An airway switching structure, a defective workpiece rejection device, and a method for using the defective workpiece rejection device.

Abstract

This application relates to an airway switching structure, comprising a fixing member, which is a sleeve structure. The inner wall of the sleeve structure defines an air pressure chamber. A positive pressure airway and a negative pressure airway are provided on the fixing member and communicate with the air pressure chamber. A rotating guide member is attached to the inner wall of the sleeve structure and is rotatable between a first position and a second position around a first axis, which is the central axis of the sleeve structure. The fixing member is configured to be disposed inside the switching chamber, allowing the positive and negative pressure airways to communicate with corresponding air holes on a conveyor belt. When the rotating guide member is in the first position, it connects the positive pressure airway; when it is in the second position, it connects the negative pressure airway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a gas channel switching structure, a defective workpiece rejection device, and a method for using the defective workpiece rejection device in the production of lithium battery electrodes. Background Technology

[0002] In the lithium battery manufacturing industry (such as in cutting and stacking machines, die-cutting machines, etc.), electrode sheets are usually transported by conveyor belts. To prevent defective electrode sheets from entering the downstream production process, quality inspection of the electrode sheets is required, and when defective electrode sheets are detected, positive pressure airflow is used to blow them off from the surface of the conveyor belt.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies typically employ solenoid valves on positive pressure airflow pipelines to control the flow of positive pressure airflow. However, solenoid valves have a long response time to control signals, making it difficult to efficiently switch airflow paths. Furthermore, due to the long positive pressure pipeline, the time it takes for the positive pressure gas to travel from the solenoid valve to the conveyor belt surface is also long. These two factors combined result in a significant time lag in the positive pressure airflow's action on the electrode surface, thus limiting the improvement of production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, a novel gas channel switching structure is needed to effectively shorten the delay time of positive pressure gas acting on defective electrodes, thereby further improving overall production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this application is to provide an airway switching structure to improve upon the problems in the related art.

[0006] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides an airway switching structure. The airway switching structure includes: a fixing member, which is a sleeve structure, the inner wall of the sleeve structure defining a pressure chamber, and a positive pressure airway and a negative pressure airway formed on the fixing member, the positive pressure airway and the negative pressure airway communicating with the pressure chamber; and a rotating guide member, which is attached to the inner wall of the sleeve structure and is rotatable between a first position and a second position around a first axis, the first axis being the central axis of the sleeve structure. The fixing member is configured to be disposed inside the switching chamber, allowing the positive pressure airway and the negative pressure airway to communicate with corresponding air holes on a conveyor belt; and wherein, when the rotating guide member is in the first position, the rotating guide member opens the positive pressure airway; and when the rotating guide member is in the second position, the rotating guide member opens the negative pressure airway.

[0007] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a defective workpiece rejection device, comprising: a conveying mechanism including a conveyor belt for conveying workpieces and a switching chamber; the conveyor belt having multiple air holes for picking up workpieces; and the switching chamber being disposed on the opposite side of the conveyor belt from the workpiece-picking side; as in the airway switching structure of the first aspect of this application, a fixing member is disposed inside the switching chamber. The positive pressure airway and negative pressure airway of the airway switching structure are connected to corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt, thereby controlling the air pressure changes at the air holes to pick up or reject workpieces.

[0008] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a method for using the defective workpiece rejection device of the second aspect of this application. The method includes: picking up and conveying workpieces via a conveyor belt; in response to the defective workpieces being conveyed below an air passage switching structure, controlling a drive component to move a rotating guide member from a second position to a first position, thereby opening a positive pressure air passage and placing a corresponding air hole on the conveyor belt under positive pressure to reject the defective workpieces.

[0009] 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

[0010] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0011] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the airway switching structure in some embodiments of this application; Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a Cross-section of the middle airway switching structure; Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener in some embodiments of this application; Figures 3 to 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fastener in different embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are respectively Figure 6 Cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the central fixing component at different locations; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener in some embodiments of this application; Figure 10 and Figure 11 They are respectively Figure 9 Cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the central fixing component at different locations; Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of a defective workpiece rejection device in some embodiments of this application; Figure 12b It shows Figure 12a Cross-section of the defective workpiece rejection device; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a defective workpiece rejection device in some embodiments of this application.

