Electrode sheet conditioning device and electrode sheet processing apparatus

Abstract

An electrode sheet conditioning device (100) and an electrode sheet processing apparatus. The electrode sheet conditioning device (100) comprises a conveying roller (10) and a flattening mechanism (20). The conveying roller (10) is configured to convey an electrode sheet material strip (200), the electrode sheet material strip (200) comprising a material strip body (50) and tabs (60). The flattening mechanism (20) comprises an air-blowing module (30), wherein an air-accommodating cavity (33) is formed in the air-blowing module (30); air intake holes (35) and air output holes (36) are formed in the air-blowing module (30); the air-accommodating cavity (33) enables the air intake holes (35) to be in communication with the air output holes (36); and the air-blowing module (30) is configured to blow an air flow onto the tabs (60) via the air output holes (36) in a direction close to the conveying roller (10).

Description

Electrode processing equipment and electrode processing devices

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520128767.6, filed on January 20, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to an electrode processing apparatus and electrode processing equipment. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, batteries are widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. The battery's electrode assembly is mainly composed of electrode sheets, and the manufacturing quality of these electrode sheets affects the battery's performance and reliability.

[0005] During battery manufacturing, as the electrode strip passes through the conveyor rollers, the tabs on the strip are prone to folding and wrinkling. These defective tabs lead to a decrease in electrode production yield and have a significant negative impact on battery performance, resulting in reduced reliability. Therefore, improving electrode production yield is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed in battery manufacturing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides an electrode processing apparatus and an electrode processing equipment, which can improve the production yield of electrode sheets.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrode processing apparatus, comprising: a conveyor roller for conveying electrode sheets, the electrode sheet strip including a strip body and an electrode tab, the electrode tab being connected to the strip body along the axial side of the conveyor roller; and a smoothing mechanism including an air blowing module, the air blowing module having an air-containing cavity formed therein, an air inlet and an air outlet formed on the air blowing module, the air-containing cavity communicating with the air inlet and the air outlet, the air blowing module being used to blow airflow through the air outlet toward the electrode tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller.

[0008] In the above technical solution, by setting a smoothing mechanism near the conveyor roller, the air blowing module of the smoothing mechanism can blow airflow toward the electrode tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller during the process of the electrode strip passing through the conveyor roller. The airflow can apply a force to the electrode tab toward the direction close to the conveyor roller to press the electrode tab. At the same time, under the support of the conveyor roller, the possibility of the electrode tab flipping or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip passing through the roller can be reduced, thereby improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air blowing module is located on the outer periphery of the conveyor roller and spaced apart from the conveyor roller to define a conveying space for conveying the electrode strip between the air blowing module and the outer periphery of the conveyor roller. The air blowing module has an air blowing surface that extends circumferentially along the conveyor roller, and the air outlet is formed on the air blowing surface.

[0010] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing module on the outer periphery of the conveyor roller and spacing it apart from the conveyor roller, a conveying space for conveying the electrode strip is defined between the air blowing module and the outer periphery of the conveyor roller. This allows the air blowing module to be closer to the electrode tab and facilitates the air blowing module to blow air towards the electrode tab in a direction closer to the conveyor roller, thereby better reducing the possibility of the electrode tab folding or wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller. Furthermore, by extending the air blowing surface of the air blowing module along the circumference of the conveyor roller, the length of the air blowing surface can be increased, thereby increasing the length range of the air blowing surface towards the electrode tab. This can improve the length and effect of the airflow on the electrode tab, further reducing the possibility of the electrode tab folding or wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0011] In some embodiments, the blowing surface is located at one end of the blowing module near the conveyor roller.

[0012] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface at one end of the air blowing module near the conveyor roller, the distance between the air blowing surface and the electrode tab can be made closer, which can reduce the loss generated during the airflow reaching the electrode tab, and make the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface have a greater force on the electrode tab, thus better reducing the possibility of the electrode tab flipping or wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0013] In some embodiments, the blowing surface is located on the axial side of the blowing module along the conveyor roller.

[0014] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface on the axial side of the air blowing module along the conveyor roller, compared to setting the air blowing surface on the side of the air blowing module facing the conveyor roller, it is possible to avoid the airflow blowing vertically onto the electrode tab, which would cause uneven force on the electrode tab. This allows the airflow blown from the air blowing surface to be directed at an angle to the electrode tab, which can increase the range of airflow action and make the airflow blown from the air blowing surface act on the electrode tab more evenly. This can better reduce the possibility of the electrode tab folding and wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the blowing surface extends obliquely toward the center of the blowing module in a direction that is radial to the conveyor roller and toward the central axis of the conveyor roller.

[0016] In the above technical solution, based on setting the air blowing surface on the axial side of the air blowing module along the conveyor roller, setting the air blowing surface to extend obliquely towards the center of the air blowing module in a direction close to the central axis of the conveyor roller, can make the airflow blown out of the air blowing surface obliquely blown towards the electrode tab, which can increase the range of airflow and make the airflow blown out of the air blowing surface act on the electrode tab more evenly, thereby better reducing the possibility of the electrode tab folding and wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0017] In some embodiments, there are multiple air outlets, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller.

[0018] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple air outlets arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller, the blowing range and blowing length of the air blowing surface in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller can be increased, so that the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface can be blown to the electrode tab more evenly. In this way, the electrode tab can be subjected to a more uniform airflow force along the conveying direction of the conveyor roller, and the airflow blown out by multiple air outlets on the air blowing surface can act on multiple electrode tabs at the same time, thereby improving the working range and effect of the smoothing mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments, there are multiple air inlets, which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the conveying roller.

[0020] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple air inlets to be spaced apart along the circumference of the conveyor roller, the air intake efficiency of the blowing module can be increased, and the air intake of the blowing module can be more uniform along the circumference of the conveyor roller, which is beneficial to the air outlet of the blowing surface being more uniform along the circumference of the conveyor roller.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air inlet is located on the side of the air blowing module opposite to the conveyor roller; or, the air inlet is located on the axial side of the air blowing module along the conveyor roller.

[0022] In the above technical solution, by setting the air inlet on the side of the blowing module away from the conveyor roller or setting the air inlet on the axial side of the blowing module along the conveyor roller, it is convenient to connect the air inlet of the blowing module to devices such as air compressors.

[0023] In some embodiments, there are multiple air outlets, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller. The distance between adjacent air outlets in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller is d, and the width of the tab is W, where d / W ≤ 3 / 4.

[0024] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple air outlets arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller, the blowing range and blowing length of the air blowing surface in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller can be increased, so that the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface is blown to the electrode tab more evenly. In this way, the electrode tab can be subjected to a more uniform airflow force along the conveying direction of the conveyor roller, and the airflow blown out by multiple air outlets on the air blowing surface can act on multiple electrode tabs simultaneously, improving the range and effect of the smoothing mechanism. At the same time, by limiting the relationship between the spacing between adjacent air outlets and the width of the electrode tab, the airflow blown out by multiple air outlets can act on the same electrode tab simultaneously, so that the electrode tab is subjected to a more uniform airflow in the width direction. This can better reduce the possibility of electrode tabs folding and wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0025] In some embodiments, the air blowing surface includes a first air blowing section and a second air blowing section, both of which have the air outlet formed on them. The first air blowing section and the second air blowing section are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the conveyor roller. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller, the first air blowing section and the second air blowing section are located on both sides of the material belt entering the roller.

