Hot press curing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of hot-pressing curing equipment, it includes bearing device, for bearing the battery piece printed with conductive paste;Curing device, including being located the curing box above bearing device, for driving the lifting drive component of curing box along height direction moves, curing box includes shell, box body is movably arranged in shell along height direction, hot-pressing surface located the one side of box body towards bearing device, shell and the contact state of bearing device, hot-pressing surface has with the first state of battery piece interval arrangement and the second state of contact with battery piece;Gas supply component has with the gas supply pipe of shell intercommunication, for opening or closing switch valve of gas supply pipe, switch valve and lifting drive component communication connection.The utility model passes through hot-pressing surface to battery piece simultaneously heating and pressure, by gas supply component in conductive paste curing process between bearing device and curing device into protective gas, to prevent conductive paste oxidation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell manufacturing technology, and in particular to a hot-press curing device. Background Technology

[0002] During the manufacturing process of solar cells, conductive paste needs to be printed onto the cells, and then the conductive paste is sintered and solidified into grid lines. In existing technologies, the conductive paste is mainly made of silver to give the sintered grid lines good conductivity. However, silver is relatively expensive. Currently, to save production costs, there are also solutions in the industry to use other cheaper materials (such as copper) to make conductive paste. However, conductive pastes made of other materials do not have the same conductivity as those made of silver after sintering and solidification, which affects the overall photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell. Furthermore, oxidation of the conductive paste needs to be prevented during the sintering and solidification process. Utility Model Content

[0003] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a hot-press curing device, which includes a support device for supporting battery cells printed with conductive paste; The curing device includes a curing chamber located above the support device and a lifting drive assembly for driving the curing chamber to move along the height direction. The curing chamber includes a shell, a box body movably disposed within the shell along the height direction, and a hot pressing surface located on the side of the box body facing the support device. When the shell is in contact with the support device, the hot pressing surface has a first state in which it is spaced apart from the battery cell and a second state in which it is in contact with the battery cell. The air supply assembly has an air supply pipe communicating with the housing and a switch valve for opening or closing the air supply pipe, the switch valve being communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly.

[0004] As a further improvement of this utility model, when the housing and the supporting device are separated, the distance between the bottom of the housing and the supporting device is smaller than the distance between the hot-pressing surface and the supporting device.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, in the first state, the hot-pressing surface is surrounded by the box body, the shell, and the supporting device to form an air chamber, and the air supply pipe is connected to the air chamber.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, the curing box further includes a receiving cavity located between the box body and the shell, and the air supply pipe is located in the receiving cavity.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, the accommodating cavity is located on both sides of the box body along the first direction, and a guide plate is provided at the bottom of the shell. The guide plate is used to guide the protective gas blown out by the air supply pipe into the air chamber.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the curing box also includes a lifting frame connected to the box body, the shell being slidably connected to the box body and / or the shell being connected to the lifting frame; the lifting drive assembly is connected to the lifting frame to drive the box body and the shell to move along the height direction.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the top of the housing is provided with a through hole, the box body extends out from the through hole, the lifting frame is located above the box body, and the curing box also includes a first elastic element connected between the lifting frame and the box body.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the housing is connected to the lifting frame, and the curing box further includes a second elastic element connected between the lifting frame and the housing.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, the elastic coefficient of the first elastic element is greater than that of the second elastic element.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the top of the box is connected to a first guide post, the lifting frame is provided with a first through hole for the first guide post to pass through, the top of the first guide post is provided with a first limiting part, the diameter of the first limiting part is larger than the diameter of the first through hole, and the first elastic element is provided on the outside of the first guide post. The top of the housing is connected to a second guide post, and the lifting frame is provided with a second through hole for the second guide post to pass through. The top of the second guide post is provided with a second limiting part, the diameter of the second limiting part is larger than the diameter of the second through hole, and the second elastic element is provided on the outside of the second guide post.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the lifting drive assembly includes lead screws disposed on both sides of the curing chamber along a first direction perpendicular to the height direction, lead screw nuts that drive the lead screws, and a drive component for driving the lead screws to rotate. The lead screws are rotatably connected to the lifting frame, and the lead screw nuts are fixed to the bearing device. As a further improvement of this utility model, the curing chamber also includes a heating assembly located inside the chamber and a hot press plate connected to the bottom of the chamber. The heating assembly is used to heat the hot press plate, and the bottom surface of the heating plate forms the hot press surface.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention simultaneously heats and presses the battery cell printed with conductive paste onto the hot pressing surface, increasing the curing speed of the conductive paste and isolating it from oxygen in the air. Furthermore, the pressure from the hot pressing surface promotes full contact between the metal particles in the conductive paste, enhancing the contact area and bonding strength between particles. This results in a denser and more uniform grid structure, significantly improving the conductivity of the grid. The gas supply component introduces protective gas between the supporting device and the curing device during the conductive paste curing process, preventing oxidation of the conductive paste. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the hot-press curing equipment of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the thermosetting curing equipment from another perspective; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the bearing device and the curing device of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the curing device of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the curing device of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the curing device of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 7 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the intermediate curing unit; Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged diagram of A in the middle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the hot-pressed surface and the hot-pressed film in their first state. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the hot-pressed surface and the hot-pressed film in the second state; Figure 12 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the medium-pressure membrane device; Figure 13 for Figure 12 Enlarged diagram of B in the middle; Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the thermosetting curing equipment of this utility model; Figure 15 for Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the medium-pressure membrane device; In the picture: 10. Supporting device; 20. Curing device; 21. Curing chamber; 211. Hot pressing surface; 212. Heating chamber; 213. Chamber body; 213a. First guide post; 213b. First limiting part; 214. Shell; 214a. Guide plate; 214b. Through hole; 214c. Relief groove; 214d. Second guide post; 214e. Second limiting part; 215. Lifting frame; 215a. First connecting rod; 215b. Second connecting rod 215c, Third connecting rod; 216, Receiving cavity; 217, First elastic element; 218, Second elastic element; 219, Heating assembly; 2110, Hot press plate; 2111, Insulation layer; 22, Lifting drive assembly; 221, Lead screw; 222, Lead screw nut; 223, Drive component; 224, Guide rod; 225, Guide seat; 226, Fourth connecting rod; 227, Fifth connecting rod; 23, Air chamber; 30. Film pressing device; 31. Hot pressing film; 32. First roller shaft; 33. Second roller shaft; 34. Third roller shaft; 35. Fourth roller shaft; 36. Fifth roller shaft; 37. Sixth roller shaft; 38. Fixing frame; 39. First driving component; 310. Second driving component; 311. Reset elastic component; 40. Gas supply components; 41. Gas supply pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0017] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 15 As shown, the hot-press curing equipment provided by this utility model includes a support device 10, a curing device 20, and an air supply component 40.

