Flattening device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of rubbing devices, for the tab of the end of battery cell is rubbed flat. Including: rotating shaft, rotation is installed in a mounting plate, and is driven to rotate;Multiple rubbing wheels, equiangularly installed in the end surface of rotating shaft, abuts tab;Pressure sensor, for monitoring the pressure of rubbing wheel to tab, the base of pressure sensor is installed in mounting plate, and the pressure end of pressure sensor is connected with rotating shaft.The utility model rubbing device can monitor the pressure of rubbing wheel to tab in real time by setting pressure sensor, improve tab rubbing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of lithium battery automation equipment, and in particular relates to a kneading device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries, flattening the tabs of the cell is one of the key processes. The end of the cell has multiple tabs, which need to be stacked and flattened in a specific order to ensure the stability of the cell structure and the reliability of subsequent casing.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly uses a method of using multiple flattening rollers rotating around the cell axis to flatten the tabs, gradually bringing them closer to the cell during the flattening process. However, this method has the following technical drawbacks: because the dynamic adjustment of the flattening rollers relies on simple mechanical control, if the flattening is overdone, it can easily damage the tab material, even affecting the conductivity and safety of the cell; conversely, if the flattening is insufficient, the tabs may not be able to fit completely, affecting subsequent casing processes and reducing the overall yield of the battery.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an electrode flattening device to improve the quality of electrode flattening. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a kneading device that improves the kneading quality of the electrode ear.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the kneading and smoothing device of this utility model includes:

[0007] A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on a mounting plate and driven to rotate.

[0008] Multiple kneading rollers are mounted at equal angles on the end face of the rotating shaft, abutting against the electrode tabs;

[0009] A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure of the kneading roller against the tab. The base of the pressure sensor is mounted on the mounting plate, and the pressure end of the pressure sensor is connected to the rotating shaft.

[0010] In one embodiment of the kneading and leveling device of this utility model, a plurality of kneading and leveling wheels are respectively rotatably mounted on a kneading and leveling wheel mounting seat, and the kneading and leveling wheel mounting seat is disposed on the end face of the rotating shaft.

[0011] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, a transmission component is further included to drive the kneading wheel to rotate actively. The transmission component includes a first gear slidably connected to the mounting plate and a second gear installed on the end of the kneading wheel away from the battery cell. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other.

[0012] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, the first gear is mounted on the mounting plate by a sliding component, and the sliding component restricts the first gear to move only in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, the kneading wheel mounting seat is slidably mounted on the end face of the rotating shaft and can be close to or away from the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0014] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, the end face of the rotating shaft is further provided with a fine adjustment knob corresponding to a plurality of kneading wheels, and the driving end of the fine adjustment knob is connected to the kneading wheel mounting base.

[0015] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, a rotary motor is mounted on the mounting plate, the rotary motor is connected to a rotating shaft, and the mounting plate is mounted on the driving end of a first driving member, the first driving member driving the mounting plate to move closer to or away from the battery cell.

[0016] In one embodiment of the kneading and leveling device of this utility model, a first dust removal pipe is provided between any two kneading and leveling rollers. The rotating shaft is tubular and has a hollow space inside. The first dust removal pipe is fixed to the end face of the rotating shaft and extends into the hollow space of the rotating shaft.

[0017] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, the first dust removal pipe has at least one arc-shaped pipe wall, the virtual center of which coincides with the axis of rotation.

[0018] In one embodiment of the kneading device of this utility model, the first dust removal pipe is rotatably equipped with rollers, and the rollers contact the electrodes at an angle different from that of the kneading rollers.

[0019] In summary, the kneading and leveling device of this invention can monitor the pressure of the kneading and leveling wheel on the electrode tab in real time by setting a pressure sensor, thereby improving the kneading and leveling quality of the electrode tab. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of part of it;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Structural diagram of the first dust removal pipe in the middle;

