Welding apparatus and welding method

Abstract

The application discloses a welding device and a welding method. The welding device comprises a positioning part, a vacuum adsorption part and a welding part. During welding, the positioning part can position and support the battery shell, so that the first cover plate and the shell can be welded at a set position. The welding part can weld the first cover plate and the shell. The vacuum adsorption part communicates with the first containing cavity through the first through hole and performs negative pressure suction on the first containing cavity. When the first cover plate is welded to the shell, the vacuum adsorption part performs negative pressure suction on the first containing cavity, so that the first cover plate can tightly adhere to the shell under the action of the negative pressure. The adsorption of the vacuum adsorption part effectively avoids the misalignment caused by the mutual sliding between the first cover plate and the shell during the welding process of the battery shell, and effectively improves the connection stability between the first cover plate and the shell during the welding process. The technical scheme of the application greatly improves the connection stability of the first cover plate and the shell during the welding process, and improves the welding quality of the battery shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery processing technology, and in particular to a welding apparatus and welding method. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of cylindrical batteries, the battery cell needs to be placed into the casing cavity. After the cell is placed in the casing cavity, the current collector needs to be welded to the casing. In existing technology, welding equipment generally has at least one pair of opposing rotating shafts. When welding the current collector to the casing, the battery to be welded is placed between the two ends of the rotating shaft. One end of the rotating shaft presses against the bottom cover, and the other end presses against the casing. After the bottom cover and casing are in contact, they rotate synchronously so that the welding head can weld the bottom cover and the casing. During the battery welding process, factors such as the magnitude of the pressing force at both ends of the rotating shaft, the rotational resistance, and the difference in rotational speed between the two ends of the battery can all cause mutual sliding friction between the bottom cover and the casing, which can lead to misalignment of the bottom cover and the casing, resulting in poor welding between the bottom cover and the casing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a welding device and welding method that can improve the stability of welding the battery bottom cover to the casing and improve the welding quality of the battery to the bottom cover.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a welding apparatus for welding a battery casing. The battery casing includes a first cover plate and a housing with an opening. The first cover plate is disposed on one side of the opening of the housing, and the first cover plate and the housing together define a first receiving cavity for placing a battery cell. The battery casing has a first through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity. The welding apparatus includes a positioning part, a vacuum adsorption part, and a welding part. The positioning part is used to position the battery casing. The vacuum adsorption part is adapted to communicate with the first through hole, and the vacuum adsorption part can draw a negative pressure on the first receiving cavity so that the first cover plate can remain stationary relative to the housing. The welding part is used to weld the first cover plate to the housing.

[0005] In some embodiments, the vacuum adsorption unit is connected to the first cover plate, and the first cover plate is provided with a first through hole.

[0006] In some embodiments, the vacuum adsorption unit includes a pusher and an adsorption member, the adsorption member being used to adsorb onto a first cover plate, and the pusher being used to control the adsorption and separation between the adsorption member and the first cover plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the welding apparatus includes a drive assembly connected to the side of the housing opposite to the first receiving cavity, the drive assembly being used to drive the battery to rotate about the axis of the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member, which are arranged opposite to each other along an axis perpendicular to the housing, and the first drive member and the second drive member together clamp the battery housing; wherein the first drive member is configured as a cam.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member, which are arranged opposite to each other along an axis perpendicular to the housing, and the first drive member and the second drive member together clamp the battery housing; wherein the second drive member is configured as a roller.

