Battery module stacking device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module stacking device and method, wherein a fixed baffle is fixedly arranged, and the clamping baffle is translated along the X-axis direction by a clamping push rod; a balanced extrusion support mechanism includes a support assembly and a plurality of battery trays; the support assembly includes a first base, and a plurality of rollers are rotatably arranged on the first base; a battery tray for placing a battery module assembly is placed on the roller, a limited distance hook is fixedly installed on the battery tray along the X-axis direction, and an interval block with a first positioning groove is installed on the battery tray, and the bending end of the limited distance hook on one of the battery trays of each two adjacent battery trays is located in the first positioning groove on the other battery tray, and the bending end of the limited distance hook of the first battery tray is located in the second positioning groove on the first base. The present invention can alleviate the problem of uneven force on the battery cells during the battery module stacking and extrusion process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery module stacking, and in particular to a battery module stacking device and method. Background Art

[0002] A battery module is generally composed of multiple stacked cells. When designing a battery module, in order to prevent the spread of thermal runaway of the cells in the battery module, a certain thickness of thermal barrier material is often designed between the cells in the battery module. The thermal barrier material will produce different compression amounts depending on the size of the extrusion force. In the existing battery module stacking method, when the battery module is stacked and extruded, the cells not only need to withstand the stacking extrusion force of the clamping device (using manual, pneumatic, electric and other driving forms), but also the friction between the bottom surface of the cell and the surface of the support plate. The stacking extrusion force first needs to overcome the friction between the first cell and the support plate arranged along its direction, so that the first cell will move and squeeze the second cell, and then the friction between the second cell and the support plate needs to be overcome, so that the second cell will move and squeeze the third cell, and then conduct in sequence, which eventually leads to differences in the extrusion force borne by different cells, resulting in differences in distance between different cells in the battery module due to differences in the compression of the thermal barrier material.

[0003] Since the battery has a potential expansion effect during the charging and discharging process, the difference in the spacing between cells in the battery module will have an adverse effect on the performance of the battery (such as charging and discharging performance and safety performance, etc.). Specifically, the difference in pressure on the cells in the same battery module will affect the consistency of the cell performance. In severe cases, the cells will be damaged due to excessive internal pressure at the end of their life. At the same time, the difference in the spacing between cells in the battery module will also cause inaccurate welding positioning of the connecting poles between the cells. During long-term charging and discharging, the electrodes are also susceptible to stress pulling by the connecting poles, causing safety hazards. Sodium-ion or lithium-ion batteries have an expansion effect after multiple charging and discharging cycles. After stacking multiple cells into a battery module, the adverse effect of the difference in the spacing between cells in the battery module on the battery performance will be more obvious than that of lithium-ion batteries. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module stacking device and method to alleviate the problem of uneven force on battery cells in the existing battery module stacking method, thereby facilitating the guarantee of battery performance.

