Tab flattening device, tab flattening control method, and battery production system
The combined structure of the tab flattening head and edge restraint of the tab flattening device solves the problem of flash during the tab flattening process, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the battery.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2024/113946
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-01
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-02
AI Technical Summary
The existing tab flattening process is prone to burrs, which can lead to reliability risks such as battery corrosion and leakage.
A tab flattening device is used, which uses a combined structure of a flattening head and an edge restraint to flatten the tab while restraining its edge end to ensure that it is within a safe range. Adjusting parts and elastic parts are used to adjust the restraining force to avoid excessive rigid pressure.
The reliability of the battery is improved, the possibility of the tab flash overlapping with other parts of the battery is reduced, and the stability of the battery is enhanced.
Smart Images
Figure CN2024113946_02102025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Tab flattening device, tab flattening control method and battery production system
[0001] Related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024102334848, filed on March 1, 2024, entitled “Tab flattening device, tab flattening control method and battery production system,” the entire text of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field
[0003] The present application relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to a tab flattening device, a tab flattening control method, and a battery production system. Background Art
[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. Electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of the sustainable development of the automotive industry. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a key factor in their development.
[0005] Flattening is a key process in the manufacturing process of full-tab batteries. In related technologies, a tab flattening structure is usually used to flatten the tabs at the ends of the electrode assembly, but it is easy to cause corrosion and leakage of the battery's electrode assembly, which reduces reliability risks.
[0006] Summary of the Invention
[0007] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a tab flattening device that can flatten the tab while improving the reliability of the battery.
[0008] In the first aspect, the present application provides a tab flattening device, comprising: a driving member; a tab flattening structure, which is driven by the driving member and rotates circumferentially or spirally around the axis of the electrode assembly, and comprises: a mounting body, a flattening head and an edge constraint member, the flattening head is arranged on the mounting body and protrudes relative to one side of the mounting body, the outer surface of the flattening head forms a kneading plane that can contact the surface of the tab, and the edge constraint member is arranged on the outer periphery of the flattening head, and protrudes relative to one side of the mounting body and forms a constraint surface that can contact the edge end of the tab.
[0009] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the edge end of the tab can be constrained while flattening the tab, so that the flattened tab is confined to a safe range, reducing the possibility of its flash causing overlap with other parts of the battery, thereby improving the reliability of the battery.
[0010] In some embodiments, the mounting body has a mounting surface, the flattening head and the edge constraint both protrude relative to the mounting surface, and the tab flattening structure also includes an adjusting member, which is connected to the edge constraint and is used to adjust the protruding distance of the edge constraint relative to the mounting surface.
[0011] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the limiting position of the constraint surface can be changed by an adjusting member to adapt to various different situations.
[0012] In some embodiments, the mounting body has a mounting hole connected to the mounting surface, and the adjusting part includes a connecting part and an adjusting part. The connecting part is passed through the mounting hole and is connected to the edge constraint part on one side of the mounting surface. The adjusting part is arranged on the side of the connecting part away from the edge constraint part, and the adjusting part is used to adjust the axial position of the connecting part in the mounting hole.
[0013] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the mounting hole can be set through the mounting body along the extending direction of the flattening head. At this time, the axial direction of the mounting hole is set perpendicular to the mounting surface. The connecting part can be a columnar structure passed through the mounting hole and adjusted by the adjustment part to change the protruding distance of the edge constraint relative to the mounting surface.
[0014] In some embodiments, the tab flattening structure further includes an elastic member, which is disposed at the connecting portion and has one end connected to the edge restraint member. The elastic member can apply a pressing restraint force through the edge restraint member.
[0015] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the elastic member can apply elastic restraining force to the tab through the edge restraining member, thereby alleviating the phenomenon of decarbonization and lithium deposition of the electrode assembly caused by excessive rigid pressure.
[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment connected to each other. The other end of the first connecting segment is connected to the edge restraint, and one end of the second connecting segment partially extends out of the mounting hole. The adjusting portion is detachably mounted on the portion of the second connecting segment extending through the mounting hole and is capable of abutting against a side of the mounting body facing away from the mounting surface. The elastic member is mounted on the outer periphery of the second connecting segment, with its ends abutting against the first connecting segment and the inner wall of the mounting hole, respectively.
[0017] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the connecting part is installed in the mounting hole, since the outer diameter of the second connecting section is smaller, when the first connecting section abuts against the wall of the mounting hole, there is a gap between the second connecting section and the wall of the mounting hole. The elastic member is sleeved on the second connecting section and is located in this gap, with one end connected to the step surface of the first connecting section and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the mounting hole facing the step surface, so that the elastic member generates an elastic constraint force along the axis of the mounting hole.
[0018] In some embodiments, the adjusting portion is sleeved on the second connecting section and is detachably connected to the second connecting section by threads.
[0019] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the position adjustment of the connecting portion in the mounting hole of the mounting body is conveniently achieved through threaded connection.
[0020] In some embodiments, the edge constraint members include a plurality of edge constraint members, and the plurality of edge constraint members are evenly spaced along the circumference and arranged on the outer periphery of the smoothing head.