[0010] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a second drive member configured as a roller having a peripheral wall abutting against the side of the housing opposite to the first receiving cavity, and the roller being rotatable to drive the battery to rotate about the axis of the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member arranged opposite to each other. The first drive member includes a first wheel body, a second wheel body, a third wheel body, and a fourth wheel body. The first wheel body, the second wheel body, the third wheel body, and the fourth wheel body are arranged in a rectangular array. The first wheel body, the second wheel body, the third wheel body, and the fourth wheel body respectively abut against the side of the housing opposite to the second drive member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member arranged opposite to each other. The second drive member includes a first rubber roller and a second rubber roller, which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. A battery is disposed between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller. The rotation axes of the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller are parallel to the axis of the housing, and the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller abut against the side of the housing away from the first drive member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a second drive member and a third drive member. The second drive member includes a first rubber roller and a second rubber roller that abut against the battery respectively. The third drive member includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear and the second gear mesh with the third gear respectively. The first gear is used to drive the first rubber roller to rotate, and the second gear is used to drive the second rubber roller to rotate.

[0014] On the other hand, this application also discloses a welding method for welding a battery casing according to the welding apparatus of any of the above embodiments. The welding method includes:

[0015] Position the battery casing;

[0016] The first receiving cavity is evacuated under negative pressure so that the first cover plate can remain stationary relative to the housing.

[0017] Weld the first cover plate and the shell.

[0018] In some embodiments, after the step of drawing negative pressure into the first receiving cavity and before the step of welding the first cover plate and the housing, the method further includes: driving the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] In the technical solution of this application, during welding, the positioning part can position and support the battery casing so that the first cover plate and the casing can be welded in a set position. The welding part can weld the first cover plate and the casing. The vacuum adsorption part communicates with the first receiving cavity through the first through hole and applies negative pressure to the first receiving cavity. When the first cover plate is welded to the casing, the vacuum adsorption part applies negative pressure to the first receiving cavity so that the first cover plate can be tightly attached to the casing under the action of negative pressure. The adsorption of the vacuum adsorption part effectively avoids the misalignment of the first cover plate and the casing caused by mutual sliding friction due to factors such as the magnitude of the clamping force at both ends of the rotating shaft, the rotational resistance, and the difference in rotational speed at both ends of the battery during the welding process, effectively improving the connection stability between the first cover plate and the casing during the welding process. The technical solution of this application greatly improves the connection stability between the first cover plate and the casing during the welding process and improves the welding quality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the welding device in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the welding device holds a battery;

[0024] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 A partially enlarged structural diagram at point I in the embodiment, including the vacuum shaft of the adsorption element and the air pipe connector;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third driving component in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a welding device in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the positioning part holds the battery;

[0027] Figure 6For the present invention Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of point II in the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 The flowchart of another embodiment of the present invention includes, after the step of drawing negative pressure into the first receiving cavity and before the step of welding the first cover plate and the housing, the method further includes: driving the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0031] Welding equipment 100;

[0032] Positioning part 110; drive assembly 111; first drive member 112; first wheel body 1121; second wheel body 1122; third wheel body 1123; fourth wheel body 1124; second drive member 113; peripheral wall 1131; first rubber roller 1132; second rubber roller 1133; third drive member 114; first gear 1141; second gear 1142; third gear 1143;

[0033] Vacuum adsorption unit 120; pusher 121; adsorption unit 122; air pipe connector 1221; vacuum shaft 1222;

[0034] Welding part 130;

[0035] Battery casing 200;

[0036] Housing 210; first cover plate 220; first receiving cavity 230; first through hole 240.

[0037] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the production process of cylindrical batteries, the battery cell needs to be placed into the casing cavity. After the cell is placed in the casing cavity, the current collector needs to be welded to the casing. In existing technology, welding equipment generally has at least one pair of opposing rotating shafts. When welding the current collector to the casing, the battery to be welded is placed between the two ends of the rotating shaft. One end of the rotating shaft presses against the bottom cover, and the other end presses against the casing. After the bottom cover and casing are in contact, they rotate synchronously so that the welding head can weld the bottom cover and the casing. During the battery welding process, factors such as the magnitude of the pressing force at both ends of the rotating shaft, the rotational resistance, and the difference in rotational speed between the two ends of the battery can all cause mutual sliding friction between the bottom cover and the casing, which can lead to misalignment of the bottom cover and the casing, resulting in poor welding between the bottom cover and the casing.

