Bending device and battery cell production equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of battery cell production equipment, and discloses a bending device and battery cell production equipment, which can realize automatic bending of a flexible circuit board at the end part of a battery cell. The flexible circuit board comprises a connecting end and a free end which are connected with each other, and the bending device comprises a pre-bending mechanism which comprises a bending piece which is movably arranged, and the bending piece is configured to abut against the free end and enable the free end to be bent relative to the connecting end when moving; the shaping mechanism comprises a positioning piece and a shaping piece which can move relatively; the positioning piece and the shaping piece are configured to be capable of clamping the free end, so that a preset included angle is formed between the free end and the connecting end; the transfer mechanism comprises a positioning jig; and the positioning jig is movably arranged, so that the positioning jig can drive the battery cell to move between the pre-folding mechanism and the shaping mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of battery cell production equipment, specifically to a bending device and battery cell production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery cell injection molding process, the ends of the battery cell need to be injection molded. The ends of the battery cell have flexible circuit boards, which need to be bent before injection molding so that the bent part of the flexible circuit board is outside the injection molding area.

[0003] Currently, the relevant technologies typically employ manual bending, but manual bending often suffers from drawbacks such as poor quality stability, low production efficiency, and high production costs, failing to meet market demands and enterprise expansion needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a bending device and a battery cell production equipment, which can realize the automatic bending of the flexible circuit board at the end of the battery cell to overcome the defects of manual bending.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a bending device for bending a flexible circuit board at the end of a battery cell. The flexible circuit board includes a connecting end and a free end connected to each other. The bending device includes: a pre-bending mechanism, including a bending member; the bending member is movably disposed and configured to press against the free end during movement, causing the free end to bend relative to the connecting end; a shaping mechanism, including a positioning member and a shaping member; the positioning member and the shaping member are movably disposed relative to each other; the positioning member and the shaping member are configured to clamp the free end so that the free end and the connecting end form a predetermined angle; and a transfer mechanism, including a positioning fixture; the positioning fixture is movably disposed so that the positioning fixture can drive the battery cell to move between the pre-bending mechanism and the shaping mechanism.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the pre-folding mechanism is located on one side of the transfer mechanism along the first direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction; the pre-folding mechanism includes a first driving assembly, the driving end of the first driving assembly being connected to the bending member; the first driving assembly is configured to drive the bending member to move along the second direction so that the bending member and the free end are opposite each other in the first direction; and the first driving assembly is configured to drive the bending member to move along the first direction so that the bending member presses against and drives the free end to bend.

[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the pre-folding mechanism further includes a first connector, one end of which is connected to the drive end of the first drive assembly, and the other end of which is adjustablely connected to the bending member along a second direction.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the shaping mechanism includes a second drive assembly located on one side of the transfer mechanism along a second direction; the third direction intersects both the first and second directions; the drive end of the second drive assembly is connected to the shaping member; the second drive assembly is configured to drive the shaping member to move along the third direction so that the shaping member can approach the positioning member and jointly clamp the free end with the positioning member; and the second drive assembly is configured to drive the shaping member to move along the first direction so that the free end forms a predetermined angle with the connecting end.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the shaping mechanism further includes a second connector, one end of which is connected to the drive end of the second drive assembly, and the other end of which is adjustablely connected to the shaping member along a second direction.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the shaping mechanism further includes a third drive assembly, the drive end of which is connected to the positioning member; the third drive assembly is configured to drive the positioning member to move along a third direction so that the positioning member can approach the shaping member and together with the shaping member clamp the free end.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the shaping mechanism further includes a third connector, one end of which is connected to the drive end of the third drive assembly, and the other end of which is adjustablely connected to the positioning member along the second direction.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the transfer mechanism includes a fourth drive assembly connected to a positioning fixture; the fourth drive assembly is configured to drive the positioning fixture to move along a first direction to move the battery cell between the pre-folding mechanism and the shaping mechanism.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the fourth drive assembly includes a support structure and a fourth horizontal drive member, the support structure being connected between the positioning fixture and the drive end of the fourth horizontal drive member; the positioning member and the third drive assembly are disposed on the support structure.

[0014] Secondly, this utility model also provides a battery cell production equipment, including: the bending device as described above.

