Coating device and battery production apparatus

Abstract

A coating device (100) and a battery production apparatus. The coating device (100) comprises: a coating mechanism (10), comprising a main body (11) and a binder coating member (12), the main body (11) being provided with an accommodation space (13) that penetrates in a preset direction (a), and the binder coating member (12) being arranged on at least one side of the accommodation space (13) in a direction that intersects the preset direction (a); and a moving assembly (20), which has a mounting position (21), the moving assembly (20) being movably arranged in the preset direction (a) and being configured to be able to drive a tab (201) to pass through the accommodation space (13). The binder coating member (12) comprises a first sub-member (121) and a second sub-member (122) which are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the accommodation space (13) in a direction intersecting the preset direction (a), the first sub-member (121) and the second sub-member (122) being used for respectively coating two opposite side surfaces of the tab (201) with a coating layer.

Description

A coating apparatus and battery production equipment

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on July 31, 2024, with application number 2024218258553, entitled "A Coating Apparatus and Battery Production Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a coating apparatus and battery production equipment. Background Technology

[0004] After the electrode assembly is fabricated, the tabs need to be welded to form a welded section, thereby improving the structural strength of the tabs and the connection stability between the tabs and the main body. However, some metal particles are generated during the welding process and remain in the welded section of the tabs. During subsequent connection and assembly, these metal particles can easily cause short circuits between the tabs and other structures. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate and cover the metal particles in the welded section.

[0005] Therefore, the current process of insulating and covering the electrode tabs is complex, inefficient, and costly.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on this, this application provides a coating apparatus and battery production equipment.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a coating apparatus for coating a coating layer onto the tabs of an electrode assembly. The coating apparatus includes a coating mechanism and a moving component. The coating mechanism includes a main body and an adhesive applicator. The main body has a receiving space extending along a preset direction, and the adhesive applicator is disposed on at least one side of the receiving space along a direction intersecting the preset direction. The moving component has a mounting position for mounting the electrode assembly. The moving component is movably disposed along the preset direction and configured to drive the tabs through the receiving space.

[0009] The adhesive coating component is used to apply a coating to the tabs passing through the receiving space. The adhesive coating component includes a first sub-component and a second sub-component respectively disposed on opposite sides of the receiving space along a direction intersecting a preset direction. The first sub-component and the second sub-component are used to apply a coating to the opposite side surfaces of the tabs respectively.

[0010] With the above structure, the electrode assembly moves synchronously with the moving assembly, allowing the tab to pass through the receiving space at a uniform speed. This facilitates the application of the insulating coating by the coating component during the tab's movement, achieving uninterrupted application of the insulating coating and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, using insulating paint instead of insulating adhesive effectively reduces costs and simplifies operation.

[0011] With the above structure, an insulating coating can be applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the opposite sides of the electrode tab at the same time, improving operating efficiency. Furthermore, the insulating coating can provide more complete coverage and isolation for the welded parts of the electrode tab.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main body includes a first cover and a second cover that are movably connected. The first cover and the second cover have an open state and a closed state, and together they enclose a receiving space when the cover is closed.

[0013] With the above structure, a receiving space can be smoothly formed when the cover is closed, and the electrode tab can be driven through the receiving space while an insulating coating is applied to the electrode tab. In addition, it is convenient to check the condition inside the receiving space when the cover is open, which facilitates operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first half-groove is provided on the first cover and a second half-groove is provided on the second cover. When the first cover and the second cover are in the closed state, the first half-groove and the second half-groove are arranged opposite to each other and together form a groove-shaped receiving space.

[0015] The above structure allows for the smooth assembly of a receiving space, enabling the tab to move smoothly within the receiving space along with the main body of the electrode assembly, thus facilitating the application of an insulating coating to the welding portion of the tab.

[0016] In some embodiments, the coating mechanism further includes a curing member disposed on the main body, the curing member being located downstream of the coating member along a preset direction and used to cure the coating on the tab.

[0017] By setting a curing component, the insulating coating applied to the welded part of the electrode tab can be made more stable, allowing the insulating coating to better cover and isolate the welded part.

[0018] In some embodiments, the curing element includes a UV lamp disposed facing the interior of the receiving space.

[0019] The above structure allows the insulating coating on the welding part of the electrode to cure quickly, improving the stability of the insulating coating on the welding part.

