Electrode sheet conveying apparatus, electrode sheet conveying method, winding machine, and winding method

Abstract

The application provides an electrode sheet conveying device, an electrode sheet conveying method, a winding machine and a winding method. The electrode sheet conveying device comprises a first clamping roller pair and a second clamping roller pair arranged in sequence along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet; a first lead belt mechanism comprising a first closed loop belt sequentially passing through the first clamping roller pair and the second clamping roller pair; and a second lead belt mechanism comprising a second closed loop belt sequentially passing through the first clamping roller pair and the second clamping roller pair, wherein the first closed loop belt and the second closed loop belt convey the electrode sheet in a state of sandwiching the electrode sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to electrode sheet conveying device, electrode sheet conveying method, winding machine and winding method. Background Technology

[0002] In battery manufacturing, die-cut electrode sheets with tabs are fed to a winding machine and wound together with a separator to form battery components such as cells.

[0003] During the conveying process of the electrode sheets to the winding machine, acceleration and deceleration are required, and the conveying path is long and tortuous due to the numerous rollers passing through it. Because the tabs extend beyond the electrode sheets, defects such as tab folding, tearing, and wrinkling can easily occur during conveying. Defective tabs can lead to a decrease in the yield of manufactured batteries or slow down the winding process of the battery cells, thus affecting production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to avoid the aforementioned problems during the transport of electrode sheets. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application is made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and its purpose is to provide an electrode sheet conveying device, an electrode sheet conveying method, a winding machine and a winding method, so that even when the electrode sheet is conveyed at high speed, the tabs can be reliably prevented from folding, tearing or deteriorating in condition during the conveying process.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a battery cell conveying device, comprising: a first clamping roller pair and a second clamping roller pair arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet; a first guide belt mechanism including a first closed loop belt passing sequentially through the first clamping roller pair and the second clamping roller pair; and a second guide belt mechanism including a second closed loop belt passing sequentially through the first clamping roller pair and the second clamping roller pair, wherein the first closed loop belt and the second closed loop belt convey the battery cell in a state of clamping the battery cell between them facing each other.

[0007] According to this application, since the first and second closed-loop belts transport the battery cells in a face-to-face manner, the electrode sheets, which are made of thin sheet material, are kept flat, without folds or wrinkles throughout the transport process. Even if the transported electrode sheets originally have slight unevenness, this unevenness can be prevented from worsening during transport. Therefore, good tab condition can be ensured, preventing the winding machine from slowing down due to deterioration of the material condition, thus avoiding a decrease in production efficiency.

[0008] Moreover, since the battery cells are sandwiched between two closed loop belts and passed through two pairs of clamping rollers in sequence, the uneven stress originally present in the electrode cells can be isolated, which helps to further ensure the good transport condition of the electrode cells.

[0009] Optionally, the electrode sheet has tabs.

[0010] This application effectively protects the tabs during transport, reliably preventing tab folding, tearing, and wrinkling during transport. It also avoids the failure and breakage of tabs caused by the traditional "tab support" action.

[0011] Optionally, the first clamping roller pair has a first driving roller and a first driven roller, and the second clamping roller pair has a second driving roller and a second driven roller.

[0012] Since both the first and second clamping roller pairs have driving and driven rollers, the electrode sheets (electrodes with tabs) can be transported through the two clamping roller pairs.

[0013] Optionally, the first closed loop belt of the first guide belt mechanism surrounds the first driving roller and the second driving roller within the first closed loop; the second closed loop belt of the second guide belt mechanism surrounds the first driven roller and the second driven roller within the second closed loop.

[0014] Therefore, one of the two closed-loop belts can be designed as the driving belt and the other as the driven belt, and the electrode can be transported through the two closed-loop belts. Moreover, the driving force of the closed-loop belts can be ensured.

[0015] Optionally, along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet, there are a first clamping roller pair, at least one tensioning roller, and a second clamping roller pair in sequence. The first closed loop belt and the second closed loop belt clamp the electrode sheet and pass it sequentially through the first clamping roller pair, at least one tensioning roller, and the second clamping roller pair.

