Soft package battery edge folding device
By introducing a positioning structure and folding unit into the folding device of the soft-pack battery, the problem of edge collapse or arching was solved, the flatness and consistency of the battery side sealing edge were achieved, and the folding quality of the battery was improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422939880.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing soft-pack battery folding devices lack support for the inner side of the sealed edge after the first fold during the secondary folding and shaping process, resulting in the sealing edge collapsing or arching, affecting the folding angle and flatness, and failing to achieve a good folding effect.
A soft-pack battery folding device is designed, comprising a base, a positioning structure, and a folding unit. The positioning structure accurately positions the battery cell, and the horizontal support surface and the folding surface of the folding unit support and shape the battery side sealing edge, ensuring the stability and consistency of the folding process.
This effectively avoids problems such as edge collapse or arching, improves the flatness of the battery side sealing edge and the consistency of the folding edge, and ensures that the battery side sealing edge presents a shape with a preset angle after folding, thereby improving the quality and pass rate of the battery.
Smart Images
Figure CN223501927U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of soft-pack battery manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a soft-pack battery folding device. Background Technology
[0002] In the manufacturing process of existing square pouch lithium-ion batteries, edge folding is commonly used to reduce the space occupied by the sealing edges on both sides of the cell, in order to meet the requirements of the finished battery shape and improve the volumetric energy density of the battery. Currently, manual folding, roller folding, and pressure folding are common methods for folding the side sealing edges of batteries.
[0003] Among them, the roller-type folding method uses a roller-type folding machine to fold the side sealing edges of the battery cell. For thinner battery cells with narrower folded edges, the aluminum-plastic film is easily damaged when the folded edge is stretched, leading to leakage. Furthermore, when the folded edge is stretched into an arc shape, more wrinkles are easily generated at the outer edge, resulting in poor flatness. The uneven wrinkles are prone to warping outwards, which can puncture the aluminum-plastic film, further increasing the probability of leakage and reducing the pass rate of the battery cell.
[0004] The pressure-folding method involves using a pressure-folding machine to fold the side seals of the battery cell. While this method reduces the stretching deformation of the side seals, the outer edge of the side seal is often not completely fixed because the machine needs to press and bend it during the pressure-folding process. The impact force during the folding and pressing causes the side seal to move towards itself, resulting in wrinkling and affecting its dimensions or flatness.
[0005] like Figure 10 The image shows a pressure-folding edge-folding process. During the edge-folding operation, the battery to be folded is placed into the edge-folding positioning fixture, and each edge-folding mechanism operates sequentially to complete the first and second edge-folding processes. In the second edge-folding shaping process, the inclined end cap 7 moves to the left to compress and shape the side seal after the second edge-folding. Since there is no support on the inner side of the side seal after the second edge-folding, the compression and shaping process will cause deformation phenomena such as collapse or arching of the seal extending along the cell body after compression, resulting in substandard edge-folding angles, poor appearance after edge-folding, and failure to achieve a flat edge-folding effect. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a soft-pack battery folding device to solve the problem that in the existing folding device, during the secondary folding and shaping, the lack of support for the inner side of the sealed edge after the first folding causes the sealed edge extending along the battery cell body to be squeezed and deformed, resulting in substandard folding angles, poor appearance after folding, and failure to achieve a flat folding effect.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the soft-pack battery folding device of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] A soft-pack battery folding device includes a base, a positioning structure disposed on the base for positioning the battery cell during folding, and folding units disposed on at least one side of the positioning structure for supporting and shaping the battery side seal during folding. Each folding unit has a horizontal support surface for supporting the battery side seal during folding, and a folding surface connected to the horizontal support surface at a preset angle for shaping the battery side seal during folding.
[0009] Furthermore, there are two folding units, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the positioning structure.
[0010] Furthermore, a support and avoidance mechanism is provided between the folding unit and the base. The support and avoidance mechanism includes a limiting pin, which enables the folding unit to have a first position that supports the side sealing edge during folding and a second position that avoids the folding edge to remove the battery cell after folding.
[0011] Furthermore, the support and avoidance mechanism also includes a guide structure for guiding the folding unit when it switches between a first position and a second position. The guide structure includes a guide blind hole provided on one of the folding unit and the base, and a guide post provided on the other and cooperating with the guide blind hole.
