Electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus, and battery production system

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus, and a battery production system. The electrode assembly manufacturing method comprises the following steps: acquiring a tab misalignment parameter of an electrode plate (80); when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, controlling a winding mechanism (50) to wind the electrode plate (80) in a second direction, and separating the electrode plate (80) from the winding mechanism (50); and, when the winding mechanism (50) completes compensation processing, controlling the winding mechanism (50) to again wind the electrode plate (80) in a first direction, and controlling the winding mechanism (50) to wind an insulating member (90) in the first direction. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprises a first feeding mechanism (30), a second feeding mechanism (40), a winding mechanism (50), and a detection mechanism. The battery production system comprises the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. The electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus and the battery production system can achieve winding self-repairing of the electrode plate (80).

Description

Electrode assembly manufacturing method and apparatus, battery production system

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application incorporates Chinese Patent Application No. 202410780972.0, filed on June 17, 2024, entitled “Method and apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly, battery production system”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of power battery technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a battery production system. Background Technology

[0004] With the popularization and promotion of new energy vehicles, their charging and discharging performance and range are increasingly attracting people's attention and importance.

[0005] In the manufacturing process of wound electrode assemblies, the winding process is a crucial step in the assembly stage. Here, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound into an electrode assembly according to a specified order and number of turns. The more turns, the larger the battery capacity and the higher the energy density per unit volume. However, with an increased number of turns, electrode tab misalignment can easily occur due to electrode tension fluctuations and die-cutting dimensional differences during the winding process, leading to a higher defect rate for the electrode assembly.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, this application discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and a battery production system.

[0008] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly includes the following steps: controlling a winding mechanism to wind an electrode sheet and an insulating member along a first direction; obtaining the tab misalignment parameter of the electrode sheet; when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and causing the electrode sheet to disengage from the winding mechanism; after the winding mechanism has completed the compensation process, controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet again along the first direction, and controlling the winding mechanism to wind the insulating member along the first direction, to form an electrode assembly.

[0009] The above-described electrode assembly manufacturing method can quickly determine whether the electrode tab misalignment or electrode offset is within a preset range by obtaining the electrode tab misalignment parameters. When the electrode tab misalignment parameters are greater than a set threshold, the winding mechanism is controlled to wind the electrode along the second direction. After the winding mechanism has completed the compensation process, the winding mechanism is controlled again to wind the electrode along the first direction. When the electrode tab misalignment or electrode offset is not within the preset range, timely adjustments can be made, thereby realizing the self-repair of the electrode winding, effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly and significantly improving the yield.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following steps: unwinding the electrode sheet from the first feeding mechanism to the winding mechanism; and unwinding the insulating component from the second feeding mechanism to the winding mechanism. This facilitates the storage, unloading, and winding of the electrode sheet and the insulating component, making operation convenient, quick, and highly automated.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step of controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet along a second direction opposite to the first direction and causing the electrode sheet to detach from the winding mechanism includes: when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet along a second direction opposite to the first direction; in response to the electrode sheet detaching from the winding mechanism, stopping the winding mechanism from winding the electrode sheet along the second direction; and temporarily storing the electrode sheet detached from the winding mechanism to a first feeding mechanism. Thus, the electrode sheet detached from the winding mechanism is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism without the need for a separate mechanism, facilitating the storage of the electrode sheet after winding along the second direction and reducing modification costs.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step of controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet along a second direction opposite to the first direction and causing the electrode sheet to detach from the winding mechanism includes: when the tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, controlling the winding mechanism to wind the electrode sheet along a second direction opposite to the first direction; in response to the electrode sheet detaching from the winding mechanism, stopping the winding mechanism from winding the electrode sheet along the second direction; and temporarily storing the electrode sheet detached from the winding mechanism in a buffer mechanism, the buffer mechanism being located between the first feeding mechanism and the winding mechanism. Thus, the electrode sheet detached from the winding mechanism is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism, facilitating storage after the electrode sheet is wound along the second direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the step of stopping the winding mechanism from winding the electrode along the second direction in response to the electrode disengaging from the winding mechanism: the electrode disengaging from the winding mechanism can be either the entire electrode completely disengaging from the winding mechanism, or the misaligned portion of the electrode tab completely disengaging from the winding mechanism. This allows for flexible selection of whether the electrode is completely wound along the second direction or not, depending on the actual situation, to meet specific requirements.

