A coating apparatus and a die head feeding control system

Abstract

This application provides a coating apparatus and a die head feeding control system, including: a die head body having multiple independent coating channels; and multiple adjusting and metering devices correspondingly disposed on the multiple coating channels, capable of metering and adjusting the feed rate to ensure consistent flow rate in each coating channel. This configuration allows for closed-loop regulation of the feed rate through the adjusting metering devices, ensuring consistent slurry quantity and output, thereby achieving consistent sprayed slurry quantity and coating thickness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of coating equipment technology, specifically to a coating device and a die head feeding control system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, extrusion coating technology is the main method for coating lithium battery electrodes. However, because the design of the extrusion coating die is closely related to the flow properties of the lithium battery slurry, its design technology is complex, time-consuming and labor-intensive. Moreover, due to the different properties of different batches of battery slurry, the slurry and coating die often become mismatched, exceeding the adjustment capability of the die.

[0003] In existing technologies, to ensure consistent slurry thickness at the die lip, extrusion coating dies typically incorporate adjustment mechanisms near the lip. After entering the die, the slurry is ejected through the lip, with multiple adjustment mechanisms at the lip adjusting the outlet size at different discharge points. However, this adjustment method has a limited range and requires high manufacturing precision. Poor coordination can affect coating quality. Furthermore, different adjustment ranges of these mechanisms can interfere with each other, leading to increased or decreased discharge pressure or flow rate in adjacent areas, resulting in uneven coating thickness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a coating apparatus and a die head feeding control system, which can ensure consistent coating thickness and improve coating quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A coating apparatus, comprising:

[0007] The main body of the die head has multiple independent coating channels;

[0008] Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly installed on the multiple coating channels, and can measure and adjust the material flow rate to ensure that the flow rate of each coating channel is consistent.

[0009] Optionally, the regulating metering device is configured as a volumetric metering device and is capable of measuring the volume of material passing through.

[0010] Optionally, the regulating metering device includes:

[0011] The main body component has a housing, a moving part, and a receiving cavity formed between the housing and the moving part;

[0012] A drive component is connected to the moving part for transmission and can control the movement speed of the moving part to adjust the material feed rate.

[0013] Optionally, the main body component is configured as a reciprocating motion mechanism or a rotary motion mechanism.

[0014] Optionally, the body component is configured as a cylindrical gear structure, an elliptical gear structure, or a reciprocating multi-plunger structure.

[0015] Optionally, the drive component is configured as a servo control mechanism, a frequency conversion control mechanism, a proportional control mechanism, or a stepper control mechanism.

[0016] Optionally, the drive component can maintain the movement speed of the moving part at a target value so that the flow rate of each coating channel is kept within the tolerance range of the set value.

[0017] Optionally, the adjusting metering device further includes a calibration function to calibrate the volume of the receiving cavity.

[0018] Optionally, the regulating metering device includes an inlet and an outlet, and a pressure maintaining device is provided upstream of the inlet to keep the positive pressure of the inlet within a preset range.

[0019] Optionally, the pressure maintaining device may be configured as a pumping device or a pneumatic device.

[0020] Optionally, the inlet and outlet of the regulating metering device are both equipped with pressure detection devices and pressure compensation devices.

[0021] Optionally, the die head body includes an upper die head, a lower die head, a gasket, and multiple feed ports, the multiple feed ports being arranged corresponding to the multiple coating channels.

[0022] Optionally, the plurality of feed inlets and the plurality of coating channels are all disposed on the upper die head or the lower die head; or the plurality of feed inlets and the plurality of coating channels are alternately disposed on the upper die head and the lower die head.

[0023] Optionally, the adjusting metering device is disposed inside the die head body.

[0024] Optionally, the adjusting metering device is disposed outside the die head body, wherein,

[0025] Multiple adjustment and metering devices are integrated into a module, and the module is fixedly or detachably connected to the die head body;

[0026] Alternatively, multiple adjustment and metering devices may be set up independently and respectively fixedly or detachably connected to the main body of the mold head.

[0027] A die head feeding control system, comprising:

[0028] The main body of the die head has multiple independent coating channels;

[0029] Multiple feed branch pipes are connected to the multiple coating channels accordingly;

[0030] Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly installed on the multiple feed branch pipes, and can measure and regulate the feed rate to ensure that the flow rate of each feed branch pipe is consistent.