[0040] To solve the above technical problems, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application proposes a welding apparatus 100 for welding a battery casing 200.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery casing 200 includes a first cover plate 220 and a housing 210 with an opening. The first cover plate 220 is disposed on one side of the opening of the housing 210. The first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 together define a first receiving cavity 230 for placing a battery cell. The battery casing 200 has a first through hole 240 communicating with the first receiving cavity 230. It is understood that the housing 210 has an opening, which may have only one opening or multiple openings. When the housing 210 has multiple openings, the battery casing 200 may have multiple corresponding first cover plates 220, so that the first cover plates 220 can form the first receiving cavity 230 after being welded to the housing 210. Specifically, the battery casing 210 may have two openings arranged opposite each other, and the battery casing 200 may have two first cover plates 220 connected to them, so that the battery casing 210 is sealed. It is understood that, for ease of explanation, this application uses the battery casing 200 including a first cover plate 220 and a casing 210 having an opening as an example to illustrate the technical solution of this application.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the welding apparatus 100 includes a positioning part 110, a vacuum adsorption part 120, and a welding part 130.

[0043] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5As shown, the positioning part 110 is used to position the battery casing 200. The positioning part 110 positions the battery casing 200, thereby ensuring stable welding accuracy for the casing 210 and the first cover plate 220 during the welding process. Specifically, the positioning part 110 can be connected to the casing 210 and directly position the casing 210 through this connection. Alternatively, the positioning part 110 can be connected to the first cover plate 220, but not directly position the first cover plate 220 through this connection. It is understood that the positioning part 110 can be connected only to the casing 210 or only to the first cover plate 220, as long as the positioning part 110 can provide stable positioning support for the casing 210 and the first cover plate 220 during the welding process of the battery casing 200.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the vacuum adsorption unit 120 is adapted to communicate with the first through hole 240. The vacuum adsorption unit 120 can draw negative pressure into the first receiving cavity 230, so that the first cover plate 220 can remain stationary relative to the housing 210. To facilitate the vacuum adsorption unit 120 drawing negative pressure into the first receiving cavity 230, the first cover plate 220 may be provided with one or more first through holes 240. When there are multiple first through holes 240, the first through holes 240 can be arranged in different array forms, or they can be arranged arbitrarily according to different usage requirements, without limitation here. To facilitate the sealing of the first receiving cavity 230 after the first cover plate 220 is welded to the housing 210, the first through hole 240 can also be set in any form suitable for sealing. Specifically, the shape of the first through hole 240 can vary according to different usage requirements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0045] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the welding part 130 is used to weld the first cover plate 220 to the housing 210. During welding, the battery housing 210 and the welding part 130 can move relative to each other, thereby enabling the welding part 130 to weld the connection between the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210. Specifically, during the welding process, the battery housing 210 can be kept stationary by the positioning part 110, while the welding part 130 rotates around the axis of the battery housing 210, thereby enabling the welding part 130 to weld the battery housing 210. It can be understood that during the welding process, the battery housing 210 can also rotate around its axis under the action of the positioning part 110, while the welding part 130 remains stationary, and the welding part 130 welds the battery housing 210 during its rotation. Both the battery housing 210 and the welding part 130 can also move, as long as the welding part 130 can weld the battery housing 210; this is not a limitation.

[0046] In the technical solution of this application, during welding, the positioning part 110 can position and support the battery so that the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 can be welded in a set position. The welding part 130 can weld the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210. The vacuum adsorption part 120 communicates with the first receiving cavity 230 through the first through hole 240 and applies negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230. When the first cover plate 220 is welded to the housing 210, the vacuum adsorption part 120 applies negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230 so that the first cover plate 220 can be tightly attached to the housing 210 under the action of negative pressure. The adsorption of the vacuum adsorption part 120 effectively avoids the misalignment of the first cover plate and the housing 210 caused by mutual sliding friction due to factors such as the magnitude of the clamping force at both ends of the rotating shaft, the rotational resistance, and the difference in rotational speed at both ends of the battery during the battery welding process, effectively improving the connection stability between the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 during the welding process. The technical solution of this application greatly improves the connection stability between the first cover plate 220 and the shell 210 during the welding process, and improves the welding quality. On the other hand, the use of the vacuum adsorption unit 120 can also reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the welding device 100, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of battery manufacturing.

