Tab flattening device and tab flattening method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing and processing, and discloses a tab flattening device and a tab flattening method. The tab flattening device comprises a flattening assembly, the flattening assembly comprises a plurality of flattening pieces arranged along the circumferential direction, each flattening piece is provided with a fixed part and a movable part, the inside of the movable part is hollow and forms an accommodating cavity, and the flattening piece is provided with a through port communicating with the accommodating cavity. The through port can be used for filling gas into the accommodating cavity or extracting gas in the accommodating cavity, so that the movable part can be deformed relative to the fixed part, the flattening assembly has an accommodating state and a flattening state, in the accommodating state, the plurality of movable parts cooperatively define an accommodating groove for accommodating the tab, and in the flattening state, at least part of the movable part forms a flattening surface. The two actions of folding and flattening the tab can be completed by using the flattening assembly, the purpose of flattening the tab is achieved, the flattening efficiency is improved, and the phenomenon of inside folding and outside folding of the tab due to interference during pre-folding can be avoided, and the flattening quality of the tab is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing and processing, in particular to a tab flattening device and a tab flattening method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The tab is a conductive part connecting the internal electrode (positive and negative electrode) of the battery cell and the external terminal. In the processing of cylindrical batteries, tab flattening is usually a necessary process step to match the tab with the battery cover plate or shell.

[0003] However, the existing tab flattening is not only poor in quality but also complex in process, which affects the tab flattening quality and efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] The tab flattening device and method provided by the embodiments of the application can make the tabs aligned in place, improve the tab flattening quality, and improve the tab flattening efficiency to some extent, and solve the technical problems of poor tab flattening quality and complex tab flattening process.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the application provide a tab flattening device, which comprises a flattening assembly, the flattening assembly comprising a plurality of flattening pieces arranged along the circumference thereof, each of the flattening pieces having a fixed part and a movable part, the movable part being hollow inside to form an accommodating cavity, the flattening piece being provided with a through port communicating with the accommodating cavity, the through port being used to fill the accommodating cavity with gas or extract the gas in the accommodating cavity, so that the movable part can be deformed relative to the fixed part, and the flattening assembly has an accommodating state and a flattening state, in the accommodating state, the plurality of movable parts cooperatively define an accommodating groove to accommodate the tab, and in the flattening state, at least part of the movable part forms a flattening surface.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the flattening assembly is provided and is arranged to have the accommodating state and the flattening state, in the accommodating state, the movable part of the flattening assembly can define the accommodating groove to accommodate the tab, and in the flattening state, at least part of the movable part can form the flattening surface, so that when the flattening assembly is switched from the accommodating state to the flattening state, the flattening assembly can complete the two actions of folding and flattening the tab, achieve the purpose of flattening the tab, save the pre-folding step of the tab during the winding of the battery cell, simplify the steps during the tab flattening, improve the flattening efficiency, and avoid the inner folding and outer folding of the tab due to the interference during the pre-folding, so as to ensure the tab to be aligned in place to some extent and improve the flattening quality of the tab flattening device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the movable part can be flipped relative to the fixed part to switch the flattening assembly between the accommodating state and the flattening state.

[0008] In the technical solution, the difficulty of switching between the accommodating state and the flattening state of the flattening assembly is reduced, so that the flattening assembly can complete the two actions of folding and flattening the tab, and the purpose of flattening the tab is achieved, thereby reducing the difficulty of flattening the tab by the flattening device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the movable part is a flexible member.

[0010] In the technical solution, the movable part can deform relative to the fixed part, so that the flattening assembly can switch between the accommodating state and the flattening state, further reducing the difficulty of switching between the accommodating state and the flattening state of the flattening assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fixed part and the movable part are arranged along a first direction, the movable part includes a plurality of convex parts arranged along the first direction, the convex parts are hollow inside to form the accommodating cavity, and the convex parts are configured to deform with the amount of gas filled in the accommodating cavity.

[0012] In the technical solution, when the convex parts deform with the amount of gas filled in the accommodating cavity, the movable part can deform relative to the fixed part, and the flattening assembly can switch between the accommodating state and the flattening state, facilitating the flattening of the tab by the flattening assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fixed part is provided with a through hole communicating with the accommodating cavity.

[0014] In the technical solution, the through hole can be used to fill or extract the gas in the accommodating cavity, the filling and extraction of the gas in the accommodating cavity are realized, and the difficulty of filling and extracting the gas in the accommodating cavity is reduced, so that the movable part can deform relative to the fixed part.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tab flattening device further includes an adapter, the adapter is arranged at the through hole, and the adapter is formed with a filling port communicating with the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In the technical solution, the difficulty of filling and extracting the gas in the accommodating cavity is further reduced, and the adapter is also conducive to ensuring the airtightness of the accommodating cavity to a certain extent, avoiding leakage of the gas in the accommodating cavity, so that the movable part can effectively deform relative to the fixed part.

