Pole piece processing device and control system and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a pole piece processing device and a control system and method thereof. The processing device comprises a plasma heater, and the plasma heater is used for applying plasma beams to the surface of a pole piece; the control system comprises a measuring module used for measuring environment information of the processing device; and the control module is used for adjusting working parameters of the processing device according to the environment information. The control system provided by the invention can enable the processing device to perform plasma processing on the pole piece more flexibly and accurately, helps to improve the quality of the pole piece, and is beneficial to improve the electrochemical performance of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of batteries, and more specifically, to an electrode processing apparatus and its control system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, secondary batteries, mainly lithium-ion batteries, have been widely used in energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power and solar power plants, as well as in many fields such as power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric cars, military equipment, and aerospace.

[0003] Electrodes are one of the core components of rechargeable batteries, and their quality directly affects the electrochemical performance of the battery. Therefore, optimizing the electrode manufacturing process has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application is made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and its purpose is to provide an electrode processing device and its control system and control method.

[0005] In a first aspect, a control system for an electrode processing apparatus is provided, the processing apparatus including a plasma heater for applying a plasma beam to the surface of an electrode; the control system including: a measurement module for measuring environmental information of the processing apparatus; and a control module for adjusting the operating parameters of the processing apparatus according to the environmental information.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, the control system can measure the environmental information of the heater in the processing device via a measurement module, and adjust the operating parameters of the processing device based on this environmental information. This allows the processing device to perform plasma treatment on the electrodes more flexibly and precisely. Electrodes treated with plasma exhibit higher conductivity and less springback. Therefore, the control system of this electrode processing device can help improve the quality of the electrodes, which is beneficial for enhancing the electrochemical performance of the battery.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the environmental information includes the temperature of the electrode surface, and the measurement module includes an infrared temperature detector for measuring the temperature of the electrode surface.

[0008] In one implementation, the operating parameters include the power of the plasma heater, and the control module is used to adjust the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface.

[0009] In the embodiments of this application, by measuring the temperature of the electrode surface, temperature information of the electrode surface can be obtained. Adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface can control the temperature of the electrode surface within a suitable range. This reduces the risk of poor plasma treatment effect due to excessively low electrode surface temperature, or the risk of damage to the electrode surface film layer due to excessively high electrode surface temperature, thereby improving the treatment effect of the electrode and enhancing the quality of the electrode.

[0010] In one possible implementation, adjusting the power of the plasma heater based on the temperature of the electrode surface includes: reducing the power of the plasma heater when the temperature of the electrode surface is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and increasing the power of the plasma heater when the temperature of the electrode surface is less than the first threshold.

[0011] In the embodiments of this application, the power of the plasma heater can be adjusted according to the relationship between the temperature of the electrode surface and the first threshold, thereby controlling the temperature of the electrode surface to be near the first threshold.

[0012] In one possible implementation, adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface includes: adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the power of the plasma heater.

[0013] In the embodiments of this application, the power of the plasma heater can be adjusted in real time according to the correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the power of the plasma heater, thereby controlling the temperature of the electrode surface within a suitable range.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the processing apparatus includes a fluid circulation loop containing fluid for heat exchange with a nozzle of the plasma heater; the operating parameters include the flow rate of the fluid, and the control module is used to adjust the flow rate of the fluid based on the temperature of the electrode surface.

[0015] In one possible implementation, adjusting the flow rate of the fluid based on the temperature of the electrode surface includes: adjusting the flow rate of the fluid according to a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the flow rate of the fluid.

[0016] In the embodiments of this application, the flow rate of the fluid can be adjusted in real time according to the correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the flow rate of the fluid, thereby controlling the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle within a suitable range and helping to extend the service life of the plasma heater nozzle.

[0017] In one possible implementation, adjusting the flow rate of the fluid based on the temperature of the electrode surface includes: increasing the flow rate of the fluid when the temperature of the electrode surface is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and decreasing the flow rate of the fluid or keeping the flow rate of the fluid constant when the temperature of the electrode surface is less than the second threshold.

