Cylindrical full-tab cell end face spraying method and device

Abstract

The application provides a cylindrical full-tab battery cell end face spraying method and device, and relates to the technical field of battery production and manufacturing. The method comprises the following steps: storing metal liquid to be sprayed in a constant-temperature holding mechanism; performing atomization and flow regulation on the metal liquid in the constant-temperature holding mechanism; and spraying the atomized and flow-regulated metal liquid to the battery cell end face. In the method, the battery cell end face can form a metal layer with sufficient flatness, and no debris is generated, so that the problem that debris generated by traditional extrusion and beating methods easily causes short circuit can be effectively solved, and the performance and safety of the battery can be improved. Compared with the traditional extrusion or beating method which needs a long time to achieve ideal end face flatness, the spraying method can quickly achieve high-quality end face flatness, meets the production requirements of high quality, can greatly shorten the flattening time, improve the production rhythm of the cylindrical full-tab battery, is beneficial to subsequent current collector plate welding, and can accelerate the production efficiency.

Description

A method and apparatus for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical full-tab battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of cylindrical all-tab batteries, the end face of the battery core is usually leveled to improve product quality and production efficiency. Existing technologies employ methods such as pressing and patting to achieve this leveling. For example, a flattened head with a certain degree of flatness is used to press or pat the end face of the core, making it flatter.

[0003] However, in traditional extrusion and patting methods, debris is generated when the flattening head and other structures contact the end face of the core. This debris remaining in the cell can lead to short circuits, affecting battery performance and causing safety issues. Furthermore, due to the limitations of extrusion and patting methods, the resulting end face flatness is insufficient, failing to meet high-quality production requirements. In other words, traditional extrusion and patting methods suffer from safety issues due to debris generation and low-quality issues due to insufficient end face flatness. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method and apparatus for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell, which solves the defects of the traditional extrusion and patting methods in the prior art, such as safety issues caused by debris generation and low quality issues caused by poor end face flatness.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell is provided, comprising:

[0006] Preparation steps: Store the molten metal to be sprayed in a constant temperature holding device;

[0007] Atomization and rectification steps: The molten metal in the constant temperature holding mechanism is atomized and rectified;

[0008] First spraying step: Spray the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell.

[0009] According to the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell includes, prior to the first spraying step:

[0010] Dust removal steps: Negative pressure suction treatment is applied to the end face of the battery cell.

[0011] According to the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell includes, prior to the first spraying step:

[0012] Protection steps: Insert a protective pin or rubber plug into the center hole on the end face of the battery cell.

[0013] According to the present invention, a method for spraying a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell end face is provided, wherein the first spraying step of spraying atomized liquid metal onto the battery cell end face includes:

[0014] The spraying mechanism is positioned collinear with the centerline of the battery cell to spray the end face of the battery cell.

[0015] Then, the spraying mechanism is moved along a predetermined path, so that the spraying mechanism sprays the end face of the battery cell at multiple positions on the predetermined path. The predetermined path is a straight path parallel to the radial direction of the battery cell or a circumferential path around the axis of the battery cell.

[0016] According to the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell is provided, wherein the first spraying step further includes:

[0017] Obtain the concave and convex areas on the end face of the battery cell, determine the position of the concave area and the highest point of the convex area, and use the highest point of the convex area as a reference to change the spraying position so that the atomized liquid metal fills the concave area and the surface of the liquid metal sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell is flush with the highest point of the convex area.

[0018] According to the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell includes, after the first spraying step:

[0019] The second spraying step: rotate the battery cell 180° around a rotation axis perpendicular to its center line, so that the other end face of the battery cell faces the spraying mechanism, so that the spraying mechanism sprays the other end face of the battery cell.

[0020] According to the present invention, a method for spraying coating on the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell includes, after the second spraying step:

[0021] Post-processing steps: Remove the protective pins or rubber plugs from the battery cell and cool the end face of the battery cell.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for implementing the end-face spraying method for cylindrical omnipolar battery cells as described in any of the first aspects of the present invention, the apparatus comprising: a support base, a spraying mechanism, and a battery cell fixing mechanism, wherein,

[0023] The spraying mechanism is fixedly mounted on the support base, and the cell fixing mechanism is movably mounted on the support base. The cell fixing mechanism can move toward the spraying mechanism. The cell fixing mechanism is used to fix the cell and can make the end face of the cell face toward the spraying mechanism. The spraying mechanism is used to spray atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the cell on the cell fixing mechanism.

