Lithium battery positive pole piece preparation device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a preparation device for a positive pole piece of a lithium battery. The device comprises a coating mechanism, a pre-shaping mechanism and hot air drying equipment which are sequentially arranged on a positive pole piece conveying path, the coating mechanism is used for synchronously coating active slurry and ceramic slurry on the positive pole piece; the pre-shaping mechanism comprises a shaping assembly arranged above the conveying path, the shaping assembly comprises a supporting frame and a light curing module arranged on the supporting frame, and the light curing module comprises a reflecting cover, a light source and a focusing lens; the light source is arranged in the reflecting cover and used for emitting light and converting the light into parallel light through the reflecting cover, and the focusing lens is arranged at a light outlet of the reflecting cover and used for focusing the parallel light and then emitting the parallel light to a lap joint area of the two kinds of slurry, so that the slurry in the lap joint area is solidified and shaped; and the hot air drying equipment is used for drying the positive pole piece passing through the pre-shaping mechanism, so that the slurry is completely cured. According to the technical scheme, mutual permeation between the slurry can be effectively prevented, and the performance of the positive pole piece is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to an apparatus for preparing a lithium battery positive electrode sheet. Background Technology

[0002] To improve the safety performance of lithium batteries, such as preventing short circuits and improving capacity consistency, a layer of ceramic slurry is typically coated around the edge of the positive electrode. This process is usually performed simultaneously with the coating of the active slurry, and then both are dried and cured in a hot air drying oven. However, because the ceramic slurry has a low solid content (20%–25%) while the active slurry has a high solid content (60%–75%), and both use the same solvent NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone), interpenetration can easily occur between the two slurries when the hot air drying speed is slow. Interpenetration alters the composition and structure of the active material, affecting its electrochemical performance; it also leads to unclear boundaries between the two slurries, affecting the processing accuracy of subsequent processes.

[0003] In existing technologies, one solution to the interpenetration problem is to separate the two slurries, preventing them from overlapping. However, this contradicts the original intention of using ceramic slurries and significantly reduces the performance of the prepared battery. Another solution is to manually adjust the coating amount of the ceramic slurry to ensure the two slurries overlap perfectly. However, this method relies entirely on the operator's experience, requiring readjustment whenever the incoming material parameters fluctuate, resulting in low precision controllability.

[0004] Therefore, how to quickly solidify and set the two slurries after coating to prevent mutual penetration is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus, which aims to solve the problem that mutual penetration easily occurs between two slurries after coating in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus. The apparatus includes a coating mechanism, a pre-forming mechanism, and a hot air drying device arranged sequentially along the positive electrode conveying path.

[0007] The coating mechanism is used to simultaneously coat the positive electrode sheet with an active slurry and a ceramic slurry, wherein the edge of the active slurry and the edge of the ceramic slurry are in contact to form an overlapping area extending in the same direction as the conveying direction.

[0008] The pre-forming mechanism includes a shaping component disposed above the conveying path. The shaping component includes a support frame and a photocuring module disposed on the support frame. The photocuring module includes a reflector, a light source, and a focusing lens. The light source is disposed inside the reflector and is used to emit light, which is then converted into parallel light by the reflector. The focusing lens is disposed at the light outlet of the reflector and is used to focus the parallel light and emit it to the overlapping area so that the slurry in the overlapping area can be cured and shaped.

[0009] A hot air drying device is used to dry the positive electrode sheet that has passed through the pre-shaped mechanism, so that the active slurry and ceramic slurry on the positive electrode sheet are completely solidified.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reflector is an elongated rectangular block that extends in the same direction as the overlapping area; and the reflector has a reflective cavity inside it along its length, with the two opposite sidewalls of the reflective cavity having a mirrored parabolic curved surface design.

