Flexible package battery module tab folding and pressing integrated equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to soft package battery module tab folding and pressing integrated equipment which comprises a tab folding block, a driving device, transmission equipment and a portal frame, the transmission equipment is installed on the portal frame and drives the driving device to linearly move in the up-down vertical direction and the left-right horizontal direction, and the driving device is installed at the working end of the transmission equipment. The working end of the driving device is in transmission connection with the tab bending block in the front-back direction, and a bending surface and a pressing surface are arranged in the tab bending block. According to the scheme, the driving device and the transmission equipment are used for being matched with the tab folding block for folding the tab, and the work of automatic folding and pressing is completed by controlling and simulating manual folding and pressing and beating behaviors. The folding and pressing actions are automatically completed through the folding and pressing integrated equipment to replace manual folding and pressing, the consistency is good, the labor cost can be reduced, and battery ignition caused by misoperation is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of lithium battery production, in particular to a device for folding and pressing a tab of a soft-pack battery module. Background Art

[0002] During the production of soft-pack battery modules, the battery tabs need to be overlapped to connect the cells in series or parallel. The current process relies on manual bending and pressing of the positive and negative tabs. After bending, the tabs are also gently tapped to prevent them from springing back before they are fed into the next process.

[0003] The existing method relies on manual bending of the tabs, which will leave knocking marks on the surface of the tabs. The manual labor intensity is high, and the tabs are easily damaged during knocking, resulting in unstable welding in the subsequent laser welding of the tabs. There is also a safety hazard of misoperation causing the tabs to ignite during manual knocking. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for folding and pressing the tabs of a soft-pack battery module to solve the problems encountered in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution of the utility model is as follows:

[0006] A device for folding and pressing the tabs of a soft-pack battery module includes a tab folding block, a drive device, a transmission device and a gantry. The transmission device is installed on the gantry and drives the drive device to move linearly in the vertical and horizontal directions. The drive device is installed at the working end of the transmission device. The working end of the drive device is connected to the tab folding block in a front-to-rear direction. The tab folding block is provided with a bending surface and a pressing surface.

[0007] In the above scheme, the folding lug block includes a base and a folding protrusion. The inner side of the base is transmission-connected to the working end of the drive device, the folding protrusion is vertically fixed on the outer side of the base, and the bending surface and the pressing plane are arranged on the outer surface of the folding protrusion.

[0008] As a preferred solution, the folding protrusion is a plate-like structure, and a connecting portion is provided at the connection between the folding protrusion and the base. It should also be noted that the bending surface is provided on both side surfaces of the folding protrusion, the pressing plane is provided on the end surface of the folding protrusion, and a chamfer is provided at the connection between the pressing plane and the bending surface.

[0009] In the above solution, the driving device includes a pneumatic cylinder. Alternatively, an oil cylinder or other driving device with a top-pressing function may be used. A cylinder mounting plate fixedly connected to the working end of the transmission device is mounted on the top of the cylinder, and a folding block connecting plate fixedly connected to the folding lug block is provided on the side output end of the cylinder.

[0010] In the above scheme, the transmission equipment includes a longitudinal module and a transverse module. The transverse module is horizontally installed on the gantry, and the longitudinal module is vertically installed on the working slider of the transverse module. The working slider of the longitudinal module is connected to the driving device through a connecting plate.

[0011] As a preferred solution, the connecting plate is an L-shaped structure, and ribs are installed on both sides of the connecting plate, and weight-reducing holes are opened in the ribs.

[0012] In one embodiment, a device for folding and pressing tabs for soft-pack battery modules includes a tab folding block, a drive device, a transmission device, and a gantry, as well as a fixture. The fixture is mounted on one side of the gantry, and a bracket for supporting the battery module is mounted on top of the fixture.

[0013] The bracket is equipped with a positioning plate for positioning the battery module's tabs, which is vertically fixed to the bracket. The four ends of the fixture are equipped with lifting fixtures. The lifting fixtures are cylindrical in shape with a through hole in the middle for connecting to the lifting mechanism installed at the bottom of the fixture.

[0014] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following advantages: by using a drive device and a transmission device in conjunction with a tab folding block for folding the tabs, the present invention can automatically perform the folding operation by controlling and mimicking manual folding and tapping. The folding operation is automated by the integrated folding device, replacing manual folding. This achieves good consistency, reduces labor costs, and effectively avoids battery ignition caused by misoperation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The disclosure of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components. Among them:

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tooling fixture in the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the connecting plate in the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the folded tab block of the utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the folding and pressing action during implementation of the utility model.

[0021] Numbers in the figure: 1-folding lug block; 11-base; 12-folding protrusion; 13-bending surface; 14-pressing plane; 15-connecting part; 2-cylinder; 21-cylinder mounting plate; 22-folding block connecting plate; 3-connecting plate; 31-rib plate; 32-weight reduction hole; 4-longitudinal module; 5-transverse module; 6-gantry; 7-tooling fixture; 71-bracket; 72-positioning plate; 73-lifting fixture; 8-battery module; 81-lug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easier to understand, the present invention will now be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, which only illustrate the basic structure of the present invention in a schematic manner, and therefore only show the relevant components of the present invention.

