Tab flattening device and battery welding system

Abstract

This utility model provides a tab flattening device and a battery welding system, belonging to the technical field of flattening devices. It includes a connector capable of moving in a linear direction; a flattening component connected to the connector, comprising two spaced-apart flattening portions, the gap between which forms a laser space for laser passage; each flattening portion includes a flattening end capable of contacting and moving relative to the tab; and the flattening component capable of changing position relative to the connector; and an elastic component fixedly disposed between the connector and the flattening component. The advantages are that the flattening component can change position relative to the connector, thereby causing the elastic component to deform and dynamically adjusting its elastic force; simultaneously, the laser space formed by the gap between the two flattening portions allows the laser beam to pass through synchronously during the flattening process, achieving coordinated flattening action and laser welding, ensuring processing accuracy and process continuity, and realizing efficient synergy between mechanical flattening and laser technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of flattening devices, and particularly relates to a tab flattening device and a battery welding system. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of lithium batteries, the tabs, as key conductive components connecting the cell to the external circuitry, directly affect the battery's performance, safety, and consistency. During subsequent packaging or module assembly, laser welding is often required to achieve a reliable electrical connection with the terminals or connectors. However, due to the tendency for tabs to warp, wrinkle, or have uneven surfaces during stamping, transport, or stacking, direct laser welding can lead to defects such as poor contact, incomplete welds, burn-through, or uneven welds, severely impacting weld strength and electrical performance.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies typically employ mechanical flattening devices to pre-press the tabs before laser welding, flattening their surfaces and improving the smoothness of the welding area. However, traditional flattening structures are mostly rigid connections with non-adjustable pressing force. When dealing with tabs of varying thicknesses, materials, or with slight height deviations, excessive pressure can easily cause the tabs to stretch, deform, or even be damaged, while insufficient pressure can result in poor flattening effects, making it difficult to meet the demands of high-precision, high-consistency automated production.

[0004] In existing technologies, flattening and laser welding are often performed in separate steps, resulting in process intervals and making it difficult to achieve true synchronous follow-up processing. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in existing technologies by proposing a flexible and flattenable electrode flattening device that moves in tandem with laser welding.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: a tab flattening device, comprising:

[0007] A connector capable of moving along a straight line;

[0008] A flattening component is connected to the connecting component. The flattening component includes two spaced flattening portions. The gap between the two flattening portions forms a laser space for laser transmission. Each flattening portion includes a flattening end, which can contact the electrode tab and move relative to the electrode tab. The flattening component can also change position relative to the connecting component.

[0009] An elastic element is fixedly disposed between the connecting element and the flattening element.

[0010] In the above-mentioned electrode flattening device, the flattening end is rotatably provided with a roller, the roller is used to contact the electrode, and the rolling direction of the roller is parallel to the moving direction of the connecting member.

[0011] In the above-mentioned tab flattening device, the two flattening parts are distributed along the linear movement direction of the connector.

[0012] In the above-mentioned tab flattening device, the flattening member is rotatably connected to the connecting member, and there are two elastic members. The two elastic members are distributed at intervals along the moving direction of the connecting member, and the two elastic members are symmetrically arranged around the rotational connection point between the flattening member and the connecting member.

[0013] In the above-mentioned tab flattening device, a connecting bracket is fixedly provided between the two flattening parts, and the connecting bracket is rotatably connected to the connecting member.

[0014] In the above-mentioned electrode flattening device, the elastic element includes a spring, the connecting element includes a connecting portion, the connecting portion is disposed at the end of the flattening element, and spring grooves are provided on both the connecting portion and the connecting bracket, with the two ends of the spring extending into the corresponding spring grooves respectively.

[0015] In the above-mentioned tab flattening device, the connector moves linearly along a first direction, and the position of the connector is adjustable in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0016] In the aforementioned tab flattening device, a mounting bracket is further included. The mounting bracket is provided with a first driving member and a first slide rail extending in a first direction. The first slide rail is provided with a first sliding part that can slide along its extension direction. The first sliding part is drivenly connected to the first driving member. The first sliding part is provided with a second slide rail extending in a second direction. The second slide rail is provided with a second sliding part that can slide along its extension direction. The second slide rail is provided with a second driving member that is drivenly connected to the second sliding part. The connecting member is fixedly disposed on the second sliding part.

[0017] In the above-mentioned tab flattening device, the connector further includes a fixing part, which is fixedly connected to the second sliding part. The fixing part is provided with an abutting part, which includes an abutting surface. When the fixing part is fixed on the second sliding part, the abutting surface abuts against the end face of the second sliding part.

