Lithium supplementing device and battery production system

Abstract

The invention provides a lithium supplementing device and a battery production system. The lithium supplementing device comprises a shell, a partition plate, an unwinding mechanism, a winding mechanism and an evaporation mechanism. The partition is provided with a first opening. The unwinding mechanism is used for arranging a base material to be supplemented with lithium. The winding mechanism is used for pulling the base material to penetrate through the opening and winding the base material, and the winding mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are arranged on the same side of the partition plate. The evaporation mechanism conducts lithium evaporation on the surface of the base material through the opening, the evaporation mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are arranged on the two opposite sides of the partition plate, and the evaporation mechanism, the partition plate, the unwinding mechanism and the winding mechanism are all arranged in the shell. Wherein in the direction from the evaporation mechanism to the opening, the size of the opening is gradually increased in the first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening. The reliability of the battery monomer can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a lithium replenishment device and a battery production system. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes, and power tools. Battery cells can include nickel-cadmium battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, and rechargeable alkaline zinc-manganese battery cells, among others.

[0003] In the development of battery technology, improving the reliability of individual battery cells has always been a research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a lithium replenishment device and a battery production system that can improve the reliability of battery cells.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a lithium replenishment device, comprising a housing, a separator, an unwinding mechanism, a winding mechanism, and a vapor deposition mechanism. The separator has a first opening. The unwinding mechanism is used to hold the substrate to be replenished with lithium. The winding mechanism is used to pull the substrate through the opening and wind it up; the winding mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are located on the same side of the separator. The vapor deposition mechanism deposits lithium onto the surface of the substrate through the opening; the vapor deposition mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are located on opposite sides of the separator. The vapor deposition mechanism, the separator, the unwinding mechanism, and the winding mechanism are all housed within the housing. The opening gradually increases in size along a first direction, perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening, from the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism towards the opening.

[0006] In the above scheme, the evaporation mechanism deposits lithium onto the substrate through an opening. As the opening area gradually increases along the evaporation direction, the edge of the lithium layer deposited on the substrate gradually thins, thereby reducing the thickness gradient formed at the interface between the lithium-deposited area and the undeposited area on the substrate. This reduces the possibility of lithium overflowing from the interface to the undeposited area on the substrate, reduces the phenomenon of lithium deposition on the tab, lowers the internal resistance of the tab, and improves the reliability of the battery cell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the opening includes two first sidewalls disposed opposite each other along a first direction, with the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism pointing toward the opening, and the two first sidewalls tending to move away from each other.

[0008] In the above scheme, the thickness of the second lithium replenishment area on both sides along the first direction gradually decreases from the first lithium replenishment area to the second lithium replenishment area, thereby increasing the adaptability of the lithium replenishment device to different substrate types, reducing the need for special equipment, and lowering production costs.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first sidewall is inclined relative to the plane in which the partition is located.

[0010] In the above scheme, the above settings help to improve the smoothness of the lithium layer thickness reduction in the second lithium replenishment area, further reduce the possibility of lithium overflow at the junction of the lithium-deposited area and the non-deposited area of ​​the substrate, reduce the lithium deposition phenomenon on the tab, reduce the internal resistance of the tab, and improve the reliability of the battery cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the angle between the first sidewall and the plane containing the partition is α, where 30°≤α≤60°.

[0012] In the above scheme, the possibility that the vapor cannot completely cover the area of ​​the substrate that needs to be deposited with lithium is reduced, the control accuracy of the lithium layer thickness in the second lithium replenishment area is improved, the possibility that the heat in the environment during the evaporation process will cause deformation of the first sidewall is reduced, and the service life of the lithium replenishment device is improved.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first sidewall includes a stepped surface and a plurality of sidewall surfaces, with adjacent sidewall surfaces connected by the stepped surface.

[0014] In the above scheme, the presence of the stepped surface can change the flow path of lithium vapor, making it smoother and more orderly, which helps to reduce turbulence and allow lithium vapor to reach the substrate surface at a more stable speed and angle. In addition, the stepped surface can also disperse the stress in the separator, improve the overall structural stability of the separator, and reduce the risk of thermal deformation of the separator opening due to the influence of ambient temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of openings includes multiple openings, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction.

