A battery cell fixing mechanism and a tab cutting machine

Abstract

This application provides a battery cell fixing mechanism and a tab cutting machine. The battery cell fixing mechanism is used to fix the battery cell before welding or cutting the tabs. The battery cell fixing mechanism includes a carrier plate, a cover plate, a limiting component, and a fastening component. The cover plate is located above the carrier plate, and the first end of the cover plate is rotatably connected to the first end of the carrier plate. The limiting component is distributed around the carrier plate. The fastening component is used to press the cover plate and the battery cell onto the carrier plate. The battery cell fixing mechanism provided by this application limits the battery cell around its perimeter through the limiting component, clamps the cover plate and the carrier plate in the thickness direction of the battery cell, and the fastening component further limits the cover plate, thereby ensuring the overall regularity and fixation of the battery cell body, and thus ensuring the accuracy of tab welding or tab cutting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium battery production equipment manufacturing, specifically a cell fixing mechanism and a tab cutting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Each battery cell has two tabs: a positive tab and a negative tab. During the assembly and processing of the battery cells, the tabs need to be soldered. Generally, the tabs of each battery cell are pre-soldered first, and then paired up in pairs, with an adapter piece added for intermediate soldering. Before the tabs are pre-soldered, the battery cell's tabs are still composed of multiple thin sheets stacked together, in a relatively loose state, and the positions of the tabs are quite messy. Pre-soldering requires aligning the tabs with the corresponding electrodes, so it is necessary to ensure accurate soldering positions.

[0003] The existing solution uses a cell fixture, such as CN217727842U, to fix the cells to be welded, and then transports them to the welding station for welding and the cutting station for cutting. Since the existing cell fixture uses a rotating cylinder to drive a clamping block to press the cell from above to limit its position, and since the electrode and separator have not yet solidified at this time, in order to avoid the clamping block damaging the cell, the clamping block can only lightly press the cell, which causes the cell to shift during the transport process, ultimately resulting in insufficient electrode welding accuracy and cutting accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a battery cell fixing mechanism and a tab cutting machine, the detailed technical solutions of which are as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a battery cell fixing mechanism for fixing a battery cell before welding or cutting the tabs of the battery cell. The battery cell fixing mechanism includes a carrier plate, a cover plate, a limiting component, and a fastening component, wherein: the cover plate is located above the carrier plate, and the first end of the cover plate is rotatably connected to the first end of the carrier plate; the limiting component is distributed around the carrier plate; and the fastening component is used to press the cover plate and the battery cell onto the carrier plate.

[0006] The battery cell fixing mechanism provided in this application uses a limiting component to limit the battery cell around its perimeter, a cover plate and a carrier plate to clamp the battery cell in the thickness direction, and a fastening component to limit the cover plate, thereby ensuring the overall regularity and fixation of the battery cell body, and thus ensuring the accuracy of electrode welding or electrode cutting.

[0007] Optionally, the limiting component includes a plurality of posts distributed at adjacent first and second edges of the support plate, and a first and second straightening units respectively disposed at adjacent third and fourth edges of the support plate, wherein the first edge is opposite to the third edge and the second edge is opposite to the fourth edge; the first and second straightening units are configured to cooperate to push the battery cell on the support plate toward the posts and abut against the posts to perform straightening of the battery cell.

[0008] By using the first and second regularization units located at the adjacent third and fourth edges of the support plate, the battery cells on the support plate are moved toward the columns located at the adjacent first and second edges of the support plate, thereby achieving regularization of the battery cells and ensuring that the regularized battery cells can always remain in the same position.

[0009] Optionally, the first alignment unit includes a first pre-tightening member and a first alignment plate, wherein the first pre-tightening member is located on the side of the third edge, or the first pre-tightening member is installed below the support plate, and the first alignment plate is connected to one end of the first pre-tightening member and parallel to the third edge. The first pre-tightening member is used to drive the first alignment plate to translate toward the first edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate against the column located at the first edge through the first alignment plate. The second alignment unit includes a second pre-tightening member and a second alignment plate, wherein the second pre-tightening member is located on the side of the fourth edge, or the second pre-tightening member is installed below the support plate, and the second alignment plate is connected to one end of the second pre-tightening member and parallel to the fourth edge. The second pre-tightening member is used to drive the second alignment plate to translate toward the second edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate against the column located at the second edge through the second alignment plate.

