Lamination method and lamination equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing equipment, and discloses a lamination method and a lamination device.The lamination method comprises the steps that in response to a lamination request of a pole piece unit, picture information of a lamination position is obtained, and processing is carried out based on the picture information; controlling the feeding and stacking clamping jaw to drive the pole piece unit to move towards the stacking position; and obtaining a processing result of the picture information, and controlling the lamination manipulator to perform lamination under the condition that the processing result is passing. In the lamination process of the pole piece units, the picture information of the piece combining position is firstly obtained, processing is carried out based on the picture information, while the picture information is processed, the conveying and stacking clamping jaw is controlled to drive the pole piece units to move towards the lamination position, under the condition that the processing result is passing, the lamination mechanical arm is controlled to carry out lamination, the lamination process is stable, and the lamination efficiency is high. According to the invention, the unpassed pole piece units are prevented from entering the lamination position, the lamination qualification rate of the battery cell is improved, and the waiting time for processing the picture information is saved, so that the lamination efficiency of the pole piece units is remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing equipment, and particularly relates to a lamination method and a lamination device. Background Art

[0002] In the battery manufacturing process, a lamination device is used to repeatedly grasp electrode sheet units and cooperate with a pressing mechanism to stack the electrode sheet units to form an electric core.

[0003] During the lamination process of the electrode sheet units, due to the influence of equipment accuracy, external environment, etc., the electrode sheet units will inevitably have the problem of stacking offset. In order to ensure the stability and qualification rate of the lamination process, existing lamination devices usually detect the electrode sheet units during the lamination process to determine whether the lamination is normal. The defect of this method is that the detection waiting time during the entire lamination process is relatively long, resulting in low lamination efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a lamination method and a lamination device to solve the problem that the existing lamination device has a relatively long waiting time for detecting electrode sheet units during the lamination process, resulting in low lamination efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lamination method, including:

[0006] In response to a lamination request of an electrode sheet unit, obtaining picture information of a sheet combining position and processing based on the picture information;

[0007] Controlling a feeding and laminating gripper to drive the electrode sheet unit to move towards the lamination position;

[0008] Obtaining a processing result of the picture information, and controlling a lamination manipulator to perform lamination when the processing result passes.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a lamination device, including:

[0010] A sheet combining position for combining electrode sheet units;

[0011] A picture acquisition and processing module, which in response to a lamination request of the electrode sheet unit, obtains picture information of the sheet combining position and processes based on the picture information;

[0012] A lamination position provided with a lamination manipulator for laminating the electrode sheet unit;

[0013] A feeding and laminating gripper for driving the electrode sheet unit to move between the sheet combining position and the lamination position;

[0014] The control module is configured to obtain the processing result of the picture information, and control the lamination manipulator to perform lamination when the processing result is passed.

[0015] Beneficial effects: During the lamination process of the pole piece unit, the present invention first obtains the picture information of the sheet combining position, processes it based on the picture information, while processing the picture information, controls the feeding and laminating gripper to drive the pole piece unit to move towards the lamination position, and controls the lamination manipulator to perform lamination when the processing result is passed. The lamination process is stable, preventing unqualified pole piece units from entering the lamination position, which is beneficial to improving the lamination qualification rate of the battery cell. Moreover, the waiting time for processing the picture information is omitted, thus significantly improving the lamination efficiency of the pole piece unit. Description of the Drawings

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of a lamination method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a front view of the sheet combining position of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 It is a top view of the sheet combining position of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0022] 1. Sheet combining position; 2. Lamination position; 3. Feeding and laminating gripper; 4. Pole piece unit; 401. Positive pole piece; 402. Negative pole piece; 5. Predetermined position of the positive pole piece; 6. Predetermined position of the negative pole piece; 7. Positive pole piece conveying mechanism; 8. Negative pole piece conveying mechanism; 9. Camera; 10. Red light source; 11. Blue light source. Detailed Embodiments

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] The following will describe the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4 ,

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, as Figure 1 shown, a lamination method is provided, including:

[0026] S100. In response to the lamination request of the electrode unit 4, obtain the picture information of the lamination position 1, and process it based on the picture information.

[0027] S200. Control the feeding and laminating gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 to move towards the lamination position 2.

[0028] S300. Obtain the processing result of the picture information. When the processing result is passed, control the lamination manipulator to perform lamination.

