Tab shaping device

Abstract

This application discloses a tab shaping device. The tab shaping device is used to position the tab on the conveyor path of an electrode sheet. The electrode sheet includes an electrode sheet body and a tab extending from the end of the electrode sheet body. The tab shaping device has a shaping surface configured to flip the tab when it passes over the electrode sheet body, thereby reducing the bending angle of the tab relative to the electrode sheet body. By setting the shaping surface to flip the tab when it passes over, the tab is shaped, reducing the bending angle, improving product yield, and reducing the safety risk of individual battery cells. The shaping surface can automatically identify whether the tab is bent, thus saving on tab inspection steps and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a tab shaping device. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, electric airplanes, electric ships, electric toy cars, electric toy ships, electric toy airplanes, and power tools. Battery cells can include nickel-cadmium battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, lithium-ion battery cells, and rechargeable alkaline zinc-manganese battery cells, among others.

[0003] Improving the yield of electrode sheets during the production of battery cells has always been a research direction in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an electrode shaping device that can improve the yield of electrode sheets.

[0005] This application provides an electrode tab shaping device for placement on the conveyor path of an electrode sheet. The electrode sheet includes an electrode sheet body and an electrode tab extending from an end of the electrode sheet body. The electrode tab shaping device has a shaping surface configured such that when the electrode tab, which is bent relative to the electrode sheet body, passes through the shaping surface, the electrode tab is flipped to reduce the bending angle of the electrode tab relative to the electrode sheet body.

[0006] In the above technical solution, a shaping surface is set up to flip the tab as it passes through, thereby shaping the tab, reducing the bending angle, improving product yield, and reducing the safety risks of individual battery cells. The shaping surface can automatically identify whether the tab is bent, which can save on tab inspection steps and improve production efficiency.

[0007] In some embodiments, the shaping surface includes a helical surface used to flip the tab as it passes through the tab, which is bent relative to the electrode body.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the spiral surface is a smooth curved surface, which can guide the tab to flip and reduce the risk of the tab wrinkling during the flipping process.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shaping surface includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are respectively connected to both ends of the third edge and perpendicular to the third edge. The fourth edge is connected to one end of the first edge opposite to the third edge and one end of the second edge opposite to the third edge. The second edge rotates about the third edge relative to the first edge by an angle α. α is between 60° and 190°. The shaping surface can flip the tab by a large angle to improve the applicability of the tab shaping device.

[0010] In some implementations, α is 175°-185°.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the shaping surface can be used to shape the tabs that have been folded back at a large angle, so that the tab shaping device has better applicability.

[0012] In some implementations, α is 180°.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third edge extends along the first direction, and the first and second edges are respectively located at both ends of the shaping surface along the first direction. The tab extends from the end of the electrode body along the second direction, and the first edge is parallel to the second direction. In the third direction, the projections of the first and third edges are both within the projection of the electrode body, and the first, second, and third directions are mutually perpendicular. In the second direction, at least a portion of the second edge protrudes from the end of the tab extending from the electrode body.

[0014] In the above technical solution, in the third direction, the projections of the first edge and the third edge are both located within the projection of the electrode body, which reduces the risk of interference between the electrode shaping device and the electrode. At least a portion of the second edge protrudes from the end of the lead-out electrode of the electrode body, thus guiding the electrode to one side of the electrode body along the second direction and preventing the electrode and the electrode body from overlapping in the third direction, thereby reducing the bending angle of the electrode relative to the electrode body.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first edge and the second edge are both parallel to the second direction and are located on opposite sides of the third edge.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the second edge rotates at an angle α around the third edge relative to the first edge by 180°. The shaping surface formed by the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge can be used to shape the electrode tab with a large angle of retraction, and can realize the 180° flip of the electrode tab.

[0017] In some embodiments, the tab in the flattened state has a dimension of H1 along the second direction, a dimension of H2 at the first edge, and a dimension of H3 at the second edge. H1, H2, and H3 satisfy: H2 ≥ H1, H3 ≥ H1.

[0018] In the above technical solution, in the second direction, the first edge has a larger size relative to the tab. When the tab passes the first edge, if the tab contacts the first edge, the first edge can support the tab to effectively guide it into the shaping surface. In the second direction, the second edge has a larger size relative to the tab. When the tab leaves the shaping surface via the second edge, the second edge can reshape the entire tab to improve the shaping effect.

[0019] In some implementations, H1 and H2 satisfy: H2 = H1 + 5mm.

[0020] In some implementations, H1 and H3 satisfy: H3 = H1 + 5mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the distance between the third edge and the end of the lead-out tab of the electrode body is H4, where H4 is 0.5mm-10mm.

[0022] During the electrode transport process, the electrode may deviate in the second direction. If H4 is too small, the portion of the electrode shaping device around the third edge may squeeze the root of the tab due to the electrode deviation, posing a risk of tab damage. The above technical solution ensures that the value of H4 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm to reduce the risk of tab damage and improve safety.