[0010] The first pre-tightening component drives the first aligning plate, and the second pre-tightening component drives the second aligning plate to pre-tighten the battery cell, ensuring that the battery cell is always in a clamped and limited state during the transportation process.

[0011] Optionally, the limiting assembly further includes a push plate and a push plate drive, the first sizing unit further includes a first transmission plate, and the second sizing unit further includes a second transmission plate. The first transmission plate is slidably mounted below the support plate, and its first end is fixedly connected to the first sizing plate. The second transmission plate is slidably mounted below the support plate, and its first end is fixedly connected to the second sizing plate. The drive end of the push plate drive is fixedly connected to the first end of the push plate. The first end of the push plate is provided with a first pushing surface corresponding to the first sizing plate and a second pushing surface corresponding to the second sizing plate. The push plate drive is used to drive the push plate to move so that the first pushing surface pushes against the first transmission plate. The push plate drive is also used to drive the push plate to move so that the second pushing surface pushes against the second transmission plate.

[0012] The push plate is driven by the push plate drive component, which in turn drives the corresponding first and second alignment plates to move via the first and second transmission plates, ultimately achieving the release and clamping of the battery cell.

[0013] Optionally, the angle between the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface is an obtuse angle or a right angle.

[0014] The angle between the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface is an obtuse angle or a right angle, so that the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface can push against the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate from different directions.

[0015] Optionally, the limiting assembly also includes a roller, which is rotatably mounted on the second end of the first transmission plate and / or the second transmission plate, and is configured to slide against the end face of the push plate when the push plate pushes against the first and second transmission plates.

[0016] By having rollers roll on the first and / or second transmission plates, the friction between the push plate and the first and / or second transmission plates is reduced, making the movement of the first and / or second aligning plates smoother.

[0017] Optionally, the cell fixing mechanism also includes a support and a clamping component. The support and clamping component are matched and correspond to the position of the electrode tab of the cell on the carrier plate. The support is fixedly installed at the second end of the carrier plate. The clamping component includes a mounting block and a first pressing block. The mounting block is adjustablely installed at the second end of the cover plate. The first pressing block is elastically installed on the mounting block. The corners of the support and clamping components near the carrier plate are rounded.

[0018] The tabs of the battery cell are fixed by the cooperation of support and clamping components. After the battery cell is fixed in a regular manner, the tabs to be welded are further fixed, which improves the accuracy of subsequent tab welding.

[0019] Optionally, the clamping component also includes a guide rod and a compression spring. The first pressure block is fixedly installed on the first end of the guide rod, and the mounting block has a through hole for the second end of the guide rod to pass through. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide rod and located between the first pressure block and the mounting block.

[0020] The guide rod and compression spring provide elastic force to the first pressure block, which in turn provides elastic pressure to the electrode tab, ensuring the clamping quality of the first pressure block.

[0021] Optionally, the fastening assembly includes a fastening cylinder and a second pressure block. The fixed end of the fastening cylinder is fixedly connected to the support plate, and the second pressure block is installed on the movable end of the fastening cylinder. The fastening cylinder is configured to drive the second pressure block to rotate and descend to press the cover plate. Alternatively, the fastening assembly includes a boss and a buckle. The boss is located on the side of the support plate, and the buckle is located on the side of the cover plate and corresponds to the position of the boss.

[0022] The fastening assembly, through the cooperation of the fastening cylinder and the second pressure block or boss and the buckle, presses the cover plate firmly onto the carrier plate, preventing the battery cell from shifting and improving the stability of the battery cell fixing mechanism.

