Tab bending assembly, tab bending device, and winding apparatus

Abstract

A tab bending assembly (500), comprising: a mounting base (51), on which a bending member (54) is mounted, the bending member being configured to bend a tab; a fixing block (59), the mounting base being rotationally connected to the fixing block; and a first elastic member (50), wherein the first elastic member is arranged between the mounting base and the fixing block, and configured to enable the bending member to apply to the tab an abutting force in the axial direction of a battery cell; and when an electrode sheet moves in the axial direction of the battery cell, the mounting base can overcome an elastic force from the first elastic member to rotate, such that the bending member moves in a direction away from an end face of the battery cell. A tab bending device and a winding apparatus. By means of the tab bending assembly, the bending reliability of the tab can be improved, thereby improving the yield of the battery cell.

Description

Tab bending assembly, tab bending device and winding equipment

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on August 25, 2023, with application number 202322303524.5 and entitled “A Tab Bending Assembly, Tab Bending Device and Winding Equipment,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a tab bending assembly, a tab bending device and a winding equipment. Background Art

[0003] During the lithium battery manufacturing process, a strip of material (including the positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, and separator) needs to be wound to form a battery cell. Several tabs are set or formed on the positive and negative electrode sheets.

[0004] The multiple tabs are cut into tabs of small width on the pole piece by laser, and only a slit of 0.1mm or other width is cut between the tabs. Before the pole piece is wound, the tab pre-bending device has bent the tab to a certain angle to form a pre-folded edge. After the pole piece is wound, the multiple tabs on the pole piece need to be uniformly bent toward the center of the cross section of the battery cell, and the latter tab is pressed on the previous tab. The pole piece will move along the axial direction of the battery cell during the winding process. This movement of the pole piece will cause the intersection of the pre-folded edge of the tab and the pole piece to approach the bending part. The tab to be bent will therefore collide with the bending part, causing the tab to be bent to turn outward and the battery cell to be scrapped.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the tab bending assembly.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a tab bending assembly, a tab bending device and a winding equipment.

[0008] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a tab bending assembly, comprising:

[0009] A mounting seat, wherein a bending piece is installed on the mounting seat, and the bending piece is used to bend the tab;

[0010] a fixed block, the mounting seat being rotatably connected to the fixed block;

[0011] A first elastic member is arranged between the mounting seat and the fixed block, and the first elastic member is used to enable the bending member to apply a pressing force along the axial direction of the battery cell to the pole ear. When the pole piece moves along the axial direction of the battery cell, the mounting seat can overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member and rotate to cause the bending member to move in a direction away from the end face of the battery cell.

[0012] Optionally, the fixing block is provided with a first limiting block, and the first elastic member is provided between the first limiting block and the mounting seat.

[0013] Optionally, the fixing block is provided with a second limiting block, the second limiting block is installed with a top screw, and the top screw abuts against the mounting seat to adjust the elastic force of the first elastic member.

[0014] Optionally, the tab bending assembly further comprises: a connecting piece, the connecting piece and the mounting seat being slidably connected in the axial direction of the connecting piece, and the bending piece being provided at one end of the connecting piece;

[0015] a limiting member, the limiting member being fixedly connected to the connecting member;

[0016] a second elastic member, the second elastic member being arranged between the limiting member and the mounting seat;

[0017] When the bending member is subjected to a pressing force along the axial direction of the connecting member, the second elastic member provides the bending member with an elastic force in a direction opposite to the pressing force.

[0018] Optionally, the connecting member is a guide rod, and the limiting member is a third limiting block;

[0019] The mounting seat is provided with a first guide hole;

[0020] A second guide hole is provided on the limiting block;

[0021] The guide rod passes through the first guide hole and is slidably connected to the mounting seat, and the guide rod passes through the second guide hole and is fixedly connected to the limit block;

[0022] The second elastic member is sleeved on the guide rod.

[0023] Optionally, the tab bending assembly further includes a limiting rod, and the limiting rod is used to adjust the preload force of the second elastic member.

[0024] Optionally, the tab bending assembly further includes a mounting block, and the other end of the connecting member is fixedly connected to the mounting block;

[0025] A threaded hole is provided on the mounting block, the limiting rod is threadably matched with the threaded hole, and the end of the limiting rod can abut against the mounting seat.

[0026] Optionally, the bending member is a guide wheel having a conical surface, and the conical surface is used to press the tab;

[0027] Alternatively, the bending member is a ball, and the ball is used to press the tab.

[0028] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a tab bending device is provided, comprising:

[0029] A fixing seat, to which the tab bending assembly is connected;

[0030] A first drive component is connected to the fixing seat, and the first drive component can drive the fixing seat to move toward the battery cell, or as the diameter of the battery cell gradually increases, the first drive component can drive the fixing seat gradually away from the battery cell.

[0031] Optionally, the fixing seat is equipped with a second drive assembly and a third drive assembly;

[0032] At least two of the above-mentioned tab bending assemblies;

[0033] One of the tab bending assemblies is connected to the second driving assembly, and the second driving assembly is capable of driving the tab bending assembly to move toward or away from the axis of the battery cell;

[0034] Another tab bending assembly is connected to the third driving assembly, and the third driving assembly can drive the tab bending assembly to move toward or away from the axis of the battery cell.

