Battery cell flattening device and battery cell flattening method

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery cell flattening device and a battery cell flattening method.The battery cell flattening device comprises a rack, a flattening unit and a clamping unit, the flattening unit is arranged on the rack and comprises a flattening mechanism, the flattening mechanism is used for flattening the end of a battery cell, the flattening mechanism is provided with a flattening space with an upward opening, and the clamping unit is used for clamping the end of the battery cell; the rubbing space is used for accommodating the end part of the battery cell, the clamping unit is arranged on the rack and comprises a clamping mechanism and an overturning mechanism, the clamping mechanism is positioned above the rubbing mechanism and is used for clamping the battery cell, and the overturning mechanism is connected with the clamping mechanism and is used for driving the clamping mechanism to overturn up and down. According to the battery cell flattening device disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the battery cell can be always positioned above the flattening mechanism, and the flattened end part in the battery cell can face downwards, so that chippings generated when the end part of the battery cell is flattened fall down under the action of self gravity, and the chippings are prevented from falling off. And the possibility that chippings generated when the end part of the battery cell is kneaded enter the battery cell can be effectively reduced or avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of battery processing, and in particular to a battery cell rubbing device and a battery cell rubbing method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the manufacturing process of the battery cell, the battery cell rubbing device is often used to rub the end of the battery cell. However, the battery cell rubbing device in the related art is limited by its structure design, and the debris generated during the rubbing process can easily enter the end or even the inside of the battery cell, which not only may cause short circuit of the battery cell, but also may cause other high-risk problems. Therefore, the battery cell has double risks of performance not meeting the standard and safety hazards in the subsequent production process and recycling process.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce or avoid the debris generated during the rubbing of the end of the battery cell from entering the inside of the battery cell has become a technical problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide a battery cell rubbing device, which can effectively reduce or avoid the possibility of debris generated during the rubbing of the end of the battery cell from entering the inside of the battery cell, reduce the risk of internal short circuit of the battery cell, and thus improve the process yield and performance of the battery cell.

[0005] According to the battery cell rubbing device of the first aspect of the present application, the battery cell rubbing device comprises a rack, a rubbing unit, and a clamping unit. The rubbing unit is arranged on the rack and comprises a rubbing mechanism. The rubbing mechanism is used for rubbing the end of the battery cell. The rubbing mechanism has a rubbing space with an opening facing upward. The rubbing space is used for accommodating the end of the battery cell. The clamping unit is arranged on the rack and comprises a clamping mechanism and a turnover mechanism. The clamping mechanism is located above the rubbing mechanism and is used for clamping the battery cell. The turnover mechanism is connected with the clamping mechanism and is used for driving the clamping mechanism to turn over up and down.

[0006] According to the cell flattening device, the opening of the flattening space for accommodating the end of the cell is upward, and the clamping mechanism for clamping the cell is above the flattening mechanism, so that the cell is always above the flattening mechanism during the flattening process of the end of the cell, and the end of the cell to be flattened is downward and extends into and is accommodated in the flattening space of the flattening mechanism through the opening of the flattening space, so that the debris generated during the flattening of the end of the cell falls downward under the action of gravity and does not fall into the end of the cell or the inside of the cell, which can effectively reduce or avoid the possibility of the debris generated during the flattening of the end of the cell entering the inside of the cell, reduce the risk of short circuit in the cell, and thus improve the process yield and performance of the cell. In addition, the overturning mechanism is arranged for driving the clamping mechanism to overturn up and down, and the overturning of the clamping mechanism by the overturning mechanism can realize the overturning of the two ends of the cell in the up-down direction, so that the flattening mechanism can flatten the two ends of the cell, and the two ends of the cell can be flattened by the same flattening mechanism, the number of flattening mechanisms can be reduced, and the overall structure of the cell flattening device is relatively simple.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present application, the overturning mechanism has a rotating shaft extending in a first direction and connected with the clamping mechanism, the rotating shaft is rotatable about its axis, and the first direction intersects with the up-down direction.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping mechanism includes a first mounting plate, a clamping driving mechanism and a clamping jaw, the clamping driving mechanism is mounted on the first mounting plate, the overturning mechanism is connected with the first mounting plate, and the clamping driving mechanism is connected with the clamping jaw for driving the clamping jaw to clamp or release the cell.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping jaw includes two sub-clamping jaws spaced apart in a second direction, the second direction intersects with the up-down direction, and the clamping driving mechanism is used for driving the two sub-clamping jaws to move in a direction towards each other to clamp the cell and is used for driving the two sub-clamping jaws to move in a direction away from each other to release the cell.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first mounting plate is provided with a guide groove extending in the second direction, the sub-clamping jaw is provided with a guide block, the guide block is accommodated in the guide groove and is adapted to move in the extension direction of the guide groove, and the clamping driving mechanism is connected with the guide block to drive the guide block to move.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit is movable for loading and unloading the battery cell, and the loading and unloading driving mechanism is arranged on the frame and connected with the clamping unit for driving the clamping unit to move.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit is movable along a first direction for moving the clamping mechanism between a flattening position and a loading and unloading position, wherein in the loading and unloading position, the clamping mechanism is located on one side of the flattening mechanism along the first direction, and in the flattening position, the clamping mechanism is located directly above the flattening mechanism.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit comprises a second mounting plate, the turnover mechanism is mounted on the second mounting plate, a first mounting seat is arranged on the frame, the clamping unit is movably arranged on the first mounting seat along a first direction, a slide rail extending along the first direction is arranged on the first mounting seat, and a slide block is arranged on the second mounting plate and slidably matched with the slide rail and movable along the extension direction of the slide rail.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, a flattening position sensor is arranged on the frame and used for detecting whether the clamping mechanism is located in the flattening position.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping mechanism is located above the flattening mechanism, and one of the clamping unit and the flattening unit is movable along an up-down direction relative to the other.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present application, a lifting driving mechanism is arranged on the frame and connected with the flattening unit for driving the flattening unit to move along an up-down direction between a working position and a avoiding position, wherein the working position and the avoiding position are both located below the clamping mechanism, and the avoiding position is lower than the working position.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present application, the lifting driving mechanism is located on one side of the flattening unit along a first direction.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, a second mounting seat is arranged on the frame along an up-down direction, the second mounting seat and the lifting driving mechanism are located on the same side of the flattening unit along a first direction, and the flattening unit is movably mounted on the second mounting seat along the up-down direction.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second mounting base comprises a mounting base body, a guide plate, an upper limiting plate and a lower limiting plate, the guide plate is connected to one side of the mounting base body along the first direction and close to the kneading unit, the upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the guide plate, the mounting base body, the guide plate, the upper limiting plate and the lower limiting plate jointly define a receiving cavity, one side of the kneading unit facing the second mounting base is formed with a guide boss, the guide boss is provided with a guide sliding cavity, the guide sliding cavity penetrates through the guide boss along the up-down direction, the guide plate is arranged in the guide sliding cavity along the up-down direction, and part of the guide boss is located in the receiving cavity.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present application, the lifting driving mechanism comprises a lifting motor and a screw rod transmission mechanism, the screw rod transmission mechanism comprises a screw rod and a transmission seat, the screw rod transmission mechanism is accommodated in the receiving cavity, the screw rod extends along the up-down direction, the transmission seat is sleeved on the outer circumferential side of the screw rod and is threadedly connected with the screw rod, the guide boss is connected with the transmission seat, and the lifting motor is located outside the receiving cavity and is connected with the screw rod for driving the screw rod to rotate.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, one side of the second mounting base facing the kneading unit is provided with a working position sensor and an avoiding position sensor, the avoiding position sensor is located below the working position sensor, the working position sensor is used for detecting whether the kneading unit is located at the working position, and the avoiding position sensor is used for detecting whether the kneading unit is located at the avoiding position.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present application, the kneading unit comprises a dustproof cover, the dustproof cover covers the outside of the kneading mechanism, the top of the dustproof cover is formed with an operation opening, the opening of the kneading space faces the operation opening, and the clamping mechanism is located above the dustproof cover.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the kneading mechanism comprises a kneading driving mechanism and a kneading component, the kneading component comprises a rotating disc and a kneading assembly, the kneading driving mechanism is located below the rotating disc and is connected with the rotating disc for driving the rotating disc to rotate, the rotating disc is placed along the horizontal direction and the rotating axis of the rotating disc extends along the up-down direction, and the kneading assembly is arranged on the upper side of the rotating disc and defines the kneading space.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present application, the kneading assembly comprises a plurality of kneading pieces, the plurality of kneading pieces are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotating disc, each kneading piece comprises a kneading head, and the kneading heads of the plurality of kneading pieces jointly define the kneading space.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, the kneading device comprises a kneading seat, the kneading seat is installed on the rotating disc, the kneading head is arranged on one side of the kneading seat close to the center of the rotating disc, and the kneading head is rotatable relative to the center axis of the kneading head.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present application, the kneading driving mechanism comprises a kneading motor, a transmission shaft and a transmission mechanism, the transmission shaft extends in the up-down direction, the rotating disc is installed on the top of the transmission shaft and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft, the transmission mechanism and the kneading motor are both arranged below the rotating disc, and the transmission mechanism is drivingly connected between the kneading motor and the transmission shaft.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present application, the transmission mechanism comprises a first transmission wheel and a second transmission wheel, the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are arranged in a spaced manner, a transmission belt is sleeved on the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel, the kneading motor is connected with the first transmission wheel for driving the first transmission wheel to rotate, and the second transmission wheel is sleeved on the transmission shaft and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present application, a dust removal unit is arranged, the dust removal unit comprises a dust removal assembly, the dust removal assembly comprises a dust removal pipeline assembly and a dust removal fan, the dust removal pipeline assembly is arranged directly below the kneading space, the dust removal pipeline assembly is provided with a dust suction port, the dust suction port faces upwardly to the kneading space, and the dust removal fan is used for discharging the debris and dust entering into the dust removal pipeline assembly.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal unit further comprises a flow rate meter, the flow rate meter is installed on the dust removal pipeline assembly and is used for detecting the flow rate of the air flow in the dust removal pipeline assembly; the battery cell kneading device further comprises a controller, the flow rate meter and the dust removal fan are both connected with the controller, and the controller is used for controlling the rotating speed of the dust removal fan according to the detection data of the flow rate meter.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal pipeline assembly comprises a main pipeline assembly, the main pipeline assembly comprises a first dust removal pipeline, the first dust removal pipeline is arranged on the lower side of the rotating disc, the rotating disc is provided with a communication hole, and the communication hole communicates the kneading space with the first dust removal pipeline.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present application, the main pipeline assembly comprises a second dust removal pipeline, the second dust removal pipeline is arranged on the upper side of the rotating disc and is fixed on the rotating disc, the lower end of the second dust removal pipeline is connected with the communication hole, the communication hole communicates the corresponding second dust removal pipeline with the first dust removal pipeline, and the top of the second dust removal pipeline is formed with the dust suction port.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second dust removal pipeline is multiple, and the multiple second dust removal pipelines are arranged along the circumference of the rotary disc, the number of the communication holes is the same as the number of the second dust removal pipelines and each communication hole corresponds to one second dust removal pipeline.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening assembly comprises multiple flattening members, the multiple flattening members are arranged along the circumference of the rotary disc, each flattening member comprises a flattening head, the flattening heads of the multiple flattening members jointly define the flattening space, and the second dust removal pipeline is arranged between two adjacent flattening members.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening driving mechanism comprises a flattening motor, a transmission shaft and a transmission mechanism, the transmission shaft extends along the up-down direction, the rotary disc is mounted on the top of the transmission shaft and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft, the transmission mechanism and the flattening motor are located below the rotary disc, and the transmission mechanism is drivingly connected between the flattening motor and the transmission shaft; wherein the first dust removal pipeline is arranged in the transmission shaft.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening unit comprises a dustproof cover and a connecting plate, the dustproof cover covers the outside of the flattening mechanism, the top of the dustproof cover is formed with an operation opening, the opening of the flattening space faces the operation opening, and the clamping mechanism is located above the dustproof cover. The main pipeline assembly comprises a third dust removal pipeline, the connecting plate is arranged in the dustproof cover and connected with the dustproof cover, the connecting plate is formed with a mounting hole, the lower end of the transmission shaft is rotatably arranged in the mounting hole, the third dust removal pipeline is connected below the connecting plate, the upper end of the third dust removal pipeline is connected with the mounting hole, and the third dust removal pipeline is in communication with the first dust removal pipeline.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal pipeline assembly further comprises a flexible pipe and a tail pipeline, the flexible pipe is connected between the outlet of the main pipeline assembly and the inlet of the tail pipeline.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening unit comprises a dustproof cover and a dust collecting box, the dustproof cover covers the outside of the flattening mechanism, the top of the dustproof cover is formed with an operation opening, the opening of the flattening space faces the operation opening, and the clamping mechanism is located above the dustproof cover. The outer peripheral wall of the dustproof cover is provided with a dust collecting opening, the dust collecting opening is located on one side of the flattening member along the horizontal direction, and the dust collecting box is connected to the outer peripheral side of the dustproof cover and covers the dust collecting opening.