[0024] In the diagram: 100, mounting plate; 110, material inlet; 120, second dust removal pipe; 200, rotating shaft; 210, rotor seat; 220, kneading wheel mounting seat; 230, fine-tuning knob; 240, center needle; 241, clearance groove; 300, kneading wheel; 310, conical surface; 320, cone apex; 330, stepped surface; 400, pressure sensor; 500, rotary motor; 600, first driving component; 700. Transmission assembly; 710. First gear; 720. Second gear; 730. Sliding assembly; 731. Outer sleeve; 732. Linear bearing; 733. Sensor mounting base; 734. Force-bearing end mounting base; 735. Mounting block; 800. First dust removal pipe; 810. First end; 820. Second end; 830. First pipe wall; 840. Second pipe wall; 850. Third pipe wall; 860. First mounting platform; 870. Second mounting platform; 871. Inclined surface; 872. Slide groove; 900. Roller; 910. Roller mounting base; 911. Waist-shaped hole; 912. Slider. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a flattening device for flattening the tabs at the end of a battery cell. It includes a vertically arranged mounting plate 100, a rotating shaft 200, multiple flattening rollers 300, and a pressure sensor 400. The rotating shaft 200 is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 100 via bearings and is driven to rotate. Multiple flattening rollers 300 are mounted at equal angles on the end face of the rotating shaft 200, and each roller 300 has a conical surface 310 for flattening the tabs. In this embodiment, two flattening rollers 300 are used; in other embodiments, the number of rollers 300 can be three, four, etc. The pressure sensor 400 is sleeved on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 200, with its base mounted on the mounting plate 100 and its pressure end connected to the rotating shaft 200, for monitoring the pressure of the flattening rollers 300 on the tabs. A rotary motor 500 is provided on the mounting plate 100 to directly or indirectly drive the rotating shaft 200 to rotate. The mounting plate 100 is connected to the drive end of a first drive component 600, which is preferably a linear module whose driving direction is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 200. The battery cell is located on one side of the kneading device, and its axis coincides with the axis of the rotating shaft 200. The rotary motor 500 drives the rotating shaft 200 to rotate, causing multiple kneading rollers 300 to revolve around the axis. The first drive component 600 drives the kneading rollers 300 closer to the electrode tab, and the pressure sensor 400 monitors the pressure of the kneading rollers 300 on the electrode tab. During the kneading process, when the pressure sensor 400 detects that the pressure continuously decreases to zero, the first drive component 600 drives the kneading rollers 300 to feed towards the battery cell at a set value until the pressure sensor 400 detects that the pressure reaches the set pressure, at which point the electrode tab kneading ends. By setting the pressure sensor 400, the kneading device can monitor the pressure of the kneading rollers 300 on the electrode tab in real time, improving the quality of electrode tab kneading.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first driving member 600 drives the flattening roller 300 to move closer to or away from the battery cell. In other embodiments, the battery cell can also be controlled to move closer to or away from the flattening roller 300.

[0028] Furthermore, a rotor seat 210 is provided on the end face of the rotating shaft 200. The diameter of the rotor seat 210 is larger than the diameter of the rotating shaft 200, and it is used to mount multiple kneading roller mounting seats 220. Each of the multiple kneading roller mounting seats 220 corresponds to one of the multiple kneading rollers 300, and each kneading roller 300 is rotatably mounted on the kneading roller mounting seat 220. During the revolution of the multiple kneading rollers 300 around the axis of the rotating shaft 200, each kneading roller 300 contacts the electrode tab and receives the reaction force from the electrode tab, passively rotating on the kneading roller mounting seat 220 around its own axis, reducing dust generated by friction between the kneading roller 300 and the electrode tab.

[0029] The rotating shaft 200 and the rotor seat 210 can be machined as a single unit or set separately.

[0030] Furthermore, the kneading device also includes a transmission assembly 700 for driving the kneading rollers 300 to rotate actively. The transmission assembly 700 includes a first gear 710 and a second gear 720 that mesh with each other. The first gear 710 is slidably mounted on the mounting plate 100 via a sliding assembly 730, and the first gear 710 can only move along the axis of the rotating shaft 200 under the restriction of the sliding assembly 730. The second gear 720 is located at the end of the plurality of kneading rollers 300 away from the battery cell. The first gear 710 is annular, and the rotating shaft 200 passes through the annular space of the first gear 710. The first gear 710 is fixedly disposed relative to the kneading rollers 300. When the rotating shaft 200 rotates, it drives the kneading rollers 300 to revolve around the axis of the rotating shaft 200. Due to the meshing of the first gear 710 and the second gear 720, each kneading roller 300 can actively rotate around its own axis while revolving around the axis of the rotating shaft 200, reducing the dust generated by the friction between the kneading rollers 300 and the electrode tabs.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sliding assembly 730 includes an outer sleeve 731, linear bearings 732, a sensor mounting base 733, a force-receiving end mounting base 734, and a mounting block 735. Both the pressure sensor 400 and the sensor mounting base 733 have through holes for the rotating shaft 200 to pass through. The base of the pressure sensor 400 is mounted on the mounting plate 100 via the sensor mounting base 733, and the pressure end of the pressure sensor 400 is connected to the force-receiving end mounting base 734. Two linear bearings 732 are provided, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft 200. One end of each linear bearing 732 is fixed to the mounting plate 100 via the sensor mounting base 733. The outer sleeve 731 has three through holes for the two linear bearings 732 and the rotating shaft 200 to pass through. The outer sleeve 731 is slidably connected to the linear bearings 732 and rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 200. The pressure end of the pressure sensor 400 is connected to the outer sleeve 731 via the force-receiving end mounting base 734. The first gear 710 is connected to the outer sleeve 731 via two mounting blocks 735. The rotatable connection between the outer sleeve 731 and the rotating shaft 200 allows the rotating shaft 200 to rotate without restriction. The fixed connection between the outer sleeve 731 and the first gear 710, the sliding connection with the linear bearing 732, and the rotatable connection with the rotating shaft 200 allow the first gear 710 and the outer sleeve 731 to move along the linear bearing 732 unaffected during the rotation of the rotating shaft 200, thereby driving the force-bearing end mounting seat 734 to press the pressure end of the pressure sensor 400 and monitor the pressure.

