Coating device and method, battery production line, and foil to be coated

Abstract

The present application provides a coating device and method, a battery production line, and a foil to be coated, belonging to the field of battery manufacturing. The coating device includes a plurality of process tanks arranged linearly, each process tank being used to contain a plating solution, and the foil to be coated passes through the plurality of process tanks in sequence along the traveling direction; on both sides of each process tank along the linear arrangement direction, there are provided conductive roller groups, the conductive roller groups are arranged on the traveling path of the foil to be coated and are in conductive contact with the foil to be coated, the conductive roller group includes at least one conductive roller, the conductive roller extends horizontally and its extending direction is perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction, and the conductive roller group is used to be electrically connected to the negative electrode of a power source. The coating device of the present application is configured to keep all the conductive roller groups energized in the case of a tape break of the foil to be coated, so that the foil to be coated completes tape splicing in the energized state, and the foil to be coated immersed in the plating solution during the tape splicing process is cathodically protected, reducing the probability of deterioration of the plating solution caused by downtime for tape splicing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a coating device and method, a battery production line, and a foil to be plated. Background Art

[0002] The current collector is a crucial component of the battery, carrying active materials and collecting current. Its properties directly influence the battery's internal resistance, energy density, coulombic efficiency, and cycle stability. Currently, composite current collectors are commonly used for the positive and negative electrodes of lithium batteries to facilitate thinner and lighter current collectors and consequently lighter batteries.

[0003] Composite current collectors typically use an ultra-thin flexible foil as a substrate (typically 3μm to 10μm thick). A metal layer is then deposited onto the substrate through a coating process. However, during the coating process, the substrate may break, which can easily lead to deterioration of the plating solution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the background art. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide a coating device and method, a battery production line, and a foil to be plated, so as to reduce the probability of plating solution deterioration caused by tape breakage.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present application provides a coating device, which is used for coating a foil to be coated, and the coating device includes: a plurality of process tanks arranged in a linear manner, each of the plurality of process tanks being used to contain a plating solution, and the foil to be coated passes through the plurality of process tanks in sequence along a travel direction; each process tank is provided with a conductive roller group on both sides along the linear arrangement direction of the plurality of process tanks, the conductive roller group is arranged on the travel path of the foil to be coated and is in conductive contact with the foil to be coated, the conductive roller group includes at least one conductive roller, the conductive roller extends horizontally and its extension direction is perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction, and the conductive roller group is used to be electrically connected to the negative pole of a power supply; the coating device is configured to keep all the conductive roller groups energized in the event that the foil to be coated is broken, so that the foil to be coated is connected in the energized state.

[0006] Compared with shutting down the machine for splicing, the embodiment of the present application completes the splicing by keeping the foil to be plated in an energized state, so that the foil to be plated immersed in the plating solution during the splicing process is subject to cathodic protection. In this way, the part of the foil to be plated that is immersed in the plating solution in each process tank is less likely to undergo a replacement reaction with the plating solution during the splicing, thereby reducing the probability of plating solution deterioration caused by shutting down the machine for splicing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the coating device further includes a plurality of anode assemblies corresponding to the plurality of process tanks one by one. Each anode assembly in the plurality of anode assemblies is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks; the plurality of anode assemblies are connected in parallel. Each anode assembly in the plurality of anode assemblies is used to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of a power supply. The plurality of anode assemblies can be switched between a conducting state and a power-off state independently of each other, and the current of each anode assembly in the conducting state is controllable.

[0008] In the coating device of this embodiment, when the strip to be coated breaks, the anode assembly in the target process tank can be switched to the power-off state, which helps to reduce the possibility that the broken part of the strip to be coated naturally drops and contacts the anode assembly to cause a short circuit, so as to reduce the risk of sparks caused by the short circuit and improve production safety.

[0009] In some embodiments, each anode assembly includes N anode plates, where N is an odd number; the thickness direction of each anode plate among the N anode plates is parallel to or at an angle to the linear arrangement direction; when N>2, the N anode plates are sequentially spaced along the linear arrangement direction; the N anode plates divide a corresponding one of the process tanks to form M coating spaces, where M≥2 and M is an even number; each process tank further includes K guide rollers, and the K guide rollers are disposed on the traveling path of the strip to be coated and are used to contact the strip to be coated. Each of the K guide rollers is used to change the traveling direction of the strip to be coated so that the strip to be coated enters from one of the M coating spaces into an adjacent another coating space; wherein, K = M - 1.

[0010] This embodiment makes the anode assembly include an odd number of anode plates, and the anode plates are set vertically to achieve vertical electroplating, which helps to reduce the possibility of the ultra-thin strip to be coated shrinking and wrinkling, and further helps to reduce the probability of breakage at the wrinkled part.

[0011] In some embodiments, each anode plate and each guide roller are detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks. This embodiment enables the anode plate and the guide roller to be detachably separated from the corresponding process tank. Before the strip is connected after breakage, the anode plate, the guide roller and the process tank in the target process tank can be removed and taken out first, which provides convenience for subsequent strip connection.

[0012] In some embodiments, all the anode plates and all the guide rollers are configured to be liftable relative to the plurality of process tanks. This embodiment enables the anode plates and the guide rollers to be both liftable and detachable. In this way, if the strip to be coated breaks, the anode plates and the guide rollers in the target process tank can be first moved upward to be close to the opening of the target process tank, which provides convenience for subsequent removal and taking out of the anode plates and the guide rollers in the target process tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coating device also includes a plurality of holding tanks corresponding one to one with the plurality of process tanks; each process tank is provided with a liquid outlet, which can be switched between an open state and a closed state; the plating liquid in each process tank can be discharged from the liquid outlet in the open state to flow into a corresponding one of the plurality of holding tanks.

[0014] This embodiment introduces a holding tank. When the foil to be plated breaks, the plating liquid in the target process tank can be discharged to a corresponding one of the multiple holding tanks. The degree of deterioration of the plating liquid in this holding tank can then be analyzed. In this way, when the plating liquid has not deteriorated or has deteriorated slightly and can continue to be used, the plating liquid can be recycled.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus further includes a plurality of drain pipes corresponding to the plurality of process tanks; the liquid inlet of each of the plurality of drain pipes is connected to the liquid outlet of a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks, and the liquid outlet of each of the drain pipes is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of holding tanks. In this embodiment, the plating solution in the process tanks is discharged through the drain pipes, thereby better controlling the flow of the plating solution.

[0016] In some embodiments, the coating device also includes a plurality of roller groups corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of process tanks, each roller group in the plurality of roller groups is adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks, and is arranged downstream of the corresponding one of the process tanks along the direction of travel; the roller group includes an upper insulating roller and a lower insulating roller arranged opposite to each other in the up and down directions, the upper insulating roller and the lower insulating roller are parallel to the conductive roller, and a channel is formed between the upper insulating roller and the lower insulating roller, and the channel is used for the foil to be plated to pass through.

[0017] In this embodiment, the roller group can play the role of squeezing and scraping, so as to reduce the residual plating solution on the surface of the foil to be plated.

[0018] In some embodiments, the roller group also includes: a lifting component and a driver, the lifting component is connected to both ends of the upper insulating roller; the driver is transmission-connected to the lifting component to drive the lifting component to move in the vertical direction, driving the upper insulating roller to rise and fall, so that the height of the channel is adjustable.

[0019] The height of the channel can be adjusted by controlling the driver to drive the lifting component up and down, so that the extrusion force applied by the roller group to the foil to be plated can be adjusted, which helps to reduce the probability of the foil to be plated being broken due to excessive extrusion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the actuator is a fluid-powered cylinder that generates power through fluid to drive the lifting component upward and downward, and the fluid pressure in the fluid-powered cylinder is adjustable. This continuous adjustment of the fluid pressure in the fluid-powered cylinder allows for more precise and smooth control of the squeezing force applied by the rollers to the foil to be plated.

[0021] In some embodiments, the coating device further includes: a delivery pipe, a configuration tank, and a pump. The configuration tank is connected to a plurality of process tanks through the delivery pipe, and the plating solution is configured in the configuration tank; the pump is used to drive the plating solution in the configuration tank to flow into the delivery pipe so as to enter the plurality of process tanks.

[0022] This embodiment enables the plating solution to be prepared in advance in the configuration tank and transported to each process tank along the delivery pipe under the drive of the pump, making it easier to precisely control the composition and concentration of the plating solution.

[0023] In some embodiments, the coating device further includes: a tank body. Through holes are formed in the tank body, and the through holes are communicated with the outflow end of the delivery pipe; wherein, each process tank is provided with a liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet of each process tank is communicated with the tank body, and the liquid inlet can be switched between an open state and a closed state. In this embodiment, by introducing the tank body, which is between the configuration tank and the process tanks and serves as a transfer station for the circulating treatment of the plating solution, the number of pumps can be saved.

[0024] In some embodiments, the tank body and the plurality of process tanks are stacked, the tank body is located below the plurality of process tanks, and a liquid inlet is formed through the bottom wall of each process tank. The tank body can play a buffering role, enabling the plating solution to slowly flow from the tank body into the process tank, reducing the flow rate fluctuations caused by the power source transportation, so as to facilitate stable liquid supply.

[0025] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present application provides a coating method, which is applied to the coating device in the above embodiments. The coating method includes: in the case of a tape break of the foil to be coated, keeping all the conductive roller groups energized so that the foil to be coated completes tape connection in the energized state.

[0026] When using the coating method of this embodiment to coat the foil to be coated, if a tape break occurs in the foil to be coated, keeping the foil to be coated in the energized state to complete tape connection, so that the foil to be coated immersed in the plating solution during the tape connection process is cathodically protected. In this way, the possibility of the part of the foil to be coated immersed in the plating solution in each process tank undergoing a displacement reaction with the plating solution during tape connection is relatively low, thereby reducing the probability of the plating solution deterioration caused by stopping the machine for tape connection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the coating method further includes: while keeping all the conductive roller groups energized, keeping at least the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in the conducting state; wherein, the target process tank is the number of process tanks among the plurality of process tanks where the plating solution inside contacts the fracture of the foil to be coated. This embodiment enables production not to be interrupted due to tape break, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency.

[0028] In some embodiments, the step of keeping at least the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in the conducting state includes:

[0029] The anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the multiple process tanks are kept in a conductive state, and the currents of the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks are adjusted to be lower than the current before the belt break occurs.

[0030] The coating method of this embodiment allows for the extension of each level of the coating process by lowering the current of the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks during the splicing period when the foil to be plated breaks, so that electroplating can be performed while the strips are being spliced. On this basis, it is also beneficial to prevent the coating from exceeding the target thickness.