[0016] In the above scheme, setting multiple openings improves evaporation efficiency. Each opening can be controlled independently, enhancing adaptability to different substrates and reducing production costs. Furthermore, some of the openings can serve as backups; if one opening is blocked or damaged, other openings can be used for lithium evaporation, facilitating separator maintenance and opening replacement.

[0017] In some embodiments, the partition includes a partition body and a shielding portion, the partition and the shielding portion together enclose an opening, a shielding portion is provided between two adjacent openings, and the partition body and the shielding portion are detachably connected.

[0018] The above solution helps to reduce the mutual interference of vapors between adjacent openings, improve the uniformity of the thickness of the substrate area corresponding to the opening, and the opening area can be flexibly controlled according to different substrates, thereby reducing production costs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the partition includes a partition body and a blocking portion, the partition and the blocking portion together enclose an opening, a blocking portion is provided between two adjacent openings, the partition body is provided with a movable groove, and the blocking portion is movably connected to the movable groove.

[0020] In the above solution, the shielding part can be moved manually or electrically to adjust the area of ​​two adjacent openings and the area of ​​the substrate shielded by the shielding part. This not only reduces the alignment accuracy between the substrate and the opening before vapor deposition, but also allows the position of the shielding part to be adjusted in real time according to the offset of the substrate during the vapor deposition process, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0021] In some embodiments, the housing has a first cavity and a second cavity, an unwinding mechanism and a winding mechanism are disposed in the first cavity, a vapor deposition mechanism is disposed in the second cavity, and a partition separates the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0022] The above scheme helps to reduce the vapor generated during the vapor deposition process, thus avoiding affecting the purity of the material, reducing contamination of the material, and improving the preparation yield.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery production system, including the lithium replenishment device in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0024] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of another lithium replenishment device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side view of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of P;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another enlarged structure of P;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of another lithium replenishment device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the partition in a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the partition in another lithium replenishment device provided in this application embodiment.

[0035] Marker description

[0036] 10. Shell; 11. First cavity; 12. Second cavity;

[0037] 20. Unwinding mechanism;

[0038] 30. Receiving and unloading mechanism;

[0039] 40. Evaporation deposition mechanism; 41. Evaporation deposition component; 42. Baffle;

[0040] 50. Substrate;

[0041] 60. Partition; 61. Opening; 611. First sidewall; 611a. Sidewall surface; 611b. Step surface; 62. Partition body; 621. Moving groove; 63. Covering part;

[0042] 70. Guiding mechanism; 80. Vacuum valve;

[0043] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein 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 specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0047] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular 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 separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments 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, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, all steps in this application may be performed sequentially or randomly, preferably sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), indicating that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or it may include steps (b) and (b) performed sequentially.

[0055] (a). For example, mentioning that the method may also include step (c) indicates that step (c) can be added to the method in any order. For example, the method may include steps (a), (b) and (c), or steps (a), (c) and (b), or steps (c), (a) and (b), etc.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] A single battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, with the separator positioned between the positive and negative electrodes. 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.

[0059] In some embodiments, the positive electrode may be a positive electrode sheet, which may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0060] 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.

[0061] As an example, the positive current collector can be a metal foil, a conductive polymer material, a carbon material, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, pure metals, alloys, or surface-treated metals can be used, including but not limited to stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, or silver. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0062] 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 battery positive electrode active materials may also be used. These positive electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphate may 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 iron manganese phosphate, and lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon composites. Examples of lithium transition metal oxide may include, but are not limited to, lithium cobalt oxide (such as LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (such as LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (such as LiNi). 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 (also known as NCM) 333 LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2 (also known as NCM) 523 LiNi 0.5 Co 0.25 Mn 0.25 O2 (also known as NCM) 211 LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O2 (also known as NCM) 622 LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2 (also known as NCM) 811 ), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (such as LiNi) 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05At least one of O2 and its modified compounds. Modified compounds refer to substances obtained by modification methods such as doping or coating based on the above-mentioned substances.

[0063] In some embodiments, the positive electrode can be a foamed metal. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. When foamed metal is used as the positive electrode, the surface of the foamed metal may or may not contain a positive electrode active material. As an example, a positive electrode active material is filled and / or deposited within the foamed metal.

[0064] In some embodiments, the negative electrode may be a negative electrode sheet, and the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector.

[0065] As an example, the negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a conductive polymer material, a carbon material, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, pure metals, alloys, or surface-treated metals can be used, including but not limited to stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, or silver. The composite current collector may include a polymer material substrate and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (copper, copper alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, silver, and silver alloys, etc.) on a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0066] As an example, the negative electrode sheet may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0067] 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.

