A multi-core stacking device

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-core stacking device, comprising at least two stacking platforms with a gap between adjacent stacking platforms. A positioning platform is provided at the gap, and the ends of the two stacking platforms are rotatably connected to the sides of the positioning platform. Each stacking platform is provided with a stacked core, a lateral positioning mechanism for lateral positioning of the stacked core, and an end positioning mechanism for end positioning of the stacked core. The stacked cores joined by this stacking device are undeformed, resulting in good battery structure stability and strong consistency during assembly, thus improving the assembly rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a multi-core stacking device. Background Technology

[0002] Assembly is a crucial step in lithium-ion battery production. In the assembly process, the battery's mechanical structure is established through steps such as grouping, stacking, welding, and assembling mechanical components. Compared to earlier power battery structures and chemical systems, current battery junctions are trending towards larger volumes, higher energy outputs, and higher energy density, which presents greater challenges to the battery assembly process.

[0003] From single-cell stacks to multi-cell stacks, from small to large outline dimensions, and from simple strength structural components to multifunctional structural components, the assembly process requires no mechanical damage to the stacked cores, no deformation of the stacked cores during assembly, and the assembly of the stacked cores and structural components must meet dimensional design requirements. Furthermore, this process boasts high efficiency and yield, making it a key area for improvement in the assembly process. However, existing cell assembly processes are prone to stacked core deformation, leading to potential risks such as poor structural stability, poor consistency, insufficient structural strength, and poor assembly in the assembled batteries. These risks ultimately affect the battery's performance and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the technical problems existing in the background technology, the present invention proposes a multi-core stacking device, in which the stacked cores are not deformed, the battery structure during assembly has good stability and strong consistency, and the assembly rate is improved.

[0005] The present invention proposes a multi-core merging and stacking device, comprising at least two merging platforms, with a gap between adjacent merging platforms, and a positioning platform provided at the gap. The ends of the two merging platforms are rotatably connected to the sides of the positioning platform. Each merging platform is provided with a core stack, a lateral positioning mechanism for lateral positioning of the core stack, and an end positioning mechanism for positioning the ends of the core stack.

[0006] Furthermore, the lateral positioning mechanism includes a first lateral plate, a second lateral plate, a lateral sliding assembly, and a lateral cylinder. The lateral sliding assembly is disposed below the closing platform. The first lateral plate and the second lateral plate are respectively fixedly connected to the slider on the lateral sliding assembly. The first lateral plate and the second lateral plate are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the stacked core. The lateral cylinder is disposed on the first lateral plate and its telescopic end is connected to the second lateral plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the end positioning mechanism includes an end cylinder and an end plate. The end cylinder is fixed below the closing platform and its telescopic end is fixedly connected to the end plate. The end plate is located at the end of the stacked core and abuts against the stacked core after being retracted by the end cylinder.

[0008] Furthermore, multiple merging platforms share a single top positioning mechanism, which is located at the end of one of the merging platforms.

[0009] Furthermore, the top positioning mechanism includes a top lifting cylinder and a top clamping assembly. The top lifting cylinder is disposed on the closing platform, and the top clamping assembly is disposed on the extension end of the top lifting cylinder. The extension direction of the top lifting cylinder is consistent with the thickness direction of the stacked core.

[0010] Furthermore, the top clamping assembly includes a clamping plate, a top telescopic cylinder, and a gripper cylinder. The clamping plate is fixed to the telescopic end of the top lifting cylinder, the top telescopic cylinder is fixed to the clamping plate, and the gripper cylinder is located at the extended end of the top telescopic cylinder. The telescopic direction of the top telescopic cylinder is consistent with the length direction of the stacked core.

[0011] Furthermore, a positioning groove is provided on the positioning platform, and a structural component that connects to the stacked core is provided in the positioning groove.

[0012] Furthermore, a buffer pad is provided on the structural component that abuts against the stacked core, and the structural component is limited to abut against the stacked core by the buffer pad.

[0013] Furthermore, each closing platform is driven to rotate by a closing motor or a closing cylinder.

[0014] The advantages of the multi-core stacking device provided by this invention are as follows: The multi-core stacking device provided in this invention, by setting lateral positioning mechanisms, end positioning mechanisms, and top positioning mechanisms, ensures that the relative positions of the stacked cores are accurate before and during stacking, preventing slippage or falling and avoiding damage to the stacked cores caused by mechanical actions. Simultaneously, in conjunction with structural components and a positioning platform, the positional relationship between the stacked cores and structural components is established during stacking, completing the final product assembly and structural finalization. This stacking device effectively simplifies the stacking assembly steps in the battery assembly process, adapts to multiple specifications, especially stacked cores with large aspect ratios, greatly improves the efficiency and positioning accuracy of the stacking process, and is beneficial to improving product consistency. It is of significant importance in reducing and avoiding stacked core assembly defects and improving the performance and safety of the final product. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the end positioning mechanism of the present invention cooperating with the closing platform to fix the stacked core;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the lateral positioning mechanism, the top positioning mechanism, and the platform used to fix the stacked core in this invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the top positioning mechanism and the closing platform of the present invention for fixing the stacked core.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the positioning platform;

