Pole piece blanking device and method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of pole piece production, in particular to a pole piece discharging device and method. The pole piece discharging device comprises a conveying mechanism, a first discharging mechanism, a second discharging mechanism and a sorting box. The conveying mechanism comprises a workbench and a conveying belt. A negative pressure cavity is arranged in the workbench. The conveying belt conveys the pole piece along the length direction of the workbench. The first discharging mechanism is used for feeding gas into the negative pressure cavity to release the negative pressure environment in the workbench. The second discharging mechanism is used for pushing the pole piece on the conveying belt into the sorting box. The first discharging mechanism and the second discharging mechanism are combined, the mechanical discharging and the air charging and negative pressure balancing mode are combined, the rapid discharging is realized, the pole piece is not deformed, the positioning is accurate, and the stacking precision is high. According to the pole piece discharging method, the pole piece is not deformed, the positioning is accurate, and the stacking precision is high by applying the pole piece discharging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrode production technology, and in particular to an electrode feeding device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are a type of power source that provides power to power tools. They have advantages such as long life, practicality and safety, large capacity, small size and light weight, and are widely used in many fields. As a new energy source, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in daily life and various industrial sectors.

[0003] Lithium-ion batteries mainly consist of cells, which are made up of positive electrode plates, first separators, negative electrode plates, and second separators stacked or wound in a preset order.

[0004] The electrodes of a battery cell include a current collector and a material layer. Specifically, the positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive material layer, with the positive material layer coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative material layer, with the negative material layer coated on the surface of the negative current collector.

[0005] In the lithium battery manufacturing process, after the coating process, the electrode sheets need to be die-cut to obtain electrode sheets of the required size. During or after die-cutting, the electrode sheets need to be sorted. The purpose of sorting is to separate electrode sheets that do not meet the size requirements after die-cutting or those with defects such as pores, scratches, and particles on the surface caused by previous processes. After sorting, the sorted electrode sheets need to be placed in different material boxes; this process is called unloading. During the unloading process, on the one hand, the electrode sheets are easily damaged; on the other hand, electrode stacking can cause misalignment, resulting in poor stacking accuracy.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electrode feeding device and method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode feeding device and method that enables rapid electrode feeding, high electrode stacking accuracy, and resistance to damage.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is provided:

[0009] Electrode feeding device, including:

[0010] A conveying mechanism includes a worktable and a conveyor belt. The worktable has a negative pressure chamber inside, and the conveyor belt conveys electrode sheets along the length of the worktable.

[0011] A first feeding mechanism is configured to introduce gas into the negative pressure chamber;

[0012] The second feeding mechanism is configured to push the electrode sheet on the conveyor belt into the sorting box.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the first feeding mechanism includes:

[0014] First driving component;

[0015] The transmission assembly and valve structure are provided, wherein the transmission assembly is disposed at the output end of the first driving member, and the valve structure is disposed at the output end of the transmission assembly, so that the valve structure can switch between a first state in communication with the negative pressure chamber and a second state isolated from the negative pressure chamber.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the valve structure includes:

[0017] The valve body has an air intake area and an exhaust area.

[0018] A piston rod and a sealing ring are provided. The sealing ring is fitted inside the piston rod, and the piston rod is movable within the valve body to allow the sealing ring to block or open the intake zone and the exhaust zone.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the second feeding mechanism includes:

[0020] Second drive unit;

[0021] A pusher is disposed at the output end of the second drive unit, which can drive the pusher to pass through the worktable and push the electrode into the sorting box.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, there are multiple conveyor belts, which are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the worktable, and the pusher is disposed between two adjacent conveyor belts.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment, the number of conveyor belts is n, and the number of pushers is n-1.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the number of negative pressure chambers in the workbench is multiple, and the multiple negative pressure chambers are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the workbench.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment, the electrode feeding device further includes:

[0026] The detection mechanism is configured to detect whether the electrode has reached the feeding position.

[0027] The electrode blanking method, using the aforementioned electrode blanking device, includes the following steps:

[0028] Step S100: Classify the die-cut electrode sheets and place the classified electrode sheets on the conveyor belt;

[0029] Step S200: When the electrode reaches the unloading station, the control mechanism determines whether it needs to be unloaded at this station. If not, the conveyor belt continues to transport the electrode to the next station until it reaches the station where it needs to be unloaded. When it needs to be unloaded at this station, the control mechanism sends a start signal to the first unloading mechanism and the second unloading mechanism at this station. The pusher of the second unloading mechanism moves down and abuts against the electrode. Under the action of both, the electrode falls into the corresponding sorting box.