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Fixing component 10; air pressure chamber 11; positive pressure airway 12; negative pressure airway 13; Rotary guide 20; Groove 21; First groove 211; Second groove 212; Pipe 22; First pipe 221; Second pipe 222 Airway switching structure 100; first positive pressure airway 121; second positive pressure airway 122; first negative pressure airway 131; second negative pressure airway 132; Transmission mechanism 200; negative pressure chamber 210; switching chamber 220; conveyor belt 230; 1000 defective workpiece rejection device; First axis x; first central angle α1; second central angle α2; third central angle α3; groove central angle β. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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).

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] As mentioned earlier, in the lithium battery manufacturing industry, conveyor belts are typically used to transport electrode sheets between slitting and stacking machines and die-cutting machines. To prevent defective electrode sheets from entering downstream production processes, they are usually inspected, and when defective electrode sheets are detected, positive pressure airflow is used to blow them off the surface of the conveyor belt. Currently, solenoid valves installed on the positive pressure airflow ducts are commonly used to control the on / off state of the positive pressure airflow. However, the response time of solenoid valves to control signals is relatively long. Simultaneously, the time it takes for the positive pressure gas to travel from the solenoid valve to the surface of the conveyor belt is also long, resulting in a prolonged period required to establish a positive pressure environment at the conveyor belt sufficient to blow off defective electrode sheets. These two factors combined cause a significant time lag in the positive pressure airflow acting on the electrode sheet surface, thus limiting the improvement of production efficiency.

[0022] Therefore, a novel gas channel switching structure is needed to effectively shorten the delay time of positive pressure gas acting on defective electrodes, thereby further improving the overall production efficiency of electrodes.

[0023] This application provides an airway switching structure 100. The airway switching structure 100 includes: a fixing member 10, which is a sleeve structure. The inner wall of the sleeve structure defines a pressure chamber 11. A positive pressure airway 12 and a negative pressure airway 13 are provided on the fixing member 10, and the positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13 are connected to the pressure chamber 11; and a rotating guide member 20, which is attached to the inner wall of the sleeve structure and can rotate around a first axis x between a first position and a second position. The first axis x is the central axis of the sleeve structure. The fixing member 10 is configured to be disposed inside a switching chamber 220, allowing the positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13 to communicate with corresponding air holes on a conveyor belt 230. When the rotating guide member 20 is in the first position, it connects the positive pressure airway 12; when the rotating guide member 20 is in the second position, it connects the negative pressure airway 13.

[0024] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the airway switching structure in some embodiments of this application. Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a Cross-section of the middle airway switching structure. Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener in some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1a , Figure 1b as well as Figure 2aAs shown, the inner wall of the fixing member 10 of the airway switching structure 100 defines a hollow air pressure chamber 11. The fixing member 10 can be a sleeve structure or a cylindrical structure disposed inside the switching chamber 220 of the defective workpiece rejection device 1000, on which positive pressure airways 12 and negative pressure airways 13 are respectively opened, and the positive pressure airways 12 and negative pressure airways 13 are connected to the air pressure chamber 11. It should be noted that, for ease of installation, the outer surface of the fixing member 10 can be any suitable shape, such as polygonal, cylindrical, or irregularly shaped surface with flanges, as long as the inner wall of the air pressure chamber 11 inside is a surface of revolution (e.g., Figure 2a The cylindrical surface shown in the diagram is sufficient. It should also be noted that this application does not limit the number of "positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13," and they can be as follows: Figure 2a The set of "positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13" shown can also be as follows: Figure 2b The multiple sets of "positive pressure airways 12" and "negative pressure airways" shown (due to perspective angle) Figure 2b (Not shown in the text).

[0025] Since the switching chamber 220 of the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 is located on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 230 that picks up the workpiece, and the switching chamber 220 has a first through hole that communicates with the corresponding air hole on the conveyor belt 230, the positive pressure air passage 12 and the negative pressure air passage 13 can communicate with the corresponding air hole on the conveyor belt 230 respectively, thereby establishing a positive pressure environment or a negative pressure environment at the corresponding position on the conveyor belt through the positive pressure air passage 12 and the negative pressure air passage 13 respectively.

[0026] A rotating guide 20 is installed inside the pneumatic chamber 11, thus the pneumatic chamber 11 can also be referred to as an installation chamber. The rotating guide 20 is fitted against the inner wall surface of the pneumatic chamber 11, and the inner wall surface of the pneumatic chamber 11 may have a shape that allows the rotating guide 20 to rotate about a first axis x, thereby enabling the rotating guide 20 to rotate between a first position and a second position about the first axis x. Figure 1a As shown, the aforementioned first axis x is the central axis of the air pressure chamber 11.