[0038] According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, a method for flattening a battery cell is provided, wherein the method utilizes a battery cell flattening device according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention to flatten the battery cell, the battery cell having a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, and the method for flattening the battery cell includes: The clamping mechanism clamps the battery cell with the first end of the battery cell facing downwards, and the first end is accommodated in the flattening space; The flattening mechanism flattens the first end of the battery cell; The flipping mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to flip up and down so that the second end of the battery cell faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space. The flattening mechanism flattens the second end of the battery cell.

[0039] According to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention, the method for flattening a battery cell utilizes the aforementioned battery cell flattening device. By ensuring that the opening of the flattening space in the flattening mechanism for accommodating the end of the battery cell faces upwards, and that the clamping mechanism for holding the battery cell is positioned above the flattening mechanism, the battery cell is always positioned above the flattening mechanism during the flattening process. The flattened end of the battery cell faces downwards and extends through the opening of the flattening space into and is accommodated within the flattening space of the flattening mechanism. This prevents debris generated during the flattening process from falling downwards under its own weight and falling into the end of the battery cell. The debris falling into the cell can effectively reduce or avoid the possibility of debris generated during the flattening of the cell ends entering the cell, reducing the risk of short circuits inside the cell, thereby improving the cell's process yield and performance. Furthermore, by setting up a flipping mechanism to drive the clamping mechanism to flip up and down, the two ends of the cell can be flipped in the vertical direction, so that the flattening mechanism can flatten both ends of the cell. This allows both ends of the cell to be flattened by the same flattening mechanism, reducing the number of flattening mechanisms and making the overall structure of the cell flattening device simpler.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell flattening device according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the battery cell flattening device in the diagram; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the battery cell flattening device from another angle; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the battery cell flattening device from another angle; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the battery cell flattening device in the image; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of some structures of the leveling unit and dust removal unit in the battery cell leveling device; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the flattening unit structure in the battery cell flattening device; Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the clamping unit in the battery cell flattening device; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the clamping unit from another angle; Figure 10 yes Figure 5 An assembly diagram of the lifting drive mechanism, the second mounting base, and the guide boss in the battery cell flattening device. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An assembly diagram of the lifting drive mechanism, the second mounting base, and the guide boss from another angle; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Exploded view of the lifting drive mechanism, the second mounting base, and the guide boss; Figure 13 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of some structures of the leveling unit and dust removal unit in the battery cell leveling device; Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Another assembly diagram of the kneading unit and dust removal unit in the middle; Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the turntable in the kneading unit; Figure 16 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the second dust removal pipeline in the dust removal unit; Figure 17 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the kneading component in the kneading unit; Figure 18 yesFigure 17 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a rubbing head in a rubbing member in FIG. 2; Figure 19 is Figure 5 FIG. 4 is an assembly schematic view of a dust cover and a dust collection box in a rubbing unit of the battery cell rubbing device in FIG. 2; Figure 20 is Figure 19 FIG. 5 is an assembly schematic view of the dust cover and the dust collection box from another angle.

[0042] Reference signs: 100, battery cell rubbing device; 11, first mounting seat; 111, sliding rail; 12, second mounting seat; 121, mounting seat body; 122, guide plate; 123, upper limiting plate; 124, lower limiting plate; 125, accommodating cavity; 126, working position sensor; 127, avoiding position sensor; 20, rubbing unit; 21, rubbing mechanism; 211, rubbing space; 212, rubbing driving mechanism; 2121, rubbing motor; 2122, transmission shaft; 2123, transmission mechanism; 2124, first transmission wheel; 2125, second transmission wheel; 2126, transmission belt; 213, rubbing component; 2131, rotating disc; 2132, communication hole; 2133, rubbing assembly; 2134, rubbing member; 2135, rubbing head; 2136, rubbing seat; 22, guide boss; 221, guide sliding cavity; 23, dust cover; 231, operation port; 232, dust collection port; 24, connecting plate; 241, mounting hole; 25, dust collection box; 30, clamping unit; 31, clamping mechanism; 311, first mounting plate; 3111, guide groove; 312, clamping driving mechanism; 313, clamping jaw; 3131, sub-clamping jaw; 3132, guide block; 33, second mounting plate; 331, sliding block; 40, dust removal unit; 411, dust removal pipeline assembly; 412, main pipeline assembly; 4122, second dust removal pipeline; 4123, dust suction port; 4124, third dust removal pipeline; 42, flowmeter; 50, feeding and discharging driving mechanism; 60, lifting driving mechanism; 61, lifting motor; 62, screw transmission mechanism; 621, screw rod; 622, transmission seat; 70, battery cell; 71, end portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to examples thereof shown in the attached drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and identical or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions are denoted with the same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below by reference to the drawings are exemplary and are for the purpose of explaining the present application only and are not to be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0044] Reference will now be made to Figures 1-20 A cell flattening device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application is described below.

[0045] Reference is made to Figures 1-4 According to the cell flattening device 100 of the first aspect of the present application, the cell flattening device 100 comprises a frame, a flattening unit 20 and a clamping unit 30. The flattening unit 20 is arranged on the frame and comprises a flattening mechanism 21. The flattening mechanism 21 is configured to flatten an end portion 71 of a cell 70. The flattening mechanism 21 has a flattening space 211 with an opening facing upward. The flattening space 211 is configured to accommodate the end portion 71 of the cell 70. The clamping unit 30 is arranged on the frame and comprises a clamping mechanism 31 and a turnover mechanism. The clamping mechanism 31 is arranged above the flattening mechanism 21 and is configured to clamp the cell 70. The turnover mechanism is connected to the clamping mechanism 31 and is configured to drive the clamping mechanism 31 to turn up and down.

[0046] The frame can serve as a carrier of the flattening unit 20 and the clamping unit 30, and can support and fix the flattening unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. The flattening mechanism 21 has the flattening space 211 with the opening facing upward, and the flattening space 211 is configured to accommodate the end portion 71 of the cell 70. In this way, the end portion 71 of the cell 70 can be located in the flattening space 211, and interference between the end portion 71 of the cell 70 and other components during the flattening process can be avoided, so that the flattening process can be facilitated.