[0014] In some embodiments, the step of compensating the winding mechanism includes: adjusting the circumference of the winding mechanism and / or adjusting the position of the winding mechanism according to the tab misalignment parameters. In this way, adjustments can be made promptly when the tab misalignment or electrode offset is outside the preset range, thereby achieving self-repair of the electrode winding and effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, after the winding mechanism completes the compensation process, the step of controlling the winding mechanism to rewind the electrode sheet along the first direction further includes: obtaining the tab misalignment parameter of the electrode sheet; stopping the above steps if the tab misalignment parameter is less than or equal to a set threshold; and repeating the above steps if the tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold. This allows for rapid determination of whether the tab misalignment or electrode sheet offset is within a preset range, and timely adjustments can be made when the tab misalignment or electrode sheet offset is outside the preset range, thereby achieving self-repair of the electrode sheet winding, effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly, and significantly improving the yield rate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tab misalignment parameters include the tab misalignment amount and the electrode position offset amount. This allows for rapid detection of the tab misalignment parameters, facilitating the determination of whether the tab misalignment or electrode offset is within a preset range.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following step: smoothing and guiding the tabs of the electrode sheet during the winding process along a first direction or a second direction. This smoothing and guiding of the tabs reduces the probability of the tabs folding, turning over, or wrinkling.

[0018] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly includes: a first feeding mechanism for providing an electrode sheet; a second feeding mechanism for providing an insulating component; a winding mechanism located downstream of the first and second feeding mechanisms for winding the electrode sheet and the insulating component; and a detection mechanism located upstream of the winding mechanism for detecting electrode tab misalignment parameters.

[0019] The aforementioned electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus has a detection mechanism that can acquire electrode tab misalignment parameters, quickly determine whether electrode tab misalignment or electrode offset is within a preset range, and make timely adjustments when electrode tab misalignment or electrode offset is outside the preset range, thereby achieving self-repair of the wound electrode and effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the tab misalignment parameters include the tab misalignment amount and the electrode position offset amount. The detection mechanism includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The second sensor is used to detect the tab misalignment amount, and the first sensor is used to detect the electrode position offset amount. This allows for real-time detection of the tab misalignment amount and the electrode position offset amount, which is convenient and quick.

[0021] In some embodiments, a buffer mechanism is also included, disposed between the first feeding mechanism and the winding mechanism, and used to store the electrode sheets. Thus, the electrode sheets detached from the winding mechanism are temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism, facilitating storage after the electrode sheets are wound along the second direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism includes at least two buffer rollers arranged opposite each other, and the distance between the buffer rollers is adjustable. In this way, electrodes can be wound around and stored on the buffer rollers, and the amount of electrodes that can be stored can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the buffer rollers, thus improving practicality.

[0023] In some embodiments, a guiding mechanism is also included, which is located upstream of the winding mechanism and is used to smooth and guide the tabs of the electrode sheet. This smoothing and guiding of the tabs reduces the probability of the tabs of the electrode sheet becoming folded, bent, or wrinkled.

[0024] In some embodiments, a drive mechanism is also included, located upstream of the winding mechanism, to provide a power source for winding the electrode and the insulating component. This provides a power source for winding the electrode and the insulating component, thus improving winding efficiency.

[0025] A battery production system includes the aforementioned electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0026] The battery production system described above can achieve self-repair of the wound electrode sheets, effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assemblies. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of electrical equipment provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a battery provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 is a flowchart of steps S110 and S120 in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly shown in Figure 4.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart of step S400 in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly in some embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart of step S400 in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly in some other embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart of steps S600 to S800 in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly in some embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart of step S900 in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly in some embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing electrode components in some embodiments of this application.

[0037] Reference numerals: 10, vehicle; 11, controller; 12, motor; 20, battery; 21, housing; 21a, first part; 21b, second part; 22, battery cell; 23, casing; 24, electrode assembly; 25, end cap assembly; 30, first feeding mechanism; 31, first feeding roller; 32, second feeding roller; 40, second feeding mechanism; 41, third feeding roller; 50, winding mechanism; 60, buffer mechanism; 61, buffer roller; 70, drive mechanism; 71, first drive element; 72, second drive element; 80, electrode sheet; 90, insulating element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0044] With the popularization and promotion of new energy vehicles, their charging and discharging performance and range have increasingly attracted people's attention and importance.

