Pole piece humidity adjusting device combined with coating machine

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of lithium ion batteries, and particularly relates to a pole piece humidity adjusting device combined with a coating machine, which comprises a drying module, an atomization module, a support module and a detection module, the drying module comprises a drying air valve, a drying air pipe and an air nozzle; the atomization module comprises an atomization water valve, an atomization water pipe, a water spray nozzle and an atomization device; the drying module, the atomization module and the detection module are all installed on a supporting plate, and the supporting plate is used for fixing the whole device to the rear section of a drying oven. The detection module comprises a detection device, and the detection device is installed at the position close to the running path of the pole piece and used for monitoring the humidity of the pole piece. The device can realize secondary humidity adjustment on the pole piece. After the pole piece is primarily dried by the drying oven, the humidity is monitored in real time through the detection device, and when the pole piece is too dry, the water spray nozzle of the atomization module can spray atomized water in time to increase the humidity, so that the problems of coating cracking, active substance falling and the like are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of lithium-ion battery technology, specifically relating to an electrode humidity adjustment device used in conjunction with a coating machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a typical representative of new clean energy, lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in mobile communication terminals, consumer electronics, and new energy vehicles. Against the backdrop of rapid industry development, lithium battery manufacturing equipment is undergoing continuous technological iteration. Among these processes, electrode coating, as a core process determining battery energy density and safety performance, directly affects the stability of the electrode structure and the battery's cycle life through key indicators such as coating uniformity and porosity.

[0003] Electrode coating typically employs a coating machine, whose function is to uniformly coat the electrode slurry (positive or negative electrode material) onto the surface of a metal current collector (aluminum or copper foil), forming an electrode with consistent thickness and a dense structure. In the manufacturing process of lithium-ion battery electrodes, precise monitoring and control of electrode humidity is crucial for ensuring coating quality and improving battery performance. Excessive humidity can lead to solvent residue causing electrode adhesion or gas generation in the battery, while insufficient humidity may cause coating cracking, active material detachment, and even affect electrolyte wettability.

[0004] In existing coating drying systems, ambient temperature air is heated by a heating device and enters the static pressure air chamber of the oven through the air inlet. The hot air forms a hot air jet through the oven nozzles, and after making full contact with the wet material on the electrode, a mass and heat transfer process occurs, thereby expelling the solvent from the wet material through the air outlet. However, this drying system has significant drawbacks: uneven drying or excessively high electrode moisture content is prone to occur during the coating process, and the oven drying system cannot dynamically adjust according to the actual defect characteristics. When the electrode is too dry, it must be scrapped; when it is too wet, it needs to be re-dried, resulting in low production efficiency and increased costs.

[0005] Chinese invention patent 201810797680.2 discloses a drying system for a lithium battery coating machine. This system achieves uniform lateral drying of the electrode sheets by installing humidity sensors and air nozzles at the lateral position of each drying chamber, and using a controller to adjust the outlet air temperature and / or air volume of the corresponding nozzles based on the humidity value. However, this solution suffers from problems such as system complexity, high modification difficulty, and poor economic efficiency, making it difficult to widely apply to the upgrading and retrofitting of existing coating equipment.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that is simple in structure, economical, and can achieve precise humidity control of electrode sheets, in order to solve the shortcomings of existing coating and drying systems in humidity control and improve the quality and efficiency of electrode sheet production. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode humidity control device and method for use with a coating machine, thereby solving the problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an electrode humidity regulating device used in conjunction with a coating machine, comprising a drying module, an atomization module, a support module, and a detection module;

[0009] The drying module includes a drying air valve, a drying air pipe, and a jet nozzle. One end of the drying air valve is connected to a drying air source, and the other end is connected to one end of the drying air pipe. The other end of the drying air pipe is connected to the jet nozzle. The drying air valve is used to control the total flow rate of the drying air, the drying air pipe is used to deliver the drying air, and the jet nozzle is used to adjust and blow out the drying air.

[0010] The atomizing module includes an atomizing water valve, an atomizing water pipe, a spray nozzle, and an atomizing device. One end of the atomizing water valve is connected to a water source, and the other end is connected to the atomizing device. The atomizing water valve is used to control the total flow rate of the atomized water. The atomizing device is connected to the spray nozzle through the atomizing water pipe. The atomizing device is used to atomize water and mix it with air. The atomizing water pipe is used to transport the atomized water vapor, and the spray nozzle is used to adjust and blow out the atomized water.

[0011] The support module includes a support plate, and the drying module, atomizing module and detection module are all mounted on the support plate. The support plate is used to fix the entire device to the rear section of the oven.

[0012] The detection module includes a detection device installed near the electrode's running path to monitor the electrode's humidity.