[0068] As an example, the negative electrode active material may be a negative electrode active material known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc. Silicon-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. Tin-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials for battery cells may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0069] In some embodiments, the negative electrode can be a foamed metal. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. When foamed metal is used as the negative electrode sheet, the surface of the foamed metal may or may not have a negative electrode active material.

[0070] As an example, negative electrode active materials can be filled or / and deposited within the negative electrode current collector.

[0071] In some embodiments, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the negative current collector can be made of copper.

[0072] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of battery devices is becoming increasingly widespread. Battery devices are not only used in energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely applied in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of battery device applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0073] In related technologies, battery devices include multiple battery cells. The electrode components within each cell enable the battery's charging and discharging functions. The exchange of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes allows the battery to store and release electrical energy. The positive electrode material includes lithium-ion-containing materials. During the manufacturing process, due to technological limitations, a lithium replenishment process is required to increase the lithium content in the positive electrode, thereby ensuring the energy density of the battery cell. This lithium replenishment process involves vapor-depositing lithium onto specific areas of a substrate. Typically, there are areas on the substrate where lithium does not need to be deposited; these areas can be used to form the tabs of the electrode sheet in subsequent manufacturing processes.

[0074] However, when lithium is deposited on a substrate of a certain thickness, a thickness gradient is formed at the interface between the lithium-deposited area and the undeposited area on the substrate. This causes lithium to spill over from the interface into the undeposited area on the substrate, thus contaminating the substrate and causing lithium deposition on the tabs. This leads to increased internal resistance of the tabs and even heat generation, resulting in thermal runaway and reducing the reliability of the battery cell.

[0075] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a technical solution in which the evaporation mechanism deposits lithium onto the substrate through an opening. As the opening area gradually increases along the evaporation direction, the edge of the lithium layer deposited on the substrate gradually thins, thereby reducing the thickness gradient formed at the junction of the lithium-deposited area and the undeposited area on the substrate. This reduces the possibility of lithium overflowing from the junction to the undeposited area on the substrate, thereby reducing the phenomenon of lithium deposition on the tab, reducing the internal resistance of the tab, and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0076] Figure 1This is a front view structural schematic diagram of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of another lithium replenishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This is a side view of a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of P.

[0077] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This application provides a lithium replenishment device, which includes a housing 10, a partition 60, an unwinding mechanism 20, a winding mechanism 30, and a vapor deposition mechanism 40. The partition 60 has a first opening 61. The unwinding mechanism 20 is used to place the substrate 50 to be replenished with lithium. The winding mechanism 30 is used to pull the substrate 50 through the opening 61 and wind it up; the winding mechanism 30 and the unwinding mechanism 20 are located on the same side of the partition 60. The vapor deposition mechanism 40 vapor deposits lithium onto the surface of the substrate 50 through the opening 61. The vapor deposition mechanism 40 and the unwinding mechanism 20 are located on opposite sides of the partition 60, and the vapor deposition mechanism 40, the partition 60, the unwinding mechanism 20, and the winding mechanism 30 are all located within the housing 10. The opening 61 gradually increases in size along a first direction X, perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening 61, from the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 towards the opening 61.

[0078] Optionally, the shell 10 can be a single integral structure, for example, the shell 10 can be composed of multiple connected wall portions. Alternatively, the shell 10 can be a split structure, formed by a first shell portion 10 and a second shell portion 10. Of course, the shell 10 can also be formed by multiple shell portions 10.

[0079] Optionally, the unwinding mechanism 20 and the winding mechanism 30 are located on the same side of the partition 60, and a guide mechanism 70 can be provided between the unwinding mechanism 20 and the winding mechanism 30. The substrate 50 on the unwinding mechanism 20 is wound into a roll by the winding mechanism 30 under the guidance of the guide mechanism 70.

[0080] Optionally, the unwinding mechanism 20 and the rewinding mechanism 30 are located on the same horizontal plane.

[0081] Optionally, the winding mechanism 30 includes a winding shaft that rotates under the drive of a drive mechanism to pull the substrate 50 around. The substrate 50 on the unwinding mechanism 20 unfolds and leaves the unwinding mechanism 20 under the traction of the winding mechanism 30. The unwinding mechanism 20 may include an unwinding shaft that rotates during the transmission of the substrate 50.