[0021] The carrier device 10 is used to support the battery cell D printed with conductive paste. The battery cell D is placed on the carrier device 10 after the conductive paste is printed by the previous equipment, with the side of the battery cell D with the conductive paste printed facing upwards. The curing device 20 is used to simultaneously apply pressure and heat to the battery cell D placed on the carrier device 10, thereby curing the conductive paste on the battery cell D to form grid lines. The gas supply assembly 40 is used to introduce a protective gas between the carrier device 10 and the curing device 20 during the conductive paste curing process, thereby preventing oxidation of the conductive paste.

[0022] The curing device 20 heats the conductive paste while in close contact with the side of the battery cell D that is printed with conductive paste. First, it increases the curing speed of the conductive paste. Second, it isolates the conductive paste from oxygen in the air. Furthermore, under the pressure of the curing device 20, it promotes full contact between the metal particles in the conductive paste, enhances the contact area and bonding strength between the particles, and makes the structure of the grid line formed by curing more dense and uniform, thereby greatly improving the conductivity of the grid line.

[0023] Reference Figure 2 This paper defines a first direction and a second direction using the illustrated directions, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The first direction is also the width direction of the battery cell D, and the second direction is the length direction of the battery cell D.

[0024] In some embodiments, the carrier device 10 is a conveying device capable of conveying the battery cell D along the second direction. That is, the battery cell D printed with conductive paste is conveyed through the carrier device 10 to the area directly below the curing device 20, where the curing device 20 simultaneously applies pressure and heat to the battery cell D to cure the conductive paste. After curing, the battery cell D is then transferred to the next process through the carrier device 10, and this cycle continues.

[0025] The curing device 20 includes a curing chamber 21 and a lifting drive assembly 22. The curing chamber 21 is located above the support device 10, and the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to move along the height direction. The curing chamber 21 includes a hot-pressing surface 211 and a heating assembly 219 for heating the hot-pressing surface 211. The hot-pressing surface 211 is located on the side of the curing chamber 21 facing the support device 10. The lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to move towards the support device 10, so that the hot-pressing surface 211 simultaneously heats and presses the battery cell D on the support device 10.

[0026] After the battery cell D printed with conductive paste is placed on the support device 10, the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to move downwards until the hot pressing surface 211 presses against the side of the battery cell D printed with conductive paste. The hot pressing surface 211 simultaneously heats and presses the battery cell D, thereby curing the conductive paste. After the conductive paste has cured, the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to move upwards, causing the hot pressing surface 211 to separate from the battery cell D. After transferring the battery cell D, the curing process for the next battery cell D can begin.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lifting drive assembly 22 is mounted on the support device 10.

[0028] The curing chamber 21 further includes a chamber body 213, a hot press plate 2110 connected to the bottom of the chamber body 213, and a heating assembly 219 located inside the chamber body 213. The bottom surface of the hot press plate 2110 forms the hot press surface 211. The heat generated by the heating assembly 219 is transferred to the hot press plate 2110, and the hot press plate 2110 presses against the side of the battery cell D printed with conductive paste, thereby simultaneously applying pressure and heating to the battery cell D.

