Battery production line

Abstract

The application provides a battery production line, which comprises a plurality of first cutting mechanisms, a plurality of second cutting mechanisms, a plurality of first sheet taking mechanisms, a plurality of second sheet taking mechanisms and a plurality of laminating tables. The first cutting mechanisms are used for cutting negative material belts to form negative electrode sheets, and the plurality of first cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the negative material belts. The second cutting mechanisms are used for cutting positive material belts to form positive electrode sheets, and the plurality of second cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the positive material belts. The laminating tables, the first cutting mechanisms and the second cutting mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, and each laminating table is located between a corresponding first cutting mechanism and a corresponding second cutting mechanism. The first sheet taking mechanisms pick up the negative electrode sheets on the first cutting mechanisms, and the second sheet taking mechanisms pick up the positive electrode sheets on the second cutting mechanisms. The first sheet taking mechanisms and the second sheet taking mechanisms alternately transport the negative electrode sheets and the positive electrode sheets to the corresponding laminating tables and stack the negative electrode sheets and the positive electrode sheets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and more particularly to a battery production line. Background Technology

[0002] Taking solid-state batteries as an example, the electrode assembly of a solid-state battery includes multiple positive electrode sheets and multiple negative electrode sheets, which are stacked alternately. Solid-state batteries do not contain electrolyte; a solid electrolyte layer is provided between each pair of adjacent electrode sheets. In some related technologies, the solid electrolyte layer is composited with at least one of the positive and negative electrode sheets. When stacking the electrode sheets, only the positive and negative electrode sheets need to be stacked. How to improve the stacking accuracy of multiple electrode sheets has become a concern in the industry. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a battery production line that helps improve the stacking accuracy of multiple electrode sheets.

[0004] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows: This application provides a battery production line, including multiple first cutting mechanisms, multiple second cutting mechanisms, multiple first sheet picking mechanisms, multiple second sheet picking mechanisms, and multiple stacking tables. The first cutting mechanisms are used to cut negative electrode strips to form negative electrode sheets, and the multiple first cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips. The second cutting mechanisms are used to cut positive electrode strips to form positive electrode sheets, and the multiple second cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips. The stacking tables, first cutting mechanisms, and second cutting mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, with each stacking table located between a corresponding first cutting mechanism and a corresponding second cutting mechanism. The first direction intersects with both the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips and the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips. The first sheet picking mechanism picks up negative electrode sheets from the first cutting mechanism, and the second sheet picking mechanism picks up positive electrode sheets from the second cutting mechanism. The first and second sheet picking mechanisms alternately transport the picked-up negative and positive electrode sheets to the corresponding same stacking table and stack them.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the first picking mechanism picks up the negative electrode sheet from the first cutting mechanism and places it on the stacking table, while the second picking mechanism picks up the positive electrode sheet from the second cutting mechanism and places it on the stacking table. This eliminates the need for conveyor belt transport and thus eliminates the need for correction of the positive or negative electrode sheet, which helps improve stacking accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, each stacking table is located between the corresponding first and second cutting mechanisms. The positive and negative electrode sheets are transported from the cutting mechanisms on both sides to the middle stacking table, effectively shortening the transport stroke of the positive or negative electrode sheets, balancing the transport cycle on both sides of the stacking table, and improving stacking efficiency.

[0006] In some implementation schemes, the conveying direction of the negative electrode strip is parallel to that of the positive electrode strip. This facilitates a compact layout, ensures that the distances from each first cutting mechanism to its corresponding stacking table are the same, and also ensures that the distances from each second cutting mechanism to its corresponding stacking table are the same, thus facilitating the synchronization of multiple stacking tables.

[0007] In some implementation schemes, the battery production line includes a conveyor belt with multiple stacking stations located on it, the conveyor belt being used to transport the multiple stacking stations as a whole to the next workstation.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the conveyor belt provides support for the stacking table, eliminating the need for a separate support structure for the stacking table. Multiple stacking tables each carry stacked electrodes, and the entire stacking table moves to the next workstation. During the long-distance transfer from the stacking workstation to the next workstation, the stacked electrodes can be placed in their corresponding stacking tables. This eliminates the need for clamping mechanisms to hold and transport the stacked electrodes over long distances, reducing the likelihood of misalignment caused by long-distance suspended transport and thus improving battery assembly accuracy. Furthermore, transporting multiple stacking tables to the next workstation as a whole reduces handling costs compared to transporting one stack of electrodes at a time. It also allows the next workstation to receive multiple stacked electrodes at once, enabling subsequent processes to sequentially pick up the stacked electrodes according to their processing rhythm.

