Battery cell welding rotary simulation device and battery cell welding rotary method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of battery production, and discloses a battery cell welding rotary simulation device and a battery cell welding rotary method. The device comprises a first fixing mechanism, a second fixing mechanism, a rotating mechanism and a distance adjusting mechanism. The first fixing mechanism is used for fixing a connecting sheet, the second fixing mechanism is used for fixing a battery cell, the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism are movably connected to each other to allow the relative distance between the battery cell and the connecting sheet to be adjusted, the rotating mechanism is drivingly connected to the second fixing mechanism and can drive the battery cell to rotate around a preset axis, the preset axis is arranged in parallel to the length direction of the connecting sheet, and the distance adjusting mechanism is drivingly connected to the second fixing mechanism to reduce the distance between the battery cell and the connecting sheet along the width direction of the connecting sheet. Through the device, the position parameters for the welding step and the rotating step are verified and adjusted, the phenomena such as tab wrinkle, reverse insertion and fracture after cell combination are reduced, the use performance of the battery is ensured, and the use risk is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a cell welding rotation simulation device and a cell welding rotation method. Background Technology

[0002] During battery production, the tabs of multiple cells need to be welded to connecting plates. To facilitate the welding process, the tabs are typically fixed parallel to the connecting plates and maintained in contact with them. At this point, the cells and tabs (connecting plates) are often parallel or at an obtuse angle. After welding, since multiple cells need to be installed into the battery casing, this requires assembling the cells, bending the tabs, and changing the relative angle between the cells and connecting plates.

[0003] After being bent, the tabs are prone to wrinkling, inversion, and breakage, which can lead to a decrease in battery performance and an increase in safety risks.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cell welding rotation simulation device and a cell welding rotation method to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a cell welding rotation simulation device that can reduce phenomena such as tab wrinkles, inversion, and breakage that occur after cell bonding, thereby ensuring battery performance and reducing usage risks.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Battery cell welding rotation simulation equipment, including:

[0008] A first fixing mechanism is used to fix the connecting piece;

[0009] The second fixing mechanism includes a fixing component for fixing the battery cell. The first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism are movably connected relative to each other to allow adjustment of the relative spacing between the battery cell and the connecting piece in at least one of the width direction, length direction and thickness direction of the connecting piece.

[0010] A rotating mechanism is connected to the fixed component and can drive the fixed component to rotate around a preset axis, which is parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece.

[0011] A spacing adjustment mechanism is drivenly connected to the fixing component to reduce the distance between the battery cell and the connecting piece along the width direction of the connecting piece.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cell welding rotation method that can reduce phenomena such as tab wrinkles, inversion, and breakage after cell assembly, thereby ensuring battery performance and reducing usage risks.

[0013] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0014] Cell welding rotation method, including:

[0015] The welding step includes fixing the battery cell and the connecting piece relative to each other according to a preset thickness direction spacing and a preset width direction spacing, and welding the battery cell's tabs and the connecting piece together.

[0016] The adjustment step includes setting the actual width-direction spacing between the battery cell and the connecting piece to be less than the preset width-direction spacing;

[0017] The rotation step includes rotating the battery cell about a preset axis, the preset axis being parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece;

[0018] The detection step includes detecting defects in the electrode tab after the welding step.

[0019] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0020] This cell welding rotation simulation equipment allows for the verification and adjustment of positional parameters for the welding and rotation steps by adjusting the positional relationship between the first fixing mechanism and the fixing components, as well as the positional relationship between the cell and the connecting piece on which the rotation step is based. This provides guidance for the actual production process, reduces phenomena such as tab wrinkles, inversion, and breakage after cell assembly, ensures battery performance, and reduces usage risks.

[0021] The above-mentioned cell welding rotation method allows for simulation data verification and adjustment of the positional parameters used in the welding and rotation steps. This reduces the stress on the tabs during the rotation process, thereby guiding the actual production process, reducing phenomena such as tab wrinkles, inversions, and breakages after cell assembly, ensuring battery performance, and lowering usage risks. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cell welding rotation simulation device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a first perspective view of the positioning and rotating device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3This is a top view of the positioning rotation device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first fixing mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a second perspective view of the positioning and rotating device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a third perspective view of the positioning and rotating device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a side view of the positioning rotation device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the auxiliary device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the relative positions of the battery cell and the connecting piece in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 100. Battery cell; 101. Electrode tab; 200. Connecting piece;

[0036] 1. Positioning and rotating device; 11. First fixing mechanism; 111. Positioning seat; 112. Cover plate; 1121. Welding groove; 1122. Pin hole; 113. Abutting fastener; 114. Positioning pin;