[0015] Using the technical solution of this utility model, the positioning fixture drives the battery cell to move between the pre-folding mechanism and the shaping mechanism; when the battery cell is at the pre-folding mechanism, the bending member moves to bend the free end of the flexible circuit board relative to the connecting end, thereby realizing the pre-folding of the flexible circuit board; when the battery cell is at the shaping mechanism, the positioning member and the shaping member clamp the free end, thereby shaping the free end and the connecting end at a position where they form a predetermined angle.

[0016] The bending device of this invention can pre-bend and then shape flexible circuit boards, realizing automatic bending of flexible circuit boards. Compared with manual bending, it has a higher degree of standardization and work efficiency, and lower production cost, which can meet market demand and enterprise expansion needs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible circuit board structure of the battery cell after bending.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bending device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pre-folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shaping mechanism and a transfer mechanism in a coordinated state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of part B in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a shaping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of a shaping mechanism and a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 100. Battery cell; 101. Flexible circuit board; 1011. Connecting end; 1012. Free end; 1013. First surface; 1014. Second surface; 1015. Third surface; 1016. Fourth surface; 102. Bare battery cell;

[0028] 1. Pre-folding mechanism; 11. Bending component; 110. First force application surface; 111. First columnar part; 112. First connecting part; 12. First drive assembly; 121. First support; 122. First horizontal drive component; 123. Second horizontal drive component; 13. First connecting component;

[0029] 2. Shaping mechanism; 21. Positioning component; 210. Positioning surface; 211. Second column part; 212. Second connecting part; 22. Shaping component; 220a. Second force-applying surface; 220b. Third force-applying surface; 221. Hook part; 222. Third connecting part; 23. Second drive assembly; 231. Second support; 232. First lifting drive component; 233. Third horizontal drive component; 24. Third drive assembly; 241. Bracket; 242. Second lifting drive component; 25. Second connecting component; 26. Third connecting component;

[0030] 3. Transfer mechanism; 31. Positioning fixture; 311. Positioning platform; 312. Suction cup; 32. Fourth drive assembly; 321. Support structure; 3211. Base plate; 3212. Column; 322. Fourth horizontal drive component;

[0031] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0033] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] According to an embodiment of this utility model, in one aspect, a bending device is provided for bending the flexible circuit board 101 at the end of the battery cell 100. For example... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1The diagram shows the structure of the flexible circuit board 101 after bending. The battery cell 100 includes a bare battery cell 102 and a flexible circuit board 101, with the flexible circuit board 101 connected to one end face of the bare battery cell 102. The flexible circuit board 101 includes a connecting end 1011 and a free end 1012 connected together. The connecting end 1011 is used to connect to the tab of the bare battery cell 102, and the free end 1012 is usually provided with a connector. Before bending, the connecting end 1011 and the free end 1012 are usually parallel. To facilitate subsequent injection molding of the end of the battery cell 100, the free end 1012 needs to be bent relative to the connecting end 1011 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown), so that the free end 1012 can be located outside the injection molding area.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bending device of this utility model includes a pre-bending mechanism 1, a shaping mechanism 2, and a transfer mechanism 3. The pre-bending mechanism 1 includes a bending member 11. The bending member 11 is movably disposed and configured to press against the free end 1012 during movement, causing the free end 1012 to bend relative to the connecting end 1011.

[0036] Understandably, the direction in which the free end 1012 is bent relative to the connecting end 1011 can be adjusted according to the actual structure of the cell 100 and the applicability of its application requirements. Figure 1 Taking the bending method shown as an example, the connecting end 1011 has a first surface 1013 facing the bare cell 102 and a second surface 1014 away from the bare cell 102, and the free end 1012 is bent toward the direction of the second surface 1014.

[0037] Furthermore, the shaping mechanism 2 includes a positioning member 21 and a shaping member 22. The positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are movably disposed relative to each other and are configured to clamp the free end 1012 such that the free end 1012 forms a predetermined angle with the connecting end 1011. Specifically, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 together clamp at least a portion of the structure of the free end 1012 near the connecting end 1011.

[0038] More specifically, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 have a clearance position and a clamping position, and the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are movably disposed between the clearance position and the clamping position. In the clearance position, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are spaced apart to allow the free end 1012 to be accommodated between the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22. In the clamping position, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are disposed opposite to each other and clamp at least a portion of the structure of the free end 1012 near the connecting end 1011, so that the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 form a predetermined angle.