[0021] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the flattening head rotates to flatten the multiple tabs, the multiple edge restraints sequentially restrain and shape the edge ends of the multiple tabs, thereby achieving a uniform convergence effect.
[0022] In some embodiments, the restraining surface is arranged in an arc shape and the edge restraining member is rotatable relative to the mounting body.
[0023] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, during the process of flattening the tab by the flattening head, the edge constraint member can rotate relative to the mounting body so that the arc-shaped constraint surface rotates relative to the tab, thereby reducing the risk of metal particles generated on the tab during the flattening process by rolling.
[0024] In some embodiments, the kneading surface is cone-shaped.
[0025] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the edge constraint is located on one side of the mounting surface and is arranged close to the side with the largest diameter of the kneading surface. The tip of the kneading surface is arranged close to the geometric center of the end face of the electrode assembly, so that the kneading head rotates one circle relative to the end face to complete the flattening of all the tabs.
[0026] According to the second aspect of the present application, a method for flattening the tab is also provided, using any of the above tab flattening devices, the method comprising the following steps: controlling the tab flattening structure to move toward the tab side of the electrode assembly so that the kneading surface of the flattening head and the restraining surface of the edge restraint respectively correspond to the surface and edge end of the tab; controlling the tab flattening structure to rotate circumferentially or spirally around the axis direction of the electrode assembly.
[0027] Such a design can flatten the tab while constraining the edge end of the tab, limiting the flattened tab to a safe range, reducing the possibility of its flash causing overlap with other parts of the battery, thereby improving the reliability of the battery.
[0028] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the tab flattening structure to rotate circumferentially or spirally around the axis of the electrode assembly includes: controlling the tab flattening structure to rotate around the axis of the electrode assembly so that the rotation speed of the tab flattening structure reaches a set rotation speed; controlling the tab flattening structure to move toward one side of the tab.
[0029] With such a design, the action of the tab flattening structure is reasonably controlled, so that the tab flattening is more stable and the flattening effect is better.
[0030] According to a third aspect of the present application, a battery production system is further provided, the battery production system comprising any one of the above tab flattening devices.
[0031] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.
[0033] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:
[0034] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a vehicle provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0035] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0036] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a battery cell provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0037] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the tab flattening structure provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0038] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tab flattening structure provided in FIG4 .
[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tab flattening structure and the electrode assembly provided in FIG4 .
[0040] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the tab flattening structure and the electrode assembly provided in FIG4 .
[0041] FIG8 is a flowchart 1 of a tab flattening control method provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0042] (a) to (d) in FIG9 are schematic diagrams of different structures of the electrode assembly during the tab flattening process provided by one or more embodiments of the present application.
[0043] FIG10 is a second flowchart of the tab flattening control method provided in the present application according to one or more embodiments.
[0044] 1000, vehicle; 100, battery; 30, controller; 40, motor; 11, housing; 111, first housing portion; 112, second housing portion; 20, battery cell; 21, housing; 22, end cap; 23, electrode assembly; 24, end face; L, axis; 25, tab; 251, edge end; 252, surface of tab; 200, tab flattening structure; 210, mounting body; 211, mounting surface; 212, mounting hole; 220, flattening head; 221, flattening surface; 230, edge restraint; 231, restraint surface; 240, adjusting member; 241, connecting portion; 2411, first connecting section; 2412, second connecting section; 242, adjusting member; 250, elastic member; 300, fixing fixture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.
[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.
[0047] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.
[0048] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.
[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).
[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.
[0052] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.
[0053] Solar cells, as green energy sources, are currently seeing increasing market adoption. They are not only used in photovoltaic power generation systems like solar power plants, but are also increasingly being incorporated into electrical devices like electric vehicles. As the application of solar cells continues to expand, market demand is also growing.
[0054] During the production of cylindrical batteries, a critical step is the preparation of the tabs. For cylindrical batteries with full tab structures, when the positive and negative active material layers are applied to the positive and negative current collectors, a blank area of foil is left at the edges of the positive and negative current collectors. This blank area serves as the tab. Because the foil at the edge of the tab is thin, the tab's edge is uneven, potentially leading to flanging and numerous burrs. Consequently, during welding to the current collector plate, a localized area of the tab's edge cannot contact the plate, resulting in an unstable weld area.
[0055] In order to facilitate the subsequent welding of the collecting plate at the end of the electrode assembly and ensure the welding quality, it is necessary to use a tab flattening structure to flatten the tabs of the electrode assembly, and flatten the upright tabs at the end of the electrode assembly into a plane so that each layer of tabs is in close contact.
[0056] Commonly used shaping methods include mechanical flattening. Mechanical flattening is a method of shaping the battery's tabs by rotating and squeezing the tabs with mechanical components, so that the tabs are pressed and fall down at the end of the electrode assembly. However, in the process of flattening the tabs by the tab flattening structure, the edges of the tabs are prone to flashing instead of falling down at the end of the electrode assembly in the preset direction, causing the edges of the tabs to warp up or down and overlap with the battery's electrode assembly, resulting in risks of corroding the battery, battery leakage, and other reliability reductions.