[0031] In some embodiments, the step of keeping the anode assemblies in at least the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the multiple process tanks in the on state includes: keeping the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the multiple process tanks in the on state, switching the anode assembly in the target process tank to the power-off state, so that the anode assembly in the target process tank is disassembled and separated from the target process tank in the power-off state and moved out of the target process tank.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the foil to be plated breaks, the anode assembly in the target process tank can be powered off, so that the anode plate and the roller can be disassembled and separated from the corresponding process tank, which helps to improve the safety of the disassembly operation.

[0033] In some embodiments, the coating method further comprises:

[0034] In the event that the foil to be plated is broken, the plating solution in the target process tank is discharged into the target receiving tank; wherein the target process tank is one of the process tanks where the broken portion of the foil to be plated is located, and the target receiving tank is one of the multiple receiving tanks corresponding to the target process tank;

[0035] Analyzing whether the plating solution in the target holding tank has reached a preset deterioration condition;

[0036] In response to the plating solution not reaching the preset deterioration condition, the plating solution in the target holding tank is transferred to the configuration tank.

[0037] In this embodiment, after the foil to be plated breaks, the plating solution in the target process tank is discharged to the target holding tank, and the degree of deterioration of the plating solution in the target holding tank is analyzed. In this way, when the plating solution has not deteriorated or the degree of deterioration is relatively light and the plating solution can continue to be used, the plating solution can be recycled.

[0038] In some embodiments, the coating method further comprises:

[0039] When the insulating foil to be plated is threaded, all conductive roller sets and all anode assemblies are kept de-energized;

[0040] After the insulating foil has been threaded and the insulating foil is no longer in contact with the conductive roller assembly, all conductive roller assemblies and all anode assemblies are switched on.

[0041] By adopting the coating method of this embodiment, the insulating foil to be plated is not energized during the tape threading process until it is passed out of the most downstream process tank among the multiple process tanks, which is conducive to the smooth tape threading of the insulating foil.

[0042] In some embodiments, the foil to be plated includes an insulating foil, a connecting copper foil, and a foil body to be plated that are sequentially connected, and the material of the foil body to be plated includes at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, and iron;

[0043] The step of switching to power on includes: switching all conductive roller groups and all anode assemblies to power on when the insulating foil and the connecting copper foil have been threaded in sequence and the foil to be plated has not entered multiple process tanks.

[0044] This embodiment can prevent the foil to be plated from coming into contact with the plating solution without being protected by the cathode, thereby preventing the plating solution from being contaminated by a replacement reaction.

[0045] An embodiment of the third aspect of the present application provides a battery production line, which includes the coating device in the above embodiment.

[0046] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present application provides a foil to be plated, which is plated using the coating device in the above embodiment. The foil to be plated includes: a foil body to be plated and an insulating foil. The thickness of the insulating foil is consistent with the thickness of the foil body to be plated, and one end of the insulating foil along its own extension direction is connected to the foil body to be plated; wherein the insulating foil is used to be threaded on the coating device before the foil body to be plated, and the foil to be plated is configured so that the foil body to be plated has not entered multiple process tanks when the insulating foil is completed threaded.

[0047] In this embodiment, the insulating foil is used to thread the tape instead of the foil body to be plated, thereby reducing the frequent tape breakage caused by the foil body to be plated being directly threaded through the tape.

[0048] In some embodiments, the material of the foil to be plated comprises at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, and iron; the insulating foil further comprises a connecting copper foil having the same thickness as the foil to be plated, and one end of the insulating foil is connected to the foil to be plated via the connecting copper foil; the foil to be plated is configured such that the foil to be plated has not entered the plurality of process tanks when the connecting copper foil is threaded. In this embodiment, the connecting copper foil serves as a transitional element.

[0049] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the several views denote the same or similar components or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in accordance with the present application and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present application.

[0051] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of a coating device according to some embodiments of the present application from a first perspective;

[0052] Figure 2 Schematic structural diagram of a coating device according to some embodiments of the present application from a second perspective;

[0053] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the simple principle of a coating device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a break in a foil to be coated during coating using the coating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the simple principle when a break occurs in a coating device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] Figure 6 For Figure 1 Partial perspective view of the coating device shown in;

[0057] Figure 7 For Figure 1 Partial enlarged schematic view of location A shown in;

[0058] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a foil to be coated according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0059] Figure 9 Schematic flow chart of a coating method according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0061] Coating device 100, process tank 110, liquid outlet 111, liquid inlet 112, conductive roller 120, anode assembly 130, anode plate 131, over-roller 140, receiving groove 150, drain pipe 151, configuration tank 160, delivery pipe 161, pump 162, roller group 170, upper insulating roller 171, lower insulating roller 172, lifting member 173, first plate 1731, second plate 1732, third plate 1733, driver 174, tank body 180;

[0062] Foil to be coated 200, foil to be coated body 210, insulating foil 220, connecting copper foil 230, insulating tape 240. Detailed description of the invention

[0063] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present application more clearly, so they are only examples and cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present application.

[0064] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity, specific order or primary-secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "a plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0066] Referring to "embodiments" herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "a plurality" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "a plurality of groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "a plurality of pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements.

[0071] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only the absolutely parallel case, but also the generally parallel case as commonly understood in engineering. Meanwhile, "perpendicular" also includes not only the absolutely perpendicular case, but also the generally perpendicular case as commonly understood in engineering. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0072] Currently, market developments indicate that rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly widely used. They are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in various electronic devices, including electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. As the application areas of rechargeable batteries continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0073] As batteries become increasingly lightweight, composite current collectors are often used for the positive and negative electrodes. The composite current collectors are based on ultra-thin flexible foil. During the coating process, due to the thinness of the foil or the uneven tension applied, horizontal movement of the foil can easily cause wrinkling, such as diagonal pulling or inward contraction from both sides. As the foil enters and exits the process tank, it passes through a pair of rollers, where compression easily forms irreversible wrinkles at the wrinkled area, leading to breakage. Once a break occurs, the machine often needs to be shut down to complete the splicing, resulting in production interruptions and a significant reduction in production efficiency. Understandably, the plating solution is typically corrosive. During shutdown for splicing, the foil and the plating solution undergo a replacement reaction, causing the plating solution to deteriorate. To ensure the quality of subsequent coatings, the plating solution must be replaced. When the desired metal layer is deposited in a single coating step, the plating solution in the entire process tank becomes contaminated, leading to high maintenance costs.

[0074] Based on the above considerations, and to address at least one of the aforementioned technical issues, a coating apparatus has been designed. The apparatus comprises multiple process tanks for multi-stage electroplating. Each process tank is provided with conductive roller sets on both sides of the linear arrangement. The conductive roller sets are positioned along the path of the foil to be plated and in conductive contact with the foil. During electroplating, the foil to be plated is negatively charged. In the event of a break in the foil, all conductive roller sets remain energized, allowing the foil to be spliced while remaining energized.

[0075] The present application provides a coating device for coating a foil to be coated to produce a current collector. The coating device is not limited to being used to produce a current collector for a negative electrode sheet, but can also be used to produce a current collector for a positive electrode sheet. The current collector produced using the coating device can be used to construct lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, and the like, but the present application does not limit this.

[0076] The material of the foil to be plated and the material of the metal layer formed by electroplating are related to the type of battery and electrode to be manufactured. As an example, using the coating device to prepare a composite current collector for the negative electrode of a lithium-ion battery, copper sulfate or copper chloride can be used as the plating solution to copper-plate the surface of aluminum foil, nickel foil, or nickel-iron alloy foil. As an example, using the coating device to prepare a composite current collector for the positive electrode of a lithium-ion battery, nickel sulfate or nickel chloride can be used as the plating solution to nickel-plate the surface of aluminum foil.

[0077] The coating device can achieve coating using a single-sided coating process, i.e., forming a metal layer on one surface of the foil to be coated along its thickness direction. The coating device can also achieve coating using a double-sided coating process, i.e., forming a metal layer on both surfaces of the foil to be coated along its thickness direction.

[0078] Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the coating device according to some embodiments of the present application from the first perspective, Figure 2 The structural schematic diagram of the coating device according to some embodiments of the present application from the second perspective, Figure 3 The simplified principle schematic diagram of the coating device according to some embodiments of the present application. The coating device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a plurality of process tanks 110 arranged linearly (for example, Figures 1 to 3 there are three process tanks 110), and each of the plurality of process tanks 110 is used to hold plating solution. The foil to be plated 200 passes through the plurality of process tanks 110 in sequence along the traveling direction, so that the part of the foil to be plated 200 in the process tank 110 is immersed in the plating solution. On both sides of each process tank 110 along the linear arrangement direction of the plurality of process tanks 110, there is a conductive roller group 170. The conductive roller group 170 is arranged on the traveling path of the foil to be plated 200 and is in conductive contact with the foil to be plated 200. The conductive roller group 170 includes at least one conductive roller 120. The conductive roller 120 extends horizontally and its extending direction is perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction. The conductive roller group 170 is used to be electrically connected to the negative pole of the power supply. The coating device 100 is configured to keep all the conductive roller groups 170 energized in the case of a tape break of the foil to be plated 200, so that the foil to be plated 200 completes tape connection in the energized state.

[0079] In the drawings of the present application, the linear arrangement direction of the plurality of process tanks 110 is shown as X, and the extending direction of the conductive roller 120 is shown as Y. The plurality of process tanks 110 may be arranged at intervals in sequence along the linear arrangement direction X, or, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, any two adjacent process tanks 110 are closely connected. It can be understood that in this embodiment, three process tanks 110 are taken as an example. In other embodiments, the number of process tanks 110 may also be two or more, such as four, five, six, and so on. The present application does not specifically limit the shape of the process tank 110. The shape of the cross-section of the process tank 110 along the direction parallel to the vertical direction may be rectangular, or may be trapezoidal or V-shaped, etc.

[0080] In some examples, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the top of the process tank 110 has an opening, and the foil to be plated 200 can be introduced or taken out of the process tank 110 through the opening. Or, in some other embodiments not shown in the figure, the foil to be plated 200 can also be introduced or taken out of the process tank 110 in the horizontal direction. In this example, through holes may be provided through both opposite sides of the process tank 110 along the linear arrangement direction X. One through hole serves as the inlet for the foil to be plated 200 to enter the process tank 110, and the other through hole serves as the outlet for the foil to be plated 200 to exit the process tank 110. Among them, the through holes can be close to the top of the process tank 110, so that on the basis that the plating solution will not flow out through the through holes, the plating solution in the process tank 110 can be as much as possible.