[0005] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery module stacking device, which includes a clamping push rod, a clamping baffle, a balanced extrusion supporting mechanism and a fixed baffle; the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle are arranged along the X-axis direction, the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism, and the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism is arranged between the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle along the X-axis direction; the fixed baffle is fixedly arranged, one end of the clamping push rod is connected to the clamping baffle, and the clamping push rod is used to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction; the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism is used to place a battery module assembly containing a plurality of battery cells; the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism includes a supporting assembly and a plurality of battery cell trays; the supporting assembly includes a first base , a plurality of rollers are rotatably arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction on the first base; the battery cell trays are arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction and placed on the rollers, and the battery cell trays are used to place the battery module assembly; a limited distance hook is fixedly installed on the battery cell tray along the X-axis direction, and the bent end of the limited distance hook is arranged along the Z-axis direction; an interval block is installed on the battery cell tray, and a first positioning groove is provided on the interval block; the bent end of the limited distance hook on one of each two adjacent battery cell trays is located in the first positioning groove on the other battery cell tray; a second positioning groove is provided at one end of the first base away from the clamping baffle and close to the fixed baffle, and the bent end of the limited distance hook of the first battery cell tray with the smallest distance from the second positioning groove along the X-axis direction is located in the second positioning groove.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a battery module stacking method, which is applied to the battery module stacking device described in the first aspect above, and the battery module stacking method comprises: controlling the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction so that the distance between the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle is not less than a preset first distance threshold, and controlling the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring, so that the distance between adjacent battery cell trays reaches a preset second distance threshold; wherein the preset second distance threshold is the distance between adjacent battery cell trays when the bent ends of each limit hook are in contact with the inner wall of one side of the corresponding positioning groove away from the fixed baffle and close to the clamping baffle, and each battery cell tray other than the first battery cell tray is a corresponding first positioning groove, and the positioning groove corresponds to The first battery cell tray is the second positioning groove; all the battery cells contained in the battery module assembly are placed on the battery cell tray in sequence along the X-axis direction; the battery module assembly is provided with a thermal insulation pad between adjacent battery cells, and the battery module assembly is provided with module end plates on both sides of its X-axis; the clamping push rod is controlled to translate the clamping baffle along the positive direction of the X-axis so that the clamping baffle contacts the battery module assembly, and the limit adjustment push rod is controlled to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring to the original length of the limit stretch spring; the clamping push rod is controlled to translate the clamping baffle along the positive direction of the X-axis, and the limit adjustment push rod is controlled to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to reduce the length of the limit stretch spring, until the battery module assembly meets the battery module stacking completion conditions, and the control of the clamping push rod and the limit adjustment push rod is stopped.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery module stacking device and method, wherein a clamping baffle and a fixed baffle are arranged along the X-axis direction, the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a balanced extrusion supporting mechanism, and the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism is arranged between the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle along the X-axis direction; the fixed baffle is fixedly arranged, one end of a clamping push rod is connected to the clamping baffle, and the clamping push rod is used to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction; the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism is used to place a battery module assembly containing a plurality of battery cells; the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism includes a supporting assembly and a plurality of battery cell trays; the supporting assembly includes a first base, on which a plurality of battery cells are arranged in sequence and rotatably along the X-axis direction. Dry drum; the battery trays are arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction and placed on the drum, and the battery trays are used to place battery module components; a limited distance hook is fixedly installed on the battery tray along the X-axis direction, and the bent end of the limited distance hook is arranged along the Z-axis direction; an interval block is installed on the battery tray, and a first positioning groove is opened on the interval block; the bent end of the limited distance hook on one of the battery trays of each two adjacent battery trays is located in the first positioning groove on the other battery tray; the first base is far away from the clamping baffle and close to the fixed baffle. The second positioning groove is provided at one end, and the bent end of the limited distance hook of the first battery tray with the smallest distance from the second positioning groove along the X-axis direction is located in the second positioning groove. By adopting the above technology, the sliding friction between the bottom surface of the battery cell and the surface of the supporting plate in the existing battery module stacking method can be converted into rolling friction between the battery tray and the drum by using a balanced extrusion support mechanism, which can significantly reduce the friction of the battery cell during the stacking and extrusion process, and then reduce the extrusion force difference and distance difference between different batteries in the battery module, thereby alleviating the problem of uneven force on the battery cell during the stacking and extrusion of the battery module.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or understood by practicing the present invention. The purpose and other advantages of the present invention are realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0009] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a battery module stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a balanced extrusion support mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the related structure of the first-end battery cell tray in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the related structures of the terminal battery tray and the limit adjustment assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the end cell tray and the limit adjustment assembly when the cell trays are spaced the farthest apart in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the related structures of the end cell tray and the limit adjustment assembly when the limit extension spring is restored to the original length in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 7 A top view of a cell tray, a section stopper, and a distance-limiting hook in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 8 It is a front side view of the battery tray, the interval block and the distance limit hook in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a front side view of two adjacent battery cell trays and their distance limiting mechanisms in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Fig.10 It is a front side view of two adjacent battery cell trays and their distance limiting mechanisms and rollers in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Fig.11 It is a partial top view of the battery cell tray, the interval block and the distance limit hook before the battery module is stacked and extruded in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Fig.12 It is a partial top view of the cell tray, the interval block and the distance limit hook after the battery modules are stacked and extruded in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module stacking device when the battery cells are stacked without being squeezed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.14 It is a structural schematic diagram of a battery module stacking device when the battery cell stacking and extrusion are completed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the controller, the pressure sensor, the clamping motor and the limit adjustment motor in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the working process of a battery module stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig.17 The figure is a schematic diagram of a process of stacking battery modules in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Icons: 100-clamping push rod; 200-clamping baffle; 300-balanced extrusion supporting mechanism; 311-first base; 3111-second positioning groove; 312-roller; 313-roller bearing frame; 320-battery cell tray; 321-distance limit hook; 322-interval block; 3221-first positioning groove; 323-adjustment hole; 331-limit adjustment push rod; 332-limit tension spring; 333-limit adjustment motor; 334-pressure sensor; 400-fixed baffle; 500-battery module assembly; 501-battery cell; 502-thermal insulation pad; 503-module end plate; 600-second base; 700-support seat; 800-clamping motor; 900-controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in combination with the embodiments below. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a battery module stacking device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention is first described in detail. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the battery module stacking device may include a clamping push rod 100, a clamping baffle 200, a balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and a fixed baffle 400; the clamping baffle 200 and the fixed baffle 400 are arranged along the X-axis direction, the clamping baffle 200 and the fixed baffle 400 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300, and the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 is arranged between the clamping baffle 200 and the fixed baffle 400 along the X-axis direction; the fixed baffle 400 is fixedly arranged, one end of the clamping push rod 100 is connected to the clamping baffle 200, and the clamping push rod 100 can be used to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the X-axis direction; the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 can be used to place a plurality of The battery module assembly 500 of the battery cell 501; the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 may include a support assembly and a plurality of battery cell trays 320; the support assembly may include a first base 311, and a plurality of rollers 312 are rotatably arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction on the first base 311; the battery cell trays 320 are arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction and placed on the rollers 312, and the battery cell trays 320 can be used to place the battery module assembly 500; a limited distance hook 321 is fixedly installed on the battery cell tray 320 along the X-axis direction, and the bent end of the limited distance hook 321 is arranged along the Z-axis direction; an interval block 322 is installed on the battery cell tray 320, and a first positioning groove 3221 (such as Figure 3 As shown); the bending end of the distance limit hook 321 on one of the cell trays 320 of each adjacent cell tray 320 is located in the first positioning groove 3221 on the other cell tray 320; the first base 311 is provided with a second positioning groove 3111 (as shown) at one end away from the clamping baffle 200 and close to the fixed baffle 400 Figure 3 As shown, the first battery tray (i.e. Figure 3 The bent end of the distance limiting hook 321 of the battery tray 320 (ie, the first end battery tray) is located in the second positioning groove 3111.

