Wound cell unloading apparatus, cell manufacturing apparatus, and battery manufacturing device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a wound cell unloading apparatus, a cell manufacturing apparatus, and a battery manufacturing device. The wound cell unloading apparatus comprises a first clamping pin and a second clamping pin. The first clamping pin passes through an inner ring of a wound cell, and a surface of the first clamping pin is configured to be in rolling contact with a surface of the inner ring of the wound cell. The second clamping pin is configured to be in contact with a surface of an outer ring of the wound cell, so as to jointly clamp the wound cell together with the first clamping pin. The first clamping pin and the second clamping pin are configured to move in a first direction to stretch the wound cell. The wound cell unloading apparatus of the present application helps reduce the risk of cell cracking, decreases the spacing between electrode sheet layers, and alleviates the problem of poor corner conformity.

Description

Battery cell feeding device, battery cell manufacturing device and battery manufacturing equipment

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411214717.6, filed on August 30, 2024, entitled “Wound Cell Feeding Apparatus, Cell Manufacturing Apparatus and Battery Manufacturing Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a winding cell feeding device, a cell manufacturing device, and a battery manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0004] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0005] During battery manufacturing, the stretching quality of the battery cells affects the overall manufacturing quality of the battery, which in turn affects the safety of battery use.

[0006] The above statements are for the purpose of providing background information in relation to this application only and do not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a winding cell feeding device, a cell manufacturing device, and a battery manufacturing equipment, which can effectively improve the manufacturing quality of cells.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a winding battery cell unloading device, including a first clamping pin and a second clamping pin. The first clamping pin is configured to pass through the inner ring of the winding battery cell, and the surface of the first clamping pin is configured to roll in contact with the inner ring surface of the winding battery cell. The second clamping pin is configured to contact the outer ring surface of the winding battery cell so as to clamp the winding battery cell together with the first clamping pin. The first clamping pin and the second clamping pin are configured to move along a first direction to stretch the winding battery cell.

[0009] The starting section of the winding can be an anode plate, a cathode plate, a combination of an anode plate and a diaphragm, or a combination of a cathode plate and a diaphragm.

[0010] In this embodiment, the first clamping pin contacts the inner surface of the wound cell, that is, the first clamping pin contacts the winding start segment located on the inner circle of the wound cell. Furthermore, the first clamping pin makes rolling contact with the inner surface of the wound cell, meaning the first clamping pin is rotatable relative to the wound cell. Therefore, the friction between the first clamping pin and the winding start segment is smaller compared to a design where the first clamping pin is not rotatable. When the first and second clamping pins move along the first direction to stretch the wound cell, the first clamping pin can first straighten the sloping inclined segment of the loose winding start segment, reducing the redundancy of the winding start segment and decreasing the interlayer spacing of the wound cell. This can avoid affecting subsequent pressing, effectively improve the manufacturing quality of the wound cell, and thus improve the safety of battery use. Then, the first clamp can start to rotate relative to the bracket. During the rotation, the first clamp can continuously shorten the free section of the winding start section and continuously lengthen the inclined section. This avoids the inclined section of the winding start section from being unable to lengthen and being pulled off due to the first clamp not being able to rotate and the large friction between the first clamp and the winding start section. At the same time, the first clamp can also drive the winding start section to stick tightly to the corner of the inner ring of the wound cell, improving the problem of the corner not being pressed firmly and tightly during the stretching of the wound cell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first clamping pin includes an arc-shaped portion. By setting the cross-section of the first clamping pin to include an arc-shaped portion, the arc-shaped portion can cooperate with the winding start section of the wound cell, facilitating the rotation of the first clamping pin. At the same time, it can effectively reduce the resistance of the sliding of the winding start section relative to the first clamping pin, thereby reducing the wear of the first clamping pin on the winding start section.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first clamping pin is circular, teardrop-shaped, or C-shaped. These shapes all include an arcuate portion, which can reduce resistance and wear.

[0013] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a bracket, on which a first clamping pin is rotatably mounted.

[0014] By setting up a bracket, the first clamping needle can be supported, allowing it to be mounted on the bracket, and the first clamping needle can rotate relative to the bracket.

[0015] Supporting the first clamping needle with a bracket helps improve its stability during rotation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bracket includes a first support portion and a second support portion, and the two ends of the first clamping pin are rotatably connected to the first support portion and the second support portion, respectively.

[0017] By setting the first support part and the second support part, the two ends of the first clamping needle can be supported respectively, thereby supporting the first clamping needle and effectively improving the rolling stability of the first clamping needle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bracket further includes a third support portion connected between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0019] By setting a third support part, the first support part and the second support part can be connected, so that the first support part and the second support part can maintain relative stability, thereby maintaining the stability and reliability of the first clamping needle during rotation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first support, the second support, and the third support are connected as one unit. This integrated structure helps to improve the overall structural stability of the support and also provides higher structural strength.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first clamping pin is disposed on the side of the third support near the second clamping pin. The advantage of this arrangement is that the first clamping pin can be closer to the inner surface of the wound cell to be clamped, avoiding the bracket from affecting the contact between the first clamping pin and the inner surface of the wound cell, as well as affecting the relative movement between the first clamping pin and the winding start section of the wound cell.