[0057] Based on this, in order to solve some reliability problems caused by flash during the existing tab flattening process, the present application provides a tab flattening device, which provides a kneading surface to mechanically flatten the tab, and provides an edge constraint to constrain the edge of the tab, so that after flattening, the edge constraint falls within a safe range, thereby improving battery reliability.
[0058] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are all applicable to cylindrical battery cells, which are suitable for various devices using batteries, such as mobile phones, portable devices, laptop computers, electric vehicles, electric toys, electric tools, electric vehicles, ships and spacecraft, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles and spacecraft, etc.
[0059] It should be understood that the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the devices described above, but can also be applied to all devices using batteries. However, for the sake of simplicity, the following embodiments are explained using electric vehicles as an example.
[0060] For example, as shown in FIG1 , FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle 1000 according to one embodiment of the present application. Vehicle 1000 can be a fuel vehicle, a gas vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. The new energy vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an extended-range vehicle, etc. Vehicle 1000 can be provided with a motor 40, a controller 30, and a battery 100. Controller 30 is used to control the battery 100 to power motor 40. For example, battery 100 can be provided at the bottom, front, or rear of vehicle 1000. Battery 100 can be used to power vehicle 1000. For example, battery 100 can serve as the operating power source of vehicle 1000 and be used for the circuit system of vehicle 1000, such as the power requirements for starting, navigation, and operation of vehicle 1000. In another embodiment of the present application, battery 100 can serve not only as the operating power source of vehicle 1000, but also as the driving power source of vehicle 1000, replacing or partially replacing fuel or natural gas to provide driving power for vehicle 1000.
[0061] In order to meet different power requirements, the battery 100 may include multiple battery cells. For example, as shown in Figure 2, which is a structural diagram of a battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present application, the battery 100 may include multiple battery cells 20. The battery 100 may also include a housing 11, the interior of the housing 11 is a hollow structure, and multiple battery cells 20 are accommodated in the housing 11. For example, multiple battery cells 20 are connected in parallel, in series, or in a mixed combination and placed in the housing 11. The housing 11 may include a first housing portion 111 and a second housing portion 112, and as long as it can accommodate battery cells, there is no specific limitation here.
[0062] In some embodiments, the battery 100 may also include other structures, which will not be described in detail here. For example, the battery 100 may also include a busbar component, which is used to realize electrical connection between multiple battery cells 20, such as parallel connection, series connection, or mixed connection. Specifically, the busbar component can realize electrical connection between the battery cells 20 by connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20. Furthermore, the busbar component can be fixed to the electrode terminals of the battery cells 20 by welding. The electrical energy of multiple battery cells 20 can be further led out through the box through a conductive mechanism. In some embodiments, the conductive mechanism may also belong to the busbar component.
[0063] The number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value based on different power requirements. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner to achieve higher capacity or power. Since each battery 100 may include a large number of battery cells 20, for ease of installation, the battery cells 20 can be grouped, with each group of battery cells 20 forming a battery module. The number of battery cells 20 included in a battery module is not limited and can be set according to requirements. A battery can include multiple battery modules, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid manner.
[0064] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. The battery cell 20 includes a housing 21, an end cap 22, and an electrode assembly 23. The housing 21 and the end cap 22 form an outer shell or battery case. The walls of the housing 21 and the end cap 22 are collectively referred to as the walls of the battery cell 20. The shape of the housing 21 depends on the shape of the one or more electrode assemblies 23 after assembly. For example, the housing 21 can be a hollow cylinder as shown in FIG3 , or, if the battery cell 20 is a blade-type battery cell, the housing 21 can be a long rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, at least one face of the housing 21 has an opening to allow one or more electrode assemblies 23 to be placed within the housing 21. For example, when the housing 21 is a hollow cylinder, the end face 24 of the housing 21 is an open face, i.e., the end face 24 does not have a wall, allowing the inside and outside of the housing 21 to communicate. As can be seen in FIG3 , a cylindrical battery cell has two circular end faces 24, with a cylindrical portion between the two circular end faces 24. The cylindrical portion can include the electrode assembly 23. The end cap 22 covers the opening and is connected to the housing 21 to form a closed cavity that prevents the electrode assembly 23 from being enclosed. The housing 21 is filled with an electrolyte, such as an electrolyte solution. In the battery cell 20, the electrode assembly 23 can be provided in a single or multiple configurations depending on actual usage requirements. In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , a single electrode assembly 23 is provided in the battery cell 20.
[0065] According to some embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figures 4 to 7, the present application provides a tab flattening device, which includes a driving member and a tab flattening structure 200. The tab flattening structure 200 is driven by the driving member and rotates circumferentially or spirally around the axis L of the electrode assembly, and includes: a mounting body 210, a flattening head 220 and an edge constraint 230. The flattening head 220 is rotatably arranged on the mounting body 210 and protrudes relative to one side of the mounting body 210. The outer surface of the flattening head 220 forms a kneading plane 221 that can contact the surface 252 of the tab. The edge constraint 230 is arranged on the outer periphery of the flattening head 220, and protrudes relative to one side of the mounting body 210 to form a constraint surface 231 that can contact the edge end 251 of the tab 25.