[0081] Conductive roller sets 170 are provided on the exterior of both sides of the process tank 110 along the linear arrangement direction X, that is, the conductive rollers 120 are located outside the process tank 110. Alternatively, conductive roller sets 170 are provided on the interior of both sides of the process tank 110 along the linear arrangement direction X, that is, the conductive rollers 120 are located inside the process tank 110. In this example, the conductive rollers 120 should be located above the plating solution but not in contact with the plating solution.

[0082] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment uses the conductive roller group 170 as an example, including one conductive roller 120. In other embodiments, the conductive roller group 170 may also include multiple conductive rollers 120 arranged in sequence along the linear arrangement direction X, and the multiple conductive rollers 120 are parallel to each other. For example, the conductive roller group 170 may include two, three, four, five, etc. conductive rollers 120.

[0083] A broken strip refers to a whole or partial break in the continuously running foil 200 to be plated. Figure 4 As shown in (a), when the whole is broken, the broken part spans both sides of the foil material 200 along its own width direction, so that the foil material 200 is completely separated into multiple parts. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the broken portion of the foil to be plated 200 is still partially connected. A broken strip is not limited to the case where the foil to be plated 200 has one broken portion, but also includes the case where the foil to be plated 200 has multiple broken portions.

[0084] The coating apparatus 100 of this embodiment is used to coat a foil 200 to be plated. The foil 200 in contact with the conductive roller 120 serves as the cathode. Electrolysis decomposes the plating solution or anode into metal ions, which are then driven by the current to migrate toward the cathode, where they are deposited on the surface of the cathode (i.e., the foil 200). The foil 200 passes through multiple process tanks 110 in sequence, achieving multi-stage electroplating. By controlling the current and the duration of the process in each process tank 110, the metal layer thickness ultimately reaches the target thickness.

[0085] When the foil 200 to be plated breaks, all conductive roller assemblies 170 are kept energized, ensuring that the portion of the foil 200 between the two conductive roller assemblies 170 corresponding to any process tank 110 remains connected to the negative pole of the power supply. In this case, the broken portion of the foil 200 to be plated is connected and fixed with corrosion-resistant insulating tape to achieve a splice. The foil 200 to be plated can then be restored to its path before the break, ensuring that the foil 200 to be plated still needs to pass through the target process tank during subsequent coating processes. The target process tank is the portion of the multiple process tanks 110 where the plating solution inside contacts the broken portion of the foil 200 to be plated. In other words, depending on the situation, there may be one or more target process tanks. The insulating tape may be made of one or more of the following materials: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and silicone. Of course, after the tape is connected, the target process tank can be abandoned so that the foil 200 to be plated is transported along a new path. The new path is different from the path before the tape is broken in that it does not pass through the target process tank.

[0086] by Figure 1 and Figure 2 Take the coating device 100 shown in FIG. as an example, Figure 3 and Figure 5 If the foil 200 to be plated breaks at point C and breaks as a whole, the AD segment becomes a completely separated AC segment and CD segment, and the BC segment and CD segment naturally fall down and soak in the target process tank ( Figure 5 110a). It can be understood that since all conductive roller groups 170 remain energized when the strip breaks, the portions of the foil 200 to be plated (i.e., segments BC, CD, DG, and GK) within each process tank 110 are all energized. Therefore, the likelihood of a displacement reaction between the portions of the foil 200 to be plated and the plating solution within each process tank 110 is relatively low, effectively providing cathodic protection for the portions of the foil 200 to be plated that are immersed in the plating solution within each process tank 110. Similarly, when a break occurs at any of locations A, C, D, E, F, and G, the likelihood of a displacement reaction between the portions of the foil 200 to be plated and the plating solution within each process tank 110 is also low. The strip is spliced while energized, and the target process tank 110a is discarded, allowing the foil 200 to be plated to be transported along a new path. Since all the conductive roller groups 170 remain energized during the splicing process, the foil 200 to be plated is still protected by the cathode during the splicing process.

[0087] It should be noted that since the conductive rollers 120 remain energized during the splicing process, the foil 200 to be plated is charged. Therefore, in order to prevent the workers from being electrocuted due to contact with the foil 200 to be plated during the splicing process, the workers may wear insulating protective gloves when splicing.

[0088] Compared with stopping the machine to splice the strip, in this embodiment, the strip to be plated 200 is kept in an energized state to complete the strip splicing, so that the strip to be plated 200 immersed in the plating solution during the strip splicing is cathodically protected. In this way, the possibility of the part of the strip to be plated 200 immersed in the plating solution in each process tank 110 undergoing a displacement reaction with the plating solution during the strip splicing is relatively low, thereby reducing the probability of the plating solution deterioration caused by stopping the machine to splice the strip.

[0089] It can be understood that in the technical solution where only one conductive roller group 170 is provided and only one place on the strip to be plated 200 contacts the conductive roller group 170, even if the strip to be plated 200 breaks and there is only one break point, during the period from the break of the strip to the strip splicing, part of the strip to be plated 200 is not energized and will undergo a displacement reaction with the plating solution, which easily leads to the deterioration of the plating solution. For example, only point B on the strip to be plated 200 contacts the conductive roller group 170. If point C breaks completely, the AC section and the CK section are completely separated, and the CK section is not energized, and then it is corroded by the plating solution and pollutes the plating solution.

[0090] Benefiting from the fact that each process tank 110 is provided with a conductive roller group 170 on both sides along the linear arrangement direction X of the plurality of process tanks 110, the conductive roller group 170 is connected to a negative power supply and is in conductive contact with the strip to be plated 200. When the strip to be plated 200 breaks and there is only one break point, or when there are multiple break points on the strip to be plated 200 and the part between two adjacent break points on the strip to be plated 200 is clamped and will not completely fall into the process tank 110 (for example Figure 3 in the figure, points C and F break completely, and the CF section is clamped at point D), there is no part of the strip to be plated 200 that completely falls off, so that the part of the strip to be plated 200 immersed in the plating solution in each process tank 110 during the period from the break of the strip to the strip splicing still contacts the conductive roller 120 and is connected to a negative power supply, so as to be cathodically protected. In contrast, the risk of the plating solution deteriorating due to the break of the strip during the period from the break of the strip to the strip splicing in this embodiment is smaller.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, by providing a plurality of process tanks 110, even when there are multiple break points on the strip to be plated 200 resulting in a certain part completely falling off (for example, Figure 3 in the figure, points A and C break completely, resulting in the complete falling off of the AC section and falling into the process tank 110), after the strip splicing, the process tank 110 (i.e., the target process tank) where the AC section falls can be discarded, so that the strip to be plated 200 no longer passes through the target process tank in the subsequent coating process. In this way, the plating solutions in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank are not contaminated, the pollution range of the plating solution is reduced, and thus there is no need to stop the machine to replace the plating solutions in all the process tanks 110, thereby reducing the maintenance cost and improving the production efficiency.

[0092] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further be configured to keep all the conductive roller groups 170 energized and lower the current of the conductive roller groups 170 when the tape of the foil to be coated 200 breaks, so that the foil to be coated 200 completes tape connection in the energized state. Wherein, the current of the conductive roller groups 170 can be specifically lowered to below the safe voltage. For example, the current of the conductive roller groups 170 can be less than 50 V (volts), or it can also be less than 25 V. By reducing the current of the conductive roller groups 170 in this embodiment, the risk of electric shock to the staff during the tape connection process can be reduced to a certain extent. Of course, after the tape connection is completed, the current of the conductive roller groups 170 can be increased to restore to the current value before the tape break.

[0093] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further include a plurality of anode assemblies 130 corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of process tanks 110, and each anode assembly 130 in the plurality of anode assemblies 130 is disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks 110. The plurality of anode assemblies 130 are connected in parallel, and each anode assembly 130 in the plurality of anode assemblies 130 is used for electrically connecting to the positive pole of the power supply. The plurality of anode assemblies 130 can be switched independently between the conducting state and the power-off state, and the current of each anode assembly 130 is controllable in the conducting state.

[0094] The number of the anode assemblies 130 is the same as the number of the process tanks 110. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, both the anode assemblies 130 and the process tanks 110 are provided with three. Wherein, the power supply can be electrically connected to the anode assemblies 130 through a rectifier, and the rectifier is used to convert alternating current into direct current to supply direct current to the anode assemblies 130. The plurality of anode assemblies 130 can share one rectifier, or the number of rectifiers can also be the same as the number of the process tanks 110, and each anode assembly 130 corresponds to one rectifier.

[0095] An exemplary processing implementation scheme of the coating device 100 in this embodiment may be: if the tape of the foil to be coated 200 breaks, while keeping all the conductive roller groups 170 energized, switch the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to the power-off state, keep the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank in the conducting state, and adjust the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 to be lower than the current before the tape break. Connect and fix the break of the foil to be coated 200 with insulating tape to complete the tape connection. Make the foil to be coated 200 return to the traveling path before the tape break, or discard the target process tank so that the foil to be coated 200 no longer passes through the target process tank in the subsequent coating process.

[0096] In the case where the strip of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, the coating device 100 of this embodiment can switch the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to a power-off state. This helps reduce the possibility that the broken part of the to-be-coated foil 200 naturally droops and contacts the anode assembly 130 to cause a short circuit, thereby helping to reduce the risk of sparks caused by the short circuit and improving production safety.

[0097] In the case where the strip of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, the coating device 100 of this embodiment can also energize the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank, so that the remaining process tanks 110 still operate normally for coating, and the coating device 100 will not stop operating as a whole. Thus, production will not be interrupted due to the strip break, which helps improve production efficiency. Further, in the case where the strip of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank can be lowered. It can be understood that according to Faraday's law, in each stage of the coating process, the thickness of the metal layer deposited on the surface of the to-be-coated foil 200 is related to the current magnitude of the anode assembly 130 and the process duration of the to-be-coated foil 200 in the process tank 110. If the strip of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, by lowering the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 during the strip connection and prolonging the process duration of each stage of the coating process, electroplating can be carried out while connecting the strip. On this basis, it also helps prevent the coating from exceeding the target thickness.