[0026] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface to include a first air blowing section and a second air blowing section, and placing the first air blowing section and the second air blowing section on both sides of the material strip entering the roller, the electrode tabs can be supported by the first air blowing section before entering the roller during the electrode strip passing through the roller, reducing the possibility of the electrode tabs turning over or wrinkling before entering the roller. After entering the roller, the electrode tabs can be supported by the second air blowing section, reducing the possibility of the electrode tabs turning over or wrinkling before entering the roller. In this way, airflow from the air blowing surface is directed towards the electrode tabs both before and after entering the roller, thereby better reducing the possibility of the electrode tabs turning over or wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller, and further improving the production yield of the electrode sheets.

[0027] In some embodiments, among all the air outlets located in the first air blowing section, the air outlet furthest from the material belt entry roller position is the first air outlet, and in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller, the distance between the first air outlet and the material belt entry roller position is a, 5mm≤a≤30mm.

[0028] In the above technical solution, by setting the distance between the air outlet furthest from the material belt entry roller position in the first air blowing section and the material belt entry roller position to 5mm to 30mm, the effective length of the first air blowing section is not less than 5mm, thereby enabling the first air blowing section to have an effective blowing effect on the tabs before entering the roller. Furthermore, by setting the effective length of the first air blowing section to not more than 30mm, the length of the first air blowing section is moderate, avoiding waste caused by excessive length of the first air blowing section and reducing the space occupied by the first air blowing section.

[0029] In some embodiments, in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller, the extension trajectory of the first air-blowing section is a straight line, and the extension trajectory of the second air-blowing section is an arc.

[0030] In the above technical solution, setting the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller as a straight line allows the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section to match the extension trajectory of the corresponding electrode strip. This avoids the influence of the first air blowing section on the electrode strip conveying and makes the distance between the first air blowing section and the electrode strip more uniform. Consequently, the airflow blown by the first air blowing section onto the electrode tab is more evenly distributed along the length of the conveyor roller, thus giving the first air blowing section a better blowing effect on the electrode tab before it enters the roller. Setting the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller as an arc allows the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section to match the extension trajectory of the corresponding electrode strip. This avoids the influence of the second air blowing section on the electrode strip conveying and makes the distance between the second air blowing section and the electrode strip more uniform. Consequently, the airflow blown by the second air blowing section onto the electrode tab is more evenly distributed along the length of the conveyor roller, thus giving the second air blowing section a better blowing effect on the electrode tab after it enters the roller.

[0031] In some embodiments, the extension trajectory of the second blowing section is concentrically arranged with the conveying roller.

[0032] In the above technical solution, by setting the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller as an arc, and making the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section concentric with the conveyor roller, the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section can better match the corresponding electrode strip, better avoid the influence of the second air blowing section on the electrode strip conveying, and make the distance between the second air blowing section and the electrode strip more uniform. This allows the airflow blown by the second air blowing section onto the electrode tab to be more evenly distributed in the length direction of the conveyor roller, thus enabling the second air blowing section to have a better blowing effect on the electrode tab after it enters the roller.

[0033] In some embodiments, the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second blowing section is β, where 40°≤β≤80°.

[0034] In the above technical solution, during the process of the electrode strip passing through the roller, the central angle of the portion of the electrode strip covering the outer periphery of the conveyor roller is generally less than 90°. By setting the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section to 40° to 80°, the second air blowing section can have a larger blowing length and blowing range. This allows the electrode tabs after entering the roller to receive airflow over a larger range and for a longer period. Furthermore, the second air blowing section can simultaneously act on multiple electrode tabs after entering the roller, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second air blowing section on the electrode tabs after entering the roller. Moreover, by ensuring that the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section is no greater than 80°, while achieving a larger blowing length and blowing range to improve the blowing effect of the second air blowing section on the electrode tabs after entering the roller, it also avoids the impact of an excessively large central angle of the second air blowing section on the conveying of the electrode strip. For example, it can prevent the second air blowing section from interfering with the electrode strip.

[0035] In some embodiments, the material strip body includes an arc-shaped segment wrapped around the outer periphery of the conveyor roller, the arc-shaped segment being concentrically arranged with the conveyor roller, and the central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped segment being α, the second air blowing segment being located on the outer periphery of the arc-shaped segment, and the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing segment being β, where 2 / 3α≤β≤α.

[0036] In the above technical solution, by matching the second air blowing section with the arc-shaped section of the electrode strip, the influence of the second air blowing section on the electrode strip conveying can be avoided. Furthermore, the distance between the second air blowing section and the electrode strip can be made more uniform, resulting in a more even distribution of the airflow blown onto the electrode tabs along the length of the conveyor roller. This allows the second air blowing section to provide a better blowing effect on the electrode tabs after they enter the roller. Moreover, by setting the ratio of the central angle of the second air blowing section to the central angle of the arc-shaped section of the electrode strip to 2 / 3 to 1, the second air blowing section can have a larger blowing length and range. This allows the electrode tabs after entering the roller to receive a larger range and longer duration of airflow. Additionally, the second air blowing section can act on multiple electrode tabs after entering the roller simultaneously, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second air blowing section on the electrode tabs after entering the roller. Furthermore, by ensuring that the ratio of the central angle of the second blowing section to the central angle of the arc section of the electrode strip is no greater than 1, the second blowing section can achieve a larger blowing length and blowing range, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second blowing section on the electrode tabs after entering the roller. At the same time, it can also avoid the impact on the conveying of the electrode strip caused by an excessively large central angle of the second blowing section. For example, it can avoid the problem of interference between the second blowing section and the electrode strip.

[0037] In some embodiments, the blowing module has a guide surface at one end near the material belt entry roller position, the guide surface facing the conveying space, and the distance between the guide surface and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller gradually increases in the conveying direction of the electrode material belt.

[0038] In the above technical solution, by forming a guide surface at one end of the blowing module near the material entry roller, and by making the distance between the guide surface and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller gradually increase in the conveying direction of the electrode material strip, the guide surface can be used to guide the electrode material strip into the roller, reducing problems such as wrinkles that occur during the electrode material strip entering the roller.

[0039] In some embodiments, the guide surface is formed as an arcuate surface.

[0040] In the above technical solution, by setting the guide surface to an arc shape, the possibility of the electrode strip being scratched by the air blowing module when entering the roller can be reduced.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the vent is circular.

[0042] In the above technical solution, by setting the cross-section of the air outlet to be circular, the airflow blown out of the air outlet can form a more stable cylindrical air column that is not easy to disperse. This can improve the effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet on the electrode tab and enhance the blowing effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet on the electrode tab.

[0043] In some embodiments, the diameter of the air outlet is D, where D ≤ 1 mm.

[0044] In the above technical solution, by setting the cross-section of the air outlet to be circular and ensuring that the diameter of the air outlet is no greater than 1mm, the airflow blown out of the air outlet forms a relatively stable cylindrical air column that is not easily dispersed. At the same time, the flow area of ​​the air outlet is small, which reduces the consumption of compressed air and lowers the cost of use. Furthermore, the force exerted on the electrode tab by the blown airflow is stronger, which can improve the blowing effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet on the electrode tab.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air inlet.