[0037] 12. Second fixing mechanism; 121. Fixing component; 1211. Support plate; 1212. First clamping member; 1213. Second clamping member; 1214. First driving member; 1215. First positioning member; 1216. Pressing member; 1217. Pressing driving member; 1218. Pressing block;

[0038] 13. Rotating mechanism; 131. Rotating drive component; 132. Universal coupling;

[0039] 14. Spacing adjustment mechanism; 141. Rotating shaft; 142. Sliding plate; 143. Second driving component; 144. First slide rail; 145. First slider;

[0040] 15. Workbench;

[0041] 161. First adjusting component; 162. Second adjusting component; 163. Second positioning component; 164. Adjusting shim;

[0042] 171. Second slide rail; 172. Third driving component; 173. Transmission screw; 174. Second slider;

[0043] 2. Auxiliary device; 21. Moving mechanism; 211. First support; 212. Second support; 22. Robotic arm; 221. Fixture;

[0044] 3. Welding machine; 31. Welding head;

[0045] 4. Vision sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0047] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," "fixed," and "abutting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0049] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0050] The following is based on the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 12 This invention introduces the cell welding rotation simulation equipment and cell welding rotation method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell welding rotation simulation equipment mainly includes a positioning and rotating device 1, an auxiliary device 2, and a welding machine 3. The positioning and rotating device 1 is used to fix the connecting piece 200 and the battery cell 100 respectively, and can rotate the battery cell 100 around a preset axis after the electrode tab 101 of the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 are welded, thereby realizing the rotation step and achieving the core bonding effect.

[0052] Specifically, cell 100 is an electrochemical energy storage unit with a packaged casing. It is the component in the battery where electrochemical reactions occur and the smallest unit in the battery capable of electrochemical reactions such as charging / discharging. The packaged casing includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. Lithium-ion cells mainly operate by the insertion and extraction of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrode. In cylindrical cells, the three-layer thin-film structure is wound into a cylindrical electrode assembly, while in cuboid cells, the thin-film structure is wound or stacked into an electrode assembly with a roughly cuboid shape. Commonly, cell 100 can be placed in a battery casing and combined with components such as cover plate 112 and electrode posts to form a single battery cell. The tab 101 of cell 100 is located on one side of the positive / negative current collector and is separately / integrated with the current collector, electrically connected to the current collector to conduct current from the corresponding current collector. The tabs 101 of the battery cell 100 are made of a metal material with good conductivity (such as copper, aluminum, copper or nickel).

[0053] One end of the connecting piece 200 is used to electrically connect to the output terminal (tab 101) of the battery cell 100, and the other end is used to electrically connect to the output terminal (terminal) of the battery, so that current flows through the tab 101 and the terminal. The tab 101, the terminal, and the connecting piece 200 all have positive and negative terminals. Specifically, the positive connecting piece 200 is used to electrically connect the positive output terminal of the battery cell 100 to the positive output terminal of the battery. Multiple stacked positive tabs are welded to one end of the positive connecting piece 200, and the other end of the positive connecting piece 200 is welded to the positive terminal of the terminal. The negative connecting piece 200 is used to electrically connect the negative output terminal of the battery cell 100 to the negative output terminal of the battery. Multiple stacked negative tabs are welded to one end of the negative connecting piece 200, and the other end of the negative connecting piece 200 is welded to the negative terminal of the terminal. The connecting piece 200 can be made of aluminum, copper, or alloy (such as steel), or other conductive materials. The specific material of the connecting piece 200 is selected based on the material of the battery's terminals and tabs 101. Generally, the material of the connecting piece 200 needs to be the same as the material of the battery's tabs 101 and terminals to ensure welding quality.

[0054] A tab 101 passes through the encapsulation housing of the cell 100. The tab 101 includes a positive tab and a negative tab. One end of the tab 101 located inside the encapsulation housing is connected to an electrode of the corresponding polarity. A connecting piece 200 and the cell 100 are both disposed within the battery casing, and the connecting piece 200 can be welded to the end of the tab 101 located outside the encapsulation housing, thereby connecting multiple cells 100. An auxiliary device 2 assists in the installation of the connecting piece 200, thereby improving work efficiency. This device includes two welding machines 3, one for welding the positive tab and the positive connecting piece, and the other for welding the negative tab and the negative connecting piece.

