A dual cell winding method and apparatus

Abstract

This application proposes a dual-cell winding method, including step 100: a needle winding device acquires and clamps the heads of a first strip and a second strip; step 200: the needle winding device simultaneously winds the first strip and the second strip; step 300: the first strip and the second strip are finished and glued; step 400: the heads of the first strip and the second strip are released, and the first and second cells are unloaded. The needle winding device achieves clamping or releasing in one of the following ways: (a) the needle winding device includes two first needles and two first needle tips, the two first needles are coaxially arranged, the first needles form a first winding position, and the two first needle tips synchronously approach or move away from the corresponding first needles; (b) the needle winding device includes a second needle and a second needle tip, the second needle forms two second winding positions, and the second needle tip approaches or moves away from the second needle. The dual-cell winding method can improve the consistency of the first strip and the second strip. This application also proposes a dual-cell winding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium battery production, and in particular to a method and apparatus for winding dual-cell batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Existing lithium batteries are composed of paired and combined Class A and Class B cells. If the Class A and Class B cells have poor consistency, it will affect the performance of the resulting lithium battery.

[0003] Therefore, in some existing technologies, the winding needle device has two winding positions, which respectively clamp the material strip of type A battery cell and the material strip of type B battery cell. The winding of the two battery cells is completed by one winding needle device at the same time, thereby improving the consistency between type A battery cell and type B battery cell.

[0004] In some existing needle winding devices, the synchronization of the clamping and releasing of the material strip at the two winding positions is poor, which can easily reduce the consistency between Class A and Class B cells. Furthermore, if the clamping force at a certain winding position is too small, it may cause wrinkles in the cell. If the material strip is not fully opened when it is released at a certain winding position, it may cause the cell to pull out, thus reducing the quality of the cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a dual-cell winding method and apparatus.

[0006] According to the dual-cell winding method provided in this application, the dual-cell winding method uses a dual-cell winding device, the dual-cell winding device includes a needle winding device, and the dual-cell winding method includes the following steps:

[0007] Step 100: The needle winding device acquires and clamps the heads of the first and second strips;

[0008] Step 200: The needle winding device simultaneously winds the first strip and the second strip;

[0009] Step 300: Finish and apply adhesive to the first and second material strips to obtain the first and second battery cells;

[0010] Step 400: Release the heads of the first and second material strips, and unload the first and second battery cells.

[0011] The needle winding device achieves clamping or releasing in one of the following ways:

[0012] (a) The needle winding device includes two first needle windings and two first needle nozzles. The two first needle windings are arranged coaxially and form a first winding position. The two first needle nozzles move closer to or further away from the corresponding first needle windings to clamp or release the first strip and the second strip.

[0013] (b) The needle winding device includes a second needle winding and a second needle tip, the second needle winding forming two second winding positions, the second needle tip being close to or away from the second needle winding to clamp or release the first strip and the second strip.

[0014] According to the dual-cell winding method provided in this application, firstly, the dual-cell winding method feeds the first and second strips into the same winding needle device and winds them simultaneously, which can improve the consistency of the product performance of the first and second strips; secondly, by adopting a specific winding needle device, the dual-cell winding method can improve the consistency of the opening and closing actions of the two first winding positions or the two second winding positions, further reducing the working condition differences between the first and second strips during winding and improving the consistency of the product performance of the first and second strips; finally, since the first and second strips share the same winding needle device, it can reduce costs and increase production capacity. The wound first and second strips can be paired with cells nearby, saving handling time and improving the overall efficiency of lithium battery production.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, in mode (a), the needle winding device includes a first driving component, the first driving component includes two output ends, the two output ends are respectively connected to the first needle tip, and the two output ends are controlled to move synchronously in opposite directions so that the two first needle tips move synchronously closer to or further away from the corresponding first needle winding.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, the synchronous reverse motion is achieved in one of the following ways:

[0017] (aa) The first driving component includes a rotating member, which is rotatable along a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the first coiling needle. The rotating member includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The first contact surface and the second contact surface serve as the output end.