[0082] Optionally, the substrate 50 to be replenished with lithium may have a lithium replenishment area and a blank area. The evaporation mechanism 40 deposits lithium on the surface of the lithium replenishment area, while the blank area does not need to be deposited with lithium. The blank area can form the tab of the electrode sheet.

[0083] Optionally, the blank area and the lithium replenishment area can be arranged sequentially along the width direction of the substrate 50.

[0084] For example, the blank area is located on one or both sides of the lithium replenishment area along the width direction. Alternatively, there are two lithium replenishment areas, which are spaced apart along the width direction, and a blank area is provided between the two lithium replenishment areas.

[0085] The vapor deposition mechanism 40 is used to heat and evaporate elemental lithium or other lithium materials and deposit them onto the surface of the substrate 50. Optionally, the vapor deposition mechanism 40 may include a vapor deposition element 41, which has a receiving space for containing lithium. A heating mechanism may be disposed below the vapor deposition element 41 to vaporize the lithium within the vapor deposition element 41, and the evaporated lithium is deposited onto the surface of the substrate 50 through the opening 61. Optionally, the substrate 50 may be made of foamed metal, which is a porous material filled with interconnected or closed pores. Optionally, the vapor deposition mechanism 40 may also include a baffle 42, which, when the vapor deposition is complete, may be positioned between the vapor deposition element 41 and the opening 61 to prevent vapor from passing through the opening 61.

[0086] Optionally, the partition 60 includes a first side and a second side facing away from each other, the winding mechanism 30 and the unwinding mechanism 20 are disposed on the first side of the partition 60, and the vapor deposition mechanism 40 is disposed on the second side of the partition 60.

[0087] Optionally, the partition 60 may be connected to the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0088] Optionally, both the winding mechanism 30 and the unwinding mechanism 20 can be rotatably connected to the inner wall of the housing 10.

[0089] Optionally, the housing 10 has a supporting bottom wall, and the vapor deposition mechanism 40 is disposed on the supporting bottom wall.

[0090] Optionally, the first direction X is parallel to the width direction of the substrate 50.

[0091] Optionally, the axial direction of the opening 61 is parallel to the side-by-side orientation of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 and the opening 61.

[0092] Optionally, the axial direction of the opening 61 can be a second direction Y, that is, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular.

[0093] From the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 towards the opening 61, the size of the opening 61 gradually increases along the first direction X. This can be understood as the opening 61 being frustum-shaped or trumpet-shaped. For example, the opening 61 has a first opening end and a second opening end, with the first opening end located between the second opening end and the vapor deposition mechanism 40. The area of ​​the opening 61 at the first opening end is smaller than the area of ​​the opening 61 at the second opening end. Optionally, the transition from the first opening end to the second opening end can be gradual or non-linear. Because the shape of the opening 61 gradually increases along the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 towards the opening 61, the lithium replenishment area of ​​the substrate 50 is divided into a first part and a second part. The orthographic projection of the first lithium replenishment area and the first opening end on the substrate 50 coincides. The second lithium replenishment area surrounds the first lithium replenishment area, and the orthographic projection of the edge of the first opening end on the substrate 50 and the orthographic projection of the edge of the second opening end on the substrate 50 enclose the second lithium replenishment area. Optionally, the second lithium replenishment area is annular. Optionally, the lithium thickness in the first lithium replenishment region can be uniform. Optionally, the lithium thickness in the second lithium replenishment region can gradually decrease along the direction from the first region to the second region.

[0094] In this embodiment, the vapor deposition mechanism 40 vapor deposits lithium onto the substrate 50 through the opening 61. As the area of ​​the opening 61 gradually increases along the vapor deposition direction, the edge of the lithium layer vapor deposited on the substrate 50 gradually thins, thereby reducing the thickness gradient formed at the interface between the lithium vapor deposited area and the non-lithium vapor deposited area on the substrate 50. This reduces the possibility of lithium overflowing from the interface to the non-lithium vapor deposited area on the substrate 50, reduces the lithium deposition phenomenon on the tab, lowers the tab internal resistance, and improves the reliability of the battery cell.

[0095] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The opening 61 includes two first sidewalls 611 arranged opposite each other along the first direction X, which are directed by the vapor deposition mechanism 40 toward the opening 61, and the two first sidewalls 611 tend to move away from each other.