[0055] Furthermore, to avoid interference between the battery cell 100 and the welding machine 3 during welding, the relative angle between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 during welding is different from the relative angle between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 when they are inside the battery casing. Therefore, after welding the connecting tab 101 and the connecting piece 200, it is necessary to change the relative angle between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 to meet the requirements for installation in the battery casing. This process of changing the relative angle is often referred to as the core assembly process, and when the relative angle changes to meet the requirements for installation in the battery casing, the aforementioned core assembly effect is achieved.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, the positioning and rotating device 1 includes a first fixing mechanism 11, a second fixing mechanism 12, a rotating mechanism 13, and a spacing adjustment mechanism 14. The first fixing mechanism 11 is used to fix the connecting piece 200, and the second fixing mechanism 12 is used to fix the battery cell 100. Both the rotating mechanism 13 and the spacing adjustment mechanism 14 are tractively connected to the second fixing mechanism 12. The rotating mechanism 13 can drive the second fixing mechanism 12 to rotate, causing the battery cell 100 to rotate around a preset axis, achieving a core-joining effect. The spacing adjustment mechanism 14 can change the position of the battery cell 100 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200 (as shown by the X-axis in the figure), shortening the spacing between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200, thereby adjusting the rotation step.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the first fixing mechanism 11 can simultaneously fix the positive electrode connecting piece and the negative electrode connecting piece. Furthermore, taking the positive electrode connecting piece as an example, a welding area is provided at each end of the positive electrode connecting piece along its width direction. The tab 101 can be fitted into the welding area along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 (as shown by the Z-axis in the figure) to perform welding. The positive electrode connecting piece and the negative electrode connecting piece are spaced apart along the length direction of the connecting piece 200 (as shown by the Y-axis in the figure) to be welded to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab of the cell 100, respectively.

[0058] The second fixing mechanism 12 includes two fixing components 121, each fixing component 121 for fixing one battery cell 100. The first fixing mechanism 11 is located between the two fixing components 121, thereby fixing the connecting piece 200 relative to the two battery cells 100 during the welding step. Furthermore, the first fixing mechanism 11 and the fixing components 121 are relatively movably connected to allow adjustment of the relative distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along at least one of the width, length, and thickness directions of the connecting piece 200, thereby adjusting key positional parameters during the welding step.

[0059] Meanwhile, the aforementioned preset axis is set parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece 200, so that the two battery cells 100 can rotate to a mating state during the rotation step, thereby achieving a core-fitting effect. In this embodiment, the preset axis includes a preset first axis and a preset second axis. One fixing component 121 can rotate around the preset first axis, and the other fixing component 121 can rotate around the preset second axis, thereby rotating the two battery cells 100 towards each other to achieve a core-fitting effect. Furthermore, before or during the rotation step, the spacing adjustment mechanism 14 can change the position of the battery cell 100 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, reducing the distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200, thereby reducing the stress on the tab 101 during the rotation step and reducing the occurrence of defects in the tab 101.

[0060] For example, when using the cell welding rotation simulation equipment, taking the obtained simulation data as an example, firstly, the positional parameters between the cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 in the welding step are determined according to the simulation data. Then, the relative spacing between the first fixing mechanism 11 and the two fixing components 121 along the width, length, and thickness directions of the connecting piece 200 is adjusted according to the positional parameters, and then the welding step is implemented. After welding is completed, the positional parameters between the cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 in the rotation step are determined again according to the simulation data. Then, the relative spacing between the fixing components 121 and the first fixing mechanism 11 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200 is adjusted according to the positional parameters through the spacing adjustment mechanism 14, and then the rotation step is implemented. During and after the rotation step, the tab 101 can be inspected for defects such as wrinkles, inversions, or breaks through manual inspection, machine vision inspection, or ultrasonic inspection. If defects are found in the tab 101, the simulation data needs further correction. If no defects are found in the tab 101, the simulation data can be preliminarily determined to be usable for guiding actual production.

[0061] It should be noted that "inverted tab 101" refers to a situation where, during assembly, winding, welding, or other processes, the end or other parts of tab 101 become wrinkled, causing it to be inverted and inserted into the battery cell 100. Inverted tab 101 can lead to internal short circuits, capacity reduction, or safety hazards. Wrinkles on tab 101 typically refer to bending or folding that occurs during manufacturing, assembly, or use. This can obstruct electrolyte flow and current flow, affecting battery performance and lifespan. Tab 101 breakage occurs when, during assembly or welding, the tab is mechanically too tight with the battery casing, adapter plates, or other structures, generating excessive stress and leading to breakage or cracks. This can result in reduced battery performance, shortened lifespan, and even fire hazards. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of folds, inversions, and breaks in tab 101, and will not elaborate further in this invention.

[0062] Optionally, in this embodiment, the cell welding rotation simulation device further includes a vision sensor 4, which is used to detect defects in the tabs 101 of the cell 100.