[0012] Furthermore, the support and avoidance mechanism also includes a spring sleeved on the guide post, with the two ends of the spring abutting against the bottom wall of the guide blind hole and the surface of the folded edge unit opposite to the base, respectively.
[0013] Furthermore, the folding unit is strip-shaped, including a folded portion with the horizontal support surface and the folded surface, and guide portions at both ends of the folded portion. The base is provided with a support and limiting structure that slides with the guide portions.
[0014] Furthermore, the base is provided with limit frames on opposite sides along the length extension direction of the folded edge unit, and the limit frames constitute the support and limit structure.
[0015] Furthermore, the guide portion is anti-detached from the limiting frame.
[0016] Furthermore, the folding unit includes a folding portion having the horizontal support surface and the folding surface, and a vertical positioning portion connected to the folding portion, wherein the vertical positioning portion is slidably engaged with or bolted to the base.
[0017] Furthermore, the positioning structure includes a cell positioning groove disposed on the base and / or a positioning tray that cooperates with the folding unit.
[0018] Furthermore, the preset angle is 90°~170°.
[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Based on the existing technology, this utility model improves upon existing technology. During use, the positioning structure accurately positions and limits the battery cell to be folded, preventing displacement of the battery cell during the folding process. By setting a folding unit on at least one side of the positioning structure, effective support and shaping of the battery side seal are achieved during folding. Specifically, the horizontal support surface of the folding unit supports the battery side seal, and the folding surface shapes the battery side seal. This effectively prevents problems such as collapse or arching of the side seal when it is folded, effectively ensuring the flatness of the folded battery side seal. At the same time, after folding, the battery side seal can present a shape consistent with the preset angle between the horizontal support surface and the folding surface of the folding unit, improving the consistency of the folding. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the soft-pack battery folding device in this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another magnified view of the part;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the positioning tray;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Partial view at point A in the middle;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mold structure of the soft-pack battery folding device in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another perspective illustration;
[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the soft-pack battery folding device in this utility model;
[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the soft-pack battery folding device in this utility model;
[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism in the existing folding method.
[0030] In the diagram: 1. Base; 11. Cell positioning groove; 12. Limiting frame; 13. Guide post; 2. Folding mold; 21. Folding part; 211. Horizontal support surface; 212. Folding surface; 213. Arc transition surface; 22. Guide part; 23. Blind hole; 24. Vertical positioning part; 3. Positioning tray; 4. Spring; 5. Limiting pin; 6. Fastening bolt; 7. Slanted end cap. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.
[0032] This invention provides a folding device for a soft-pack battery. In use, a positioning structure positions and limits the battery cell, while a folding unit located on at least one side of the positioning structure effectively supports and shapes the battery side seal during folding. Specifically, the horizontal support surface of the folding unit supports the battery side seal, while the folding surface shapes it. This effectively prevents collapse or arching of the side seal during folding, ensuring the flatness of the folded side seal. Furthermore, after folding, the battery side seal exhibits a shape consistent with the preset angle between the horizontal support surface and the folding surface of the folding unit, improving folding consistency. After folding, the battery cell is released from the positioning structure through localized elastic deformation of the folded side seal.
[0033] An embodiment of the soft-pack battery folding device of this utility model:
[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a soft-pack battery folding device, including a base 1, on which a positioning structure for positioning and limiting the battery cell is provided; and a folding unit disposed on at least one side of the positioning structure to support and shape the battery side seal during folding. In use, the positioning structure on the base 1 positions and limits the battery cell, ensuring accurate positioning of the battery cell before folding and preventing displacement during the folding process; the folding unit disposed on at least one side of the positioning structure effectively supports and shapes the battery side seal during folding; the cooperation of the positioning structure and the folding unit effectively ensures the quality and effect of battery folding.
[0035] To improve the balance and stability of the battery during the folding process and avoid deformation caused by uneven stress, this embodiment provides two folding units, each positioned on opposite sides of the positioning structure. During folding, the two units can operate simultaneously, significantly shortening the folding time and improving work efficiency. Simultaneously, this ensures the consistency and uniformity of the folded edges on both sides of the battery, contributing to improved battery quality. Of course, in other embodiments, the folding unit can be located on only one side of the positioning structure, completing the folding of the battery's edges in a step-by-step manner.