[0024] According to an apparatus provided by the present invention, the apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism movably disposed on the support base, the clamping mechanism being movable toward the cell fixing mechanism, the clamping mechanism being used to insert a protective pin or a rubber plug into the center hole of the cell on the cell fixing mechanism, and to pull out the protective pin or the rubber plug from the cell on the cell fixing mechanism.

[0025] According to an apparatus provided by the present invention, the battery cell fixing mechanism includes a sliding base, a rotating platform, and a clamping seat. The sliding base is movably connected to the support base. The rotating platform is fixedly disposed on the top of the sliding base. The clamping seat is disposed on the top of the rotating platform. The clamping seat is used to fix the battery cell. The rotating platform is capable of controlling the clamping seat to rotate 180° in the horizontal plane.

[0026] In the cylindrical all-tab battery cell end-face spraying method provided by this invention, the atomized molten metal can be sprayed onto the cell end-face, allowing a metal layer with sufficient flatness to be formed without generating debris. This effectively solves the problem of short circuits caused by debris generated by traditional extrusion and tapping methods, thus improving battery performance and safety. Moreover, compared to traditional extrusion or tapping methods that require a long time to achieve ideal end-face flatness, the spraying method can quickly achieve high-quality end-face flatness, meeting high-quality production requirements. It can significantly shorten the flattening time, increase the production cycle of cylindrical all-tab batteries, facilitate subsequent current collector welding, improve battery quality and stability, and accelerate production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention 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 some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 is a simplified flowchart of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell end face spraying method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus for implementing a method for spraying the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the spraying mechanism in an apparatus for implementing a method of spraying the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Support base; 2. Spraying mechanism; 3. Battery cell fixing mechanism; 4. Battery cell; 5. Protective pin; 6. Clamping mechanism; 7. Sliding base; 8. Rotating platform; 9. Clamping seat; 21. Spray gun head; 22. Three-axis moving platform. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell are provided. In this method, atomized liquid metal is sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell, resulting in a metal layer with sufficient flatness. Compared with traditional extrusion or patting methods, this method does not produce debris and yields a smoother end face. The method and apparatus for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell according to this embodiment are further described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the end face spraying method for cylindrical full-tab battery cells in this embodiment includes:

[0036] Preparation step S1: Store the liquid metal to be sprayed in a constant temperature holding mechanism;

[0037] Atomization and rectification step S2: The molten metal in the constant temperature holding mechanism is atomized and rectified;

[0038] First spraying step S3: Spray the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell.

[0039] In preparation step S1, the liquid metal can be stored using a constant temperature holding mechanism according to the usage requirements, and the liquid metal to be sprayed can be prepared in advance.

[0040] For example, when it is necessary to form a copper-aluminum alloy metal layer on the end face of the battery cell, liquid copper and liquid aluminum can be mixed to form a metal mixture liquid that can be sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell, and then the corresponding metal mixture liquid is stored in a temperature-controlled mechanism. Optionally, the mixing ratio of aluminum and copper can be from 1:1 to 1:1.5.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, in order to keep the metal mixture liquid in a liquid state at all times, the constant temperature holding mechanism has a storage cavity, a heating mechanism and a temperature detection mechanism. The storage cavity can store the mixed metal liquid, the heating mechanism can heat the storage cavity, and the temperature detection mechanism can detect the temperature inside the storage cavity.

[0042] The mixed molten metal can be placed in the storage chamber, and the temperature detection mechanism can monitor the temperature of the mixed molten metal in real time. The staff can set the preset temperature value of the mixed molten metal according to the production needs.

[0043] In practical use, when the temperature detection mechanism detects that the temperature of the molten metal in the storage chamber is lower than a first temperature value, it can control the heating mechanism to start, thereby heating the molten metal in the storage chamber and preventing it from hardening due to low temperature. Conversely, when the temperature detection mechanism detects that the temperature of the molten metal in the storage chamber is higher than a second temperature value, it can control the heating mechanism to shut down, thus avoiding safety hazards caused by excessively high temperatures in the molten metal in the storage chamber, and also reducing energy consumption. The first temperature value is lower than the second temperature value.

