Pole piece production equipment and production system

Abstract

The utility model discloses pole piece production equipment and a pole piece production system. The pole piece production equipment comprises a conveying device, a coating device, a drying device and a vibration device, wherein the conveying device is used for conveying a current collector along a conveying path; the coating device is located on the conveying path and used for coating the first surface of the current collector with slurry; the drying device is provided with a drying station, and the drying station is used for drying the slurry on the first surface. The vibration device is located between the coating device and the drying station on the conveying path, the vibration device comprises an ultrasonic vibrator and a vibration main body part, and the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration main body part to apply vibration to the second surface of the current collector. Therefore, the coating device coats the first surface with the slurry, the vibration device is located between the coating device and the drying station, the vibration flattening efficiency of the slurry is improved by controlling parameters such as the vibration amplitude, the vibration direction and the vibration frequency of the vibration device, and the consistency of the weight of the pole piece can be improved after the slurry is dried.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to an electrode production equipment and system. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to sustainable development, which in turn promotes the adjustment of the energy structure and drives the development and application of battery technology. The key to the development of battery technology lies in electrochemical energy storage technology. Due to its advantages such as high energy density, good cycle capability, high operating voltage, environmental friendliness, and low self-discharge, it has been widely used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.

[0003] In the production process of battery electrodes, it is usually necessary to coat the slurry onto the current collector and then dry the slurry to form the battery electrode. However, during the process of coating the slurry onto the current collector and drying the slurry, uneven distribution of the slurry on the current collector is likely to occur, resulting in large fluctuations in the weight distribution of the battery electrode after drying and forming, and poor consistency in the weight of the electrode. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a coating device and coating system that aims to solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an electrode production apparatus, comprising a conveying device, a coating device, a drying device, and a vibration device. The conveying device conveys a current collector along a conveying path; the coating device, located on the conveying path, coats a slurry onto a first surface of the current collector; the drying device, located downstream of the coating device on the conveying path, has a drying station for drying the slurry on the first surface. The vibration device, located between the coating device and the drying station on the conveying path, includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a vibration body. The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the vibration body, and the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration to a second surface of the current collector, wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged opposite to each other. Therefore, the coating device is used to coat the first surface of the current collector with slurry. The vibration device is located between the coating device and the drying station on the conveying path. The ultrasonic vibrator of the vibration device drives the vibration body to apply vibration to the second surface of the current collector. It is easy to control parameters such as vibration amplitude, vibration direction and vibration frequency through the ultrasonic vibrator, thereby improving the leveling efficiency of the slurry. Then, the leveled slurry is dried by the drying station of the drying device, which improves the risk of large fluctuations in electrode weight distribution and thus improves the consistency of electrode weight.

[0006] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the side of the vibrating body portion away from the second surface. The ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibrating body portion to apply vibration perpendicular to the second surface. Thus, the ultrasonic vibrator is located on the side of the vibrating body portion away from the second surface, reducing the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator and the vibrating body portion and the slurry. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic vibrator applies vibration perpendicular to the second surface through the vibrating body portion, causing the slurry to vibrate perpendicular to the second surface, facilitating slurry leveling and improving the consistency of electrode weight.

[0007] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the side wall of the vibrating body on the conveying path. The ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibrating body to apply vibration along the conveying path to the second surface. Thus, the ultrasonic vibrator's location on the side wall of the vibrating body on the conveying path reduces the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator and the vibrating body on the slurry. Furthermore, the vibration applied to the slurry on the second surface along the conveying path by the vibrating body facilitates leveling of the slurry along the conveying path, improving the consistency of electrode weight.

