JPH11339841A - Inversion device and feed device for plate battery electrode - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inversion device and a feed device for a plate battery electrode, which perform direction inversion and alignment of plate battery electrodes easily and fast at the process of conveying the plate battery electrodes and which are suitable for mass-production. SOLUTION: An inversion device and a feed device for a plate battery is provided with a first carrying line 1 for guiding and conveying plate battery electrodes 2 lined longitudinally, a second carrying line 3 with a sucking function 4 which is arranged so as to intersect with an extended line of the first line 1 at right angles and have a step, a transferring and mounting plate 5 for slidably delivering the plate battery electrodes 2 conveyed on the first line 1 to the second line 3 by the aid of the step, a guide pin 6 for guiding and inverting the plate-shape battery electrodes 2 which are slidably delivered to the second line 3 and of which an end is sucked by the sucking function 4 of the second line 3, a third carrying line 7 which is arranged so as to intersect with an extended line of the second line 3 at right angles and have a step, and a transferring and mounting plate with a stopper 8 for slidably deliverying the plate-shape battery electrodes 2 which are inverted and conveyed on the second feeder 3 to the third line 7 by the aid of the step.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to
The present invention relates to a reversing device for changing and reversing the directionality of a plate-shaped battery electrode and a supply device provided with the reversing mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As various electronic devices have become cordless, various primary batteries and secondary batteries have been widely used as drive power supplies. For example, in portable radios and the like, nickel-metal hydride batteries and the like are often used due to their versatility.

By the way, in nickel-metal hydride batteries,
There is a plate-type battery provided with a plate-shaped electrode in which an active material is formed in a plate shape depending on the use or the like. In the process of manufacturing and assembling the plate-shaped battery, the transport direction of the plate-shaped battery electrode is often reversed or changed.
Changing and supplying is emphasized in terms of automation of processes, reduction of manufacturing costs, improvement of productivity and quality for mass production, etc., and is generally performed by the following inversion / change means. I have.

For example, (a) a plate-shaped battery electrode flowing (conveyed) from a previous process is temporarily stopped and positioned and held by a suction head, and the suction head is turned or rotated to form a plate-shaped battery electrode. The required reversal of the battery electrode is performed.
(b) The plate-shaped battery electrode flowing (conveyed) from the previous process is temporarily stopped and positioned by an actuator or the like in a stopped and rotated state. By this rotation, a required reversal is performed on the plate-shaped battery electrode, and then, if necessary, the plate-shaped battery electrode is conveyed and supplied to the next process side.

[0005]

However, the following inconvenience is recognized in practical use in the above-mentioned plate battery electrode reversing device or the transport device using this reversing mechanism. That is, in any case, after the plate-shaped battery electrode is temporarily stopped or fixed / positioned, the plate-shaped battery electrode is inverted by rotation or rotation of the suction head. For this reason, while the device space is enlarged, the time required for changing the direction or reversing the plate-shaped battery electrode is increased, and there is a problem that the conveyance and supply to the next process side are stagnated.
Here, the fact that the inversion processing capability of the plate-shaped battery electrode is limited (it is difficult to increase the speed), as a result, mass productivity or productivity of the plate-shaped battery is impaired, and the above-mentioned space-saving problem occurs. Together, this leads to an increase in manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a mass-produced plate-battery electrode reversing device and a supply device capable of easily reversing and aligning the direction of a plate-shaped battery electrode in a transport process and performing the process at high speed. The purpose is to provide the device.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first transport path for guiding and transporting plate-shaped battery electrodes aligned in a longitudinal direction is orthogonal to an extension direction of the first transport path. And a second transfer path with an adsorption function, which is disposed with a step, and a transfer plate which slidably transfers the plate-shaped battery electrode transferred through the first transfer path to the second transfer path by a step. And the second
A guide pin that guides the plate-shaped battery electrode, which is slidably delivered to the transfer path of the second transfer path, and whose tip portion is sucked by the suction function of the second transfer path, and reverses in the traveling direction of the second transfer path; A plate battery electrode reversing device, comprising:

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first transport path for guiding and transporting a plate-shaped battery electrode aligned in a long direction,
A second transport path having an adsorption function, which is arranged perpendicularly to the extension direction of the transport path and has a step, and a plate-shaped battery electrode transported in the first transport path is stepped by a second transport path. And a plate-shaped battery electrode which is slidably delivered to the second transport path and whose leading end is attracted by the suction function of the second transport path. A guide pin for reversing the direction of travel of the second transport path, a third transport path orthogonal to the extension direction of the second transport path and arranged with a step, and a direction of the second transport path. And a transfer plate with a stopper that slidably transfers the plate-shaped battery electrode conveyed in reverse to the third transfer path by using a step. Supply device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for supplying a plate-shaped battery electrode according to the second aspect, the third transfer path has a function of transferring and transferring the plate-shaped battery electrode corresponding to the next step. And

