Conveyance device

Abstract

This conveyance device (40) comprises a hollow box body (41), a bobbin (42) for winding an electrode material (6), a support shaft (43) that rotatably supports the bobbin (42) and has an end part that protrudes to the outside of the box body (41), a first power joint (44a) that is attached to the tip of one end part of the support shaft (43), and a first sealing part (45a) that seals a gap between the box body (41) and the support shaft (43).

Description

Conveyor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport device.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method has been known in which a carriage is used to transport a bobbin around which a long web is wound (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-103548

[0004] However, the carriage disclosed in Patent Document 1 is designed to transport the web in an exposed state, and therefore, if the carriage disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to transport electrode material that is sensitive to humidity changes, the electrode material will deteriorate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a conveying device that can suppress deterioration of electrode materials.

[0006] A conveying device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a conveying device for conveying sheet-like electrode material, and includes a hollow box body, a bobbin arranged within the box body for winding up the electrode material, a support shaft that rotatably supports the bobbin and has an end that protrudes outside the box body, a power coupling attached to the tip of the end of the support shaft, and a sealing portion that seals the gap between the box body and the support shaft.

[0007] A conveying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a conveying device for conveying sheet-like electrode material, and comprises a hollow box body, a clamping device attached to the box body, and a bobbin arranged within the box body for winding up the electrode material, wherein the box body has an insertion opening provided on its outer surface, the bobbin has a bobbin body and a leader connecting the bobbin body to the electrode material, and the clamping device grips the leader or the tip of the electrode material exposed outside the box body through the insertion opening.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a conveying device that can suppress deterioration of electrode materials.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrode body manufacturing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a transport device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a transport device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a transport device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a transport device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of a bobbin according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a shutter according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a shutter according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a clamping device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a clamping device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a clamping device according to an embodiment.

[0010] (Electrode body manufacturing system 100) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrode body manufacturing system 100 according to an embodiment. The electrode body manufacturing system 100 is used to manufacture an electrode body 5. The electrode body 5 is used in electronic components such as lithium secondary batteries, lithium capacitors, and electric double layer capacitors. In this embodiment, the electrode body 5 has a pair of positive and negative tab terminals.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrode assembly manufacturing system 100 includes a negative electrode tab molding machine 10 , a positive electrode tab molding machine 20 , a winding machine 30 , and a plurality of conveying devices 40 .

[0012] [Negative Electrode Tab Molding Machine 10 ] The negative electrode tab molding machine 10 includes a negative electrode double-width raw sheet feeding device 11 , a tab molding device 12 , and a negative electrode material recovery device 13 .

[0013] The negative electrode double-width raw web supply device 11 is disposed on the opposite side of the tab molding device 12 from the negative electrode material recovery device 13. The negative electrode double-width raw web supply device 11 has a housing 11a, a hanging shaft 11b, and a draw-out section 11c. The housing 11a is a box that houses the hanging shaft 11b and the draw-out section 11c. The hanging shaft 11b is driven to rotate by a servo motor (not shown). A sheet-like negative electrode double-width raw web 1a is wound around the hanging shaft 11b. The negative electrode double-width raw web 1a is a wide web composed of a sheet-like negative electrode foil (e.g., copper foil) and a negative electrode active material (e.g., carbon material) applied to the surface of the negative electrode foil. The draw-out section 11c sends the negative electrode double-width raw web 1a drawn from the hanging shaft 11b toward the tab molding device 12. The draw-out section 11c is composed of a plurality of rollers.

[0014] The tab molding device 12 is disposed between the negative electrode double-width raw sheet supply device 11 and the negative electrode material recovery device 13. The tab molding device 12 includes a housing 12a, a support roller 12b, a tab molding unit 12c, a slitter 12d, and a pair of feed rollers 12e. The housing 12a is a box that houses the support roller 12b, the tab molding unit 12c, the slitter 12d, and the pair of feed rollers 12e. The support roller 12b supports the negative electrode double-width raw sheet 1a fed from the negative electrode double-width raw sheet supply device 11 from below. The tab molding unit 12c faces the surface of the negative electrode double-width raw sheet 1a. The tab molding unit 12c molds tabs on both widthwise sides of the negative electrode double-width raw sheet 1a. The tabs are molded into a desired shape (such as a broken line or a curved shape). A laser emission device that emits laser light can be used as the tab molding unit 12c. The slitter 12d cuts the negative electrode double-width raw web 1a with the tabs formed therein along the center in the width direction. As a result, one negative electrode double-width raw web 1a is divided into two sheets of negative electrode material 1 along the longitudinal direction. A pair of feed rollers 12e is arranged to sandwich the two sheets of negative electrode material 1 from above and below. The pair of feed rollers 12e is rotated by a servo motor (not shown). The pair of feed rollers 12e feeds the two sheets of negative electrode material 1 to the negative electrode material recovery device 13.

[0015] The negative electrode material recovery device 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the negative electrode double-width raw sheet supply device 11 across the tab molding device 12. The negative electrode material recovery device 13 includes a first recovery device 14 and a second recovery device 15.