[0018] (ab) The first drive assembly includes a movable member that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first coil needle. The movable member includes an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface serve as the output end.

[0019] (ac) The first drive assembly includes a double-moving motor, the moving part of which is movable along the axial direction of the first winding needle, the moving part serving as the output end.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, in mode (aa), the rotating member is capable of floating along the axial direction of the first winding needle; in mode (ab), the moving member is capable of floating along the axial direction of the first winding needle.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this application, in manner (b), the needle winding device includes a needle support seat, in which the second needle winds through the needle support seat, the needle support seat being located between two second winding positions, the needle support seat supporting the second needle wind.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, the dual-cell winding equipment includes at least two winding needle devices that circulate between different workstations. Each workstation includes at least a preparatory workstation and a winding workstation. Step 100 is performed at the preparatory workstation, and step 200 is performed at the winding workstation.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this application, in step 100, in response to the completion of winding by the needle winding device located at the winding station, the needle winding device located at the preparatory station cuts the first strip and the second strip, and clamps the head of the next segment of the first strip and the next segment of the second strip.

[0024] The dual-cell winding device provided in this application includes a winding needle device, which includes two first winding needles and two first needle nozzles. The two first winding needles are arranged coaxially, and the first winding needles form a first winding position. The two first needle nozzles synchronously approach or move away from the corresponding first winding needles to clamp or release the first material strip and the second material strip.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, the needle winding device includes a driving assembly with two output ends respectively connected to the first needle tip. The two output ends are controlled to move synchronously in opposite directions, so that the two first needle tips move synchronously closer to or further away from the corresponding first needle. The synchronous in opposite directions are achieved through one of the following methods:

[0026] The drive assembly includes a rotating component that can rotate along an axis perpendicular to the first needle. The rotating component includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The first contact surface and the second contact surface serve as the output end.

[0027] The driving component includes a movable member that can move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first needle. The movable member includes an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface serve as the output end.

[0028] The drive assembly includes a dual-motor, the mover of which is capable of moving along the axial direction of the first winding needle, and the mover serves as the output end.

[0029] The dual-cell winding device provided in this application includes a winding needle device, which includes a second winding needle and a second needle nozzle. The second winding needle forms two second winding positions, and the second needle nozzle is close to or away from the second winding needle to clamp or release the first strip and the second strip.

[0030] The dual-cell winding device provided in this application can be used to execute the dual-cell winding method provided in this application. Therefore, the dual-cell winding device in the embodiments of this application has the beneficial effects brought about by the aforementioned dual-cell winding method, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the dual-cell winding method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of the dual-cell winding method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-cell winding device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-cell winding device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-cell winding device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-cell winding device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] First half-coil needle 110, first needle tip 120, rotating component 130, moving component 140, double-acting sub-motor 150, connecting component 160.

[0040] Second half-coil needle 210, second needle tip 220, needle holder 230, second drive assembly 240

[0041] Roller 310, elastic element 320. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features or the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0045] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0046] According to the dual-cell winding method provided in this application, a dual-cell winding device is used, which includes a needle winding device.

[0047] Reference Figure 1The dual-cell winding method provided in this application includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 100: The needle winding device acquires and clamps the heads of the first and second strips;

[0049] Step 200: The needle winding device simultaneously winds the first and second strips;

[0050] Step 300: Finish and apply adhesive to the first and second strips to obtain the first and second battery cells;

[0051] Step 400: Release the heads of the first and second material strips, and feed the first and second battery cells.

[0052] It is understandable that the first battery cell and the second battery cell are Class A and Class B batteries, respectively. By simultaneously winding the first battery cell and the second battery cell on the same winding device, the difference in winding conditions between the first battery cell and the second battery cell is reduced, and the interference from factors such as different winding devices is eliminated, thereby improving the consistency of product performance between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0053] In some embodiments, the needle winding device clamps or releases itself in one of the following ways:

[0054] (a) The needle winding device includes two first needle windings and two first needle nozzles 120. The two first needle windings are arranged coaxially and form a first winding position. The two first needle nozzles 120 move closer to or further away from the corresponding first needle windings to clamp or release the first and second strips.