[0023] The larger the value of H4, the greater the distance between the shaping surface and the tab in the second direction. If H4 is too large, the contact area between the tab and the shaping surface will be too small, or even not at all, which will affect the shaping effect of the tab. The above technical solution makes the value of H4 less than or equal to 10mm to improve the shaping effect of the tab.

[0024] In some implementations, H4 is 1mm-5mm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tab shaping device includes a shaping member and a guiding member. The shaping member has a shaping surface, and the shaping surface has a first edge and a second edge at both ends along a first direction. The guiding member is connected to the shaping member, and at least a portion of the guiding member protrudes beyond the first edge in the first direction.

[0026] In the above technical solution, when assembling the tab shaping device, the arrangement direction of the first edge and the second edge is opposite to the direction of the electrode travel. During the electrode travel process, if the tab folds back onto the electrode body, the guide member can be inserted between the tab and the electrode body to lift the tab and guide it to contact the shaping surface, thereby improving the shaping effect of the tab and reducing the risk of tab damage.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electrode body is used to pass from the guide member along a third direction away from the shaping member, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The distance w between the electrode body and the guide member in the third direction satisfies: 0 < w ≤ 1 mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the shaping member further has a first surface for facing the electrode, the shaping surface intersecting the first surface, and the line of intersection between the two includes a first edge and a second edge. The guiding member includes a connecting portion and a guiding portion, the connecting portion being attached to the first surface, and the guiding portion protruding from the first surface in a first direction.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the guide part can be inserted between the tab and the electrode body to lift the tab and guide it into contact with the shaping surface, thereby improving the shaping effect of the tab and reducing the risk of tab damage. The connecting part of the guide component is connected to the shaping component. When the guide part wears out after multiple uses, the guide component can be replaced directly without replacing the shaping component.

[0030] In some implementations, the connecting portion completely covers the first surface. When the tab leaves the shaping surface via the second edge, the connecting portion can separate the first surface and the tab, reducing the risk of friction between the first surface and the tab.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the guide member is less than that of the shaping member. Compared to the shaping member, the guide member has better elasticity; when the guide member is inserted between the tab and the electrode body and lifts the tab, the tab is less likely to be damaged by the more elastic guide member.

[0032] In some implementations, the shaping component is made of a non-metallic material.

[0033] When the electrode tab passes over and comes into contact with the shaping surface, it will rub against the shaping component. The shaping component in the above technical solution is made of a non-metallic material, which can reduce the metal particles generated by friction, reduce the risk of metal particles falling onto the electrode body, and improve safety.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shaping member includes a metal substrate and a non-metallic layer disposed on the surface of the metal substrate, the non-metallic layer forming a shaping surface.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the metal substrate can give the shaped component high strength and reduce its deformation. When the non-metallic layer wears down, only the non-metallic layer needs to be repaired, which can extend the service life of the shaped component.

[0036] In some embodiments, the tab shaping device further includes a smoothing member connected to the shaping member. In a first direction, the smoothing member is located on the side of the second edge opposite to the first edge, and the smoothing member is used to smooth the tab after passing through the shaping surface.

[0037] In the above technical solution, after the electrode ear leaves the shaping surface via the second edge, the smoothing component can constrain the electrode ear during its movement, reduce the risk of the electrode ear folding over again, and thus smooth the electrode ear, reduce the wrinkles of the electrode ear, and improve the shape of the electrode ear.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the smoothing member is arc-shaped. The arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member can be used to mate with the rollers of the drive electrode to smooth the electrode tabs.

[0039] In some embodiments, the tab shaping device further includes rollers for guiding the electrode sheet onto the conveyor belt. A shaping member is connected to the rollers, and a smoothing member is used to smooth the tabs passing between the rollers and the smoothing member.

[0040] In the above technical solution, the roller can guide the electrode sheet to travel on the belt, and can also cooperate with the smoothing component to smooth the electrode tab, which simplifies the structure of the electrode tab shaping device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the roller includes a mounting shaft and a cylinder rotatably connected to the mounting shaft, the cylinder being used to guide the electrode sheet feed. The tab shaping device also includes a fixing member connected to the shaping member and the mounting shaft to secure the shaping member to the mounting shaft.

[0042] In the above technical solution, the installation and fixation of the shaping component are achieved by setting a fixing component, so as to improve the stability of the shaping component and simplify the overall structure of the tab shaping device. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode;

[0045] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the electrode structure;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tab shaping device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the shaping component shown;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the shaping component shown;

[0049] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A top view of the electrode shaping device shown;

[0050] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A front view schematic diagram of the electrode shaping device shown;

[0051] Figure 8 This application provides schematic diagrams of the shaping and guiding components of the tab shaping device according to some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the shaping component.

[0053] Figure 10 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the shaping and guiding components shown from another angle;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping component, guiding component, and smoothing component of the tab shaping device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 12 for Figure 3 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the tab shaping device shown;

[0056] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tab shaping device shown;

[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping component, guiding component, and smoothing component of the tab shaping device according to some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 15 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the tab shaping device according to other embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 16 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the tab shaping device in some embodiments of this application.