[0036] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the folding unit is a long strip-shaped folding mold 2, including a folding part 21. The folding part 21 has a horizontal support surface 211 for supporting the battery side seal during folding, and a folding surface 212 connected to the horizontal support surface 211 at a preset angle and used to shape the battery side seal during folding. The horizontal support surface 211 of the folding mold 2 is flush with the upper surface of the base 1. During use, the horizontal support surface 211 of the folding edge 21 supports the battery side seal to ensure that the battery side seal is supported during the folding process; the folding surface 212 shapes the battery side seal to ensure that the battery side seal can smoothly form the required shape during the folding process, while avoiding excessive bending; through the cooperation of the horizontal support surface 211 and the folding surface 212, problems such as collapse or arching of the side seal are effectively avoided when the battery side seal is pressed and folded, effectively ensuring the flatness of the folded side seal, and at the same time, it can present a shape consistent with the folding mold 2, improving the consistency of the folding.
[0037] To enable the folding mold 2 to meet different folding angle requirements, a preset angle is provided between the horizontal support surface 211 and the folding surface 212 of the folding mold 2. In this embodiment, the preset angle ranges from 90° to 170°. Specifically, the preset angle can be 90°, 115°, 135°, 170°, etc., selected according to the folding requirements. When the battery side seal is folded, the folding angle formed is also 90° to 170°. Multiple folding molds 2 with different included angles can be set according to design requirements to meet different folding angle requirements.
[0038] In this embodiment, an arc-shaped transition surface 213 is provided between the horizontal support surface 211 and the folded edge surface 212, so that the bending point can be smoothly transitioned when the battery side edge is pressed and sealed, and at the same time, the transition surface can effectively prevent the aluminum-plastic film from being scratched.
[0039] To facilitate the removal of the battery cell after folding, please refer to... Figures 4 to 6As shown in this embodiment, a support and avoidance mechanism is provided between the folding mold 2 and the base 1. The support and avoidance mechanism includes a limiting pin 5. The limiting pin 5 enables the folding mold 2 to have a first position that supports the battery side sealing edge during folding and a second position that avoids the folded edge to remove the battery cell after folding. In this way, the support and avoidance mechanism allows the folding mold 2 to flexibly switch between the two states, improving the adaptability of the folding device. During the folding process, the limiting pin 5 restricts the folding mold 2 to the first position that supports and shapes the battery side sealing edge. After folding, the limiting pin 5 releases the folding mold 2, allowing it to move to the second position that avoids the folded edge of the battery side sealing edge, thereby creating space for removing the battery cell.
[0040] The base 1 has limit frames 12 on both sides along the length of the folding mold 2. Specifically, U-shaped grooves are protruding from the four corners of the base 1 along the length of the folding mold 2. A cover (not shown in the figure) is connected to the end face of the U-shaped groove by bolts (not shown in the figure), and the U-shaped groove and the cover form the limit frame 12. The folding mold 21 also includes guide parts 22 at both ends of the folding part 21 and integrally connected to the folding part 21. The cross-section of the guide part 22 can be rectangular, circular or other suitable shape. A stop surface is formed at the connection between the guide part 22 and the folding part 21. After the folding mold 2 is installed in the limit frame 12, the stop surface and the side of the groove arm of the limit frame 12 are anti-detached to prevent the folding mold 2 from slipping out of the limit frame 12 along its length. During assembly, after the guide part 22 is placed into the U-shaped groove, the cover is connected to the U-shaped groove by bolts, thereby restricting the guide part 22 within the limiting frame 12. Under the action of the folding mechanism, the guide part 22 can move within the limiting frame 12. Thus, the limiting frame 22 constitutes the support and limiting structure of the folding mold 2.
[0041] The limiting pin 5 is detachably mounted on the limiting frame 12 and engages with the guide portion 22 for a stop. Specifically, the upper groove arm of the limiting frame 12 near the base 1 has a through hole, and the lower groove arm has a blind hole. One end of the limiting pin 5 passes through the through hole and abuts against the blind hole. Of course, in other embodiments, both the upper and lower groove arms have through holes, and the limiting pin 5 is inserted into the through holes. Correspondingly, the limiting pin 5 is provided with a stop structure that engages with the through hole; for example, the limiting pin 5 is an L-shaped pin.