[0098] Among them, the coating device 100 can perform coating by a horizontal electroplating method or a vertical electroplating method, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. As an example, the anode assembly 130 can include two anode plates 131, the thickness direction of the anode plate 131 is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the two anode plates 131 are parallel to each other and are arranged at intervals along the vertical direction.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the present application, each anode assembly 130 can specifically include N anode plates 131, where N is an odd number. The N anode plates 131 are parallel to each other, and the thickness direction of each anode plate 131 among the N anode plates 131 is parallel to or at an angle with the linear arrangement direction X. That is to say, each anode plate 131 is set vertically. When N>2, the N anode plates 131 are arranged at intervals in sequence along the linear arrangement direction X. The N anode plates 131 divide the corresponding one process tank 110 into M coating spaces, where M≥2 and M is an even number. K guide rollers 140 can also be provided in each process tank 110, and the K guide rollers 140 are arranged on the traveling path of the to-be-coated foil 200 and are used to contact the to-be-coated foil 200. Each of the K guide rollers 140 is used to change the traveling direction of the to-be-coated foil 200 so that the to-be-coated foil 200 enters from one of the M coating spaces into an adjacent another coating space; where K = M - 1.

[0100] The thickness direction of the anode plate 131 forms an angle with the linear arrangement direction X, that is, the anode plate 131 is inclined with respect to the conductive roller 120. The angle between the thickness direction of the anode plate 131 and the linear arrangement direction X is an acute angle, and specifically, any value such as 15°, 30°, 45°, or 60° can be selected.

[0101] In an embodiment where the coating apparatus 100 performs single-sided coating on the foil 200 to be coated, M = N + 1 and K = N. As an example, the anode assembly 130 may include one anode plate 131 , and accordingly, M is 2 and K is 1. That is, the anode plate 131 divides the process tank 110 into two coating spaces. As an example, in an embodiment where three anode plates 131 are provided, the three anode plates 131 may also divide the process tank 110 into four coating spaces, and accordingly, K is 3.

[0102] In the embodiment of the coating device 100 coating a single-side of the foil 200, M=N-1, K=N-2. Figures 1 to 3 , there are three anode plates 131 , and a coating space is formed between two adjacent anode plates 131 , then M is 2, and K is 1. In this example, the coating device 100 performs double-sided coating on the foil material 200 to be coated.

[0103] It is understood that the thin foil 200 to be plated is more susceptible to shrinkage and wrinkling during horizontal transmission than vertical transmission. In this embodiment, the anode assembly 130 includes an odd number of anode plates 131, which are arranged vertically to achieve vertical electroplating. This helps reduce the likelihood of shrinkage and wrinkling of the ultra-thin foil 200 to be plated, thereby reducing the probability of fracture at the wrinkled areas.

[0104] According to some embodiments of the present application, each anode plate 131 and each roller 140 may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks 110 in a detachable connection manner.

[0105] The detachable connection between the anode plate 131 and the process tank 110 , and the detachable connection between the roller 140 and the process tank 110 , can be implemented by any one of a quick-release structure, a snap-on connection, and a screw connection.

[0106] During processing, if the foil 200 to be plated is broken in the coating device 100 of this embodiment, all the conductive roller groups 170 are kept energized, and then the anode plate 131 and the roller 140 in the target process tank are disassembled and separated from the process tank 110, and then the anode plate 131 and the roller 140 are removed from the target process tank, and then the broken part of the foil 200 to be plated is connected and fixed with insulating tape to complete the splicing.

[0107] In this embodiment, the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 can be detached from the corresponding process tank 110. Before reconnecting the belt after the belt break, the anode plate 131, the over-roller 140, and the process tank 110 in the target process tank can be removed and taken out first, which provides convenience for subsequent belt reconnecting.

[0108] According to some embodiments of the present application, all the anode plates 131 and all the over-rollers 140 can be configured to be liftable relative to the multiple process tanks 110.

[0109] The process tank 110 can be provided with a first lifting structure and a second lifting structure. The first lifting structure is used to drive the anode plate 131 to lift, and the second lifting structure is used to drive the over-roller 140 to lift. Among them, a gear-rack structure, a telescopic structure (such as an electric telescopic rod, a hydraulic telescopic rod, a pneumatic telescopic rod), or a linear rail structure can be used to implement the first lifting structure and the second lifting structure. As an example, the first lifting structure is a linear rail structure, which specifically includes a fixed guide rail and a slider. The fixed guide rail is installed on the inner wall of the process tank 110, the slider is slidably connected to the fixed guide rail, and the anode plate 131 is detachably connected to the slider, so that the anode plate 131 can be lifted and detached.

[0110] During the processing of the coating device 100 in this embodiment, if the belt of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, all the conductive roller groups 170 are kept energized. Then, the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank are moved vertically upward to approach the opening of the target process tank. Then, the anode plate 131, the over-roller 140, and the process tank 110 in the target process tank are detached and separated. Then, the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 are removed from the target process tank. Then, the broken part of the to-be-coated foil 200 is connected and fixed by an insulating tape to complete belt reconnecting.

[0111] This embodiment enables the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 to be both liftable and detachable. Thus, if the belt of the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank can be moved upward to approach the opening of the target process tank first, which provides convenience for subsequent removal and taking out of the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further include a plurality of receiving grooves 150 corresponding to the plurality of process tanks 110 one by one. Each process tank 110 can be provided with a liquid outlet 111, and the liquid outlet 111 can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The plating solution in each process tank 110 can be discharged from the liquid outlet 111 in the open state to flow into a corresponding one of the plurality of receiving grooves 150.

[0113] The number of the receiving grooves 150 is the same as the number of the process tanks 110, such as Figure 1 andFigure 2 As shown, there are three receiving tanks 150 and three process tanks 110. The liquid outlet 111 can be provided with a valve such as a butterfly valve, an electric valve, or a solenoid valve. By controlling the opening of the valve, the liquid outlet 111 can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0114] In the coating device 100 of this embodiment, when the foil 200 to be plated breaks during processing, the liquid outlet 111 of the target process tank can be switched from a closed state to an open state, so that the plating liquid in the target process tank is discharged into the target holding tank, which is a holding tank 150 corresponding to the target process tank among the multiple holding tanks 150. Afterwards, the plating liquid in the target holding tank can be analyzed to determine whether the plating liquid in the target holding tank has reached a preset deterioration condition. If the plating liquid has not reached the preset deterioration condition, the plating liquid in the target holding tank can be recycled. If the plating liquid has reached the preset deterioration condition, the plating liquid in the target holding tank can be discarded. Then, the target process tank is discarded, or, after the plating liquid is injected into the target holding tank, the foil 200 to be plated is restored to the path before the break.

[0115] In this embodiment, a receiving tank 150 is introduced, and each process tank 110 corresponds to a receiving tank 150. When the foil 200 to be plated breaks, the plating liquid in the target process tank can be discharged to a corresponding receiving tank 150 among the multiple receiving tanks 150, and then the degree of deterioration of the plating liquid in this receiving tank 150 is analyzed. In this way, when the plating liquid has not deteriorated or the degree of deterioration is relatively light and the plating liquid can continue to be used, the plating liquid can be recycled, thereby reducing waste and improving the reuse rate of the plating liquid.

[0116] During the processing, if there are multiple broken parts of the foil 200 to be plated, resulting in a part completely falling off, or, during the threading process, if a part of the foil 200 to be plated is completely fallen off, the plating solution in the target process tank can be discharged to the target holding tank first, and then the tape is connected. In this way, the time for the broken parts of the foil 200 to be plated to contact the plating solution in the target process tank to cause the replacement reaction can be shortened as much as possible, which can have a positive effect on reducing the degree of deterioration of the plating solution in the target process tank.

[0117] In some embodiments, the top of the holding tank 150 is open, and the process tank 110 can be arranged above the holding tank 150. A liquid outlet 111 is provided through the bottom wall of each process tank 110, and the liquid outlet 111 is directly opposite the top notch of the holding tank 150. In this example, when the liquid outlet 111 of the process tank 110 is switched from a closed state to an open state, the plating solution inside flows out of the liquid outlet 111 and falls into the corresponding holding tank 150 under the action of its own gravity. As a result, there is no need to set up a power source to drive the plating solution in the process tank 110 to flow to the holding tank 150.

[0118] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further include a plurality of drain pipes 151 corresponding to the plurality of process tanks 110 one by one. The liquid inlet end of each drain pipe 151 among the plurality of drain pipes 151 is connected to the liquid outlet 111 of a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks 110, and the liquid outlet end of each drain pipe 151 is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of receiving tanks 150.

[0119] The number of the drain pipes 151 is the same as the number of the receiving tanks 150 and the number of the process tanks 110. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, there are three receiving tanks 150 and three drain pipes 151. Among them, the liquid outlet 111 may be provided on the bottom wall of the process tank 110, or, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the liquid outlet 111 may also be provided on the side wall of the process tank 110, and the liquid outlet end of the drain pipe 151 may be connected to the side wall of the receiving tank 150.

[0120] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the process tank 110 and the receiving tank 150 is not specifically limited. The process tank 110 may be provided above the receiving tank 150, or the process tank 110 and the receiving tank 150 may be arranged side by side along the Y direction. In this embodiment, the volumes of the process tank 110 and the receiving tank 150 are not specifically limited either, as long as the receiving tank 150 can hold all the plating solution in the corresponding process tank 110. Exemplarily, the volume of the process tank 110 may be equal to the volume of the receiving tank 150, or the volume of the process tank 110 may be smaller than the volume of the receiving tank 150.

[0121] Compared with the technical solution in which the plating solution in the process tank 110 falls into a corresponding receiving tank 150 under the action of its own gravity, in this embodiment, the plating solution in the process tank 110 is discharged through the drain pipe 151, so that the flow of the plating solution can be better controlled, avoiding the out-of-control or splashing of the plating solution that may occur during the falling process, reducing the corrosive plating solution from splashing onto the staff or surrounding equipment, improving safety, and also helping to reduce pollution and waste.

[0122] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further include a delivery pipe 161, a preparation tank 160, and a pump 162. The preparation tank 160 is communicated with the plurality of process tanks 110 through the delivery pipe 161. The plating solution is prepared in the preparation tank 160, and the pump 162 is used to drive the plating solution in the preparation tank 160 to flow into the delivery pipe 161 to enter the plurality of process tanks 110.

[0123] When the coating device 100 of this embodiment is actually used, the preparation of the plating solution can be completed in the preparation tank 160 first. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the process tank 110 and the preparation tank 160 is not specifically limited. As Figure 1 andFigure 2 As shown, the process tank 110 can be arranged above the configuration tank 160. Alternatively, the process tank 110 and the configuration tank 160 can be arranged side by side. Alternatively, the process tank 110 can also be arranged below the configuration tank 160. In an embodiment where both the configuration tank 160 and the accommodation tank 150 are arranged below the process tank 110, the configuration tank 160 and the accommodation tank 150 can be arranged side by side and fixedly connected. Each accommodation tank 150 can be connected to the configuration tank 160 through a communication pipe. When it is analyzed that the plating solution in the accommodation tank 150 has not deteriorated or has a relatively low degree of deterioration and can continue to be used, the communication pipe is used to transport the plating solution in the accommodation tank 150 to the configuration tank 160, so that the plating solution can be reused.