[0066] The mounting body 210 is a base for mounting the flattening head 220, the edge restraint 230, or other structural components. The flattening head 220 can rotate relative to the mounting body 210 so that the flattening surface 221 on the outer circumference of the flattening head 220 contacts the surface 252 of the tab, thereby exerting unidirectional pressure on the tab 25 and flattening it to a predetermined tab height. Of course, the flattening head 220 can also rotate about its own axis by rotating the mounting body 210 to drive the flattening head 220 to rotate.
[0067] The tab height refers to the height of the tab 25 protruding from the end surface 24 of the electrode assembly 23 on the side connected to the tab 25 along the axis L of the electrode assembly 23 .
[0068] It can be understood that when flattening the tabs 25 of the cylindrical battery 100, while the flattening head 220 rotates relative to the mounting body 210, the mounting body 210 can also drive the flattening head 220 to revolve around the circumference of the cylindrical battery 100, and during the rotation process, the multiple tabs 25 on the end face 24 can be flattened.
[0069] Alternatively, when flattening the tabs 25 of the cylindrical battery 100 , while the flattening head 220 rotates relative to the mounting body 210 , the cylindrical battery 100 may also rotate in the opposite direction, and during the rotation, the multiple tabs 25 on the end face 24 are flattened.
[0070] The flattening head 220 can be cylindrical, conical or other shapes, and its outer surface forms an arc-shaped kneading surface 221. When the flattening head 220 rotates in a circle, the kneading surface 221 rotates and applies unidirectional pressure to the tab 25, thereby pressing the tab 25 down and flattening it.
[0071] The edge restraint 230 is a component that restrains the edge position of the tab 25 during the flattening process of the tab 25, so that all areas of the tab 25 after flattening are located within the motion trajectory of the restraint surface 231. When the edge restraint 230 protrudes from one side of the mounting surface 211 relative to the mounting body 210, the restraint surface 231 is located at the edge of one side of the flattening surface 221. While the flattening head 220 is flattening, the edge end 251 of the tab 25 that is flattened by the flattening surface 221 is continuously restrained. This allows the edge end 251 of the tab 25 to be limited to the outer edge of the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23, reducing the risk of the edge of the tab 25 overlapping a non-end face position after flattening, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100. The edge end 251 of the tab 25 refers to the area of the tab 25 that is closest to the outer edge of the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23 after the tab 25 is flattened. Based on the geometric center of the end face 24, the edge end 251 of the tab 25 is the position farthest from the geometric center after the tab 25 is flattened.
[0072] As shown in FIG2 , in the initial state, the flattening head 220 can be directly placed in contact with the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23. When the driving member is turned on to drive the tab flattening structure 200 to rotate in a circular motion, the flattening head 220 on each tab flattening structure 200 rotates in a circular motion to flatten the tab 25. At the same time, the edge restraint 230 on each tab flattening structure 200 restrains and limits the edge end 251 of the tab 25, reducing the risk of the tab 25 overlapping with a position other than the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23 due to flash generated by flattening.
[0073] In another embodiment, in the initial state, the flattening head 220 is away from the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23, and the driving member is turned on to drive the tab flattening structure 200 to spirally rotate around the axial direction L of the electrode assembly 23 until the tab flattening structure 200 gradually approaches the tab 25 along the axis L to flatten the tab 25.
[0074] Specifically, the connection between the driving member and the tab flattening structure 200 can be directly connected to the installation body 210, or the end of the flattening head 220 connected to the installation body 210 can be directly passed through the installation body 210 and connected to the driving member from the end away from the installation surface 211.
[0075] In this way, the tab flattening structure 200 of the present application can flatten the tab 25 while constraining the edge end 251 of the tab 25, limiting the flattened tab 25 within a safe range, reducing the possibility of its burrs causing overlap with other parts of the battery 100, thereby improving the reliability of the battery after the tab 25 is flattened.
[0076] In some embodiments, the mounting body 210 has a mounting surface 211, the flattening head 220 and the edge constraint 230 both protrude relative to the mounting surface 211, and the tab flattening structure 200 also includes an adjusting member 240, which is connected to the edge constraint 230 and is used to adjust the protruding distance of the edge constraint 230 relative to the mounting surface 211.
[0077] A mounting surface 211 is formed on one side surface of the mounting body 210, the flattening head 220 is protruded relative to the mounting surface 211, and the edge restraint 230 can also be protruded from one side of the mounting surface 211. At this time, the flattening action of the flattening head 220 and the edge restraint action of the edge restraint 230 are both completed from the side facing the mounting surface 211.
[0078] The adjusting member 240 can adjust the protruding distance of the edge restraint member 230 relative to the mounting surface 211 , thereby changing the extension degree of the edge restraint member 230 relative to the mounting surface 211 to adjust the limiting position of the restraint surface 231 .