[0060] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings for the specific embodiments are as follows:

[0061] 1. Electrode; 11. Electrode body; 111. Active material layer; 12. Tab;

[0062] 2. Tab shaping device; 21. Shaping component; 211. Shaping surface; 211a. First edge; 211b. Second edge; 211c. Third edge; 211d. Fourth edge; 212. First surface; 22. Guide component; 221. Connecting part; 222. Guide part; 23. Smoothing component; 24. Roller; 241. Mounting shaft; 242. Roller; 25. Fixing component;

[0063] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, "parallel" includes not only the case of absolute parallelism, but also the case of approximate parallelism as commonly understood in engineering; similarly, "perpendicular" also includes not only the case of absolute perpendicularity, but also the case of approximate perpendicularity as commonly understood in engineering. For example, if the angle between two directions is 85°-90°, the two directions can be considered perpendicular; if the angle between two directions is 0°-5°, the two directions can be considered parallel.

[0073] Battery cells possess advantages such as high operating voltage, high specific energy, small size, long cycle life, and no memory effect, thus they are widely used in various electrical devices. These devices can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, among others. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the aforementioned electrical devices.

[0074] The battery cell may include lithium-ion battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, or magnesium-ion battery cells, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to this. The battery cell may be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes, etc., and this application embodiment is not limited to this either.

[0075] A single battery cell includes electrode components and an electrolyte. The electrode components include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell primarily functions by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer, which is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The positive current collector includes a positive electrode coating area and a positive electrode tab connected to the coating area. The coating area is coated with the positive active material layer, while the tab is not. Taking a lithium-ion battery cell as an example, the positive current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive active material layer includes the positive active material, which can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer, the negative active material layer being coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The negative current collector includes a negative electrode coating area and a negative electrode tab connected to the negative electrode coating area. The negative electrode coating area is coated with the negative active material layer, while the negative electrode tab is not coated with the negative active material layer. The material of the negative current collector can be copper, and the negative active material layer includes negative active material, which can be carbon or silicon, etc. The material of the separator can be PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc.

[0076] In the production process of electrode assemblies, drive rollers are required to guide the electrode sheets on the conveyor belt and change direction. The inventors noticed that because the tabs are thin, they are easily bent during the electrode sheet's conveyor belt movement, resulting in defective electrodes. If a bent tab is detected, the electrode sheet is usually scrapped, resulting in material waste; if the bent tab goes undetected, when the electrodes are assembled into an electrode assembly, the bent tab may conduct electricity between the positive and negative electrodes, posing a safety risk to the product.

[0077] In view of this, this application provides an electrode tab shaping device, which sets a shaping surface to flip the electrode tab when it passes through the shaping surface, thereby shaping the electrode tab, reducing the bending angle of the electrode tab, and improving the product yield.

[0078] The tab shaping device described in this application embodiment can be used to shape the positive tab of the positive electrode sheet, and also to shape the negative tab of the negative electrode sheet.

[0079] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electrode; Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the electrode structure.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrode 1 includes an electrode body 11 and a tab 12 extending from the end of the electrode body 11. Exemplarily, the electrode body 11 is the area of ​​the electrode 1 coated with an active material layer 111, and the tab 12 is the area of ​​the electrode 1 not coated with the active material layer 111.

[0081] The tab 12 is thin and has low strength. During the conveying process of the electrode 1, the tab 12 may bend relative to the electrode body 11 due to gravity, airflow or other factors.

[0082] For example, Figure 2 The diagram shows four states of the tab 12: normal state, first bending state, second bending state, and third bending state. Of course, the tab 12 may exist in other states during the production process of the electrode 1.

[0083] When the tab 12 is in its normal state, the tab 12 is approximately parallel to the electrode body 11. The angle β of the tab 12 bending relative to the electrode body 11 refers to the angle of the tab 12 bending in its current state relative to its normal state.

[0084] For example, when the tab 12 is in the first bending state S1, the bending angle β1 of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11 satisfies: 0°<β≤90°; when the tab 12 is in the second bending state S2, the bending angle β2 of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11 satisfies: 90°<β<180°; when the tab 12 is in the third bending state S3, the bending angle β of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11 is approximately 180°.

[0085] The tab shaping device provided in this application embodiment can be used to shape the tab 12 to reduce the bending angle β of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11.

[0086] The tab shaping device of this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tab shaping device 2 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the shaping component 21 shown; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the shaping component 21 shown; Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the tab shaping device 2.

[0088] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the tab shaping device 2 of this application embodiment is used to be disposed on the conveyor path of the electrode 1. The electrode 1 includes an electrode body 11 and a tab 12 extending from the end of the electrode body 11. The tab shaping device 2 is provided with a shaping surface 211, which is configured to flip the tab 12 when it passes through the shaping surface 211, thereby reducing the bending angle of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11.

[0089] The tab shaping device 2 is suitable for equipment where there is a risk of tab 12 bending, such as die-cutting equipment, electrode assembly winding equipment or other equipment that can be installed on the electrode sheet 1.