[0017] In some embodiments, the tab flattening device further includes a base and a connecting member, and the connecting member connects the base and the fixed part, respectively.

[0018] In the technical scheme, the base and the fixed part can be connected, the connection difficulty of the base and the fixed part is reduced, the stability of the fixed part is improved, the movable part is supported by the fixed part, the movable part can be deformed relative to the fixed part, and the leveling assembly can have an accommodating state and a leveling state.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connecting piece connects the fixed part through the adapter.

[0020] In the technical scheme, the adapter can not only reduce the filling and extraction difficulty of the gas in the accommodating cavity and ensure the air tightness of the accommodating cavity to a certain extent, but also realize the fixed connection of the connecting piece and the fixed part, thereby reducing the connection difficulty of the connecting piece and the fixed part.

[0021] In some embodiments, the adapter includes a first adapter part, a second adapter part and a third adapter part, the first adapter part is sequentially arranged in the through hole and the connecting piece, the second adapter part and the third adapter part are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the first adapter part, and the side faces of the second adapter part and the third adapter part facing each other are respectively in abutting cooperation with the fixed part and the connecting piece.

[0022] In the technical scheme, the adapter can be fixedly connected with the fixed part and the connecting piece respectively, so that the fixed connection of the fixed part and the connecting piece is realized by the adapter, and the connection stability of the fixed part and the connecting piece is ensured to a certain extent.

[0023] In some embodiments, the connecting piece is formed with an opening connecting cavity, and at least part of the fixed part is arranged in the connecting cavity.

[0024] In the technical scheme, the contact area of the fixed part and the connecting piece can be increased, the connection strength of the connecting piece and the fixed part is improved, and the position stability of the fixed part is ensured to a certain extent.

[0025] In some embodiments, the two adjacent leveling pieces are arranged at intervals.

[0026] In the technical scheme, when the movable part is deformed relative to the fixed part, the interference between the two adjacent leveling pieces can be avoided, so that the leveling assembly can effectively switch between the accommodating state and the leveling state, and the switching difficulty is reduced.

[0027] In some embodiments, the included angle between the two adjacent leveling pieces is in the range of 3°-7°.

[0028] In the technical scheme, not only can the two adjacent leveling pieces be arranged at intervals, but also the leveling piece itself has a certain area, so that the leveling effect of the leveling assembly on the tab is improved.

[0029] In some embodiments, the flattening assembly is a rubber piece or a silica gel piece.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the movable part can effectively deform relative to the fixed part, so that the flattening assembly can switch between the accommodating state and the flattening state, thereby realizing the flattening work on the tab.

[0031] In some embodiments, the tab flattening device further comprises a pressure sensor, which is arranged on the movable part, and is used to detect the pressure applied by the movable part to the tab.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the pressure sensor is used to real-time feedback the flattening situation of the tab by the flattening assembly, and the gas filling amount in the accommodating cavity is adjusted in real time according to the pressure sensor, so as to improve the flattening effect of the tab by the flattening assembly.

[0033] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a tab flattening method, which adopts the tab flattening device described above, and comprises the following steps: arranging the tab in the accommodating groove of the flattening assembly in the accommodating state; and filling gas into the accommodating cavity through the through hole to control the flattening assembly to switch to the flattening state to flatten the tab.

[0034] In the above technical solution, by adopting the tab flattening device described above, the flattening quality and efficiency of the tab can be improved to a certain extent while the tab is flattened.

[0035] Additional aspects and advantages of the application will become apparent from the following description, which is by way of illustration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced as follows. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can also be obtained without creative labor.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic view of the tab flattening device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 It is a top view of the tab flattening device according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a schematic view of the flattening assembly in the flattening state according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a schematic view of the flattening assembly in the flattening state according to some embodiments of the present application;Figure 3 Cross-sectional view;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a leveling assembly in a receiving state according to some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the leveling assembly in a receiving state according to other embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the leveling assembly in a leveling state according to other embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A diagram from another angle;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a leveling component according to some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an adapter according to some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a base according to some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a connector according to some embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a tab leveling method according to some embodiments of this application.

[0052] Figure label:

[0053] 1000, Electrode leveling device;

[0054] 100. Leveling components;

[0055] 110. Fixing part; 111. Opening;

[0056] 120. Movable part; 121. Receiving groove; 123. Receiving cavity; 124. Protrusion;

[0057] 130. Leveling parts;

[0058] 200. Adapter;

[0059] 210. Filling port;

[0060] 220. First adapter; 230. Second adapter; 240. Third adapter;

[0061] 300, base; 310, first through hole;

[0062] 400. Connector; 410. Connecting cavity; 420. Second through hole; 430. Third through hole;

[0063] 500. Fasteners. 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 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] 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.

[0066] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific 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 throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In this application, "multiple" means two or more, including two.

[0071] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell can be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used after the battery cell has been discharged.