[0022] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a bearing disposed at the connection between the first clamping pin and the bracket.

[0023] By installing a bearing at the connection between the first clamping pin and the bracket, the resistance to the rotation of the first clamping pin relative to the bracket can be reduced, thereby improving the rotational stability and reliability of the first clamping pin.

[0024] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a base, a second clamping pin, and a bracket mounted on the base.

[0025] By setting a base and mounting both the second clamping pin and the bracket on the base, the second clamping pin and the bracket can be moved together easily. For example, when clamping a wound battery cell, the movement of the base can bring the second clamping pin and the bracket closer to the wound battery cell, and then the first clamping pin is inserted into the inner ring of the wound battery cell, while the second clamping pin is located on the outer side of the wound battery cell. When the clamping pin device needs to retract to its original position, the base can be driven to retract the second clamping pin and the first clamping pin on the bracket together. This not only saves on the number of driving components needed to move the second clamping pin and the bracket, but also easily achieves synchronization between the movement of the second clamping pin and the bracket.

[0026] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a support base, one end of which is connected to the base, and the support base is configured to support the other end of the support base.

[0027] By setting a support base, the end of the bracket furthest from the base can be effectively supported, preventing the bracket from shifting or bending during the stretching and winding of the battery cell, which would affect the clamping reliability of the first clamping pin on the bracket.

[0028] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a first driving device, which is drivenly connected to the support base and configured to drive the support base to follow the movement of the bracket.

[0029] By setting a first driving device, the support base can be driven to follow the movement of the bracket, maintaining the effectiveness of the support base's support function on the bracket and avoiding the loss of support function on the bracket due to the support base not moving with the bracket.

[0030] In some embodiments, the winding cell unloading device further includes a second driving device, which is drivenly connected to the bracket and configured to drive the bracket to reciprocate relative to the base in a first direction.

[0031] By setting a second driving device, the bracket can be driven to reciprocate relative to the base in the first direction, so that the first clamping pin and the second clamping pin cooperate to clamp or loosen the wound battery cell.

[0032] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a third driving device, which is drivenly connected to the second clamping pin and configured to drive the second clamping pin to reciprocate relative to the base in a first direction.

[0033] By setting a third driving device, the second clamping pin can be driven to reciprocate relative to the base in the first direction, so that the second clamping pin cooperates with the first clamping pin to achieve the purpose of clamping or unwinding the wound battery cell.

[0034] By cooperating with the second and third driving devices, the distance between the first and second clamping pins can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the clamping force on the wound battery cell and improving the adaptability of the clamping device to wound battery cells of different thicknesses.

[0035] In some embodiments, the winding cell unloading device further includes a fourth driving device, which is drivenly connected to the base and configured to drive the base to reciprocate relative to the winding cell to insert the first clamping pin into or withdraw it from the inner ring of the winding cell.

[0036] By setting a fourth driving device, the base can be driven to reciprocate relative to the wound cell, thereby inserting the first clamping pin into or withdrawing it from the inner ring of the wound cell, and sending the second clamping pin to the outside of the wound cell or away from the wound cell, thus achieving the purpose of clamping and resetting the wound cell.

[0037] The fourth drive unit can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or motor.

[0038] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device includes two first clamping pins and two second clamping pins, the two first clamping pins moving in opposite directions and the two second clamping pins moving in opposite directions.

[0039] By setting two first clamping pins and two second clamping pins, different positions of the wound battery cell can be clamped, improving the stability of clamping the wound battery cell.

[0040] Secondly, this application provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned winding battery cell unloading device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a pressing device configured to press the wound cell into a flat shape.

[0042] Thirdly, this application provides a battery manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned winding cell feeding device, or including the aforementioned cell manufacturing apparatus.

[0043] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the winding cell feeding device disclosed in this application.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the winding of battery cells in some embodiments of the battery cell feeding device disclosed in this application.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the winding cell feeding device disclosed in this application before stretching the cell.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the winding cell feeding device disclosed in this application after stretching the cell.

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressing device in some embodiments of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus disclosed in this application.

[0050] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0051] Marking descriptions: 10. Winding cell feeding device; 20. Cell; 21. Winding start section; 201. Anode plate; 202. First diaphragm; 203. Cathode plate; 204. Second diaphragm; 30. Winding needle; 31. Through hole; 40. Pressing device; 41. Pressure plate; 42. Fifth drive device; 43. Mounting base; 50. Conveyor; 1. Bracket; 11. First support part; 12. Second support part; 13. Third support part; 2. First clamping needle; 3. Second clamping needle; 4. Bearing; 5. Base; 6. Support base; 71. First drive device; 72. Second drive device; 73. Third drive device; 74. Fourth drive device. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. Furthermore, the term "vertical" is not strictly vertical, but within the allowable range of error. Similarly, "parallel" is not strictly parallel, but within the allowable range of error.