[0096] Optionally, the shape of the opening 61 along the first direction X can be rectangular.

[0097] For example, in the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 pointing towards the opening 61, the two first sidewalls 611 gradually expand outward to form a trumpet-shaped or cone-shaped opening 61.

[0098] In this embodiment, the thickness of the second lithium replenishment area on both sides along the first direction X gradually decreases from the first lithium replenishment area to the second lithium replenishment area, thereby increasing the adaptability of the lithium replenishment device to different substrate types 50, reducing the need for dedicated equipment, and lowering production costs.

[0099] In other embodiments, the opening 61 may be rectangular in shape along the first direction X, and the opening 61 has four inner walls. One of the two inner walls along the first direction X tends to be away from the other inner wall in the direction from the vapor deposition mechanism 40 toward the opening 61. Optionally, one of the two inner walls along the third direction Z tends to be away from the other inner wall in the direction from the vapor deposition mechanism 40 toward the opening 61; or, the two inner walls along the third direction Z tend to be mutually distant in the direction from the vapor deposition mechanism 40 toward the opening 61.

[0100] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The first sidewall 611 is inclined relative to the plane where the partition 60 is located.

[0101] Optionally, the inclination angles of the two first sidewalls 611 relative to the plane containing the partition 60 can be the same. Of course, they can also be different.

[0102] The first sidewall 611 is inclined relative to the plane where the partition 60 is located. This can be understood as the angle between the first sidewall 611 and the plane where the partition 60 is located being greater than 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees. In conjunction with the above embodiments, the inclination direction of the first sidewall 611 can be the direction from the vapor deposition mechanism 40 to the opening 61, with the first sidewall 611 inclination away from the axis of the opening 61.

[0103] In these alternative embodiments, the above-described configuration helps to improve the smoothness of lithium layer thickness reduction in the second lithium replenishment area, further reducing the possibility of lithium overflow at the junction of the lithium-deposited area and the non-deposited area of ​​the substrate 50, reducing the lithium deposition phenomenon on the tabs, reducing the internal resistance of the tabs, and improving the reliability of the battery cell.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The angle between the plane containing the first sidewall 611 and the partition 60 is α, where 30°≤α≤60°.

[0105] For example, the angle between the first sidewall 611 and the plane containing the partition 60 is 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55° or 60°.

[0106] The embodiments of this application, through the above-described settings, reduce the possibility that the vapor cannot completely cover the area of ​​the substrate 50 that needs lithium evaporation, improve the control accuracy of the lithium layer thickness in the second lithium replenishment area, reduce the possibility that the heat in the environment during the evaporation process will cause deformation of the first sidewall 611, and improve the service life of the lithium replenishment device.

[0107] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Another enlarged structural diagram of P.

[0108] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figure 6 The first sidewall 611 includes a step surface 611b and multiple sidewall surfaces 611a, with two adjacent sidewall surfaces 611a connected by the step surface 611b.

[0109] Optionally, the planes containing the step surface 611b and the partition plate 60 can be parallel, or they can intersect.

[0110] Optionally, the side wall surface 611a is inclined relative to the plane where the partition 60 is located. Of course, the side wall surface 611a can also be perpendicular to the plane where the partition 60 is located.

[0111] Optionally, two adjacent sidewall surfaces 611a can be a first sidewall surface 611a and a second sidewall surface 611a. The first sidewall surface 611a is located on the side of the second sidewall surface 611a facing the vapor deposition mechanism 40. The step surface 611b extends along the axis away from the opening 61. The edge of the step surface 611b near the axis of the opening 61 is connected to the first sidewall surface 611a, and the edge of the step surface 611b away from the axis of the opening 61 is connected to the second sidewall surface 611a.

[0112] In this embodiment of the application, the presence of the stepped surface 611b can change the flow path of lithium vapor, making it smoother and more orderly, which helps to reduce turbulence and allow lithium vapor to reach the surface of the substrate 50 at a more stable speed and angle. Furthermore, the stepped surface 611b can also disperse the stress in the separator 60, improve the overall structural stability of the separator 60, and reduce the risk of thermal deformation of the opening 61 of the separator 60 due to the influence of ambient temperature.

[0113] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of another lithium replenishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the partition in a lithium replenishment device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0114] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The number of openings 61 includes multiple openings 61, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction X.