[0016] The first recovery device 14 recovers one of the two sheets of negative electrode material 1 sent from the tab molding device 12. The first recovery device 14 is disposed between the tab molding device 12 and the second recovery device 15. The first recovery device 14 has a housing 14a, a first storage section 14b, a second storage section 14c, and a lead-in section 14d. The housing 14a is a box that houses the first storage section 14b, the second storage section 14c, and the lead-in section 14d. The first storage section 14b and the second storage section 14c face each other with the lead-in section 14d in between. The first storage section 14b and the second storage section 14c are spaces for storing the negative electrode material 1, respectively. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for recovering the negative electrode material 1 is disposed in each of the first storage section 14b and the second storage section 14c. The lead-in section 14d is disposed between the first storage section 14b and the second storage section 14c. The retraction unit 14d retracts the negative electrode material 1 sent from the tab molding device 12 into the first storage unit 14b or the second storage unit 14c. In this embodiment, retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the first storage unit 14b or the second storage unit 14c is synonymous with retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 and winding it. The retraction unit 14d alternates between retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the first storage unit 14b and the second storage unit 14c. Specifically, when the retraction unit 14d completes retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the first storage unit 14b, it starts retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage unit 14c. The filled conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 14b, and an empty conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 14b instead. The filled conveying device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed, and then conveyed to the negative electrode material supplying device 31 of the winding machine 30, which will be described later. When the drawing of the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage section 14c is completed, the filled conveying device 40 is replaced with an empty conveying device 40 in the same procedure. The configuration of the conveying device 40 will be described later.

[0017] The second recovery device 15 recovers the other of the two sheets of negative electrode material 1 sent from the tab molding device 12. The second recovery device 15 has the same function and configuration as the first recovery device 14. The second recovery device 15 has a housing 15a, a first storage section 15b, a second storage section 15c, and a retracting section 15d. The housing 15a is a box that houses the first storage section 15b, the second storage section 15c, and the retracting section 15d. The first storage section 15b and the second storage section 15c face each other with the retracting section 15d in between. The first storage section 15b and the second storage section 15c are spaces for storing the negative electrode material 1, respectively. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for recovering the negative electrode material 1 is disposed in each of the first storage section 15b and the second storage section 15c. The retracting section 15d is disposed between the first storage section 15b and the second storage section 15c. The retraction unit 15d retracts the negative electrode material 1 sent from the tab molding device 12 into the first storage unit 15b or the second storage unit 15c. The retraction unit 15d alternates between retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the first storage unit 15b and the second storage unit 15c. Specifically, when the retraction unit 15d completes retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the first storage unit 15b, it starts retracting the negative electrode material 1 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage unit 15c. The filled conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 15b, and an empty conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 15b instead. The filled conveying device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed and then conveyed to the negative electrode material supply device 31 of the winding machine 30, which will be described later. When the drawing of the negative electrode material 1 into the transport device 40 arranged in the second storage section 15c is completed, the filled transport device 40 is replaced with an empty transport device 40 in the same procedure.

[0018] [Positive Electrode Tab Molding Machine 20] The positive electrode tab molding machine 20 has the same functions and configuration as the negative electrode tab molding machine 20. The positive electrode tab molding machine 20 includes a positive electrode double-width raw sheet feeding device 21, a tab molding device 22, and a positive electrode material recovery device 23.

[0019] The double-width positive electrode raw web supply device 21 is disposed on the opposite side of the tab molding device 22 from the positive electrode material recovery device 23. The double-width positive electrode raw web supply device 21 has a housing 21a, a hanging shaft 21b, and a draw-out section 21c. The housing 21a is a box that houses the hanging shaft 21b and the draw-out section 21c. The hanging shaft 21b is driven to rotate by a servo motor (not shown). A sheet-like double-width positive electrode raw web 2a is wound around the hanging shaft 21b. The double-width positive electrode raw web 2a is a wide web composed of a sheet-like positive electrode foil (e.g., aluminum foil) and a positive electrode active material (e.g., lithium metal oxide) applied to the surface of the positive electrode foil. The draw-out section 21c sends the double-width positive electrode raw web 2a drawn from the hanging shaft 21b toward the tab molding device 22. The draw-out section 21c is composed of a plurality of rollers.

[0020] The tab molding device 22 is disposed between the double-width positive electrode raw sheet supply device 21 and the positive electrode material recovery device 23. The tab molding device 22 includes a housing 22a, a support roller 22b, a tab molding unit 22c, a slitter 22d, and a pair of feed rollers 22e. The housing 22a is a box that houses the support roller 22b, the tab molding unit 22c, the slitter 22d, and the pair of feed rollers 22e. The support roller 22b supports the double-width positive electrode raw sheet 2a fed from the double-width positive electrode raw sheet supply device 21 from below. The tab molding unit 22c faces the surface of the double-width positive electrode raw sheet 2a. The tab molding unit 22c molds tabs on both widthwise sides of the double-width positive electrode raw sheet 2a. The tabs are molded into a desired shape (such as a broken line or a curved shape). A laser emission device that emits laser light can be used as the tab molding unit 22c. The slitter 22d cuts the double-width positive electrode raw material 2a with the formed tabs along the center in the width direction. As a result, one double-width positive electrode raw material 2a is divided into two sheets of positive electrode material 2 along the longitudinal direction. A pair of feed rollers 22e is arranged to sandwich the two sheets of positive electrode material 2 from above and below. The pair of feed rollers 22e is rotated by a servo motor (not shown). The pair of feed rollers 22e feeds the two sheets of positive electrode material 2 to the positive electrode material recovery device 23.

[0021] The positive electrode material recovery device 23 is disposed on the opposite side of the positive electrode double-width raw sheet supply device 21 across the tab molding device 22. The positive electrode material recovery device 23 includes a first recovery device 24 and a second recovery device 25.

