Blade pressing structure and lamination mechanism

Abstract

The application provides a pressing knife structure and a lamination mechanism, and relates to the technical field of battery cell manufacturing. The pressing knife structure comprises a pressing knife, a connecting piece, a first track and a first driving piece. The length of the pressing knife is greater than the size of the lamination battery cell along a first direction; the first direction is consistent with the movement direction of the pressing knife. The connecting piece is connected with the pressing knife. The connecting piece is movably arranged on the first track, and the first track is arranged along the first direction. The first driving piece is connected with the connecting piece to drive the pressing knife to move along the first track. The pressing knife structure can effectively improve the wrinkling phenomenon of the diaphragm during the lamination process, reduce the pressure mark on the pole piece, and keep the uniformity of the overall bulkiness of the diaphragm during the lamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a pressing knife structure and a stacking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Please combine Figure 1 In the existing Z-shaped stacking process, when the separator 10 swings left and right, one side of the separator 10 is pulled by the separator swing roller, while the other side is only pressed by two pressure knives 20 on both sides. The uneven force on the top and bottom causes the area pressed by the two pressure knives 20 to collapse, and the area B between the pressure knives is more fluffy. During continuous stacking, the separator at the head of the pressure knives 20 is prone to wrinkles or even damage. The smaller the thickness or strength of the separator 10, the greater the set tension, and the larger the width of the separator 10, the more severe the wrinkles. In addition, because the pressure knives 20 only press a small part of the separator 10 or the electrode, the positive electrode 40 and the negative electrode 30 often have imprints left on the area pressed by the pressure knives 20, and the fluffiness of the area not pressed by the pressure knives 20 is significantly greater than that of the area pressed by the pressure knives 20. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressure knife structure and a stacking mechanism that can avoid diaphragm wrinkles or damage caused by pressure knife pressing, thereby improving stacking accuracy and quality.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a pressing knife structure, comprising:

[0005] A pressing knife, the length of which is greater than the dimension of the stacked battery cell along a first direction; the first direction is consistent with the movement direction of the pressing knife;

[0006] Connector, the connector being connected to the pressure knife;

[0007] A first track, wherein the connector is movably disposed on the first track, and the first track is disposed along the first direction;

[0008] A first driving member is connected to the connecting member to drive the pressure knife to move along the first track.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, a slider is also included, the connector being connected to the slider, the slider being movably disposed on the first track.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the pressure knife is movably connected to the connector in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, a second driving member is further included, which is connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the pressure knife has two side surfaces spaced apart along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and the two side surfaces being arc-shaped transition surfaces.

[0013] Secondly, this utility model provides a stacking mechanism, comprising:

[0014] Stacking stage, used to support electrode sheets and separators;

[0015] Four pressure knife structures as described above are provided at the four corners of the stacking table, and the four first tracks are all aligned with the side direction of the stacking table along the first direction.

[0016] A diaphragm roller is used to pull the diaphragm back and forth on the stacking table to achieve Z-shaped folding.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the diaphragm swing roller includes a movable plate and a guide roller, the guide roller being connected to the movable plate;

[0018] The stacking mechanism further includes a second track, and the movable plate is slidably disposed on the second track, which is arranged along a second direction;

[0019] A third driving component is connected to the movable plate to drive the movable plate to move along the second track.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the moving plate is perpendicular to the stacking table; two sets of rollers are provided, and the two sets of rollers are parallel to a third direction and are both connected to the moving plate; the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] In an optional implementation, a feeding unit is also included, which is used to pick up the electrode sheet onto the stacking stage.

[0022] In an optional implementation, a lifting unit is also included, which is connected to the stacking table.

[0023] The pressing knife structure and stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model have the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The pressing knife structure provided in this embodiment of the invention has a longer pressing knife, which can completely press the diaphragm in the first direction, resulting in better diaphragm fixation and reducing the probability of diaphragm wrinkling or damage. Simultaneously, because the pressing knife completely presses the diaphragm, there is no situation where excessive end-holding force causes localized indentation, which can reduce residual indentation on the electrode and improve the unevenness of bulkiness in the stack, thereby improving the stacking accuracy and quality.