[0023] According to the technical solution of the present invention, without changing the essential spirit of the present invention, those skilled in the art may propose a variety of interchangeable structural methods and implementation methods. Therefore, the following specific embodiments and drawings are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and should not be regarded as the entire present invention or as a limitation or restriction of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0024] The technical solution of the present utility model is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] Example 1, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a soft-pack battery module tab folding and pressing integrated device includes a tab folding block 1, a driving device, a transmission device and a gantry 6. The transmission device is installed on the gantry 6 and drives the driving device to move linearly in the up and down vertical directions and the left and right horizontal directions. There are many transmission devices that can realize movement in the up and down, left and right directions, such as linear slides or screw and nut mechanisms, but what is common in the field of mechanical processing is the linear motion module in CNC machining. In this scheme, the main function is to realize the bending action of the tab 81.

[0026] The driving device is installed at the working end of the transmission device. The working end of the driving device is connected to the folding tab block 1 in the front-to-back direction, thereby driving the folding tab block 1 to move back and forth to press the tab 81 and retract and replace it. The pressing action is mainly based on the bending surface 13 and the pressing surface 14 provided in the folding tab block 1. During implementation, the tab 81 is mainly bent by the bending surface 13 of the folding tab block 1, and the tab 81 is pressed by the pressing surface 14.

[0027] Specifically, the tab folding block 1 includes a base 11 and a folding protrusion 12. The inner side of the base 11 is transmission-connected to the working end of the driving device. The folding protrusion 12 is vertically fixed to the outer side of the base 11. A bending surface 13 and a pressing surface 14 are provided on the outer surface of the folding protrusion 12. Driven by the driving device, the tab folding block 1 moves in the front-to-back direction. With the help of the bending surface 13 and the pressing surface 14, the tabs 81 can be pressed and bent. The tabs 81 can also be retracted and replaced to fold multiple tabs 81.

[0028] As a preferred solution, the folding protrusion 12 is a plate-like structure, and a connecting portion 15 is provided at the connection between the folding protrusion 12 and the base 11. The connecting portion 15 can be a thickened chamfer or a rounded corner, mainly to enhance the stability of the connection between the folding protrusion 12 and the base 11.

[0029] It should also be noted that the thickness of the folding protrusion 12 is 5-8mm, the bending surface 13 is arranged on both side surfaces of the folding protrusion 12, the pressing plane 14 is arranged on the end face of the folding protrusion 12, and a chamfer is provided at the connection between the pressing plane 14 and the bending surface 13, and the chamfer there is as small as 1*1mm or 2*2mm.

[0030] Example 2, please refer to Figure 3 Based on Example 1, the driving device includes a cylinder 2. During implementation, an oil cylinder or other driving device or equipment with a top-pressing function may also be used. A cylinder mounting plate 21 fixedly connected to the working end of the transmission device is installed on the top of the cylinder 2. The cylinder 2 is fixed to the working end of the transmission device via the cylinder mounting plate 21. A folding block connecting plate 22 fixedly connected to the folding lug block 1 is provided on the side output end of the cylinder 2. The folding lug block 1 is fixed to the output end of the cylinder 2 via the folding block connecting plate 22 and moves with the working end of the cylinder 2.

[0031] In the above scheme, the transmission equipment includes a longitudinal module 4 and a transverse module 5. Both modules are linear conveyor modules used on CNC machine tools, and both use crawler belts for directional control. The transverse module 5 is mounted horizontally on a gantry 6, while the longitudinal module 4 is mounted vertically on the working slide of the transverse module 5. The working slide of the longitudinal module 4 is connected to the drive device via a connecting plate 3.

[0032] In this way, the transverse module 5 can drive the longitudinal module 4 to move left and right, the longitudinal module 4 can drive the driving device to move up and down, and the driving device can drive the folding tab block 1 to move forward and backward, thus completing the folding process. After the folding is completed, the folding tab block 1 is pulled back by the driving device, and after the longitudinal module 4 and the transverse module 5 are moved, the other tabs 81 are folded. For the specific operation process, please refer to Figure 5 .

[0033] The outer side of the battery module 8 is a plastic plate, and the tabs 81 are divided into copper tabs and aluminum tabs. When working, the tab folding block 1 first presses down the copper tab to bend it, then returns it to its original position, and then pushes it to press it. Finally, the battery module 8 moves to the next step, and then the tab folding block 1 bends the next tab 81.

[0034] Please continue reading Figure 3 As a preferred solution, the connecting plate 3 is an L-shaped structure, and ribs 31 are installed on both sides of the connecting plate 3 to improve the strength. Weight-reducing holes 32 are opened in the ribs 31 to reduce the weight of the equipment.

[0035] Example 3, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A soft-pack battery module tab folding and pressing integrated equipment includes a tab folding block 1, a drive device, a transmission device and a gantry 6, and also includes a tooling fixture 7 for positioning the battery module 8 so as to facilitate folding and pressing the tab 81 at a fixed work station.