[0018] A battery welding system includes the aforementioned tab flattening device.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] (1) The laser space formed by the gap between the two flattening parts allows the laser beam to pass through synchronously during the flattening process, realizing the follow-up coordination between the flattening action and laser welding, ensuring processing accuracy and process continuity, and realizing the efficient synergy between mechanical flattening and laser process.

[0021] (2) The flattening end is equipped with rollers that are used to contact the electrode tabs. The rolling direction of the rollers is parallel to the moving direction of the connecting parts. The addition of rollers reduces the sliding friction between the flattening end and the electrode tabs, avoiding damage or wear to the electrode tab surface caused by friction, and improving the processing quality.

[0022] (3) As the connecting parts drive the flattening device to move continuously along a straight line, the laser beam passes through the laser space between the two flattening parts to complete the welding. Then, the rear flattening part immediately presses the welded area to solidify. This solidification action helps to suppress local warping or deformation of the material caused by thermal stress after welding, improves the flatness and structural stability of the weld, and further solidifies the welding effect. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrode flattening device;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connection between the connecting piece and the flattening piece;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the medium-pressure flat component;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A diagram from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a laser welding device.

[0029] In the figure, 100 is a connector; 101 is a fixing part; 102 is a connecting part; 103 is an abutting part; 104 is an abutting surface; 200 is a flattening part; 201 is a flattening part; 202 is a roller; 203 is a connecting bracket; 204 is a rotating bearing; 205 is a spring groove; 206 is a flattening end; 207 is a laser space; 300 is an elastic element; 400 is a mounting bracket; 401 is a first driving element; 402 is a first slide rail; 403 is a first sliding part; 404 is a second driving element; 405 is a second slide rail; 406 is a second sliding part; 407 is a position monitoring sensor; and 408 is a monitoring block. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0032] like Figures 1-5 As shown, an electrode flattening device includes:

[0033] A connector 100 capable of moving along a straight line;

[0034] The flattening member 200 is connected to the connector 100. The flattening member 200 includes two spaced flattening portions 201. The gap between the two flattening portions 201 forms a laser space 207 for the laser to pass through. Each flattening portion 201 includes a flattening end 206. The flattening end 206 can contact the electrode tab and move relative to the electrode tab. The flattening member 200 can change its position relative to the connector 100.

[0035] The elastic element 300 is fixedly disposed between the connecting element 100 and the flattening element 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, by providing an elastic element 300 between the connector 100 and the flattening element 200, the flattening element 200 can change position relative to the connector 100, thereby causing the elastic element 300 to deform and achieving dynamic adjustment of the elastic force of the elastic element 300. This structure allows the flattening force between the flattening end 206 and the tab to be adaptively adjusted according to the actual contact state. Even when there are height differences on the tab surface, a stable and appropriate pressing force can still be maintained, avoiding deformation or damage to the tab due to rigid contact. At the same time, the laser space 207 formed by the gap between the two flattening parts 201 allows the laser beam to pass through synchronously during the flattening process, realizing the follow-up coordination between the flattening action and laser welding, ensuring processing accuracy and process continuity, and achieving efficient synergy between mechanical flattening and laser technology.

[0037] It should be noted that the battery pack contains one or more layers of battery cells. The battery pack is placed under the welding device, and the positive and negative electrode tabs between adjacent cells in the horizontal direction and / or between cells stacked in the vertical direction are welded to achieve series connection between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells.

[0038] Preferably, the flattening end 206 is rotatably provided with a roller 202, which is used to contact the electrode tab. The rolling direction of the roller 202 is parallel to the moving direction of the connector 100. The addition of the roller 202 reduces the sliding friction between the flattening end 206 and the electrode tab, avoids damage or wear to the electrode tab surface caused by friction, and improves the processing quality.

[0039] Roller 202 can better adapt to the small irregularities on the surface of the tab. Its rolling characteristics allow it to automatically adjust the contact point when encountering surface undulations, maintaining a stable contact state without affecting the processing or causing product defects.

[0040] Two flattening parts 201 are distributed along the linear movement direction of the connector 100 and act directly on the laser welding area to ensure that both sides of the welding area are flattened at the same time during the laser welding process, thereby achieving an instantaneous and uniform pressure distribution.