[0029] It can be seen that in the lamination method provided by the embodiment of the present invention, during the lamination process of the electrode unit 4, first obtain the picture information of the lamination position 1 and process it based on the picture information. While processing the picture information, control the feeding and laminating gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 to move towards the lamination position 2. When the processing result is passed, control the lamination manipulator to perform lamination. The lamination process is stable, preventing the unqualified electrode unit 4 from entering the lamination position 2, which is beneficial to improving the lamination qualification rate of the battery cell. Moreover, the waiting time for processing the picture information is also omitted, thus significantly improving the lamination efficiency of the electrode unit 4.

[0030] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the electrode unit 4 includes a positive electrode sheet 401, a negative electrode sheet 402, a separator, etc. The positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 are stacked at the lamination position 1 to form an electrode unit 4. Multiple electrode units 4 are stacked at the lamination position 2 to form a battery cell. The situations where the processing result is passed mainly include that the dimensions of the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 after lamination are within the preset range. Specifically, it includes that the size of the negative electrode sheet 402 exceeds the size of the positive electrode sheet 401 in the width direction, for example, exceeding 0.8 to 1.2 mm, and the size of the negative electrode sheet 402 exceeds the size of the positive electrode sheet 401 in the length direction, for example, exceeding 0.8 to 1.2 mm, etc.

[0031] It should be noted that in the case where the processing result is not passed, it can also be set according to actual needs. For example: abnormal edge gripping, multiple sheets, tab folding, electrode sheet folding, etc.

[0032] Specifically, two feeding and stacking grippers 3 can be provided to respectively grip the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402, so as to improve work efficiency and avoid confusion between the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402. The feeding and stacking grippers 3 can select any existing structure according to needs, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this too much.

[0033] Among them, the electrode sheet includes a current collector and an active material layer, and the active material layer is coated on the surface of the current collector. If the electrode sheet is a positive electrode sheet, the material of the current collector can be aluminum, and the material of the active material layer can be lithium cobaltate, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, lithium manganate, etc. If the electrode sheet is a negative electrode sheet, the material of the current collector can be copper, and the material of the active material layer can be carbon or silicon, etc. The tab is the area on the electrode sheet where the active material layer is not coated, and the tab is electrically connected to the electrode sheet. Among them, the positive tab is electrically connected to the positive electrode sheet, and the negative tab is electrically connected to the negative electrode sheet.

[0034] Exemplarily, in step S100, the picture information of the laminating position 1 can be obtained by multiple cameras 9, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, three groups of cameras 9 are provided at the laminating position 1, and the three groups of cameras 9 are respectively arranged at three corners below the electrode sheet unit 4 to obtain the size information of the electrode sheet unit 4. In addition, the camera 9 can also be used in cooperation with the corresponding light source to enhance the accuracy of the size information of the electrode sheet unit 4. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, two groups of red light sources 10 are arranged at intervals on the top of the electrode sheet unit 4, and two groups of blue light sources 11 are arranged near the camera 9 at the bottom.

[0035] Of course, in some other embodiments, other structures that can obtain picture information can also be selected according to needs, and the specific setting can be selected according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this too much.

[0036] Further, in step S300, after controlling the lamination manipulator to perform lamination, the picture information of the laminated electrode sheet unit 4 is obtained and processed based on the picture information to detect whether the laminated electrode sheet unit 4 is normal. This process can be completed after the current electrode sheet unit 4 is laminated and before the next electrode sheet unit 4 is laminated, so as to further improve the work efficiency of the lamination process.

[0037] When the processing result of the laminated electrode sheet unit 4 passes, the lamination of the next electrode sheet unit 4 continues. At this time, there is no abnormality in lamination, and the normal lamination continues. Since the lamination action and the detection process are carried out synchronously and there is no need to wait for the processing result of the picture information of the laminating position 1, the work efficiency is relatively high.

[0038] When the processing result of the stacked electrode unit 4 is not qualified, the electrode unit 4 on the feeding and stacking gripper 3 is discharged as waste. At this time, the abnormal electrode unit 4 does not enter the stacking position 2, so it has no impact on the stacked electrode unit 4 at the stacking position 2, thereby improving the stacking qualification rate.

[0039] In one embodiment, the stacking method further includes:

[0040] S400. When the processing result is unqualified, control the feeding and stacking gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 to move to the sheet combining position 1 and perform waste discharging processing on the electrode unit 4.

