Electrode assembly processing equipment and battery production equipment

Abstract

This application provides an electrode assembly processing apparatus and battery production equipment. The electrode assembly processing apparatus includes a conveying roller and a laser generator. The conveying roller is used to convey the workpiece to be processed, wherein the workpiece includes an electrode strip, a first separator, and a second separator. The first separator and the second separator are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip along its thickness direction. In the width direction of the electrode strip, both ends of the first separator and the second separator extend beyond the ends of the electrode strip. The laser generator is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveying roller. The laser generator is used to emit a laser beam onto the workpiece to cause the portion of the first separator extending beyond the electrode strip in the width direction to be thermally fused with the portion of the second separator extending beyond the electrode strip in the width direction. According to this application, the product quality of batteries can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of new energy technologies, batteries are being used more and more widely, for example in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes, and power tools.

[0003] Improving and optimizing the processing equipment at each stage of battery production to enhance product quality is a continuous research direction in battery technology. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides an electrode assembly processing apparatus and battery production equipment, which can effectively improve the product quality of batteries.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electrode assembly processing apparatus, which includes a conveying roller and a laser generator. The conveying roller is used to convey a workpiece to be processed, wherein the workpiece to be processed includes an electrode strip, a first isolation member, and a second isolation member. The first isolation member and the second isolation member are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip along its own thickness direction. In the width direction of the electrode strip, both ends of the first isolation member and both ends of the second isolation member extend beyond both ends of the electrode strip.

[0006] The laser generator is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveyor roller. The laser generator is used to emit a laser to the workpiece to be processed so that the portion of the first separator that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction is thermally fused with the portion of the second separator that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction.

[0007] By using laser hot-melt edge sealing to seal the first and second isolation components, the first and second isolation components can completely cover the electrode material. After the electrode assembly is formed, the first and second isolation components can better separate the cathode and anode sheets, reducing the risk of short circuits caused by overlap between the cathode and anode sheets.

[0008] Furthermore, laser hot-melt edge sealing prevents the workpiece from being mechanically compressed, reducing the risk of wrinkling or breakage. Moreover, laser hot-melt edge sealing offers high focusing, high efficiency, and ease of control, contributing to improved processing efficiency and quality. Thus, the above technical solutions effectively improve the product quality of batteries.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the conveying roller includes a roller body and a negative pressure generator. The roller body has a cavity inside and a through hole is provided on the roller body, which connects the cavity to the external environment. The negative pressure generator is connected to the cavity and is used to create a negative pressure inside the cavity.

[0010] The conveyor roller described above can adsorb the workpiece onto the roller surface through a negative pressure effect, thereby reducing the risk of slippage during conveying, improving the stability of the workpiece conveying, and contributing to improved processing quality. Furthermore, the negative pressure effect can also adsorb impurity particles generated after hot melting, further improving the product quality of the battery.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a first blower mechanism disposed on one side of the laser generator along the conveying direction of the conveying roller, the first blower mechanism being used to blow air onto the portion where the first isolator and the second isolator are thermally fused together.

[0012] As the sealed parts are conveyed forward, the first air blowing mechanism immediately blows air onto the newly hot-melted sealed area, accelerating its surface cooling and solidification process. This blowing process helps control the shrinkage behavior of the fusion interface, reducing the risk of problems such as edge lifting, blistering, and stress cracking caused by slow natural cooling at the hot-melted edge, thus improving the reliability of the sealing. In addition, the first air blowing mechanism can also blow away impurity particles generated after hot melting, which helps to further improve the product quality of the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first blowing mechanism includes a first fan and a first air guide shroud. A first channel is formed inside the first air guide shroud, extending through it along its thickness. The first fan is connected to the end of the first air guide shroud away from the conveyor roller and communicates with the first channel. In the direction near the conveyor roller, the dimension of the first channel gradually increases along its width.

[0014] The first channel has a funnel-shaped expansion structure along the width of the electrode strip. When the airflow generated by the first fan enters the first air guide shroud, it passes through the funnel-shaped expansion structure and is evenly dispersed along the width of the first channel, thus covering a wider sealing area. This helps to reduce the risk of wrinkling or uneven cooling in the sealing area due to excessive local airflow.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the conveyor roller is configured to form a wrap corner with the workpiece, and a laser generator is disposed opposite to the wrap corner and is used to emit a laser to the workpiece located in the wrap corner.