[0018] In the embodiments of this application, the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted according to the relationship between the temperature of the electrode surface and the second threshold, thereby controlling the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle to be near the second threshold and helping to extend the service life of the plasma heater nozzle.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the fluid includes at least one of water, pure water, a brine solution, and liquid nitrogen.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the environmental information includes the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode, and the measurement module includes an infrared distance detector for measuring the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the operating parameters include the operating state of the plasma heater, and the control module is used to control the operating state of the plasma heater according to the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode; wherein the operating state of the plasma heater includes a first operating state and a second operating state, in which the plasma heater operates, and in which the plasma heater is turned off.

[0022] In one possible implementation, controlling the operating state of the plasma heater based on the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater includes: controlling the plasma heater to be in a first operating state when the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater is less than a third threshold; and controlling the plasma heater to be in a second operating state when the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0023] In the embodiments of this application, the operating state of the plasma heater is adjusted according to the distance between the plasma nozzle and the electrode surface, causing the plasma heater to operate or shut down. The distance between the plasma heater nozzle and the electrode surface can reflect the wear degree of the plasma heater nozzle. Therefore, the plasma heater can be shut down in a timely manner when the distance between the plasma heater nozzle and the electrode surface is greater than or equal to a third threshold, and the plasma heater nozzle can be replaced in a timely manner.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the nozzle of the plasma heater is made of carbon or tungsten steel.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the power P of the plasma heater satisfies: 1KW≤P≤20KW.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the temperature T on the electrode surface satisfies: 1200℃≤T≤5000℃.

[0027] In a second aspect, an electrode processing apparatus is provided, the electrode processing apparatus including the control system in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0028] Thirdly, a control method for the electrode processing apparatus of the second aspect is provided, the control method comprising: measuring environmental information of the electrode processing apparatus through a measurement module of a control system; and adjusting the operating parameters of the electrode processing apparatus according to the environmental information through a control module of a control system. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to this application.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery according to this application.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode processing device according to this application.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of an electrode processing device according to this application.

[0034] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of an electrode processing device according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0038] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0042] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).

[0043] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0044] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0045] In some implementations, the battery cell in this application embodiment can be a metal battery. Specifically, the metal battery may include lithium metal secondary batteries, sodium metal batteries, or magnesium metal batteries, etc. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0046] A single battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0047] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be a positive electrode sheet, which can include a positive current collector and a positive electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive current collector, the positive electrode film layer including a positive electrode active material.

[0048] As an example, the positive current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the positive active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the positive current collector.

[0049] As an example, the positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrode, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0050] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials for batteries may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites.

[0051] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, which may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode film layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector, the negative electrode film layer including a negative electrode active material.

[0052] As an example, the negative electrode current collector has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the negative electrode active material is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the negative electrode current collector.

[0053] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. Composite current collectors can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0054] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes an isolator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0055] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0056] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic.

[0057] In some embodiments, the separator is a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, serving both to transport ions and to isolate the positive and negative electrodes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which acts as a conductor of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This application does not impose specific limitations on the type of electrolyte; it can be selected according to requirements. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs that allow current to be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0060] In some embodiments, the battery cell may include a housing. The housing is used to encapsulate components such as electrode assemblies and electrolytes. The housing may be made of steel, aluminum, plastic (such as polypropylene), composite metal (such as copper-aluminum composite), or aluminum-plastic film, etc. The housing includes a shell and end caps.

[0061] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, parallel, or mixed via a busbar.

[0062] In some embodiments, the battery can be a battery pack, which includes a housing and individual battery cells, with the individual battery cells or battery modules housed within the housing.

[0063] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery may be located in an energy storage device. Energy storage devices include energy storage containers, energy storage cabinets, etc.

[0065] As mentioned, a "plasma beam" refers to a stream of particles generated when a working gas is ionized by high-energy excitation in a plasma generator, and the resulting matter is ejected from the plasma nozzle. The working gas can be nitrogen, helium, argon, or atmospheric gas, among others. The high energy can be provided by electric or magnetic fields.