[0023] Secondly, this application provides a tab cutting machine, which includes a cell conveying device, a tab welding device, and a tab cutting device. The cell conveying device has a welding station and a cutting station arranged sequentially on the side of its conveying path. The tab welding device is fixedly installed at the welding station for welding the tabs of the cells on the cell conveying device at the welding station. The tab cutting device is fixedly installed at the cutting station for cutting the tabs of the cells on the cell conveying device at the cutting station. The cell conveying device includes a first translation mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a second translation mechanism, and a cell fixing mechanism as described in the first aspect. A support plate is mounted on the drive end of the first translation mechanism via a mounting bracket. The first translation mechanism is mounted on the drive end of the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism is mounted on the drive end of the second translation mechanism. The first translation mechanism drives the cell fixing mechanism to translate along a first direction, the lifting mechanism drives the cell fixing mechanism to lift and lower, and the second translation mechanism drives the cell fixing mechanism to translate along a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0024] The tab cutting machine provided in this application, by setting the battery cell fixing mechanism involved in the first aspect on the battery cell conveying device, avoids the battery cell from shifting during the conveying process, and realizes the regularization and positioning of the battery cell, thereby improving the stability of the conveying device. In addition, the battery cell conveying device includes a first translation mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a second translation mechanism. While ensuring the quality of tab cutting, it eliminates the need for additional position adjustment mechanisms for the tab welding device and tab cutting device that cooperate with the battery cell conveying device, thus simplifying the structure of the tab cutting machine and reducing the corresponding cost. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell fixing mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell fixing mechanism in this embodiment of the application, with the push plate driving component hidden, from another angle.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second regularization units in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cell delivery device in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tab cutting machine in the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 Includes:

[0031] Cell fixing mechanism 1:

[0032] Bearing plate 11, cover plate 12, limiting component 13, column 131, first alignment unit 132, first pretensioner 1321, first alignment plate 1322, first transmission plate 1323, second alignment unit 133, second pretensioner 1331, second alignment plate 1332, second transmission plate 1333, push plate 134, push plate drive component 135, roller 136, fastening component 14, fastening cylinder 141, second pressure block 142, support component 15, pressing component 16, mounting block 161, first pressure block 162, guide rod 163;

[0033] First translation mechanism 2;

[0034] Lifting mechanism 3;

[0035] Second translation mechanism 4;

[0036] 1000 cell delivery device;

[0037] 2000 welding stations;

[0038] 3000 cutting stations. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0040] As described in the background section, the existing battery cell fixing fixture limits the battery cell by rotating a cylinder to drive a clamping block to press the battery cell from above. Since the electrode and diaphragm have not yet solidified at this time, in order to avoid the clamping block damaging the battery cell, the clamping block can only lightly press the battery cell, which causes the battery cell to shift during the transportation process, ultimately resulting in insufficient welding accuracy and cutting accuracy of the electrode tab.

[0041] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems with existing battery cell fixing fixtures, this application provides a battery cell fixing mechanism for organizing and fixing battery cells before welding or cutting the tabs, such as... Figures 1-3As shown, the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 includes a support plate 11, a cover plate 12, a limiting component 13, and a fastening component 14, wherein: the cover plate 12 is located above the support plate 11, and the first end of the cover plate 12 is rotatably connected to the first end of the support plate 11; the limiting component 13 is distributed around the support plate 11; and the fastening component 14 is used to press the cover plate 12 and the battery cell onto the support plate 11.

[0042] The battery cell fixing mechanism 1 provided in this application limits the battery cell around its perimeter using a limiting component 13, clamps the cover plate 12 and the bearing plate 11 in the thickness direction of the battery cell, and then limits the cover plate 12 using a fastening component 14, thereby ensuring the regularity and fixation of the battery cell body in all directions, and thus ensuring the accuracy of electrode welding or electrode cutting.

[0043] For details, see Figure 2 The first end of the support plate 11 is provided with a connecting part facing the cover plate 12. The first end of the cover plate 12 is rotatably connected to the connecting part located at the first end of the support plate 11 via a rotating pin, thereby realizing the rotational movement of the cover plate 12 around the rotating pin to move closer to or away from the support plate 11, ultimately achieving the effect of the cover plate 12 cooperating with the support plate 11 to press and release the battery cell. Of course, the first end of the support plate 11 and the first end of the cover plate 12 can be connected by gear meshing or by hinge, and no further restrictions are placed on the connection method between the support plate 11 and the cover plate 12. Specifically, a handle can be installed on the cover plate 12, and the opening and closing of the cover plate 12 can be controlled by pulling the handle manually or mechanically.

[0044] Optionally, the limiting component 13 includes a plurality of posts 131 distributed at adjacent first and second edges of the support plate 11, and a first straightening unit 132 and a second straightening unit 133 respectively disposed at adjacent third and fourth edges of the support plate 11, wherein the first edge is opposite to the third edge, and the second edge is opposite to the fourth edge; the first straightening unit 132 and the second straightening unit 133 are configured to cooperate to push the battery cell on the support plate 11 toward the post 131 and abut against the post 131 to perform straightening of the battery cell.