[0035] Optionally, the fixed block of the tab bending assembly has a limiting hole opened along the distance direction between the two tab bending assemblies, and the second drive assembly and / or the third drive assembly are provided with a locking piece, and the locking piece is inserted into the limiting hole, and the fixed block can adjust the distance between the two tab bending assemblies through the limiting hole.

[0036] Optionally, the tab bending device further comprises a first pressing portion, a second pressing portion and a cutting assembly provided on the fixing seat, wherein the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are respectively located on both sides of the cutting assembly in a height direction;

[0037] The first pressing portion includes a fourth drive assembly and a first roller, wherein the fourth drive assembly is connected to the first roller, and the fourth drive assembly can drive the first roller to move toward or away from the material strip;

[0038] The second pressing portion includes a fifth driving component and a second roller, the sixth driving component is connected to the second roller, and the fifth driving component can drive the second roller to move toward or away from the material strip;

[0039] The cutting assembly includes a sixth driving assembly and a cutting piece. The sixth driving assembly is connected to the cutting piece, and the sixth driving assembly can drive the cutting piece to move toward or away from the material strip.

[0040] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a winding device, comprising:

[0041] A turret, on which a winding needle is mounted, for winding the strip into a battery cell;

[0042] According to the above-mentioned tab bending device, the tab bending assembly of the tab bending device can bend the tab.

[0043] Optionally, a guide plate is installed on the turret;

[0044] The first pressing part and the second pressing part of the tab bending device are capable of moving toward the guide plate to press the material strip onto the guide plate;

[0045] The cutting assembly of the tab bending device can move toward the guide plate to cut the material strip pressed on the guide plate.

[0046] One technical effect of the embodiments of the present disclosure is that, during the bending process of the pole piece's tab, the elastic force of the first elastic member can keep the bending member in contact with the tab to bend the tab, and when the pole piece moves along the axial direction of the battery cell, the tab will apply a greater pressing force toward the bending member on the mounting seat. At this time, the mounting seat can overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member and rotate, so that the bending member moves in a direction away from the end face of the battery cell, thereby avoiding collision with the tab to be bent, and the tab will not turn outward, thereby improving the reliability of the tab bending and ultimately improving the yield rate of the battery cell.

[0047] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a tab bending assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a tab bending device in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the working state of two tab bending assemblies in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a tab bending device in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a winding device in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a winding device in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Description of reference numerals:

[0056] Tab bending device 100; first tab bending assembly 1; second tab bending assembly 2; second drive assembly 3; locking member 31; third drive assembly 4; fixing seat 5; first drive assembly 6; first pressing portion 7; fourth drive assembly 71; first roller 72; second pressing portion 8; fifth drive assembly 81; second roller 82; cutting assembly 9; sixth drive assembly 91; cutting member 92;

[0057] Winding device 200; turret 20; turntable 201; winding needle 202; winding station 203; cutting station 204; blanking station 205; guide plate 206; groove 2061; guide portion 2062;

[0058] Material strip loading mechanism 300; battery cell 400; tab 401; material strip 402;

[0059] Tab bending assembly 500; first elastic member 50; top screw 501; mounting seat 51; first guide hole 511; third limit block 52; second guide hole 521; connecting member 53; bending member 54; conical surface 541; second elastic member 55; support shaft 56; mounting block 57; threaded hole 571; limit rod 572; rotating shaft 58; fixing block 59; first limit block 591; second limit block 592; limit hole 593. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0062] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0063] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0064] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0065] It should be noted that although the material strip 402, battery cell 400, tab 401, pole piece, diaphragm, etc. are described in the present disclosure, the purpose is only to more clearly illustrate the working principles of the tab bending assembly 500, the tab bending device 100 and the winding equipment 200. The material strip 402, battery cell 400, tab 401, pole piece, and diaphragm cannot be regarded as part of the tab bending assembly 500, the tab bending device 100 and the winding equipment 200.

[0066] First, it should be noted that the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the convenience of explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Please refer to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 5 .

[0067] As shown in FIG1 and FIG3 , according to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a tab bending assembly 500 is provided, comprising:

[0068] A mounting seat 51 , wherein a bending member 54 is installed on the mounting seat 51 , and the bending member 54 is used to bend the tab 401 ;

[0069] A fixing block 59, the mounting seat 51 is rotatably connected to the fixing block 59;

[0070] The first elastic member 50 is arranged between the mounting seat 51 and the fixing block 59. The first elastic member 50 is used to enable the bending member 54 to apply a pressing force along the axial direction of the battery cell to the pole tab 401. In other words, the pressing force applied by the bending member 54 to the pole tab 401 contains at least a component force along the axial direction of the battery cell 400, and this component force enables the bending member 54 to maintain contact with the pole tab 401.

[0071] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, during the process of winding the strip 402 composed of the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet, and the separator into the battery cell 400, the tab bending assembly 500 is used to bend the tabs 401 on the battery cell 400. As shown in Figure 3, before bending the tabs 401, the tabs 401 have been pre-bent. Then, the bending member 54 bends the tabs 401 uniformly toward the center of the end face of the battery cell 400, and the subsequent tab 401 is pressed onto the previous tab 401. Assume that in Figure 3, the electrode moves along the axial direction of the battery cell 400 during the winding process (for example, moves along the positive direction of the Z direction shown in Figure 3). At this time, the electrode further presses the bending part 54. In other words, the pressing force of the pole ear 401 on the bending part 54 along the axial direction of the battery cell 400 increases. At this time, the mounting seat 51 can overcome the elastic force F of the first elastic part 50 and rotate around the rotation axis 58. The bending part 54 accordingly moves in the direction away from the end face of the battery cell 400 to retreat, so it will not collide with the subsequent pole ear 401 to be bent, thereby avoiding the outward flipping of the pole ear 401 to be bent, improving the reliability of the pole ear bending, and improving the battery cell yield.