[0045] In the manufacturing process of wound electrode assemblies, the winding process is a crucial step in the assembly stage. Here, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound into an electrode assembly according to a specified order and number of turns. The more turns, the larger the battery capacity and the higher the energy density per unit volume. However, with an increased number of turns, electrode tab misalignment can easily occur due to electrode tension fluctuations and die-cutting dimensional differences during the winding process, leading to a higher defect rate for the electrode assembly.

[0046] Based on the above considerations, this application designs a method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a battery production system. By acquiring the tab misalignment parameters of the electrode sheet, it can quickly determine whether the tab misalignment or electrode offset is within a preset range. When the tab misalignment parameters are greater than a set threshold, the electrode sheet is controlled to be wound along a second direction, and after the winding mechanism has completed the compensation process, it is wound again along a first direction. When the tab misalignment or electrode offset is not within the preset range, it can make timely adjustments, thereby realizing the self-repair of the winding of the electrode sheet, effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly and significantly improving the yield.

[0047] This application provides an electrical device that uses a battery as a power source. The electrical device can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0048] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle 10 as an example of an electrical device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The vehicle 10 can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a range-extended electric vehicle, etc. A battery 20 is installed inside the vehicle 10, and the battery 20 can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 10. The battery 20 can be used to power the vehicle 10; for example, the battery 20 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may also include a controller 11 and a motor 12. The controller 11 is used to control the battery 20 to supply power to the motor 12, for example, to meet the power requirements of starting, navigating, and driving the vehicle 10. In other embodiments of this application, the battery 20 can not only serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 10 but also as the driving power source for the vehicle 10, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving force for the vehicle 10.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an exploded view of a battery 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The battery 20 includes a housing 21 and a battery cell 22, with the battery cell 22 housed within the housing 21. The housing 21 provides a space for the battery cell 22 and can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 21 may include a first portion 21a and a second portion 21b, which overlap each other, jointly defining a space for accommodating the battery cell 22. The second portion 21b may be a hollow structure with one open end, and the first portion 21a may be a plate-like structure, covering the open side of the second portion 21b so that the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b jointly define the space; alternatively, the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b may both be hollow structures with one open side, with the open side of the first portion 21a covering the open side of the second portion 21b. Of course, the box 21 formed by the first part 21a and the second part 21b can be of various shapes, such as a cylinder, a cuboid, etc.

[0051] In battery 20, there can be multiple battery cells 22, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner. A mixed connection means that multiple battery cells 22 are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells 22 can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner, and then the whole assembly of multiple battery cells 22 is housed in housing 21. Of course, battery 20 can also be composed of multiple battery cells 22 first connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a mixed manner to form a whole, which is housed in housing 21.

[0052] Each battery cell 22 can be a secondary battery or a primary battery; it can also be a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery cell 22 can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, and the embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0053] The following is a detailed description of any one of the battery cells 22. As shown in Figure 3, the battery cell 22 includes a housing 23, an electrode assembly 24, and an end cap assembly 25. The housing 23 is a hollow cuboid or cube, and one of its planes has an opening 23a. This plane is configured to be without walls, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 23. The end cap assembly 25 covers the opening 23a and is connected to the housing 23 to form a closed cavity for housing the electrode assembly 24. This closed cavity is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution.

[0054] The electrode assembly 24 is the component in the battery cell 22 where the electrochemical reaction occurs, and the casing 23 may contain one or more electrode assemblies 24. The electrode assembly 24 is mainly formed by winding or stacking positive and negative electrode sheets, and a separator is usually provided between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets containing active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 24, while the portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets without active material each constitute a tab. The positive and negative tabs can be located together at one end of the main body or at opposite ends of the main body. During the charging and discharging process of the battery, the positive and negative active materials react with the electrolyte, and the tabs connect to the electrode terminals to form a current loop.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 4. A method for manufacturing the electrode assembly 24 in one embodiment includes the following steps:

[0056] S200, the control winding mechanism 50 winds the electrode 80 and the insulating component 90 along the first direction;

[0057] S300, Obtain the tab misalignment parameters of electrode 80;

[0058] S400: When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, control the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode 80 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and make the electrode 80 disengage from the winding mechanism 50.