[0010] In the inventions of claims 1 to 3, the plate-shaped battery electrode to be inverted or supplied reversely has a rectangular cross section in which at least both main surfaces facing each other form a flat surface or a substantially flat surface. It has a flat cross section and a plate shape.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of a supply device including a plate-shaped battery electrode reversing device according to this embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a cut surface of a conveyance path with a suction function. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a first transport path for guiding and transporting the plate-shaped battery electrodes 2 aligned in the longitudinal direction. Here, the first transport path 1 is, for example, an endless belt-type transport system, and is configured to travel in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown).

Reference numeral 3 denotes a second conveyance path with a suction function 4 which is orthogonal to the extension direction of the first conveyance path 1 and is provided with a step, and 5 denotes a conveyance path of the first conveyance path 1. This is a transfer plate that slidably transfers the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 to be transferred to the second transport path 3. Here, the second conveyance path 3 with the suction function 4
Is, for example, an endless belt type transport system, which is configured to travel in a fixed direction at a predetermined speed by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown).

More specifically, the second transport path 3 with the suction function 4 corresponds to the extending direction of the first transport path 1 as shown in a perspective view in FIG. An adsorbing function 4 formed by attaching, for example, a permanent magnet 4b to the upper surface of the transfer device frame 4a below the surface of the endless belt 3 area.
Are arranged. And the first transport path 1
The tip of the plate-like battery electrode 2 slidably transferred along the step via the transfer plate 5 is sucked and held by the suction function 4 and travels along the second transport path 3. It is pulled in the direction to start reversing the direction. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 4c denotes a belt receiving plate serving as a sliding surface with respect to the lower surface of the endless belt 3. Further, the permanent magnet 4b has a configuration in which permanent magnet elements are arranged and combined in a plurality of rows and columns so that the S pole side and the N pole side are alternately located.

Further, a guide 6 guides the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 slidably delivered to the second transport path 3 and having its tip end sucked and held by the suction function 4 of the second transport path 3. And a guide pin for aligning and reversing (90 °) the lengthwise direction with the traveling direction of the second transport path 3. Here, the guide pin 6 is supported by a support (not shown),
It is arranged so that it can be arbitrarily moved and installed in the z direction.

Changing or reversing the direction of the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 can be performed only by a combination of the first transport path 1, the second transport path 3, the transfer plate 6, and the guide pins 6, as follows. When the configuration is added, the performance of the reversing device can be improved, and the reversing device can be incorporated in the production line.

That is, the third transport path 7 is arranged perpendicularly to the extension direction of the second transport path 3 and with a step, and the direction is reversed in the second transport path 3 so that the traveling direction is A transfer plate 8 with a stopper for slidably transferring the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 conveyed in a longitudinal direction to the third conveyance path 7 is provided. Here, the third transport path 7
Is, for example, an endless belt type transport system, which is configured to travel in a fixed direction at a predetermined speed by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). On the other hand, the transfer plate 8 with a stopper is formed by integrally combining a receiving plate 8a and a stopper 8b which are arranged obliquely in correspondence with a step between the second transport path 3 and the third transport path 7, and are shown in the drawing. Are supported by a support mechanism omitting.

When the leading end of the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 which is conveyed while being aligned / reversed in the traveling direction of the second conveyance path 3 comes into contact with the stopper 8b of the transfer plate 8 with the stopper, the stopper is provided. The receiving plate 8a of the transfer plate 8 is transferred to the third transfer path 7, which is slidably stepped, and is transferred on the third transfer path 7 in the inverted state. That is, the plate-shaped battery electrodes 2 inverted in the second transport path 3 are stably arranged substantially at right angles to the traveling direction of the third transport path 7 and, if necessary, in the next step. Transport / supply to the side.

In the plate battery electrode reversing device or supply device having the structure shown in FIG. 1, the third transport path 7 is provided with a transfer function of the plate battery electrode 2 corresponding to the next step. By doing so, the manufacturing process of the plate battery can be made more productive. Next, the operation of the supply device will be described.

The first transport path 1, the second transport path 3, and the third transport path 7 are operated, respectively, while a rectangular plate electrode (plate-shaped battery electrode) 2 for a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, for example.
Are sequentially transferred to the first transfer path 1 for transfer and supply.
The rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 conveyed / supplied along the elongate direction in the traveling direction of the first transport path 1 is transferred to the transfer plate 5 at the end of the first transport path 1 in the traveling direction by utilizing a step. To transfer to the suction function 4 area of the second transport path 3.