[0044] In the atomization and rectification step S2, an ultrasonic oscillator or similar device can be used to atomize the mixed liquid metal into a gas, and then a gas rectification mechanism is used to rectify the atomized liquid metal.

[0045] For example, the ultrasonic oscillator can be housed within a temperature-controlled mechanism. When a spraying operation is required, the ultrasonic oscillator can be activated to atomize the molten metal in the storage chamber. Simultaneously, carrier gas is introduced into the storage chamber through a carrier gas input mechanism. The carrier gas mixes with the atomized molten metal to form a metal-mixed gas. The metal-mixed gas is then guided to a gas rectification mechanism, which rectifies the gas flow to create a stable mist flow.

[0046] In the first spraying step S3, the atomized liquid metal can be sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell using a spraying mechanism.

[0047] For example, the gas rectification mechanism can be connected to the spraying mechanism 2 to guide the stable flow of mist to the spraying mechanism 2. The exhaust fan in the spraying mechanism 2 is started and the spraying valve is opened at the same time, so that the stable flow of mist is sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell 4, so that the particulate metal in the metal mixture gas can remain on the end face of the battery cell, and finally form a metal layer with sufficient flatness on the end face of the battery cell.

[0048] Optionally, the carrier gas introduced into the storage chamber can be nitrogen or compressed air.

[0049] Optionally, the temperature range of the stable flowing mist can be 660.37 to 1083.4℃.

[0050] Optionally, the gas pressure when the steadily flowing mist is sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell 4 can be 0.8 to 5 MPa. Moreover, this gas pressure can be controlled by a flow valve installed in the spraying mechanism 2.

[0051] Optionally, the distance between the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 and the end face of the battery cell 4 can be in the range of 10 to 25 mm.

[0052] Compared to leveling methods such as squeezing or patting, the spraying method in this embodiment does not produce debris and can produce a smoother end face.

[0053] Correspondingly, in order to realize the cylindrical omni-tab cell end face spraying method in this embodiment, as described above, this embodiment also provides an apparatus for realizing the cylindrical omni-tab cell end face spraying method, as shown in FIG2. The apparatus includes: a support base 1, a spraying mechanism 2 and a cell fixing mechanism 3.

[0054] Specifically, the spraying mechanism 2 is fixedly mounted on the support base 1, and the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 is movably mounted on the support base 1. The battery cell fixing mechanism 3 can move toward the spraying mechanism 2. The battery cell fixing mechanism 3 is used to fix the battery cell 4 and can make the end face of the battery cell 4 face the spraying mechanism 2. The spraying mechanism 2 is used to spray the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell 4 on the battery cell fixing mechanism 3.

[0055] In one implementation, the support base 1 can be fixedly mounted on a horizontal surface. The support base 1 has a slide rail extending horizontally. The spraying mechanism 2 is fixedly mounted at one end of the slide rail, and the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 is movably mounted on the slide rail. The battery cell fixing mechanism 3 can move along the track direction of the slide rail by means of a motor or other mechanism, and the battery cell 4 can be fixed on the battery cell fixing mechanism 3. The spraying mechanism 2 can receive atomized liquid metal and spray it onto the end face of the battery cell 4 on the battery cell fixing mechanism 3.

[0056] For example, in actual production, the gripping mechanism from the previous station can grip the battery cell 4 and place it on the battery cell fixing mechanism 3. The battery cell fixing mechanism 3 can fix the battery cell 4 by clamping or vacuum adsorption. Then, the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 moves along the support base 1 toward the spraying mechanism 2, so that the end face of the battery cell 4 faces the spraying mechanism 2. After the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 moves to the spraying position, the spraying mechanism 2 can spray the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell 4.

[0057] Optionally, the eccentricity of the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 relative to the center hole of the battery cell 4 can be ±1mm.

[0058] Optionally, the depth of the liquid metal sprayed onto the four end faces of the battery cell can range from 1.5 to 2 mm.

[0059] Before spraying the end face of the battery cell, there may be debris or other impurities on the end face, which may affect the smoothness of the end face after spraying. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical all-tab battery cell end face spraying method of this embodiment includes the following steps before atomization step S3:

[0060] Dust removal step S4: Perform negative pressure suction treatment on the end face of the battery cell.

