Welding device for battery tab and non-lead metal strip

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery tab and non-lead metal strip welding device which comprises a battery positioning mechanism and a non-lead metal strip heating mechanism, the non-lead metal strip is provided with brazing filler metal, the melting point of the non-lead metal strip is higher than that of the tab, and the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism comprises a heating body assembly used for heating the non-lead metal strip. And the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism are close to each other, so that the tabs of the batteries and the heated non-lead metal strips are welded with each other. By controlling the positions of the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism, the non-lead metal strip is in contact welding with the battery tab after being heated, the non-lead metal strip is adopted to replace a lead strip formed by a mold and lead water, the whole device is more environmentally friendly, and the energy consumption is also reduced; meanwhile, the heating body assembly is adopted to heat the prefabricated non-lead metal strip, so that potential safety hazards caused by direct electrifying and heating of the non-lead metal strip and the welding quality problem caused by uneven heating of the non-lead metal strip are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of lead-acid battery production and manufacturing equipment, and in particular relates to a welding device for a battery tab and a non-lead metal strip. Background Art

[0002] Traditional lead-acid battery busbars were initially produced by welding (fusing) the positive and negative electrode tabs together using lead or lead alloys using an oxygen-acetylene hot melt process. This formed the current collector, the busbar. After 2010, production gradually switched to machine casting and welding.

[0003] Patent document CN102891278A discloses a method for casting and welding lead-acid battery busbars. The method involves placing the battery plates perpendicular to the ground along their width, and placing the tabs on the same side sequentially into the tooth grooves of a busbar fixture. A lead supply pump pours molten lead from a lead melting pot into the busbar fixture, keeping it warm, and then using a heating rod to fuse and weld the tabs. While this invention replaces manual flame welding, it still uses a high-temperature furnace to melt the lead and heat the mold to weld the tabs. This furnace requires 24 / 7 operation, resulting in high energy consumption. Furthermore, the production process fails to address the environmental pollution caused by lead smoke and dust, as well as the generation of lead slag. The generation of lead slag not only increases material loss but also places high demands on the subsequent treatment of the lead slag. Improper treatment of the lead slag can affect the subsequent welding quality of the battery busbar, leading to quality issues for the entire battery.

[0004] Patent document CN120033347A discloses a rapid welding battery busbar structure and manufacturing process. The invention proposes using non-lead metal strips and non-lead metal positive and negative terminals made of a metal or alloy with a higher electrical conductivity than lead. The non-lead metal strips are energized and rapidly heated while being welded to the clustered tabs and the non-lead metal positive and negative terminals. After the welding is secure, the strips are cut to form a busbar, which is then sealed with glue. This solution improves the gravimetric energy density of lead-acid batteries, reduces the material cost of lead-acid batteries, improves production efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and reduces pollution. However, the patent document does not disclose a specific processing equipment structure. In actual production, the method of directly energizing the non-lead metal strips for rapid heating has many disadvantages. First, directly energizing the non-lead metal strips for rapid heating not only causes the surface temperature of the non-lead metal strips to rise, but also carries a high current, posing a significant safety hazard. Second, due to the varying internal resistance values ​​of the non-lead metal strips, energizing the non-lead metal strips results in inconsistent temperatures and uneven heating, which can cause individual tabs to suffer from poor soldering, affecting welding quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a welding device for battery tabs and non-lead metal strips, which has high safety and better welding quality between the tabs and non-lead metal strips.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip comprises a battery positioning mechanism and a non-lead metal strip heating mechanism. The non-lead metal strip is provided with solder, and the melting point of the non-lead metal strip is higher than the melting point of the tab. The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism comprises a heating body assembly for heating the non-lead metal strip. The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism are close to each other, and the battery tab is welded to the heated non-lead metal strip through the solder on the non-lead metal strip.

[0007] The device of the present invention adopts a prefabricated non-lead metal strip to replace the traditional liquid lead for welding with the tab, and a low-melting-point solder is provided on the non-lead metal strip, and the solder is close to the melting point of the tab and lower than the melting point of the non-lead metal strip; by using the solder as a medium, a reliable connection between the non-lead metal strip and the lead tab is achieved at a temperature lower than the melting point of the non-lead metal strip, which avoids the environmental pollution of lead smoke and lead dust caused by using liquid lead of the same material as the tab for welding, and circumvents the compatibility problem of direct welding of dissimilar metals.