[0009] In some implementation schemes, the conveyor belt's transport direction, the negative electrode material strip's transport direction, and the positive electrode material strip's transport direction are parallel to each other. This ensures that the distances from each first cutting mechanism to its corresponding stacking table are the same, and also that the distances from each second cutting mechanism to its corresponding stacking table are the same, facilitating synchronization of multiple stacking tables. Furthermore, the conveyor belt's transport direction, the negative electrode material strip's transport direction, and the positive electrode material strip's transport direction also contribute to a compact layout of the battery production line.

[0010] In some implementations, the battery production line includes multiple hot presses located downstream of the first and second cutting mechanisms along the conveyor belt's transport direction, with at least one hot press on each side of the conveyor belt along its width direction.

[0011] In the above technical solution, by setting up multiple hot presses, stacked electrode sheets from multiple stacking tables at the next workstation can be simultaneously conveyed to different hot presses for hot pressing, which helps improve production efficiency. Furthermore, having hot presses on both sides of the conveyor belt along its width allows the multiple hot presses to be as close to the conveyor belt as possible, shortening the distance the stacked electrode sheets travel from the stacking table to the hot presses, thus improving the efficiency of conveying the stacked electrode sheets to the hot presses.

[0012] In some implementation schemes, the stacking table, the first cutting mechanism, and the second cutting mechanism correspond one-to-one. This allows one stacking table, one first cutting mechanism, and one second cutting mechanism to form an independent stacking unit, which helps ensure that the stacking operations of each stacking unit do not interfere with each other, and each stacking unit can be started and stopped independently, adapting to flexible production.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism includes a driving device, a punch and a die, the punch and the die being arranged along the direction of gravity, the driving device being used to drive the punch and the die to move closer or further apart from each other, the die including a cavity, the punch and the die cooperating to cut the strip to form an electrode sheet, and the punch pushing the electrode sheet into the cavity.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the top of the inner wall of the cavity forms the lower cutting edge, and the bottom of the punch forms the upper cutting edge. As the punch and die approach each other, a portion of the punch enters the cavity, causing the upper and lower cutting edges to engage, thus cutting the strip material to form an electrode sheet. The electrode sheet then falls into the cavity. It can be understood that the inner contour of the cavity wall matches the outer contour of the punch, and the outer contour of the punch is the same as the outer contour of the electrode sheet.

[0015] In some implementations, at least one of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism includes a support plate and a return member. The support plate is connected to the bottom wall of the cavity through the return member. When the punch and die cooperate to cut the strip, the punch pushes the support plate downward and compresses the return member. The support plate is used to support the formed electrode sheet. When the punch moves away from the die, the return member pushes the support plate upward.

[0016] In the above technical solution, after the cutting is completed, the punch moves away from the die, the return piece pushes the support plate to move upward, and the support plate drives the formed electrode sheet to move upward. This is conducive to ejecting the formed electrode sheet from the cavity of the die, making it easier for the first or second electrode sheet picking mechanism to pick it up.

[0017] In some implementations, when the punch is far from the die, the distance between the upper surface of the support plate and the upper surface of the die along the direction of gravity is greater than 0 and less than the thickness of a single electrode.

[0018] In the above technical solution, after the cutting is completed, the surface of the electrode away from the support plate can protrude out of the cavity, and the surface of the electrode facing the support plate can be located inside the cavity. In this way, the cavity wall can also play a certain limiting role on the electrode. When the first or second electrode picking mechanism picks up the electrode, it is also beneficial to reduce the offset of the electrode.

[0019] In some implementation schemes, the battery production line includes a negative pressure suction device, and a support plate is provided with adsorption holes. The adsorption holes are connected to the negative pressure suction device, and the adsorption holes adsorb the formed electrode sheets through the negative pressure formed by the negative pressure suction device.

[0020] In the above technical solution, after the cutting is completed, the adsorption holes can adsorb the electrode onto the support plate through negative pressure, which is beneficial to the stability of the electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second cutting mechanisms includes an upper blade holder, an elastic element, and a pressure plate. The punch is disposed on the upper blade holder, and the pressure plate is at least partially disposed on the outer periphery of the punch. The pressure plate is connected to the upper blade holder via the elastic element. A driving device is used to drive the upper blade holder and the die to move closer or further apart. When the punch and die are engaged to cut the strip, the bottom end face of the punch extends beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate in the direction of gravity. The pressure plate abuts against the die to clamp the strip, and the elastic element is compressed. When the punch moves away from the die, the elastic element drives the pressure plate to move downward so that the bottom end face of the punch does not extend beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate in the direction of gravity.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the driving device drives the upper tool holder and the die to move closer or further apart, which in turn drives the punch and the die to move closer or further apart. During the process of the upper tool holder and the die approaching each other, the pressure plate first contacts the die, allowing it to hold the strip in place. Then, the punch enters the cavity to cut the strip. This helps prevent the strip from shifting or deviating during cutting, thus improving cutting accuracy. After cutting is complete, the upper tool holder and the die move away from each other, and the elastic element provides a restoring force to the pressure plate. This allows the pressure plate to shield the outer periphery of the punch, especially the area where the upper cutting edge forms. This improves the safety of the cutting and stacking equipment in non-cutting states, such as standby, or when manually handling electrodes.