[0072] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0073] A battery cell typically includes a casing and an electrode assembly housed within the casing. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The separator is located between the negative and positive electrodes. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) move back and forth between the positive and negative electrodes, inserting and extracting. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits between them while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery cell also includes an electrolyte, which plays a role in conducting ions between the positive and negative electrodes. This application does not have specific restrictions on the type of electrolyte, which can be selected according to needs. The electrolyte can be liquid, gel, or solid.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure, a stacked structure, or a hybrid structure of wound and stacked. The electrode assembly is provided with tabs that can conduct current from the electrode assembly. The tabs include positive tabs and negative tabs, and there are multiple tabs stacked together.

[0076] In the production process of a single battery cell, the positive electrode sheet, separator, and negative electrode sheet are stacked and then wound to form an electrode core. The electrode core is then rolled and shaped to form an electrode assembly. The electrode core includes a main body and tabs extending from the main body. The main body may include wound electrode sheets, which include current collectors and active materials. The tabs include multiple stacked tabs connected to the current collectors. The tabs and the current collectors are manufactured as a single unit. The main body and the tabs in the electrode core are arranged sequentially along the axial direction Z of the electrode core.

[0077] Currently, in order to reduce the space occupied by the electrode tabs in the outer shell and improve the welding efficiency between the electrode tabs and the adapter plates, it is necessary to use a leveling device to bend and smooth the electrode tabs, and then weld them flush with the end face of the main body.

[0078] Existing leveling devices typically use a combination of pre-folding wheels and smoothing wheels to level the electrode tabs. During the leveling process, the electrode tabs are first pre-bent, usually in one or two folds. After the bent electrode tabs are rolled up, a first-beating and a second-beating device is used to flatten the electrode tabs.

[0079] However, during the above-mentioned electrode winding process, the electrodes are too dense and easily interfere with each other, resulting in inward and outward folds during the bending process. As a result, during the flattening process of the electrodes, the inward and outward folds are prone to wrinkling or even flipping, leading to poor electrode quality. At the same time, the above-mentioned flattening steps are relatively complicated, affecting the flattening efficiency of the electrodes.

[0080] In view of this, combined with Figures 1-14 As shown, this application provides a tab leveling device 1000, which provides a leveling assembly 100 having a fixed portion 110 and a movable portion 120, and the movable portion 120 being deformable relative to the fixed portion 110, so that the leveling assembly 100 has a receiving state and a leveling state. In the receiving state, the movable portion 120 can define a receiving groove 121 for receiving the tab, and in the leveling state, at least a portion of the movable portion 120 can be formed as a flat surface, thus enabling the leveling of the tab when it is necessary to level it. Normally, the leveling component 100 can be switched to the receiving state first, so that the electrode tab can be placed in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling component 100 in the receiving state. Then, when the leveling component 100 is switched to the leveling state, the electrode tab can be leveled by the electrode tab leveling device 1000, which eliminates the step of pre-bending the electrode tab and integrates the gathering and flattening of the electrode tab into one step, making the leveling step of the electrode tab simpler and more efficient. This not only improves the leveling efficiency of the electrode tab, but also ensures the quality of the electrode tab to a certain extent.

[0081] The tab leveling device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the tab leveling device 1000 includes a leveling component 100.

[0083] Among them, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the leveling assembly 100 has a fixed portion 110 and a movable portion 120. The movable portion 120 can be deformed relative to the fixed portion 110 to give the leveling assembly 100 a receiving state and a leveling state. In the receiving state, the movable portion 120 defines a receiving groove 121 to receive an electrode tab (not shown in the figure). In the leveling state, at least a portion of the movable portion 120 is formed as a flat surface.

[0084] In other words, by setting the movable part 120 to deform relative to the fixed part 110, the leveling assembly 100 can have a receiving state and a leveling state. In the receiving state, the movable part 120 defines a receiving groove 121 for receiving the electrode tab, and in the leveling state, at least a portion of the movable part 120 is formed as a flat surface. Thus, when the leveling assembly 100 switches to the receiving state, the electrode tab can be placed in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state, so that the electrode tab is close to the leveling assembly 100. Subsequently, when the leveling assembly 100 is switched to the leveling state, the electrode tab can be leveled by the electrode tab leveling device 1000, eliminating the step of pre-bending the electrode tab and integrating the two actions of folding and flattening the electrode tab into one step. This simplifies the structure of the electrode tab leveling device 1000 and the electrode tab leveling step, making the electrode tab leveling step simpler and more efficient, and improving the electrode tab leveling efficiency.

[0085] At the same time, by eliminating the step of pre-bending the tabs, the phenomenon of inward and outward folding caused by interference from pre-bending can be avoided. This further prevents the tabs from wrinkling or even turning over when flattening them, thus ensuring that the tabs are aligned in place, thereby improving the quality and working performance of the tabs.

[0086] In other words, the tab leveling device 1000 of this application embodiment, by setting a leveling component 100 having a receiving state and a leveling state, can not only eliminate the step of pre-bending the tab, but also avoid the phenomenon of inward and outward folding of the tab due to pre-bending interference. Thus, it can not only improve the leveling efficiency of the tab, but also ensure the quality and working performance of the tab to a certain extent.