[0072] Mounting base 51 is capable of rotating relative to fixed block 59 about rotational axis 58. Rotational axis 58 can be a shaft fixed to mounting base 51, rotatingly engaged with fixed block 59; rotational axis 58 can also be a shaft fixed to fixed block 59, rotatingly engaged with mounting base 51; rotational axis 58 can also be a separate shaft that passes through a through hole in mounting base 51 and is fastened to fixed block 59. Therefore, the specific form of rotational axis 58 is not limited as long as it can achieve a rotational connection between mounting base 51 and fixed block 59.

[0073] The first elastic member 50 can be a coil spring, a spring, or other element capable of providing elastic force.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 , the fixing block 59 is provided with a first limiting block 591 , and the first elastic member 50 is provided between the first limiting block 591 and the mounting seat 51 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the first elastic member 50 is a compression spring, and the elastic force F provided by the first elastic member 50 toward the mounting seat 51 is a compressive force. The first limiting block 591 not only limits the position of the first elastic member 50 but also limits the maximum range of motion of the bending member 54. In practical applications, the first elastic member 50 can also be a tension spring. For example, a column can be provided on the fixing block 59, with one end of the coil spring connected to the column and the other end to the mounting seat 51. The spring tension maintains the bending member 54 against the tab 401.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3 , the fixing block 59 is further provided with a second limiting block 592 . The second limiting block 592 is installed with a top screw 501 . The top screw 501 abuts against the mounting seat 51 to adjust the elastic force of the first elastic member 50 .

[0077] The top screw 501 can be threadedly engaged with the second limit block 592. Rotating the top screw 501 can adjust the distance between the mounting seat 51 and the second limit block 592. Accordingly, the deformation of the first elastic member 50 can be adjusted, and thus the elastic force of the first elastic member 50 can be adjusted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 1, the tab bending assembly 500 also includes a connecting member 53, a limiting member, and a second elastic member 55. The connecting member 53 is slidingly connected to the mounting seat 51 in the axial direction of the connecting member 53 (i.e., the X direction as shown in Figure 3); the bending member 54 is arranged at one end of the connecting member 53, and the bending member is used to bend the tab 401; the limiting member is fixed to the connecting member 53; the second elastic member 55 is arranged between the limiting member and the mounting seat 51; when the bending member is subjected to a pressure along the axial direction of the connecting member 53, the second elastic member 55 provides the bending member 54 with an elastic force opposite to the direction of the pressure.

[0079] To further explain, the mounting seat 51 and the connecting member 53 are slidably connected along the axial direction of the connecting member 53 .

[0080] In one embodiment, a guide rail is provided on the mounting seat 51 , and a slider is provided on the connecting member 53 . The slider is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the slider can move in the guide rail in the axial direction of the connecting member 53 .

[0081] In another embodiment, a guide hole is opened on the mounting seat 51 , and the connecting member 53 is slidably connected to the guide hole. The connecting member 53 can move in the guide hole along the axial direction of the connecting member 53 .

[0082] To further explain, the limiting member is fixedly connected to the connecting member 53 .

[0083] In one embodiment, the limiting member may be a third limiting block 52 , and the third limiting block 52 is fixedly connected to the connecting member 53 .

[0084] In another embodiment, the limiting member is a protrusion machined on the connecting member 53 . In this case, the protrusion can still be considered to be fixedly connected to the connecting member 53 .

[0085] The second elastic member 55 can be a coil spring, an air spring, a spring, etc.

[0086] To further illustrate, the second elastic member 55 is disposed between the limiting member and the mounting seat 51. When the bending member approaches the tab, the bending member 54 bends the tab 401. Accordingly, the bending member 54 is subjected to a pressing force from the tab 401 along the axial direction of the connecting member 53. If the pressing force along the axial direction of the connecting member 53 is too large, the bending member 54 will move the connecting member 53 away from the axis of the tab 401, and the limiting member will also move accordingly. The limiting member will squeeze the second elastic member 55. When the second elastic member 55 is squeezed, it will give the bending member 54 an elastic force in the opposite direction of the pressing force along the axial direction of the connecting member 53 through the limiting member, so that the bending member 54 can always be in contact with the tab 401.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the second elastic member 55 is a compression spring, and the stopper is located on the side of the mounting seat 51 near the bending member 54. The movement of the stopper along the axial direction of the connector 53 changes the pressure of the second elastic member 55. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the second elastic member 55 can also be a tension spring. For example, the stopper is located on the side of the mounting seat 51 away from the bending member 54, and the two ends of the second elastic member 55 are connected to the mounting seat 51 and the stopper, respectively. In this case, the movement of the stopper along the axial direction of the connector 53 changes the tension of the second elastic member 55. Whether providing tension or pressure, the second elastic member 55 makes the force between the bending member and the tab 401 more gentle and adjustable. As the diameter of the cell 400 wound with the strip 402 gradually increases, the second elastic member 55 can also provide an elastic allowance for the bending member, so that the pressure on the tab 401 along the axial direction of the connector 53 (i.e., the radial direction of the cell 400) is not excessive.

