the imaging position PM. This results in a clearer image and enables the creation of high-precision imaging data.

[0027] The computing unit PU inspects the condition of the electrode sheet 90 based on the imaging data. In this process, the computing unit PU excludes the image of the transport roller 20 from the imaging data and identifies and inspects the main unit 90M and the tab 90T.

[0028] When the electrode sheet 90 is being transported, the tab 90T undergoes the following changes in posture. First, as shown in the first aspect of Figures 2(A) and 2(B), before the tab 90T reaches the insertion position PIN of the transport roller 20, it may be bent to the opposite side from the transport roller 20 due to tension and centrifugal force acting on the electrode sheet 90.

[0029] In this state, when the tab 90T comes into contact with the auxiliary roller 30, the tab 90T is pressed against the circumferential surface SC20 of the conveyor roller 20, and its orientation is corrected so that it follows the circumferential surface SC20. This results in the second state shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B).

[0030] The orientation of the tab 90T is maintained as long as the tab 90T is aligned with the circumferential surface SC20, even when the tab 90T moves away from the auxiliary roller 30. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), at imaging position PM, the tab 90T maintains a rectangular orientation aligned with the circumferential surface SC20. By performing imaging with the camera CAM in this state, a high-precision image of the shape of the tab 90T can be obtained.

[0031] Subsequently, as shown in the third aspect of Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the tab 90T is transported along the circumferential surface SC20. This position is maintained until the tab 90T reaches the release position POUT.

[0032] Then, as shown in the fourth aspect of Figures 5(A) and 5(B), when the tab 90T reaches the release position POUT, the electrode sheet 90 including the tab 90T separates from the circumferential surface SC20 and is transported to the next process. At this time, the tab 90T may bend in the opposite direction to the transport roller 20, starting from the part that separates from the circumferential surface SC20. In other words, the tab 90T may bend in the opposite direction to the transport roller 20, starting from the leading end of the transport, and the entire tab may bend when the last end of the transport separates from the circumferential surface SC20.

[0033] In this configuration, the energy storage element manufacturing apparatus 1 further comprises the following components.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3(A), the first angle θ1 determined by the auxiliary roller contact position PP and the imaging position PM is smaller than the gripping angle θT of the tab 90T when the tab 90T is transported along the circumferential surface SC20. Here, the first angle θ1 is more specifically the angle formed by the line connecting the rotation center OP and the auxiliary roller contact position PP and the line connecting the rotation center OP and the imaging position PM. The gripping angle θT is more specifically the angle formed by the line connecting the rotation center OP and the leading end of the tab 90T in the transport direction and the line connecting the rotation center OP and the trailing end of the tab 90T in the transport direction.

[0035] With this configuration, the first half of the transport process of the tab 90T along the transport roller 20 can be imaged while the auxiliary roller 30 holds the tab 90T in place. This allows the camera CAM to capture higher-precision images of the electrode sheet 90, including the tab 90T.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(A), the second angle θ2, determined by the emission position POUT and the imaging position PM, is greater than the embrace angle θT of the tab 90T. More specifically, the second angle θ2 is the angle formed by the line connecting the rotation center OP and the imaging position PM and the line connecting the rotation center OP and the emission position POUT.

[0037] This configuration allows the tab 90T to be imaged within the range of the conveyor roller's grip angle θT after passing the auxiliary roller contact position PP. As a result, the camera CAM can capture a higher-precision image of the electrode sheet 90, including the tab 90T.

[0038] In this way, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can stably image the electrode sheet 90, including the tab 90T, in imaging inspection using the camera CAM while transporting the electrode sheet 90. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus 1 can inspect the electrode sheet 90, including the tab 90T, with high precision.

[0039] Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus 1, the conveyor roller 20 is made of a high-hardness material. This prevents burrs on the tabs 90T that form during the processing of the electrode sheet 90 from coming into contact with the conveyor roller 20, which could cause scratches on the circumferential surface SC20 of the conveyor roller 20 and lead to false detections.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferable to specify the color of the transport roller 20 (at least the color of the circumferential surface SC20). Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the state in which the electrode sheet including the tab is transported on the circumferential surface of the transport roller. As shown in Figure 6, the color of the transport roller 20 is set to an intermediate color between the color of the main body 90M of the electrode sheet 90 and the color of the tab 90T. This makes it difficult for the camera CAM to misdetect the transport roller 20 and enables high-precision identification of the transport roller 20, tab 90T, and main body 90M.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] A manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for an energy storage element according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of the manufacturing apparatus for an energy storage element according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the energy storage element manufacturing apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the energy storage element manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an auxiliary roller 40. The other components of the manufacturing apparatus 1A are the same as those of the manufacturing apparatus 1, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0043] Manufacturing apparatus 1A is equipped with an auxiliary roller 40. The auxiliary roller 40 corresponds to the "second auxiliary roller".