[0087] It should be noted that, through the above settings, during the actual processing of the battery cell, the electrode assembly can be wound first, and the tabs do not need to be pre-folded during the winding process. After the electrode assembly is wound, the tabs are placed in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state. Then, the leveling assembly 100 is controlled to switch from the receiving state to the leveling state to achieve the gathering and flattening of the tabs, thereby achieving the purpose of leveling the tabs.

[0088] Meanwhile, during the leveling process, the leveling component 100 can be controlled to cycle between the accommodating state and the leveling state, thereby improving the leveling effect of the tab leveling device 1000 on the tab.

[0089] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly and the tab leveling device 1000 are arranged at a distance from each other. When the leveling assembly 100 is switched to the receiving state, the electrode assembly can be controlled to move toward the tab leveling device 1000, or the tab leveling device 1000 can be controlled to move toward the electrode assembly, or the electrode assembly and the tab leveling device 1000 can be controlled to move toward each other at the same time, so that the tab can be placed in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state, thereby facilitating the leveling of the tab using the tab leveling device 1000.

[0090] It should also be noted that the tab leveling device 1000 of this application can be applied to the tab leveling of cylindrical battery cells. Because the tab leveling device 1000 of this application integrates the gathering and flattening into one step, the tab leveling of cylindrical battery cells can be made simpler and more efficient.

[0091] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the leveling assembly 100 includes multiple leveling components 130 arranged circumferentially along the leveling assembly 100. Each leveling component 130 has a fixed portion 110 and a movable portion 120. In the receiving state, the movable portions 120 of the multiple leveling components 130 cooperate to define a receiving groove 121. Thus, when it is necessary to control the leveling assembly 100 to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state, the multiple leveling components 130 can be controlled to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state separately. Since the volume of the leveling component 130 is reduced compared to the entire leveling assembly 100, the difficulty of switching the leveling component 130 between the receiving state and the leveling state is reduced. This reduces the difficulty of switching the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state, making it easier for the leveling assembly 100 to fold and flatten the tabs, and reducing the difficulty of leveling the tabs.

[0092] In specific examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the leveling assembly 100 is formed as six leveling elements 130 arranged circumferentially thereon. The six leveling elements 130 cooperate to reduce the difficulty of switching the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0093] Of course, in some other embodiments, the leveling assembly 100 may also include two, three or other numbers of leveling elements 130, without any specific limitation.

[0094] In some embodiments, the movable part 120 can be flipped relative to the fixed part 110 to switch the leveling assembly 100 between a receiving state and a leveling state. That is, the leveling assembly 100 has a receiving state and a leveling state mainly by deforming and flipping the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110. This can further reduce the difficulty of switching the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state, and facilitate the leveling of the tabs using the leveling assembly 100, thereby reducing the difficulty of leveling the tabs using the leveling device.

[0095] In a specific example, when gas is filled into or extracted from the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111, the movable part 120 can deform relative to the fixed part 110. During the deformation of the movable part 120, the movable part 120 can be flipped relative to the fixed part 110 so that the leveling assembly 100 has a receiving state and a leveling state. Since gas can be filled into and extracted from the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111, the leveling assembly 100 can switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0096] Of course, in some other embodiments, at least a portion of the movable part 120 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the fixed part 110 during the deformation of the movable part 120, so that the leveling assembly 100 can switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0097] in, Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Schematic diagrams of the movable part 120 before and after deformation relative to the fixed part 110 in some embodiments are shown respectively; Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Schematic diagrams of the movable part 120 before and after deformation relative to the fixed part 110 are shown in other embodiments.

[0098] It should be noted that the difference between the two embodiments described above lies in that... Figures 3-6In the embodiments, when the movable part 120 is not deformed relative to the fixed part 110, that is, before the movable part 120 is deformed relative to the fixed part 110, the leveling assembly 100 is formed in a leveled state (e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown), when the tab leveling device 1000 is needed to level the tab, the movable part 120 needs to be deformed relative to the fixed part 110 first, so that the leveling assembly 100 switches to the receiving state (as shown). Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown), then control the relative movement of the electrode assembly and the tab leveling device 1000; in Figures 7-10 In the embodiments, when the movable part 120 is not deformed relative to the fixed part 110, that is, before the movable part 120 is deformed relative to the fixed part 110, the leveling assembly 100 is formed in a receiving state (e.g. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown), when the electrode leveling device 1000 is needed to level the electrode, the electrode assembly and the electrode leveling device 1000 can be moved relative to each other directly. Then, the movable part 120 is deformed relative to the fixed part 110 to switch the leveling assembly 100 to the leveling state (as shown). Figure 9 and Figure 10 (As shown).