[0031] A battery module stacking device provided by an embodiment of the present invention has a battery cell tray for placing battery cells that can move freely horizontally on a roller, and limits the change in distance between different battery cell trays by the cooperation between the distance limiting hook and the first positioning groove, and limits the travel of the first end battery cell tray (i.e., the first battery cell tray) by the cooperation between the distance limiting hook and the second positioning groove. Therefore, a balanced extrusion support mechanism can be used to convert the sliding friction between the bottom surface of the battery cell and the surface of the supporting plate in the existing battery module stacking method into rolling friction between the battery cell tray and the roller, which can significantly reduce the friction force of the battery cell during the stacking and extrusion process, thereby reducing the extrusion force difference and distance difference between different battery cells in the battery module, thereby alleviating the problem of uneven force on the battery cells during the battery module stacking and extrusion process.

[0032] As a possible implementation, see Figures 4 to 6As shown, the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 may also include a limit adjustment component, which may include a limit adjustment push rod 331 and a limit stretch spring 332; the limit adjustment push rod 331 is arranged at one end of the first base 311 away from the fixed baffle 400 and close to the clamping baffle 200, and the limit stretch spring 332 is arranged along the X-axis direction, and one end of the limit adjustment push rod 331 is connected to one end of the limit stretch spring 332, and the second battery tray (i.e., the battery tray with the smallest distance from the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction) Figure 4 The battery cell tray 320 in the middle, that is, the end battery cell tray) is connected to the other end of the limit stretch spring 332, and the limit adjustment push rod 331 can be used to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring 332 along the X-axis direction.

[0033] by Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the limit adjustment push rod 331 is controlled to move along the negative direction of the X-axis, the limit stretch spring 332 is in a stretched state, the length of the limit stretch spring 332 is L6', the distance between the battery trays 320 reaches the maximum value, and the battery 501 is waiting to be placed; see Figure 6 As shown, after all the battery cells 501 are placed, the clamping push rod 100 is controlled to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the positive direction of the X-axis to make the clamping baffle 200 contact the battery module assembly 500, and the limit adjustment push rod 331 is controlled to move along the positive direction of the X-axis to restore the limit tension spring 332 to the original length L6, and the traction force between the battery cell trays 320 is zero; see Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, after the limit stretch spring 332 is restored to the original length L6, the clamping push rod 100 can be controlled to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the positive direction of the X-axis, and the limit adjustment push rod 331 can be controlled to move along the positive direction of the X-axis until the battery cells 501 are stacked and squeezed in place, and the control of the clamping push rod 100 and the limit adjustment push rod 331 is stopped. With this operation mode, the connection relationship between the limit stretch spring 332, the limit adjustment push rod 331 and the end battery tray can be used to adjust the traction between the battery trays 320 during the stacking and squeezing of the battery cells 501, and then adjust the squeezing force on each battery cell 501 during the stacking and squeezing of the battery cells 501, so as to make the force on the battery cells 501 uniform during the stacking and squeezing of the battery cells 501.

[0034] As a possible implementation, see Figure 7As shown, a distance-limiting hook 321 can be fixedly installed on both sides of the cell tray 320 in the Y-axis direction along the X-axis direction, and the two distance-limiting hooks 321 on the same cell tray 320 are symmetrical about the central axis of the cell tray 320 in the X-axis direction; an interval block 322 is installed on both sides of each cell tray 320 in the Y-axis direction, and the two interval blocks 322 on the same cell tray 320 are symmetrical about the central axis of the cell tray 320 in the X-axis direction. With this design, the stability of the coordination between the distance-limiting hooks 321 and the interval blocks 322 between different cell trays 320 can be further improved, thereby further improving the stability of the battery module stacking and extrusion process.

[0035] As a possible implementation, see Figures 7 to 10 As shown, each battery cell tray 320 may be provided with a plurality of adjustment holes 323 arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction on both sides of the Y-axis direction; the distance limiting hook 321 may be fixedly installed at at least one adjustment hole 323 by a fixing member.