[0022] The first recovery device 24 recovers one of the two sheets of positive electrode material 2 sent from the tab molding device 22. The first recovery device 24 is disposed between the tab molding device 22 and the second recovery device 25. The first recovery device 24 has a housing 24a, a first storage section 24b, a second storage section 24c, and a lead-in section 24d. The housing 24a is a box that accommodates the first storage section 24b, the second storage section 24c, and the lead-in section 24d. The first storage section 24b and the second storage section 24c face each other with the lead-in section 24d in between. The first storage section 24b and the second storage section 24c are spaces for accommodating the positive electrode material 2, respectively. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for recovering the positive electrode material 2 is disposed in each of the first storage section 24b and the second storage section 24c. The conveying device 40 has the same function and configuration as the conveying device 40 used in the negative electrode tab molding machine 10 described above. The retraction unit 24d is disposed between the first storage unit 24b and the second storage unit 24c. The retraction unit 24d retracts the positive electrode material 2 sent from the tab molding device 22 into the first storage unit 24b or the second storage unit 24c. In this embodiment, retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the first storage unit 24b or the second storage unit 24c is synonymous with retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the conveying device 40 and winding it. The retraction unit 24d alternates between retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the first storage unit 24b and the second storage unit 24c. Specifically, when the retraction unit 24d completes retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the conveying device 40 disposed in the first storage unit 24b, it starts retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the conveying device 40 disposed in the second storage unit 24c. The filled conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 24b, and an empty conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 24b instead. The filled conveying device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed, and then conveyed to the cathode material supply device 32 of the winding machine 30, which will be described later. When the drawing of the cathode material 2 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage section 24c is completed, the filled conveying device 40 is replaced with an empty conveying device 40 in the same procedure.

[0023] The second recovery device 25 recovers the other of the two sheets of positive electrode material 2 sent from the tab molding device 22. The second recovery device 25 has the same function and configuration as the first recovery device 24. The second recovery device 25 has a housing 25a, a first storage section 25b, a second storage section 25c, and a lead-in section 25d. The housing 25a is a box that houses the first storage section 25b, the second storage section 25c, and the lead-in section 25d. The first storage section 25b and the second storage section 25c face each other with the lead-in section 25d in between. The first storage section 25b and the second storage section 25c are spaces for storing the positive electrode material 2, respectively. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for recovering the positive electrode material 2 is disposed in each of the first storage section 25b and the second storage section 25c. The lead-in section 25d is disposed between the first storage section 25b and the second storage section 25c. The retraction unit 25d retracts the positive electrode material 2 sent from the tab molding device 22 into the first storage unit 25b or the second storage unit 25c. The retraction unit 25d alternately switches between retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the first storage unit 25b and the second storage unit 25c. Specifically, when the retraction unit 25d completes retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the first storage unit 25b, it starts retracting the positive electrode material 2 into the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage unit 25c. The filled conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 25b, and an empty conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 25b instead. The filled conveying device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed and then conveyed to a positive electrode material supply device 32 of the winding machine 30, which will be described later. When the drawing of the positive electrode material 2 into the transport device 40 arranged in the second storage section 25c is completed, the filled transport device 40 is replaced with an empty transport device 40 in the same procedure.

[0024] [Winding Machine 30] The winding machine 30 includes a negative electrode material supplying device 31, a positive electrode material supplying device 32, an outer separator supplying device 33, an inner separator supplying device 34, and a winding device 35.

[0025] The negative electrode material supply device 31 draws out the negative electrode material 1 from the conveying device 40 and supplies it to the winding device 35. The negative electrode material supply device 31 has a housing 31a, a first storage section 31b, a second storage section 31c, and a drawing section 31d. The housing 31a is a box that houses the first storage section 31b, the second storage section 31c, and the drawing section 31d. The first storage section 31b and the second storage section 31c face each other with the drawing section 31d in between. The first storage section 31b and the second storage section 31c are each spaces for storing the negative electrode material 1. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for supplying the negative electrode material 1 is disposed in each of the first storage section 31b and the second storage section 31c. The drawing section 31d is disposed between the first storage section 31b and the second storage section 31c. The draw-out unit 31d draws out the negative electrode material 1 from the first storage unit 31b or the second storage unit 31c. In this embodiment, drawing out the negative electrode material 1 from the first storage unit 31b or the second storage unit 31c is synonymous with drawing the wound negative electrode material 1 from the conveying device 40. The negative electrode material 1 drawn out by the draw-out unit 31d is supplied to the winding device 35. The draw-out unit 31d alternates between drawing out the negative electrode material 1 from the first storage unit 31b and the second storage unit 31c. Specifically, when the draw-out unit 31d has completed drawing out the negative electrode material 1 from the conveying device 40 arranged in the first storage unit 31b, it starts drawing out the negative electrode material 1 from the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage unit 31c. The empty conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 31b, and a filled conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 31b instead. The empty transport device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed, and then transported to the first recovery device 14 or the second recovery device 15 of the above-mentioned negative electrode material recovery device 13. When the extraction of the negative electrode material 1 from the transport device 40 arranged in the second storage section 31c is completed, the empty transport device 40 is replaced with a filled transport device 40 in the same procedure.