[0047] To achieve communication between the vacuum adsorption section 120 and the first receiving cavity 230, the first through hole 240 can be provided in the first cover plate 220 or in the housing 210. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the vacuum adsorption unit 120 is connected to the first cover plate 220. The first cover plate 220 has a first through hole 240, and the vacuum adsorption unit 120 is connected to the first receiving cavity 230 through the first through hole 240 on the first cover plate 220. During welding, the vacuum adsorption unit 120 is connected to the first through hole 240 of the first cover plate 220 and applies negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230 so that the air pressure inside the first receiving cavity 230 is lower than atmospheric pressure. This causes the cover plate to be tightly fitted to the housing 210 and the bare battery cell inside the battery casing 200 under the action of the pressure difference. In some embodiments, the battery casing 200 may have first through holes 240 on both the housing 210 and the first cover plate 220. The vacuum adsorption unit 120 may simultaneously apply negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230 at multiple locations on the battery casing 200, thereby making the connection between the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 more stable. It is understandable that while the vacuum adsorption unit 120 applies negative pressure to the battery casing 200, it can also press against the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210, so that the first cover plate 220 is pressed against the housing 210 and the housing 210 is pressed against the first cover plate 220, thereby further enhancing the welding stability of the battery casing 200. The welding device 100 may also be equipped with an auxiliary pressing device to press against the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] To achieve the connection between the vacuum adsorption unit 120 and the battery casing 200, the vacuum adsorption unit 120 can be driven by different driving methods, and the vacuum adsorption unit 120 can also be configured to adsorb onto the battery casing 200 using different adsorption methods. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the vacuum adsorption unit 120 includes a pushing member 121 and an adsorption member 122. The adsorption member 122 is used to adsorb onto the first cover plate 220, and the pushing member 121 is used to control the adsorption and separation between the adsorption member 122 and the first cover plate 220. Specifically, the battery and the vacuum adsorption unit 120 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction. The first cover plate 220 is located on the side of the battery near the vacuum adsorption unit 120, and the first through hole 240 is connected to the adsorption member 122. The adsorption member 122 includes an air pipe connector 1221, a vacuum pumping device, and a vacuum shaft 1222. One end of the vacuum shaft 1222 passes through the first through hole 240, and the other end is connected to the air pipe connector 1221. The air pipe connector 1221 is connected to the vacuum pumping device, thereby realizing the vacuuming of the first receiving cavity 230. The pushing member 121 can be configured as any suitable form such as a cylinder or a motor. The pushing member 121 can also be provided with a slide rail. The pushing member 121 pushes the adsorption unit along the first direction to connect or separate the adsorption unit from the battery. The cooperation between the pusher 121 and the adsorption member 122 makes it easier for the vacuum adsorption part 120 to contact and connect the battery, thereby improving the convenience of the vacuum adsorption part 120 to draw negative pressure from the first receiving cavity 230.

[0049] To achieve welding of the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210, the welding device 100 may be equipped with a drive assembly 111 to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing 210, thereby enabling the welding part 130 to weld the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 at a specific position. Similarly, the welding device 100 may be equipped with a drive assembly 111 to drive the welding part 130 to rotate around the axis of the housing 210, so that the welding part 130 can weld the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210. No limitations are imposed here. Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the welding device 100 includes a drive assembly 111, which is connected to the side of the housing 210 opposite to the first receiving cavity 230. The drive assembly 111 is used to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing 210. Specifically, the drive assembly 111 can clamp the housing 210 and drive the housing 210 and the first cover plate 220 adsorbed on the housing 210 to rotate synchronously by setting bearings, gears, and other components. The drive assembly 111 can also drive the battery to rotate by setting different sets of rotating wheels. The rotating wheels abut against the battery housing 210 and rotate around the axis of the housing 210. Due to the friction between the wheels and the battery housing 210, the wheels can drive the battery to rotate. The drive assembly 111 driving the battery to rotate can effectively improve the convenience of welding the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210, thereby improving the welding efficiency of the battery housing 210.