[0013] Preferably, the drying gas source connected to the drying gas valve is nitrogen.

[0014] Preferably, the detection device includes, but is not limited to, a humidity monitor, the installation location of which is determined according to actual monitoring needs and does not affect the normal operation of the electrode.

[0015] Preferably, the air nozzle and water nozzle are connected to the drying air pipe and the atomizing water pipe respectively through independent control structures to achieve independent control of the flow rates of the drying air and the atomizing water.

[0016] Preferably, both the drying air pipe and the atomizing water pipe are made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the drying air pipe is connected to the drying air valve and the air nozzle, as well as the atomizing water pipe is connected to the atomizing water valve, the atomizing device, and the water nozzle by a sealed connection to prevent gas and liquid leakage.

[0017] Preferably, the atomizing device is an ultrasonic atomizer, which is installed on the support plate by means of threaded connection or snap-fit, and is tightly connected to the atomizing water valve and the atomizing water pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the support plate is provided with mounting holes, and the support plate is fixed to the corresponding position at the rear section of the oven by means of bolts or welding. The drying module, atomization module and detection module are installed on the support plate by means of bolt connection, welding or snap-fit.

[0019] Preferably, both the drying air valve and the atomizing water valve are electromagnetic control valves, which are connected to an external control circuit via wires to achieve automated control.

[0020] Preferably, the system further includes a control system, which is electrically connected to the detection device, the drying air valve, and the atomizing water valve via wires. The detection device transmits the monitored electrode humidity data to the control system, and the control system controls the opening and closing of the drying air valve and the atomizing water valve based on the data.

[0021] Preferably, the control system is a programmable logic controller (PLC), which is connected to external devices through a communication interface to enable remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the device can achieve secondary humidity regulation of the electrode sheets. After the electrode sheets are initially dried in the oven, the humidity is monitored in real time by a detection device. When the electrode sheets are too dry, the water spray nozzle of the atomizing module can promptly spray atomized water to increase humidity, avoiding problems such as coating cracking and active material detachment; if the electrode sheets are too wet, the air spray nozzle of the drying module can blow out drying air to reduce humidity, preventing solvent residue from causing electrode sheet adhesion or battery gas generation. This precise humidity control effectively ensures coating quality, greatly increases product yield, helps improve the overall performance and stability of the battery, and provides strong support for the efficient production of lithium-ion batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixed connection," and "fixed connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this device includes a drying module, an atomization module, a support module, and a detection module, which are integrated through a mechanical structure and a piping system.

[0029] The drying module includes a drying valve 101, a drying pipe 102, and a jet nozzle 103. The drying pipe 102 is a high-pressure resistant hose, with one end connected to the drying valve and the other end branching out to multiple jet nozzles 103. The jet nozzles are evenly distributed above the electrode, and the outlet direction forms an angle of 30°-45° with the surface of the electrode, which facilitates the even blowing of the drying airflow onto the electrode.

[0030] The atomization module includes an atomizing water valve 201, an atomizing water pipe 202, a spray nozzle 203, and an atomizing device 204. The atomizing water valve 201 is connected to an external water source, such as a purified water pipe. The atomizing water pipe 202 is a corrosion-resistant pipe that is connected to the atomizing device 204, such as an ultrasonic atomizer or a pressure atomizing nozzle. The atomized water mist is sprayed out through the spray nozzle 203. The spray nozzle and the air nozzle are arranged alternately to ensure that the water mist coverage area overlaps with the dry airflow area.

[0031] The support module includes a support plate 301. The drying module, atomization module, and detection module are all mounted on the support plate 301. The support plate 301 is used to fix the entire device to the rear section of the oven. The support plate is a rectangular support plate, which is fixed to the frame of the rear section of the coating machine oven by bolts or clips to ensure that the device is aligned with the electrode transfer path and does not affect the normal movement of the electrode.

[0032] The detection module includes a detection device 401, which is installed near the electrode running path to monitor the electrode humidity. A humidity monitor, such as a capacitive humidity sensor, is installed above or below the electrode transport path, 5-10 cm from the electrode surface. It collects real-time humidity data of the electrode surface and transmits it via a signal line to a control unit (not shown in the diagram), which can be integrated into the coating machine control system.

[0033] The specific working principle of this device is as follows:

[0034] S1: Before the device is started, the drying air valve 101 and the atomizing water valve 201 are in the closed state. The detection module 401 enters the monitoring mode after preheating for 30 seconds.

[0035] S2: By opening the drying air valve and atomizing water valve through the coating machine control system or independent operation panel, the drying air source (such as nitrogen) and water source begin to supply air / water. The air and water flow through the pipeline to the nozzle and atomizing device.