[0020] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus further includes a guide member disposed at the entrance end of the receiving space along a preset direction and used to guide the tabs entering the receiving space.

[0021] By setting guide components, the electrodes entering the receiving space can be guided to avoid deviation, thus allowing the electrodes to enter the receiving space smoothly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the guide includes a first guide bar and a second guide bar spaced apart along a direction intersecting a preset direction, with a first guide gap formed between the first guide bar and the second guide bar for accommodating the electrode tab, and the first guide gap communicating with the accommodating space.

[0023] With the above structure, the electrode can smoothly enter the first guide gap under the guidance of the first and second guide bars, and then smoothly enter the receiving space after passing through the first guide gap.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first guide bar and the second guide bar each have a connecting end connected to the main body and a guiding end away from the main body, and the guiding ends of the first guide bar and the second guide bar extend in a direction away from each other.

[0025] With the above structure, when the electrode moves along the preset direction, it can enter the first guide gap from the guide end with a larger gap, and when it moves in the first guide gap, as the first guide gap gradually decreases, the electrode is better positioned in the middle position, so that the electrode can enter the receiving space more smoothly.

[0026] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus further includes a third guide strip and a fourth guide strip disposed within the receiving space. The third guide strip and the fourth guide strip are spaced apart along a direction intersecting a preset direction and form a second guide gap communicating with the first guide gap. The second guide gap is used to receive the tab.

[0027] The third and fourth conductors are both made of insulating material.

[0028] The above structure allows the tabs to move more stably within the housing space, facilitating a more stable coating of adhesive onto the tabs.

[0029] In some embodiments, the movable component includes a guide rail and a movable bracket. The guide rail extends along a preset direction, and the movable bracket is movably mounted on the guide rail and has a mounting position.

[0030] The above structure allows the electrode assembly to move smoothly along a preset direction and enables the tabs on the electrode assembly to pass through the receiving space at a uniform speed, so that the coating component can stably coat the tabs in the receiving space.

[0031] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus further includes a feeder connected to the coating element, the feeder storing and providing the insulating coating.

[0032] Therefore, by setting up a feeding component, an insulating coating can be stably and continuously supplied to the coated component during the coating process, making the coating process smoother.

[0033] Secondly, this application also provides a battery production apparatus, including the coating apparatus as described above, which is used to coat an insulating coating onto the welding portion of the tab in the electrode assembly.

[0034] The aforementioned coating apparatus and battery production equipment have a moving component that can drive the electrode assembly to move along a preset direction, and during the movement, the electrode tabs can pass through the receiving space at a uniform speed. At the same time, the coating component can apply an insulating coating to the electrode tabs passing through the receiving space, so that the insulating coating evenly covers the welding part of the electrode tabs, providing insulation and isolation for the welding part. Thus, the coating of the insulating coating is achieved during the movement, which can effectively shorten the coating time, facilitate operation, and increase efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a coating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the coating mechanism in a coating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the coating mechanism in a coating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the coating mechanism in a coating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the coating mechanism in a coating apparatus according to one or more embodiments.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, coating device; 200, electrode assembly; 201, electrode tab; 10, coating mechanism; 20, moving assembly; 30, guide component; 40, third guide bar; 50, fourth guide bar; 60, second guide gap; 70, feeding component; 11, main body; 12, adhesive coating component; 13, receiving space; 14, curing component; 21, mounting position; 22, guide rail; 23, moving bracket; 31, first guide bar; 32, second guide bar; 33, first guide gap; 34, connecting end; 35, guide end; 111, first cover; 112, second cover; 121, first sub-component; 122, second sub-component; a, preset direction. Detailed Implementation

[0042] 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.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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.

[0044] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via 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. Similarly, "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.

[0047] It should be noted that if 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. If 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. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0048] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also widely applied in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as other fields. With the continuous expansion of the application areas of power batteries, the market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0049] A battery cell is the smallest unit that makes up a battery. The structure of a battery cell typically includes a casing and an electrode assembly housed within the casing. The electrode assembly is the part of the battery cell where the electrochemical reaction actually takes place. The casing surrounds the electrode assembly and forms a sealed environment to protect the electrode assembly.

[0050] The electrode assembly is formed by sequentially stacking or winding positive electrode plates, separator, and negative electrode plates. Therefore, the tabs of the electrode assembly may have a multi-layer structure. After the electrode assembly is manufactured, the tabs need to be welded to form a welded part, thereby improving the structural strength of the tabs and the connection stability between the tabs and the main body.

