Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Alexandra J Austin

Robert H Dietze

Presented are metalworking systems for forming metallic workpieces, methods for making such workpieces and methods for operating such systems, and battery cell tabs bent by a multistage plunger press. A metalworking system includes a plunger fixture that mounts adjacent metallic workpieces, and a plunger head movably mounted to the plunger fixture to move between activated and deactivated positions. A first row of plunger fingers is mounted to the plunger head and moves in one direction to press against and bend one metallic workpiece a predefined bend angle. Likewise, a second row of plunger fingers is mounted to the plunger head and moves in an opposite direction to press against and bend another metallic workpiece another predefined bend angle. The plunger head then moves to the activated position, in tandem with the plunger fingers bending the metallic workpieces, to cause the plunger fingers to bend the workpieces additional respective bend angles.

Multistage plunger press systems and methods with interlocking fingers for forming battery cell tabs

Presented are metalworking systems for forming metallic workpieces, methods for making/operating such systems, and battery packs with cell terminals bent by a two-stage plunger press. A metalworking system includes a first plunger with a plunger cavity extending through the first plunger's body, and one or more die cavities recessed into the first plunger's contact face. The die cavity includes one surface that contacts and bends a first workpiece a first angle, and another surface that contacts and bends a second workpiece a second angle. A second plunger includes one or more die cavities recessed into the second plunger's contact face. This die cavity includes one surface that contacts and bends the first workpiece a third angle, and another surface that contacts and bends the second workpiece a fourth angle. The second plunger passes through the plunger cavity such that the first and second plungers bend the metallic workpieces in tandem.

Growing community of inventors

Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Alexandra J Austin