[0011] The light source is positioned at the center of the top of the reflective cavity along the length of the reflector, and the focusing lens is positioned at the cavity outlet along the length of the reflector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light source includes an infrared lamp tube, an infrared panel lamp, and a laser emitted along the length of the reflector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of photocuring modules on the support frame is provided to be multiple, and the multiple photocuring modules are spaced apart in the width direction of the positive electrode sheet.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the photocuring modules is slidably connected to the support frame so that the position of each of the photocuring modules can be adjusted in the width direction of the positive electrode sheet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a slide rail disposed across the conveying path, each of the photocuring modules is connected to a slider, the slider is sleeved on the slide rail to slide along the slide rail, and a locking member is provided on the slider to lock / unlock the relative position between the slider and the slide rail.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking member includes a pressing rod and an operating head connected to one end of the pressing rod, the other end of the pressing rod passing through the slider, and the pressing rod and the slider being threadedly connected.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pre-designed mechanism further includes a negative pressure suction assembly for collecting waste gas generated during the operation of the photocuring module, the negative pressure suction assembly being connected to a waste gas recovery system;

[0018] The negative pressure suction assembly includes a negative pressure drive component, an air duct, and an exhaust hood. The negative pressure drive component is connected to the exhaust hood through the air duct, and the exhaust hood is located on one side of the reflector.

[0019] In some embodiments, the negative pressure suction assembly further includes an adjusting member disposed on the air duct for adjusting the suction speed of the exhaust hood.

[0020] In some embodiments, multiple shaping components are provided at intervals between the coating mechanism and the hot air drying equipment along the conveying direction of the positive electrode sheet.

[0021] This application proposes a lithium-ion battery positive electrode preparation apparatus. The apparatus includes a coating mechanism, a pre-forming mechanism, and a hot air drying device arranged sequentially along the positive electrode conveying path. Based on a conventional apparatus layout, the pre-forming mechanism follows the coating mechanism. After the positive electrode is coated with both active and ceramic slurries in the coating mechanism, the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries is cured and shaped by a photocuring module in the pre-forming mechanism, preventing interpenetration and ensuring the electrode's performance. The photocuring module includes a reflector, a light source, and a focusing lens. This design increases the light energy density, allowing the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries to cure and shape in a very short time. The pre-shaped positive electrode then enters the hot air drying device to complete the curing and shaping of the slurry in the remaining areas of the positive electrode. In summary, the technical solution of this application, through the setting of the pre-forming mechanism, enables the positive electrode sheet to be quickly photocured and shaped in the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries after passing through the coating mechanism, thereby effectively preventing interpenetration between the slurries and ensuring the performance of the prepared positive electrode sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shaping mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a standardized component according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a standardized component according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photocuring module according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated or limited, all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0030] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise stated or limited, when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element present. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element present.

[0031] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated or limited, the descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0032] See Figures 1-5 As shown, this application proposes a lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus 100. The apparatus includes a coating mechanism 10, a pre-forming mechanism 20, and a hot air drying device 30 arranged sequentially on the conveying path of the positive electrode 200.

[0033] The coating mechanism 10 is used to simultaneously coat the positive electrode sheet 200 with active slurry and ceramic slurry. During the coating process, the edges of the active slurry and the ceramic slurry are in contact. As the positive electrode sheet 200 is continuously conveyed and the coating mechanism 10 continues to coat, an overlapping area (the contact area between the two slurries) extending in the same direction as the conveying direction is finally formed. The pre-forming mechanism 20 includes a shaping component 21 set above the conveying path of the positive electrode sheet 200. The shaping component 21 includes a support frame 210 and a photocuring module 230 set on the support frame 210. The purpose is to pre-cur and shape the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries on the positive electrode sheet 200 after it is transferred out of the coating mechanism 10, so as to prevent the two slurries from interpenetrating and affecting the performance of the electrode sheet. At this time, only the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries is cured and shaped. After passing through the pre-forming mechanism 20, the electrode enters the hot air drying equipment 30. The high-temperature hot air inside the equipment acts evenly on the surface of the electrode, further completing the curing of the slurry in other areas of the electrode and achieving complete curing and shaping of the slurry.

