A battery cell tab gathering device and a tab cutting device

Abstract

This invention provides a battery cell tab gathering device and a tab cutting device. The tab gathering device includes a battery cell box, a first gathering plate, and a second gathering plate. The battery cell box includes an upper box and a lower box that can be closed to each other, forming a first receiving cavity for fixing the battery cell body. The first receiving cavity has an opening. The first gathering plate is fixedly installed at the end of the upper box near the opening. The second gathering plate is fixedly installed at the end of the lower box near the opening. When the upper box and the lower box are closed, the first gathering plate and the second gathering plate cooperate to press and gather the tabs extending outside the opening. The first gathering plate, the second gathering plate, the upper box, and the lower box together form the second receiving cavity. At least a portion of the battery cell body extends from the opening and is received within the second receiving cavity. This invention solves the technical problem that the tab gathering position is too close to the battery cell box, resulting in a limited minimum cutting length for the tabs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery production technology, and in particular to a battery cell tab gathering device and a tab cutting device. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery cell manufacturing process, the tabs, as the core conductive components of the cell, directly affect the performance and safety of the battery product due to their processing precision. In the traditional production process, the tabs need to be positioned and arranged by a tab gathering device first, and then the subsequent tab welding or tab cutting processes are completed while maintaining a stable gathered state to ensure the dimensional accuracy and connection reliability of the tabs.

[0003] However, existing tab gathering devices often have the problem of gathering the tabs too close to the cell box, which limits the minimum size of the effective cutting space between the cell box and the cutting station. This limits the shortest cuttable length of the tabs, thus restricting further reduction in the limit size of the tabs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a battery cell tab gathering device and a tab cutting device to solve the technical problem that the tab gathering position is too close to the battery cell box, which limits the minimum cutting length of the tab.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides a tab-gathering device for a battery cell. The battery cell includes a cell body and tabs, with the tabs formed at the ends of the cell body. The tab-gathering device includes a cell cassette, a first gathering plate, and a second gathering plate. The cell cassette includes an upper cassette and a lower cassette. The upper cassette is movably mounted on the lower cassette and can cover the lower cassette to form a first receiving cavity for fixing the cell body. The first receiving cavity has an opening configured to allow one end of the cell body with the tabs to extend into the first receiving cavity. The cavity is external; a first gathering plate is fixedly installed at one end of the upper material box near the opening; a second gathering plate is fixedly installed at one end of the lower material box near the opening; wherein, when the upper material box and the lower material box are closed together, the first gathering plate and the second gathering plate cooperate to press and gather the electrode tabs extending to the outside of the opening, and the first gathering plate, the second gathering plate, the upper material box and the lower material box together form a second receiving cavity; at least a portion of the battery cell body extends from the opening to the outside of the first receiving cavity and is accommodated in the second receiving cavity.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first gathering plate includes a first fixing part and a first gathering part for fixed connection with the upper material box, and the second gathering plate includes a second fixing part and a second gathering part for fixed connection with the lower material box. When the upper material box and the lower material box are closed together, the first gathering part and the second gathering part are connected to each other to form a closed structure, so as to jointly form the side wall of the second accommodating cavity and press and gather the electrode tab.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first gathering portion includes a first connecting portion and a first pressing portion. The first pressing portion is connected to the first fixing portion through the first connecting portion. The first connecting portion is bent relative to the first fixing portion toward the side away from the feeding box. The first pressing portion is bent downward along the height direction of the battery cell relative to the first connecting portion and is configured to press against one side of the electrode tab. A first recess is formed between the first fixing portion and the first connecting portion, recessed toward the side of the first receiving cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second gathering portion includes a second connecting portion and a second pressing portion. The second pressing portion is connected to the second fixing portion through the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is bent relative to the second fixing portion toward the side away from the feeding box. The second pressing portion is bent upward relative to the second connecting portion along the height direction of the battery cell and is configured to press against the other side of the electrode tab. A second recess is formed between the second fixing portion and the second connecting portion, recessed toward the side of the first receiving cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first gathering plate includes a first pressing part for pressing one side of the electrode tab, and the second gathering plate includes a second pressing part for pressing the other side of the electrode tab. When the upper and lower boxes are closed to each other, the first pressing part and the second pressing part are flush and connected vertically along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity to press and gather the electrode tab.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first groove is provided on the side of the feeding box facing the opening, a first movable member is installed in the first groove, a first fixed part is connected to the first movable member, and the installation position of the first movable member is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity; and / or, a second groove is provided on the side of the unloading box facing the opening, a second movable member is installed in the second groove, a second fixed part is connected to the second movable member, and the installation position of the second movable member is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first movable member includes two first blocks, which are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the first groove and respectively connected to both ends of the first fixed part in the length direction; the second movable member includes two second blocks, which are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the second groove and respectively connected to both ends of the second fixed part in the length direction.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation position of the first fixing part and / or the second fixing part along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity is adjustable.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, two positioning blocks are provided near the opening of the feeding box. The two positioning blocks are respectively installed on both sides in the width direction of the opening and extend at least partially into the second accommodating cavity to form a stop engagement with the end of the battery cell body located in the second accommodating cavity.