[0047] The flattening mechanism 21 is configured to flatten the end portion 71 of the cell 70. The flattening mechanism 21 has the flattening space 211 with the opening facing upward. The clamping mechanism 31 for clamping the cell 70 is arranged above the flattening mechanism 21. In this way, during the flattening process of the end portion 71 of the cell 70, the cell 70 can always be located above the flattening mechanism 21. In this way, the end portion 71 of the cell 70 that is subjected to the flattening process is directed downward and extends into and is accommodated in the flattening space 211 of the flattening mechanism 21 through the opening of the flattening space 211. In this way, when the debris generated during the flattening of the end portion 71 of the cell 70 falls downward under the action of gravity, the debris will not fall into the end portion 71 of the cell 70 or into the interior of the cell 70. The possibility of the debris generated during the flattening of the end portion 71 of the cell 70 entering the interior of the cell 70 can be effectively reduced or avoided, the risk of short circuit in the cell 70 can be reduced, and thus the process yield and performance of the cell 70 can be improved.

[0048] It should be explained that the flattening of the end portion 71 of the cell 70 refers to the flattening of the tab located at the end portion 71 of the cell 70.

[0049] And, by being provided with a turnover mechanism for overturning the clamping mechanism 31 up and down, the overturning of the clamping mechanism 31 driven by the turnover mechanism can realize the overturning of the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70 along the up and down direction, so as to facilitate the flattening mechanism 21 to perform flattening treatment on the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70, which can realize that the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70 can be flattened by the same flattening mechanism 21, can reduce the number of flattening mechanisms 21, and make the overall structure of the battery cell flattening device 100 relatively simple.

[0050] For example, the turnover mechanism can drive the clamping mechanism 31 to overturn 180°, and the battery cell 70 has oppositely arranged first and second ends, and the operation process of flattening the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 can be: the clamping mechanism 31 clamps the battery cell 70, so that the first end of the battery cell 70 faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space 211, and the flattening mechanism 21 flattens the first end of the battery cell 70. After confirming that the flattening mechanism 21 completes the flattening treatment of the first end of the battery cell 70, the turnover mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to overturn 180° up and down, so that the second end of the battery cell 70 faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space 211, and the flattening mechanism 21 flattens the second end of the battery cell 70.

[0051] According to the battery cell flattening device 100 of the embodiment of the present application, by making the opening of the flattening space 211 in the flattening mechanism 21 for accommodating the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 face upward, and making the clamping mechanism 31 for clamping the battery cell 70 be located above the flattening mechanism 21, when flattening the ends 71 of the battery cell 70, the battery cell 70 can always be located above the flattening mechanism 21, and the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 being flattened can be downward and extend into and be accommodated in the flattening space 211 of the flattening mechanism 21 through the opening of the flattening space 211, so that when the debris generated during the flattening of the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 falls downward under the action of its own gravity, it will not fall into the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 or into the inside of the battery cell 70, which can effectively reduce or avoid the possibility of the debris generated during the flattening of the ends 71 of the battery cell 70 entering the inside of the battery cell 70, reduce the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 70, thereby facilitating to improve the process yield and performance of the battery cell 70; and, by being provided with a turnover mechanism for driving the clamping mechanism 31 to overturn up and down, the overturning of the clamping mechanism 31 driven by the turnover mechanism can realize the overturning of the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70 along the up and down direction, so as to facilitate the flattening mechanism 21 to perform flattening treatment on the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70, which can realize that the two ends 71 of the battery cell 70 can be flattened by the same flattening mechanism 21, can reduce the number of flattening mechanisms 21, and make the overall structure of the battery cell flattening device 100 relatively simple.

[0052] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9According to some embodiments of the present application, the overturning mechanism has a rotating shaft extending along a first direction (for example, the e1 direction in the drawings) and connected with the clamping mechanism 31, the rotating shaft is rotatable about its own axis, and the first direction intersects the up-down direction. For example, the overturning mechanism can include a rotary cylinder or a rotary motor connected with the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft to rotate about its own axis.

[0053] By extending the rotating shaft along the first direction and connecting the rotating shaft with the clamping mechanism 31, the clamping mechanism 31 can be driven to overturn along the up-down direction, so as to overturn the two end portions 71 of the battery cell 70 in the up-down direction, facilitating the flattening mechanism 21 to perform flattening processing on both of the two end portions 71 of the battery cell 70 in the up-down direction.

[0054] Referring to Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping mechanism 31 includes a first mounting plate 311, a clamping driving mechanism 312 and a clamping jaw 313, the clamping driving mechanism 312 is mounted on the first mounting plate 311, the overturning mechanism is connected with the first mounting plate 311, and the clamping driving mechanism 312 is connected with the clamping jaw 313 to drive the clamping jaw 313 to clamp or release the battery cell 70. The first mounting plate 311 can serve as a carrier of the clamping driving mechanism 312 to support the clamping driving mechanism 312. By connecting the overturning mechanism with the first mounting plate 311, the overturning mechanism can drive the clamping jaw 313 to overturn through the clamping driving mechanism 312, so as to overturn the two end portions 71 of the battery cell 70 in the up-down direction.

[0055] The clamping driving mechanism 312 can drive the clamping jaw 313 to clamp or fix, so as to switch the clamping mechanism 31 between the clamped state and the released state to clamp or release the battery cell 70.

[0056] In some embodiments, the clamping jaw 313 is provided with a buffer pad, which is located between the battery cell 70 and the clamping jaw 313 when the clamping jaw 313 clamps the battery cell 70. The buffer pad can convert the rigid contact between the clamping jaw 313 and the battery cell 70 into a flexible contact through its own elastic deformation, avoiding the possibility of scratching, indentation or even breaking of the battery cell 70 shell by the clamping jaw 313.

[0057] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping jaw 313 comprises two sub-clamping jaws 3131 spaced apart along a second direction (for example, the e2 direction in the drawings can be referred to), the second direction intersects both the up-down direction, for example, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and both the first direction and the second direction are parallel to the horizontal direction, the clamping driving mechanism 312 is used to drive the two sub-clamping jaws 3131 to move in a direction towards each other to clamp the battery cell 70 and is used to drive the two sub-clamping jaws 3131 to move in a direction away from each other to release the battery cell 70.

[0058] By having the clamping jaw 313 comprising two sub-clamping jaws 3131 spaced apart along the second direction, the clamping force of the clamping jaw 313 can act on the side surface of the battery cell 70, rather than the end 71 of the battery cell 70 along the up-down direction, while the clamping jaw 313 clamps the battery cell 70, it can facilitate the flattening mechanism 21 to flatten the end 71 of the battery cell 70 along the up-down direction, so as to avoid interference between the flattening mechanism 21 and the clamping jaw 313.

[0059] For example, the clamping driving mechanism 312 can be a slide table air cylinder or a linear motor.

[0060] By driving the two sub-clamping jaws 3131 to move in a direction towards each other or driving the two sub-clamping jaws 3131 to move in a direction away from each other by the clamping driving mechanism 312, the switching between the clamped state and the released state of the clamping mechanism 31 can be realized to clamp or release the battery cell 70.

[0061] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to some embodiments of the present application, the first mounting plate 311 is provided with a guide groove 3111 extending along the second direction, the sub-clamping jaw 3131 is provided with a guide block 3132, the guide block 3132 is accommodated in the guide groove 3111 and the guide block 3132 is adapted to be movable along the extension direction of the guide groove 3111, and the clamping driving mechanism 312 is connected with the guide block 3132 to drive the guide block 3132 to move. By forming the guide groove 3111 extending along the second direction on the first mounting plate 311, and by cooperating the guide block 3132 with the guide groove 3111, the movement of the guide block 3132 can be guided and limited, so as to ensure that the guide block 3132 moves along a set direction and a set track.

[0062] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit 30 is movable for loading and unloading the battery cell 70, and the cell flattening device 100 comprises a loading and unloading driving mechanism 50 arranged on the frame and connected with the clamping unit 30 for driving the clamping unit 30 to move. The frame can support the loading and unloading driving mechanism 50. For example, the loading and unloading driving mechanism 50 can be a rodless cylinder or a linear motor connected with the clamping unit 30 for driving the clamping unit 30 to move.

[0063] By connecting the loading and unloading driving mechanism 50 with the clamping unit 30, the clamping unit 30 can be driven to move along a preset direction, for example, the clamping unit 30 can be driven to move between the flattening position and the loading and unloading position, so as to move the battery cell 70 between the loading and unloading position and the flattening position.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit 30 is movable along a first direction to move the clamping mechanism 31 between the flattening position and the loading and unloading position, wherein in the loading and unloading position, the clamping mechanism 31 is located at one side of the flattening mechanism 21 along the first direction, and in the flattening position, the clamping mechanism 31 is located directly above the flattening mechanism 21.

[0065] By connecting the loading and unloading driving mechanism 50 with the clamping unit 30, the clamping unit 30 can be driven to move along the first direction to move the clamping unit 30 between the flattening position and the loading and unloading position, so as to move the battery cell 70 between the loading and unloading position and the flattening position; and when the battery cell 70 is at the flattening position, by locating the clamping mechanism 31 directly above the flattening mechanism 21, for example, the flattening mechanism 21 can be aligned with the center of the end face of the battery cell 70, so that the force of the flattening mechanism 21 can be evenly distributed on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70, which is beneficial to enhance the flattening effect of the flattening mechanism 21 on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0066] In addition, when the battery cell 70 is at the loading and unloading position, by locating the clamping mechanism 31 at one side of the flattening mechanism 21 along the first direction, and when the battery cell 70 is at the flattening position, by locating the clamping mechanism 31 directly above the flattening mechanism 21, the space in the first direction can be fully utilized, so that the loading and unloading device for loading and unloading the battery cell 70 is spaced apart from the flattening mechanism 21 in the first direction to avoid interference between the loading and unloading device and the flattening mechanism 21.