[0023] In some implementations, at least one of the first and second electrode picking mechanisms includes a robotic arm and an adsorption disk. The adsorption disk is connected to the robotic arm, which is equipped with an air extraction channel that communicates with the adsorption disk. The robotic arm is used to move the adsorption disk along the direction of gravity and in the horizontal plane. The adsorption disk adsorbs the electrode based on the negative pressure formed by the air extraction channel. Since the electrode itself is thin and fragile, using negative pressure to adsorb the electrode to pick it up helps to avoid mechanical damage caused by rigid compression from the mechanical grippers and helps to maintain the integrity of the electrode structure.

[0024] In some implementations, the battery production line is used to produce solid-state batteries, which include multiple negative electrode plates and multiple positive electrode plates, which are stacked alternately, and at least one of the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates is composited with a solid electrolyte layer.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the stacking process can be completed by stacking multiple negative electrode sheets and multiple positive electrode sheets alternately. During the stacking process, there is no need to stack a solid electrolyte layer between the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet, which is beneficial to improving the stacking efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery production line provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first cutting mechanism along the AA direction; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first or second cutting mechanism; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the coordination of the upper and middle tool holder, punch, and pressure plate.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10a. First cutting mechanism; 10b. Second cutting mechanism; 11. Drive device; 12. Punch; 13. Die; 14. Upper tool holder; 15. Lower tool holder; 16. Support plate; 17. Returning component; 18. Pressure plate; 19. Elastic component; 110. Guide post; 120. Guide sleeve; 130. Buffer component; 20a. First sheet taking mechanism; 20b. Second sheet taking mechanism; 30. Stacking table; 40. Hot press; 50. Conveyor belt; 100a. Negative electrode strip; 100b. Positive electrode strip. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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 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.

[0029] 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 description 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 description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0035] Taking solid-state batteries as an example, the electrode assembly of a solid-state battery includes multiple positive electrode plates and multiple negative electrode plates. The multiple positive electrode plates and multiple negative electrode plates are stacked alternately. Solid-state batteries have no electrolyte. A solid electrolyte layer is provided between each pair of adjacent electrode plates. In some related technologies, the solid electrolyte layer is composited to at least one of the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates. When stacking the electrode plates, only the positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plates need to be stacked. In some related technologies, positive electrode strips are first cut using a positive electrode cutting device to obtain positive electrode sheets, and negative electrode strips are cut using a negative electrode cutting device to obtain negative electrode sheets. A conveyor mechanism then transports the positive electrode sheets to a positive electrode conveyor belt, and the same mechanism transports the negative electrode sheets to a negative electrode conveyor belt. The positive electrode sheets are then transported to a stacking table using the positive electrode conveyor belt, and the negative electrode sheets are transported to the stacking table using the negative electrode conveyor belt. During the conveyor belt transport process, near the stacking table, the electrode sheets need to be corrected before being transported to the stacking table again using the conveyor mechanism. By alternately transporting positive and negative electrode sheets to the stacking table, multiple electrode sheets can be stacked. For both positive and negative electrode sheets, the conveyor belt transport and correction both affect the stacking accuracy. How to improve the stacking accuracy of multiple electrode sheets has become a concern in the industry.

[0036] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a battery production line, comprising multiple first cutting mechanisms, multiple second cutting mechanisms, multiple first sheet-retrieving mechanisms, multiple second sheet-retrieving mechanisms, and multiple stacking tables. The first cutting mechanisms are used to cut negative electrode strips to form negative electrode sheets, and the multiple first cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips. The second cutting mechanisms are used to cut positive electrode strips to form positive electrode sheets, and the multiple second cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips. The stacking tables, the first cutting mechanisms, and the second cutting mechanisms are arranged along a first direction, with each stacking table located between a corresponding first cutting mechanism and a corresponding second cutting mechanism. The first direction intersects both the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips and the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips. The first sheet-retrieving mechanisms pick up negative electrode sheets from the first cutting mechanisms, and the second sheet-retrieving mechanisms pick up positive electrode sheets from the second cutting mechanisms. The first and second sheet-retrieving mechanisms alternately transport the negative and positive electrode sheets to the corresponding same stacking table and stack them.