[0041] Furthermore, as the connector 100 drives the flattening device to move continuously along a straight line, after the laser beam passes through the laser space 207 between the two flattening parts 201 to complete the welding, the flattening part 201 located behind immediately presses the welded area to solidify. This solidification action helps to suppress local warping or deformation of the material caused by thermal stress after welding, improves the flatness and structural stability of the weld, and further solidifies the welding effect.

[0042] Furthermore, the flattening component 200 is rotatably connected to the connecting component 100, allowing the flattening component 200 to rotate slightly around the connection point during the flattening process. When there are height differences or assembly deviations on the electrode tab surfaces, the two flattening parts 201 can adaptively adjust their contact angle with the electrode tabs through rotation, ensuring that the flattening ends 206 on both sides (especially the structure with rollers 202) always fit well with the electrode tab surface, avoiding one-sided suspension or excessive local pressure, and improving the uniformity and reliability of flattening.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, in one optional embodiment, there are two elastic elements 300. The two elastic elements 300 are spaced apart along the moving direction of the connector 100 and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotation connection point to form a balanced elastic support structure. During the flattening process, if the force on one side changes (such as warping of the tab edge), the symmetrically arranged elastic elements 300 can generate a reverse torque through compression or tension, automatically adjusting the posture of the flattening member 200, suppressing deflection, maintaining overall force balance, preventing shaking or uneven loading during device operation, and significantly improving operational stability and flattening consistency. In other optional embodiments, there can be only one elastic element 300, located above the rotation connection point between the flattening member 200 and the connector 100, which can still achieve a certain degree of posture adaptive adjustment, simplifying the structural design while satisfying the basic flattening function.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the flattening member 200 can rotate relative to the connecting member 100 to change their position. In other embodiments, the flattening member 200 can move up and down relative to the connecting member 100 to change its position, which can also achieve the technical effect of this application. Regardless of the method used, the flattening force can be dynamically adjusted through the action of the elastic member 300, avoiding material damage caused by excessive pressure or insufficient flattening caused by insufficient pressure.

[0045] Specifically, a connecting bracket 203 is fixedly provided between the two flattening parts 201 to form an integral rigid structure, thereby improving the structural stability of the two flattening parts 201 during the movement process, preventing deflection, twisting or relative displacement caused by uneven force, and ensuring that the front and rear flattening parts 201 move in a consistent and synchronous manner during the flattening process. The connecting bracket 203 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 100.

[0046] Both the connecting bracket 203 and the connecting member 100 are fixedly equipped with rotating bearings 204. The inner rings of the two rotating bearings 204 are respectively fixed to both ends of a connecting shaft, so that the connecting bracket 203 can rotate relative to the connecting member 100, and as... Figure 4 As shown in the figure, in one specific embodiment, the two flattening parts 201 are integrally disposed on the same side of the connecting bracket 203, that is, the two flattening parts 201 protrude from the connecting bracket 203, so as to avoid interference with other components when the laser is emitted.

[0047] The connecting bracket 203, as an integrated structural component, also serves as a connecting carrier for the two elastic elements 300. The connecting bracket 203 can evenly transmit the elastic force of the elastic elements 300 to the two flattening parts 201, forming a balanced elastic support system. During the flattening process, when the force on one side changes, the symmetrically arranged elastic elements 300 work together through the connecting bracket 203 to generate a restoring torque, suppressing deflection and maintaining overall posture stability.

[0048] Specifically, both the connecting part 102 and the connecting bracket 203 are provided with spring grooves 205, and both ends of the spring extend into the corresponding spring grooves 205. This ensures that the spring will not shift or fall off during operation, enhancing the structural stability and reliability of the entire flattening device. When the flattening part 200 rotates or moves relative to the connecting part 100, the spring can automatically adjust its elastic force according to the actual contact situation, ensuring that the pressure applied to the electrode tab is uniform.

[0049] Further defined, the connector 100 moves linearly along a first direction, and its position is adjustable in a second direction, with the first and second directions perpendicular to each other. The linear movement of the connector 100 along the first direction allows the entire flattening assembly to operate smoothly and continuously in that direction, performing a sustained flattening operation on the electrode tabs. The adjustable position of the connector 100 in the second direction allows the operator to fine-tune the position of the flattening component 200 according to actual needs, accommodating electrode tab materials of different heights and improving the equipment's adaptability to different specifications and types of workpieces.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first direction is the horizontal direction and the second direction is the vertical direction.

[0051] When setting up a new production line or changing product models, the preparation work can be completed simply by adjusting the position of connector 100, without the need for complex mechanical modifications or recalibration, which greatly simplifies the commissioning process.