[0046] In the above technical solution, by making the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air outlet smaller than that of a single air inlet, the flow area of ​​the air outlet can be reduced, thus reducing the consumption of compressed air and lowering the cost of use. This also allows for a higher air outlet pressure, resulting in a better airflow effect on the tab.

[0047] In some embodiments, the air blowing module includes a module body and a partition plate. The module body has an air-containing cavity, and the partition plate is provided in the air-containing cavity to divide the air-containing cavity into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The first air chamber has an air inlet on its wall, and the second air chamber has an air outlet on its wall. The partition plate has a connecting hole for connecting the first air chamber and the second air chamber.

[0048] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing module with a module body and a partition plate, the partition plate can divide the air chamber inside the module body into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The airflow can enter the first air chamber from the air inlet, and after entering the first air chamber, the airflow enters the second air chamber through the connecting hole on the partition plate. The airflow entering the second air chamber is blown out through the air outlet. The air blowing module adopts a dual-air chamber design. The airflow is buffered by the two air chambers and then blown out through the air outlet, which can make the wind speed of the air outlet more uniform and improve the blowing effect of the air blowing module on the electrode tab.

[0049] In some embodiments, there are multiple connecting holes, and the multiple connecting holes are arranged at circumferential intervals along the conveying roller.

[0050] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple connecting holes arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller, the airflow in the first air chamber can flow into the second air chamber through multiple connecting holes, thereby making the airflow in the second air chamber more uniform in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller. This makes the airflow blown out by the blowing module in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller more uniform, thus improving the blowing effect of the blowing module on the tab.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first air chamber and the second air chamber are arranged along the axial or radial direction of the conveyor roller.

[0052] In the above technical solution, by arranging the first air chamber and the second air chamber along the axial or radial direction of the conveyor roller, the arrangement of the two air chambers of the blowing module can be flexible and convenient.

[0053] In some embodiments, the module body includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. The partition plate and the first housing together define the first air chamber, and the partition plate and the second housing together define the second air chamber. The air inlet is located in the first housing, and the air outlet is located in the second housing.

[0054] In the above technical solution, by setting the main body of the module to include a first shell and a second shell that can be detachably connected, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the main body of the module, for example, to facilitate the maintenance and cleaning of the air cavity inside the main body of the module.

[0055] Secondly, this application provides an electrode processing apparatus, comprising: an electrode cutting device for cutting the electrode tabs on an electrode strip; according to the electrode processing apparatus of the first aspect of this application, in the electrode processing direction, the electrode processing device is located downstream of the electrode cutting device.

[0056] In the above technical solution, by setting up the electrode processing device, after the electrode strip is cut by the electrode cutting device, during the process of conveying it through the conveyor roller of the electrode processing device, the smoothing mechanism of the electrode processing device can blow airflow toward the electrode tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller, which can reduce the possibility of the electrode tab flipping or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0057] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the electrode processing apparatus and the electrode strip according to some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrode processing device and the electrode strip in Figure 1 at another angle;

[0061] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrode processing device and the electrode strip in Figure 1 at another angle;

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the blowing module of the electrode processing apparatus according to some embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 is a side view of the air blowing module in Figure 4;

[0064] Figure 6 is a top view of the air blowing module in Figure 4;

[0065] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along CC in Figure 6;

[0066] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the air blowing module in Figure 4;

[0067] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the blowing module of an electrode processing apparatus according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0068] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the air blowing module in Figure 9.

[0069] Reference numerals: 100, Electrode processing device; 10, Conveyor roller; 20, Smoothing mechanism; 30, Air blowing module; 31, Module body; 311, First housing; 312, Second housing; 32, Separator plate; 321, Connecting hole; 33, Air chamber; 331, First air chamber; 332, Second air chamber; 34, Guide surface; 35, Air inlet; 36, Air outlet; 361, First air outlet; 37, Air blowing surface; 371, First air blowing section; 372, Second air blowing section; 38, Conveying space; 391, First connecting hole; 392, Second connecting hole; 393, Third connecting hole; 40, Fastener; 200, Electrode strip; 50, Strip body; 51, Arc-shaped section; 52, Straight section; 60, Electrode tab; S, position of the material entering the roller; f, rotation direction of the conveyor roller; e1, width direction; e2, length direction. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0072] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0073] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0074] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0076] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0077] In related technologies, batteries are widely used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. The battery's electrode assembly is mainly composed of electrode sheets, and the manufacturing quality of these electrode sheets affects the battery's performance and reliability.

[0078] During battery manufacturing, as the electrode strip passes through the conveyor rollers, the tabs on the strip are prone to folding and wrinkling. These defective tabs lead to a decrease in electrode production yield and have a significant negative impact on battery performance, resulting in reduced reliability. Therefore, improving electrode production yield is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed in battery manufacturing technology.

[0079] Based on this, the applicant proposes an electrode processing device, comprising: a conveyor roller for conveying electrode strip, the electrode strip including a strip body and an electrode tab, the electrode tab being connected to the strip body along the axial side of the conveyor roller; and a smoothing mechanism including an air blowing module, an air-containing cavity formed within the air blowing module, an air inlet and an air outlet formed on the air blowing module, the air-containing cavity being connected to the air inlet and the air outlet, and the air blowing module being used to blow airflow through the air outlet toward the electrode tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller.

[0080] The aforementioned electrode processing device, by setting a smoothing mechanism near the conveyor roller, allows the air blowing module of the smoothing mechanism to blow airflow toward the electrode tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller as the electrode strip passes through the conveyor roller. The airflow can apply a force to the electrode tab toward the direction close to the conveyor roller to press the electrode tab down. At the same time, with the support of the conveyor roller, the possibility of the electrode tab flipping or wrinkling during the electrode strip passing through the roller can be reduced, thereby improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0081] The electrode processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1-3, in a first aspect, this application provides an electrode processing apparatus 100, including: a conveyor roller 10 and a smoothing mechanism 20. The conveyor roller 10 is used to convey an electrode strip 200. The electrode strip 200 includes a strip body 50 and an electrode tab 60. The electrode tab 60 is connected to the strip body 50 along the axial side of the conveyor roller 10. The smoothing mechanism 20 includes an air blowing module 30. An air-containing cavity 33 is formed in the air blowing module 30. An air inlet 35 and an air outlet 36 are formed on the air blowing module 30. The air-containing cavity 33 connects the air inlet 35 and the air outlet 36. The air blowing module 30 is used to blow airflow through the air outlet 36 toward the electrode tab 60 and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10.

[0083] The cross-section of the conveyor roller 10 can be circular. The conveyor roller 10 can rotate around its central axis. By rotating the conveyor roller 10, the electrode strip 200 can be conveyed to the subsequent workstation. For example, the rotation direction of the conveyor roller 10 can refer to the rotation direction f in Figure 3.