[0032] The kneading roller 300, acting on the reaction force of the tabs, transmits pressure to the second gear 720 and the rotating shaft 200. The second gear 720 then transmits the pressure to the outer sleeve 731. The outer sleeve 731 and the rotating shaft 200, constrained by the linear bearing 732, move along the axis of the rotating shaft 200, transmitting pressure to the pressure end of the pressure sensor 400. The sliding assembly 730 allows the first gear 710 to move along with the rotating shaft 200.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the conical surface 310 of the flattening roller 300 forms a conical apex 320 at one end near the axis of rotation 200, and a stepped surface 330 at the end away from the axis of rotation 200. The generatrix of the conical surface 310 near the cell is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 200. The first virtual flattening plane formed by the flattening roller 300 rotating around the axis of rotation 200 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 200, flattening the tab at the end of the cell. The stepped surface 330 abuts against the root of the tab to prevent the tab from flipping outward.

[0034] The kneading wheel mounting base 220 is slidably mounted on the rotor seat 210 and can be close to or away from the axis of the rotating shaft 200. The rotor seat 210 is circular, and a slide rail extending along the diameter of the rotor seat 210 is provided on its surface. The kneading wheel mounting base 220 is slidably mounted on the rotor seat 210 to facilitate adjustment of the position of the kneading wheel 300, so that the stepped surface 330 abuts against the root of the electrode tab to improve the kneading effect of the electrode tab.

[0035] Furthermore, the rotor base 210 is also provided with a fine adjustment knob 230 corresponding to each of the multiple kneading rollers 300. The drive end of the fine adjustment knob 230 is connected to the kneading roller mounting base 220, and the position of the kneading rollers 300 can be adjusted more conveniently through the fine adjustment knob 230.

[0036] A center pin 240 is provided at the center of the rotor base 210. During the flattening of the electrode tabs, the center pin 240 is used to insert into the mandrel of the battery cell to prevent the electrode tabs from blocking the mandrel of the battery cell. The outer peripheral surface of the center pin 240 is provided with a relief groove 241 for accommodating the conical apex 320. Multiple relief grooves 241 can be provided, and each one is provided in a corresponding manner to the flattening roller 300 to accommodate the conical apex 320 of the flattening roller 300. The relief groove 241 can also be provided as an inwardly recessed annular shape on the outer wall of the center pin 240.

[0037] A first dust removal pipe 800 is provided between any two kneading rollers 300. The rotating shaft 200 is tubular and has a hollow space inside. The first dust removal pipe 800 is fixed to the rotor seat 210. The rotor seat 210 has a through hole for the first dust removal pipe 800 to pass through. The first dust removal pipe 800 extends into the hollow space of the rotating shaft 200. The end of the rotating shaft 200 away from the battery cell is connected to a negative pressure device.

[0038] A roller 900 is rotatably mounted on the end of the first dust removal tube 800 near the battery cell. The roller 900 contacts the electrode tab at an angle different from that of the flattening roller 300. The roller 900 is cylindrical with a cylindrical roller surface. The generatrix of the roller surface near the battery cell is inclined relative to the axis of the rotation shaft 200. That is, the second virtual flattening plane formed by the roller surface rotating around the axis of the rotation shaft 200 is conical. The larger diameter end of the cone is close to the root of the electrode tab, and the smaller diameter end is close to the free end of the electrode tab. Because the first virtual flattening plane of the flattening roller 300 is arranged perpendicular to the electrode tab, the flattening roller 300 directly contacts the electrode tab in a vertical direction, which can easily cause the electrode tab to flip outward. The roller 900 can bring the free end of the electrode tab towards the center line of the battery cell, preventing the electrode tab from flipping outward.