[0025] The stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model adopts the above-mentioned pressure knife structure, which can effectively reduce the probability of diaphragm wrinkles or damage, effectively improve the situation of uneven fluffiness during the stacking process, and improve the stacking accuracy and quality. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing tool holding the wafer during the stacking process in the prior art;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pressure knife structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the pressing knife in the pressing knife structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking scene structure of the stacking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the scene structure for forming the first diaphragm using the stacking mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the scene structure for placing the negative electrode sheet in the stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the scene structure for forming the second diaphragm using the stacking mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the scene structure for placing the positive electrode sheet in the stacking mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the scene structure for forming the third diaphragm using the stacking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Icons: 100-Pressure knife structure; 20, 110-Pressure knife; 120-Connector; 121-First track; 123-Slider; 125-Second mounting hole; 126-Fastener; 200-Stacking mechanism; 210-Stacking table; 211-Lifting unit; 220-Diaphragm swing roller; 221-Passing roller; 222-Moving plate; 223-Second track; 10, 225-Diaphragm; 40, 230-Positive electrode sheet; 231-Positive electrode tab; 232-Positive electrode support plate; 30, 240-Negative electrode sheet; 241-Negative electrode tab; 242-Negative electrode support plate; 111-First pressure knife; 112-Second pressure knife; 113-Third pressure knife; 114-Fourth pressure knife; 250-First robotic arm; 260-Second robotic arm. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0045] Please combine Figure 2 The pressure knife structure 100 provided in this embodiment of the utility model can be applied to the stacking mechanism 200, which helps to improve the problem of wrinkles or damage to the diaphragm 225 in Z-shaped stacking, as well as reduce residual imprints on the electrode sheets, improve the uniformity of overall bulkiness in the stacking, thereby improving the stacking accuracy and stacking quality.

[0046] The pressing structure 100 includes a pressing blade 110, a connector 120, a first track 121, and a first driving member. The length of the pressing blade 110 is greater than the dimension of the laminated battery cell along a first direction. The first direction is consistent with the movement direction of the pressing blade 110. The connector 120 is connected to the pressing blade 110 and is movably disposed on the first track 121, which is arranged along the first direction. The first driving member is connected to the connector 120 to drive the pressing blade 110 to move along the first track 121. The first direction is the direction in which the battery cell extends from its tabs.

[0047] It is understandable that, due to the relatively long length of the pressure blade 110, the diaphragm 225 can be completely pressed down in the first direction. Compared to the pressure blades in the prior art that only partially press down at the ends of the diaphragm, the pressure blade 110 in this embodiment provides more reliable pressing, effectively preventing wrinkles or damage to the diaphragm 225 during the stacking process. Furthermore, the overall pressing in the first direction ensures uniform force on the diaphragm 225, reducing local indentations and improving the overall uniformity of bulkiness, thus avoiding a situation where the bulkiness in the middle is significantly greater than that at both ends in the first direction.

[0048] Optionally, the pressure structure 100 also includes a slider 123, with the connecting member 120 connected to the slider 123, and the slider 123 movably disposed on the first track 121. By setting the slider 123, the movement of the connecting member 120 on the first track 121 is smoother, with higher movement efficiency, higher movement accuracy, and better controllability of the movement distance.

[0049] Optionally, the pressing knife 110 is movably connected to the connector 120 in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. This allows for the production of laminated cells of different sizes in the second direction, offering good flexibility and high versatility. The movable connection between the pressing knife 110 and the connector 120 can be implemented as follows:

[0050] The pressure cutter 110 has a first mounting hole, and the connector 120 has multiple second mounting holes 125. These multiple second mounting holes 125 are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the length of the pressure cutter 110, i.e., they are spaced apart along a second direction. A fastener 126 passes through the first mounting hole and one of the second mounting holes 125 to achieve a fixed connection between the pressure cutter 110 and the connector 120. It is easy to understand that when the first mounting hole and different second mounting holes 125 are aligned, the position of the pressure cutter 110 in the second direction can be changed. The fastener 126 is used to fix the pressure cutter 110 to the connector 120, thereby accommodating the pressing of laminated cells of different sizes in the second direction.

[0051] Alternatively, the pressure cutter 110 and the connector 120 can be slidably engaged in the second direction. For example, the connector 120 has a groove extending in the second direction, and the pressure cutter 110 has a sliding part that is movably disposed within the groove. The sliding part moves within the groove to move the pressure cutter 110 in the second direction, thus changing the position of the pressure cutter 110 in the second direction, thereby allowing for the pressing of laminated cells of different sizes. Of course, the groove on the connector 120 can also be a track-type design; no specific limitation is made here.

[0052] In some other embodiments, a groove is provided on the pressure knife 110 and a sliding part is provided on the connector 120 to achieve relative movement between the two in the second direction, which also has a similar technical effect.

[0053] Optionally, the pressing structure 100 further includes a second driving member connected to the slider 123 to drive the slider 123 to move along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the first and second directions are perpendicular to the third direction, respectively. The third direction is the stacking direction of the electrode sheets in the laminated cell, i.e., the thickness or height direction. As the number of stacked electrode sheets increases, the pressing blade 110 needs to move adaptively in the third direction to better press the separator 225 or the laminated cell, thereby improving the stacking efficiency and stacking quality.