[0008] The device of the present invention can make the non-lead metal strip heat more evenly through the heating body assembly. The uniform heating of the non-lead metal strip allows the solder at various locations on the non-lead metal strip to completely melt, and then fully contact and melt with the tabs, ensuring that each tab can be firmly welded to the non-lead metal strip, avoiding the occurrence of cold solder joints and the like, and improving the welding quality.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and / or the battery positioning mechanism are brought closer together via a translational sliding mechanism, a flipping mechanism, or an up-and-down lifting mechanism. These three structural approaches allow for more accurate positioning of the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism during welding, improving weld quality. In addition to these three approaches, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism can also be grasped by a robotic arm, with the manipulator's movement enabling precise positioning welding.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism further includes a support frame, with the two ends of the non-lead metal strip resting on the two ends of the support frame respectively. The heating body assembly is disposed on the support frame and is located below the non-lead metal strip, with the top surface of the heating body assembly in contact with the non-lead metal strip. The above structure uses a support frame to support the non-lead metal strip, allowing the heating body assembly and the non-lead metal strip to adopt a surface contact heat transfer method, which can make the non-lead metal strip heated more evenly, avoid the situation where the non-lead metal strip cannot be partially welded to the tab or the welding is not firm, and improve the welding quality.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism further includes a support frame, with the two ends of the non-lead metal strip resting on the two ends of the support frame, and the heating body assembly is disposed on the support frame and located below the non-lead metal strip. The heating body assembly adjusts the distance from the non-lead metal strip via a lifting drive assembly, thereby heating the non-lead metal strip. In the above structure, the heating body assembly and the non-lead metal strip adopt a proximity or contact heat transfer method, which can make the non-lead metal strip heated more evenly, avoid the situation where the non-lead metal strip cannot be partially welded to the tab or the welding is not firm, and improve the welding quality.

[0012] As a preferred solution, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism also includes a support frame, and the two ends of the non-lead metal strip are respectively placed on the two ends of the support frame. The heating body assembly is a high-frequency induction heating assembly and is arranged around the non-lead metal strip.

[0013] The device of the present invention utilizes a heating body component to heat the non-lead metal strip. The heating body component can be a heating method of heat conduction, heat convection or heat radiation. Compared with the heating method of directly energizing the non-lead metal strip in the background technology, there is no need to consider the difference in internal resistance values ​​of the non-lead metal strip at various locations. The non-lead metal strip can achieve more uniform overall heating, and the above heating method will not generate current on the non-lead metal strip, thereby improving overall safety.

[0014] As a preferred solution, notches for accommodating the non-lead metal strips are provided at both ends of the support frame. The number of notches, the number of non-lead metal strips, and the number of battery tab rows are identical; the positions of the notches, the positions of the non-lead metal strips, and the positions of the battery tabs also correspond. This structure uses the notches to position the non-lead metal strips and align them with the tabs, improving welding quality.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the support frame includes a first mounting plate and side support plates, each secured to one end of the first mounting plate. Each side support plate has a notch at its upper end, into which the end of the non-lead metal strip is positioned. This structure provides uniform support and stress distribution at both ends of the non-lead metal strip, preventing deformation due to heating. Furthermore, the side support plates can be replaced individually, reducing maintenance costs associated with wear and tear on the notches.

[0016] As a preferred solution, the heating body assembly includes a heating block, which is a metal block with heating components inserted inside. The entire heating block generates heat by energizing the heating components.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the heating element assembly also includes an insulating shell that surrounds the heating block and its bottom, leaving only the top surface of the heating block in contact with the non-lead metal strip, thereby heating the non-lead metal strip. This structure reduces heat loss during operation of the heating element assembly, lowering energy consumption while also avoiding increasing the temperature of other components in the device, which could affect their service life, and improving safety.

[0018] As a preferred solution, the width of the heating assembly is z, the width of each non-lead metal strip is x, and the total spacing between the multiple non-lead metal strips is y, where z ≥ x + y. This structure ensures that the heating assembly can fully cover and heat the non-lead metal strips, creating a more uniform thermal field and preventing underheating of the non-lead metal strips at the edges. Furthermore, by heating multiple non-lead metal strips at a time, efficiency is significantly improved.

[0019] As a preferred solution, the lifting drive assembly is fixed to the bottom of the support frame, and the lifting rod of the lifting drive assembly passes through the support frame and is connected to the heating body assembly to drive the heating body assembly to move up and down.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, a mounting platform is further provided with a through-hole. When the battery tabs are welded to the non-lead metal strips, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism are respectively located above and below the mounting platform. After the battery passes through the through-holes, the tabs are welded to the non-lead metal strips, or the non-lead metal strips are welded to the battery tabs after passing through the through-holes, or the battery tabs are welded to the non-lead metal strips at the through-holes. The provision of the mounting platform enables the battery positioning mechanism and the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism to be securely installed and more stably positioned, facilitating subsequent positioning welding.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism further includes a lifting assembly, which is fixed to the lower portion of the mounting platform via a mounting bracket. The support frame is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket and driven up and down by the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly drives the non-lead metal strip up and down to meet the requirements of contact welding between the non-lead metal strip and the tab.