[0067] For example, the battery cell 70 has oppositely arranged first and second ends, and the operation process of the flattening operation of the end 71 of the battery cell 70 can be as follows: the clamping mechanism 31 is moved to the feeding and discharging position to clamp the battery cell 70, and then the battery cell 70 is moved from the feeding and discharging position to the flattening position, so that the first end of the battery cell 70 faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space 211, the flattening mechanism 21 flattens the first end of the battery cell 70, after confirming that the flattening mechanism 21 completes the flattening operation of the first end of the battery cell 70, the turnover mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to turn over 180° upward and downward, so that the second end of the battery cell 70 faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space 211, the flattening mechanism 21 flattens the second end of the battery cell 70, and after confirming that the flattening mechanism 21 completes the flattening operation of the second end of the battery cell 70, the clamping mechanism 31 is moved from the flattening position to the feeding and discharging position, so that the battery cell 70 can be subjected to subsequent processes.

[0068] With reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping unit 30 comprises a second mounting plate 33, and the turnover mechanism is mounted on the second mounting plate 33. The first mounting seat 11 is arranged on the rack, and the clamping unit 30 is movably arranged on the first mounting seat 11 along the first direction. The first mounting seat 11 is provided with a sliding rail 111 extending along the first direction, and the second mounting plate 33 is provided with a sliding block 331. The sliding block 331 is in sliding cooperation with the sliding rail 111, and the sliding block 331 is movable along the extension direction of the sliding rail 111. The rack can support the first mounting seat 11.

[0069] Through the sliding cooperation of the sliding block 331 and the sliding rail 111, the movement of the sliding block 331 can be guided and limited, so as to ensure that the sliding block 331 moves along the first direction, and further ensure that the clamping unit 30 moves along the first direction, i.e., to ensure that the battery cell 70 moves between the feeding and discharging position and the flattening position.

[0070] With reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening position sensor is arranged on the rack and is used to detect whether the clamping mechanism 31 is located at the flattening position.

[0071] By arranging the flattening position sensor for detecting the position of the clamping mechanism 31, it can be confirmed by the flattening position sensor whether the clamping mechanism 31 is located at the flattening position, and thus the accurate positioning of the battery cell 70 can be realized, and the flattening effect of the end 71 of the battery cell 70 can be affected due to the failure of the clamping mechanism 31 to be in place.

[0072] For example, the flattening position sensor and the flattening mechanism 21 can be connected with a controller, which is configured to control the flattening mechanism 21 to flatten or stop flattening the battery cell 70 according to the position information of the clamping mechanism 31 received by the flattening position sensor. By providing the flattening position sensor, the position of the clamping mechanism 31 can be determined to accurately position the battery cell 70, thereby avoiding the influence of the flattening effect on the end 71 of the battery cell 70 due to the failure of the clamping mechanism 31 to reach the position.

[0073] For example, the flattening position sensor can be a magnetic sensor, and the clamping mechanism 31 is provided with a permanent magnet. The flattening position sensor is arranged at the flattening position. When the clamping mechanism is located at the flattening position, the permanent magnet generates a magnetic field signal close to the magnetic sensor, so that it can be determined that the clamping mechanism 31 is located at the flattening position. Compared with the contact sensor, long-term collision can cause wear and tear of the contact, which can further cause detection failure. By using the magnetic sensor as the flattening position sensor, the clamping mechanism 31 and the flattening position sensor can be in a non-contact state. The magnetic field change can be detected to accurately determine whether the clamping mechanism 31 is located at the flattening position, thereby reducing the possibility of wear and tear of the contact due to frequent contact between the clamping mechanism 31 and the flattening position sensor, and further reducing the detection accuracy.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1-4 According to some embodiments of the present application, the clamping mechanism 31 is located above the flattening mechanism 21, and one of the clamping unit 30 and the flattening unit 20 can move relative to the other in the up-down direction. By allowing one of the clamping unit 30 and the flattening unit 20 to move relative to the other in the up-down direction, the distance between the clamping unit 30 and the flattening unit 20 in the up-down direction can be increased, for example, to avoid a turning space. Thus, when the turning mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to turn the battery cell 70, the turning space can effectively avoid interference between the battery cell 70 and the flattening mechanism 21.

[0075] For example, the end 71 of one end of the battery cell 70 in the up-down direction is in contact with the flattening mechanism 21, so that the flattening mechanism 21 can flatten the end 71 of the battery cell 70. When the turning mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to turn the battery cell 70 in the up-down direction, the movement trajectory of the battery cell 70 forms a circular path, which can cause the battery cell 70 to interfere with the flattening mechanism 21 during turning. By allowing one of the clamping unit 30 and the flattening unit 20 to move relative to the other in the up-down direction, the distance between the flattening mechanism 21 and the clamping mechanism 31 in the up-down direction can be increased to avoid a turning space, thereby effectively avoiding interference between the battery cell 70 and the flattening mechanism 21 during turning.

[0076] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11According to some embodiments of the present application, the lifting driving mechanism 60 is arranged on the frame and connected with the rubbing unit 20, and is used to drive the rubbing unit 20 to move along the up-down direction between the working position and the avoiding position, both of which are below the clamping mechanism 31, and the avoiding position is lower than the working position.

[0077] By arranging the lifting driving mechanism 60 for driving the rubbing unit 20 to move along the up-down direction, and arranging the avoiding position lower than the working position, the rubbing unit 20 can move along the up-down direction relative to the clamping unit 30 to increase the up-down distance between the clamping unit 30 and the rubbing unit 20, and avoid the turning space of the clamping unit 30, so that the interference between the clamping unit 30 and the rubbing unit 20 can be effectively avoided.

[0078] For example, when the rubbing unit 20 performs the rubbing process on the end 71 of one end of the battery cell 70 along the up-down direction, the rubbing unit 20 is located at the working position, so that the up-down distance between the rubbing mechanism 21 and the end 71 of the battery cell 70 is small, and the rubbing mechanism 21 can better perform the rubbing process on the end 71 of the battery cell 70; when the rubbing unit 20 completes the rubbing process on the end 71 of one end of the battery cell 70 along the up-down direction, the rubbing unit 20 is driven by the lifting driving mechanism 60 to move downward from the working position to the avoiding position, so as to increase the up-down distance between the clamping mechanism 31 and the rubbing mechanism 21, avoid the turning space of the clamping mechanism 31, and make the battery cell 70 turn more smoothly, so that the rubbing unit 20 can perform the rubbing process on the end 71 of the other end of the battery cell 70 along the up-down direction, and the interference between the battery cell 70 and the rubbing unit 20 can be effectively avoided during the turning process of the battery cell 70.

[0079] For example, the first end and the second end of the battery cell 70 are oppositely arranged, and the operation process of the flattening process of the end 71 of the battery cell 70 can be as follows: the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move downward to the avoiding position, after confirming that the flattening unit 20 moves to the avoiding position, the clamping mechanism 31 moves to the feeding and discharging position to clamp the battery cell 70, and then the battery cell 70 is moved from the feeding and discharging position to the flattening position, so that the first end of the battery cell 70 faces downward, after confirming that the clamping mechanism 31 is at the flattening position, the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move upward to the working position, so that the first end is accommodated in the flattening space 211, the flattening mechanism 21 performs the flattening process on the first end of the battery cell 70, after confirming that the flattening mechanism 21 completes the flattening process on the first end of the battery cell 70, the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move downward to the avoiding position, after confirming that the flattening unit 20 moves to the avoiding position, the turnover mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to turn over 180° upward and downward, so that the second end of the battery cell 70 faces downward, the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move upward to the working position, so that the second end is accommodated in the flattening space 211, the flattening mechanism 21 performs the flattening process on the second end of the battery cell 70, after confirming that the flattening mechanism 21 completes the flattening process on the second end of the battery cell 70, the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move downward to the avoiding position, after confirming that the flattening unit 20 moves to the avoiding position, the clamping mechanism 31 moves from the flattening position to the feeding and discharging position, so as to facilitate the subsequent process of the battery cell 70.

[0080] With reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the lifting driving mechanism 60 is located on one side of the flattening unit 20 along the first direction, which can make full use of the space in the first direction, so that the lifting driving mechanism 60 and the overall structure of the flattening unit 20 are compact. In addition, while driving the flattening unit 20 to move along the up-down direction by the lifting driving mechanism 60, the lifting driving mechanism 60 and the clamping unit 30 are spaced apart in the first direction, so as to avoid interference between the lifting driving mechanism 60 and the clamping unit 30.

[0081] With reference to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the second mounting seat 12 is arranged on the rack along the up-down direction, the second mounting seat 12 and the lifting driving mechanism 60 are located on the same side of the flattening unit 20 along the first direction, and the flattening unit 20 is movably mounted on the second mounting seat 12 along the up-down direction. By arranging the second mounting seat 12 on the rack along the up-down direction and movably mounting the flattening unit 20 on the second mounting seat 12 along the up-down direction, the second mounting seat 12 can provide a certain guiding effect for the movement of the flattening unit 20, so as to limit the movement of the flattening unit 20 along the up-down direction.

[0082] By locating the second mounting seat 12 and the lifting driving mechanism 60 on the same side of the kneading and flattening unit 20 along the first direction, the space along the first direction can be fully utilized, so that the layout of the second mounting seat 12 and the lifting driving mechanism 60 is relatively concentrated, and the space dispersion caused by locating the second mounting seat 12 and the lifting driving mechanism 60 on the two sides of the kneading and flattening unit 20 along the first direction respectively can be avoided, so that the overall structure of the second mounting seat 12, the lifting driving mechanism 60 and the kneading and flattening unit 20 is compact.

[0083] With reference to Figures 10-12 According to some embodiments of the present application, the second mounting seat 12 comprises a mounting seat body 121, a guide plate 122, an upper limiting plate 123 and a lower limiting plate 124, the guide plate 122 is connected to one side of the mounting seat body 121 along the first direction and close to the kneading and flattening unit 20, the upper limiting plate 123 and the lower limiting plate 124 are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the guide plate 122, the mounting seat body 121, the guide plate 122, the upper limiting plate 123 and the lower limiting plate 124 jointly define a containing cavity 125, the side of the kneading and flattening unit 20 facing the second mounting seat 12 is formed with a guide boss 22, the guide boss 22 is provided with a guide sliding cavity 221, the guide sliding cavity 221 penetrates the guide boss 22 along the up-down direction, the guide plate 122 is provided in the guide sliding cavity 221 along the up-down direction, and part of the guide boss 22 is located in the containing cavity 125.