[0016] Since the electrode sheet is held by two closed annular belts and passes through the first clamping roller pair, at least one tensioning roller, and the second clamping roller pair in sequence, the stress of the electrode sheet conveyed in the conveying device can be effectively isolated from the stress of the electrode sheet before entering the electrode sheet conveying device of this application embodiment, and the uneven tensile stress that originally existed can be fully relieved, so that the electrode sheet (including the tab) that has passed through the electrode sheet conveying device of this application embodiment is in a state of uniform stress.

[0017] Optionally, the first guide belt mechanism further includes a third pair of clamping rollers for clamping the first closed loop belt; the second guide mechanism further includes a fourth pair of clamping rollers for clamping the second closed loop belt.

[0018] By adding clamping roller pairs to each closed loop belt, the tension and driving force of the closed loop belt can be ensured more reliably.

[0019] Optionally, the first guide belt mechanism and the second guide belt mechanism may each further include a guide roller.

[0020] By setting a guide roller, the tension of the closed loop belt can be ensured more reliably.

[0021] Optionally, the first closed loop and the second closed loop are non-metallic soft strips with a width covering the entire electrode sheet.

[0022] By using a non-metallic soft strip with a width covering the entire electrode sheet to form two closed loops, it is possible to ensure that the electrode sheet is flat and not easily damaged. In particular, the tabs of the electrode sheet are covered and will not be exposed outside the two closed loops, thus reliably preventing defects such as tab folding and tearing.

[0023] Optionally, the first closed loop, the second closed loop, and the conveyed electrode sheet have the same linear velocity.

[0024] By maintaining the first closed loop belt, the second closed loop belt, and the conveyed electrode sheet at the same conveying linear speed, it can be ensured that there is no relative movement between the two closed loop belts and the conveyed electrode sheet, and no additional stress is generated.

[0025] Optionally, the linear velocity is in the range of 1.5 m / s to 5 m / s.

[0026] The effects of the embodiments of this application are effective when the conveyor line speed is in the range of 1.5m / s to 5m / s.

[0027] The second aspect of this application provides an electrode sheet transport method, which uses the electrode sheet transport device provided in the first aspect of this application to transport the electrode sheet in a state of being clamped between the first closed loop and the second closed loop.

[0028] This ensures that the electrode sheets, made of thin material, remain flat, without folds or wrinkles throughout the conveying process. Even if the electrode sheets initially have slight unevenness, this unevenness is prevented from worsening during transport. Therefore, good electrode tab condition is maintained, preventing winding machines from slowing down due to deteriorating material conditions, which could lead to reduced production efficiency.

[0029] A third aspect of this application provides a winding machine, which includes: an electrode sheet conveying device provided in the first aspect of this application; and a winding device for winding an electrode sheet conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device and a diaphragm in a stacked manner.

[0030] When manufacturing a battery cell by winding the electrode sheet and separator conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device according to the present application, the battery manufacturing yield can be improved because the electrode sheet is flat and in good condition. Moreover, the situation of the winding machine running at reduced speed can be reduced, thus ensuring production rhythm and improving production efficiency.

[0031] A fourth aspect of this application provides a winding method comprising: a conveying step of continuously conveying an electrode sheet in a state of being sandwiched between two closed loop strips facing each other; a separating step of separating the electrode sheet from the two closed loop strips; and a winding step of winding the electrode sheet separated from the two closed loop strips in a laminated manner with a diaphragm.

[0032] When manufacturing battery cells by winding the electrode sheets and separator conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device according to the embodiments of this application, the battery manufacturing yield can be improved because the electrode sheets are flat and in good condition. Furthermore, the frequency of winding machine speed reduction can be reduced, thus ensuring production rhythm and improving production efficiency. Moreover, since the electrode sheets are separated from the two closed loops before the winding step, the existing winding device can be used for winding, and the closed loops separated from the electrode sheets can continue to circulate and convey subsequent electrode sheets, ensuring continuous delivery.

[0033] Optionally, in the winding method, the electrode sheet is an electrode sheet with tabs.