[0084] The conveyor roller 10 conveys the electrode strip 200 in the following directions: the length of the strip body 50, and the width of the strip body 50. The width of the strip body 50 is aligned with the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10. The maximum width of the electrode is less than the axial length of the conveyor roller 10, ensuring that the electrode strip 200 is supported on the conveyor roller 10 along its width direction when the conveyor roller 10 conveys the electrode strip 200. The electrode tab 60 can be connected to one side of the strip body 50 in the width direction, or it can be connected to both sides of the strip body 50 in the width direction.

[0085] For example, the width direction of the material strip body 50 can refer to the e1 direction in Figures 1 and 2, and the length direction of the material strip body 50 can refer to the e2 direction in Figures 1 and 2.

[0086] The smoothing mechanism 20 may also include an air compressor connected to the air inlet 35 of the blowing module 30 to deliver airflow to the blowing module 30. Of course, the airflow to the blowing module 30 is not limited to the air compressor, but may also come from other mechanisms that compress and deliver airflow.

[0087] When the electrode processing device 100 is working, the electrode strip 200 is conveyed by the conveyor roller 10. During the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, the airflow enters the air chamber 33 from the air inlet 35, and then blows out from the air outlet 36 and blows towards the electrode tab 60 in the direction close to the conveyor roller 10.

[0088] In the above technical solution, by setting a smoothing mechanism 20 near the conveyor roller 10, the air blowing module 30 of the smoothing mechanism 20 can blow airflow toward the tab 60 and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10 during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the conveyor roller 10. The airflow can apply a force to the tab 60 toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10 to press the tab 60. At the same time, under the support of the conveyor roller 10, the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller can be reduced, thereby improving the production yield of the electrode strip 200.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-3, the air blowing module 30 is located on the outer periphery of the conveying roller 10 and is spaced apart from the conveying roller 10, so as to define a conveying space 38 for conveying the electrode strip 200 between the air blowing module 30 and the outer periphery of the conveying roller 10. The air blowing module 30 has an air blowing surface 37 that extends circumferentially along the conveying roller 10, and an air outlet 36 is formed on the air blowing surface 37.

[0090] A portion of the outer surface of the air blowing module 30 forms an air blowing surface 37. When the tab 60 is connected to one side of the material belt body 50 in the width direction, the air blowing surface 37 can be located on the side of the air blowing module 30 near the tab 60; when the tab 60 is connected to both sides of the material belt body 50 in the width direction, there can be two air blowing surfaces 37, with the two air blowing surfaces 37 located on both sides of the air blowing module 30 along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10, and the two air blowing surfaces 37 respectively corresponding to the tabs 60 on both sides of the material belt body 50 in the width direction.

[0091] The air blowing surface 37 extends circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, for example, at least a portion of the air blowing surface 37 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 may extend in an arc shape.

[0092] For example, the air blowing module 30 can extend circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, thereby extending the air cavity 33 within the air blowing module 30 circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, resulting in a larger volume of the air cavity 33. Furthermore, the air cavity 33 can have an extended length in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10. For example, the air blowing surface 37 can extend from one circumferential side of the air blowing module 30 to the other circumferential side of the air blowing module 30, thus allowing the airflow blown out by the air blowing module 30 to have a larger effective range and effective length.

[0093] In the case where the blowing module 30 extends circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, the conveying space 38 defined between the blowing module 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor roller 10 for conveying the electrode strip 200 also extends circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, and at least a portion of the conveying space 38 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 can extend in an arc shape.

[0094] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing module 30 on the outer periphery of the conveyor roller 10 and spacing the air blowing module 30 from the conveyor roller 10, a conveying space 38 for conveying the electrode strip 200 is defined between the air blowing module 30 and the outer periphery of the conveyor roller 10. This allows the air blowing module 30 to be closer to the electrode tab 60, and facilitates the air blowing module 30 to blow air towards the electrode tab 60 in a direction closer to the conveyor roller 10, thereby better reducing the possibility of the electrode strip 200 folding or wrinkling during the roller process. Furthermore, by extending the air blowing surface 37 of the air blowing module 30 along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10, the length of the air blowing surface 37 can be made longer, thereby increasing the length range of the air blowing surface 37 towards the electrode tab 60. This can improve the length and effect of the airflow on the electrode tab 60, further reducing the possibility of the electrode strip 200 folding or wrinkling during the roller process and improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-3, the air blowing module 30 is located on the upper side of the conveying roller 10.

[0096] In the above technical solution, by placing the air blowing module 30 on the upper side of the conveyor roller 10, the electrode strip 200 enters the roller from the top of the conveyor roller 10, thereby facilitating the entry operation of the electrode strip 200 into the roller, and making the air blowing module 30 close to the position of the electrode strip 200 on the conveyor roller 10.

[0097] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-3, the blowing surface 37 is located at one end of the blowing module 30 near the conveying roller 10.

[0098] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface 37 at one end of the air blowing module 30 near the conveyor roller 10, the distance between the air blowing surface 37 and the tab 60 can be made closer, which can reduce the loss generated during the airflow reaching the tab 60, and make the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface 37 have a greater force on the tab 60, thus better reducing the possibility of folding and wrinkling of the tab 60 during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0099] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-3, the blowing surface 37 is located on the axial side of the blowing module 30 along the conveying roller 10.

[0100] For example, the air blowing surface 37 can be located on one side of the air blowing module 30 along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10, or the air blowing surface 37 can be located on both sides of the air blowing module 30 along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10.

[0101] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface 37 on the axial side of the air blowing module 30 along the conveyor roller 10, compared to setting the air blowing surface 37 on the side of the air blowing module 30 facing the conveyor roller 10, it is possible to avoid the airflow blowing vertically onto the tab 60, which would cause uneven force on the tab 60. This allows the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface 37 to be obliquely blown onto the tab 60, which can increase the range of airflow action and make the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface 37 act on the tab 60 more evenly. This can better reduce the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0102] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-4, the air blowing surface 37 extends obliquely toward the center of the air blowing module 30 in a direction that is radial to the conveyor roller 10 and toward the central axis of the conveyor roller 10.

[0103] In the above technical solution, based on setting the air blowing surface 37 on the axial side of the air blowing module 30 along the conveyor roller 10, setting the air blowing surface 37 to extend obliquely towards the center of the air blowing module 30 in a direction close to the central axis of the conveyor roller 10, the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface 37 can be obliquely blown towards the tab 60, which can increase the range of airflow action and make the airflow blown out by the air blowing surface 37 act on the tab 60 more evenly. This can better reduce the possibility of folding and wrinkling of the tab 60 during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0104] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-4, there are multiple air outlets 36, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller 10.

[0105] For example, multiple air outlets 36 can be evenly spaced along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10 on the air blowing surface 37, so that the spacing between adjacent air outlets 36 is the same or basically consistent.

[0106] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple air outlets 36 to be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller 10, the blowing range and blowing length of the blowing surface 37 in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller 10 can be increased, so that the airflow blown out by the blowing surface 37 can be blown to the tab 60 more evenly. In this way, the tab 60 can be subjected to a more uniform airflow force along the conveying direction of the conveying roller 10, and the airflow blown out by the multiple air outlets 36 on the blowing surface 37 can act on multiple tabs 60 at the same time, thereby improving the working range and effect of the smoothing mechanism 20.

[0107] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-4, there are multiple air inlets 35, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller 10.