[0026] The cathode material supply device 32 draws out the cathode material 2 from the conveying device 40 and supplies it to the winding device 35. The cathode material supply device 32 has a housing 32a, a first storage section 32b, a second storage section 32c, and a drawing section 32d. The housing 32a is a box that houses the first storage section 32b, the second storage section 32c, and the drawing section 32d. The first storage section 32b and the second storage section 32c face each other with the drawing section 32d in between. The first storage section 32b and the second storage section 32c are each spaces for storing the cathode material 2. In this embodiment, a conveying device 40 for supplying the cathode material 2 is disposed in each of the first storage section 32b and the second storage section 32c. The drawing section 32d is disposed between the first storage section 32b and the second storage section 32c. The draw-out unit 32d draws the positive electrode material 2 from the first storage unit 32b or the second storage unit 32c. In this embodiment, drawing the positive electrode material 2 from the first storage unit 32b or the second storage unit 32c is synonymous with drawing the wound positive electrode material 2 from the conveying device 40. The positive electrode material 2 drawn by the draw-out unit 32d is supplied to the winding device 35. The draw-out unit 32d alternates between drawing the positive electrode material 2 from the first storage unit 32b and the second storage unit 32c. Specifically, when the draw-out unit 32d has completed drawing the positive electrode material 2 from the conveying device 40 arranged in the first storage unit 32b, it starts drawing the positive electrode material 2 from the conveying device 40 arranged in the second storage unit 32c. The empty conveying device 40 is removed from the first storage unit 32b, and a filled conveying device 40 is attached to the first storage unit 32b instead. The empty transport device 40 is stored in a predetermined location as needed, and then transported to the first recovery device 24 or the second recovery device 25 of the above-mentioned cathode material recovery device 23. When the extraction of the cathode material 2 from the transport device 40 arranged in the second storage section 32c is completed, the empty transport device 40 is replaced with a loaded transport device 40 in the same procedure.

[0027] The outer separator supply device 33 is disposed between the negative electrode material supply device 31 and the winding device 35. The outer separator supply device 33 supplies an insulating outer separator 3 to the winding device 35. The outer separator supply device 33 includes a housing 33a, a first storage section 33b, a second storage section 33c, a switching section 33d, and an extracting section 33e. The housing 33a is a box that houses the first storage section 33b, the second storage section 33c, the switching section 33d, and the extracting section 33e. The first storage section 33b and the second storage section 33c store wound outer separators 3. Removable cassettes can be used as the first storage section 33b and the second storage section 33c, respectively. The switching section 33d switches the supply source of the outer separator 3 between the first storage section 33b and the second storage section 33c. The pull-out section 33e feeds the outer separator 3 toward the winding device 35. The pull-out section 33e is composed of a plurality of rollers.

[0028] The inner separator supply device 34 is disposed between the positive electrode material supply device 32 and the winding device 35. The inner separator supply device 34 supplies an insulating inner separator 4 to the winding device 35. The inner separator supply device 34 has a housing 34a, a first storage section 34b, a second storage section 34c, a switching section 34d, and an extracting section 34e. The housing 34a is a box that houses the first storage section 34b, the second storage section 34c, the switching section 34d, and the extracting section 34e. The first storage section 34b and the second storage section 34c contain wound inner separators 4. Removable cassettes can be used as the first storage section 34b and the second storage section 34c, respectively. The switching section 34d switches the supply source of the inner separator 4 between the first storage section 34b and the second storage section 34c. The pull-out section 34e feeds the inner separator 4 toward the winding device 35. The pull-out section 34e is composed of a plurality of rollers.

[0029] The winding device 35 forms an electrode body 5 by stacking and winding the outer separator 3, the negative electrode material 1, the inner separator 4, and the positive electrode material 2 in this order. The winding device 35 has a housing 35a, a negative electrode material feed section 35b, a positive electrode material feed section 35c, an outer separator feed section 35d, an inner separator feed section 35e, and a winding spindle 35f. The housing 35a is a box that houses the negative electrode material feed section 35b, the positive electrode material feed section 35c, the outer separator feed section 35d, the inner separator feed section 35e, and the winding spindle 35f. The negative electrode material feed section 35b feeds the negative electrode material 1 supplied from the negative electrode material supply device 31 via the outer separator supply device 33 to the winding spindle 35f. The positive electrode material feed unit 35c feeds the positive electrode material 2 supplied from the positive electrode material supply device 32 via the inner separator supply device 34 to the winding spindle 35f. The outer separator feed unit 35d feeds the outer separator 3 supplied from the outer separator supply device 33 to the winding spindle 35f. The inner separator feed unit 35e feeds the inner separator 4 supplied from the inner separator supply device 34 to the winding spindle 35f. The winding spindle 35f is driven to rotate by a servo motor (not shown). As the winding spindle 35f is driven to rotate, an electrode body 5 is formed in which the outer separator 3, negative electrode material 1, inner separator 4, and positive electrode material 2 are stacked in this order.

[0030] (Conveyance device 40) Figures 2 and 3 are side views that schematically show the configuration of the conveyance device 40. Figures 4 and 5 are front views that schematically show the configuration of the conveyance device 40. In Figures 2 and 4, a brake device 46 (described later) is in a braking state, and in Figures 3 and 5, the brake device 46 is in a released state.

[0031] As described above, the conveying device 40 is used in common to convey the negative electrode material 1 between the negative electrode tab molding machine 10 and the winding machine 30, and to convey the positive electrode material 2 between the positive electrode tab molding machine 20 and the winding machine 30. In the following description, the negative electrode material 1 and the positive electrode material 2 will be collectively referred to as "electrode material 6."

[0032] The transport device 40 is a so-called cassette (cartridge) for easily transporting the electrode material 6. The transport device 40 according to this embodiment has a simplified configuration by not being equipped with any electrical components that require power supply. In this specification, the term "transport" means movement from one place to another, and is a concept that also includes temporary storage at a predetermined location during movement.

[0033] The conveying device 40 includes a box 41, a bobbin 42, a support shaft 43, first and second power couplings 44a, 44b, first and second sealing portions 45a, 45b, a brake device 46, a shutter device 47, a traveling device 48, and a clamp device 49. The first and second power couplings 44a, 44b are each an example of a "power coupling" according to the present disclosure. The first and second sealing portions 45a, 45b are each an example of a "sealing portion" according to the present disclosure.