[0034] Therefore, it can effectively protect the tabs during the transportation process, reliably avoid the tabs from folding, tearing, or wrinkling during transportation, and also avoid the failure of tab support or tab breakage caused by the "tab support" action used in traditional methods. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the electrode sheet conveying device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an electrode sheet winding method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 10 - Electrode sheet roll; 11 - First drive roller; 12 - First driven roller; 21 - First drive roller; 22 - Second driven roller; 31 - Third drive roller; 32 - Third driven roller; 41 - Fourth drive roller; 42 - Fourth driven roller; 6 - First tension roller; 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d - Second tension roller; 8 - Support roller; 51, 52, 53, 54 - First guide roller; 61, 62, 63, 64 - Second guide roller; T1 - First closed annular belt; T2 - Second closed annular belt; S - Electrode sheet; S1 - Electrode tab. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application. The following embodiments are exemplary and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0043] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation", "connection", "linking", and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "about", "approximately", "roughly", "generally" means that a certain degree of error or variation is allowed, and even if such error or variation exists, it will not have a substantial impact on the implemented function or the technical effect to be achieved.

[0048] Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] This application relates to processes and equipment used in battery manufacturing. In battery manufacturing, a winding machine is typically used to form battery cells through a winding process. For example, an anode electrode, a separator, a cathode electrode, and a separator are stacked and wound together to form a battery cell. Therefore, the anode electrode, cathode electrode (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "electrode sheets"), etc., need to be transported separately to the vicinity of the winding device.

[0051] Electrode sheets are generally made of sheet material, such as thin sheets of metal. As carriers of the electrochemical materials in a battery, electrode sheets typically support either anode or cathode materials.

[0052] In addition, the supplied electrode sheets are usually die-cut to have tabs. The tabs act as current collectors in the battery, collecting current and outputting it externally. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the tab S1 is located, for example, at the edge of the electrode sheet body and protrudes outward. The tab S1 is usually formed into a narrow shape, which is flexible and easily deformable. Moreover, the tabs S1 are spaced apart along the transport direction of the electrode sheet on the edge side of the electrode sheet.

[0053] When conveying such electrode sheets with tabs for winding, the tabs are prone to folding, tearing, and wrinkling due to airflow disturbances and inertia during the high-speed conveying of the electrode sheets.

[0054] To address this issue, existing technologies employ additional tapered rollers and tab baffles to prevent tab folding and other defects during electrode sheet transport on the winding machine. However, the inventors of this application have discovered that, even with these methods, as winding speed increases, the electrode sheet, particularly the tab portion, can still fold and deform under the influence of air resistance and inertia. This can easily lead to tab deformation between rollers, resulting in a wrap angle that prevents the tab from entering the rollers straight. In such cases, even more serious problems such as tab tearing may occur.

[0055] In addition, as mentioned above, the conical rollers and tab baffles in the related technologies have poor tolerance for materials with tab warping or slight folding. Therefore, materials with slight defects in flatness are more likely to cause deterioration of the tab condition during the winding process, which in turn causes the winding machine to slow down and reduce its production efficiency.

[0056] The inventors of this application have fully considered the above-mentioned situations, abandoned traditional methods, and designed a completely new electrode sheet conveying method, which completely avoids unevenness such as folding, deformation, and wrinkling of the electrode tabs. This provides an electrode sheet conveying device, conveying method, winding machine, and winding method that solve the problems in the prior art. The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the battery cell conveying device includes: a first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and a second clamping roller pair 21, 22 arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet S; a first guide belt mechanism including a first closed loop belt T1 that passes sequentially through the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22; and a second guide belt mechanism including a second closed loop belt T2 that passes sequentially through the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22; the first closed loop belt T1 and the second closed loop belt T2 convey the battery cell S in a state where the battery cell S is sandwiched between them face to face.

[0058] The so-called electrode plate transport, such as Figure 2 As shown, for example, it refers to the conveying of the electrode sheet unwound from the electrode sheet roll 10 to a designated position in the winding process; the conveying direction refers to the direction of the electrode sheet's conveying path, not specifically the straight line direction between two positions. Figure 2 In the example shown, under the drive of a drive device not shown, the unwinding direction of the electrode roll 10 is clockwise as indicated by the arrow; the conveying direction of the electrode is upstream on the right and downstream on the left in the figure.

[0059] Here, electrode roll 10 refers to a roll formed by winding an electrode sheet that has been die-cut to form tabs, for example, a roll with specified specifications.

