Battery Cell Tab Folding with Parallel-Axis Support Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell processing equipment for power battery production is inefficient and prone to tab tearing due to inconsistent tab bending, leading to defects and reduced production quality.
Innovation Solution
The cell processing equipment includes a first and second support assembly that rotate around parallel axes, along with a third support assembly featuring a movable shaping piece to constrain tabs and end caps, allowing for precise distance adjustment and consistent fold line formation, preventing tab tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing tab bending structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates causing tab tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into three independent support assemblies (first, second, and third), each responsible for specific functions: fixing cell bodies and constraining tabs/end caps. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall manufacturing precision without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second support assemblies are configured to rotate around parallel axes, enabling dynamic adjustment during the cell folding process. This rotational capability allows the support assemblies to adapt to different processing stages, maintaining tab positioning precision while reducing the need for additional complex positioning mechanisms.
2Reliability
If existing cell folding operation is used, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to tab breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The third support assembly with the shaping piece performs preliminary constraining of the tabs and end cap before the actual folding operation. By pre-positioning and stabilizing these components, the system prevents tab breakage during folding, improving reliability without requiring rework or slowing down the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaping piece acts as an intermediary component between the support assemblies and the tabs/end cap. It provides a controlled interface that distributes forces evenly during the folding process, preventing stress concentration that could cause tab breakage while maintaining efficient processing speeds.
3Manufacturing precision
If tab bending is performed without precise constraint, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates causing inconsistent fold lines
Solution Approach 1:
The first, second, and third support assemblies are merged into a coordinated system that operates together during cell folding. The parallel rotation axes of the first and second support assemblies work in unison with the third support assembly to simultaneously constrain multiple points, ensuring consistent fold lines while requiring only a single coordinated operation from the operator or control system.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a piece of cell processing equipment, a cell processing method, and a battery production line. The cell processing equipment includes: a first support assembly, configured to fix a cell body, where the first support assembly is able to rotate around a first rotation axis; a second support assembly, configured to fix the cell body, where the second support assembly is able to rotate around a second rotation axis, and the first rotation axis is disposed parallel to the second rotation axis; and a third support assembly, configured to fix a tab and an end cap. The third support assembly includes a support seat and a shaping piece. An electrode post positioning groove is formed on the support seat. The shaping piece is disposed movably relative to the support seat.