[0061] For example, a negative pressure suction mechanism can be used to perform negative pressure suction on the four end faces of the battery cell to achieve dust removal. For instance, the device in this embodiment is also provided with a negative pressure suction mechanism, which includes a dust extraction pipe and a vacuum pump. One end of the dust extraction pipe is connected to the vacuum pump, and the other end is formed as an opening.

[0062] In the actual production process, before spraying the end face of the battery cell 4, for example, after the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 moves the battery cell 4 to the spraying position and waits for the spraying operation to be performed, the other end of the dust extraction pipe can be turned towards the end face of the battery cell. Then, the vacuum pump is started to suck away the dust and other impurities on the end face of the battery cell 4 by negative pressure suction, so as to provide a good precondition environment for the spraying operation.

[0063] It is understandable that since the dust removal step S4 is for processing the battery cell, and the preparation step S1 and atomization step S2 are for processing the molten metal, the dust removal step S4 can be performed after the preparation step S1 and atomization step S2, as shown in Figure 1, or it can be performed before the preparation step S1 and atomization step S2.

[0064] Furthermore, to prevent the atomized molten metal from clogging the center hole on the end face of the battery cell 4 during spraying, as shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical full-tab battery cell end face spraying method of this embodiment includes the following steps before the first spraying step S3:

[0065] Protection step S5: Insert a protection pin or rubber plug into the center hole on the end face of the battery cell.

[0066] For example, the protective pin 5 can be inserted into the center hole of the end face of the battery cell 4 by means of the clamping mechanism 6. For example, as shown in FIG2, the device of this embodiment is provided with a clamping mechanism 6, which can clamp the protective pin 5 and insert the protective pin 5 into the center hole of the end face of the battery cell 4 along the axial direction of the battery cell 4.

[0067] Specifically, the clamping mechanism 6 is movably disposed on the support base 1. The clamping mechanism 6 can move toward the cell fixing mechanism 3. The clamping mechanism 6 is used to insert the protective pin 5 into the center hole of the cell 4 on the cell fixing mechanism 3, and to pull the protective pin 5 out of the cell 4 on the cell fixing mechanism 3.

[0068] In actual production, before spraying the end face of the battery cell 4 and after dust removal treatment of the end face of the battery cell 4, for example, before the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 moves the battery cell 4 to the spraying position, the clamping mechanism 6 can be controlled to move toward the battery cell fixing mechanism 3, so that the clamping mechanism 6 inserts the protective pin 5 into the center hole of the end face of the battery cell 4, wherein the end of the protective pin 5 can protrude from the end face of the battery cell 4.

[0069] Accordingly, after the end face of the battery cell 4 is coated, the clamping mechanism 6 can be controlled to clamp the protective pin so that the protective pin 5 can be removed from the center hole of the end face of the battery cell 4.

[0070] Alternatively, the protective pin 5 may be constructed from a high-temperature resistant non-metallic material.

[0071] Similarly, the rubber plug can be inserted into the center hole of the battery cell end face in the same way using the clamping mechanism 6.

[0072] It is understood that the protection step S5 can be performed after the dust removal step S4 and before the first spraying step S3, as shown in Figure 2, or it can be performed before the dust removal step S4.

[0073] To achieve effective spraying, in this embodiment, the first spraying step S3 includes spraying the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell, which includes:

[0074] The spraying mechanism is positioned collinear with the centerline of the battery cell to spray the end face of the battery cell.

[0075] Then, the spraying mechanism is moved along a predetermined path, so that the spraying mechanism sprays the end face of the battery cell at multiple positions on the predetermined path. The predetermined path is a straight path parallel to the radial direction of the battery cell or a circumferential path around the axis of the battery cell.

[0076] Specifically, during the process of spraying the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell, the spraying mechanism can first be aligned with the axial position of the battery cell and spray the battery cell for the first time. After that, the spraying mechanism can be moved along the radial direction of the battery cell or moved in a circular motion around the axial line of the battery cell, so that the spraying mechanism can spray the end face of the battery cell multiple times at other positions.

