Winding device

Abstract

Provided is a winding device that can more reliably prevent an unintended change in the circumference of a core due to winding force and can achieve miniaturization of the core and the like. 【Solution means】The core includes a fixed chip 81, a movable chip 82, a screw shaft 83 having a first screw portion 83a and a second screw portion 83b opposite to the first screw portion 83a, a first block 84 provided on the outer circumference of the first screw portion 83a and movable by the rotation of the screw shaft 83, and a second block 85 provided on the outer circumference of the second screw portion 83b and movable in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first block 84 by the rotation of the screw shaft 83. A first inclined surface 84a is provided on the first block 84, while a second inclined surface 85a opposite to the first inclined surface 84a is provided on the second block 85, and the movable chip 82 is pressed against both inclined surfaces 84a, 85a. By moving both blocks 84, 85 by the rotation of the screw shaft 83, the circumference of the core is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a winding device for obtaining a wound element incorporated in, for example, a secondary battery or the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a wound element used in a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery is manufactured by winding a positive electrode sheet coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode sheet coated with a negative electrode active material in a state where they are overlapped via a separator sheet made of an insulating material.

[0003] In a winding device for manufacturing a wound element, each of the above electrode sheets and separator sheets supplied from a raw roll wound in a roll shape is conveyed along a separate conveyance path to a rotatable core. Then, the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound in a state where they are overlapped by the core, and finally, the end portion of the separator sheet is wound and fixed with a predetermined fixing tape, whereby a wound element is obtained. As the core, for example, one provided with a plurality of chip pieces extending in the axial direction of its own rotation axis and arranged in a state of being arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis can be adopted.

[0004] By the way, the thickness of the electrode sheet supplied to the core may vary somewhat along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet, and due to such variations in the thickness of the electrode sheet, there is a risk that defects may occur in the obtained wound element. Examples of the defects include, for example, in the obtained wound element, a predetermined tab being arranged at a position deviated from the target arrangement range along the circumferential direction of the wound element. Examples of the tab include, for example, a welded tab welded to a non-coated portion of the active material in the electrode sheet, and a cut tab formed by intermittently making cuts at the widthwise end portions of the electrode sheet.

[0005] In recent years, in order to cope with the variation in the thickness of the electrode sheet as described above, a technique has been proposed in which a circumferential length changing means is provided for a winding device (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). The circumferential length changing means changes the length (circumferential length of the winding core) of the portion of the electrode sheet or the separator sheet wound along the rotation direction of the winding core in the winding core. The circumferential length changing means is provided on the base end side of the winding core, and moves the second chip (movable chip) with respect to the first chip (fixed chip), and adjusts the size of the slit formed between both chips, thereby changing the circumferential length of the winding core.

[0006] Also, as a technique for moving the movable chip, a method of using a piezo actuator is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). The piezo actuator is a laminated piezo actuator including a plurality of predetermined piezo elements, and is provided inside the winding core. The piezo actuator changes the circumferential length of the winding core by expanding and contracting along the radial direction of the winding core as power is supplied.

[0007] Furthermore, as a winding core capable of changing the circumferential length, there has been proposed one having a rotatable cam shaft formed with two cam portions where the distance from the rotation axis to the outer peripheral surface is not constant, and the movable chip is pressed against each of the two cam portions (see, for example, Patent Document 3, etc.). In this winding core, by rotating the cam shaft, the movable chip moves, and as a result, the circumferential length of the winding core is changed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, the movable chip is supported only on the proximal end side of the bobbin where the circumferential length changing means exists. Therefore, when a winding force is applied to the movable chip as the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound, deformation (such as bending and twisting) may occur in the movable chip, and there is a possibility that the circumferential length of the bobbin cannot be kept constant.

[0010] Also, in the technique described in Patent Document 2 above, in order to sufficiently secure the reciprocating movement amount (stroke amount) of the movable chip, it is necessary to provide an amplification mechanism for the piezo actuator. However, if an amplification mechanism is provided, the piezo actuator will become large-sized. Therefore, the bobbin has to be made relatively large, and it is difficult to miniaturize the bobbin.

[0011] Furthermore, since the piezo actuator discharges to a certain extent over time, even when it is desired to maintain the circumferential length of the bobbin as it is, it is necessary to supply power to the piezo actuator as needed. Therefore, there is a possibility of causing a decrease in productivity.

[0012] In addition, in the technique described in Patent Document 3 above, since the pressing force from the movable chip and the winding force are applied to both cam portions, when the cam shaft is rotated, there is a possibility that the cam shaft will be twisted. If the cam shaft is twisted, there is a possibility that it will hinder the adjustment of the circumferential length of the bobbin.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a winding device that can more reliably prevent an unintended change in the circumferential length of the bobbin due to the winding force and can achieve miniaturization of the bobbin and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above object will be described separately. In addition, the effects specific to the corresponding means will be appended as necessary.

[0015] Means 1. A strip-shaped electrode sheet having an active material on its surface and a strip-shaped separator sheet made of an insulating material are respectively supplied from a predetermined supply mechanism to a rotatable core, and the core rotates about a predetermined rotation axis to wind the electrode sheet and the separator sheet while overlapping them. A winding device, The core includes, A fixed chip extending in the direction of the rotation axis, A movable chip provided in a state parallel to the fixed chip in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis and movable relative to the fixed chip, A rotatable screw shaft having a rod shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis and having a male screw-shaped first screw portion and a male screw-shaped second screw portion with a reverse thread shape on its outer periphery, A first block provided on the outer periphery of the first screw portion and movable along the direction of extension of the screw shaft as the screw shaft rotates, A second block provided on the outer periphery of the second screw portion and movable in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first block along the direction of extension of the screw shaft as the screw shaft rotates, Pressing means for pressing the movable chip against the first block and the second block, At least one of the portion of the first block where the movable chip is pressed and the portion of the movable chip where it is pressed against the first block is provided with a first inclined surface that gradually approaches the central axis of the screw shaft from one end of the screw shaft to the other end. On the other hand, At least one of the portion of the second block where the movable chip is pressed and the portion of the movable chip where it is pressed against the second block is provided with a second inclined surface that gradually moves away from the central axis of the screw shaft from one end of the screw shaft to the other end, By rotating the screw shaft to move the first block and the second block, the movable chip is relatively moved with respect to the fixed chip, and the length of the core along the rotation direction of the core in the portion where the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound around the core can be configured to be changeable. A winding device characterized by this.

[0016] According to the above-described means 1, by relatively moving the movable chip with respect to the fixed chip, the length along the rotation direction of the portion of the core around which the electrode sheet or the like is wound (hereinafter referred to as the "circumference of the core") can be changed. By changing the circumference of the core, for example, it becomes possible to more reliably arrange the tab in the target range along the circumferential direction of the winding element.

[0017] Also, according to the above-described means 1, by moving both blocks by the rotation of one screw shaft, the circumference of the core can be changed. Therefore, the change in the circumference of the core can be realized with a relatively simple configuration, and the miniaturization of the core can be achieved.

[0018] Furthermore, the movable chip is pressed against both blocks, and the inclination directions of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are opposite to each other. Therefore, even when a winding force is applied to the core as the electrode sheet or the like is wound, the movable chip does not slide along the inclined surface, and the movable chip can be supported in a very stable state. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent deformation (such as bending and twisting) from occurring in the movable chip, and the circumference of the core can be more reliably kept constant.

