A device and method for bending and taping tabs of an electrode

Abstract

The application relates to a device and method for bending and pasting adhesive tape on the tab of an electric core. The device comprises at least one set of bending and pasting modules, each module comprising a pasting mechanism for pasting adhesive tape on the electric core and the tab, and a bending mechanism for bending the tab and the adhesive tape. The bending mechanism comprises a bending mounting assembly comprising a bending mounting seat sliding in a first direction, a lifting assembly comprising a lifting frame sliding in a second direction on the bending mounting seat, and a bending piece connected to the lifting frame. The application pastes adhesive tape on the upper surface of the tab first, and then bends the tab, so that the adhesive tape covers the whole tab after the tab is bent. The adhesive tape does not need to be pasted on the lower surface of the tab after the tab is bent, which facilitates the pasting process of the tab. The application solves the technical problems of complicated pasting operation and difficulty in pasting adhesive tape on the lower surface of the tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to a device and method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are a general term for chemical energy sources that use metallic lithium or lithium-containing materials as the negative electrode. Lithium-ion batteries have many superior characteristics, such as high energy density, high safety, wide operating temperature range, stable operating voltage, and long storage life, and have seen rapid development both domestically and internationally in recent years. Improving the capacity of power batteries is a key research focus and direction. Increasing battery capacity allows for a greater proportion of ternary dielectric material within the cell. Previously, some space within platinum tab cells was occupied by flexible connections and tabs, resulting in wasted space. CATL has developed a cell with bent flexible connections and tabs on both sides, minimizing wasted space. Therefore, within the same cell casing, the capacity of a platinum tab cell with bent flexible connections is significantly greater.

[0003] In related technologies, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell 4 is fixed on the base plate 6, and the base plate 6 is fixed with a support frame 7 that supports the battery cell tab 5. After bending the flexible connection in the length direction of the tab 5, insulating tape 8 needs to be applied to the welding points on the upper and lower sides of the bent tab 5 to insulate the tab 5 and the outer shell from the copper and aluminum foil of the battery cell 4 after bending, so as to prevent short circuit inside the battery cell 4.

[0004] However, when applying adhesive to the tabs, the tape needs to completely cover the tabs, requiring application to both the top and bottom surfaces. Each tab requires two applications, making the process complex and necessitating multiple application stations, resulting in a large application equipment. Furthermore, the small gap between the lower surface of the bent tab and the base plate makes it difficult for the application equipment to properly apply adhesive to the lower surface of the tab. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a device and method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs, in order to solve the technical problems in the related art where the adhesive application operation is complicated and it is difficult to apply adhesive to the lower surface of the tab.

[0006] In a first aspect, a battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device is provided, comprising at least one bending and adhesive application module, wherein the bending and adhesive application module includes an adhesive application mechanism for attaching adhesive tape to the battery cell and the tab, and a bending mechanism for bending the tab and the adhesive tape, wherein the bending mechanism includes:

[0007] A bending mounting assembly, comprising a bending mounting seat slidably disposed along a first direction;

[0008] A lifting assembly, comprising a lifting frame slidably disposed on the bending mounting base in a second direction;

[0009] A bent component, which is connected to the lifting frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bending element includes:

[0011] A bending seat, which is connected to the lifting frame;

[0012] A bending plate, which is detachably connected to the bending seat, and the thickness of the bending plate is less than the thickness of the bending seat.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bending mechanism further includes a clamping assembly, which includes a clamping member disposed above the bending member and slidably disposed on the lifting frame along a second direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clamping element includes:

[0015] A pressure plate, which is slidably disposed on the lifting frame along the second direction;

[0016] An elastic clamping block is attached to the surface of the clamping plate facing the bent part.

[0017] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly further includes a clamping drive member, the fixed end of which is connected to the lifting frame, and the driving end of which moves along the second direction and is connected to the clamping member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator includes:

[0019] Adhesive mounting bracket;

[0020] An adhesive application moving assembly includes an adhesive application moving seat that is slidably disposed on the adhesive application mounting frame along the first direction;

[0021] An adhesive applicator assembly includes an adhesive applicator head that is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator moving seat along the second direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator includes:

[0023] An adhesive mounting base is slidably disposed on the adhesive moving base along the second direction;

[0024] The first adhesive applicator is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator mounting base along the second direction;

[0025] The first elastic element has its two ends connected to the first adhesive applicator and the adhesive applicator mounting base, respectively.