[0016] The workpiece to be processed in the corner area will be under a certain degree of tension, which can improve the bonding tightness between the part of the first separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction and the part of the second separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction, thereby improving the edge sealing quality.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a second blower mechanism disposed opposite to the corner area, the second blower mechanism being used to blow air onto the workpiece to be processed located in the corner area.

[0018] Before the portion of the first separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction is thermally bonded to the portion of the second separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction, the second blowing mechanism can blow air onto this portion first, thereby further improving the bonding tightness between the portion of the first separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction and the portion of the second separator in the corner area that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a smoothing member disposed on one side of the laser generator along the conveying direction of the conveying roller. The smoothing member is used to contact the portion where the first isolator and the second isolator are thermally fused together, so as to smooth the portion where the first isolator and the second isolator are thermally fused together.

[0020] As the sealed parts are conveyed forward, the smoothing component immediately contacts the newly heat-sealed area, applying uniform pressure to maintain a tight fit between the first and second separators under this pressure. This eliminates potential defects such as warping, bulging, or misalignment at the sealing surface, further improving sealing quality. Additionally, the smoothing component removes impurities generated after heat sealing, contributing to improved battery product quality.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the smoothing member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is used to contact the portion where the first and second spacers are thermally fused together to smooth the portion where the first and second spacers are thermally fused together. The second portion is connected to one end of the first portion along the conveying direction of the conveying roller, and the second portion is bent relative to the first portion in a direction away from the conveying roller.

[0022] The above technical solution not only achieves effective smoothing and compaction after laser hot melt sealing, but also reduces the risk of damage to the workpiece caused by interference between the end of the flat part and the workpiece.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the conveying roller includes a roller body and a mounting member, the mounting member being connected to one side of the roller body along the width direction, the roller body being configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting member, the axis of rotation of the roller body being parallel to the width direction, and a smoothing member being connected to the mounting member.

[0024] The mounting components not only provide support and fixation, but also offer a platform for the installation of the roller body and smoothing components. This simplifies the docking and installation process of various parts, reduces overall assembly difficulty, and improves assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the roller body, smoothing components, and mounting components can be integrated into a single structure, thereby increasing structural compactness.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the smoothing component and the mounting component are integrally formed.

[0026] On the one hand, the smoothing component and the mounting component do not require additional connection processes, simplifying the manufacturing process. On the other hand, compared to connecting the smoothing component and the mounting component through additional connection processes, the one-piece structure of the smoothing component and the mounting component has higher structural strength.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the laser generator is configured to be movable relative to the conveyor roller.

[0028] This movable design of the laser generator allows it to flexibly adjust the angle, distance, and spot position of the laser irradiation according to the actual position of the workpiece or the processing requirements, thereby improving processing flexibility.

[0029] Secondly, this application provides a battery production apparatus, which includes the electrode assembly processing apparatus provided in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0030] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workpiece to be processed provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece to be processed, provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of an electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece to be processed, provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 A top view of a first blower mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along AA;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a side view of another electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0039] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0040] 100. Part to be processed; 110. Electrode strip; 120. First separator; 130. Second separator;

[0041] 10. Conveyor roller; 11. Roller body; 111. Through hole; 12. Negative pressure generator; 13. Mounting components;

[0042] 20. Laser generator;

[0043] 30. First air blowing mechanism; 31. First fan; 32. First air guide shroud; 321. First channel;

[0044] 40. Second air blowing mechanism;

[0045] 50. Smoothing component; 51. Part One; 52. Part Two;

[0046] M, the enclosed corner area;

[0047] X, thickness direction; Y, width direction. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, 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 some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the specification of this application 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 drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0050] In this application, the reference to "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 in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] 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, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0053] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0054] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0055] In this application, the term "parallel" includes not only the case of absolute parallelism, but also the case of approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering; similarly, "perpendicular" includes not only the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also the case of approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering.