[0124] The volume of the configuration tank 160 can be equal to the sum of the volumes of all the process tanks 110. Alternatively, the volume of the configuration tank 160 can also be greater than the sum of the volumes of all the process tanks 110 or slightly less than the sum of the volumes of all the process tanks 110. The pump 162 can be implemented as any one of a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, etc.

[0125] In this embodiment, the plating solution can be prepared in advance in the configuration tank 160 and is transported to each process tank 110 along the delivery pipe 161 under the drive of the pump 162. In this way, it is easier to accurately control the composition and concentration of the plating solution. Compared with the technical solution in which the configuration tank 160 is arranged above the process tank 110 and the plating solution in the configuration tank 160 falls into the process tank 110 under the action of gravity, the flow of the plating solution can be better controlled in this way, avoiding the out-of-control or splashing of the plating solution that may occur during the falling process, reducing the corrosive plating solution from splashing onto the staff or surrounding equipment, improving safety, and also helping to reduce pollution and waste.

[0126] In some embodiments, the number of the delivery pipes 161 and the pumps 162 can be the same as the number of the process tanks 110. Each process tank 110 corresponds to a pump 162 and a delivery pipe 161. Each pump 162 is used to drive the plating solution in the configuration tank 160 along a delivery pipe 161 to a corresponding process tank 110.

[0127] According to some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 6 shown, the coating device 100 can further include a tank body 180. A through hole is formed in the tank body 180, and the through hole is communicated with the outflow end of the delivery pipe 161. Each process tank 110 is provided with a liquid inlet 112, and the liquid inlet 112 of each process tank 110 is communicated with the tank body 180. The liquid inlet 112 can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

[0128] The liquid inlet 112 can be provided with valves such as butterfly valves, electric valves, solenoid valves, etc. By controlling the opening degree of the valves, the liquid inlet 112 can be switched between the open state and the closed state. Among them, the through hole can be provided on the bottom wall of the tank body 180 or on the side wall of the tank body 180.

[0129] In this embodiment, the plating solution can be prepared in advance. The plating solution in the preparation tank 160 flows along the delivery pipe 161 under the drive of the pump 162, and flows into the tank body 180 through the through hole. When it is necessary to inject the plating solution into the process tank 110, the liquid inlet 112 of the process tank 110 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and the plating solution in the tank body 180 enters the process tank 110 through the liquid inlet 112. During the processing of the coating device 100 in this embodiment, in the case of a break in the strip of the foil material 200 to be coated, the liquid inlet 112 of the target process tank can be switched from the open state to the closed state to stop injecting the plating solution into the target process tank, and then the liquid outlet 111 of the target process tank is switched from the closed state to the open state to discharge the plating solution in the target process tank. The liquid inlets 112 of the remaining process tanks 110 can still be kept open to continue injecting the plating solution, so that the electroplating processes of the remaining process tanks 110 are not interrupted.

[0130] Compared with the technical solution of setting multiple pumps 162 and delivery pipes 161, with multiple pumps 162 corresponding to multiple process tanks 110 one by one, in this embodiment, by introducing the tank body 180, the tank body 180 is between the preparation tank 160 and the process tank 110 and serves as a transfer station for the circulation treatment of the plating solution. Using one tank body 180 to uniformly distribute the plating solution to multiple process tanks 110, only one pump 162 and one delivery pipe 161 can be set, which can save the number of pumps 162.

[0131] Among them, the tank body 180 can be arranged above or below the process tank 110, or the tank body 180 and the process tank 110 can be arranged side by side.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 6 shown, the tank body 180 and multiple process tanks 110 can be stacked, the tank body 180 is located below the multiple process tanks 110, and the bottom wall of each process tank 110 can be provided with a liquid inlet 112 in a penetrating manner.

[0133] Among them, the tank body 180 and multiple process tanks 110 can be fixedly connected. When the liquid inlet 112 of the process tank 110 is in the open state, its interior is communicated with the tank body 180, and then the plating solution in the tank body 180 can spontaneously flow into the process tank 110 from the liquid inlet 112.

[0134] This embodiment enables automatic liquid supply from tank 180, eliminating the need for an additional power source to drive the plating solution within tank 180 to flow to process tank 110, thereby reducing equipment costs. Furthermore, tank 180 acts as a buffer, allowing the plating solution to flow slowly from tank 180 into process tank 110, reducing flow fluctuations caused by power source delivery, thereby stabilizing liquid supply and improving electroplating uniformity.

[0135] Furthermore, it is understood that bubbles may be generated in the plating solution when an additional power source is used to drive the plating solution in the tank body 180 to flow to the process tank 110. In this embodiment, the tank body 180 is disposed below the plurality of process tanks 110, thereby reducing the possibility of bubbles entering the process tanks 110 and improving the quality of the electroplating process.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating device 100 may further include a plurality of roller groups 170 corresponding to the plurality of process tanks 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are three roller groups 170. Each roller group 170 in the plurality of roller groups 170 is adjacent to a corresponding process tank 110 in the plurality of process tanks 110 and is arranged downstream of the corresponding process tank 110 along the traveling direction of the foil 200 to be plated. Figure 7 As shown, the roller group 170 can specifically include an upper insulating roller 171 and a lower insulating roller 172 arranged opposite to each other in the up and down directions. The upper insulating roller 171 and the lower insulating roller 172 are parallel to the conductive roller 120. A channel is formed between the upper insulating roller 171 and the lower insulating roller 172, and the channel is used for the foil 200 to be plated to pass through.

[0137] The upper insulating roller 171 and the lower insulating roller 172 may be made of plastic, rubber, ceramic, etc. During processing of the coating device 100 of this embodiment, the foil 200 to be plated is electroplated in one process tank 110 , passes through a channel of one roller assembly 170 , and then enters the next adjacent process tank 110 .

[0138] After the foil 200 to be plated passes through the plating solution in the process tank 110, a large amount of plating solution will be brought out. By passing the foil 200 to be plated between the upper insulating roller 171 and the lower insulating roller 172 of a roller group 170 and then entering the adjacent next process tank 110, it can play a role of squeezing and scraping, so that the plating solution remaining on the surface of the foil 200 to be plated is reduced, which is conducive to reducing the negative impact of the deterioration and crystallization of the plating solution remaining on the surface of the foil 200 to be plated on the quality of the electroplating process.

[0139] According to some embodiments of this application, please continue to refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 7, the roller set 170 may further include a lifting member 173 and a driver 174. The lifting member 173 is connected to both ends of the upper insulating roller 171, and the driver 174 is drivingly connected to the lifting member 173 to drive the lifting member 173 to move in the vertical direction, driving the upper insulating roller 171 to lift and lower, so that the height of the channel is adjustable.

[0140] Wherein, the lifting member 173 may specifically include a first plate 1731, a second plate 1732 and a third plate 1733 connected in sequence. The first plate 1731 and the third plate 1733 are oppositely arranged, and the second plate 1732 is connected to the first plate 1731 and the third plate 1733 in a turning manner. Both ends of the upper insulating roller 171 are respectively connected to the first plate 1731 and the third plate 1733.

[0141] In this embodiment, the driver 174 can be controlled to drive the lifting member 173 to lift and lower to adjust the height of the channel, so that the extrusion force applied by the roller set 170 to the foil to be plated 200 can be adjusted. Thus, on the basis of being able to scrape off the residual plating solution on the surface of the foil to be plated 200, the pressure for extruding the foil to be plated 200 is appropriate, which is beneficial to reducing the probability of breaking the strip caused by over-extruding the foil to be plated 200.

[0142] Wherein, the driver 174 can be a motor. Alternatively, a manual adjustment mechanism can also be used to implement the driver 174. For example, the driver 174 includes a handwheel and a transmission mechanism, and the handwheel drives the lifting member 173 to lift and lower through the transmission mechanism (for example, a ball screw mechanism) under the rotation of an external force.

[0143] According to some embodiments of the present application, the driver 174 is a fluid power cylinder. The fluid power cylinder generates power through fluid to drive the lifting member 173 to lift and lower, and the fluid pressure of the fluid power cylinder is adjustable. Wherein, the fluid power cylinder can be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0144] By using the fluid power cylinder as the driver 174, the extrusion force applied by the roller set 170 to the foil to be plated 200 can be adjusted by controlling the fluid pressure. Compared with the technical solutions in which the driver 174 is a motor or a manual adjustment mechanism, the fluid pressure of the fluid power cylinder can be continuously adjusted, so that the fluid pressure can be controlled more precisely and smoothly, and the adjustment accuracy of the extrusion force applied by the roller set 170 to the foil to be plated 200 is high.

[0145] The embodiment of the present application also proposes a foil to be plated 200, which is coated with the coating device 100 of the first aspect as above, and then a current collector can be formed. As Figure 8As shown, the foil material 200 to be plated includes a foil material body 210 to be plated and an insulating foil material 220. The thickness of the insulating foil material 220 is the same as that of the foil material body 210 to be plated, and one end of the insulating foil material 220 in its own extending direction is connected to the foil material body 210 to be plated. Among them, the insulating foil material 220 is used for threading through the coating device 100 before the foil material body 210 to be plated, and the foil material 200 to be plated is configured such that when the insulating foil material 220 finishes threading, the foil material body 210 to be plated does not enter the plurality of process tanks 110.

[0146] In this application, the term "the same" not only includes the case of absolute equality, but also includes the case of generally equal as conventionally recognized in engineering. Among them, the shape and width of the insulating foil material 220 can also be the same as those of the foil material body 210 to be plated, that is, the geometric features of the insulating foil material 220 are similar to those of the foil material body 210 to be plated to imitate the foil material body 210 to be plated. Among them, the material of the insulating foil material 220 can be one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether ether ketone, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), epoxy resin (Epoxy), etc.

[0147] When using the above coating device 100 to process the foil material 200 to be plated, threading is carried out first. Specifically, the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are powered off, and in the powered-off state, the insulating foil material 220 is threaded first, so that the path of the insulating foil material 220 in the coating device 100 is established until the insulating foil material 220 finishes threading. At this time, the foil material body 210 to be plated still does not enter the uppermost process tank 110 among the plurality of process tanks 110. Then the coating device 100 operates, and the foil material body 210 to be plated is conveyed forward along the traveling path. Since the insulating foil material 220 has the characteristics of insulation and corrosion resistance, the insulating foil material 220 will not be corroded by the plating solution during threading, nor will it react with the plating solution to contaminate the plating solution.