[0055] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined. Similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more sets, and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more pieces, unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0061] As the application scope of batteries continues to expand and the demand continues to increase, higher requirements are being placed on the manufacturing efficiency and quality of batteries.

[0062] Currently, in the battery manufacturing process, the material is first wound into a cylindrical cell using a winding needle, then the cell is held in place by a clamping needle and stretched into an elliptical shape, and finally the cell is pressed into a flat shape using a pressing device.

[0063] During the stretching process of the battery cell held by the clamping pins, the starting section of the winding in the inner ring of the battery cell and its adjacent positions will have an increased risk of cracking if the clamping pins are pulled apart too far, or become redundant if the pulling distance is too small. Large spacing between battery cell layers will also cause wrinkles, affecting the subsequent pressing process and reducing the quality of the battery cell.

[0064] Therefore, this application improves the structure of the winding cell feeding device.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments provided in this application, the winding cell unloading device 10 includes a first clamping pin 2 and a second clamping pin 3. The first clamping pin 2 is configured to pass through the inner ring of the winding cell 20, and the surface of the first clamping pin 2 is configured to roll in contact with the inner ring surface of the winding cell 20. The second clamping pin 3 is configured to contact the outer ring surface of the winding cell 20 so as to clamp the winding cell 20 together with the first clamping pin 2. The first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 are configured to move along a first direction to stretch the winding cell 20.

[0066] In this process, the surface of the first clamping pin 2 rolls in contact with the inner ring surface of the wound cell 20. During the process of the wound cell 20 being stretched, the first clamping pin 2 rolls relative to the wound cell 20 under the driving action of the winding start section 21 of the wound cell 20.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, the winding start section 21 of the wound cell 20 is located in the inner ring of the wound cell 20. The winding start section 21 includes a small free section located below the first clamping pin 2 on the left and an inclined section located above and to the right of the first clamping pin 2. The inclined section extends to below the first clamping pin 2 on the right.

[0068] The winding start section 21 can be an anode plate, a cathode plate, a combination of an anode plate and a diaphragm, or a combination of a cathode plate and a diaphragm.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first clamping pin 2 contacts the inner surface of the wound cell 20, that is, the first clamping pin 2 contacts the winding start section 21 located in the inner circle of the wound cell 20. Furthermore, the first clamping pin 2 makes rolling contact with the inner surface of the wound cell 20, meaning the first clamping pin 2 is rotatable relative to the wound cell 20. Therefore, the friction between the first clamping pin 2 and the winding start section 21 is smaller compared to a solution where the first clamping pin 2 is not rotatable. When the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 move along the first direction to stretch the wound cell 20, the first clamping pin 2 can first straighten the sloping inclined section of the winding start section 21, reducing the redundancy of the winding start section 21 and reducing the weight of the wound cell 20. The 0 interlayer spacing can also avoid affecting subsequent pressing, effectively improving the manufacturing quality of the battery cell and thus improving the safety of battery use. Then, the first clamping pin 2 can start to rotate relative to the wound battery cell 20. During the rotation, the first clamping pin 2 can continuously shorten the free section of the winding start section 21 and continuously lengthen the inclined section, avoiding the inability to lengthen the inclined section of the winding start section 21 due to the first clamping pin 2 not being able to rotate and the large friction between the first clamping pin 2 and the winding start section 21, which would cause it to break. At the same time, the first clamping pin 2 can also drive the winding start section 21 to stick tightly to the corner of the inner ring of the wound battery cell 20, improving the problem of the corner not being pressed firmly or sticking tightly during the stretching of the battery cell.

[0070] It should be noted that during the stretching and winding of the battery cell 20, the movement of the first clamping pin 2 along the first direction does not mean that the first clamping pin 2 can only move in one direction. The first clamping pin 2 can move along the first direction or in the opposite direction.

[0071] For example, in some embodiments, the winding cell unloading device 10 includes two first clamping pins 2 and two second clamping pins 3. One of the first clamping pins 2 and one of the second clamping pins 3 cooperate to clamp one side of the winding cell 20, and the other first clamping pin 2 and the other second clamping pin 3 cooperate to clamp the other side of the winding cell 20. The two first clamping pins 2 move in opposite directions, and the two second clamping pins 3 move in opposite directions. One of the cooperating first clamping pins 2 and one of the cooperating second clamping pins 3 move in the same direction, and the other cooperating first clamping pin 2 and the other second clamping pin 3 move in the same direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, when the winding cell 20 is stretched, the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 on the left side move to the left, and the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 on the right side move to the right. When the stretching is completed and needs to be reset, the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 on the left side move to the right, and the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 on the right side move to the left.