[0055] (b) The needle winding device includes a second needle winding and a second needle tip 220, the second needle winding forming two second winding positions, and the second needle tip 220 being close to or away from the second needle winding to clamp or release the first and second strips.

[0056] In method (a), by controlling the synchronization of the two first needles 120, the consistency of the clamping or releasing action of the two first winding positions can be improved. In method (b), since the two second winding positions are formed by the same second winding needle, the consistency of the clamping or releasing action of the two second winding positions can also be improved. This design makes the clamping force of the first and second strips more consistent on the one hand, and makes the working conditions of the first and second cells more consistent when they are unloaded on the other hand, thereby further improving the consistency of the product performance of the first and second cells.

[0057] In some embodiments, in mode (a), the needle winding device includes a first drive assembly, which includes two output ends connected to a first needle tip 120, and controls the two output ends to move synchronously in opposite directions so that the two first needle tips 120 move synchronously closer to or further away from the corresponding first needle winding.

[0058] Specifically, synchronous reverse motion can be achieved through one of the following methods:

[0059] (aa) The first drive assembly includes a rotating member 130, which is rotatable along a rotating shaft perpendicular to the axis of the first coil needle. The rotating member 130 includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip 120. The first contact surface and the second contact surface serve as output ends.

[0060] (ab) The first drive assembly includes a movable member 140, which is capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first coil needle. The movable member 140 includes an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip 120. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface serve as output ends.

[0061] (ac) The first drive assembly includes a double-moving motor 150, the moving part of which is capable of moving along the axial direction of the first winding needle, and the moving part serves as the output end.

[0062] Figure 3 A specific embodiment of method (aa) is given, see reference. Figure 3 The rotating component 130 includes a centrally symmetrical rotating arm that rotates about its own center axis. The axis of the rotating arm coincides with the symmetrical reference plane of the two first needle tips 120. Rollers are respectively installed at both ends of the rotating arm, forming a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which abut against the end face of the corresponding first needle tip 120. The rotation of the rotating arm can drive the two first needle tips 120 to move synchronously in opposite directions.

[0063] The first winding needle includes two first half-winding needles 110, forming a first winding position between the two first half-winding needles 110. The first needle tip 120 moves closer to or further away along the axial direction of the first winding needle, so that the two first half-winding needles 110 move closer to or further away. In addition, the dual-core winding device also includes an elastic element 310 for resetting the first needle tip 120. The dual-core winding device also includes a guide roller 320, which allows the first strip and the second strip to pass through together.

[0064] Figure 4 A specific embodiment of method (ab) is given, see reference. Figure 4The moving part 140 is a push block. The two sides of the push block form an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, respectively. The symmetrical reference plane of the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface coincides with the symmetrical reference plane of the two first needle nozzles 120. The first needle nozzles 120 form an inclined fifth contact surface. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface contact the corresponding fifth contact surface, thereby enabling the movement of the push block perpendicular to the axial direction to be transformed into the synchronous reverse movement of the two first needle nozzles 120 along the axial direction.

[0065] Figure 5 A specific embodiment of method (ac) is given, referring to Figure 5 The two movers of the dual-motor motor 150 are respectively equipped with connectors 160. The first needle nozzle 120 has a slot on its circumferential side wall. The connector 160 extends into the slot so that the mover is connected to the first needle nozzle 120. The dual-motor motor 150 can control the two movers to move synchronously in opposite directions, so that the two first needle nozzles 120 move synchronously in opposite directions.

[0066] Understandably, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, if the axis of the rotating arm deviates from the symmetrical reference plane of the two first needle tips 120 in the axial direction of the first needle coil, or if the symmetrical reference plane of the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface deviates from the symmetrical reference plane of the two first needle tips 120 in the axial direction of the first needle coil, the trajectories of the two first needle tips 120 will deviate. Therefore, in some embodiments, in mode (aa), the rotating member 130 can float along the axial direction of the first needle coil; in mode (ab), the moving member 140 can float along the axial direction of the first needle coil. Floating allows the rotating member 130 or the moving member 140 to be accurately aligned.