[0148] In this embodiment, the insulating foil material 220 is used to thread through instead of the foil material body 210 to be plated to establish a traveling path in the coating device 100. This can reduce the occurrence of frequent tape breakage caused by directly threading the foil material body 210 to be plated, and can also reduce the adverse impact on the plating solution caused by directly threading the foil material body 210 to be plated in the tape break state.

[0149] According to some embodiments of the present application, the material of the foil material body 210 to be plated may include at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, iron. Please continue to refer to Figure 8 Moreover, the insulating foil material 220 further includes a connecting copper foil 230. The thickness of the connecting copper foil 230 is the same as that of the foil material body 210 to be plated, and one end of the insulating foil material 220 is connected to the foil material body 210 to be plated through the connecting copper foil 230. Among them, the foil material 200 to be plated is configured such that when the connecting copper foil 230 finishes threading, the foil material body 210 to be plated does not enter the plurality of process tanks 110.

[0150] The foil body 210 to be plated can be made of aluminum foil, nickel foil, or a nickel-iron alloy. After electroplating using the aforementioned coating apparatus 100, the foil body 200 to be plated can be made into the negative electrode current collector of a battery cell. The shape and width of the connecting copper foil 230 can also be the same as those of the foil body 210 to be plated. That is, the geometric features of the connecting copper foil 230 are similar to those of the foil body 210 to be plated, thereby mimicking the foil body 210 to be plated. The thickness of the foil body 210 to be plated, the insulating foil 220, and the connecting copper foil 230 can be any value selected from 3 μm, 4 μm, 5 μm, 6 μm, and 10 μm.

[0151] The insulating foil 220 and the connecting copper foil 230 may be connected by an insulating tape 240 , and the connecting copper foil 230 and the foil body 210 to be plated may also be connected by an insulating tape 240 .

[0152] In some embodiments, when the insulating foil 220 is threaded, the connecting copper foil 230 has not yet entered the most upstream process tank 110 among the multiple process tanks 110. In this example, only the insulating foil 220 is used to establish a travel path in the coating apparatus 100. In other embodiments, the insulating foil 220 and the connecting copper foil 230 can be used to establish a travel path in the coating apparatus 100. That is, when the travel path is first established, both the insulating foil 220 and the connecting copper foil 230 have entered the process tank 110.

[0153] When the above-mentioned coating device 100 is used to process the foil material 200 to be coated, the threading process is roughly as follows: the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are powered off, and the insulating foil material 220 is threaded first in the power-off state, so that the path of the insulating foil material 220 in the coating device 100 is established until the insulating foil material 220 is threaded; then the coating device 100 is operated, and the connected copper foil 230 is transported forward. During this process, the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 remain powered off until the connected copper foil 230 is threaded. At this time, the insulating foil material 220 is threaded. 20 has been transferred from the most downstream process tank 110 among the multiple process tanks 110, and the main body of the foil to be plated 210 has not yet entered the most upstream process tank 110 among the multiple process tanks 110; then the coating device 100 is operated, so that the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are energized, so that the main body of the foil to be plated 210 and the connecting copper foil 230 are both charged. In this state, the main body of the foil to be plated 210 is conveyed forward for electroplating, and at the same time, the connecting copper foil 230 is gradually transferred from the most downstream process tank 110 among the multiple process tanks 110. It is easy to understand that after the connecting copper foil 230 is threaded, the insulating foil 220 can be separated from the connecting copper foil 230, so that when the electroplated foil 200 is rolled up, the insulating foil 220 will not be rolled up, which facilitates the subsequent preparation of the electrode.

[0154] In this embodiment, the connecting copper foil 230 serves as a transition, so that during the period when the insulating foil 220 is threaded through and exits from the most downstream one of the plurality of process tanks 110, the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are powered off. After the insulating foil 220 exits from the most downstream one of the plurality of process tanks 110, the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are powered on. Thus, during threading, on the one hand, the body 210 of the foil to be plated will not be immersed in the plating solution when powered off and will be immersed in the plating solution when powered on, which can prevent the body 210 of the foil to be plated from contacting the plating solution without cathodic protection and causing displacement reaction to contaminate the plating solution. Here, it can be understood that in an embodiment where the material of the body 210 of the foil to be plated contains one or more of aluminum, nickel, and iron, the plating solution can be copper sulfate or copper chloride, and the connecting copper foil 230 will not undergo a displacement reaction with the plating solution. On the other hand, before the connecting copper foil 230 completes threading, the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130 are kept powered off, so as to prevent the connecting copper foil 230 from being powered on and transmitting current to the insulating foil 220, resulting in melting of the insulating foil 220, which is beneficial to ensuring that the connecting copper foil 230 can smoothly complete threading under the guidance of the insulating foil 220.

[0155] An embodiment of the present application also proposes a coating method, which is applied to the coating device 100 in the first aspect as above. As Figure 9 shown, the coating method includes the following steps.

[0156] S110, when a break occurs in the foil 200 to be plated, keep all the conductive roller groups 170 powered on, so that the foil 200 to be plated completes tape splicing in the powered-on state.

[0157] The execution subject of this coating method can be the controller of the coating device 100, or a control device capable of controlling the coating device 100, for example, a server or a control terminal. In some embodiments, the coating device 100 can collect an image of the foil 200 to be plated through an image acquisition unit to determine whether the foil 200 to be plated is broken, and execute S110 when the determination result is that the foil 200 to be plated is broken. In other embodiments, when the staff discovers that the foil 200 to be plated is broken, they operate on the central control screen or keyboard of the coating device 100 to trigger a tape splicing instruction, and the coating device 100 executes S110 in response to the tape splicing instruction. After executing S110, the staff or the tape splicing device connects and fixes the broken part of the foil 200 to be plated with a corrosion-resistant insulating tape, and then performs a drying treatment to make the bonding between the insulating tape and the foil 200 to be plated firm, so as to achieve tape splicing. Then, the foil 200 to be plated can be restored to the traveling path before the break occurs, or the target process tank can be discarded, so that the foil 200 to be plated is conveyed along a new traveling path, and the difference between the new traveling path and the traveling path before the break occurs is that it does not pass through the target process tank.

[0158] When the above coating device 100 coats the to-be-coated foil 200 using the coating method of this embodiment, if the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, the to-be-coated foil 200 is kept in an energized state to complete the tape splicing, so that the to-be-coated foil 200 immersed in the plating solution during the tape splicing is cathodically protected. In this way, the possibility of the part of the to-be-coated foil 200 immersed in the plating solution in each process tank 110 undergoing a displacement reaction with the plating solution during the tape splicing is relatively low, thereby reducing the probability of the plating solution deterioration caused by the shutdown for tape splicing.

[0159] It can also be understood that when the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks and there is one break, or when there are multiple breaks in the to-be-coated foil 200 and the part between two adjacent breaks on the to-be-coated foil 200 is clamped and will not completely fall into the process tank 110, there is no part of the to-be-coated foil 200 that completely falls off. The conductive roller group 170 remains energized during the period from the break of the to-be-coated foil 200 to the tape splicing, so that the part of the to-be-coated foil 200 immersed in the plating solution in each process tank 110 is still cathodically protected during the period from the break of the to-be-coated foil 200 to the tape splicing. Even when there are multiple breaks in the to-be-coated foil 200 resulting in a certain part completely falling off, the target process tank can be abandoned, so that the to-be-coated foil 200 no longer passes through the target process tank in the subsequent coating process. In this way, the plating solution in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank is not contaminated, the range of plating solution contamination is reduced, and thus it is not necessary to stop the machine to replace the plating solution in all the process tanks 110, thereby reducing the maintenance cost and improving the production efficiency.

[0160] According to some embodiments of the present application, S110 may specifically be: in the case where the to-be-coated foil 200 breaks, keep all the conductive roller groups 170 energized and lower the current of the conductive roller groups 170, so that the to-be-coated foil 200 completes the tape splicing in an energized state.

[0161] Among them, the current of the conductive roller group 170 may specifically be lowered to below the safety voltage. For example, the current of the conductive roller group 170 may be less than 50V (volt), or it may also be less than 25V. By reducing the current of the conductive roller group 170 in this embodiment, the risk of electric shock to the staff during the tape splicing process can be reduced to a certain extent.

[0162] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating method further includes the following steps.

[0163] S120, while keeping all the conductive roller groups 170 energized, keep at least the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank among the multiple process tanks 110 in a conductive state; where the target process tank is the number of process tanks 110 among the multiple process tanks 110 whose internal plating solution is in contact with the break of the to-be-coated foil 200.

[0164] The target process tank is not limited to one, and may also be multiple, depending on the fracture condition of the to-be-plated foil material 200. For example, Figure 3 When both the C position and the F position of the to-be-plated foil material 200 in Figure 3 are completely fractured, the process tank 110 where the C position is located and the process tank 110 where the F position is located are both target process tanks. Among them, keeping the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tanks among the multiple process tanks 110 in a conducting state can be understood in a broad sense, that is, it can be understood that the anode assemblies 130 in all the process tanks 110 are kept in a conducting state, or the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 are kept in a conducting state, and the anode assemblies 130 in the target process tanks are switched to a tape-breaking state.

[0165] The coating method of this embodiment enables the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tanks to be powered on when the to-be-plated foil material 200 breaks, so that the remaining process tanks 110 still work normally for coating, and the coating device 100 will not stop operating as a whole. Thus, production is not interrupted due to tape breaking, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency.

[0166] According to some embodiments of the present application, further, "keeping the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tanks among the multiple process tanks 110 in a conducting state" in S120 may specifically include: keeping the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tanks among the multiple process tanks 110 in a conducting state, and adjusting the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 to be lower than the current before tape breaking.

[0167] Among them, the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 can be reasonably adjusted down according to the number of the process tanks 110. It can be understood that on the premise that the thickness of the metal layer can finally reach the target thickness, the more the number of the process tanks 110, the more levels of the electroplating process of the to-be-plated foil material 200, and the smaller the thickness of the film layer formed by each level of the coating process. Under normal circumstances (that is, before tape breaking), the smaller the number of the process tanks 110, the greater the current allocated to the anode assemblies 130 of each process tank 110, and the relatively greater the reduction amplitude of the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 during tape connection. Under normal circumstances (that is, before tape breaking), the greater the number of the process tanks 110, the smaller the current allocated to the anode assemblies 130 of each process tank 110, and the relatively smaller the reduction amplitude of the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 during tape connection.

[0168] For example, it can be adjusted down to be greater than or equal to 0.1 times the current of the anode assembly 130 before tape breaking and less than the current of the anode assembly 130 before tape breaking.