[0034] The photocuring module 230 includes a reflector 231, a light source 232, and a focusing lens 233. The light source 232 is disposed inside the reflector 231 and is used to emit light, which is then converted into parallel light by the reflector 231. Parallel light has the characteristics of a small divergence angle and strong directionality, which can maintain light intensity and provide uniform light illumination. The focusing lens 233 is disposed at the light outlet of the reflector 231 and is used to focus the parallel light and emit it to the overlapping area. After being focused, the parallel light can significantly increase the light energy density irradiated to the overlapping area, so that the slurry in the overlapping area can absorb enough light energy and cure in a very short time.

[0035] In summary, the technical solution of this application, through the setting of the pre-forming mechanism 20, enables the positive electrode 200 to be quickly photocured and shaped in the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries after passing through the coating mechanism 10, thereby effectively preventing interpenetration between the slurries and ensuring the performance of the prepared positive electrode 200.

[0036] See Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the reflector 231 is an elongated rectangular block that extends in the same direction as the overlapping area; and the reflector 231 has a reflective cavity 234 inside it along its length direction, with the two opposite sidewalls of the reflective cavity 234 having a mirrored parabolic curved surface design; wherein, the light source 232 is disposed at the top center of the reflective cavity 234 along the length direction of the reflector 231, and the focusing lens 233 is disposed at the cavity outlet of the reflective cavity 234 along the length direction of the reflector 231.

[0037] In this embodiment, the shape and layout design of each component in the photopolymerization module 230 are proposed. The overall shape of the reflector 231, as well as the extension directions of the reflector cavity 234, the light source 232, and the focusing lens 233, are all in the same direction as the extension direction of the overlapping area. The light source 232 is positioned at the top center of the reflector cavity 234, ensuring that light is evenly distributed across the two side walls of the reflector cavity 234, improving reflection efficiency. The mirrored parabolic surface design within the reflector cavity 234 ensures that the light, after reflection, can be transmitted in the expected direction, enhancing the directionality of the light. After being focused by the focusing lens 233, a high-energy-density stripe of light is finally emitted onto the overlapping area.

[0038] Understandably, the length direction of the strip light spot is also consistent with the extension direction of the overlapping area. This ensures that the overlapping area can be exposed to uniform and high-intensity light for a long time, promoting rapid curing of the slurry.

[0039] Furthermore, the light source 232 includes infrared lamps, infrared panel lamps, and lasers emitted along the length of the reflector 231.

[0040] See Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the support frame 210 has multiple photocuring modules 230, which are spaced apart in the width direction of the positive electrode sheet 200.

[0041] In this embodiment, the aim is to simultaneously cure different overlapping areas of the positive electrode 200 using multiple photocuring modules 230 to meet the curing requirements of different types of positive electrode 200. For example, if the positive electrode 200 has two extending overlapping areas coated on it, two photocuring modules 230 can be used to simultaneously cure the two overlapping areas respectively; while if the positive electrode 200 has four extending overlapping areas coated on it (subsequent positive electrode cutting), four photocuring modules 230 can be used to simultaneously cure the four overlapping areas respectively. Figure 2 The diagram shows four overlapping areas.

[0042] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, each photocuring module 230 is slidably connected to the support frame 210, allowing the position of each photocuring module 230 to be adjusted along the width direction of the positive electrode 200. This allows the user to easily adjust the position of each photocuring module 230 along the width direction of the positive electrode 200 according to actual needs, ensuring that each overlapping area on the electrode can obtain a uniform and sufficient curing effect.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the support frame 210 includes a slide rail 211 spanning the conveying path, providing a stable and easily adjustable mounting platform for the photocuring modules 230. Each photocuring module 230 is connected to a slider 235, which is fitted onto the slide rail 211 to slide along it, thereby enabling the photocuring modules 230 to slide flexibly along the slide rail 211. Figure 4 The diagram shows the connection between slide rail 211 and slider 235.