[0066] In the production process of electrodes, electrode slurry is typically first coated onto a current collector, and then dried and rolled to form the electrode. Electrode slurry is unstable, and low-density components such as binders tend to concentrate on the electrode surface, forming a polymer film. The presence of this polymer film hinders the wetting of the electrode by the electrolyte and impedes the diffusion of lithium ions within the electrode, resulting in difficulties in electrolyte filling and poor rate performance. Therefore, surface treatment of the electrodes is usually necessary to improve their wettability and conductivity. A common surface treatment method is flame treatment, but the temperature of flame treatment is limited, typically only 100-500℃, which is insufficient to remove the polymer film on the electrode surface.

[0067] As the volumetric energy density of battery cells increases, the thickness or compaction density of electrode sheets further increases, leading to higher demands for wettability and conductivity. Flame treatment can no longer meet the processing requirements of high-energy-density batteries.

[0068] Plasma is the fourth state of matter, besides solid, liquid, and gas, and is a mixture of electrons and ions. By reacting plasma with the surface of a material, its physicochemical, mechanical, and optical properties can be altered, such as surface adhesion, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Using plasma to treat electrodes can provide instantaneous high temperatures (e.g., 1000°C and above) to the electrode surface, effectively removing the polymer film and improving wettability and conductivity. However, high temperatures can also damage the electrode film, which, in turn, negatively impacts the battery's electrochemical performance.

[0069] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a control system for an electrode processing device. The control system of the electrode processing device can flexibly adjust the operating parameters according to the measured environmental information, thereby improving the quality of the electrode after being processed by the electrode processing device, which is beneficial to improving the electrochemical performance of the battery.

[0070] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to various battery-powered electrical devices.

[0071] Electrical equipment can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the above-mentioned electrical equipment.

[0072] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments use a vehicle as an example of electrical equipment.

[0073] For example, such as Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this application. Vehicle 1 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery 10 can be installed inside vehicle 1. The controller 30 controls the battery 10 to supply power to the motor 40. For example, the battery 10 can be installed at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1. The battery 10 can be used to power vehicle 1; for example, it can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1's electrical system, such as for the power requirements of starting, navigation, and operation. In another embodiment of this application, the battery 10 can not only serve as the operating power source for vehicle 1 but also as the driving power source, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power to vehicle 1.

[0074] For example. Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the battery 10 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the battery 10 in this embodiment may include multiple battery cells 20 to meet different power usage requirements. The shape of the battery cell 20 in this embodiment can be set according to actual application. For example, the battery cell 20 may be as follows: Figure 2 The cylindrical shape shown, or it could be different. Figure 2 The embodiments shown may be cuboids or other shapes, but are not limited to these.

[0075] It should be understood that, such as Figure 2As shown, the battery 10 in this embodiment may further include a housing 11, which can be used to accommodate multiple battery cells 20. The housing 11 in this embodiment has a hollow interior, and the multiple battery cells 20 are accommodated within the housing 11. The housing 11 may include two parts, referred to herein as a first housing portion 111 and a second housing portion 112, which are fastened together. The shapes of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112 can be determined according to the shape of the components housed inside, for example, according to the shape of the combination of the multiple battery cells 20 housed inside. At least one of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112 has an opening. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112 can both be hollow cuboids with one open side each. The openings of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112 are opposite to each other, and the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112 are interlocked to form a housing 11 with a closed chamber, which can be used to accommodate multiple battery cells 20. The multiple battery cells 20 are connected in parallel, series, or mixed and placed inside the housing 11 formed by the interlocking of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112.

[0076] For example, unlike Figure 2 As shown, either the first housing portion 111 or the second housing portion 112 may have only one hollow cuboid with an opening, while the other is plate-shaped to cover the opening. Taking the second housing portion 112 as a hollow cuboid with one opening and the first housing portion 111 as a plate-shaped example, then the first housing portion 111 covers the opening of the second housing portion 112 to form a housing 11 with a closed chamber, which can be used to accommodate multiple battery cells 20.