[0090] During the conveyor belt operation, electrode 1 passes through tab shaping device 2. It should be noted that passing through tab shaping device 2 does not necessarily require electrode 1 to come into contact with tab shaping device 2. For example, when the angle of bending of tab 12 of electrode 1 relative to electrode body 11 is small (e.g., less than 5°), tab 12 of electrode 1 may not come into contact with shaping surface 211.

[0091] This application does not impose any particular restrictions on the shape of the shaping surface 211, as long as the shaping surface 211 can guide the tab 12 to rotate. For example, the shaping surface 211 can be a smooth curved surface or a surface composed of multiple planes continuously spliced ​​together.

[0092] The shaping surface 211 is used to shape the tab 12 to reduce the bending angle of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11. After passing through the shaping surface 211, it is sufficient that the bending angle of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11 is reduced to a set range; it is not required that the tab 12 be parallel to the electrode body 11 after passing through the shaping surface 211. For example, after the tab 12 passes through the shaping surface 211, the bending angle of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11 is less than 15°.

[0093] In this embodiment, a shaping surface 211 is provided to flip the tab 12 as it passes through the shaping surface 211, thereby shaping the tab 12, reducing the bending angle of the tab 12, improving the product yield, and reducing the safety risk of the battery cell. The shaping surface 211 can automatically identify whether the tab 12 is bent, which can save the tab 12 inspection process and improve production efficiency.

[0094] In some embodiments, the shaping surface 211 includes a helical surface for flipping the tab 12 as it passes through the helical surface relative to the tab body 11.

[0095] A helical surface is a geometric surface formed by a generatrix moving in a spiral motion around an axis. For example, a helical surface is a positive helical surface.

[0096] The spiral surface is a smooth curved surface that can guide the tab 12 to flip and reduce the risk of the tab 12 wrinkling during the flipping process.

[0097] In some embodiments, the angle of rotation of the helical surface can be 30°-180°. For example, the angle of rotation of the helical surface can be 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° or 180°.

[0098] In some embodiments, the shaping surface 211 includes a first edge 211a, a second edge 211b, a third edge 211c, and a fourth edge 211d. The first edge 211a and the second edge 211b are respectively connected to the two ends of the third edge 211c and are perpendicular to the third edge 211c. The fourth edge 211d is connected to one end of the first edge 211a away from the third edge 211c and one end of the second edge 211b away from the third edge 211c. The second edge 211b is rotated relative to the first edge 211a around the third edge 211c by an angle α, where α is 60°-190°.

[0099] The first edge 211a and the third edge 211c can be directly connected or indirectly connected. For example, in order to reduce the risk of the tab 12 being scratched, a rounded corner can be provided at the junction of the first edge 211a and the third edge 211c so that the first edge 211a and the third edge 211c are connected by a rounded edge.

[0100] The second edge 211b and the third edge 211c can be directly connected or indirectly connected. For example, in order to reduce the risk of the tab 12 being scratched, a rounded corner can be provided at the junction of the second edge 211b and the third edge 211c so that the second edge 211b and the third edge 211c are connected by a rounded edge.

[0101] In this embodiment, the shaping surface 211 is generally spiral-shaped, which can guide the tab 12 to flip and reduce the risk of the tab 12 wrinkling during the flipping process. Since α is 60°-190°, the shaping surface 211 can flip the tab 12 at a large angle to improve the applicability of the tab shaping device 2.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first edge 211a, the second edge 211b, and the third edge 211c are all straight lines, and the fourth edge 211d is curved.

[0103] In some embodiments, α is 175°-185°. The shaping surface 211 can be used to shape the tab 12 folded at a large angle, so that the tab shaping device 2 has better applicability.

[0104] For example, when the tab 12 folds back to one side of the electrode body 11, the angle β of the tab 12 bending relative to the electrode body 11 is approximately 180°; when the tab 12 enters the shaping surface 211, the shaping surface 211 can guide the tab 12 to rotate 175°-185° so that the tab 12 is approximately parallel to the electrode body 11.

[0105] In some embodiments, α is 180°.

[0106] In some embodiments, the third edge 211c extends along the first direction X, and the first edge 211a and the second edge 211b are respectively disposed at both ends of the shaping surface 211 along the first direction X. The tab 12 extends from the end of the electrode body 11 along the second direction Y, and the first edge 211a is parallel to the second direction Y. In the third direction Z, the projections of the first edge 211a and the third edge 211c are both located within the projection of the electrode body 11, and the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other. In the second direction Y, at least a portion of the second edge 211b protrudes from the end of the tab 12 extending from the electrode body 11.

[0107] During the travel of electrode 1, along the travel direction of electrode 1, electrode tab 12 first passes through the first edge 211a and then through the second edge 211b.

[0108] If the third edge 211c is located on one side of the electrode body 11 along the second direction Y, and the third edge 211c does not overlap with the electrode body 11 in the third direction Z, then during the electrode 1's conveying process, the portion of the tab shaping device 2 near the third edge 211c may interfere with the bent portion of the tab 12 root (the tab 12 root refers to the end of the tab 12 connected to the electrode body 11). In this embodiment, in the third direction Z, the projections of the first edge 211a and the third edge 211c are both located within the projection of the electrode body 11, thus reducing the risk of interference between the tab shaping device 2 and the tab 12.