[0045] The four edges correspond to the four sides of the battery cell. The posts 131 fixed to the first and second edges serve as reference edges for cell alignment. The first alignment unit 132 and the second alignment unit 133, respectively located on the third and fourth edges, cooperate to obliquely push the battery cell against the posts 131 on the first and second edges, thus achieving cell alignment. This design ensures that each battery cell is ultimately aligned to the same position on the support plate 11, guaranteeing the alignment effect of the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 and ultimately ensuring the welding quality of the electrode tabs. Alternatively, as an alternative embodiment, the limiting assembly can be configured with four sets of alignment units around the perimeter of the support plate, with the four sets of alignment units simultaneously centering, aligning, and clamping the battery cells on the support plate.

[0046] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, optionally, the first straightening unit 132 includes a first pre-tightening member 1321 and a first straightening plate 1322. The first pre-tightening member 1321 is installed below the support plate 11, and the first straightening plate 1322 is connected to one end of the first pre-tightening member 1321 and parallel to the third edge. The first pre-tightening member 1321 is used to drive the first straightening plate 1322 to translate toward the first edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate 11 against the column 1 located at the first edge through the first straightening plate 1322. 31; The second straightening unit 133 includes a second pretensioner 1331 and a second straightening plate 1332, wherein the second pretensioner 1331 is installed below the support plate 11, and the second straightening plate 1332 is connected to one end of the second pretensioner 1331 and parallel to the fourth edge. The second pretensioner 1331 is used to drive the second straightening plate 1332 to translate toward the second edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate 11 against the column 131 located at the second edge through the second straightening plate 1332.

[0047] In one possible implementation, both the first pretensioner 1321 and the second pretensioner 1331 include tension springs. The first ends of both tension springs are connected to the bottom of the support plate 11 through fixing members, and the second ends of both tension springs are connected to the first straightening plate 1322 and the second straightening plate 1332 respectively. Through the tension of the tension springs, the first straightening plate 1322 and the second straightening plate 1332 can always press against the battery cell carried by the support plate 11 with a certain pressure, so as to press the battery cell against the column 131, thereby achieving the straightening of the battery cell and keeping the battery cell in a limited state during the conveying, welding or cutting process.

[0048] In another possible implementation, the first pre-tightening member 1321 and the second pre-tightening member 1331 can be constant pressure cylinders. The fixed ends of the two sets of constant pressure cylinders are connected to the sides of the third edge and the fourth edge of the bearing plate 11, respectively, and the movable ends of the two sets of constant pressure cylinders are connected to the first leveling plate 1322 and the second leveling plate 1332, respectively. By providing pressure to the first leveling plate 1322 and the second leveling plate 1332 through the constant pressure cylinders, the battery cell can be pressed against the column 131, thereby achieving the leveling and fixing of the battery cell.

[0049] Optionally, during the feeding process, the first alignment plate 1322 and the second alignment plate 1332 can be manually pulled apart, and the battery cells can be placed in place before releasing the first alignment plate 1322 and the second alignment plate 1332. Alternatively, the movement of the first alignment plate 1322 and the second alignment plate 1332 can be automatically achieved by pushing or prying them apart using a mechanical structure.

[0050] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 In one feasible implementation, the limiting component 13 further includes a push plate 134 and a push plate drive component 135, the first straightening unit 132 further includes a first transmission plate 1323, and the second straightening unit 133 further includes a second transmission plate 1333. The first transmission plate 1323 is slidably mounted below the support plate 11 via a slider assembly, and the first end of the first transmission plate 1323 is fixedly connected to the first straightening plate 1322. The second transmission plate 1333 is slidably mounted below the support plate 11 via a slider assembly, and the first end of the second transmission plate 1333 is fixedly connected to the second straightening plate 1332. The driving end of the push plate drive component 135 is fixedly connected to the first end of the push plate 134. The first end of the push plate 134 is provided with a first pushing surface corresponding to the first aligning plate 1322 and a second pushing surface corresponding to the second aligning plate 1332. The push plate drive component 135 is used to drive the push plate 134 to move so that the first pushing surface pushes against the first transmission plate 1323. The push plate drive component 135 is also used to drive the push plate 134 to move so that the second pushing surface pushes against the second transmission plate 1333. By driving the push plate 134 to move through the push plate drive component 135, the first transmission plate 1323 and the second transmission plate 1333 simultaneously push the correspondingly connected first aligning plate 1322 and second aligning plate 1332 to move, ultimately realizing the release and clamping action of the battery cell. Optionally, the aligning plate can be designed as an "L" shape, that is, the aligning plate and the corresponding transmission plate are integrated into one piece. The "L" shaped aligning plate is slidably installed on the bottom of the support plate through a slide rail assembly.