[0056] With the development of new energy technologies, batteries are being used more and more widely, for example in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes, and power tools.

[0057] Improving and optimizing the processing equipment at each stage of battery production to enhance product quality is a continuous research direction in battery technology.

[0058] In related technologies, the separators on both sides of the electrode in the electrode assembly are in a state of separation, which provides insufficient protection for the edge of the electrode. This can easily lead to the risk of overlap between the anode and cathode plates, resulting in poor battery product quality.

[0059] In addition, the hot pressing process is commonly used to connect the two film structures. However, the hot pressing process usually applies great pressure to the film structure, which can easily damage it and result in poor battery quality.

[0060] Based on the above considerations, this application designs an electrode assembly processing device, which includes a conveying roller and a laser generator. The conveying roller is used to convey the workpiece to be processed. The workpiece to be processed includes an electrode strip, a first isolation member, and a second isolation member. The first isolation member and the second isolation member are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip along its own thickness direction. In the width direction of the electrode strip, both ends of the first isolation member and both ends of the second isolation member extend beyond both ends of the electrode strip.

[0061] The laser generator is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveyor roller. The laser generator is used to emit a laser to the workpiece to be processed so that the portion of the first separator that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction is thermally fused with the portion of the second separator that extends beyond the electrode strip in the width direction.

[0062] By using laser hot-melt edge sealing to seal the first and second isolation components, the first and second isolation components can completely cover the electrode material. After the electrode assembly is formed, the first and second isolation components can better separate the cathode and anode sheets, reducing the risk of short circuits caused by overlap between the cathode and anode sheets.

[0063] Furthermore, laser hot-melt edge sealing prevents the workpiece from being mechanically compressed, reducing the risk of wrinkling or breakage. Moreover, laser hot-melt edge sealing offers high focusing, high efficiency, and ease of control, contributing to improved processing efficiency and quality. Thus, the above technical solutions effectively improve the product quality of batteries.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the workpiece to be processed provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram illustrating the interaction between an electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a side view of an electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece to be processed, provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides an electrode assembly processing apparatus, which includes a conveying roller 10 and a laser generator 20. The conveying roller 10 is used to convey a workpiece 100 to be processed. The workpiece 100 includes an electrode strip 110, a first isolation member 120 and a second isolation member 130. The first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip 110 along its thickness direction X. In the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110, both ends of the first isolation member 120 and both ends of the second isolation member 130 extend beyond both ends of the electrode strip 110.

[0066] The laser generator 20 is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveyor roller 10. The laser generator 20 is used to emit a laser to the workpiece 100 to make the portion of the first separator 120 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y and the portion of the second separator 130 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y thermally connected.

[0067] For example, the conveyor roller 10 may be driven by a stepper motor or a servo electrode to achieve the function of conveying the workpiece 100 to be processed.

[0068] The workpiece 100 to be processed is generally in the form of a strip. The first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are both strip-shaped to fit the electrode strip 110.

[0069] As an example, both the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are separator membranes. This application does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0070] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a single component located between the positive and negative electrodes, or it can be attached to the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes. An inorganic particle coating, an organic particle coating, or an organic / inorganic composite coating can also be applied to the surface of the separator.

[0071] The electrode strip 110 can be cut into multiple electrodes in subsequent processing steps. The electrode strip 110 can be an anode strip or a cathode strip. As an example, the electrode strip 110 is an anode strip.

[0072] After the electrode assembly is formed, the first separator 120 is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the second separator 130 is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0073] The laser generator 20 faces the conveyor roller 10 and projects a laser beam onto the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 at both ends of the electrode strip 110 along its own width direction Y, so that the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 are bonded together to form a heat-melted seal.

[0074] As an example, the first isolator 120 may be located on the side of the electrode strip 110 facing the laser generator 20, and the second isolator 130 may be located on the side of the electrode strip 110 facing away from the laser generator 20.

[0075] As an example, the first isolator 120 may be located on the side of the electrode strip 110 facing away from the laser generator 20, and the second isolator 130 may be located on the side of the electrode strip 110 facing the laser generator 20.