[0031] Optionally, a filter is provided upstream of the regulating metering device.

[0032] Optionally, a pumping device is provided upstream of the regulating metering device, and the pumping device is provided on each feed branch pipe or the feed main pipe;

[0033] Alternatively, a pressure device may be provided upstream of the regulating metering device, and the pressure device may be configured as one or more pressure tanks.

[0034] Optionally, it also includes a return pipeline and a return tank, wherein the return pipeline and the return tank are provided with an overflow valve.

[0035] Optionally, the adjusting metering device is communicatively connected to the areal density meter, and the adjusting metering device can adjust the material feed rate according to the coating quality detected by the areal density meter.

[0036] The coating apparatus and die head feeding control system provided in this application adopt a method in which multiple coating channels are set independently, and each coating channel can realize the function of metering and adjusting the material flow rate. By adjusting the metering device, the material flow rate of each coating channel can be adjusted in a closed loop, which can ensure that the amount of slurry passing through the coating channel is consistent, so as to make the output of each coating channel consistent, thereby achieving the effect of consistent sprayed slurry amount and consistent coating thickness. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 An exploded view of a coating apparatus shown in some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of a coating apparatus shown in some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 3 A perspective view of a die head feeding control system as shown in some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a die head feeding control system shown in some embodiments Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a die head feeding control system shown in some embodiments Figure 2 ;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a die head feeding control system shown in some embodiments. Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a die head feeding control system shown in some embodiments. Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a die head feeding control system shown in some embodiments. Figure 3 .

[0046] In the diagram: 1. Die head body; 101. Upper die head; 102. Lower die head; 103. Gasket; 2. Feed branch pipe; 3. Feed main pipe; 4. Coating tank; 5. Body component; 501. Shell; 502. Moving part; 503. Inlet; 504. Outlet; 6. Drive component; 7. Pumping device; 8. Return pipe; 9. Return valve; 10. Return tank; 11. Overflow valve; 12. Coating roller; 13. Electrode; 14. Pressure cap; 15. Coupling. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] like Figure 1 - Figure 8 As shown in the figure, this application provides a coating apparatus, including a die head body 1 and an adjusting metering device.

[0049] The die head body 1 is provided with multiple coating channels, which are set independently to each other. The outlets of the multiple coating channels (along the width direction of the lip) are arranged at the lip position of the coating die head. During operation, the lip of the die head body 1 is opposite to the electrode 13 on the coating roller 12, and the coating of the electrode is completed by the material discharge through the outlet of the coating channel.

[0050] Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly set on multiple coating channels. Specifically, multiple regulating and metering devices are set one-to-one with multiple coating channels so that each regulating and metering device can measure and regulate the material flow in a coating channel. This allows for individual control of the material flow in each coating channel. In this way, the material flow in each coating channel can be closed-loop regulated by regulating the metering devices, ensuring that the slurry reaching the lip position of the die head body 1 in each coating channel is constant and the same. This ensures that the coating thickness in each area of ​​the lip of the die head body 1 is consistent, achieving coating uniformity and improving coating quality.

[0051] With this configuration, the main body 1 of the die head adopts multiple coating channels that are set independently of each other, and each coating channel can realize the function of metering and adjusting the material flow rate. By adjusting the metering device, the material flow rate of each coating channel can be adjusted in a closed loop, which can ensure that the amount of slurry passing through the coating channel is consistent, so as to make the output of each coating channel consistent, thereby achieving the effect of consistent sprayed slurry and consistent coating thickness.

[0052] In this scheme, the metering device is set as a volumetric metering device, which obtains the corresponding feed amount by measuring the feed volume. Since the properties of the slurry of different batches of batteries are different (viscosity, density and pressure of the slurry), the flow performance of the slurry when passing through the coating channel is also different. By measuring the volume of the slurry passing through the coating channel, the characteristics of the slurry itself will not affect the adjustment of the feed amount, thereby ensuring that the volume of slurry flowing out of each coating channel is consistent in the width direction of the lip, that is, the thickness of the coated slurry is consistent, and the stability of the coating quality is guaranteed.