[0029] In some embodiments, the heating component 219 may be configured as a heating wire, an electric furnace wire, or a heating light source, etc. The hot press plate 2110 is made of graphite plate, which has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, enabling it to apply stable and uniform pressure to the battery cell D and effectively transfer the heat generated by the heating component 219 to the battery cell D.

[0030] A heating chamber 212 is formed between the housing 213 and the hot press plate 2110, and the heating component 219 is located inside the heating chamber 212. The curing chamber 21 also includes a heat insulation layer 2111 disposed around and on the top of the heating chamber 212. The heat insulation layer 2111 can effectively prevent the heat generated by the heating component 219 from diffusing outward, ensuring that the heat generated by the heating component 219 is fully transferred to the hot press plate 2110, thereby rapidly increasing the temperature of the hot press plate 2110.

[0031] The curing chamber 21 also includes a shell 214, and the chamber body 213 is movably disposed within the chamber body 213 along the height direction, that is, the shell 214 and the chamber body 213 can move relative to each other along the height direction.

[0032] In the state where the housing 214 is in contact with the support device 10, the hot pressing surface 211 has a first state in which it is spaced apart from the battery cell D and a second state in which it is in contact with the battery cell D. In the first state, the hot pressing surface 211 is supplied with protective gas between the hot pressing surface 211 and the battery cell D through the gas supply component 40. In the second state, the hot pressing surface 211 heats and presses the battery cell D simultaneously.

[0033] When the hot-pressing surface 211 is in the first state, the hot-pressing surface 211 has not yet pressed against the battery cell D. At this time, the box 213, the shell 214 and the supporting device 10 form an air chamber 23. The battery cell D is located in the air chamber 23. The air supply component 40 introduces protective gas into the air chamber 23, which can effectively isolate the conductive paste on the battery cell D from contact with oxygen, thereby preventing the conductive paste from being oxidized during the curing process.

[0034] Specifically, when the housing 214 is separated from the support device 10, the distance between the bottom of the housing 214 and the support device 10 is less than the distance between the hot pressing surface 211 and the support device 10. That is, the bottom of the housing 214 is lower than the hot pressing surface 211.

[0035] It should be noted that the height difference between the bottom of the housing 214 and the hot-pressing surface 211 is greater than the thickness of the battery cell D. Thus, when the curing device 21 is driven downwards by the lifting drive assembly 22, the housing 214 will first contact the supporting device 10, at which point the hot-pressing surface 211 is in a first state, spaced apart from the battery cell D.

[0036] After the housing 214 contacts the support device 10, the lifting drive assembly 22 stops driving the curing chamber 21 to continue moving downward, so that the hot pressing surface 211 maintains the first state, and protective gas is introduced into the air chamber 23 through the gas supply assembly 40. When the protective gas fills the air chamber 23, the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to continue moving downward. The housing 214 remains stationary relative to the support device 10, and the chamber body 213 moves downward relative to the housing 214 until the hot pressing surface 211 presses against the battery cell D and simultaneously applies pressure and heat to the battery cell D.

[0037] By configuring the housing 213 and the shell 214, a small air chamber 23 can be formed before the hot-pressing surface 211 presses against the battery cell D. A protective gas is introduced into the air chamber 23 through the gas supply assembly 40 to create an oxygen-free environment, thereby isolating the conductive paste on the battery cell D from oxygen and preventing oxidation during the curing process. Simultaneously, during the introduction of the protective gas into the air chamber 23, the heat from the hot-pressing plate 2110 is conducted into the air chamber 23, preheating the battery cell D within the air chamber 23 and removing volatile components from the conductive paste.

[0038] Nitrogen can be used as the protective gas. Of course, in other embodiments, other inert gases can also be used as the protective gas.

[0039] The gas supply assembly 40 includes a gas supply pipe 41 connected to the gas chamber 23 and a switch valve (not shown in the figure) for opening or closing the gas supply pipe 41. The switch valve is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly 22. When the hot-pressing surface 211 is in the first state, the gas supply pipe 41 is opened to introduce protective gas into the gas chamber 23.

[0040] Specifically, the movement of the lifting drive assembly 22 can be used to determine whether the hot pressing surface 211 is in the first state, that is, when the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the housing 214 to contact the bearing device 10, the lifting drive assembly 22 stops driving and transmits an opening signal to the switch valve to open the air supply pipe 41 to introduce protective gas into the air chamber 23.

[0041] The curing chamber 21 also includes a accommodating cavity 216 located between the chamber body 213 and the shell 214, and the air supply pipe 41 is located in the accommodating cavity 216.