[0026] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes:

[0027] The second adhesive applicator is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator mounting base along the second direction, and the second adhesive applicator and the first adhesive applicator are spaced apart in the first direction;

[0028] The second elastic element has its two ends connected to the second adhesive applicator and the adhesive applicator mounting base, respectively.

[0029] In some embodiments, the adhesive application assembly further includes an adhesive application driver, the fixed end of which is connected to the adhesive application movable seat, and the driving end of which moves along the second direction and is connected to the adhesive application head.

[0030] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes a negative pressure component, the adsorption end of which is connected to the adhesive applicator head.

[0031] In some embodiments, the adhesive applicator further includes a support member comprising a connecting portion and a supporting portion, the connecting portion being connected to the lifting frame, and the thickness of the supporting portion being less than the thickness of the connecting portion.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: This application provides a battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, which uses a bending and adhesive application module to apply adhesive and bend the tabs. Two sets of bending and adhesive application modules can be set up to process the two tabs of the battery cell simultaneously. First, an adhesive application mechanism applies tape to the battery cell and the tabs, completely covering the upper surface of the tabs, with some tape extending beyond the width of the tabs on both sides. After adhesive application, the bending component slides along the lifting frame and bending mounting seat towards the tabs in a first direction, and part of the bending component moves above the tabs. The bending component then descends with the lifting component. Since the tab portion is supported by the support frame, the unsupported portion of the tab bends under the downward pressure of the bending component. The bending component then moves again along the first direction, pushing the bent tab portion below the tab portion supported by the support frame, thus completing the tab bending operation. Simultaneously, the tape attached to the tab bends along with the tab, and the portion of the tape extending beyond the width of the tab adheres to each other, thus maintaining the bent state of the tab and completely covering it. The tape only needs to be attached to the upper surface of the tab, simplifying the tape application process, and the tape bends along with the tab, thus covering the entire tab.

[0033] Secondly, a method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs is provided, based on the aforementioned battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, comprising the following steps:

[0034] Pick up the tape and attach it to the surface of the battery cell and the tabs, making sure the tape extends beyond the width of the tabs on both sides;

[0035] When the tabs are bent, the tape bends accordingly, and the portion of the tape that extends beyond the width of the tabs adheres to each other.

[0036] Press down the bent tabs and tape.

[0037] Another embodiment of this application provides a method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs. Since it is based on the aforementioned battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, its beneficial effects are the same as those of the aforementioned battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell and electrode tab adhesive provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tabs and tape bending provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bending and adhesive application module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the bending mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the bending mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the adhesive application mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the adhesive application mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 10 A top view of the tabs and tape provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the support tab provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive application head provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the adhesive application head provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the preparation of bending tabs and tape for the bent parts provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the bent tabs and tape provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the bending and clamping parts used in the embodiments of this application to clamp the electrode lugs and the tape.

[0055] In the diagram: 1. Bending mechanism; 101. Bending frame; 102. Bending mounting assembly; 1021. Bending mounting base; 1022. Bending mounting drive component; 103. Lifting assembly; 1031. Lifting frame; 1032. Lifting drive component; 104. Bending component; 1041. Bending seat; 1042. Bending plate; 105. Pressing assembly; 1051. Pressing component; 1051a. Pressing plate; 1051b. Elastic pressing block; 1052. Pressing drive component; 2. Adhesive application mechanism; 201. Adhesive application mounting frame; 202. Adhesive application transfer... 2021. Adhesive application moving seat; 2022. Adhesive application moving drive component; 203. Adhesive application assembly; 2031. Adhesive application head; 2031a. Adhesive application mounting seat; 2031b. First adhesive application head; 2031c. First elastic element; 2031d. Second adhesive application head; 2031e. Second elastic element; 2032. Adhesive application drive component; 204. Support component; 2041. Connecting part; 2042. Support part; 3. Adhesive tape feeding device; 4. Battery cell; 5. Electrode; 6. Base plate; 7. Support frame; 8. Adhesive tape; 9. Bending line. Detailed Implementation

[0056] 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 and completely 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.