[0051] During the welding process, some metal particles are generated. After welding is completed, some of these metal particles remain in the welded area. These residual metal particles can easily cause short circuits between the electrode tab and other structures, and can also puncture the diaphragm, affecting the overall structural stability of the electrode assembly.

[0052] Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the welded parts of the electrode tabs. Currently, the common practice is to apply adhesive tape to the welded area, covering the metal particles with tape. However, this process is not only complex and inefficient, but the high cost of the tape also contributes to the overall high cost.

[0053] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problems of complex operation, low efficiency, and high cost in the current process of insulating the electrode tab, one or more embodiments of this application provide a coating device. The moving component in the coating device can drive the electrode assembly to move along a preset direction, and during the movement, the electrode tab can pass through the receiving space at a uniform speed. At the same time, the coating component can apply an insulating coating to the electrode tab passing through the receiving space, so that the insulating coating uniformly covers the welding part of the electrode tab, and plays a role in insulation and isolation of the welding part. Thus, the insulating coating is applied during the movement, which can effectively shorten the coating time, facilitate operation, and increase efficiency.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3 together. One embodiment of this application provides a coating apparatus 100 for applying an insulating coating to the welding portion of the tab 201 in an electrode assembly 200. The coating apparatus 100 includes a coating mechanism 10 and a moving component 20. The coating mechanism 10 includes a main body 11 and an adhesive applicator 12. The main body 11 has a receiving space 13 extending along a predetermined direction a. The adhesive applicator 12 is disposed on at least one side of the receiving space 13 along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction a. The moving component 20 has a mounting position 21 for mounting the electrode assembly 200. The moving component 20 is movably disposed along the predetermined direction a and configured to drive the tab 201 through the receiving space 13. The adhesive applicator 12 is used to apply an insulating coating to the tab 201 passing through the receiving space 13.

[0055] It should be noted that the electrode assembly 200 refers to the component in a single battery cell where the actual electrochemical reaction occurs. The electrode assembly 200 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. Active materials are coated on both the positive and negative electrode sheets, and the portions coated with active materials constitute the main body of the electrode assembly 200. The portions of the positive and negative electrode sheets not coated with active materials each constitute a tab 201. The positive and negative tabs can be located together at one end of the main body or at opposite ends of the main body.

[0056] The welded portion refers to the welded area formed on the tab 201 by welding. The insulating coating refers to the coating structure formed by applying an insulating coating material to the welded portion of the tab 201. When the insulating coating covers the welded portion, it can shield and isolate residual metal particles on the welded portion. Of course, the coating apparatus 100 provided in this application can also be used to coat other areas on the tab 201 that require coating, which will not be elaborated here.

[0057] Furthermore, the coating mechanism 10 includes a main body 11 and an adhesive applicator 12. The main body 11 has an internal accommodating space 13, which extends through the main body 11 along a predetermined direction a, which can be horizontal. The adhesive applicator 12 is a structure capable of applying an insulating coating to the tab 201 entering the accommodating space 13, thereby covering the welding portion of the tab 201.

[0058] The adhesive coating component 12 can be disposed on the main body 11 and can be disposed vertically on one or both sides of the receiving space 13. When the electrode assembly 200 is horizontally disposed on the mounting position 21 of the movable assembly 20, the tab 201 is horizontally disposed and has an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0059] When the adhesive applicator 12 is vertically positioned on one side of the receiving space 13, it can coat the welded portions on the upper or lower surface of the tab 201. When the adhesive applicator 12 is vertically positioned on opposite sides of the receiving space 13, it can coat the welded portions on both the upper and lower surfaces of the tab 201 simultaneously.

[0060] Furthermore, the movable component 20 refers to a structure capable of driving the electrode assembly 200 to move synchronously. A mounting position 21 may be provided on the movable component 20, and the electrode assembly 200 is fixedly mounted on the mounting position 21 so that the electrode assembly 200 can move synchronously with the movable component 20.

[0061] Furthermore, the moving component 20 can be disposed on one side of the coating mechanism 10. In this way, when the electrode assembly 200 is installed on the mounting position 21, as the moving component 20 drives the electrode assembly 200 to move along the preset direction a, the tab 201 of the electrode assembly 200 can pass through the receiving space 13 at a uniform speed, so that the coating component 12 can coat the tab 201.