[0042] Specifically, the accommodating cavity 216 is located on both sides of the housing 213 along the first direction, and the air supply pipe 41 is fixed to the shell 214. When the shell 214 is in contact with the supporting device 10 and the hot-pressing surface 211 is in the first state, the accommodating cavity 216 is connected to the air chamber 23. The gas blown out by the air supply pipe 41 enters the air chamber 23 through the accommodating cavity 216.

[0043] A guide plate 214a is provided at the bottom of the housing 214. The guide plate 214a is used to guide the protective gas blown out by the air supply pipe 41 into the air chamber 23. An air outlet is provided at the bottom of the air supply pipe 41. The guide plate 214a is inclined. The protective gas blown out from the air outlet first flows downward, and after contacting the guide plate 214a, it changes direction and flows into the air chamber 23.

[0044] The cavity 216 is provided with a plurality of gas supply pipes 41 spaced apart along the second direction, thereby ensuring that the gas chamber 23 is filled with protective gas to prevent the conductive paste from being oxidized during the curing process.

[0045] The curing chamber 21 also includes a lifting frame 215 connecting the chamber body 213 and the lifting drive assembly 22. The lifting drive assembly 22 drives the chamber body 213 to move along the height direction by moving the lifting frame 215 along the height direction.

[0046] The top of the housing 214 is provided with a through hole 214b, and part of the box body 213 extends out from the through hole 214b. The lifting frame 215 is located above the box body 213. The curing box 21 also includes a first elastic element 217 connected between the lifting frame 215 and the box body 213.

[0047] The first elastic element 217 can buffer the battery cell D by preventing the hot press plate 2110 from over-pressing the battery cell D and causing damage to the battery cell D. On the other hand, it can ensure that the hot press surface 211 is completely in contact with the battery cell D, so that the hot press surface 211 can fully press and heat the side of the battery cell D with the conductive paste printed on it, thereby improving the conductivity of the grid lines after curing.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the lifting frame 215 is simultaneously connected to the housing 214, and the curing box 21 further includes a second elastic element 218 connected between the lifting frame 215 and the housing 214.

[0049] It is understood that when the curing chamber 21 is above the support device 10, the first elastic element 217 and the second elastic element 218 are in an uncompressed state, and the bottom of the housing 214 is lower than the hot-pressing surface 211. The lifting drive assembly 22 is activated, and the lifting frame 215 drives the chamber 213 and the housing 214 to move downwards synchronously. When the housing 214 contacts the support device 10, as the lifting frame 215 continues to move downwards, the second elastic element 218 is compressed, and the chamber 213 follows the lifting frame 215 downwards until the hot-pressing surface 211 contacts the battery cell D. At this point, the lifting frame 215 continues to move downwards, the first elastic element 217 is compressed, and the first elastic element 217 applies pressure to the chamber 213, thereby causing the hot-pressing surface 211 to apply pressure to the battery cell D and simultaneously heat the battery cell D.

[0050] By providing the second elastic element 218, on the one hand, after the housing 214 comes into contact with the bearing device 10, the lifting frame 215 can drive the box 213 to continue to move downward; on the other hand, the second elastic element 218 can also play a buffering role, providing resistance for the subsequent downward movement of the lifting frame 215, and preventing the hot press plate 2110 from over-pressing the battery cell D and causing damage to the battery cell D.

[0051] It should be noted that the elastic coefficient of the first elastic element 217 is greater than that of the second elastic element 218. This prevents the second elastic element 218 from exerting excessive resistance on the subsequent downward movement of the lifting frame 215, while ensuring that the lifting frame 215 can apply sufficient pressure to the housing 213 so that the hot-pressing surface 211 presses against the battery cell D.

[0052] A first guide post 213a is provided between the lifting frame 215 and the housing 213. A first elastic element 217 is provided on the outside of the first guide post 213a. The bottom end of the first guide post 213a is connected to the top of the housing 213. A first through hole is provided on the lifting frame 215. The first guide post 213a passes through the first through hole, and a first limiting part 213b is provided at the top end of the first guide post 213a. The diameter of the first limiting part 213b is larger than the diameter of the first through hole to limit the lifting frame 215.

[0053] A second guide post 214d is also provided between the lifting frame 215 and the housing 214. The second elastic member 218 is provided on the outside of the second guide post 214d. The bottom end of the second guide post 214d is connected to the top of the housing 214. A second through hole is provided on the lifting frame 215. The second guide post 214d passes through the second through hole, and a second limiting part 214e is provided at the top end of the second guide post 214d. The diameter of the second limiting part 214e is larger than the diameter of the second through hole to limit the lifting frame 215.

[0054] The first guide post 213a and the second guide post 214d can guide the movement of the lifting frame 215 along the height direction, while preventing the first elastic member 217 or the second elastic member 218 from bending and deforming under pressure.