[0008] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the sidewall of the vibrating body in the transverse direction. The ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibrating body to apply transverse vibration to the second surface, wherein the transverse direction is parallel to the second surface and intersects the transport path. Thus, the ultrasonic vibrator is located on the sidewall of the vibrating body in the transverse direction, reducing the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator and the vibrating body and the slurry. Furthermore, the vibrating body applies transverse vibration to the slurry located on the second surface, causing the slurry to vibrate in the transverse direction, thereby facilitating leveling of the slurry and improving the consistency of electrode weight.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple vibration devices. Some of the ultrasonic vibrators drive the vibration body to apply vibration along the conveying path to the second surface, while others apply vibration in a transverse direction to the second surface. This transverse direction is parallel to the second surface and intersects the conveying path. Thus, by having multiple vibration devices, with some ultrasonic vibrators applying transverse vibration to the second surface via the vibration body and others applying vibration along the conveying path via the vibration body, the vibration applied to the second surface is more uniform, facilitating slurry leveling and further improving the consistency of the electrode weight after drying.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are multiple vibration devices, which are spaced apart in a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying path. Thus, having multiple vibration devices, and having these multiple transversely spaced vibration devices simultaneously applying vibration to the slurry on the second surface, results in a more uniform intensity of vibration at different positions of the slurry in the transverse direction, thereby improving the consistency of electrode weight.

[0011] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus is used to apply slurry to different regions of the first surface in the lateral direction, and each coating apparatus applies slurry to at least one region corresponding to a vibration device. Thus, the first surface of the current collector has multiple different regions, and the coating apparatus applies slurry to each region. The slurry in each region is coated along the transport path, and each coating apparatus applies slurry to at least one region corresponding to a vibration device, so that the slurry in each region is subjected to vibration generated by the corresponding vibration device, thereby improving the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0012] In some embodiments, the vibration body includes a contact arc surface that protrudes toward the second surface. Thus, the contact arc surface, based on the vibration body protruding toward the second surface, allows the protruding portion of the contact arc surface to adhere to the second surface, thereby applying vibration to the second surface. This reduces the contact area between the vibration body and the current collector, thereby mitigating wear caused by the current collector during conveyor belt operation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drying apparatus includes a coating oven; a drying station and a vibration device are located inside the coating oven; or the drying station is located inside the coating oven, and the vibration device is located outside the coating oven. Thus, the drying apparatus includes a coating oven, and the drying station is located inside the coating oven to ensure more uniform heating of the current collector and reduce heat loss in the drying station, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the slurry. Whether the vibration device is located inside or outside the coating oven, it can apply vibration to the slurry on the first surface before the slurry is dried to level the slurry, improving the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conveying device includes a back roller and a plurality of guide rollers, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the conveying path. The back roller and the coating device are arranged opposite each other, and a vibration device is arranged between the back roller and the guide rollers, or between two guide rollers. Thus, the conveying device includes a back roller and a plurality of guide rollers. The back roller cooperates with the coating device to coat the slurry onto the current collector. The guide rollers and the plurality of back rollers together guide the current collector to move along the conveying path. The vibration device can be arranged between the back roller and the guide roller adjacent to the back roller, or between two guide rollers. This can reduce interference between the vibration device and the conveying device, and at the same time, it can make the slurry coated on the current collector subject to vibration generated by the vibration device before it is dried, thereby facilitating the leveling of the slurry during the current collector's conveying and improving the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an electrode production system, which includes the aforementioned electrode production equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of an electrode production apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electrode production equipment according to one or more embodiments from a second perspective.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vibration device according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drying apparatus according to one or more embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conveying device and the vibrating device according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode production system according to one or more embodiments.

[0023] Reference numerals: Electrode production equipment 10; Electrode production system 20; Conveying device 100; Back roller 110; Passing roller 120; Drying device 200; Drying station 210; Coating oven 211; Vibration device 300; Ultrasonic vibrator 310; Vibrating body 320; Contact arc surface 321; Coating device 400; Current collector 500; First surface 510; Coating area 511; Second surface 520; Conveying path X; Lateral direction Y. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Currently, judging from market trends, battery applications are becoming increasingly widespread. Batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields. With the continuous expansion of battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0033] A battery device may include a housing and individual battery cells, with the individual cells housed within the housing. The battery device may contain multiple individual cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. A combination of series and parallel connections refers to multiple individual cells being connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple individual cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the entire assembly is housed within the housing. Alternatively, the battery device may consist of multiple individual cells first connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form battery modules, which are then connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a single unit housed within the housing. The battery device may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar for electrical connection between the multiple individual battery cells.

[0034] Battery cells are manufactured using two methods: stacking and winding. Stacked cells offer uniform current collection, lower internal resistance, and higher specific power. However, to achieve this, extremely high precision is required for the molds, resulting in high equipment investment, complex processes, and low production efficiency. Winded cells, on the other hand, are simpler to manufacture, with less stringent precision requirements for equipment during the cell fabrication and assembly processes. They offer high production efficiency and lower costs. In terms of performance, wound cells boast excellent high and low temperature performance, very rapid charging, ultra-long lifespan, stable high output voltage, robust structure, and strong shock resistance.