[0062] Thus, the tab 201 moves at a constant speed along the preset direction a under the drive of the moving component 20. During the movement, the tab 201 gradually enters the receiving space 13. At this time, the adhesive applicator 12 begins to apply an insulating coating to the tab 201 that has entered the receiving space 13. As the tab 201 moves along the preset direction a, the adhesive applicator 12 forms a long strip of insulating coating on the tab 201, which provides insulating coverage to the welded part.

[0063] With the above structure, the electrode assembly 200 moves synchronously with the moving assembly 20, so that the tab 201 passes through the receiving space 13 at a uniform speed. This allows the coating component 12 to apply an insulating layer to the tab 201 during its movement, achieving a continuous coating process and improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, using an insulating coating instead of insulating adhesive effectively reduces costs and facilitates operation.

[0064] In some embodiments, the adhesive coating component 12 includes a first sub-component 121 and a second sub-component 122 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the receiving space 13 along a direction intersecting with a preset direction a. The first sub-component 121 and the second sub-component 122 are used to apply an insulating coating to the welding portion on the opposite side surfaces of the electrode tab 201.

[0065] Specifically, when the adhesive applicator 12 is vertically disposed on opposite sides of the receiving space 13, the adhesive applicator 12 may include a first sub-component 121 and a second sub-component 122, that is, the first sub-component 121 and the second sub-component 122 are vertically disposed on the upper or lower side of the receiving space 13, respectively. When the electrode tab 201 passes through the receiving space 13 along a preset direction a, the first sub-component 121 and the second sub-component 122 simultaneously apply an insulating coating to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab 201, which can improve operating efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, the first sub-component 121 and the second sub-component 122 can each be configured as a UV coating head. Both UV coating heads are disposed on the main body 11, and the coating openings face the receiving space 13 and are connected to the receiving space 13. In this way, when the tab 201 passes through the receiving space 13, the UV coating head can press out the insulating coating material from the coating openings and coat it on the welding part of the tab 201.

[0067] At the same time, as the tab 201 moves in the preset direction a, the UV coating head forms a long strip of insulating coating on the tab 201 that extends in the preset direction a, providing a more complete coverage of the welded part.

[0068] With the above structure, an insulating coating can be applied to the upper and lower surfaces of opposite sides of the tab 201 at the same time, improving operating efficiency. Furthermore, the insulating coating can provide more complete coverage and isolation for the welded parts of the tab 201.

[0069] In some embodiments, the main body 11 includes a first cover 111 and a second cover 112 that are movably connected. The first cover 111 and the second cover 112 have an open state and a closed state, and together enclose a receiving space 13 when in the closed state.

[0070] Specifically, the closed state refers to the state in which the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are stacked on top of each other and together enclose the receiving space 13, while the open state refers to the state in which the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are separated from each other. The first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are movably connected, which can be either a hinge structure that rotates them together or a bolt that makes them detachable.

[0071] Taking the hinge structure as an example of rotational connection, the hinge structure is connected on the same side of the first cover 111 and the second cover 112, so that the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 can rotate around the hinge structure's pivot. When the two are rotated to be stacked, they are in the closed state. When the two are rotated to be located on opposite sides of the pivot, they are in the open state.

[0072] With the above structure, the receiving space 13 can be smoothly formed when the cover is closed, and the electrode 201 can be coated with an insulating coating while being driven through the receiving space 13. In addition, it is convenient to check the condition inside the receiving space 13 when the cover is open, which facilitates operation.

[0073] In some embodiments, a first half-groove is provided on the first cover 111 and a second half-groove is provided on the second cover 112. When the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are in the closed state, the first half-groove and the second half-groove are arranged opposite to each other and together form a groove-shaped receiving space 13.

[0074] Specifically, the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are rotatably connected by a hinge structure. A first semi-groove is formed on the surface of the first cover 111 facing the second cover 112, and a second semi-groove is formed on the surface of the second cover 112 facing the first cover 111. Thus, when the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are in the open state, the openings of the first and second semi-grooves are both oriented in the same direction. When the first cover 111 and the second cover 112 are in the closed state, the first and second semi-grooves are positioned opposite each other and together form the receiving space 13, which is a groove structure.