[0030] Step S300: When the second feeding mechanism reaches the lower limit stroke, the valve structure closes first, cutting off the compressed air supply, restoring the negative pressure environment to the negative pressure chamber, and preparing for the adsorption of the electrode sheet.

[0031] Step S400: The second feeding mechanism returns to the upper limit, the conveyor belt starts, and the next cycle begins.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, in step S200, the time from the start of the pusher moving down to the point of contact with the electrode is T1, and the time from the opening of the valve structure to the point where the gas pressure in the negative pressure chamber equals the pressure outside the worktable 11 is T2. T1 and T2 satisfy: T2≤T1.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] The electrode feeding device provided by this invention includes a conveying mechanism, a first feeding mechanism, a second feeding mechanism, and a sorting box. By combining the first feeding mechanism and the second feeding mechanism, the first feeding mechanism is inflated to break the vacuum and generate a downward pushing force. Combined with the advantages of the second feeding mechanism in terms of rapid mechanical feeding and controllable electrode landing point, it effectively solves the problem of electrode being forcibly peeled and deformed, and effectively improves production efficiency and electrode stacking accuracy. In addition, it can simultaneously feed multiple sections on a single conveyor belt, each with its own feeding function, further improving production efficiency.

[0035] The electrode feeding method provided by this invention, by applying the above-mentioned electrode feeding device, combines mechanical feeding with fixed-point air-filling balanced negative pressure to achieve rapid feeding without electrode deformation. The auxiliary feeding mechanism has the function of air-filling to break the vacuum, which solves the problem of electrode being forcibly peeled and deformed. The electrode is accurately positioned and has high stacking accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the electrode feeding device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the electrode feeding device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the electrode feeding device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve structure in the closed state provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve structure in the open state provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 100. Electrode feeding device;

[0046] 10. Conveying mechanism; 11. Workbench; 111. Top cover plate; 112. Side plate; 113. Bottom plate; 114. Exhaust duct; 115. Negative pressure chamber; 12. Conveyor belt;

[0047] 20. First feeding mechanism; 21. First driving component; 22. Transmission assembly; 221. Transmission component; 222. Control component; 23. Valve structure; 231. Valve body; 2311. Inlet area; 2312. Outlet area; 232. Piston rod; 233. Sealing ring;

[0048] 30. Second feeding mechanism; 31. Pusher component;

[0049] 40. Sorting box;

[0050] 200, Electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0053] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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 communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via 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. Similarly, "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.

[0056] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] In the lithium battery manufacturing process, after the coating process, the electrode sheets need to be die-cut to obtain electrode sheets of the required size. During or after die-cutting, the electrode sheets need to be sorted. The purpose of sorting is to separate electrode sheets that do not meet the size requirements after die-cutting or those with defects such as pores, scratches, and particles on the surface caused by previous processes. After sorting, the sorted electrode sheets need to be placed in different material boxes; this process is called unloading. During the unloading process, on the one hand, the electrode sheets are easily damaged; on the other hand, electrode stacking can cause misalignment, resulting in poor stacking accuracy.

[0059] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1-7 As shown, this embodiment provides an electrode feeding device 100. The electrode feeding device 100 includes a conveying mechanism 10, a first feeding mechanism 20, a second feeding mechanism 30, and a sorting box 40. The conveying mechanism 10 includes a workbench 11 and a conveyor belt 12. A negative pressure chamber 115 is provided inside the workbench 11. The conveyor belt 12 is located below the workbench 11 and has a plurality of holes. Under the action of the negative pressure chamber 115, the electrode 200 is adsorbed onto the side of the conveyor belt 12 away from the workbench 11. Along the width direction of the workbench 11, there are n conveyor belts 12, and n≥2. The electrode 200 is simultaneously adsorbed onto at least two conveyor belts 12, that is, the length extension direction of the electrode 200 is parallel to the width direction of the workbench 11.

[0060] The first feeding mechanism 20 is used to release the negative pressure environment inside the workbench 11, and the second feeding mechanism 30 is used to push the electrode 200 on the conveyor belt 12 into the sorting box 40.

[0061] In one preferred embodiment, the first feeding mechanism 20 also applies a downward pushing force to the electrode 200.