[0014] This utility model also provides a tab cutting device, which includes a tab gathering device, a worktable, a flattening component, and a tab cutting component as described in any of the above embodiments. The tab gathering device is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the worktable; the flattening component is disposed on the tab protruding side of the tab gathering device and is used to flatten the tab after it has been gathered by the tab gathering device; the tab cutting component is disposed on the side of the flattening component away from the tab gathering device and is used to cut the tab after it has been flattened by the flattening component; wherein, the second accommodating cavity of the tab gathering device protrudes from the side of the battery cell box facing the flattening component relative to the side of the flattening component to prevent the flattening component from interfering with the battery cell box during movement.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By providing a second receiving cavity outside the first receiving cavity, at least a portion of the battery cell body can extend outside the first receiving cavity and be accommodated within the second receiving cavity during the tab retraction process. This design increases the distance between the battery cell box and the tab retraction position, thereby enabling the tab retraction position to move forward relative to the battery cell box. On one hand, this allows the battery cell box to move backward relative to the cutting station, helping to improve the minimum size limitation of the effective cutting space between the battery cell box and the front cutting station, allowing the size of the effective cutting space to be further reduced, thus enabling shorter tab cutting. On the other hand, by controlling the size of the second receiving cavity, the distance between the tab retraction position and the end electrode of the battery cell body can be adjusted more easily, preventing the risk of damaging the electrode during tab retraction due to excessively small distance, which helps ensure product yield during the battery cell retraction process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0017] In the attached diagram:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrode tab retraction device in the closed state is provided for one embodiment of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view of the embodiment shown;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Side view of the embodiment shown;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region D in the middle;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first gathering plate in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Side view of the embodiment shown;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second gathering plate in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Side view of the embodiment shown;

[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 1 The bottom view of the embodiment shown;

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of region H in the middle;

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the opening structure of the battery cell box when no battery cells are placed in it, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of region E in the middle;

[0033] Figure 16 This is a side view of the battery cell box in the open state in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 17 for Figure 16 Another perspective view of the embodiment shown;

[0035] Figure 18for Figure 17 A magnified view of a portion of region F in the middle;

[0036] Figure 19 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the tab cutting device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 20 For Figure 19 Side view of the embodiment shown;

[0038] Figure 21 for Figure 20 A magnified view of a portion of region G in the middle.

[0039] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0040] 1000. Electrode cutting device; 100. Electrode gathering device; 101. Locking component; 102. Hinge; 110. Battery cell box; 111. Loading box; 1111. First groove; 112. Unloading box; 1121. Second groove; 113. First receiving cavity; 1131. Opening; 1132. First recess; 1133. Second recess; 114. First gathering plate; 1141. First fixing part; 1142. First gathering part; 11421. First connecting part; 11422. First pressing part; 1143. Third elongated hole; 115. Second gathering plate; 1151. Second fixing part; 1152. Second gathering part; 11521. 11522 Second connecting part; 1153 Fourth elongated hole; 120 Second receiving cavity; 130 First movable part; 131 First block; 132 First elongated hole; 133 First fastener; 140 Second movable part; 141 Second block; 142 Second elongated hole; 143 Second fastener; 150 Positioning block; 160 Third fastener; 170 Fourth fastener; 200 Battery cell; 210 Battery cell body; 220 Electrode tab; 300 Worktable; 400 Flattening assembly; 410 Crimping surface; 500 Electrode tab cutting assembly; 510 Upper cutter; 520 Lower cutter; 521 Support surface. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0042] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components. In actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0043] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 21 This utility model provides a tab gathering device 100 and a tab cutting device 1000 for a battery cell 200. The tab gathering device 100 increases the distance between the tab 220 gathering position and the battery cell box 110 by allowing the battery cell 200 to extend at least partially out of the battery cell box 110, thereby improving the minimum size of the effective cutting space between the battery cell box 110 and the tab 220 cutting station, and further expanding the shortest cuttable length of the tab 220.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, the battery cell 200 includes a battery cell body 210 and tabs 220. The tabs 220 are formed at the ends of the battery cell body 210. The battery cell 200 can be a flat structure, a square structure, or other shapes. Optionally, in this embodiment, the battery cell 200 is a flat square-shell battery. The battery cell 200 may have a tab 220 at one end along its length, i.e., a single-tab structure. The battery cell 200 may also have tabs 220 at both ends along its length, i.e., a double-tab structure; this embodiment is not limited to either of these. For ease of description, the following embodiment uses the tab-folding device 100 to fold the tabs 220 of a single-tab structure battery cell 200 as an example for structural description. However, this does not constitute a limitation on the way the tabs 220 are arranged.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 4The electrode retracting device 100 includes: a battery cell box 110, a first retracting plate 114, and a second retracting plate 115. The battery cell box 110 is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper box 111 and a lower box 112. The upper box 111 is movably mounted on the lower box 112 and can close with it to form a first accommodating cavity 113 for fixing the battery cell body 210. The upper box 111 and the lower box 112 can be rotatably connected, meaning that closing or opening between them is achieved by rotating the upper box 111 relative to the lower box 112. Alternatively, the upper box 111 and the lower box 112 can be two separate structures, meaning that closing between them is achieved by bringing them close together, and opening between them is achieved by moving them apart.