[0035] A battery cell is the smallest unit that makes up a battery. A battery cell may include a casing, electrode assembly, and other functional components.

[0036] The casing includes end caps and a housing. The end cap is a component that closes onto the opening of the housing to isolate the internal environment of the battery cell from the external environment. The shape of the end cap can be adapted to fit the shape of the housing. Optionally, the end cap can be made of a material with a certain degree of hardness and strength (such as aluminum alloy), so that it is less prone to deformation under pressure and impact, giving the battery cell higher structural strength and improving safety performance. The housing is a component used to fit the end cap to form the internal environment of the battery cell, where the formed internal environment can accommodate electrode components, electrolyte, and other components. The housing and end cap can be independent components. An opening can be provided on the housing, and the end cap closes the opening to form the internal environment of the battery cell.

[0037] Electrode assemblies are components within a single battery cell where electrochemical reactions occur. A housing may contain one or more electrode assemblies. Electrode assemblies are primarily formed by winding or stacking electrode sheets. For example, the electrode sheets may include positive and negative electrode sheets, which are formed by winding or stacking the positive and negative electrode sheets, and typically a separator is provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets.

[0038] Electrodes can include current collectors and active coatings. The active coating is located on the surface of the current collector. In the production process of battery electrodes, slurry is usually applied to the current collector and then dried to form battery electrodes. However, during the process of applying slurry to the current collector and drying the slurry, uneven distribution of slurry on the current collector is likely to occur, resulting in large fluctuations in the weight distribution of the battery electrodes after drying and forming, and poor consistency in electrode weight.

[0039] To address the technical problems in related technologies, this application provides an electrode production equipment and system. The electrode production equipment includes a conveying device, a coating device, a drying device, and a vibration device. The vibration device is located between the conveying device and the drying device, and applies vibration to the current collector coated with slurry, facilitating the uniform distribution of the slurry on the current collector and thus improving the consistency of electrode weight.

[0040] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of an electrode production apparatus according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electrode production apparatus from a second perspective, according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Electrode production equipment 10 is used to coat the surface of current collector 500 with an active coating containing active material. Specifically, electrode production equipment 10 includes a conveying device 100, a coating device 400, a drying device 200, and a vibration device 300. The conveying device 100 is used to convey the current collector 500 along the conveying path X; the coating device 400 is located on the conveying path X and is used to coat the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 with a slurry; the drying device 200 is located downstream of the coating device 400 on the conveying path X and has a drying station 210 for drying the slurry on the first surface 510. The vibration device 300 is located between the coating device 400 and the drying station 210 on the conveying path X. The vibration device 300 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 310 and a vibration body 320. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 is connected to the vibration body 320. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibration body 320 to apply vibration to the second surface 520 of the current collector 500. The first surface 510 and the second surface 520 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0042] The current collector 500 can be a positive current collector or a negative current collector, and the slurry includes, but is not limited to, positive and negative active materials. The slurry of the positive active material can be coated onto the positive current collector and dried to form a positive electrode sheet, and the slurry of the negative active material can be coated onto the negative current collector and dried to form a negative electrode sheet.

[0043] The positive electrode current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, the metal foil can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. The composite current collector can include a polymer base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by forming a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) on a polymer base material (such as a polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). As an example, the positive electrode active material can include at least one of the following: lithium phosphate, lithium transition metal oxide, and their respective modified compounds. Other conventional materials that can be used as positive electrode active materials in batteries can also be used. These positive electrode active materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphates include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate, lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate, lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese iron phosphate, and lithium manganese iron phosphate and carbon composites. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, and their modified compounds.