[0063] Of course, in the absence of simulation data, or when the simulation data requires further correction and verification, a similar process described above can be used to verify the simulation data, empirical data, or data obtained through other means. This verifies the positional parameters in the welding step, the welding parameters, and the positional parameters in the rotation step, thereby providing guidance for actual production. In some embodiments, the cell welding rotation simulation equipment can also be used directly for actual production operations. Therefore, the specific purpose of the cell welding rotation simulation equipment is not limited in this invention. As long as the relative positional relationship between the first fixing mechanism 11 and the fixing component 121 can be adjusted to reduce the defects of the tab 101, it falls within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0064] By using this cell welding rotation simulation equipment, the positional relationship between the first fixing mechanism 11 and the fixing component 121, as well as the positional relationship between the cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 on which the rotation step is based, can be adjusted. This allows for the verification and adjustment of the positional parameters on which the welding and rotation steps are based, thereby providing guidance for the actual production process. It also reduces phenomena such as creases, inversions, and breaks in the tabs 101 after the cells are joined, ensuring the performance of the battery and reducing the risk of use.

[0065] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the first fixing mechanism 11 includes a positioning seat 111, a cover plate 112, and an abutment fixing member 113. The positioning seat 111 has two insertion slots arranged along the length of the connecting piece 200. One insertion slot can accommodate a positive electrode connecting piece, and the other insertion slot can accommodate a negative electrode connecting piece. An abutment fixing member 113 is adjacent to each insertion slot and is movably connected to the positioning seat 111 along the length of the connecting piece 200. The abutment fixing member 113 has an abutment end. When the abutment fixing member 113 moves along the length of the connecting piece 200 towards the insertion slot, it abuts against the connecting piece 200, thereby cooperating with the inner wall of the insertion slot to fix the connecting piece 200 in the insertion slot, thus achieving the fixation of the connecting piece 200. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first fixing mechanism 11 further includes an elastic element (not shown in the figure), which can apply elastic force to the abutting fixing member 113 in the direction toward the corresponding embedded groove, thereby limiting and fixing the connecting piece 200.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 4As shown, the cover plate 112 can move along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby clamping the connecting piece 200 and the electrode tab 101 between the positioning seat 111 and the cover plate 112, further ensuring that the connecting piece 200 and the electrode tab 101 are pressed and fitted together, ensuring the quality of the welding. A welding groove 1121 is correspondingly provided on the cover plate 112, extending through the cover plate 112 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200. When performing the welding step, the welding machine 3 can enter the welding groove 1121 to weld the connecting piece 200 and the electrode tab 101. Optionally, along the length direction of the connecting piece 200, each end of the positioning seat 111 is provided with a positioning pin 114, and the cover plate 112 is correspondingly provided with two pin holes 1122. The positioning pins 114 and the pin holes 1122 can be inserted and engaged, thereby ensuring that the positions of the welding groove 1121 and the electrode tab 101 correspond.

[0067] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, taking one of the fixing components 121 as an example, each fixing component 121 includes a support plate 1211, a first clamping member 1212, and a second clamping member 1213. The support plate 1211 is connected to the rotating mechanism 13 via a transmission connection. The first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213 are both movably connected to the support plate 1211, and the first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213 can move along the length direction of the connecting piece 200 to change the distance between the first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213. In use, by shortening the distance between the first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213, the battery cell 100 can be clamped and fixed between the first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213, and the battery cell 100 and the support plate 1211 remain relatively fixed. Thus, when the support plate 1211 rotates around the preset axis under the action of the rotating mechanism 13, the battery cell 100 will also rotate accordingly, thereby achieving the bending and core-closing effect of the tab 101. At the same time, since the first clamping member 1212 and the second clamping member 1213 move along the length direction of the connecting piece 200, the battery cell 100 can be conveniently clamped in the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby adjusting the relative distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200 when installing the battery cell 100.

[0068] Optionally, in this embodiment, the fixing component 121 further includes a first driving member 1214, which is tractively connected to the first clamping member 1212 and can drive the first clamping member 1212 to move closer to and away from the second clamping member 1213 along the length direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby realizing the clamping and release of the battery cell 100.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing assembly 121 also includes a first positioning member 1215. The first positioning member 1215 is disposed on the side of the second clamping member 1213 away from the first clamping member 1212, and is fixedly connected to the second clamping member 1213. Simultaneously, the first positioning member 1215 is provided with a first adjusting groove, the length direction of which is parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece 200. The support plate 1211 is provided with a second adjusting groove, through which a bolt (not shown) can pass and be connected to a nut, thereby fixing the first positioning member 1215 to the support plate 1211. Furthermore, by changing the position of the bolt passing through the first and second adjusting grooves, the position of the first positioning member 1215 installed on the support plate 1211 can be changed along the length direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby achieving position adjustment of the second clamping member 1213. Since the first driving member 1214 only drives the first clamping member 1212 to move, the relative distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 can be adjusted along the length direction of the connecting piece 200 by adjusting the position of the second clamping member 1213.