[0109] After being shaped by the shaping surface 211, the tab 12 detaches from the shaping surface 211 via the second edge 211b. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the second edge 211b protrudes from the end of the lead-out tab 12 of the electrode body 11, thereby guiding the tab 12 to one side of the electrode body 11 along the second direction Y, and ensuring that the tab 12 and the electrode body 11 do not overlap in the third direction Z, thus reducing the bending angle of the tab 12 relative to the electrode body 11.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first edge 211a and the second edge 211b are both parallel to the second direction Y and are located on opposite sides of the third edge 211c.

[0111] The second edge 211b rotates at an angle α of 180° relative to the first edge 211a around the third edge 211c. The shaping surface 211 formed by the first edge 211a, the second edge 211b, the third edge 211c, and the fourth edge 211d can be used to shape the tab 12 with a large angle of retraction, enabling the tab 12 to be rotated 180°.

[0112] In some embodiments, the portion of the shaping surface 211 near the first edge 211a faces away from the electrode body 11, and the portion of the shaping surface 211 near the second edge 211b faces the electrode body 11.

[0113] In some embodiments, the tab 12 has a dimension of H1 along the second direction Y in a flattened state, a dimension of H2 of the first edge 211a, and a dimension of H3 of the second edge 211b. H1, H2, and H3 satisfy: H2≥H1, H3≥H1.

[0114] The flattened state refers to the state in which the angle β of the electrode tab 12 bending relative to the electrode body 11 is 0°.

[0115] In the second direction Y, the first edge 211a has a larger size relative to the tab 12. When the tab 12 passes the first edge 211a, if the tab 12 contacts the first edge 211a, the first edge 211a can support the tab 12 to effectively guide the tab 12 into the shaping surface 211. In the second direction Y, the second edge 211b has a larger size relative to the tab 12. When the tab 12 leaves the shaping surface 211 via the second edge 211b, the second edge 211b can reshape the tab 12 as a whole to improve the shaping effect of the tab 12.

[0116] In some embodiments, H2 is greater than H1. For example, H2 = H1 + 5mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, H3 is greater than H1. For example, H3 = H1 + 5mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, in the second direction Y, the distance between the third edge 211c and the end of the lead-out tab 12 of the electrode body 11 is H4, where H4 is 0.5mm-10mm.

[0119] During the conveying process of electrode 1, electrode 1 may deviate in the second direction Y. If H4 is too small, the portion of the tab shaping device 2 located around the third edge 211c may squeeze the root of the tab 12 due to the deviation of electrode 1, posing a risk of damage to the tab 12. Therefore, the inventors made the value of H4 greater than or equal to 0.5 mm to reduce the risk of damage to the tab 12 and improve safety.

[0120] The larger the value of H4, the greater the distance between the shaping surface 211 and the tab 12 in the second direction Y. If H4 is too large, the contact area between the tab 12 and the shaping surface 211 will be too small, or even not at all, which will affect the shaping effect of the tab 12. Therefore, the inventors made the value of H4 less than or equal to 10mm to improve the shaping effect of the tab 12.

[0121] Optionally, H4 can be 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 4mm, 5mm, 8mm or 10mm.

[0122] In some embodiments, H4 is 1mm-5mm.

[0123] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A front view schematic diagram of the tab shaping device 2 shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping component 21 and the guiding component 22 of the tab shaping device 2 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 for Figure 8 The structural schematic diagram of the shaping component 21 shown is shown below; Figure 10 for Figure 8 The structural schematic diagram of the shaping member 21 and the guiding member 22 shown at another angle.

[0124] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the tab shaping device 2 includes a shaping member 21 and a guiding member 22. The shaping member 21 has a shaping surface 211, and the shaping surface 211 has a first edge 211a and a second edge 211b at both ends along a first direction X. The guiding member 22 is connected to the shaping member 21, and at least a portion of the guiding member 22 protrudes beyond the first edge 211a in the first direction X.

[0125] The electrode 1 can pass through the shaping member 21 along the first direction X. During the travel of the electrode 1, the electrode 1 first passes through the first edge 211a and then passes through the second edge 211b.

[0126] The first edge 211a and the second edge 211b are located at opposite ends of the shaping surface 211 along the first direction X. For example, the first edge 211a extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X, and the second direction Y extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0127] The guiding member 22 and the shaping member 21 can be an integral structure or a separate structure. For example, the guiding member 22 and the shaping member 21 are two separate components, which are connected by adhesive, snap-fit, welding or other means.

[0128] The guide member 22 can be used to guide the tab 12 to contact the shaping surface 211.