[0053] The regulating metering device includes a main body component 5 and a driving component 6. The main body component 5 has a housing 501 and a movable component, forming a receiving cavity between the housing 501 and the movable component. When the slurry passes through the receiving cavity, the movable component moves relative to the housing 501 (e.g., rotating or reciprocating) to measure the volume of the slurry. The driving component 6 is connected to the movable component 502 for transmission. The driving component 6 can control the movement speed of the movable component (e.g., rotational speed or reciprocating frequency). When the driving component 6 controls the movable component to move actively relative to the housing 501, it can drive the slurry through the receiving cavity to regulate the volume of the slurry.

[0054] The main body component 5 is configured as a rotary motion mechanism, which measures and adjusts the material feed rate by rotating the actuating element relative to the housing 501. Specifically, the main body component 5 is configured as a cylindrical gear structure or an elliptical gear structure, etc. For example, ... Figure 1In the cylindrical gear structure shown in Figure 5, the moving parts 502 consist of two gears. The housing 501 is mounted on the die head body 1, forming a cavity between the housing 501 and the die head body 1 to accommodate the moving parts. Specifically, the moving parts are embedded in the upper end face of the die head body 1. The two gears mesh and rotate via a drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through the housing 501 and is connected to the drive component 6 via a coupling 15. A pressure cap 14 is provided on the housing 501, and the drive shaft and housing 501 are sealed with packing material. The pressure cap 14 encloses the packing material within the housing. The accommodating cavity consists of multiple chambers formed by the seal between the gear teeth and the housing 501. Each chamber serves as an accommodating cavity. Furthermore, the module of the cylindrical gear can be controlled to be as small as possible, maximizing the number of gear teeth, thus minimizing the volume of each accommodating cavity. This allows for precise measurement and control of the feeding amount. The rotational speed of the moving parts 502 can be increased by the drive component 6, allowing for precise adaptation to the required flow rate. The flow rate can also be adjusted by regulating the rotational speed of the moving parts 502. In the elliptical gear structure, the moving part 502 consists of two elliptical gears. The rotation speed of the elliptical gears is controlled by the drive component 6 to realize the measurement and adjustment of the material feed.

[0055] Alternatively, the main body component 5 can be configured as a reciprocating motion mechanism, which measures and adjusts the material flow rate by the reciprocating motion of the actuator relative to the housing 501. Specifically, the main body component 5 can be configured as a reciprocating multi-plunger structure. In the reciprocating multi-plunger structure, the actuator 502 is a plunger, and the flow rate is adjusted by controlling the speed of the plunger's movement through the drive component 6.

[0056] Adding a filter upstream of the main body component 5 (adjusting and metering device) can remove solid particles from the slurry and ensure the stable operation of the adjusting and metering device.

[0057] The drive component 6 is configured as a servo control device, frequency converter control device, proportional control device, or stepper control device. For example, the drive component 6 can be configured as a servo motor, frequency converter motor, proportional motor, or stepper motor. In this way, by selecting the drive component 6, high-precision pumping control of the main body component 5 can be achieved, thereby improving the accuracy of the control system.

[0058] Taking the drive component 6 as a servo motor and the main body component as a rotary motion mechanism as an example, the servo motor is connected to the gear shaft (the drive shaft of cylindrical gear and elliptical gear), thereby driving the gear to rotate, and the speed of the gear can be adjusted by the servo motor.

[0059] The drive component 6 maintains the movement speed of the moving part 502 at a target value, ensuring that the flow rate of each coating channel remains within the set tolerance range. This target value is related to the manufacturing precision of the main component 5, the upstream and downstream pressure difference, the characteristics of the medium, and temperature. It may vary between different channels or change dynamically, ultimately ensuring that the flow rate of each channel is within the set value and tolerance range. For example, when the inlet pressure is high, the drive component 6 (servo motor) provides a reaction force to the moving part 502 to prevent it from rotating due to pressure, thus avoiding measurement errors. When the inlet pressure is low and insufficient to drive the moving part 502 to rotate, the drive component 6 (servo motor) provides a positive force to drive the moving part to rotate, also avoiding measurement errors. In other words, the drive component 6 (servo motor) ensures that the flow rate delivered by the moving part 502 in each coating channel remains within the set range, taking into account various errors.

[0060] The adjusting metering device also includes a calibration function, which can calibrate the volume of the receiving cavity to determine its exact size. Specifically, the calibration function can be set to the function of the aforementioned actuator or drive component 6. Calibration is performed before the adjusting metering device is put into use, taking into account reasonable manufacturing precision errors, to determine the volume of the receiving cavity in advance. This facilitates subsequent adjustment of the rotational speed based on volume differences during drive device control, ensuring consistent output from all channels.