[0036] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the interval block 322 with 3221 is fixed to the lower part (e.g., the lower left part) of the front and rear sides of the battery tray 320 (i.e., the two sides of the battery tray 320 along the Y-axis direction), and the upper part (e.g., the upper right part) of the front and rear sides of the battery tray 320 each has a row of adjustment holes 323, and the distance limit hook 321 can be fixedly installed at the adjustment hole 323 by a fixing member (e.g., a pin, a screw, etc.). Figure 8 (a) and (b) in the figure respectively show the case where the cell tray 320 is not installed with the limited distance hook 321 and is installed with the limited distance hook 321 .

[0037] See also Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, for the case of two adjacent battery trays, Fig. 9 The bent ends of the distance limit hooks 321 of the left battery tray 320 and the right battery tray 320 are both set in the vertical downward direction (i.e., the negative direction of the Z axis), and the bent end of the distance limit hook 321 of the left battery tray 320 is placed in the first positioning groove 3221 of the interval block 322 on the right battery tray 320. The movement range of the upper distance limit hook 321 of the left battery tray 320 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) is limited by the first positioning groove 3221 of the interval block 322 on the right battery tray 320, and the spacing L2' between adjacent battery trays 320 is also limited. The spacing between adjacent battery trays 320 can be adjusted by fixing the distance limit hooks 321 in different adjustment holes 323, and finally adapt to battery cells 501 of different thicknesses.

[0038] See also Fig.10As shown, the width of the cell tray 320 (i.e., the dimension of the cell tray 320 along the X-axis direction) L1 must satisfy 3D2≤L1≤L cell , L cell is the thickness of the battery cell 501 , D1 is the diameter of the roller 312 , and D2 is the axial distance of the roller 312 . This design can ensure that each battery cell tray 320 is supported by at least four rollers 312 to ensure the overall flatness and extrusion translation stability of all battery cell trays 320 .

[0039] See also Figure 1 and Fig.10 As shown, the battery module assembly 500 is provided with a heat insulation pad 502 between adjacent battery cells 501, and the battery module assembly 500 is provided with module end plates 503 on both sides of its X axis; the maximum spacing between adjacent battery cell trays 320 (i.e. Fig.10 When the bent end of the distance limit hook 321 of the left battery tray 320 abuts against the leftmost inner wall of the first positioning groove 3221 of the interval block 322 on the right battery tray 320, the distance between adjacent battery trays) L2 must satisfy L2 ≥ L pad , L pad The thickness of the thermal pad 502 between the cells 501 must also satisfy L1+L2=L cell +L pad . For different cell 501 thickness L in production cell And the thickness of the thermal insulation pad 502 is L pad The maximum distance L2 between adjacent battery trays 320 can be adjusted by fixing the distance limiting hooks 321 at the adjustment holes 323 at different positions, so that the battery tray 320 can be adapted to battery cells 501 and thermal insulation pads 502 of different thicknesses.

[0040] See also Figure 1 and Fig. 9 As shown, the interval block 322, the distance limit hook 321 and the adjustment hole 323 can be collectively referred to as a distance limit mechanism. The parameters of the distance limit mechanism need to satisfy L3-L4≥L2-L2', L3 is the length of the restricted area of ​​the interval block 322 (that is, the size of the first positioning groove 3221 on the interval block 322 along the X-axis direction), L4 is the width of the bent end of the distance limit hook 321 (that is, the size of the bent end of the distance limit hook 321 along the X-axis direction), L3 needs to be greater than L4, L2-L2' is the change in the distance between the battery cells 501 when the battery modules are stacked and extruded, and here L2-L2' is mainly determined by the thickness L of the thermal insulation pad 502. pad The change in L2 is determined by the amount of change, that is, L2-L2'≈ΔL pad , where L2' is the spacing of the cell trays 320 after the battery modules are stacked and extruded, the parameters of the distance limiting mechanism need to satisfy L3-L4≥ΔL pad . Fig.11 and Fig.12The cell tray 320 is shown before and after the battery modules are stacked and extruded. The spacing between the cell tray 320 before and after the battery modules are stacked and extruded is L2 and L2', respectively.

[0041] As a possible implementation, see Figures 2 to 6 As shown, a roller bearing frame 313 can be fixedly arranged on the first base 311, and the roller 312 can be rotatably arranged on the roller bearing frame 313. By arranging the roller bearing frame 313 on the first base 311, a mounting position can be provided for the roller 312, thereby improving the stability of the installation of the roller 312, thereby facilitating the stability of the movement of the battery cell tray 320 on the roller 312.

[0042] As a possible implementation, see Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the battery module stacking device may further include a second base 600 arranged along the X-axis direction, and the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the fixed baffle 400 may be fixedly mounted on the second base 600. By providing the second base 600, a mounting position may be provided for the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the fixed baffle 400, thereby improving the stability of the installation of the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the fixed baffle 400.