[0055] Of course, in other embodiments, the housing 214 may also be slidably connected to the box 213 along the height direction, and the lifting frame 215 may not be connected to the housing 214. By providing a slider and a groove between the housing 214 and the box 213, relative movement between the box 213 and the housing 214 along the height direction can be achieved.

[0056] The lifting drive assembly 22 includes a lead screw 221 disposed on both sides of the curing box 21 along a first direction, a lead screw nut 222 that is in transmission cooperation with the lead screw 221, and a drive component 223 for driving the lead screw 221 to rotate. The lead screw 221 is rotatably connected to the lifting frame 215, and the lead screw nut 222 is fixed to the bearing device 10.

[0057] The lead screw 221 extends along the height direction. Its top end is rotatably connected to the lifting frame 215, and its bottom end is connected to the driving member 223. When the driving member 223 drives the lead screw 221 to rotate, the lead screw 221 moves along the height direction under the action of the lead screw nut 222. This, in turn, drives the curing chamber 21 to move along the height direction via the lifting frame 215, allowing the hot pressing surface 211 to simultaneously heat and press the battery cell D on the supporting device 10.

[0058] The drive unit 223 is located below the support device 10. The output end of the drive unit 223 is connected to the two lead screws 221 via a belt, thereby driving the two lead screws 221 to rotate.

[0059] The lifting frame 215 includes a first connecting rod 215a, which extends along the first direction and is connected to the lead screws 221 on both sides. The lead screws 221 drive the first connecting rod 215a to move along the height direction, thereby driving the entire curing box 21 to move along the height direction.

[0060] The lifting drive assembly 22 further includes guide rods 224 located on both sides of the lead screw 221 along the second direction, and guide seats 225 connected to the guide rods 224. The guide seats 225 are fixed to the bearing device 10. The lifting frame 215 further includes a second connecting rod 215b parallel to the first connecting rod 215a, and a third connecting rod 215c connecting the first connecting rod 215a and the second connecting rod 215b. The guide rods 224 are connected to the second connecting rod 215b.

[0061] The guide rod 224 is parallel to the lead screw 221, and the top end of the guide rod 224 is connected to the second connecting rod 215b. The guide seat 225 is used to guide the guide rod 224 to move along the height direction. The second connecting rod 215b has a guide rod 224 connected to each end along the first direction.

[0062] When the driving component 223 drives the lead screw 221 to rotate, the lead screw 221 causes the first connecting rod 215a to move along the height direction. The movement of the first connecting rod 215a causes the second connecting rod 215b to move, which in turn causes the guide rod 224 to move along the height direction. The arrangement of the guide rod 224 and the guide seat 225 can improve the stability of the curing box 21 moving along the height direction.

[0063] The lifting drive assembly 22 further includes a fourth connecting rod 226 and a fifth connecting rod 227. The fourth connecting rod 226 is used to connect two guide rods 224 located on the same side of the curing chamber 21, and the fifth connecting rod 227 is used to connect two of the fourth connecting rods 226. The fifth connecting rod 227 is located directly below the first connecting rod 215a and below the supporting device 10, and the drive component 223 is mounted on the fifth connecting rod 227.

[0064] The first connecting rod 215a, the second connecting rod 215b, and the housing 213 are all provided with the first elastic element 217, thereby ensuring that the hot-pressing surface 211 is completely in contact with the battery cell D and improving the uniformity of pressure applied to the battery cell D by the hot-pressing surface 211. Similarly, the first connecting rod 215a, the second connecting rod 215b, and the housing 214 are all provided with the second elastic element 218.

[0065] Of course, in other embodiments, the lifting drive assembly 22 can also be a cylinder fixed to the bearing device 10, with the telescopic end of the cylinder connected to the lifting frame 215. The telescopic end's extension or retraction drives the lifting frame 215 to move along the height direction, thereby moving the entire curing box 21 along the height direction. Other parts of the lifting drive assembly 20 can refer to the screw drive embodiment, and will not be described further here.

[0066] The hot-press curing equipment also includes a film pressing device 30, which includes a hot-press film 31 located between the hot-pressing surface 211 and the carrier device 10. The hot-press film 31 can be made of silicone paper, PI film, release PI film, etc.

[0067] During the process of the lifting drive assembly 22 driving the curing box 21 to move towards the carrier device 10, the hot pressing surface 211 first contacts the hot pressing film 31, and then drives the hot pressing film 31 to move down simultaneously to contact the battery cell D, thereby heating and pressing the battery cell D. It can be understood that when the hot pressing surface 211 heats and presses the battery cell D, the hot pressing film 31 is located between the battery cell D and the hot pressing surface 211.

[0068] Thus, firstly, the hot-pressing film 31 can protect the battery cell D, preventing damage to the battery cell D due to excessive pressure from the hot-pressing plate 2110; secondly, the hot-pressing film 31 can be tightly bonded to the battery cell D under the action of the hot-pressing surface 211, thereby making the conductive paste adhere more tightly to the surface of the battery cell D and achieving a better curing effect; finally, the hot-pressing film 31 can prevent the paste on the battery cell D from sticking to the hot-pressing surface 211, affecting the repeated hot-pressing operation of the hot-pressing surface 211.