[0099] In some embodiments, the movable part 120 is a flexible member. This allows the movable part 120 to deform relative to the fixed part 110, thereby enabling the leveling assembly 100 to be in a receiving state and a leveling state through deformation of the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110. This further reduces the difficulty of switching the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state, and facilitates the leveling of the tabs using the leveling assembly 100.

[0100] In some embodiments, the leveling assembly 100 is a rubber or silicone component. This allows the movable portion 120 to be formed as a flexible component, thereby enabling the movable portion 120 to deform relative to the fixed portion 110, ensuring that the leveling assembly 100 can switch between a receiving state and a leveling state to level the tab.

[0101] In some embodiments, the leveling member 130 is manufactured using a liquid silicone rubber casting process. This makes the leveling member 130 a flexible member, thereby making the movable part 120 a flexible member, which facilitates control of the deformation of the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110.

[0102] At the same time, the casting process can improve the structural quality of the leveling part 130 and reduce the molding difficulty of the leveling part 130, thereby reducing the molding difficulty of the leveling component 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 , Figure 6 andFigure 8 As shown, the movable part 120 has a hollow cavity 123 inside, which is suitable for being filled with gas to deform the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110. This reduces the difficulty of deforming the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110, so that the movable part 120 can be effectively deformed relative to the fixed part 110, realizing the switching of the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state, so as to facilitate the leveling operation of the leveling assembly 100 on the tab.

[0104] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the fixed part 110 and the movable part 120 are arranged along a first direction. The movable part 120 includes a plurality of protrusions 124 arranged along the first direction. The protrusions 124 are hollow and have a receiving cavity 123. The protrusions 124 are configured to deform according to the amount of gas filling in the receiving cavity 123. Since the protrusions 124 are formed as part of the movable part 120, when the protrusions 124 deform according to the amount of gas filling in the receiving cavity 123, the movable part 120 can deform relative to the fixed part 110, realizing the switching of the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state, thereby realizing the leveling operation of the leveling assembly 100 on the tab.

[0105] In a specific example, because the movable part 120 is formed as a flexible part, when the gas filling amount in the receiving cavity 123 increases, the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 124 protrudes and deforms outward, causing multiple protrusions 124 arranged along the first direction to press against each other. At this time, the side of the movable part 120 away from the fixed part 110 can move towards the bottom of the leveling assembly 100 and drive the entire movable part 120 to flip relative to the fixed part 110, so that the leveling assembly 100 can switch to the leveling state to level the tab (e.g., Figure 10 As shown); when the gas filling amount in the receiving cavity 123 gradually decreases, the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 124 can be deformed inward. At this time, the side of the movable part 120 away from the fixed part 110 can move towards the top of the leveling assembly 100 and drive the entire movable part 120 to rotate relative to the fixed part 110, so that the leveling assembly 100 can switch to the receiving state to receive the tab (as shown). Figure 5 As shown), this facilitates the use of the leveling assembly 100 to level the tabs.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the fixed part 110 is provided with a through-hole 111 that connects to the receiving cavity 123. The through-hole 111 enables communication between the receiving cavity 123 and the external space, thereby facilitating the use of the through-hole 111 to fill the receiving cavity 123 with gas or to extract the gas from the receiving cavity 123. This allows the movable part 120 to deform relative to the fixed part 110 and reduces the difficulty of filling the receiving cavity 123 with gas.

[0107] Of course, in some other embodiments, a port 111 (not shown in the figure of this embodiment) connecting the receiving cavity 123 can also be provided on the movable part 120. The port 111 can also realize the communication between the receiving cavity 123 and the external space, so as to use the port 111 to move towards the filling gas in the receiving cavity 123 or to use the port 111 to extract the gas in the receiving cavity 123.

[0108] In other words, the leveling part 130 is provided with a through-hole 111 that connects to the receiving cavity 123. The through-hole 111 can be provided on the fixed part 110 of the leveling part 130 or on the movable part 120 of the leveling part 130.

[0109] In some embodiments, an air pump is connected to the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111. The air pump can be used to evacuate and inflate the receiving cavity 123 to control the deformation of the movable part 120, thereby controlling the leveling assembly 100 to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0110] Specifically, when the movable part 120 is not deformed relative to the fixed part 110 and the leveling assembly 100 is formed in a leveled state (e.g.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 When (as shown), the gas in the receiving cavity 123 can be first extracted using an air pump, so that the side of the movable part 120 away from the fixed part 110 can be lifted towards the top of the leveling assembly 100, thereby allowing the leveling assembly 100 to switch to the receiving state to receive the tab (as shown). Figure 5 and Figure 6 (As shown), then the electrode assembly is placed directly below the coaxial center of the leveling assembly 100, and the electrode assembly and the leveling assembly 100 are controlled to move relative to each other. When the tab of the electrode assembly moves into the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100, air is pumped into the receiving cavity 123 so that the side of the movable part 120 away from the fixed part 110 can be laid flat towards the bottom of the leveling assembly 100 to form a flat surface (as shown). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown), the leveling component 100 is used to level the tabs. During the leveling process, the air pump can continuously pump air into and out of the receiving cavity 123, so that the leveling component 100 can switch between the receiving state and the leveling state in a cycle, thereby achieving multiple leveling of the tabs and improving the leveling quality of the tabs.