[0070] It should be noted that, since the tab 101 needs to fit into the preset welding area on the connecting piece 200, the relative spacing in the length direction is generally determined according to the specific battery cell 100 and the specific connecting piece 200 to be welded, and therefore is not limited in this invention.

[0071] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the fixing assembly 121 further includes a clamping member 1216 and a clamping drive member 1217. The clamping drive member 1217 is tractively connected to the clamping member 1216 and can drive the clamping member 1216 to move in directions approaching and away from the support plate 1211, thereby changing the distance between the clamping member 1216 and the support plate 1211. When the clamping member 1216 moves in a direction approaching the support plate 1211 and abuts against the side of the battery cell 100 away from the support plate 1211, the clamping member 1216 can press the battery cell 100 onto the support plate 1211, thereby further fixing the battery cell 100 during welding, and is applicable to battery cells 100 with different thicknesses. When a rotation step is required, the clamping member 1216 will move away from the support plate 1211 until it moves to a position that does not interfere with the rotation of the two battery cells 100, thereby avoiding interference with the battery cell 100's core bonding effect.

[0072] Optionally, the clamping member 1216 is also connected to a clamping block 1218, which is used to abut against the battery cell 100 and achieve clamping and fixing. Furthermore, the clamping block 1218 and the clamping member 1216 are connected in an adjustable position along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby facilitating the clamping and fixing of different battery cells 100.

[0073] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning and rotating device 1 further includes a worktable 15. The first fixing mechanism 11 and the second fixing mechanism 12 mentioned above are both connected to the worktable 15. Furthermore, the first fixing mechanism 11 is connected to the worktable 15 with an adjustable distance along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby indirectly realizing the adjustment of the relative distance between the connecting piece 200 and the battery cell 100 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200.

[0074] For example, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the positioning and rotating device 1 also includes a first adjusting member 161, a second adjusting member 162, and a second positioning member 163. The first adjusting member 161 has an L-shaped structure, comprising a first part and a second part connected at right angles. The first part extends parallel to the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, while the second part extends parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece 200. The second part is located at one end of the first part near the positioning seat 111 and is connected to the positioning seat 111. The second adjusting member 162 is connected to the worktable 15, and a connecting slot is provided through the second adjusting member 162 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, through which the first part is adjustablely positioned. Along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, the second adjusting member 162 is provided with a threaded hole, and the second positioning member 163 is provided with a bolt or adjusting handle. The bolt or adjusting handle can pass through the threaded hole and abut against the first part, thereby fixing the first adjusting member 161 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, and thus fixing the positioning seat 111 and the worktable 15 at a preset distance. It can be understood that by adjusting the distance between the positioning seat 111 and the worktable 15 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, the distance between the connecting piece 200 and the battery cell 100 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 can be changed, thereby adjusting the effect of the welding step (or rotation step).

[0075] Optionally, the positioning seat 111 and the first adjusting member 161 are detachably connected, so as to facilitate the matching of the fixing requirements of different models of connecting pieces 200 by replacing the positioning seat 111 of different sizes, thereby making the device have a certain degree of versatility and compatibility.

[0076] Furthermore, such as Figure 7As shown, to improve the accuracy of adjustment, the positioning rotation device 1 also includes an adjusting shim 164. The adjusting shim 164 is detachably disposed between the first adjusting member 161 and the positioning seat 111, and can adjust the distance between the first adjusting member 161 and the positioning seat 111 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200. By selecting an appropriate thickness and an appropriate number of adjusting shims 164, not only can the distance between the first adjusting member 161 and the positioning seat 111 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 be adjusted more accurately, but also, by setting adjusting shims 164 of different thicknesses at different positions in the second part, leveling between the connecting piece 200 and the electrode tab 101 can be achieved, thereby further ensuring welding quality. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first part is also provided with a scale (not shown in the figure), which further facilitates the adjustment of the position of the positioning seat 111.