[0044] Furthermore, a locking element 236 is provided on the slider 235 to lock / unlock the relative position between the slider 235 and the slide rail 211. The locking element 236 can be used to lock the relative position between the slider 235 and the slide rail 211 as needed, keeping the position of the photocuring module 230 stable and ensuring that the light spot is always accurately aligned with the overlapping area during the curing process, avoiding uneven curing caused by module movement. In addition, the design of the locking element 236 also allows the user to easily unlock the connection between the slider 235 and the slide rail 211 when needed, enabling the user to quickly adjust the position of the photocuring module 230 as needed, improving the system's flexibility and adaptability.

[0045] In some embodiments, the locking member 236 includes a pressing rod and an operating head connected to one end of the pressing rod. The other end of the pressing rod passes through the slider 235, and the pressing rod and the slider 235 are threaded together. Thus, when the user needs to lock the relative position of the slider 235 and the slide rail 211, they simply hold the operating head and rotate it clockwise. As the operating head rotates, the pressing rod gradually penetrates deeper into the slider 235, generating sufficient friction with the surface of the slide rail 211, thereby firmly locking the slider 235 onto the slide rail 211. When the user needs to adjust the position of the slider 235, they simply rotate the operating head counterclockwise. As the operating head rotates, the pressing rod gradually retracts from the slider 235, reducing the friction between the slider 235 and the slide rail 211, allowing the user to easily slide the slider 235 along the slide rail 211 to the desired position.

[0046] The above combination design of slide rail 211, slider 235, and locking element 236 is only one implementation method for realizing the position adjustment function of photocuring module 230 in this application. In practical applications, it can be diversified and optimized according to specific needs to adapt to different production environments and process requirements. For example Figure 3 As shown, two opposing clamping plates 237 are provided at the top of the reflector 231, which can be clamped on both sides of the slide rail 211 respectively. The two clamping plates 237 have clearance grooves in the vertical direction. By inserting adjusting bolts into the clearance grooves of the two clamping plates 237, the distance between the clamping plates 237 can be changed by adjusting the rotation of the adjusting bolts, thereby achieving the tightening or loosening of the relative slide rail 211 to adapt to different slide rail widths and installation requirements.

[0047] See Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the pre-designed mechanism 20 further includes a negative pressure suction assembly 22 for collecting the waste gas generated during the operation of the photocuring module 230. The negative pressure suction assembly 22 is connected to the waste gas recovery system. The negative pressure suction assembly 22 includes a negative pressure drive component 221, a duct 222, and a suction hood 223. The negative pressure drive component 221 is connected to the suction hood 223 through the duct 222. The suction hood 223 is disposed on one side of the reflector 231.

[0048] In this embodiment, the purpose is to collect and treat the waste gas generated during the operation of the photocuring module 230 through the negative pressure suction component 22, so as to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the production environment and reduce the potential harm of waste gas to operators.

[0049] The negative pressure drive component 221 is the core of the negative pressure suction system. It typically uses a fan or vacuum pump to generate negative pressure (i.e., pressure lower than atmospheric pressure) to drive gas (including exhaust gas) through the duct 222. The duct 222 serves as the gas flow channel, connecting the negative pressure drive component 221 and the exhaust hood 223. The exhaust hood 223 is located on one side of the reflector 231, adjacent to the working area of ​​the photocuring module 230. It captures and guides exhaust gas into the duct 222, which is then discharged from the system by the negative pressure drive component 221. Because the exhaust hood 223 is connected to the reflector 231 and moves with it, the duct 222 is made of a flexible material. This ensures that the duct 222 can bend flexibly without affecting airflow during the movement of the reflector 231, effectively preventing exhaust gas obstruction caused by duct deformation. Meanwhile, the design of the exhaust hood 223 should cover the working area of ​​the photocuring module 230 as much as possible, and its exhaust port can be adapted to the length of the reflector 231 to ensure that the exhaust gas can be fully collected and further improve the exhaust gas treatment efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, the negative pressure suction assembly 22 also includes an adjusting component 224, which is installed on the duct 222. This adjusting component 224 allows the system to adjust the suction speed of the exhaust hood 223 according to the different amounts of waste gas generated, ensuring effective collection of waste gas and preventing the negative pressure drive component 221 from operating under high load for extended periods, thereby saving energy and extending the equipment's service life. Common adjusting components 224 include throttle valves and dampers.