[0039] It should be noted that the predetermined angle between the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 can be any angle less than 180°. This predetermined angle can be adaptively designed according to actual injection molding requirements, and by adjusting the structure of the shaping part 22 and the positioning part 21, the angle between the shaped free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 can be the pre-designed angle.

[0040] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism 3 includes a positioning fixture 31. The positioning fixture 31 is movably arranged so that it can drive the battery cell 100 to move between the pre-folding mechanism 1 and the shaping mechanism 2.

[0041] Using the technical solution of this utility model, the positioning fixture 31 can drive the battery cell 100 to move between the pre-folding mechanism 1 and the shaping mechanism 2. When the battery cell 100 is at the pre-folding mechanism 1, the bending member 11 moves to bend the free end 1012 of the flexible circuit board 101 relative to the connecting end 1011, thereby achieving the pre-folding of the flexible circuit board 101. When the battery cell 100 is at the shaping mechanism 2, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 clamp at least a portion of the structure of the free end 1012 near the connecting end 1011, thereby shaping the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 at a position where they form a predetermined angle.

[0042] The bending device of this utility model can pre-bend and then shape the flexible circuit board 101, realizing the automatic bending of the flexible circuit board 101. Compared with the manual bending method, it has a higher degree of standardization and work efficiency, and lower production cost, which can meet market demand and enterprise expansion needs.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pre-folding mechanism 1 is located on one side of the transfer mechanism 3 along the first direction X, and the second direction Y intersects the first direction X, and in some cases the two are perpendicular to each other. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pre-bending mechanism 1 includes a first drive assembly 12, the drive end of which is connected to the bending member 11. The first drive assembly 12 is configured to drive the bending member 11 to move along the second direction Y, so that the bending member 11 and the free end 1012 are opposite each other in the first direction X. Furthermore, the first drive assembly 12 is configured to drive the bending member 11 to move along the first direction X, so that the bending member 11 presses against and drives the free end 1012 to bend.

[0044] Understandably, the first drive assembly 12 can drive the bending member 11 to reciprocate along the second direction Y, moving it closer to or away from the free end 1012. When the first drive assembly 12 drives the bending member 11 to approach the free end 1012 along the second direction Y, the bending member 11 and the free end 1012 are opposite each other in the first direction X. When the first drive assembly 12 drives the bending member 11 to move away from the free end 1012 along the second direction Y, the bending member 11 provides clearance space for the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the first drive assembly 12 can drive the bending member 11 to reciprocate along the first direction X, pressing against and driving the free end 1012 to bend or return to its initial position before bending.

[0045] In this embodiment, the bending component 11 is driven by the first driving component 12 to reciprocate along the first direction X and the second direction Y, respectively, to achieve pre-bending of the free end 1012. The control strategy is simple and the pre-bending efficiency is high, thereby ensuring the working efficiency of the bending operation. Furthermore, by controlling the travel of the bending component 11, it is easy to control the degree of pre-bending of the free end 1012 and achieve standardized operation.

[0046] For ease of description, the surface of the free end 1012 that connects to the first surface 1013 of the connecting end 1011 is defined as the third surface 1015, and the surface that connects to the second surface 1014 of the connecting end 1011 is defined as the fourth surface 1016. In this embodiment, when the positioning fixture 31 moves the battery cell 100 to the pre-folding mechanism 1, in the first direction X, the bending member 11 is located on one side of the free end 1012, specifically the side of the third surface 1015 away from the fourth surface 1016; in the second direction Y, the bending member 11 is located on one side of the free end 1012, specifically the side of the free end 1012 away from the connecting end 1011. The first drive assembly 12 drives the bending member 11 to move along the second direction Y, so that the bending member 11 can move to a position opposite to the third surface 1015, that is, the bending member 11 is opposite to the free end 1012 in the first direction X; the first drive assembly 12 drives the bending member 11 to move along the first direction X, so that the bending member 11 abuts against the third surface 1015, and bends the free end 1012 in the first direction X toward the direction closer to the second surface 1014.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first drive assembly 12 may include a first horizontal drive member 122 and a second horizontal drive member 123. The drive end of the first horizontal drive member 122 is connected to the bending member 11 and is used to drive the bending member 11 to reciprocate along the second direction Y. The drive end of the second horizontal drive member 123 is connected to the fixed end of the first horizontal drive member 122 and is used to drive the bending member 11 to reciprocate along the first direction X through the first horizontal drive member 122.