[0077] In one specific embodiment, in order to ensure that the atomized liquid metal can be fully sprayed onto the entire four end faces of the battery cell, it can be sprayed in three stages.

[0078] Specifically, referring to Figure 2, during the first spraying, the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 can be kept coaxial with the center hole of the battery cell 4 to spray the end face of the battery cell. During the second and third spraying, the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 can be offset vertically by 1mm or horizontally by 1mm relative to the center hole of the battery cell 4 to perform two additional sprayings.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, other forms of spraying methods can also be adopted. For example, it can be sprayed in five stages. During the first spraying, the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 can be kept coaxial with the center hole of the battery cell 4. During the second to fifth spraying, the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 can be offset vertically by 1 mm and horizontally by 1 mm relative to the center hole of the battery cell 4 to perform the remaining four spraying stages.

[0080] Optionally, the travel speed of the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 during the spraying operation can be 20-40 mm / s.

[0081] As one implementation, as shown in Figure 3, the spraying mechanism 2 may include a spray gun head 21 and a three-axis moving platform 22. The spray gun head 21 is mounted on the three-axis moving platform 22, which is fixedly mounted on the support base 1. Under the control of the three-axis moving platform 22, the spray gun head 21 can move along a certain trajectory and spray the end face of the battery cell 4 during the movement.

[0082] In actual production, there may be pits or protrusions on the end face of the battery cell. In order to ensure that the end face of the battery cell has sufficient flatness after spraying the liquid metal, the flatness of the end face of the battery cell can be obtained in advance in the first spraying step S3 of this embodiment. Based on the flatness of the end face of the battery cell, the spraying position is adjusted and the end face of the battery cell is re-sprayed.

[0083] Specifically, in the method of this embodiment, the first spraying step S3 further includes:

[0084] Obtain the concave and convex areas on the end face of the battery cell, determine the position of the concave area and the highest point of the convex area, and use the highest point of the convex area as a reference to change the spraying position so that the atomized liquid metal fills the concave area and the surface of the liquid metal sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell is flush with the highest point of the convex area.

[0085] For example, the device in this embodiment is equipped with a three-dimensional imaging mechanism, which can capture images of the end face of the battery cell 4. Furthermore, the three-dimensional imaging mechanism can generate a three-dimensional spatial model corresponding to the end face of the battery cell 4 based on the captured images. This three-dimensional spatial model includes concave and convex regions of the end face of the battery cell 4. The spraying mechanism 2 can obtain the position of the concave region and the highest point of the convex region from this three-dimensional spatial model. Then, during the spraying process, after the initial spraying is completed, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the battery cell 4, the spraying mechanism 2 controls the spraying of the end face of the battery cell 4 with the plane containing the highest point of the convex region as a reference. The spraying mechanism 2 also changes the distance and position between the spray gun head and the end face of the battery cell 4, so that the atomized liquid metal is sprayed and fills the concave region, while simultaneously ensuring that the surface of the liquid metal sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell 4 is flush with the highest point of the convex region.

[0086] As a result, the liquid metal sprayed onto the four ends of the battery cell can form a planar structure with sufficient flatness.

[0087] Furthermore, in the cylindrical omnipolar battery cell end-face spraying method of this embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the process after the first spraying step S3 includes:

[0088] Second spraying step S6: Rotate the battery cell 180° around a rotation axis perpendicular to its center line so that the other end face of the battery cell faces the spraying mechanism, and the spraying mechanism sprays the atomized liquid metal onto the other end face of the battery cell.

[0089] Specifically, in the device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the clamping mechanism 6 and the spraying mechanism 2 are located on both sides of the cell fixing mechanism 3 along the length direction of the support base 1. However, both end faces of the cylindrical full-tab cell need to be sprayed. In this embodiment, in the second spraying step S6, after the end face of one side of the cell 4 is sprayed, the cell fixing mechanism 3 controls the cell to rotate 180° in the horizontal plane, so that the end face of the cell 4 on the other side without the sprayed liquid metal faces the spraying mechanism 2, so that the spraying mechanism 2 can spray the atomized liquid metal onto the other end face of the cell 4.