[0057] This application provides a device and method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs. By first applying adhesive to the upper surface of the tab and then bending the tab, the adhesive tape covers the entire tab as it is bent, eliminating the need to apply adhesive to the lower surface of the bent tab. This simplifies the adhesive application process and solves the technical problems of complex adhesive application operations and difficulty in applying adhesive to the lower surface of the tab in related technologies.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device includes at least one bending and adhesive application module. In this embodiment, there are two bending and adhesive application modules. The two bending and adhesive application modules are used to apply adhesive and bend the two tabs 5 of the battery cell 4 respectively, so as to improve the processing efficiency of the tabs 5.

[0059] The structure of cell 4 and tab 5 can be referred to Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell 4 is fixed on the base plate 6, and a support frame 7 for supporting the electrode tab 5 is fixed on the base plate 6. The support frame 7 supports the electrode tab 5. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, tape 8 is used to attach the battery cell 4 and the tab 5. After the tab 5 is bent, the unsupported part of the tab 5 is bent below the supported part of the tab 5, and the tab 5 is in a state of clamping the support frame 7. Figure 3 The image shows a longitudinal section of the battery cell 4, the tab 5, and the tape 8.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The bending and adhesive application module includes an adhesive application mechanism 2 and a bending mechanism 1.

[0061] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The adhesive applicator 2 is used to pick up the adhesive tape 8 and attach the adhesive tape 8 to the upper surface of the battery cell 4 and the tab 5, wherein the adhesive tape 8 completely covers the upper surface of the tab 5, and a portion of the adhesive tape 8 extends beyond the width of the tab 5 on both sides (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0062] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending mechanism 1 is used to bend the electrode lug 5 and the tape 8, as shown in the following figure. Figure 10 This is a top view of the tab 5 and tape 8. The bending points of the tab 5 and tape 8 are indicated by the bend line 9 in the diagram. The tab 5 is bent downwards along its length. After the tape 8 is bent, the portion of the tape 8 extending beyond the width of the tab 5 adheres to each other, allowing the tape 8 to cover the entire tab 5 while maintaining its bent state. Because the adhesive surfaces of the tape 8 adhere to each other, the adhesion is stronger than that between the tape 8 and the tab 5, resulting in better adhesion of the tab 5.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending mechanism 1 includes a bending frame 101, a bending mounting assembly 102, a lifting assembly 103, and a bending component 104.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending mounting assembly 102 includes a bending mounting base 1021 and a bending mounting drive component 1022. The bending mounting base 1021 is slidably disposed on the bending frame 101 along a first direction, which is the Y-axis direction in the figure. The bending mounting base 1021 slides along the first direction, gradually moving closer to or away from the battery cell 4. The fixed end of the bending mounting drive component 1022 is connected to the bending frame 101, and the driving end of the bending mounting drive component 1022 moves along the first direction and is connected to the bending mounting base 1021. Therefore, the bending mounting base 1021 slides in the first direction under the action of the bending mounting drive component 1022. The bending mounting drive component 1022 includes a lead screw mechanism, a linear motor, or a cylinder. In this embodiment, the bending mounting drive component 1022 is preferably a linear motor to ensure the movement accuracy of the bending mounting base 1021.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bent component 104 is connected to the bending mounting base 1021 via the lifting assembly 103, thereby allowing the bent component 104 to move closer to or further away from the battery cell 4 along with the bending mounting base 1021. (Refer to...) Figure 14 After the adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the tab 5 by the adhesive application mechanism 2, the bending part 104 moves with the bending mounting base 1021, and part of the bending part 104 is located above the tab 5.