[0088] Optionally, the connecting member 53 is a guide rod, and the limiting member is a third limiting block 52; a first guide hole 511 is provided on the mounting seat 51; a second guide hole 521 is provided on the third limiting block 52; the guide rod passes through the first guide hole 511 to achieve a sliding connection with the mounting seat 51, and the guide rod passes through the second guide hole 521 to be fixedly connected with the third limiting block 52. Here, the sliding connection can be achieved by a clearance fit between the guide rod and the first guide hole 511, and the fixed connection can be achieved by an interference fit or welding connection between the guide rod and the second guide hole 521; the second elastic member 55 is sleeved on the guide rod.

[0089] As shown in FIG1 , in an embodiment where the limiting member is a third limiting block 52 and the connecting member 53 is a guide rod, a first guide hole 511 is provided on the mounting seat 51, wherein the first guide hole 511 is arranged along the axial direction of the connecting member 53; a second guide hole 521 is provided on the third limiting block 52, wherein the second guide hole 521 is arranged along the axial direction of the connecting member 53; the guide rod passes through the first guide hole 511 and the second guide hole 521, wherein the guide rod is slidably connected to the first guide hole 511 and the guide rod is fixedly connected to the second guide hole 521, so that the guide rod is The rod can move in the first guide hole 511 along the axial direction of the guide rod. When the guide rod moves in the axial direction, the third limit block 52 will also move in the axial direction with the guide rod. The second elastic member 55 is arranged between the third limit block 52 and the mounting seat 51 and is sleeved on the guide rod. The two ends of the second elastic member 55 can respectively abut against the third limit block 52 and the mounting seat 51, so that the bending member is always pressed against the tab 401, and the pressure between the bending member and the tab 401 is avoided, which leads to inconsistent bending angles or tightness of each layer. In addition, this method of the third limit block 52 and the guide rod as two independent structures does not require high processing of the guide rod itself. Of course, if the third limit block 52 is a protruding structure processed on the guide rod, such as a flange on the guide rod, then the third limit block 52 is also fixedly connected to the guide rod, which brings the advantage of a simple assembly process.

[0090] Optionally, the tab bending assembly 500 further includes a limiting rod 572 , which can adjust the preload force of the second elastic member 55 so that the second elastic member 55 can provide sufficient elastic force for the bending member 54 so that the bending member 54 can be pressed against the tab 401 .

[0091] Optionally, the tab bending assembly 500 further includes a mounting block 57, to which the second end of the connector 53 is fixedly connected; a threaded hole 571 is formed in the mounting block 57, and a limiting rod 572 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 571, so that the end of the limiting rod 572 can abut the mounting seat 51. Thus, by rotating the limiting rod 572, the preload force of the second elastic member 55 can be adjusted. The advantage of this structure is that the mounting block 57 is located on the side of the mounting seat 51 away from the bending member, and thus, adjustment will not cause accidental collision with the bending member.

[0092] As shown in FIG1 , in one embodiment, the tab bending assembly 500 further includes a mounting block 57, wherein the other end of the connecting member 53 is fixedly connected to the mounting block 57, and a threaded hole 571 is provided on the mounting block 57, wherein the threaded hole 571 is arranged along the X direction, and a limiting rod 572 can pass through the threaded hole 571. The limiting rod 572 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 571, and the end of the limiting rod 572 can abut the mounting seat 51. The limiting rod 572 can adjust the distance between the mounting block 57 and the mounting seat 51. By rotating the limiting rod 572, the distance between the mounting seat 51 and the mounting block 57 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the preload force of the second elastic member 55, so that the second elastic member 55 can provide sufficient elastic force for the bending member.

[0093] Optionally, the bending member 54 is a guide wheel having a conical surface 541 , and the conical surface 541 is used to press the tab 401 ; or, the bending member 54 is a ball, and the ball is used to press the tab 401 .

[0094] To further illustrate, the bending member is used to bend the tab 401 on the battery cell 400. The bending member 54 can be a guide wheel or a ball bearing, etc., which are suitable for bending the tab 401.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1, the preferred embodiment is a guide wheel, wherein a conical surface 541 is provided on the guide wheel, and the end with a smaller cross-section of the conical surface 541 presses against the root of the pole lug 401 to achieve bending of the pole lug 401; the inclination angle of the conical surface 541 can be determined according to the bending angle of the pole lug 401. By the guide wheel and the pole lug 401 being in contact with each other, the force between the guide wheel and the pole lug 401 can be made more uniform, and the bending effect is better. In addition, the conical surface 541 can be provided, and the inclination angle can be selected as needed, and its compatibility is higher.

[0096] Further description, the guide rod has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is an end close to the pole tab 401 when the pole tab 401 is bent, and the second end is an end away from the pole tab 401, and the guide wheel is provided at the first end of the guide rod, wherein the guide wheel can abut against the pole tab 401;

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, a support shaft 56 is provided at the first end of the guide rod, one end of the support shaft 56 is connected to the guide rod, and the other end of the support shaft 56 is connected to the guide wheel, wherein the guide wheel can rotate relative to the axis of the support shaft 56.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the tab bending assembly 500 includes two guide rods, which are arranged side by side, and a guide wheel is arranged on the guide rod close to the tab 401. The provision of two guide rods can improve the stability of the tab bending assembly 500.