[0076] Optionally, the laser generator 20 may be, but is not limited to, a pulsed fiber laser, a carbon dioxide laser, or a semiconductor laser.

[0077] Both sides of the first spacer 120 extend beyond the two sides of the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y, and both sides of the second spacer 130 extend beyond the two sides of the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y. The portions of the first spacer 120 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y on the same side are thermally fused together with the portions of the second spacer 130 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y.

[0078] In some examples, the number of laser generators 20 can be one, and the laser emission range of one laser generator 20 can cover the entire dimension range of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y.

[0079] In other examples, there may be two laser generators 20, which are spaced apart along the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110. One of the two laser generators 20 is used to emit a laser to one edge of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y, and the other laser generator 20 is used to emit a laser to the other edge of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y.

[0080] By using laser hot-melt edge sealing to seal the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130, the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 can completely cover the electrode strip 110. After the electrode assembly is formed, the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 can better separate the cathode sheet and the anode sheet, reducing the risk of short circuit due to overlap between the cathode sheet and the anode sheet.

[0081] Furthermore, the laser hot-melt edge sealing method prevents the workpiece 100 from being mechanically compressed, reducing the risk of wrinkling or breakage. Moreover, laser hot-melt edge sealing features high focusing, high efficiency, and ease of control, which helps improve processing efficiency and quality. Thus, the above technical solutions can effectively improve the product quality of batteries.

[0082] In some embodiments, the surface of the conveying roller 10 is provided with an anti-slip texture or anti-slip coating to reduce the risk of slippage of the workpiece 100 during conveying.

[0083] In some embodiments, the conveying roller 10 includes a roller body 11 and a negative pressure generator 12. The roller body 11 has a cavity inside and a through hole 111 is provided on the roller body 11. The through hole 111 connects the cavity and the external environment. The negative pressure generator 12 is connected to the cavity and is used to create a negative pressure inside the cavity.

[0084] For example, the negative pressure generator 12 may be disposed outside the roller body 11 or inside the cavity.

[0085] The negative pressure generator 12 is connected to the roller body 11. The negative pressure generator 12 can be detachably connected to the roller body 11 or fixedly mounted on the roller body 11. The negative pressure generator 12 can be directly connected to the roller body 11 or constrained to the roller body 11 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the negative pressure generator 12 and the roller body 11 can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting, or adhesive connection.

[0086] The negative pressure generator 12 is used to continuously or periodically extract gas from the cavity during the conveying process of the workpiece 100, so that the cavity is in a negative pressure state lower than the external atmospheric pressure. Through the through hole 111, the negative pressure adsorbs the workpiece 100 onto the surface of the roller 11, thereby reducing the risk of slippage of the workpiece 100 during the conveying process.

[0087] Optionally, the negative pressure generator 12 can be a vacuum pump or a centrifugal fan, etc., which can be set according to the actual application requirements.

[0088] The conveying roller 10 of the above-mentioned technical solution can adsorb the workpiece 100 to be processed onto the surface of the roller body 11 through the negative pressure effect, thereby reducing the risk of slippage of the workpiece 100 during the conveying process, improving the stability of the conveying of the workpiece 100, and helping to improve the processing quality. In addition, through the negative pressure effect, it can also adsorb impurity particles generated after hot melting, which helps to further improve the product quality of the battery.

[0089] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a first blower mechanism 30, which is disposed on one side of the laser generator 20 along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10. The first blower mechanism 30 is used to blow air onto the portion where the first isolator 120 and the second isolator 130 are thermally fused together.

[0090] The first air blowing mechanism 30 is located on one side of the laser generator 20 along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first air blowing mechanism 30 is located downstream of the laser generator 20.

[0091] As the sealed part 100 is conveyed forward, the first air blowing mechanism 30 immediately blows air onto the sealed area that has just undergone heat fusion, accelerating its surface cooling and solidification process. This blowing process helps control the shrinkage behavior of the fusion interface, reducing the risk of problems such as edge lifting, blistering, and stress cracking caused by slow natural cooling at the heat-fused edge, thus improving the reliability of the edge sealing. In addition, the first air blowing mechanism 30 can also blow away impurity particles generated after heat fusion, which helps to further improve the product quality of the battery.