[0043] As a possible implementation, see Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, a support base 700 may be fixedly arranged on the second base 600, and the fixed baffle 400 may be fixedly installed on the support base 700. By arranging the support base 700 on the second base 600, a mounting position may be provided for the fixed baffle 400, thereby improving the stability of the installation of the fixed baffle 400.

[0044] As a possible implementation, see Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the battery module stacking device may further include a clamping motor 800 for driving the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the X-axis direction. Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the limit adjustment assembly may further include a limit adjustment motor 333, which is used to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring 332. By arranging the clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333 to drive the clamping push rod 100 and the limit adjustment push rod 331 respectively, the automation level of the battery module stacking and extrusion process is improved compared to the manual control of the clamping push rod 100 and the limit adjustment push rod 331, which is conducive to improving the battery module stacking and extrusion efficiency.

[0045] As a possible implementation, see Figures 2 to 6As shown, the limit adjustment assembly may further include a pressure sensor 334, which may be disposed at the bottom of the first base. The pressure sensor 334 may be used to detect the pressure applied by the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501 above the first base to indirectly reflect the overall weight of the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501. Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 15 As shown, the battery module stacking device may also include a controller 900, which is respectively connected to the pressure sensor 334, the clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333; the clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333 are both controlled by the controller 900, and the pressure sensor 334 can transmit the pressure data applied by the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501 to the controller 900 (reflecting the gravity of the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501 above the pressure sensor 334); the controller 900 can be used to: based on the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor 334, determine whether a trigger event has occurred that all the battery cells 501 included in the battery module assembly 500 have been placed on the battery cell tray 320; if no trigger event has occurred, control the clamping motor 800 to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the X-axis direction to the first station (such as Fig.13 The position of the clamping baffle 200 is controlled, and the limit adjustment motor 333 is controlled to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring 332 to a first length (such as Figure 5 L6' in the figure); if a trigger event occurs, the clamping motor 800 is controlled to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the X-axis direction to the second station (such as Fig.14 The position of the clamping baffle 200 is controlled, and the limit adjustment motor 333 is controlled to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring 332 to a second length (such as Figure 6 L6 in the figure); if the clamping baffle 200 is located at the first station and the length of the limit stretch spring 332 is the second length, the clamping motor 800 is controlled to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the positive direction of the X-axis, and at the same time, the limit adjustment motor 333 is controlled to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to reduce the length of the limit stretch spring 332 until the battery module assembly 500 meets the battery module stacking completion condition (such as the spacing of the battery cell tray 320 reaches Fig. 9 When L2' in the figure, the control of the clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333 is stopped.

[0046] The clamping baffle 200 does not contact the battery module assembly 500 at the first station, and contacts the battery module assembly 500 at the second station. The limit stretch spring 332 is in a stretched state when its length is the first length, and the second length is the original length of the limit stretch spring 332 (i.e. Figure 6 in L6).

[0047] For ease of understanding, the structure and working principle of the battery module stacking device are described as follows by taking a specific application as an example.

[0048] See also Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the battery module stacking device may include a clamping motor 800, a clamping push rod 100, a balanced extrusion support mechanism 300, a support seat 700 and a second base 600; a battery module assembly 500 including a plurality of battery cells 501 (using sodium ion battery cells or lithium ion battery cells) is placed on the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300, one side of the battery module assembly 500 is fixed by a fixed baffle 400, and the clamping motor 800 drives the clamping push rod 100 to drive the clamping baffle 200 forward to apply lateral stacking extrusion force to the battery module assembly 500 through the clamping baffle 200, and the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 converts the sliding friction between the battery cell and the support plate in the existing battery module stacking method into the rolling friction between the battery cell tray 320 and the roller 312, which can significantly reduce the friction of the battery cell 501 during the stacking and extrusion process, thereby alleviating the problem of uneven force on the battery cell 501 during the battery module stacking and extrusion process. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The battery cells 501 are respectively shown in a stacked but uncompressed state and a stacked and compressed state.

[0049] See also Figure 2 As shown, the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 may include a support assembly (including a first base 311, a roller bearing frame 313, and a roller 312), a limit adjustment assembly (including a pressure sensor 334, a limit tension spring 332, and a limit adjustment motor 333), a cell tray 320, and a distance limiting hook 321. The roller bearing frame 313 is fixed on the first base 311, a plurality of rollers 312 are fixed on the roller bearing frame 313, and the cell tray 320 is placed on the roller 312. The cell tray 320 can freely move horizontally on the roller 312, and the distance limiting hook 321 is used to limit the change in the distance between adjacent cell trays 320.

[0050] See also Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the first base 311 (i.e., the end of the first base 311 away from the clamping baffle 200 and close to the fixed baffle 400 along the X-axis direction) has a first end positioning groove (i.e., the second positioning groove 3111), and the first end battery tray (i.e., the first battery tray, i.e., Figure 3The bending end of the distance limiting hook 321 of the battery tray 320 is vertically arranged downward and placed in the second positioning groove 3111, and the travel of the first end battery tray is limited by the first end positioning groove.