[0062] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the workbench 11 includes an upper cover plate 111, a bottom plate 113, and multiple side plates 112 connecting the upper cover plate 111 and the bottom plate 113. The upper cover plate 111, the bottom plate 113, and the multiple side plates 112 together form a cavity, and multiple negative pressure chambers 115 are provided inside the cavity. The upper cover plate 111 and the side plates 112 of the workbench 11 are each provided with an exhaust pipe 114. One side of the exhaust pipe 114 is connected to the negative pressure chamber 115, and the other side is connected to an external air extraction device for extracting air from the inside of the negative pressure chamber 115. This increases the vacuum degree inside the negative pressure chamber 115, and the internal pressure is less than the external pressure of the workbench 11. This generates an adsorption force on the electrode 200 on the conveyor belt 12, so that it can be firmly adsorbed on the conveyor belt 12 during the transmission process and will not fall off.

[0063] In one embodiment, each negative pressure chamber 115 is connected to one or more exhaust ducts 114.

[0064] In one embodiment, a plurality of negative pressure chambers 115 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the worktable 11, and the intervals between adjacent negative pressure chambers 115 may be the same or different.

[0065] In one embodiment, the number of negative pressure cavities 115 is the same as the number of conveyor belts 12, and in the vertical direction, the projected area of ​​the negative pressure cavities 115 overlaps with the projected area of ​​the conveyor belts 12.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment, the projected area of ​​the negative pressure cavity 115 is larger than the projected area of ​​the conveyor belt 12 in the vertical direction, and the projected area of ​​the negative pressure cavity 115 completely covers the projected area of ​​the conveyor belt 12, thus strengthening the adsorption effect on the electrode 200.

[0067] In one implementation, multiple negative pressure chambers 115 are arranged along the conveyor belt 12 in the conveying direction. Each negative pressure chamber 115 corresponding to a single conveyor belt 12 forms a group, and the number of groups of negative pressure chambers 115 is equal to or greater than the number of conveyor belts 12. This arrangement allows for the individual release of negative pressure at a specific location on the conveyor belt 12 carrying multiple electrode sheets 200 for unloading, without affecting other electrode sheets 200. Using a unified vacuum conveyor line and a segmented unloading and sorting method, high-speed die-cutting and sorting unloading at a rate of less than or equal to 450 pieces per minute can be achieved, enabling high-speed production of electrode sheets 200.

[0068] Optionally, the electrode feeding device 100 further includes a detection mechanism for detecting whether the electrode 200 has reached the feeding position. Specifically, the detection mechanism can be an industrial CCD (charge coupled device) camera. The electrode feeding device 100 also includes a control mechanism, which is signal-connected to the detection mechanism. When the detection mechanism detects that the electrode 200 has reached the feeding position, it transmits a feeding signal to the control mechanism. The control mechanism then controls the first feeding mechanism 20 and the second feeding mechanism 30 to start, feeding the electrode 200 into the corresponding sorting box 40. It should be noted that both the detection mechanism and the control mechanism are existing technologies, and any detection mechanism and control mechanism capable of achieving the above functions can be used in this embodiment.

[0069] Combination Figures 1-4 The specific structure of the second feeding mechanism 30 is described below. The second feeding mechanism 30 is configured to push the electrode 200 on the conveyor belt 12 into the sorting box 40. For example... Figures 1-4 As shown, the second feeding mechanism 30 includes a second driving member (not shown) and a pushing member 31. The pushing member 31 is located at the output end of the second driving member. The second driving member can drive the pushing member 31 through the worktable 11 to push the electrode 200 into the sorting box 40. Specifically, the pushing member 31 has a flat plate structure, which helps to increase the contact area between the pushing member 31 and the electrode 200, making it easier to push the electrode 200 into the sorting box 40. The second driving member can be a servo motor, a linear cylinder, or a robotic arm, etc. During operation, the second driving member drives the pushing member 31 to move up and down in the vertical direction. When the electrode 200 is being transported, the pushing member 31 is flush with the upper cover plate 111 of the worktable 11. Optionally, the thickness of the pushing member 31 is the same as the thickness of the upper cover plate 111. Optionally, the upper surface of the pushing member 31 is flush with the upper surface of the upper cover plate 111. When the electrode 200 is fed, the second drive unit drives the pusher 31 to move downward, the pusher 31 touches the electrode 200 and pushes the electrode 200 into the sorting box 40.

[0070] Furthermore, the number of second feeding mechanisms 30 is the same as the number of sorting boxes 40, which is related to the classification criteria of the electrode sheets 200. From a cost-saving perspective, the number of sorting boxes 40 corresponds to the number of categories of electrode sheets 200, and thus the number of second feeding mechanisms 30. Optionally, there can be multiple second feeding mechanisms 30 and first feeding mechanisms 20, and the number of second feeding mechanisms 30 and first feeding mechanisms 20 can exceed the number of sorting boxes 40, in order to achieve the classification and feeding of multiple electrode sheets 200.