[0027] When the rotating conductor 20 is in the first position, it opens the positive pressure air passage 12 and blocks the negative pressure air passage 13, thereby creating a positive pressure environment on the surface of the corresponding position of the conveyor belt to blow away defective electrode sheets; when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position, it opens the negative pressure air passage 13 and blocks the positive pressure air passage 12, thereby creating a negative pressure environment on the surface of the corresponding position of the conveyor belt to adsorb qualified electrode sheets and maintain the transport of electrode sheets.

[0028] Therefore, the airway switching structure 100, by directly configuring the fixing member 10 inside the switching chamber 220 and enabling the positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13 to communicate with the corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt 230 through the first through hole of the switching chamber 220, helps to shorten the airflow transmission path and structurally eliminates the airway redundancy caused by traditional external solenoid valve pipelines. When the rotating conductor 20 quickly switches between the first and second positions, it reduces the time for the positive or negative pressure airflow to diffuse to the surface of the conveyor belt 230, shortens the response delay of air pressure changes acting on the workpiece surface, helps to increase the switching frequency of positive and negative pressure environments, thereby improving the rejection efficiency of defective workpieces and improving the overall production efficiency of electrode sheets.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive pressure airway 12 includes a first positive pressure sub-airway 121 and a second positive pressure sub-airway 122, the negative pressure airway 13 includes a first negative pressure sub-airway 131 and a second negative pressure sub-airway 132, and the rotating conductor 20 includes a connecting structure. Specifically, when the rotating conductor 20 is in a first position, the first positive pressure airway 121 is connected to the second positive pressure airway 122 via the connecting structure; when the rotating conductor 20 is in a second position, the first negative pressure airway 131 is connected to the second negative pressure airway 132 via the connecting structure.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this application, both the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 adopt a segmented sub-airway design. Specifically, the positive pressure airway 12 includes a first positive pressure sub-airway 121 and a second positive pressure sub-airway 122, and the negative pressure airway 13 includes a first negative pressure sub-airway 131 and a second negative pressure sub-airway 132. Correspondingly, a connecting structure is provided on the rotating guide member 20 to serve as a channel for dynamically guiding airflow.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fastener 10 according to some embodiments of this application. For example, according to... Figure 3 As shown, the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 and the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 serve as input terminals connected to external positive and negative pressure air sources, respectively, and are both located on the upper side of the fixing member 10; while the second positive pressure sub-channel 122 and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 serve as output terminals connected to corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt, respectively, and are both located on the lower side of the fixing member 10. The positive pressure channels 12 (first positive pressure sub-channel 121-second positive pressure sub-channel 122) and the negative pressure channels 13 (first negative pressure sub-channel 131 and second negative pressure sub-channel 132) are spaced apart from each other and are usually not directly connected to each other. It can be understood that, in terms of the direction of gas pressure transmission, the rotating conductor 20 and its connecting structure are located between the input terminals (first positive pressure sub-channel 121 and first negative pressure sub-channel 131) and the output terminals (second positive pressure sub-channel 122 and second negative pressure sub-channel 132).

[0032] Figure 3 The connected structure is shown (in) Figure 3 In the example, the connecting structure is a schematic diagram showing a groove 21 formed on the surface of the rotating conductor 20 connecting the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 on the right side. It can be seen that the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 via the groove 21, and at this time the rotating conductor 20 is in the aforementioned second position.

[0033] Therefore, by placing the rotating conductor 20 and its connecting structure between the input end and the output end, it is beneficial to shorten the transmission path of the positive or negative pressure airflow, thereby shortening the response delay of the air pressure change acting on the workpiece surface and improving the switching frequency of the positive and negative pressure environments.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 are located in the same cross-section perpendicular to the first axis x. In other words, the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 are coplanarly arranged and both are located in the same cross-section perpendicular to the first axis x. Therefore, for example... Figure 3 As shown, only a single connecting structure needs to be provided on the rotating guide 20 to connect the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 respectively.