[0042] During the folding process, the folding mold 2 is moved towards the base 1 by the limiting pin 5 until it is stopped by the limiting pin 5, thus limiting the movement position of the folding mold 2 and placing it in a state of supporting and shaping the battery side seal. After the folding is completed, the limiting pin 5 is removed to release the position limitation of the folding mold 2 and further push the folding mold 2 towards the base so that the folding surface 212 of the folding mold 2 is separated from the fold formed by the pressing, thereby forming a clearance space for the fold of the battery side seal, so as to avoid interference between the folding mold 2 and the fold when the battery cell is removed, and to facilitate the removal of the battery cell.
[0043] As a further embodiment, the support and avoidance mechanism also includes a guide structure for guiding the folding mold 2 when it transitions between the first and second positions. Specifically, the guide structure includes two blind holes 23 on the folding mold 2 and a guide post 13 on the base 1 that guides and cooperates with the blind holes 23. In other embodiments, the blind holes 23 may be provided on the base 1, and correspondingly, the guide post 13 may be provided on the folding mold 2; the number of blind holes 23 and guide posts 13 may be three, four, or other suitable numbers. Through the guiding cooperation between the guide post 13 and the blind holes 23, the smooth and precise transition of the folding mold 2 between the first and second positions is effectively ensured, preventing the folding mold 2 from shaking or shifting during movement. It should be understood that the diameter and shape of the guide post 13 match the blind holes 23 to ensure smooth cooperation and sliding between the two.
[0044] As a further embodiment, the support and avoidance mechanism also includes a spring 4 sleeved on the guide post 13. One end of the spring 4 abuts against the bottom wall of the blind hole 23, and the other end abuts against the surface of the base 1 opposite to the folding mold 2. Sleeving the spring 4 on the guide post 13 effectively ensures the stability of the spring 4 during deformation. Of course, in other embodiments, a groove is provided in the guide post, and the spring is placed in the groove. After assembly, one end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the groove, and the other end abuts against the surface of the base opposite to the folding mold.
[0045] When the battery side edge is folded, as the folding mold 2 moves towards the base 1 under force, the spring 4 is compressed, partially absorbing the impact force during the movement of the folding mold 2, which can improve the stability of the movement of the folding mold 2. After the folding is completed, when the folding mold 2 changes from the first position to the second position, the spring 4 is compressed by pushing the folding mold 2. The spring 4 absorbs the impact force and vibration generated in the process, so that the folding surface 212 of the folding mold 2 is smoothly separated from the fold formed by the pressing. When the folding mold 2 needs to return to the first position, the spring 4 extends and pushes the folding mold 2 to move away from the base 1 until the guide part 22 is blocked by the cover of the limiting frame 12, so that the folding mold 2 returns to the initial position.
[0046] In this embodiment, the folding mold 2 is easy to disassemble by setting up the support and avoidance mechanism and the limiting frame 12. In actual production, the folding mold 2 can be easily replaced according to the requirements of parameters such as folding angle and folding gap, which improves the applicability and flexibility of the folding device.
[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning structure includes a cell positioning groove 11 provided on the base 1, which is used to position the cell so that the cell can remain stable when the battery side sealing edge is folded, thereby ensuring the consistency of the side sealing edge folding. It should be understood that the specifications of the cell positioning groove 11 can be reasonably set according to the specifications of the cell.
[0048] like Figures 1 to 2 , Figures 7 to 8 As shown, in another embodiment, the positioning structure also includes a positioning tray 3 for cooperating with the folding mold 2 and having a groove adapted to the shape of the battery cell. Specifically, the groove portion of the positioning tray 3 is adapted to the battery cell positioning groove 11 provided on the base 1, and has retaining edges extending along both sides of the axial direction of the folding mold 2 for cooperating with the upper surface of the base 1. Both sides of the positioning tray 3 that cooperate with the folding mold 2 are provided with pressing and folding edges adapted to the shape of the folding surface 212 of the folding portion 21. The cooperation between the positioning tray 3 and the folding mold 2 improves the dimensional consistency of the sealing edge. In use, the positioning tray 3 is placed in the battery cell positioning groove 11. The pressing and folding edges of the positioning tray 3 cooperate with the folding portion 21 to provide support for the battery side sealing edge during pressing and folding. After pressing and folding, while maintaining the fold line of the fold, the battery cell is disengaged from the positioning tray by locally deforming the formed fold.
