Scrap material recovery device

Abstract

To provide a scrap material recovery device that is less likely to cause breakage of a scrap material.SOLUTION: A scrap material recovery device 10 of a power storage device includes a suction device 20 that sucks a scrap material 3 generated when a strip-shaped electrode material 1 is cut along the longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet 2, and a guide 40 provided on a transport path of the scrap material 3 sucked by the suction device 20. The guide 40 extends in the width direction of the scrap material 3 and has a gap G1 through which the scrap material 3 passes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recovery apparatus for recovering scraps generated during the manufacture of electricity storage devices. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for cutting out usable portions from a strip-shaped sheet of a membrane electrode assembly used in a fuel cell and collecting the ladder-shaped debris remaining after the usable portions have been cut out. The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of upper and lower rollers that rotate while clamping the debris. The upper roller has grooves that divide the roller surface into a roller surface portion that presses one end of the debris and a roller surface portion that presses the other end. According to Patent Document 1, the roller surface portions at both ends of the upper roller rotate integrally in response to the rotation of the lower roller, transporting both ends of the debris at the same feed rate. This is said to prevent the debris from breaking due to tensile forces caused by differences in feed rates at both ends. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-056255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the production of electrode sheets for energy storage devices, a strip of electrode material is sometimes cut longitudinally to form the electrode sheet, generating scraps. FIG. 4 is a side view of an example of a scrap collection device 110 that collects scraps 3 generated when a strip of electrode material 1 is cut longitudinally to form an electrode sheet 2. Point P2 in FIG. 4 is the separation point where the electrode sheet 2 and the scrap 3 are separated. As shown in FIG. 4 , in a conventional example, the scrap collection device 110 includes a pair of nip rollers 121 and 122 that rotate while clamping the scrap 3. A motor 123 is connected to one of the nip rollers 122. The scrap 3 is clamped between the nip roller 122, which rotates driven by the motor 123, and the other nip roller 121, which rotates driven by the motor 123, and is transported and collected via a path separate from the electrode sheet 2.

[0005] The conveying speed of the scrap 3 by the nip rollers 121 and 122 is the same as the conveying speed of the electrode sheet 2. However, it is difficult to perfectly match the conveying speed of the scrap 3 and the conveying speed of the electrode sheet 2, and therefore tension is applied to the scrap 3 due to the difference between the conveying speeds of the scrap 3 and the electrode sheet 2, which may cause the scrap 3 to break upstream of the nip rollers 121 and 122. If the scrap 3 breaks, it will no longer be possible to collect the scrap 3, and production of the electrode sheet 2 will stop.

[0006] Therefore, the present application proposes a recovery device that recovers scraps generated when strip-shaped electrode material is cut along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet, and that is less likely to cause the scraps to break. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The scrap recovery device for an electric storage device disclosed herein includes a suction device that sucks scrap generated when a strip-shaped electrode material is cut along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet, and a guide provided on a transport path for the scrap by the suction device. The guide extends in the width direction of the scrap and has a gap through which the scrap passes.

[0008] With the scrap material recovery device, scrap materials are sucked in by a suction device, allowing them to move freely in the conveying direction. This means that the scrap materials are less likely to be subjected to tensile forces that could cause them to break. Furthermore, because the scrap materials are passed through gaps in the guides that extend in the width direction, twisting is suppressed even when transported by suction. Therefore, the scrap materials are less likely to be subjected to torsional stresses that could cause them to break. As a result, the scrap material recovery device can prevent the scrap materials from breaking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the scrap recovery device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the electrode sheet and the scrap material. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a nip roller type scrap recovery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of an energy storage device scrap recovery device will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic diagrams and do not necessarily faithfully reflect actual implementations.

[0011] [Configuration of scrap material recovery device] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scrap material recovery device 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the scrap material recovery device 10. The scrap material recovery device 10 is a device that recovers scrap material 3 generated when a strip-shaped electrode material 1 is cut along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet 2. The depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2 is the width direction of the electrode material 1, electrode sheet 2, and scrap material 3. The electrode material 1 is a strip-shaped sheet whose width direction is the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2.