[0051] Additionally, the limiting assembly 13 includes rollers 136, which are rotatably mounted on the second end of the first transmission plate 1323 and / or the second transmission plate 1333. The rollers 136 are configured to slide against the end face of the push plate 134 when the push plate 134 pushes against the first transmission plate 1323 and / or the second transmission plate 1333. By having the rollers 136 roll on the first transmission plate 1323 and / or the second transmission plate 1333, the friction between the push plate 134 and the first transmission plate 1323 and / or the second transmission plate 1333 is reduced, making the movement of the first leveling plate 1322 and / or the second leveling plate 1332 smoother. The number and installation position of the rollers 136 are determined by the shape and direction of movement of the push plate 134.

[0052] In this embodiment, the push plate 134 moves closer to or further away from the first leveling plate 1322 under the drive of the push plate drive member 135. The first transmission plate 1323 is provided with an abutment block corresponding to the first abutment surface of the push plate 134, and the first abutment surface of the push plate 134 and the abutment block are planar. When the push plate drive member 135 drives the push plate 134 to move closer to the first leveling plate 1322, the abutment block and the first abutment surface of the push plate 134 abut against each other. The second transmission plate 1333 is provided with a roller 136 corresponding to the second pushing surface of the push plate 134, and the second pushing surface of the push plate 134 and the roller 136 is inclined. This design allows the push plate 134 to move closer to the first aligning plate 1332 under the drive of the push plate drive member 135. The first pushing surface of the push plate 134 pushes the abutment block, thereby causing the first aligning plate 1322 to move away from the corresponding column 131. At the same time, the roller 136 rolls on the second pushing surface, and pushes the second aligning plate 1332 away from the corresponding column 131 through the inclined surface of the push plate 134. This achieves the effect of simultaneously driving the first aligning plate 1322 and the second aligning plate 1332 away from the corresponding column 131 during the movement of the push plate 134 closer to the first aligning plate 1322, thereby releasing the battery cell on the bearing plate 11 or providing the necessary space for battery cell loading. Furthermore, when the push plate 134 moves away from the first aligning plate 1322 under the drive of the push plate drive member 135, similarly, the first aligning plate 1322 and the second aligning plate 1332 move closer to the corresponding column 131 under the drive of the first pre-tightening member 1321 and the second pre-tightening member 1331, so as to achieve the alignment and fixation of the battery cell. Of course, if the push plate drive member 135 drives the push plate 134 to move in a diagonal direction (i.e., towards the distance between the first aligning plate 1322 and the second aligning plate 1332), optionally, the included angle between the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface of the push plate 134 is an obtuse angle, thereby achieving the effect of simultaneously pushing the first aligning plate 1322 and the second aligning plate 1332 to move synchronously.

[0053] In one feasible implementation, the movement sequence of the first leveling plate 1322 and the second leveling plate 1332 can be controlled by controlling the angle between the first and second pushing surfaces. For example, the angle between the first and second pushing surfaces can be designed as a relatively large obtuse angle (such as 120°–150°). During the process of the push plate drive 135 driving the push plate 134 to move closer to the first leveling plate 1322, the second pushing surface first abuts against the roller 136, thereby causing the second leveling plate 1332 to open first. Then, the first pushing surface pushes the abutting block, thereby causing the first leveling plate 1322 to open, ultimately achieving the effect that the second leveling plate 1332 moves before the first leveling plate 1322. Of course, by changing the length of the portion of the push plate 134 that is close to the first leveling plate 1322, the effect that the first leveling plate 1322 moves before the second leveling plate 1332 can also be achieved. It should be noted that the above solutions are all exemplary. The movement sequence of the first aligning plate 1322 and the second aligning plate 1332 is not limited and can be changed by altering the shape of the push plate 134 according to the actual operating conditions.