[0079] For example, when the tab 25 of the electrode assembly 23 is smaller, or the end surface 24 of the electrode assembly 23 is smaller, the distance that the edge restraint 230 extends from the mounting surface 211 can be increased. In this case, the restraint surface 231 is located further inward relative to the outer edge of the end surface 24 and closer to the geometric center of the end surface 24, resulting in a smaller area of the tab 25 that can be flattened by the kneading surface 221. The reverse is also true, which will not be further described here.
[0080] In this way, the tab flattening structure 200 provided in the present application can change the limiting position of the constraint surface 231 through the adjustment member 240 to be applicable to various different situations.
[0081] It can be understood that during the entire process of flattening the tabs 25 , the movement trajectory of the constraint surface 231 is located within the outer edge of the end surface 24 and outside the edge ends 251 of all tabs 25 flattened by the flattening surface 221 .
[0082] In some embodiments, the mounting body 210 has a mounting hole 212 connected to the mounting surface 211, and the adjusting member 240 includes a connecting portion 241 and an adjusting portion 242. The connecting portion 241 is passed through the mounting hole 212 and is connected to the edge constraint member 230 on one side of the mounting surface 211. The adjusting portion 242 is provided on the side of the connecting portion 241 away from the edge constraint member 230. The adjusting portion 242 is used to adjust the axial position of the connecting portion 241 in the mounting hole 212.
[0083] The connecting portion 241 is disposed within the mounting hole 212 and has a first connecting end proximal to the mounting surface 211 and a second connecting end distal to the mounting surface 211 along the axial direction of the mounting hole 212. The edge restraint 230 is disposed at the first connecting end, and the adjustment member 240 is disposed at the second connecting end. The adjustment member 240 is capable of adjusting the axial position of the connecting portion 241 within the mounting hole 212, thereby causing the second connecting end to drive the edge restraint 230 out of the mounting hole 212 and protrude relative to the mounting surface 211. The axial position of the connecting portion 241 within the mounting hole 212 refers to the position of the connecting portion 241 along the axial direction within the mounting hole 212.
[0084] The mounting hole 212 can be set through the mounting body 210 along the extending direction of the flattening head 220. At this time, the axial direction of the mounting hole 212 is set perpendicular to the mounting surface 211. The connecting part 241 can be a columnar structure passed through the mounting hole 212 and adjusted by the adjusting part 242 to change the protruding distance of the edge constraint 230 relative to the mounting surface 211.
[0085] The adjustment part 242 can be, but is not limited to, a common driving structure such as a motor or other mechanical limiting structures.
[0086] In some embodiments, the tab flattening structure 200 further includes an elastic member 250 . The elastic member 250 is disposed at the connecting portion 241 and one end of the elastic member 250 is connected to the edge restraint member 230 . The elastic member 250 can apply a compressive restraining force through the edge restraint member 230 .
[0087] Specifically, when the constraint surface 231 is shaping and constraining the edge end 251 of the pole tab 25, it will cause a certain rigid pressure on the pole tab 25. If the constraint on the pole tab 25 is too large, it is easy to cause surface decarbonization and lithium deposition. Based on this, the present application is also provided with an elastic member 250. The elastic member 250 can apply elastic constraint force to the pole tab 25 through the edge constraint member 230, thereby alleviating the phenomenon of decarbonization and lithium deposition of the electrode assembly 23 caused by excessive rigid pressure.
[0088] One end of the elastic member 250 is connected to the connecting portion 241, and the other end can be connected to the hole wall of the mounting hole 212 or the adjustment portion 242. When the elastic member 250 is compressed, it releases the elastic restraining force to the end connected to the connecting portion 241 and the edge restraining member 230, so that the edge restraining member 230 applies an elastic restraining force to the tab 25 through the restraining surface 231.
[0089] It can be understood that the provision of the elastic member 250 avoids direct rigid contact between the edge constraint member 230 and the edge end 251 of the tab 25, thereby protecting the tab 25 to a certain extent. At the same time, elastic members 250 with different elastic moduli can be selected as needed to provide elastic constraint forces of different sizes to adapt to different tab 25 strengths.
[0090] There is no limitation on the specific configuration of the elastic member 250 , and its purpose is to achieve elastic contact between the edge restraining member 230 and the tab 25 .
[0091] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 241 includes a first connecting segment 2411 and a second connecting segment 2412 that are interconnected. The other end of the first connecting segment 2411 is connected to the edge restraint 230, and one end of the second connecting segment 2412 partially extends out of the mounting hole 212. The adjusting portion 242 is detachably mounted on the portion of the second connecting segment 2412 that extends out of the mounting hole 212 and is capable of abutting against the side of the mounting body 210 facing away from the mounting surface 211. The elastic member 250 is mounted around the outer periphery of the second connecting segment 2412, with its ends abutting against the first connecting segment 2411 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 212, respectively.