[0019] In addition, since the structure is such that the movable chip is pressed against both blocks, the circumference of the core does not change unless the screw shaft rotates. That is, according to the above-described means 1, a situation where the circumference of the core changes over time hardly occurs. Therefore, there is no need to particularly perform a process for maintaining the circumference of the core constant, such as supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, a piezo actuator) at any time, and the productivity can be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, since the structure is such that both blocks receive the movable chip, it is possible to make it more difficult for the screw shaft to twist when the screw shaft is rotated. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent an obstacle from occurring in the adjustment of the circumference of the core.

[0021] In addition, since the two blocks are moved by the rotation of the screw shaft, it becomes easier to move the two blocks by a minute distance. As a result, the circumference of the core can be adjusted more finely.

[0022] Means 2. The first inclined surface is provided on the first block, and the second inclined surface is provided on the second block, the movable chip has a first contact surface that is in surface contact with the first inclined surface, and a second contact surface that is in surface contact with the second inclined surface, and the winding device according to means 1, characterized in that.

[0023] According to the above means 2, the movable chip is in surface contact with both blocks. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the two blocks and the movable chip are in point contact or line contact, the contact pressure applied to the two blocks and the movable chip can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the wear of the two blocks and the movable chip accompanying the movement of the two blocks. As a result, the life of the device can be extended. In addition, since the generation of wear powder can be suppressed by preventing wear, the adhesion of wear powder to the electrode sheet or the like can be effectively suppressed, and thus the quality of the winding element can be improved.

[0024] Means 3. The part of the first block and the second block that hits the back side of the part in contact with the movable chip is in contact with the fixed chip and is supported by the fixed chip, and the winding device according to means 1, characterized in that.

[0025] According to the above means 3, the two blocks receiving the force from the movable chip side can be supported by the fixed chip. Therefore, the circumference of the core can be kept more reliably constant.

[0026] In addition, the load applied to the screw shaft from the movable chip side through both blocks can be effectively reduced, and deformation (such as bending) and damage of the screw shaft can be more reliably prevented. As a result, further extension of the device's lifespan and reduction of costs related to maintenance and the like can be achieved.

[0027] Means 4. The pressing means is provided at a position sandwiching the first block and includes a pair of first leaf spring components mainly having a function of pressing the movable chip against the first block, and is provided at a position sandwiching the second block and includes a pair of second leaf spring components mainly having a function of pressing the movable chip against the second block. The winding device according to means 1 is characterized by this.

[0028] According to the above means 4, the movable chip can be pressed against both blocks in a more stable state. In addition, since the pressing means can be realized by simple parts, an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the device can be suppressed, and miniaturization of the core can be further achieved.

[0029] Means 5. The winding device according to means 1 is characterized by including a clamp portion that can be switched between a state of gripping the screw shaft to restrict its rotation and a state of releasing the grip on the screw shaft to allow its rotation.

[0030] According to the above means 5, the rotation of the screw shaft can be more reliably restricted by the clamp portion. As a result, the circumferential length of the core can be more reliably kept constant.

[0031] Means 6. The first block is provided on one end side of the screw shaft with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction, and the second block is provided on the other end side of the screw shaft with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction. The winding device according to means 1 is characterized by this.

[0032] According to the above-described means 6, the movable chip can be supported in a more stable state. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of deformation (such as bending and twisting) in the movable chip.

[0033] Means 7. An actuator having an operating portion that operates by power supply, and having an adjustment unit disposed outside the spool core, wherein the operating portion and the screw shaft each have a magnetic gear, and the magnetic gear is configured such that power can be transmitted from the operating portion to the screw shaft in a non-contact state to rotate the screw shaft, according to the winding device of means 1.

[0034] According to the above-described means 7, power can be transmitted from the operating portion to the screw shaft in a non-contact state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of wear powder when adjusting the circumferential length of the spool core by rotating the screw shaft, and thus more reliably prevent the adverse effects of wear powder (for example, device abnormalities due to the adhesion of wear powder and deterioration of the quality of the winding element).

[0035] In addition, since there is no need to connect the operating portion and the screw shaft by a connecting portion such as a belt, the circumferential length of the spool core can be adjusted more easily.

[0036] Means 8. The spool core has the fixed chip, the movable chip, the screw shaft, the first block, the second block, and the pressing means, respectively, and includes a first configuration portion and a second configuration portion arranged such that the fixed chips face each other via a predetermined slit, wherein the adjustment unit is commonly used for the rotation of the screw shaft in the first configuration portion and the rotation of the screw shaft in the second configuration portion, according to the winding device of means 7.

[0037] According to the above-described means 8, each screw shaft in both configuration portions can be rotated by one adjustment unit. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably achieve miniaturization and simplification of the device.

[0038] Means 9. Input means for inputting information related to the thickness of the electrode sheet, Based on the information input from the input means, the relative position of the movable chip with respect to the fixed chip is controlled to adjust the length along the rotation direction of the bobbin in the portion of the bobbin around which the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound. The winding device according to means 1, characterized by comprising perimeter control means.

[0039] Incidentally, as the input means, after measuring the actual thickness of the electrode sheet, the information related to the thickness is input to the perimeter control means, or it is attached to the original roll of the electrode sheet and the information related to the thickness of the electrode sheet is obtained from a barcode or an IC tag having the information. After reading the information, examples include those that input the read information to the perimeter control means.

[0040] According to the above means 9, based on the information related to the thickness of the electrode sheet input by the input means, the perimeter of the bobbin can be automatically adjusted by the perimeter control means. Therefore, the perimeter adjustment of the bobbin becomes easier, and an appropriate perimeter corresponding to the thickness of the electrode sheet can be set.

[0041] Incidentally, the technical matters related to the above means may be appropriately combined. Therefore, for example, at least one of the technical matters related to the above means 3 to 9 may be combined with the technical matters related to the above means 2.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a lithium-ion battery element as a wound element obtained by a winding device will be described.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a lithium-ion battery element 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "battery element 1") is manufactured by winding a positive electrode sheet 4 and a negative electrode sheet 5 in a state where they are overlapped via two separator sheets 2 and 3. Note that, instead of the two separator sheets 2 and 3, a single folded separator sheet may be used. Also, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the separator sheets 2 and 3 and the electrode sheets 4 and 5 may be referred to as "various sheets 2 to 5". In this embodiment, the positive electrode sheet 4 and the negative electrode sheet 5 respectively correspond to "electrode sheets".

[0045] The separator sheets 2 and 3 are strip-shaped with the same width, and are made of an insulator such as polypropylene (PP) to prevent the different electrode sheets 4 and 5 from contacting each other and causing a short circuit.

[0046] The electrode sheets 4 and 5 are made of thin plate-shaped metal sheets and have substantially the same width as the separator sheets 2 and 3. Active materials are coated on both the front and back surfaces of the electrode sheets 4 and 5. For example, an aluminum foil sheet is used for the positive electrode sheet 4, and positive electrode active materials (such as lithium manganate particles, etc.) are coated on both the front and back surfaces at predetermined intervals. For example, a copper foil sheet is used for the negative electrode sheet 5, and negative electrode active materials (such as activated carbon, etc.) are coated on both the front and back surfaces at predetermined intervals.