[0035] Therefore, by setting the positive pressure air passage 12 and the negative pressure air passage 13 in the same cross section perpendicular to the first axis x, only a single connecting structure needs to be configured on the rotating guide 20 to realize the alternating conduction of two different gases, which simplifies the internal structure of the rotating guide 20 and helps to reduce machining processes.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive pressure air passage 12 is located on the first side of the sleeve structure, and the negative pressure air passage 13 is located on the second side opposite to the first side. The connecting structure is a groove 21 formed on the surface of the rotating conductor 20, such that when the rotating conductor 20 is in the first position, the first positive pressure air passage 121 communicates with the second positive pressure air passage 122 via the groove 21; and when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position, the first negative pressure air passage 131 communicates with the second negative pressure air passage 132 via the groove 21.

[0037] Figure 3 The connecting structure is shown as a groove 21 formed on the surface of the rotating conductor 20, which connects the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 on the right side. It can be seen that the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 via the groove 21, and at this time the rotating conductor 20 is in the aforementioned second position.

[0038] Therefore, by selecting the groove 21 formed on the surface of the rotating conductor 20 as the connecting structure, it is beneficial to preserve the structural integrity and mechanical strength of the rotating conductor 20 as much as possible, and it is also convenient to form the groove 21 by grinding.

[0039] According to some embodiments of this application, the first positive pressure airway 121, the second positive pressure airway 122, the first negative pressure airway 131, and the second negative pressure airway 132 all extend toward the first axis x. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fastener in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the first positive pressure airway 121, the second positive pressure airway 122, the first negative pressure airway 131 and the second negative pressure airway 132 all extend toward the first axis x, that is, the four are set at a certain angle to each other.

[0040] Therefore, by configuring the first positive pressure sub-channel 121, the second positive pressure sub-channel 122, the first negative pressure sub-channel 131, and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 at a certain angle to each other, it is beneficial to increase the distance between the positive pressure sub-channel 12 and the negative pressure sub-channel 13, which helps to avoid internal leakage inside the fixing member 10 or due to insufficient sealing stroke between holes, thus improving the reliability during high-frequency switching.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, a first central angle α1 is formed between the first positive pressure airway 121 and the second positive pressure airway 122, a second central angle α2 is formed between the first negative pressure airway 131 and the second negative pressure airway 132, and a third central angle α3 is formed between the first positive pressure airway 121 and the first negative pressure airway 131. The groove 21 corresponds to a groove central angle β, which is greater than or equal to either the first central angle α1 or the second central angle α2, and less than or equal to the third central angle α3.

[0042] In order to precisely control the opening and closing of the air passage in the circumferential space, the first positive pressure air passage 121, the second positive pressure air passage 122, the first negative pressure air passage 131 and the second negative pressure air passage 132 are distributed at a specific angle around the first axis x on the fixing member 10.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, with the first axis x of the fixing member 10 as the center: a first central angle α1 is formed between the outer edge of the first positive pressure airway 121 and the outer edge of the second positive pressure airway 122. The outer edge refers to the edge of the first positive pressure airway 121 that is circumferentially away from the second positive pressure airway 122, and vice versa; a second central angle α2 is formed between the outer edge of the first negative pressure airway 131 and the outer edge of the second negative pressure airway 132. Similarly, the outer edge refers to the edge of the first negative pressure airway 131 that is circumferentially away from the second negative pressure airway 132, and vice versa; a third central angle α3 is formed between the first positive pressure airway 121 and the first negative pressure airway 131 (i.e., between the input ends of the positive and negative pressure airways).

[0044] Correspondingly, the groove 21 on the surface of the rotating conductor 20 has a certain span in the circumferential direction, which corresponds to the central angle β of the groove. In this embodiment, the central angle β of the groove is limited to be greater than or equal to either the first central angle α1 or the second central angle α2 to ensure sufficient connection between the input end and the output end, and is simultaneously less than or equal to the third central angle α3 to ensure sufficient isolation between the positive pressure side and the negative pressure side.

[0045] Therefore, by limiting the central angle between the four sub-air channels, the distribution of the four sub-air channels in the circumferential direction is limited, thereby ensuring the reliable conduction of a single airflow (pure positive pressure or pure negative pressure), avoiding the risk of short-circuit leakage caused by the groove bridging the positive and negative pressure air channels, and improving the switching stability.

[0046] According to some embodiments of this application, the first central angle α1 and the second central angle α2 range from 5° to 85°, and the third central angle α3 ranges from 95° to 170°. It is understood that the size of the first central angle α1 represents the circumferential distance between the first positive pressure airway 121 and the second positive pressure airway 122, while the size of the third central angle α3 represents the circumferential distance between the first positive pressure airway 121 and the first negative pressure airway 131.