[0092] In some embodiments, the air velocity of the first blowing mechanism 30 is 10m / s-30m / s.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first blower mechanism 30 is configured to be movable relative to the conveyor roller 10, and the relative position of the first blower mechanism 30 and the conveyor roller 10 can be freely adjusted as needed, which helps to improve the flexibility and applicability of the electrode assembly processing apparatus.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of a first blower mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along AA.

[0095] Continue to refer to Figures 4 to 5 In some embodiments, the first air blowing mechanism 30 includes a first fan 31 and a first air guide shroud 32. A first channel 321 is formed inside the first air guide shroud 32, extending through it along the thickness direction X. The first fan 31 is connected to the end of the first air guide shroud 32 away from the conveying roller 10 and communicates with the first channel 321. In the direction near the conveying roller 10, the dimension of the first channel 321 gradually increases along the width direction Y.

[0096] The first air guide shroud 32 can be detachably connected to the first fan 31, or it can be fixedly mounted on the first fan 31. The first air guide shroud 32 can be directly connected to the first fan 31, or it can be constrained to the first fan 31 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the first air guide shroud 32 and the first fan 31 can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting, or adhesive connection.

[0097] The first channel 321 has a funnel-shaped expansion structure along the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110. When the airflow generated by the first fan 31 enters the first air guide shroud 32, it passes through the funnel-shaped expansion structure and can be evenly dispersed along the width direction Y by the first channel 321 with the funnel-shaped structure, thereby covering a wider sealing area and helping to reduce the risk of wrinkling or uneven cooling in the sealing area due to excessive local airflow.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first air guide shroud 32 is detachably connected to the first fan 31, which facilitates maintenance and replacement. The first air guide shroud 32 with different structural sizes and shapes can be replaced according to different needs, which helps to improve the ease of use and applicability of the first air blowing mechanism 30.

[0099] In some embodiments, the conveying roller 10 is configured to form a wrap-around area M with the workpiece 100, and the laser generator 20 is disposed opposite to the wrap-around area M. The laser generator 20 is used to emit a laser to the workpiece 100 located in the wrap-around area M.

[0100] Specifically, the surface of the conveyor roller 10 is arc-shaped. When the workpiece 100 is driven forward by the conveyor roller 10, due to the flexibility of the workpiece 100, a part of the workpiece 100 will adhere to the surface of the conveyor roller 10 and form a certain wrap angle. The part of the conveyor roller 10 and the workpiece 100 that adheres to the surface of the conveyor roller 10 form the aforementioned wrap angle area M.

[0101] The laser generator 20 is used to emit a laser to the workpiece 100 located in the corner area M, so that the portion of the first isolation member 120 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y is thermally fused with the portion of the second isolation member 130 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y.

[0102] The workpiece 100 located in the corner area M will be under a certain degree of tension, which can improve the bonding tightness between the portion of the first isolation member 120 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y and the portion of the second isolation member 130 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y, thereby improving the edge sealing quality.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a side view of another electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0104] Continue to refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a second blower mechanism 40, which is disposed opposite to the corner area M and is used to blow air onto the workpiece 100 located in the corner area M.

[0105] Before the portion of the first separator 120 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y is thermally bonded to the portion of the second separator 130 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y, the second blowing mechanism 40 can blow air on this portion first, thereby further improving the bonding tightness between the portion of the first separator 120 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y and the portion of the second separator 130 located in the corner area M that extends beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second blowing mechanism 40 includes a second fan and a second air guide shroud. A second channel is formed inside the second air guide shroud, and the second channel extends through the second air guide shroud along the thickness direction X. The second fan is connected to the end of the second air guide shroud away from the conveying roller 10 and communicates with the second channel. In the direction close to the conveying roller 10, the size of the second channel gradually increases along the width direction Y.

[0107] The second air guide shroud can be detachably connected to the second fan or fixedly mounted on the second fan. The second air guide shroud can be directly connected to the second fan or secured to the second fan by other components. As an example, the connection method between the second air guide shroud and the second fan can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting, or adhesive bonding.