[0084] The mounting seat body 121 can support the guide plate 122, the upper limiting plate 123 and the lower limiting plate 124, by providing the upper limiting plate 123 and the lower limiting plate 124 at the upper and lower ends of the guide plate 122, the movement of the guide boss 22 in the up-down direction can be limited, that is, the movement of the kneading and flattening unit 20 in the up-down direction can be limited, so as to control the maximum stroke of the kneading and flattening unit 20, for example, to avoid the over-upward movement or over-downward movement of the kneading and flattening unit 20 caused by the out-of-control of the lifting driving mechanism 60.

[0085] By jointly defining the containing cavity 125 by the mounting seat body 121, the guide plate 122, the upper limiting plate 123 and the lower limiting plate 124, part of the guide boss 22 can be contained in the containing cavity 125, which can facilitate the assembly of the kneading and flattening unit 20 on the second mounting seat 12, and can also make the overall structure of the guide boss 22 and the second mounting seat 12 compact.

[0086] The guide boss 22 is formed with a guide sliding cavity 221 penetrating the guide boss 22 along the up-down direction, the guide plate 122 is arranged in the guide sliding cavity 221 along the up-down direction, and part of the guide boss 22 is located in the accommodating cavity 125, so that the guide boss 22 and the second mounting base 12 form a nested structure, the contact area of the guide boss 22 and the second mounting base 12 can be increased, and the connection strength between the guide boss 22 and the second mounting base 12 can be enhanced while the guide boss 22 moves along the up-down direction relative to the second mounting base 12.

[0087] For example, the guide plate 122 and the guide sliding cavity 221 form a nested structure, part of the guide boss 22 is embedded in the accommodating cavity 125 to form another side nested structure, and the two-layer nested structure can increase the contact area of the guide boss 22 and the second mounting base 12, which is beneficial to enhance the connection strength between the guide boss 22 and the second mounting base 12; and the nested structure can also limit the guide boss 22, reduce or avoid the movement of the guide boss 22 along other directions, so that the guide boss 22 moves along the up-down direction as much as possible.

[0088] Referring to Figures 10-12 According to some embodiments of the present application, the lifting driving mechanism 60 includes a lifting motor 61 and a screw driving mechanism 62, the screw driving mechanism 62 includes a screw 621 and a driving seat 622, the screw driving mechanism 62 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 125, the screw 621 extends along the up-down direction, the driving seat 622 is sleeved on the outer circumferential side of the screw 621 and is threadedly connected with the screw 621, the guide boss 22 is connected with the driving seat 622, and the lifting motor 61 is located outside the accommodating cavity 125 and is connected with the screw 621 to drive the screw 621 to rotate.

[0089] The lifting motor 61 is located outside the accommodating cavity 125 and is connected with the screw 621, so that the lifting motor 61 can be avoided from interfering with the guide boss 22 when the screw 621 is driven to rotate, for example, the lifting motor 61 can be located above the upper limiting plate 123 or below the lower limiting plate 124.

[0090] The screw 621 is threadedly connected with the driving seat 622 and the guide boss 22 is connected with the driving seat 622, so that when the lifting motor 61 drives the screw 621 to rotate, the rotation of the screw 621 can drive the driving seat 622 to move along the extension direction of the screw 621, thereby realizing that the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the guide boss 22 to move along the up-down direction, and realizing that the lifting driving mechanism 60 drives the flattening unit 20 to move along the up-down direction between the working position and the avoiding position.

[0091] In addition, the transmission seat 622 cannot slide up and down to drive the screw rod 621 to rotate, so that self-locking between the transmission seat 622 and the screw rod 621 is achieved, so that the transmission seat 622 is stably kept at a certain set position.

[0092] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the side of the second mounting seat 12 facing the flattening unit 20 is provided with a working position sensor 126 and an avoidance position sensor 127, the avoidance position sensor 127 is located below the working position sensor 126, the working position sensor 126 is used to detect whether the flattening unit 20 is located at the working position, and the avoidance position sensor 127 is used to detect whether the flattening unit 20 is located at the avoidance position.

[0093] By being provided with the working position sensor 126 for detecting whether the flattening unit 20 is located at the working position and the avoidance position sensor 127 for detecting whether the flattening unit 20 is located at the avoidance position, and the avoidance position sensor 127 is located below the working position sensor 126, since the avoidance position of the flattening unit 20 is lower than the working position, this makes the working position sensor 126 correspond to the working position of the flattening unit 20 and the avoidance position sensor 127 correspond to the avoidance position, so that the position information of the flattening unit 20 can be detected in a timely and accurate manner, so as to realize accurate positioning of the flattening unit 20, avoid affecting the flattening effect on the end 71 of the battery cell 70 due to the flattening unit 20 failing to reach the working position upward, or interference between the flattening unit 20 and the battery cell 70 when the battery cell 70 is turned over due to the flattening unit 20 failing to reach the avoidance position downward.

[0094] For example, at least one of the working position sensor 126 and the avoidance position sensor 127 can be a reflection sensor, the reflection sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, the receiver is used to receive the signal emitted by the transmitter, the transmitter and the receiver are spaced apart along the second direction, and a signal transmission channel is formed between the transmitter and the receiver. When the flattening unit 20 moves to the working position, at least part of the flattening unit 20 is located in the signal transmission channel to block the signal transmission, and the receiver cannot sense the signal emitted by the transmitter, so that the signal sensed by the receiver is different, so that whether the flattening unit 20 is located at the working position or the avoidance position can be detected.

[0095] Referring to Figures 3-5 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening unit 20 includes a dust cover 23, the dust cover 23 covers the outside of the flattening mechanism 21, the top of the dust cover 23 is formed with an operation port 231, the opening of the flattening space 211 faces the operation port 231, and the clamping mechanism 31 is located above the dust cover 23. For example, the guide boss 22 described above is arranged on the outer wall of the dust cover 23.

[0096] By being provided with the dust cover 23 covering outside the flattening mechanism 21, the generated debris during the flattening process can be effectively blocked from spreading to the external environment, and the external dust and other impurities can also be blocked from entering the flattening space 211. By forming the operation opening 231 at the top of the dust cover 23 and the opening of the flattening space 211 facing the operation opening 231, the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 can be conveniently guided into the flattening space 211 through the operation opening 231, so as to facilitate the flattening mechanism 21 to perform the flattening treatment on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0097] With reference to Figures 5-7 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening mechanism 21 comprises a flattening driving mechanism 212 and a flattening component 213, the flattening component 213 comprises a rotating disc 2131 and a flattening assembly 2133, the flattening driving mechanism 212 is located below the rotating disc 2131 and connected with the rotating disc 2131 to drive the rotating disc 2131 to rotate, the rotating disc 2131 is placed along the horizontal direction and the rotation axis of the rotating disc 2131 extends along the up-down direction, the flattening assembly 2133 is arranged on the upper side of the rotating disc 2131, and the flattening assembly 2133 defines the flattening space 211.

[0098] By being provided with the flattening driving mechanism 212 for driving the rotating disc 2131 to rotate, the rotating disc 2131 can be driven to rotate, and the rotating of the rotating disc 2131 can drive the flattening assembly 2133 to rotate, so as to realize the flattening operation on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0099] By locating the flattening driving mechanism 212 below the rotating disc 2131 and locating the flattening assembly 2133 on the upper side of the rotating disc 2131, the space along the up-down direction can be fully utilized, and the flattening driving mechanism 212 can be prevented from interfering with the flattening component 213 while the flattening driving mechanism 212 drives the rotating disc 2131 to drive the flattening assembly 2133 to rotate.

[0100] With reference to Figure 13 and Figure 15 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening assembly 2133 comprises a plurality of flattening pieces 2134, the plurality of flattening pieces 2134 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotating disc 2131, each flattening piece 2134 comprises a flattening head 2135, and the flattening heads 2135 of the plurality of flattening pieces 2134 jointly define the flattening space 211. By arranging the plurality of flattening pieces 2134 along the circumferential direction of the rotating disc 2131 and jointly defining the flattening space 211 by the flattening heads 2135 of the plurality of flattening pieces 2134, the plurality of flattening heads 2135 can simultaneously perform the flattening treatment on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70, so that the acting force of the flattening assembly 2133 on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 can be more evenly distributed, thereby improving the flattening effect on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0101] In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more.

[0102] Referring to Figure 13 , Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the rubbing assembly 2133 includes a rubbing base 2136 mounted on the rotating disc 2131, and a rubbing head 2135 arranged on one side of the rubbing base 2136 close to the center of the rotating disc 2131, the rubbing head 2135 being rotatable about its own central axis relative to the rubbing base 2136. The rubbing base 2136 can serve to fix and support the rubbing head 2135, and by virtue of the rotatability of the rubbing head 2135 about its own central axis relative to the rubbing base 2136, when the rotating disc 2131 drives the rubbing assembly 2133 to rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating disc 2131, the rubbing head 2135 can rotate about its own central axis relative to the rubbing base 2136, so that the friction between the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 is rolling friction, which can reduce the frictional wear between the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 and make the rotation of the rubbing head 2135 about the rotation axis of the rotating disc 2131 more smooth.

[0103] For example, if the rubbing head 2135 is fixed to the rubbing base 2136, when the rotating disc 2131 drives the rubbing head 2135 to rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating disc 2131, the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 are in sliding friction, which causes severe frictional wear between the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70. By virtue of the rotatability of the rubbing head 2135 about its own rotation axis relative to the rubbing base 2136, when the rotating disc 2131 drives the rubbing head 2135 to rotate about the rotation axis of the rotating disc 2131, the friction between the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 is rolling friction, which can reduce the frictional wear between the rubbing head 2135 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 compared with sliding friction.