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, the lengths of both electrode sheets 4 and 5 constituting one battery element 1 are set to predetermined fixed values in advance. In this embodiment, the length of the negative electrode sheet 5 for one element is slightly larger than the length of the positive electrode sheet 4 for one element in order to more reliably cover the positive electrode sheet 4 with the negative electrode sheet 5.

[0048] Also, a positive electrode tab 4a is welded to the non-coated portion of the active material on the positive electrode sheet 4, and a negative electrode tab 5a is welded to the non-coated portion of the active material on the negative electrode sheet 5. Then, the positive electrode tab 4a protrudes from one end edge in the width direction of the positive electrode sheet 4, and the negative electrode tab 5a protrudes from the other end edge in the width direction of the negative electrode sheet 5. In an ideal state, both electrode tabs 4a and 5a are in a state of being arranged in a single row (the state shown in FIG. 1). On the other hand, when the thickness of the wound electrode sheets 4 and 5 is larger or smaller than the reference value, a deviation may occur in the positions of the electrode tabs 4a and 5a in the obtained battery element 1. Note that the electrode tabs 4a and 5a may be, for example, those formed between the cuts in the electrode sheets 4 and 5 by intermittently providing cuts at the width direction ends of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 (so-called cut tabs), etc.

[0049] When obtaining a lithium-ion battery, the wound battery element 1 is disposed in a battery container (case), not shown, which is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape, and the electrode tabs 4a and 5a are gathered together. Then, the gathered positive electrode tab 4a is connected to a positive electrode terminal component (not shown), and the similarly gathered negative electrode tab 5a is connected to a negative electrode terminal component (not shown). By providing both terminal components so as to close both ends of the battery container, a lithium-ion battery can be obtained.

[0050] Next, a winding device 10 for manufacturing the battery element 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding device 10 includes a winding unit 11 for winding various sheets 2 to 5, a positive electrode sheet supply mechanism 31 for supplying the positive electrode sheet 4 to the winding unit 11, a negative electrode sheet supply mechanism 41 for supplying the negative electrode sheet 5 to the winding unit 11, separator supply mechanisms 51 and 61 for supplying the separator sheets 2 and 3 to the winding unit 11, respectively, and a control device 91. In the present embodiment, the control device 91 constitutes a "circumference control means". Incidentally, various mechanisms in the winding device 10, such as the winding unit 11 and the supply mechanisms 31, 41, 51, and 61, are operationally controlled by the control device 91.

[0051] The positive electrode sheet supply mechanism 31 includes a positive electrode sheet raw roll 32 in which the positive electrode sheet 4 is wound in a roll shape. The positive electrode sheet raw roll 32 is supported so as to be freely rotatable, and the positive electrode sheet 4 is appropriately drawn out therefrom.

[0052] Incidentally, the thickness of the positive electrode sheet 4 constituting the positive electrode sheet raw roll 32 may vary from lot to lot of the positive electrode sheet raw roll 32 due to reasons such as different coating thicknesses of the active material. Also, the thickness may vary at each part of the positive electrode sheet 4 constituting one positive electrode sheet raw roll 32. These points are the same for the negative electrode sheet 5.

[0053] The positive electrode sheet supply mechanism 31 includes a sheet insertion mechanism 71, a sheet cutting cutter 72, a tension applying mechanism 73, a buffer mechanism 75, and a thickness measuring mechanism 77.

[0054] The sheet insertion mechanism 71 is for supplying the positive electrode sheet 4 to the winding unit 11 while gripping it.

[0055] The sheet cutting cutter 72 is for cutting the positive electrode sheet 4. The cutting of the positive electrode sheet 4 is performed while the positive electrode sheet 4 is gripped by the sheet insertion mechanism 71. Also, the sheet cutting cutter 72 can be separated from the conveyance path of the positive electrode sheet 4 so as not to impede the supply of the positive electrode sheet 4 by the sheet insertion mechanism 71.

[0056] The tension applying mechanism 73 is for applying tension to the positive electrode sheet 4 and includes a plurality of rollers (such as dancer rollers, etc.). By controlling the operation of these rollers by the control device 91, the tension applied to the positive electrode sheet 4 from the tension applying mechanism 73 can be adjusted. In the present embodiment, a constant tension is always applied to the positive electrode sheet 4 by the tension applying mechanism 73.

[0057] The buffer mechanism 75 is for storing the positive electrode sheet 4 having a length corresponding to at least one battery element 1 between the sheet cutting cutter 72 and the thickness measuring mechanism 77.

[0058] The thickness measurement mechanism 77 is for measuring the thickness of the positive electrode sheet 4 and includes a first length measuring roller 77c and a second length measuring roller 77d. Both length measuring rollers 77c and 77d have the same diameter and are driven rollers that can rotate freely, and rotate as the positive electrode sheet 4 is conveyed. Information regarding the rotation amounts of both length measuring rollers 77c and 77d is input to the control device 91. The thickness of the positive electrode sheet 4 can be measured based on the difference between the rotation amount of the first length measuring roller 77c that contacts the inner peripheral surface (bent inner surface) of the positive electrode sheet 4 and the rotation amount of the second length measuring roller 77d that contacts the outer peripheral surface (bent outer surface) of the positive electrode sheet 4. Note that the difference in these rotation amounts increases as the positive electrode sheet 4 gets thicker and decreases as the positive electrode sheet 4 gets thinner. In the present embodiment, the thickness measurement mechanism 77 that inputs information regarding the rotation amounts of both length measuring rollers 77c and 77d, that is, information related to the thickness of the positive electrode sheet 4, constitutes the "input means" for inputting to the control device 91.

[0059] The negative electrode sheet supply mechanism 41 includes, at its most upstream side, a negative electrode sheet reel 42 around which the negative electrode sheet 5 is wound in a roll shape. The negative electrode sheet reel 42 is rotatably supported, and the negative electrode sheet 5 is appropriately pulled out therefrom.

[0060] Also, in the middle of the conveyance path of the negative electrode sheet 5 from the negative electrode sheet reel 42 to the winding unit 11, similar to the conveyance path of the positive electrode sheet 4, a sheet insertion mechanism 71, a sheet cutting cutter 72, a tension applying mechanism 73, a buffer mechanism 75, a thickness measurement mechanism 77, etc. are provided. These are the same as those provided in the conveyance path of the positive electrode sheet 4 except that they function with respect to the negative electrode sheet 5.

[0061] On the other hand, the separator supply mechanisms 51 and 61 each include a separator reel 52 and 62 around which the separator sheets 2 and 3 are wound in a roll shape. The separator reels 52 and 62 are rotatably supported, and the separator sheets 2 and 3 are appropriately pulled out therefrom.

[0062] Furthermore, the separator supply mechanisms 51 and 61 are provided with a tension applying mechanism 73, similar to the electrode sheet supply mechanisms 31 and 41. This is the same as that provided in the positive electrode sheet supply mechanism 31, except that it functions for the separator sheets 2 and 3.

[0063] Next, the configuration of the winding unit 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the winding unit 11 includes a turret 12 composed of two opposing disk-shaped tables rotatably provided by a drive mechanism (not shown), two winding cores 13 and 14 provided at 180° intervals in the rotation direction of the turret 12, two support rollers 15a and 15b provided at positions shifted approximately 90° each in the rotation direction of the turret 12 with respect to the winding cores 13 and 14, a separator cutter 16, a pressing roller 17 for pressing the various sheets 2 to 5 immediately before the end of winding, a tape sticking mechanism 18 for sticking a predetermined fixing tape, an adjustment unit 19, and a perimeter information acquisition device 20. Further, the winding unit 11 has a removal device (not shown) for removing the battery element 1 from the winding cores 13 and 14, etc., in the vicinity of the removal position P2 described later.

