A heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of heat treatment devices of battery separator, to solve the problems of low efficiency, high risk and uneven heating in prior art.The device includes box, heating roller group and traction guide mechanism.Heating chamber is formed inside the box, and inlet and outlet are provided on both sides.Heating roller group includes multiple side-by-side electromagnetic heating rollers, and the separator passes them in a circuitous manner to increase the contact area.The core innovation lies in the traction guide mechanism, which is arranged outside the box and includes a clamping mechanism that can hold the separator and a displacement drive mechanism that drives the mechanism to move in three-dimensional space.The drive mechanism can drive the clamping mechanism to pass through the material port into the heating chamber, and automatically guide the separator to pass through all guide rollers and electromagnetic heating rollers in turn, completing the entire threading path.The application realizes full automation of separator threading, ensures the uniformity and efficiency of heating, and significantly improves production safety and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery recycling technology, and in particular to a heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing and recycling of secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, the separator is a crucial internal component. For recycled separators or those requiring heat setting, drying, stress relief, or other treatments, heat treatment is an important step. Existing separator heat treatment equipment typically employs methods such as hot air circulating ovens or infrared radiation heating. Hot air heating suffers from low thermal efficiency, high energy consumption, inaccurate temperature control, and potential contamination of the separator surface; while radiation heating can lead to uneven heating due to the separator's light transmittance.

[0003] More importantly, traditional methods rely entirely on manual operation when threading the diaphragm into the complex chamber filled with heating rollers. Operators must turn on the equipment and, in a high-temperature environment or before preheating, manually guide the flexible diaphragm around multiple guide rollers and heating rollers, creating a specific meandering path. This process is not only tedious and extremely inefficient, but also poses a risk of burns. Furthermore, manual threading can easily lead to diaphragm misalignment, wrinkling, or even damage, affecting product quality and production continuity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a diaphragm heat treatment device that can automate the threading process and possess efficient and uniform heating capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a heat treatment device for battery separators to solve the above problems. It can achieve direct contact heating with the separator, with high thermal efficiency and uniform and stable temperature. It is also equipped with an automated traction and guiding mechanism to simplify the membrane threading operation and improve production efficiency and safety.

[0005] This application achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator, comprising:

[0007] The box body has a heating chamber inside, and a first material port and a second material port on its two sides for the diaphragm to enter and exit.

[0008] A heating roller assembly is disposed in the heating chamber. The heating roller assembly includes multiple electromagnetic heating rollers that can directly contact and heat the diaphragm. The multiple electromagnetic heating rollers are arranged side by side, so that the diaphragm can bypass the adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers in a roundabout manner to increase the contact area between the diaphragm and the electromagnetic heating rollers.

[0009] The fixed guiding mechanism includes a first guide roller disposed on the side of the heating roller group near the first feed port and a second guide roller disposed on the side of the heating roller group near the second feed port. The first guide roller and the second guide roller are used to guide the diaphragm into and out of the heating roller group.

[0010] A traction guiding mechanism is disposed outside the housing, comprising a clamping mechanism capable of clamping the diaphragm and a displacement driving mechanism for driving the clamping mechanism to move in three-dimensional space; the displacement driving mechanism is capable of driving the clamping mechanism to move so that its execution part passes through the first or second feed port and enters the heating chamber, and guides the diaphragm to sequentially bypass the first guide roller, multiple electromagnetic heating rollers and the second guide roller;

[0011] The clamping mechanism is an electric gripper, and a long strip-shaped clamping rod is fixed on the gripper of the electric gripper. The electric gripper clamps or releases the diaphragm by driving the clamping rod to open and close.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heating roller assembly further includes a synchronous transmission mechanism connected to multiple electromagnetic heating rollers for driving the multiple electromagnetic heating rollers to rotate synchronously.

[0013] In some embodiments, the synchronous transmission mechanism includes a gear fixed to the end of each of the electromagnetic heating rollers, with the gears at the ends of adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers meshing with each other; a motor is mounted on the housing, and the motor drives one of the electromagnetic heating rollers to rotate via a transmission assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transmission component is a belt drive mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the displacement driving mechanism includes:

[0016] The first slide has an output end that can be vertically raised and lowered.