[0012] In Figures 1 and 2, the symbol U represents the upper side, and the symbol D represents the lower side. The upper and lower sides of the paper in Figures 1 and 2 are the upper and lower sides of the scrap recovery device 10, respectively. Hereinafter, the depth direction of the paper in Figure 2 (the width direction of the electrode material 1, electrode sheet 2, and scrap 3) will also be referred to as the left-right direction, and the left-right direction in Figure 2 will also be referred to as the front-rear direction. In the following drawings, the front, rear, left, and right sides will be represented by the symbols F, Rr, L, and R, respectively. However, these directions are merely for convenience of explanation and do not in any way limit the installation mode of the scrap recovery device 10.

[0013] The electrode sheet 2 is an electrode sheet for an electricity storage device. The term electricity storage device here refers to any device capable of extracting electrical energy, and includes so-called storage batteries (chemical batteries) such as lithium ion secondary batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, and capacitors (physical batteries) such as electric double layer capacitors. The electrode sheet 2 is, for example, an electrode sheet for a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the electrode sheet 2 is not limited to an electrode sheet for a lithium ion secondary battery, and may be an electrode sheet for other known electricity storage devices.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode material 1 is cut at a cutting point P1 while being conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The conveyance direction of the electrode material 1 at the cutting point P1 is downward. Here, the electrode material 1 is cut by a laser cutting machine 100. In this embodiment, the laser cutting machine 100 is moved in the width direction (here, the left-right direction) of the electrode material 1 by a moving device 101. As a result, the electrode material 1 is cut in a zigzag pattern. FIG. 3 is a front view of an electrode sheet 2 and scrap material 3. In FIG. 3, the electrode sheet 2 and the scrap material 3 are illustrated separated in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 3, by cutting the electrode material 1 (see FIG. 2) in a zigzag pattern, a plurality of tabs 2a aligned in the longitudinal direction are formed in the electrode sheet 2. Each of the plurality of tabs 2a protrudes in the width direction of the electrode sheet 2 more than the other portions. The scrap material 3 is scrap material generated when the tabs 2a are formed. The scrap material 3 corresponds to the tabs 2a and has narrow portions 3a that are narrower than the other portions. However, the scrap material 3 is not limited to scrap generated when forming the tab 2a. The scrap material 3 does not have to have the narrow portion 3a. Furthermore, the cutting device for cutting the electrode material 1 is not limited to a laser cutting machine.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the formed electrode sheet 2 is wound around a guide roll 102, thereby changing the conveying direction. A conveying device for the electrode sheet 2 (not shown) is provided downstream of the guide roll 102 in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet 2. The electrode sheet 2 is wound around the guide roll 102 and pulled by the conveying device, so that it is conveyed in a direction different from the previous downward conveying direction. The scrap 3 moves downward due to the action of gravity and is collected by a scrap collection device 10 provided below the guide roll 102. Point P2 in FIG. 2 indicates the separation point where the scrap 3 is separated from the electrode sheet 2. In this case, the separation point P2 is a point on the guide roll 102.

[0016] A reference roll 103 is provided upstream of the guide roll 102 in the conveyance direction of the electrode sheet 2 and facing the guide roll 102 across the conveyance path of the electrode sheet 2. The electrode sheet 2 abuts against the reference roll 103 upstream of where it is wound around the guide roll 102. The position of the electrode sheet 2 in the front-to-rear direction at the cutting point P1 is determined by the reference roll 103.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying device for the electrode sheet 2 includes a sensor 104 that detects the tab 2a. The sensor 104 is, for example, an optical sensor. The tab 2a passes along the optical axis of light emitted by a light projector 104a of the sensor 104, which is directed toward a light receiver 104b. The sensor 104 detects the tab 2a when the light emitted by the light projector 104a is blocked by the tab 2a. If the detection of the tab 2a continues for a predetermined time or longer, the conveying device determines that the scrap 3 has not been collected by the scrap collection device 10 and is being conveyed together with the electrode sheet 2, and stops conveying the electrode sheet 2. The conveying device also includes a tension detection sensor (not shown) that detects the tension of the electrode sheet 2. If the tension of the electrode sheet 2 drops below a predetermined tension, the conveying device determines that the electrode sheet 2 has broken and stops conveying the electrode sheet 2.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the scrap recovery device 10 includes a suction device 20 that sucks scrap 3, a cylindrical cover 30 connected to the suction device 20, a scrap guide 40 housed in the cover 30, a duct 50, a crusher 60 for the scrap 3, and a collection box 70 for crushed scraps. In this embodiment, the crusher 60, the suction device 20, and the collection box 70 are housed in a single housing 21 and are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream of the transport path for the scrap 3. The housing 21 is located away from the cover 30. The duct 50 connects the bottom of the cover 30 to the housing 21. The cover 30 is connected to the suction device 20 via the duct 50 and piping within the housing 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover 30 includes a bottom plate 31 constituting the bottom, a front plate 32, a rear plate 33, a left side plate 34, and a right side plate 35. The bottom plate 31 has a duct hole 31a to which the duct 50 is connected. The front plate 32 and the rear plate 33 are connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate 31, respectively, and constitute the front and rear surfaces of the cover 30. The front plate 32 and the rear plate 33 face each other across the scrap guide 40. The left side plate 34 is connected to the left end of the front plate 32 and the left end of the rear plate 33, and constitutes the left side of the cover 30. The right side plate 35 is connected to the right end of the front plate 32 and the right end of the rear plate 33, and constitutes the right side of the cover 30. The left side plate 34 and the right side plate 35 face each other across the scrap guide 40. The top surface of the cover 30 is open, forming a suction port 30a. The scrap material 3 is inserted into the cover 30 through the suction port 30a. The scrap material 3 is sucked in together with air through the suction port 30a.