[0073] By setting two first clamping pins 2 and two second clamping pins 3, the wound cell 20 can be clamped at different positions, thereby improving the stability of clamping the wound cell 20.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first clamping pin 2 includes an arcuate portion.

[0075] By setting the cross-section of the first clamping pin 2 to include an arc-shaped portion, the arc-shaped portion can cooperate with the winding start section 21 of the winding cell 20, which facilitates the rotation of the first clamping pin 2. At the same time, it can effectively reduce the resistance of the winding start section 21 relative to the first clamping pin 2 and reduce the wear of the first clamping pin 2 on the winding start section 21.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first clamping pin 2 is circular, teardrop-shaped, or C-shaped. These shapes all include an arcuate portion, which can reduce resistance and wear.

[0077] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device further includes a bracket 1, on which the first clamping pin 2 is rotatably mounted.

[0078] By setting the bracket 1, the first clamping needle 2 can be supported, so that the first clamping needle 2 can be installed on the bracket 1, and the first clamping needle 2 can rotate relative to the bracket 1.

[0079] Supporting the first clamping needle 2 with the bracket 1 helps to improve the stability of the first clamping needle 2 during rotation.

[0080] There are several options for the structure of bracket 1.

[0081] In some embodiments, the bracket 1 includes a first support portion 11 and a second support portion 12, and the two ends of the first clamping pin 2 are rotatably connected to the first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12, respectively.

[0082] By providing the first support part 11 and the second support part 12, the two ends of the first clamping needle 2 can be supported respectively, thereby supporting the first clamping needle 2 and effectively improving the rolling stability of the first clamping needle 2.

[0083] In some embodiments, the bracket 1 further includes a third support portion 13 connected between the first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12.

[0084] By providing a third support part 13, the first support part 11 and the second support part 12 can be connected, so that the first support part 11 and the second support part 12 can remain relatively stable, thereby maintaining the stability and reliability of the first clamping needle 2 during rotation.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first support 11, the second support 12 and the third support 13 are connected as one unit. The integrated structure helps to improve the overall structural stability of the bracket 1 and also has higher structural strength.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first clamping pin 2 is disposed on the side of the third support portion 13 near the second clamping pin 3. The advantage of this arrangement is that the first clamping pin 2 can be closer to the inner surface of the wound cell 20 to be clamped, avoiding the bracket 1 from affecting the contact between the first clamping pin 2 and the inner surface of the wound cell 20, as well as affecting the relative movement between the first clamping pin 2 and the winding start section 21 of the wound cell 20.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first support portion 11, the second support portion 12, and the third support portion 13 are connected to form a U-shaped structure. The first clamping needle 2 is disposed inside the U-shaped structure. The first support portion 11, the second support portion 12, and the third support portion 13 can both support the first clamping needle 2 and provide good protection for the first clamping needle 2, preventing the first clamping needle 2 from bending due to excessive force during the stretching process.

[0088] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the third support portion 13 is parallel to the axis of the first clamping needle 2, which can better protect the first clamping needle 2 and prevent the first clamping needle 2 from deforming.

[0089] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a bearing 4, which is disposed at the connection between the first clamping pin 2 and the bracket 1.

[0090] By setting a bearing 4 at the connection between the first clamping pin 2 and the bracket 1, the resistance to the rotation of the first clamping pin 2 relative to the bracket 1 can be reduced, thereby improving the rotational stability and reliability of the first clamping pin 2.

[0091] The first clamping pin 2 is connected to the bracket 1 at both ends, and bearings 4 can be installed at both connection points. The bearings 4 can also provide stable support for the first clamping pin 2.

[0092] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a base 5, a second clamping pin 3 and a bracket 1 mounted on the base 5.

[0093] By setting up a base 5 and mounting both the second clamping pin 3 and the bracket 1 on the base 5, the second clamping pin 3 and the bracket 1 can move together easily. For example, when it is necessary to clamp the wound battery cell 20, the second clamping pin 3 and the bracket 1 can be brought close to the wound battery cell 20 by moving the base 5, and then the first clamping pin 2 can be inserted into the inner ring of the wound battery cell 20, while the second clamping pin 3 is located on the outer side of the wound battery cell 20. When the clamping device needs to retract to its original position, the second clamping pin 3 and the first clamping pin 2 located on the bracket 1 can be retracted together by driving the base 5. This not only saves the number of driving components required to drive the movement of the second clamping pin 3 and the bracket 1, but also facilitates the synchronization of the movement of the second clamping pin 3 and the bracket 1.

[0094] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a support base 6, one end of the bracket 1 is connected to the base 5, and the support base 6 is configured to support the other end of the bracket 1.

[0095] By setting the support base 6, the end of the bracket 1 away from the base 5 can be effectively supported, preventing the bracket 1 from shifting or bending during the stretching and winding of the battery cell 20, which would affect the clamping reliability of the first clamping pin 2 located on the bracket 1.