[0064] The winding cores 13 and 14 are each for winding the various sheets 2 to 5 on their outer peripheral sides, and are configured to be rotatable about their central axes as rotation axes by a drive mechanism (not shown). The rotation amounts of the winding cores 13 and 14 can be grasped by an encoder (not shown), and information regarding the rotation amounts is input from the encoder to the control device 91.

[0065] Also, the winding cores 13 and 14 are provided so as to be able to project and retract along the axial direction of the turret 12 (the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. 3) with respect to one of the tables constituting the turret 12. When the winding cores 13 and 14 are in a state of protruding from the one table, their tip portions are inserted into a receiving cylinder portion 12a (see FIG. 14) provided on the other table, and are supported in a rotatable state by both tables.

[0066] Further, the cores 13, 14 are configured to be pivotally movable between the winding position P1 and the removal position P2 as the turret 12 rotates. The winding position P1 is the position where the cores 13, 14 are arranged when winding various sheets 2 to 5. The removal position P2 is the position where the cores 13, 14 are arranged when removing the wound various sheets 2 to 5 (i.e., the battery element 1) or when changing the circumferential length of the cores 13, 14. The circumferential length of the cores 13, 14 refers to "the length of the portion of the cores 13, 14 along the rotation direction of the cores 13, 14 around which the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound."

[0067] The support rollers 15a, 15b are for hooking and supporting the various sheets 2 to 5 between the cores 13, 14 moved to the removal position P2 and the supply mechanisms 31, 41, 51, 61.

[0068] The separator cutter 16 is for cutting the separator sheets 2, 3. The pressing roller 17 is for pressing the wound various sheets 2 to 5. The tape attaching mechanism 18 is for attaching a fixing tape to the end portions of the separator sheets 2, 3 after the winding is completed.

[0069] The adjustment unit 19 is a device for changing the circumferential length of the cores 13, 14. The circumferential length information acquisition device 20 is a device for acquiring information regarding the circumferential length of the cores 13, 14. The configurations of the adjustment unit 19 and the circumferential length information acquisition device 20 will be described later.

[0070] Next, a more detailed configuration of the cores 13 and 14 in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the core 13 (14) is configured such that its outer peripheral surface, that is, the portion around which the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound, forms a circular shape in a cross-section orthogonal to its central axis (rotation axis). The core 13 (14) includes a first core piece 131 (141) and a second core piece 132 (142). In the present embodiment, the first core piece 131 (14) corresponds to the "first component part", and the second core piece 132 (142) corresponds to the "second component part". Note that in FIG. 7, the first core piece 131 (141) and the second core piece 132 (142) are shown in a particularly simplified state. The actual first core piece 131 (141), etc. are provided with various components as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, etc.

[0071] The first core piece 131 (141) and the second core piece 132 (142) extend along the rotation axis direction of the core 13 (14) and are provided in a state of being arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis. The first core piece 131 (141) and the second core piece 132 (142) are arranged via a predetermined slit 133 (143) such that the fixing core pieces 81 described later face each other.

[0072] Furthermore, on one end side of the first core piece 131 (141), support portions 134 (144) are serially connected (see FIG. 8. Not shown in FIGS. 9, etc.). Each support portion 134 (144) is a portion that supports the first core piece 131 (141), and particularly supports the fixing core piece 81 described later. Note that similar support portions 134 (144) are also serially connected to one end side of the second core piece 132 (142). The configuration of the support portions 134 and 144 can be appropriately changed as long as the cores 13 and 14 can be firmly supported.

[0073] In addition, at the other end of the first chip 131 (141), there is provided a supported portion 135 (145) that is inserted into the receiving cylinder portion 12a of the turret 12 to support the core 13 (14) by the turret 12 (see FIGS. 8 and 14. Not shown in FIG. 9 etc.). The supported portion 135 (145) is particularly attached to the other end of the fixed chip 81 described later. Incidentally, a similar supported portion 135 (145) is also attached to the other end of the second chip 132 (142).

[0074] In the winding device 10 configured as described above, the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound as follows. That is, with the separator sheets 2 and 3 bridged over the support rollers 15a (15b) etc., by protruding one of the cores 13 (14) arranged at the winding position P1 from one of the tables of the turret 12, the separator sheets 2 and 3 are arranged in the slits 133 (143) of the core 13 (14) (see FIG. 4). Then, by rotating one of the cores 13 (14) by a predetermined number, the separator sheets 2 and 3 are wound around the core 13 (14) by a predetermined amount.

[0075] Next, the electrode sheets 4 and 5 are sequentially supplied to one of the cores 13 (14) by the sheet insertion mechanism 71, and then the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound by rotating the core 13 (14). Then, at the stage where the various sheets 2 to 5 of a predetermined length are wound, the rotation of one of the cores 13 (14) is temporarily stopped, and the electrode sheets 4 and 5 are cut by the sheet cutting cutter 72.

[0076] Thereafter, by the rotation of the turret 12, one of the cores 13 (14) around which the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound is moved to the removal position P2. As a result, the separator sheets 2 and 3 are bridged over the support rollers 15a (15b) etc. Also, by the rotation of the turret 12, the other core 14 (13) is moved to the winding position P1. The next winding of the various sheets 2 to 5 is performed by this core 14 (13).

[0077] Next, the pressing roller 17 is brought close to one of the core members 13(14) disposed at the removal position P2, and after pressing the various sheets 2 to 5 with the pressing roller 17, the separator sheets 2 and 3 are cut by the separator cutter 16 (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, after rotating one of the core members 13(14) to completely wind up the various sheets 2 to 5, the fixing tape is attached to the end portions of the separator sheets 2 and 3 by the tape attaching mechanism 18. Thereby, the battery element 1 subjected to the winding prevention process is obtained (see FIG. 6). The obtained battery element 1 is removed from the core member 13(14) by the removal device.

[0078] Subsequently, a more detailed configuration of the first chip members 131, 141 and the second chip members 132, 142 will be described. In the present embodiment, since the first chip members 131, 141 and the second chip members 132, 142 have the same configuration, hereinafter, the configuration of the first chip member 131(141) will be described.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the first chip member 131(141) includes a fixed chip 81, a movable chip 82, a screw shaft 83, a first block 84, a second block 85, a pressing mechanism 86, and a clamp 87. In the present embodiment, the pressing mechanism 86 constitutes the "pressing means", and the clamp 87 constitutes the "clamping portion". Note that FIGS. 9 and 10 are views showing the first chip member 131(141) in a state where most of the movable chip 82 is omitted. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 8, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K of FIG. 8.

[0080] The fixed chip 81 has a rod shape extending in the rotational axis direction of the core members 13 and 14 as a whole, and includes a base portion 811 and a bush portion 812.

[0081] The base portion 811 is a portion that serves as the base (foundation) of the first chip member 131(141), and has a substantially flat plate shape except for both end portions. The flat surface of the base portion 811 located on the side of the second chip member 132(142) forms the slit 133(143) with the fixed chip 81 of the second chip member 132(142).