In the transfer to the second transport path 3 which is arranged orthogonal to the first transport path 1, first, the tip of the rectangular plate type electrode 2 And is pulled in the traveling direction of the second transport path 3. By this pulling in the running direction, the rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 starts to be inverted with its rear end as a reference. That is, with the transfer to the second transport path 3, the reversal is started so that the alignment direction of the rectangular plate-shaped electrodes 2 is aligned with the traveling direction of the second transport path 3.

On the other hand, the front end of the rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 is sequentially moved over the area of the suction function 4 by traveling on the second transport path 3 while the rear end of the rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 is guided by a guide pin. 6, the longitudinal direction is aligned with the traveling direction of the second transport path 3, and the rectangular plate type electrode 2 is inverted or changed in direction.

In this way, the rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 whose direction has been reversed has its leading end abutting against the stopper 8 b of the transfer plate 8 with stopper at the traveling end of the second transport path 3, and is inverted. In the state as it is, it is slidably transferred to the third transport path 7 via the surface of the receiving plate 8a. That is, the rectangular plate-shaped electrode 2 inverted in the second transport path 3 is transported and supplied to the tray side while maintaining the inverted state, or is transported and supplied to the next process side.

In the above configuration example, the suction function 4 attached to the second transport path 3 uses the permanent magnet 4b, but may be a vacuum (reduced pressure) suction method. That is, as shown in a perspective view of the cut surface of the configuration in FIG.
One end is vacuum (reduced pressure) on the upper surface of the conveyor frame 4a, below the surface of the endless belt 3 corresponding to the extension direction of
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the suction function 4 is provided by mounting a suction pipe block 4f connected to the pipe 4e. In this case, the plate-shaped battery electrode 2 that is slidably transferred from the first transport path 1 via the transfer plate 5 without a step.
Is held by vacuum suction and pulled in the traveling direction of the second transport path 3 to start reversing the direction. In addition, in the case of this configuration example, the second
It is preferable that the transfer path 3 is formed of a material having good air permeability. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 4c denotes a belt receiving plate serving as a sliding surface with respect to the lower surface of the endless belt 3.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0026]

According to the first and second and third aspects of the present invention, in the manufacturing process of the plate-shaped battery electrode or the manufacturing process of the plate-shaped battery, the plate-shaped battery electrode can be easily and quickly inverted.
Inversion and supply can be performed. Therefore, it greatly contributes to the improvement of the productivity of the plate-shaped battery electrode or the plate-shaped battery and the reduction of the manufacturing cost. In addition, space saving can be achieved, which contributes to reduction of manufacturing cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a configuration example of a suction function in a second transport path of the apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing another configuration example of the suction function in the second transport path of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st conveyance path 2 ... Plate-shaped battery electrode 3 ... 2nd conveyance path 4 ... Suction function 5 ... Transfer plate 6 ... Guide pin 7 ... 2nd conveyance path 8 ... Transfer plate with stopper 8a… Receiving plate 8b… Stopper

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first transport path for guiding and transporting a plate-shaped battery electrode aligned in a long direction, and a suction port having a suction function, which is arranged with a step perpendicular to an extension direction of the first transport path. A second transport path, a transfer plate that slidably transfers a plate-shaped battery electrode that is transported through the first transport path to the second transport path by a step, and slides into the second transport path. A guide pin that guides the plate-shaped battery electrode that has been transferred and that has a tip portion adsorbed by the suction function of the second transport path and reverses the direction in the traveling direction of the second transport path. An apparatus for reversing a plate-shaped battery electrode. 2. A first transport path for guiding and transporting plate-shaped battery electrodes aligned in a long direction, and a suction-operated section orthogonal to the extension direction of the first transport path and arranged with a step. A second transport path, a transfer plate that slidably transfers a plate-shaped battery electrode that is transported through the first transport path to the second transport path by a step, and slides into the second transport path. A guide pin that guides the plate-shaped battery electrode, which has been transferred and which has a tip portion adsorbed by the suction function of the second transport path, to reverse the traveling direction of the second transport path, and the second transport path A third transport path orthogonal to the direction of extension of the plate-shaped battery electrode and a plate-shaped battery electrode that is transported in the second transport path in a reversed direction, using a step. And a transfer plate with a stopper slidably transferred to the road. Apparatus. 3. The supply device for a plate-shaped battery electrode according to claim 2, wherein the third transfer path has a function of transferring and transferring the plate-shaped battery electrode corresponding to the next step.