[0048] For example, both the first horizontal drive member 122 and the second horizontal drive member 123 can be linear motion mechanisms such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, linear motor modules, and ball screws, which have smooth operation and high sensitivity.

[0049] For example, the first drive assembly 12 may further include a first support 121, which is connected to the fixed end of the second horizontal drive member 123 to support the first horizontal drive member 122 and the second horizontal drive member 123.

[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pre-folding mechanism 1 further includes a first connector 13, one end of which is connected to the driving end of the first driving assembly 12, and the other end is adjustablely connected to the bending member 11 along the second direction Y. Understandably, after the positioning fixture 31 positions the battery cell 100, the flexible circuit board 101 extends in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the bending member 11 and the first connector 13 are adjustablely connected along the second direction Y to facilitate adjustment of the position of the bending member 11 in the second direction Y, thereby meeting the pre-folding requirements of battery cells 100 of different specifications and improving applicability.

[0051] For example, the driving ends of the first connector 13 and the first drive assembly 12 can be connected by bolts, rivets, snaps, welding, etc.

[0052] For example, the first connector 13 and the bent member 11 can be bolts, snap-fit ​​connections, or sliding connections. Taking the bolted connection between the first connector 13 and the bent member 11 as an example, the first connector 13 can have multiple bolt holes spaced at intervals along the second direction Y, preferably evenly spaced; the bent member 11 can selectively connect to some of the multiple bolt holes, thereby achieving an adjustable connection between the bent member 11 and the first connector 13 along the second direction Y.

[0053] Further, in some embodiments, the bending member 11 includes a first columnar portion 111 and a first connecting portion 112. The two ends of the first connecting portion 112 along the first direction X are respectively connected to the first columnar portion 111 and the driving end of the first horizontal driving member 122, and the first columnar portion 111 is located above the first connecting portion 112. Exemplarily, the first connecting portion 112 can be constructed as a plate-like or block-like structure. The first columnar portion 111 can be constructed as a prism or cylinder. Specifically, a first force-applying surface 110 is formed on the side of the first columnar portion 111. When the bending member 11 moves under the drive of the first driving assembly 12, the first force-applying surface 110 is used to abut against the aforementioned third surface 1015. Preferably, the first force-applying surface 110 of the first columnar portion 111 is curved to reduce or even eliminate the risk of scratching the flexible circuit board 101.

[0054] For example, the first column portion 111 may be made of materials such as coated aluminum alloy or Teflon to better protect the flexible circuit board 101 while meeting rigidity requirements.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figures 5-8 As shown, in the avoidance position, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are respectively located on both sides of the positioning fixture 31 along the third direction Z, so that the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are spaced apart and allow the free end 1012 to be accommodated between them. Here, the third direction Z is the height direction of the bending device, and the third direction Z intersects with both the first direction X and the second direction Y. In some cases, the third direction Z, the first direction X, and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other. This arrangement can prevent the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 from interfering with the battery cell 100 on the positioning fixture 31 before the shaping process. For example, in the avoidance position, the positioning member 21 can be located below the positioning fixture 31 and on the side of the positioning fixture 31 closer to the pre-bending mechanism 1; the shaping member 22 can be located above the positioning fixture 31 and on the side of the positioning fixture 31 closer to the pre-bending mechanism 1.

[0056] In the clamping position, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 move to the height of the free end 1012 to achieve relative positioning; and the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are located on opposite sides of the free end 1012 along the first direction X, so that by moving closer to each other, at least a portion of the structure of the free end 1012 near the connecting end 1011 can be clamped, thereby making the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 form a predetermined angle and be shaped. For example, in the clamping position, the positioning member 21 may be located on the side of the third surface 1015 of the free end 1012 away from the fourth surface 1016, and the shaping member 22 may be located on the side of the fourth surface 1016 of the free end 1012 away from the third surface 1015.