[0082] Further, a groove portion 811a for arranging the screw shaft 83 and both blocks 84, 85 is formed at the center in the width direction of the base portion 811. The groove portion 811a extends in the rotational axis direction of the core 13 (14), and the portion of the base portion 811 where the groove portion 811a is formed has functions such as guiding the movement of both blocks 84, 85 and preventing the rotation of both blocks 84, 85.

[0083] Furthermore, a regulating projection 811b is formed to project at the center of the base portion 811 along the rotational axis direction of the core 13 (14). The regulating projection 811b has functions such as regulating the relative movement of the movable chip 82 with respect to the fixed chip 81 along the width direction of the fixed chip 81.

[0084] The bush portion 812 is for supporting the screw shaft 83 in a smoothly rotatable state. The bush portions 812 are provided one by one on both end sides of the base portion 811 along the rotational axis direction of the core 13 (14). Note that the number and arrangement positions of the bush portions 812 may be appropriately changed according to the length of the core 13 (14) (particularly the length of the screw shaft 83).

[0085] The movable chip 82 is generally in the shape of a rod extending in the rotational axis direction of the cores 13, 14, and is provided in a state of being arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rotational axis of the core 13 (14) with respect to the fixed chip 81. The movable chip 82 includes a winding portion 821 and a regulating cylinder portion 822.

[0086] The winding portion 821 has a curved outer surface and is a portion constituting the outer peripheral surface of the core 13 (14). That is, the winding portion 821 is a portion around which various sheets 2 to 5 are wound. The winding portion 821 is provided so as to cover the base portion 811, and at least the portion of the winding portion 821 around which the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound has a sufficient thickness and sufficient rigidity. Further, a first contact surface 821a and a second contact surface 821b (see FIG. 11 respectively) are provided on the surface of the winding portion 821 located on the base portion 811 side.

[0087] The first contact surface 821a is the surface pressed against the first block 84, and the second contact surface 821b is the surface pressed against the second block 85. The first contact surface 821a is shaped such that it gradually approaches the central axis CL of the screw shaft 83 from one end to the other end of the screw shaft 83, while the second contact surface 821b is shaped such that it gradually separates from the central axis CL of the screw shaft 83 from one end to the other end of the screw shaft 83.

[0088] The regulating cylinder portion 822 is cylindrical and protrudes from the surface located on the base portion 811 side in the wound portion 821. The regulating protrusion 811b is inserted through the regulating cylinder portion 822.

[0089] The screw shaft 83 is rod-shaped and extends in the rotational axis direction of the core 13 (14), and is disposed between the two chip pieces 81 and 82 (particularly between the base portion 811 and the wound portion 821). On the outer periphery of the screw shaft 83, a male screw-shaped first screw portion 83a and a second screw portion 83b are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 83 (see FIG. 11. Not shown in FIG. 9 etc.). The first screw portion 83a is formed on the outer periphery of one end side of the screw shaft 83 from the longitudinal center of the screw shaft 83, while the second screw portion 83b is formed on the outer periphery of the other end side of the screw shaft 83 from the longitudinal center of the screw shaft 83. The second screw portion 83b has a male screw shape opposite to that of the first screw portion 83a. The pitches of both screw portions 83a and 83b are the same respectively.

[0090] Also, the other end portion of the screw shaft 83 protrudes outside the movable chip piece 82, and a cylindrical magnet gear 83c is provided at the other end portion of the screw shaft 83. The magnet gear 83c has an outer peripheral portion where N poles and S poles are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction. The magnet gear 83c is the object of power transmission from the adjustment unit 19 (particularly the operation unit 191a described later) when rotating the screw shaft 83.

[0091] The first block 84 and the second block 85 move in the rotational axis direction of the winding core 13(14) as the screw shaft 83 rotates, so as to vary the relative position of the movable chip 82 with respect to the fixed chip 81 along the direction orthogonal to the rotational axis (the direction of the white arrow in FIGS. 8 and 11).

[0092] The first block 84 has a female screw (not shown) that can be screwed with the first screw portion 83a, and is provided on the outer periphery of the first screw portion 83a. Accordingly, the first block 84 is provided on one end side of the screw shaft 83 with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the second block 85 has a female screw (not shown) that can be screwed with the second screw portion 83b, and is provided on the outer periphery of the second screw portion 83b. Accordingly, the second block 85 is provided on the other end side of the screw shaft 83 with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction. When the screw shaft 83 is rotated, the first block 84 and the second block 85 move in opposite directions by the same distance along the extending direction of the screw shaft 83.

[0093] Furthermore, the first block 84 has a first inclined surface 84a that gradually approaches the central axis CL of the screw shaft 83 from one end to the other end of the screw shaft 83, and the first contact surface 821a of the movable chip 82 is in surface contact with the first inclined surface 84a (see FIG. 11). Also, the second block 85 has a second inclined surface 85a that gradually moves away from the central axis CL of the screw shaft 83 from one end to the other end of the screw shaft 83, and the second contact surface 821b of the movable chip 82 is in surface contact with the second inclined surface 85a (see FIG. 11). The inclination angles of the first inclined surface 84a and the second inclined surface 85a are the same.

[0094] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first block 84 and the second block 85 are constituted by two blocks having the same shape. That is, one of the two blocks having the same shape is arranged on the outer periphery of the first screw portion 83a to constitute the first block 84, and the other of the two blocks is arranged on the outer periphery of the second screw portion 83b in the opposite direction to the one block to constitute the second block 85.

[0095] In addition, the part on the back side of the portions of the first block 84 and the second block 85 that come into contact with the movable chip 82 is in contact with the fixed chip 81 (base portion 811) and is thus supported by the fixed chip 81 (base portion 811). As a result, the load applied to both blocks 84 and 85 from the movable chip 82 side is dispersed to and transmitted by only the fixed chip 81, or the fixed chip 81 and the screw shaft 83 respectively.

[0096] The pressing mechanism 86 is a mechanism for pressing the movable chip 82 against the first block 84 and the second block 85. The pressing mechanism 86 includes a first leaf spring component 86a, a second leaf spring component 86b, and a locked component 86c.

[0097] A pair of first leaf spring components 86a are provided at positions sandwiching the first block 84, and the central portion is fixed to the fixed chip 81 (base portion 811) using a predetermined screw or the like. The first leaf spring component 86a mainly has a function of pressing the movable chip 82 against the first block 84.

[0098] On the other hand, a pair of second leaf spring components 86b are provided at positions sandwiching the second block 85, and the central portion is fixed to the fixed chip 81 (base portion 811). The second leaf spring component 86b mainly has a function of pressing the movable chip 82 against the second block 85. Note that the leaf spring components 86a and 86b may be constituted by a single leaf spring, or may be constituted by a plurality of stacked leaf springs.

[0099] The locked components 86c are fixed to the movable chip 82, and a total of eight are provided in pairs at positions corresponding to both ends of the first leaf spring component 86a and the second leaf spring component 86b. The ends of the leaf spring components 86a and 86b are locked to the locked components 86c, and a force in the pressing direction toward the fixed chip 81 side is applied to the movable chip 82 by the biasing force (the force to return to a flat shape) generated in the leaf spring components 86a and 86b. As a result, the movable chip 82 is pressed against both blocks 84 and 85.