[0060] The first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 are respectively positioned upstream and downstream of the electrode sheet S in the conveying path. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 is positioned near the upstream side of the electrode sheet roll 10, and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 is positioned near the downstream side of the designated position where the winding process is performed.

[0061] The first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 respectively clamp the first closed annular belt T1, the second closed annular belt T2, and the electrode sheet S located between the two closed annular belts T1 and T2 with appropriate clamping forces. The appropriate clamping force is not limited here and can be specifically set according to the material, thickness, width, etc. of the electrode sheet S, as long as it can achieve a clamping effect, preventing relative movement between the first closed annular belt T1, the second closed annular belt T2, and the electrode sheet S located between the two closed annular belts T1 and T2, and preventing uneven tension due to excessive tension. Furthermore, to ensure uniform stress on the electrode sheet S, it is preferable that the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 have substantially the same clamping force.

[0062] In this embodiment, the belt guiding mechanism includes a closed loop belt and rollers for clamping, driving, and tensioning it, but does not include the first and second clamping roller pairs (11, 12, 21, 22). As described above, this embodiment includes a first belt guiding mechanism and a second belt guiding mechanism.

[0063] Regarding the closed loop band, "closed loop" here refers to a continuous loop shape without an end, and is not limited to a specific shape. There is no specific shape for the width of the closed loop band. The width should be set to ensure that it can reliably maintain the width of the entire electrode sheet (including the tabs if present). For example, it can be considered to be basically the same as or slightly wider than the width of the entire electrode sheet (including the tabs if present).

[0064] Furthermore, regarding the first clamping roller pair, each roller in the second clamping roller pair, and each roller described later, their basic structure includes a fixedly mounted roller shaft and a roller surface surrounding the roller shaft and capable of rotating about the roller shaft as an axis. Regarding the material of the roller surface, it can be, for example, a soft roller such as a rubber roller, or a soft roller coated with Teflon. Various materials of soft rollers can be selected specifically according to the situation, but brass or magnetic materials cannot be used as the roller surface material.

[0065] According to the above-described embodiments of this application, since the first closed annular belt T1 and the second closed annular belt T2 transport the battery cell S with the battery cell S sandwiched between them face-to-face, the electrode sheet S, which is made of thin sheet material, can always be kept flat, without folds or wrinkles during the transport process. Even if the transported electrode sheet S originally has slight unevenness, it can prevent these unevennesses from worsening during transport. Therefore, good tab condition can be ensured, and the winding machine can be prevented from slowing down due to deterioration of the material condition, thus avoiding a decrease in production efficiency.

[0066] Moreover, since the battery cells are sandwiched between two closed loop belts and passed through two pairs of clamping rollers in sequence, the uneven stress originally present in the electrode cells can be isolated, which helps to further ensure the good transport condition of the electrode cells.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electrode sheet has tabs S1.

[0068] Additionally, it should be noted that the width of the closed loop band needs to ensure that it covers the entire electrode sheet, including the tab S1.

[0069] Through the embodiments of this application, the electrode tab S1 can be effectively protected during the transportation process, reliably avoiding the folding, tearing, and wrinkling of the electrode tab S1 during transportation. It also avoids the failure of electrode tab support and electrode tab breakage caused by the "electrode tab support" action used in the traditional method, fundamentally solving the problem of electrode tab deformation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 has a first driving roller 11 and a first driven roller 12, and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 has a second driving roller 21 and a second driven roller 22.

[0071] The term "driving roller" refers to a roller that is connected to a drive unit and rotates under its drive. The term "driven roller" refers to a roller that rotates primarily under the influence of a belt, other rollers, etc.

[0072] Since both the first and second clamping roller pairs have driving and driven rollers, electrode sheets (e.g., electrode sheets with tabs) can be efficiently transported through the two clamping roller pairs.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first closed loop belt T1 of the first guide belt mechanism surrounds the first driving roller 11 and the second driving roller 21 within the first closed loop; the second closed loop belt T2 of the second guide belt mechanism surrounds the first driven roller 12 and the second driven roller 22 within the second closed loop.