[0077] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the spacing adjustment mechanism 14 includes a rotating shaft 141, a sliding plate 142, a second driving member 143, a first slide rail 144, and a first slider 145. The first slide rail 144 is connected to the worktable 15 and extends along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The first slider 145 is slidably connected to the first slide rail 144 and to the sliding plate 142, allowing the sliding plate 142 to move relative to the worktable 15 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The rotating shaft 141 connects the support plate 1211 and the sliding plate 142, rotatably connecting them, and the axis of the rotating shaft 141 is the aforementioned preset axis. The sliding plate 142 is drive-connected to the second driving member 143, enabling the second driving member 143 to drive the fixing assembly 121 and the sliding plate 142 to approach and move away from the first fixing mechanism 11 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby achieving position adjustment of the battery cell 100.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the rotating mechanism 13 includes a rotating drive component 131 and a universal coupling 132. The rotating drive component 131, the universal coupling 132, and the rotating shaft 141 are sequentially connected for transmission, thereby enabling the rotation of the support plate 1211 while allowing the position of the sliding plate 142 to be adjusted along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thus completing the rotation step. It should be noted that in this embodiment, each fixed component 121 is connected to a rotating mechanism 13 and a spacing adjustment mechanism 14 to adjust and implement the rotation steps of the two battery cells 100 respectively.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two welding machines 3 are spaced apart along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The positioning and rotating device 1 also includes a second slide rail 171, a second slider 174, and a third driving member 172 to move the worktable 15 between the two welding machines 3, thereby achieving welding of the positive and negative electrode tabs respectively. Specifically, the second slide rail 171 is disposed on the equipment mounting surface (e.g., the ground) and extends along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The second slider 174 is connected between the worktable 15 and the second slide rail 171. The third driving member 172 is a lead screw motor, which is connected to a transmission lead screw 173, and the transmission lead screw 173 is connected to the worktable 15 for transmission, thereby realizing the movement of the worktable 15.

[0080] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the auxiliary device 2 includes a moving mechanism 21 and a robotic arm 22. The moving mechanism 21 includes a first support 211 and a second support 212. The two first supports 211 are fixedly mounted, while the second support 212 is slidably mounted on the first supports 211 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The robotic arm 22 is connected to the second support 212 and can slide along the length direction of the connecting piece 200. The sliding connection between the second support 212 and the first support 211, and between the robotic arm 22 and the second support 212, can be achieved through modules, slide rails, etc., which will not be elaborated upon in this invention. A clamp 221 is provided at the lower end of the robotic arm 22, and the robotic arm 22 can move the clamp 221 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200. This clamp 221 is used to hold the cover plate 112, thereby facilitating the pressing and removal of the cover plate 112, and thus improving the efficiency of the device.

[0081] In specific use of this equipment, for example, before performing the welding step, the connecting piece 200 and the battery cell 100 are first fixed. Specifically, through the first fixing mechanism 11, in conjunction with the first adjusting member 161, the second adjusting member 162, and other components, the connecting piece 200 and the worktable 15 can be relatively fixed along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 according to preset position parameters. Through the second fixing mechanism 12, the battery cell 100 and the first fixing mechanism 11 can be fixed with preset position parameters along the width and length directions of the connecting piece 200. At the same time, since the second fixing mechanism 12 and the worktable 15 have a fixed spacing along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 before performing the rotation step, it can be ensured that the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 have preset relative spacing along the length, width, and thickness directions of the connecting piece 200, thus meeting the requirements for performing the welding step.

[0082] After welding is completed, the spacing adjustment mechanism 14 can change the spacing between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thus providing a basis for the subsequent rotation step. Subsequently, the rotation mechanism 13 drives the support plate 1211 of the second fixing mechanism 12 to rotate, thereby implementing the rotation step. Furthermore, during and after the rotation step, the aforementioned vision sensor 4 can monitor any defects in the tab 101, thereby enabling verification of simulation data or monitoring of the production process.

[0083] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a cell welding rotation method, which specifically includes:

[0084] The welding step includes fixing the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 relative to each other according to the preset thickness direction spacing and the preset width direction spacing, and welding the tab 101 of the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 together.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the thickness direction spacing refers to the distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, while the width direction spacing refers to the distance between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The preset thickness direction spacing and preset width direction spacing can be preset based on simulation data or empirical data, and are not limited in this invention. The positional relationship between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 in the length direction depends on the specific position of the welding area on the connecting piece 200, and is also not specifically limited in this invention.

[0086] The adjustment step includes setting the actual width direction spacing between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 to be less than the preset width direction spacing.

[0087] Specifically, in this embodiment, the spacing adjustment mechanism 14 described above enables the adjustment of the spacing between the battery cell 100 and the connecting piece 200 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200, thereby making the actual spacing in the width direction smaller than the preset spacing in the width direction. The reduction in the actual spacing in the width direction can reduce the stress on the tab 101, thereby helping to reduce wrinkles, inversions, and breakages of the tab 101 in subsequent rotation steps.

[0088] The rotation step includes rotating the battery cell 100 around a preset axis, which is set parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece 200.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, the preset axis is the axis of the rotating shaft 141 in the above-mentioned device. Of course, in some other embodiments, the rotation of the battery cell 100 can also be achieved by other rotating structures, as long as the preset axis of rotation is parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece 200, it falls within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0090] The inspection procedure includes checking for defects in tab 101 after the welding process.