[0047] By selecting a smaller first central angle α1, a smaller groove central angle β can be adaptively selected, while also allowing the third central angle α3 to be selected as a larger value. In this case, the smaller groove central angle β (corresponding to a shallower or narrower groove 21 on the surface of the rotating conductor 20) can cover the first central angle α1 to satisfy the connection between the first positive pressure air passage 121 and the second positive pressure air passage 122. This helps avoid the risk of short-circuit leakage caused by the groove 21 bridging the positive and negative pressure air passages. Simultaneously, the shallower groove 21 also helps avoid reducing the structural strength of the rotating conductor 20 due to excessive depth.

[0048] When a larger first central angle α1 is selected, a correspondingly larger groove central angle β needs to be selected (corresponding to a groove 21 with a greater depth or span on the surface of the rotating conductor 20). Thus, a deeper groove 21 means a larger flow area when connecting the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 and the second positive pressure sub-channel 122, so that the flow rate of the positive pressure airflow is not restricted due to a small flow area at the groove 21, and the establishment time of the positive pressure environment is avoided due to a small flow area at the groove 21.

[0049] It is understandable that the selection of the second central angle α2 is similar to that of the first central angle α1, and will not be elaborated further in this application. Similarly, the central angle β of the groove can be set according to the specific values ​​of the first central angle α1, the second central angle α2, and the third central angle α3, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0050] According to some embodiments of this application, the first central angle α1 and the second central angle α2 are 65°, and the third central angle α3 is 130°.

[0051] According to some embodiments of this application, the line connecting the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 and the second positive pressure sub-channel 122 passes through the first axis x, and the line connecting the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 passes through the first axis x. The connecting structure is a pipe 22 passing through the first axis x, such that when the rotating conductor 20 is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 is connected to the second positive pressure sub-channel 122 via the pipe 22; and when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 via the pipe 22.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the fastener in different embodiments of this application. Figure 5 The connecting structure is shown as a pipe 22 that passes through the rotating conductor 20, and the pipe 22 connects the first positive pressure air passage 121 and the second positive pressure air passage 122. It can be seen that the first positive pressure air passage 121 is connected to the second positive pressure air passage 122 via the pipe 22, and at this time the rotating conductor 20 is in the aforementioned first position.

[0053] Therefore, by selecting the pipe 22, which runs through the rotating conductor 20, as the connecting structure, it is beneficial to avoid positive or negative pressure airflow squeezing the rotating conductor 20 from one side, thereby maintaining the radial force balance of the rotating conductor 20 within the pressure chamber 11. This reduces the frictional force during the rotation switching of the rotating conductor 20 and improves the control reliability of the rotating conductor 20. At the same time, the pipe 22 also helps to improve airtightness, reducing the risk of short-circuit leakage between the positive pressure air passage 12 and the negative pressure air passage 13, and improving switching stability.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive pressure airway 12 is located in a first cross-section perpendicular to the first axis x, and the negative pressure airway 13 is located in a second cross-section perpendicular to the first axis x, wherein the first cross-section is different from the second cross-section. In other words, as... Figure 6 As shown, the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 are set in different cross sections. Different connection structures need to be set at the corresponding cross sections for the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13, so as to avoid the risk of short circuit and cross-flow between the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 during switching, and improve the switching stability.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this application, the positive pressure air passage 12 is located on the first side of the sleeve structure, and the negative pressure air passage 13 is located on the second side opposite to the first side. The connecting structure includes a first groove 211 and a second groove 212 formed on the surface of the rotating conductor 20. The first groove 211 is located within a first cross-section, and the second groove 212 is located within a second cross-section, such that when the rotating conductor 20 is in the first position, the first positive pressure air passage 121 communicates with the second positive pressure air passage 122 via the first groove 211; and when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position, the first negative pressure air passage 131 communicates with the second negative pressure air passage 132 via the second groove 212.

[0056] Figure 7 and Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional views of the airway switching structure 100 at different sections. The first groove 211 and the second groove 212 are located at different sections. When the rotating guide 20 is in the first position ( Figure 7 The first positive pressure air passage 121 is connected to the second positive pressure air passage 122 via the first groove 211; and when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position ( Figure 8 The first negative pressure sub-airway 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-airway 132 via the second groove 212.