[0044] The negative electrode current collector can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. The foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloys, or foamed carbon, etc. The composite current collector can include a polymer material base layer 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.). The negative electrode active material can be a negative electrode active material known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the negative electrode active material can 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 can be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxides, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. Tin-based materials can be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxides, and tin alloys, and other conventional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials in batteries can also be used. These negative electrode active materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0045] The conveying device 100 is used to convey the current collector 500 along the conveying path X. The coating device 400 is located on the conveying path X and can be arranged adjacent to the conveying device 100, such that the conveying device 100 and the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 are arranged opposite each other, so that the coating device 400 can coat the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 with slurry during the conveying of the current collector 500 by the conveying device 100 along the conveying path X. The coating device 400 can coat the slurry onto the current collector 500 by a coating method such as transfer roller coating or slot extrusion coating. Optionally, the coating device 400 can be a slot extrusion coating, which has the advantages of fast coating speed and good uniformity of slurry thickness on the surface of the current collector. The drying device 200 is located downstream of the coating device 400 on the conveying path X. The drying device 200 includes a drying station 210. The conveying device 100 conveys the current collector 500 coated with slurry and passes through the drying station 210. Heat can be generated at the drying station 210 to evaporate most of the solvent in the slurry, thereby drying and fixing the slurry on the current collector.

[0046] To further improve the thickness uniformity of the slurry, the electrode production equipment 10 also includes a vibration device 300. The vibration device 300 is located between the coating device 400 and the drying station 210 on the conveying path X. After the coating device 400 coats the slurry on the first surface 510, the conveying device 100 conveys the current collector 500 through the vibration device 300. The vibration device 300 applies vibration to the second surface 520 opposite to the first surface 510. Before the slurry is dried by passing through the drying station 210, the slurry is leveled by the vibration device 300, which makes the slurry evenly distributed on the current collector 500. Specifically, the vibration device 300 may include an ultrasonic vibrator 310 and a vibration body 320. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 emits ultrasonic vibrations and is connected to the vibration body 320. The vibration body 320 may contact the second surface 520 of the current collector 500 or may be slightly spaced from the second surface 520. Thus, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 emits vibrations to drive the vibration body 320 to apply vibration to the second surface 520, thereby causing the current collector 500 to vibrate the slurry, which facilitates the leveling of the slurry. The leveling efficiency and effect of the slurry can be improved by adjusting parameters such as the vibration direction, vibration frequency, and vibration amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrator 310. After the slurry located on the first surface 510 is leveled, the conveying device 100 conveys the current collector 500 through the drying station 210 to dry the slurry, finally obtaining a battery electrode with an active coating uniformly distributed on the current collector 500.

[0047] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 may include an ultrasonic transducer or an ultrasonic motor. The vibration emitted by the ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic motor is a mechanical wave with a frequency exceeding 20 kHz, exhibiting strong penetrability and directionality. Furthermore, the vibration frequency and amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrator 310 can be precisely controlled, thereby facilitating the leveling of the slurry. Specifically, the ultrasonic vibration frequency can be within the range of 20 kHz ± 500 Hz, and the amplitude can be within the range of 5 μm to 100 μm, providing a good leveling effect on the slurry.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the coating device 400 is used to coat the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 with slurry. The vibration device 300 is located between the coating device 400 and the drying station 210 on the conveying path X. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 of the vibration device 300 drives the vibration body 320 to apply vibration to the second surface 520 of the current collector 500. It is easy to control parameters such as vibration amplitude, vibration direction and vibration frequency through the ultrasonic vibrator 310, thereby improving the leveling efficiency of the slurry. Then, the leveled slurry is dried through the drying station 210 of the drying device 200, which improves the risk of large fluctuations in electrode weight distribution and thus improves the consistency of electrode weight.

[0049] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is connected to the side of the vibrating body 320 opposite to the second surface 520. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibrating body 320 to apply vibration perpendicular to the second surface 520. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 serves as a vibration source, indirectly applying vibration to the second surface 520 through the vibrating body 320. This reduces the risk of interference between the vibration generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 310 and the vibration emitted by the ultrasonic vibrator itself, thus affecting the slurry. Specifically, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 can be located at the end of the vibrating body 320 away from the current collector 500. For example, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 can be located at the center of the side of the vibrating body 320 away from the second surface 520, making the vibration experienced by the slurry more symmetrical. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is located on the side of the vibration body 320 away from the second surface 520, which can reduce the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator 310 and the vibration body 320 and the slurry. At the same time, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 applies vibration perpendicular to the second surface 520 through the vibration body 320, so that the slurry vibrates perpendicular to the second surface 520, which facilitates the leveling of the slurry and improves the consistency of electrode weight.