[0054] Please combine Figure 3 Optionally, the pressure knife 110 has two side surfaces spaced apart along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, and the two side surfaces are arc-shaped transition surfaces. This configuration allows the diaphragm 225 and the side surfaces of the pressure knife 110 to fit better when the diaphragm 225 is turned and folded, preventing the pressure knife 110 from scratching the diaphragm 225 and preventing wrinkles from forming on the diaphragm 225.

[0055] The pressure cutter 110 can be made of a rigid material with a smooth surface, so that the distal end will not sag during the pressing process due to its long length. The distal end is the end of the pressure cutter 110 that is away from the connector 120. The smooth surface of the pressure cutter 110 will not cause punctures or wrinkles to the diaphragm 225.

[0056] Please combine Figure 4 and Figure 5 This utility model embodiment also provides a stacking mechanism 200, including a stacking platform 210, a diaphragm swing roller 220, and four pressure knife structures 100 as described above. The stacking platform 210 is used to support the electrode sheets and the diaphragm 225. The pressure knife structures 100 are located at the four corners of the stacking platform 210, and the four first tracks 121 are all aligned with the side direction of the stacking platform 210 along a first direction. The diaphragm swing roller 220 is used to pull the diaphragm 225 to reciprocate on the stacking platform 210 to achieve Z-shaped folding. It can be understood that the diaphragm 225 reciprocates in a second direction.

[0057] Optionally, the diaphragm roller 220 includes a movable plate 222 and a guide roller 221, with the guide roller 221 connected to the movable plate 222. A diaphragm 225 is wound on the guide roller 221, and rotation of the guide roller 221 can release the diaphragm 225. The stacking mechanism 200 also includes a second track 223 and a third drive member. The movable plate 222 is slidably disposed on the second track 223, which is arranged along a second direction. The third drive member is connected to the movable plate 222 to drive the movable plate 222 to move along the second track 223. Thus, the movable plate 222 can drive the guide roller 221 to move in the second direction, thereby realizing the reciprocating folding of the diaphragm 225 in the second direction.

[0058] Optionally, the movable plate 222 is perpendicular to the stacking table 210. Two sets of guide rollers 221 are provided, arranged parallel to each other along a third direction, and both sets are connected to the movable plate 222. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is the stacking direction of the electrode sheets. The axis of the guide rollers 221 is perpendicular to the second direction and parallel to the first direction. The parallelism between the two sets of guide rollers 221 is less than or equal to 0.05 mm.

[0059] Optionally, the stacking mechanism 200 further includes a loading unit for picking up electrode sheets onto the stacking table 210. The loading unit includes a first robotic arm 250 and a second robotic arm 260. The first robotic arm 250 is used to pick up the negative electrode sheet 240 and place it on the stacking table 210. The second robotic arm 260 is used to pick up the positive electrode sheet 230 and place it on the stacking table 210.

[0060] Optionally, the stacking mechanism 200 also includes a lifting unit 211, which is connected to the stacking table 210. The lifting unit 211 can drive the stacking table 210 to rise or fall in a certain direction.

[0061] Optionally, the stacking stage 210 is provided with a positive electrode support plate 232 and a negative electrode support plate 242. The positive electrode support plate 232 is used to support the positive electrode tab 231, and the negative electrode support plate 242 is used to support the negative electrode tab 241.

[0062] It should be noted that the first driving component, the second driving component, the third driving component, and the lifting unit 211 mentioned above can be any one of a motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, and a motor, as long as they can achieve reciprocating linear motion. No specific limitation is made here.

[0063] In this embodiment, the stacking principle of the stacking mechanism 200 is roughly as follows:

[0064] Please combine Figures 6 to 10 For ease of description, the four pressing blades 110 are defined as the first pressing blade 111, the second pressing blade 112, the third pressing blade 113, and the fourth pressing blade 114. The first pressing blade 111 and the third pressing blade 113 are located on one diagonal of the stacking table 210, and the second pressing blade 112 and the fourth pressing blade 114 are located on the other diagonal of the stacking table 210.

[0065] Step 1: First, lay the first layer of diaphragm 225 on the stacking table 210. In this embodiment, the first layer of diaphragm 225 is laid by the moving plate 222 moving from left to right in the second direction. A set of pressure knives 110 located diagonally, such as the first pressure knife 111 and the third pressure knife 113, press down on both ends of the first layer of diaphragm 225. The first pressure knife 111 presses down on the right end, and the third pressure knife 113 presses down on the left end.