[0041] When the processing result is unqualified, the electrode unit 4 is discharged as waste. The unqualified electrode unit 4 does not enter the stacking position 2, thus preventing the unqualified electrode unit 4 from participating in stacking and avoiding affecting the qualified stacked electrode unit 4 at the stacking position 2. Moreover, for the stacking method of the embodiment of the present invention, only need to control the feeding and stacking gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 back to the sheet combining position 1 for waste discharging, without major modification to the structure of the traditional stacking equipment, which is convenient to use and conducive to popularization.

[0042] Further, in one embodiment, the waste discharging processing includes: adsorbing the electrode unit 4 to the waste box by the electrode suction cup. Similarly, two electrode suction cups can also be provided to respectively adsorb the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 to the waste box.

[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment, adsorbing the electrode unit 4 to the waste box by the electrode suction cup specifically includes:

[0044] Controlling the electrode suction cup to adsorb the electrode unit 4 to the predetermined electrode position, and performing evacuation processing on the predetermined electrode position to discharge the electrode unit 4 into the waste box.

[0045] Specifically, the predetermined electrode positions include a positive electrode predetermined position and a negative electrode predetermined position. Waste boxes are respectively provided at the positive electrode predetermined position and the negative electrode predetermined position. Before the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 enter the sheet combining position 1, the electrode suction cup first adsorbs the positive electrode sheet 401 from the positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 to the positive electrode predetermined position for standby. Similarly, another electrode suction cup adsorbs the negative electrode sheet 402 from the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 to the negative electrode predetermined position for standby. The structure is simple, the operation process is fast, it does not interfere with normal stacking, and the working efficiency is relatively high.

[0046] In addition, evacuation mechanisms are respectively provided at the positive electrode predetermined position and the negative electrode predetermined position. For example, the evacuation mechanism can be a blowing mechanism, and the blowing mechanism blows air to the positive electrode predetermined position and the negative electrode predetermined position to blow the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 into the waste box.

[0047] In some other embodiments, only one of the pole piece suction cup and the waste box may be provided as needed. The positive pole piece 401 and the negative pole piece 402 are respectively adsorbed to the waste box by the pole piece suction cup, so as to simplify the overall structure and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0048] Further, in one embodiment, the laminating method further includes: when the processing result is passed, sequentially recording the lamination layers of the pole piece unit 4; when the processing result is not passed, disorderly recording the lamination layers of the pole piece unit 4, so that the staff can trace the reason why the pole piece unit 4 is not passed.

[0049] Exemplarily, the preset range of the size by which the negative pole piece 402 of the pole piece unit 4 exceeds the positive pole piece 401 in the width direction is 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, and the preset range of the size by which the negative pole piece 402 exceeds the positive pole piece 401 in the length direction is 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. The size by which the negative pole piece 402 exceeds the positive pole piece 401 in the width direction is detected by the first camera, and the size by which the negative pole piece 402 exceeds the positive pole piece 401 in the length direction is detected by the second camera. The detection results are shown in Table 1.

[0050] Table 1: Detection Results

[0051]

[0052] It can be seen that the detection results of the pole piece units 4 with serial numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5 are within the preset range, so the processing result is passed, and the serial numbers are arranged continuously. The detection result with serial number 70 is not within the preset range, so the processing result is not passed, and it is not arranged continuously with the adjacent serial numbers, which is convenient for the staff to quickly find the pole piece unit 4 with the processing result not passed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the laminating method further includes:

[0054] S500. In response to the pole piece suction cup sending a single pole piece to the lamination position 1, generating a lamination request.

[0055] In one embodiment, the laminating method further includes.

[0056] S600. In response to the pole piece suction cup adsorbing the pole piece unit 4 to the waste box, obtaining the position information of the pole piece unit 4, and performing a stop processing when the position of the pole piece unit 4 exceeds a predetermined position.

[0057] Specifically, when the pole piece suction cup adsorbs the pole piece unit 4, the adsorption vacuum threshold is detected to determine whether the pole piece unit 4 exceeds the predetermined position, or the position information of the pole piece unit 4 is detected by a position sensor to determine whether the pole piece unit 4 exceeds the predetermined position. The position of the pole piece unit 4 exceeding the predetermined position may cause deviation or even the pole piece unit 4 to fall off. At this time, a stop intervention is required to correct the position of the pole piece unit 4.