[0036] S3: After passing through the drying section of the oven, the electrode sheet is guided by the guide roller into the section of this device and moves at a constant speed of 0.5-1m / s.

[0037] S4: The detection module 401 collects electrode humidity data in real time and controls the control unit to preset the humidity threshold range (e.g., target humidity is 15%-20% RH).

[0038] If the humidity is below the lower limit (e.g., <15% RH): The control unit sends a signal to the spray nozzle 203 to activate the atomizing water spray. The atomizing device 204 atomizes the water into a fine mist of 5-10μm, which is evenly attached to the electrode surface with the airflow to increase the humidity. The spray nozzle flow rate is controlled by the regulating valve (integrated into the atomizing water valve). The single spray time is 1-3 seconds, and the cycle is repeated every 5-10 seconds to avoid local over-humidification.

[0039] If the humidity is higher than the upper limit (e.g., >20% RH): the control unit sends a signal to the nozzle 103, and the drying airflow (e.g., nitrogen) is ejected at a pressure of 0.3-0.5MPa and an airflow speed of 5-10m / s to purge the electrode surface, accelerate the evaporation of solvent (e.g., water or NMP), and reduce humidity; the nozzles can be opened individually or in groups, and the number and duration of opening can be adjusted according to the humidity deviation.

[0040] S5: During the movement of the electrode, the detection module detects humidity at different positions every 20-30cm (i.e., longitudinal interval). The control unit dynamically adjusts the working area of ​​the water spray nozzle or air spray nozzle based on the multi-point detection data (e.g., only locally adjusts the horizontal area with abnormal humidity) to achieve full-width humidity uniformity control.

[0041] This embodiment adds an independent humidity control device to the rear section of the oven, without modifying the internal structure of the oven. Secondary adjustment can be achieved simply by connecting an external air source and water source, realizing efficient and precise control of electrode humidity, and significantly improving the production yield and quality stability of lithium battery electrodes.

[0042] For those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for regulating electrode humidity in conjunction with a coating machine, characterized in that, It includes a drying module, an atomization module, a support module, and a detection module; The drying module includes a drying valve (101), a drying pipe (102), and a jet nozzle (103). One end of the drying valve (101) is connected to a drying air source, and the other end is connected to one end of the drying pipe (102). The other end of the drying pipe (102) is connected to the jet nozzle (103). The atomizing module includes an atomizing water valve (201), an atomizing water pipe (202), a spray nozzle (203), and an atomizing device (204). One end of the atomizing water valve (201) is connected to a water source, and the other end is connected to the atomizing device (204). The atomizing water valve (201) is used to control the total flow rate of the atomized water. The atomizing device (204) is connected to the spray nozzle (203) through the atomizing water pipe (202). The support module includes a support plate (301), and the drying module, atomizing module and detection module are all installed on the support plate (301). The support plate (301) is used to fix the entire device to the rear section of the oven. The detection module includes a detection device (401), which is installed near the electrode running path and is used to monitor the electrode humidity.

2. The electrode humidity regulating device used in conjunction with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying gas source connected to the drying gas valve (101) is nitrogen.

3. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device (401) includes, but is not limited to, a humidity monitor.

4. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The jet nozzle (103) and water nozzle (203) are respectively connected to the drying air pipe (102) and the atomizing water pipe (202) through independent control structures.

5. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying air pipe (102) and the atomizing water pipe (202) are both made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the drying air pipe (102) is connected to the drying air valve (101) and the air nozzle (103), and the atomizing water pipe (202) is connected to the atomizing water valve (201), the atomizing device (204), and the water nozzle (203) by a sealed connection.

6. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing device (204) is an ultrasonic atomizer, which is installed on the support plate (301) by means of threaded connection or snap-fit, and is tightly connected to the atomizing water valve (201) and the atomizing water pipe (202).

7. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate (301) is provided with mounting holes. The support plate (301) is fixed to the corresponding position at the rear of the oven by means of bolts or welding. The drying module, atomization module and detection module are installed on the support plate (301) by means of bolt connection, welding or snap-fit.

8. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the drying air valve (101) and the atomizing water valve (201) are electromagnetic control valves, which are connected to an external control circuit via wires.

9. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control system, which is electrically connected to the detection device (401), the drying air valve (101) and the atomizing water valve (201) via wires. The detection device (401) transmits the monitored electrode humidity data to the control system, and the control system controls the opening and closing of the drying air valve (101) and the atomizing water valve (201) according to the data.

10. The electrode humidity regulating device for use with a coating machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control system is a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected to external devices through a communication interface, enabling remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.

Images