[0066] Step 2: The first robotic arm 250 picks up the negative electrode 240 and places it on the first separator 225. Simultaneously with the placement of the negative electrode 240 by the first robotic arm 250, the second pressing blade 112 operates, pressing down on the right side of the negative electrode 240. The second pressing blade 112 and the first pressing blade 111 are located on the same side in the first direction.

[0067] Step 3: The first robotic arm 250 retracts, the diaphragm swing roller 220 moves from right to left to lay the second layer of diaphragm 225, and the first pressing knife 111 retracts.

[0068] Step 4: The second robotic arm 260 picks up the positive electrode 230 and places it on the second separator 225. Simultaneously with the placement of the positive electrode 230 by the second robotic arm 260, the fourth pressing knife 114 operates, pressing down on the left side of the positive electrode 230. The fourth pressing knife 114 and the first pressing knife 111 are located on the same side in the second direction.

[0069] Step 5: The second robotic arm 260 retracts. The diaphragm roller 220 moves from left to right to lay the third diaphragm 225, and the third pressing knife 113 retracts. The above steps are repeated to continuously stack and form laminated battery cells.

[0070] To compensate for the reduced movement efficiency caused by the extended pressing blade 110, this embodiment employs a diagonal pressing method with each pressing blade 110 working alternately to improve stacking efficiency. Because the pressing blade 110 is relatively long, even with only two diagonal pressing blades 110 pressing, the four corners of the electrode or separator 225 can be pressed simultaneously, resulting in more reliable pressing, reduced residual indentations at the corners, and more uniform force distribution, reducing the likelihood of wrinkles or damage, and ensuring more uniform bulkiness on the sides of the cell.

[0071] In summary, the pressing knife structure 100 and the stacking mechanism 200 provided in this embodiment of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0072] The pressing knife structure 100 provided in this embodiment of the utility model has a longer pressing knife 110, which can completely press the diaphragm 225 in the first direction, resulting in better fixation of the diaphragm 225 and reducing the probability of wrinkles or damage to the diaphragm 225. At the same time, since the pressing knife 110 completely presses the diaphragm 225, there will be no local imprinting caused by excessive end holding force, which can reduce the residual imprint of the pressing knife 110 on the electrode and improve the significant unevenness of the bulkiness in the stack, thereby improving the stacking accuracy and quality.

[0073] The stacking mechanism 200 provided in this embodiment of the utility model, employing the aforementioned pressure knife structure 100, can effectively reduce the probability of wrinkles or damage to the diaphragm 225, effectively improve the unevenness of bulkiness during the stacking process, and enhance stacking accuracy and quality. Through the pressing method of the diagonal pressure knives 110, each pressure knife 110 works alternately, which can compensate for the efficiency reduction caused by the lengthening of the pressure knife 110, thereby improving stacking efficiency.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pressure knife structure, characterized in that, include: A pressing knife (110) has a length greater than the dimension of the laminated cell along the first direction; The first direction is consistent with the movement direction of the pressure knife (110); A connector (120) is connected to the pressure knife (110); A first track (121), wherein the connector (120) is movably disposed on the first track (121), and the first track (121) is disposed along the first direction; A first driving member is connected to the connecting member (120) to drive the pressure knife (110) to move along the first track (121).

2. The pressing knife structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a slider (123), the connector (120) is connected to the slider (123), and the slider (123) is movably disposed on the first track (121).

3. The pressing knife structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure knife is movably connected to the connector in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The pressing knife structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second driving member, which is connected to the slider (123) to drive the slider (123) to move along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The pressing knife structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The pressure knife (110) has two side surfaces spaced apart along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, and the two side surfaces are arc-shaped transition surfaces.

6. A stacking mechanism, characterized in that, include: Stacking stage (210) is used to support the electrode sheets and diaphragm; Four pressing structures as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the pressing structures are disposed at the four corners of the stacking table (210), and the four first tracks (121) are all aligned with the side direction of the stacking table (210) along the first direction; A diaphragm roller (220) is used to pull the diaphragm (225) to reciprocate on the stacking table (210) to achieve Z-shaped folding.

7. The stacking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diaphragm swing roller (220) includes a movable plate (222) and a guide roller (221), wherein the guide roller (221) is connected to the movable plate (222); The stacking mechanism further includes a second track (223), and the movable plate (222) is slidably disposed on the second track (223), the second track (223) being disposed along a second direction; A third driving member is connected to the movable plate (222) to drive the movable plate (222) to move along the second track (223).

8. The stacking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The moving plate (222) is perpendicular to the stacking table (210); two sets of rollers (221) are provided, and the two sets of rollers (221) are parallel to the third direction and are both connected to the moving plate (222); the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The stacking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding unit for picking up the electrode sheet onto the stacking stage (210).

10. The stacking mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting unit (211), which is connected to the stacking table (210).

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