[0075] Furthermore, since the tab 201 is connected to the main body of the electrode assembly 200, when the main body of the electrode assembly 200 is positioned on the mounting position 21, the tab 201 extends out of the mounting position 21 and can pass through the receiving space 13. Therefore, in order for the tab 201 to pass smoothly through the receiving space 13, the receiving space 13 is configured as a slot structure with an opening on one side. When the tab 201 is located in the receiving space 13, the connection between the main body and the tab 201 can be located at the opening of the receiving space 13, so that the electrode assembly 200 can pass smoothly through the receiving space 13 in a preset direction a.

[0076] With the above structure, the receiving space 13 can be smoothly assembled and the tab 201 can move smoothly in the receiving space 13 along with the main body of the electrode assembly 200, so as to smoothly apply an insulating coating to the welding part of the tab 201 for coverage.

[0077] In some embodiments, the coating mechanism 10 further includes a curing member 14 disposed on the main body 11. The curing member 14 is located downstream of the coating member 12 along a preset direction a and is used to cure the insulating coating on the welded part.

[0078] Specifically, the curing component 14 refers to a structure capable of curing the insulating coating applied to the welded portion, so that the insulating coating can more stably cover the welded portion. The curing component 14 is disposed downstream of the adhesive coating component 12 along a predetermined direction a and is located on the main body 11.

[0079] After the electrode 201 passes through the adhesive coating member 12 to apply the insulating coating, the electrode 201 continues to move along the preset direction a and then passes through the curing member 14. During the process of passing through the curing member 14, the curing member 14 can cure the insulating coating on the welded part.

[0080] By setting the curing component 14, the insulating coating applied to the welded part can be made more stable, so that the insulating coating can better cover and isolate the welded part.

[0081] In some embodiments, the curing element 14 includes a UV lamp disposed facing the interior of the receiving space 13.

[0082] Specifically, ultraviolet lamps can be installed on the first cover 111 and the second cover 112, facing the interior of the receiving space 13. When the tab 201 passes through the ultraviolet lamp, the ultraviolet lamp irradiates the insulating coating of the welded part, thereby curing the insulating coating.

[0083] Understandably, the curing component 14 may also include other structures besides the ultraviolet lamp, such as a heating element, and the insulating coating may be cured by heating, which will not be elaborated here.

[0084] The above structure allows the insulating coating applied to the weld to cure quickly, improving the stability of the insulating coating on the weld.

[0085] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus 100 further includes a guide 30, which is disposed at the entrance end of the receiving space 13 along a preset direction a and is used to guide the tabs 201 entering the receiving space 13.

[0086] Specifically, the entrance end of the receiving space 13 refers to the point at which the electrode 201 first passes through the entrance end and then enters the interior of the receiving space 13 when it enters the receiving space 13 along a preset direction a. Correspondingly, the receiving space 13 also has an exit end, that is, the electrode 201 inside the receiving space 13 can move to the outside of the receiving space 13 through the exit end.

[0087] It should be noted that the tab 201 has a sheet-like structure. Therefore, when the tab 201 is set horizontally, it may be bent to some extent due to the effect of gravity.

[0088] Based on this, the guide 30 is disposed on the main body 11 and located at the entrance end of the receiving space 13. When the electrode 201 enters the receiving space 13 from the entrance end, the guide 30 can guide the electrode 201 so that the electrode 201 can smoothly enter the receiving space 13 via the guide 30.

[0089] By setting the guide 30, the tab 201 entering the receiving space 13 can be guided to avoid the tab 201 from deviating, so that the tab 201 can smoothly enter the receiving space 13.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 2 and 4 together. In some embodiments, the guide member 30 includes a first guide bar 31 and a second guide bar 32 spaced apart along a direction intersecting with a preset direction a. A first guide gap 33 for accommodating the tab 201 is formed between the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32. The first guide gap 33 is connected to the accommodating space 13.

[0091] Specifically, the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, with the first guide bar 31 disposed on the first cover 111 and the second guide bar 32 disposed on the second cover 112. Thus, a first guide gap 33 is formed between the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32, and the first guide gap 33 is in communication with the receiving space 13.

[0092] When the electrode 201 gradually approaches the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32 along the preset direction a, the electrode 201 can gradually enter the first guide gap 33, and then smoothly enter the receiving space 13 through the first guide gap 33.