[0108] The cross-section of the air inlet 35 can be circular. The number of air inlets 35 can be less than the number of air outlets 36, and the distance between adjacent air inlets 35 can be greater than the distance between adjacent air outlets 36.

[0109] In the above technical solution, by setting the air inlet 35 to be multiple and spaced apart along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10, the air intake efficiency of the air blowing module 30 can be increased, and the air intake of the air blowing module 30 can be more uniform along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10. This is beneficial to the air blowing surface 37 discharging air more uniformly along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10.

[0110] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1-4, the air inlet 35 is located on the side of the air blowing module 30 away from the conveyor roller 10; or, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the air inlet 35 is located on the axial side of the air blowing module 30 along the conveyor roller 10.

[0111] In the above technical solution, by setting the air inlet 35 on the side of the air blowing module 30 away from the conveyor roller 10 or setting the air inlet 35 on the axial side of the air blowing module 30 along the conveyor roller 10, it is convenient for the air inlet 35 of the air blowing module 30 to be connected to devices such as air compressors.

[0112] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, there are multiple air outlets 36, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10, the distance between adjacent air outlets 36 is d, and the width of the tab 60 is W, where d / W ≤ 3 / 4.

[0113] The width of the tab 60 refers to the dimension of the tab 60 along the length of the tab 60 body. For the length of the tab 60 body, please refer to the above explanation, which will not be repeated here.

[0114] For example, the value of d / W can be 3 / 4, 5 / 8, 1 / 2, 3 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.

[0115] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple air outlets 36 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10, the blowing range and blowing length of the air blowing surface 37 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 can be increased, so that the airflow blown by the air blowing surface 37 is blown to the tab 60 more evenly. In this way, the tab 60 can be subjected to a more uniform airflow force along the conveying direction of the conveyor roller 10, and the airflow blown by multiple air outlets 36 on the air blowing surface 37 can act on multiple tabs 60 at the same time, improving the range and effect of the smoothing mechanism 20. At the same time, by limiting the relationship between the spacing between adjacent air outlets 36 and the width of the tab 60, the airflow blown by multiple air outlets 36 can act on the same tab 60 at the same time, so that the tab 60 is subjected to a more uniform airflow in the width direction. This can better reduce the possibility of the tab 60 folding and wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, the air blowing surface 37 includes a first air blowing section 371 and a second air blowing section 372. Air outlet holes 36 are formed on both the first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372. The first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the conveyor roller 10. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10, the first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 are located on both sides of the material belt entering the roller position S.

[0117] The entry position S of the material strip refers to the position where the electrode strip 200 enters the conveyor roller 10. Before entering the roller, the electrode strip 200 extends in a straight line. After entering the roller, the electrode strip 200 can be supported by the conveyor roller 10, and the conveyor roller 10 can convey the electrode strip 200. Under the action of the conveyor roller 10, the shape of the electrode strip 200 is similar to the shape of the outer circumference of the conveyor roller 10. After entering the roller, the electrode strip 200 becomes an arc extending circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10 and is concentrically set with the conveyor roller 10.

[0118] The portion of the main body 50 of the material strip before the roller entry position is a straight section 52 extending in a straight line, and the portion of the main body 50 of the material strip after the roller entry position is an arc-shaped section 51 extending in an arc. The straight section 52 and the arc-shaped section 51 are tangent to each other. The roller entry position of the electrode material strip 200 is also the connection point, tangent point, or boundary point of the straight section 52 and the arc-shaped section 51 of the electrode material strip 200.

[0119] The first air blowing section 371 may be provided with multiple air outlets 36, and the multiple air outlets 36 on the first air blowing section 371 are spaced apart along the length direction of the first air blowing section 371; the second air blowing section 372 may be provided with multiple air outlets 36, and the multiple air outlets 36 on the second air blowing section 372 are spaced apart along the length direction of the second air blowing section 372.

[0120] The length of the second blowing section 372 can be greater than the length of the first blowing section 371, and the number of air outlets 36 on the second blowing section 372 can be greater than the number of air outlets 36 on the first blowing section 371.

[0121] The spacing between adjacent air outlets 36 on the second air blowing section 372 can be the same as the spacing between adjacent air outlets 36 on the first air blowing section 371.

[0122] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing surface 37 to include a first air blowing section 371 and a second air blowing section 372, and making the first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 located on both sides of the material strip entering the roller, during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, the tab 60 can be supported by the first air blowing section 371 before entering the roller, reducing the possibility of the tab 60 turning over or wrinkling before entering the roller. After the tab 60 enters the roller, it can be supported by the second air blowing section 372, reducing the possibility of the tab 60 turning over or wrinkling before entering the roller. In this way, the airflow from the air blowing surface 37 blows towards the tab 60 before and after entering the roller, thereby better reducing the possibility of the tab 60 turning over or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and further improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0123] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, among all the air outlets 36 located in the first air blowing section 371, the air outlet 36 furthest from the material belt entry roller position is the first air outlet 361. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10, the distance between the first air outlet 361 and the material belt entry roller position is a, 5mm≤a≤30mm.

[0124] For example, the distance 'a' between the first air outlet 361 and the position of the material belt entering the roller can be 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, etc.

[0125] In the above technical solution, by setting the distance between the air outlet 36 furthest from the material belt entry roller position in the first air blowing section 371 and the material belt entry roller position to 5mm to 30mm, the effective length of the first air blowing section 371 is not less than 5mm, thereby enabling the first air blowing section 371 to have an effective blowing effect on the tab 60 before it enters the roller. Furthermore, by setting the effective length of the first air blowing section 371 not greater than 30mm, the length of the first air blowing section 371 is moderate, avoiding waste caused by excessive length of the first air blowing section 371 and reducing the space occupied by the first air blowing section 371.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller 10, the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section 371 is a straight line, and the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 is an arc.

[0127] For example, the air blowing module 30 can extend circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10, the part of the air blowing module 30 corresponding to the first air blowing section 371 can extend in a straight line, the part of the air blowing module 30 corresponding to the second air blowing section 372 can extend in an arc, and the surface of the air blowing module 30 facing the conveyor roller 10 can be formed as an arc-shaped surface extending circumferentially along the conveyor roller 10.

[0128] In the above technical solution, setting the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section 371 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 to a straight line allows the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section 371 to match the extension trajectory of the corresponding electrode strip 200. This avoids the influence of the first air blowing section 371 on the conveying of the electrode strip 200 and makes the distance between the first air blowing section 371 and the electrode strip 200 more uniform. Consequently, the airflow blown by the first air blowing section 371 onto the electrode tab 60 is more evenly distributed along the length of the conveyor roller 10, thus ensuring that the first air blowing section 371 provides better protection for the electrode tab 60 before it enters the roller. The blowing effect is achieved by setting the extension trajectory of the second blowing section 372 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 as an arc. This allows the extension trajectory of the second blowing section 372 to match the extension trajectory of the corresponding electrode strip 200, thus avoiding the influence of the second blowing section 372 on the conveying of the electrode strip 200. Furthermore, it makes the distance between the second blowing section 372 and the electrode strip 200 more uniform, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the airflow blown by the second blowing section 372 onto the tab 60 in the length direction of the conveyor roller 10. This gives the second blowing section 372 a better blowing effect on the tab 60 after it enters the roller.