[0059] S500: When the winding mechanism 50 has completed the compensation process, the winding mechanism 50 is controlled to wind the electrode 80 again along the first direction, and the winding mechanism 50 is controlled to wind the insulating member 90 along the first direction to form the electrode assembly 24.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, the insulating member 90 is used to isolate adjacent positive electrode plates 80 and negative electrode plates 80 to improve the situation where two electrodes 80 with opposite polarities come into contact and cause a short circuit. Specifically, the insulating member 90 is a diaphragm, which has insulating properties, and the material of the diaphragm can be one of organic polymer insulating materials, inorganic insulating materials, and composite materials. In some embodiments, the composite material is composed of organic polymer insulating materials and inorganic insulating materials.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, the electrode 80 includes a positive electrode 80 and a negative electrode 80. The portions of the positive electrode 80 and the negative electrode 80 with active material constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 2424, and the portions of the positive electrode 80 and the negative electrode 80 without active material each constitute an electrode tab.

[0062] In the embodiments of this application, the winding mechanism 50 is a winding needle used to wind the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating member 90 to form the electrode assembly 24.

[0063] It should be noted that during the process of winding the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating component 90 to form the electrode assembly 24, there may be cases of electrode tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset, which need to be adjusted in time to reduce the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly 24. The first direction is the X direction shown in Figure 10; for example, if the first direction is clockwise, the second direction is counterclockwise; for example, if the first direction is counterclockwise, the second direction is clockwise.

[0064] The above-described method for manufacturing electrode assembly 24 can quickly determine whether the electrode misalignment or electrode offset is within a preset range by obtaining the electrode tab misalignment parameter of electrode sheet 80. When the electrode tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, the winding mechanism 50 is controlled to wind electrode sheet 80 along the second direction. After the winding mechanism 50 completes the compensation process, the winding mechanism 50 is controlled again to wind electrode sheet 80 along the first direction. When the electrode tab misalignment or electrode offset is not within the preset range, timely adjustments can be made, thereby achieving self-repair of the winding of electrode sheet 80, effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly 24 and significantly improving the yield.

[0065] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG5, the following steps are also included:

[0066] S110, The electrode 80 is unwound from the first feeding mechanism 30 to the winding mechanism 50;

[0067] S120, the insulating component 90 is unwound from the second feeding mechanism 40 to the winding mechanism 50.

[0068] In the embodiments of this application, the first feeding mechanism 30 is configured as a component for storing the electrode sheet 80. The electrode sheet 80 is stored in a wound manner on the first feeding mechanism 30 by winding, and the electrode sheet 80 can be unwound and unfolded by unwinding.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, the second feeding mechanism 40 is configured to store the insulating component 90. The insulating component 90 is wound and stored on the first feeding mechanism 30 by winding, and the insulating component 90 can be unwound and unfolded by unwinding.

[0070] The above settings facilitate the storage, feeding, and winding of the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating component 90, making operation convenient, quick, and highly automated.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG6, when the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step S400 of controlling the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode 80 in a second direction opposite to the first direction and disengaging the electrode 80 from the winding mechanism 50 includes:

[0072] S411. When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, control the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode 80 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0073] S412, in response to the electrode 80 disengaging from the winding mechanism 50, the winding mechanism 50 is stopped from winding the electrode 80 in the second direction;

[0074] S413. The electrode 80 that has been detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism 30.

[0075] It should be noted that when the winding mechanism 50 winds the electrode 80 along the second direction, the winding mechanism 50 rotates along the second direction. At the same time, a drive mechanism 70 can be provided in the winding mechanism 50 to provide a power source for the rotation of the electrode 80 along the second direction.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the electrode sheet 80 detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism 30. Optionally, the electrode sheet 80 detached from the winding mechanism 50 is stored in a wound manner on the first feeding mechanism 30.

[0077] With the above setup, the electrode 80 that has been detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism 30 without the need for a separate mechanism. This facilitates the storage of the electrode 80 after it has been wound along the second direction, which helps to reduce modification costs.

[0078] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG7, when the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step S400 of controlling the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode 80 in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then unwinding it from the winding mechanism 50 includes:

[0079] S421. When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, control the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode 80 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0080] S422, In response to the electrode 80 disengaging from the winding mechanism 50, the winding mechanism 50 is stopped from winding the electrode 80 in the second direction;

[0081] S423. The electrode 80 that has been detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism 60, which is located between the first feeding mechanism 30 and the winding mechanism 50.