[0077] In some embodiments, the battery 10 may further include other components. For example, the battery 10 may further include a busbar component, which can be used to realize electrical connections between multiple battery cells 20, such as in parallel, series, or mixed connections. Specifically, the busbar component can realize electrical connections between battery cells 20 by connecting to the electrode terminals 23 of the battery cells 20; or, the busbar component can also realize electrical connections between battery cells 20 by connecting to other components of the battery cells 20. The busbar component can be fixed to corresponding components of the battery cells 20 by welding, for example, by welding to the electrode terminals 23, a sealing structure, or a housing, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0078] The electrode processing apparatus and its control system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described next.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode processing device according to this application. Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram of the control system of an electrode processing device according to this application.

[0080] like Figure 3-4 As shown, the processing device 300 includes a plasma heater 301, which is used to apply a plasma beam 301a to the surface of the electrode 3. The control system 400 includes a measurement module 401 and a control module 402. The measurement module 401 is used to measure the environmental information of the processing device 300, and the control module 402 is used to adjust the operating parameters of the processing device 300 according to the environmental information.

[0081] Specifically, the measurement module 401 is electrically connected to the control module 402, thereby allowing the measurement module 401 to send the measured environmental information to the control module 402. The processing device 300 can apply a plasma beam 301a to the surface of the electrode 3 via the plasma heater 301, instantly heating the electrode 3 to a high temperature. This effectively removes the polymer film on the surface of the electrode 3 and releases the internal stress generated by rolling, thereby improving the wettability and conductivity of the electrode 3. The measurement module of the control system 400 can measure the environmental information of the electrode processing device 300. This environmental information includes, but is not limited to, the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3, the temperature of the electrode surface, and the electrode's wire speed. The control module 402 can adjust the operating parameters of the processing device 300 based on the measured environmental information. These operating parameters include, but are not limited to, the power of the plasma heater 301, the operating status of the plasma heater, and the operating parameters of other modules in the processing device 300.

[0082] Therefore, the control system 400 of this embodiment flexibly adjusts the operating parameters of the processing device 300 based on the environmental information of the processing device 300. That is, it can flexibly adjust the operating parameters of the processing device 300 according to the feedback of the environmental information, thereby effectively reducing the situation where the film layer of the electrode 3 is damaged due to excessively high plasma beam temperature 301a, or the processing effect of the electrode 3 is affected by insufficient plasma beam temperature 301a. As a result, the processing device 300 can perform plasma processing on the electrode more flexibly and accurately, helping to improve the quality of the electrode and thus improving the electrochemical performance of the battery.

[0083] In one embodiment, the environmental information includes the temperature of the surface of the electrode 3, and the measurement module 401 includes an infrared temperature detector for measuring the temperature of the surface of the electrode 3.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the measurement module 401 includes a thermal radiation thermometer for detecting the temperature of the surface of the electrode 3.

[0085] Specifically, the measurement module 401 can acquire the surface temperature of the electrode 3 using non-contact temperature sensors such as infrared temperature detectors and thermal radiation thermometers. Since the plasma heater 301 provides a high temperature, and the electrode 3 may be in a moving state—for example, the electrode 3 may pass through the plasma heater 301 at a certain speed and be processed by the plasma beam 301a during its passage—acquiring the surface temperature of the electrode 3 using a non-contact temperature sensor can accurately obtain the surface temperature of the electrode 3 while reducing the risk of damage to the temperature detector due to excessive temperature.

[0086] In one embodiment, the operating parameters include the power of the plasma heater 301, and the control module 402 is used to adjust the power of the plasma heater 301 according to the temperature of the electrode surface 3.

[0087] As mentioned earlier, temperature directly affects the surface treatment effect of electrode 3. Excessive temperature may damage the active material in the film layer on the surface of electrode 3, while insufficient temperature may result in inadequate removal of the polymer film on the surface of electrode 3, affecting the wettability of electrode 3. The power of plasma heater 301 directly affects the temperature of plasma beam 301; specifically, the higher the power of plasma heater 301, the higher the temperature of plasma beam 301a. After being ejected from the nozzle 3011 of plasma heater 301, plasma beam 301a travels a certain distance to reach the surface of electrode 3, reacting with the film layer on the surface of electrode 3 to achieve surface treatment of electrode 3. It should be understood that during the process of plasma beam 301a leaving the nozzle and reaching the surface of electrode 3, there is a certain temperature loss, but this temperature loss is very small compared to the temperature of plasma beam 301a itself, and in the embodiments of this application, this temperature loss can be ignored. Therefore, the temperature of the electrode 3 surface can also indirectly reflect the temperature of plasma beam 301a.