[0129] When assembling the tab shaping device 2, the arrangement direction of the first edge 211a and the second edge 211b is opposite to the direction of the electrode 1's conveying. During the conveying process of the electrode 1, if the tab 12 folds back onto the electrode body 11, the guide member 22 can be inserted between the tab 12 and the electrode body 11 to lift the tab 12 and guide it to contact the shaping surface 211, thereby improving the shaping effect of the tab 12 and reducing the risk of damage to the tab 12.

[0130] In some embodiments, the shaping member 21 further has a first surface 212 for facing the electrode 1, the shaping surface 211 intersecting the first surface 212, and the line of intersection between the two includes a first edge 211a and a second edge 211b. The guiding member 22 includes a connecting portion 221 and a guiding portion 222, the connecting portion 221 being attached to the first surface 212, and the guiding portion 222 protruding from the first surface 212 in a first direction X.

[0131] The first surface 212 is used to face the electrode body 11. The guide member 22 is located on the side of the shaping member 21 facing the electrode body 11.

[0132] The first surface 212 can be a plane or a curved surface. Optionally, the first surface 212 is a plane.

[0133] Attachment refers to bonding or attaching. For example, the connecting portion 221 may be attached to the first surface 212 by adhesive, adsorption, fitting, or other means. Optionally, the connecting portion 221 may be adhesive to the first surface 212.

[0134] The guide portion 222 protrudes from the first surface 212 in the first direction X, but is not attached to the first surface 212.

[0135] The connecting part 221 may cover a portion of the first surface 212 or it may completely cover the first surface 212.

[0136] The guide portion 222 can be inserted between the tab 12 and the electrode body 11 to lift the tab 12 and guide it into contact with the shaping surface 211, thereby improving the shaping effect of the tab 12 and reducing the risk of damage to the tab 12. The connecting portion 221 of the guide member 22 is connected to the shaping member 21. When the guide portion 222 wears out after multiple uses, the guide member 22 can be replaced directly without replacing the shaping member 21.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first surface 212 is a plane. When the tab 12 passes through the first surface 212, the first surface 212 can guide the tab 12.

[0138] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 221 is bonded to the first surface 212.

[0139] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 221 completely covers the first surface 212. When the tab 12 leaves the shaping surface 211 via the second edge 211b, the connecting portion 221 can separate the first surface 212 and the tab 12, reducing the risk of friction between the first surface 212 and the tab 12.

[0140] In some embodiments, the elastic modulus of the guide member 22 is less than that of the shaping member 21. Elastic modulus refers to Young's modulus.

[0141] Compared to the shaping member 21, the guiding member 22 has better elasticity; when the guiding member 22 is inserted between the tab 12 and the electrode body 11 and lifts the tab 12, the tab 12 is not easily damaged by the guiding member 22 with better elasticity.

[0142] In some embodiments, the guide member 22 may be made of a flexible material. Optionally, the guide member 22 is a mylar sheet.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the electrode 1 passes through the tab shaping device 2, the guide member 22 is spaced apart from the electrode body 11, which can avoid friction between the guide member 22 and the electrode body 11 and reduce the risk of wear on the guide member 22 and the electrode body 11.

[0144] In some embodiments, the electrode body 11 passes from the guide member 22 along the third direction Z on the side opposite to the shaping member 21. Exemplarily, when the electrode body 11 passes the guide member 22, the distance w between the electrode body 11 and the guide member 22 in the third direction Z satisfies: 0 < w ≤ 1 mm. Optionally, w is 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, the guide member 22 is made of a non-metallic material. When the tab 12 comes into contact with the guide member 22, the tab 12 will rub against the guide member 22. In this embodiment, the guide member 22 is made of a non-metallic material, which can reduce the metal particles generated by friction, reduce the risk of metal particles falling onto the electrode body 11, and improve safety.

[0146] In some embodiments, the shaping member 21 is made of a non-metallic material.

[0147] When the tab 12 passes through and comes into contact with the shaping surface 211, the tab 12 will rub against the shaping member 21. In this embodiment, the shaping member 21 is made of a non-metallic material, which can reduce the metal particles generated by friction, reduce the risk of metal particles falling onto the electrode body 11, and improve safety.

[0148] In some alternative embodiments, the shaping member 21 includes a metal substrate and a non-metallic layer disposed on the surface of the metal substrate, the non-metallic layer forming a shaping surface 211.

[0149] Non-metallic layers can be formed on the surface of a metal substrate through electroplating, mechanical plating, spraying, hot dipping, or other processes.

[0150] The non-metallic layer can completely cover the metal substrate or only cover a part of the metal substrate, as long as the part corresponding to the shaping surface 211 is a non-metallic layer.

[0151] The metal substrate can give the shaping component 21 high strength and reduce its deformation. When the non-metallic layer wears out, only the non-metallic layer needs to be repaired, which can extend the service life of the shaping component 21.

[0152] Optionally, a non-metallic layer also forms the first surface 212.

[0153] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping member 21, the guiding member 22 and the smoothing member 23 of the tab shaping device 2 in some embodiments of this application; Figure 12 for Figure 3 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the tab shaping device 2 shown; Figure 13 for Figure 12 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the tab shaping device 2.