[0074] A closed loop refers to the closed space enclosed by a closed loop belt. The first closed loop belt T1 surrounds the first driving roller 11 and the second driving roller 21 within the first closed loop, meaning that the roller surfaces of the first driving roller 11 and the second driving roller 12 are in contact with the inner surface of the first closed loop belt T1, thus imparting driving force, tension, etc., to the first closed loop belt T1. The second closed loop belt T2 surrounds the first driven roller 12 and the second driven roller 22 within the second closed loop, meaning that the roller surfaces of the first driven roller 12 and the second driven roller 22 are in contact with the inner surface of the second closed loop belt T2, thus imparting holding force, tension, etc., to the second closed loop belt T2. Alternatively, from the perspective of whether the closed loop belt surrounds the driving roller or the driven roller of the first and second clamping roller pair within the closed loop, the first closed loop belt T1 can also be called the driving belt, and the second closed loop belt T2 can be called the driven belt.

[0075] Therefore, one of the two closed-loop bands can be designed as the active band and the other as the passive band, allowing for efficient transport of the electrode sheet through the two closed-loop bands. Furthermore, the driving force of the closed-loop bands can be ensured. Additionally, compared to designing both closed-loop bands as active bands, this helps reduce the possibility of uneven stress on the electrode sheet S.

[0076] In some embodiments, along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet S, there are sequentially arranged a first clamping roller pair 11, 12, at least one tensioning roller 6, 7, and a second clamping roller pair 21, 22. The electrode sheet S is clamped by a first closed annular belt T1 and a second closed annular belt T2 and passes sequentially through the first clamping roller pair 11, 12, at least one tensioning roller 6, 7, and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of tension rollers are provided downstream of the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and upstream of the second clamping roller pair 21, 22. Figure 2 As an example, a tensioning roller 6 is shown, along with tensioning rollers 7a and 7b located upstream of the tensioning roller 6, and tensioning rollers 7c and 7d located downstream of the tensioning roller 6. These tensioning rollers 6 and 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) all have fixed roller shafts, and the roller surfaces can rotate about the roller shafts.

[0078] These tension rollers allow the tension (stress) of the electrode sheet to be adjusted to a suitable level and made uniform on the electrode sheet. Furthermore, by arranging these tension rollers 6 and 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) between the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22, a tension isolation mechanism can be formed relative to the electrode sheet on the side of the electrode sheet roll 10, which helps to maintain uniform tension of the electrode sheet.

[0079] As an example, these tension rollers 6 and 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) can all be driven rollers without their own power.

[0080] The specific configuration and location of these tension rollers 6 and 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) can be found as follows: Figure 2 As shown, they are alternately positioned in the upper and lower positions, and... Figure 2 The spacing between the electrodes in the left-right direction is designed to keep the electrode plates S passing between the tension rollers 6, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d in a vertical position. Furthermore, the lengths of the electrode plates S extending from the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 to the tension roller 7a, and the lengths of the electrode plates S extending from the tension roller 7d to the second clamping roller pair 21, 22, are both shorter than the lengths of the electrode plates S that remain vertical between adjacent tension rollers 6, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. This design helps to effectively alleviate and balance uneven stress on the electrode plates.

[0081] According to the above embodiments of this application, since the two closed annular belts T1 and T2 clamp the electrode sheet S and pass through the first clamping roller pair 11 and 12, at least one tensioning roller 6 and 7, and the second clamping roller pair 21 and 22 in sequence, the stress of the electrode sheet S and the tab S1 portion conveyed in the conveying device can be sufficiently isolated from the stress of the electrode sheet before entering the electrode sheet conveying device of this application embodiment, and the uneven tensile stress that originally existed can be fully relieved, so that the electrode sheet (including the tab) that has passed through the electrode sheet conveying device of this application embodiment is in a state of uniform stress.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first guide mechanism further includes a third pair of clamping rollers 31, 32 for clamping the first closed loop belt T1; the second guide mechanism further includes a fourth pair of clamping rollers 41, 42 for clamping the second closed loop belt T2.