[0050] To enable the drive assembly 111 to drive the battery to rotate, so that the welding unit 130 can weld the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210, the drive assembly 111 can be configured in different forms. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the drive assembly 111 includes a first drive member 112 and a second drive member 113. The first drive member 112 and the second drive member 113 are arranged opposite to each other along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing 210, and together they clamp the battery housing 200. The drive members are used to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing 210; that is, the first drive member 112 and the second drive member 113 can jointly drive the battery to rotate. Specifically, the first drive member 112 can be configured as a cam, and the second drive member 113 can be configured as a roller. The first drive member 112 and the second drive member 113 are arranged vertically opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing 210. The first drive member 112 is located on the side of the battery housing 200 closest to the ground. The first drive member 112 can support the battery housing 210 and drive the battery to rotate. The first driving member 112 and the second driving member 113, which are arranged opposite to each other, cooperate to drive the battery to rotate, which can improve the stability of the driving assembly 111 in driving the battery to rotate, and thus help improve the stability of the first cover plate 220 adsorbed on the housing 210.

[0051] To meet different driving requirements, the first driving component 112 can independently drive the battery to rotate, the second driving component 113 can also independently drive the battery to rotate, or the first driving component 112 and the second driving component 113 can jointly drive the battery to rotate. For example... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the second driving member 113 is configured as a roller body, which is connected to the output shaft. The output shaft drives the roller body to rotate clockwise. The roller body has a peripheral wall 1131, which abuts against the side of the housing 210 opposite to the first receiving cavity 230. The roller body can rotate to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing 210. It can be understood that the output shaft can also drive the roller body to rotate clockwise and simultaneously drive the cam to rotate counterclockwise, thereby causing the battery disposed between the roller body and the cam to rotate counterclockwise around the axis of the housing 210. In some embodiments, the roller body can also rotate counterclockwise, thereby driving the battery to rotate clockwise, which will not be elaborated here. It can be understood that, depending on the number and arrangement of the cams and roller bodies, the rotation direction of each cam and roller body can also be different according to the rotation direction of the battery in order to enable the battery to rotate stably. The roller body and cam structure is simple and easy to control, which helps to control the cost of the welding device 100 and facilitates the control of the battery rotation through the driving component 111, improving the flexibility and controllability of the battery rotation.