[0154] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in some embodiments, the tab shaping device 2 further includes a smoothing member 23 connected to the shaping member 21. In the first direction X, the smoothing member 23 is located on the side of the second edge 211b away from the first edge 211a. The smoothing member 23 is used to smooth the tab 12 after passing through the shaping surface 211.

[0155] The smoothing component 23 can be connected to the shaping component 21 by snap-fitting, welding, fastener connection or other means.

[0156] The smoothing member 23 can smooth the tab 12 by its own structure. For example, the smoothing mechanism may include two plates disposed opposite each other, which smooth the tab 12 as it passes between them. Alternatively, the smoothing member 23 can also smooth the tab 12 by cooperating with other structures, such as rollers used to guide the electrode sheet 1 on the belt, to smooth the tab 12.

[0157] After the tab 12 leaves the shaping surface 211 via the second edge 211b, the smoothing member 23 can constrain the tab 12 during its movement, reduce the risk of the tab 12 folding over again, and thus smooth the tab 12, reduce the wrinkles of the tab 12, and improve the shape of the tab 12.

[0158] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the smoothing member 23 is arc-shaped. The arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 can be used to engage with the roller of the transmission electrode 1 to smooth the electrode tab 12.

[0159] In some embodiments, the surface of the smoothing member 23 used to smooth the tab 12 is made of a non-metallic material to reduce the risk of metal particles being generated by friction between the smoothing member 23 and the tab 12.

[0160] In some examples, the smoothing member 23 is made entirely of a non-metallic material. In some alternative examples, the smoothing member 23 includes a metallic substrate and a non-metallic layer disposed on the surface of the metallic substrate, the non-metallic layer being used to smooth the tab 12.

[0161] In some embodiments, the tab shaping device 2 further includes a roller 24 for guiding the electrode sheet 1 on the conveyor belt. A shaping member 21 is connected to the roller 24, and a smoothing member 23 is used to smooth the tab 12 passing between the roller 24 and the smoothing member 23.

[0162] The roller 24 can guide the electrode sheet 1 to travel on the belt, and can also cooperate with the smoothing component 23 to smooth the electrode tab 12, which simplifies the structure of the electrode tab shaping device 2.

[0163] In some embodiments, the roller 24 includes a mounting shaft 241 and a roller 242 rotatably connected to the mounting shaft 241, the roller 242 being used to guide the electrode sheet 1 on the belt. The electrode tab shaping device 2 also includes a fixing member 25 connected to the shaping member 21 and the mounting shaft 241 to fix the shaping member 21 to the mounting shaft 241.

[0164] In this embodiment, the installation and fixation of the shaping component 21 are achieved by setting the fixing component 25, so as to improve the stability of the shaping component 21 and simplify the overall structure of the tab shaping device 2.

[0165] In some alternative embodiments, the tab shaping device 2 may omit structures such as roller 24 and fixing member 25, thus the tab shaping device 2 has a smaller size and simpler structure, which can be easily installed as needed.

[0166] In some embodiments, the wrap angle corresponding to the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 can be determined based on the dimensions of the tab 12 along the belt travel direction, as long as the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 can completely cover the tab 12. For example, as Figure 13As shown, the wrap angle of the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 can be 60°-120°, and optionally, the wrap angle of the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 can be 90°.

[0167] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shaping member 21, guiding member 22, and smoothing member 23 of the tab shaping device 2 according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 14 As shown, the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 may also have a larger wrap angle. For example, the wrap angle of the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 may be 120°-180°, and optionally, the wrap angle of the arc-shaped portion of the smoothing member 23 may be 150°.

[0168] Figure 15 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the tab shaping device 2 according to other embodiments of this application.

[0169] like Figure 15 As shown, two tab shaping devices 2 can be configured, and the two tab shaping devices 2 can be arranged along the belt-carrying direction of the electrode sheet 1. One tab shaping device 2 is used to shape the tab 12 folded to one side of the electrode sheet body 11, and the other tab shaping device 2 is used to shape the tab 12 folded to the other side of the electrode sheet body 11.

[0170] Figure 16 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the tab shaping device 2 in some embodiments of this application.

[0171] like Figure 16 As shown, two tab shaping devices 2 can be configured, with the two tab shaping devices 2 arranged opposite to each other, and the electrode body 11 passing between the two tab shaping devices 2. One tab shaping device 2 is used to shape the tab 12 folded to one side of the electrode body 11, and the other tab shaping device 2 is used to shape the tab 12 folded to the other side of the electrode body 11.

[0172] According to some embodiments of this application, refer to Figures 3 to 11 This application provides an electrode tab shaping device 2, which includes a shaping member 21, a guiding member 22, a smoothing member 23, a roller 24, and a fixing member 25. The roller 24 includes a mounting shaft 241 and a roller 242 rotatably connected to the mounting shaft 241, the roller 242 being used to guide the electrode sheet 1 on the conveyor belt. The fixing member 25 is connected to the shaping member 21 and the mounting shaft 241 to fix the shaping member 21 to the mounting shaft 241. The shaping member 21 is disposed on the conveyor belt path of the electrode sheet 1 and has a shaping surface 211, the shaping surface 211 being configured to: flip the electrode tab 12 as it bends relative to the electrode sheet body 11 and passes through the shaping surface 211, thereby reducing the bending angle of the electrode tab 12 relative to the electrode sheet body 11.