[0069] The pressing device 30 further includes a plurality of rollers, and the hot-pressed film 31 is connected between the plurality of rollers. At least a portion of the hot-pressed film 31 is located between the hot-pressing surface 211 and the supporting device 10. The hot-pressed film 31 located between the hot-pressing surface 211 and the supporting device 10 has a first state of being separated from the battery cell D and a second state of being pressed down by the hot-pressing surface 211 to press against the battery cell D.

[0070] In the initial state, the hot-pressing surface 211, the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 located between the hot-pressing surface 211 and the carrier device 10, and the carrier device 10 are arranged at intervals along the height direction. When the battery cell D printed with conductive paste is transported to directly below the curing box 21, the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 is located above the battery cell D. As the hot-pressing surface 211 moves toward the carrier device 10, the hot-pressing surface 211 first contacts the hot-pressing film 31, and then drives the hot-pressing film 31 to move down simultaneously to contact the battery cell D, thereby heating and applying pressure to the battery cell D.

[0071] After hot pressing is completed, the hot pressing surface 211 moves away from the bearing device 10, the pressure of the hot pressing surface 211 on the hot pressing film 31 disappears, and the hot pressing film 31 is restored under the action of the roller, thereby separating from the hot-pressed battery cell D phase.

[0072] The film pressing device 30 includes a fixing frame 38 fixed to the bearing device 10. The fixing frame 38 is located on one side of the bearing device 10 along the first direction, and the roller is rotatably mounted on the fixing frame 38.

[0073] The film pressing device 30 includes a first roller 32 and a second roller 33 mounted on the fixed frame 38. The first roller 32 and the second roller 33 are located on both sides of the curing box 21 along the second direction, and the hot pressing film 31 is connected between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33.

[0074] The first roller 32 and the second roller 33 are connected to the fixed frame 38 near the bottom of the support device 10, such that the hot-press film 31 between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33 is located between the hot-press surface 211 and the support device 10.

[0075] The size of the hot-pressing film 31 along the first direction is smaller than the size of the housing 214 along the first direction. When the housing 214 is in contact with the bearing device 10, there is a gap between the hot-pressing film 31 and the housing 214 on both sides along the first direction, so as not to affect the gas blown out by the air supply pipe 41 from entering the air chamber 23 through the accommodating cavity 216.

[0076] It should be noted that the bottom of the housing 214 is provided with a clearance groove 214c to allow space for the hot-pressing film 31. By providing the clearance groove 214c, when the housing 214 comes into contact with the support device 10, the hot-pressing film 31 is located within the clearance groove 214c, thus preventing it from pressing down on the battery cell D under the action of the housing 214. This effectively isolates oxygen when protective gas is introduced into the gas chamber 23.

[0077] When the lifting drive assembly 22 drives the curing chamber 21 to move toward the carrier device 10, the housing 214 first contacts the carrier device 10. The hot-pressing film 31 is located within the relief groove 214c and is not subjected to pressure from the housing 214. At this time, the hot-pressing surface 211 contacts the hot-pressing film 31. As the hot-pressing surface 211 continues to move downward, it presses down on the hot-pressing film 31 until it presses against the battery cell D, thereby simultaneously heating and pressurizing the battery cell D.

[0078] To replace the hot-pressing film 31 used in the hot-pressing operation, the pressing device 30 also includes a fourth roller 35 and a fifth roller 36 mounted on the fixing frame 38 and located above the curing box 21. The hot-pressing film 31 is sequentially connected to the fourth roller 35, the second roller 33, the first roller 32, and the fifth roller 36. The fourth roller 35 and the fifth roller 36 are used to recycle and release the hot-pressing film 31, respectively. Thus, after one hot-pressing operation is completed, the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 located between the hot-pressing surface 211 and the supporting device 10 can be replaced for the next hot-pressing operation.

[0079] To ensure that when the pressure of the hot-pressing surface 211 on the hot-pressing film 31 disappears, the hot-pressing film 31 recovers under the action of the roller shaft, thereby separating from the battery cell D phase. The pressing device 30 also includes a sixth roller shaft 37, a third roller shaft 34 movably mounted in the height direction on the fixed frame 38, and a reset elastic member 311 connected to the third roller shaft 34. The third roller shaft 34 is located between the fourth roller shaft 35 and the sixth roller shaft 37, and the direction of the force applied by the reset elastic member 311 to the third roller shaft 34 is towards the hot-pressing film 31. Under the action of the reset elastic member 311, the third roller shaft 34 tensions the hot-pressing film 31.

[0080] It should be noted that when the hot pressing surface 211 is not in contact with the hot pressing film 31, the third roller 34, the fourth roller 35 and the sixth roller 37 are not collinear, thereby providing leeway for the movement of the hot pressing film 31.