[0058] In one embodiment, the lamination method further includes:

[0059] S700. When the processing result is not passed, reduce the moving speed of the feeding and laminating gripper 3 to avoid the lamination operation of the lamination device being too fast, laminating the unqualified electrode unit 4, and causing the battery cell to be scrapped. The processing time of the picture information is less than the time for the feeding and laminating gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 to move from the sheet combining position 1 to the lamination position 2.

[0060] In one embodiment, the lamination method further includes:

[0061] S800. When the processing result is not passed, record the number of unqualified electrode units 4 of the same battery cell, and when the number of unqualified electrode units 4 reaches a preset number, stop processing the current battery cell and move the battery cell to the waste box.

[0062] In one embodiment, the lamination method further includes:

[0063] S900. Complete the processing of the picture information within the time when the feeding and laminating gripper 3 drives the electrode unit 4 to move from the sheet combining position 1 to the lamination position 2.

[0064] Specifically, it takes about 500 ms for the feeding and laminating gripper 3 to drive the electrode unit 4 to move from the sheet combining position 1 to the lamination position 2. During this time, operations such as taking pictures, graphic processing and calculation, and data transmission can be completed, without affecting the normal lamination operation, and the operation efficiency is relatively high.

[0065] In one embodiment, after step S300, the lamination method further includes:

[0066] S1000. Obtain the picture information of the lamination position 2 and process it based on the picture information of the lamination position 2.

[0067] S1100. Obtain the processing result of the picture information of the lamination position 2. When the processing result is passed, control the electrode suction cup to send the electrode unit 4 to the sheet combining position 1. When the processing result is not passed, control the lamination manipulator to perform waste discharging treatment on the electrode unit 4 at the lamination position 2.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, as Figure 2As shown in the figure, a lamination device is also provided, which mainly includes: a lamination position 1, an image acquisition and processing module, a lamination position 2, a feeding and lamination gripper 3, and a control module. The lamination position 1 is used for laminating the electrode sheet units 4. The image acquisition and processing module responds to the lamination request of the electrode sheet unit 4, acquires the image information of the lamination position 1, and processes it based on the image information. The lamination position 2 is provided with a lamination manipulator, and the lamination manipulator is used for laminating the electrode sheet unit 4. The feeding and lamination gripper 3 is used to drive the electrode sheet unit 4 to move between the lamination position 1 and the lamination position 2. The control module is used to obtain the processing result of the image information, and when the processing result is passed, control the lamination manipulator to perform lamination.

[0069] It can be seen that in the lamination method provided by the embodiment of the present invention, during the lamination process of the electrode sheet unit 4, first, the image information of the lamination position 1 is acquired and processed based on the image information. While processing the image information, control the feeding and lamination gripper 3 to drive the electrode sheet unit 4 to move towards the lamination position 2. When the processing result is passed, control the lamination manipulator to perform lamination. The lamination process is stable, avoiding the unqualified electrode sheet unit 4 from entering the lamination position 2, which is beneficial to improving the lamination qualification rate of the battery cell. Moreover, the waiting time for processing the image information is also omitted, thus significantly improving the lamination efficiency of the electrode sheet unit 4.

[0070] Specifically, a pressing plate and a pressing knife are also provided on the lamination position 2. After the feeding and lamination gripper 3 sends the electrode sheet unit 4 to the lamination position 2, pressure is applied to the electrode sheet unit 4 through the pressing plate and the pressing knife to complete lamination.

[0071] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the lamination device further includes a positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 and a negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8. The positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 is arranged on one side of the lamination position 1 and is used for conveying a plurality of positive electrode sheets 401. The negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 is arranged on the other side of the lamination position 1 and is used for conveying a plurality of negative electrode sheets 402.

[0072] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention does not limit the specific structures of the positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 and the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8, as long as they can convey a plurality of positive electrode sheets 401 and a plurality of negative electrode sheets 402. For example, both the positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 and the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 are belt conveyors.

[0073] As Figure 2 shown, the length direction of the positive electrode sheet 401 transported on the positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 is perpendicular to the length direction of the positive electrode sheet 401 on the lamination position 1. Therefore, it needs to be rotated 90 degrees and then placed in the positive electrode preset position before lamination. Similarly, the length direction of the negative electrode sheet 402 transported on the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 is perpendicular to the length direction of the negative electrode sheet 402 on the lamination position 1, and the negative electrode sheet 402 also needs to be rotated 90 degrees before lamination.