[0066] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The lifting assembly 103 includes a lifting frame 1031 and a lifting drive component 1032. The lifting frame 1031 is slidably disposed on the bending mounting base 1021 along a second direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction in the figure. Further, the lifting frame 1031 and the bending mounting base 1021 are slidably engaged via a guide rail assembly. The guide rail assembly includes a slide rail and a slider. The length direction of the slide rail is set along the second direction, and the slide rail is fixed to the bending mounting base 1021 by bolts. The slider is slidably disposed on the slide rail, and the lifting frame 1031 and the slider are fixed by bolts. The number of sliders can be selected according to the height of the lifting frame 1031 and its load adaptability.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The fixed end of the lifting drive component 1032 is fixed to the bending mounting base 1021 by bolts. The driving end of the lifting drive component 1032 moves in the second direction and is connected to the lifting frame 1031. The lifting drive component 1032 can drive the lifting frame 1031 to move up and down in the second direction. The lifting drive component 1032 includes a lead screw mechanism, a linear motor, or a cylinder. In this embodiment, the lifting drive component 1032 includes a linear motor to ensure the movement accuracy of the lifting frame 1031.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bent component 104 is connected to the lifting frame 1031, and therefore can rise and fall with the movement of the lifting frame 1031. (Refer to...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 As the bending mounting base 1021 moves closer to the battery cell 4, part of the bending component 104 is positioned above the electrode tab 5. Then, as the lifting frame 1031 descends, the bending component 104 presses down on the electrode tab 5, bending the portion of the electrode tab 5 not supported by the support frame 7. The lifting frame 1031 then stops moving. (Refer to...) Figure 16 The bending component 104 then slides along the first direction with the bending mounting base 1021, causing the bending component 104 to be inserted into the gap between the electrode tab 5 and the base plate 6. Simultaneously, the bending component 104 pushes the bent portion of the electrode tab 5 into the gap between the base plate 6 and the supported electrode tab 5, thus completing the bending operation of the electrode tab 5. While the electrode tab 5 is bending, the adhesive tape 8 on the upper surface of the electrode tab 5 is also bent simultaneously. After the bending operation of the electrode tab 5 is completed, the portion of the adhesive tape 8 extending beyond the width of the electrode tab 5 adheres to each other, so that the adhesive tape 8 covers the entire electrode tab 5.

[0069] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The length direction of the bent piece 104 is arranged along the first direction so that it can be inserted into the gap between the tab 5 and the base plate 6 along the first direction as the bending mounting base 1021 moves (see reference). Figure 16The bending component 104 includes a bending seat 1041 and a bending plate 1042. The bending seat 1041 is fixed to the lifting frame 1031 by bolts, and the bending plate 1042 is connected to the bending seat 1041. The bending plate 1042 is horizontally positioned to facilitate pressing down on the electrode lug 5, and when inserted into the gap between the electrode lug 5 and the base plate 6, the horizontally positioned bending plate 1042 is less likely to interfere with the base plate 6. Furthermore, the bending plate 1042 is integrally formed from two single plates, with the two single plates partially stacked. The bending seat 1041 includes a stepped surface. One single plate is detachably connected to the stepped surface of the bending seat 1041 by bolts, and the other single plate is used to insert into the gap between the electrode lug 5 and the base plate 6. Because a single plate of the bending plate 1042 is inserted into the gap between the tab 5 and the base plate 6, the thickness of the bending plate 1042 inserted into the gap between the tab 5 and the base plate 6 is further reduced, making it less likely for the bending plate 1042 to interfere with the base plate 6, and making it easier to push and bend the tab 5.

[0070] Preferably, the bending seat 1041 and the bending plate 1042 are detachably connected by a bolt assembly, so that different bending plates 1042 can be replaced according to different specifications of battery cells 4, so that the width of the bending plate 1042 is greater than the width of the tab 5, and when pushing the tab 5, the tape 8 that exceeds the width of the tab 5 is simultaneously pushed and bent.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending mechanism 1 also includes a clamping assembly 105, which includes a clamping member 1051. The clamping member 1051 is also connected to the lifting frame 1031, and its length direction is also arranged along the first direction. In this embodiment, the clamping member 1051 is located above the bending member 104. (Refer to...) Figure 16 As the bent piece 104 is inserted into the gap between the tab 5 and the base plate 6, the bent tab 5 is located between the clamping piece 1051 and the bent piece 104.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the clamping member 1051 is slidably disposed on the lifting frame 1031 along the second direction. When the bent electrode lug 5 is located between the bent member 104 and the clamping member 1051, the clamping member 1051 slides closer to the bent member 104 along the second direction. Figure 16 The tab 5 is clamped between the bending member 104 and the pressing member 1051 to ensure that the tab 5 is bent in place and that the tape 8 extending beyond the width of the tab 5 is bent in place and firmly attached.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The clamping assembly 105 also includes a clamping drive 1052. The fixed end of the clamping drive 1052 is bolted to the lifting frame 1031. The output end of the clamping drive 1052 moves in a second direction and is bolted to the clamping member 1051. The clamping drive 1052 can drive the clamping member 1051 to move in the second direction, thereby clamping the bent tab 5 and tape 8 onto the bent member 104. The clamping drive 1052 includes a lead screw mechanism, a linear motor, or a cylinder. In this embodiment, the clamping drive 1052 includes a cylinder, as the required movement precision can be met by using a cylinder, thus saving costs.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 Furthermore, the clamping member 1051 includes a clamping plate 1051a, which is slidably disposed on the lifting frame 1031 along the second direction. In this embodiment, the clamping plate 1051a is slidably connected to the clamping drive member 1052 via a guide rail assembly. The length direction of the slide rail of the guide rail assembly is arranged along the second direction, and the slide rail is connected to the clamping drive member 1052. The slider of the guide rail assembly is bolted to the clamping plate 1051a, and the slider is slidably disposed on the slide rail. The sliding of the clamping plate 1051a is more stable under the action of the guide rail assembly.