[0096] The support base 6 can have a variety of structural options, such as a platform structure or a block-shaped structure with insertable grooves.

[0097] The support base 6 can be installed on the back plate, which is fixed relative to the ground.

[0098] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a first driving device 71, which is drivenly connected to the support base 6 and is configured to drive the support base 6 to move along the bracket 1.

[0099] By setting the first driving device 71, the support seat 6 can be driven to move with the bracket 1, maintaining the effectiveness of the support seat 6 in supporting the bracket 1 and avoiding the loss of support for the bracket 1 due to the support seat 6 not moving with the bracket 1.

[0100] The first drive device 71 can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or motor.

[0101] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a second driving device 72, which is drivenly connected to the bracket 1 and configured to drive the bracket 1 to reciprocate relative to the base 5 in a first direction.

[0102] By setting the second driving device 72, the bracket 1 can be driven to reciprocate relative to the base 5 in the first direction, so that the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 cooperate to clamp or loosen the wound cell 20.

[0103] The second drive unit 72 can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or motor.

[0104] In some embodiments, the winding cell feeding device 10 further includes a third driving device 73, which is drivenly connected to the second clamping pin 3 and is configured to drive the second clamping pin 3 to reciprocate relative to the base 5 in a first direction.

[0105] By setting a third driving device 73, the second clamping pin 3 can be driven to reciprocate relative to the base 5 in the first direction, so that the second clamping pin 3 cooperates with the first clamping pin 2 to achieve the purpose of clamping or loosening the wound cell 20.

[0106] With the cooperation of the second drive device 72 and the third drive device 73, the distance between the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 can also be adjusted, thereby adjusting the clamping force on the wound battery cell 20 and improving the adaptability of the clamping pin device to wound battery cells 20 of different thicknesses.

[0107] The third drive unit 73 can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or motor.

[0108] In some embodiments, the winding cell unloading device 10 further includes a fourth driving device 74, which is drivenly connected to the base 5. The fourth driving device 74 is configured to drive the base 5 to reciprocate relative to the winding cell 20 to insert the first clamping pin 2 into the inner ring of the winding cell 20 or to pull it out from the inner ring of the winding cell 20.

[0109] By setting the fourth driving device 74, the base 5 can be driven to reciprocate relative to the wound cell 20, thereby inserting the first clamping pin 2 into or withdrawing it from the inner ring of the wound cell 20, and sending the second clamping pin 3 to the outside of the wound cell 20 or away from the wound cell 20, so as to achieve the purpose of clamping the wound cell 20 and resetting it.

[0110] The fourth drive unit 74 can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder or motor.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second drive unit 72 employs a servo motor to improve the accuracy of the movement of the first clamping needle 2. The third drive unit 73 employs a cylinder to reduce costs. The fourth drive unit 74 employs a servo motor to improve the accuracy of the joint movement of the first clamping needle 2 and the second clamping needle 3.

[0112] In some embodiments, the winding cell unloading device 10 further includes a drive device for moving the support 1, the second clamping pin 3, the base 5, and the support 6 along the compression direction of the winding cell 20. After being stretched, the winding cell 20 changes from a cylinder to an elliptical cylinder. In a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the center of the winding cell 20 changes. Therefore, these drive devices can cause the support 1, the second clamping pin 3, the base 5, and the support 6 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction as the winding cell 20 deforms. These drive devices can be separate drive components or integrated into the first drive device 71, the second drive device 72, the third drive device 73, or the fourth drive device 74, so that in addition to the aforementioned drive functions, the first drive device 71, the second drive device 72, the third drive device 73, or the fourth drive device 74 can also drive the support 1, the second clamping pin 3, the base 5, or the support 6 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0113] Based on the winding cell unloading device in the above embodiments, this application also provides a cell manufacturing apparatus, which includes the winding cell unloading device 10 described above.

[0114] In some embodiments, the cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a pressing device 40 configured to press the wound cell 20 into a flat shape.

[0115] As shown in Figure 5, the pressing device 40 includes a pressure plate 41, a fifth driving device 42, and a mounting base 43. The fifth driving device 42 is mounted on the mounting base 43 and is drivenly connected to the pressure plate 41. The fifth driving device 42 is configured to drive the pressure plate 41 to move relative to the wound cell 20 to press the wound cell 20 so that the wound cell 20 is pressed into a flat shape.

[0116] The fifth driving device 42 can drive the pressure plate 41 to move horizontally, vertically, or inclined.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the fifth driving device 42 drives the pressure plate 41 to move downward in the vertical direction to apply downward pressure to the wound cell 20, so that the wound cell 20 is pressed into a flat shape and the upper and lower sides of the inner ring of the wound cell 20 fit together as much as possible.

[0118] The fifth drive unit 42 can be a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or motor.

[0119] In some embodiments, the cell manufacturing apparatus further includes a conveyor 50 for conveying the wound cell 20. The pressing device 40 continuously rises or falls during the conveying process of the conveyor 50, and completes the pressing of the wound cell 20 located below the pressure plate 41 during the falling process.