[0022] As a preferred solution, a third mounting plate is fixed to the bottom of the support frame through a column, and the lifting drive assembly is fixed to the bottom of the third mounting plate. The lifting rod of the lifting drive assembly passes through the third mounting plate and the support frame and is connected to the heating body assembly to drive the heating body assembly to rise and fall.

[0023] The lifting drive assembly drives the heating body to rise and fall. After the non-lead metal strip and the tab are melted, the heating body can be separated from the non-lead metal strip in time and the heating of the non-lead metal strip is stopped, thereby meeting the demand for rapid cooling of the non-lead metal strip and the tab after melting and improving efficiency.

[0024] As a preferred solution, the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism also includes a lifting assembly, which is fixed to the lower part of the mounting platform through a mounting bracket. The third mounting plate is slidably set on the mounting bracket, and is driven to slide up and down by the lifting assembly.

[0025] As a preferred solution, guide columns are fixed to both ends of the bottom of the heating body assembly, and a guide sleeve is fixed to the support frame. The heating body assembly is slidably connected to the support frame through the cooperation of the guide columns and the guide sleeve.

[0026] The guide column structure at both ends of the heating body assembly can ensure that the heating body assembly is raised and lowered in a horizontal state, preventing the horizontal tilt of the heating body assembly from causing the non-lead metal strip to be unable to contact the heating body assembly, thereby causing uneven heating of the non-lead metal strip and affecting the subsequent welding quality.

[0027] As a preferred solution, the battery positioning mechanism is slidably arranged on the mounting platform and is driven by an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder or a gear rack structure.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, the battery positioning mechanism is provided with a positioning hole that allows the battery to be inverted and the tabs to be exposed, and the battery positioning mechanism also includes a clamping mechanism for clamping and securing the battery. The provision of the clamping mechanism ensures that the battery remains in a fixed position during mobile welding processes, ensuring accurate positioning and improving welding quality.

[0029] As a preferred solution, the battery positioning mechanism includes a slide plate with a positioning hole formed on the slide plate. A support bar is provided at the bottom of the positioning hole. Both sides of the battery shell are placed on the support bar, and the battery tabs are exposed from the positioning hole.

[0030] As a preferred solution, a bottom support plate is also fixed to the lower end surface of the skateboard, and a positioning hole is also provided on the bottom support plate. The width of the positioning hole on the bottom support plate is slightly smaller than the width of the positioning hole on the skateboard, so that the bottom support plate forms a support bar in the width direction of the positioning hole of the skateboard.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes clamping bars that are slidably mounted on a slide and positioned on either or both ends of the battery. A clamping bar drive assembly is also secured to the slide, which drives the clamping bars to clamp and secure the battery. Clamping bars are provided on both sides of the battery. Driven by the clamping bar drive assembly, the clamping bars can simultaneously move toward and clamp the battery, keeping the battery centered. The contact area between the clamping bars and the battery is large, ensuring that the clamping mechanism can securely secure the battery.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, the positioning hole is generally larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with beveled sides. The length of the positioning hole is greater than the length of the battery. The shape of the positioning hole guides the placement of the battery, facilitating quick positioning. The length of the positioning hole is greater than the length of the battery. This structure prevents interference between the non-lead metal strip and its heating mechanism during welding of the tab to the non-lead metal strip. After welding, the battery can be removed more easily and quickly.

[0033] The present invention proposes a new dynamic contact welding device, which controls the position of the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism, so that the non-lead metal strip is in contact with the battery tab for welding after heating. The non-lead metal strip is used to replace the lead strip formed by molds and lead water in the traditional process, which is more environmentally friendly and reduces energy consumption. At the same time, the prefabricated non-lead metal strip is heated by a heating body assembly, avoiding the safety hazards caused by directly heating the non-lead metal strip with electricity and the welding quality problems caused by uneven heating of the non-lead metal strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of the structure of the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism of the present invention at two different angles; Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the first mounting plate, side support plate, heating body assembly and non-lead metal strip of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the first mounting plate, side support plate, heating body assembly and non-lead metal strip of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery positioning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the battery positioning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the components of the slide plate, clamping strip, slider B, guide rail B and cylinder B of the present invention.