[0075] The width of the clamping plate 1051a is greater than the width of the tab 5. Therefore, when clamping the tab 5, the clamping plate 1051a can also press down the part of the tape 8 that exceeds the width of the tab 5, so that the tape 8 can also be bent into place and adhere to each other.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Preferably, the clamping member 1051 further includes an elastic clamping block 1051b, which is fixed to the bottom surface of the clamping plate 1051a by bolts, and the elastic clamping block 1051b replaces the clamping plate 1051a in clamping the electrode lug 5 (see reference). Figure 16 Because the elastic clamping block 1051b can undergo elastic deformation, when the elastic clamping block 1051b presses down on the tab 5, on the one hand, the tab 5 is not easily damaged by hard impacts; on the other hand, because the thickness of the tape 8 is less than the thickness of the tab 5, the elastic clamping block 1051b can deform and press down further to compress the portion of the tape 8 that exceeds the width of the tab 5 into place. This causes the portion of the tape 8 that exceeds the width of the tab 5 to bend and adhere to each other stably, thus stably encasing the tab 5 within the tape 8. The elastic clamping block 1051b includes a rubber block or other elastic block.

[0077] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9Before the adhesive applicator 2 picks up the adhesive tape 8, the adhesive tape feeding device 3 first transports the adhesive tape 8 to the picking point of the adhesive applicator 2. The adhesive applicator 2 includes an adhesive applicator assembly 203 with multi-axis motion. The adhesive applicator assembly 203 first moves downward along the second direction to pick up the adhesive tape 8. After picking up the adhesive tape 8, it drives the adhesive tape 8 to rise, and then moves along the first direction to drive the adhesive tape 8 above the tab 5 and the battery cell 4. Finally, it descends to attach the adhesive tape 8 to the upper surface of the battery cell 4 and the tab 5 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0078] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The adhesive application mechanism 2 further includes an adhesive application mounting frame 201 and an adhesive application moving assembly 202. The adhesive application moving assembly 202 includes an adhesive application moving seat 2021 and an adhesive application moving drive component 2022. The adhesive application moving seat 2021 is slidably mounted on the adhesive application mounting frame 201 along a first direction. The fixed end of the adhesive application moving drive component 2022 is fixed to the adhesive application mounting frame 201, and the driving end of the adhesive application moving drive component 2022 moves along the first direction and is connected to the adhesive application moving seat 2021, so as to drive the adhesive application moving seat 2021 to move along the first direction. The adhesive application moving drive component 2022 includes a linear motor, a lead screw mechanism, or a cylinder. Preferably, the adhesive application moving drive component 2022 includes a linear motor to meet accuracy requirements.