[0091] Specifically, this detection step can be performed through manual inspection, machine vision inspection, ultrasonic inspection, etc., and this invention does not impose any specific limitations on it. It should be noted that this detection step can be performed simultaneously with the rotation step, after the rotation step, or both during and after the rotation step, and this invention does not impose any specific limitations on it.

[0092] The above-mentioned cell welding rotation method can verify and adjust the position parameters on which the welding and rotation steps are based, reduce the stress on the tab 101 during the rotation step, thereby guiding the actual production process, reducing phenomena such as tab 101 wrinkles, inversions, and breaks after cell assembly, ensuring battery performance and reducing usage risks.

[0093] Preferably, the difference between the actual width-direction spacing and the preset width-direction spacing is S, then S satisfies:

[0094] S = 0.5 * (dh)

[0095] Where d is the preset width spacing in mm, and h is the preset thickness spacing in mm.

[0096] Specifically, the preset width direction spacing d refers to the distance between the end face of the battery cell 100 approaching the connecting piece 200 and the end face of the connecting piece 200 approaching the battery cell 100 along the width direction of the connecting piece 200. The preset thickness direction spacing h refers to the distance between the side surface of the battery cell 100 approaching the supporting plate 1211 and the side surface of the connecting piece 200 approaching the positioning seat 111 when the support plate 1211 and the connecting piece 200 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0097] Furthermore, the preset thickness direction spacing h satisfies:

[0098] h = (0.25 * Hk)

[0099] Wherein, H is the dimension of the battery cell 100 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200, in mm, i.e., the thickness of the battery cell 100. k is the distance along the width direction of the connecting piece 200 between the welding head 31 of the welding machine 3 and the end face of the connecting piece 200 near the battery cell 100, in mm. For example, in this embodiment, the dimension of the battery cell 100 along the thickness direction of the connecting piece 200 is approximately 10mm-30mm, such as any value among 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 30mm, or 10mm-30mm. The distance k along the width direction of the connecting piece 200 between the welding head 31 of the welding machine 3 and the end face of the connecting piece 200 near the battery cell 100 is 0.3mm-1mm, such as any value among 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, or 0.3mm-1mm.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the preset width direction spacing d satisfies:

[0101] d = k2 * h

[0102] It should be noted that k2 is a coefficient obtained from simulation or empirical data under a common cell 100 structure. It is unitless, and the value of k2 ranges from 0.5 to 0.8, for example, any value within the range of 0.5, 0.54, 0.58, 0.6, 0.65, 0.68, 0.7, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.78, 0.8, or 0.5-0.8. S, k, d, and H all use a uniform distance unit, such as millimeters (mm). Furthermore, verification using the above method shows that when k2 is between 0.5 and 0.8, and S, k, d, and H satisfy the aforementioned relationship, it can significantly reduce adverse phenomena after the tab 101 rotation step, thereby ensuring battery performance and reducing battery safety risks.

[0103] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0104] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cell welding rotation simulation device, characterized in that, include: The first fixing mechanism (11) is used to fix the connecting piece (200). The second fixing mechanism (12) includes a fixing component (121) for fixing the battery cell (100) to facilitate welding the tab (101) of the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200). The first fixing mechanism (11) and the second fixing mechanism (12) are movably connected to each other to allow the relative spacing between the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200) to be adjusted in at least one of the width direction, length direction and thickness direction of the connecting piece (200). A rotating mechanism (13) is connected to the fixed component (121) and can drive the fixed component (121) to rotate around a preset axis, which is parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece (200). A spacing adjustment mechanism (14) is drivenly connected to the fixing assembly (121) to reduce the distance between the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200) along the width direction of the connecting piece (200); The second fixing mechanism (12) includes two fixing components (121), each of which is used to fix one of the battery cells (100). The first fixing mechanism (11) is located between the two fixing components (121), and... The preset axis includes a preset first axis and a preset second axis. One of the fixing components (121) is rotatably arranged around the preset first axis, and the other fixing component (121) is rotatably arranged around the preset second axis. The fixing component (121) includes a support plate (1211), a first clamping member (1212), and a second clamping member (1213). The support plate (1211) is throttle-connected to the rotating mechanism (13). Along the length direction of the connecting piece (200), both the first clamping member (1212) and the second clamping member (1213) are connected to the support plate (1211), and the spacing between the first clamping member (1212) and the second clamping member (1213) along the length direction of the connecting piece (200) is adjustable. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment also includes a worktable (15), the first fixing mechanism (11) and the second fixing mechanism (12) are both connected to the worktable (15), the distance between the first fixing mechanism (11) and the worktable (15) is adjustable along the thickness direction of the connecting piece (200), and the position between the fixing component (121) and the worktable (15) is adjustable along the width direction of the connecting piece (200); The spacing adjustment mechanism (14) includes a rotating shaft (141) and a sliding plate (142). The rotating shaft (141) is connected to the support plate (1211) and the sliding plate (142) to rotatably connect the support plate (1211) and the sliding plate (142). The axis of the rotating shaft (141) is configured as the preset axis. The sliding plate (142) is slidably connected to the worktable (15) and can approach and move away from the first fixing mechanism (11) along the width direction of the connecting piece (200). The fixing component (121) is connected to the sliding plate (142). The cell welding rotation simulation equipment further includes a first adjusting member (161), a second adjusting member (162), and a first connecting member. The first adjusting member (161) is connected to the first fixing mechanism (11), and the second adjusting member (162) is connected to the worktable (15). The first connecting member is used to connect the first adjusting member (161) and the second adjusting member (162). The first adjusting member (161) and the second adjusting member (162) are connected and positioned adjustablely along the thickness direction of the connecting piece (200). The cell welding rotation simulation equipment also includes a vision sensor (4), which is used to detect defects in the tabs (101) of the cell (100) during and after the rotation process.

2. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component (121) further includes a first driving member (1214), which is tractively connected to the first clamping member (1212) and can drive the first clamping member (1212) to move closer to and further away from the second clamping member (1213) along the length direction of the connecting piece (200).

3. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component (121) further includes a first positioning member (1215), which is tunably connected to the support plate (1211) along the length of the connecting piece (200), and the first positioning member (1215) and the second clamping member (1213) are fixedly connected.

4. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing assembly (121) further includes a clamping member (1216) with an adjustable distance between the clamping member (1216) and the support plate (1211). The clamping member (1216) can abut against the side of the battery cell (100) away from the support plate (1211) to confine the battery cell (100) between the clamping member (1216) and the support plate (1211).

5. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping member (1216) is connected to a clamping block (1218), which is used to press the battery cell (100) against the support plate (1211). The clamping block (1218) is adjustablely connected to the clamping member (1216) along the width direction of the connecting piece (200).

6. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell welding rotation simulation equipment also includes an adjustment shim (164), which is detachably disposed between the first adjustment member (161) and the first fixing mechanism (11). The adjustment shim (164) is used to adjust the distance between the first adjustment member (161) and the first fixing mechanism (11) along the thickness direction of the connecting piece (200).

7. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism (13) includes a rotating drive (131) and a universal coupling (132), and the rotating drive (131), the universal coupling (132) and the rotating shaft (141) are sequentially connected for transmission.

8. The cell welding rotation simulation equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell welding rotation simulation equipment includes two welding machines (3), which are spaced apart along the width direction of the connecting piece (200), and the worktable (15) is movably arranged between the two welding machines (3).

9. A cell welding rotation method, characterized in that, Using the cell welding rotation simulation equipment as described in claim 1, the cell welding rotation method includes: The welding step includes fixing the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200) relative to each other according to a preset preset thickness direction spacing and a preset width direction spacing, and welding the tab (101) of the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200) together. The adjustment step includes setting the actual width direction spacing between the battery cell (100) and the connecting piece (200) to be less than the preset width direction spacing; The rotation step includes rotating the battery cell (100) around a preset axis, the preset axis being parallel to the length direction of the connecting piece (200); The detection steps include detecting defects in the tab (101) after the welding step, or during and after the rotation step.

10. The cell welding rotation method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The difference between the actual width-direction spacing and the preset width-direction spacing is S, in mm. S satisfies: Where d is the preset width direction spacing in mm, and h is the preset thickness direction spacing in mm.

11. The cell welding rotation method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The preset thickness direction spacing h satisfies: Where H is the dimension of the cell (100) along the thickness direction of the connecting piece (200), in mm, and k is the distance between the welding head (31) of the welding machine (3) used in the welding step and the end face of the connecting piece (200) close to the cell (100) along the width direction of the connecting piece (200), in mm.

12. The cell welding rotation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The dimension H of the battery cell (100) along the thickness direction of the connecting piece (200) is not less than 10 mm and not more than 30 mm.

13. The cell welding rotation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The distance k between the welding head (31) and the connecting piece (200) and the end face of the battery cell (100) is not less than 0.3 mm and not more than 1 mm.

14. The cell welding rotation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The preset width direction spacing d satisfies: The value of k2 is not less than 0.5 and not greater than 0.8.

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