[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 14 One side of the upper feeding box 111 in the width direction is rotatably connected to one side of the lower feeding box 112 in the width direction, such as through a hinge 102, which may be one or more. The other side of the upper feeding box 111 in the width direction is connected to the other side of the lower feeding box 112 in the width direction through a locking member 101, which is used to control the tightness of the battery cell box 110 when closed. The locking member 101 may include spring clips, and the number of spring clips may be two. The extension range of the spring clips is determined by the thickness of the battery cell 200. The battery cell box 110 may also be provided with a handle to facilitate the lifting and transportation of the electrode tab gathering device 100 by the operator. The handle may be provided on the upper feeding box 111 or the lower feeding box 112.

[0048] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 (e.g.) Figure 4 An opening 1131 is provided on one side of the cell body 210 (as shown in the X-axis direction). The opening 1131 is configured to allow one end of the cell body 210 with the tab 220 to extend to the outside of the first receiving cavity 113. It should be noted that the length direction of the first receiving cavity 113, the length direction of the cell box 110, and the length direction of the cell 200 are consistent.

[0049] Please see Figure 5The first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 are both disposed on the outside of the cell cassette 110 along its length. The first gathering plate 114 is fixedly connected to the end of the upper cassette 111 near the opening 1131, and the second gathering plate 115 is fixedly installed on the end of the lower cassette 112 near the opening 1131. When the upper cassette 111 and the lower cassette 112 are closed together, the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 cooperate to press and gather the tabs 220 extending outside the opening 1131. Specifically, along the height direction of the cell 200 (e.g., ... Figure 5 (As shown in the Z-axis direction), the first gathering plate 114 is located above the tab 220, and the second gathering plate 115 is located below the tab 220. When the loading box 111 and the unloading box 112 are closed together, the positions of the unloading box 112 and the second gathering plate 115 remain unchanged. The loading box 111 drives the first gathering plate 114 to move closer to the second gathering plate 115. During the approach process, the first gathering plate 114 gathers the tab 220 it touches to the position opposite to the second gathering plate 115. At the same time, the gathered tab 220 extends out from the joint between the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 to facilitate subsequent welding or cutting.

[0050] It should be noted that, in order to facilitate the fixed connection between the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 and the battery cell box 110, optionally, in this embodiment, the first gathering plate 114 is fixedly connected to the end face of the upper box 111 facing the second accommodating cavity 120 by bolts, and the second gathering plate 115 is also fixedly connected to the end face of the lower box 112 facing the second accommodating cavity 120 by bolts.

[0051] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the feed box 111 and the feed box 112 are closed together, the first gathering plate 114, the second gathering plate 115, the feed box 111, and the feed box 112 together form a second receiving cavity 120. The second receiving cavity 120 is located outside the first receiving cavity 113 along its length and communicates with the first receiving cavity 113 through an opening 1131. At least a portion of the battery cell body 210 extends from the opening 1131 to the outside of the first receiving cavity 113 and is accommodated within the second receiving cavity 120.

[0052] In this embodiment, by providing a second accommodating cavity 120 outside the first accommodating cavity 113, at least a portion of the battery cell body 210 can extend outside the first accommodating cavity 113 and be accommodated within the second accommodating cavity 120 when the tab 220 is folded up. This design increases the distance between the battery cell box 110 and the folded position of the tab 220, thereby allowing the folded position of the tab 220 to move forward relative to the battery cell box 110. On the one hand, this allows the battery cell box 110 to move backward relative to the cutting station, which helps to improve the minimum size limitation of the effective cutting space between the battery cell box 110 and the front cutting station, allowing the size of the effective cutting space to be further reduced, thereby enabling the cutting of shorter tabs 220. On the other hand, by controlling the size of the second accommodating cavity 120, the distance between the closing position of the tab 220 and the end electrode of the cell body 210 can be adjusted more conveniently, preventing the risk of damaging the electrode during the closing process of the tab 220 due to the small distance, which helps to ensure the product yield during the closing process of the cell 200.