[0071] Furthermore, the number of pusher components 31 is related to the length of the electrode 200. The longer the electrode 200 is, the more flat plate structures are required, generally 1-5.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple conveyor belts 12, which are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the worktable 11, and the pusher 31 is disposed between two adjacent conveyor belts 12. Optionally, the number of conveyor belts 12 is n, and the number of flat plate structures is n-1.

[0073] Combination Figures 1-7 The specific structure of the first feeding mechanism 20 is described below. The first feeding mechanism 20 is configured to introduce gas into the negative pressure chamber 115. For example... Figures 1-7 As shown, the first feeding mechanism 20 includes a first driving component 21, a transmission assembly 22, and a valve structure 23. The transmission assembly 22 is located at the output end of the first driving component 21, and the valve structure 23 is located at the output end of the transmission assembly 22, allowing the valve structure 23 to switch between a first state connected to the negative pressure chamber 115 and a second state isolated from the negative pressure chamber 115. The valve structure 23 is connected to the negative pressure chamber 115 and is used to fill the negative pressure chamber 115 with gas, thereby disrupting the negative pressure state within the working platform cavity. Specifically, the total length of the valve structure 23 is the same as or greater than the length of the adjacent negative pressure chamber 115. The first driving component 21 can be a servo motor.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, valve structure 23 includes valve body 231, piston rod 232, and sealing ring 233. The valve body 231 has an intake area 2311 and an exhaust area. The sealing ring 233 is fitted inside the piston rod 232, which can move within the valve body 231 to block or open the intake area 2311 and the exhaust area. The working process of valve structure 23 is as follows: when the electrode 200 is transmitted, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the piston rod 232 is initially in the closed position. At this time, the sealing ring 233 isolates the exhaust zone and the intake zone 2311. When a feeding signal is received, such as... Figure 7 As shown, piston rod 232 moves to the right and opens, allowing gas to enter the negative pressure chamber 115, breaking the negative pressure state of the negative pressure chamber 115. The direction of the arrow in the figure is the direction of gas flow.

[0075] Furthermore, such as Figure 5As shown, the transmission assembly 22 includes a transmission component 221 and a control component 222. The control component 222 is disposed between the first driving component 21 and the transmission component 221. The control component 222 is used to control the transmission component 221 to engage or disengage from the output end of the first driving component 21 without stopping its rotation. The control component 222 is signal-connected to the control mechanism to facilitate the automatic movement of the piston rod 232. The control component 222 can be any existing electromagnetic clutch. The transmission component 221 can be an eccentric wheel structure to facilitate the conversion of the rotation of the output end of the first driving component 21 into the translational movement of the piston rod 232 along the width direction of the worktable 11.

[0076] Specifically, during operation, the servo motor maintains a set speed. When a feeding signal is received, the control component 222 is activated, the transmission component 221 rotates, and the rotation is converted into linear movement of the piston rod 232 through the linkage mechanism. The air intake area 2311 is connected to the exhaust area. When the eccentric wheel rotates back to the starting position, it sends a power-off signal to the controller, and the entire valve completes one inflation process.

[0077] In one preferred embodiment, along the width direction of the worktable 11, the pusher 31 of the second feeding mechanism 30 is sandwiched between adjacent negative pressure chambers 115 connected to the valve structure 23 of the first feeding mechanism 20.

[0078] For ease of understanding, combined with Figures 1-7 The working process of the electrode feeding device 100 is described below:

[0079] 1) The air extraction device draws negative pressure into the negative pressure chamber 115 in the workbench 11 so that the conveyor belt 12 adsorbs the electrode 200, and the conveyor belt 12 drives the electrode 200 to move along the length of the workbench 11.

[0080] 2) The detection mechanism detects whether the electrode 200 has reached the unloading position. When the electrode 200 has not reached the unloading position, the conveyor belt 12 continues to drive the electrode 200 to move. When the electrode 200 reaches the unloading position, the control mechanism controls the first drive member 21 and the second drive member to work simultaneously. The first drive member 21 drives the piston rod 232 to move so that the air inlet area 2311 and the air outlet area 2312 are connected, and the negative pressure environment of the negative pressure chamber 115 corresponding to the unloading position is released. The second drive member drives the pusher 31 to move down and push the electrode 200 into the sorting box 40 corresponding to the unloading position.