[0054] See also Figure 2 Optionally, the cell fixing mechanism 1 further includes a support member 15 and a clamping member 16. The support member 15 and the clamping member 16 are matched and correspond to the positions of the electrode tabs of the cell on the support plate 11. The support member 15 is fixedly installed at the second end of the support plate 11. The clamping member 16 includes a mounting block 161 and a first pressing block 162. The mounting block 161 is adjustablely installed at the second end of the cover plate 12, and the first pressing block 162 is elastically installed on the mounting block 161. The electrode tabs of the cell are fixed by the cooperation of the support member 15 and the clamping member 16. On the basis of the regular fixation of the cell, the electrode tabs to be welded are further fixed, which improves the accuracy of subsequent electrode tab welding. In one feasible embodiment, two sets of support members 15 and clamping members 16 are matched, each corresponding to the positive and negative poles of a cell. An adjustment groove is provided on the cover plate 12. By changing the installation position of the mounting block 161 in the adjustment groove, the clamping position of the first pressing block 161 on the electrode tab can be changed, that is, the extension length of the electrode tab after clamping can be adjusted. Optionally, the corners of the support member 15 and the clamping member 16 near the bearing plate 11 are rounded, so that the end of the cover plate 12 that first contacts the electrode tab during the rotation and clamping process will not damage the electrode tab.

[0055] Specifically, the first pressure block 162 and the support member 15 are made of insulating material, or the parts of the first pressure block 162 and the support member 15 that contact the electrode tab are covered with an insulating coating or made of insulating material. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the support member 15 can be set on other sides of the bearing plate 11, and the clamping member 16 can also be set on other sides of the pressure plate 12. The specific positions of the support member 15 and the clamping member 16 are not limited here.

[0056] See also Figure 2 Optionally, the clamping component 16 also includes a guide rod 163 and a compression spring (not shown in the figure). The first clamping block 162 is fixedly installed on the first end of the guide rod 163. The mounting block 161 has a through hole for the second end of the guide rod 163 to pass through. The compression spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide rod 163 and located between the first clamping block 162 and the mounting block 161, that is, the upper end of the compression spring abuts against the mounting block 161, and the lower end of the compression spring abuts against the first clamping block 162. The compression spring provides elastic force to the first clamping block 162, so that the first clamping block 162 provides elastic pressure to the electrode tab, ensuring the clamping quality of the first clamping block 162. Optionally, each first clamping block 162 is equipped with two guide rods 163. The upper ends of the two guide rods 163 pass through the mounting block 161, and the upper ends of the two guide rods 163 are connected by a connecting piece. The two guide rods 163 make the movement of the pressure block smoother, and the upper ends of the two guide rods 163 are connected by a connecting piece so that the movement of the two guide rods 163 is more synchronized.

[0057] Optionally, the fastening assembly 14 includes a fastening cylinder 141 and a second pressure block 142. The fixed end of the fastening cylinder 141 is fixedly connected to the support plate 11, and the second pressure block 142 is installed on the movable end of the fastening cylinder 141. The fastening cylinder 141 is configured to drive the second pressure block 142 to rotate and descend to press the cover plate 12. Alternatively, the fastening assembly 14 includes a boss and a latch. The boss is located on the side of the support plate 11, and the latch is located on the side of the cover plate 12 and corresponds to the position of the boss. During the downward rotation of the cover plate 12, the latch engages with the boss, and the cover plate 12 continues to descend until the battery cell is pressed into place. When it is necessary to release the battery cell, the latch and the boss are released manually or mechanically, allowing the cover plate 12 to move away from the support plate 11. Through the cooperation of the fastening cylinder 141 and the second pressure block 142 or the boss and the latch, the cover plate 12 is pressed tightly onto the support plate 11, preventing the battery cell from shifting and improving the stability of the battery cell fixing mechanism 1.