[0051] See also Figure 4 As shown, the limit adjustment assembly is mainly composed of a limit adjustment motor 333, a limit adjustment push rod 331, a limit extension spring 332 and a pressure sensor 334; the limit extension spring 332 is elastic, one end of which is connected to the limit adjustment push rod 331, and the other end is fixed to the end battery tray (i.e., the second battery tray, i.e., Figure 4 a pressure sensor 334 is disposed at the lower portion of the first base 311 for detecting the pressure applied by the supporting mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501 above the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501 to reflect the overall weight of the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501.

[0052] See also Figure 5 and Fig.13 As shown, the clamping motor 800 drives the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the left until the clamping baffle 200 is at its farthest distance from the fixed baffle 400; the limit adjustment motor 333 drives the limit adjustment push rod 331 to move to the left, and the limit stretch spring 332 is in a stretched state until the distance between the battery trays 320 is at its farthest (i.e., the distance between the battery trays 320 reaches L2). At this time, the length of the limit stretch spring 332 is L6', waiting for the battery 501 to be placed. Figure 6 and Fig.14 As shown, all the battery cells 501 included in the battery module assembly 500 are placed on the battery cell tray 320 in sequence along the X-axis direction; after all the battery cells 501 are placed, the clamping motor 800 drives the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the right until the clamping baffle 200 contacts the battery module assembly 500; the limit adjustment motor 333 drives the limit adjustment push rod 331 to move to the right, so that the limit tension spring 332 returns to its original length L6, and the traction force between the battery cell trays 320 is zero; the clamping motor 800 drives the clamping push rod 100 to continue to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the right, and at the same time, the limit adjustment motor 333 drives the limit adjustment push rod 331 to continue to move to the right, until the battery cells 501 are stacked and squeezed into place (that is, the spacing between the battery cell trays 320 reaches L2'), and then the driving of the clamping push rod 100 and the limit adjustment push rod 331 is stopped.

[0053] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the battery cell tray 320 is provided with an interval block 322 with a first positioning groove 3221 and a distance limiting hook 321 with a bent end pointing vertically downward, the interval block 322 is fixed to the lower part of the front and rear sides of the battery cell tray 320, and the upper part of the front and rear sides of the battery cell tray 320 has a row of adjustment holes 323; the interval block 322, the distance limiting hook 321 and the adjustment hole 323 can be collectively referred to as a distance limiting mechanism, and then the distance between adjacent battery cell trays can be adjusted by fixing the distance limiting hook 321 at different adjustment holes 323, and finally adapting to battery cells 501 of different thicknesses.

[0054] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, taking the adjacent left battery tray 320 and right battery tray 320 connected to each other as an example, the bent end of the distance limit hook 321 of the left battery tray 320 is placed in the first positioning groove 3221 of the interval block 322 on the right battery tray 320, and the movement range of the upper limit hook 321 of the left battery tray 320 is limited by the first positioning groove 3221 of the interval block 322 on the right battery tray 320, and the spacing between adjacent battery trays is also limited; the width L1 of the battery tray needs to satisfy 3D2≤L1≤L cell , the maximum distance L2 between adjacent battery trays 320 must satisfy L2 ≥ L pad , and L1+L2=L cell +L pad ; The parameters of the distance limiting mechanism need to satisfy L3>L4 and L3-L4≥L2-L2', since L2-L2'≈ΔL pad Therefore, the parameters of the distance limiting mechanism need to satisfy L3-L4≥ΔL pad .

[0055] See also Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the spacing between the cell trays 320 before and after the battery modules are stacked and extruded is L2 and L2' respectively.

[0056] See also Figure 2 and Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the controller 900 is connected to the pressure sensor 334, the clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333 respectively. The clamping motor 800 and the limit adjustment motor 333 are both controlled by the controller 900. The pressure sensor 334 can transmit the load-bearing data on the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 (i.e., the pressure data applied by the balanced extrusion support mechanism 300 and the battery cell 501) to the controller 900. Based on this, see Fig.16 As shown, the working process of the battery module stacking device can be:

[0057] Step 1: The controller 900 reads the pressure value collected by the pressure sensor 334 and determines whether the read pressure value is lower than the pressure value when all the battery cells 501 are placed.

[0058] If the pressure value read by the controller 900 is lower than the pressure value when all the battery cells 501 are placed, steps 2 to 4 are executed in sequence; if the pressure value read by the controller 900 is not lower than the pressure value when all the battery cells 501 are placed, steps 5 to 8 are executed in sequence.

[0059] Step 2, the controller 900 controls the clamping motor 800 to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the left until the distance between the clamping baffle 200 and the fixed baffle 400 is the farthest.

[0060] Step 3, the controller 900 controls the limit adjustment motor 333 to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to move leftward to adjust the length of the limit tension spring 332 to L6', and pulls the cell tray 320 so that the spacing of the cell tray 320 reaches L2.