[0037] It is understandable that the number of first cutting mechanisms corresponding to a stacking stage is unlimited; there can be one or more, with "multiple" referring to two, three, or more. One stacking stage corresponding to multiple first cutting mechanisms means that the negative electrode sheets formed by the multiple first cutting mechanisms corresponding to that stacking stage can all be transported to that stacking stage. Similarly, the number of second cutting mechanisms corresponding to a stacking stage is also unlimited; there can be one or more. One stacking stage corresponding to multiple second cutting mechanisms means that the positive electrode sheets formed by the multiple second cutting mechanisms corresponding to that stacking stage can all be transported to that stacking stage.

[0038] The battery production line provided in this application utilizes a first picking mechanism to pick up the negative electrode sheet from the first cutting mechanism and place it onto the stacking table, and a second picking mechanism to pick up the positive electrode sheet from the second cutting mechanism and place it onto the stacking table. This eliminates the need for conveyor belt transport, thus eliminating the need for correction of the positive or negative electrode sheet alignment, which improves stacking accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, each stacking table is located between its corresponding first and second cutting mechanisms. The positive and negative electrode sheets are transported from the cutting mechanisms on both sides to the central stacking table, effectively shortening the transport distance of the positive or negative electrode sheets, balancing the transport cycle on both sides of the stacking table, and improving stacking efficiency.

[0039] The following will combine Figures 1 to 4 Some specific embodiments of this application will be described.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a battery production line, which includes multiple first cutting mechanisms 10a, multiple second cutting mechanisms 10b, multiple first sheet-taking mechanisms 20a, multiple second sheet-taking mechanisms 20b, and multiple stacking tables 30. The first cutting mechanisms 10a are used to cut negative electrode strips 100a to form negative electrode sheets, and the multiple first cutting mechanisms 10a are arranged along the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips 100a. The second cutting mechanisms 10b are used to cut positive electrode strips 100b to form positive electrode sheets, and the multiple second cutting mechanisms 10b are arranged along the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips 100b. The stacking tables 30, the first cutting mechanisms 10a, and the second cutting mechanisms 10b are arranged along a first direction, with each stacking table 30 located between a corresponding first cutting mechanism 10a and a corresponding second cutting mechanism 10b. The first direction intersects both the conveying direction of the negative electrode strips 100a and the conveying direction of the positive electrode strips 100b. The first picking mechanism 20a picks up the negative electrode sheet from the first cutting mechanism 10a, and the second picking mechanism 20b picks up the positive electrode sheet from the second cutting mechanism 10b. The first picking mechanism 20a and the second picking mechanism 20b alternately transport the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet to the corresponding stacking stage 30 and stack them.

[0041] It is understood that the number of first cutting mechanisms 10a corresponding to one stacking stage 30 is not limited; there can be one or more, with "multiple" referring to two, three, or more. One stacking stage 30 corresponding to multiple first cutting mechanisms 10a means that the negative electrode sheets formed by the multiple first cutting mechanisms 10a corresponding to the stacking stage 30 can all be transported to the stacking stage 30. Similarly, the number of second cutting mechanisms 10b corresponding to one stacking stage 30 is also not limited; there can be one or more. One stacking stage 30 corresponding to multiple second cutting mechanisms 10b means that the positive electrode sheets formed by the multiple second cutting mechanisms 10b corresponding to the stacking stage 30 can all be transported to the stacking stage 30.

[0042] The battery production line provided in this application embodiment uses a first picking mechanism 20a to pick up the negative electrode sheet from the first cutting mechanism 10a and place it onto the stacking table 30, and a second picking mechanism 20b to pick up the positive electrode sheet from the second cutting mechanism 10b and place it onto the stacking table 30. This eliminates the need for conveyor belt 50, thus eliminating the need for correction of the positive or negative electrode sheet alignment, which helps improve stacking accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, each stacking table 30 is located between the corresponding first cutting mechanism 10a and the corresponding second cutting mechanism 10b. The positive and negative electrode sheets are transported from the cutting mechanisms on both sides to the middle stacking table 30, effectively shortening the transport distance of the positive or negative electrode sheets, balancing the transport cycle on both sides of the stacking table 30, and improving stacking efficiency.

[0043] For example, the first direction is Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction indicated by V1 in the middle.

[0044] In some implementation schemes, the stacking table 30, the first cutting mechanism 10a, and the second cutting mechanism 10b correspond one-to-one. This allows one stacking table 30, one first cutting mechanism 10a, and one second cutting mechanism 10b to form an independent stacking unit, which helps ensure that the stacking operations of each stacking unit do not interfere with each other, and each stacking unit can be started and stopped independently, adapting to flexible production.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery production line is used to produce solid-state batteries, which include multiple negative electrode plates and multiple positive electrode plates, which are stacked alternately, and at least one of the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates is composited with a solid electrolyte layer.