[0092] The two ends of the first connecting section 2411 are respectively connected to the edge constraint 230 and the second connecting section 2412. One end of the second connecting section 2412 is connected to the first connecting section 2411, and the other end passes through the mounting hole 212 from the side away from the mounting surface 211 and is detachably matched with the adjustment part 242. When it is necessary to change the protruding distance of the edge constraint 230 relative to the mounting surface 211, the adjustment part 242 is removed from the second connecting section 2412, and after changing the axial position of the connecting part 241 in the mounting hole 212, the adjustment part 242 is assembled to the connecting part 241 and abutted against the side of the mounting body 210 away from the mounting surface 211 to fix the position of the connecting part 241.
[0093] The first connecting segment 2411 and the second connecting segment 2412 have different outer diameters, with the outer diameter of the first connecting segment 2411 being larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting segment 2412. When the first connecting segment 2411 and the second connecting segment 2412 are cylindrical, the diameter of the first connecting segment 2411 is larger than the diameter of the second connecting segment 2412. At the connecting portion 241, the first connecting segment 2411 forms a stepped surface facing the second connecting segment 2412.
[0094] When the connecting portion 241 is installed in the mounting hole 212, since the outer diameter of the second connecting section 2412 is smaller, when the first connecting section 2411 abuts against the wall of the mounting hole 212, there is a gap between the second connecting section 2412 and the wall of the mounting hole 212. The elastic member 250 is sleeved on the second connecting section 2412 and is located in this gap, with one end connected to the step surface of the first connecting section 2411 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the mounting hole 212 facing the step surface, so that the elastic member 250 generates an elastic constraint force along the axis of the mounting hole 212.
[0095] In some embodiments, the adjusting portion 242 is sleeved on the second connecting section 2412 and is detachably connected to the second connecting section 2412 by threads.
[0096] The outer periphery of the second connecting section 2412 is machined with an external thread, and the inside of the adjusting portion 242 is machined with an internal thread. Through the cooperation of the internal thread and the external thread, the adjusting portion 242 and the second connecting section 2412 can form a bolt and nut cooperation structure. The adjusting portion 242 is sleeved on the part of the second connecting section 2412 extending out of the mounting hole 212 from the side of the mounting body 210 away from the mounting surface 211 and abuts against the side of the mounting body 210 away from the mounting surface 211 to limit the position of the connecting portion 241.
[0097] It can be understood that as the axial position of the connecting portion 241 in the mounting hole 212 changes, the length of the portion of the second connecting section 2412 extending from the side of the mounting body 210 away from the mounting surface 211 also changes accordingly.
[0098] In this way, the position adjustment of the connecting portion 241 in the mounting hole 212 of the mounting body 210 is conveniently achieved through the threaded connection.
[0099] In some embodiments, the edge constraint 230 includes a plurality of edge constraint members 230 , and the plurality of edge constraint members 230 are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction and arranged on the outer periphery of the smoothing head 220 .
[0100] It is understood that each edge restraint 230 corresponds to an adjustment member 240, a mounting hole 212, and an elastic member 250, so that the position of each edge restraint 230 can be adjusted. Each edge restraint 230 can protrude relative to the mounting surface 211 to restrain the edge end 251 of the tab 25.
[0101] When the flattening head 220 rotates to flatten the plurality of tabs 25 , the plurality of edge restraints 230 sequentially restrain and shape the edge ends 251 of the plurality of tabs 25 , thereby achieving a uniform convergence effect.
[0102] Generally, the number of edge restraining members 230 can be set to 3 to 6. In other embodiments, the number can also be set to other numbers, which is not limited in this application.
[0103] In some embodiments, only one edge restraint 230 may be provided, which is entirely provided around the periphery of the smoothing head 220 and may protrude as a whole relative to the mounting surface 211. The present application provides multiple edge restraints 230, which can achieve individual control of each and facilitate processing.
[0104] In some embodiments, the restraining surface 231 is arc-shaped and the edge restraining member 230 is rotatable relative to the mounting body 210 .
[0105] The edge constraint 230 can be spherical or cylindrical with a spherical end. During the process of flattening the tab 25 by the flattening head 220, the edge constraint 230 can rotate relative to the connecting portion 241 so that the arc-shaped constraint surface 231 rotates relative to the mounting body 210 and the tab 25, thereby reducing the risk of metal particles generated on the tab 25 during the flattening process by rolling.
[0106] Specifically, there is no restriction on the rotational connection method between the edge constraint 230 and the second connecting segment 2412. For example, the edge constraint 230 can be directly set to a spherical shape, and a rolling groove can be set at the end of the second connecting segment 2412. The spherical edge constraint 230 can be directly rolled in the rolling groove and can be rolled freely along the circumferential direction. At this time, the entire outer surface of the edge constraint 230 can form a constraint surface 231.
[0107] In some embodiments, the kneading surface 221 is configured in a cone shape.
[0108] The conical tip of the kneading surface 221 is located on the side away from the mounting surface 211, and the side with the largest diameter is connected to the mounting surface 211, thereby forming an entire conical kneading head 220. As the kneading head 220 rotates, the conical kneading surface 221 rolls and flattens the tab 25.
[0109] It can be understood that the edge constraint 230 is located on one side of the mounting surface 211 and is arranged close to the side with the largest diameter of the flattening head 220. The tip of the flattening head 220 is arranged close to the geometric center of the end face 24 of the electrode assembly 23, so that the flattening head 220 rotates one circle relative to the end face 24, thereby completing the flattening of all the tabs 25.