[0079] In some embodiments, the adhesive application moving base 2021 and the adhesive application mounting bracket 201 can be slidably connected by a guide rail assembly, so that the adhesive application moving base 2021 can slide more stably through the guide rail assembly.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The adhesive application assembly 203 is connected to the adhesive application moving seat 2021 so as to move with the adhesive application moving seat 2021 in the first direction to facilitate reciprocating movement between the adhesive pick-up position and the adhesive application position.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The adhesive applicator 203 includes an adhesive applicator head 2031 and an adhesive applicator drive 2032. The adhesive applicator head 2031 is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator moving base 2021 along a second direction. The fixed end of the adhesive applicator drive 2032 is connected to the adhesive applicator moving base 2021, and the driving end of the adhesive applicator drive 2032 moves along the second direction and is connected to the adhesive applicator head 2031 to drive the adhesive applicator head 2031 to move up and down in the second direction. The adhesive applicator head 2031 can then, under the action of the adhesive applicator drive 2032, descend to pick up the adhesive tape 8 and descend to apply adhesive to the battery cell 4 and the electrode tab 5 (see reference). Figure 12 The adhesive application drive component 2032 includes a cylinder, a linear motor, or a lead screw mechanism. In this embodiment, the adhesive application drive component 2032 includes a cylinder, which can meet the accuracy requirements for adhesive dispensing and application.

[0082] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 Furthermore, the adhesive applicator 2031 includes an adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a, which is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator moving base 2021 along the second direction. In some embodiments, a guide rail assembly may be used to connect the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a and the adhesive applicator moving base 2021 to maintain the sliding stability of the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The adhesive applicator 2031 also includes a first adhesive applicator 2031b and a first elastic member 2031c. The first adhesive applicator 2031b is slidably disposed on the adhesive mounting base 2031a along a second direction, meaning that the first adhesive applicator 2031b can rise and fall relative to the adhesive mounting base 2031a. In this embodiment, the first adhesive applicator 2031b is used to apply adhesive to the upper surface of the tab 5. The two ends of the first elastic member 2031c are respectively connected to the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the adhesive mounting base 2031a. (Refer to...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 When the first adhesive applicator 2031b lowers along with the adhesive mounting base 2031a to the upper surface of the contact tab 5, as the adhesive mounting base 2031a further descends, the first adhesive applicator 2031b compresses the first elastic element 2031c, and the elastic force of the first elastic element 2031c keeps the first adhesive applicator 2031b firmly attached to the tab 5, ensuring that the adhesive tape 8 is securely attached to the tab 5. The elastic element includes a spring, an elastic sheet, an elastic block, or a shock absorber.

[0084] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The adhesive applicator 2031 also includes a second adhesive applicator 2031d and a second elastic member 2031e. The second adhesive applicator 2031d is slidably disposed on the adhesive mounting base 2031a along a second direction, meaning that the second adhesive applicator 2031d can rise and fall relative to the adhesive mounting base 2031a. In this embodiment, the second adhesive applicator 2031d is used to apply adhesive to the upper surface of the battery cell 4. The two ends of the second elastic member 2031e are respectively connected to the second adhesive applicator 2031d and the adhesive mounting base 2031a. (Refer to...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 When the second adhesive applicator 2031d lowers along with the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a to contact the upper surface of the battery cell 4, as the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a further descends, the second adhesive applicator 2031d can compress the second elastic element 2031e, and the elastic force of the second elastic element 2031e makes the second adhesive applicator 2031d adhere tightly to the battery cell 4, ensuring that the adhesive tape 8 is firmly attached to the battery cell 4. The elastic element includes a spring, an elastic sheet, an elastic block, or a shock absorber.

[0085] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13The first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d simultaneously pick up the same tape 8, and the first adhesive applicator 2031b attaches part of the tape 8 to the tab 5, while the second adhesive applicator 2031d attaches the other part of the tape 8 to the cell 4, so as to ensure that the tape 8 completely covers the tab 5 and ensures the quality of tape application.

[0086] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d are spaced apart in the first direction to allow for simultaneous adhesive application to the tab 5 and the battery cell 4 as the adhesive mounting base 2031a descends. The lower surfaces of both the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d are working surfaces. In this embodiment, since the adhesive application area of ​​the tab 5 is larger than that of the battery cell 4, and the tape 8 needs to completely cover the surface of the tab 5, the working surface of the first adhesive applicator 2031b is larger than that of the second adhesive applicator 2031d.

[0087] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The upper surface of the battery cell 4 is higher than the upper surface of the tab 5. When the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d simultaneously descend with the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a to apply adhesive, the second adhesive applicator 2031d first contacts the upper surface of the battery cell 4. As the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a descends further, the second elastic element 2031e is compressed, while the first adhesive applicator 2031b continues to descend and attaches the tape 8 to the upper surface of the tab 5. Due to the setting of the second elastic element 2031e, the first adhesive applicator 2031b can support the lifting and lowering movement of the first adhesive applicator 2031b relative to the second adhesive applicator 2031d. The working surfaces of the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d can be spaced apart in the second direction, so that the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d together press the tape 8 onto the tab 5 and the battery cell 4 respectively.