[0088] In this embodiment, by measuring the temperature of the electrode 3 surface and adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301 according to the temperature of the electrode 3 surface, the temperature of the plasma beam 301a applied to the electrode 3 can be controlled, so that the electrode 3 is in a suitable temperature range during the plasma surface treatment process. This helps to improve the wettability of the electrode 3, reduce the probability of the plasma beam 301a damaging the electrode 3 due to excessive temperature, and help improve the product yield.

[0089] In one embodiment, adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface 3 includes: reducing the power of the plasma heater 301 when the temperature of the electrode surface 3 is greater than or equal to a first threshold; and increasing the power of the plasma heater when the temperature of the electrode surface 3 is less than the first threshold.

[0090] Specifically, adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301 based on the temperature of the electrode surface 3 can be done by adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301 based on the relationship between the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and a first threshold.

[0091] It should be understood that the first threshold can be a preset temperature threshold, which can be obtained by testing the electrode 3 with different temperature gradients and comparing the test results. Under the first threshold, the electrode 3 has the optimal surface treatment effect. For example, the first threshold can be greater than or equal to 1200℃ and less than or equal to 3000℃. Different models of electrode 3 can have different first thresholds.

[0092] In this embodiment, the control module 402 increases or decreases the power of the plasma heater 301 according to the relationship between the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and the first threshold, so as to dynamically control the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and make the temperature of the electrode surface 3 near the first threshold to achieve the best surface treatment effect.

[0093] In one embodiment, adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface 3 includes adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301 according to a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and the power of the plasma heater 301.

[0094] Specifically, adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301 based on the temperature of the electrode surface 3 can be done by establishing a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and the power of the plasma heater 301. This preset correspondence can be a temperature-power curve or a mapping between the set of temperatures on the electrode surface 3 and the set of powers of the plasma heater 301. This preset correspondence can be obtained by testing the electrode 3 with different temperature and power gradients. Therefore, based on this correspondence, the power of the plasma heater 301 is controlled to correspond to the current temperature of the electrode 3, so that the surface of the electrode 3 is at a suitable temperature.

[0095] It should be understood that the relationship between the surface temperature of electrode 3 and the power of plasma heater 301 can be one-to-one or many-to-one. For example, when the surface temperature of electrode 3 is T1, the power of plasma heater 301 is controlled as P1; when the surface temperature of electrode 3 is T2, the power of plasma heater 301 is controlled as P2. T1 is not equal to T2, and P1 is not equal to P2. As another example, when the surface temperature of electrode 3 is in the range of T1-T2, the power of plasma heater 301 is controlled as P1; when the surface temperature of electrode 3 is in the range of T3-T4, the power of plasma heater 301 is controlled as P2, where the range of T3-T4 is different from that of T1-T2.

[0096] Therefore, through the solution of this embodiment, the temperature of the electrode surface 3 can be controlled by flexibly adjusting the power of the plasma heater 301, so that the temperature of the electrode surface 3 is within a suitable range.

[0097] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the processing device 300 includes a fluid circulation loop 302 containing fluid for heat exchange with the nozzles 3011 of the plasma heater 301. Operating parameters include the fluid flow rate, and a control module 402 adjusts the fluid flow rate based on the temperature of the electrode surface 3. It should be understood that... Figure 3 Only a portion of the structure of the fluid circulation loop 302 is shown.

[0098] Specifically, at least a portion of the fluid circulation loop 302 is disposed around the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301. The fluid in the fluid circulation loop 302 flows at a certain velocity under external force. The fluid temperature is lower as it passes around the nozzle, while the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 is higher, thereby achieving heat exchange between the plasma heater nozzle 301 and the fluid, and reducing the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 to some extent. Therefore, by setting up the fluid circulation loop 302, the aging of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 can be delayed, increasing the service life of the plasma heater 301. For example, the external force for fluid flow can come from a driving device such as a water pump.