[0017] The second slide is fixedly connected to the output end of the first slide, and its output end can move horizontally.

[0018] The clamping mechanism is fixedly installed at the output end of the second slide.

[0019] In some embodiments, the front of the housing is provided with an opening, and a baffle is detachably connected to the opening. The first and second material inlets pass through the opening. The actuating part of the traction guiding mechanism can enter or exit the heating chamber through the opening and the first or second material inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, a limiting groove is fixedly connected to the housing, and the baffle is inserted into the limiting groove to achieve a detachable connection.

[0021] In some embodiments, a base is also included for supporting the housing and the traction guide mechanism.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, this application utilizes a traction guide mechanism located outside the housing to simulate human hand movements, automatically clamping the diaphragm end and precisely guiding it through the entire complex heating path. This completely replaces the dangerous and inefficient manual membrane threading operation, greatly improving production efficiency, eliminating the risk of burns to operators, and avoiding diaphragm damage caused by improper manual operation.

[0023] Heating is achieved by using multiple electromagnetic heating rollers to directly contact the diaphragm, resulting in a heat transfer efficiency far exceeding that of hot air or radiation heating. The diaphragm is arranged in an "S"-shaped loop around adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers, ensuring full contact between both its front and back surfaces and the heated roller surfaces. This significantly increases the heating area, guarantees uniform heating of the diaphragm in both width and length directions, and substantially improves the quality of heat treatment.

[0024] A synchronous transmission mechanism consisting of meshing gears, driven by a single motor, ensures that all electromagnetic heating rollers rotate in perfect sync. This provides the diaphragm with a stable and consistent traction force, effectively preventing problems such as diaphragm stretching, slippage, misalignment, or wrinkling caused by differences in the speed of each roller.

[0025] The front of the enclosure is designed as an open opening that can be closed by a baffle. When it is necessary to insert the membrane, clean or inspect, the baffle can be easily removed, which provides great space convenience for the operation of the traction guidance mechanism and the internal maintenance of the equipment, and simplifies the operation process. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present application, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the traction guidance system structure of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating and transmission system structure of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the synchronous transmission mechanism of this application.

[0031] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0032] 1. Heating box; 2. Baffle; 3. Base; 4. First slide; 5. Second slide; 6. Electric gripper support; 7. Electric gripper; 8. Grip bar; 9. First feed port; 10. Electromagnetic heating roller; 11. First guide roller; 12. Motor; 13. Transmission assembly; 14. Limiting groove; 15. Second guide roller; 16. Second feed port; 17. Gear. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions in 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, and not all embodiments.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 This description is provided for the convenience of describing this application and for the purpose of simplifying the description, and is 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0035] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a heat treatment device for a battery separator mainly consists of three parts: a support and sealing system, a heating and transmission system, and a traction and guiding system.

[0036] Support and Sealing System: The core of this system consists of the housing 1 and the base 3. The housing 1 is a hollow rectangular box, which forms a closed heating chamber inside to maintain a stable heat treatment environment. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the housing 1 can be lined with insulation material to reduce heat loss. The housing 1 has a first feed port 9 and a second feed port 16 on its left and right sides, respectively, for continuous passage of diaphragms to be treated and those already treated. The front of the housing 1 is designed as a large open opening, which is closed by a removable baffle 2. To facilitate quick installation and removal of the baffle 2, a U-shaped limiting groove 14 is fixedly connected to the edge of the opening of the housing 1, allowing the baffle 2 to be directly inserted into the limiting groove 14 for fixation. The entire housing 1 and the traction guidance system, which will be described later, are fixedly mounted on a robust base 3, ensuring the stability of the equipment operation.

[0037] Heating and Transmission System: Located within the heating chamber of housing 1, this system is the core of the heat treatment function. It comprises multiple electromagnetic heating rollers 10 arranged side-by-side. Each electromagnetic heating roller 10 integrates an electromagnetic induction heating unit, enabling rapid heating and maintenance of the roller surface to achieve direct and efficient heating of the diaphragm. The diaphragm bypasses these electromagnetic heating rollers 10 in an "S"-shaped, meandering path, ensuring that both sides of the diaphragm are in contact with the heated rollers, maximizing the heating area and resulting in a more uniform heating effect.