[0111] When the movable part 120 does not deform relative to the fixed part 110 and the leveling assembly 100 is in a receiving state (e.g.) Figure 7 and Figure 8When the electrode assembly is placed directly below the coaxial center of the leveling assembly 100, and the electrode assembly and the leveling assembly 100 are moved relative to each other, the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly are moved into the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100. Then, an air pump is used to inflate the receiving cavity 123, so that the side of the movable part 120 facing away from the fixed part 110 can be flattened towards the bottom of the leveling assembly 100 to form a level surface (as shown). Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown), the leveling component 100 is used to level the tabs. During the leveling process, the air pump can continuously pump air into and out of the receiving cavity 123, so that the leveling component 100 can switch between the receiving state and the leveling state in a cycle, thereby achieving multiple leveling of the tabs and improving the leveling quality of the tabs.

[0112] It should be noted that, considering that the movable part 120 can deform relative to the fixed part 110, when a port 111 for connecting to the receiving cavity 123 is provided on the movable part 120, an elastic tube (such as a rubber tube or silicone tube) can be connected to the port 111. The air pump connects to the port 111 through the elastic tube. When the movable part 120 deforms relative to the fixed part 110, the elastic tube itself can deform to prevent the air pump from disconnecting from the port 111, thereby enabling the air pump to connect to the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111.

[0113] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the tab leveling device 1000 also includes an adapter 200, which is located at the port 111 and has a filling port 210 that communicates with the receiving cavity 123. In other words, this application is not limited to directly extracting or filling gas into the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111; gas can also be extracted or filled into the receiving cavity 123 through the adapter 200, thus reducing the flexibility of extracting and filling gas into the receiving cavity 123.

[0114] Meanwhile, the adapter 200 also facilitates reducing the difficulty of connecting the receiving cavity 123 and the air pump and improving the sealing of the connection between the receiving cavity 123 and the air pump, thereby facilitating the extraction or filling of gas in the receiving cavity 123, enabling the leveling assembly 100 to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state, and to a certain extent ensuring the airtightness of the receiving cavity 123, and improving the deformation effect of the movable part 120 relative to the fixed part 110.

[0115] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the adapter 200 includes multiple adapters, and the number of multiple adapters 200 corresponds one-to-one with the number of multiple leveling components 130, so that each leveling component 130 can draw or fill the gas in the receiving cavity 123 by an air pump, thereby allowing the movable part 120 of each leveling component 130 to deform relative to the fixed part 110, so that the leveling assembly 100 can switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0116] Meanwhile, by setting the number of multiple adapters 200 and the number of multiple leveling parts 130 to correspond one-to-one, the airtightness of each leveling part 130 can be guaranteed to a certain extent, thereby improving the working performance of the leveling part 130.

[0117] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the tab leveling device 1000 also includes a base 300 and a connector 400, with the connector 400 connecting the base 300 and the fixing part 110 respectively. This connection between the base 300 and the fixing part 110 facilitates stable support of the fixing part 110 of the leveling component 130 by the base 300, improving the positional stability of the fixing part 110. This prevents the fixing part 110 from moving when gas is extracted or filled into the receiving cavity 123, allowing the movable part 120 to deform relative to the fixing part 110, thus enabling the leveling assembly 100 to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0118] At the same time, by using the connector 400 to achieve a fixed connection between the base 300 and the fixing part 110, the connection difficulty between the base 300 and the fixing part 110 can be reduced.

[0119] In some implementations, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the tab leveling device 1000 also includes multiple fasteners 500. The base 300 is provided with multiple first through holes 310, and the connector 400 is provided with multiple second through holes 420. The number of multiple fasteners 500, multiple first through holes 310 and multiple second through holes 420 are one-to-one. The fasteners 500 are sequentially inserted into the second through holes 420 and the first through holes 310, so as to use the fasteners 500 to realize the fixed connection between the base 300 and the connector 400, thereby facilitating the fixed connection between the base 300 and the fixing part 110 using the connector 400, and reducing the connection difficulty between the base 300 and the fixing part 110.

[0120] In some implementations, fastener 500 is a fastening bolt or fastening screw, etc.

[0121] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2, Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the connector 400 is connected to the fixing part 110 via the adapter 200. That is to say, the adapter 200 can not only realize the connection between the receiving cavity 123 and the air pump, but also realize the fixed connection between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110, which simplifies the structure of the tab leveling device 1000.

[0122] Meanwhile, the adapter 200 can reduce the connection difficulty between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110, realize the fixed connection between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the base 300 and the fixing part 110, improving the positional stability of the fixing part 110, that is, improving the positional stability of the leveling assembly 100, so that the movable part 120 of the leveling assembly 100 can effectively deform under the drive of gas to control the switching of the leveling assembly 100 between the receiving state and the leveling state.