[0053] Please see Figure 7 In one embodiment of this utility model, the first gathering plate 114 includes a first fixing part 1141 and a first gathering part 1142. The first fixing part 1141 is used to be fixedly connected to the feeding box 111. Specifically, the first fixing part 1141 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the feeding box 111 facing the second receiving cavity 120. The first gathering part 1142 is disposed on the side of the first fixing part 1141 away from the feeding box 111. The second gathering plate 115 includes a second fixing part 1151 and a second gathering part 1152. The second fixing part 1151 is used to be fixedly connected to the unloading box 112. Specifically, the second fixing part 1151 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the unloading box 112 facing the second receiving cavity 120. The second gathering part 1152 is disposed on the side of the second fixing part 1151 away from the unloading box 112. When the loading box 111 and the unloading box 112 are closed together, the first gathering part 1142 and the second gathering part 1152 can be joined vertically along the height direction of the battery cell 200 to form a closed structure, which together constitutes the side wall of the second accommodating cavity 120. During the joining process, the first gathering part 1142 and the second gathering part 1152 can press and gather the tab 220.

[0054] It should be noted that the docking position of the first gathering part 1142 and the second gathering part 1152 can be located at the center of the height direction of the cell 200 or at a position off-center. The specific position needs to be determined according to the setting position of the end tab 220 of the cell 200 after it is gathered.

[0055] In this embodiment, the sidewall of the second receiving cavity 120 is formed by the docking connection of the first gathering part 1142 and the second gathering part 1152. This arrangement eliminates the need for additional structural components to construct the second receiving cavity 120, thus simplifying the structural design of the tab gathering device 100 and reducing the number of parts.

[0056] Please see Figures 7 to 9 In one embodiment of this utility model, the first gathering portion 1142 includes a first connecting portion 11421 and a first crimping portion 11422. The first crimping portion 11422 is connected to the first fixing portion 1141 through the first connecting portion 11421. The first connecting portion 11421 is bent relative to the first fixing portion 1141 toward the side away from the loading box 111. The first crimping portion 11422 is bent downward along the height direction of the cell 200 relative to the first connecting portion 11421 and is configured to press against one side of the tab 220. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 An approximately "Z"-shaped bending structure is formed between the first fixing part 1141, the first connecting part 11421, and the first pressing part 11422. (See also...) Figure 5 A first recess 1132 is formed between the first fixing part 1141 and the first connecting part 11421, recessed towards the first receiving cavity 113. The first connecting part 11421 and the first pressing part 11422 can be planar structures or inclined structures, etc., as long as the pressing and closing requirements between the first pressing part 11422 and the tab 220 can be achieved, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0057] In this embodiment, due to the multi-stage bending design between the first fixing part 1141, the first connecting part 11421, and the first pressing part 11422, the first gathering plate 114 has an overall bent plate structure. Compared with a planar structure, the bent structure of the first gathering plate 114 can have higher rigidity, thereby effectively reducing the risk of changes in the gathering position or size of the tab 220 due to deformation during repeated use, thus helping to ensure the stability of the gathering accuracy of the tab 220. At the same time, since a first recess 1132 is formed between the first fixing part 1141 and the first connecting part 11421, which is recessed towards the first receiving cavity 113, this design allows the fastener at the connection position between the first fixing part 1141 and the loading box 111 to be accommodated in the first recess 1132. Therefore, the situation where the fastener extends to the outside of the first pressing part 11422 can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of the fastener interfering with external structures such as cutting components during subsequent cutting processing.