[0020] Among them, 1-closing platform, 2-positioning platform, 3-core stacking, 4-lateral positioning mechanism, 5-end positioning mechanism, 6-top positioning mechanism, 11-closing groove, 41-first lateral plate, 42-second lateral plate, 43-lateral sliding assembly, 44-lateral cylinder, 51-end cylinder, 52-end plate, 61-top lifting cylinder, 62-top clamping assembly, 621-clamping plate, 622-top telescopic cylinder, 623-gripper cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail through specific embodiments. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention proposes a multi-core stacking device, including at least two stacking platforms 1, with a gap between adjacent stacking platforms 1, and a positioning platform 2 is provided at the gap. The ends of the two stacking platforms 1 are rotatably connected to the two sides of the positioning platform 2. Each stacking platform 1 is provided with a stacked core 3, a lateral positioning mechanism 4 for lateral positioning of the stacked core 3, and an end positioning mechanism 5 for positioning the ends of the stacked core 3.

[0023] The closing platform 1 can achieve single-sided flipping or simultaneous double-sided flipping. The flipping stop position can be horizontal or vertical. The platform length in the closing direction MD and the platform width in the vertical closing direction TD have an aspect ratio > 1. Each closing platform 1 can hold at least one stacked core. The closing platform 1 has a closing slot 11 for placing the stacked core. The stacked core 3 is set in the closing slot 11 and its upper end is exposed in the closing slot 11. The stacked cores 3 in the same closing platform 1 are at the same level.

[0024] Two closing platforms 1 are rotatably connected to positioning platform 2. Assuming that positioning platform 2 is set horizontally, closing platform 1 is set flat when it is in the flat state. As closing platform 1 rotates, closing platform 1 changes from the horizontal state to the vertical state. At this time, the two closing platforms 1 are set on positioning platform 2 and are set perpendicular to positioning platform 2. After the stacked core 3 on the two closing platforms 1 is closed, it is rotated in one direction to the horizontal position, realizing the automatic closing of the stacked core.

[0025] It should be noted that each closing platform 1 is driven to rotate by a closing motor or a closing cylinder. The closing drive of the closing platform 1 by the closing motor or closing cylinder can be achieved by referring to the structure of the motor or cylinder driving the plate assembly to rotate. This driving method can directly adopt the existing method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0026] During the closing process, the stacked core 3 is first laterally positioned by the lateral positioning mechanism 4, and then end-positioned by the end positioning mechanism 5. It should be noted that when the closing platform 1 abuts against the positioning platform 2, a baffle is used. This baffle is rotatably connected to the positioning platform 2, and the end positioning mechanism 5 is positioned opposite to the baffle. The lateral positioning mechanism 4, the end positioning mechanism 5, and the baffle form a limiting space for limiting the stacked core, ensuring stable positioning and facilitating the stability of the stacked core 3 during subsequent rotational closing via the closing mechanism 1. It should be noted that a hole needs to be made in the baffle through which the stacked core 3 connects to the structural component. Alternatively, the baffle can be omitted, and the stacked core 3 directly abuts against the positioning platform 2, directly connecting to the structural component after closing. In this case, the structural component can be positioned on the same plane as the positioning platform 2. When using the baffle, the structural component should be positioned slightly higher than the upper surface of the positioning platform 2 to ensure effective connection between the structural component and the stacked core 3. Furthermore, the possibility of directly closing the stacked cores without a structural component connection cannot be ruled out.

[0027] In addition, a positioning groove is provided on the positioning platform 2, and a structural component connected to the stacked core 3 is provided in the positioning groove. Therefore, the positioning platform 2 can store and fix the structural component and can move horizontally or vertically to ensure that the structural component maintains the correct positional relationship with the stacked core 3 during and after the assembly process, preventing damage to the assembly structure and smoothly completing the stacking and merging of the stacked core.

[0028] After the stacked core 3 is rotated to a vertical position and closed by the closing platform 1, the stacked core is connected to the structural component located on the positioning platform 2. This achieves that the stacked core and the structural component are assembled and connected before stacking. In this embodiment, the relative position adjustment and fixation of the structural component and the stacked core are achieved by the positioning platform 2. Compared with the traditional method of stacking first and then assembling with the structural component, the present invention achieves the stacking of stacked cores with opposite tabs by closing, and the stacked core and the structural component are assembled and connected before stacking. This reduces the difficulty of assembling the stacked core and the structural component, makes the stacked core structure design more flexible and diverse, and the closing stacking assembly process can cover more products. It also has high assembly accuracy and a simple process. Using this method, the exposed length of the stacked core current collector can be reduced, which will also have a positive effect on reducing the difficulty of electrode manufacturing and improving the yield of electrode preparation processes.