[0067] Figure 6 A specific embodiment of method (b) is given, referring to Figure 6 The needle winding device includes a needle support seat 230, in which the second needle winds through. The needle support seat 230 is located between two second winding positions and supports the second needle wind. Because two second winding positions need to be formed, the second needle wind is significantly longer than that in the prior art, making it more prone to bending and deformation. By setting the needle support seat 230 as a fulcrum for the second needle wind, the deformation of the second needle wind can be reduced, thereby improving the quality of the first and second battery cells.

[0068] Furthermore, the second needle coil includes two second half-coils 210, forming a second winding position between them. The needle coiling device includes a second drive assembly 240, which drives the second needle tip 220 to move closer to or further away along the axial direction of the second needle coil, thereby causing the two second half-coils 210 to move closer to or further away. The inner diameter of the needle support seat 230 can decrease or increase in response to the approach or departure of the two second half-coils 210, thereby stably supporting the second needle coil. This can be achieved using an air bladder or an elastic element.

[0069] In some embodiments, the dual-cell winding apparatus includes at least two needle winding devices that circulate between different stations. Each station includes at least a preparatory station and a winding station. Step 100 is performed at the preparatory station, and step 200 is performed at the winding station. This allows the dual-cell winding method to be executed simultaneously on multiple needle winding devices, improving the efficiency of the dual-cell winding method.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, in step 100, in response to the completion of winding by the needle winding device located at the winding station, the needle winding device located at the preparatory station cuts the first strip and the second strip, and clamps the head of the next segment of the first strip and the next segment of the second strip.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the workstation also includes an adhesive application workstation and a material unloading workstation. Step 300 is performed at the adhesive application workstation, and step 400 is performed at the material unloading workstation. In such an embodiment, the dual-cell winding equipment may include four winding needle devices, which are located at four workstations respectively and move sequentially between the workstations.

[0072] In other embodiments, the workstation also includes a material unloading station, where steps 300 and 400 are performed.

[0073] According to the dual-core winding equipment provided in this application, a winding needle device is included, which includes a second winding needle and a second needle nozzle 220. The second winding needle forms two second winding positions, and the second needle nozzle 220 approaches or moves away from the second winding needle to clamp or release the first and second strips; or the winding needle device includes two first winding needles and two first needle nozzles 120. The two first winding needles are arranged coaxially, and the first winding needles form a first winding position. The two first needle nozzles 120 simultaneously approach or move away from the corresponding first winding needles to clamp or release the first and second strips.

[0074] The dual-cell winding equipment provided in this application can be used to perform the dual-cell winding method provided in any embodiment of this application. The dual-cell winding equipment has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for performing the dual-cell winding method provided in any embodiment of this application. Technical details not described in detail in the above embodiments can be found in the dual-cell winding method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0075] In some embodiments, the dual-cell winding equipment further includes a turret, with multiple needle winding devices arranged in a circumferential array along the turret. The turret rotates to switch the positions of the needle winding devices between different stations. Two feeding devices are also provided upstream of the dual-cell winding equipment, which respectively provide a first strip and a second strip to the dual-cell winding equipment.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, the functions / operations mentioned in the block diagrams may not occur in the order shown in the operation diagrams. For example, depending on the functions / operations involved, two consecutively shown blocks may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. Furthermore, the embodiments presented and described in the flowcharts of this application are provided by way of example to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the technology. The disclosed methods are not limited to the operations and logic flows presented herein. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the order of various operations is changed and sub-operations described as part of a larger operation are executed independently.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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. A method for winding a dual-cell battery, characterized in that, The dual-cell winding method uses a dual-cell winding device, which includes a needle winding device. The dual-cell winding method includes the following steps: Step 100: The needle winding device acquires and clamps the heads of the first and second strips; Step 200: The needle winding device simultaneously winds the first strip and the second strip; Step 300: Finish and apply adhesive to the first and second material strips to obtain the first and second battery cells; Step 400: Release the heads of the first and second material strips, and unload the first and second battery cells; The needle winding device achieves clamping or releasing in one of the following ways: (a) The needle winding device includes two first needles and two first needle tips. The two first needles are arranged coaxially and form two first winding positions. The two first needle tips move synchronously closer to or further away from the corresponding first needles to clamp or release the first strip and the second strip. The needle winding device also includes a first drive assembly, which includes two output ends. The two output ends are respectively connected to the first needle tips and control the two output ends to move synchronously in opposite directions so that the two first needle tips move synchronously closer to or further away from the corresponding first needles. (b) The needle winding device includes a second needle winding and a second needle tip, the second needle winding forming two second winding positions, the second needle tip being close to or away from the second needle winding to clamp or release the first strip and the second strip; the needle winding device also includes a needle support seat, the second needle winding is inserted into the needle support seat, the needle support seat is located between the two second winding positions, and the needle support seat supports the second needle winding.