[0081] 3) When the second driving component reaches the lower limit stroke, the first driving component 21 drives the piston rod 232 to close the valve mechanism first, cut off the compressed gas supply, restore the vacuum in the vacuum adsorption chamber, and prepare for the adsorption of the lower electrode 200.

[0082] 4) The second drive unit returns to the upper limit, the conveyor belt 12 starts, adsorbs the electrode 200, and enters the next electrode 200 feeding cycle.

[0083] By combining the first feeding mechanism 20 and the second feeding mechanism 30, the vacuum adsorption conveying function of the worktable 11 is retained. The second feeding mechanism 30 utilizes the advantages of rapid mechanical feeding and controllable electrode 200 landing point. In areas of the electrode 200 that mechanical feeding cannot reach, the first feeding mechanism 20's vacuum-breaking function is used to assist, solving the problem of electrode 200 being forcefully peeled and deformed. This achieves speed, precise positioning, and no damage to the electrode 200. It can simultaneously feed multiple electrodes on a single conveyor belt at multiple speeds and also has an individual feeding function. The stacking accuracy of the electrode 200 is guaranteed to be ≤±0.15mm.

[0084] Specifically, the advantages of mechanical feeding are rapid response, precise positioning, and controllable speed and timing of feeding. During feeding, the electrode 200 experiences uniform force at all positions, resulting in precise landing points. The disadvantage is space consumption; in stations where feeding is not required but only conveying is needed, it interferes with negative pressure adsorption, occupying the negative pressure adsorption position on the conveyor belt. The advantages of inflation-based negative pressure breaking are good electrode 200 conveying performance, less force applied to the electrode 200 during descent, and less damage to the electrode 200. The disadvantages are slow inflation response, difficulty in controlling the air volume, and uncontrollable descent state and position of the electrode 200 under the combined effects of gravity and inflation. By combining the two methods, the vacuum adsorption conveying function is retained, utilizing the speed of mechanical feeding and the controllable landing point of the electrode 200. In areas of the electrode 200 that mechanical feeding cannot reach, the inflation-based vacuum breaking function solves the problem of the electrode 200 being forcefully peeled and deformed, ensuring the stacking accuracy of the electrode 200.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] This embodiment provides an electrode blanking method, which is completed using the electrode blanking device 100 of Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps:

[0087] Step S100: Classify the die-cut electrode sheets 200 and place the classified electrode sheets 200 on the conveyor belt 12;

[0088] Step S200: When the electrode 200 arrives at the unloading station, the control mechanism determines whether it needs to be unloaded at this station. If not, the conveyor belt 12 continues to transport it to the next station until the electrode 200 needs to be unloaded. When it needs to be unloaded at this station, the control mechanism sends a start signal to the first unloading mechanism 20 and the second unloading mechanism 30 at this station. The first unloading mechanism 20 introduces gas into the negative pressure chamber 115, and the pusher 31 of the second unloading mechanism 30 moves down and abuts against the electrode 200. Under the action of the two, the electrode 200 falls into the corresponding sorting box 40.

[0089] Step S300: When the second feeding mechanism 30 reaches the lower limit stroke, the valve structure 23 closes first, cutting off the gas supply, restoring the negative pressure environment of the negative pressure chamber 115, and preparing for the adsorption of the lower electrode 200.

[0090] In step S400, the second feeding mechanism 30 returns to the upper limit, the conveyor belt 12 starts, and the next cycle begins.

[0091] It is understandable that the "material unloading station" in step S200 refers to the position where the sorting box 40 is placed.

[0092] In one implementation, the gas in steps S200 and S300 is a high-pressure gas.

[0093] In one implementation method, the pressure of the high-pressure gas is 0.1MPa-0.7MPa.

[0094] In one implementation, the "lower limit stroke" of the second drive member in step 300 refers to the pusher 31 moving to the sorting box 40 opening. Alternatively, the straight-line distance between the upper surface of the pusher 31 and the side of the conveyor belt 12 away from the worktable 11 is 20mm-45mm.

[0095] In one preferred embodiment, the time from the start of the pusher 31 moving downwards to contact with the electrode 200 is T1, and the time from the opening of the valve structure 23 to the gas pressure in the negative pressure chamber 115 equaling the pressure outside the worktable 11 is T2. T1 and T2 satisfy: T2≤T1. The purpose of this arrangement is that the pusher 31 will generate a downward force F2 on the electrode 200 and an adsorption force F1 on the electrode 200 by the negative pressure chamber 115. Since the electrode 200 is thin and has low rigidity, the difference between the two forces is greater than the rigidity force F0 of the electrode 200 itself, and the electrode 200 is easily deformed, damaged, or scrapped.