[0058] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11In one embodiment of this utility model, the second gathering portion 1152 includes a second connecting portion 11521 and a second crimping portion 11522. The second crimping portion 11522 is connected to the second fixing portion 1151 via the second connecting portion 11521. The second connecting portion 11521 is bent relative to the second fixing portion 1151 toward the side away from the unloading box 112. The second crimping portion 11522 is bent upward relative to the second connecting portion 11521 along the height direction of the cell 200 and is configured to press against the other side of the electrode tab 220. An approximately "Z"-shaped bending structure is also formed between the second fixing portion 1151, the second connecting portion 11521, and the second crimping portion 11522. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 A second recess 1133 is formed between the second fixing part 1151 and the second connecting part 11521, recessed towards the first receiving cavity 113. The second connecting part 11521 and the second pressing part 11522 can be a planar structure or an inclined structure, etc., as long as the pressing and closing requirements between the second pressing part 11522 and the tab 220 can be achieved, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0059] In this embodiment, due to the multi-stage bending design between the second fixing part 1151, the second connecting part 11521, and the second pressing part 11522, the second gathering plate 115 is generally a bent plate structure. Compared with a planar structure, the bent structure of the second gathering plate 115 can have higher rigidity, thereby effectively reducing the risk of changes in the gathering position or size of the tab 220 due to deformation during repeated use, thus helping to ensure the stability of the gathering accuracy of the tab 220. At the same time, since a second recess 1133 is formed between the second fixing part 1151 and the second connecting part 11521, which is recessed towards the first accommodating cavity 113, this design allows the fastener at the connection position between the second fixing part 1151 and the unloading box 112 to be accommodated in the second recess 1133. Therefore, it can reduce the situation where the fastener extends to the outside of the second pressing part 11522, thereby reducing the risk of the fastener interfering with external structures such as cutting components during subsequent cutting processing.

[0060] Based on the fact that the first gathering plate 114 includes a first pressing portion 11422 and the second gathering plate 115 includes a second pressing portion 11522, further please refer to... Figure 7In one embodiment of this utility model, with the upper material box 111 and the lower material box 112 overlapping each other, the first pressing part 11422 and the second pressing part 11522 are flush, and the first pressing part 11422 and the second pressing part 11522 are vertically aligned along the height direction of the first receiving cavity 113 to press and close the tab 220. It should be noted that the first pressing part 11422 and the second pressing part 11522 being flush means that the two end faces of the first pressing part 11422 along its own thickness direction are respectively aligned with the two end faces of the second pressing part 11522 along its own thickness direction. Because the first pressing part 11422 and the second pressing part 11522 are flush, this ensures the uniformity of the pressing area of ​​the tab 220 in the vertical direction during the pressing process. This uniform pressing area can effectively reduce the risk of damage or deformation of the tab 220 due to inconsistent pressing areas. Therefore, this design can significantly improve the stability and consistency of the clamping effect of the tab 220.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 13 In one embodiment of this utility model, along the length direction of the battery cell box 110, the upper box 111 is provided with a first groove 1111 on the side facing the opening 1131. A first movable member 130 is installed in the first groove 1111, and a first fixing part 1141 is connected to the first movable member 130. The installation position of the first movable member 130 is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. Along the length direction of the battery cell box 110, the lower box 112 is provided with a second groove 1121 on the side facing the opening 1131. A second movable member 140 is installed in the second groove 1121, and a second fixing part 1151 is connected to the second movable member 140. The installation position of the second movable member 140 is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113.

[0062] The installation position of the first movable component 130 along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113 is adjustable in any way. For example, the first movable component 130 can be automatically adjusted in installation position via a linear movement mechanism, such as a telescopic cylinder, a motor, or a gear and rack structure. The linear movement mechanism is disposed within the first groove 1111, and its output end is fixedly connected to the first movable component 130. When the linear movement mechanism operates, it drives the first movable component 130 to move along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113. Alternatively, the installation position of the first movable component 130 along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted manually.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first movable member 130 is provided with a first elongated hole 132, the length direction of the first elongated hole 132 being consistent with the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The tab retracting device 100 also includes a first fastener 133, the wall of the first groove 1111 being provided with a first threaded hole, the first fastener 133 passing through the first elongated hole 132 and screwed into the first threaded hole. By adjusting the position of the first fastener 133 within the first elongated hole 132, the installation position of the first movable member 130 along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted.

[0064] The second movable member 140 is adjustable in its mounting position along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113, and its adjustment method may be the same as or different from that of the first movable member 130. Optionally, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 13 The second movable member 140 is provided with a second elongated hole 142, the length direction of which is consistent with the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The tab retraction device 100 also includes a second fastener 143, the wall of the second groove 1121 is provided with a second threaded hole, and the second fastener 143 passes through the second elongated hole 142 and is screwed into the second threaded hole. By adjusting the position of the second fastener 143 in the second elongated hole 142, the installation position of the second movable member 140 along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted.

[0065] It should be noted that the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140 can have the same structural shape or different structural shapes. The first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140 can be an integral elongated plate structure or two or more block structures. As long as the connection strength requirements of the first fixing part 1141 and the second fixing part 1151 are met, the specific shape and structure of the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140 are not limited in this embodiment.