[0020] The left side plate 34 is fixed to the front plate 32 and the rear plate 33 so that its position in the vertical direction can be changed. The left side plate 34 has multiple through holes 34a through which bolts (not shown) can be inserted. The left side surface of the front plate 32 has multiple screw holes 32a arranged in a vertical line. The left side surface of the rear plate 33 has multiple screw holes 33a arranged in a vertical line. The vertical position of the left side plate 34 can be selected by inserting a bolt into each of the multiple through holes 34a in the left side plate 34 and fastening the bolt into a selected one of the screw holes 32a and 33a. Changing the vertical position of the left side plate 34 can change the height of the gap 30b between the lower end of the left side plate 34 and the bottom plate 31. As the suction device 20 performs suction, an amount of air flows in through the gap 30b according to the height of the gap 30b. The gap 30b is an opening whose height can be adjusted to adjust the suction force. The gap 30b also serves as a sight window for visually checking the inside of the cover 30 and for accessing the inside of the cover 30.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a sight window 34b is formed on the left side plate 34. The sight window 34b is configured to allow the scrap guide 40 to be viewed. The sight window 34b is a sight window for viewing the inside of the cover 30, particularly the area around the scrap guide 40, and for accessing the area around the scrap guide 40. In this case, the sight window 34b is an opening configured to allow an operator to access the inside of the cover 30. As the suction device 20 performs suction, air also flows in through the sight window 34b. The sight window 34b is also one of the openings that adjusts the suction force for sucking the scrap 3.

[0022] The right side plate 35 also has a sight window 35b, and a gap 30c is formed between it and the bottom plate 31. The right side plate 35 is also configured so that the height of the gap 30c can be changed by changing its position in the up and down direction. The gap 30c below the right side plate 35 and the sight window 35b in the right side plate 35 have the same function as the gap 30b below the left side plate 34 and the sight window 34b in the left side plate 34.

[0023] As described above, openings (here, lower openings 30b, 30c and viewing windows 34b, 35b) are formed in the left and right plates 34 and 35 that face each other with the scrap guide 40 in between. Air from outside the cover 30 flows in through the openings in the left and right plates 34 and 35. The air flowing in through the openings in the left and right plates 34 and 35 acts to hold the scrap 3 in the center of the cover 30.

[0024] The scrap guide 40 is provided on the transport path of the scrap 3 that is suctioned by the suction device 20. The scrap guide 40 is configured to guide the scrap 3 being sucked in so as not to twist. As shown in FIG. 2, the scrap guide 40 has a gap G1 that extends in the width direction of the scrap 3 (here, the left-right direction) and through which the scrap 3 passes. By passing the scrap 3 through the gap G1 that extends in the width direction, the movement of the scrap 3 is restricted and twisting is prevented.

[0025] In this embodiment, the scrap guide 40 includes a pair of rollers 41, 42 that form a gap G1. The pair of rollers 41, 42 are each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction of the scrap 3. The pair of rollers 41, 42 are rotatable around axes Ax1, Ax2 that extend in the width direction of the scrap 3, respectively.