[0038] To ensure the smooth passage of the diaphragm through the heating zone, the system also includes a synchronous transmission mechanism. Specifically, a gear 17 is fixedly installed at the end of each electromagnetic heating roller 10 (the portion extending beyond the side wall of the housing). The gears 17 on all adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers 10 mesh with each other, forming a gear set. A motor 12 (such as a servo motor or stepper motor) is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the housing 1. The output shaft of the motor 12 is connected to the outermost electromagnetic heating roller 10 via a transmission assembly 13. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission assembly 13 is a belt drive mechanism, including a driving pulley mounted on the motor output shaft, a driven pulley mounted on the electromagnetic heating roller shaft, and a synchronous belt between them. When the motor 12 starts, it drives one driving electromagnetic heating roller 10 to rotate via the belt drive. This driving roller, in turn, drives all the driven electromagnetic heating rollers 10 to rotate synchronously at the same speed and direction through the meshing gears 17, thereby providing a stable and consistent traction force for the diaphragm.

[0039] At the inlet and outlet sides of the heating roller assembly, a first guide roller 11 and a second guide roller 15 are respectively provided. They are rotatably connected to the housing 1 and do not need to be heated themselves. Their main function is to precisely guide the diaphragm into and out of the complex "S"-shaped heating path and change the running direction of the diaphragm.

[0040] Traction Guidance System: This system is key to achieving automated membrane threading. It is positioned externally to the front of the opening of the housing 1. Its function is to simulate a human hand, gripping the starting end of the diaphragm and guiding it along a pre-set threading path. The system includes a displacement drive mechanism and a clamping mechanism.

[0041] The displacement drive mechanism consists of a first slide 4 and a second slide 5. The first slide 4 (preferably an electric cylinder or ball screw slide) is vertically fixed on the base 3, and its output end can precisely perform lifting and lowering movements. The body of the second slide 5 (also preferably an electric cylinder or ball screw slide) is fixedly connected to the output end of the first slide 4, and its output end can move horizontally (e.g., toward or away from the housing 1). Through the linkage of the first slide 4 and the second slide 5, the output end can move to any position in the vertical plane.

[0042] The clamping mechanism is mounted on the output end of the second slide 5. It includes an electric gripper support 6, an electric gripper 7, and a pair of specially designed elongated clamping rods 8. The electric gripper support 6 is fixed to the output end of the second slide 5 to provide a mounting base. The electric gripper 7 is fixed to the support 6. In some embodiments, the clamping rods 8 are fastened to the two grippers of the electric gripper 7 by screws. When the electric gripper 7 is activated, it drives the two clamping rods 8 to move in opposite directions, thereby clamping or releasing the edge of the diaphragm. The elongated clamping rods 8 ensure a sufficiently long contact line with the diaphragm, uniform clamping force distribution, and prevention of slippage.

[0043] The working process of this utility model is divided into two main stages: the membrane insertion stage and the normal operation stage.

[0044] Membrane penetration stage:

[0045] Initial state: Baffle 2 is removed, and the front opening of the housing 1 is fully exposed. The traction guidance system is in its initial position (e.g., low and away from the housing).

[0046] Feeding and clamping: Place a roll of diaphragm to be processed on the unwinding rack, pull out its starting end and position it in front of the electric gripper 7. The electric gripper 7 actuates, firmly clamping the starting end of the diaphragm through the clamping rod 8.

[0047] Automatic path guidance:

[0048] The first slide 4 and the second slide 5 work together to drive the clamping rod 8, which holds the diaphragm, to move to a position that is compatible with the first feed port 9 and the first guide roller 11. Then, the diaphragm is guided from the first feed port 9 into the housing 1 and the diaphragm is "attached" to the upper surface of the first guide roller 11.

[0049] Next, the system controls the clamping rod 8 to pass under the first electromagnetic heating roller 10, above the second, below the third, and so on, forming an "S" shaped path.

[0050] After the diaphragm passes the last electromagnetic heating roller 10, the system guides the clamping rod 8 to "attach" the diaphragm to the second guide roller 15, and finally pulls the diaphragm out of the box 1 from the second feed port 16.