[0093] Thus, through the above structure, the tab 201 can smoothly enter the first guide gap 33 under the guidance of the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32, and then smoothly enter the receiving space 13 through the first guide gap 33.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32 each have a connecting end 34 connected to the main body 11 and a guiding end 35 away from the main body 11, and the guiding ends 35 of the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32 bend and extend in a direction away from each other.

[0095] Specifically, the first guide bar 31 is disposed on the upper first cover 111, while the second guide bar 32 is disposed on the lower second cover 112. That is, the connecting end 34 of the first guide bar 31 is connected to the first cover 111, and the guiding end 35 of the first guide bar 31 bends upward; the connecting end 34 of the second guide bar 32 is connected to the second cover 112, and the guiding end 35 of the second guide bar 32 bends downward.

[0096] As a result, the first guide gap 33 formed between the first guide bar 31 and the second guide bar 32 gradually decreases in the vertical direction from the guide end 35 to the connection end 34.

[0097] With the above structure, when the tab 201 moves along the preset direction a, it can enter the first guide gap 33 from the guide end 35 with a larger spacing. When it moves in the first guide gap 33, as the first guide gap 33 gradually decreases, the tab 201 is better positioned in the middle position, so that the tab 201 can enter the receiving space 13 more smoothly.

[0098] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the coating apparatus 100 further includes a third guide strip 40 and a fourth guide strip 50 disposed within the receiving space 13. The third guide strip 40 and the fourth guide strip 50 are spaced apart along a direction intersecting a preset direction a and form a second guide gap 60 communicating with the first guide gap 33. The second guide gap 60 is used to receive the tab 201. Both the third guide strip 40 and the fourth guide strip 50 are made of insulating material.

[0099] Specifically, the third guide bar 40 and the fourth guide bar 50 are both disposed in the receiving space 13 and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. Thus, a second guide gap 60 is formed between the third guide bar 40 and the fourth guide bar 50, and the second guide gap 60 communicates with the first guide gap 33.

[0100] When the tab 201 is guided into the receiving space 13 via the first guide gap 33, the tab 201 actually enters the second guide gap 60 and moves more stably in the receiving space 13 under the guidance of the second guide gap 60, so that the coating part 12 can better coat the tab 201.

[0101] Furthermore, both the third conductor 40 and the fourth conductor 50 are made of insulating material, such as ceramic or other insulating materials. In this way, when the electrode 201 moves within the second guide gap 60, the probability of the electrode 201 contacting the third conductor 40 or the fourth conductor 50 and causing a short circuit is reduced.

[0102] The above structure allows the tab 201 to move more stably in the receiving space 13, so that the coating component 12 can apply a more stable coating to the tab 201.

[0103] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the movable component 20 includes a guide rail 22 and a movable bracket 23. The guide rail 22 extends along the preset direction a, and the movable bracket 23 is movably disposed on the guide rail 22, and the movable bracket 23 has a mounting position 21.

[0104] Specifically, the guide rail 22 extends along a preset direction a, and the movable bracket 23 can be provided with a slider that slides in cooperation with the guide rail 22, so that the movable bracket 23 can slide along the guide rail 22 along the preset direction a.

[0105] The movable bracket 23 is provided with a mounting position 21, which can be configured as a mounting platform. The electrode assembly 200 is placed on the mounting platform and fixed thereon, with the tab 201 extending out of the mounting platform. Thus, when the movable bracket 23 slides along the guide rail 22, it can drive the electrode assembly 200 to move synchronously with it, and allow the tab 201 to smoothly enter the receiving space 13.

[0106] Furthermore, the coating mechanism 10 can be fixedly mounted on the guide rail 22 or on other external structures, so that the coating mechanism 10 can be located on one side of the guide rail 22. Thus, when the electrode assembly 200 moves along the preset direction a under the drive of the moving component 20, the tab 201 can smoothly enter the receiving space 13.

[0107] With the above structure, the electrode assembly 200 can be moved smoothly along the preset direction a, and the tabs 201 on the electrode assembly 200 can pass through the receiving space 13 at a uniform speed, so that the coating component 12 can stably coat the tabs 201 in the receiving space 13.

[0108] In some embodiments, the coating apparatus 100 further includes a feeder 70 connected to the coating member 12, the feeder 70 storing and providing the insulating coating.

[0109] Specifically, the feeder 70 can be configured as a sprayer, which has a hollow interior for storing insulating coating.