[0061] Step 4: Place all the battery cells 501 included in the battery module assembly 500 on the corresponding battery cell trays 320 in sequence, and then return to step 1.

[0062] Step 5, the controller 900 controls the clamping motor 800 to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the right, so that the clamping baffle 200 reaches a position contacting the battery module assembly 500.

[0063] Step 6, the controller 900 controls the limit adjustment motor 333 to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to move rightward, so that the limit tension spring 332 is restored to the original length L6, and the traction force between the battery cell trays 320 is restored to 0.

[0064] In step 7, the controller 900 controls the clamping motor 800 to drive the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 to the right, and at the same time controls the limit adjustment motor 333 to drive the limit adjustment push rod 331 to move to the right, the clamping baffle 200 squeezes the battery module assembly 500 to the right, and the battery cell tray 320 carrying the battery cell 501 moves on the roller 312.

[0065] Step 8: The battery module is squeezed into place, the battery module steel strip is put on, and it is welded. The welded battery module is transferred to the next process, and then returns to step 1.

[0066] The battery module being squeezed into place may refer to: the spacing between the battery cell trays 320 reaches L2' or the clamping force of the clamping motor 800 reaches a preset value.

[0067] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a battery module stacking method, which can be applied to the above-mentioned battery module stacking device, see Fig.17 As shown, the battery module stacking method may include the following steps:

[0068] Step S1702, control the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the X-axis direction so that the distance between the clamping baffle 200 and the fixed baffle 400 is not less than the preset first distance threshold, and control the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring 332, so that the distance between adjacent battery cell trays 320 reaches the preset second distance threshold.

[0069] Among them, the preset second distance threshold can be the distance between adjacent battery trays 320 when the bent ends of each distance limiting hook 321 are in contact with the inner wall of the corresponding positioning groove on one side away from the fixed baffle 400 and close to the clamping baffle 200, and the positioning groove corresponding to each battery tray 320 other than the first battery tray is a corresponding first positioning groove 3221, and the positioning groove corresponding to the first battery tray is a second positioning groove 3111.

[0070] Step S1704 , placing all the battery cells 501 included in the battery module assembly 500 on the battery cell tray 320 in sequence along the X-axis direction.

[0071] The battery module assembly 500 may be provided with a thermal insulation pad 502 between adjacent battery cells 501 , and the battery module assembly 500 may be provided with module end plates 503 on both sides of the X-axis thereof.

[0072] Step S1706, control the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the positive direction of the X-axis so that the clamping baffle 200 contacts the battery module assembly 500, and control the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring 332 to the original length of the limit stretch spring 332.

[0073] Step S1708, control the clamping push rod 100 to translate the clamping baffle 200 along the positive direction of the X-axis, and at the same time control the limit adjustment push rod 331 to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to reduce the length of the limit tension spring 332, until the battery module assembly 500 meets the battery module stacking completion conditions, and stop controlling the clamping push rod 100 and the limit adjustment push rod 331.

[0074] The battery module stacking completion condition may be: the distance between adjacent battery cell trays 320 reaches a preset third distance threshold, and the preset third distance threshold is less than the preset second distance threshold.

[0075] The battery module stacking method provided in the embodiment of the present invention has the same implementation principle and technical effects as those of the aforementioned battery module stacking device embodiment. For the sake of brief description, for matters not mentioned in the method embodiment, reference may be made to the corresponding contents in the aforementioned device embodiment.

[0076] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative steps, numerical expressions and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0077] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium that can be executed by a processor. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk, etc., various media that can store program codes.

[0078] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are only specific implementations of the present invention, which are used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to the above-described embodiments, ordinary technicians in the field should understand that any technician familiar with the technical field can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the above-described embodiments within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, or can easily think of changes, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A battery module stacking device, characterized in that: The battery module stacking device comprises a clamping push rod, a clamping baffle, a balanced extrusion support mechanism and a fixed baffle; the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle are arranged along the X-axis direction, the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the balanced extrusion support mechanism, and the balanced extrusion support mechanism is arranged between the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle along the X-axis direction; the fixed baffle is fixedly arranged, one end of the clamping push rod is connected to the clamping baffle, and the clamping push rod is used to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction; the balanced extrusion support mechanism is used to place a battery module assembly containing a plurality of battery cells; The balanced extrusion supporting mechanism includes a supporting assembly and a plurality of battery trays; the supporting assembly includes a first base, on which a plurality of rollers are rotatably arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction; the battery trays are arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction and placed on the rollers, and the battery trays are used to place the battery module assembly; a limited distance hook is fixedly installed on the battery tray along the X-axis direction, and the bent end of the limited distance hook is arranged along the Z-axis direction; an interval block is installed on the battery tray, and a first positioning groove is opened on the interval block; the bent end of the limited distance hook on one of the battery trays of each two adjacent battery trays is located in the first positioning groove on the other battery tray; a second positioning groove is provided at one end of the first base away from the clamping baffle and close to the fixed baffle, and the bent end of the limited distance hook of the first battery tray with the smallest distance from the second positioning groove along the X-axis direction is located in the second positioning groove; the X-axis direction is the horizontal direction, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction and perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