[0057] Therefore, the positive pressure air passage 12 and the negative pressure air passage 13 are connected by different grooves, avoiding the risk of short circuits and cross-contamination between them and improving switching stability. At the same time, the groove-structured connection facilitates the machining of the rotating conductor 20.

[0058] According to some embodiments of this application, the line connecting the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 and the second positive pressure sub-channel 122 passes through the first axis x, and the line connecting the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 and the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 passes through the first axis x. The connecting structure includes a first pipe 221 and a second pipe 222 passing through the first axis x, such that when the rotating conductor 20 is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-channel 121 is connected to the second positive pressure sub-channel 122 via the first pipe 221; and when the rotating conductor 20 is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-channel 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel 132 via the second pipe 222.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener in some embodiments of this application. Figure 10 and Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional views of the airway switching structure 100 at different sections. The first pipe 221 and the second pipe 222 are located at different sections. When the rotating guide 20 is in the first position ( Figure 10 The first positive pressure air passage 121 is connected to the second positive pressure air passage 122 via the first pipe 221; and when the rotating guide 20 is in the second position ( Figure 11 The first negative pressure sub-airway 131 is connected to the second negative pressure sub-airway 132 via the second pipe 222.

[0060] Therefore, the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13 are connected by different pipes, avoiding the risk of short circuit and cross-contamination between the positive pressure airway 12 and the negative pressure airway 13, and improving the switching stability.

[0061] According to some embodiments of this application, the airway switching structure 100 further includes a driving component, and the rotating guide member 20 is configured to be driven by the driving component to reciprocate between a first position and a second position. The driving component may be a component such as a rotary motor.

[0062] This application provides a defective workpiece rejection device 1000, comprising: a transmission mechanism 200, which includes a transmission belt 230 for conveying workpieces and a switching chamber 220. The transmission belt 230 is provided with multiple air holes for picking up workpieces. The switching chamber 220 is located on the opposite side of the transmission belt 230 from the workpiece picking up. A gas channel switching structure 100, as described in the first aspect of this application, is also included, with a fixing member 10 disposed inside the switching chamber 220. The positive pressure gas channel 12 and negative pressure gas channel 13 of the gas channel switching structure 100 are connected to corresponding air holes on the transmission belt 230, thereby controlling the air pressure changes at the air holes to pick up or reject workpieces.

[0063] like Figure 12a , 12b as well as Figure 13 As shown, the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 includes a conveying mechanism 200 and the airway switching structure 100 described in the first aspect of this application. Specifically, the conveying mechanism 200 includes a conveyor belt 230 for conveying workpieces (e.g., electrode sheets) and a switching chamber 220. To achieve stable pick-up of workpieces during the transfer process, a plurality of air holes are evenly distributed on the conveyor belt 230. Meanwhile, the switching chamber 220 is located on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 230 from the workpiece pick-up (i.e., the inner or back side of the conveyor belt 230).

[0064] In this embodiment, the fixing member 10 of the airway switching structure 100 is disposed inside the switching chamber 220. The positive pressure airway 12 and negative pressure airway 13 of the airway switching structure 100 are both able to maintain fluid communication with corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt 230.

[0065] In actual operation, the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 can precisely control the air pressure changes at the air holes to pick up or reject workpieces: When the conveyor belt 230 normally transports qualified workpieces and passes through the switching chamber 220 in the vertical direction, the airway switching structure 100 keeps the negative pressure airway 13 open, so that a negative pressure environment is formed inside the switching chamber 220, and thus a negative pressure is formed at the air holes on the surface of the conveyor belt 230 corresponding to the switching chamber 220. This negative pressure ensures that the workpiece can be firmly adsorbed and held on the conveyor belt 230 for continued transport; when a defective workpiece needs to be discharged, the airway switching structure 100 performs a high-speed switch, and the positive pressure airway 12 is opened, so that a positive pressure environment is formed inside the switching chamber 220, and thus a positive pressure is formed at the air holes on the surface of the conveyor belt 230 corresponding to the switching chamber 220. This positive pressure can quickly blow the defective workpiece away from the surface of the conveyor belt 230 and reject it.

[0066] Therefore, by incorporating the airway switching structure 100 into the switching chamber 220, the device eliminates the redundant distance of the external pipeline, shortens the response path of the air pressure to the workpiece surface, significantly improves the rejection efficiency of defective workpieces, and is conducive to improving the production efficiency of electrode sheets.