[0108] The second channel has a funnel-shaped expansion structure along the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110. When the airflow generated by the second fan enters the second air guide shroud, it passes through the funnel-shaped expansion structure. The airflow can be evenly dispersed along the width direction Y by the second channel with the funnel-shaped structure, thereby covering a wider sealing area and helping to reduce the risk of wrinkling in the sealing area due to excessive local airflow.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second air guide cover is detachably connected to the second fan, which facilitates maintenance and replacement. The second air guide cover with different structural sizes and shapes can be replaced according to different needs, which helps to improve the ease of use and applicability of the second air blowing mechanism 40.

[0110] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of another electrode assembly processing apparatus and a workpiece provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0111] Continue to refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly processing apparatus further includes a smoothing member 50, which is disposed on one side of the laser generator 20 along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10. The smoothing member 50 is used to contact the portion where the first isolator 120 and the second isolator 130 are thermally fused together, so as to smooth the portion where the first isolator 120 and the second isolator 130 are thermally fused together.

[0112] The smoothing component 50 is located on one side of the laser generator 20 along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10, or it can be understood that the smoothing component 50 is located downstream of the laser generator 20.

[0113] As the sealed part 100 is conveyed forward, the smoothing part 50 immediately contacts the sealed area that has just been heat-fused, applying uniform pressure to the sealed area. This ensures that the portion of the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 that has just been heat-fused maintains a tight fit under the uniform pressure provided by the smoothing part 50, eliminating potential defects such as warping, bulging, or misalignment at the sealed edge, thus further improving the sealing quality. Additionally, the smoothing part 50 can scrape away impurity particles generated after heat fusion, contributing to further improvement in battery product quality.

[0114] Optionally, the smoothing component 50 may be, but is not limited to, a plate-like structure, a block-like structure, or a columnar structure.

[0115] Optionally, the smoothing part 50 may be made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, rubber, and polyimide.

[0116] In some examples, the number of smoothing parts 50 can be one, and the smoothing range of one smoothing part 50 can cover the entire dimension range of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y.

[0117] In other examples, there may be two smoothing elements 50, which are spaced apart along the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110. One of the two smoothing elements 50 is used to smooth the portion where the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are thermally fused together on one side of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y, and the other of the two smoothing elements 50 is used to smooth the portion where the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are thermally fused together on the other side of the workpiece 100 along the width direction Y.

[0118] In some embodiments, the smoothing member 50 has a smooth layer on the side surface facing the conveying roller 10, and the coefficient of friction of the smooth layer is less than the coefficient of friction of the smoothing member 50, so as to reduce the risk of wear on the workpiece 100 to be processed.

[0119] In some embodiments, the smoothing member 50 is configured to be movable relative to the conveyor roller 10, and the relative position of the smoothing member 50 and the conveyor roller 10 can be freely adjusted as needed, which helps to improve the flexibility and applicability of the electrode assembly processing apparatus.

[0120] In some embodiments, the smoothing member 50 includes a first portion 51 and a second portion 52. The first portion 51 is used to contact the portion where the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are thermally fused together, so as to smooth the portion where the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are thermally fused together. The second portion 52 is connected to one end of the first portion 51 along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10, and the second portion 52 is bent relative to the first portion 51 in a direction away from the conveying roller 10.

[0121] The second part 52 can be detachably connected to the first part 51, or it can be fixedly mounted on the first part 51. The second part 52 can be directly connected to the first part 51, or it can be constrained to the first part 51 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the second part 52 and the first part 51 can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, plug-in connection, snap-fit ​​connection, riveting, or adhesive connection.

[0122] The first part 51 is the main smoothing functional area, which is used to contact the welded part of the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 after the edge sealing heat fusion is completed, so as to eliminate defects such as warping, bulging or misalignment that may occur on the edge sealing surface.

[0123] The second part 52 is located at the end of the first part 51 along the conveying direction and is arranged at a certain angle relative to the first part 51 in a direction away from the conveying roller 10. Its main function is to guide the smoothed edge sealing area to smoothly detach from the contact surface of the smoothing part 50, and reduce the possibility of scratching or local obstruction caused by the mismatch of the angle between the end of the smoothing part 50 and the workpiece 100.