[0052] To further improve the stability of the battery rotation driven by the first drive component 112 and the second drive component 113, the first drive component 112 may be provided with multiple cams, which form a wheel assembly. The cams can be arranged in different array patterns and abut against the housing 210. The second drive assembly 111 may also be provided with multiple rollers, which together clamp the housing 210 to enhance the rollers' positioning of the battery in the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby improving the battery's stability when driving the battery to rotate. Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the first driving member 112 includes a first wheel body 1121, a second wheel body 1122, a third wheel body 1123, and a fourth wheel body 1124. The first wheel body 1121, the second wheel body 1122, the third wheel body 1123, and the fourth wheel body 1124 are arranged in a rectangular array. The first wheel body 1121, the second wheel body 1122, the third wheel body 1123, and the fourth wheel body 1124 respectively abut against the side of the housing 210 away from the second driving member 113. Similarly, the second drive member 113 includes a first rubber roller 1132 and a second rubber roller 1133, which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. The battery is disposed between the first rubber roller 1132 and the second rubber roller 1133. The axes of the first rubber roller 1132 and the second rubber roller 1133 are parallel to the axis of the housing 210, and the first rubber roller 1132 and the second rubber roller 1133 abut against the side of the housing 210 away from the first drive member 112. The arrangement of multiple cams and multiple rollers can effectively enhance the clamping ability of the first drive member 112 and the second drive member 113 on the battery, and further improve the stability of battery rotation. It should be noted that, in order to facilitate the installation of the battery on the welding device 100, the positioning part 110 is used to hold the various parts of the battery housing 200 movably connected to the base of the positioning part 110. Specifically, the drive assembly 111 may be provided with a fourth drive member and a fifth drive member. The fourth driving member is connected to the first driving member 112 and is used to drive the first driving member 112 to move, allowing the first driving member 112 to move closer to or further away from the welding station of the battery casing 210. The fifth driving member is connected to the second driving member 113 and is used to drive the second driving member 113 to move, allowing the second driving member 113 to move closer to or further away from the welding station of the battery casing 210. In other words, the fourth and fifth driving members enable the first driving member 112 and the second driving member 113 to move closer to or further away from each other, thereby making it easier to clamp the battery between the first driving member 112 and the second driving member 113. The fourth and fifth driving members can be configured as any suitable component such as a motor or a cylinder, and there are no restrictions here.

[0053] To facilitate control of the second drive element 113 driving the battery casing 210, the drive assembly 111 also includes a third drive element 114. For example... Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the third driving member 114 includes a first gear 1141, a second gear 1142, and a third gear 1143. The first gear 1141 and the second gear 1142 mesh with the third gear 1143. The first gear 1141 drives the first rubber roller 1132 to rotate, and the second gear 1142 drives the second rubber roller 1133 to rotate. The first driving member 112 is provided with a wheel set, which enables the first driving member 112 to drive the battery to rotate more stably and to provide support for the battery. The second driving member 113 is provided with multiple rollers, which also enables the second driving assembly 111 to drive the battery to rotate more stably, so that the relative position of the first cover and the housing 210 is more stable when the battery is welded. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, in order for the third gear 1143 to drive the first gear 1141 and the second gear 1142, the third drive member 114 may also be provided with a motor or other drive element. The motor output shaft is connected to the third gear 1143 and can drive the gear to rotate, thereby causing the third gear 1143 to drive the first gear 1141 and the second gear 1142 to rotate.

[0054] This application also provides a welding method for welding the battery casing 200 using the welding apparatus 100 according to any of the above embodiments. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the welding method includes:

[0055] S101: Positioning battery casing 200;

[0056] S102: Apply negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230 so that the first cover plate 220 can remain stationary relative to the housing 210;

[0057] S103: Weld the first cover plate 220 and the shell 210.

[0058] During welding, the first step is to position the battery casing 210. This positioning means placing the battery in any suitable welding position and maintaining it in any suitable welding state. Specifically, the battery can be stationary or moving relative to the ground. If the battery is stationary, the welding part 130 moves, allowing it to weld different parts of the first cover plate 220 to the casing 210. If the battery moves relative to the ground, it can rotate around the axis of the casing 210 to facilitate welding of the first cover plate 220 to the casing 210 by the welding part 130. The second step involves drawing a negative pressure into the first receiving cavity 230 to keep the first cover plate 220 stationary relative to the casing 210. A negative pressure is applied to the first receiving cavity 230. The pressure difference between the first receiving cavity 230 and atmospheric pressure allows the first cover plate 220 to remain stationary with the housing 210. This negative pressure adsorption effectively prevents the rotating shaft from failing to properly hold the first cover plate 220 in place, thus avoiding the problem of misalignment during welding. Negative pressure adsorption also improves the stability and welding quality of the battery bottom cover and housing 210. The third step involves welding the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 to achieve a fixed connection between them.

[0059] Depending on the specific welding requirements, after the step of drawing negative pressure from the first receiving cavity 230, the steps before welding the first cover plate 220 and the housing 210 include:

[0060] The drive battery rotates around the axis of the housing 210.

