A feeding mechanism, feeding trolley and feeding method for battery electrode rolls

Abstract

This invention discloses a feeding mechanism, a feeding cart, and a feeding method for battery electrode rolls. The feeding mechanism includes a fixed frame with two clamping arms slidably connected to its two ends for holding the electrode roll. A correction box for correcting the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll is provided between the two clamping arms, and the correction box is slidably connected to the fixed frame. The feeding mechanism of this invention corrects the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll through the correction box, ensuring stable electrode film output, parallel ends, and no skewness, thereby improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of soft-pack lithium battery manufacturing equipment, and particularly relates to a feeding mechanism, feeding cart and feeding method for battery electrode rolls. Background Technology

[0002] Pouch lithium batteries play a vital role in social development as a clean energy source. Due to their widespread use in transportation, manufacturing, and smart technology industries, the requirements for pouch lithium batteries are becoming increasingly stringent, and their production volumes are growing rapidly. To improve the production efficiency of pouch lithium batteries and reduce the number of electrode roll changes, existing electrode rolls are large in diameter and heavy, directly leading to more time-consuming and labor-intensive loading processes. Traditionally, electrode roll loading requires two people working together manually or using a push-pull lifting trolley to load the rolls directly onto the air shaft of the stacking machine, which then rotates... Dynamic feeding, such as the Chinese invention patent for a power battery electrode winding and feeding cart (application number: 201810374846.X), involves placing the electrode rolls on the feeding cart and adjusting the height of the electrode rolls so that the roll holes slowly pass through the air expansion shaft of the die stacking machine. The feeding purpose is achieved by the rotation of the air expansion shaft. However, during the feeding process of the electrode rolls, there is a problem of deviation, which requires frequent machine stops for maintenance, affecting production efficiency. Moreover, collisions often occur, causing deformation of the copper foil inside the electrode, which directly affects the usage frequency and service life of the lithium battery.

[0003] Therefore, the inventors are dedicated to designing a feeding mechanism, a feeding cart, and a feeding method for battery electrode rolls to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a feeding mechanism for battery electrode rolls, which corrects the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll by using a correction box, ensuring stable electrode film output, parallelism at both ends, and no skewness, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a feeding cart for battery electrode rolls that integrates correction and feeding, ensuring stable electrode film output with parallel and non-skewed ends, as well as accurate and rapid electrode roll loading, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a feeding method for battery electrode rolls, which achieves efficient and accurate feeding and improves feeding speed by accurately positioning the electrode rolls and correcting the skewness at both ends of the electrode rolls.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A feeding mechanism for battery electrode rolls includes a fixed frame, with two clamping arms slidably connected at both ends of the fixed frame for clamping the electrode rolls, and a correction box for correcting the skewness at both ends of the electrode rolls provided between the two clamping arms, the correction box being slidably connected to the fixed frame.

[0009] This invention utilizes the sliding of two clamping arms to adjust the distance between them, thereby adjusting the clamping force of the two clamping arms on the electrode roll, so that the clamping force of the electrode roll is appropriate and will not deform the electrode roll. At the same time, by sliding the correction box, the skewness of the two ends of the electrode roll is corrected, ensuring that the two ends of the electrode film output are parallel and not skewed.

[0010] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, the inner cavity of the correction box is provided with an association component, and the two ends of the association component are respectively connected to the two clamping arms.

[0011] The associated component is used to associate the correction box with the two clamping arms, so that the correction box has a better correction effect.

[0012] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, the associated component includes two racks and an intermediate gear located between the two racks. The intermediate gear is located in the correction box and meshes with the two racks. The two racks pass through the correction box and are respectively connected to the two clamping arms.

[0013] This invention utilizes two racks to mesh with the intermediate gear inside the correction box, thereby establishing a connection between the correction box and the two clamping arms, improving the correction effect of the correction box, and preventing unstable electrode film output.

[0014] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, the inner cavity is provided with two rows of rollers and multiple limiting rollers at intervals. The rollers are perpendicular to the limiting rollers. Each row of rollers is away from the intermediate gear and abuts against the corresponding rack. The multiple limiting rollers are distributed at intervals on the sides of the two racks. The rack drives the limiting rollers and rollers to rotate.

[0015] The limiting wheel is used to limit the rack from the side, and the roller is used to limit the gear from the outside, to prevent the rack from deviating and affecting the accuracy of the electrode film output.