[0083] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the third clamping roller pair 31, 32 includes clamping roller 31 and clamping roller 32, and one of the clamping rollers can also be configured as an active roller, for example, clamping roller 31 can be configured as an active roller. Correspondingly, the fourth clamping roller pair 41, 42 includes clamping roller 41 and clamping roller 42, and one of the clamping rollers can also be configured as an active roller, for example, clamping roller 41 can be configured as an active roller.

[0084] By adding clamping roller pairs to each closed loop belt, the support force, tension force, and driving force of the closed loop belt can be more reliably ensured.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first belt guiding mechanism and the second belt guiding mechanism further include guide rollers 51-54 and 61-64, respectively. See also Figure 2 Taking the first belt guiding mechanism located at the upper side of the figure as an example, the guide rollers 51 to 54 are dispersedly arranged at multiple locations on the first closed annular belt T1, and the guide rollers 51 to 54 are alternately arranged inside and outside the closed loop of the first closed annular belt T1. In the second belt guiding mechanism, the guide rollers 61 to 64 are arranged in a similar manner.

[0086] Additionally, as from Figure 2 As can be seen, the positions of the rollers in the first and second belt guiding mechanisms are arranged symmetrically around the axis. Of course, they can also be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically.

[0087] As described above, in the embodiments of this application, by setting the guide roller, the tension of the closed loop belt can be ensured more reliably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first closed annular strip T1 and the second closed annular strip T2 are non-metallic soft strips with a width covering the entire electrode sheet.

[0089] By using a non-metallic soft strip (of any known material) to form two closed loops, it is possible to ensure that the electrode sheet is flat and not easily damaged. In particular, the tabs of the electrode sheet are covered and will not be exposed outside the two closed loops, thus reliably preventing defects such as tab folding and tearing.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first closed loop T1, the second closed loop T2, and the conveyed electrode sheet S have the same linear velocity.

[0091] By maintaining the first closed loop belt T1, the second closed loop belt T2, and the conveyed electrode sheet S at the same conveying linear speed, it can be ensured that there is no relative movement between the two closed loop belts T1 and T2 and the conveyed electrode sheet S, and no additional stress or defects such as wrinkling or folding of the electrode sheet S, especially the tab S1, caused by movement can be generated.

[0092] In some embodiments, the linear velocity is in the range of 1.5 m / s to 5 m / s. Even if the linear velocity of the electrode sheet is increased to 5 m / s, the electrode sheet conveying device of this application embodiment can ensure that the electrode sheet, especially the tab, will not be folded or wrinkled due to high-speed transmission. As an example, the linear velocity can be set to 2.5 m / s.

[0093] It is evident that the embodiments of this application are particularly effective when the conveyor line speed is in the range of 1.5 m / s to 5 m / s. Of course, in principle, the embodiments of this application are also applicable to cases where the conveyor line speed is below 1.5 m / s or above 5 m / s.

[0094] An embodiment of this application also provides an electrode sheet conveying method, which uses the electrode sheet conveying device described in the above embodiment of this application to convey the electrode sheet S in a state of being sandwiched between a first closed annular band T1 and a second closed annular band T2.

[0095] This ensures that the electrode sheet S, made of thin sheet material, remains flat, without folds or wrinkles throughout the conveying process. Even if the electrode sheet S initially has slight unevenness, this unevenness is prevented from worsening during conveying. Therefore, good electrode tab condition is guaranteed, preventing the winding machine from slowing down due to deteriorating material condition, which would otherwise reduce production efficiency.

[0096] This application also provides a winding machine, which includes: the electrode sheet conveying device described in the above-described embodiment of this application; and a winding device (not shown) for winding the electrode sheet S conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device and the diaphragm in a stacked manner.

[0097] A winding machine, in essence, is a device that winds anode plates, separators, and cathode plates into a coil by layering them together. It is commonly used in battery manufacturing to produce battery cells. The term "winding machine" here is not limited to a machine that integrates the physical components, but rather refers to a device or system that includes at least a winding mechanism and an electrode plate transport mechanism.

[0098] When manufacturing a battery cell by winding the electrode sheet and separator conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device according to the present application, the battery manufacturing yield can be improved because the electrode sheet is flat and in good condition. Moreover, the situation of the winding machine running at reduced speed can be reduced, thus ensuring production rhythm and improving production efficiency.