[0082] It should be noted that when the control electrode 80 is wound in the second direction, the winding mechanism 50 rotates in the second direction. At the same time, a drive mechanism 70 can be provided in the winding mechanism 50 to provide a power source for the rotation of the electrode 80 in the second direction.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, the electrode sheet 80 detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism 60. The buffer mechanism 60 includes at least two buffer rollers 61 arranged opposite each other, and the spacing between the oppositely arranged buffer rollers 61 is adjustable so that the electrode sheet 80 detached from the winding mechanism 50 is stored flat on each buffer roller 61.

[0084] With the above settings, the electrode 80 that has been detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism 60, so that the electrode 80 can be stored after being wound in the second direction.

[0085] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG7, in the step of stopping the winding mechanism 50 from winding the electrode 80 in the second direction in response to the electrode 80 disengaging from the winding mechanism 50:

[0086] The electrode 80 is detached from the winding mechanism 50 when the entire electrode 80 is completely detached from the winding mechanism 50, or when the electrode tab of the electrode 80 is completely detached from the winding mechanism 50 at the misalignment point.

[0087] It should be noted that the entire electrode 80 is completely detached from the winding mechanism 50, meaning that both the areas where the tabs are misaligned and the areas where tab misalignment occurs are detached from the winding mechanism 50. The misaligned tabs of the electrode 80 are completely detached from the winding mechanism 50, meaning that only the misaligned tabs and their upstream portions are detached from the winding mechanism 50, while the downstream portions of the electrode 80 starting from the misaligned tabs remain attached to the winding mechanism 50.

[0088] Here, the electrode 80 is completely detached from the winding mechanism 50, that is, the electrode 80 is completely wound along the second direction, which can improve the overall rewinding yield of the electrode 80; the electrode tab of the electrode 80 is completely detached from the winding mechanism 50, that is, the electrode 80 is not completely wound along the second direction, which can reduce the rewinding time and feeding time, thereby improving the rewinding efficiency.

[0089] With the above settings, the electrode 80 can be flexibly wound either completely or partially along the second direction, depending on the actual situation, to meet the actual needs.

[0090] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG7, the steps for compensating the winding mechanism 50 include:

[0091] Adjust the circumference of the winding mechanism 50 and / or adjust the position of the winding mechanism 50 according to the tab misalignment parameters.

[0092] It should be noted that, based on the tab misalignment parameters, the circumference or position of the winding mechanism 50 is calculated, and after adjusting the circumference and / or position of the winding mechanism 50, a second winding is performed, thereby controlling the tab misalignment parameters within the specified range.

[0093] With the above settings, adjustments can be made in time when the tab is misaligned or the electrode 80 is offset outside the preset range, thereby achieving self-repair of the winding of the electrode 80 and effectively reducing the defect rate of the winding electrode assembly 24.

[0094] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG8, after step S500, which controls the winding mechanism 50 to rewind the electrode 80 along the first direction after the winding mechanism 50 has completed the compensation process, the following steps are also included:

[0095] S600, obtain the tab misalignment parameters of electrode 80;

[0096] S700. If the electrode misalignment parameter is less than or equal to the set threshold, stop the above steps.

[0097] S800. If the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, repeat the above steps.

[0098] It should be noted that if the tab misalignment parameter is less than or equal to the set threshold, it means that the tab misalignment or electrode 80 offset is within the preset range. In this case, the self-repair of the electrode 80 winding is no longer required, and the above steps S100, S200, S300, S400, and S500 can be stopped. If the tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, it means that the tab misalignment or electrode 80 offset is not within the preset range. In this case, the self-repair of the electrode 80 winding needs to continue, and the above steps S200, S300, S400, and S500 need to be repeated.

[0099] With the above settings, it is possible to quickly determine whether the electrode tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset is within the preset range. When the electrode tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset is not within the preset range, it can make timely adjustments, thereby achieving self-repair of the winding of the electrode sheet 80, effectively reducing the defect rate of the winding electrode assembly 24, and significantly improving the yield.

[0100] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to FIG1. ​​The electrode misalignment parameters include the electrode misalignment amount and the positional offset of the electrode 80.

[0101] It should be noted that the misalignment of the tabs is the same as the misalignment of the positive and negative tabs; the positional offset of the electrode 80 is the same as the positional offset of the edges of the positive and negative electrode 80.

[0102] With the above settings, the electrode misalignment parameters can be quickly detected, so as to determine whether the electrode misalignment or electrode offset is within the preset range.

[0103] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG9, the following steps are also included:

[0104] S900: During the winding of the electrode 80 in the first direction or the second direction, the tabs of the electrode 80 are smoothed and guided.