[0104] Referring to Figures 5-7 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the rubbing driving mechanism 212 includes a rubbing motor 2121, a transmission shaft 2122 and a transmission mechanism 2123, the transmission shaft 2122 extending in the up-down direction, the rotating disc 2131 being mounted on the top of the transmission shaft 2122 and being fixed relative to the transmission shaft 2122, the transmission mechanism 2123 and the rubbing motor 2121 both being located below the rotating disc 2131, and the transmission mechanism 2123 being drivingly connected between the rubbing motor 2121 and the transmission shaft 2122.

[0105] The rubbing motor 2121 is located below the rotating disc 2131, and the rubbing motor 2121 can drive the transmission mechanism 2123 to move, the transmission mechanism 2123 can drive the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate, the rotating disc 2131 is installed on the top of the transmission shaft 2122 and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft 2122, and the transmission shaft 2122 can drive the rotating disc 2131 to rotate, so that the rubbing driving mechanism 212 drives the rubbing assembly 2133 to rotate through the rotating disc 2131, so as to rub the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0106] With reference to Figures 5-7 According to some embodiments of the present application, the transmission mechanism 2123 includes a first transmission wheel 2124, a second transmission wheel 2125 and a transmission belt 2126, the first transmission wheel 2124 is spaced apart from the second transmission wheel 2125, and the transmission belt 2126 is sleeved on the first transmission wheel 2124 and the second transmission wheel 2125, the rubbing motor 2121 is connected with the first transmission wheel 2124 for driving the first transmission wheel 2124 to rotate, and the second transmission wheel 2125 is sleeved on the transmission shaft 2122 and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft 2122.

[0107] It can be understood that the rubbing motor 2121 is connected with the first transmission wheel 2124, at this time the first transmission wheel 2124 is a driving wheel and the second transmission wheel 2125 is a driven wheel, the rubbing motor 2121 drives the first transmission wheel 2124 to rotate to drive the second transmission wheel 2125 to rotate and the transmission belt to move, and since the second transmission wheel 2125 is sleeved on the transmission shaft 2122 and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft 2122, the movement of the second transmission wheel 2125 can drive the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate, so that the rubbing motor 2121 drives the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate through the transmission mechanism 2123, and then drives the rotating disc 2131 to rotate.

[0108] With reference to Figures 1-4 According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal unit 40 includes a dust removal assembly, the dust removal assembly includes a dust removal pipeline assembly 411 and a dust removal fan, the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 is located directly below the rubbing space 211, the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 has a dust suction port 4123, the dust suction port 4123 faces upward to the rubbing space 211, and the dust removal fan is used to discharge the debris and dust entering the dust removal pipeline assembly 411.

[0109] The dust removal pipeline assembly 411 is located directly below the flattening space 211, the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 has a dust suction port 4123, and the dust suction port 4123 faces upward to the flattening space 211. The dust and debris generated during the flattening of the end of the battery cell 70 can fall into the dust removal assembly under the action of gravity, and the suction force generated by the dust removal fan can form a negative pressure below the flattening space 211, so that the dust and debris generated during the flattening process can be sucked into the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 through the dust suction port 4123, thereby further reducing the possibility of dust and debris entering the end portion 71 or the interior of the battery cell 70.

[0110] With reference to Figures 1-4 According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal unit 40 further comprises a flow meter 42, the flow meter 42 is installed on the dust removal pipeline assembly 411, and the flow meter 42 is used to detect the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411. The battery cell flattening device 100 further comprises a controller, the flow meter 42 and the dust removal fan are connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the rotating speed of the dust removal fan according to the detection data of the flow meter 42.

[0111] By providing the flow meter 42 for detecting the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411, the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 can be detected in a timely and accurate manner. By connecting the flow meter 42 and the dust removal fan to the controller, the controller can timely control the rotating speed of the dust removal fan according to the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 measured by the flow meter 42, so that the efficiency and energy consumption of dust removal can be well balanced.

[0112] For example, when the controller confirms that the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 measured by the flow meter 42 is lower than a preset threshold value, it may be that there is too much dust and debris in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411, which causes the flow rate to decrease due to large resistance. At this time, the controller controls the dust removal fan to increase the rotating speed to increase the suction force, so that the dust and debris in the flattening space 211 can be timely sucked in. For another example, when the controller confirms that the airflow flow rate in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 measured by the flow meter 42 is higher than a preset threshold value, it may be that there is less dust and debris in the dust removal pipeline assembly 411. At this time, the controller can control the dust removal fan to reduce the rotating speed to reduce the suction force, so as to reduce the energy consumption of the dust removal fan.

[0113] With reference to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 15According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 comprises a main pipeline assembly 412, the main pipeline assembly 412 comprises a first dust removal pipeline, the first dust removal pipeline is located at the lower side of the rotating disc 2131, and the rotating disc 2131 is provided with a communication hole 2132, and the communication hole 2132 communicates the flattening space 211 and the first dust removal pipeline. By providing the communication hole 2132 on the rotating disc 2131 and communicating the flattening space 211 and the first dust removal pipeline through the communication hole 2132, the debris and dust in the flattening space 211 can be conveniently guided downward into the first dust removal pipeline through the communication hole 2132.

[0114] With reference to Figure 4 , Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 16 According to some embodiments of the present application, the main pipeline assembly 412 comprises a second dust removal pipeline 4122, the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is arranged on the upper side of the rotating disc 2131 and is fixed to the rotating disc 2131, the lower end of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is connected to the communication hole 2132, the communication hole 2132 communicates the corresponding second dust removal pipeline 4122 and the first dust removal pipeline, and the top of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is formed with a dust suction port 4123.

[0115] By arranging the second dust removal pipeline 4122 on the upper side of the rotating disc 2131 and fixing the second dust removal pipeline 4122 to the rotating disc 2131, the second dust removal pipeline 4122 can rotate with the rotating disc 2131, and the dust suction port 4123 at the top of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 can also follow the movement track of the flattening assembly 2133, forming a dynamic tracking dust removal mode, which is beneficial to enhance the dust removal effect of the debris and dust and can also avoid interference between the second dust removal pipeline 4122 and the flattening assembly 2133.

[0116] By connecting the lower end of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 to the communication hole 2132, and communicating the corresponding second dust removal pipeline 4122 and the first dust removal pipeline through the communication hole 2132, the debris and dust sucked into the second dust removal pipeline 4122 through the dust suction port 4123 can fall into the first dust removal pipeline through the communication hole 2132, so as to be conveniently discharged subsequently.

[0117] In addition, the top of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is formed with the dust suction port 4123, so that the distance between the dust suction port 4123 and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 in the vertical direction is small, so that the debris and dust generated at the moment can be sucked into the second dust removal pipeline 4122 in time and at a close distance, thereby enhancing the dust removal effect of the debris and dust.

[0118] For example, the flow passage section of the dust suction port 4123 of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 can be made smaller than the flow passage section of the communication hole 2132, so that under the condition of a certain air volume, the smaller the flow passage section, the greater the flow rate, so that the negative pressure suction at the dust suction port 4123 of the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is greater, which can further enhance the dust removal effect on the debris and dust in the flattening space 211.

[0119] Referring to Figures 13-16 According to some embodiments of the present application, the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is multiple, and the multiple second dust removal pipelines 4122 are arranged along the circumference of the rotating disc 2131, and the number of the communication holes 2132 is the same as and corresponds to the number of the second dust removal pipelines 4122. By arranging the multiple second dust removal pipelines 4122 along the circumference of the rotating disc 2131, multiple dust suction ports 4123 can be formed along the circumference of the rotating disc 2131, so that the debris and dust at multiple positions in the flattening space 211 can be sucked into the dust suction port 4123 in time, which can further enhance the dust removal effect on the debris and dust in the flattening space 211.

[0120] Referring to Figures 13-16 According to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening assembly 2133 includes multiple flattening pieces 2134, and the multiple flattening pieces 2134 are arranged along the circumference of the rotating disc 2131, each flattening piece 2134 includes a flattening head 2135, and the flattening heads 2135 of the multiple flattening pieces 2134 jointly define the flattening space 211, and the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is arranged between adjacent two flattening pieces 2134. By arranging the multiple flattening pieces 2134 along the circumference of the rotating disc 2131, the flattening assembly 2133 can uniformly distribute the force acting on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70, which is conducive to enhancing the flattening effect on the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0121] In addition, by arranging the second dust removal pipeline 4122 between the adjacent two flattening pieces 2134, since the gap between the adjacent two flattening pieces 2134 is a region where debris and dust are easy to diffuse, the dust suction port 4123 can be directly aligned with the diffusion channel of the debris and dust by arranging the second dust removal pipeline 4122 at this position, forming a surrounding negative pressure around the flattening space 211, which can timely and effectively suck the debris and dust in the flattening space 211 into the second dust removal pipeline 4122.

[0122] For example, the flattening assembly 2133 includes three flattening pieces 2134, and the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is three, and the second dust removal pipeline 4122 is arranged at the gap between the adjacent two flattening pieces 2134, effectively covering the gap between the adjacent two flattening pieces 2134, and reducing or avoiding the possibility of debris and dust escaping from the gap.

[0123] Correspondingly, the number of the flattening pieces 2134 can be adjusted according to the size of the battery cell 70 and the shape of the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70, and the number of the second dust removal pipelines 4122 can be changed synchronously with the number of the flattening pieces 2134.