[0036] The accompanying drawings are marked as follows: 1. non-lead metal strip heating mechanism; 10. non-lead metal strip; 11. first mounting plate; 12. side support plate; 121. notch; 122. through hole; 13. heating body assembly; 131. heat-insulating shell; 132. heating block; 133. power cord; 141. second mounting plate; 142. connecting column; 15. third mounting plate; 151. guide sleeve; 152. guide column; 16. cylinder A; 17. Servo motor; 18. Connecting plate; 19. Lifting rod; 2. Battery positioning mechanism; 20. Slide plate; 201. Positioning hole; 202. Support bar; 21. Upper cover; 22. Bottom support plate; 23. Clamping bar; 24. Cylinder B; 25. Slider B; 26. Guide rail B; 28. Limit block assembly; 3. Mounting platform; 4. Battery; 41. Tab; 5. Translation screw; 6. Guide rail A; 7. Slider A; 8. Connecting block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] In addition, in the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip includes a positioning support mechanism A for the battery and a positioning support mechanism B for the non-lead metal strip. Positioning support mechanism B is also provided with a heating assembly. After the heating assembly heats the non-lead metal strip, positioning support mechanism A and positioning support mechanism B are brought together, causing the battery tab to contact and melt the heated non-lead metal strip. After cooling, the battery is welded together. The battery in this embodiment refers to a battery in which a plate assembly is installed in a slot in a battery housing and the tabs of the plate assembly are shaped and flattened. The non-lead metal strip in this embodiment is made of one of copper, aluminum, iron, silver, calcium, beryllium, magnesium, zinc, nickel, tin, or an alloy thereof. The solder on the surface of the non-lead metal strip is tin or silver, and is attached to the surface of the non-lead metal strip by electroplating or other methods. In particular, using a non-lead metal strip with a higher electrical conductivity than lead can make the battery busbar thinner and lighter, reducing the material cost of lead-acid batteries.

[0044] The way in which the positioning support mechanism A and the positioning support mechanism B approach each other can be a combination of one or more of a variety of ways such as translational sliding, flipping, lifting and lowering, and robotic grasping and approaching. In this embodiment, the positioning support mechanism A of the battery is moved to the positioning support mechanism B of the non-lead metal strip, and the battery's tabs are aligned with the non-lead metal strip. Then, the heated non-lead metal strip is raised to make the battery's tabs contact and melt with the heated non-lead metal strip, and after both are cooled, the positioning support mechanism B is lowered to complete the welding.

[0045] The specific structure of the battery tab and non-lead metal strip welding device of the embodiment is shown in Figure 1 The specific structure of the battery tab and non-lead metal strip welding device of the embodiment is shown in

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism 1 includes a support frame and a heating body assembly 13. The support frame includes a first mounting plate 11 and a side support plate 12. Two side support plates 12 are fixed at both ends of the first mounting plate 11. The upper end of each side support plate 12 is also provided with a notch 121. The end of the non-lead metal strip 10 is located in the notch 121. The two side support plates 12 support the end of the non-lead metal strip 10, so that the non-lead metal strip 10 is suspended. The heating body assembly 13 is located between the two side support plates 12 and includes a heat preservation shell 131 and a heating block 132. The heating block 132 is a metal block with a heating rod inserted inside. The entire heating block 132 is heated by electrifying the heating rod. The heat preservation shell 131 covers the periphery and bottom of the heating block 132, leaving only the top surface of the heating block 132 in contact with the suspended part of the non-lead metal strip, so that the non-lead metal strip is heated.

[0047] The side support plate 12 also has a through hole 122. The power line 133 of the heating rod in the heating block 132 is connected to the power supply after penetrating through the hole 122.

[0048] The number of notches 121 on the upper end of the side support plate 12 is the same as the number of rows of tabs in the battery. In this embodiment, two notches 121 are arranged at intervals on the upper end of the side support plate 12, and the spacing between the two notches 121 is the same as the spacing between the two rows of tabs on the battery. Two non-lead metal strips are heated using the same heating element assembly 13. The non-lead metal strip is a flat long strip with a smooth surface, and its width is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional width of the tab, and its thickness is 1mm-3mm. The length of the heating block 132 is less than or equal to the spacing between the two side support plates 12. The width of the heating block 132 is z, the width of each non-lead metal strip 10 is x, the number of non-lead metal strips is n, and the spacing between adjacent two non-lead metal strips is y, z≥nx+(n-1)y.

[0049] The heating element assembly 13 in this embodiment uses a contact heat conduction method to heat the non-lead metal strip. In other embodiments, the heating element assembly 13 can also use a non-contact method such as high-frequency heating to heat the non-lead metal strip. A high-frequency induction heating assembly is arranged around the non-lead metal strip 10. In other embodiments, the side support plate 12 can be omitted, and the busbar 10 can be supported by positioning grooves formed in the upper end surface of the heating element assembly 13.