[0124] Thus, the above technical solution not only achieves effective smoothing and compaction after laser hot melt sealing, but also reduces the risk of damage to the workpiece 100 caused by interference between the end of the flat part and the workpiece 100.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first portion 51 is a flexible body, which can reduce the risk of the first portion 51 scratching the workpiece 100.

[0126] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the second portion 52 is less than that of the first portion 51, which can further reduce the risk of the second portion 52 scratching the workpiece 100.

[0127] As an example, the elastic modulus of Part 1, 51 and Part 2, 52 can be tested with reference to the national standard GB / T 22315-2008 "Test Method for Elastic Modulus and Poisson's Ratio of Metallic Materials".

[0128] In some embodiments, the conveying roller 10 includes a roller body 11 and a mounting member 13. The mounting member 13 is connected to one side of the roller body 11 along the width direction Y. The roller body 11 is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting member 13. The axis of rotation of the roller body 11 is parallel to the width direction Y. A smoothing member 50 is connected to the mounting member 13.

[0129] The smoothing component 50 can be detachably connected to the mounting component 13 or fixedly mounted on the mounting component 13. The smoothing component 50 can be directly connected to the mounting component 13 or constrained to the mounting component 13 by other components. As an example, the connection method between the smoothing component 50 and the mounting component 13 can be, but is not limited to, bolt connection, plug-in, snap-fit, riveting, or adhesive.

[0130] Mounting component 13 not only provides support and fixation, but also offers a platform for the installation of roller body 11 and smoothing component 50, simplifying the docking and installation process of various components, reducing overall assembly difficulty, and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, roller body 11, smoothing component 50, and mounting component 13 can be integrated into a single structure, thereby improving structural compactness.

[0131] In some embodiments, the smoothing component 50 and the mounting component 13 are integrally formed.

[0132] On the one hand, the smoothing component 50 and the mounting component 13 do not require additional connection processes, simplifying the manufacturing process. On the other hand, compared to connecting the smoothing component 50 and the mounting component 13 through additional connection processes, the one-piece structure of the smoothing component 50 and the mounting component 13 has higher structural strength.

[0133] In some embodiments, the laser generator 20 is configured to be movable relative to the conveyor roller 10.

[0134] For example, the laser generator 20 can be movable by a movable bracket or slide rail system, so that the laser generator 20 can be translated, tilted or rotated.

[0135] This movable design of the laser generator 20 allows it to flexibly adjust the angle, distance, and spot position of the laser irradiation according to the actual position of the workpiece 100 or the processing requirements, thereby improving processing flexibility.

[0136] In some embodiments, the laser generator 20 is configured to be adjustable at multiple angles, enabling the laser generator 20 to adjust the irradiation angle as needed at different processing stages, thereby further improving processing flexibility.

[0137] According to some embodiments of this application, this application also provides a battery production apparatus, including an electrode assembly processing device according to any of the above schemes.

[0138] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions. All technical features and optional technical features of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0139] To better understand the electrode assembly processing apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application, based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the above-described electrode assembly processing apparatus in practical applications are described herein.

[0140] This application provides an electrode assembly processing apparatus, which includes a conveying roller 10, a laser generator 20, and a first blower mechanism 30. The conveying roller 10 is used to convey a workpiece 100 to be processed. The conveying roller 10 includes a roller body 11 and a negative pressure generator 12. The roller body 11 has a cavity inside and a through hole 111 is provided on the roller body 11, which connects the cavity to the external environment. The negative pressure generator 12 is connected to the cavity and is used to create a negative pressure inside the cavity. The workpiece 100 to be processed includes an electrode strip 110, a first separator 120, and a second separator 130. The first separator 120 and the second separator 130 are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip 110 along its thickness direction X. In the width direction Y of the electrode strip 110, both ends of the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 extend beyond both ends of the electrode strip 110.