[0046] Understandably, the solid electrolyte layer can be laminated onto both surfaces of the positive electrode along the stacking direction, simply by alternating the layers during stacking. Alternatively, it can be laminated onto both surfaces of the negative electrode along the stacking direction, again by alternating the layers. Or, the solid electrolyte layer can be laminated onto both the upper and lower surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes along the stacking direction, with both layers facing upwards during stacking; or the solid electrolyte layer can be laminated onto both the lower and lower surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes along the stacking direction, with both layers facing downwards during stacking.

[0047] In this embodiment, the stacking process can be completed by alternately stacking multiple negative electrode sheets and multiple positive electrode sheets. During the stacking process, there is no need to stack a solid electrolyte layer between the positive electrode sheets and the negative electrode sheets, which is beneficial to improving the stacking efficiency.

[0048] In some embodiments, the conveying direction of the negative electrode strip is parallel to the conveying direction of the positive electrode strip. This is beneficial for a compact layout, and also for ensuring that the distances from each first cutting mechanism 10a to its corresponding stacking table 30 are the same, as are the distances from each second cutting mechanism 10b to its corresponding stacking table 30, thus facilitating the synchronization of the multiple stacking tables 30.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the conveying direction of the negative electrode material belt is the same as that of the positive electrode material belt, as shown in V2.

[0050] In some embodiments, the battery production line includes a conveyor belt 50, with multiple stacking tables 30 disposed on the conveyor belt 50. The conveyor belt 50 is used to transport the multiple stacking tables 30 as a whole to the next workstation. In this way, the conveyor belt 50 can provide support for the stacking tables 30, eliminating the need for separate support structures for each stacking table 30. The multiple stacking tables 30 each carry stacked electrode sheets, and the entire stacking table 30 moves to the next workstation. During the long-distance transport from the stacking workstation to the next workstation, the stacked electrode sheets can be placed within their corresponding stacking tables 30, eliminating the need for clamping mechanisms to grip and transport the stacked electrode sheets over long distances. This reduces the probability of stacking misalignment caused by long-distance suspended transport, thereby improving battery assembly accuracy. Furthermore, transporting the multiple stacking tables 30 as a whole to the next workstation, compared to transporting one stack of electrode sheets at a time, reduces handling costs and allows the next workstation to receive multiple stacked electrode sheets at once. Subsequent processes can then sequentially pick up the stacked electrode sheets according to their own processing rhythm.

[0051] For example, the next station corresponds to the hot pressing and feeding station. That is, after the hot pressing and feeding station receives multiple stacked electrode sheets at once, the hot pressing process can sequentially pick up the stacked electrode sheets for hot pressing according to its own processing rhythm. This helps to eliminate the one-to-one real-time linkage constraint between the electrode stacking process and the hot pressing process, and the two processes can operate according to their own independent rhythm.

[0052] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the battery production line includes multiple hot presses 40. The hot presses 40 are located downstream of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 50. At least one hot press 40 is provided on each side of the conveyor belt 50 along its width direction.

[0053] It is understandable that the number of hot presses 40 can be the same as or less than the number of stacking tables 30.

[0054] By setting up multiple hot presses 40, stacked electrode sheets from multiple stacking tables 30 at the next workstation can be simultaneously transferred to different hot presses 40 for hot pressing, which helps improve production efficiency. Furthermore, having hot presses 40 on both sides of the conveyor belt 50 along its width allows the multiple hot presses 40 to be as close to the conveyor belt 50 as possible, shortening the distance the stacked electrode sheets travel from the stacking table 30 to the hot presses 40, thus improving the efficiency of transferring the stacked electrode sheets to the hot presses 40.

[0055] In some embodiments, the conveying directions of the conveyor belt 50, the negative electrode material strip, and the positive electrode material strip are parallel to each other. This facilitates ensuring that the distances from each first cutting mechanism 10a to its corresponding stacking table 30 are the same, and also ensures that the distances from each second cutting mechanism 10b to its corresponding stacking table 30 are the same, thus facilitating the synchronization of the multiple stacking tables 30. Furthermore, the conveying directions of the conveyor belt 50, the negative electrode material strip, and the positive electrode material strip also contribute to a compact layout of the battery production line.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, at least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b includes a driving device 11, a punch 12 and a die 13. The punch 12 and the die 13 are arranged along the direction of gravity. The driving device 11 is used to drive the punch 12 and the die 13 to move closer or further away from each other. The die 13 includes a cavity. The punch 12 and the die 13 cooperate to cut the strip to form the electrode sheet. The punch pushes the electrode sheet into the cavity.

[0057] It is understandable that the punch 12 and die 13 of the first cutting mechanism 10a cooperate to cut the negative electrode strip to form the negative electrode sheet, and the punch 12 and die 13 of the second cutting mechanism 10b cooperate to cut the positive electrode strip to form the positive electrode sheet.