[0099] In one embodiment, the fluid includes at least one of water, purified water, brine solution, and liquid nitrogen.

[0100] In one embodiment, adjusting the fluid flow rate based on the temperature of the electrode 3 surface includes adjusting the fluid flow rate based on the correspondence between the temperature of the electrode 3 surface and the fluid flow rate.

[0101] Specifically, similar to the power adjustment method, the fluid flow rate can also be adjusted according to a preset correspondence between the surface temperature of the electrode 3 and the fluid flow rate. This correspondence can be a temperature-flow rate curve, or a mapping relationship between the set of temperatures on the surface of the electrode 3 and the set of fluid flow rates. This preset correspondence can be obtained by setting different flow rate gradients. The plasma beam 301a is continuously ejected through the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301, and the temperature of the plasma beam 301a can be basically equivalent to the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011. As mentioned earlier, the surface temperature of the electrode 3 can reflect the temperature of the plasma beam 301a; therefore, the surface temperature of the electrode 3 can also indirectly reflect the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011. The plasma heater nozzle 3011 will wear down with the operation of the processing device 300, and the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 has a direct impact on its service life. Therefore, controlling the temperature of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 within a suitable range can slow down the wear rate and help improve the service life of the plasma heater nozzle 3011.

[0102] The relationship between the temperature of electrode 3 and the fluid flow rate can be one-to-one or many-to-one. For example, when the temperature of the electrode 3 surface is T1, the fluid flow rate is controlled as v1; when the temperature of the electrode 3 surface is T2, the fluid flow rate is controlled as v2. T1 is not equal to T2, and v1 is not equal to v2. As another example, when the temperature of the electrode 3 surface is in the range of T1-T2, the fluid flow rate is controlled as v1; when the temperature of the electrode 3 surface is in the range of T3-T4, the fluid flow rate is controlled as v2, where the range of T3-T4 is different from that of T1-T2.

[0103] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fluid flow rate is adjusted based on the correspondence between the surface temperature of the electrode 3 and the fluid flow rate. By controlling the fluid flow rate to be at the flow rate corresponding to the current temperature of the electrode 3, the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 can be kept at a suitable temperature, thereby helping to extend the service life of the plasma heater nozzle 3011.

[0104] In one embodiment, adjusting the fluid flow rate according to the temperature of the electrode surface 3 includes: increasing the fluid flow rate when the temperature of the electrode surface 3 is greater than or equal to a second threshold; and decreasing the fluid flow rate or keeping the fluid flow rate constant when the temperature of the electrode surface 3 is less than the second threshold.

[0105] Specifically, the flow rate of the fluid can be adjusted based on the relationship between the surface temperature of the electrode 3 and a second threshold. The second threshold can be a preset temperature threshold, which can also be obtained by testing the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 with different temperature gradients and comparing the test results. Under the second threshold, the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 can have the longest service life. Alternatively, the second threshold can also be set considering the performance of the processing device 100; for example, the second threshold can be equal to or different from the first threshold. For example, the second threshold is greater than or equal to 2000°C and less than or equal to 5000°C. Different types of electrodes 3 can also have different second thresholds.

[0106] In this embodiment, the control module 402 increases or decreases the fluid flow rate according to the relationship between the temperature of the electrode surface 3 and the second threshold, which can control the temperature of the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 within a suitable range and help extend the service life of the plasma heater nozzle 3011.

[0107] In one embodiment, the environmental information includes the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3, and the measurement module 401 includes an infrared distance detector for measuring the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3.

[0108] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 , Figure 3 The distance L in the figure represents the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3. It should be understood that the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3 as described in this embodiment refers to the minimum vertical distance between the surface of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 and the surface of the electrode 3. Generally, the size of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 is very small compared to the electrode 3; therefore, the closest point between the plasma heater nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 can be considered a point, and this distance can be simplified to the vertical distance between the plasma heater nozzle 3011 and the surface of the electrode 3. The surface of the electrode 3 refers to the surface of the film layer of the electrode 3. It should be understood that the specific structure of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 can be a frustum shape as shown in the figure or other possible shapes. The cross-section of the plasma heater nozzle 3011 can be circular, elliptical, or other possible shapes.