[0051] Delivery and Removal: The diaphragm end exiting the second feed port 16 is manually or automatically delivered to the subsequent winding device. Then, the electric gripper 7 releases the diaphragm. The first slide 4 and the second slide 5 then drive the clamping rod 8 back along the original path, completely retracting it from the housing 1.

[0052] Enclose the box: Insert the baffle 2 into the limiting groove 14 to close the opening on the front of the box 1.

[0053] Normal working phase:

[0054] The heating functions of motor 12 and all electromagnetic heating rollers 10 are activated. Motor 12 drives all electromagnetic heating rollers 10 to rotate synchronously and slowly via a synchronous transmission mechanism. The unwinding device unwinds the diaphragm, which is pulled by the electromagnetic heating rollers 10, passing sequentially through the first feed port 9, the first guide roller 11, the "S"-shaped heating path formed by multiple electromagnetic heating rollers 10, the second guide roller 15, and finally being discharged from the second feed port 16 and wound up by the winding device. During this process, the diaphragm is in direct contact with the high-temperature surface of the electromagnetic heating rollers 10 and is rapidly and uniformly heated to the predetermined temperature, completing the heat treatment process.

[0055] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator, characterized in that, include: The box (1) has a heating chamber inside, and a first material port (9) and a second material port (16) for the diaphragm to enter and exit are respectively opened on both sides. A heating roller assembly is provided in the heating chamber. The heating roller assembly includes multiple electromagnetic heating rollers (10) that can directly contact and heat the diaphragm. The multiple electromagnetic heating rollers (10) are arranged side by side, so that the diaphragm can bypass the adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers (10) in a roundabout manner to increase the contact area between the diaphragm and the electromagnetic heating rollers (10). The fixed guiding mechanism includes a first guide roller (11) disposed on the side of the heating roller group near the first feed port (9) and a second guide roller (15) disposed on the side of the heating roller group near the second feed port (16). The first guide roller (11) and the second guide roller (15) are used to guide the diaphragm into and out of the heating roller group. The traction guiding mechanism is located outside the housing (1). It includes a clamping mechanism capable of clamping the diaphragm and a displacement driving mechanism that drives the clamping mechanism to move in three-dimensional space. The displacement driving mechanism can drive the clamping mechanism to move so that its execution part passes through the first feed port (9) or the second feed port (16) into the heating chamber, and guide the diaphragm to pass around the first guide roller (11), multiple electromagnetic heating rollers (10) and the second guide roller (15) in sequence. The clamping mechanism is an electric gripper (7), and a long strip-shaped clamping rod (8) is fixed on the gripper of the electric gripper (7). The electric gripper (7) clamps or releases the diaphragm by driving the clamping rod (8) to open and close.

2. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating roller group also includes a synchronous transmission mechanism, which is connected to multiple electromagnetic heating rollers (10) and is used to drive the multiple electromagnetic heating rollers (10) to rotate synchronously.

3. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The synchronous transmission mechanism includes a gear (17) fixed at the end of each of the electromagnetic heating rollers (10), and the gears (17) at the ends of adjacent electromagnetic heating rollers (10) mesh with each other; a motor (12) is installed on the housing (1), and the motor (12) drives one of the electromagnetic heating rollers (10) to rotate through a transmission assembly (13).

4. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component (13) is a belt drive mechanism.

5. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement driving mechanism includes: The first slide (4) has an output end that can be vertically raised and lowered; The second slide (5) has its body fixedly connected to the output end of the first slide (4), and its output end can move horizontally. The clamping mechanism is fixedly installed at the output end of the second slide (5).

6. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front of the housing (1) is provided with an opening, and a baffle (2) is detachably connected to the opening. The first material port (9) and the second material port (16) pass through the opening. The execution part of the traction guiding mechanism can enter or exit the heating chamber through the opening and the first material port (9) or the second material port (16).

7. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing (1) is fixedly connected to a limiting groove (14), and the baffle (2) is inserted into the limiting groove (14) to achieve a detachable connection.

8. The heat treatment apparatus for a battery separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a base (3) for supporting the housing (1) and the traction guide mechanism.

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