[0088] Furthermore, both the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d are slidably mounted on the adhesive applicator mounting base 2031a via guide rails to ensure the sliding stability of the first adhesive applicator 2031b and the second adhesive applicator 2031d.

[0089] Furthermore, the adhesive applicator 2 also includes a negative pressure component, which includes a negative pressure generating device. Its adsorption end is connected to the adhesive applicator head 2031 of the adhesive applicator 203. In this embodiment, the adsorption end of the negative pressure component is connected to the working surfaces of the first adhesive applicator head 2031b and the second adhesive applicator head 2031d, so as to adsorb the tape 8 onto the adhesive applicator head 2031 through the negative pressure component, thereby facilitating the transfer of the tape 8.

[0090] Reference Figure 7Furthermore, the adhesive applicator 2 also includes a support member 204. The length direction of the support member 204 is arranged along the first direction, and the support member 204 is connected to the lifting frame 1031. In this embodiment, the support member 204 is positioned above the pressing member 1051 and the bending member 104 to avoid interference of the support member 204 with the bending operation of the tab 5. The support member 204 moves along the first direction or the second direction as the lifting frame 1031 moves, referring to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The support member 204 can be inserted into the gap between the electrode ear 5 and the base plate 6 to adjust its position. When applying adhesive to the electrode ear 5, the support member 204 is inserted into the gap between the electrode ear 5 and the base plate 6 to support the electrode ear 5. The part of the electrode ear 5 not supported by the support frame 7 is supported by the support member 204. When applying adhesive to the electrode ear 5, the adhesive head 2031 presses the adhesive tape 8 tightly onto the electrode ear 5, so that the electrode ear 5 is not easily deformed, thus ensuring the quality of adhesive application to the electrode ear 5.

[0091] Reference Figure 7 Preferably, the support member 204 is plate-shaped and includes an integrally formed connecting portion 2041 and a supporting portion 2042. The connecting portion 2041 is connected to the lifting frame 1031 by bolts, see reference. Figure 11 The support portion 2042 is used to be inserted into the gap between the electrode tab 5 and the base plate 6. The thickness of the support portion 2042 is less than the thickness of the connecting portion 2041. On the one hand, the connecting portion 2041 ensures the strength of the support member 204, while the thinner support portion 2042 can be easily inserted into the gap between the electrode tab 5 and the base plate 6, avoiding interference between the support member 204 and the base plate 6.

[0092] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: This application provides a battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, which uses a bending and adhesive application module to apply adhesive and bend the tabs 5. Two sets of bending and adhesive application modules can be set up to process the two tabs 5 of the battery cell 4 simultaneously. Specifically, the adhesive application mechanism 2 first applies adhesive tape 8 to the battery cell 4 and the tabs 5, completely covering the upper surface of the tabs 5, with some tape 8 extending beyond the width of the tabs 5 on both sides. After the adhesive is applied, the bending component 104 slides along the first direction towards the electrode ear 5 along with the lifting frame 1031 and the bending mounting base 1021, and a portion of the bending component 104 moves above the electrode ear 5. The bending component 104 then descends with the lifting component. Since the electrode ear 5 is supported by the support frame 7, the unsupported portion of the electrode ear 5 bends under the downward pressure of the bending component 104. The bending component 104 moves again along the first direction, pushing the bent portion of the electrode ear 5 below the portion supported by the support frame 7, thus completing the bending operation of the electrode ear 5. At the same time, the adhesive tape 8 attached to the electrode ear 5 also bends along with the electrode ear 5, and the portion of the adhesive tape 8 that exceeds the width of the electrode ear 5 adheres to each other, which can maintain the bent state of the electrode ear 5 or completely cover the electrode ear 5. The tape 8 only needs to be attached to the upper surface of the tab 5, which facilitates the tape application process. The tape 8 is bent as the tab 5 is bent, and the tape 8 can cover the entire tab 5 as the tab 5 is bent.

[0093] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Another embodiment of this application provides a method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs, based on the aforementioned battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device, including the following steps:

[0094] Pick up tape 8 and attach tape 8 to the upper surface of battery cell 4 and tab 5, so that tape 8 extends beyond the width of tab 5 on both sides.