[0061] In some embodiments, the regulating metering device includes an inlet 503 and an outlet 504. A pressure maintaining device is provided upstream of the inlet 503 to maintain the positive pressure of the inlet 503 within a preset range, ensuring that the pressure at the inlet 503 of the regulating metering device remains stable at a suitable positive pressure to guarantee the power of the slurry feed. The pressure difference between the inlet 503 and the outlet 504 of the regulating metering device should be as small as possible to avoid the influence of pressure difference.

[0062] The pressure maintaining device can be configured as a pumping device 7, which generates pressure in the upstream pipeline of the metering inlet 503 to maintain the positive pressure of the inlet 503 within a preset range, such as a screw pump or gear pump. Alternatively, the pressure maintaining device can be configured as a pneumatic device, which uses its own inherent pressure to maintain the positive pressure of the inlet 503 within a preset range, such as a pressure tank.

[0063] The inlet 503 and outlet 504 of the regulating metering device are equipped with pressure detection devices and pressure compensation devices. The pressure detection devices and pressure compensation devices are connected in communication. In use, the pressure detection devices are used to detect the pressure values ​​of the inlet 503 and outlet 504. If there is a deviation, the pressure compensation devices are used to compensate for the pressure values ​​of the inlet 503 and outlet 504 so that the pressure values ​​of the inlet 503 and outlet 504 are as consistent as possible, so as to offset the impact of the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet 504 on the metering of the regulating metering device.

[0064] In this design, the die head body 1 includes an upper die head 101, a lower die head 102, a gasket 103, and multiple feed ports. The gasket 103 is disposed between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102 to form a partial coating channel near the lip between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102. The multiple feed ports are independently configured and correspond to multiple coating channels. Specifically, the multiple feed ports are connected to the multiple coating channels in a one-to-one or one-to-many manner. When connecting the die head body 1 to the pipeline, the feed branch channels are connected to the corresponding feed ports. Through the feed branch channels, one or more coating channels of the die head body 1 (here, multiple coating channels form a group, and the coating channels in the same group can be adjacent or spaced apart) can be independently supplied with material. During the coating process, the pressure and flow rate between adjacent coating channels will not affect each other, which helps to ensure the consistency of the coating thickness.

[0065] Multiple feed ports and multiple coating channels are provided in the upper die head 101 or the lower die head 102. For example, the feed ports and coating channels are both provided in the upper die head 101, or the feed ports and coating channels are both provided in the lower die head 102.

[0066] Alternatively, multiple feed ports and multiple coating channels may be staggered between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102. For example, the feed port may be located in the upper die head 101 and the coating channel may be located in the lower die head 102. The feed port and the coating channel are connected through the area between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102. Or, for another example, the feed port may be located in the lower die head 102 and the coating channel may be located in the lower die head 102. The feed port and the coating channel are connected through the area between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the adjusting metering device is housed within the die head body 1. Specifically, it can be located between the feed inlet and the coating channel. This allows the adjusting metering device to be concealed within the die head body 1, which helps maintain the overall structural integrity. For example, during assembly, the adjusting metering device can be positioned between the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102. The installation and concealment of the adjusting metering device are achieved through the docking of the upper die head 101 and the lower die head 102.

[0068] In other preferred embodiments, the adjusting metering device is located outside the die head body 1. The adjusting metering device can be set independently relative to the die head body 1, or it can be installed on the outer surface of the die head body 1, so that the adjusting metering device is assembled with the die head body 1. This facilitates the assembly and design of the adjusting metering device and makes maintenance and repair easier.

[0069] For example, multiple regulating and measuring devices can be integrated into a module. This module can be formed by housing multiple regulating and measuring devices within a casing, or by connecting adjacent regulating and measuring devices together. The module is fixedly or detachably connected to the main body 1 of the mold head, further facilitating the assembly of the regulating and measuring devices and maintaining the overall structural integrity.

[0070] For example, multiple adjusting and measuring devices are set up independently and are fixedly or detachably connected to the main body 1 of the mold head. This makes it easier to replace and install when a single adjusting and measuring device is damaged.

[0071] This application also provides a die head feeding control system, comprising a die head body 1, multiple feeding branch pipes 2, and multiple adjusting and metering devices.