[0058] It should be noted that the driving device 11 drives the punch 12 and the die 13 to move closer or further away from each other. It can drive only one of the punch 12 or the die 13 to move back and forth along the direction of gravity, while the other remains stationary relative to the ground. Alternatively, it can drive the punch 12 and the die 13 to move towards each other or away from each other along the direction of gravity at the same time.

[0059] In this embodiment, the top of the inner wall of the cavity forms the lower cutting edge, and the bottom of the punch 12 forms the upper cutting edge. As the punch 12 and the die 13 approach each other, a portion of the punch 12 enters the cavity, causing the upper and lower cutting edges to engage, thus cutting the strip to form an electrode sheet, which then falls into the cavity. It is understood that the inner contour of the cavity wall matches the outer contour of the punch 12, and the outer contour of the punch 12 is the same as the outer contour of the electrode sheet.

[0060] For example, the punch 12 is located above the die 13. The direction of gravity is as indicated by V3 in the figure.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, at least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b includes a guide sleeve 120 and a guide post 110. The guide sleeve 120 is disposed on the upper blade holder 14, and the guide post 110 is disposed on the lower blade holder 15. The guide post 110 extends along the direction of gravity, and the guide sleeve 120 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide post 110 and slides in cooperation with the guide post 110. In this way, as the upper blade holder 14 and the lower blade holder 15 move closer or further apart, the guide post 110 can constrain the guide sleeve 120 to move linearly along the extension direction of the guide post 110, thereby making the movement of the upper blade holder 14 and the lower blade holder 15 closer or further apart as linear as possible.

[0062] For example, there are multiple guide posts 110 and multiple guide sleeves 120. The multiple guide posts 110 are arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the cavity, and the guide sleeves 120 correspond one-to-one with the guide posts 110.

[0063] For example, please continue reading Figure 2 At least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b includes a buffer 130, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide post 110 and located between the guide sleeve 120 and the lower blade holder 15. When the upper blade holder 14 and the lower blade holder 15 approach each other, the buffer 130 is compressed by the guide sleeve 120. Here, the buffer 130 can provide a buffering force to the guide sleeve 120, which helps to prevent the guide sleeve 120 from directly colliding with the lower blade holder 15.

[0064] As an example, the buffer 130 can be a spring. In other embodiments, the buffer 130 can also be a damping cylinder.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b includes a support plate 16 and a return member 17. The support plate 16 is connected to the bottom wall of the cavity through the return member 17. When the punch 12 and the die 13 cooperate to cut the strip, the punch 12 pushes the support plate 16 downward and compresses the return member 17. The support plate 16 is used to support the formed electrode sheet. When the punch 12 is away from the die 13, the return member 17 pushes the support plate 16 upward. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the punch 12 is located above the die 13. After cutting is completed, the punch 12 moves away from the die 13, and the return member 17 pushes the support plate 16 upward. The support plate 16 drives the formed electrode sheet upward, which facilitates the ejection of the formed electrode sheet from the cavity of the die 13, making it easier for the first sheet-picking mechanism 20a or the second sheet-picking mechanism 20b to pick it up.

[0066] For example, when the punch 12 is far from the die 13, the distance between the upper surface of the support plate 16 and the upper surface of the die 13 along the direction of gravity is greater than 0 and less than the thickness of a single electrode sheet. Thus, after cutting, the surface of the electrode sheet away from the support plate 16 can protrude from the cavity, and the surface of the electrode sheet facing the support plate 16 can be located within the cavity. This allows the cavity wall to also provide some restraint for the electrode sheet, and also helps to reduce electrode sheet offset when the first electrode-picking mechanism 20a or the second electrode-picking mechanism 20b picks up the electrode sheet.

[0067] For example, the battery production line includes a negative pressure suction device. The support plate 16 is provided with suction holes, which are connected to the negative pressure suction device. The suction holes adsorb the shaped electrode sheets through the negative pressure formed by the negative pressure suction device. In this way, after cutting, the suction holes can adsorb the electrode sheets onto the support plate 16 through negative pressure, which is beneficial to the stability of the electrode sheets.

[0068] For example, when the first electrode picking mechanism 20a or the second electrode picking mechanism 20b picks up the electrode, the part of the first electrode picking mechanism 20a or the second electrode picking mechanism 20b used for picking up the electrode is first moved above the electrode, and then the suction action of the negative pressure suction device is stopped to release the negative pressure effect of the adsorption hole, making it easier for the first electrode picking mechanism 20a or the second electrode picking mechanism 20b to pick up the electrode. Since the electrode is relatively thin, releasing the negative pressure effect of the adsorption hole before the first electrode picking mechanism 20a or the second electrode picking mechanism 20b picks up the electrode helps to avoid simultaneous action on both surfaces of the electrode along the direction of gravity, which could lead to electrode breakage.