[0115] It is understandable that the two adjacent openings 61 are not connected, and the area between the two adjacent openings 61 is set opposite to the blank area on the substrate 50.

[0116] Optionally, the opening areas of the multiple openings 61 can be the same, or they can be different.

[0117] Optionally, the inclination angle and inclination direction of the first sidewalls 611 of the plurality of openings 61 can be the same, or of course, they can be different.

[0118] Optionally, the first sidewalls 611 of the plurality of openings 61 may have the same shape. For example, the first sidewalls 611 of the plurality of openings 61 may all include a stepped surface 611b and a plurality of sidewall surfaces 611a. Of course, they may also be different. For example, the number of sidewall surfaces 611a included in the first sidewalls 611 of two adjacent openings 61 may be different.

[0119] Alternatively, the multiple openings 61 may have the same shape.

[0120] This embodiment of the application improves evaporation efficiency by providing multiple openings 61. Each opening 61 can be independently controlled to enhance adaptability to different substrates 50 and reduce production costs. Furthermore, some of the openings 61 can serve as backup openings 61. When one opening is blocked or damaged, other openings 61 can be used for lithium evaporation, facilitating the maintenance of the separator 60 and the replacement of the evaporation openings 61.

[0121] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The partition 60 includes a partition body 62 and a shielding part 63. The partition 60 and the shielding part together enclose an opening 61. A shielding part 63 is provided between two adjacent openings. The partition body 62 and the shielding part 63 are detachably connected.

[0122] Optionally, the partition body 62 can be a plate-like structure, and the partition body 62 is provided with a through hole. The blocking part 63 is disposed in the through hole to divide the through hole into multiple openings 61. Optionally, the shape of the through hole along the first direction X can be rectangular.

[0123] Optionally, the partition body 62 and the shielding part 63 can be detachably connected by means of bolts, snap-fit, or other methods.

[0124] Optionally, the edge of the through hole provided on the partition body 62 can be provided with multiple connection areas, and the multiple connection areas are spaced apart along the first direction X. The shielding part 63 can adjust the area of ​​the opening 61 by connecting with different connection areas.

[0125] Optionally, when there are two openings 61, both openings 61 are formed by the partition body 62 and the shielding part 63 together. The partition body 62 is provided with two first sidewalls 611 on opposite sides along the first direction X, and the shielding part 63 is provided with two first sidewalls 611 on opposite sides along the first direction X. For one opening 61, the first sidewalls 611 on the partition body 62 and the first sidewalls 611 on the shielding part 63 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X.

[0126] Optionally, when there are two or more openings 61, there are multiple blocking parts 63. An opening 61 is provided between two adjacent blocking parts 63. The blocking parts 63 are provided with first sidewalls 611 on opposite sides along the first direction X. For the opening 61 between two blocking parts 63, the first sidewalls 611 on the two blocking parts 63 are arranged opposite each other along the first direction X.

[0127] The embodiments of this application, through the above-described settings, help to reduce mutual interference of vapors between adjacent openings 61, improve the thickness uniformity of the substrate 50 area corresponding to the opening 61, and allow the area of ​​the opening 61 to be flexibly controlled according to different substrates 50, thereby reducing production costs.

[0128] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the axial structure of the partition in another lithium replenishment device provided in this application embodiment.

[0129] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The partition 60 includes a partition body 62 and a shielding part 63. The partition 60 and the shielding part together enclose an opening 61. A shielding part 63 is provided between two adjacent openings. The partition body 62 is provided with a moving groove 621, and the shielding part 63 is movably connected to the moving groove 621.

[0130] Optionally, the movable slot 621 extends along the third direction Z, and the blocking part 63 is movable along the third direction Z. Optionally, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0131] Optionally, the movable groove 621 can be provided on the two side walls opposite each other along the third direction Z of the opening 61.

[0132] Optionally, the two ends of the blocking part 63 are formed into slider ends, which are located in the moving groove 621.

[0133] The embodiments of this application, through the above-described settings, enable the shielding part 63 to move under manual or electronic control to adjust the area of ​​two adjacent openings 61 and the area of ​​the shielding part 63 that shields the substrate 50. This not only reduces the alignment accuracy between the substrate 50 and the opening 61 before vapor deposition, but also allows the position of the shielding part 63 to be adjusted in real time according to the offset of the substrate 50 during the vapor deposition process, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0134] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The housing 10 has a first cavity 11 and a second cavity 12. An unwinding mechanism 20 and a winding mechanism 30 are disposed in the first cavity 11, and a vapor deposition mechanism 40 is disposed in the second cavity 12. A partition 60 separates the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12.