[0050] The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism 1 further comprises a lifting driving assembly A, which is fixed to the lower part of the mounting platform 3 through a mounting bracket. The first mounting plate is slidingly arranged on the mounting bracket and is driven by the lifting driving assembly A to slide up and down on the support frame.

[0051] The mounting bracket comprises a second mounting plate 141 and a connecting column 142. The lifting driving assembly A is a servo motor 17. The second mounting plate 141 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting platform 3 through the connecting column 142. The second mounting plate 141 is in the shape of a rectangle as a whole. In order to ensure the stability of the installation of the second mounting plate 141, it is preferable to fix one end of the connecting column 142 to the four corner parts of the second mounting plate 141, and the other end of the connecting column 142 is fixed to the bottom of the mounting platform 3. The servo motor 17 is fixed to the bottom of the second mounting plate 141. A nut is fixed on the first mounting plate 11. The output shaft of the servo motor 17 is connected with a lead screw through a shaft coupling. The lead screw is threadedly connected with the nut and penetrates through the first mounting plate. The servo motor 17 drives the lead screw to rotate forward or reverse, thereby driving the first mounting plate 11 to rise or fall.

[0052] The structure in which the servo motor 17 drives the screw rod and the nut in the above structure can also adopt a structure in which the motor cooperates with the gear rack or the electric cylinder to directly drive the structure. The above-mentioned lifting drive component A is used to lift the first mounting plate 11 so that the heated non-lead metal strip 10 located on the top of the first mounting plate 11 contacts the pole ear 41 for molten welding, and after the welding is completed, the first mounting plate 11 is lowered so that the non-lead metal strip 10 on the first mounting plate 11 remains on the pole ear 41 to complete the welding.

[0053] The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism 1 also includes a lifting drive component B, which is fixed to the bottom of the first mounting plate 11. The lifting rod 19 of the lifting drive component B passes through the first mounting plate 11 and is connected to the heating body component 13, driving the heating body component 13 to lift and lower. The lifting drive component B in this embodiment adopts the cylinder A16, and in other embodiments, hydraulic cylinders or electric cylinders and other structures can also be used.

[0054] The lifting drive component B is used to lift the heating body component 13 so that the top surface of the heating block 132 contacts the suspended part of the non-lead metal strip 10, thereby heating the non-lead metal strip 10, and then as the first mounting plate 11 rises, the heated non-lead metal strip 10 contacts the pole lug 41 for melting welding. During the welding process, the first mounting plate 11 maintains a slow rising state to avoid insufficient welding such as pole lug wire drawing caused by melting of the pole lug; after welding is completed, the lifting drive component B lowers the heating body component 13 so that the non-lead metal strip 10 is separated from the heating body component 13, and the non-lead metal strip 10 and the pole lug 41 cool and solidify together, and then the lifting drive component A drives the first mounting plate 11 to descend, leaving the non-lead metal strip 10 on the pole lug 41 to complete the welding.

[0055] After the heating body assembly 13 of the present invention adopts a lifting structure, compared with directly placing the non-lead metal strip 10 on the heating body assembly 13, it can avoid the heating body assembly 13 from contacting the non-lead metal strip 10 for a long time, so that the non-lead metal strip 10 maintains a higher temperature. When the non-lead metal strip 10 with a higher temperature contacts the pole ear 41, it is easy to over-melt and damage the pole ear 41.

[0056] On the other hand, the heating body assembly 13 and the non-lead metal strip 10 cannot be separated, which makes the cooling and solidification process of the non-lead metal strip 10 and the tab 41 difficult. When the non-lead metal strip 10 and the tab 41 are cooled and solidified, the heating body assembly 13 needs to be powered off and cooled naturally, or an external cooling device needs to be used to force cool the heated heating body assembly 13 and the non-lead metal strip 10 together. The whole process takes a long time, affecting production efficiency. The frequent start and stop of the heating body assembly 13 not only increases energy consumption, but also shortens the service life of the heating body assembly 13.

[0057] In order to ensure that the above-mentioned lifting drive components A and lifting drive components B have sufficient installation and movement space, a third mounting plate 15 is also provided between the first mounting plate 11 and the second mounting plate 141. The first mounting plate 11 and the third mounting plate 15 are fixedly connected by a column. The cylinder A16 is fixed on the third mounting plate 15, and the piston rod of the cylinder 16 passes through the first mounting plate 11 and the third mounting plate 15 and is fixed to the heating body component 13. The two ends of the bottom of the heating body component 13 are also fixed with guide columns 152 respectively. A guide sleeve 151 is fixed on the first mounting plate 11. The heating body component 13 is slidably connected to the first mounting plate 11 through the cooperation of the guide column 152 and the guide sleeve 151, and is driven to rise and fall by the cylinder A16. The space formed between the first mounting plate 11 and the third mounting plate 15 also provides corresponding lifting space for the guide column 152 on the heating body component 13.