[0069] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 At least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting mechanism 10b includes an upper blade holder 14, an elastic element 19, and a pressure plate 18. The punch 12 is disposed on the upper blade holder 14, and the pressure plate 18 is at least partially disposed on the outer periphery of the punch 12. The pressure plate 18 is connected to the upper blade holder 14 through the elastic element 19. The driving device 11 is used to drive the upper blade holder 14 and the die 13 to move closer or further away from each other. When the punch 12 and the die 13 are cutting the strip, the bottom end face of the punch 12 extends beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate 18 along the direction of gravity. The pressure plate 18 abuts against the die 13 to clamp the strip, and the elastic element 19 is compressed. When the punch 12 moves away from the die 13, the elastic element 19 drives the pressure plate 18 to move downward so that the bottom end face of the punch 12 does not extend beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate 18 along the direction of gravity.

[0070] It is understood that the pressure plate 18 is at least partially provided on the outer periphery of the punch 12. The pressure plate 18 can be a closed ring or a ring with a notch. A ring with a notch means that the pressure plate 18 includes multiple spaced sub-segments, which surround the outer periphery of the punch 12, and the interval between two adjacent sub-segments is the notch.

[0071] In this embodiment, the driving device 11 drives the upper blade holder 14 and the die 13 to move closer or further apart, thereby driving the punch 12 and the die 13 to move closer or further apart. During the process of the upper blade holder 14 and the die 13 moving closer together, the pressure plate 18 first contacts the die 13, allowing the pressure plate 18 to press down on the strip. Then, the punch 12 enters the cavity to cut the strip. This helps prevent the strip from shifting or deviating during the cutting process, thus improving cutting accuracy. After cutting is completed, the upper blade holder 14 and the die 13 move away from each other. The elastic element 19 provides a restoring force to the pressure plate 18, allowing the pressure plate 18 to shield the outer periphery of the punch 12, especially the area where the upper cutting edge of the punch 12 forms. This improves the safety of the cutting and stacking equipment in non-cutting states, such as standby, or when manually handling electrodes.

[0072] For example, at least one of the first cutting mechanism 10a and the second cutting structure includes a lower cutter holder 15, on which the die 13 is supported. The lower cutter holder 15 is used to provide support for the die 13.

[0073] The method by which the first electrode picking mechanism 20a and the second electrode picking mechanism 20b pick up the electrode is not limited. In some embodiments, at least one of the first electrode picking mechanism 20a and the second electrode picking mechanism 20b includes a robotic arm and an adsorption disk. The adsorption disk is connected to the robotic arm, which is equipped with an air extraction channel that communicates with the adsorption disk. The robotic arm is used to drive the adsorption disk to move along the direction of gravity and in the horizontal plane. The adsorption disk adsorbs the electrode based on the negative pressure formed by the air extraction channel.

[0074] It is understandable that the adsorption plate of the first plate-taking mechanism 20a adsorbs the negative electrode plate based on the negative pressure formed by the air extraction channel, and the adsorption plate of the second plate-taking mechanism 20b adsorbs the positive electrode plate based on the negative pressure formed by the air extraction channel.

[0075] In this embodiment, since the electrode itself is thin and fragile, the electrode is picked up by using negative pressure adsorption, which helps to avoid mechanical damage caused by rigid extrusion of mechanical grippers and helps to maintain the integrity of the electrode structure.

[0076] The present application will now be described in conjunction with some specific embodiments.

[0077] In some specific embodiments of this application, the battery production line is provided in which the negative electrode integrated punching die (first cutting mechanism 10a) and the positive electrode integrated punching die (second cutting mechanism 10b) are arranged opposite to each other, and the stacking table 30 is located between the negative electrode cutting mechanism and the positive electrode cutting mechanism. The battery production line includes a negative electrode sheet picking robot (first picking mechanism 20a) and a positive electrode sheet picking robot (second picking mechanism 20b). The negative electrode sheet picking robot is used to pick up the formed negative electrode sheet from the negative electrode integrated punching die and place the negative electrode sheet on the stacking table 30. The positive electrode sheet picking robot is used to pick up the formed positive electrode sheet from the positive electrode integrated punching die and place the positive electrode sheet on the stacking table 30. That is, the negative electrode sheet picking robot and the positive electrode sheet picking robot alternately place the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet on the stacking table 30 to realize the alternating stacking of the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet. In other words, both the negative electrode sheet picking robot and the positive electrode sheet picking robot are responsible for picking up and stacking the sheets.