[0135] Optionally, opening 61 connects the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12.

[0136] Optionally, a vacuum valve 80 is connected to the first chamber 11, which can be opened to evacuate the first chamber 11 before vapor deposition. Of course, the vacuum valve 80 can also remain open during the vapor deposition process.

[0137] Optionally, the second chamber 12 is connected to an external vacuum valve 80, which can be opened to evacuate the second chamber 12 before vapor deposition.

[0138] The embodiments of this application, through the above-described settings, help to reduce the impact of vapor generated during the vapor deposition process on the purity of the material, reduce contamination of the material, and improve the preparation yield.

[0139] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery production system, including the lithium replenishment device in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0140] Since the battery production system provided in this application includes the lithium replenishment device of any of the above embodiments, the battery production system provided in this application has the beneficial effects of the lithium replenishment device of any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0141] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The lithium replenishment device includes a housing 10, a partition 60, an unwinding mechanism 20, a winding mechanism 30, and a vapor deposition mechanism 40. The partition 60 has a first opening 61. The unwinding mechanism 20 is used to hold the substrate 50 to be replenished with lithium. The winding mechanism 30 is used to pull the substrate 50 through the opening 61 and wind it up; the winding mechanism 30 and the unwinding mechanism 20 are located on the same side of the partition 60. The vapor deposition mechanism 40 vapor deposits lithium onto the surface of the substrate 50 through the opening 61. The vapor deposition mechanism 40 and the unwinding mechanism 20 are located on opposite sides of the partition 60. The vapor deposition mechanism 40, the partition 60, the unwinding mechanism 20, and the winding mechanism 30 are all located within the housing 10. The opening gradually increases in size along a first direction X, perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening 61, from the direction of the vapor deposition mechanism 40 towards the opening 61.

[0142] The opening includes two first sidewalls 611 arranged opposite each other along a first direction X, pointing from the vapor deposition mechanism 40 toward the opening 61, and the two first sidewalls 611 tend to move away from each other. The first sidewalls 611 are arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the partition 60.

[0143] The housing 10 has a first cavity 11 and a second cavity 12. An unwinding mechanism 20 and a winding mechanism 30 are disposed in the first cavity 11, and a vapor deposition mechanism 40 is disposed in the second cavity 12. A partition 60 separates the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12.

[0144] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. 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 lithium replenishment device, characterized in that, include: case; The partition has a first opening; An unwinding mechanism is used to set the substrate to be replenished with lithium; A winding mechanism is used to pull the substrate through the opening and wind the substrate. The winding mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are disposed on the same side of the partition. A vapor deposition mechanism deposits lithium onto the surface of the substrate through the opening. The vapor deposition mechanism and the unwinding mechanism are located on opposite sides of the partition. The vapor deposition mechanism, the partition, the unwinding mechanism, and the winding mechanism are all located inside the housing. The opening is oriented in a direction from the vapor deposition mechanism towards the opening, and the size of the opening gradually increases along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the opening.

2. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening includes two first sidewalls arranged opposite each other along the first direction, with the vapor deposition mechanism pointing towards the opening, and the two first sidewalls tending to move away from each other.

3. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sidewall is inclined relative to the plane of the partition.

4. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the first sidewall and the plane containing the partition is α, where 30°≤α≤60°.

5. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sidewall includes a stepped surface and multiple sidewall surfaces, with adjacent sidewall surfaces connected by the stepped surface.

6. The lithium replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The number of openings includes multiple openings, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction.

7. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The partition includes a partition body and a shielding part. The partition and the shielding part together enclose the opening. The shielding part is provided between two adjacent openings. The partition body and the shielding part are detachably connected.

8. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The partition includes a partition body and a shielding part. The partition and the shielding part together enclose the opening. The shielding part is provided between two adjacent openings. The partition body is provided with a moving groove, and the shielding part is movably connected to the moving groove.

9. The lithium replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a first cavity and a second cavity. The unwinding mechanism and the winding mechanism are disposed in the first cavity, the vapor deposition mechanism is disposed in the second cavity, and the partition separates the first cavity and the second cavity.

10. A battery production system, characterized in that, Includes the lithium replenishment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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