[0105] It should be noted that during the winding of the electrode 80 along the first direction or the second direction, the tabs of the electrode 80 are smoothed and guided to reduce the probability of the tabs of the electrode 80 being folded, flipped, or wrinkled.

[0106] The above settings smooth and guide the tabs of electrode 80, reducing the probability of the tabs of electrode 80 folding, turning over, or wrinkling.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 10. In one embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly 24 adopts the above-described manufacturing method for the electrode assembly 24. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly 24 includes a first feeding mechanism 30, a second feeding mechanism 40, a winding mechanism 50, and a detection mechanism. The first feeding mechanism 30 is used to provide the electrode sheet 80, and the second feeding mechanism 40 is used to provide the insulating component 90. The winding mechanism 50 is located downstream of the first feeding mechanism 30 and the second feeding mechanism 40, and is used to wind the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating component 90. The detection mechanism is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to detect the electrode tab misalignment parameters.

[0108] In the embodiments of this application, the first feeding mechanism 30 is configured to provide components for the electrode sheet 80. The electrode sheet 80 is wound and stored on the first feeding mechanism 30, and the electrode sheet 80 can be unwound and unfolded by unwinding. Optionally, the first feeding mechanism 30 includes a first feeding roller 31 and a second feeding roller 32. The rotation of the first feeding roller 31 realizes the winding and unwinding of the positive electrode sheet 80, and the rotation of the second feeding roller 32 realizes the winding and unwinding of the negative electrode sheet 80.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, the second feeding mechanism 40 is configured to provide the insulating component 90. The insulating component 90 is wound and stored on the second feeding mechanism 40, and unwound and unfolded. Optionally, the second feeding mechanism 40 includes two third feeding rollers 41, which respectively transport two insulating components 90. The winding and unwinding of the insulating component 90 are achieved by the rotation of the third feeding rollers 41.

[0110] In embodiments of this application, the winding mechanism 50 is configured for winding the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating member 90. Optionally, the winding mechanism 50 is a winding needle.

[0111] In embodiments of this application, the detection mechanism is configured as a component for detecting tab misalignment parameters. Optionally, the detection mechanism is a sensor.

[0112] It should be noted that during the process of winding the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating part 90 to form the electrode assembly 24, there may be cases of electrode tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset. Adjustments need to be made in time to reduce the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly 24.

[0113] The aforementioned manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 24 has a detection mechanism that can acquire the tab misalignment parameters of electrode sheet 80, quickly determine whether the tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset is within a preset range, and make timely adjustments when the tab misalignment or electrode sheet 80 offset is not within the preset range, thereby achieving self-repair of the winding of electrode sheet 80 and effectively reducing the defect rate of the wound electrode assembly 24.

[0114] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to FIG10. The electrode misalignment parameters include the electrode misalignment amount and the position offset of the electrode 80. The detection mechanism includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The second sensor is used to detect the electrode misalignment amount, and the first sensor is used to detect the position offset of the electrode 80.

[0115] In embodiments of this application, the first sensing element is configured as a component for detecting the positional offset of the electrode 80. Optionally, the first sensing element is a sensor.

[0116] In embodiments of this application, the second sensing element is configured as a component for detecting the amount of tab misalignment. Optionally, the second sensing element is a sensor.

[0117] With the above settings, the misalignment of the tab and the positional offset of the electrode 80 can be detected in real time, which is convenient and quick.

[0118] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, the manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 24 further includes a buffer mechanism 60, which is disposed between the first feeding mechanism 30 and the winding mechanism 50 and is used to store the electrode sheet 80.

[0119] In the embodiments of this application, the buffer mechanism 60 is configured as a component for storing the electrode sheet 80. The buffer mechanism 60 can have various structural forms, as long as it can store the electrode sheet 80 detached from the winding mechanism 50. Furthermore, the number of buffer mechanisms 60 is not limited to one; that is, at least two buffer mechanisms 60 can be provided between the first feeding mechanism 30 and the winding mechanism 50, and the buffer mechanisms 60 can be arranged at intervals.

[0120] With the above settings, the electrode 80 that has been detached from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism 60, so that the electrode 80 can be stored after being wound in the second direction.

[0121] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, the buffer mechanism 60 includes at least two buffer rollers 61 arranged opposite each other, and the spacing between the oppositely arranged buffer rollers 61 is adjustable.