[0061] In other words, in this embodiment, the welding method includes:

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the welding method includes:

[0063] S201: Positioning battery casing 200;

[0064] S202: Apply negative pressure to the first receiving cavity 230 so that the first cover plate 220 can remain stationary relative to the housing 210;

[0065] S203: Drives the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing 210;

[0066] S204: Weld the first cover plate 220 and the shell 210.

[0067] The drive assembly 111 can also drive the battery to rotate by setting different sets of rotating wheels. The sets of rotating wheels abut against the battery housing 210 and rotate around the axis of the housing 210. Due to the friction between the wheels and the battery housing 210, the wheels can drive the battery to rotate. The drive assembly 111 driving the battery to rotate can effectively improve the ease of welding the first cover plate 220 to the housing 210, thereby improving the welding efficiency of the battery housing 210.

[0068] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0069] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or," "and / or," or "and / or" throughout the text implies three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0070] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A welding apparatus for welding a battery casing, the battery casing comprising a first cover plate and a housing having an opening, the first cover plate being disposed on one side of the opening of the housing, the first cover plate and the housing together defining a first receiving cavity for placing a battery cell, the battery casing having a first through hole communicating with the first receiving cavity, characterized in that, The welding apparatus includes: Positioning part, used to position the battery casing; A vacuum adsorption section is adapted to communicate with the first through hole. The vacuum adsorption section is capable of drawing negative pressure on the first receiving cavity so that the first cover plate can remain stationary relative to the shell. A welding section is used to weld the first cover plate to the housing; The vacuum adsorption unit is connected to the first cover plate, and the first cover plate is provided with the first through hole; The vacuum adsorption unit includes a pushing member and an adsorption member. The adsorption member is used to adsorb with the first cover plate, and the pushing member is used to control the adsorption and separation between the adsorption member and the first cover plate. The positioning part includes a driving assembly connected to the side of the housing opposite to the first receiving cavity, and the driving assembly is used to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing.

2. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member. Along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing, the first drive member and the second drive member are arranged opposite to each other, and the first drive member and the second drive member together clamp the battery housing. in, The first driving element is configured as a cam; And / or, The second drive element is configured as a roller.

3. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a second drive member configured as a roller having a peripheral wall that abuts against the side of the housing opposite to the first receiving cavity. The roller is rotatable to drive the battery to rotate around the axis of the housing.

4. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member arranged opposite to each other. The first drive member includes a first wheel, a second wheel, a third wheel, and a fourth wheel. The first wheel, the second wheel, the third wheel, and the fourth wheel are arranged in a rectangular array. The first wheel, the second wheel, the third wheel, and the fourth wheel are respectively abutted against the side of the housing opposite to the second drive member. And / or, The drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member arranged opposite to each other. The second drive member includes a first rubber roller and a second rubber roller. The first rubber roller and the second rubber roller are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. The battery is disposed between the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller. The rotation axes of the first rubber roller and the second rubber roller are parallel to the axis of the housing. The first rubber roller and the second rubber roller abut against the side of the housing away from the first drive member.

5. The welding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a second drive member and a third drive member. The second drive member includes a first rubber roller and a second rubber roller that respectively abut against the battery. The third drive member includes a first gear, a second gear, and a third gear. The first gear and the second gear respectively mesh with the third gear. The first gear is used to drive the first rubber roller to rotate, and the second gear is used to drive the second rubber roller to rotate.

6. A welding method, wherein the welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is used to weld the battery casing, characterized in that, The welding method includes: Position the battery casing; The first receiving cavity is evacuated under negative pressure so that the first cover plate can remain stationary relative to the housing; Weld the first cover plate and the housing.

7. The welding method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the step of drawing negative pressure from the first receiving cavity and before the step of welding the first cover plate and the shell, the method further includes: The battery is driven to rotate around the axis of the housing.

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