[0120] Based on the winding cell feeding device or cell manufacturing device in the above embodiments, this application also provides a battery manufacturing device, which includes the winding cell feeding device 10 described above, or includes the cell manufacturing device described above.

[0121] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment of the application, the wound battery cell 20 may include an anode sheet 201 and a cathode sheet 203 with opposite polarities, and also includes a separator disposed between the anode sheet 201 and the cathode sheet 203. The separator may include a first diaphragm 202 disposed between the anode sheet 201 and the cathode sheet 203 and a second diaphragm 204 disposed on the side of the cathode sheet 203 away from the first diaphragm 202.

[0122] During the charging and discharging process of a single battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the cathode plate 203 and the anode plate 201. An insulating element is disposed between the cathode plate 203 and the anode plate 201 to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes, while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0123] In some embodiments, the cathode sheet 203 may include a cathode current collector substrate and a cathode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the cathode current collector substrate.

[0124] As an example, the cathode current collector substrate has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the cathode active material layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the cathode current collector substrate.

[0125] As an example, the cathode current collector substrate can be a metal foil or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc., can be used. The composite current collector may include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. The composite current collector can be formed by applying a metal material (aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver, and silver alloy, etc.) onto a polymer material substrate (such as a substrate of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0126] As an example, the cathode active material layer may include at least one of the following materials: lithium phosphates, lithium transition metal oxides, and their respective modified compounds. However, this disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as battery cathode active material layers may also be used. These cathode active material layers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of lithium phosphates include, but are not limited to, at least one of lithium iron phosphate (such as LiFePO4 (also referred to as LFP)), lithium iron phosphate and carbon composites, lithium manganese phosphate (such as LiMnPO4), lithium manganese phosphate and carbon composites, lithium iron manganese phosphate, and lithium iron manganese phosphate and carbon composites. Examples of lithium transition metal oxides include, but are not limited to, lithium cobalt oxide (such as LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (such as LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (such as LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), lithium nickel cobalt oxide, lithium manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese oxide, and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (such as LiNi). 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 (also known as NCM) 333 LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O2 (also known as NCM) 523 LiNi 0.5 Co0.25 Mn 0.25 O2 (also known as NCM) 211 LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O2 (also known as NCM) 622 LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O2 (also known as NCM) 811 ), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (such as LiNi) 0.85 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 At least one of O2 and its modified compounds.

[0127] In some embodiments, the anode sheet 201 may include an anode current collector substrate.

[0128] As an example, the anode current collector substrate can be a metal foil, a foamed metal, or a composite current collector. For example, as a metal foil, it can be silver-treated aluminum or stainless steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, carbon electrodes, carbon, nickel, or titanium, etc. Foamed metal can be foamed nickel, foamed copper, foamed aluminum, foamed alloy, or foamed carbon, etc. Composite current collectors can include a polymer material base layer and a metal layer. Composite current collectors can be formed by applying a metal material (copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, silver and silver alloy, etc.) onto a polymer material base material (such as a base material of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.).

[0129] In some embodiments, the anode sheet 201 may include an anode current collector substrate and an anode active material layer disposed on at least one surface of the anode current collector substrate.

[0130] As an example, the anode current collector substrate has two surfaces opposite each other in its own thickness direction, and the anode active material layer is disposed on either or both of the two opposite surfaces of the anode current collector substrate.

[0131] As an example, the anode active material layer may employ anode active material layers known in the art for use in battery cells. As an example, the anode active material layer may include at least one of the following materials: artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate, etc. Silicon-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. Tin-based materials may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, this disclosure is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as anode active material layers in batteries may also be used. These anode active material layers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0132] In some embodiments, the cathode current collector substrate may be made of aluminum, and the anode current collector substrate may be made of copper.

[0133] In some embodiments, the separator is a separator membrane. This disclosure does not impose any particular limitation on the type of separator membrane; any known porous separator membrane with good chemical and mechanical stability can be selected.

[0134] As an example, the main material of the separator can be selected from at least one of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and ceramic. The separator can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer composite film, without particular limitation. When the separator is a multi-layer composite film, the materials of each layer can be the same or different, without particular limitation. The separator can be a single component located between the cathode plate 203 and the anode plate 201, or it can be located between the cathode plate 203 and the anode plate 201, while also being attached to the surface of the cathode plate 203 and / or the anode plate 201.

[0135] The battery cells manufactured by the winding cell feeding device or cell manufacturing device provided in this application embodiment can be used as one of the components of a battery cell. The battery cell also includes a housing and an end cap. The housing has a receiving cavity and an open end communicating with the receiving cavity, and the end cap closes to the open end. The battery cell is applicable to various types of batteries. The battery mentioned here refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0136] In some embodiments, the battery may include a housing and a battery module, the housing providing a space for the battery module, which is mounted within the housing. The housing may be made of metal. The battery module may include multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. A battery cell is the smallest unit that makes up the battery. A battery cell includes electrode components capable of undergoing electrochemical reactions.