[0129] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the extension trajectory of the second blowing section 372 is concentrically arranged with the conveying roller 10.

[0130] In the above technical solution, by setting the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10 as an arc, and making the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 concentric with the conveyor roller 10, the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 can better match the corresponding electrode strip 200, better avoid the influence of the second air blowing section 372 on the conveying of the electrode strip 200, and make the distance between the second air blowing section 372 and the electrode strip 200 more uniform. As a result, the airflow blown by the second air blowing section 372 onto the electrode tab 60 is more evenly distributed in the length direction of the conveyor roller 10, so that the second air blowing section 372 has a better blowing effect on the electrode tab 60 after it enters the roller.

[0131] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second blowing section 372 is β, where 40°≤β≤80°.

[0132] For example, the central angle β corresponding to the extended trajectory of the second blowing section 372 is 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, etc.

[0133] In the above technical solution, during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, the central angle of the portion of the electrode strip 200 covering the outer periphery of the conveyor roller 10 is generally less than 90°. By setting the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 to 40° to 80°, the second air blowing section 372 can have a larger air blowing length and air blowing range, thereby allowing the electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller to receive a larger range and longer time of airflow action. Furthermore, the second air blowing section 372 can act on multiple electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller simultaneously, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second air blowing section 372 on the electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller. Furthermore, by ensuring that the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second blowing section 372 is no greater than 80°, the second blowing section 372 can achieve a larger blowing length and blowing range, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second blowing section 372 on the electrode tab 60 after entering the roller. At the same time, it can also avoid the impact on the conveying of the electrode strip 200 caused by the excessively large central angle of the second blowing section 372. For example, it can avoid the problem that the second blowing section 372 may interfere with the electrode strip 200.

[0134] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the material strip body 50 includes an arc-shaped segment 51 that is wound around the outer periphery of the conveyor roller 10. The arc-shaped segment 51 is concentrically arranged with the conveyor roller 10, and the central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped segment 51 is α. The second air blowing segment 372 is located on the outer periphery of the arc-shaped segment 51, and the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing segment 372 is β, where 2 / 3α≤β≤α.

[0135] The statement 2 / 3α≤β≤α can be understood as the ratio of β to α ranging from 2 / 3 to 1, i.e., 2 / 3≤β / α≤1. For example, the ratio of the central angle β corresponding to the extended trajectory of the second blowing segment 372 to the central angle α corresponding to the arc segment 51 can be 2 / 3, 3 / 4, 4 / 5, 5 / 6, 1, etc.

[0136] In the above technical solution, by aligning the second air blowing section 372 with the arc-shaped section 51 of the electrode strip 200, the second air blowing section 372 and the arc-shaped section 51 of the electrode strip 200 are matched. This avoids the influence of the second air blowing section 372 on the electrode conveying and makes the distance between the second air blowing section 372 and the electrode strip 200 more uniform. Consequently, the airflow blown by the second air blowing section 372 onto the electrode tab 60 is more evenly distributed along the length of the conveying roller 10, thus ensuring that the second air blowing section 372 is more effective at conveying the electrode tab 60. After entering the roller, it has a good blowing effect; and by setting the ratio of the central angle of the second blowing section 372 to the central angle of the arc section 51 of the electrode strip 200 to 2 / 3 to 1, the second blowing section 372 can have a larger blowing length and blowing range, so that the electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller can receive airflow over a larger range and for a longer time, and the second blowing section 372 can act on multiple electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller at the same time, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second blowing section 372 on the electrode tabs 60 after entering the roller. Furthermore, by ensuring that the ratio of the central angle of the second air blowing section 372 to the central angle of the arc segment 51 of the electrode strip 200 is no greater than 1, the second air blowing section 372 can achieve a larger blowing length and blowing range, thereby improving the blowing effect of the second air blowing section 372 on the electrode tab 60 after entering the roller. At the same time, it can also avoid the impact on the conveying of the electrode strip 200 caused by the excessively large central angle of the second air blowing section 372. For example, it can avoid the problem that the second air blowing section 372 may interfere with the electrode strip 200.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, a guide surface 34 is formed at one end of the air blowing module 30 near the material belt entry roller position. The guide surface 34 faces the conveying space 38. In the conveying direction of the electrode material belt 200, the distance between the guide surface 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller 10 gradually increases.

[0138] In the above technical solution, by forming a guide surface 34 at one end of the air blowing module 30 near the material belt entry roller position, and by making the distance between the guide surface 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller 10 gradually increase in the conveying direction of the electrode material belt 200, the guide surface 34 can be used to guide the electrode material belt 200 into the roller, reducing problems such as wrinkles that occur during the electrode material belt 200 entering the roller.

[0139] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3-5, the guide surface 34 is formed as an arc-shaped surface.

[0140] In the above technical solution, by setting the guide surface 34 as an arc surface, the possibility of the electrode strip 200 being scratched by the air blowing module 30 when entering the roller can be reduced.

[0141] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4-5, the cross-section of the vent 36 is circular.

[0142] In the above technical solution, by setting the cross-section of the air outlet 36 to be circular, the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 can form a more stable cylindrical wind column that is not easy to disperse. This can improve the effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 on the tab 60 and enhance the blowing effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 on the tab 60.

[0143] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4-5, the diameter of the air outlet 36 is D, where D≤1mm.

[0144] In the above technical solution, by setting the cross-section of the air outlet 36 to be circular, the diameter of the air outlet 36 is no greater than 1mm. This makes the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 form a relatively stable cylindrical air column that is not easy to disperse. At the same time, it makes the flow area of ​​the air outlet 36 smaller, reducing the consumption of compressed air and lowering the cost of use. Furthermore, the force on the tab 60 under the action of the blown airflow is stronger, which can improve the blowing effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 on the tab 60.

[0145] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air outlet 36 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air inlet 35.

[0146] In the above technical solution, by making the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air outlet 36 smaller than that of a single air inlet 35, the flow area of ​​the air outlet 36 can be reduced, thus reducing the consumption of compressed air and lowering the cost of use. The air outlet pressure of the air outlet 36 can be increased, thereby making the airflow blown out by the air outlet 36 have a better blowing effect on the tab 60.

[0147] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6-8, the air blowing module 30 includes a module body 31 and a partition plate 32. The module body 31 has an air-containing cavity 33, and the partition plate 32 is provided in the air-containing cavity 33 to divide the air-containing cavity 33 into a first air chamber 331 and a second air chamber 332. The wall of the first air chamber 331 is provided with an air inlet 35, and the wall of the second air chamber 332 is provided with an air outlet 36. The partition plate 32 is provided with a connecting hole 321, which is used to connect the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332.

[0148] The partition plate 32 can be connected and fixed to the module body 31.

[0149] In the above technical solution, by setting the air blowing module 30 with a module body 31 and a partition plate 32, the partition plate 32 can divide the air chamber 33 in the module body 31 into a first air chamber 331 and a second air chamber 332. The airflow can enter the first air chamber 331 from the air inlet 35. After entering the first air chamber 331, the airflow enters the second air chamber 332 through the connecting hole 321 on the partition plate 32. The airflow entering the second air chamber 332 is blown out through the air outlet 36. The air blowing module 30 adopts a dual-air chamber design. The airflow is buffered by the two air chambers and then blown out through the air outlet 36, which can make the wind speed of the air outlet 36 more uniform and improve the blowing effect of the air blowing module 30 on the tab 60.