[0034] The box body 41 houses various components such as a bobbin 42. By housing the electrode material 6 wound around the bobbin 42 in the box body 41, deterioration of the electrode material 6 can be suppressed. The box body 41 is composed of a cover 41a and a bottom plate 41b. The cover 41a is placed on the bottom plate 41b. The cover 41a is an exterior member that covers the components housed inside. The bottom plate 41b is a support member that supports the cover 41a and the components housed in the cover 41a. The bottom plate 41b is supported by a traveling device 48. The shapes of the cover 41a and the bottom plate 41b can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the box body 41 has an insertion opening 41c and a sensing opening 41d. The insertion opening 41c is a through-hole formed in the front surface F1 of the box body 41. The front surface F1 is an example of an "outer surface" according to the present disclosure. The insertion opening 41c is used to insert the electrode material 6 or a leader 42b (described later). A clamp device 49 is installed in the insertion opening 41c. The sensing opening 41d is a through-hole formed in the rear surface F2 of the box body 41. The sensing opening 41d faces the bobbin 42 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft 43 (described later). The sensing opening 41d is used to pass light emitted from the outer diameter detection sensor S. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the outer diameter detection sensor S is installed in each storage compartment of the negative electrode tab molding machine 10, the positive electrode tab molding machine 20, and the winding machine 30. The outer diameter detection sensor S detects the outer diameter of the electrode material 6. The outer diameter of the electrode material 6 is used to estimate the remaining amount of electrode material 6 wound around the bobbin 42. A shutter device 47, which will be described later, is installed inside the sensing opening 41d. The shutter device 47 switches between opening and closing the sensing opening 41d.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the box 41 has a first edge sensor insertion hole 41e and a second edge sensor insertion hole 41f. The first edge sensor insertion hole 41e and the second edge sensor insertion hole 41f each penetrate the box 41 in an axial direction parallel to the axis of the support shaft 43 (described later). The first edge sensor insertion hole 41e and the second edge sensor insertion hole 41f each define the internal space of a rectangular tubular member made of a translucent material. Both ends of the rectangular tubular member are joined to the box 41. The first edge sensor insertion hole 41e and the second edge sensor insertion hole 41f are not connected to the internal space of the box 41. Therefore, the internal space of the box 41 remains airtight. An edge sensor light-emitting unit T1 is inserted into the first edge sensor insertion hole 41e. An edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 is inserted into the second edge sensor insertion hole 41f. The edge sensor light-emitting unit T1 emits laser light toward the edge sensor light-receiving unit T2. The edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 receives the laser light emitted by the edge sensor light-emitting unit T1. The edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 detects the edge position of the electrode material 6 based on the position at which the laser light is received. Note that the rectangular tube member is translucent and does not impede light reception at the edge sensor light-receiving unit T2. The edge sensor light-emitting unit T1 and the edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 are not components of the conveying device 40, but are components of the negative electrode tab molding machine 10, the positive electrode tab molding machine 20, and the winding machine 30, respectively. Specifically, the edge sensor light-emitting unit T1 and the edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 are installed in the respective storage units of the negative electrode tab molding machine 10, the positive electrode tab molding machine 20, and the winding machine 30. The edge sensor light-emitting unit T1 and the edge sensor light-receiving unit T2 are configured to enter the first and second edge sensor insertion holes 41e, 41f when the conveying device 40 is installed in the storage section, and to retract from the first and second edge sensor insertion holes 41e, 41f when the conveying device 40 is removed from the storage section.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the box body 41 has a first recess 41g and a second recess 41h. The first recess 41g is a recess with a bottom formed in the first side surface F3 of the box body 41. A through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the first recess 41g, through which one end of the support shaft 43 is inserted. The first power coupling 44a is housed inside the first recess 41g. The second recess 41h is a recess with a bottom formed in the second side surface F4 of the box body 41. A through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the second recess 41h, through which the other end of the support shaft 43 is inserted. The second power coupling 44b is housed inside the second recess 41h.

[0038] The bobbin 42 is a member for winding the electrode material 6. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the bobbin 42 with the electrode material 6 wound thereon, while FIGS. 4 and 5 show the bobbin 42 without the electrode material 6 wound thereon. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the bobbin 42. The bobbin 42 has a bobbin body 42a and a leader 42b. The bobbin body 42a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The leader 42b is a line for connecting the bobbin body 42a and the electrode material 6. In this embodiment, the leader 42b is formed in a sheet shape. The base end of the leader 42b is fixed to a side surface 42c of the bobbin body 42a. The electrode material 6 is connected to the tip end of the leader 42b via an adhesive member 42d. The electrode material 6 can be wound around the side surface 42c of the bobbin body 42a, following the leader 42b.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support shaft 43 is inserted through the center of the bobbin 42. The support shaft 43 supports the bobbin 42. The support shaft 43 is fixed to the bobbin 42 and rotates together with the bobbin 42. One end of the support shaft 43 penetrates the bottom surface of the first recess 41g and protrudes inside the first recess 41g. The other end of the support shaft 43 penetrates the bottom surface of the second recess 41h and protrudes inside the second recess 41h. A pair of bearings 43a, 43a is attached to the support shaft 43. The pair of bearings 43a, 43a is arranged on both sides of the bobbin 42. The pair of bearings 43a, 43a rotatably support the support shaft 43. Each bearing 43a is arranged on an LM (Linear Motion) guide 43b. Each LM guide 43b is installed on a support base 43c. Each support base 43c is disposed on the bottom plate 41b.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first power coupling 44a is fixed to one end of the support shaft 43, and the second power coupling 44b is fixed to the other end of the support shaft 43. The first power coupling 44a is housed inside the first recess 41g. It is preferable that the first power coupling 44a does not protrude outside the first recess 41g. This prevents the first power coupling 44a from hitting surrounding objects when the transport device 40 is transported. The second power coupling 44b is housed inside the second recess 41h. It is preferable that the second power coupling 44b does not protrude outside the second recess 41h. This prevents the second power coupling 44b from hitting surrounding objects when the transport device 40 is transported.