[0066] By allowing the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140 to be positionally adjustable along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113, the installation positions of the first retractable plate 114 and the second retractable plate 115 relative to the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted. This configuration, while ensuring that the positioning position of the battery cell 200 within the first accommodating cavity 113 remains unchanged, allows for fine-tuning of the retractable position of the tab 220 by adjusting the installation positions of the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140, thereby improving the convenience and flexibility of adjusting the retractable position of the tab 220.

[0067] Of course, in other embodiments, only the first movable member 130 may be adjustable in position along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113, or only the second movable member 140 may be adjustable in position along the length of the first accommodating cavity 113. By independently adjusting the installation position of the first movable member 130 or the second movable member 140, the alignment accuracy between the first pressing portion 11422 of the first gathering plate 114 and the second pressing portion 11522 of the second gathering plate 115 can be ensured. This design can effectively compensate for the molding error or cumulative assembly error of the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115, thereby helping to reduce the requirements for the processing accuracy and positioning accuracy of the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115.

[0068] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment of this utility model, the first movable member 130 includes two first blocks 131, which are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the first groove 1111 along the width direction of the feeding box 111. The two first blocks 131 are also respectively connected to both ends of the first fixing part 1141 along its length direction, thereby realizing the connection between the first fixing part 1141 and the feeding box 111. Please refer to... Figure 13 The second movable component 140 includes two second blocks 141. Along the width direction of the feeding box 112, the two second blocks 141 are respectively disposed on the opposite side walls of the second groove 1121. The two second blocks 141 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second fixing part 1151 in the length direction to realize the connection between the second fixing part 1151 and the feeding box 112.

[0069] The shapes of the first block 131 and the second block 141 are not limited, and can be rectangular blocks, trapezoidal blocks, square blocks, etc. The shapes of the first block 131 and the second block 141 can be the same or different. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first block 131 and the second block 141 have the same shape, both being rectangular block structures. Specifically, the first elongated hole 132 is disposed on the first block 131, and the second elongated hole 142 is disposed on the second block 141.

[0070] By designing the first movable member 130 as two first blocks 131, and connecting these two first blocks 131 to the two ends of the first fixed part 1141 along its length, and similarly designing the second movable member 140 as two second blocks 141, and connecting these two second blocks 141 to the two ends of the second fixed part 1151 along its length, this design effectively reduces the overall weight of the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140 compared to a single elongated block structure. Furthermore, since the two first blocks 131 are respectively located on opposite side walls of the first groove 1111, and the two second blocks 141 are respectively located on opposite side walls of the second groove 1121, this arrangement makes the connection position of the first connecting part 11421 and the second connecting part 11521 more stable.

[0071] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, the first connecting portion 11421 and the second connecting portion 11521 are adjustable in installation position along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 is consistent with the height direction of the battery cell 200, that is, the installation position of the first connecting portion 11421 and the second connecting portion 11521 is adjustable along the height direction of the battery cell 200. Specifically, the installation position of the first connecting portion 11421 on the feeding box 111 is adjustable along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The installation position of the second connecting portion 11521 on the unloading box 112 is adjustable along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The method by which the first connecting part 11421 is adjustable along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 is not limited. It can be an automatic adjustment method, for example, the first connecting part 11421 can be installed on the feeding box 111 through a linear movement mechanism (cylinder or motor and ball screw structure), the output end of the linear movement mechanism is connected to the first fixed part 1141, and the operation of the linear movement mechanism drives the first fixed part 1141 to move up and down along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. It can also be a manual adjustment method using a long hole and fasteners.

[0072] Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 The first fixing part 1141 is provided with a third elongated hole 1143, the length direction of which is consistent with the height direction of the first receiving cavity 113. The tab retracting device 100 also includes a third fastener 160, the first block 131 is provided with a third threaded hole, and the third fastener 160 passes through the third elongated hole 1143 and is screwed into the third threaded hole. By adjusting the position of the third fastener 160 in the third elongated hole 1143, the installation position of the first movable part 130 along the height direction of the first receiving cavity 113 can be adjusted.

[0073] The adjustable method of the mounting position of the second movable member 140 along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 may be the same as or different from that of the first movable member 130. Optionally, in this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 10 The adjustable mounting position of the second movable member 140 along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be the same as that of the first movable member 130. Specifically, the second connecting part 11521 is provided with a fourth elongated hole 1153, the length direction of the fourth elongated hole 1153 being consistent with the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. The tab retracting device 100 also includes a fourth fastener 170, the second block 141 being provided with a fourth threaded hole, and the fourth fastener passing through the fourth elongated hole 1153 and screwed into the fourth threaded hole. By adjusting the position of the fourth fastener 170 within the fourth elongated hole 1153, the mounting position of the second movable member 140 along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted.