[0099] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a tab bending device 100 is provided, comprising at least two of the above-mentioned tab bending assemblies 500; a fixed seat 5, the tab bending assembly 500 being connected to the fixed seat 5; a first drive assembly 6, the first drive assembly 6 being connected to the fixed seat 5, the first drive assembly 6 being capable of driving the fixed seat 5 to move toward the battery cell 400, or as the diameter of the battery cell 400 gradually increases, the first drive assembly 6 being capable of driving the fixed seat 5 gradually away from the battery cell 400.

[0100] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tab bending device 100 includes at least two tab bending assemblies 500. For clarity, the two tab bending assemblies 500 are marked as the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2, respectively. The first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 are respectively used to bend the tabs 401 at both ends of the battery cell 400.

[0101] As shown in FIG2 , the first driving assembly 6 is connected to the fixing base 5. The first driving assembly 6 can drive the fixing base 5 to move toward or away from the axis of the battery cell 400 (i.e., the X direction shown in FIG3 ). The first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 are mounted on the fixing base 5. When the first driving assembly 6 drives the fixing base 5 to move, it can also drive the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 to move at the same time.

[0102] It is further explained that when the tab 401 needs to be bent, the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 are simultaneously driven by the first driving assembly 6 to approach the tab 401; as the diameter of the battery cell 400 gradually increases, the first driving assembly 6 can drive the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 to move simultaneously toward the side away from the tab 401 to adapt to the gradually increasing diameter of the tab.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first driving assembly 6 can be driven by a motor guide rail, a motor lead screw, a gear transmission or a chain transmission.

[0104] Optionally, the fixing seat 5 is installed with a second drive component 3 and a third drive component 4; one of the tab bending components 500 is connected to the second drive component 3, and the second drive component 3 can drive the tab bending component 500 to move toward or away from the axis of the battery cell 400; the other tab bending component 500 is connected to the third drive component 4, and the third drive component 4 can drive the tab bending component 500 to move toward or away from the axis of the battery cell.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2, the tab bending device 100 also includes a second drive assembly 3 and a third drive assembly 4, wherein the second drive assembly 3 and the third drive assembly 4 are both installed on a fixed seat 5, and the second drive assembly 3 and the fixed seat 5, the third drive assembly 4 and the fixed seat 5 can be connected by bolt connection, bonding, welding or snap connection.

[0106] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second drive component 3 is connected to the first pole tab bending component 1, and the second drive component 3 can drive the first pole tab bending component 1 to approach or move away from a pole tab 401 on the battery cell 400; the third drive component 4 is connected to the second pole tab bending component 2, and the third drive component 4 can drive the second pole tab bending component 2 to approach or move away from another pole tab 401 on the battery cell 400.

[0107] Further explanation, in this embodiment, by setting the second drive assembly 3 to be connected to the first tab bending assembly 1, and the third drive assembly 4 to be connected to the second tab bending assembly 2, the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 can be moved independently. When the tab 401 needs to be bent, when one of the tab bending assemblies 500 and the tab 401 becomes loose or tight, the positional relationship between the first tab bending assembly 1 or the second tab bending assembly 2 and the tab 401 can be adjusted by the corresponding drive assembly, thereby improving the automation performance of the tab bending device 100 and improving the quality of the product. Moreover, when the cutting assembly 9 is required to cut the material strip 402 as described below, the second drive assembly 3 and the third drive assembly 4 can also drive the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 to enter the avoidance position, which will not affect the cutting work of the material strip 402.

[0108] In one embodiment, the second drive assembly 3 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the first tab bending assembly 1 is connected to a piston rod to drive the first tab bending assembly 1 to move; the third drive assembly 4 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the second tab bending assembly 2 is connected to a piston rod to drive the second tab bending assembly 2 to move. In another embodiment, the second drive assembly 3 and the third drive assembly 4 can also be driven by a motor screw or a motor guide rail, as long as they can drive the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 to move in a preset direction.

[0109] Optionally, the fixing block 59 of the tab bending assembly 500 has a limiting hole 593 opened along the distance direction between the two tab bending assemblies 500 (i.e., the Z direction as shown in FIG3 ), and the second drive assembly 3 and / or the third drive assembly 4 are provided with a locking member 31, which is inserted into the limiting hole 593. The fixing block 59 can adjust the distance between the two tab bending assemblies 500 through the limiting hole 593. After the distance is adjusted to the right position, the locking member 31 is inserted into the limiting hole 593 to lock the position. The locking member 31 can be a structure such as a bolt or a bayonet.

[0110] To further illustrate, the fixing block 59 defines a limiting hole 593, which is an elongated or waisted hole and extends in the distance direction between the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2. The locking member 31 can pass through the limiting hole 593, allowing the locking member 31 to move relative to the locking position of the limiting hole 593 to adjust the distance between the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2, thereby accommodating material strips 402 of different sizes.

[0111] In one embodiment, a limiting hole 593 is provided on the fixed block 59 of the first tab bending assembly 1, and a locking member 31 is correspondingly provided on the second driving assembly 3. The limiting hole 593 cooperates with the locking member 31 to adjust the distance between the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2.

[0112] In one embodiment, a limiting hole 593 is provided on the fixed block 59 of the second tab bending assembly 2, and a locking member 31 is correspondingly provided on the third driving assembly 4. The limiting hole 593 cooperates with the locking member 31 to adjust the distance between the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2.