[0029] In this embodiment, the lateral positioning mechanism 4 includes a first lateral plate 41, a second lateral plate 42, a lateral sliding assembly 43, and a lateral cylinder 44. The lateral sliding assembly 43 is disposed below the closing platform 1. The first lateral plate 41 and the second lateral plate 42 are respectively fixedly connected to the slider on the lateral sliding assembly 43. The first lateral plate 41 and the second lateral plate 42 are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the stacked core 3. The lateral cylinder 44 is disposed on the first lateral plate 41 and its telescopic end is connected to the second lateral plate 42.

[0030] The first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 can slide on both sides of the stacked core 3 via the lateral sliding assembly 43 to limit the stacked core 3. Furthermore, the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 share a lateral cylinder 44. When the lateral cylinder 44 is a one-way cylinder, it is mounted on the first side plate 41 and its extension end is connected to the second side plate 42. In this case, when the lateral cylinder 44 extends, both the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 are subjected to force. Both side plates are slidable, so they can move simultaneously to limit the movement of the stacked cores. In addition, when the side cylinder 44 is a bidirectional cylinder, its two extension and retraction ends are connected to the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42, respectively. When the side cylinder 44 extends or retracts, the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 move synchronously relative to each other, thereby ensuring that the side of the stacked cores is adjusted to the middle position and improving the consistency of the width position of the two stacked cores 3 when they are closed.

[0031] Therefore, the first lateral plate 41 and the second lateral plate 42 in the lateral positioning mechanism 4 move in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the stacked core (TD direction) to achieve clamping on both sides of the stacked core width direction. This ensures that the stacked core is coaxial in the stacked core length direction (MD direction) and avoids positional changes when the stacked core is closed, especially the stacked core slippage in the MD direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the end positioning mechanism 5 includes an end cylinder 51 and an end plate 52. The end cylinder 51 is fixed below the closing platform 1, and its telescopic end is fixedly connected to the end plate 52. The end plate 52 is disposed at the end of the stacked core 3 and abuts against the stacked core 3 after being retracted by the end cylinder 51. The end plate 52 moves along the MD direction through the end cylinder 51 to realize the positioning of the stacked core in the MD direction, preventing the connection between the electrode tab and the structural component from being pulled when the stacked core is closed, thus preventing structural failure problems such as breakage defects.

[0033] The extension action of the end cylinder 51 causes the end plate 52 to approach the end of the stacked core 3 until it abuts against the end of the stacked core 3. The end plate 52 and the baffle are arranged opposite each other to limit the two ends of the stacked core 3. Thus, the first side plate 41 and the second side plate 42 are combined to limit the stacked core 3 in the horizontal direction. In addition, the first side plate 41, the second side plate 42, the end plate 52 and the baffle and the stacked core 3 are all pressure limiters. Therefore, the stacked core 3 is also stably limited in the vertical direction without being impacted in the vertical direction.

[0034] To prevent damage to the stacked core 3 during the limiting process, a buffer pad is provided on the structural component that abuts against the stacked core 3. The structural component abuts against and limits the stacked core 3 through the buffer pad. The structural component includes a first side plate 41, a second side plate 42, an end plate 52, and a baffle, etc.

[0035] Multiple merging platforms 1 share a single top positioning mechanism 6, which is located at the end of one of the merging platforms 1. The top positioning mechanism 6 assists in pressing the stacked core 3 during the core merging process, and provides secondary tightening to prevent the stacked core 3 from slipping in the MD direction, thereby improving the position control accuracy of the stacked core 3 during the merging process.

[0036] Specifically, the top positioning mechanism 6 includes a top lifting cylinder 61 and a top clamping assembly 62. The top lifting cylinder 61 is mounted on the closing platform 1, and the top clamping assembly 62 is mounted on the telescopic end of the top lifting cylinder 61. The telescopic direction of the top lifting cylinder 61 is consistent with the thickness direction of the stacked core 3.

[0037] The top clamping assembly 62 includes a clamping plate 621, a top telescopic cylinder 622, and a gripper cylinder 623. The clamping plate 621 is fixed to the telescopic end of the top lifting cylinder 61, the top telescopic cylinder 622 is fixed on the clamping plate 621, and the gripper cylinder 623 is located at the extended end of the top telescopic cylinder 622. The telescopic direction of the top telescopic cylinder 622 is consistent with the length direction of the stacked core 3.