[0058] Secondly, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a tab cutting machine, which includes a cell conveying device 1000, a tab welding device, and a tab cutting device. The cell conveying device 1000 has a welding station 2000 and a cutting station 3000 sequentially arranged on the side of its conveying path. The tab welding device is fixedly installed at the welding station 2000 and is used to weld the tabs of the cells on the cell conveying device 1000 at the welding station 2000. The tab cutting device is fixedly installed at the cutting station 3000 and is used to cut the tabs of the cells on the cell conveying device 1000 at the cutting station 3000.

[0059] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4The battery cell conveying device 1000 includes a first translation mechanism 2, a lifting mechanism 3, a second translation mechanism 4, and a battery cell fixing mechanism 1 as described in the first aspect. A support plate 11 is mounted on the drive end of the first translation mechanism 2 via a mounting bracket. The first translation mechanism 2 is mounted on the drive end of the lifting mechanism 3, and the lifting mechanism 3 is mounted on the drive end of the second translation mechanism 4. The first translation mechanism 2 drives the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 to translate along a first direction, the lifting mechanism 3 drives the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 to lift, and the second translation mechanism 4 drives the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 to translate along a second direction, with the first direction perpendicular to the second direction. In actual operation, after the battery cell is neatly fixed in the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 at the loading position, the second translation mechanism 2 moves the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 to the welding station 2000. The height of the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism 3, and the distance between the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 and the welding device is adjusted by the first translation mechanism 2, thereby ensuring that the electrode tab is in the optimal welding position of the welding device. Similarly, after the tabs are welded, the second translation mechanism 4 moves the cell fixing mechanism 1 to the cutting station 3000. The height of the cell fixing mechanism 1 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism 3, and the distance between the cell fixing mechanism 1 and the cutting device is adjusted by the first translation mechanism 2, thereby ensuring that the tabs are in the optimal cutting position of the tab cutting device and that the tabs are not cut too little or too much. After the tabs are cut, the second translation mechanism 4 moves the cell fixing mechanism 1 back to the loading position, removes the cut cell from the cell fixing mechanism 1, and places a new cell to be welded or cut on it, repeating the above steps. Of course, the connection relationship between the first translation mechanism 2, the lifting mechanism 3, and the second translation mechanism 4 can be adjusted according to the actual situation. Here, we do not impose many restrictions on the connection relationship of the above three, as long as the three mechanisms can cooperate synchronously to adjust the position of the cell fixing mechanism 1. Optionally, the first translation mechanism 2, the lifting mechanism 3, and the second translation mechanism 4 can be driven by one or more of the following methods: pneumatic cylinder, motor, electric cylinder, and hydraulic cylinder. No further restrictions are placed on the specific structure of the first translation mechanism 2, the lifting mechanism 3, and the second translation mechanism 4.

[0060] The tab cutting machine provided in this application, by setting the battery cell fixing mechanism 1 involved in the first aspect on the battery cell conveying device 1000, can straighten and position the battery cells before or during the conveying process, thus preventing the battery cells from shifting and improving the stability of the conveying device. In addition, the battery cell conveying device 1000 includes a first translation mechanism 2, a lifting mechanism 3, and a second translation mechanism 4. While ensuring the quality of tab cutting, the battery cell conveying device 1000 can adjust the position of the battery cells at each station, so that the tab welding device and the tab cutting device that cooperate with the battery cell conveying device 1000 do not need to set up corresponding position adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the structure of the tab cutting machine and reducing the corresponding equipment costs.

[0061] This application provides a sufficiently detailed and specific description. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this application should fall within its protection scope. The scope of protection claimed in this application is defined by the claims, not by the above descriptions in the embodiments. Without contradiction, some optional components in one embodiment can also be used in another embodiment, and some preferred structures of the same component in one embodiment are also applicable to another embodiment. Furthermore, there may be slight differences in the wording of the names of certain components in different embodiments; these slight differences will not affect the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A battery cell fixing mechanism, characterized in that, The cell fixing mechanism is used to fix the cell before welding or cutting the tabs. The cell fixing mechanism includes a support plate, a cover plate, a limiting component, and a fastening component, wherein: The cover plate is located above the support plate, and the first end of the cover plate is rotatably connected to the first end of the support plate; The limiting components are distributed around the support plate; The fastening assembly is used to press the cover plate and the battery cell firmly against the support plate.

2. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a plurality of columns distributed at adjacent first and second edges of the support plate, and a first regularizing unit and a second regularizing unit respectively disposed at adjacent third and fourth edges of the support plate, wherein the first edge is opposite to the third edge, and the second edge is opposite to the fourth edge; The first and second straightening units are configured to cooperate in pushing the battery cells on the support plate toward the column and against the column to straighten the battery cells.

3. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first alignment unit includes a first pre-tightening member and a first alignment plate. The first pre-tightening member is located on the side of the third edge, or the first pre-tightening member is installed below the support plate. The first alignment plate is connected to one end of the first pre-tightening member and is parallel to the third edge. The first pre-tightening member is used to drive the first alignment plate to translate toward the first edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate against the column located at the first edge through the first alignment plate. The second alignment unit includes a second pretensioner and a second alignment plate. The second pretensioner is located on the side of the fourth edge, or the second pretensioner is installed below the support plate. The second alignment plate is connected to one end of the second pretensioner and is parallel to the fourth edge. The second pretensioner is used to drive the second alignment plate to translate toward the second edge, so as to push the battery cell located on the support plate against the column located at the second edge.

4. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting component further includes a push plate and a push plate drive component. The first straightening unit further includes a first transmission plate, and the second straightening unit further includes a second transmission plate. The first transmission plate is slidably installed below the support plate, and the first end of the first transmission plate is fixedly connected to the first straightening plate. The second transmission plate is slidably installed below the support plate, and the first end of the second transmission plate is fixedly connected to the second straightening plate. The driving end of the push plate drive is fixedly connected to the first end of the push plate. The first end of the push plate is provided with a first pushing surface corresponding to the first leveling plate and a second pushing surface corresponding to the second leveling plate. The push plate drive is used to drive the push plate to move so that the first pushing surface pushes against the first transmission plate. The push plate drive is also used to drive the push plate to move so that the second pushing surface pushes against the second transmission plate.

5. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the first pushing surface and the second pushing surface is an obtuse angle or a right angle.

6. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting component further includes a roller, which is rotatably mounted on the second end of the first transmission plate and / or the second end of the second transmission plate. The roller is configured to slide against the end face of the push plate when the push plate pushes against the first transmission plate and the second transmission plate.

7. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cell fixing mechanism further includes a support member and a clamping member. The support member and the clamping member are matched and correspond to the position of the electrode tab of the cell on the carrier plate. The support member is fixedly installed at the second end of the carrier plate. The clamping member includes a mounting block and a first pressing block. The mounting block is adjustablely installed at the second end of the cover plate. The first pressing block is elastically installed on the mounting block. The end corners of the support member and the clamping member near the carrier plate are rounded.

8. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The clamping component also includes a guide rod and a compression spring. The first pressure block is fixedly installed on the first end of the guide rod. The mounting block has a through hole for the second end of the guide rod to pass through. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide rod and located between the first pressure block and the mounting block.

9. The cell fixing mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening assembly includes a fastening cylinder and a second pressure block. The fixed end of the fastening cylinder is fixedly connected to the bearing plate, and the second pressure block is installed on the movable end of the fastening cylinder. The fastening cylinder is configured to drive the second pressure block to rotate and descend to press the cover plate. Alternatively, the fastening assembly includes a boss and a snap fastener, the boss being disposed on the side of the support plate, and the snap fastener being disposed on the side of the cover plate and corresponding to the position of the boss.

10. A tab cutting machine, characterized in that, The electrode cutting machine includes a cell conveying device, an electrode welding device, and an electrode cutting device, wherein: The side of the conveying path of the battery cell conveying device is provided with a welding station and a cutting station in sequence. The tab welding device is fixedly set at the welding station and is used to weld the tabs of the battery cells on the battery cell conveying device at the welding station. The tab cutting device is fixedly set at the cutting station and is used to cut the tabs of the battery cells on the battery cell conveying device at the cutting station. The battery cell delivery device includes a first translation mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a second translation mechanism, and a battery cell fixing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; The support plate is mounted on the drive end of the first translation mechanism via a mounting bracket. The first translation mechanism is mounted on the drive end of the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is mounted on the drive end of the second translation mechanism. The first translation mechanism is used to drive the cell fixing mechanism to translate along a first direction. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the cell fixing mechanism to lift and lower. The second translation mechanism is used to drive the cell fixing mechanism to translate along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

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