[0113] In one embodiment, a limiting hole 593 is defined on the fixing block 59 of the first tab bending assembly 1, and a locking member 31 is provided on the second drive assembly 3. A limiting hole 593 is defined on the fixing block 59 of the second tab bending assembly 2, and a locking member 31 is provided on the third drive assembly 4. Both the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2 can move in the Z direction, thereby adjusting the distance between the first tab bending assembly 1 and the second tab bending assembly 2.

[0114] Optionally, the tab bending device 100 further includes a first pressing portion 7, a second pressing portion 8, and a cutting assembly 9 provided on the fixing seat 5, wherein the first pressing portion 7 and the second pressing portion 8 are respectively located on both sides of the cutting assembly 9 in the height direction (i.e., the Y direction as shown in FIG3 );

[0115] The first pressing portion 7 includes a fourth driving component 71 and a first roller 72. The fourth driving component 71 is connected to the first roller 72. The fourth driving component 71 can drive the first roller 72 to move toward or away from the material strip 402.

[0116] The second pressing portion 8 includes a fifth driving component 81 and a second roller 82. The fifth driving component 81 is connected to the second roller 82. The fifth driving component 81 can drive the second roller 82 to move toward or away from the material strip 402.

[0117] The cutting assembly 9 includes a sixth driving assembly 91 and a cutting piece 92 . The sixth driving assembly 91 is connected to the cutting piece 92 . The sixth driving assembly 91 can drive the cutting piece 92 to move toward or away from the material strip 402 .

[0118] To further illustrate, the tab bending device 100 also includes a first pressing portion 7, a second pressing portion 8 and a cutting assembly 9, wherein the cutting assembly 9 is used to cut the material strip 402, and the first pressing portion 7 and the second pressing portion 8 are used to fix the material strip 402 when the cutting assembly 9 cuts the material strip 402 to facilitate cutting.

[0119] As shown in Figure 4, in the height direction of the cutting assembly 9, the first clamping portion 7 is arranged adjacent to the tab bending assembly 500. The first clamping portion 7 is arranged on the fixed seat 5. The first clamping portion 7 includes a first roller 72 and a fourth drive assembly 71. The first roller 72 is connected to the fourth drive assembly 71. The fourth drive assembly 71 can drive the first roller 72 to move toward or away from the material strip 402. Before cutting the material strip 402, it is necessary to first fix the material strip 402, first drive the first roller 72 toward the direction of the material strip 402 through the fourth drive assembly 71, and make the material strip 402 contact the guide plate 206, so that the cutting assembly 9 can cut the material strip 402. The working principle of the second clamping portion 8 is the same as that of the first clamping portion 7, so it will not be described in detail.

[0120] As shown in FIG4 , in the height direction (i.e., the Y direction) of the cutting assembly 9, the first pressing portion 7 and the second pressing portion 8 are respectively arranged on both sides of the cutting assembly 9, so that the first pressing portion 7 and the second pressing portion 8 can fix the material strip 402 and the cutting assembly 9 can cut the material strip 402 between the two pressing portions. Further explanation: the cutting assembly 9 includes a sixth drive assembly 91 and a cutting member 92, wherein the cutting member 92 is connected to the sixth drive assembly 91, and the sixth drive assembly 91 can drive the cutting member 92 to move toward or away from the material strip 402. The cutting member 92 can be a cutter or a heating wire, so that the cutting member 92 cuts the material strip 402 when it approaches the material strip 402 and moves away from the material strip 402 after the cutting is completed. The second pressing portion 8 includes a fifth drive assembly 81 and a second roller 82, wherein the second roller 82 is connected to the fifth drive assembly 81, and the fifth drive assembly 81 can drive the second roller 82 so that the second roller 82 can move toward or away from the material strip 402.

[0121] To further illustrate, the fourth drive assembly 71 , the fifth drive assembly 81 and the sixth drive assembly 91 may be driven by a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor guide rail or a motor lead screw.

[0122] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a winding apparatus 200 is provided, comprising a turret 20 and the aforementioned tab bending apparatus 100. A winding needle 202 is mounted on the turret 20, which is used to wind a strip 402 into a battery cell 400. The tab bending assembly 500 of the tab bending apparatus 100 is capable of bending the tab 401. The tab bending apparatus 100 can be mounted in any suitable location near the turret 20, such as a rack or equipment housing.

[0123] As shown in Figure 6, there are three workstations on the turret 20, namely the winding station 203, the cutting station 204 and the unloading station 205. The winding station 203 is used to wind the material strip 402 into the battery cell 400. The cutting station 204 is located downstream of the winding station 203 and is used to cut the material strip 402 after the winding is completed. The unloading station 205 is located downstream of the cutting station 204 and is used to transfer the wound battery cell 400 to the transportation area.

[0124] As shown in Figure 5, the turret 20 includes a turntable 201 and three winding needles 202. The three winding needles 202 are evenly arranged around the center of the turntable 201. The number of winding needles 202 is the same as the number of workstations, so that each workstation can work at the same time to improve the working efficiency of the winding equipment 200.

[0125] Further explanation: the tab bending assembly 500 is arranged at the winding station 203, so that before the material strip 402 is wound, the tab bending assembly 500 can be moved toward the winding needle 202 through the first driving assembly 6, so that the tab bending assembly 500 bends the tab 401.