[0016] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, the correction box is connected to the two clamping arms respectively through two pneumatic actuators, and the two pneumatic actuators respectively drive the two clamping arms to move closer to or away from the correction box.

[0017] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, a pneumatic component is provided on the fixing frame, the output shaft of the pneumatic component is hinged to the correction box, and the pneumatic component drives the correction box to slide left and right.

[0018] As an improvement to the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention, an air expansion shaft is vertically rotatably connected to the sides of the two clamping arms respectively. The two air expansion shafts are coaxial and point to opposite clamping arms. The air expansion shafts are driven to rotate by a motor disposed in the corresponding clamping arm. A cooling fan is provided next to the motor.

[0019] To achieve the aforementioned other objective, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0020] A feeding trolley for battery electrode rolls includes a lifting trolley for carrying the electrode rolls and a feeding mechanism for the battery electrode rolls, wherein the fixing frame is fixed to the lifting trolley.

[0021] The fixed frame is installed on the lifting vehicle and integrates correction and feeding, ensuring stable output of the electrode film, with both ends parallel and not tilted, while also ensuring accurate and fast feeding.

[0022] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0023] A method for feeding a roll of electrode material for a soft-pack lithium battery includes the following steps:

[0024] Step 1: Roll the electrode material onto two coaxial air shafts, wherein the two air shafts are respectively located on two clamping arms and rotatably connected to the corresponding clamping arms, and the two clamping arms are respectively slidably connected to both ends of a fixed frame.

[0025] Step 2: Slide the two clamping arms, adjust the distance between the two air shafts, inflate the two air shafts, and fix the electrode roll;

[0026] Step 3: Pass the electrode film output end of the electrode roll around the fixing frame and insert it into the die stacking machine;

[0027] Step 4: Adjust the position of the correction box on the fixing frame so that the two connecting arms slide with the correction box to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll. The correction box is located between the two clamping arms and is slidably connected to the fixing frame.

[0028] Step 5: The two air shafts rotate together to feed the material to the die stacking machine.

[0029] Preferably, step 0 is included before step 1: pushing the lifting cart holding the electrode roll to the feeding end of the die stacking machine, and starting the lifting function of the lifting cart to adjust the height of the electrode roll.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention uses two sliding clamping arms to accurately clamp the electrode roll, and a sliding correction box to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll, so as to ensure stable electrode film output, parallel ends, no skewness, and improve production efficiency.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the feeding trolley of the battery electrode roll of the present invention integrates the correction and the pushing and feeding of the lifting trolley by fixing the fixing frame on the lifting trolley. This not only ensures the stable output of the electrode film, with both ends parallel and without deviation, but also ensures the accurate and fast feeding of the electrode roll, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the feeding method of the soft-pack lithium battery electrode roll of the present invention uses two coaxial air expansion shafts to accurately position the electrode roll, and with the help of the correction box to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll, it can achieve efficient and accurate feeding and improve the feeding speed. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the feeding mechanism for the battery electrode roll of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the feeding mechanism for the battery electrode roll of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a front view of the feeding mechanism for the battery electrode roll of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the feeding cart for the battery electrode sheet roll of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0038] Illustration:

[0039] 1. Fixed frame; 11. Slide bar; 2. Correction box; 21. Roller; 22. Limiting wheel; 3. Electric cylinder; 4. Connecting components; 41. First rack; 42. Intermediate gear; 43. Second rack; 5. First cylinder; 6. Second cylinder; 7. First clamping arm; 71. First air shaft; 72. First motor; 73. First cooling fan; 8. Second clamping arm; 81. Second air shaft; 82. Second motor; 83. Second cooling fan; 9. Lifting vehicle; 91. Clamping vehicle arm; 100. Electrode sheet roll. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for reference and illustration only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A feeding mechanism for a battery electrode roll includes a fixed frame 1, two clamping arms for clamping the electrode roll 100, and a correction box 2 for correcting the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll 100. The two clamping arms are slidably connected to both ends of the fixed frame 1, and the correction box 2 is located between the two clamping arms and slidably connected to the fixed frame 1.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fixing frame 1 is frame-shaped, and two sliding rods 11 are fixed on the fixing frame 1. The two sliding rods 11 are parallel to each other and horizontally arranged.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two clamping arms (i.e., the first clamping arm 7 and the second clamping arm 8) are located at opposite ends of the fixing frame 1. Specifically, the first clamping arm 7 is vertically positioned on the left side of the fixing frame 1, and the second clamping arm 8 is vertically positioned on the right side of the fixing frame 1. One end of both the first clamping arm 7 and the second clamping arm 8 is slidably connected to two sliding rods 11 via linear bearings (not shown). The other ends of the first clamping arm 7 and the second clamping arm 8 are freely suspended. A first air shaft 71 is vertically rotatably connected to the side of the first clamping arm 7. A first motor 72 is installed inside the first clamping arm 7, and the first motor 72 is drivenly connected to the first air shaft 71. A first cooling fan 73 is located beside the first motor 72 to dissipate heat from the first motor 72 and prevent the first motor 72 from overheating and being damaged. The second clamping arm 8 is symmetrical to the first clamping arm 7. Specifically, the second clamping arm 8 is vertically rotatably connected to a second air shaft 81 on its side. A second motor 82 is installed inside the second clamping arm 8. The second motor 82 is drivenly connected to the second air shaft 81. A second cooling fan 83 is installed beside the second motor 82 to dissipate heat from the second motor 82 and prevent it from overheating and being damaged. In this embodiment, the first air shaft 71 and the second air shaft 81 are coaxial. The first air shaft 71 points vertically to the opposite second clamping arm 8, and the second air shaft 81 points vertically to the opposite first clamping arm 7. The first air shaft 71 and the second air shaft 81 are used for inflation positioning, enabling rapid material change according to different material rolls. This method is convenient, fast, and easy to operate.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The correction box 2 is located between the first clamping arm 7 and the second clamping arm 8. The upper and lower ends of the correction box 2 are slidably connected to two slide rods 11 via linear bearings (not shown). The left side of the correction box 2 is driven to slide along the two slide rods 11 by a pneumatic component, which is located on the left side of the fixing frame 1. The pneumatic component of this invention is either a cylinder or an electric cylinder. Since the electric cylinder is a modular product integrating a servo motor and a lead screw, it converts the rotational motion of the servo motor into linear motion. Simultaneously, it possesses the best advantages of a servo motor—precise speed control, precise revolution control, and precise torque control—which are transformed into precise speed control, precise position control, and precise thrust control, used to achieve high-precision linear motion. The correction box 2 of this invention achieves high control precision. Therefore, the pneumatic component of this invention is preferably an electric cylinder 3. The output shaft of the electric cylinder 3 is hinged to the left end of the correction box 2. The correction box 2 has an inner cavity (not shown), in which a connecting component 4 is provided. The connecting component 4 includes a first rack 41, a second rack 43, and an intermediate gear 42. Both the first rack 41 and the second rack 43 mesh with the intermediate gear 42, which is located between the first rack 41 and the second rack 43. The first rack 41 is located above the second rack 43. The first rack 41 passes through the correction box 2 from the left and connects to the first clamping arm 7. The second rack 43 passes through the correction box 2 from the right and connects to the second clamping arm 8. The inner cavity of the correction box 2 is also provided with two rows of rollers 21 and multiple limiting rollers 22 at intervals. Roller 21 is perpendicular to limiting wheel 22. Multiple limiting wheels 22 are spaced apart on the sides of the first rack 41 and the second rack 43 to limit the swinging of the first rack 41 and the second rack 43 to the front and back sides during operation. Each row of rollers 21 is away from the intermediate gear 42 and abuts against the corresponding rack to prevent the first rack 41 and the second rack 43 from swinging away from the intermediate gear 42 during operation. Specifically, the upper row of rollers 21 is located above the first rack 41 and abuts against