[0081] In one specific embodiment, the third roller 34 is located outside the hot-pressing film 31, and at this time, the third roller 34 applies a downward force to the hot-pressing film 31. When the hot-pressing surface 211 is not in contact with the hot-pressing film 31, the hot-pressing film 31 located between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33 is in a first state of separation from the battery cell D. When the hot-pressing surface 211 contacts the hot-pressing film 31 and presses down on the hot-pressing film 31, the third roller 34 moves upward, and the reset elastic member 311 is compressed (when the reset elastic member 311 is above the third roller 34) or stretched (when the reset elastic member 311 is below the third roller 34). When the pressure of the hot-pressing surface 211 on the hot-pressing film 31 disappears due to the upward movement, the third roller 34 moves downward under the action of the reset elastic member 311, thereby causing the hot-pressing film 31 to separate from the battery cell D, and the hot-pressing film 31 is reset and restored.

[0082] Of course, in other embodiments, the first roller 32 and the second roller 33 can be used to recycle the hot-pressed film 31 and release the hot-pressed film 31 respectively, eliminating the need for other rollers.

[0083] In another embodiment, the hot-pressed film 31 is annular. The pressing device 30 further includes a third roller 34 slidably mounted on a fixed frame 38 along the height direction, and a reset elastic member 311 connected to the third roller 34. The third roller 34 is located above the curing box 21, and the direction of the force applied by the reset elastic member 311 to the third roller 34 is towards the hot-pressed film 31. The hot-pressed film 31 is annular and all the rollers are connected in sequence.

[0084] The hot-pressed film 31 is triangular in shape. Under the action of the reset elastic member 311, the third roller shaft 34 tensions the hot-pressed film 31.

[0085] When the hot-pressing surface 211 is not in contact with the hot-pressing film 31, the hot-pressing film 31 located between the first roller shaft 32 and the second roller shaft 33 is in a first state of separation from the battery cell D. When the hot-pressing surface 211 contacts the hot-pressing film 31 and presses it down, the third roller shaft 34 moves downward, and the reset elastic member 311 is compressed or stretched. When the pressure on the hot-pressing film 31 disappears as the hot-pressing surface 211 moves upward, the third roller shaft 34 moves upward under the action of the reset elastic member 311, thereby causing the hot-pressing film 31 to separate from the battery cell D, and the hot-pressing film 31 returns to its original state.

[0086] Considering that the hot-pressed film 31 needs to avoid the curing box 21, the pressing device 30 also includes a fourth roller 35 and a fifth roller 36 mounted on the fixing frame 38 and located above the curing box 21, with the third roller 34 located between the fourth roller 35 and the fifth roller 36.

[0087] The fourth roller 35 is located on the side of the third roller 34 facing the second roller 33, and the fifth roller 36 is located on the side of the third roller 34 facing the first roller 32. The hot-pressing film 31 is pentagonal. The hot-pressing film 31 connected between the first roller 32 and the fifth roller 36, and the hot-pressing film 31 connected between the second roller 33 and the fourth roller 35, can avoid the curing box 21, thereby avoiding interference with the movement of the curing box 21.

[0088] It should be noted that when the hot pressing surface 211 is not in contact with the hot pressing film 31, the third roller 34, the fourth roller 35 and the fifth roller 36 are not collinear, thereby providing leeway for the movement of the hot pressing film 31.

[0089] In one specific embodiment, the third roller shaft 34 is located outside the hot-pressing film 31, and at this time, the third roller shaft 34 applies a downward force to the hot-pressing film 31. When the hot-pressing surface 211 contacts and presses down on the hot-pressing film 31, the third roller shaft 34 moves upward, and the reset elastic member 311 is compressed or stretched. When the pressure on the hot-pressing film 31 disappears due to the upward movement of the hot-pressing surface 211, the third roller shaft 34 moves downward under the action of the reset elastic member 311, thereby causing the hot-pressing film 31 to separate from the battery cell D phase, and the hot-pressing film 31 is reset and restored.

[0090] At least one of the rollers is connected to a drive component that rotates the roller. The drive component rotates the roller, which in turn rotates the annular hot-pressing film 31. Thus, after each hot-pressing operation, the hot-pressing film 31 is rotated, switching the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 located between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33. This prevents residual conductive paste in the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 located between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33 from affecting the next hot-pressing operation. Simultaneously, the portion of the hot-pressing film 31 not located between the first roller 32 and the second roller 33 is cleaned to remove foreign matter, thereby achieving the recycling of the hot-pressing film 31.