[0110] Furthermore, the spraying machine is connected to the adhesive-coated part 12 via a pipe to facilitate the supply of insulating coating to the adhesive-coated part 12.

[0111] Therefore, by providing the feeding component 70, the insulating coating can be stably and continuously supplied to the coating component 12 during the coating process, making the coating process smoother.

[0112] Based on the same concept as the coating apparatus described above, this application also provides a battery production apparatus, including the coating apparatus described above, which is used to coat an insulating coating onto the welding portion of the tab 201 in the electrode assembly.

[0113] According to one or more embodiments, when this application is actually used, the electrode assembly 200 is first fixed on the mounting position 21. At this time, the tab 201 extends out of the mounting position 21 and is set towards the side where the coating mechanism 10 is located.

[0114] The guide rail 22 is driven by a drive mechanism, which moves the movable support 23 along a preset direction a. At this time, the electrode assembly 200 moves synchronously along the preset direction a under the drive of the movable support 23. During this process, the electrode tab 201 gradually approaches the main body 11. Before entering the receiving space 13, the electrode tab 201 first enters the first guide gap 33, and under the guidance of the first guide gap 33, it smoothly enters the second guide gap 60 in the receiving space 13.

[0115] At the same time, the spraying machine is turned on to continuously supply insulating coating to the coating part 12. The coating part 12 applies an insulating coating to the tab 201 in the second guide gap 60, so that the insulating coating can cover the welding part. Thus, the insulating coating can be applied synchronously during the movement of the tab 201.

[0116] After coating is completed, the tab 201 continues to move along the preset direction a and passes through the ultraviolet lamp, which irradiates the insulating coating to cure it. This achieves stable coverage and isolation of the insulating coating on the welded area.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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 coating device for coating a tab of an electrode assembly, the coating device comprising: a coating mechanism comprising a main body having a receiving space therethrough along a preset direction, and a glue applying member disposed on at least one side of the receiving space along a direction intersecting the preset direction; and a moving assembly having a mounting position for mounting the electrode assembly, the moving assembly being movably disposed along the preset direction and configured to drive the tab through the receiving space; wherein the glue applying member is configured to apply a coating to the tab as the tab passes through the receiving space; the glue applying member comprises a first sub-member and a second sub-member disposed on opposite sides of the receiving space along a direction intersecting the preset direction, the first sub-member and the second sub-member being configured to apply a coating to opposite surfaces of the tab, respectively. the main body comprises a first cover and a second cover movably connected, the first cover and the second cover having an open state and a closed state, and together defining the receiving space in the closed state.

2. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover has a first half-groove formed therein, and the second cover has a second half-groove formed therein, the first half-groove and the second half-groove being oppositely disposed and together defining the receiving space in the form of a groove when the first cover and the second cover are in the closed state.

3. The coating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, the coating mechanism further comprises a curing member disposed on the main body, the curing member being located downstream of the glue applying member along the preset direction and configured to cure the coating on the tab.

4. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the curing member comprises an ultraviolet lamp disposed towards the interior of the receiving space.

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, the coating device further comprises a guide member disposed at an entrance of the receiving space along the preset direction and configured to guide the tab entering the receiving space.

6. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide member comprises a first guide strip and a second guide strip spaced apart along a direction intersecting the preset direction, the first guide strip and the second guide strip being spaced apart to define a first guide gap for receiving the tab, the first guide gap being in communication with the receiving space.

7. The coating apparatus of claim 6, wherein, the first guide strip and the second guide strip each have a connecting end connected to the main body and a guide end facing away from the main body, the guide ends of the first guide strip and the second guide strip being curved to extend away from each other.

8. The coating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the coating device further comprises a third guide strip and a fourth guide strip disposed within the receiving space, the third guide strip and the fourth guide strip being spaced apart along a direction intersecting the preset direction to define a second guide gap in communication with the first guide gap, the second guide gap being configured to receive the tab; 9. The coating apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein wherein the third guide strip and the fourth guide strip are each made of an insulating material. the moving assembly comprises a guide rail extending along the preset direction, and a moving bracket movably disposed on the guide rail, the moving bracket having the mounting position thereon.

10. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coating device further comprises a supply member connected to the glue applying member, the supply member being configured to store and supply an insulating coating.

11. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein ​ 12. A battery production apparatus comprising a coating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 for applying an insulating coating to a weld of a tab in an electrode assembly.

Images