[0026] The pair of rollers 41, 42 consists of a first roller 41 on the upstream side and a second roller 42 arranged downstream of the first roller 41 on the transport path of the scrap 3. Here, the first roller 41 is arranged forward of the second roller 42. The second roller 42 is arranged so as to overlap with a tangent line L1 drawn from a separation point P2 where the scrap 3 separates from the electrode sheet 2 to the outer circumferential surface of the first roller 41. The second roller 42 extends forward of the tangent line L1. The first roller 41 and the second roller 42 are arranged so as to partially overlap in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the positional relationship between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 may be reversed from that in FIG. 2.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, when the scrap 3 is inserted into the gap G1, it hangs down from the separation point P2 along the tangent line L1, then wraps around the rear surface of the first roller 41 and reaches the front surface of the second roller 42. The scrap 3 then wraps around the front surface of the second roller 42 and continues downward. As shown in FIG. 2, the second roller 42, together with the first roller 41, is configured to bend the conveying path of the scrap 3 into an S-shape. The first roller 41 and the second roller 42 do not clamp the scrap 3, but as shown in FIG. 2, they define the conveying path of the scrap 3 and regulate the movement of the scrap 3.

[0028] 1, the scrap recovery device 10 includes an adjustment device 80 that can move the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 closer to or farther apart. The adjustment device 80 is provided above the right side plate 35. Here, the adjustment device 80 moves the first roller 41 in the front-to-rear direction, thereby moving the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 closer to or farther apart.

[0029] The adjustment device 80 includes a ball screw 81 extending in the front-rear direction, a movable body 82 meshing with the ball screw 81 and supporting the first roller 41, a right guide groove 83R extending in the front-rear direction and slidably engaged with the movable body 82, and a left guide groove 83L extending in the front-rear direction and slidably engaged with the left end of the rotation shaft of the first roller 41. The left guide groove 83L is formed in the left side plate 34. The left guide grooves 83L are aligned vertically. A knob 84 is provided at the front end of the ball screw 81, which the adjuster can grip to rotate the ball screw 81. The adjuster can adjust the distance between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 by rotating the ball screw 81. This allows the width of the gap G1, the wrap angle θ1 of the first roller 41 (see FIG. 2), and the wrap angle θ2 of the second roller 42 (see FIG. 2) to be adjusted. The tension applied to the scrap 3 can be adjusted by adjusting the embrace angles θ1 and θ2. As shown in FIG. 1, the second roller 42 is rotatably supported by the left side plate 34 and the right side plate 35, and its position in the front-to-rear direction is fixed.

[0030] [How to use the scrap recovery device] The following describes the procedure for using the scrap recovery device 10. To recover the scrap 3 using the scrap recovery device 10, the electrode material 1 is cut longitudinally to form a small scrap 3, and the leading end of the scrap 3 is inserted into the gap G1 between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42. When the suction device 20 is driven, the leading end of the scrap 3 is sucked downward through the gap G1. If the suction device 20 is driven first, the leading end of the scrap 3 is naturally sucked into the gap G1 when it approaches the first roller 41. Before using the scrap recovery device 10, the vertical positions of the left side plate 34 and the right side plate 35 are adjusted to an appropriate suction force. The adjustment device 80 is also used to adjust the wrap angle θ1 of the first roller 41 and the wrap angle θ2 of the second roller 42 to appropriate wrap angles. This adjusts the tension applied to the scrap 3 to an appropriate tension that prevents the scrap 3 from flapping when suctioned, prevents the scrap 3 from breaking, and prevents the electrode material 1 from bending at the cutting point P1.

[0031] The scrap material 3 inserted into the gap G1 is transported to the crusher 60 below the second roller 42 of the cover 30 and via the duct 50. The scrap material 3 is crushed by the crusher 60. The crushed scraps of the crushed scrap material 3 pass through the suction device 20 and are thrown into the collection box 70.

[0032] If the scrap 3 breaks upstream of the scrap guide 40 and is transported together with the electrode sheet 2, the sensor 104 of the electrode sheet 2 transport device detects this. In this case, the transport of the electrode sheet 2 is stopped. Note that there is a relatively high possibility that the scrap 3 breaks downstream of the scrap guide 40. In this case, the broken end of the scrap 3 continues to be pulled by the suction device 20, so there is no particular problem with the transport of the scrap 3. If the electrode sheet 2 breaks due to the break in the scrap 3, the tension sensor of the transport device detects this. In this case, the transport of the electrode sheet 2 is also stopped. When the transport of the electrode sheet 2 is stopped, the electrode sheet 2 is returned to its normal state, and then the leading end of the scrap 3 is reinserted into the gap G1 between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42.