[0074] The working principle of the embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0075] The positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 conveys a plurality of positive electrode sheets 401, and the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 conveys a plurality of negative electrode sheets 402. A positive electrode sheet 401 is adsorbed from the positive electrode sheet conveying mechanism 7 to the predetermined positive electrode position by a positive electrode sheet suction cup, and another negative electrode sheet suction cup adsorbs a negative electrode sheet 402 from the negative electrode sheet conveying mechanism 8 to the predetermined negative electrode position.

[0076] In response to a lamination request, the two groups of electrode sheet suction cups respectively move the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 to the lamination position 1 for lamination, and simultaneously generate a stacking request.

[0077] The picture acquisition and processing module responds to the stacking request of the electrode sheet unit 4, acquires the picture information of the lamination position 1, and processes it based on the picture information.

[0078] After lamination is completed, the positive electrode sheet 401 and the negative electrode sheet 402 form an integral body, that is, the electrode sheet unit 4. The stacking gripper 3 drives the electrode sheet unit 4 to move from the lamination position 1 to the stacking position 2. During this moving time period, the picture acquisition and processing module completes the processing and transmits the processing result to the control module.

[0079] When the processing result is passed, the control module controls the stacking manipulator to perform stacking. When the processing result is not passed, the control module controls the stacking gripper 3 to drive the electrode sheet unit 4 to move to the lamination position 1 and perform waste discharging processing on the electrode sheet unit 4.

[0080] To implement the basic functions of the stacking device, the stacking device in this embodiment may further include other necessary modules or components, such as a control system, wires, etc. It should be noted that the other necessary modules or components included in the stacking device can be selected from any suitable existing structures. For the sake of clearly and briefly explaining the technical solution provided in this embodiment, the above parts will not be described in detail herein, and the accompanying drawings of the specification have also been correspondingly simplified. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lamination method, characterized in that: include: In response to a lamination request from a pole piece unit (4), image information of the lamination position (1) is acquired, and processing is performed based on the image information; Controlling the stacking clamp (3) to drive the pole piece unit (4) to move toward the stacking position (2); The processing result of the image information is obtained, and when the processing result is passed, the lamination robot is controlled to perform lamination.

2. The lamination method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: When the processing result is a failure, the stacking clamp (3) is controlled to drive the pole piece unit (4) to move to the closing position (1), and the pole piece unit (4) is subjected to waste treatment.

3. The lamination method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The waste discharge process comprises: sucking the pole piece unit (4) to a waste box by means of a pole piece suction cup.

4. The lamination method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The method of sucking the pole piece unit (4) to the waste box by means of the pole piece suction cup specifically comprises: The pole piece suction cup is controlled to absorb the pole piece unit (4) to a predetermined pole piece position, and the predetermined pole piece position is emptied to discharge the pole piece unit (4) into a waste box.

5. The lamination method according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: In response to the pole piece suction cup delivering the pole piece unit (4) to the lamination position (1), a lamination request is generated.

6. The lamination method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: In response to the pole piece suction cup sucking the pole piece unit (4) to the waste box, position information of the pole piece unit (4) is obtained, and when the position of the pole piece unit (4) exceeds a predetermined position, shutdown processing is performed.

7. The lamination method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: When the processing result is failure, the moving speed of the stacking clamp (3) is reduced.

8. The lamination method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: When the processing result is a failure, the number of unqualified pole piece units (4) of the same battery cell is recorded, and when the number of unqualified pole piece units (4) reaches a preset number, the processing of the battery cell is stopped and the battery cell is moved to a waste box.

9. The lamination method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The processing of the image information is completed within the time when the stacking clamp (3) drives the pole piece unit (4) to move from the sheet closing position (1) to the sheet stacking position (2).

10. A lamination device, characterized in that: include: A closing position (1) for closing the pole piece unit (4); An image acquisition processing module, in response to a lamination request from the pole piece unit (4), acquires image information of the lamination position (1) and performs processing based on the image information; A lamination position (2) is provided with a lamination robot, and the lamination robot is used to laminar the pole piece unit (4); A stacking clamp (3) for driving the pole piece unit (4) to move between the sheet closing position (1) and the sheet stacking position (2); The control module is used to obtain the processing result of the image information, and control the lamination robot to perform lamination when the processing result is passed.

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