[0150] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7-8, there are multiple connecting holes 321, and the multiple connecting holes 321 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller 10.

[0151] Each connecting hole 321 can be elongated, and the length direction of the connecting hole 321 can be perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple connecting holes 321.

[0152] In the above technical solution, by setting multiple connecting holes 321 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller 10, the airflow in the first air chamber 331 can flow into the second air chamber 332 through multiple connecting holes 321, thereby making the airflow in the second air chamber 332 more uniform in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller 10, thus making the airflow blown out by the air blowing module 30 in the circumferential direction of the conveying roller 10 more uniform, and improving the blowing effect of the air blowing module 30 on the tab 60.

[0153] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332 are arranged along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10; or, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332 are arranged along the radial direction of the conveyor roller 10.

[0154] In the above technical solution, by arranging the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332 along the axial or radial direction of the conveyor roller 10, the arrangement of the two air chambers of the blowing module 30 can be flexible and convenient.

[0155] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7-10, the module body 31 includes a first housing 311 and a second housing 312 that are detachably connected. A partition plate 32 and the first housing 311 together define a first air chamber 331, and the partition plate 32 and the second housing 312 together define a second air chamber 332. An air inlet 35 is provided in the first housing 311, and an air outlet 36 is provided in the second housing 312.

[0156] For example, the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 can be connected by fasteners 40.

[0157] In the above technical solution, by setting the module body 31 to include a first housing 311 and a second housing 312 that can be detachably connected, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble the module body 31, for example, to facilitate the maintenance and cleaning of the air cavity 33 inside the module body 31.

[0158] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7-10, the partition plate 32 is sandwiched between the first housing 311 and the second housing 312, and the partition plate 32 is detachably connected to both the first housing 311 and the second housing 312.

[0159] For example, the partition plate 32 is connected to the first housing 311 by fastener 40, and the partition plate 32 is connected to the second housing 312 by fastener 40.

[0160] In the above technical solution, by clamping the partition plate 32 between the first housing and the second housing 312, it is convenient to connect the partition plate 32 with the first housing 311 and the second housing 312. Furthermore, the partition plate 32 can be detachably connected to both the first housing 311 and the second housing 312, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the module body 31. For example, it facilitates the maintenance and cleaning of the air chamber 33 inside the module body 31.

[0161] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7-10, the first housing 311 is provided with a plurality of first connecting holes 391, the second housing 312 is provided with a plurality of second connecting holes 392, and the partition plate 32 is provided with a plurality of third connecting holes 393. The number of first connecting holes 391, second connecting holes 392 and third connecting holes 393 are the same and correspond to each other. Fasteners 40 are passed through the corresponding first connecting holes 391, second connecting holes 392 and third connecting holes 393 to connect the first housing 311, the partition plate 32 and the second housing 312.

[0162] In the above technical solution, by connecting the first housing 311, the partition plate 32 and the second housing 312 with the same fastener 40, the disassembly and assembly of the air blowing module 30 is relatively simple and the connection is tight.

[0163] In a second aspect, this application provides an electrode processing apparatus, including: an electrode cutting device and an electrode processing device 100 according to the first aspect of this application. The electrode cutting device is used to cut electrode tabs 60 on the electrode strip 200. In the electrode processing direction, the electrode processing device 100 is located downstream of the electrode cutting device.

[0164] Among them, the electrode cutting device can use laser cutting to cut electrode tabs 60 on the electrode strip 200.

[0165] After the electrode strip 200 is cut into tabs 60 by the electrode cutting device, it is conveyed and processed by the electrode processing device 100. The conveying roller 10 of the electrode processing device 100 is used to convey the electrode strip 200, and the smoothing mechanism 20 of the electrode processing device 100 is used to smooth the tabs 60. In addition, the smoothing mechanism 20 of the electrode processing device 100 can also blow away the particles and dust generated on or near the tabs 60 cut by the electrode cutting device in the previous process.

[0166] In the above technical solution, by setting up the electrode processing device 100, after the electrode strip 200 is cut by the electrode cutting device, during the process of conveying it through the conveyor roller 10 of the electrode processing device 100, the smoothing mechanism 20 of the electrode processing device 100 can blow airflow toward the electrode tab 60 and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10, which can reduce the possibility of folding and wrinkling of the electrode tab 60 during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and improve the production yield of the electrode.

[0167] The electrode processing apparatus 100 according to some embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to Figures 1-8.

[0168] In this embodiment, the electrode processing apparatus 100 includes a conveying roller 10 and a smoothing mechanism 20. The smoothing mechanism 20 includes an air blowing module 30, which is located on the outer periphery of the conveying roller 10 and spaced apart from it, thereby defining a conveying space 38 for conveying the electrode strip 200 between the air blowing module 30 and the outer periphery of the conveying roller 10. The air blowing module 30 extends circumferentially along the conveying roller 10 and is located on the upper side of the conveying roller 10. An air blowing surface 37 extends circumferentially along the conveying roller 10. The air blowing surface 37 is located at one end of the air blowing module 30 near the conveying roller 10, and is located on the axial side of the air blowing module 30 along the conveying roller 10. In the radial direction of the conveying roller 10 and toward the central axis of the conveying roller 10, the air blowing surface 37 extends obliquely toward the center of the air blowing module 30.

[0169] Air outlets 36 are formed on the air blowing surface 37. The cross-section of the air outlets 36 is circular, and the diameter of the air outlets 36 is D, where D≤1mm. Multiple air outlets 36 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10. The air blowing surface 37 includes a first air blowing section 371 and a second air blowing section 372. Both the first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 have air outlets 36 formed on them. The first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 are located on opposite sides of the material belt entering the roller. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller 10, the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section 371 is a straight line, and the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 is an arc. The extension trajectory of the second air blowing section 372 is concentrically arranged with the conveyor roller 10.

[0170] The blowing module 30 has a guide surface 34 at one end near the material belt entry roller position. The guide surface 34 faces the conveying space 38. In the conveying direction of the electrode material belt 200, the distance between the guide surface 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller 10 gradually increases, and the guide surface 34 is formed as an arc surface.

[0171] The air blowing module 30 includes a module body 31 and a partition plate 32. The module body 31 has an air-containing cavity 33, and the partition plate 32 is provided within the air-containing cavity 33 to divide the air-containing cavity 33 into a first air chamber 331 and a second air chamber 332. The module body 31 includes a first housing 311 and a second housing 312 that are detachably connected. The partition plate 32 and the first housing 311 together define the first air chamber 331, and the partition plate 32 and the second housing 312 together define the second air chamber 332. An air inlet 35 is provided in the first housing 311, and an air outlet 36 is provided in the second housing 312. The first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332 are arranged radially along the conveyor roller 10, and the second air chamber 332 is located on the side of the first air chamber 331 closer to the conveyor roller 10. The first housing 311 and the second housing 312 are arranged radially along the conveyor roller 10. The second housing 312 is located on the side of the first housing 311 closest to the conveyor roller 10. The air inlet 35 is located on the side of the first housing 311 opposite to the second housing 312. The partition plate 32 is provided with a connecting hole 321 for connecting the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332. There are multiple connecting holes 321, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller 10. The guide surface 34 is formed on the second housing 312.