[0049] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the folding mold 2 also includes a vertical positioning part 24 integrally connected to the folding part 21. The vertical positioning part 24 is used to cooperate with the base 1 to ensure that the folding part 21 remains stable during pressing.
[0050] like Figures 7 to 8 As shown in this embodiment, the base 1 has sliding grooves (not shown in the figure) on opposite sides, and the vertical positioning part 24 is slidably disposed in the sliding groove. After the pressing and folding is completed, the folding mold 2 is pulled out from the sliding groove along its length extension direction to remove the battery cell. In this way, when the folding mold needs to be replaced as needed according to parameters such as folding angle and folding gap, the folding mold can be replaced by pulling it out along the extension direction of the sliding groove, which is convenient and quick, improving the applicability and flexibility of the folding device. In other embodiments, the vertical positioning part can be detachably connected to the base by bolts, and the folding mold can be pulled out by removing the bolts after the pressing and folding is completed.
[0051] like Figure 9As shown, in another embodiment, the vertical positioning part 24 is bolted to the base 1, and the positioning tray 3 directly engages with the folding mold 2. Specifically, fastening bolts 6 are used to connect the vertical positioning parts 24 of the two folding molds 2 to opposite sides of the base 1, and the folding part 21 extends beyond the upper surface of the base 1. The positioning tray 3 is placed on the horizontal support surface 211 of the folding part 21, so that the positioning tray 3 is positioned between the opposing folding molds 2. After the folding is completed, the positioning tray 3 is pulled out along the length extension direction of the folding mold 2, and then the battery cell can be removed. In other embodiments, an opening can also be provided on one side of the positioning tray along the length extension direction of the folding mold to facilitate the sliding out of the battery cell after the folding is completed.
[0052] It should be noted that the folding device provided by this utility model can be used in conjunction with existing primary folding mechanisms and secondary folding mechanisms according to actual needs to achieve different folding requirements.
[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A soft-pack battery folding device, comprising a base, characterized in that: It also includes a positioning structure disposed on the base for positioning the battery cell during folding, and a folding unit disposed on at least one side of the positioning structure for supporting and shaping the battery side seal during folding. Each folding unit is provided with a horizontal support surface for supporting the battery side seal during folding, and a folding surface connected to the horizontal support surface at a preset angle for shaping the battery side seal during folding.
2. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two folding units are provided, respectively located on opposite sides of the positioning structure.
3. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A support and avoidance mechanism is provided between the folding unit and the base. The support and avoidance mechanism includes a limiting pin, which enables the folding unit to have a first position that supports the side sealing edge during folding and a second position that avoids the folding edge to remove the battery cell after folding.
4. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support and avoidance mechanism further includes a guide structure for guiding the folding unit when it switches between a first position and a second position. The guide structure includes a guide blind hole on one of the folding unit and the base, and a guide post on the other and guided and engaged with the guide blind hole.
5. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support and avoidance mechanism also includes a spring sleeved on the guide post, with the two ends of the spring abutting against the bottom wall of the guide blind hole and the surface of the folded edge unit opposite to the base, respectively.
6. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The folding unit is strip-shaped and includes a folded portion with a horizontal support surface and a folded surface, and guide portions at both ends of the folded portion. The base is provided with a support and limiting structure that slides with the guide portions.
7. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base is provided with limit frames on opposite sides along the length extension direction of the folded edge unit, and the limit frames constitute the support and limit structure.
8. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The guide portion is anti-detached from the limiting frame.
9. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The folding unit includes a folding portion having the horizontal support surface and the folding surface, and a vertical positioning portion connected to the folding portion. The vertical positioning portion is slidably fitted to or bolted to the base.
10. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The positioning structure includes a cell positioning groove disposed on the base and / or a positioning tray that cooperates with the folding unit.
11. The soft-pack battery folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The preset angle is 90°~170°.