[0099] This application also provides a winding method, which includes: a conveying step, in which an electrode sheet S is continuously conveyed in a state of being sandwiched between two closed annular strips T1 and T2 that are opposite to each other; a separation step, in which the electrode sheet S is separated from the two closed annular strips T1 and T2; and a winding step, in which the electrode sheet S separated from the two closed annular strips T1 and T2 is wound together with a diaphragm.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, in the conveying step, a layer of electrode sheet S can be continuously conveyed in a state where it is sandwiched between two closed annular bands T1 and T2 facing each other. In the separation step, the conveyed electrode sheet S can be separated from the two closed annular bands T1 and T2, and combined... Figure 2 As can be seen, the electrode sheet S fed from the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 continues to... Figure 2 The material is conveyed from the left side, for example, supported by support roller 8, to a position where it overlaps with other sheets for winding; the two closed loop belts T1 and T2 each circulate back to the position of the first clamping roller pair 11 and 12. As an example, in Figure 2 In the process, the first closed loop belt T1 passes clockwise through rollers 51-54 and the third clamping rollers 31 and 32 and is then returned to the position of the first clamping roller pair 11 and 12; the second closed loop belt T2 passes counterclockwise through rollers 61-64 and the fourth clamping rollers 41 and 42 and is then returned to the position of the first clamping roller pair 11 and 12. This process is repeated cyclically, thereby achieving continuous conveying of the electrode sheet S.

[0101] According to the above embodiments of this application, when manufacturing battery cells by winding the electrode sheets and separator conveyed by the electrode sheet conveying device of this application, the battery manufacturing yield can be improved because the electrode sheets are flat and in good condition. Furthermore, the frequency of winding machine speed reduction can be reduced, thus ensuring production rhythm and improving production efficiency. Moreover, since the electrode sheets are separated from the two closed loops before the winding step, the existing winding device can be used for winding, and the closed loops separated from the electrode sheets can continue to circulate and convey subsequent electrode sheets, ensuring continuous conveying.

[0102] In some embodiments, the electrode plate S is an electrode plate with tabs.

[0103] It can effectively protect the tab S1 during the conveying process, reliably avoiding the folding, tearing, and wrinkling of the tab S1 during the conveying process. It also avoids the failure of the tab support and the breakage of the tab caused by the "tab support" action used in the traditional method, and fundamentally solves the problem of tab deformation.

[0104] Below, refer to Figure 2 To illustrate a specific embodiment of this application.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the electrode sheet conveying device transports the electrode sheet S unwound from the electrode sheet roll 10 to the support roller 8 on the winding device side. This electrode sheet conveying device includes a first driving roller 11 and a first driven roller 12 located upstream, and a second driving roller 21 and a second driven roller 22 located downstream. The first driving roller 11 and the first driven roller 12 are clamped together to form a first clamping roller pair, and the second driving roller 21 and the second driven roller 22 are clamped together to form a second clamping roller pair. Between the first and second clamping roller pairs, multiple tension rollers are provided, sequentially from upstream to downstream: tension roller 7a, tension roller 7b, tension roller 6, tension roller 7c, and tension roller 7d. On the upper and lower sides of the first clamping roller pair, the second clamping roller pair, and tension rollers 6 and 7, respectively, are third clamping roller pairs 31 and 32, fourth clamping roller pairs 41 and 42, and multiple guide rollers 51-54 and 61-64.

[0106] The first closed annular belt T1 passes through the first clamping roller pair 11, 12, tension rollers 6, 7, the second clamping roller pair 21, 22, passing rollers 51-54, and the third clamping roller pair 31, 32; the second closed annular belt passes through the first clamping roller pair, tension rollers 6, 7, the second clamping roller pair, passing rollers 61-64, and the fourth clamping roller pair 41, 42. The first closed annular belt T1 and the second closed annular belt T2 hold the electrode sheet S with tab S1 in the middle in a face-to-face manner, and pass through the first clamping roller pair 11, 12, tension rollers 7a, 7b, 6, 7c, 7d, and the second clamping roller pair 21, 22 in sequence.

[0107] The first closed annular band T1 and the second closed annular band T2 here are formed by soft bands.