[0109] The measurement module 401 includes an infrared distance detector that enables non-contact measurement of the distance between the plasma heater nozzle 3011 and the surface of the electrode 3.

[0110] In an alternative embodiment, the measurement module 401 includes a laser distance detector for measuring the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3.

[0111] In one embodiment, the operating parameters include the operating state of the plasma heater 301, and the control module 402 is used to control the operating state of the plasma heater 301 based on the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 of the plasma heater 301. The operating state of the plasma heater 301 includes a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the plasma heater 301 is operational, and in the second operating state, the plasma heater is off.

[0112] Specifically, the distance between the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and the electrode 3 reflects the degree of nozzle wear. As the processing device 300 is used, the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 gradually wears down, causing the distance between the nozzle and the electrode 3 to gradually increase. When the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 wears to a certain extent, the machine needs to be stopped and the nozzle replaced.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control module 402 controls the working state of the plasma heater 301 according to the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3, and can flexibly monitor the wear degree of the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 and adjust the working state of the plasma heater 301 according to the wear degree.

[0114] In one embodiment, controlling the operating state of the plasma heater 301 based on the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 includes: controlling the plasma heater 301 to be in a first operating state when the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 is less than a third threshold; and controlling the plasma heater 301 to be in a second operating state when the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 is greater than or equal to the third threshold.

[0115] Specifically, when the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 of the plasma heater 301 is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the control module 402 controls the plasma heater 301 to shut down. In other words, when the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 of the plasma heater 301 is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the nozzle is already severely worn, and the control module 402 shuts down the plasma heater 301 so that the nozzle can be replaced in time.

[0116] The third threshold can be a preset length threshold. For example, the third threshold can be set when the distance between the nozzle 3011 and the electrode 3 of the plasma heater 301 is greater than or equal to the third threshold. In this case, the wear of the nozzle has already affected the quality of the plasma beam 301a ejected by the plasma heater 301, such as affecting the uniformity of the plasma beam 301a. For example, the third threshold can be greater than or equal to 3 cm and less than or equal to 15 cm. It should be understood that the third threshold can be different for plasma heaters 301 of different power levels.

[0117] In one embodiment, the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 is made of carbon or tungsten steel, preferably tungsten steel.

[0118] In this embodiment, selecting carbon or tungsten steel materials with slower wear rates as the nozzle 3011 of the plasma heater 301 helps to further extend the nozzle's service life. Furthermore, tungsten steel materials wear much slower than carbon materials.

[0119] In one embodiment, the power P of the plasma heater 301 satisfies: 1KW≤P≤20KW.

[0120] Specifically, the power P of the plasma heater 301 can be 1KW, 2KW, 3KW, 4KW, 6KW, 8KW, 10KW, 12KW, 14KW, 16KW, 18KW, 20KW, or a value within the range obtained by any combination of the above two values. The high-power plasma heater 301 applies a plasma beam 301a to the membrane layer 12, which can provide instantaneous high temperature to the membrane layer 12, destroy the polymer film on the surface of the membrane layer 12, cause inactive substances to vaporize and escape instantaneously, increase the spacing between active particles on the surface of the membrane layer 12, and improve the wettability of the electrolyte to the electrode 3.

[0121] In one embodiment, the temperature T on the surface of electrode 3 satisfies: 1200℃≤T≤5000℃.

[0122] Specifically, the temperature of the surface of electrode 3 can be 1200℃, 1300℃, 1400℃, 1500℃, 2000℃, 2500℃, 3000℃, 3500℃, 4000℃, 4500℃, 5000℃, or a value within the range obtained by any combination of the above two values.

[0123] This application also provides a control method for the electrode processing device 500 in the foregoing embodiments, comprising: measuring environmental information of the electrode processing device 500 by a measurement module 401; and adjusting the operating parameters of the electrode processing device 500 according to the environmental information by a control module 402.

[0124] Furthermore, the control module 402 can be a microcontroller, or a microcontroller connected to the main control unit of the electrode production device. For example, the control module 402 may also include a memory, a processor, a communication interface, etc.