[0072] The die head body 1 is provided with multiple coating channels, which are set independently to each other. The outlets of the multiple coating channels (along the width direction of the lip) are arranged at the lip position of the coating die head. During operation, the lip of the die head body 1 is opposite to the electrode on the coating roller, and the coating of the electrode is completed by the material discharge through the outlet of the coating channel.

[0073] Multiple feed branch pipes 2 are connected to multiple coating channels. Specifically, the multiple feed branch pipes 2 and the multiple coating channels can be connected one-to-one, so that multiple coating channels can be fed individually, which is beneficial for individual control of the feed amount of each coating channel. Of course, the multiple feed branch pipes 2 and the multiple coating channels can also be connected one-to-many, so that multiple coating channels (here, multiple coating channels form a group) can be fed through one feed branch pipe 2, which is beneficial for individual control of the feed amount of each group of coating channels. Among them, the coating channels in the same group can be adjacent or spaced apart.

[0074] Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly installed on multiple feed branch pipes 2. Specifically, multiple regulating and metering devices are set one-to-one with multiple feed branch pipes 2 so that each regulating and metering device can measure and regulate the material flow rate in one feed branch pipe 2. Thus, the material flow rate in each feed branch pipe 2 can be controlled individually. In this way, the material flow rate of each feed branch pipe 2 can be closed-loop regulated by regulating and metering devices, which can ensure that the amount of slurry passing through the feed branch pipe 2 is consistent, so that the material flow rate of each coating channel is consistent, thereby achieving consistent sprayed slurry amount, consistent coating thickness, achieving coating uniformity, and improving coating quality.

[0075] With this configuration, the die head body 1 adopts a feeding method with multiple feeding branch pipes 2, and each feeding branch pipe 2 can realize the metering function independently. By adjusting the metering device to make closed-loop adjustment of the material flow on each feeding branch pipe 2, the amount of slurry passing through the feeding branch pipe 2 can be kept consistent, so that the amount of material fed into each feeding port is consistent, thereby achieving the effect of consistent sprayed slurry and consistent coating thickness.

[0076] Each feed branch pipe 2 is equipped with an adjusting metering device, and the number of adjusting metering devices corresponds one-to-one with the number of feed branch pipes 2, enabling individual metering and control of each feed branch pipe 2. In an embodiment where the adjusting metering device has a main body component 5 and a drive component 6, the main body component 5 is located in the passage of the feed branch pipe 2 and can measure the amount of material passing through it (i.e., the amount of slurry passing through the main body component 5 within a specific time). The drive component 6 is communicatively connected to the main body component 5, allowing the drive component 6 to obtain the metering value (i.e., the amount of material passed through it) from the main body component 5. Simultaneously, the drive component 6 is drive-connected to the main body component 5, enabling the output power of the drive component 6 to drive the moving part 502 of the main body component 5. This allows the drive component 6 to control the movement parameters (such as rotation speed, number of rotations, reciprocating frequency, etc.) of the moving part 502 of the main body component 5 based on the metering value (material passing through it), thereby changing the amount of slurry subsequently passing through the main body component 5 and ensuring a consistent feed amount in each coating channel. In this way, by using the drive component 6 and the body component 5 to perform closed-loop adjustment of the material flow rate on each feed branch pipe 2, it can be ensured that the material flow rate reaching the feed port is constant and the same, thereby ensuring that the coating thickness of each area of ​​the lip of the die head body 1 is consistent, achieving coating uniformity and improving coating quality.

[0077] Specifically, by adding a filter upstream of the main body component 5 (adjusting metering device), solid particles in the feed branch pipe 2 can be filtered out, ensuring the stable operation of the main body component 5.

[0078] In some embodiments, a pumping device 7 or a pneumatic device is installed upstream of the regulating metering device. The pumping device 7 is a screw pump or a gear pump, installed on each feed branch pipe 2 or on a main feed pipe 3 (located upstream of the feed branch pipes 2, and connected to multiple feed branch pipes 2). The pneumatic device is one or more pressure tanks connected to multiple feed branch pipes 2. Thus, the pumping device 7 and the pneumatic device can maintain a stable positive pressure at the inlet of the regulating metering device, ensuring the power supply of the slurry.

[0079] In the specific scheme, the die head feeding control system includes a main feeding pipeline 3 and a coating tank 4. One end of the main feeding pipeline 3 is connected to each feeding branch pipeline 2, and the other end of the main feeding pipeline 3 is connected to the coating tank 4, so that the slurry stored in the coating tank 4 is diverted to each feeding branch pipeline 2 through the main feeding pipeline 3.