[0096] As one preferred implementation, T1 satisfies 10ms≤T1≤1000ms.

[0097] In one preferred embodiment, the first feeding mechanism 20 fills the negative pressure chamber 115 with gas until the gas pressure inside the negative pressure chamber 115 is greater than the pressure outside the worktable 11, thereby generating a downward force F3 on the electrode 200.

[0098] Furthermore, in step 200, the electrode 200 is fed into the material box under the combined action of the pushing force F2 and the force F3 of the pusher 31.

[0099] In one preferred embodiment, the material feeding method provided in this application continues to perform evacuation operation in the evacuation pipe 14 during material feeding to reduce vacuum restart time and achieve high-speed production.

[0100] Note that in the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0101] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrode feeding device, characterized in that, include: The conveying mechanism (10) includes a workbench (11) and a conveyor belt (12). The workbench (11) has a negative pressure chamber (115) inside. The conveyor belt (12) conveys the electrode sheet (200) along the length of the workbench (11). A first feeding mechanism (20) is configured to introduce gas into the negative pressure chamber (115); The second feeding mechanism (30) is configured to push the electrode (200) on the conveyor belt (12) into the sorting box (40); The first feeding mechanism (20) includes: First driving component (21); The transmission assembly (22) and valve structure (23) are provided. The transmission assembly (22) is located at the output end of the first drive member (21), and the valve structure (23) is located at the output end of the transmission assembly (22) so that the valve structure (23) can switch between a first state connected to the negative pressure chamber (115) and a second state isolated from the negative pressure chamber (115). The total length of the valve structure (23) is the same as or greater than the length of the adjacent negative pressure chamber (115). The valve structure (23) includes: The valve body (231) has an air intake area (2311) and an exhaust area. A piston rod (232) and a sealing ring (233) are provided. The sealing ring (233) is fitted inside the piston rod (232). The piston rod (232) can move within the valve body (231) so that the sealing ring (233) can block or open the intake area (2311) and the exhaust area. The number of negative pressure chambers (115) in the workbench (11) is multiple, and the multiple negative pressure chambers (115) are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the workbench (11); The second feeding mechanism (30) includes: Second drive unit; A pusher (31) is provided at the output end of the second drive unit. The second drive unit can drive the pusher (31) through the worktable (11) to push the electrode (200) into the sorting box (40). The time from the start of the pusher (31) moving down to the point of contact with the electrode (200) is T1. The time from the opening of the valve structure (23) to the gas pressure in the negative pressure chamber (115) being equal to the pressure outside the worktable (11) is T2. T1 and T2 satisfy: T2≤T1.

2. The electrode feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the conveyor belts (12) is multiple, and the multiple conveyor belts (12) are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the worktable (11). The pusher (31) is arranged between two adjacent conveyor belts (12).

3. The electrode feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the conveyor belts (12) is n, and the number of the pushers (31) is n-1.

4. The electrode feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The electrode feeding device further includes: The detection mechanism is configured to detect whether the electrode (200) has reached the feeding position.

5. A method for feeding electrode sheets, characterized in that, The electrode feeding device as described in any one of claims 1-4 is used to complete the process, which includes the following steps: Step S100: Classify the die-cut electrode sheets (200) and place the classified electrode sheets (200) on the conveyor belt (12); Step S200: When the electrode (200) arrives at the unloading station, the control mechanism determines whether it needs to be unloaded at this station. If not, the conveyor belt (12) continues to transport it to the next station until the electrode (200) needs to be unloaded. When it needs to be unloaded at this station, the control mechanism sends a start signal to the first unloading mechanism (20) and the second unloading mechanism (30) at this station. The valve structure (23) of the first unloading mechanism (20) introduces gas into the negative pressure chamber (115). The pusher (31) of the second unloading mechanism (30) moves down and abuts against the electrode (200). The electrode (200) falls into the corresponding sorting box (40) under the action of the two. Step S300: When the second feeding mechanism (30) reaches the lower limit stroke, the valve structure (23) closes first, cuts off the gas filling, restores the negative pressure environment of the negative pressure chamber (115), and prepares for the adsorption of the electrode (200) below; In step S400, the second feeding mechanism (30) returns to the upper limit, and the conveyor belt (12) starts to enter the next cycle.

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