[0041] 4 and 5, the first power coupling 44a is connected to a drive coupling 100a. The drive coupling 100a is fixed to the tip of a drive shaft 100b. When the drive shaft 100b is driven to rotate by a servo motor (not shown), the support shaft 43 connected via the drive coupling 100a and the first power coupling 44a rotates. Accordingly, the bobbin 42 rotates in a desired direction, whereby the electrode material 6 is wound onto the bobbin 42 or the electrode material 6 is pulled out from the bobbin 42.

[0042] The drive joint 100a and the drive shaft 100b are not components of the conveying device 40, but are components of the negative electrode tab forming machine 10, the positive electrode tab forming machine 20, and the winding machine 30. Specifically, the drive joint 100a and the drive shaft 100b are installed in the respective housing sections of the negative electrode tab forming machine 10, the positive electrode tab forming machine 20, and the winding machine 30.

[0043] In this embodiment, a plurality of teeth formed on the tip of the first power coupling 44a mesh with a plurality of teeth formed on the tip of the drive coupling 100a, thereby connecting the first power coupling 44a to the drive coupling 100a. However, the connecting structure between the first power coupling 44a and the drive coupling 100a is not limited to this.

[0044] 4 and 5, the first power coupling 44a is connected to the drive coupling 100a, but the first power coupling 44a may be connected to the drive coupling 100a or the second power coupling 44b may be connected to the drive coupling 100a depending on the orientation of the transport device 40. In this way, by arranging the power couplings at both ends of the support shaft 43, the support shaft 43 can be driven to rotate regardless of the orientation of the transport device 40.

[0045] The first sealing portion 45a seals the gap between the cover 41a of the box body 41 and the support shaft 43. The second sealing portion 45b seals the gap between the cover 41a of the box body 41 and the support shaft 43. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the environment (e.g., humidity) inside the box body 41, thereby suppressing deterioration of the electrode material 6. Well-known mechanical seals can be used as the first and second sealing portions 45a, 45b.

[0046] The brake device 46 brakes the rotation of the bobbin 42. The brake device 46 is switchable between a braked state in which the rotation of the bobbin 42 is braked and an open state in which the rotation of the bobbin 42 is not braked. When the electrode material 6 is pulled out from the bobbin 42 or when the electrode material 6 is wound around the bobbin 42, the brake device 46 is switched to the open state so as not to hinder the movement of the electrode material 6. When the conveying device 40 is conveyed, the brake device 46 is switched to the braked state so as to prevent the electrode material 6 wound around the bobbin 42 from sagging and becoming tangled. The brake device 46 is manually switched by an operator.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the brake device 46 includes a brake pad 46 a, a brake operation unit 46 b, and a first link mechanism 46 c. The brake pad 46 a is disposed within the box body 41 and faces the side of the bobbin 42. The brake operation unit 46 b is disposed outside the box body 41 and is rotatable about a predetermined axis 46 d. The first link mechanism 46 c connects the brake pad 46 a to the brake operation unit 46 b. The first link mechanism 46 c moves the brake pad 46 a toward and away from the bobbin 42 in response to the rotation of the brake operation unit 46 b. Specifically, when the operator rotates the brake operation unit 46 b so that it stands upright, the first link mechanism 46 c operates to move the brake pad 46 a toward and away from the bobbin 42 ( FIG. 4 ). On the other hand, when the operator rotates the brake operation unit 46 b so that it lies horizontally, the first link mechanism 46 c operates to move the brake pad 46 a away from the bobbin 42 ( FIG. 5 ).

[0048] In this way, the brake device 46 can be easily switched between the braking state and the released state by rotating the brake operating portion 46b.

[0049] In this embodiment, the brake pads 46 a are provided on both sides of the bobbin 42 , but the brake pads 46 a may be provided on only one side of the bobbin 42 .

[0050] 2 and 3, the shutter device 47 has a shutter 47a and a second link mechanism 47b. The shutter 47a is disposed inside the box body 41. The shutter 47a may be, for example, a plate-shaped member. The shutter 47a opens and closes the sensing opening 41d. The second link mechanism 47b connects the shutter 47a to the first link mechanism 46c of the brake device 46. The second link mechanism 47b moves the shutter 47a in response to rotation of the brake operating portion 46b of the brake device 46, thereby opening and closing the sensing opening 41d.

[0051] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the shutter 47a. 7 and 8 show the shutter 47a as viewed from the inside of the box 41. An opening 47c is formed in the shutter 47a.

[0052] When the operator rotates the brake operating unit 46b so that it stands upright, the second link mechanism 47b operates via the first link mechanism 46c to move the shutter 47a downward (FIG. 7). As a result, the opening 47c of the shutter 47a is misaligned with the sensing opening 41d, and the sensing opening 41d is closed by the shutter 47a. Therefore, when the conveying device 40 is conveyed, fluctuations in the environment (e.g., humidity) inside the box 41 can be suppressed, and deterioration of the electrode material 6 can be suppressed.

[0053] On the other hand, when the operator rotates the brake operating part 46b so that it lies horizontally, the second link mechanism 47b operates via the first link mechanism 46c to move the shutter 47a upward (FIG. 8). As a result, the opening 47c of the shutter 47a coincides with the sensing opening 41d, opening the sensing opening 41d. Therefore, when the electrode material 6 is being drawn out from the bobbin 42 or wound around the bobbin 42, the outer diameter of the electrode material 6 can be detected by the outer diameter detection sensor S.