[0036] The jig 7 is installed on one side of the gantry 6, and a bracket 71 for supporting the battery module 8 is installed on the top of the jig 7. The bracket 71 provides a platform for positioning the battery module 8, and a lifting device can be installed at the bottom of the jig 7 to facilitate lifting the battery module 8 to a suitable working plane.

[0037] Among them, a positioning plate 72 for positioning the tab 81 of the battery module 8 is installed on the bracket 71. The position of the battery module 8 is determined by the bracket 71. The positioning plate 72 is vertically fixed on the bracket 71. The folding position of the tab 81 is determined by the bracket 71, providing coordinates for the movement of the drive device and the transmission equipment.

[0038] In addition, jacking fixings 73 are provided at the four ends of the tooling fixture 7. The jacking fixings 73 are cylindrical structures with a through hole in the middle for connecting to the jacking mechanism installed at the bottom of the tooling fixture 7. The tooling fixture 7 is lifted up by the conventional jacking mechanism in the current jacking equipment, and the jacking fixings 73 play a locking role after the screws are installed, and can also be tightened with screws.

[0039] In summary, this solution uses a drive device and a transmission device in conjunction with the tab folding block 1 for folding the tab 81, and simulates manual folding and tapping to automatically complete the folding process. This integrated folding device automates the folding process, replacing manual folding. This provides good consistency, reduces labor costs, and effectively prevents battery ignition caused by misoperation.

[0040] Specifically, by adopting this solution, the tabs 81 of the battery module 8 are automatically folded instead of manually folded, ensuring the consistency of the folding effect of the tabs 81 and saving labor costs; ensuring the yield of the subsequent tab welding process and reducing battery scrap caused by human factors; improving the rhythm of production line operation, while also improving work safety, improving the factory's energy utilization efficiency and degree of automation, and improving the ability to trace the causes of abnormal modules.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 The folding process is as follows:

[0042] After the battery module is in place, the production line positioning structure is positioned by the bracket 71, and then the battery module 8 is lifted up by the jacking device; the folding and pressing integrated equipment drives the folding tab block 1 to fold, press and beat the tab 81 of the battery module 8 according to the set process. The operation process of the folding tab block 1 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown; the production line positioning structure is lifted and lowered; the battery module 8 flows into the next process.

[0043] The method shown in this solution can be used to replace manual labor to automatically complete the process of folding the battery module tabs, ensure the consistency of the folding tab 81 effect, and reduce the scrapping of the battery module 8 caused by human factors.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprise," "include," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. These undisclosed elements are all prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the utility model in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A soft-pack battery module tab folding and pressing integrated equipment, characterized by: The invention comprises a folding pole lug block (1), a driving device, a transmission device and a gantry (6); the transmission device is mounted on the gantry (6) and drives the driving device to move linearly in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction; the driving device is mounted on the working end of the transmission device; the working end of the driving device is connected to the folding pole lug block (1) in a front-to-rear direction; and the folding pole lug block (1) is provided with a bending surface (13) and a pressing surface (14).

2. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding lug block (1) comprises a base (11) and a folding protrusion (12); the inner side of the base (11) is transmission-connected to the working end of the driving device; the folding protrusion (12) is vertically fixed to the outer side of the base (11); and a bending surface (13) and a pressing plane (14) are provided on the outer surface of the folding protrusion (12).

3. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The folding protrusion (12) is a plate-shaped structure, and a connecting portion (15) is provided at the connection between the folding protrusion (12) and the base (11).

4. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bending surface (13) is arranged on both side surfaces of the folding protrusion (12), the pressing plane (14) is arranged on the end surface of the folding protrusion (12), and a chamfer is provided at the connection between the pressing plane (14) and the bending surface (13).

5. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device comprises a cylinder (2), the top of the cylinder (2) being provided with a cylinder mounting plate (21) fixedly connected to the working end of the transmission device, and the side output end of the cylinder (2) being provided with a folding block connecting plate (22) fixedly connected to the folding lug block (1).

6. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission device comprises a longitudinal module (4) and a transverse module (5), wherein the transverse module (5) is horizontally mounted on a gantry (6), and the longitudinal module (4) is vertically mounted on a working slide block of the transverse module (5), and the working slide block of the longitudinal module (4) is transmission-connected to the driving device via a connecting plate (3).

7. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting plate (3) is an L-shaped structure. Rib plates (31) are installed on both sides of the connecting plate (3), and weight-reducing holes (32) are opened in the rib plates (31).

8. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a tooling fixture (7), which is installed on one side of the gantry (6), and a bracket (71) for supporting the battery module (8) is installed on the top of the tooling fixture (7).

9. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: A positioning plate (72) for positioning the tabs (81) of the battery module (8) is mounted on the bracket (71), and the positioning plate (72) is vertically fixed on the bracket (71).

10. The device for folding and pressing tabs of a soft-pack battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The four ends of the tooling fixture (7) are provided with lifting fixing members (73), and the lifting fixing members (73) are cylindrical structures with a through hole opened in the middle.

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