[0173] The shaping surface 211 includes a first edge 211a, a second edge 211b, a third edge 211c, and a fourth edge 211d. The first edge 211a and the second edge 211b are respectively connected to the two ends of the third edge 211c and are perpendicular to the third edge 211c. The fourth edge 211d is connected to the end of the first edge 211a that is opposite to the third edge 211c and the end of the second edge 211b that is opposite to the third edge 211c. The second edge 211b is rotated relative to the first edge 211a around the third edge 211c by an angle α, where α is 180°. The third edge 211c is parallel to the first direction X.

[0174] A guide member 22 is connected to a shaping member 21. In the first direction X, at least a portion of the guide member 22 protrudes from the first edge 211a and is used to guide the tab 12 into contact with the shaping surface 211. A smoothing member 23 is connected to the shaping member 21. In the first direction X, the smoothing member 23 is located on the side of the second edge 211b opposite to the first edge 211a. The smoothing member 23 is used to cooperate with the roller 242 to smooth the tab 12 passing between the roller 242 and the smoothing member 23.

[0175] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tab shaping device for being disposed on a conveyor path of an electrode sheet, the electrode sheet comprising an electrode sheet body and tabs extending from an end of the electrode sheet body, characterized in that, The tab shaping device has a shaping surface, which is configured to flip the tab when it passes through the shaping surface relative to the electrode body, thereby reducing the angle of the tab's bending relative to the electrode body. The shaping surface includes a helical surface, which is used to flip the tab when it passes through the helical surface relative to the electrode body. The shaping surface includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge and the second edge are respectively connected to both ends of the third edge and are perpendicular to the third edge. The fourth edge is connected to the end of the first edge that is away from the third edge and the end of the second edge that is away from the third edge.

2. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second edge rotates about the third edge relative to the first edge by an angle α, where α is 175°-190°.

3. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, α is 175°-185°.

4. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, α is 180°.

5. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third edge extends along the first direction, and the first edge and the second edge are respectively located at both ends of the shaping surface along the first direction; The tab extends from the end of the electrode body along the second direction, and the first edge is parallel to the second direction; In the third direction, the projections of the first edge and the third edge are both located within the projection of the electrode body, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. In the second direction, at least a portion of the second edge protrudes from the end of the electrode body from which the electrode tab is led out.

6. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first edge and the second edge are both parallel to the second direction and are located on opposite sides of the third edge.

7. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electrode tab has a dimension of H1 along the second direction when it is flattened, the first edge has a dimension of H2, and the second edge has a dimension of H3. H1, H2, and H3 satisfy: H2≥H1, H3≥H1.

8. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, H1 and H2 satisfy: H2 = H1 + 5mm.

9. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, H1 and H3 satisfy: H3 = H1 + 5mm.

10. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the second direction, the distance between the third edge and the end of the electrode body from which the electrode tab is led out is H4, where H4 is 0.5mm-10mm.

11. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 10, characterized in that, H4 is 1mm-5mm.

12. The electrode ear shaping device according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, include: A shaping component having the shaping surface, wherein the shaping surface has a first edge and a second edge at both ends along a first direction; A guide member, connected to the shaping member, wherein at least a portion of the guide member protrudes beyond the first edge in a first direction.

13. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The electrode body is used to pass from the guide member along a third direction away from the shaping member, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction; The distance w between the electrode body and the guide member in the third direction satisfies: 0 < w ≤ 1 mm.

14. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shaping member further has a first surface for facing the electrode sheet, the shaping surface intersecting the first surface, and the line of intersection between the two includes the first edge and the second edge; The guiding member includes a connecting portion and a guiding portion, the connecting portion being attached to the first surface, and the guiding portion protruding from the first surface in the first direction.

15. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The connecting portion completely covers the first surface.

16. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the guiding member is less than that of the shaping member.

17. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shaping component is made of non-metallic material.

18. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shaping component includes a metal substrate and a non-metallic layer disposed on the surface of the metal substrate, wherein the non-metallic layer forms the shaping surface.

19. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a smoothing member connected to the shaping member, wherein in the first direction, the smoothing member is located on the side of the second edge opposite to the first edge, and the smoothing member is used to smooth the tab after passing through the shaping surface.

20. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 19, characterized in that, At least a portion of the smoothing component is arc-shaped.

21. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes rollers for guiding the electrode sheet on the belt; The shaping member is connected to the roller, and the smoothing member is used to smooth the tabs passing between the roller and the smoothing member.

22. The electrode ear shaping device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The roller includes a mounting shaft and a roller rotatably connected to the mounting shaft, the roller being used to guide the electrode sheet on the belt; The tab shaping device further includes a fixing component connected to the shaping component and the mounting shaft to fix the shaping component to the mounting shaft.

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