[0124] With reference to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening driving mechanism 212 comprises a flattening motor 2121, a transmission shaft 2122 and a transmission mechanism 2123, the transmission shaft 2122 extends in the up-down direction, the rotating disc 2131 is installed on the top of the transmission shaft 2122 and is fixed relative to the transmission shaft 2122, the transmission mechanism 2123 and the flattening motor 2121 are both located below the rotating disc 2131, the transmission mechanism 2123 is drivingly connected between the flattening motor 2121 and the transmission shaft 2122, and the first dust removal pipeline is arranged in the transmission shaft 2122. By arranging the first dust removal pipeline in the transmission shaft 2122, the flattening space 211 can be communicated while the flattening motor 2121 drives the transmission mechanism 2123 to drive the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate, so that the space in the transmission shaft 2122 can be fully utilized, the transmission shaft 2122 and the first dust removal pipeline are combined, the first dust removal pipeline does not need to be arranged outside the transmission shaft 2122, the space occupied by the first dust removal pipeline can be saved, the structure of the flattening driving mechanism 212 and the dust removal assembly as a whole is compact, and the layout optimization and miniaturization of the battery cell flattening device 100 are facilitated.

[0125] With reference to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening unit 20 comprises a dust cover 23 and a connecting plate 24, the dust cover 23 covers the outside of the flattening mechanism 21, the top of the dust cover 23 is formed with an operation port 231, the opening of the flattening space 211 faces the operation port 231, the clamping mechanism 31 is located above the dust cover 23, the main pipeline assembly 412 comprises a third dust removal pipeline 4124, the connecting plate 24 is arranged in the dust cover 23 and connected with the dust cover 23, the connecting plate 24 is formed with a mounting hole 241, the lower end of the transmission shaft 2122 is rotatably arranged in the mounting hole 241, the third dust removal pipeline 4124 is connected below the connecting plate 24, the upper end of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 is connected with the mounting hole 241, and the third dust removal pipeline 4124 is communicated with the first dust removal pipeline.

[0126] The dust cover 23 is arranged outside the rubbing mechanism 21, which can effectively prevent the debris generated in the rubbing process from spreading to the external environment, and can also prevent external dust and other impurities from entering the rubbing space 211. The top of the dust cover 23 is provided with an operation opening 231, and the opening of the rubbing space 211 faces the operation opening 231. The end 71 of the battery cell 70 can enter the rubbing space 211 through the operation opening 231, so that the rubbing mechanism 21 can rub the end 71 of the battery cell 70.

[0127] For example, the flowmeter 42 is installed on the third dust removal pipeline 4124.

[0128] The lower end of the transmission shaft 2122 is rotatably arranged in the mounting hole 241 of the connecting plate 24, and the third dust removal pipeline 4124 is connected below the connecting plate 24. The upper end of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 is connected to the mounting hole 241, so that the third dust removal pipeline 4124 and the first dust removal pipeline in the transmission shaft 2122 are in communication to form a relatively continuous flow path for the debris dust, so as to facilitate the discharge of the debris dust, for example, the flow path of the debris dust in the rubbing space 211 can be: the debris dust in the rubbing space 211 flows into the first dust removal pipeline in the transmission shaft 2122 through the communication hole 2132, and then is discharged through the third dust removal pipeline 4124; and when the rubbing motor 2121 drives the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate through the transmission mechanism 2123, the connecting plate 24 can keep the third dust removal pipeline 4124 stationary relative to the transmission shaft 2122, that is, the third dust removal pipeline 4124 does not rotate with the transmission shaft 2122, so as to avoid the winding or twisting of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 due to the synchronous rotation of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 with the transmission shaft 2122.

[0129] For example, when the rubbing motor 2121 drives the transmission shaft 2122 to rotate, if the third dust removal pipeline 4124 rotates synchronously with the transmission shaft 2122, the third dust removal pipeline 4124 will be wound or twisted, which can cause the flow path of the debris dust in the pipeline to be blocked or the third dust removal pipeline 4124 to be broken, and even cause the equipment to be damaged due to the dragging of the dust removal fan. The transmission shaft 2122 is rotatably arranged in the mounting hole 241 of the connecting plate 24, so that the third dust removal pipeline 4124 can be kept stationary relative to the rotating shaft, and the transmission shaft 2122 forms a dynamic cooperation, so as to avoid the winding or twisting of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 due to the synchronous rotation of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 with the transmission shaft 2122.

[0130] According to some embodiments of the present application, the dust removal pipeline assembly 411 further comprises a flexible pipe and a tail pipeline, and the flexible pipe is connected between the outlet of the main pipeline assembly 412 and the inlet of the tail pipeline. For example, the outlet of the third dust removal pipeline 4124 constitutes the outlet of the main pipeline assembly 412.

[0131] For example, the flexible pipe is a bellows pipe.

[0132] Since the flexible pipe can be elastically deformed, stable connection between the main pipe assembly 412 and the tail pipe can be achieved, so that the debris dust in the main pipe assembly 412 can be discharged through the tail pipe, and the pipe can be prevented from being broken due to the lifting of the flattening unit 20.

[0133] For example, when the flattening unit 20 moves between the working position and the avoiding position along the up-down direction, since the connecting plate 24 is rigidly connected with the dust cover 23, the connecting plate 24 moves along the up-down direction with the flattening unit 20 as a whole, and the flexible pipe is connected between the outlet of the main pipe assembly 412 and the inlet of the tail pipe. The flexible pipe can be elastically deformed or bent to compensate for the relative displacement between the main pipe assembly 412 and the tail pipe, so that the pipe can be prevented from being pulled or broken due to the rigid connection between the main pipe assembly 412 and the tail pipe.

[0134] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 , according to some embodiments of the present application, the flattening unit 20 comprises a dust cover 23 and a dust collecting box 25. The dust cover 23 covers the outside of the flattening mechanism 21. The top of the dust cover 23 is provided with an operation opening 231. The opening of the flattening space 211 is directed to the operation opening 231. The clamping mechanism 31 is located above the dust cover 23. The outer peripheral wall of the dust cover 23 is provided with a dust collecting opening 232. The dust collecting opening 232 is located at one side of the flattening part 213 along the horizontal direction. The dust collecting box 25 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the dust cover 23 and covers the dust collecting opening 232.

[0135] For example, the guide boss 22 is arranged on the outer wall of the dust cover 23.

[0136] The dust cover 23 is provided with a dust collecting opening 232 on the outer peripheral wall. The dust collecting box 25 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the dust cover 23 and covers the dust collecting opening 232. The debris dust in the dust cover 23 can enter the dust collecting box 25 through the dust collecting opening 232. The dust collecting box 25 can collect the debris dust. For example, part of the debris dust in the flattening space 211 cannot be discharged in time through the dust suction opening 4123. This part of the debris dust can enter the dust collecting box 25 through the dust collecting opening 232. The dust collecting box 25 can collect and temporarily store this part of the debris dust, so as to prevent the debris dust from scattering again into the flattening space 211 or adhering to the battery cell 70.

[0137] For example, the dust collecting box 25 is connected with a fourth dust removal pipe, so that the debris dust collected by the dust collecting box 25 can be discharged in time.

[0138] Referring toFigures 1-4 According to the flattening method of the battery cell 70 of the second aspect of the present application, the flattening method of the battery cell 70 is performed by using the battery cell flattening device 100 of the first aspect of the present application, the battery cell 70 has a first end portion and a second end portion arranged oppositely, and the flattening method of the battery cell 70 comprises: The clamping mechanism 31 clamps the battery cell 70 and makes the first end portion of the battery cell 70 face downward, and the first end portion is accommodated in the flattening space 211; The flattening mechanism 21 flattens the first end portion of the battery cell 70; The overturning mechanism drives the clamping mechanism 31 to overturn upward and downward, so that the second end portion of the battery cell 70 faces downward, and the second end portion is accommodated in the flattening space 211; The flattening mechanism 21 flattens the second end portion of the battery cell 70.

[0139] According to the flattening method of the battery cell 70 of the second aspect of the present application, by using the above-mentioned battery cell flattening device 100 to flatten the battery cell 70, by making the opening of the flattening space 211 in the flattening mechanism 21 for accommodating the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 face upward, and making the clamping mechanism 31 for clamping the battery cell 70 be located above the flattening mechanism 21, when the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 is flattened, the battery cell 70 can always be located above the flattening mechanism 21, and the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 being flattened can be made to face downward and extend into and be accommodated in the flattening space 211 of the flattening mechanism 21 through the opening of the flattening space 211, so that when the debris generated during the flattening of the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 falls downward under the action of its own gravity, it will not fall into the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 or into the interior of the battery cell 70, which can effectively reduce or avoid the possibility of debris generated during the flattening of the end portion 71 of the battery cell 70 entering the interior of the battery cell 70, reduce the risk of short circuit in the battery cell 70, thereby facilitating to improve the process yield and performance of the battery cell 70; and by providing the overturning mechanism for driving the clamping mechanism 31 to overturn upward and downward, by driving the overturning of the clamping mechanism 31 through the overturning mechanism, the overturning of the two end portions 71 of the battery cell 70 in the upward and downward directions can be realized, so as to facilitate the flattening mechanism 21 to flatten the end portions 71 of both ends of the battery cell 70, so that the two end portions 71 of the battery cell 70 can be flattened by the same flattening mechanism 21, the number of flattening mechanisms 21 can be reduced, and the overall structure of the battery cell flattening device 100 is relatively simple.

[0140] In the description of the application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only used for the purpose of facilitating the description of the application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the application.

[0141] In the description of the application, "first feature", "second feature" can include one or more of the features.

[0142] In the description of the application, the first feature "above" or "below" the second feature can include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or can include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them.

[0143] In the description of the application, the first feature "above", "over" and "on" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the first feature is higher than the second feature in horizontal height.

[0144] In the description of the application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the application. In the description of the application, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0145] Although embodiments of the application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the application, and the scope of the application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery cell flattening device, characterized in that, include: frame; A flattening unit is provided on the frame and includes a flattening mechanism. The flattening mechanism is used to flatten the ends of the battery cell. The flattening mechanism has a flattening space with an upward opening, which is used to accommodate the ends of the battery cell. A clamping unit is provided on the frame and includes a clamping mechanism and a flipping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is located above the flattening mechanism and is used to clamp the battery cell. The flipping mechanism is connected to the clamping mechanism to drive the clamping mechanism to flip up and down.

2. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping mechanism has a rotating shaft that extends along a first direction and is connected to the clamping mechanism. The rotating shaft is rotatable about its own axis, and the first direction intersects with the up and down direction.

3. The cell flattening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes a first mounting plate, a clamping drive mechanism, and a gripper. The clamping drive mechanism is mounted on the first mounting plate, the flipping mechanism is connected to the first mounting plate, and the clamping drive mechanism is connected to the gripper to drive the gripper to clamp or release the battery cell.

4. The cell flattening device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gripper includes two sub-grippers spaced apart along a second direction, which intersects the vertical direction. The gripping drive mechanism is used to drive the two sub-grippers to move toward each other to clamp the battery cell and to drive the two sub-grippers to move away from each other to release the battery cell.

5. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first mounting plate is provided with a guide groove extending along the second direction, and the sub-clamp is provided with a guide block. The guide block is accommodated in the guide groove and is adapted to move along the extension direction of the guide groove. The clamping drive mechanism is connected to the guide block to drive the guide block to move.

6. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping unit is movable for loading and unloading the battery cell. The battery cell flattening device includes a loading and unloading drive mechanism, which is located on the frame and connected to the clamping unit for driving the clamping unit to move.

7. The cell flattening device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping unit is movable along a first direction, so that the clamping mechanism can move between a flattening position and a loading / unloading position; wherein, in the loading / unloading position, the clamping mechanism is located on one side of the flattening mechanism along the first direction, and in the flattening position, the clamping mechanism is located directly above the flattening mechanism.

8. The cell flattening device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping unit includes a second mounting plate, the flipping mechanism is mounted on the second mounting plate, the frame is provided with a first mounting seat, the clamping unit is movably disposed on the first mounting seat along a first direction, the first mounting seat is provided with a slide rail extending along the first direction, the second mounting plate is provided with a slider, the slider is slidably engaged with the slide rail and is movable along the extension direction of the slide rail.

9. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It includes a kneading position sensor, which is disposed on the frame and used to detect whether the clamping mechanism is located in the kneading position.

10. The battery cell flattening device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism is located above the kneading mechanism, and one of the clamping unit and the kneading unit can move relative to the other in the vertical direction.

11. The cell flattening device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device includes a lifting drive mechanism, which is mounted on the frame and connected to the kneading unit. The lifting drive mechanism is used to drive the kneading unit to move in the vertical direction between a working position and an avoidance position. Both the working position and the avoidance position are located below the clamping mechanism, and the avoidance position is lower than the working position.

12. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism is located on one side of the kneading unit along the first direction.

13. The cell flattening device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The frame is provided with a second mounting base placed in the vertical direction. The second mounting base and the lifting drive mechanism are located on the same side of the kneading unit along the first direction. The kneading unit is movably mounted on the second mounting base in the vertical direction.

14. The cell flattening device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second mounting base includes a mounting base body, a guide plate, an upper limit plate, and a lower limit plate. The guide plate is connected to the side of the mounting base body along the first direction and close to the kneading unit. The upper limit plate and the lower limit plate are respectively connected to the upper and lower ends of the guide plate. The mounting base body, the guide plate, the upper limit plate, and the lower limit plate together define a receiving cavity. A guide boss is formed on the side of the kneading unit facing the second mounting base. A guide sliding cavity is provided in the guide boss. The guide sliding cavity passes through the guide boss in the vertical direction. The guide plate passes through the guide sliding cavity in the vertical direction. A portion of the guide boss is located in the receiving cavity.

15. The cell flattening device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting motor and a lead screw transmission mechanism. The lead screw transmission mechanism includes a lead screw and a transmission seat. The lead screw transmission mechanism is housed in the receiving cavity. The lead screw extends in the vertical direction. The transmission seat is sleeved on the outer periphery of the lead screw and threadedly connected to the lead screw. The guide boss is connected to the transmission seat. The lifting motor is located outside the receiving cavity and connected to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate.

16. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second mounting base has a working position sensor and an avoidance position sensor on the side facing the kneading unit. The avoidance position sensor is located below the working position sensor. The working position sensor is used to detect whether the kneading unit is in the working position, and the avoidance position sensor is used to detect whether the kneading unit is in the avoidance position.

17. The battery cell flattening device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The kneading unit includes a dust cover, which covers the outside of the kneading mechanism. An operating opening is formed on the top of the dust cover, and the opening of the kneading space faces the operating opening. The clamping mechanism is located above the dust cover.

18. The battery cell flattening device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The kneading mechanism includes a kneading drive mechanism and a kneading component. The kneading component includes a turntable and a kneading assembly. The kneading drive mechanism is located below the turntable and connected to the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate. The turntable is placed horizontally and its rotation axis extends vertically. The kneading assembly is located on the upper side of the turntable and defines the kneading space.

19. The cell flattening device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The kneading assembly includes multiple kneading components, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the turntable. Each kneading component includes a kneading head, and the kneading heads of the multiple kneading components together define the kneading space.

20. The cell flattening device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The kneading component includes a kneading base, which is mounted on the turntable. The kneading head is located on the side of the kneading base near the center of the turntable, and the kneading head is rotatable relative to the kneading base about its own central axis.

21. The cell flattening device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The kneading drive mechanism includes a kneading motor, a drive shaft, and a transmission mechanism. The drive shaft extends in the vertical direction. The turntable is mounted on the top of the drive shaft and fixed relative to the drive shaft. The transmission mechanism and the kneading motor are both located below the turntable. The transmission mechanism is tractably connected between the kneading motor and the drive shaft.

22. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission wheel, a second transmission wheel, and a transmission belt. The first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel are spaced apart. The transmission belt is sleeved on the first transmission wheel and the second transmission wheel. The kneading motor is connected to the first transmission wheel to drive the first transmission wheel to rotate. The second transmission wheel is sleeved on the transmission shaft and fixed relative to the transmission shaft.

23. The cell flattening device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The system includes a dust removal unit, which includes a dust removal assembly, which includes a dust removal pipeline assembly and a dust removal fan. The dust removal pipeline assembly is located directly below the kneading space and has a dust suction port facing upward toward the kneading space. The dust removal fan is used to discharge debris and dust that enter the dust removal pipeline assembly.

24. The cell flattening device according to claim 23, characterized in that, The dust removal unit also includes a flow meter, which is installed on the dust removal pipeline assembly and is used to detect the airflow velocity within the dust removal pipeline assembly; The battery cell flattening device also includes a controller, and the flow meter and the dust removal fan are both connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the rotation speed of the dust removal fan based on the detection data of the flow meter.

25. The cell flattening device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The dust removal pipeline assembly includes a main pipeline assembly, which includes a first dust removal pipeline located below the turntable. The turntable has a connecting hole that connects the kneading space to the first dust removal pipeline.

26. The cell flattening device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The main pipeline assembly includes a second dust removal pipeline, which is located on the upper side of the turntable and fixed to the turntable. The lower end of the second dust removal pipeline is connected to the connecting hole, which connects the corresponding second dust removal pipeline to the first dust removal pipeline. The top of the second dust removal pipeline has the suction port.

27. The cell flattening device according to claim 26, characterized in that, There are multiple second dust removal pipes, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the turntable. The number of connecting holes is the same as the number of second dust removal pipes and they correspond one-to-one.

28. The cell flattening device according to claim 27, characterized in that, The kneading assembly includes multiple kneading components, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the turntable. Each kneading component includes a kneading head, and the kneading heads of the multiple kneading components together define the kneading space. A second dust removal pipeline is provided between two adjacent kneading components.

29. The cell flattening device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The kneading drive mechanism includes a kneading motor, a drive shaft, and a transmission mechanism. The drive shaft extends in the vertical direction. The turntable is mounted on the top of the drive shaft and fixed relative to the drive shaft. The transmission mechanism and the kneading motor are both located below the turntable. The transmission mechanism is tractably connected between the kneading motor and the drive shaft. The first dust removal pipe is provided inside the drive shaft.

30. The cell flattening device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The kneading unit includes a dust cover and a connecting plate. The dust cover is installed outside the kneading mechanism. An operating port is formed on the top of the dust cover. The opening of the kneading space faces the operating port. The clamping mechanism is located above the dust cover. The main pipeline assembly includes a third dust removal pipeline. The connecting plate is disposed inside the dust cover and connected to the dust cover. The connecting plate has a mounting hole. The lower end of the drive shaft is rotatably inserted through the mounting hole. The third dust removal pipeline is connected below the connecting plate. The upper end of the third dust removal pipeline is connected to the mounting hole. The third dust removal pipeline is connected to the first dust removal pipeline.

31. The battery cell flattening device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The dust removal pipeline assembly also includes a flexible pipe and a tail pipe, wherein the flexible pipe is connected between the outlet of the main pipeline assembly and the inlet of the tail pipe.

32. The cell flattening device according to claim 23, characterized in that, The kneading unit includes a dust cover and a dust collection box. The dust cover is installed outside the kneading mechanism. An operating opening is formed on the top of the dust cover. The opening of the kneading space faces the operating opening. The clamping mechanism is located above the dust cover. The outer peripheral wall of the dust cover is provided with a dust collection port, which is located on one side of the kneading component along the horizontal direction. The dust collection box is connected to the outer peripheral side of the dust cover and covers the dust collection port.

33. A method for flattening a battery cell, characterized in that, The cell flattening method utilizes the cell flattening device according to any one of claims 1-32 to flatten the cell, wherein the cell has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, and the cell flattening method includes: The clamping mechanism clamps the battery cell with the first end of the battery cell facing downwards, and the first end is accommodated in the flattening space; The flattening mechanism flattens the first end of the battery cell; The flipping mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to flip up and down so that the second end of the battery cell faces downward and is accommodated in the flattening space. The flattening mechanism flattens the second end of the battery cell.

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