the upper surface of the first rack 41, and the lower row of rollers 21 is located below the second rack 43 and abuts against the second rack 43. The first rack 41 and the second rack 43 drive the limiting wheel 22 and roller 21 to rotate. In this embodiment, both the limiting wheel 22 and roller 21 serve a limiting function. This invention not only improves the correction accuracy of the correction box 2, but also enhances the linkage effect between the correction box 2 and the two clamping arms. The correction box 2 and the two clamping arms are connected by two pneumatic actuators, which drive the two clamping arms to move closer to or away from the correction box 2. Preferably, the pneumatic actuators are cylinders, namely the first cylinder 5 and the second cylinder 6. The first cylinder 5 is housed in the inner cavity of the correction box 2 and located below the second rack 43. The output shaft of the first cylinder 5 passes through the left side of the fixing frame 1 and is connected to the first clamping arm 7. The second cylinder 6 is housed in the inner cavity of the correction box 2 and located above the first rack 41. The output shaft of the second cylinder 6 passes through the right side of the fixing frame 1 and is connected to the second clamping arm 8.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The working principle of the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of the present invention is as follows: When the electrode roll is located between two clamping arms and its roll is aligned with the two air shafts, the first cylinder 5 drives the first clamping arm 7 to slide along the two slide rods 11. At the same time, the second cylinder 6 drives the second clamping arm 8 to slide along the two slide rods 11, adjusting the distance between the two clamping arms until the two air shafts extend to a specific position on the roll. The two air shafts are then inflated to fix the electrode roll. During the relative sliding process of the first clamping arm 7 and the second clamping arm 8, the first clamping arm 7 will drive the first rack 41 to move during its sliding process, and the second clamping arm 8 will drive the first rack 41 to move during its sliding process. The second rack 43 moves, and both the first rack 41 and the second rack 43 mesh with the same intermediate gear 42. Therefore, the movements of the first clamping arm 7, the second clamping arm 8, and the correction box 2 are related. After the electrode roll is fixed, the electric cylinder 3 drives the correction box 2 to slide along the two slide rods 11. The correction box 2 drives the two clamping arms to move left and right together through the two racks to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll and ensure that the two ends of the electrode film are parallel and not skewed. The first motor 72 drives the first air shaft 71 to rotate, and at the same time, the second motor 82 drives the second air shaft 81 to rotate, which together drive the electrode roll 100 to rotate and feed.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 A feeding trolley for battery electrode rolls includes a lifting trolley 9 and a feeding mechanism for the aforementioned battery electrode rolls. The fixing frame 1 is fixed on the lifting trolley 9, and two clamping arms are located above the lifting trolley 9. The lifting trolley 9 is used to carry the electrode rolls 100. The lifting trolley 9 is equipped with two clamping arms 91 for clamping the electrode rolls 100. In use, the electrode rolls 100 in the unloading area (not shown) are first fed... Move to the lifting vehicle 9, use the clamping arm 91 on the lifting vehicle 9 to clamp the electrode roll 100, push the entire feeding vehicle carrying the electrode roll 100 to the feeding end of the die stacking machine, start the lifting function of the lifting vehicle (not shown) to adjust the height of the electrode roll 100 so that the roll of the electrode roll 100 is aligned with the two air expansion shafts, start the first cylinder 5 and the second cylinder 6 to drive the two clamping arms to slide, adjust the distance between the two clamping arms to a specific position, inflate the two air expansion shafts, fix the electrode roll 100, and pass the electrode film output end of the electrode roll 100 around the fixing frame 1 and into the die stacking machine (not shown). The electric cylinder 3 drives the correction box 2 to slide to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll 100. The two motors drive the two air expansion shafts to rotate and feed the material to the die stacking machine.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5A feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls is disclosed. This feeding method is based on the aforementioned feeding mechanism for the battery electrode rolls. The feeding mechanism can be located at the inlet end of the stacking machine or fixed on a lifting trolley. When the feeding mechanism is located at the inlet end of the stacking machine, the lifting trolley needs to carry the electrode roll 100 separately. Pushing the lifting trolley from the unloading area to the inlet end of the stacking machine and connecting it with the feeding mechanism is difficult for manual alignment of the electrode roll 100's roll with the two air shafts. Therefore, this invention preferably places the feeding mechanism on the lifting trolley, forming the aforementioned feeding trolley. The feeding method using this feeding trolley includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 0: Push the lifting cart 9 holding the electrode roll 100 to the feeding end of the die stacking machine, and start the lifting function of the lifting cart 9 to adjust the height of the electrode roll;