[0058] The guide column structure at both ends of the heating body assembly 13 can ensure that the heating body assembly 13 is raised and lowered in a horizontal state, preventing the horizontal tilt of the heating body assembly 13 from causing the non-lead metal strip 10 to be partially unable to contact the heating body assembly 13, thereby causing uneven heating of the non-lead metal strip 10 and affecting the subsequent welding quality.

[0059] A guide column 152 is also fixed on the third mounting plate 15, and a guide sleeve 151 is fixed on the second mounting plate 141. The third mounting plate 15 is slidably connected to the second mounting plate 141 through the cooperation of the guide column 152 and the guide sleeve 151. There are four guide columns 152, which are respectively located at the four corners of the third mounting plate, and the lower ends of the four guide columns 152 are fixedly connected to form a whole through the connecting plate 18.

[0060] The second mounting plate 141 is also provided with an avoidance hole to prevent the end of the cylinder A16 from being stuck to the second mounting plate 141; the nut can also be fixed on the third mounting plate 15 and threadedly connected to the screw rod.

[0061] In order to take into account both production efficiency and equipment cost, four groups of heating body assemblies 13 are arranged on the first mounting plate 11 in this embodiment. The four groups of heating body assemblies 13 are arranged in sequence along the width direction of the heating body assembly 13. Side support plates 12 are provided at both ends of each heating body assembly 13. Each group of side support plates 12 supports two non-lead metal strips 10. A total of eight non-lead metal strips 10 are arranged on the entire first mounting plate 11; each heating body assembly 13 is driven by a separate cylinder A16, and the entire first mounting plate 11 or the third mounting plate 15 is driven to rise and fall by a lifting drive assembly A.

[0062] After placing the non-lead metal strip in the recess on the support frame, the heating body assembly is powered on for heating, and the heating body assembly is controlled to rise and fit closely against the non-lead metal strip. The non-lead metal strip is heated evenly through solid heat transfer heating. At the same time, the entire support frame rises, and the heated non-lead metal strip is brought into contact with the pole ear. The solder layer on the outer surface of the non-lead metal strip and a small section at the bottom of the pole ear are mutually melted. After welding is completed, the heating body assembly descends and withdraws, keeping the non-lead metal strip and the pole ear welded. After it cools down, the support frame descends to complete the welding.

[0063] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the battery positioning mechanism 2 includes a slide plate 20, which is provided with one or more positioning holes 201. In order to match the number of non-lead metal strips 10 in the above-mentioned non-lead metal strip heating mechanism 1, the number of positioning holes 201 in this embodiment is four, and the four positioning holes 201 are arranged in sequence along the width direction of the positioning holes 201. A battery 4 is inverted in each positioning hole 201, and each battery 4 is provided with two rows of pole ears 41. A bottom support plate 22 is also fixed to the lower end surface of the slide plate 20, and a positioning hole 201 is also provided on the bottom support plate 22. The width of the positioning hole 201 on the bottom support plate 22 is slightly smaller than the width of the positioning hole 201 on the slide plate 20, so that the bottom support plate 22 has support bars 202 on both sides of the width direction of the positioning hole 201 of the slide plate 20. After the inverted battery 4 is placed in the positioning hole 201, the two sides of the battery 4 shell are placed on the support bars 202, and the pole ears 41 of the battery 4 are exposed from the positioning hole 201.

[0064] The four positioning holes 201 are respectively provided with clamping strips 23 at both ends in the length direction, a slider B25 is fixed to the bottom of the clamping strip 23, and a guide rail B26 is fixed on the skateboard 20. The clamping strip 23 is slidably arranged on the skateboard 20 through the cooperation of the slider B25 and the guide rail B26. The clamping strip 23 moves along the length direction of the positioning hole 201, and a cylinder B24 is also fixed on the skateboard 20. When the battery 4 is placed in the positioning hole 201, the cylinder B24 on the skateboard 20 drives the two clamping strips 23 to clamp and fix the two ends in the length direction of the battery 4, so as to prevent the skateboard 20 from sliding along the positioning hole when the battery 4 is transferred, and thus failing to align with the non-lead metal strip 10, thereby affecting the welding process; at the same time, it also prevents the battery 4 from shaking when the non-lead metal strip 10 contacts the tab 41, thereby affecting the welding quality.