[0172] In this embodiment, by setting a smoothing mechanism 20 near the conveyor roller 10, the air blowing module 30 of the smoothing mechanism 20 can blow airflow toward the tab 60 and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10 during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the conveyor roller 10. The airflow can apply a force to the tab 60 toward the direction close to the conveyor roller 10 to press the tab 60. At the same time, under the support of the conveyor roller 10, the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller can be reduced, thereby improving the production yield of the electrode strip 200.

[0173] Furthermore, by configuring the air blowing surface 37 to include a first air blowing section 371 and a second air blowing section 372, with the first air blowing section 371 and the second air blowing section 372 located on both sides of the material strip entering the roller, during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, the tab 60 can be supported by the first air blowing section 371 before entering the roller, reducing the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling before entering the roller. After the tab 60 enters the roller, it can be supported by the second air blowing section 372, reducing the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling before entering the roller. In this way, the airflow from the air blowing surface 37 blows towards the tab 60 both before and after entering the roller, thereby better reducing the possibility of the tab 60 folding or wrinkling during the process of the electrode strip 200 passing through the roller, and further improving the production yield of the electrode.

[0174] By setting the cross-section of the air outlet 36 to be circular and making the diameter of the air outlet 36 no greater than 1mm, the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 forms a relatively stable cylindrical air column that is not easy to disperse. At the same time, the flow area of ​​the air outlet 36 is small, which reduces the consumption of compressed air and lowers the cost of use. Furthermore, the force on the tab 60 under the action of the blown airflow is stronger, which can improve the blowing effect of the airflow blown out of the air outlet 36 on the tab 60.

[0175] The air blowing module 30 adopts a dual-chamber design. The airflow is buffered by the two chambers and then blown out from the air outlet 36, which makes the air velocity of the air outlet 36 more uniform and improves the blowing effect of the air blowing module 30 on the tab 60.

[0176] The electrode processing apparatus 100 according to other embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to Figures 9-10.

[0177] In this embodiment, the main difference between the electrode processing apparatus 100 and the electrode processing apparatus 100 in the embodiments of Figures 1-8 is the arrangement of the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332. In this embodiment, the first air chamber 331 and the second air chamber 332 are arranged along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10, and the second air chamber 332 is located on the side of the first air chamber 331 closer to the tab 60. The first housing 311 and the second housing 312 are arranged along the axial direction of the conveyor roller 10, and the second housing 312 is located on the side of the first housing 311 closer to the tab 60.

[0178] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0179] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrode tab processing apparatus, wherein, include: A conveyor roller for conveying electrode strips, the electrode strips comprising a strip body and an electrode tab, the electrode tab being connected to the strip body on the axial side along the conveyor roller; A smoothing mechanism includes an air blowing module, which has an air-containing cavity, an air inlet and an air outlet. The air-containing cavity connects the air inlet and the air outlet. The air blowing module is used to blow airflow through the air outlet toward the tab and toward the direction close to the conveyor roller.

2. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The air blowing module is located on the outer periphery of the conveyor roller and is spaced apart from the conveyor roller to define a conveying space for conveying the electrode strip between the outer periphery of the air blowing module and the conveyor roller. The air blowing module has an air blowing surface that extends circumferentially along the conveyor roller, and the air outlet is formed on the air blowing surface.

3. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The air blowing surface is located at one end of the air blowing module near the conveyor roller.

4. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The air blowing surface is located on the axial side of the air blowing module along the conveyor roller.

5. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, Along the radial direction of the conveyor roller and toward the central axis of the conveyor roller, the blowing surface extends obliquely toward the center of the blowing module.

6. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The air outlets are multiple, and the multiple air outlets are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller; and / or, the air inlets are multiple, and the multiple air inlets are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller.

7. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The air inlet is located on the side of the air blowing module opposite to the conveyor roller; or, the air inlet is located on the axial side of the air blowing module along the conveyor roller.

8. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 2-5, wherein, There are multiple air outlets, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveyor roller. The distance between adjacent air outlets in the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller is d, and the width of the tab is W, where d / W ≤ 3 / 4.

9. The pole piece processing apparatus of any of claims 2-8, wherein, The air blowing surface includes a first air blowing section and a second air blowing section. Both the first air blowing section and the second air blowing section have air outlet holes. The first air blowing section and the second air blowing section are arranged sequentially along the rotation direction of the conveyor roller. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller, the first air blowing section and the second air blowing section are located on both sides of the material belt entering the roller.

10. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein, Of all the air outlets located in the first air blowing section, the air outlet furthest from the material belt entry roller position is the first air outlet. In the circumferential direction of the conveyor roller, the distance between the first air outlet and the material belt entry roller position is a, where 5mm ≤ a ≤ 30mm.

11. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein, In the circumferential direction of the conveying roller, the extension trajectory of the first air blowing section is a straight line, and the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section is an arc.

12. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The extension trajectory of the second air blowing section is concentrically set with the conveying roller; and / or, the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing section is β, 40°≤β≤80°.

13. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The main body of the material strip includes an arc-shaped segment wrapped around the outer periphery of the conveyor roller. The arc-shaped segment is concentrically arranged with the conveyor roller, and the central angle corresponding to the arc-shaped segment is α. The second air blowing segment is located on the outer periphery of the arc-shaped segment, and the central angle corresponding to the extension trajectory of the second air blowing segment is β, where 2 / 3α≤β≤α.

14. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 2-13, wherein, The blowing module has a guide surface at one end near the material belt entry roller position. The guide surface faces the conveying space. In the conveying direction of the electrode material belt, the distance between the guide surface and the outer peripheral surface of the conveying roller gradually increases.

15. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The guide surface is formed as an arc surface.

16. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 1-15, wherein, The cross-section of the air outlet is circular.

17. The pole piece processing apparatus of any of claims 1-16, wherein, The diameter of the air outlet is D, where D ≤ 1 mm; and / or, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​a single air inlet.

18. The pole piece processing apparatus of any one of claims 1-17, wherein, The air blowing module includes a module body and a partition plate. The module body has an air-containing cavity, and the partition plate is provided in the air-containing cavity to divide the air-containing cavity into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The first air chamber has an air inlet on its wall, and the second air chamber has an air outlet on its wall. The partition plate has a connecting hole for connecting the first air chamber and the second air chamber.

19. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The communicating holes are multiple, and the multiple communicating holes are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the conveying roller; and / or, the first air chamber and the second air chamber are arranged along the axial or radial direction of the conveying roller.

20. The pole piece processing apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The main body of the module includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. The partition plate and the first housing together define the first air chamber, and the partition plate and the second housing together define the second air chamber. The air inlet is located in the first housing, and the air outlet is located in the second housing.

21. A pole piece processing apparatus, wherein, include: An electrode cutting device is used to cut the electrode tabs on an electrode strip; According to any one of claims 1-20, the electrode processing apparatus is located downstream of the electrode cutting apparatus in the electrode processing direction.

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