[0057] Thus, during the movement of the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 between the avoidance position and the clamping position, the positioning member 21 can reciprocate along the third direction Z; the shaping member 22 can reciprocate along the third direction Z and the first direction X respectively. Alternatively, the positioning member 21 can reciprocate along the third direction Z and the first direction X respectively; the shaping member 22 can reciprocate along the third direction Z.

[0058] In some embodiments, the shaping mechanism 2 includes a second driving component 23 and a third driving component 24. The second driving component 23 is located on one side of the transfer mechanism 3 along the second direction Y. The driving end of the second driving component 23 is connected to the shaping member 22. The second driving component 23 is configured to drive the shaping member 22 to move along the third direction Z, so that the shaping member 22 can approach the positioning member 21 and jointly clamp the free end 1012 with the positioning member 21. Furthermore, the second driving component 23 is configured to drive the shaping member 22 to move along the first direction X, so that the free end 1012 forms a predetermined angle with the connecting end 1011. The driving end of the third driving component 24 is connected to the positioning member 21. The third driving component 24 is configured to drive the positioning member 21 to move along the third direction Z, so that the positioning member 21 can approach the shaping member 22 and jointly clamp the free end 1012 with the shaping member 22.

[0059] Understandably, the second drive assembly 23 can drive the shaping member 22 to reciprocate along the third direction Z to move closer to or further away from the positioning member 21 in the third direction Z; and the second drive assembly 23 can drive the shaping member 22 to reciprocate along the first direction X to move closer to or further away from the positioning member 21 in the first direction X. At this time, when the second drive assembly 23 drives the shaping component 22 to approach the positioning component 21 along the third direction Z, the shaping component 22 and the positioning component 21 can jointly clamp the free end 1012; when the second drive assembly 23 drives the shaping component 22 to approach the positioning component 21 along the first direction X, the shaping component 22 and the positioning component 21 are in the above-mentioned clamping position, and can jointly generate a clamping force on the connection between the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011, so that the free end 1012 is fixed at a position with a predetermined angle to the connecting end 1011; when the second drive assembly 23 drives the shaping component 22 away from the positioning component 21 along the third direction Z, and the second drive assembly 23 drives the shaping component 22 away from the positioning component 21 along the first direction X, the shaping component 22 can return to the avoidance position.

[0060] Understandably, the third drive assembly 24 can drive the positioning member 21 to reciprocate along the third direction Z, so as to move closer to or further away from the shaping member 22 in the third direction Z. At this time, when the third drive assembly 24 drives the positioning member 21 to move closer to the shaping member 22 along the third direction Z, it can jointly clamp the free end 1012 with the shaping member 22; when the third drive assembly 24 drives the positioning member 21 to move away from the shaping member 22 along the third direction Z, the positioning member 21 can return to the avoidance position.

[0061] For example, such as Figure 7As shown, the second drive assembly 23 includes a first lifting drive member 232 and a third horizontal drive member 233. The driving end of the first lifting drive member 232 is connected to the shaping member 22, and is used to drive the shaping member 22 to reciprocate along a third direction Z. The driving end of the third horizontal drive member 233 is connected to the fixed end of the first lifting drive member 232, and is used to drive the shaping member 22 to reciprocate along a first direction X through the first lifting drive member 232.

[0062] For example, the second drive assembly 23 further includes a second support 231, which is connected to the fixed end of the third horizontal drive member 233 to support the first lifting drive member 232 and the third horizontal drive member 233.

[0063] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the third drive assembly 24 includes a second lifting drive component 242. The drive end of the third lifting drive component is connected to the positioning component 21 and is used to drive the positioning component 21 to reciprocate along the third direction Z.

[0064] For example, the third drive component 24 also includes a bracket 241 for connecting to a work platform or other mechanism to provide support.

[0065] For example, the first lifting drive 232, the third horizontal drive 233, and the second lifting drive 242 can all be linear motion mechanisms such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, linear motor modules, and ball screws, which have smooth operation and high sensitivity.

[0066] Alternatively, in some embodiments not shown in the figures, the driving end of the second driving component 23 is connected to the positioning member 21; and the driving end of the third driving component 24 is connected to the shaping member 22.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the second drive component 23 and the third drive component 24 drive the positioning component 21 and the shaping component 22 to move respectively, thereby enabling them to move between the avoidance position and the clamping position. The control strategy is simple and the shaping efficiency is high, ensuring the working efficiency of the bending operation.