[0110] According to some embodiments of the present application, please refer to (a) to (d) in Figures 8 and 9 , the present application provides a tab flattening control method, which uses the tab flattening device in the above embodiment, and the method includes the following steps:
[0111] S100, controlling the tab flattening structure 200 to move toward the tab 25 of the electrode assembly 23, so that the flattening surface 221 of the flattening head 220 and the restraining surface 231 of the edge restraining member 230 respectively contact the surface 252 and the edge end 251 of the tab;
[0112] S200 , controlling the tab flattening structure 200 to rotate in a circular or spiral manner around the axis of the electrode assembly 23 .
[0113] In step S100, the tab flattening structure 200 is controlled to move toward one side of the tab 25. There are many ways to implement this, such as: using a device with telescopic function such as a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder or an oil cylinder to drive the tab flattening structure 200 to move neatly close to the tab 25; or, the movement of the tab flattening structure 200 can also be achieved by using a motor and a transmission mechanism, such as: a combination structure of a motor and a screw slider, a combination of a motor and a gear, a rack, etc.
[0114] Before flattening, the flat kneading surface 221 and the restraining surface 231 need to be respectively brought into contact with the surface 252 and the edge end 251 of the tab, so that the tab 25 can be flattened while also restraining the edge of the tab 25. There are various ways to achieve the abutment between the flat kneading surface 221 and the restraining surface 231. For example, before the restraining surface 231 abuts the edge end 251, the axial position of the connecting portion 241 in the mounting hole 212 can be adjusted by the adjusting portion 242, thereby changing the protruding distance of the edge restraining member 230 relative to the mounting surface 211, so that the flat kneading surface 221 can abut against the surface 252 of the tab while the edge restraining member 230 abuts against the edge end 251. When the elastic member is provided at the connecting portion 241 and one end is connected to the edge restraint member 230, the abutment force of the restraint surface 231 on the edge end 251 of the tab 25 can also be adjusted through the adjusting portion 242. For example, when the protruding distance of the edge restraint member 230 relative to the mounting surface 211 is increased, if the restraint surface 231 abuts against the edge end 251 of the tab 25, the compression amount of the elastic member can be increased, thereby improving the abutment force of the restraint surface 231 on the edge end 251.
[0115] In addition, in step S100, the middle portion of the electrode assembly 23 can be fixed by a fixing fixture 300 for easy and stable flattening. To increase the flattening efficiency, tab flattening structures 200 can be provided on both the upper and lower sides of the electrode assembly 23 to flatten the upper and lower tabs 25 simultaneously.
[0116] In step S200, during the flattening process, the tab flattening structure 200 can be driven to perform a circular motion around the axis of the electrode assembly 23. Alternatively, the tab flattening structure 200 can be driven to perform a spiral motion while feeding toward one side of the tab 25. Of course, the flattening head 220 can also rotate around its own axis.
[0117] Such a design can flatten the tab 25 while constraining the edge end 251 of the tab 25, limiting the flattened tab 25 within a safe range, reducing the possibility of its flash causing overlap with other parts of the battery 100, thereby improving the reliability of the battery 100.
[0118] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 10 , the step of S200 of controlling the tab flattening structure 200 to rotate circumferentially or spirally around the axis of the electrode assembly 23 includes:
[0119] S210, controlling the tab flattening structure 200 to rotate around the axis of the electrode assembly 23 so that the rotation speed of the tab flattening structure 200 reaches a set rotation speed;
[0120] S220 , controlling the tab flattening structure 200 to move toward one side of the tab 25 .
[0121] In step S210 , setting the rotational speed refers to a certain rotational speed value that the tab flattening structure 200 needs to reach in order to achieve the flattening effect. The rotational speed value can be set according to the material of the actual tab 25 and the flattening process.
[0122] In step S220, after the set rotation speed condition is met, the tab flattening structure 200 can be controlled to feed toward the electrode assembly 23, so that the tab 25 is pressed down a certain amount. In some embodiments, after the tab 25 is flattened, the edge 251 of the tab 25 is lower than the surface 252 of the tab, forming a step structure between the two. For example, the edge 251 of the tab 25 is 1 mm to 2 mm lower than the surface of the tab.
[0123] With such a design, the tab 25 can be flattened more stably and with better flattening effect by reasonably controlling the action of the tab flattening structure 200 .
[0124] According to some embodiments of the present application, the present application provides a battery production system, which includes any one of the above tab flattening devices.
[0125] According to some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 4 to 7, the present application provides a tab flattening device, which includes a driving member and a tab flattening structure 200. The tab flattening structure 200 includes a mounting body 210, a flattening head 220, and an edge constraint 230. The mounting body 210 has a mounting surface 211. The flattening head 220 forms a conical flat kneading surface 221. The edge constraint 230 includes a plurality of edges circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the flattening head 220. The tab flattening structure 200 as a whole is rotatable, and the flattening head 220 is rotatable relative to the mounting body 210. While flattening the tab on the end surface 24 of the electrode assembly 23, the edge end 251 of the tab 25 is constrained and limited by the constraint surface 231 of the edge constraint 230 protruding from the mounting surface 211, thereby reducing the possibility of the edge of the tab 251 overlapping with other parts of the battery 100 due to the flash.