[0050] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is connected to the side wall of the vibrating body 320 on the conveying path X, and the ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibrating body 320 to apply vibration along the conveying path X to the second surface 520. By placing the ultrasonic vibrator 310 at different positions on the vibrating body 320, the direction of vibration of the slurry can be controlled. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 can be connected to the upstream side wall of the vibrating body 320 on the conveying path X, so that the ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibrating body 320 to vibrate the second surface 520 in a downstream direction along the conveying path X, or it can be connected to the downstream side wall of the vibrating body 320 on the conveying path X, so that the ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibrating body 320 to vibrate the second surface 520 in a upstream direction along the conveying path X. Preferably, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is connected to the upstream sidewall of the vibrating body 320 on the conveying path X, so that the slurry is subjected to vibration in the downstream direction of the conveying path X. Because the vibration intensity of the vibrating device 300 gradually weakens in the downstream direction of the conveying path X, the slurry is subjected to vibration from the vibrating device 300 for a longer period of time before drying, which is more conducive to the leveling of the slurry. Thus, by setting the ultrasonic vibrator 310 on the sidewall of the vibrating body 320 on the conveying path X, the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator 310 and the vibrating body 320 and the slurry is reduced. The vibrating body 320 applies vibration along the conveying path X to the slurry located on the second surface 520, so that the slurry vibrates along the conveying path X, which facilitates the leveling of the slurry on the conveying path X and improves the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0051] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is connected to the side wall of the vibrating body 320 in the transverse direction Y. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 drives the vibrating body 320 to apply vibration in the transverse direction Y to the second surface 520, wherein the transverse direction Y is parallel to the second surface 520 and intersects the conveying path X. By placing the ultrasonic vibrator 310 at different positions on the vibrating body 320, the direction of vibration of the slurry can be controlled. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 can be connected to one side wall of the vibrating body 320 in the transverse direction Y so that the slurry is subjected to vibration in the transverse direction Y, which intersects the conveying path X. The transverse direction Y can be perpendicular to the conveying path X or have a certain inclination angle to the conveying path X. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibrator 310 is disposed on the side wall of the vibration body 320 in the transverse direction Y, which can reduce the risk of interference between the ultrasonic vibrator 310 and the vibration body 320 and the slurry. The vibration body 320 applies vibration in the transverse direction Y to the slurry located on the second surface 520, thereby causing the slurry to vibrate in the transverse direction Y, so as to level the slurry in the transverse direction Y and improve the consistency of electrode weight.

[0052] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vibration device according to one or more embodiments.

[0053] In some embodiments, the vibrating body 320 includes a contact arc surface 321 that protrudes toward the second surface 520. The contact arc surface 321 may be a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or a curved surface with an arc, and the contact arc surface 321 protrudes toward the second surface 520 to reduce the contact area between the vibrating body 320 and the second surface 520. Thus, the vibrating body 320 includes a contact arc surface 321 that protrudes toward the second surface 520, so that the protruding portion of the contact arc surface 321 can fit against the second surface 520 to apply vibration to the second surface 520, thereby reducing the contact area between the vibrating body 320 and the current collector 500, and thus improving the wear of the current collector 500 during the conveyor belt operation.