[0169] In the coating method of this embodiment, when the strip break occurs in the strip 200 to be coated, by reducing the current of the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 during strip splicing and extending the coating process duration at each stage, electroplating is carried out while splicing. On this basis, it is also beneficial to prevent the coating from exceeding the target thickness.

[0170] In some embodiments, the coating method of this embodiment may further include: after completing the strip splicing, increasing the current of the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110.

[0171] Among them, the increase amplitude of the current can also be reasonably designed according to the number of process tanks 110 and the reduction amplitude of the current during strip splicing. For example, the current of the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 can be increased to be greater than or equal to 1.1 times the current of the anode assembly 130 before the strip break and less than or equal to 1.5 times the current of the anode assembly 130 before the strip break.

[0172] In this way, when the strip break occurs in the strip 200 to be coated, first reduce the current of the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110, that is, delay the coating duration, and then increase the current of the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 after strip splicing, that is, accelerate the coating duration, to compensate for the electroplating time loss during strip splicing. On the premise that the thickness of the final electroplated film layer can reach the target thickness, the total electroplating duration will not be overly extended due to strip splicing, which is beneficial to improving production efficiency.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the present application, further, "keeping the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank in the conductive state" in S120 may specifically include: keeping the anode assembly 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank in the conductive state, switching the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to the power-off state, so that the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank is disassembled and separated from the target process tank in the power-off state and moved out of the target process tank.

[0174] After executing S120, the staff can disassemble and separate the anode assembly 130 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank from the target process tank, then move the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 out of the target process tank, and then connect and fix the fracture of the strip 200 to be coated with insulating tape to complete the strip splicing.

[0175] With the coating method of this embodiment, after the breakage of the foil to be coated 200, when the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank is in a power-off state, the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 can be disassembled and separated from the corresponding process tank 110, which is conducive to improving the safety of the disassembly operation. At the same time, it is beneficial to reduce the possibility that the broken part of the foil to be coated 200 naturally droops and contacts the anode assembly 130 to cause a short circuit, so as to reduce the risk of sparks caused by the short circuit and improve the production safety.

[0176] In an embodiment where all the anode plates 131 and all the over-rollers 140 are configured to be liftable relative to the plurality of process tanks 110, the step of "switching the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to a power-off state" may specifically include: switching the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to a power-off state and moving the anode assembly 130 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank upward. With the coating method of this embodiment, after the breakage of the foil to be coated 200, when the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank is in a power-off state, first move the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank upward to approach the opening of the target process tank, and then remove and take out the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank, which provides convenience for the subsequent removal and taking out of the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank.

[0177] According to some embodiments of the present application, the coating method further includes the following steps.

[0178] S130, in the case of breakage of the foil to be coated 200, discharging the plating solution in the target process tank to the target receiving tank; wherein, the target process tank is one of the plurality of process tanks 110 where the breakage of the foil to be coated 200 is located, and the target receiving tank is one of the plurality of receiving tanks 150 corresponding to the target process tank.

[0179] S140, analyzing whether the plating solution in the target receiving tank reaches a preset deterioration condition.

[0180] S150, in response to the plating solution not reaching the preset deterioration condition, conveying the plating solution in the target receiving tank to the configuration tank 160.

[0181] S160, in response to the plating solution reaching the preset deterioration condition, discarding the plating solution in the target receiving tank.

[0182] In S130, the liquid outlet 111 of the target process tank can be controlled to switch from the closed state to the open state, so that the plating solution in the target process tank is discharged.

[0183] The preset deterioration condition indicates that the deterioration degree of the plating solution reaches the critical value of its performance degradation and it can no longer be used. When the plating solution reaches the preset deterioration condition, it indicates that the plating solution is severely deteriorated and cannot be used continuously. The coating device 100 may also be provided with a plurality of analysis units, and the plurality of analysis units correspond to the plurality of accommodating grooves 150 one by one. In S140, the analysis unit corresponding to the target accommodating groove analyzes the plating solution inside it. Of course, in other embodiments, the plating solution in the target accommodating groove can also be taken out by the staff for analysis.

[0184] By using the coating method of this embodiment, after the strip breakage of the to-be-coated foil 200, the plating solution in the target process tank is discharged into the target accommodating groove, and then the deterioration degree of the plating solution in the target accommodating groove is analyzed. In this way, when the plating solution is not deteriorated or the deterioration degree is relatively light and the plating solution can still be used, the plating solution can be recycled, thereby reducing waste and improving the recycling rate of the plating solution.

[0185] It can be understood that the strip connection can be completed after S150, so that the time for the broken part of the to-be-coated foil 200 to contact the plating solution in the target process tank to undergo a displacement reaction can be minimized as much as possible, which can have a positive effect on reducing the deterioration degree of the plating solution in the target process tank.

[0186] According to some embodiments of the present application, on the basis of the embodiment in which the to-be-coated foil 200 includes a to-be-coated foil body 210 and an insulating foil 220, the thickness of the insulating foil 220 is the same as that of the to-be-coated foil body 210, and one end of the insulating foil 220 along its extending direction is connected to the to-be-coated foil body 210, the coating method further includes the following steps.

[0187] S210, when the insulating foil 220 of the to-be-coated foil 200 is threading, keep all the conductive roller groups 170 and all the anode assemblies 130 powered off.

[0188] S220, after the insulating foil 220 completes threading and is not in contact with the conductive roller groups 170, switch all the conductive roller groups 170 and all the anode assemblies 130 to the powered-on state.

[0189] By using the coating method of this embodiment, before the insulating foil 220 is threaded and exits from the most downstream one of the plurality of process tanks 110, the to-be-coated foil 200 is not powered on, so as to prevent the current from being conducted to the insulating foil 220 and causing the insulating foil 220 to melt during the threading process, which is beneficial to the smooth threading of the insulating foil 220.

[0190] According to some embodiments of the present application, on the basis of an implementation scheme in which the foil to be plated 200 includes an insulating foil 220, a connecting copper foil 230 and a foil body 210 connected in sequence, and the material of the foil body 210 to be plated includes at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, and iron, S220 may specifically include: when the insulating foil 220 and the connecting copper foil 230 are sequentially threaded and the foil body 210 to be plated has not entered a plurality of process tanks 110, switching all conductive roller groups 170 and all anode assemblies 130 to power on.

[0191] After S220 , the staff may separate the insulating foil 220 from the connecting copper foil 230 .

[0192] The coating method of this embodiment prevents the foil body 210 and the connecting foil from being powered off and not yet immersed in the plating solution during the threading of the connecting copper foil 230. Furthermore, the foil body 210 is immersed in the plating solution while powered on. This prevents the foil body 210 from coming into contact with the plating solution without cathodic protection, which could lead to plating solution contamination caused by a displacement reaction.

[0193] An embodiment of the present application provides a battery production line, comprising any coating device 100 proposed in the first aspect of the present application. The battery production line comprises the coating device 100 of the first aspect described above, and the beneficial effects of the battery production line are the same as those of the coating device 100 of the first aspect described above, which will not be further described in this application.

[0194] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below.

[0195] Some specific embodiments of the present application are described below. It should be understood that the specific embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0196] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the coating apparatus 100 includes three process tanks 110 arranged linearly, each of which is used to hold a plating solution of copper sulfate. A tank body 180 is stacked below the three process tanks 110 and fixedly connected to the tanks 110. A liquid outlet 111 is provided through the sidewall of each process tank 110, and a liquid inlet 112 is provided through the bottom wall of each process tank 110. Both the liquid outlet 111 and the liquid inlet 112 can be switched between an open and closed state. The sidewalls of the tank body 180 are provided with through holes.

[0197] The coating device 100 further includes a pump 162, as well as a configuration tank 160 and three accommodation tanks 150 that are fixedly connected. The three accommodation tanks 150 correspond to the three process tanks 110 one by one. The configuration tank 160 is connected to the through hole through a delivery pipe 161. The plating solution is configured in the configuration tank 160. The pump 162 is used to drive the plating solution in the configuration tank 160 to flow into the tank body 180 along the delivery pipe 161. Each accommodation tank 150 is connected to the liquid outlet 111 of a corresponding process tank 110 through a drain pipe 151. The sum of the volumes of the configuration tank 160 and the three accommodation tanks 150 is twice the sum of the volumes of the three process tanks 110.

[0198] Each process tank 110 is provided with three anode plates 131 that are parallel to each other. The three anode plates 131 are arranged at intervals in sequence along the linear arrangement direction X. The anode plates 131 are connected to the positive pole of the power supply through a rectifier. The thickness direction of the anode plates 131 is parallel to the linear arrangement direction X. A coating space is formed between any two adjacent anode plates 131. Moreover, the anode plates 131 in each process tank 110 can be switched independently between a conducting state and a power-off state, and the current in the conducting state is controllable. Each process tank 110 is further provided with a turning roller 140. The turning roller 140 is used to change the traveling direction of the foil to be coated 200, so that the foil to be coated 200 enters from one coating space into another coating space. The three anode plates 131 and the turning roller 140 can all be lifted and lowered relative to the process tank 110, and the three anode plates 131 and the turning roller 140 are all detachable.

[0199] On both sides of each process tank 110 along the linear arrangement direction X, there is provided a conducting roller 120. The conducting roller 120 is arranged on the traveling path of the foil to be coated 200 and is in conductive contact with the foil to be coated 200. The conducting roller 120 extends horizontally and its extending direction is perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction X. The conducting roller 120 is electrically connected to the negative pole of the power supply.

[0200] Downstream of each process tank 110 along the traveling direction of the foil to be coated 200, there is further provided a roller set 170. The roller set 170 specifically includes an upper insulating roller 171 and a lower insulating roller 172 that are arranged opposite to each other in the up-down direction. A channel is formed between the upper insulating roller 171 and the lower insulating roller 172 for the foil to be coated 200 to pass through. Among them, both ends of the upper insulating roller 171 are connected to a lifting member 173. The lifting member 173 is in transmission connection with a driver's 174. The driver 174 is used to drive the lifting member 173 to move in the vertical direction, driving the upper insulating roller 171 to lift and lower, so that the height of the channel is adjustable. Among them, the driver 174 is a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0201] The foiled material 200 to be electroplated using the coating device 100 includes an insulating foil 220, a connecting copper foil 230, and a foiled material body 210 to be electroplated that are connected in sequence. The material of the foiled material body 210 to be electroplated is a nickel-iron alloy. Among them, both between the insulating foil 220 and the connecting copper foil 230 and between the connecting copper foil 230 and the foiled material body 210 to be electroplated are connected by insulating tapes 240. The foiled material body 210, the insulating foil 220, and the connecting copper foil 230 have the same thickness, shape, and width, and the thickness is 3 μm to 6 μm.