[0074] In this embodiment, by allowing the first retracting plate 114 and the second retracting plate 115 to be positioned along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113, the height or thickness of the retracted tab 220 can be flexibly adjusted. This height adjustability allows the tab retracting device 100 to adapt to the retracting requirements of tabs 220 with different height and thickness dimensions, thereby improving the versatility and adaptability of the tab retracting device 100.

[0075] Of course, in some other embodiments, only the first fixing part 1141 may be adjustable in position along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. Alternatively, only the second fixing part 1151 may be adjustable in position along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113. This configuration can also achieve adjustment of the retracted height or the retracted thickness of the tab 220.

[0076] It should be noted that when the installation positions of the first connecting portion 11421 and the second connecting portion 11521 along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 are adjustable, the installation positions of the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 can be adjusted or not. Optionally, in this embodiment, when the installation positions of the first connecting portion 11421 and the second connecting portion 11521 along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 are adjustable, the installation positions of the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113 are also adjustable.

[0077] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 15In one embodiment of this utility model, two positioning blocks 150 are provided on the unloading box 112 near the opening 1131. The two positioning blocks 150 are respectively installed on both sides of the opening 1131 in the width direction and extend at least partially into the second receiving cavity 120 to form a stop engagement with the end of the battery cell body 210 located in the second receiving cavity 120. The two positioning blocks 150 can be fixedly connected to the unloading box 112 or detachably connected to the unloading box 112. The two positioning blocks 150 can be disposed in the first receiving cavity 113 or on the outside of the first receiving cavity 113, such as being installed on the end wall of the unloading box 112 facing the second receiving cavity 120. Optionally, in this embodiment, one end of the positioning block 150 is fixedly connected to the unloading box 112 and disposed within the first receiving cavity 113, while the other end of the positioning block 150 extends into the second receiving cavity 120, forming a stop engagement with the end of the battery cell body 210 located within the second receiving cavity 120. It should be noted that the portion of the positioning block 150 located within the second receiving cavity 120 only abuts against the end of the battery cell body 210 and does not contact the first gathering plate 114 or the second gathering plate 115, nor does it contact the electrode tab 220. This arrangement ensures that the positioning block 150 will not interfere with the gathering action of the electrode tab 220.

[0078] By setting the positioning block 150, the positioning block 150 forms a stop engagement with the end of the battery cell body 210 located in the second accommodating cavity 120. This enables the positioning of the battery cell body 210 in the second accommodating cavity 120 along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity 113, and avoids the battery cell body 210 from contacting the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115 during the tab 220 retraction process, which would generate abutment force and cause deformation of the first gathering plate 114 and the second gathering plate 115, affecting the tab retraction accuracy.

[0079] Please see Figures 19 to 21 This utility model also provides a tab cutting device 1000, which includes the tab gathering device 100, worktable 300, flattening assembly 400, and tab cutting assembly 500 as described in any of the above embodiments. The tab gathering device 100 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the worktable 300. The worktable 300 can move along the length of the battery cell box 110 to drive the tab gathering device 100 to move towards the tab cutting device 1000. The movement of the worktable 300 can be achieved in various ways, such as by cylinder extension and retraction, or by a motor and ball screw structure. Since the movement of the worktable 300 is a conventional mechanical structure well known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0080] A flattening assembly 400 is disposed on the protruding side of the tab 220 of the tab gathering device 100, and is used to flatten the tab 220 after it has been gathered by the tab gathering device 100. Driven by the first lifting mechanism, the flattening assembly 400 can move along the height direction of the battery cell 200 to flatten the gathered tab 220. A tab cutting assembly 500 is disposed on the side of the flattening assembly 400 away from the tab gathering device 100, and is used to cut the flattened tab 220. The second receiving cavity 120 of the tab gathering device 100 protrudes from the side of the battery cell box 110 facing the flattening assembly 400. This increases the distance between the battery cell box 110 and the flattening assembly 400, as well as between the battery cell box 110 and the tab cutting assembly 500, preventing interference between the flattening assembly 400 and the battery cell box 110 during movement. At the same time, this design allows the flattening component 400 and the tab cutting component 500 to be closer to the tab 220's retracted position, which in turn facilitates the cutting of a shorter tab 220.

[0081] Specifically, the tab cutting assembly 500 includes an upper cutter 510 and a lower cutter 520. The lower cutter 520 is located below the tab 220 and has a support surface 521 that supports the tab 220. The tab 220, after being gathered by the tab gathering device 100, is supported on the support surface 521. The upper cutter 510 is located on the side of the flattening assembly 400 opposite to the second receiving cavity 120. The upper cutter 510 can move along the height direction of the cell 200 under the drive of the second lifting mechanism to cooperate with the lower cutter 520 to cut the tab 220. The flattening assembly 400 has a pressing surface 410 on the side facing the support surface 521. When the flattening assembly 400 moves downward, the pressing surface 410 presses the gathered tab 220 onto the support surface 521 to achieve pressing and positioning of the tab 220 before cutting.