[0100] The clamp 87 is fixed to the other end side of the fixed chip 81 and is a component for switching between a state of restricting the rotation of the screw shaft 83 and a state of allowing the rotation of the screw shaft 83. The clamp 87 has a predetermined spring 87a, and basically, by the biasing force from the spring 87a, it can be maintained in a state of gripping the screw shaft 83 and restricting the rotation of the screw shaft 83 (that is, the closed state). However, the clamp 87 has a predetermined lever portion 87b, and when the lever portion 87b is pressed, it is possible to release the grip on the screw shaft 83 and enter a state of allowing the rotation of the screw shaft 83 (that is, the open state).

[0101] Next, the adjustment unit 19 will be described. The adjustment unit 19 is provided corresponding to only one of the cores 13, 14 disposed at the removal position P2 outside the cores 13, 14 (that is, separately from the cores 13, 14). The adjustment unit 19 is capable of reciprocating between an approaching position approaching the core 13 (14) disposed at the removal position P2 and a retracted position separated from the core 13 (14) by a driving means (not shown) (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 13, the adjustment unit 19 includes an actuator 191 that functions as a power source for rotating the screw shaft 83 and a lever pusher 192 for pressing the lever portion 87b.

[0102] The actuator 191 is constituted by, for example, a servo motor or the like and is electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The actuator 191 includes an operating portion 191a that can be rotated by power supply from the power source and a magnet gear 191b fixed to the operating portion 191a. The magnet gear 191b has the same configuration as the magnet gear 83c and rotates together with the operating portion 191a.

[0103] The lever pusher 192 is rod-shaped and presses the lever portion 87b with its tip when the adjustment unit 19 is disposed at the approaching position.

[0104] When changing the perimeter of the core 13(14), the adjustment unit 19 moves from the retracted position to the approaching position, thereby pressing the lever portion 87b with the lever pusher 192 and arranging the magnetic gear 191b on the side of the magnetic gear 83c on the core 13(14) side (see Fig. 14). That is, by moving from the retracted position to the approaching position, the adjustment unit 19 enables the screw shaft 83 to rotate and enables power to be transmitted from the operating portion 191a to the screw shaft 83.

[0105] Next, the perimeter information acquisition device 20 will be described. The perimeter information acquisition device 20 is for obtaining information regarding the perimeter of the core 13(14) by detecting the actual position of the movable chip 82 when changing the perimeter of the core 13(14). The perimeter information acquisition device 20 is reciprocally movable between an approaching position approaching the core 13(14) arranged at the removal position P2 and a retracted position separated from the core 13(14) by a driving means (not shown) (see Fig. 3). The perimeter information acquisition device 20 is arranged at the approaching position when acquiring information regarding the position of the movable chip 82. The perimeter information acquisition device 20 includes a light projecting portion 20b and a light receiving portion 20c (see Fig. 14). And two pairs of the light projecting portion 20b and the light receiving portion 20c are provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the core 13(14).

[0106] The light projecting portion 20b is provided at a position facing the light receiving portion 20c and irradiates a laser beam LA with a predetermined width toward the light receiving portion 20c. In a state where the perimeter information acquisition device 20 is arranged at the approaching position, a part of the irradiated laser beam LA is blocked by the movable chip 82, and the width of the laser beam reaching the light receiving portion 20c varies depending on the position of the movable chip 82.

[0107] The light-receiving unit 20c includes a predetermined light-receiving element, which receives the laser beam LA irradiated from the light-projecting unit 20b and detects information regarding the width of the received laser beam LA. In the present embodiment, the information regarding the width of the received laser beam LA corresponds to the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14. The circumference information acquisition device 20 outputs a light-receiving amount signal corresponding to the width of the laser beam LA received by the light-receiving unit 20c to the control device 91.

[0108] Next, the configuration of the control device 91 will be described. The control device 91 is constituted by a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and fixed-value data, etc., a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which various data are temporarily stored when executing various arithmetic processes, and peripheral circuits thereof.

[0109] The control device 91 controls the supply start and stop timings of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 to the winding unit 11, the rotation of the cores 13 and 14, the operations of the adjustment unit 19 and the circumference information acquisition device 20, and the supply power to the actuator 191. For example, the control device 91 is configured to receive information regarding the feeding amount of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 from an encoder (not shown), and stops the feeding (supply) of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 when the feeding amounts of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 respectively reach predetermined values.

[0110] Further, based on the information regarding the rotation amounts of the input two length measuring rollers 77c and 77d, the control device 91 measures the entire thickness along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 for one element passing between the two length measuring rollers 77c and 77d from the start to the stop of the feeding of the electrode sheets 4 and 5. The electrode sheets 4 and 5 for one element passing between the two length measuring rollers 77c and 77d are those to be wound next time. Note that a table showing the correspondence between the difference in the rotation amounts of the two length measuring rollers 77c and 77d and the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 is stored in advance in the control device 91, and by referring to this table, the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 passing between the two length measuring rollers 77c and 77d can be obtained.

[0111] In addition, the control device 91 can acquire the position of the movable chip 82 based on the received light amount signal input from the perimeter information acquisition device 20.

[0112] Furthermore, the control device 91 controls the core 13 (14), the adjustment unit 19, the perimeter information acquisition device 20, etc. so as to change the perimeter of the cores 13 and 14 according to the measured thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 (in this embodiment, the average value of the thicknesses of the respective electrode sheets 4 and 5). Specifically, the control device 91 first calculates the target position of the movable chip 82 according to the measured thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 (in this embodiment, the average value of the thicknesses of the respective electrode sheets 4 and 5) based on the target perimeter calculation formula stored in advance.

[0113] The target position is the position of the movable chip 82 that is considered optimal for suppressing the displacement of the electrode tabs 4a and 5a in relation to the electrode sheets 4 and 5 whose thickness has been measured. By arranging each movable chip 82 of the first chip 131 (141) and the second chip 132 (142) at the target position, the circumference of the bobbin 13 (14) becomes the circumference (target circumference) that is considered optimal for suppressing the displacement of the electrode tabs 4a and 5a. When the measured thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 is relatively large, the target circumference of the bobbins 13 and 14 is made relatively small. On the other hand, when the measured thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 is relatively small, the target circumference of the bobbins 13 and 14 is made relatively large. Note that the target circumference is applied to the one used for winding the electrode sheets 4 and 5 whose thickness has been measured among the two bobbins 13 and 14.

[0114] Next, based on the calculated target position, the control device 91 adjusts the positions of the respective movable chips 82 in the first chip 131 (141) and the second chip 132 (142). That is, first, the control device 91 inserts the end of the bobbin 13 (14) arranged at the removal position P2 through the receiving cylinder portion 12a to stably support the bobbin 13 (14). Then, the bobbin 13 (14) is rotated so that the first chip 131 (141) is in a predetermined state [in this embodiment, the state where the first chip 131 (141) is located below the second chip 132 (142)].

[0115] Next, the adjustment unit 19 and the circumference information acquisition device 20 are each moved to the proximity position (see FIG. 14). As a result, power can be transmitted from the operation unit 191a to the screw shaft 83 via the magnetic gears 83c and 191b with the operation unit 191a and the screw shaft 83 in a non-contact state. Further, when the lever portion 87b is pressed by the lever pusher 192, the rotation of the screw shaft 83 is allowed. Furthermore, the control device 91 can acquire the position of the movable chip 82 using the circumference information acquisition device 20.