[0202] The processing implementation plan of the coating device 100 is specifically as follows:

[0203] 1) Prepare the plating solution in the configuration tank 160, use the pump 162 to drive the plating solution in the configuration tank 160 to flow along the conveying pipe 161 into the tank body 180, so that the liquid inlets 112 of the three process tanks 110 are all in the open state, and the plating solution in the tank body 180 enters the process tanks 110 through the liquid inlets 112.

[0204] 2) Cut off the power supply of the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130. Under the power-off state, first thread the insulating foil 220 until the insulating foil 220 is completely threaded; the coating device 100 operates, and the connecting copper foil 230 is conveyed forward for threading. During this period, the insulating foil 220 gradually feeds forward from the front. Since the foiled material 200 to be electroplated is powered off, the insulating foil 220 will not melt due to electrification; until the connecting copper foil 230 is completely threaded, at this time, the insulating foil 220 has passed out of the most downstream one of the multiple process tanks 110, and the foiled material body 210 to be electroplated has not yet entered the most upstream one of the multiple process tanks 110; power on the conductive roller group 170 and the anode assembly 130, the coating device 100 operates, the connecting copper foil 230 and the foiled material body 210 to be electroplated are negatively charged and conveyed forward to electroplate the foiled material body 210 to be electroplated.

[0205] 3) During the electroplating process, if the foiled material 200 to be electroplated breaks, keep all the conductive roller groups 170 powered on and lower the current of the conductive roller groups 170 below the safe voltage, switch the liquid inlet 112 of the target process tank to the closed state, switch the liquid outlet 111 of the target process tank to the open state, so that the plating solution in the target process tank is discharged into the target receiving tank (that is, one of the three receiving tanks 150 corresponding to the target process tank), switch the anode assembly 130 in the target process tank to the power-off state, keep the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 except the target process tank in the conducting state, and adjust the current of the anode assemblies 130 in the remaining process tanks 110 to be lower than the current before the break. Among them, the target process tank is the number of process tanks 110 among the multiple process tanks 110 where the plating solution inside is in contact with the break of the foiled material 200 to be electroplated.

[0206] 4) Vertically move the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank upward, detach and separate the anode plate 131 and the over-roller 140 in the target process tank from the target process tank, and take them out from the open end of the target process tank. The staff can wear insulating protective gloves and connect and fix the broken part of the foil to be plated 200 outside the target process tank through insulating tape to complete the tape connection.

[0207] 5) Analyze whether the plating solution in the target holding tank reaches the preset deterioration condition. If the plating solution does not reach the preset deterioration condition, convey the plating solution in the target holding tank to the configuration tank 160. If the plating solution reaches the preset deterioration condition, discard the plating solution in the target holding tank.

[0208] 6) Switch the liquid inlet 112 of the target process tank to the open state to inject the plating solution into the target process tank, so that the foil to be plated 200 returns to the traveling path before the tape break; or, discard the target process tank, so that the foil to be plated 200 will no longer pass through the target process tank in the subsequent coating process.

[0209] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and the description of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the text, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A coating device, which is applied to coat a foil material to be coated, is characterized in that The coating device includes: A plurality of process tanks arranged linearly. Each of the plurality of process tanks is used to contain plating solution, and the foil to be plated passes through the plurality of process tanks in sequence along the traveling direction. On both sides of each of the plurality of process tanks along the linear arrangement direction of the plurality of process tanks, there are conductive roll sets. The conductive roll sets are arranged on the traveling path of the foil to be plated and are in conductive contact with the foil to be plated. Each conductive roll set includes at least one conductive roll. The conductive roll extends horizontally and its extending direction is perpendicular to the linear arrangement direction. The conductive roll sets are used to be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the power supply. The coating device is configured to keep all the conductive roll sets energized in the case of a tape break of the foil to be plated, so that the foil to be plated completes tape splicing in the energized state.

2. The coating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a plurality of anode assemblies corresponding to the plurality of process tanks one by one. Each of the plurality of anode assemblies is arranged in a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks. The plurality of anode assemblies are connected in parallel. Each of the plurality of anode assemblies is used to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the power supply. The plurality of anode assemblies can be independently switched between the conducting state and the power-off state, and the current of each anode assembly in the conducting state is controllable.

3. The coating device according to claim 2, wherein Each anode assembly includes N anode plates, where N is an odd number. The thickness direction of each anode plate among the N anode plates is parallel to or at an angle with the linear arrangement direction. When N>2, the N anode plates are arranged at intervals in sequence along the linear arrangement direction. The N anode plates divide a corresponding one of the process tanks to form M coating spaces, where M≥2 and M is an even number. Each of the plurality of process tanks further includes K guide rollers. The K guide rollers are arranged on the traveling path of the foil to be plated and are used to contact the foil to be plated. Each of the K guide rollers is used to change the traveling direction of the foil to be plated, so that the foil to be plated enters from one of the M coating spaces into an adjacent another coating space. Among them, K = M - 1.

4. The coating device according to claim 3, wherein Each anode plate and each guide roller are detachably connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks.

5. The coating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, All the anode plates and all the guide rollers are configured to be liftable relative to the plurality of process tanks.

6. The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It further includes a plurality of receiving tanks corresponding to the plurality of process tanks one by one. Each of the process tanks is provided with a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet can be switched between the open state and the closed state. The plating solution in each process tank can be discharged from the liquid outlet in the open state and flow into a corresponding one of the plurality of receiving tanks.

7. The coating device according to claim 6, wherein It further includes a plurality of drain pipes corresponding to the plurality of process tanks one by one. The inlet end of each of the plurality of drain pipes is connected to the liquid outlet of a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks, and the outlet end of each drain pipe is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of receiving tanks.

8. The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that It further includes a plurality of roller groups corresponding to the plurality of process tanks one by one. Each roller group in the plurality of roller groups is adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of process tanks and is arranged downstream of the corresponding one of the process tanks along the traveling direction. The roller group includes an upper insulating roller and a lower insulating roller arranged oppositely in the up-down direction. Both the upper insulating roller and the lower insulating roller are parallel to the conductive roller. A channel is formed between the upper insulating roller and the lower insulating roller, and the channel is used for the to-be-plated foil material to pass through.

9. The coating device according to claim 8, wherein The roller group further includes: a lifting member connected to both ends of the upper insulating roller; a driver drivingly connected to the lifting member to drive the lifting member to move in the vertical direction, driving the upper insulating roller to lift and lower, so that the height of the channel is adjustable.

10. The coating device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The driver is a fluid power cylinder. The fluid power cylinder generates power through fluid to drive the lifting member to lift and lower, and the fluid pressure of the fluid power cylinder is adjustable.

11. The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It further includes: a delivery pipe; a configuration tank communicated with the plurality of process tanks through the delivery pipe, and the plating solution is configured in the configuration tank; and a pump for driving the plating solution in the configuration tank to flow into the delivery pipe to enter the plurality of process tanks.

12. The coating device according to claim 11, wherein It further includes: a tank body provided with a through hole, and the through hole is communicated with the outflow end of the delivery pipe; wherein, each process tank is provided with a liquid inlet, and the liquid inlet of each process tank is communicated with the tank body, and the liquid inlet can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

13. The coating device according to claim 12, wherein The tank body and the plurality of process tanks are stacked, the tank body is located below the plurality of process tanks, and the bottom wall of each process tank is provided with the liquid inlet therethrough.

14. A coating method, applied to the coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The coating method includes: In the case of a breakage of the to-be-plated foil material, keep all the conductive roller groups energized, so that the to-be-plated foil material completes tape connection in the energized state.

15. The coating method according to claim 14, wherein It further includes: While keeping all the conductive roller groups energized, keep at least the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in a conductive state; wherein, the target process tank is a part number of process tanks among the plurality of process tanks whose internal plating solution contacts the breakage of the to-be-plated foil material.

16. The coating method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The step of keeping at least the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in a conductive state includes: Keep the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in a conductive state, and adjust the current of the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks to be lower than the current before the breakage.

17. The coating method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The step of keeping at least the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in a conductive state includes: keep the anode assemblies in the remaining process tanks except the target process tank among the plurality of process tanks in a conductive state, switch the anode assembly in the target process tank to a power-off state, so that the anode assembly in the target process tank is disassembled and separated from the target process tank and moved out of the target process tank in the power-off state.

18. The coating method according to claim 14, wherein It further includes: In the case where the strip of the to-be-plated foil material breaks, discharge the plating solution in the target process tank into the target storage tank; wherein, the target process tank is one of the plurality of process tanks where the break of the to-be-plated foil material is located, and the target storage tank is one of the plurality of storage tanks corresponding to the target process tank; Analyze whether the plating solution in the target storage tank reaches a preset deterioration condition; In response to the plating solution not reaching the preset deterioration condition, convey the plating solution in the target storage tank to the configuration tank.

19. The coating method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that, Further includes: When the insulating foil of the to-be-plated foil material is threading, keep all the conductive roller groups and all the anode assemblies powered off; After the insulating foil finishes threading and when the insulating foil is not in contact with the conductive roller groups, switch all the conductive roller groups and all the anode assemblies to powered on.

20. The coating method according to claim 19, wherein The to-be-plated foil material includes an insulating foil, a connecting copper foil, and a to-be-plated foil material body connected in sequence, and the material of the to-be-plated foil material body includes at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, iron; The step of switching to powered on includes: When the insulating foil and the connecting copper foil finish threading in sequence and the to-be-plated foil material body does not enter the plurality of process tanks, switch all the conductive roller groups and all the anode assemblies to powered on.

21. A battery production line, characterized in that, Includes: The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

22. A foil material to be plated, which is plated using the coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, Includes: To-be-plated foil material body; Insulating foil, the thickness of which is the same as that of the to-be-plated foil material body, and one end of the insulating foil in the extending direction of itself is connected to the to-be-plated foil material body; Wherein, the insulating foil is used to thread on the coating device before the to-be-plated foil material body, and the to-be-plated foil material is configured such that when the insulating foil finishes threading, the to-be-plated foil material body does not enter the plurality of process tanks.

23. The to-be-plated foil material according to claim 22, characterized in that, The material of the to-be-plated foil material body includes at least one of the following: aluminum, nickel, iron; The insulating foil further includes: a connecting copper foil, the thickness of which is the same as that of the to-be-plated foil material body, and one end of the insulating foil is connected to the to-be-plated foil material body through the connecting copper foil; Wherein, the to-be-plated foil material is configured such that when the connecting copper foil finishes threading, the to-be-plated foil material body does not enter the plurality of process tanks.

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