[0080] To maintain positive pressure within each feed branch pipe 2 and ensure the flowability of the slurry supply, this can be achieved by adding a pumping device 7 or a pneumatic device. Specifically, for example... Figure 6 As shown, a pumping device 7 can be installed on the main feed line 3 to create positive pressure within the main feed line 3. For example, the pumping device 7 can be a screw pump; or, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, air pressure is added inside the coating tank 4 to form an air pressure device, so that the coating tank 4 is set as a pressure tank, and the slurry is driven to flow by the pressure inside the coating tank 4.

[0081] In addition, a constant flow device can be installed on the main feed line 3 or each feed branch line 2. The constant flow device can be a metering pump, such as a screw pump. In this way, by adding a constant flow device, a constant flow rate can be formed and a constant flow rate can be provided to each feed branch line 2, ensuring the metering and coating effects of each feed branch line 2.

[0082] Of course, the die head feeding control system can also achieve positive pressure conveying of slurry by simply setting up a main feed pipeline 3 with a pumping device 7 and connecting it to other slurry receiving devices. Alternatively, the die head feeding control system can also achieve positive pressure conveying of slurry by simply setting up a coating tank 4, which is configured as a pressure tank (pneumatic device) and directly connected to multiple feed branch channels.

[0083] The die head feeding control system is also equipped with a reflux structure. When the die head body 1 stops coating, the slurry in the pipeline can be refluxed through the reflux structure. For example... Figure 8As shown, the reflux structure includes a reflux valve 9, a reflux pipeline 8, and a reflux tank 10. One end of the reflux pipeline 8 is connected to the reflux tank 10, and the other end is connected to the main feed pipeline 3 or each feed branch pipeline 2, so that the slurry on the main feed pipeline 3 or feed branch pipeline 2 flows into the reflux tank 10 through the reflux pipeline 8. The reflux valve 9 is installed on the reflux pipeline 8. When the reflux valve 9 is closed, the slurry will not pass through the reflux pipeline 8, but will enter the die head body 1 through the feed branch pipeline 2. When the die head body 1 stops coating, the reflux valve 9 opens, and the slurry flows into the reflux tank 10 through the reflux pipeline 8 to complete the slurry reflux.

[0084] In the specific scheme, if the coating tank 4 is set as a pressure tank, then the return tank 10 is set as a pressureless tank, and the slurry is returned to the pressureless tank under pressure. If a pumping device 7 is added to the feed branch pipe 2 or the feed main pipe 3, then the return tank 10 does not need to be set as a pressureless tank. The pumping device 7 can pump the slurry to the return tank 10 of any form. Of course, the return tank 10 and the coating tank 4 can be the same structural component.

[0085] When a pumping device 7 is added to the feed branch line 2 or the feed main line 3, an overflow valve 11 is installed in the return line 8 or the return tank 10. Through the design of the overflow valve 11, when the pressure in the return line 8 or the return tank 10 of the pumping device 7 exceeds a specified value, the overflow valve 11 opens, releasing a portion of the pressure in the return line 8 or the return tank 10, ensuring that the pressure in the return line 8 or the return tank 10 does not exceed the allowable value, thereby preventing accidents caused by excessive pressure in the return line 8 or the return tank 10. Specifically, the overflow valve 11 can be a proportional overflow valve 11, a servo overflow valve 11, or a pilot-operated overflow valve 11, etc.

[0086] In other embodiments, the die feeding control system includes multiple coating tanks 4, which are connected to multiple feed branch lines 2 in a one-to-one or one-to-many manner. Each feed branch line 2 is equipped with a pumping device 7, or the coating tank 4 is configured as a pressure tank. This allows for independent pressure control (and slurry backflow) of each feed branch line 2, and the addition of different slurry components to each feed branch line 2 to achieve different coating processes, such as coating the ceramic edge of the positive electrode simultaneously with the active material. Of course, in other solutions, the material conveying capacity of the coating tank 4 can be less than that of the feed branch lines 2, so that multiple feed branch lines 2 are connected to one coating tank 4, which helps to save costs.