[0054] In this way, the sensing opening 41d can be automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the switching of the brake device 46, so there is no need to perform the cumbersome operation of the shutter 47a.

[0055] The traveling device 48 supports the box body 41 so that the box body 41 can travel. The traveling device 48 is disposed below the box body 41. The traveling device 48 has wheels.

[0056] The clamp device 49 is attached to the box body 41. In the present embodiment, the clamp device 49 is disposed outside the box body 41 and attached to the front surface F1 of the box body 41. The clamp device 49 grips the tip of the leader 42b or the tip of the electrode material 6 exposed to the outside of the box body 41 through the insertion opening 41c. This eliminates the need for an operator to remove the leader 42b or the tip of the electrode material 6 from inside the box body 41 when pulling out the electrode material 6 from the bobbin 42 or winding the electrode material 6 around the bobbin 42. This allows the conveying device 40 to be quickly set in each of the accommodation sections of the negative electrode tab molding machine 10, the positive electrode tab molding machine 20, and the winding machine 30.

[0057] 2 and 3 , the clamp device 49 is covered by a protective cover 50. The protective cover 50 is a box made of metal, plastic, or the like. The protective cover 50 is attached to the box body 41 in an openable and closable manner. The protective cover 50 is opened when the electrode material 6 is pulled out from the bobbin 42 or when the electrode material 6 is wound around the bobbin 42. The protective cover 50 is closed when the conveying device 40 is conveyed. This prevents the clamp device 49 from hitting surrounding objects when the conveying device 40 is conveyed.

[0058] 9 to 12 are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration and operation of the clamp device 49. Figures 9 and 11 are side views of the clamp device 49, and Figures 10 and 12 are plan views of the clamp device 49. In Figures 9 and 10, the electrode material 6 is gripped by the clamp device 49, and in Figures 11 and 12, the electrode material 6 is not gripped by the clamp device 49. The protective cover 50 is not shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0059] The clamp device 49 includes a clamp operating portion 49 a, a link mechanism 49 b, a first support portion 49 c, a second support portion 49 d, an LM guide 49 e, a first gripping portion 49 f, a second gripping portion 49 g, and a guide 49 h. The link mechanism 49 b, the first support portion 49 c, the second support portion 49 d, and the LM guide 49 e are provided in pairs on the left and right sides.

[0060] The clamp operation unit 49a is rotatable around a predetermined axis 49j. The link mechanism 49b connects the first and second support units 49c, 49d to the predetermined axis 49j. The first support unit 49c supports the first grip unit 49f. The second support unit 49d supports the first grip unit 49g. The first grip unit 49f is located below the second grip unit 49g. The link mechanism 49b moves the first and second support units 49c, 49d closer to or farther from each other along the LM guide 49e in response to the rotation of the clamp operation unit 49a.

[0061] When the operator rotates the clamp operating portion 49a so that it stands upright, the link mechanism 49b operates to bring the first and second support portions 49c, 49d closer to each other (FIGS. 9 and 10). This brings the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g closer to each other and grips the tip of the electrode material 6. When the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g grip the tip of the electrode material 6, the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g close the insertion opening 41c. This prevents fluctuations in the environment (e.g., humidity) inside the box 41, thereby preventing deterioration of the electrode material 6.

[0062] On the other hand, when the operator rotates the clamp operation portion 49a so that it lies horizontally, the link mechanism 49b operates to move the first and second support portions 49c, 49d apart (FIGS. 11 and 12). This causes the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g to move away from each other, releasing the tip of the electrode material 6. In this way, when the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g are not gripping the tip of the electrode material 6, the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g open the insertion opening 41c. This prevents the movement of the electrode material 6 from being hindered when the electrode material 6 is pulled out from the bobbin 42 or wound around the bobbin 42.

[0063] The guide 49h is attached to the first gripping portion 49f located below the second gripping portion 49g. The guide 49h supports the tip of the electrode material 6 from below. This prevents the tip of the electrode material 6 protruding from the first and second gripping portions 49f, 49g from drooping, thereby improving the ease of handling of the tip of the electrode material 6.

[0064] Although the case where the tip of the electrode material 6 is gripped by the clamp device 49 has been described in FIGS. 9 to 12, the clamp device 49 may grip the tip of the leader 42b.

[0065] (Modifications of the embodiment) One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0066] (A) In the above embodiment, the first and second power couplings 44a, 44b are fixed to the support shaft 43, but only one of the first and second power couplings 44a, 44b may be fixed to the support shaft 43. In this case, only one end of the support shaft 43 protrudes outside the box body 41.

[0067] (B) The box body 41 does not have to have the first and second recesses 41g and 41h.

[0068] (C) The conveying device 40 does not have to include at least one of the brake device 46, the shutter device 47, the traveling device 48, and the clamp device 49.

[0069] (D) The traveling device 48 may be an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) capable of automatic traveling while supporting the box body 41. The AGV may be an image recognition type, an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic induction type, a laser induction type, or a non-guided traveling type AGV. When the traveling device 48 is an AGV, the brake operating unit 46b of the brake device 46 and the clamp operating unit 49a of the clamp device 49 may be manually operated by an operator, or may be automatically operated by mechanisms installed in the anode material recovery device 13, the cathode material recovery device 23, the anode material supply device 31, and the cathode material supply device 32.