[0065] In order to ensure the stability of the movement of the clamping strip 23, sliders B25 are fixed at both ends and the middle of the clamping strip 23, and guide rails B26 are fixed at the position corresponding to the slider B25 on the slide plate 20. At the same time, a cylinder B24 is fixed in the middle position of the two guide rails B26. Each clamping strip 23 is guided by three guide rails B26, and the two cylinders B24 are driven at the same time, ensuring that the clamping strip 23 can firmly and stably clamp each battery 4, thereby ensuring the welding quality.

[0066] The positioning hole 201 is generally larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with inclined surfaces on both sides, which has a guiding effect on the placement of the battery. The length of the positioning hole 201 is greater than the length of the battery 4. In this way, after the welding of the tab 41 and the non-lead metal strip is completed, the battery can be easily removed to avoid interference between the non-lead metal strip 10 and the positioning hole 201. Therefore, the clamping strips 23 on both sides also play a role in keeping the battery 4 in the center position.

[0067] An upper cover 21 is also fixed to the slide 20, and corresponding positioning holes 201 are also opened on the upper cover 21. The upper cover 21 covers components such as the clamping strip 23, the cylinder B24 and the guide rail B26 to protect the corresponding components and extend the service life of the mechanism.

[0068] A translation screw 5 is provided on the mounting platform 3, with a nut block attached to the translation screw 5. A connecting block 8 is also fixed to one side of the slide 20, which is fixed to the nut block. A translation motor is also fixed to the mounting platform 3, which drives the translation screw 5 to rotate, thereby driving the slide 20 to translate. Limit block assemblies 28 are also fixed at both ends of the slide 20 in the direction of movement. A limit switch is fixed to the mounting platform 3 to cooperate with the limit block assembly 28. When the limit block assembly 28 contacts the limit switch, the translation motor stops, causing the slide 20 to remain in its current position and await the next instruction.

[0069] The present invention proposes a new dynamic contact melting welding device, which adopts a modular split structure, places the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism and the battery positioning mechanism on the upper and lower parts of the installation platform, and dynamically adjusts the distance between the two through the translation / flipping / lifting mechanism, thereby realizing the "heating-contact-welding" integrated process; the device of the present invention solves the problems of traditional processing equipment such as large size, high energy consumption, poor welding quality and low production efficiency while ensuring the welding quality.

[0070] Furthermore, the use of a heating element assembly to heat the prefabricated non-lead metal strips for welding to the tabs avoids the safety hazards associated with direct electrical heating of the non-lead metal strips and welding quality issues caused by uneven heating of the non-lead metal strips. Compared to the traditional method of welding the tabs using molds and lead water, this method achieves clean production and avoids the environmental pollution caused by lead smoke, lead dust, and lead slag generated by the traditional production process.

[0071] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip, characterized in that: The invention comprises a battery positioning mechanism (2) and a non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1), wherein the non-lead metal strip (10) is provided with solder, and the melting point of the non-lead metal strip (10) is higher than the melting point of the tab (41), and the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) comprises a heating body assembly (13) for heating the non-lead metal strip (10), and the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) and the battery positioning mechanism (2) are close to each other, so that the tab (41) of the battery (4) is welded to the heated non-lead metal strip (10) through the solder on the non-lead metal strip (10).

2. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) and / or the battery positioning mechanism (2) are brought closer to each other via a translation sliding mechanism or a flipping mechanism or an up-and-down lifting mechanism.

3. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) further comprises a support frame, with two ends of the non-lead metal strip (10) respectively placed on two ends of the support frame, the heating body assembly (13) is arranged on the support frame and is located below the non-lead metal strip (10), and the top surface of the heating body assembly (13) is in contact with the non-lead metal strip (10).

4. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) further comprises a support frame, with two ends of the non-lead metal strip (10) respectively placed on the two ends of the support frame, and the heating body assembly (13) is arranged on the support frame and is located below the non-lead metal strip (10). The heating body assembly (13) adjusts the distance between the heating body assembly (13) and the non-lead metal strip (10) through a lifting drive assembly, thereby heating the non-lead metal strip (10).

5. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) further comprises a support frame, and the two ends of the non-lead metal strip (10) are respectively placed on the two ends of the support frame. The heating body component (13) is a high-frequency induction heating component and is arranged around the non-lead metal strip (10).

6. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that: Both ends of the support frame are provided with recesses (121) for placing the non-lead metal strips (10), and the number of the recesses (121), the number of the non-lead metal strips (10), and the number of rows of the tabs (41) in the battery (4) are the same; the positions of the recesses (121), the positions of the non-lead metal strips (10), and the positions of the tabs (41) in the battery (4) are also corresponding.

7. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that: The support frame comprises a first mounting plate (11) and a side support plate (12), wherein the two side support plates (12) are respectively fixed to two ends of the first mounting plate (11), and a notch (121) is further provided at the upper end of each side support plate (12), and the end of the non-lead metal strip (10) is located in the notch (121).

8. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating body assembly (13) comprises a heating block (132), which is a metal block with a heating component inserted therein. The entire heating block (132) generates heat by energizing the heating component.

9. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heating body assembly (13) further includes a heat-insulating shell (131), which covers the four sides and the bottom of the heating block (132), leaving only the top surface of the heating block (132) in contact with the non-lead metal strip (10), thereby heating the non-lead metal strip (10).

10. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the heating body assembly (13) is z, the width of each non-lead metal strip (10) is x, the number of non-lead metal strips (10) is n, the spacing between two adjacent non-lead metal strips (10) is y, and z≥nx+(n-1)y.

11. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting drive assembly is fixed to the bottom of the support frame, and the lifting rod (19) of the lifting drive assembly passes through the support frame and is connected to the heating body assembly (13), driving the heating body assembly (13) to move up and down.

12. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The invention also includes a mounting platform (3), wherein the mounting platform (3) is provided with a through hole. When the tab (41) of the battery (4) is welded to the non-lead metal strip (10), the non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) and the battery positioning mechanism (2) are respectively located above and below the mounting platform (3), and after the battery (4) passes through the through hole, its tab (41) is welded to the non-lead metal strip (10), or the non-lead metal strip (10) passes through the through hole and is welded to the tab (41) of the battery (4), or the tab (41) of the battery (4) is welded to the non-lead metal strip (10) at the through hole.

13. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 12, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) further comprises a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly is fixed to the lower portion of the mounting platform (3) via a mounting bracket, and the support frame is slidably arranged on the mounting bracket, and is driven to slide up and down by the lifting assembly.

14. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 12, wherein: A third mounting plate (15) is fixed to the bottom of the support frame via a column, and the lifting drive assembly is fixed to the bottom of the third mounting plate (15). A lifting rod (19) of the lifting drive assembly passes through the third mounting plate (15) and the support frame and is connected to the heating body assembly (13), thereby driving the heating body assembly (13) to move up and down.

15. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 14, characterized in that: The non-lead metal strip heating mechanism (1) further comprises a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly is fixed to the lower portion of the mounting platform (3) via a mounting bracket, and the third mounting plate (15) is slidably arranged on the mounting bracket, and the lifting assembly drives the third mounting plate (15) to slide up and down.

16. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 4, characterized in that: Guide columns (152) are fixed to both ends of the bottom of the heating body assembly (13), and a guide sleeve (151) is fixed to the support frame. The heating body assembly (13) is slidably connected to the support frame through the cooperation of the guide columns (152) and the guide sleeve (151).

17. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 12, wherein: The battery positioning mechanism (2) is slidably arranged on the mounting platform (3) and is driven by an electric cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, or a gear rack structure.

18. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery positioning mechanism (2) is provided with a positioning hole (201) that enables the battery (4) to be inverted and the tab (41) to be exposed, and the battery positioning mechanism (2) also includes a clamping mechanism for clamping and fixing the battery (4).

19. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery positioning mechanism (2) comprises a slide plate (20), a positioning hole (201) is formed on the slide plate (20), a support bar (202) is provided at the bottom of the positioning hole (201), both sides of the battery (4) housing are placed on the support bar (202), and the tabs (41) of the battery (4) are exposed from the positioning hole (201).

20. The device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 19, characterized in that: A bottom support plate (22) is also fixed to the lower end surface of the slide plate (20), and a positioning hole (201) is also provided on the bottom support plate (22). The width of the positioning hole (201) on the bottom support plate (22) is slightly smaller than the width of the positioning hole (201) on the slide plate (20), so that the bottom support plate (22) forms a support bar (202) in the width direction of the positioning hole (201) of the slide plate (20).

21. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism comprises a clamping strip (23), the clamping strip (23) being slidably arranged on the slide (20) and being located on both sides or both ends of the battery (4), and a clamping strip driving component being fixed on the slide (20), the clamping strip driving component driving the clamping strip (23) to clamp and fix the battery (4).

22. A device for welding a battery tab to a non-lead metal strip according to claim 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that: The positioning hole (201) is generally larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, with both sides forming inclined surfaces. The length of the positioning hole (201) is greater than the length of the battery (4).

Images