[0054] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a drying apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0055] In some embodiments, the drying apparatus 200 includes a coating oven 211; a drying station 210 and a vibration device 300 are located inside the coating oven 211; or the drying station 210 is located inside the coating oven 211, and the vibration device 300 is located outside the coating oven 211. The drying apparatus 200 includes a coating oven 211, and the drying station 210 is located inside the coating oven 211. Figure 4 The area within the dashed box can be the drying station. The coating oven 211 has openings on both sides of the conveying path X, and a portion of the current collector 500 located in the drying device 200 passes through these two openings into the coating oven 211, allowing the drying station 210 to dry the slurry. The vibration device 300 can be located inside or outside the coating oven 211. When the vibration device 300 is located inside the coating oven 211, it must be positioned upstream of the drying station 210 on the conveying path X, so that the slurry is vibrated and leveled before being dried. Figure 2As shown, the vibration device 300 can also be located outside the coating oven 211, so that the current collector 500 is subjected to vibration generated by the vibration device 300 before entering the coating oven 211, in order to level the slurry. Thus, the drying device 200 includes the coating oven 211, and the drying station 210 is located inside the coating oven 211, so that the current collector 500 is heated more evenly and the heat loss in the drying station 210 is reduced, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the slurry. Whether the vibration device 300 is located inside or outside the coating oven 211, it can apply vibration to the slurry on the first surface 510 before the slurry is dried, thereby leveling the slurry. After leveling the slurry, it is then dried, resulting in battery electrodes with the slurry evenly distributed on the current collector 500, improving the uniformity of the electrode weight. Multiple coating ovens 211 can be set, and multiple coating ovens 211 are arranged sequentially along the conveying path X and connected to each other to reduce heat loss, improve drying efficiency, and thus increase the conveying speed of the conveying device 100, ultimately improving the production efficiency of the electrode sheets. The coating oven 211 may also be equipped with ventilation holes to discharge the solvent that evaporates from the slurry into the coating oven 211, reducing the risk of solvent accumulation in the coating oven 211, thereby improving the drying effect of the slurry.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying device 100 includes a back roller 110 and a plurality of guide rollers 120. The back roller 110 and the plurality of guide rollers 120 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the conveying path X. The back roller 110 and the coating device 400 are arranged opposite to each other. A vibration device 300 is arranged between the back roller 110 and the guide rollers 120, or between two guide rollers 120. The back roller 110 and the plurality of guide rollers 120 rotate to convey the current collector 500. The vibration device 300 can be arranged between the back roller 110 and an adjacent guide roller 120 or between two guide rollers 120. The vibration device 300 can be spaced apart from the back roller 110 and the guide rollers 120, thereby reducing the risk of uneven vibration on the second surface 520 caused by the vibration of the guide rollers 120 and the back roller 110 due to rotation. Therefore, the conveying device 100 includes a back roller 110 and multiple guide rollers 120. The back roller 110 cooperates with the coating device 400 to coat the slurry onto the current collector 500. The guide rollers 120 and the multiple back rollers 110 together guide the current collector 500 to move on the conveying path X. The vibration device 300 can be set between the back roller 110 and the guide roller 120 adjacent to the back roller 110, or between two guide rollers 120. This can reduce the interference between the vibration device 300 and the conveying device 100, and at the same time, it can make the slurry coated on the current collector 500 vibrate before it is dried, thereby facilitating the leveling of the slurry when the current collector 500 is running on the conveyor belt and improving the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0057] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a conveying device and a vibrating device according to one or more embodiments.

[0058] In some embodiments, the number of vibration devices 300 is multiple. Some vibration devices 300 have ultrasonic vibrators 310 driving the vibration body 320 to apply vibration along the transport path X to the second surface 520. Other vibration devices 300 have ultrasonic vibrators 310 driving the vibration body 320 to apply vibration along the transverse direction Y to the second surface 520, wherein the transverse direction Y is parallel to the second surface 520 and intersects the transport path X. Multiple vibration devices 300 may be provided, with each vibration device 300 acting independently on the current collector 500. The vibrations of each vibration device 300 acting on the current collector 500 can be integrated to generate vibrations different from those emitted by each individual vibration device 300. Furthermore, the vibrations generated by the interference of multiple ultrasonic vibrators 310 can make the vibration applied to the second surface 520 more uniform.