[0068] by Figure 7 Taking the illustrated embodiment as an example, in some embodiments, the shaping mechanism 2 further includes a second connecting member 25 and a third connecting member 26. The shaping member 22 is connected to the driving end of the second driving assembly 23 via the second connecting member 25, and the positioning member 21 is connected to the driving end of the second driving assembly 23 via the third connecting member 26. At least one of the shaping member 22 and the positioning member 21 is adjustablely positioned along the second direction Y.

[0069] For example, one end of the second connector 25 is connected to the drive end of the second drive assembly 23, and the other end is adjustablely connected to the shaping member 22 along the second direction Y position.

[0070] For example, one end of the third connector 26 is connected to the drive end of the third drive assembly 24, and the other end is adjustablely connected to the positioning member 21 along the second direction Y.

[0071] In this embodiment, by adjusting the position of the shaping component 22 in the second direction Y, or adjusting the position of the positioning component 21 in the second direction Y, or simultaneously adjusting the positions of the shaping component 22 and the positioning component 21 in the second direction Y, the shaping requirements of different specifications of battery cells 100 can be met, thereby improving applicability.

[0072] The connection methods of the shaping part 22 and the second connecting part 25, as well as the connection methods of the positioning part 21 and the third connecting part 26, can be the same as the connection methods of the bending part 11 and the first connecting part 13, and will not be described in detail here.

[0073] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the positioning member 21 has a positioning surface 210 for blocking the third surface 1015, and the shaping member 22 has a second force-applying surface 220a for abutting against the fourth surface 1016, and a third force-applying surface 220b for abutting against the second surface 1014. The second force-applying surface 220a and the third force-applying surface 220b form an angle. The positioning surface 210 and the second force-applying surface 220a are arranged opposite to each other and are both planes forming an angle with the connecting end 1011; in some cases, the positioning surface 210 may be parallel to the second force-applying surface 220a. The third force-applying surface 220b can also typically be a plane. When clamped, the positioning surface 210 abuts against the third surface 1015, the second force-applying surface 220a abuts against the fourth surface 1016, and the second force-applying surface 220a abuts against the second surface 1014. Under the clamping force between the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22, the second surface 1014 and the fourth surface 1016 form a predetermined angle and are shaped.

[0074] Understandably, after being shaped by the shaping mechanism 2, the angle between the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 (i.e., the aforementioned predetermined fixture) can be adjusted by changing the angle between the first force-applying surface 110 and the second force-applying surface 220a. From another perspective, the shaping mechanism 2, through the positioning component 21 and the shaping component 22 that define the structure, enables the shaped free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 to present the same angle, achieving standardized operation and facilitating mass production.

[0075] Specifically, in some embodiments, the positioning member 21 includes a second columnar portion 211 and a second connecting portion 212. The two ends of the second connecting portion 212 are respectively connected to the second columnar portion 211 and the driving end of the second lifting drive member 242, and the second columnar portion 211 is located above the second connecting portion 212. Exemplarily, the second connecting portion 212 can be constructed as a plate-like or block-like structure. The second columnar portion 211 can be constructed as a prism or other irregular columnar structure. The aforementioned positioning surface 210 is formed on the second columnar portion 211.

[0076] In some embodiments, the shaping member 22 includes a hook portion 221 and a third connecting portion 222. The two ends of the third connecting portion 222 are respectively connected to the hook portion 221 and the driving end of the first lifting drive member 232. In the first direction X, the hook portion 221 is located at the end of the third connecting portion 222 closer to the transfer mechanism 3. Exemplarily, the hook portion 221 and the third connecting portion 222 can be separately configured or integrally formed, preferably integrally formed. Exemplarily, the hook portion 221 and the third connecting portion 222 can have a plate-like structure.

[0077] For example, the second column portion 211 and the shaping component 22 may be made of materials such as coated aluminum alloy or Teflon to better protect the flexible circuit board 101 while meeting rigidity requirements.