[0116] After that, while the control device 91 acquires the position of the movable chip 82 by the circumference information acquisition device 20, it supplies power to the actuator 191 until the position becomes the target position. More specifically, by supplying power to the actuator 191, power is transmitted from the operating part 191a to the screw shaft 83 via the magnetic gears 83c, 191b, and the screw shaft 83 is rotated. Then, as the screw shaft 83 rotates, the first block 84 and the second block 85 move little by little in opposite directions, respectively. As a result, the relative position of the movable chip 82 with respect to the fixed chip 81 is adjusted, and finally the movable chip 82 is arranged at the target position. Incidentally, after the position of the movable chip 82 is adjusted, the adjustment unit 19 and the circumference information acquisition device 20 return to their original retracted positions.

[0117] Subsequently, following the position adjustment of the movable chip 82 in the first chip 131(141), the same position adjustment is performed in the second chip 132(142). That is, after rotating the bobbin cores 13, 14 by 180°, the position adjustment of the movable chip 82 described above is performed for the second chip 132(142). By performing the position adjustment of each movable chip 82 in the first chip 131(141) and the second chip 132(142), the circumference of the bobbin core 13(14) becomes the target circumference.

[0118] As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, by relatively moving the movable chip 82 with respect to the fixed chip 81, the circumference of the bobbin cores 13, 14 can be changed. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to more reliably arrange the tabs 4a, 5a within the target range along the circumferential direction of the battery element 1.

[0119] Also, by moving both blocks 84, 85 by the rotation of one screw shaft 83, the circumference of the bobbin cores 13, 14 can be changed. Therefore, the change in the circumference of the bobbin cores 13, 14 can be realized with a relatively simple configuration, and the bobbin cores 13, 14 can be miniaturized.

[0120] Furthermore, the movable chip 82 is pressed against both blocks 84 and 85, and the inclination directions of the first inclined surface 84a and the second inclined surface 85a are opposite to each other. Therefore, even when a winding force is applied to the cores 13 and 14 as the various sheets 2 to 5 are wound, the movable chip 82 does not slide along the inclined surfaces 84a and 85a, and the movable chip 82 can be supported in a very stable state. Accordingly, deformation (such as bending and twisting) of the movable chip 82 can be more reliably prevented, and the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14 can be more reliably kept constant.

[0121] In addition, since the structure is such that the movable chip 82 is pressed against both blocks 84 and 85, the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14 do not change unless the screw shaft 83 rotates. Therefore, in this embodiment, a situation where the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14 change over time hardly occurs. As a result, there is no particular need to perform a process for maintaining the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14 constant, such as supplying power to predetermined components as needed, and productivity can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, since the structure is such that the movable chip 82 is received by both blocks 84 and 85, it is possible to make it more difficult for the screw shaft 83 to twist when the screw shaft 83 is rotated. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent an obstacle from occurring in adjusting the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14.

[0123] Also, since the structure is such that both blocks 84 and 85 are moved by rotating the screw shaft 83, it becomes easier to move both blocks 84 and 85 by a minute distance. Thereby, the circumferences of the cores 13 and 14 can be adjusted more finely.

[0124] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the movable chip 82 is in surface contact with both blocks 84 and 85, the contact pressure applied to both blocks 84 and 85 and the movable chip 82 can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which both blocks 84 and 85 and the movable chip 82 are in point contact or line contact. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the wear of both blocks 84 and 85 and the movable chip 82 accompanying the movement of both blocks 84 and 85. As a result, the winding device 10 can be made to have a longer life. Further, since the generation of wear powder can be suppressed by preventing wear, the adhesion of wear powder to various sheets 2 to 5 can be effectively suppressed, and thus the quality of the battery element 1 can be improved.

[0125] Furthermore, the portion of both blocks 84 and 85 that contacts the back side of the portion in contact with the movable chip 82 is in contact with the fixed chip 81 and is supported by the fixed chip 81. Therefore, both blocks 84 and 85 that receive the force from the movable chip 82 side can be more reliably supported, and as a result, the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14 can be more reliably kept constant. Further, since the load applied to the screw shaft 83 from the movable chip 82 side via both blocks 84 and 95 can be effectively reduced, deformation (such as bending) and damage of the screw shaft 83 can be more reliably prevented. As a result, the winding device 10 can be made to have an even longer life, and costs related to maintenance and the like can be reduced.

[0126] In addition, the pressing mechanism 86 can press the movable chip 82 against both blocks 84 and 85 in a more stable state. Further, since the pressing mechanism 86 is composed of simple parts, an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the winding device 10 can be suppressed, and the winding cores 13 and 14 can be made smaller.

[0127] In addition, the clamp 87 can more reliably regulate the rotation of the screw shaft 83, so that the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14 can be made even more reliably constant.

[0128] Further, the first block 84 is provided on one end side of the screw shaft 83 with respect to its longitudinal center, and the second block 85 is provided on the other end side of the screw shaft 83 with respect to its longitudinal center. Accordingly, the movable chip 82 can be supported in a more stable state, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of deformation (such as bending and twisting) in the movable chip 82.

[0129] Furthermore, by using the magnetic gears 83c and 191b, power can be transmitted from the operating portion 191a to the screw shaft 83 in a non-contact state. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the generation of wear powder when adjusting the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14 by rotating the screw shaft 83, and thus it is possible to more reliably prevent the adverse effects caused by the wear powder (for example, abnormalities in the device due to the adhesion of the wear powder, deterioration in the quality of the battery element 1, etc.). In addition, since there is no need to connect the operating portion 191a and the screw shaft 83 by a connecting portion such as a belt, the adjustment of the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14 can be performed more easily.

[0130] In addition, the adjustment unit 19 is commonly used for the rotation of the screw shaft 83 in the first chip 131 (141) and the rotation of the screw shaft 83 in the second chip 132 (142). Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably achieve the miniaturization and simplification of the winding device 10.

[0131] Also, based on the information regarding the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 input by the thickness measurement mechanism 77, the control device 91 can automatically adjust the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14. Accordingly, the adjustment of the circumferences of the winding cores 13 and 14 becomes easier, and it is possible to set an appropriate circumference according to the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5.

[0132] Note that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiment, and for example, it may be implemented as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not exemplified below are also naturally possible.

[0133] (a) In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 84a is provided on the first block 84. However, a first inclined surface may be provided at the portion of the movable chip 82 that is pressed against the first block 84. For example, the first block 84 may be a rectangular parallelepiped block without the first inclined surface 84a formed thereon, or a block formed of a roller whose contact portion with the movable chip 82 is rotatable. A configuration may be adopted in which the first inclined surface (for example, an inclined surface having the same shape as the first contact surface 821a in the above embodiment) on the movable chip 82 is pressed against the first block 84. Similarly, the second inclined surface 85a may have a similar configuration.

[0134] Furthermore, the first inclined surface may be provided on both the first block 84 and the movable chip 82, and the second inclined surface may be provided on both the second block 85 and the movable chip 82.

[0135] (b) In the above embodiment, the thickness measuring mechanism 77 as the "input means" is constituted by the length measuring rollers 77c and 77d that sandwich the electrode sheets 4 and 5, and information regarding the rotation amounts of both length measuring rollers 77c and 77d is acquired as information regarding the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5. In contrast, the thickness measuring mechanism may include a roller that moves in position according to the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5, and a sensor capable of measuring the position of the roller (for example, a displacement sensor that irradiates the roller with a laser), and may acquire information regarding the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 based on the measurement result by the sensor.