[0051] See Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, multiple shaping components 21 are spaced apart between the coating mechanism 10 and the hot air drying equipment 30 along the conveying direction of the positive electrode sheet 200. The arrangement of multiple shaping components 21 allows for a longer photocuring time in the overlapping area on the positive electrode sheet 200, further ensuring the shaping effect of the overlapping area. Theoretically, the shaping component 21 can be placed in any empty area between the coating mechanism 10 and the hot air drying equipment 30.

[0052] In summary, the principle of preventing the two slurries from interpenetrating in this application is as follows: after the positive electrode 200 is coated with the two slurries through the coating structure, it immediately enters the pre-forming mechanism 20. The photocuring module 230 in the pre-forming mechanism 20 generates light with high energy density, and the curing and shaping of the overlapping area of ​​the two slurries is achieved in a very short time.

[0053] The above description is only a part or preferred embodiment of this application. Neither the text nor the drawings should limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent structural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings under the overall concept of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a coating mechanism, a pre-forming mechanism, and a hot air drying device arranged sequentially along the positive electrode sheet conveying path; The coating mechanism is used to simultaneously coat the positive electrode sheet with an active slurry and a ceramic slurry, wherein the edge of the active slurry and the edge of the ceramic slurry are in contact to form an overlapping area extending in the same direction as the conveying direction. The pre-forming mechanism includes a shaping component disposed above the conveying path. The shaping component includes a support frame and a photocuring module disposed on the support frame. The photocuring module includes a reflector, a light source, and a focusing lens. The light source is disposed inside the reflector and is used to emit light, which is then converted into parallel light by the reflector. The focusing lens is disposed at the light outlet of the reflector and is used to focus the parallel light and emit it to the overlapping area so that the slurry in the overlapping area can be cured and shaped. A hot air drying device is used to dry the positive electrode sheet that has passed through the pre-shaped mechanism, so that the active slurry and ceramic slurry on the positive electrode sheet are completely solidified.

2. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is a long rectangular block that extends in the same direction as the overlapping area; and the reflector has a reflective cavity inside it along its length, with the two opposite sidewalls of the reflective cavity having a mirrored parabolic curved surface design. The light source is positioned at the center of the top of the reflective cavity along the length of the reflector, and the focusing lens is positioned at the cavity outlet along the length of the reflector.

3. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light source includes an infrared lamp tube, an infrared panel lamp, and a laser emitted along the length of the reflector.

4. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame has multiple photocuring modules, which are spaced apart along the width of the positive electrode sheet.

5. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the photocuring modules is slidably connected to the support frame so that the position of each photocuring module can be adjusted in the width direction of the positive electrode sheet.

6. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support frame includes a slide rail that spans over the conveying path. Each of the photocuring modules is connected to a slider. The slider is sleeved on the slide rail to slide along the slide rail, and a locking element is provided on the slider to lock / unlock the relative position between the slider and the slide rail.

7. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking component includes a pressing rod and an operating head connected to one end of the pressing rod. The other end of the pressing rod passes through the slider, and the pressing rod and the slider are connected by a thread.

8. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined mechanism also includes a negative pressure suction component for collecting the waste gas generated during the operation of the photocuring module, and the negative pressure suction component is connected to the waste gas recovery system. The negative pressure suction assembly includes a negative pressure drive component, an air duct, and an exhaust hood. The negative pressure drive component is connected to the exhaust hood through the air duct, and the exhaust hood is located on one side of the reflector.

9. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The negative pressure suction assembly also includes an adjusting component, which is disposed on the air duct and is used to adjust the suction speed of the exhaust hood.

10. The lithium battery positive electrode preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaping components are arranged in multiple intervals between the coating mechanism and the hot air drying equipment along the conveying direction of the positive electrode sheet.

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