[0122] In the embodiments of this application, the size and shape of each buffer roller 61 may be the same or different, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0123] With the above settings, the electrode 80 can be wound around each buffer roller 61 for storage. By adjusting the spacing between each buffer roller 61, the amount of electrode that can be stored can be adjusted, making it more practical.

[0124] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, the manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 24 further includes a guiding mechanism located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and used to smooth and guide the tabs of the electrode sheet 80.

[0125] It should be noted that during the winding of the electrode 80 along the first direction or the second direction, the tabs of the electrode 80 are smoothed and guided to reduce the probability of the tabs of the electrode 80 being folded, flipped, or wrinkled.

[0126] In the embodiments of this application, the guiding mechanism is configured as a component for smoothing and guiding the tabs of the electrode 80. Specifically, the guiding mechanism includes two spaced-apart guide plates. During the winding of the electrode 80 along a first direction or a second direction, the electrode 80 passes between the two guide plates, which are used to smooth and guide the tabs of the electrode 80.

[0127] The above settings smooth and guide the tabs of electrode 80, reducing the probability of the tabs of electrode 80 folding, turning over, or wrinkling.

[0128] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, the manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 24 further includes a drive mechanism 70, which is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to provide a power source for winding the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating member 90.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the drive mechanism 70 is configured as a component for providing a power source for winding the electrode 80 and the insulating member 90. Specifically, the drive mechanism 70 includes a first drive member 71 and a second drive member 72. The first drive member 71 is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to provide a power source for winding the electrode 80. The second drive member 72 is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to provide a power source for winding the insulating member 90. Optionally, both the first drive member 71 and the second drive member 72 are motors.

[0130] The above settings provide a power source for the winding of the electrode 80 and the insulating component 90, which helps to improve winding efficiency.

[0131] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to FIG10. One embodiment of the battery production system includes the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly 24 described above.

[0132] It should be noted that the battery production system described above also includes an assembly unit, which is located downstream of the manufacturing unit and is used to assemble electrode components 24.

[0133] The battery production system described above can achieve self-repair of the winding of the electrode sheet 80, effectively reducing the defect rate of the winding electrode assembly 24.

[0134] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to Figures 4 to 9, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly 24 in one embodiment includes the following steps: unwinding an electrode sheet 80 from a first feeding mechanism 30 to a winding mechanism 50; unwinding an insulating component 90 from a second feeding mechanism 40 to the winding mechanism 50; controlling the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode sheet 80 and the insulating component 90 along a first direction; obtaining the electrode tab misalignment parameter of the electrode sheet 80; when the electrode tab misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, controlling the winding mechanism 50 to wind the electrode sheet 80 along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and causing the electrode sheet... 80 is disengaged from the winding mechanism 50; the electrode 80 disengaged from the winding mechanism 50 is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism 30 or the buffer mechanism 60; after the winding mechanism 50 has completed the compensation process, the winding mechanism 50 is controlled to rewind the electrode 80 along the first direction; the tab misalignment parameter of the electrode 80 is obtained; if the tab misalignment parameter is less than or equal to a set threshold, the above steps are stopped, and the winding mechanism 50 is controlled to wind the insulating member 90 along the first direction to form the electrode assembly 24; if the tab misalignment parameter is greater than the set threshold, the above steps are repeated.

[0135] The steps for compensating the winding mechanism 50 include: adjusting the circumference of the winding mechanism 50 and / or adjusting the position of the winding mechanism 50 according to the tab misalignment parameters.

[0136] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, the manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 24 in one embodiment includes a first feeding mechanism 30, a second feeding mechanism 40, a winding mechanism 50, a detection mechanism, a buffer mechanism 60, a guiding mechanism, and a driving mechanism 70. The first feeding mechanism 30 is used to provide electrode sheet 80, and the second feeding mechanism 40 is used to provide insulating component 90. The winding mechanism 50 is located downstream of the first feeding mechanism 30 and the second feeding mechanism 40 and is used to wind electrode sheet 80 and insulating component 90. The detection mechanism is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to detect electrode tab misalignment parameters. The buffer mechanism 60 is located between the first feeding mechanism 30 and the winding mechanism 50 and is used to store electrode sheet 80. The guiding mechanism is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to smooth and guide the electrode tab of electrode sheet 80. The driving mechanism 70 is located upstream of the winding mechanism 50 and is used to provide a power source for winding electrode sheet 80 and insulating component 90.