[0123] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 As shown, the adapter 200 includes a first adapter portion 220, a second adapter portion 230, and a third adapter portion 240. The first adapter portion 220 is sequentially inserted through the opening 111 and the connector 400. The second adapter portion 230 and the third adapter portion 240 are respectively located at opposite ends of the first adapter portion 220. The sides of the second adapter portion 230 and the third adapter portion 240 facing each other respectively engage with the fixing portion 110 and the connector 400. This allows the connector 400 to be connected to the fixing portion 110 via the adapter 200, and reduces the difficulty of fixing the connector 400 and the fixing portion 110.

[0124] Meanwhile, by setting the second adapter 230 and the third adapter 240 to engage with the fixing part 110 and the connector 400 respectively on their sides facing each other, the fixing part 110 and the connector 400 can be fixedly connected by the adapter 200 itself, without the need for other fastening connectors. This not only reduces the difficulty of fixing the fixing part 110 and the connector 400, but also simplifies the structure of the tab leveling device 1000.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second adapter 230 is disposed inside the fixing part 110, and the third adapter 240 is disposed outside the fixing part 110. The side of the second adapter 230 facing the third adapter 240 is abutted against the inner wall of the fixing part 110, and the side of the third adapter 240 facing the second adapter 230 is abutted against the side of the connector 400 away from the fixing part 110. This allows the sides of the second adapter 230 and the third adapter 240 facing each other to abut against the fixing part 110 and the connector 400 respectively, so as to achieve the purpose of fixing the connector 400 and the fixing part 110 by using the adapter 200.

[0126] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, in the direction away from the third adapter 240, the radial dimension of the second adapter 230 gradually decreases, so that the first adapter 220 can be sequentially inserted into the through 111 and the connector 400 through the second adapter 230, thereby reducing the difficulty of fixing the connector 400 and the fixing part 110.

[0127] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the connector 400 is also provided with a third through hole 430. The adapter 200 is sequentially inserted through the third through hole 430 and the through opening 111, so as to realize the fixed connection between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110 by using the adapter 200, and reduce the connection difficulty between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110.

[0128] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 14 As shown, the connector 400 has an open connecting cavity 410, and at least a portion of the fixing part 110 is disposed within the connecting cavity 410. By providing the open connecting cavity 410, the contact area between the fixing part 110 and the connector 400 can be increased, thereby improving the connection strength between the connector 400 and the fixing part 110 and improving the positional stability of the fixing part 110.

[0129] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, two adjacent leveling components 130 are spaced apart to avoid interference between the two adjacent leveling components 130 when the movable part 120 can deform relative to the fixed part 110. This ensures that the leveling assembly 100 can effectively switch between the accommodating state and the leveling state to a certain extent, reducing the difficulty of switching.

[0130] In some embodiments, the included angle between two adjacent leveling components 130 ranges from 3° to 7°. It should be noted that the included angle between two adjacent leveling components 130 refers to the angle between the two sides of the two adjacent leveling components 130 that are close to each other. It can also be understood as the angle formed when the extension lines of the adjacent sides of the two adjacent leveling components 130 intersect at the center of the leveling assembly 100. When the included angle between two adjacent leveling components 130 is too small, the distance between them will be too small, causing interference during deformation and affecting the switching between the accommodating state and the leveling state of the leveling assembly 100. When the included angle between two adjacent leveling components 130 is too large, the distance between them will be too large, affecting the leveling effect of the leveling assembly 100 on the tabs.

[0131] In summary, this application sets the included angle between two adjacent leveling parts 130 to 3°-7°, which can ensure that the two adjacent leveling parts 130 maintain an appropriate distance to a certain extent. This not only avoids interference between the two adjacent leveling parts 130 during deformation, but also ensures the leveling effect of the leveling assembly 100 on the tabs to a certain extent.

[0132] Specifically, the included angle between two adjacent leveling parts 130 is 3°, 4°, 5°, 6° or 7°, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, the tab leveling device 1000 further includes a pressure sensor (not shown), which is disposed on the movable part 120 and is used to detect the pressure applied to the tab by the movable part 120. This allows for real-time feedback on the leveling status of the tab by the leveling assembly 100 and facilitates real-time adjustment of the gas filling amount in the receiving cavity 123 based on the pressure sensor, thereby improving the leveling effect of the leveling assembly 100 on the tab and resulting in better tab alignment.

[0134] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is disposed in the receiving cavity 123. This allows the pressure sensor to detect the pressure applied to the tab by the movable part 120, while also protecting the pressure sensor by the movable part 120, extending the service life of the pressure sensor, and preventing the pressure sensor from hindering the leveling assembly 100 from leveling the tab, thereby further improving the leveling effect of the leveling assembly 100 on the tab.

[0135] The tab leveling method of this application embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0136] The tab leveling method uses the aforementioned tab leveling device 1000. The specific structure of the tab leveling device 1000 will not be described in detail here.