[0044] The auxiliary roller 40 has a configuration similar to that of the auxiliary roller 30, for example. The auxiliary roller 40 is positioned upstream of the insertion position PIN in the transport path of the electrode sheet 90. The auxiliary roller 40 is positioned on the opposite side of the transport roller 20 along the transport path of the electrode sheet 90 and is in contact with the tab 90T.

[0045] By arranging such auxiliary rollers 40, the orientation of the tab 90T can be corrected before it contacts the circumferential surface SC20 of the conveyor roller 20. This prevents the tab 90T from bending by creating an arc-shaped fold. Therefore, at the insertion position PIN in the conveyor path, the tab 90T is in contact with or close to the circumferential surface SC20 of the conveyor roller 20 to some extent. Subsequently, even if the tab 90T moves away from the conveyor roller 20 due to centrifugal force or the like while being conveyed along the circumferential surface SC20 of the conveyor roller 20, the orientation of the tab 90T can be corrected by the auxiliary rollers 30. Thus, the manufacturing apparatus 1A can more reliably prevent the tab 90T from being conveyed to the auxiliary rollers 30 in a curved state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1, 1A: Manufacturing equipment 20: Conveyor roller 30: Auxiliary roller 40: Auxiliary roller 90: Electrode Sheet 90M:Main part 90T: Tab CAM: Camera ED90: One end LT:Lighting equipment OP: Center of rotation PIN: Insertion position PM: Imaging position POUT: Release position PP: Auxiliary roller contact position PU: Arithmetic unit SC20: Peripheral surface θ1: 1st angle θ2: Second angle θT: Angle

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for an energy storage element, which transports a long electrode sheet having a main body that realizes the main function of the energy storage element and tabs protruding outward in the width direction of the main body, A conveying roller having a circumferential surface, which contacts the electrode sheet with a predetermined pressure to the circumferential surface and conveys the electrode sheet, A first auxiliary roller is positioned opposite the circumferential surface of the transport roller via the transport path of the electrode sheet, and is positioned opposite the circumferential surface of the transport roller, and is positioned to sandwich the tab together with the circumferential surface, A camera is provided in the transport path to capture images of the electrode sheet at a position downstream of the first auxiliary roller and on the circumferential surface of the transport roller, Equipped with, The first angle, determined by the auxiliary roller contact position where the first auxiliary roller contacts the tab and the imaging position of the camera, is smaller than the gripping angle of the tab when the tab is transported along the circumferential surface. Manufacturing equipment for energy storage elements.

2. The second angle, determined by the release position where the tab separates from the transport roller and the imaging position of the camera, is greater than the gripping angle of the tab. The apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to claim 1.

3. The first auxiliary roller is shaped to contact a part of the main body together with the tab. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A second auxiliary roller is provided, which is located upstream of the point in the transport path where the tab first contacts the transport roller, on the opposite side of the transport roller via the transport path, and which contacts the tab. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The camera is a line sensor that performs detection along a straight line parallel to the width direction. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The circumferential surface of the conveying roller is made of a high-hardness material. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The color of the circumferential surface of the conveying roller is an intermediate color between the different colors of the main body and the tab. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The system includes an illumination fixture that illuminates the aforementioned imaging position. An apparatus for manufacturing an energy storage element according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for manufacturing an energy storage element, comprising transporting a long electrode sheet having a main body that performs the main function of the energy storage element and tabs protruding outward in the width direction of the main body, A conveying roller having a circumferential surface is used to transport the electrode sheet by bringing it into contact with the circumferential surface with a predetermined pressure. A first auxiliary roller, positioned opposite the transport roller via the transport path of the electrode sheet, presses down on the tab. In the transport path, the electrode sheet is imaged by a camera positioned downstream of the first auxiliary roller and on the circumferential surface of the transport roller. Having a process, The first angle, determined by the auxiliary roller contact position where the first auxiliary roller contacts the tab and the imaging position of the camera, is smaller than the gripping angle of the tab when the tab is transported along the circumferential surface. A method for manufacturing energy storage elements.

10. The second angle, determined by the release position where the tab separates from the transport roller and the imaging position of the camera, is greater than the gripping angle of the tab. A method for manufacturing an energy storage element according to claim 9.

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