[0049] Step 1: Roll the electrode material onto two coaxial air shafts (first air shaft 71 and second air shaft 81), wherein the two air shafts are respectively located on two clamping arms and rotatably connected to the corresponding clamping arms, and the two clamping arms are respectively slidably connected to both ends of the fixing frame 1.

[0050] Step 2: Activate two cylinders (first cylinder 5 and second cylinder 6) to make the two clamping arms slide, adjust the distance between the two air expansion shafts, inflate the two air expansion shafts, and fix the electrode roll.

[0051] Step 3: Pass the electrode film output end of the electrode roll around the fixing frame 1 and insert it into the die stacking machine;

[0052] Step 4: Start the electric cylinder 3 and adjust the position of the correction box on the fixed frame so that the two connecting arms slide with the correction box to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll. The correction box is located between the two clamping arms and is slidably connected to the fixed frame.

[0053] Step 5: Start the two motors (first motor 72 and second motor 82), and the two air shafts rotate together to feed the material to the die stacking machine.

[0054] Compared with existing technologies, the feeding mechanism of the battery electrode roll of this invention has the following characteristics: This mechanism adopts an air expansion shaft, which enables quick material change according to different rolls, making it convenient, fast, and easy to operate. It is compatible with multiple battery electrode rolls, and all parts are shared without needing to be changed, resulting in strong versatility and high compatibility. A cylinder drives the clamping arm, which is connected with a gear and rack to ensure accurate docking of the air expansion shaft with the roll, resulting in a high degree of automation. A deviation correction system is used for deviation correction, and the position adjustment is controlled by a servo, which is precise and fast. Compared with previous mechanisms, it is more sensitive, accurate, and effective in ensuring stable electrode film output, with both ends parallel and without skewing. The air expansion shaft is driven by a servo for feeding, ensuring precise feeding and controllable length.

[0055] Compared with the prior art, the feeding cart for battery electrode rolls of the present invention has the characteristics of integrating correction and feeding, which not only ensures stable output of electrode film with parallel ends and no skew, but also ensures accurate and fast feeding of electrode rolls, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0056] Compared with existing technologies, the feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls of the present invention has the characteristics of high efficiency, precise feeding, and improved feeding speed.

[0057] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the scope of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls, applied to a feeding mechanism for battery electrode rolls, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Roll the electrode material onto two coaxial air shafts, wherein the two air shafts are respectively located on two clamping arms and rotatably connected to the corresponding clamping arms, and the two clamping arms are respectively slidably connected to both ends of a fixed frame. Step 2: Slide the two clamping arms, adjust the distance between the two air shafts, inflate the two air shafts, and fix the electrode roll; Step 3: Pass the electrode film output end of the electrode roll around the fixing frame and insert it into the die stacking machine; Step 4: Adjust the position of the correction box on the fixing frame so that the two connecting arms slide with the correction box to correct the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll. The correction box is located between the two clamping arms and is slidably connected to the fixing frame. Step 5: The two air shafts rotate together to feed material to the die stacking machine; The feeding mechanism for the battery electrode roll has a fixed frame, and two clamping arms for clamping the electrode roll are slidably connected at both ends of the fixed frame. A correction box for correcting the skewness at both ends of the electrode roll is provided between the two clamping arms, and the correction box is slidably connected to the fixed frame.

2. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before step 1, there is also step 0: push the lifting cart holding the electrode roll to the feeding end of the die stacking machine, and start the lifting function of the lifting cart to adjust the height of the electrode roll.

3. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the correction box is provided with an association component, and the two ends of the association component are respectively connected to the two clamping arms.

4. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 3, characterized in that, The associated component includes two racks and an intermediate gear located between the two racks. The intermediate gear is located inside the correction box and meshes with the two racks. The two racks pass through the correction box and are respectively connected to the two clamping arms.

5. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner cavity is provided with two rows of rollers and multiple limiting wheels. The rollers are perpendicular to the limiting wheels. Each row of rollers is away from the intermediate gear and abuts against the corresponding rack. The multiple limiting wheels are distributed at intervals on the sides of the two racks. The racks drive the limiting wheels and rollers to rotate.

6. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that, The correction box is connected to the two clamping arms via two pneumatic actuators, which drive the two clamping arms to move closer to or away from the correction box.

7. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pneumatic component is provided on the fixed frame. The output shaft of the pneumatic component is hinged to the correction box. The pneumatic component drives the correction box to slide left and right.

8. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the two clamping arms is vertically rotatably connected to an air shaft. The two air shafts are coaxial and point to opposite clamping arms. The air shafts are driven to rotate by a motor installed in the corresponding clamping arm. A cooling fan is provided next to the motor.

9. The feeding method for soft-pack lithium battery electrode rolls according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It includes a lifting vehicle for carrying electrode rolls, and the fixing frame is fixed to the lifting vehicle.

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