[0108] Therefore, the electrode sheet S with tab S1 can be efficiently transported to the winding device side while maintaining a flat state for subsequent lamination, winding, and other operations. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, the first closed loop belt T1 and the second closed loop belt T2, after passing through the second clamping roller pair 21, 22, are wound separately towards the first clamping roller pair 11, 12 in a circular motion. The remaining electrode sheet S continues to advance to the next predetermined position under the support of the support roller 8. Thus, continuous conveying of the electrode sheet S can be achieved. Therefore, the electrode sheet conveying device and conveying method of this application embodiment will not affect the conveying efficiency, and consequently, will not affect the overall efficiency of the winding process.

[0109] The above description uses an electrode sheet with tabs as an example to illustrate this application. However, this application is not limited to the transmission of electrode sheets; other sheets, especially those that are thin and easily folded, can also be used.

[0110] The embodiments of this application have been described above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments are merely examples. Embodiments with the same structure and function as the technical concept within the scope of this application are included in the technical scope of this application. Furthermore, various modifications that those skilled in the art can conceive of to the embodiments, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments, are also included in the scope of this application without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. An electrode sheet conveying device, characterized in that, include: A first pair of clamping rollers (11, 12) and a second pair of clamping rollers (21, 22) are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet. The first guide belt mechanism includes a first closed annular belt (T1) that passes sequentially through the first clamping roller pair (11, 12) and the second clamping roller pair (21, 22); and The second guide belt mechanism includes a second closed loop belt (T2) that passes sequentially through the first clamping roller pair (11, 12) and the second clamping roller pair (21, 22). The electrode sheet has tabs, and the first closed loop band (T1) and the second closed loop band (T2) transport the electrode sheet (S) in a face-to-face manner, sandwiching the electrode sheet (S) in the middle and covering the entire width of the electrode sheet.

2. The electrode sheet conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping roller pair (11, 12) has a first driving roller (11) and a first driven roller (12), and the second clamping roller pair (21, 22) has a second driving roller (21) and a second driven roller (22).

3. The electrode sheet conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first closed loop belt (T1) of the first guide belt mechanism surrounds the first drive roller (11) and the second drive roller (21) within the first closed loop; The second closed loop belt (T2) of the second guide belt mechanism surrounds the first driven roller (12) and the second driven roller (22) within the second closed loop.

4. The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet (S), there are in sequence the first clamping roller pair (11, 12), at least one tensioning roller (6, 7), and the second clamping roller pair (21, 22). The first closed loop belt (T1) and the second closed loop belt (T2) clamp the electrode sheet and pass it sequentially through the first clamping roller pair (11, 12), at least one tensioning roller (6, 7), and the second clamping roller pair (21, 22).

5. The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first belt guiding mechanism further includes a third pair of clamping rollers (31, 32) for clamping the first closed loop belt (T1); the second belt guiding mechanism further includes a fourth pair of clamping rollers (41, 42) for clamping the second closed loop belt (T2).

6. The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first guide belt mechanism and the second guide belt mechanism each further include a guide roller.

7. The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first closed loop (T1) and the second closed loop (T2) are non-metallic soft strips.

8. The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first closed loop (T1), the second closed loop (T2), and the conveyed electrode sheet (S) have the same linear velocity.

9. The electrode sheet conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The linear velocity is in the range of 1.5 m / s to 5 m / s.

10. A method for conveying electrode sheets, characterized in that, The electrode sheet (S) is conveyed in a state where it is held between the first closed loop belt (T1) and the second closed loop belt (T2) using the electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A winding machine, characterized in that, include: The electrode sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A winding device that winds an electrode sheet (S) fed by the electrode sheet conveying device and a diaphragm in a stacked manner.

12. A winding method, applied to the winding machine of claim 11, characterized in that, The winding method includes: In the conveying step, a layer of electrode sheet (S) is continuously conveyed in a state where it is sandwiched between two closed annular strips (T1, T2) that are opposite to each other; The separation step separates the electrode sheet from the two closed annular bands (T1, T2); and In the winding step, the electrode sheet (S), which has been separated from the two closed loop strips (T1, T2), is wound together with the diaphragm in a stacked manner. The electrode sheet has tabs.

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