[0078] In this specific embodiment, there are multiple integrated negative electrode cutting dies, multiple integrated positive electrode cutting dies, and multiple stacking tables 30, each arranged in a corresponding manner. The multiple integrated negative electrode cutting dies are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the negative electrode material strip 100a, and the multiple integrated positive electrode cutting dies are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the positive electrode material strip 100b. The multiple stacking tables 30 are supported by a conveyor belt 50, and the conveying directions of the conveyor belt 50, the negative electrode material strip 100a, and the positive electrode material strip 100b are parallel to each other. The multiple stacking tables 30 on the conveyor belt 50 can be moved as a whole to the next station, such as a hot pressing loading station.

[0079] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "some implementations," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples.

[0080] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A battery production line, characterized in that, It includes multiple first cutting mechanisms, multiple second cutting mechanisms, multiple first sheet picking mechanisms, multiple second sheet picking mechanisms, and multiple sheet stacking tables; The first cutting mechanism is used to cut the negative electrode strip to form a negative electrode sheet. The plurality of first cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the negative electrode strip. The second cutting mechanism is used to cut the positive electrode strip to form a positive electrode sheet. The plurality of second cutting mechanisms are arranged along the conveying direction of the positive electrode strip. The stacking table, the first cutting mechanism, and the second cutting mechanism are arranged along a first direction, with each stacking table located between the corresponding first cutting mechanism and the corresponding second cutting mechanism. The first direction intersects the conveying direction of the negative electrode material strip and the conveying direction of the positive electrode material strip. The first picking mechanism picks up the negative electrode sheet from the first cutting mechanism, and the second picking mechanism picks up the positive electrode sheet from the second cutting mechanism. The first picking mechanism and the second picking mechanism alternately transport the picked-up negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet to the corresponding same stacking table and stack them.

2. The battery production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying direction of the negative electrode strip is parallel to the conveying direction of the positive electrode strip.

3. The battery production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery production line includes a conveyor belt, and the plurality of stacking tables are disposed on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is used to transport the plurality of stacking tables as a whole to the next work station.

4. The battery production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying directions of the conveyor belt, the negative electrode material belt, and the positive electrode material belt are parallel to each other.

5. The battery production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The battery production line includes multiple hot presses, which are located downstream of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism along the conveyor belt's conveying direction. At least one hot press is provided on each side of the conveyor belt along its width direction.

6. The battery production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacking table, the first cutting mechanism, and the second cutting mechanism correspond one-to-one.

7. The battery production line according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism includes a driving device, a punch and a die, the punch and the die are arranged along the direction of gravity, the driving device is used to drive the punch and the die to move closer or further away from each other, the die includes a cavity, the punch and the die cooperate to cut the strip to form an electrode sheet, and the punch pushes the electrode sheet into the cavity.

8. The battery production line according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism includes a support plate and a return member. The support plate is connected to the bottom wall of the cavity through the return member. When the punch and the die are engaged to cut the strip, the punch pushes the support plate downward and compresses the return member. The support plate is used to support the formed electrode sheet. When the punch moves away from the die, the return member pushes the support plate upward.

9. The battery production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the punch is far from the die, the distance between the upper surface of the support plate and the upper surface of the die along the direction of gravity is greater than 0 and less than the thickness of a single electrode.

10. The battery production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery production line includes a negative pressure suction device. The support plate is provided with adsorption holes, which are connected to the negative pressure suction device. The adsorption holes adsorb the formed electrode sheet through the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure suction device.

11. The battery production line according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism includes an upper blade holder, an elastic element, and a pressure plate. The punch is disposed on the upper blade holder, and the pressure plate is at least partially disposed on the outer periphery of the punch. The pressure plate is connected to the upper blade holder through the elastic element. The driving device is used to drive the upper blade holder and the die to move closer or further away from each other. When the punch and the die are engaged to cut the strip, the bottom end face of the punch extends beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate in the direction of gravity. The pressure plate abuts against the die to clamp the strip, and the elastic element is compressed. When the punch moves away from the die, the elastic element drives the pressure plate to move downward so that the bottom end face of the punch does not extend beyond the bottom end face of the pressure plate in the direction of gravity.

12. The battery production line according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one of the first and second electrode picking mechanisms includes a robotic arm and an adsorption disk. The adsorption disk is connected to the robotic arm, which is equipped with an air extraction channel that communicates with the adsorption disk. The robotic arm is used to drive the adsorption disk to move along the direction of gravity and in a horizontal plane. The adsorption disk adsorbs electrode sheets based on the negative pressure formed by the air extraction channel.

13. The battery production line according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The battery production line is used to produce solid-state batteries, which include multiple negative electrode plates and multiple positive electrode plates, which are stacked alternately, and at least one of the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates is composited with a solid electrolyte layer.

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