[0141] The laser generator 20 is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveyor roller 10. The laser generator 20 emits a laser beam toward the workpiece 100 to thermally fuse the portion of the first separator 120 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y with the portion of the second separator 130 extending beyond the electrode strip 110 in the width direction Y. The first blower mechanism 30 is disposed on one side of the laser generator 20 along the conveying direction of the conveyor roller 10. The first blower mechanism 30 blows air onto the portion of the first separator 120 and the second separator 130 that are thermally fused together.

[0142] By using laser hot-melt edge sealing to seal the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130, the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 can completely cover the electrode strip 110. After the electrode assembly is formed, the first isolation member 120 and the second isolation member 130 can better separate the cathode sheet and the anode sheet, reducing the risk of short circuit due to overlap between the cathode sheet and the anode sheet.

[0143] Furthermore, the laser hot-melt edge sealing method prevents the workpiece 100 from being mechanically compressed, reducing the risk of wrinkling or breakage. Moreover, laser hot-melt edge sealing features high focusing, high efficiency, and ease of control, which helps improve processing efficiency and quality. Thus, the above technical solutions can effectively improve the product quality of batteries.

[0144] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0145] 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 assembly processing apparatus characterized by comprising: include: A conveying roller is used to convey a workpiece to be processed, wherein the workpiece to be processed includes an electrode strip, a first isolation member, and a second isolation member. The first isolation member and the second isolation member are respectively stacked on both sides of the electrode strip along its own thickness direction. In the width direction of the electrode strip, both ends of the first isolation member and both ends of the second isolation member extend beyond both ends of the electrode strip. A laser generator is spaced apart from and opposite to the conveyor roller. The laser generator is used to emit a laser to the workpiece to be processed so that the portion of the first separator extending beyond the electrode strip in the width direction is thermally fused with the portion of the second separator extending beyond the electrode strip in the width direction.

2. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The conveying roller includes a roller body and a negative pressure generator. The roller body has a cavity inside and a through hole is provided on the roller body. The through hole connects the cavity to the external environment. The negative pressure generator is connected to the cavity and is used to create a negative pressure inside the cavity.

3. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The electrode assembly processing device further includes a first blower mechanism, which is disposed on one side of the laser generator along the conveying direction of the conveying roller. The first blower mechanism is used to blow air onto the portion where the first isolation member and the second isolation member are thermally fused together.

4. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first air blowing mechanism includes a first fan and a first air guide shroud. A first channel is provided inside the first air guide shroud. The first channel extends through the first air guide shroud along the thickness direction. The first fan is connected to the end of the first air guide shroud away from the conveying roller and is connected to the first channel. In the direction close to the conveying roller, the dimension of the first channel gradually increases along the width direction.

5. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The conveying roller is configured to form a wrap-around area with the workpiece to be processed, and the laser generator is disposed opposite to the wrap-around area. The laser generator is used to emit a laser beam onto the workpiece to be processed located in the wrap-around area.

6. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The electrode assembly processing device further includes a second blower mechanism, which is disposed opposite to the corner area and is used to blow air onto the workpiece to be processed located in the corner area.

7. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The electrode assembly processing device further includes a smoothing component, which is disposed on one side of the laser generator along the conveying direction of the conveying roller. The smoothing component is used to contact the portion where the first isolation component and the second isolation component are thermally fused together, so as to smooth the portion where the first isolation component and the second isolation component are thermally fused together.

8. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The smoothing component includes a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is used to contact the portion where the first isolation component and the second isolation component are thermally fused together, so as to smooth the portion where the first isolation component and the second isolation component are thermally fused together; The second part is connected to one end of the first part along the conveying direction of the conveying roller, and the second part is bent relative to the first part in a direction away from the conveying roller.

9. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying roller includes a roller body and a mounting member. The mounting member is connected to one side of the roller body along the width direction. The roller body is configured to be rotatable relative to the mounting member. The rotation axis of the roller body is parallel to the width direction. The smoothing member is connected to the mounting member.

10. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The smoothing component and the mounting component are integrally formed.

11. The electrode assembly processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The laser generator is configured to be movable relative to the conveyor roller.

12. A battery production apparatus characterized by comprising: Includes the electrode assembly processing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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