[0059] Multiple vibration devices 300 are used. Some of the ultrasonic vibrators 310 apply vibration along the transverse direction Y to the second surface 520 via the vibration body 320, while others apply vibration along the conveying path X. This makes the vibration applied to the second surface 520 more uniform, facilitating slurry leveling and further improving the consistency of electrode weight after drying. In other embodiments, in addition to applying vibration along the conveying path X and transverse direction Y to the second surface 520, some vibration devices 300 may also apply vibration perpendicular to the second surface 520. Exemplarily, the number of vibration devices 300 can be two, three, or four, etc. The spacing, vibration frequency, and vibration amplitude of each vibration device 300 can be adjusted according to the number of vibration devices 300, so that the vibrations generated by the multiple vibration devices 300 can be integrated, and the integrated vibration is more conducive to slurry leveling. For example, the number of vibrating devices 300 can be two. One vibrating device 300 applies vibration along the transverse direction Y to the second surface 520, and the other vibrating device 300 applies vibration along the conveying path X to the second surface 520, so that the collector 500 is simultaneously subjected to vibration in the transverse direction Y and the conveying path X, which is more conducive to the leveling of the slurry. Alternatively, the number of vibrating devices 300 can also be three. The three vibrating devices 300 apply vibration along the transverse direction Y, the conveying path X, and the direction perpendicular to the second surface 520 to the second surface 520, respectively. So that when the second surface 520 is subjected to vibration from the three vibrating devices 300 in different vibration directions, the slurry can generate vibration along the transverse direction Y, the conveying path X, and the direction perpendicular to the second surface 520, which is more conducive to the leveling of the slurry. The number of vibration devices 300 can be four or more. The vibration devices can be divided into multiple columns in the conveying path X, and different vibration devices 300 can vibrate in at least one of the transverse direction Y, the conveying path X and the direction perpendicular to the second surface 520, so as to level the slurry. After the slurry is dried, the uniformity of the electrode weight can be improved.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This is the perspective along the conveying path X. Multiple vibration devices 300 are arranged at intervals along a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the conveying path X. Since the transverse direction Y is perpendicular to the conveying path X, the second surface 520 is simultaneously subjected to vibrations from these multiple vibration devices 300 in the transverse direction Y. This ensures that the slurry within a unit area in the transverse direction Y is vibrated by the vibrations of the vibration devices 300. The conveying device 100 transports the current collector 500 along the conveying path X, which is perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. This further ensures that the slurry in each area of ​​the current collector 500 is vibrated, resulting in more uniform leveling of the slurry. Therefore, by having multiple vibration devices 300, and these multiple vibration devices 300 arranged at intervals along the transverse direction Y, simultaneously apply vibration to the slurry located on the second surface 520, the intensity of vibration on different positions of the slurry in the transverse direction Y becomes more uniform, thereby improving the consistency of the electrode weight. Furthermore, multiple vibrating devices 300 can be spaced apart along the transverse direction Y, and the spacing between any two vibrating devices 300 can be equal, thereby making the vibration of the slurry more uniform. In this embodiment, the number of vibrating devices 300 can be three, with the three vibrating devices 300 spaced apart along the transverse direction Y, and each of the three vibrating devices can apply vibration along the conveying path X, the transverse direction Y, and a direction perpendicular to the second surface 520, respectively. Of course, the three vibrating devices 300 can have the same vibration direction, and the vibration direction, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and number of the vibrating devices 300 can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0061] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus 400 is used to apply slurry to different regions of the first surface 510 in the transverse direction Y, and each region where the coating apparatus 400 applies slurry corresponds to at least one vibration device 300. The first surface 510 of the current collector 500 is provided with multiple different regions, which are named coating regions 511, such as... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5The dashed box in the diagram illustrates the coating area 511. The coating device 400 applies slurry to different coating areas 511, and the slurry in different coating areas 511 is coated along the transport path X, thereby improving the production efficiency of the electrode. However, simply setting multiple coating areas 511 on the current collector 500 still has drawbacks. The drawback is that the slurry distribution at the edge of a single coating area 511 is already uneven. Setting multiple coating areas 511 will amplify this unevenness. To minimize the difference in areal density at different locations of the prepared electrode, the edges of the coating areas 511 are usually cut off, resulting in significant resource waste. Therefore, each coating area 511 is equipped with at least one vibration device 300 to improve the uniformity of slurry distribution. Secondly, since the vibration amplitude emitted by the vibration device 300 decreases as the distance from the vibration device 300 increases, each coating area 511 is provided with at least one vibration device 300. This reduces the risk that the slurry will experience a large difference in vibration amplitude in the lateral direction Y due to the large difference in vibration amplitude between different coating areas 511.

[0062] Furthermore, multiple coating areas 511 can be spaced apart in the transverse direction X, and each coating area 511 corresponds to at least one vibration device 300 to reduce the difference in vibration experienced by the slurry within each coating area 511. For example, when one coating area 511 corresponds to multiple vibration devices 300, the multiple vibration devices 300 corresponding to one coating area 511 can be arranged in the transverse direction Y, and the size of the coating area 511 in the transverse direction Y can be less than or equal to the sum of the sizes of the multiple vibration devices 300 corresponding to the coating area 511 in the transverse direction Y; another example is that each coating area 511 corresponds to one vibration device 300, and the size of the coating area 511 in the transverse direction Y can be less than or equal to the size of the corresponding vibration device 300 in the transverse direction Y. Thus, the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 has multiple different regions, and the coating device 400 applies slurry to each of the different regions. The slurry in each region is coated on the transport path X. Each region where the coating device 400 applies slurry corresponds to at least one vibration device 300, so that the slurry in each region is subjected to vibration generated by the corresponding vibration device 300, thereby improving the consistency of the electrode weight.