[0082] It should be noted that the first and second lifting mechanisms can be selected from various options, such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, motors and ball screws, motors and gear racks, or any other structure capable of lifting.

[0083] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tab folding device of a battery cell, the battery cell including a battery cell body and a tab, the tab being formed at an end portion of the battery cell body, characterized by, include: A battery cell housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing is movably mounted on the lower housing and can cover each other to form a first receiving cavity for fixing the battery cell body. The first receiving cavity has an opening, which is configured to allow one end of the battery cell body with the tab to extend to the outside of the first receiving cavity. The first gathering plate is fixedly installed at one end of the feeding box near the opening; The second gathering plate is fixedly installed at one end of the feeding box near the opening; When the feed box and the unfeed box are closed together, the first gathering plate and the second gathering plate cooperate to press and gather the electrode tabs extending to the outside of the opening, and the first gathering plate, the second gathering plate, the feed box and the unfeed box together form a second receiving cavity; at least a portion of the battery cell body extends from the opening to the outside of the first receiving cavity and is accommodated in the second receiving cavity.

2. The tab folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein The first gathering plate includes a first fixing part and a first gathering part for fixed connection with the upper material box, and the second gathering plate includes a second fixing part and a second gathering part for fixed connection with the lower material box. When the upper material box and the lower material box are closed together, the first gathering part and the second gathering part are connected to each other to form a closed structure, so as to jointly form the side wall of the second accommodating cavity and press and gather the electrode ear.

3. The tab folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein The first gathering portion includes a first connecting portion and a first crimping portion. The first crimping portion is connected to the first fixing portion through the first connecting portion. The first connecting portion is bent relative to the first fixing portion toward the side away from the feeding box. The first crimping portion is bent downward along the height direction of the battery cell relative to the first connecting portion and is configured to press against one side of the electrode tab. A first recess is formed between the first fixing portion and the first connecting portion toward the side of the first receiving cavity.

4. The tab folding apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by The second gathering portion includes a second connecting portion and a second crimping portion. The second crimping portion is connected to the second fixing portion through the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is bent relative to the second fixing portion toward the side away from the feeding box. The second crimping portion is bent upward relative to the second connecting portion along the height direction of the battery cell and is configured to press against the other side of the electrode tab. A second recess is formed between the second fixing portion and the second connecting portion, recessed toward the side of the first receiving cavity.

5. The tab folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein The first gathering plate includes a first pressing part that presses one side of the electrode tab, and the second gathering plate includes a second pressing part that presses the other side of the electrode tab; when the upper material box and the lower material box are covered by each other, the first pressing part and the second pressing part are flush and are joined together vertically along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity to press and gather the electrode tab.

6. The tab folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein The feeding box has a first groove on the side facing the opening, a first movable component is installed in the first groove, the first fixed part is connected to the first movable component, and the installation position of the first movable component is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity; and / or, The feeding box has a second groove on the side facing the opening, and a second movable part is installed in the second groove. The second fixed part is connected to the second movable part, and the installation position of the second movable part is adjustable along the length direction of the first accommodating cavity.

7. The tab folding apparatus of claim 6, wherein The first movable component includes two first blocks, which are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the first groove and respectively connected to both ends of the first fixed part in the length direction; the second movable component includes two second blocks, which are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the second groove and respectively connected to both ends of the second fixed part in the length direction.

8. The tab folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein The installation position of the first fixing part and / or the second fixing part along the height direction of the first accommodating cavity is adjustable.

9. The tab folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein Two positioning blocks are provided near the opening of the feeding box. The two positioning blocks are respectively installed on both sides of the opening width direction and extend at least partially into the second accommodating cavity to form a stop engagement with the end of the battery cell body located in the second accommodating cavity.

10. A tab trimming device of a battery cell, characterized by, include: The electrode ear retraction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The workbench, wherein the tab retraction device is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the workbench; A flattening component is provided on the tab extension side of the tab retracting device, and is used to flatten the tab after it has been retracted by the tab retracting device. A tab cutting component is disposed on the side of the flattening component away from the tab gathering device, and is used to cut the tab after it has been flattened by the flattening component; The second accommodating cavity of the tab retractor protrudes from the side of the battery cell box facing the flattening assembly to prevent the flattening assembly from interfering with the battery cell box during movement.

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