[0126] Optionally, the turret 20 is equipped with a guide plate 206; the first pressing part 7 and the second pressing part 8 can move toward the guide plate 206 to press the material strip 402 onto the guide plate 206; the cutting assembly 9 can move toward the guide plate 206 to cut the material strip 402 pressed onto the guide plate 206.

[0127] As shown in Figure 5, the turret 20 is also equipped with guide plates 206. The number of guide plates 206 is the same as the number of winding needles 202. In an embodiment with three winding needles 202, three guide plates 206 are also provided. Because the guide plates 206 rotate with the turret 20, when one of the winding needles 202 rotates from the winding station 203 to the cutting station 204, the guide plate 206 also moves with it. Therefore, each winding needle 202 has a corresponding guide plate 206 to facilitate cutting of the material strip 402.

[0128] As shown in FIG5 , the first pressing portion 7 , the second pressing portion 8 , and the cutting assembly 9 are arranged between the winding station 203 and the cutting station 204 . After the material strip 402 is wound at the winding station 203 , the turret 20 rotates to transfer the wound battery cell 400 to the cutting station 204 . The first pressing portion 7 , the cutting assembly 9 , and the second pressing portion 8 can move toward the guide plate 206 , wherein the first pressing portion 7 and the second pressing portion 8 respectively drive the first roller 72 and the second roller 82 to move toward the guide plate 206 , so that the first roller 72 and the second roller 82 press the material strip 402 against the guide plate 206 . The cutting assembly 9 drives the cutting piece 92 to move toward the guide plate 206 , and the material strip 402 is cut by the cutting piece 92 , so that the wound battery cell 400 is moved to the unloading station 205 for unloading. In addition to the mechanical cutting piece 92 , the cutting assembly 9 can also adopt other methods such as laser cutting.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, a groove 2061 is provided on the side of the guide plate 206 facing the cutting assembly 9. When the material strip 402 needs to be cut, the position of the groove 2061 is opposite to the position of the cutting piece 92. The cutting piece 92 moves toward the position of the guide plate 206, and the cutting piece 92 moves into the groove 2061, which facilitates cutting the material strip 402.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, a guide portion 2062 is provided at the edge of the guide plate 206, wherein the guide portion 2062 is arc-shaped, so that when the material strip 402 moves along the guide plate 206 from the winding station 203 to the cutting station 204, the transition of the material strip 402 can be smoother.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , a material strip loading mechanism 300 is further included, wherein the material strip loading mechanism 300 is used to transport the material strip 402 to the winding station 203 .

[0132] To further illustrate, the material strip 402 mentioned in the present disclosure may be a sheet material, which is mainly used to wind the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet and the separator together to form a battery cell, thereby bending the tabs 401 at both ends of the electrode sheet.

[0133] Further explanation, the working process of the winding equipment 200: the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet and the diaphragm are transported to the winding needle 202 located on the winding station 203 through the material strip loading mechanism 300, and are clamped by the winding needle 202; the first driving component 6 drives the fixed seat 5 toward the direction of the winding needle 202, so that the bending part is pressed against the pole ear 401, and the winding needle 202 rotates to realize the winding of the material strip 402 on the winding needle 202, and at the same time the pole ear bending component 500 bends the pole ear 401 on the battery cell 400. In this process, if the pressing force between the first pole ear bending component 1, the second pole ear bending component 2 and the pole ear 401 is different due to the movement of the pole sheet along the axial direction of the battery cell 400, or any pole ear bending component 500 is offset, the first elastic component 50 and the second elastic component 55 can provide buffering. During the winding process of the battery cell 400, the diameter of the battery cell 400 will gradually increase, and the first drive component 6 can drive the fixed seat 5 to gradually move away from the winding needle 202 to adapt to the gradually increasing diameter of the tab 401; when the winding is completed, the first drive component 6 drives the fixed seat 5 to move away from the winding needle 202 to make it exit the winding station 203, and the rotating turret 20 makes the material strip 402 wound at the winding station 203 move to the cutting station 204; after moving to the cutting station 204, the first drive component 6 drives the fixed seat 5 to move toward the winding station 203, and the second drive component 3 and the third drive component 4 respectively drive the first tab bending component 1 and the second tab bending component Component 2 enters a position to avoid the cutting component 9; since the cutting component 9, the first clamping part 7 and the second clamping part 8 correspond to the positions of the guide plate 206, the fourth drive component 71 drives the first roller 72 to move toward the guide plate 206, and the fifth drive component 81 drives the second roller 82 to move toward the guide plate 206, so that the fifth drive component 81 and the second roller 82 press the material strip 402 against the guide plate 206, and the sixth drive component 91 drives the cutting component 92 to move toward the guide plate 206 to cut the material strip 402; at this time, the empty winding needle 202 located on the winding station 203 continues to repeat the above-mentioned winding work; the wound battery cell 400 that is rotated to the unloading station 205 after cutting is unloaded.

[0134] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tab bending assembly (500), wherein: include: A mounting seat (51), wherein the mounting seat (51) is provided with a bending piece (54), and the bending piece (54) is used to bend the tab; A fixing block (59), the mounting seat (51) being rotatably connected to the fixing block (59); A first elastic member (50), the first elastic member (50) is arranged between the mounting seat (51) and the fixing block (59), the first elastic member (50) is used to enable the bending member (54) to apply a pressing force along the axial direction of the battery cell to the pole ear, when the pole piece moves along the axial direction of the battery cell, the mounting seat (51) can overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member and rotate, so that the bending member (54) moves in a direction away from the end face of the battery cell.