[0087] In this scheme, the regulating metering device (drive component 6) is communicatively connected to the areal density meter. The regulating metering device can adjust the material flow rate (i.e., control the action parameters of the moving part 502 of the main body component 5) according to the coating quality detected by the areal density meter. In this way, the regulating metering device on each feed branch pipe 2 and the detection element (areal density meter) of the coating system achieve closed-loop control to accurately control the coating quality. During operation, the regulating metering device and the areal density meter achieve closed-loop control. The areal density meter detects the coating quality and then feeds the result back to the regulating metering device to adjust the material flow rate of the feed branch. Alternatively, the slurry can be manually or automatically tested to detect the solid content of each batch of slurry. The test result is sent to the regulating metering device, which adjusts the material flow rate of the feed branch according to the process requirements to regulate the subsequent material flow rate. Then, the areal density meter is used to verify the results after coating to further verify the test results or accurately calibrate the main body component 5.

[0088] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the die head body and the adjusting metering device in this die head feeding control system can be referred to the specific description of the coating device in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0090] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0091] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0092] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0093] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0094] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A coating apparatus, characterized in that, include: The main body of the die head has multiple independent coating channels; Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly installed on the multiple coating channels, and can measure and adjust the material flow rate to ensure that the flow rate of each coating channel is consistent. The regulating metering device is configured as a volumetric metering device, comprising a main body component and a driving component. The main body component is configured as a cylindrical gear structure or an elliptical gear structure and has a housing and a moving part. A receiving cavity is formed between the housing and the moving part. The driving component is drivenly connected to the moving part and can control the movement speed of the moving part to regulate and meter the material flow. The driving component can maintain the movement speed of the moving part at a target value so that the flow rate of each coating channel is kept within the tolerance range of the set value.

2. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive component is configured as a servo control mechanism, a frequency conversion control mechanism, a proportional control mechanism, or a stepper control mechanism.

3. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating metering device also includes a calibration function to calibrate the volume of the receiving cavity.

4. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating metering device includes an inlet and an outlet, and a pressure maintaining device is provided upstream of the inlet to keep the positive pressure of the inlet within a preset range.

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure maintaining device is configured as a pumping device or a pneumatic device.

6. The coating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet of the regulating metering device are both equipped with pressure detection devices and pressure compensation devices.

7. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The die head body includes an upper die head, a lower die head, a gasket, and multiple feed ports, which are correspondingly arranged with the multiple coating channels.

8. The coating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of feed inlets and the plurality of coating channels are all disposed on the upper die head or the lower die head; or the plurality of feed inlets and the plurality of coating channels are disposed alternately on the upper die head and the lower die head.

9. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting metering device is installed inside the mold head body.

10. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting metering device is located outside the die head body, wherein... Multiple adjustment and metering devices are integrated into a module, and the module is fixedly or detachably connected to the die head body; Alternatively, multiple adjustment and metering devices may be set up independently and respectively fixedly or detachably connected to the main body of the mold head.

11. A die head feeding control system, characterized in that, include: The main body of the die head has multiple independent coating channels; Multiple feed branch pipes are connected to the multiple coating channels accordingly; Multiple regulating and metering devices are correspondingly installed on the multiple feed branch pipes, and can measure and regulate the feed rate to ensure that the flow rate of each feed branch pipe is consistent; The regulating metering device is configured as a volumetric metering device, comprising a main body component and a driving component. The main body component is configured as a cylindrical gear structure or an elliptical gear structure and has a housing and a moving part. A receiving cavity is formed between the housing and the moving part. The driving component is drivenly connected to the moving part and can control the movement speed of the moving part to regulate and meter the material flow. The driving component can maintain the movement speed of the moving part at a target value so that the flow rate of each coating channel is kept within the tolerance range of the set value.

12. The die head feeding control system according to claim 11, characterized in that, A filter is installed upstream of the regulating metering device.

13. The die head feeding control system according to claim 11, characterized in that, A pumping device is installed upstream of the regulating metering device, and the pumping device is installed on each feed branch pipe or the feed main pipe; Alternatively, a pressure device may be provided upstream of the regulating metering device, and the pressure device may be configured as one or more pressure tanks.

14. The die head feeding control system according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a return pipeline and a return tank, and the return pipeline and the return tank are equipped with overflow valves.

15. The die head feeding control system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The adjusting metering device is communicatively connected to the areal density meter, and the adjusting metering device can adjust the material feed rate according to the coating quality detected by the areal density meter.

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