2. The dual-cell winding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synchronous reverse motion is achieved through one of the following methods: (aa) The first drive assembly includes a rotating member that can rotate along an axis perpendicular to the first coil needle. The rotating member includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The first contact surface and the second contact surface serve as the output end. (ab) The first drive assembly includes a movable member that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first coil needle. The movable member includes an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface serve as the output end. (ac) The first drive assembly includes a double-moving motor, the moving part of which is movable along the axial direction of the first winding needle, the moving part serving as the output end.

3. The dual-cell winding method according to claim 2, characterized in that: In mode (aa), the rotating member is able to float along the axial direction of the first winding needle; in mode (ab), the moving member is able to float along the axial direction of the first winding needle.

4. The dual-cell winding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dual-cell winding equipment includes at least two winding needle devices, which circulate between different stations. Each station includes at least a preparatory station and a winding station. Step 100 is performed at the preparatory station, and step 200 is performed at the winding station.

5. The dual-cell winding method according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step 100, in response to the completion of winding by the needle winding device at the winding station, the needle winding device at the preparatory station cuts the first strip and the second strip and clamps the head of the next segment of the first strip and the next segment of the second strip.

6. A dual-cell winding device, characterized in that: The dual-cell winding device includes a needle winding assembly, which includes two first needles and two first needle nozzles. The two first needles are arranged coaxially and form two first winding positions. The two first needle nozzles synchronously approach or move away from the corresponding first needles to clamp or release the first and second strips. The needle winding assembly also includes a first drive assembly, which includes two output ends. The two output ends are respectively connected to the first needle nozzles and control the two output ends to move synchronously in opposite directions so that the two first needle nozzles synchronously approach or move away from the corresponding first needles.

7. The dual-cell winding equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The needle winding device includes a drive assembly with two output ends, each connected to a first needle tip. The drive assembly controls the two output ends to move synchronously in opposite directions, causing the two first needle tips to move synchronously closer to or further away from their corresponding first needles. This synchronous in opposite movement is achieved through one of the following methods: The drive assembly includes a rotating component that can rotate along an axis perpendicular to the first needle. The rotating component includes a first contact surface and a second contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The first contact surface and the second contact surface serve as the output end. The driving component includes a movable member that can move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first needle. The movable member includes an inclined third contact surface and a fourth contact surface, which respectively abut against the corresponding first needle tip. The third contact surface and the fourth contact surface serve as the output end. The drive assembly includes a dual-motor, the mover of which is capable of moving along the axial direction of the first winding needle, and the mover serves as the output end.

8. A dual-cell winding device, characterized in that: The dual-cell winding equipment includes a needle winding device, which includes a second needle and a second needle nozzle. The second needle forms two second winding positions. The second needle nozzle is close to or away from the second needle to clamp or release the first and second strips. The needle winding device also includes a needle support seat. The second needle passes through the needle support seat, which is located between the two second winding positions and supports the second needle.

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