[0090] To meet the rotation requirements of the battery cell, as one implementation method, as shown in Figure 2, the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 includes a sliding base 7, a rotating platform 8, and a clamping seat 9. The sliding base 7 is movably connected to the support base 1. The rotating platform 8 is fixedly disposed on the top of the sliding base 7. The clamping seat 9 is disposed on the top of the rotating platform 8. The clamping seat 9 is used to fix the battery cell. The rotating platform 8 can control the clamping seat 9 to rotate in the horizontal plane.

[0091] In practical use, the clamping seat 9 can fix the battery cell 4 by clamping. When the gripping mechanism of the previous station grips the battery cell 4 and places it on the battery cell fixing mechanism 3, the clamping seat 9 can clamp and fix the battery cell 4. Then, the sliding base 7 moves along the support base 1 toward the spraying mechanism 2. After the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 moves to the spraying position, the rotating platform 8 can rotate the clamping seat 9 so that the end face of the battery cell 4 faces the spraying mechanism 2. After the spraying operation is completed, the rotating platform 8 controls the clamping seat 9 to rotate 180° in the horizontal plane so that the other end face of the battery cell 4 faces the spraying mechanism 2, so that the spraying mechanism 2 can spray the other end face of the battery cell 4.

[0092] Similarly, the second spraying step S6 may also include: obtaining the concave area and convex area of ​​the cell end face, obtaining the position of the concave area and the highest point of the convex area, and changing the spraying position based on the highest point of the convex area so that the atomized liquid metal fills the concave area and the surface of the liquid metal sprayed onto the cell end face is flush with the highest point of the convex area.

[0093] After the spraying operation at both ends of the battery cell 4 is completed, the protective pin 5 or rubber stopper needs to be removed from the battery cell 4. Furthermore, the metal sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell 4 needs to be cooled. Therefore, in this embodiment, the method further includes the following after the first spraying step S3:

[0094] Post-processing step S7: Remove the protective pin or rubber plug from the battery cell and cool the end face of the battery cell.

[0095] Specifically, after the spraying mechanism 2 sprays the atomized liquid metal onto the other end face of the battery cell 4, the clamping mechanism 6 located on the other side of the battery cell fixing mechanism 3 can approach the battery cell 4 and directly clamp the protective needle 5, and then move away from the battery cell 4, thereby pulling the protective needle 5 out of the central hole on the end face of the battery cell 4.

[0096] Finally, an external cooling mechanism can cool down cell 4.

[0097] For example, cooling of the four end faces of the battery cell can be achieved by air cooling, water cooling, or other methods.

[0098] For example, the device in this embodiment also includes an air-cooling mechanism, which includes a blower and a cooling pipe. One end of the cooling pipe is connected to the blower, and the other end is formed as an opening. When cooling of the end face of the battery cell 4 is required, the opening at the other end of the cooling pipe can be close to the end face of the battery cell 4. Then, the blower blows cold air into the cooling pipe, and the cold air is blown to the end face of the battery cell 4 through the other end of the cooling pipe, thereby achieving cooling of the end face of the battery cell 4.

[0099] Optionally, two air-cooling mechanisms can be provided for each of the two end faces of the battery cell 4. During the production process, these two air-cooling mechanisms can cool the two end faces of the battery cell 4 simultaneously or separately.

[0100] Furthermore, after each coating of one end face of a battery cell is completed, a certain amount of mist will remain in the spray gun head of the coating mechanism 2. In order to prevent the metal particles in the mist from hardening and clogging the spray gun head, the post-processing step S7 in this embodiment further includes:

[0101] Mist recovery and cleaning of the nozzle.

[0102] For example, when the spraying mechanism 2 does not perform spraying operations within a certain period of time, the mist that is not sprayed out in the spraying mechanism 2 and the droplets that are re-aggregated during the spraying process can be recycled into the constant temperature holding mechanism for re-atomization, so as to effectively improve the utilization rate of raw materials.

[0103] After recycling is completed, the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2 can also be cleaned.

[0104] For example, the device in this embodiment also includes an automatic cleaning device. When the spraying mechanism 2 does not perform spraying operations within a certain period of time, the automatic cleaning device can move to the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism and clean the spray gun head of the spraying mechanism 2.