[0091] In some embodiments, the pressing device 30 further includes a first driving member 39 that drives the first roller shaft 32 to move along the height direction, and a second driving member 310 that drives the second roller shaft 33 to move along the height direction. By setting the first driving member 39 and the second driving member 310, the hot pressing film 31 can be moved along the height direction, thereby switching the state of the hot pressing film 31. On the other hand, after hot pressing is completed, one of the roller shafts can be controlled to move upward first, so that one side of the hot pressing film 31 separates from the battery cell D first. Then, the other roller shaft is controlled to move upward, so that the hot pressing film 31 and the battery cell D are completely separated. This can prevent the hot pressing film 31 from sticking to the battery cell D and pulling the battery cell D away.

[0092] In summary, this invention simultaneously heats and presses the battery cell D printed with conductive paste using the hot-pressing surface 211, thereby increasing the curing speed of the conductive paste and isolating it from oxygen in the air. Furthermore, the pressure from the hot-pressing surface 211 promotes full contact between the metal particles in the conductive paste, enhancing the contact area and bonding strength between particles. This results in a denser and more uniform grid structure, significantly improving the conductivity of the grid lines. The gas supply component 40 introduces protective gas between the supporting device 10 and the curing device 20 during the conductive paste curing process, preventing oxidation of the conductive paste.

[0093] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0094] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hot-press curing device, characterized in that, include: The carrier device (10) is used to carry the battery cell (D) printed with conductive paste. The curing device (20) includes a curing chamber (21) located above the support device (10) and a lifting drive assembly (22) for driving the curing chamber (21) to move along the height direction. The curing chamber (21) includes a shell (214), a box body (213) movably disposed in the shell (214) along the height direction, and a hot pressing surface (211) located on the side of the box body (213) facing the support device (10). When the shell (214) is in contact with the support device (10), the hot pressing surface (211) has a first state that is spaced apart from the battery cell (D) and a second state that is in contact with the battery cell (D). The air supply assembly (40) has an air supply pipe (41) communicating with the housing (214) and a switch valve for opening or closing the air supply pipe (41), the switch valve being communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly (22).

2. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the housing (214) and the support device (10) are separated, the distance between the bottom of the housing (214) and the support device (10) is less than the distance between the hot pressing surface (211) and the support device (10).

3. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the hot-pressed surface (211) is in the first state, the box body (213), the shell (214) and the supporting device (10) surround and form an air chamber (23), and the air supply pipe (41) is connected to the air chamber (23).

4. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The curing chamber (21) also includes a accommodating cavity (216) located between the chamber body (213) and the shell (214), and the air supply pipe (41) is located in the accommodating cavity (216).

5. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The accommodating cavity (216) is located on both sides of the box body (213) along the first direction. A guide plate (214a) is provided at the bottom of the shell (214). The guide plate (214a) is used to guide the protective gas blown out by the air supply pipe (41) into the air chamber (23).

6. The hot-press curing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The curing chamber (21) further includes a lifting frame (215) connected to the chamber body (213), the housing (214) is slidably connected to the chamber body (213) and / or the housing (214) is connected to the lifting frame (215); the lifting drive assembly (22) is connected to the lifting frame (215) to drive the chamber body (213) and the housing (214) to move along the height direction.

7. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The top of the housing (214) is provided with a through hole (214b), the box body (213) extends out from the through hole (214b), the lifting frame (215) is located above the box body (213), and the curing box (21) also includes a first elastic element (217) connected between the lifting frame (215) and the box body (213).

8. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing (214) is connected to the lifting frame (215), and the curing box (21) further includes a second elastic element (218) connected between the lifting frame (215) and the housing (214).

9. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The elastic coefficient of the first elastic element (217) is greater than that of the second elastic element (218).

10. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top of the housing (213) is connected to a first guide post (213a), and the lifting frame (215) is provided with a first through hole for the first guide post (213a) to pass through. The top of the first guide post (213a) is provided with a first limiting part (213b), the diameter of the first limiting part (213b) is larger than the diameter of the first through hole, and the first elastic element (217) is provided on the outside of the first guide post (213a). And / or, the top of the housing (214) is connected to a second guide post (214d), the lifting frame (215) is provided with a second through hole for the second guide post (214d) to pass through, the top of the second guide post (214d) is provided with a second limiting part (214e), the diameter of the second limiting part (214e) is larger than the diameter of the second through hole, and the second elastic member (218) is provided on the outside of the second guide post (214d).

11. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The lifting drive assembly (22) includes a lead screw (221) disposed on both sides of the curing box (21) along a first direction perpendicular to the height direction, a lead screw nut (222) that is in transmission cooperation with the lead screw (221), and a drive component (223) for driving the lead screw (221) to rotate. The lead screw (221) is rotatably connected to the lifting frame (215), and the lead screw nut (222) is fixed to the bearing device (10).

12. The hot-press curing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The curing chamber (21) also includes a heating component (219) located inside the chamber body (213) and a hot press plate (2110) connected to the bottom of the chamber body (213). The heating component (219) is used to heat the hot press plate (2110), and the bottom surface of the hot press plate (2110) constitutes the hot press surface (211).

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