[0033] [Effects of scrap recovery equipment] The following describes the effects that can be achieved by the scrap recovery device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0034] The scrap recovery device 10 according to this embodiment includes a suction device 20 that sucks scraps 3 generated when a strip-shaped electrode material 1 is cut longitudinally to form an electrode sheet 2, and a scrap guide 40 that is provided on a path along which the scraps 3 are transported by the suction device 20. The scrap guide 40 has a gap G1 extending in the width direction of the scraps 3 and through which the scraps 3 pass. With this scrap recovery device 10, the scraps 3 are sucked by the suction device 20, allowing them to move freely in the transport direction. Therefore, the scraps 3 are less likely to be subjected to tensile stress that could cause them to break. Furthermore, because the scraps 3 pass through the gap G1 between the scrap guide 40 that extends in the width direction, twisting is suppressed even during suction transport. Therefore, the scraps 3 are less likely to be subjected to torsional stress that could cause them to break, thereby preventing them from breaking. Without the gap G1, the scraps 3 would not be restricted in their movement, and would be subject to various twists due to the suction force of the suction device 20. By passing the end material 3 through the gap G1, such twisting can be suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, even if the electrode sheet 2 breaks and production of the electrode sheet 2 stops, if the end of the scrap 3 is brought close to the scrap guide 40, the scrap 3 will be sucked into the scrap recovery device 10, allowing the scrap recovery device 10 to be restored. Therefore, the restoration work is easier than with the conventional configuration in which the scrap 3 is clamped between nip rollers.

[0036] In this embodiment, the scrap guide 40 includes a pair of rollers 41 and 42, each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction of the scrap 3 and forming a gap G1. With this configuration, because the pair of rollers 41 and 42 are both cylindrical, the scrap 3 can pass through the gap G1 smoothly. This makes it even less likely that the scrap 3 will break. Note that the pair of members, each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction of the scrap 3 and forming the gap G1, may be non-rotating cylindrical shafts.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pair of rollers 41 and 42 are configured to be rotatable around axes Ax1 and Ax2, respectively, which extend in the width direction of the scrap 3. With this configuration, the pair of rollers 41 and 42 both rotate in the conveying direction of the scrap 3, allowing the scrap 3 to pass through the gap G1 more smoothly. This makes it even less likely that the scrap 3 will break.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pair of rollers 41 and 42 is composed of a first roller 41 and a second roller 42 that is arranged downstream of the first roller 41 in the transport path of the scrap 3. The second roller 42 is arranged so as to overlap with a tangent line L1 drawn from a separation point P2 where the scrap 3 separates from the electrode sheet 2 to the outer circumferential surface of the first roller 41. The second roller 42, together with the first roller 41, bends the transport path of the scrap 3 into an S-shape. With this configuration, tension is generated in the scrap 3 between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, making the scrap 3 less likely to twist.

[0039] If the second roller 42 is positioned so as not to overlap the tangent line L1, the scrap material 3 does not wrap around the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, and therefore tension due to the wrapping is not applied to the scrap material 3. In this case, depending on the distance between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 (the width of the gap G1), the restriction on the movement of the scrap material 3 is weakened, increasing the possibility of the scrap material 3 twisting. If the second roller 42 is positioned so as to overlap the tangent line L1, the scrap material 3 wraps around the first roller 41 and the second roller 42, and therefore tension is applied to the scrap material 3, restricting its movement regardless of the distance between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 (the width of the gap G1). As a result, the scrap material 3 is less likely to twist. For example, if the distance between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 (the width of the gap G1) is widened, it becomes easier to pass the scrap material 3 through the gap G1.

[0040] The scrap recovery device 10 according to this embodiment includes an adjustment device 80 that can move the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 closer to or farther apart. With this configuration, the tension of the scrap 3 between the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 can be adjusted by moving the first roller 41 and the second roller 42 closer to or farther apart.