[0137] In some embodiments, the battery may include a housing and individual battery cells, with the individual battery cells housed within the housing.

[0138] In some embodiments, the housing may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing may be at least a part of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0139] In some embodiments, the battery can be an energy storage device. Energy storage devices include energy storage containers, energy storage cabinets, etc.

[0140] Batteries manufactured using the winding cell feeding device, cell manufacturing device, or battery manufacturing equipment disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical equipment such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. The batteries are configured to provide electrical energy to the electrical equipment. The electrical equipment can be, but is not limited to, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, etc. For example, spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.; electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc.; power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers.

[0141] The structure and operation process of an embodiment of the winding cell feeding device and cell manufacturing device provided in this application will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0142] As shown in Figure 1, the winding cell feeding device 10 includes a bracket 1, a first clamping pin 2, a second clamping pin 3, a bearing 4, a base 5, a support base 6, a first driving device 71, a second driving device 72, a third driving device 73, and a fourth driving device 74.

[0143] There are two brackets 1, two first clamping pins 2, and two second clamping pins 3. One first clamping pin 2 is installed on each bracket 1. One end of the first clamping pin 2 is installed on the end of the bracket 1 near the base 5 via a bearing 4, and the other end of the first clamping pin 2 is installed on the end of the bracket 1 away from the base 5 via a bearing 4.

[0144] Two brackets 1 and two second clamping pins 3 are mounted on the base 5 at intervals. The two brackets 1 are located between the two second clamping pins 3. The support base 6 is located on the side of the bracket 1 away from the base 5.

[0145] As shown in Figure 1, the first driving device 71 is driven by two support seats 6, and is used to drive the two support seats 6 to move away from or towards each other along a first direction x, so as to maintain synchronization with the movement of the bracket 1. The second driving device 72 is driven by two brackets 1, and is used to drive the two first clamping pins 2 on the two brackets 1 to move away from or towards each other along a first direction x, the first direction x being parallel to the direction in which the wound cell 20 is stretched. The third driving device 73 is driven by two second clamping pins 3, and is used to drive the two second clamping pins 3 to move away from or towards each other along a first direction x. The fourth driving device 74 is driven by a base 5, and is used to drive the base 5 to move along a second direction y perpendicular to the first direction x, so as to move closer to or away from the wound cell 20, so that the first clamping pins 2 are inserted into or withdrawn from the inner ring of the wound cell 20, and the second clamping pins 3 are moved to the outside of the wound cell 20 or away from the wound cell 20, thereby achieving clamping or releasing of the wound cell 20.

[0146] In addition, the winding cell unloading device 10 also includes a driving device that can drive the base 5 and the support 6 to move along a third direction z that is perpendicular to both the first direction x and the second direction y. These driving devices can drive the base 5 and the support 6 to move along the third direction z, either separately or simultaneously, so as to keep in line with the deformation of the winding cell 20 in the third direction z, so that the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 are always clamped on the center line of the winding cell 20 in the third direction z.

[0147] As shown in Figure 2, the winding cell 20 is composed of an anode sheet 201, a first diaphragm 202, a cathode sheet 203, and a second diaphragm 204. The first diaphragm 202 is located between the anode sheet 201 and the cathode sheet 203, and the second diaphragm 204 is located at the end of the cathode sheet 203 away from the anode sheet 201. The anode sheet 201, the first diaphragm 202, the cathode sheet 203, and the second diaphragm 204 are stacked sequentially and then wound by a winding needle 30 to form the winding cell 20. The inner ring of the winding cell 20 has a winding start section 21. The winding needle 30 has two through holes 31, through which a first clamping needle 2 can enter the inner ring of the winding cell 20.

[0148] As shown in Figure 3, before stretching, the wound cell 20 is cylindrical in shape. Two sets of first clamping pins 2 and second clamping pins 3 respectively clamp the two sides of the wound cell 20.

[0149] As shown in Figure 4, after stretching, the wound cell 20 is stretched into an elliptical cylinder.

[0150] As shown in Figure 5, the cell manufacturing apparatus also includes a pressing device 40 and a conveyor 50. The pressing device 40 includes a pressure plate 41, a fifth drive device 42, and a mounting base 43. The fifth drive device 42 is mounted on the mounting base 43 and drives the pressure plate 41 to move up and down along the third direction z to further press the wound cell 20 into a flatter shape. The conveyor 50 is used to continuously transport the stretched wound cell 20 and provides support during the pressing process.

[0151] The winding cell feeding device embodiment provided in this application can effectively reduce the risk of electrode cracking, reduce redundancy between electrodes, reduce electrode wrinkles, and effectively improve the manufacturing quality of the cell by rotating the first clamping pin.