[0137] According to some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG10, a battery production system in one embodiment includes the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly 24 described above.

[0138] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0139] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein, Includes the following steps: The control winding mechanism (50) winds the electrode (80) and the insulating part (90) along the first direction; Obtain the tab misalignment parameters of the electrode (80); When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the winding mechanism (50) is controlled to wind the electrode (80) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the electrode (80) is disengaged from the winding mechanism (50). When the winding mechanism (50) completes the compensation process, the winding mechanism (50) is controlled to wind the electrode (80) again along the first direction, and the winding mechanism (50) is controlled to wind the insulating member (90) along the first direction to form an electrode assembly.

2. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes the following steps: The electrode sheet (80) is unwound from the first feeding mechanism (30) to the winding mechanism (50); The insulating component (90) is unwound from the second feeding mechanism (40) to the winding mechanism (50).

3. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein, When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step of controlling the winding mechanism (50) to wind the electrode (80) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and disengaging the electrode (80) from the winding mechanism (50) includes: When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the winding mechanism (50) is controlled to wind the electrode (80) in a second direction opposite to the first direction; In response to the electrode (80) disengaging from the winding mechanism (50), the winding mechanism (50) stops winding the electrode (80) along the second direction; The electrode (80) that has been detached from the winding mechanism (50) is temporarily stored in the first feeding mechanism (30).

4. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein, When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the step of controlling the winding mechanism (50) to wind the electrode (80) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and disengaging the electrode (80) from the winding mechanism (50) includes: When the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, the winding mechanism (50) is controlled to wind the electrode (80) in a second direction opposite to the first direction; In response to the electrode (80) disengaging from the winding mechanism (50), the winding mechanism (50) stops winding the electrode (80) along the second direction; The electrode (80) that has been detached from the winding mechanism (50) is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism (60), which is located between the first feeding mechanism (30) and the winding mechanism (50).

5. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, In response to the electrode (80) disengaging from the winding mechanism (50), the step of stopping the winding mechanism (50) from winding the electrode (80) along the second direction is as follows: The electrode (80) detaches from the winding mechanism (50) in the following ways: the entire electrode (80) is completely detached from the winding mechanism (50), or the electrode tab of the electrode (80) is completely detached from the winding mechanism (50).

6. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The steps for compensating the winding mechanism (50) include: Adjust the circumference of the winding mechanism (50) and / or adjust the position of the winding mechanism (50) according to the electrode misalignment parameters.

7. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, After the winding mechanism (50) completes the compensation process, the step of controlling the winding mechanism (50) to rewind the electrode (80) along the first direction further includes: Obtain the tab misalignment parameters of the electrode (80); If the electrode misalignment parameter is less than or equal to a set threshold, stop the above steps; If the electrode misalignment parameter is greater than a set threshold, repeat the above steps.

8. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode misalignment parameters include the electrode misalignment amount and the position offset of the electrode (80).

9. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes the following steps: During the process of winding the electrode (80) along the first direction or along the second direction, the tabs of the electrode (80) are smoothed and guided.

10. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein, include: A first feeding mechanism (30) is used to provide the electrode sheet (80); A second feeding mechanism (40) is used to supply the insulating component (90); A winding mechanism (50) is located downstream of the first feeding mechanism (30) and the second feeding mechanism (40) and is used to wind the electrode (80) and the insulating member (90); The detection mechanism is located upstream of the winding mechanism (50) and is used to detect the tab misalignment parameters.

11. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The electrode misalignment parameters include the electrode misalignment amount and the position offset of the electrode (80). The detection mechanism includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The second sensor is used to detect the electrode misalignment amount, and the first sensor is used to detect the position offset of the electrode (80).

12. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein, It also includes a buffer mechanism (60), which is located between the first feeding mechanism (30) and the winding mechanism (50) and is used to store the electrode sheet (80).

13. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The buffer mechanism (60) includes at least two buffer rollers (61) arranged opposite each other, and the spacing between the oppositely arranged buffer rollers (61) is adjustable.

14. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein, It also includes a guiding mechanism, which is located upstream of the winding mechanism (50) and is used to smooth and guide the tabs of the electrode sheet (80).

15. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein, It also includes a drive mechanism (70), which is located upstream of the winding mechanism (50) and is used to provide a power source for the winding of the electrode (80) and the insulating member (90).

16. A battery production system, wherein, The apparatus includes an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly as described in any one of claims 10-15.

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