[0063] To address the related technical problems, this application also provides an electrode production system, specifically, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode production system according to one or more embodiments.

[0064] The electrode production system 20 includes an unwinding roller, a winding roller, and an electrode production device 10. The unwinding roller and the winding roller can be located upstream and downstream of the electrode production device 10, respectively, on the conveying path X. A current collector 500 is wound onto a spool, which can be fitted onto the unwinding roller. The unwinding roller rotates to release the current collector 500 from the spool. The current collector 500 passes through the electrode production device 10 to coat its surface with a slurry and undergoes drying. The dried current collector 500 is then conveyed to the winding roller. One end of the current collector 500 away from the unwinding roller is connected to the spool fitted onto the winding roller. The winding roller rotates to wind up the dried current collector 500, ultimately obtaining the battery electrode. Exemplarily, the unwinding roller can be located upstream of the back roller 120 of the electrode production device 10 on the conveying path X, and the winding roller can be located downstream of the drying device 200 on the conveying path X.

[0065] In summary, the coating device 400 is used to coat the first surface 510 of the current collector 500 with slurry. The vibration device 300 is located between the coating device 400 and the drying station 210 on the conveying path X. The ultrasonic vibrator 310 of the vibration device 300 drives the vibration body 320 to apply vibration to the second surface 520 of the current collector 500. It is easy to control parameters such as vibration amplitude, vibration direction and vibration frequency through the ultrasonic vibrator 310, thereby improving the leveling efficiency of the slurry. Then, the leveled slurry is dried through the drying station 210 of the drying device 200, which reduces the risk of large fluctuations in electrode weight distribution and thus improves the consistency of electrode weight.

[0066] 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 electrode production equipment, characterized in that, The electrode production equipment includes: A conveying device for conveying the current collector along a conveying path; A coating device, located on the conveying path, is used to coat the first surface of the current collector with a slurry; A drying device is located downstream of the coating device on the conveying path, and the drying device has a drying station for drying the slurry on the first surface; A vibration device is located on the conveying path between the coating device and the drying station. The vibration device includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a vibration body. The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the vibration body. The ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration to the second surface of the current collector, wherein the first surface and the second surface are arranged opposite to each other.

2. The electrode production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the side of the vibration body that is away from the second surface, and the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration perpendicular to the second surface.

3. The electrode production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the side wall of the vibration body on the conveying path, and the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration along the conveying path to the second surface.

4. The electrode production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic vibrator is connected to the side wall of the vibration body in the transverse direction. The ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration in the transverse direction to the second surface, wherein the transverse direction is parallel to the second surface and intersects the delivery path.

5. The electrode production equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The number of vibration devices is multiple. In some of the vibration devices, the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration along the conveying path to the second surface. In other of the vibration devices, the ultrasonic vibrator drives the vibration body to apply vibration in the transverse direction to the second surface, wherein the transverse direction is parallel to the second surface and intersects the conveying path.

6. The electrode production equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The number of vibration devices is multiple, and the multiple vibration devices are spaced apart in a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying path.

7. The electrode production equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The coating device is used to apply slurry to different areas of the first surface in the lateral direction, and each area where the coating device applies slurry corresponds to at least one of the vibration devices.

8. The electrode production equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The vibration body includes a contact arc surface that protrudes toward the second surface.

9. The electrode production equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The drying device includes a coating oven; The drying station and the vibration device are located inside the coating oven; Alternatively, the drying station may be located inside the coating oven, while the vibration device may be located outside the coating oven.

10. The electrode production equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The conveying device includes a back roller and multiple guide rollers, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the conveying path. The back roller and the coating device are arranged opposite to each other. The vibration device is arranged between the back roller and the guide rollers, or between two guide rollers.

11. An electrode production system, characterized in that, The electrode production system includes the electrode production equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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