[0126] An adjusting member 240 and an elastic member 250 are provided at the same time. The adjusting member 240 adjusts the distance that the edge constraint member 230 protrudes relative to the mounting surface 211. At the same time, the elastic member 250 applies an elastic constraint force to the tab 25 through the edge constraint member 230, thereby alleviating the phenomenon of decarbonization and lithium deposition of the electrode assembly 23 caused by excessive rigid pressure.
[0127] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A tab flattening device, comprising: driving parts; The tab flattening structure is driven by the driving member and rotates circumferentially or spirally around the axis of the electrode assembly, and includes: Install the main body; a kneading head, provided on the mounting body and protruding from one side of the mounting body, wherein the outer surface of the kneading head forms a kneading surface capable of contacting the surface of the tab; and An edge restraining member is provided on the outer periphery of the flattening head and protrudes from one side of the mounting body to form a restraining surface capable of contacting the edge end of the tab.
2. The tab flattening device according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting body has a mounting surface, and the flattening head and the edge restraining member are both protruding relative to the mounting surface; The tab flattening structure further includes an adjusting member, which is connected to the edge restraining member and is used to adjust a protruding distance of the edge restraining member relative to the mounting surface.
3. The tab flattening device according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting body has a mounting hole communicating with the mounting surface, the adjusting member includes a connecting portion and an adjusting portion, the connecting portion is disposed in the mounting hole and connected to the edge restraint on one side of the mounting surface, and the adjusting portion is disposed on a side of the connecting portion away from the edge restraint; The adjusting portion is used to adjust the axial position of the connecting portion in the mounting hole.
4. The tab flattening device according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting portion is inserted into the mounting hole and forms a first connecting end close to the mounting surface and a second connecting end away from the mounting surface along the axial direction of the mounting hole. The edge restraint is provided at the first connecting end, and the adjustment member is provided at the second connecting end.
5. The tab flattening device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The mounting hole is provided through the mounting body along the extending direction of the flattening head.
6. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The tab flattening structure further includes an elastic member, one end of which is connected to the connecting portion, and the elastic member can apply an elastic restraining force to the tab through the edge restraining member.
7. The tab flattening device according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting portion includes a first connecting section and a second connecting section connected to each other; The other end of the first connecting section is connected to the edge restraint, and one end of the second connecting section partially extends out of the mounting hole. The adjusting portion is detachably mounted on the portion of the second connecting section that passes through the mounting hole and is capable of abutting against a side of the mounting body facing away from the mounting surface. The elastic member is sleeved on the outer circumference of the second connecting section, and two ends of the elastic member are respectively in contact with the first connecting section and the inner wall of the mounting hole.
8. The tab flattening device according to claim 7, wherein: The first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are both cylindrical, and the diameter of the first connecting segment is larger than the diameter of the second connecting segment.
9. The tab flattening device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The adjusting portion is sleeved on the second connecting section and is detachably connected to the second connecting section via threads.
10. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The adjusting portion is sleeved on the portion of the second connecting section extending out of the mounting hole from the side of the mounting body away from the mounting surface, and abuts against the side of the mounting body away from the mounting surface to limit the position of the connecting portion.
11. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The edge restraining members include a plurality of edge restraining members, which are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction and arranged on the outer periphery of the smoothing head.
12. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: There is one edge restraining member, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the smoothing head and protrudes relative to the mounting surface.
13. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The restraining surface is arranged in an arc shape, and the edge restraining member can rotate relative to the installation body.
14. The tab flattening device according to claim 13, wherein: The edge restraint is in the shape of a ball or a cylinder with a ball-shaped end.
15. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The kneading plane is in a cone shape.
16. The tab flattening device according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein: The kneading surface is in a cone shape, the cone tip of the kneading surface is located on the side away from the mounting surface, and the side with the largest diameter is connected to the mounting surface.
17. A tab flattening control method, using the tab flattening device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising the following steps: Controlling the tab flattening structure to move toward the tab side of the electrode assembly so that the flattening surface of the flattening head and the restraining surface of the edge restraining member respectively contact the surface and edge end of the tab; The tab flattening structure is controlled to rotate in a circular or spiral direction around the axis of the electrode assembly.
18. The tab flattening control method according to claim 17, wherein: The method also includes: the kneading surface and the restraining surface need to be respectively abutted against the surface and the edge end of the tab.
19. The tab flattening control method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The step of controlling the tab flattening structure to rotate in a circular or spiral manner around the axis of the electrode assembly includes: Controlling the tab flattening structure to rotate around the axis of the electrode assembly so that the rotation speed of the tab flattening structure reaches a set rotation speed; The tab flattening structure is controlled to move toward one side of the tab.
20. A battery production system, comprising the tab flattening device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.