[0041] The scrap recovery device 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a cylindrical cover 30 that is connected to the suction device 20 and houses the scrap guide 40. The cover 30 is formed with viewing windows 34b and 35b that allow the scrap guide 40 to be viewed. By providing the cover 30, the suction force of the suction device 20 can be effectively utilized. However, since providing the cover 30 makes it difficult to view the scrap guide 40, in this embodiment, the cover 30 is provided with viewing windows 34b and 35b. By providing the viewing windows 34b and 35b, the scrap guide 40 enclosed by the cover 30 can be easily viewed. This makes it easy to visually check the state of the scrap guide 40 and the scrap 3.

[0042] In this embodiment, the viewing windows 34b and 35b are openings that serve both as access paths to the end material guide 40 and as suction force adjusters, but may instead be windows that are covered with transparent covers, for example.

[0043] In this embodiment, the cover 30 has a left side plate 34 and a right side plate 35 that face each other with the scrap guide 40 in between. The left side plate 34 and the right side plate 35 each have openings (here, lower openings 30b, 30c and viewing windows 34b, 35b). With this configuration, the air flowing in through the openings in the left side plate 34 and the air flowing in through the openings in the right side plate 35 press the scrap 3 against each other so as to hold it in the center of the cover 30. This makes it easier to hold the scrap 3 in the center of the cover 30.

[0044] In this embodiment, the scrap 3 has a narrow portion 3a that is narrower than other portions. Stress is concentrated in the narrow portion 3a of such scrap 3, making it prone to breakage at the narrow portion 3a. Therefore, the scrap recovery device 10 according to this embodiment is particularly effective when recovering scrap 3 having such a narrow portion 3a.

[0045] According to a prototype made by the inventors of the present application, the scrap recovery device 10 according to the present embodiment was able to recover scrap 3 having a width W (see FIG. 3) of the narrow portion 3a of approximately 6 mm or more without breakage upstream of the scrap guide 40. On the other hand, the conventional nip roll type scrap recovery device shown in FIG. 4 was unable to recover scrap 3 having a width W of the narrow portion 3a of approximately 10 mm or less due to breakage. The width W of the narrow portion 3a of the recoverable scrap 3 may vary depending on the thickness and material of the electrode material 1, but as described above, there is a clear difference in the minimum width of the recoverable scrap 3 between the scrap recovery device 10 according to the present embodiment and the conventional nip roll type scrap recovery device.

[0046] [Other embodiments] The above describes one embodiment of the scrap recovery device proposed herein. However, the above embodiment is merely an example, and other aspects may be employed. For example, in the above embodiment, the gap G1 of the scrap guide 40 is formed by a pair of rollers 41 and 42. However, the gap G1 of the scrap guide 40 may be formed, for example, by a wall portion and a slit opening in the wall portion. Alternatively, the gap G1 of the scrap guide 40 may be formed, for example, by a pair of walls arranged with a gap between them. The components that form the gap G1 of the scrap guide 40 are not particularly limited. For example, the scrap guide 40 may be disposed outside the cover 30 rather than being housed in the cover 30, and may form an entrance to the cover 30.

[0047] The configuration of the adjustment device 80 is not limited to the above. For example, the adjustment device 80 may be configured to move the second roller 42, or both the first roller 41 and the second roller 42. The adjustment device 80 may include another mechanism, such as a rack and pinion, instead of the ball screw 81. The movement direction of the first roller 41 or the second roller 42 is also not limited to the front-to-rear direction.

[0048] The suction device 20 does not have to be provided at a location separate from the cover 30 and the end material guide 40. The suction device 20 may be directly connected to the cover 30, for example.

[0049] The above-described embodiments do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and the components and processes described herein can be omitted or combined as appropriate, provided that no particular problems arise.

[0050] This specification includes the disclosures set forth in the following sections:

[0051] Section 1: a suction device that sucks up scraps generated when cutting the strip-shaped electrode material along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet; a guide provided on a transport path of the scrap material by suction of the suction device, The guide extends in the width direction of the scrap material and has a gap through which the scrap material passes. A device for recovering scraps from energy storage devices.

[0052] Section 2: The guide includes a pair of shafts each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction of the scrap material and forming the gap. Item 1. A device for recovering scraps of an electricity storage device according to item 1.

[0053] Section 3: The pair of shafts are each configured to be rotatable around an axis extending in the width direction of the scrap material. Item 3. A device for recovering scraps of an electricity storage device according to item 2.