[0105] Therefore, the cylindrical omnipolar battery cell end face spraying method in this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0106] In this embodiment of the cylindrical all-tab cell end-face spraying method, the atomized molten metal can be sprayed onto the cell end-face, allowing a sufficiently flat metal layer to be formed without generating debris. This effectively solves the problem of short circuits caused by debris generated by traditional extrusion and tapping methods, thus improving battery performance and safety. Moreover, compared to traditional extrusion or tapping methods that require a long time to achieve ideal end-face flatness, the spraying method can quickly achieve high-quality end-face flatness, meeting high-quality production requirements. It can significantly shorten the leveling time, increase the production cycle of cylindrical all-tab batteries, facilitate subsequent current collector welding, improve battery quality and stability, and thus accelerate production efficiency.

[0107] Meanwhile, in the cylindrical all-tab battery cell end face spraying method of this embodiment, by controlling the spraying time, spraying pressure, distance between the spray nozzle and the battery cell end face and the spray gun travel speed, the spraying depth of the metal layer on the battery cell end face can be strictly controlled between 1.5 and 2.0 mm, which has a sufficiently high spraying efficiency and ensures high flatness of the battery cell end face after spraying.

[0108] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0109] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell, characterized in that, include: Preparation steps: Store the molten metal to be sprayed in a constant temperature holding mechanism; Atomization and rectification steps: Perform atomization and rectification treatment on the molten metal in the constant temperature holding mechanism; The first spraying step involves spraying the atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell. This first spraying step includes: placing the spraying mechanism at a position collinear with the axis of the battery cell to spray the end face of the battery cell; then, moving the spraying mechanism along a predetermined path so that the spraying mechanism sprays the end face of the battery cell at multiple positions along the predetermined path, wherein the predetermined path is a straight path parallel to the radial direction of the battery cell or a circumferential path around the axis of the battery cell; obtaining the concave and convex regions of the end face of the battery cell, determining the position of the concave region and the highest point of the convex region, and using the highest point of the convex region as a reference, changing the spraying position so that the atomized liquid metal fills the concave region and the surface of the liquid metal sprayed onto the end face of the battery cell is flush with the highest point of the convex region.

2. The method for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical full-tab battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the first spraying step, a dust removal step is included: negative pressure suction treatment is performed on the end face of the battery cell.

3. The method for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the first spraying step, a protection step is included: inserting a protective pin or rubber plug into the center hole of the cell end face.

4. The method for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical omnipolar battery cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process after the first spraying step includes a second spraying step: rotating the battery cell 180° around a rotation axis perpendicular to its center line, so that the other end face of the battery cell faces the spraying mechanism, so that the spraying mechanism sprays the other end face of the battery cell.

5. The method for spraying coating the end face of a cylindrical full-tab battery cell according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second spraying step is followed by a post-processing step: removing the protective pin or rubber plug from the battery cell and cooling the end face of the battery cell.

6. An apparatus for implementing the end-face spraying method for cylindrical omnipolar battery cells as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The device includes a support base, a spraying mechanism, a battery cell fixing mechanism, and a three-dimensional imaging mechanism. The spraying mechanism is fixedly mounted on the support base, and the battery cell fixing mechanism is movably mounted on the support base. The battery cell fixing mechanism can move toward the spraying mechanism and is used to fix the battery cell so that the end face of the battery cell faces the spraying mechanism. The spraying mechanism is used to spray atomized liquid metal onto the end face of the battery cell on the battery cell fixing mechanism. The three-dimensional imaging mechanism captures the end face of the battery cell and generates a three-dimensional spatial model corresponding to the end face of the battery cell based on the captured image. The three-dimensional spatial model includes concave and convex regions of the end face of the battery cell. The spraying mechanism uses the plane where the highest point of the convex region is located as a reference to control the spraying of the end face of the battery cell.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device further includes a clamping mechanism, which is movably disposed on the support base and is capable of moving toward the cell fixing mechanism. The clamping mechanism is used to insert a protective pin or rubber plug into the center hole of the cell on the cell fixing mechanism and to pull out the protective pin or rubber plug from the cell on the cell fixing mechanism.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cell fixing mechanism includes a sliding base, a rotating platform, and a clamping seat. The sliding base is movably connected to the support base. The rotating platform is fixedly disposed on the top of the sliding base. The clamping seat is disposed on the top of the rotating platform. The clamping seat is used to fix the cell. The rotating platform can control the clamping seat to rotate 180° in the horizontal plane.

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