[0137] like Figure 15 As shown, the tab leveling method of this application embodiment includes:

[0138] S1. Place the electrode tab in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state.

[0139] In this step, the tab can be positioned close to the leveling assembly 100 to ensure that the leveling assembly 100 can effectively level the tab when it switches to the leveling state.

[0140] S2. Gas is filled into the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111 to control the leveling assembly 100 to switch to the leveling state to level the tab.

[0141] In this step, during the process of the leveling component 100 switching to the leveling state, the tabs can be gathered and flattened, thereby achieving the leveling of the tabs.

[0142] As can be seen from the above structure, the tab leveling method of this application embodiment, by using the aforementioned tab leveling device 1000, can not only level the tab, but also improve the leveling quality and efficiency of the tab to a certain extent.

[0143] In some embodiments, before placing the electrode tab into the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state, the method further includes: determining whether the leveling assembly 100 is in the receiving state; if the leveling assembly 100 is in the receiving state, directly placing the electrode tab into the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state; if the leveling assembly 100 is in the non-receiving state, switching the leveling assembly 100 to the receiving state. This ensures that the electrode tab can be effectively placed into the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state, thereby ensuring that the leveling assembly 100 can effectively level the electrode tab when switching from the receiving state to the leveling state.

[0144] In some embodiments, gas can be extracted from the receiving cavity 123 through the port 111 to control the leveling assembly 100 to switch to the receiving state.

[0145] In some embodiments, after switching the leveling assembly 100 to the receiving state, the following steps are taken: controlling the electrode assembly to move toward the tab leveling device 1000, or controlling the tab leveling device 1000 to move toward the electrode assembly, or simultaneously controlling the electrode assembly and the tab leveling device 1000 to move toward each other, so as to place the tab in the receiving groove 121 of the leveling assembly 100 in the receiving state.

[0146] It is understood that other components of the tab leveling device 1000 and tab leveling method according to the embodiments of this application (e.g., the specific structure and working principle of the pressure sensor) are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0147] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0148] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A tab leveling device, characterized in that, include: A leveling assembly (100) includes a plurality of leveling members (130) arranged circumferentially thereon. Each leveling member (130) has a fixed part (110) and a movable part (120). The movable part (120) is hollow inside and has a receiving cavity (123). The leveling member (130) is provided with a through-hole (111) communicating with the receiving cavity (123). Gas can be filled into or extracted from the receiving cavity (123) through the through-hole (111) so that the movable part (120) can be deformed relative to the fixed part (110). The leveling assembly (100) has a receiving state and a leveling state. In the receiving state, the plurality of movable parts (120) cooperate to define a receiving groove (121) to receive the electrode tab. In the leveling state, at least a portion of the movable part (120) is formed as a flat surface.

2. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable part (120) can be flipped relative to the fixed part (110) to allow the leveling assembly (100) to switch between the receiving state and the leveling state.

3. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active part (120) is a flexible component.

4. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed part (110) and the movable part (120) are arranged along a first direction. The movable part (120) includes a plurality of protrusions (124) arranged along the first direction. The protrusions (124) are hollow inside to form the receiving cavity (123). The protrusions (124) are configured to deform with the amount of gas filling in the receiving cavity (123).

5. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing part (110) is provided with the opening (111) that communicates with the receiving cavity (123).

6. The electrode leveling device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an adapter (200) located at the opening (111) and a filling port (210) formed on the adapter (200) that communicates with the receiving cavity (123).

7. The electrode leveling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a base (300) and a connector (400), the connector (400) connecting the base (300) and the fixing part (110) respectively.

8. The electrode leveling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector (400) is connected to the fixing part (110) via the adapter (200).

9. The electrode leveling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adapter (200) includes a first adapter (220), a second adapter (230), and a third adapter (240). The first adapter (220) is sequentially inserted through the opening (111) and the connector (400). The second adapter (230) and the third adapter (240) are respectively located at opposite ends of the first adapter (220). The sides of the second adapter (230) and the third adapter (240) facing each other are respectively engaged with the fixing part (110) and the connector (400).

10. The electrode leveling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector (400) has an opening in the connecting cavity (410), and at least a portion of the fixing part (110) is disposed in the connecting cavity (410).

11. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent leveling components (130) are spaced apart.

12. The electrode leveling device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The included angle between two adjacent leveling parts (130) ranges from 3° to 7°.

13. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leveling component (100) is a rubber part or a silicone part.

14. The electrode leveling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure sensor disposed on the movable part (120), the pressure sensor being used to detect the pressure applied by the movable part (120) to the tab.

15. A method for leveling electrode tabs, characterized in that, The electrode leveling device according to any one of claims 1-14 comprises: The electrode tab is placed in the receiving groove (121) of the leveling assembly (100) in the receiving state; Gas is filled into the receiving cavity (123) through the port (111) to control the leveling assembly (100) to switch to the leveling state to level the tab.

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