[0038] The extension and retraction of the top lifting cylinder 61 causes the top telescopic cylinder 622 to move up and down. The extension and retraction of the top telescopic cylinder 622 causes the gripper cylinder 623 to move left and right. The gripper cylinder 623 is used to level the two stacked cores after they are closed, and to clamp the stacked cores in the thickness direction. This can prevent the stacked cores from falling off and leaving the storage mechanism when they are closed, and further improve the positional accuracy of the stacked cores during the closing process.

[0039] Working process: The stacked core 3 is placed on the closing platform 1. The stacked core is limited around its perimeter by the lateral positioning mechanism 4 and the end positioning mechanism 5. The end positioning mechanism 5 moves horizontally to position and adjust the stacked core 3, fixing the relative position of the stacked core 3 and the structural component. At the same time, it ensures that the spacing between the two stacked cores meets the subsequent assembly requirements and provides a certain clamping force when the stacked cores are closed. The lateral positioning mechanism 4 moves horizontally, and its movement direction is perpendicular to the end positioning mechanism 5. It is used to adjust the position of the stacked core 3 so that it is on the same straight line. At the same time, it provides a certain clamping force on its side when the stacked cores are closed.

[0040] The stacked cores 3 are joined together by the rotation of the joining platform 1. In the vertical direction, the two joined stacked cores are clamped by the gripper cylinder 623 of the top positioning mechanism 6 to ensure that the stacked cores 3 are tightly attached to the joining platform 1, preventing problems such as insufficient clamping force on the side of the stacked cores during joining, which could lead to the stacked cores falling off and the joining failure. The top positioning mechanism 6 can be placed on one side of the platform. The side of the joining platform 1 with the top positioning mechanism 6 can have a larger stroke during the joining process, which is convenient for adjusting the joining termination position and angle. This joining and stacking device can effectively simplify the stacking assembly steps of the stacked cores in the battery assembly process, adapt to multiple specifications, especially stacked core products with large aspect ratios, and greatly improve the efficiency and positioning accuracy of the joining and stacking process. This is conducive to improving product consistency and has significant implications for reducing and avoiding stacked core assembly defects and improving the performance and safety of the final product.

[0041] Note: Both the closing platform 1 and the positioning platform 2 can be set as vertical lifting structures. By adjusting the height of the closing platform 1 and the positioning platform 2, the contact position between the stacked core 3 and the positioning platform 2 can be adjusted, so that the stacked core 3 can be closed without interference during the closing process.

[0042] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-core stacking device, characterized in that, It includes at least two closing platforms (1), with a gap between adjacent closing platforms (1), and a positioning platform (2) is provided at the gap. The ends of the two closing platforms (1) are rotatably connected to the two sides of the positioning platform (2). Each closing platform (1) is provided with a stacked core (3), a lateral positioning mechanism (4) for lateral positioning of the stacked core (3), and an end positioning mechanism (5) for positioning the ends of the stacked core (3).

2. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral positioning mechanism (4) includes a first lateral plate (41), a second lateral plate (42), a lateral sliding assembly (43), and a lateral cylinder (44). The lateral sliding assembly (43) is located below the closing platform (1). The first lateral plate (41) and the second lateral plate (42) are respectively fixedly connected to the slider on the lateral sliding assembly (43). The first lateral plate (41) and the second lateral plate (42) are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the stacked core (3). The lateral cylinder (44) is located on the first lateral plate (41) and its telescopic end is connected to the second lateral plate (42).

3. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end positioning mechanism (5) includes an end cylinder (51) and an end plate (52). The end cylinder (51) is fixed below the closing platform (1) and its telescopic end is fixedly connected to the end plate (52). The end plate (52) is located at the end of the stacked core (3) and abuts against the stacked core (3) after being contracted by the end cylinder (51).

4. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple merging platforms (1) share a top positioning mechanism (6), which is located at the end of one of the merging platforms (1).

5. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top positioning mechanism (6) includes a top lifting cylinder (61) and a top clamping assembly (62). The top lifting cylinder (61) is set on the closing platform (1), and the top clamping assembly (62) is set at the extension end of the top lifting cylinder (61). The extension direction of the top lifting cylinder (61) is consistent with the thickness direction of the stacked core (3).

6. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top clamping assembly (62) includes a clamping plate (621), a top telescopic cylinder (622), and a gripper cylinder (623). The clamping plate (621) is fixed to the telescopic end of the top lifting cylinder (61), the top telescopic cylinder (622) is fixed on the clamping plate (621), and the gripper cylinder (623) is located at the extended end of the top telescopic cylinder (622). The telescopic direction of the top telescopic cylinder (622) is consistent with the length direction of the stacked core (3).

7. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A positioning groove is provided on the positioning platform (2), and a structural component connected to the stacked core (3) is provided in the positioning groove.

8. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A buffer pad is provided on the structural component that abuts against the stacked core (3), and the structural component is limited to abut against the stacked core (3) through the buffer pad.

9. The multi-core stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each closing platform (1) is driven to rotate by a closing motor or a closing cylinder.

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