2. The tab bending assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing block (59) is provided with a first limiting block (591), and the first elastic member (50) is arranged between the first limiting block (591) and the mounting seat (51).

3. The tab bending assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fixing block (59) is provided with a second limiting block (592), and the second limiting block (592) is installed with a top screw (501), and the top screw (501) abuts against the mounting seat (51) to adjust the elastic force of the first elastic member (50).

4. The tab bending assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Also includes: A connecting piece (53), the connecting piece (53) being slidably connected to the mounting seat (51) in the axial direction of the connecting piece (53), and the bending piece (54) being arranged at one end of the connecting piece (53); a limiting member, the limiting member being fixedly connected to the connecting member (53); a second elastic member (55), the second elastic member (55) being arranged between the limiting member and the mounting seat (51); When the bending member (54) is subjected to a pressure force in the axial direction of the connecting member (53), the second elastic member (55) provides the bending member with an elastic force in the opposite direction to the pressure force.

5. The tab bending assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The connecting member (53) is a guide rod, and the limiting member is a third limiting block (52); The mounting seat (51) is provided with a first guide hole (511); The third limiting block (52) is provided with a second guide hole (521); The guide rod passes through the first guide hole (511) and is slidably connected to the mounting seat (51), and the guide rod passes through the second guide hole (521) and is fixedly connected to the third limit block (52); The second elastic member (55) is sleeved on the guide rod.

6. The tab bending assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The tab bending assembly (500) further comprises a limiting rod (572), wherein the limiting rod (572) is used to adjust the preload force of the second elastic member (55).

7. The tab bending assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The tab bending assembly (500) further comprises a mounting block (57), and the other end of the connecting member (53) is fixedly connected to the mounting block (57); The mounting block (57) is provided with a threaded hole (571), the limiting rod (572) is threadably matched with the threaded hole (571), and the end of the limiting rod (572) can abut against the mounting seat (51).

8. The tab bending assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The bending member (54) is a guide wheel having a conical surface (541), and the conical surface (541) is used to press against the pole ear (401); Alternatively, the bending member (54) is a ball bearing, and the ball bearing is used to press the tab (401).

9. A tab bending device, wherein: include: At least two tab bending assemblies (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A fixing seat (5), the tab bending assembly (500) being connected to the fixing seat (5); A first driving component (6), the first driving component (6) is connected to the fixing seat (5), and the first driving component (6) is capable of driving the fixing seat (5) to move toward the battery cell (400); or as the diameter of the battery cell (400) gradually increases, the first driving component (6) is capable of driving the fixing seat (5) to gradually move away from the battery cell (400).

10. The tab bending device according to claim 9, wherein: The fixing seat (5) is equipped with a second driving assembly (3) and a third driving assembly (4); One of the tab bending assemblies (500) is connected to the second driving assembly (3), and the second driving assembly (3) is capable of driving the tab bending assembly (500) to move in a direction close to or away from the axis of the battery cell; Another of the tab bending components (500) is connected to the third driving component (4), and the third driving component (4) is capable of driving the tab bending component (500) to move in a direction close to or away from the axis of the battery cell.

11. The tab bending device according to claim 10, wherein: The fixed block (59) of the pole tab bending assembly (500) has a limiting hole (593) opened along the distance direction between the two pole tab bending assemblies (500), and the second driving assembly (3) and / or the third driving assembly (4) are provided with a locking member (31), and the locking member (31) is inserted into the limiting hole (593), and the fixed block (59) can adjust the distance between the two pole tab bending assemblies (500) through the limiting hole (593).

12. The tab bending device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The tab bending device (100) further comprises a first pressing portion (7), a second pressing portion (8) and a cutting assembly (9) arranged on the fixing seat (5), wherein the first pressing portion (7) and the second pressing portion (8) are respectively located on both sides of the cutting assembly (9) in a height direction; The first pressing portion (7) comprises a fourth driving component (71) and a first roller (72), wherein the fourth driving component (71) is connected to the first roller (72), and the fourth driving component (71) is capable of driving the first roller (72) to move in a direction close to or away from the material belt; The second pressing portion (8) comprises a fifth driving component (81) and a second roller (82), wherein the fifth driving component (81) is connected to the second roller (82), and the fifth driving component (81) can drive the second roller (82) to move in a direction close to or away from the material strip; The cutting assembly (9) comprises a sixth driving assembly (91) and a cutting piece (92); the sixth driving assembly (91) is connected to the cutting piece (92); and the sixth driving assembly (91) can drive the cutting piece (92) to move in a direction close to or away from the material strip.

13. A winding device, wherein: include: A turret (20), wherein a winding needle (202) is installed on the turret (20), and the winding needle (202) is used to wind the material strip (402) into a battery core (400); According to the pole tab bending device (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the pole tab bending assembly (500) of the pole tab bending device (100) is capable of bending the pole tab (401).

14. The winding device according to claim 13, wherein: A guide plate (206) is installed on the turret (20); The first pressing part (7) and the second pressing part (8) of the tab bending device (100) are capable of moving toward the guide plate (206) so as to press the material strip onto the guide plate (206); The cutting assembly (9) of the tab bending device is capable of moving toward the guide plate (206) to cut the material strip (402) pressed against the guide plate (206).

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