[0052] Specifically, it also includes a mounting bracket 400, on which a first driving member 401 (e.g., a servo motor or linear motor) and a first slide rail 402 extending in a first direction are provided. The first slide rail 402 is provided with a first sliding part 403 that can slide along its extension direction. The first sliding part 403 is drivenly connected to the first driving member 401. The first sliding part 403 is provided with a second slide rail 405 extending in a second direction. The second slide rail 405 is provided with a second sliding part 406 that can slide along its extension direction. The second slide rail 405 is provided with a second driving member 404 that is drivenly connected to the second sliding part 406. The connecting member 100 is fixedly disposed on the second sliding part 406.

[0053] When different types of products need to be processed on the same production line, the equipment can be quickly repositioned simply by adjusting the parameters of the first drive component 401 and the second drive component 404 through the control system. There is no need to manually adjust the mechanical parts, which greatly simplifies the debugging and product switching process.

[0054] It is worth mentioning that a position monitoring sensor 407 is also provided on the first slide rail 402, and a monitoring block 408 is fixedly provided on the first sliding part 403. The position monitoring sensor 407 can monitor the position of the monitoring block 408 in order to correct and monitor the precise running position of the first sliding part 403 on the first slide rail 402.

[0055] Further specifying, the connector 100 also includes a fixing part 101, which is integrally formed with the connecting part 102. The fixing part 101 is fixedly connected to the second sliding part 406. The fixing part 101 is provided with an abutment part 103, which includes an abutment surface 104. When the fixing part 101 is fixed to the second sliding part 406, the abutment surface 104 abuts against the end face of the second sliding part 406. This forms a precise axial positioning reference, avoiding the cumulative errors or slight offsets that may result from bolt tightening alone. It ensures that the connector 100 maintains a consistent spatial position every time it is installed on the second sliding part 406, significantly improving the repeatability of the device. Through surface contact abutment, the axial gap between the connector 100 and the second sliding part 406 can also be eliminated, preventing vibration or positional drift caused by slight loosening during high-speed movement or frequent start-stop operations, thus improving overall operational stability.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, a battery welding system includes the aforementioned tab flattening device and a laser generator 500. The laser emitted by the laser generator 500 passes through the laser space 207 and reaches the tab.

[0057] It should be noted that in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly defined. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0059] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tab flattening device, characterized by, include: A connector capable of moving along a straight line; A flattening component is connected to the connecting component. The flattening component includes two spaced flattening portions. The gap between the two flattening portions forms a laser space for laser transmission. Each flattening portion includes a flattening end for contacting and moving relative to the electrode tab. The flattening component is also capable of changing its position relative to the connecting component. An elastic element is fixedly disposed between the connecting element and the flattening element.

2. The tab flattening device of claim 1, wherein, The flattening end is rotatably equipped with a roller, which is used to contact the electrode tab, and the rolling direction of the roller is parallel to the moving direction of the connector.

3. The tab flattening device of claim 1, wherein, The two flattening portions are distributed along the linear movement direction of the connector.

4. The tab flattening device of claim 1, wherein, The flattening component is rotatably connected to the connecting component.

5. The tab flattening device of claim 4, wherein, A connecting bracket is fixedly provided between the two flattening parts, and the connecting bracket is rotatably connected to the connecting member.

6. The tab flattening device of claim 5, wherein, The elastic element includes a spring, and the connecting element includes a connecting portion. The connecting portion is disposed at the end of the flattening element. Both the connecting portion and the connecting bracket are provided with spring grooves, and the two ends of the spring extend into the corresponding spring grooves.

7. The tab flattening device of claim 1, wherein, The connector moves linearly along a first direction, and its position is adjustable in a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

8. The tab flattening device of claim 7, wherein, It also includes a mounting bracket, on which a first driving member and a first slide rail extending in a first direction are provided. The first slide rail is provided with a first sliding part that can slide along its extension direction, and the first sliding part is drivenly connected to the first driving member. The first sliding part is provided with a second slide rail extending in a second direction, and the second slide rail is provided with a second sliding part that can slide along its extension direction. The second slide rail is provided with a second driving member that is drivenly connected to the second sliding part, and the connecting member is fixedly provided on the second sliding part.

9. The tab flattening device of claim 8, wherein, The connector further includes a fixing part, which is fixedly connected to the second sliding part. The fixing part is provided with an abutting part, which includes an abutting surface. When the fixing part is fixed on the second sliding part, the abutting surface abuts against the end face of the second sliding part.

10. A battery welding system characterized by, Includes the tab flattening device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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