[0067] According to some embodiments of this application, the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 further includes a detection control mechanism. This detection control mechanism is configured to detect workpiece quality and, in response to the detection of a defective workpiece, controls a drive component to move the rotating guide 20 from a second position to a first position, thereby opening the positive pressure air passage 12 and placing a corresponding air hole on the conveyor belt 230 under positive pressure to reject the defective workpiece.

[0068] like Figure 12bAs shown, the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 further includes at least one negative pressure chamber 210, which is a negative pressure environment. The at least one negative pressure chamber 210 is arranged side-by-side with the switching chamber 220. Each negative pressure chamber 210 has at least one negative pressure port on the side facing the conveyor belt 230, and this port communicates with a corresponding air vent on the conveyor belt 230. Thus, the negative pressure chamber 210 is connected to an external negative pressure air source, thereby establishing a negative pressure environment at the conveyor belt through the negative pressure port to adsorb normal electrode sheets onto the conveyor belt.

[0069] It is understood that the negative pressure environment in the negative pressure chamber 210 can be established by a negative pressure gas source, which will not be elaborated here.

[0070] According to some embodiments of this application, the defective workpiece rejection device 1000 further includes a defective workpiece collection mechanism, which is located vertically below the airway switching structure 100 to recover defective workpieces.

[0071] This application provides a method for using a defective workpiece rejection device 1000, comprising: picking up and transporting workpieces via a conveyor belt 230; in response to the defective workpiece being transported through the lower part of an airway switching structure 100, controlling a drive component to move a rotating guide member 20 from a second position to a first position, thereby connecting the positive pressure airway 12 and causing the corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt 230 to be under positive pressure, so as to reject the defective workpiece.

[0072] 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. An airway switching structure (100), characterized in that, include: The fixing member (10) is a sleeve structure, the inner wall of the sleeve structure defines a pressure chamber (11), and the fixing member (10) is provided with a positive pressure air passage (12) and a negative pressure air passage (13), which are connected to the pressure chamber (11); A rotating guide (20) is attached to the inner wall surface of the sleeve structure and is capable of rotating about a first axis (x) between a first position and a second position. The first axis (x) is the central axis of the sleeve structure. The fixing member (10) is configured to be disposed inside the switching chamber (220) and to enable the positive pressure air passage (12) and the negative pressure air passage (13) to communicate with the corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt (230); Furthermore, when the rotating guide (20) is in the first position, the rotating guide (20) opens the positive pressure airway (12); when the rotating guide (20) is in the second position, the rotating guide (20) opens the negative pressure airway (13).

2. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positive pressure airway (12) includes a first positive pressure sub-airway (121) and a second positive pressure sub-airway (122), the negative pressure airway (13) includes a first negative pressure sub-airway (131) and a second negative pressure sub-airway (132), and the rotating conductor (20) includes a connecting structure. When the rotating conductor (20) is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-channel (121) is connected to the second positive pressure sub-channel (122) via the connecting structure; when the rotating conductor (20) is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-channel (131) is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel (132) via the connecting structure.

3. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positive pressure airway (12) and the negative pressure airway (13) are located in the same cross section perpendicular to the first axis (x).

4. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positive pressure air passage (12) is located on the first side of the sleeve structure, and the negative pressure air passage (13) is located on the second side opposite to the first side. The connecting structure is a groove (21) formed on the surface of the rotating conductor (20), such that when the rotating conductor (20) is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-channel (121) is connected to the second positive pressure sub-channel (122) via the groove (21); when the rotating conductor (20) is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-channel (131) is connected to the second negative pressure sub-channel (132) via the groove (21).

5. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first positive pressure sub-channel (121), the second positive pressure sub-channel (122), the first negative pressure sub-channel (131) and the second negative pressure sub-channel (132) all extend toward the first axis (x).

6. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first central angle (α1) is formed between the first positive pressure sub-channel (121) and the second positive pressure sub-channel (122), a second central angle (α2) is formed between the first negative pressure sub-channel (131) and the second negative pressure sub-channel (132), and a third central angle (α3) is formed between the first positive pressure sub-channel (121) and the first negative pressure sub-channel (131). Wherein, the groove (21) corresponds to the groove central angle (β), the groove central angle (β) is greater than or equal to either the first central angle (α1) or the second central angle (α2), and the groove central angle (β) is less than or equal to the third central angle (α3).

7. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first central angle (α1) and the second central angle (α2) range from 5° to 85°, and the third central angle (α3) ranges from 95° to 170°.

8. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first central angle (α1) and the second central angle (α2) are 65°, and the third central angle (α3) is 130°.

9. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The line connecting the first positive pressure sub-airway (121) and the second positive pressure sub-airway (122) passes through the first axis (x), and the line connecting the first negative pressure sub-airway (131) and the second negative pressure sub-airway (132) passes through the first axis (x). The connecting structure is a pipe (22) passing through the first axis (x), such that when the rotating conductor (20) is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-air passage (121) is connected to the second positive pressure sub-air passage (122) via the pipe (22); when the rotating conductor (20) is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-air passage (131) is connected to the second negative pressure sub-air passage (132) via the pipe (22).

10. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positive pressure airway (12) is located in a first section perpendicular to the first axis (x), and the negative pressure airway (13) is located in a second section perpendicular to the first axis (x), the first section being different from the second section.

11. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The positive pressure air passage (12) is located on the first side of the sleeve structure, and the negative pressure air passage (13) is located on the second side opposite to the first side. The communication structure includes a first groove (211) and a second groove (212) formed on the surface of the rotating conductor (20). The first groove (211) is located in the first cross section, and the second groove (212) is located in the second cross section. This allows the first positive pressure sub-channel (121) to communicate with the second positive pressure sub-channel (122) via the first groove (211) when the rotating conductor (20) is in the first position; and the first negative pressure sub-channel (131) to communicate with the second negative pressure sub-channel (132) via the second groove (212) when the rotating conductor (20) is in the second position.

12. The airway switching structure (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The line connecting the first positive pressure sub-airway (121) and the second positive pressure sub-airway (122) passes through the first axis (x), and the line connecting the first negative pressure sub-airway (131) and the second negative pressure sub-airway (132) passes through the first axis (x). The connecting structure includes a first pipe (221) and a second pipe (222) passing through the first axis (x), such that when the rotating conductor (20) is in the first position, the first positive pressure sub-air passage (121) is connected to the second positive pressure sub-air passage (122) via the first pipe (221); when the rotating conductor (20) is in the second position, the first negative pressure sub-air passage (131) is connected to the second negative pressure sub-air passage (132) via the second pipe (222).

13. The airway switching structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Also includes: The drive component, wherein the rotary conductor (20) is configured to be driven by the drive component to perform a reciprocating rotational motion between the first position and the second position.

14. A defective workpiece rejection device (1000), comprising: The transmission mechanism (200) includes a transmission belt (230) for conveying workpieces and a switching chamber (220). The transmission belt (230) is provided with a plurality of air holes for picking up workpieces. The switching chamber (220) is located on the opposite side of the transmission belt (230) from which the transmission belt (230) picks up workpieces. In the airway switching structure (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, the fixing member (10) is disposed inside the switching chamber (220). The positive pressure air passage (12) and negative pressure air passage (13) of the air passage switching structure (100) are connected to the corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt (230), thereby controlling the air pressure change at the air holes in order to pick up or remove workpieces.

15. The defective workpiece rejection device (1000) according to claim 14 further includes: The detection control mechanism is configured to detect the quality of the workpiece and, in response to the detection of a defective workpiece, controls the drive component to move the rotating guide (20) from the second position to the first position, thereby opening the positive pressure air passage (12) and placing the corresponding air hole on the conveyor belt (230) under positive pressure to remove the defective workpiece.

16. The defective workpiece rejection device (1000) according to claim 15 further includes: At least one negative pressure chamber (210) is provided, wherein the interior of the at least one negative pressure chamber (210) is a negative pressure environment, and the at least one negative pressure chamber (210) is arranged in parallel with the switching chamber (220). The at least one negative pressure chamber (210) is provided with at least one negative pressure port on the side facing the conveyor belt (230), and the at least one negative pressure port is connected to a corresponding air hole of the conveyor belt (230).

17. The defective workpiece rejection device (1000) according to claim 14 further comprises: A defective workpiece collection mechanism is located vertically below the airway switching structure (100) to collect defective workpieces.

18. A method of using the defective workpiece rejection device (1000) as described in any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising: Workpieces are picked up and transported via the conveyor belt (230); In response to the transfer of defective workpieces through the lower part of the airway switching structure (100), the control drive component moves the rotating guide (20) from the second position to the first position, thereby opening the positive pressure airway (12) and putting the corresponding air holes on the conveyor belt (230) under positive pressure to remove defective workpieces.

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