[0136] Also, the "input means" may be for inputting information regarding the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 measured in advance to the control device 91 (for example, a reading device for reading the information from a barcode or an IC tag attached to the mother roll of the electrode sheets 4 and 5 and having information regarding the thickness of the electrode sheets 4 and 5). Of course, the "input means" may be a device for manually inputting numerical information (for example, a keyboard or a touch panel).

[0137] (c) In the above embodiment, the adjustment unit 19 and the device 20 for acquiring the perimeter information are provided separately, but these may be integrated.

[0138] (d) In the above embodiment, the first chip 131 (141) and the second chip 132 (142) each have a function related to changing the circumferential length of the core 13 (14) (that is, a function of adjusting the relative position of the movable chip 82 with respect to the fixed chip 81), but only one of the first chip 131 (141) and the second chip 132 (142) may be configured to have this function.

[0139] (e) In the above embodiment, the cores 13, 14 have a circular cross-section, but the shape of the core may be changed as appropriate. For example, in a cross-section orthogonal to the rotation axis of the core, the core may be configured to have an elliptical shape, a flat shape, or the like.

[0140] (f) In the above embodiment, the pressing mechanism 86 having leaf spring parts 86a, 86b, etc. is cited as the "pressing means", but the "pressing means" may use, for example, a magnet or the like.

[0141] (g) In the above embodiment, when changing the circumferential length of the core 13 (14), power is supplied to the actuator 191 while acquiring the position of the movable chip 82 until this position becomes the target position. On the other hand, before changing the circumferential length of the core 13 (14), the position of the movable chip 82 may be acquired in advance, the required movement amount of the movable chip 82 may be calculated based on this acquired position, and power may be supplied to the actuator 191 so that the movable chip 82 moves by the amount of this required movement.

[0142] (h) In the above embodiment, the winding unit 11 is configured to include two cores 13, 14, but it may be configured to include one or three or more cores.

[0143] (i) In the above embodiment, the battery element 1 of the lithium-ion battery is manufactured by the winding device 10, but the winding element manufactured by the winding device 10 is not limited to this, and for example, it may be manufactured as a winding element of an electrolytic capacitor or the like.

[0144] (j) The materials of the separator sheets 2 and 3 and the electrode sheets 4 and 5 are not limited to those of the above embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. Of course, the active material applied to the electrode sheets 4 and 5 may also be changed.

[0145] (k) In the above embodiment, the change in the perimeter of the winding core 13 (14) is carried out for the purpose of aligning the electrode tabs 4a and 5a, but it may also be carried out for other purposes. For example, the perimeter of the winding core 13 (14) may be changed for the purpose of coping with a change in the size of the battery element 1 or keeping the outer diameter of the battery element 1 constant.

Description of reference numerals

[0146] 1... Lithium ion battery element (winding element), 2, 3... Separator sheets, 4... Positive electrode sheet (electrode sheet), 5... Negative electrode sheet (electrode sheet), 10... Winding device, 13, 14... Winding cores, 19... Adjustment unit, 77... Thickness measurement mechanism (input means), 81... Fixed chip, 82... Movable chip, 83... Screw shaft, 83a... First screw portion, 83b... Second screw portion, 83c... Magnetic gear, 84... First block, 84a... First inclined surface, 85... Second block, 85a... Second inclined surface, 86... Pressing mechanism (pressing means), 86a... First leaf spring component, 86b... Second leaf spring component, 87... Clamp (clamping portion), 91... Control device (perimeter control means), 131, 141... First chip (first component), 132, 142... Second chip (second component), 133, 143... Slits, 191... Actuator, 191a... Operating portion, 191b... Magnetic gear, 821a... First contact surface, 821b... Second contact surface.

Claims

1. A winding device that supplies a strip-shaped electrode sheet having an active material on its surface and a strip-shaped separator sheet made of an insulating material to a rotatable core from respective predetermined supply mechanisms, and winds the electrode sheet and the separator sheet while overlapping them as the core rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, wherein the core comprises: a fixed chip extending in the direction of the rotation axis; a movable chip provided in a state aligned with the fixed chip in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis and relatively movable with respect to the fixed chip; a rotatable screw shaft having a rod shape extending in the direction of the rotation axis and having a male screw-shaped first screw portion and a male screw-shaped second screw portion with a thread direction opposite to that of the first screw portion on its outer periphery; a first block provided on the outer periphery of the first screw portion and movable along the direction of extension of the screw shaft as the screw shaft rotates; a second block provided on the outer periphery of the second screw portion and movable in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first block along the direction of extension of the screw shaft as the screw shaft rotates; pressing means for pressing the movable chip against the first block and the second block; at least one of the portion of the first block where the movable chip is pressed and the portion of the movable chip where it is pressed against the first block is provided with a first inclined surface that gradually approaches the central axis of the screw shaft from one end of the screw shaft to the other end, and at least one of the portion of the second block where the movable chip is pressed and the portion of the movable chip where it is pressed against the second block is provided with a second inclined surface that gradually moves away from the central axis of the screw shaft from one end of the screw shaft to the other end, wherein rotation of the screw shaft moves the first block and the second block, thereby relatively moving the movable chip with respect to the fixed chip, and the length of the core in the rotation direction of the core in the portion where the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound is configured to be changeable. A winding device characterized by this.

2. The first inclined surface is provided on the first block, and the second inclined surface is provided on the second block, and the movable chip comprises: a first contact surface in surface contact with the first inclined surface; and a second contact surface in surface contact with the second inclined surface. The winding device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The winding device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the first block and the second block that abuts against the back side of the portion in contact with the movable chip is in contact with the fixed chip and supported by the fixed chip.

4. The pressing means is provided at a position sandwiching the first block and includes a pair of first leaf spring components having a function of mainly pressing the movable chip against the first block, and a pair of second leaf spring components provided at a position sandwiching the second block and having a function of mainly pressing the movable chip against the second block. The winding device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

5. The winding device according to claim 1, further comprising a clamp portion that can be switched between a state of gripping the screw shaft to restrict rotation of the screw shaft and a state of releasing the gripping of the screw shaft to allow rotation of the screw shaft.

6. The first block is provided on one end side of the screw shaft with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction, and the second block is provided on the other end side of the screw shaft with respect to the center in its longitudinal direction. The winding device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

7. It has an actuator including an operating portion that operates by power supply, and includes an adjustment unit disposed outside the winding core, the operating portion and the screw shaft each have a magnetic gear, and the magnetic gear is configured such that power can be transmitted from the operating portion to the screw shaft in a non-contact state to rotate the screw shaft. The winding device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

8. The winding core has the fixed chip, the movable chip, the screw shaft, the first block, the second block, and the pressing means, respectively, and includes a first component portion and a second component portion arranged such that the fixed chips face each other through a predetermined slit, and the adjustment unit is commonly used for the rotation of the screw shaft in the first component portion and the rotation of the screw shaft in the second component portion. The winding device according to claim 7 is characterized by this.

9. Input means for inputting information related to the thickness of the electrode sheet Based on the information input from the input means, a relative position of the movable chip with respect to the fixed chip is controlled, and a perimeter control means for adjusting a length along a rotation direction of the core in a portion of the core around which the electrode sheet and the separator sheet are wound is provided. The winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the perimeter control means.

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