[0152] The following describes the working process of the winding cell feeding device and the cell manufacturing device.

[0153] First, the winding needle 30 winds the material to form a wound battery cell 20. Then, the base 5 moves along the second direction y, causing the bracket 1 to extend into the support base 6. The first clamping needle 2 inserts into the inner ring of the wound battery cell 20, and the second clamping needle 3 moves to the outer side of the wound battery cell 20. Next, the relative positions of the first clamping needle 2 and the second clamping needle 3 are adjusted using the second drive device 72 and the third drive device 73 to clamp the wound battery cell 20 without damaging it, and the winding needle 30 retracts. Then, the two sets of clamping needles move away from each other along the first direction x, while simultaneously moving downwards along the third direction z, stretching the wound battery cell 20 as it descends. The support base 6 descends along with the base 5 as a whole. During the stretching process, the first clamping pin 2 rotates relative to the bracket 1, causing the inner winding starting section 21 of the wound cell 20 to straighten and roll. The inclined section of the winding starting section 21 continuously lengthens, while the free section continuously shortens. The first clamping pin 2 drives the winding starting section 21 to fit against the corner of the cell, which can effectively reduce the redundancy between the electrodes, improve the problem of poor corner fitting, reduce the layer gap between the electrodes, reduce the risk of electrode cracking, and reduce electrode breakage. Finally, the wound cell 20 descends to below the pressing device 40, and the fifth driving device 42 drives the pressure plate 41 to move downward. The pressure plate 41 presses the wound cell 20 tightly, and the first clamping pin 2 and the second clamping pin 3 move outward, and the cell is pressed into shape.

[0154] The suppression process can be performed multiple times in practice.

[0155] The description of the various embodiments above tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The similarities or similarities between them can be referred to, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the methods described in the specific embodiments, the order in which the steps are written does not imply a strict execution order and does not constitute any limitation on the implementation process. The specific execution order of each step should be determined by its function and possible internal logic.

[0157] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A winding cell unloading device (10), comprising: A first clamping pin (2) is configured to pass through the inner ring of the wound cell (20), and the surface of the first clamping pin (2) is configured to make rolling contact with the inner ring surface of the wound cell (20). and The second clamping pin (3) is configured to contact the outer surface of the wound cell (20) so as to clamp the wound cell (20) together with the first clamping pin (2), and the first clamping pin (2) and the second clamping pin (3) are configured to move in a first direction to stretch the wound cell (20).

2. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the first clamping needle (2) includes an arc-shaped portion.

3. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cross-section of the first clamping needle (2) is circular, teardrop-shaped or C-shaped.

4. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 1-3 further includes a bracket (1), wherein the first clamping pin (2) is rotatably mounted on the bracket (1).

5. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The bracket (1) includes a first support part (11) and a second support part (12), and the two ends of the first clamping pin (2) are rotatably connected to the first support part (11) and the second support part (12) respectively.

6. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The bracket (1) further includes a third support (13) connected between the first support (11) and the second support (12).

7. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The first clamping pin (2) is disposed on the side of the third support portion (13) near the second clamping pin (3).

8. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 4-7 further includes a bearing (4), the bearing (4) being disposed at the connection between the first clamping pin (2) and the bracket (1).

9. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 4-8 further includes a base (5), on which the second clamping pin (3) and the bracket (1) are mounted.

10. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 9 further includes a support base (6), one end of the bracket (1) is connected to the base (5), and the support base (6) is configured to support the other end of the bracket (1).

11. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to claim 10 further includes a first driving device (71), the first driving device (71) being drivenly connected to the support base (6), and the first driving device (71) being configured to drive the support base (6) to move following the bracket (1).

12. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 9-11 further includes a second driving device (72), the second driving device (72) being drivenly connected to the bracket (1), the second driving device (72) being configured to drive the bracket (1) to reciprocate relative to the base (5) in the first direction.

13. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 9-12 further includes a third driving device (73), the third driving device (73) being drivenly connected to the second clamping pin (3), the third driving device (73) being configured to drive the second clamping pin (3) to reciprocate relative to the base (5) in the first direction.

14. The winding cell unloading device (10) according to any one of claims 9-13 further includes a fourth driving device (74), the fourth driving device (74) being drivenly connected to the base (5), the fourth driving device (74) being configured to drive the base (5) to reciprocate relative to the winding cell (20) to insert the first clamping pin (2) into or withdraw it from the inner ring of the winding cell (20).

15. The winding cell feeding device (10) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The winding cell feeding device (10) includes two first clamping pins (2) and two second clamping pins (3). The two first clamping pins (2) move in opposite directions, and the two second clamping pins (3) move in opposite directions.

16. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus, comprising a winding battery cell unloading device (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16 further includes a pressing device (40) configured to press the wound cell (20) into a flat shape.

18. A battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising a winding cell feeding device (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, or comprising a cell manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of claims 16 to 17.

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