[0095] When the tab 5 is bent, the tape 8 bends accordingly, and the portion of the tape 8 that extends beyond the width of the tab 5 adheres to each other.

[0096] Press down the bent tab 5 and tape 8.

[0097] In the description of this application, it should be understood that in the accompanying drawings, the positive direction of "Y" represents the front, and correspondingly, the negative direction of "Y" represents the rear; the positive direction of "Z" represents the top, and correspondingly, the negative direction of "Z" represents the bottom. The terms "Y", "Z", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0098] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0099] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0100] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A device for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs, characterized in that, It includes at least one set of bending and adhesive application modules, wherein the bending and adhesive application modules include an adhesive application mechanism for attaching adhesive tape to the battery cell and the electrode tab, and a bending mechanism for bending the electrode tab and the adhesive tape, wherein a portion of the electrode tab is supported by a support frame, and the bending mechanism includes: A bending mounting assembly, comprising a bending mounting seat slidably disposed along a first direction; A lifting assembly, comprising a lifting frame slidably disposed in the bending mounting base along a second direction and used for bending the electrode tab; A bent component, which is connected to the lifting frame; The adhesive applicator attaches tape to the battery cell and the tab, with the tape completely covering the upper surface of the tab and extending beyond the width of the tab on both sides. The bending component slides along the lifting frame and bending mounting base towards the tab in a first direction, and part of the bending component moves above the tab. The bending component then descends with the lifting frame, and the unsupported portion of the tab bends under the downward pressure of the bending component. The bending component then moves again along the first direction, pushing the bent tab portion below the tab portion supported by the support frame, thus completing the tab bending operation. The tape attached to the tab also bends along with the tab, and the portion of the tape extending beyond the tab width adheres to each other, maintaining the bent state of the tab or completely covering it.

2. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending component includes: A bending seat, which is connected to the lifting frame; A bending plate, which is detachably connected to the bending seat, and the thickness of the bending plate is less than the thickness of the bending seat.

3. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bending mechanism further includes a clamping assembly, which includes a clamping member located above the bending member and slidably disposed on the lifting frame along a second direction.

4. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping element includes: A pressure plate, which is slidably disposed on the lifting frame along the second direction; An elastic clamping block is attached to the surface of the clamping plate facing the bent part.

5. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping assembly further includes a clamping drive component, the fixed end of which is connected to the lifting frame, and the driving end of which moves along the second direction and is connected to the clamping component.

6. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The adhesive applicator includes: Adhesive mounting bracket; An adhesive application moving assembly includes an adhesive application moving seat that is slidably disposed on the adhesive application mounting frame along the first direction; An adhesive applicator assembly includes an adhesive applicator head that is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator moving seat along the second direction.

7. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive applicator includes: An adhesive mounting base is slidably disposed on the adhesive moving base along the second direction; The first adhesive applicator is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator mounting base along the second direction; The first elastic element has its two ends connected to the first adhesive applicator and the adhesive applicator mounting base, respectively.

8. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adhesive applicator also includes: The second adhesive applicator is slidably disposed on the adhesive applicator mounting base along the second direction, and the second adhesive applicator and the first adhesive applicator are spaced apart in the first direction; The second elastic element has its two ends connected to the second adhesive applicator and the adhesive applicator mounting base, respectively.

9. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive application assembly further includes an adhesive application driver, the fixed end of which is connected to the adhesive application moving seat, and the driving end of which moves along the second direction and is connected to the adhesive application head.

10. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive applicator also includes a negative pressure component, the adsorption end of which is connected to the adhesive applicator head.

11. The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adhesive applicator also includes a support component, which comprises a connecting part and a supporting part. The connecting part is connected to the lifting frame, and the thickness of the supporting part is less than the thickness of the connecting part.

12. A method for bending and applying adhesive to battery cell tabs, characterized in that, The battery cell tab bending and adhesive application device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 Includes the following steps: Pick up the tape and attach it to the surface of the battery cell and the tabs, making sure the tape extends beyond the width of the tabs on both sides; When the tabs are bent, the tape bends accordingly, and the portion of the tape that extends beyond the width of the tabs adheres to each other. Press down the bent tabs and tape.

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