[0070] (Appendix 1-1) A conveying device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a conveying device for conveying a sheet-like electrode material, and includes a hollow box body, a bobbin disposed within the box body for winding up the electrode material, a support shaft that rotatably supports the bobbin and has an end that protrudes outside the box body, a power coupling attached to the tip of the end of the support shaft, and a sealing portion that seals a gap between the box body and the support shaft.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 1-2) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 1-1, wherein the box has a recess provided on an outer surface, and the power coupling is disposed within the recess.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 1-3) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 1-1 or 1-2, further comprising a brake device for braking the rotation of the bobbin.

[0073] (Appendix 1-4) The conveying device described in Appendix 1-3, wherein the brake device includes: a brake pad disposed within the box body and facing the bobbin; a brake operating unit disposed outside the box body and rotatable around a predetermined axis; and a first link mechanism that connects the brake pad and the brake operating unit and moves the brake pad toward and away from the bobbin in accordance with the rotation of the brake operating unit.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 1-5) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 1-4, wherein the box has a sensing opening provided on an outer surface, and the sensing opening faces the bobbin in a radial direction perpendicular to an axis of the support shaft.

[0075] (Appendix 1-6) A conveying device as described in Appendix 1-5, which has a shutter arranged within the box body for opening and closing the sensing opening, and a second link mechanism that connects the first link mechanism and the shutter and opens and closes the sensing opening by moving the shutter in accordance with the rotation of the brake operating unit.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 1-7) The conveying device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1-1 to Supplementary Note 1-6, further comprising a traveling device that supports the box body.

[0077] (Appendix 2-1) A conveying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a conveying device for conveying a sheet-like electrode material, and includes a hollow box, a clamping device attached to the box, and a bobbin arranged within the box for winding up the electrode material, wherein the box has an insertion opening provided on its outer surface, the bobbin has a bobbin body and a leader connecting the bobbin body and the electrode material, and the clamping device grips the leader or a tip of the electrode material exposed outside the box from the insertion opening.

[0078] (Appendix 2-2) The conveying device according to Appendix 2-1, wherein the clamping device closes the insertion opening when gripping the tip of the leader or the tip of the electrode material, and opens the insertion opening when not gripping the tip of the leader or the tip of the electrode material.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 2-3) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the clamping device is disposed outside the box body.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 2-4) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 2-3, further comprising a protective cover that covers the clamping device.

[0081] (Appendix 2-5) The conveying device according to any one of Appendices 2-1 to 2-4, further comprising: a support shaft that rotatably supports the bobbin and has an end that protrudes outside the box body; a power coupling attached to the tip of the end of the support shaft; and a sealing portion that seals a gap between the box body and the support shaft.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 2-6) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 2-5, wherein the box has a recess provided on an outer surface, and the power coupling is disposed within the recess.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 2-7) The conveying device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2-1 to Supplementary Note 2-6, further comprising a brake device for braking the rotation of the bobbin.

[0084] (Appendix 2-8) The conveying device according to any one of Appendices 2-1 to 2-7, wherein the brake device includes a brake pad disposed within the box body and facing the bobbin, a brake operating unit disposed outside the box body and rotatable around a predetermined axis, and a first link mechanism that connects the brake pad and the brake operating unit and moves the brake pad toward and away from the bobbin in accordance with the rotation of the brake operating unit.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 2-9) The conveying device according to Supplementary Note 2-8, wherein the box has a sensing opening provided on an outer surface, and the sensing opening faces the bobbin in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft.

[0086] (Appendix 2-10) A conveying device as described in Appendix 2-9, comprising: a shutter disposed within the box body for opening and closing the sensing opening; and a second link mechanism that connects the first link mechanism and the shutter and opens and closes the sensing opening by moving the shutter in response to rotation of the brake operating unit.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 2-11) The conveying device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2-1 to Supplementary Note 2-10, further comprising a traveling device for supporting the box body.

[0088] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100...electrode body manufacturing system, 10...negative electrode tab molding machine, 20...positive electrode tab molding machine, 30...winding machine, 40...conveying device, 41...box body, 42...bobbin, 43...support shaft, 44a...first power coupling, 44b...second power coupling, 45a...first sealing portion, 45b...second sealing portion, 46...brake device, 47...shutter device, 48...traveling device, 49...clamping device

Claims

1. A conveying device for conveying a sheet-like electrode material, comprising: a hollow box; a bobbin arranged within the box for winding up the electrode material; a support shaft rotatably supporting the bobbin and having an end protruding outside the box; a power coupling attached to the tip of the end of the support shaft; and a sealing part for sealing a gap between the box and the support shaft.

2. A conveying device for conveying a sheet-like electrode material, comprising: a hollow box; a clamping device attached to the box; and a bobbin arranged within the box for winding up the electrode material, wherein the box has an insertion opening provided on its outer surface, the bobbin has a bobbin body and a leader connecting the bobbin body to the electrode material, and the clamping device grips the leader or a tip of the electrode material exposed outside the box from the insertion opening.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the box has a recess provided on its outer surface, and the power coupling is disposed within the recess.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a brake device for braking the rotation of the bobbin.

5. A conveying device as described in claim 4, wherein the brake device comprises: a brake pad arranged inside the box body and facing the bobbin; a brake operating unit arranged outside the box body and rotatable around a predetermined axis; and a first link mechanism that connects the brake pad and the brake operating unit and moves the brake pad toward and away from the bobbin in accordance with the rotation of the brake operating unit.

6. A conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the box has a sensing opening provided on its outer surface, and the sensing opening faces the bobbin in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft.

7. A conveying device as described in claim 6, comprising: a shutter disposed within the box body for opening and closing the sensing opening; and a second link mechanism that connects the first link mechanism to the shutter and opens and closes the sensing opening by moving the shutter in response to rotation of the brake operating unit.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a traveling device that supports the box body.

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