[0078] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 3 includes a fourth drive component 32, which is connected to the positioning fixture 31. The fourth drive component 32 is used to drive the positioning fixture 31 to reciprocate along the first direction X, so as to drive the battery cell 100 to move between the pre-folding mechanism 1 and the shaping mechanism 3. The control program is simple, the working efficiency is high, and it is easy to realize automated control.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the fourth drive assembly 32 includes a support structure 321 and a fourth horizontal drive member 322. The support structure 321 is connected between the positioning fixture 31 and the drive end of the fourth horizontal drive member 322. The positioning member 21 and the third drive assembly 24 are disposed on the support structure 321. In this embodiment, the positioning member 21 and the third drive assembly 24 are disposed on the support structure 321, making the overall structure of the bending device compact and reducing space costs.

[0080] For example, the fourth horizontal drive component 322 can be a linear motion mechanism such as a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, linear motor module, or ball screw, which has smooth operation and high sensitivity.

[0081] For example, the positioning fixture 31 includes a positioning platform 311, at least one suction cup 312 disposed on the positioning platform 311, and a vacuum adsorption component. The positioning platform 311 is mounted above the support structure 321, and the suction cup 312 is connected to the vacuum adsorption component. Under the action of the vacuum adsorption component, the suction cup 312 is used to adsorb and position the battery cell 100 on the upper surface of the positioning platform 311 so as to match the position of the bending member 11, the positioning member 21, and the shaping member 22 in the height direction.

[0082] For example, the support structure 321 includes a base plate 3211 and at least two columns 3212. The at least two columns 3212 are circumferentially spaced around the base plate 3211 and connected to the top of the base plate 3211. The bottom of the base plate 3211 is connected to the driving end of the fourth horizontal drive member 322, and the top of the columns 3212 is connected to the positioning platform 311. The positioning member 21 and the third drive assembly 24 are connected to the base plate 3211; specifically, the bracket 241 of the third drive assembly 24 is connected to the base plate 3211.

[0083] In some embodiments, the bending device may include two sets of the pre-bending mechanism 1 and the shaping mechanism 2 described above, the two sets of pre-bending mechanism 1 and the shaping mechanism 2 being symmetrically arranged in the second direction Y, for use in realizing the bending operation of the battery cell 100 having a double flexible circuit board 101 type.

[0084] The bending process of the bending device of this utility model is described below, taking cylinders as an example of each driving component:

[0085] 1. The positioning fixture 31 positions and fixes the battery cell 100 onto the positioning platform 311. The fourth horizontal drive component 322 extends (in its original retracted state) and drives the battery cell 100 into the pre-folding position. The pre-folding position refers to the location of the pre-folding mechanism 1.

[0086] 2. After the battery cell 100 enters the pre-folding position, the first horizontal drive member 122 retracts (from its original extended state), driving the bending member 11 to approach the free end 1012 of the flexible circuit board 101 along the second direction Y, and making the bending member 11 and the free end 1012 face each other from above; the second horizontal drive member 123 retracts (from its original extended state), driving the bending member 11 to press against the free end 1012 along the first direction X, and the bending member 11 pulls the free end 1012 of the flexible circuit board 101 from a horizontal state to an inclined state, that is, makes the free end 1012 bend relative to the connecting end 1011; the horizontal state refers to the state in which the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 are parallel, and the inclined state refers to the state in which the free end 1012 and the connecting end 1011 form an angle; in this step, the bending member 11 moves at a right angle on the horizontal plane;

[0087] 3. After pre-folding is completed, the second horizontal drive member 123 extends, the first horizontal drive member 122 extends, and the bending member 11 returns to the initial position; the fourth horizontal drive member 322 retracts, driving the battery cell 100 into the shaping position; the shaping position is the location of the shaping mechanism 2; at this time, the positioning member 21 and the shaping member 22 are in a clearance position.