[0039] In other embodiments, the roller 900 may also be configured as a conical roller similar to the kneading roller 300, as long as the roller 900 contacts the electrode at an angle different from that of the kneading roller 300.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the first dust removal tube 800 is elongated, with a first end 810 and a second end 820 along its length, a first tube wall 830 and a second tube wall 840 along its thickness, and a third tube wall 850 connecting the first tube wall 830 and the second tube wall 840. The first end 810 is close to the battery cell, and the second end 820 is away from the battery cell and extends into the hollow space of the rotating shaft 200. The first tube wall 830 is the side wall away from the center pin 240, and is arc-shaped. The virtual center of the first tube wall 830 coincides with the axis of the rotating shaft 200, increasing the contact area between the open end of the first dust removal tube 800 and the end of the battery cell, improving the dust removal effect, and optimizing the spatial layout. The second tube wall 840 is the side wall close to the center pin 240. If needed, the second tube wall 840 can also be arc-shaped to increase the contact area between the open end of the first dust removal tube 800 and the end of the battery cell, improving the dust removal effect and optimizing the spatial layout.

[0041] A first mounting platform 860 and a second mounting platform 870 are provided on the outer side of the first pipe wall 830. The first mounting platform 860 mounts the first dust removal pipe 800 on the rotor seat 210. The second mounting platform 870 is located at the first end of the first dust removal pipe 800 and is used to mount the roller 900.

[0042] The second mounting platform 870 is provided with an inclined surface 871, and the roller 900 is mounted on the inclined surface 871 via a roller mounting seat 910. The roller mounting seat 910 is provided with an oblong hole 911. By adjusting the mounting position of the roller mounting seat 910 on the inclined surface 871 through the oblong hole 911, the mounting position of the roller 900 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 200 and in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 200 can be adjusted simultaneously.

[0043] An inclined surface 871 is machined into the interior of the second mounting platform 870 with a groove 872. The roller mounting base 910 is provided with a slider 912 that cooperates with the groove 872. The groove 872 and the slider 912 can prevent the roller mounting base 910 from tilting when it moves.

[0044] In other embodiments, the roller 900 can also be directly mounted on the first tube wall 830. To avoid interference from the first end 810 of the first dust removal tube 800 with the flattening of the electrode tab, the end face of the first end 810 of the third tube wall 850 is inclined from the first tube wall 830 toward the second tube wall 840.

[0045] Refer again Figure 1 As shown, a receiving port 110 is provided below the multiple kneading rollers 300 to catch the falling dust. The receiving port 110 is connected to the second dust removal pipe 120, and the second dust removal pipe 120 is connected to the negative pressure device.

[0046] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model. The protection scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A flattening device for flattening the tabs at the ends of a battery cell, characterized in that, include: A rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on a mounting plate and driven to rotate. Multiple kneading rollers are mounted at equal angles on the end face of the rotating shaft, abutting against the electrode tabs; A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure of the kneading roller against the tab. The base of the pressure sensor is mounted on the mounting plate, and the pressure end of the pressure sensor is connected to the rotating shaft.

2. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple kneading rollers are rotatably mounted on a kneading roller mounting base, which is located on the end face of the rotating shaft.

3. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission assembly for driving the kneading wheel to rotate actively. The transmission assembly includes a first gear slidably connected to the mounting plate and a second gear mounted on the end of the kneading wheel away from the battery cell. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other.

4. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first gear is mounted on the mounting plate via a sliding assembly that restricts the first gear to move only in the axial direction of the rotation axis.

5. The kneading and leveling device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The kneading wheel mounting base is slidably mounted on the end face of the rotating shaft and can be close to or away from the axis of the rotating shaft.

6. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The end face of the rotating shaft is also provided with a fine-tuning knob that corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of kneading rollers, and the driving end of the fine-tuning knob is connected to the kneading roller mounting base.

7. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A rotary motor is mounted on the mounting plate, and the rotary motor is connected to a rotating shaft. The mounting plate is mounted on the driving end of a first driving member, which drives the mounting plate to move closer to or away from the battery cell.

8. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first dust removal pipe is provided between any two of the kneading rollers. The rotating shaft is tubular and has a hollow space inside. The first dust removal pipe is fixed to the end face of the rotating shaft and extends into the hollow space of the rotating shaft.

9. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first dust removal pipe has at least one arc-shaped pipe wall, the virtual center of which coincides with the axis of rotation.

10. The kneading and leveling device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first dust removal pipe is rotatably equipped with rollers, and the rollers contact the electrode tabs at an angle different from that of the flattening rollers.

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