[0054] Section 4: The pair of shafts includes a first shaft and a second shaft disposed downstream of the first shaft in the conveying path of the scrap material, The second shaft is arranged so as to overlap a tangent line drawn from a separation point where the scrap material is separated from the electrode sheet to the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft, and together with the first shaft, bends the conveying path of the scrap material into an S-shape. Item 2 or 3, a device for recovering scraps of an electricity storage device.

[0055] Section 5: The device further includes an adjustment device that can move the first shaft and the second shaft closer to or farther from each other. Item 5. A device for recovering scraps of an electricity storage device according to item 4.

[0056] Item 6: a cylindrical cover connected to the suction device and accommodating the guide; The cover is formed with a viewing window through which the guide can be seen. Item 6. A recovery device for scraps of an electricity storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

[0057] Section 7: a cylindrical cover connected to the suction device and accommodating the guide; the cover includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion facing each other with the guide interposed therebetween, An opening is formed in each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion. Item 7. A recovery device for scraps of an electricity storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

[0058] Section 8: The scrap material has a narrow portion that is narrower than other portions. Item 8. A recovery device for scraps of an electricity storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Electrode material 2 Electrode sheet 2a Tab 3 Scrap wood 3a Narrow part 10 Scrap material recovery device (recovery device) 20 Suction device 21. Cabinet 30 Cover 30a Suction port 30b opening 30c opening 31 Bottom plate 31a Duct hole 32 Front panel 32a screw hole 33 Rear plate 33a screw hole 34 Left side board (first wall) 34a through hole 34b Viewport (opening) 35 Right side plate (second wall) 35b Viewport (opening) 40 Scrap guide (guide) 41 First roller (first shaft) 42 Second roller (second shaft) 50 Duct 60 Crushing Equipment 70 Collection Box 80 Adjustment device 81 Ball screw 82 Mobile 83L Guide groove 83R guide groove 84 Knob 100 Laser Cutting Machine 101 Mobile Device 102 Guide Roll 103 Standard Role 104 Sensors 104a Floodlight 104b Receiver 110 Scrap material recovery device (conventional) 121 Nip roller 122 Nip roller 123 Motor Ax1 Axis of the first roller Ax2 Axis of the second roller G1 Gap P1 cutting point P2 separation point L1: A tangent line drawn from the separation point to the outer surface of the first roller

Claims

1. a suction device that sucks up scraps generated when cutting the strip-shaped electrode material along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet; a guide provided on a transport path of the scrap material by suction of the suction device, The guide has a gap extending in a width direction of the scrap material and through which the scrap material passes, The guide includes a pair of shafts each formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction of the scrap material and forming the gap. A device for recovering scraps from energy storage devices.

2. The pair of shafts are each configured to be rotatable around an axis extending in the width direction of the scrap material. The apparatus for recovering scraps of the electricity storage device according to claim 1 .

3. The pair of shafts includes a first shaft and a second shaft disposed downstream of the first shaft in the conveying path of the scrap material, The second shaft is arranged so as to overlap a tangent line drawn from a separation point where the scrap material is separated from the electrode sheet to an outer peripheral surface of the first shaft, and together with the first shaft, bends the conveying path of the scrap material into an S-shape. The apparatus for recovering scraps of the electricity storage device according to claim 1 .

4. The apparatus further includes an adjustment device that can move the first shaft and the second shaft closer to or farther from each other. The apparatus for recovering scraps of an electric storage device according to claim 3 .

5. A suction device that sucks up scraps generated when cutting a strip of electrode material along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet; a guide provided on a transport path of the scrap material by suction of the suction device; a cylindrical cover connected to the suction device and accommodating the guide; The guide has a gap extending in the width direction of the scrap material and through which the scrap material passes, The cover is formed with a viewing window through which the guide can be seen. A device for recovering scraps from energy storage devices.

6. A suction device that sucks up scraps generated when cutting a strip-shaped electrode material along its longitudinal direction to form an electrode sheet; a guide provided on a transport path of the scrap material by suction of the suction device; a cylindrical cover connected to the suction device and accommodating the guide; The guide has a gap extending in the width direction of the scrap material and through which the scrap material passes, The cover includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion that face each other with the guide interposed therebetween, An opening is formed in each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion. A device for recovering scraps from energy storage devices.

7. The scrap material has a narrow portion that is narrower than other portions. A recovery device for scraps of the electricity storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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