[0088] 4. The second lifting drive component 242 rises, causing the positioning component 21 to rise; the first lifting drive component 232 descends, causing the shaping component 22 to descend, and the positioning component 21 and the shaping component 22 face each other and jointly clamp the free end 1012; the third horizontal drive component 233 retracts, causing the shaping component 22 to move along the first direction X, and the shaping component 22 and the positioning component 21 jointly clamp the free end 1012, fixing the free end 1012 to a position that forms a predetermined angle with the connecting end 1011, thus completing the bending of the flexible circuit board 101. In this step, the movement path of the shaping component 22 in the vertical plane is at a right angle.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, another aspect provides a battery cell production equipment, including a bending device as described in the above embodiments. The battery cell production equipment of the present invention, by utilizing the aforementioned bending device, can achieve automatic bending of the flexible circuit board 101, and has at least the following advantages: First, it has a high degree of standardization, resulting in good product quality stability, unaffected by the operator's condition or skill level; second, it saves labor costs and reduces the production cost of the battery cell 100; third, it has high bending efficiency, thereby improving the production efficiency of the battery cell 100, meeting capacity requirements, and enhancing the company's market competitiveness.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bending device for bending a flexible circuit board (101) at the end of a battery cell (100), the flexible circuit board (101) comprising a connecting end (1011) and a free end (1012) connected together; characterized in that, include: A pre-folding mechanism (1) includes a bending member (11); the bending member (11) is movably disposed and configured to press against the free end (1012) during movement and cause the free end (1012) to bend relative to the connecting end (1011); The shaping mechanism (2) includes a positioning element (21) and a shaping element (22); the positioning element (21) and the shaping element (22) are movably disposed relative to each other; the positioning element (21) and the shaping element (22) are configured to clamp the free end (1012) so that the free end (1012) and the connecting end (1011) form a predetermined angle; The transfer mechanism (3) includes a positioning fixture (31); the positioning fixture (31) is movably arranged so that the positioning fixture (31) can drive the battery cell (100) to move between the pre-folding mechanism (1) and the shaping mechanism (2).

2. The bending device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-folding mechanism (1) is located on one side of the transfer mechanism (3) along the first direction (X), and the second direction (Y) intersects with the first direction (X); The pre-folding mechanism (1) includes a first drive assembly (12), the drive end of which is connected to the bending member (11); the first drive assembly (12) is configured to drive the bending member (11) to move along the second direction (Y) so that the bending member (11) and the free end (1012) are opposite each other in the first direction (X); and the first drive assembly (12) is configured to drive the bending member (11) to move along the first direction (X) so that the bending member (11) presses against and drives the free end (1012) to bend.

3. The bending device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pre-folding mechanism (1) further includes a first connector (13), one end of which is connected to the driving end of the first driving assembly (12), and the other end is adjustablely connected to the bending member (11) along the second direction (Y).

4. The bending device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shaping mechanism (2) includes a second drive component (23), which is located on one side of the transfer mechanism (3) along the second direction (Y); the third direction (Z) intersects both the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y); The driving end of the second driving component (23) is connected to the shaping member (22); the second driving component (23) is configured to drive the shaping member (22) to move along the third direction (Z) so that the shaping member (22) moves closer to the positioning member (21) and together with the positioning member (21) clamps the free end (1012); and the second driving component (23) is configured to drive the shaping member (22) to move along the first direction (X) so that the free end (1012) and the connecting end (1011) form a predetermined angle.

5. The bending device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shaping mechanism (2) further includes a second connector (25), one end of which is connected to the driving end of the second driving assembly (23), and the other end is adjustablely connected to the shaping member (22) along the second direction (Y).

6. The bending device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shaping mechanism (2) further includes a third drive component (24), the drive end of which is connected to the positioning member (21); the third drive component (24) is configured to drive the positioning member (21) to move along the third direction (Z) so that the positioning member (21) moves closer to the shaping member (22) and together with the shaping member (22) clamps the free end (1012).

7. The bending device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shaping mechanism (2) further includes a third connector (26), one end of which is connected to the driving end of the third driving assembly (24), and the other end is adjustablely connected to the positioning member (21) along the second direction (Y).

8. The bending device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism (3) includes a fourth drive component (32) connected to the positioning fixture (31); the fourth drive component (32) is configured to drive the positioning fixture (31) to move along the first direction (X) to drive the battery cell (100) to move between the pre-folding mechanism (1) and the shaping mechanism (2).

9. The bending device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth drive assembly (32) includes a support structure (321) and a fourth horizontal drive member (322), wherein the support structure (321) is connected between the positioning fixture (31) and the drive end of the fourth horizontal drive member (322); The positioning element (21) and the third driving component (24) are disposed on the support structure (321).

10. A battery cell manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: The bending device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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