[0125] The aforementioned memory can be read-only memory (ROM), static storage device, or random access memory (RAM), and computer programs can be stored in the memory.

[0126] The processor can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to achieve the functions required by the units and modules in the thermal management system of this application embodiment.

[0127] The processor can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the functions to be performed by the units and modules in the control system 400 of this application embodiment can be accomplished through the integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or through software instructions.

[0128] The aforementioned processor can also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of hardware processors, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units and modules included in the apparatus of the embodiments of this application.

[0129] It should be noted that although the control system 400 described above only mentions memory and processor, in specific implementations, those skilled in the art should understand that the control system may also include communication interfaces and hardware devices for implementing other additional functions, depending on specific needs. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the control system 400 may also only include the devices necessary for implementing the embodiments of this application.

[0130] This application also provides another electrode processing apparatus. Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the electrode processing device. Figure 5 As shown, the processing device 500 includes the control system 400 in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0131] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or may be electrical, mechanical or other forms of connection.

[0132] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0133] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0134] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0135] It should be understood that the specific examples in this document are only intended to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0136] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0137] It should also be understood that the various implementation methods described in this specification can be implemented individually or in combination, and the embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0138] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control system for an electrode processing device, characterized in that, The processing apparatus includes a plasma heater for applying a plasma beam to the electrode surface; the control system includes: The measurement module is used to measure environmental information of the processing device; A control module is provided for adjusting the operating parameters of the processing device based on the environmental information.

2. The control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental information includes the temperature of the electrode surface, and the measurement module includes an infrared temperature detector for measuring the temperature of the electrode surface.

3. The control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The operating parameters include the power of the plasma heater, and the control module is used to adjust the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface.

4. The control system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface includes: If the temperature on the electrode surface is greater than or equal to a first threshold, reduce the power of the plasma heater; If the temperature on the electrode surface is less than a first threshold, the power of the plasma heater is increased.

5. The control system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the power of the plasma heater according to the temperature of the electrode surface includes: The power of the plasma heater is adjusted according to a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the power of the plasma heater.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The processing device includes a fluid circulation loop containing fluid, the fluid circulation loop being used for heat exchange with the nozzle of the plasma heater; The operating parameters include the flow rate of the fluid, and the control module is used to adjust the flow rate of the fluid according to the temperature of the electrode surface.

7. The control system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the flow rate of the fluid based on the temperature of the electrode surface includes: The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted according to a preset correspondence between the temperature of the electrode surface and the flow rate of the fluid.

8. The control system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the flow rate of the fluid based on the temperature of the electrode surface includes: If the temperature on the surface of the electrode is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the flow rate of the fluid is increased; If the temperature on the electrode surface is less than the second threshold, the flow rate of the fluid is reduced or the flow rate of the fluid is kept constant.

9. The control system according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The fluid includes at least one of water, pure water, brine solution, and liquid nitrogen.

10. The control system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The environmental information includes the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode, and the measurement module includes an infrared distance detector for measuring the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode.

11. The control system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The operating parameters include the operating state of the plasma heater, and the control module is used to control the operating state of the plasma heater according to the distance between the nozzle of the plasma heater and the electrode plate; The plasma heater operates in two states: a first state and a second state. In the first state, the plasma heater is operational, and in the second state, the plasma heater is off.

12. The control system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method of controlling the operating state of the plasma heater based on the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater includes: When the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater is less than a third threshold, the plasma heater is controlled to be in a first working state. When the distance between the nozzle and the electrode of the plasma heater is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the plasma heater is controlled to be in a second operating state.

13. The control system according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The nozzle of the plasma heater is made of carbon or tungsten steel.

14. The control system according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The power P of the plasma heater satisfies: 1KW≤P≤20KW.

15. The control system according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The temperature T on the surface of the electrode sheet satisfies: 1200℃≤T≤5000℃.

16. An electrode processing apparatus, characterized in that, The electrode processing apparatus includes a control system as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. A control method for the electrode processing apparatus of claim 16, characterized in that, The control method includes: The environmental information of the electrode processing device is measured by the measurement module of the control system; The control module of the control system adjusts the operating parameters of the electrode processing device according to the environmental information.

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