2. The battery module stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The balanced extrusion support mechanism also includes a limit adjustment component, which includes a limit adjustment push rod and a limit stretch spring; the limit adjustment push rod is arranged at one end of the first base away from the fixed baffle and close to the clamping baffle, and the limit stretch spring is arranged along the X-axis direction, one end of the limit adjustment push rod is connected to one end of the limit stretch spring, and the second battery cell tray with the smallest distance from the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction is connected to the other end of the limit stretch spring, and the limit adjustment push rod is used to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring along the X-axis direction.

3. The battery module stacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery module stacking device also includes a clamping motor for driving the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction; the limit adjustment assembly also includes a limit adjustment motor for driving the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit tension spring.

4. The battery module stacking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limit adjustment component also includes a pressure sensor, which is arranged at the bottom of the first base; the battery module stacking device also includes a controller, which is respectively connected to the pressure sensor, the clamping motor and the limit adjustment motor, and is used to: based on the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor, determine whether a trigger event has occurred that all the battery cells contained in the battery module assembly have been placed on the battery cell tray; if the trigger event has not occurred, control the clamping motor to drive the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction to the first station, and control the limit adjustment motor to drive the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring to the first length; if the trigger event has not occurred, control the clamping motor to drive the clamping push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring to the first length. When a trigger event occurs, the clamping motor is controlled to drive the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction to the second station, and the limit adjustment motor is controlled to drive the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring to the second length; if the clamping baffle is located at the first station and the length of the limit stretch spring is the second length, the clamping motor is controlled to drive the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the positive direction of the X-axis, and at the same time, the limit adjustment motor is controlled to drive the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to reduce the length of the limit stretch spring, until the battery module assembly meets the battery module stacking completion condition, and the control of the clamping motor and the limit adjustment motor is stopped; Among them, the clamping baffle does not contact the battery module assembly when it is in the first station, and contacts the battery module assembly when it is in the second station. The limiting stretch spring is in a stretched state when its length is the first length, and the second length is the original length of the limiting stretch spring.

5. The battery module stacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A distance limit hook is fixedly installed on both sides of the battery cell tray in the Y-axis direction along the X-axis direction, and the two distance limit hooks on the same battery cell tray are symmetrical about the central axis of the battery cell tray in the X-axis direction; an interval block is installed on both sides of the Y-axis direction of each battery cell tray, and the two interval blocks on the same battery cell tray are symmetrical about the central axis of the battery cell tray in the X-axis direction.

6. The battery module stacking device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of adjustment holes are arranged in sequence along the X-axis direction on both sides of each battery cell tray in the Y-axis direction; the distance limiting hook is fixedly installed at at least one adjustment hole through a fixing member.

7. The battery module stacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A roller bearing frame is fixedly arranged on the first base, and the roller is rotatably arranged on the roller bearing frame.

8. The battery module stacking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The battery module stacking device further comprises a second base arranged along the X-axis direction, and the balanced extrusion supporting mechanism and the fixed baffle are both fixedly mounted on the second base.

9. The battery module stacking device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A support base is also fixedly arranged on the second base, and the fixed baffle is fixedly installed on the support base.

10. A battery module stacking method, characterized in that: The battery module stacking method is applied to the battery module stacking device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, and the battery module stacking method comprises: Control the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the X-axis direction so that the distance between the clamping baffle and the fixed baffle is not less than a preset first distance threshold, and control the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the X-axis direction to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring, so that the distance between adjacent battery trays reaches a preset second distance threshold; wherein the preset second distance threshold is the distance between adjacent battery trays when the bent ends of each limit hook are in contact with the inner wall of the corresponding positioning groove away from the fixed baffle and close to the clamping baffle, the positioning groove corresponding to each battery tray other than the first battery tray is a corresponding first positioning groove, and the positioning groove corresponding to the first battery tray is a second positioning groove; All the cells contained in the battery module assembly are placed on the cell tray in sequence along the X-axis direction; the battery module assembly is provided with a heat insulation pad between adjacent cells, and the battery module assembly is provided with module end plates on both sides of the X-axis; Controlling the clamping push rod to translate the clamping baffle along the positive direction of the X-axis so that the clamping baffle contacts the battery module assembly, and controlling the limit adjustment push rod to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to adjust the length of the limit stretch spring to the original length of the limit stretch spring; The clamping push rod is controlled to translate the clamping baffle along the positive direction of the X-axis, and the limit adjustment push rod is controlled to translate along the positive direction of the X-axis to reduce the length of the limit tension spring, until the battery module assembly meets the battery module stacking completion conditions, and the control of the clamping push rod and the limit adjustment push rod is stopped.

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