Battery assembly method and battery assembly line based on T-shaped connector

Abstract

This application provides a battery assembly method and assembly line based on a T-shaped connector. The method includes: stacking at least two cells vertically to form an assembly unit with stacked tabs; obtaining information on the total number of tab layers; when the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, connecting and fixing the T-shaped connector to the tabs and the top cover; when the total number of layers does not exceed the preset threshold, selectively connecting and fixing the T-shaped connector to the tabs and the top cover, or directly connecting and fixing the tabs to the top cover. This method replaces folding and joining cells with vertical stacking and adaptively selects the connection method according to the number of tab layers, which helps reduce the risk of tab damage and is compatible with the assembly requirements of cells with different layer counts. This application also provides a battery assembly line for performing the above method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a battery assembly method and battery assembly line based on a T-shaped connector. Background Technology

[0002] In battery manufacturing, multiple battery cells are typically assembled to form a battery module. A common assembly method involves folding two cells already connected by tabs together to form a single, complete cell. However, this folding process exposes the tabs to significant bending stress, making them prone to breakage, leading to decreased product yield and increased manufacturing costs.

[0003] Furthermore, in related technologies, before connecting the battery cell tabs, it is usually necessary to perform ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening on the tabs formed by multi-layer laminations to compress and compact the multi-layer tabs, facilitating subsequent welding. However, when the number of battery laminations is large, the total thickness of the tabs increases accordingly. The energy of ultrasonic welding is difficult to penetrate all tab layers, which can easily lead to insufficient pre-welding and pressing of all tab layers. Some tab layers may have incomplete welds or poor contact, thus affecting the reliability of subsequent connection processes and the overall performance of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece, which helps to reduce the risk of tab damage during assembly and also helps to adapt to the assembly requirements of tabs with different numbers of layers.

[0005] In a first aspect, a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: At least two battery cells are stacked vertically to form a unit to be assembled, the unit to be assembled having stacked tabs; Obtain the total number of layers of the electrode; When the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, the T-shaped connecting piece is connected and fixed to the electrode tab and the top cover. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece further includes: when the total number of layers does not exceed the preset threshold, connecting and fixing the T-shaped connecting piece to the tab and the top cover, or directly connecting and fixing the tab to the top cover; The pre-fabricated structure consists of 120 layers. (Top cover / top cover) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece connects and fixes the T-shaped connecting piece to the electrode tab and the top cover, comprising: Secure the T-shaped connecting piece to the stacked electrode tabs; Secure the T-shaped connecting piece to the top cover; The T-shaped connecting piece is bent. Directly connecting and fixing the electrode tab to the top cover includes: The stacked tabs are fixed to the top cover; The tabs are bent.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion arranged perpendicularly to each other. When fixing the adapter conductor to the stacked tabs, the end of the second connecting portion is brought close to or abutted against the side of the stacked tabs, and the first connecting portion is attached to the terminal surface of the battery cell.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece, after bringing the end of the second connecting portion close to or abutting against the side of the stacked electrode tabs, the method further includes: The electrode tab is bent toward the second connecting part so that the electrode tab is in close contact with the second connecting part, and the electrode tab is welded and fixed to the second connecting part; After the electrode tab and the second connecting part are welded and fixed, the first connecting part is fixedly connected to the top cover. After the first connecting part is fixedly connected to the top cover, the first connecting part is bent toward the cell body to assemble the top cover onto the cell.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connector, wherein stacking at least two battery cells in a vertical direction to form an assembly unit includes: Stack at least two battery cells together and align the stacked cells. After positioning and alignment, the battery cells are fixed with adhesive to form the assembly unit. Multiple tapes are applied circumferentially to the unit to be assembled, with each tape spanning from one cell unit to another, to secure the stacked cell units into a whole.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece further includes, after the first connecting part is fixedly connected to the top cover and before the first connecting part is bent toward the battery cell body, applying adhesive to the top cover.

[0010] According to the battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece of the present invention, after the first connecting part is welded and fixed to the top cover, the weld joint between the first connecting part and the top cover is treated with adhesive. or, After the stacked tabs are directly welded to the top cover, adhesive is applied to the welded joint between the tabs and the top cover.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connector further includes, before stacking at least two battery cells: The multi-layer tabs of each battery cell are ultrasonically pre-welded and flattened. After ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening, adhesive is applied at the junction of the tab and the cell unit body.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connector further includes, after the top cover is installed and fixed, covering the outer surface of the cell body of the unit to be assembled and the outer surface of the top cover with an insulating film, wherein the insulating film is a Mylar film.

[0013] The battery assembly method based on T-shaped connecting tabs according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The method provided in this application obtains the total number of tab layers and compares it with a preset threshold, and selectively adopts an assembly path of connecting with a transition conductor or directly connecting the tabs based on the comparison result. When the number of tab layers is large and the thickness is large, using a transition conductor as an intermediate transition piece helps to avoid stress concentration caused by directly bending the tabs to connect to the top cover, thereby helping to reduce the risk of the tabs being torn off. At the same time, forming the unit to be assembled in a stacked manner eliminates the folding and core-joining process in related technologies, which helps to reduce the bending stress borne by the tabs.

[0014] Secondly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly line for performing the above-described battery assembly method includes: a controller and a stacking device, a welding device, an adhesive applicator, a top cover mounting device, and a wrapping device arranged along a process path; The controller is configured to obtain the total number of layers of the electrode, determine whether the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, and control each device to execute the corresponding connection path according to the determination result; The stacking device is used to stack at least two cells in the vertical direction to form a unit to be assembled with stacked tabs; The welding device is used to weld and fix the connection positions between the electrode tab, the T-shaped connecting piece and the top cover; The adhesive application device is used to apply adhesive to the base of the electrode tabs, between stacked battery cells, and at the solder joints. The top cover mounting device is used to assemble the top cover onto the battery cell; The wrapping device is used to wrap the unit to be assembled after the top cover has been installed with an insulating film.

[0015] The battery assembly line according to embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The controller automatically determines and controls each device to execute the corresponding connection path based on the total number of tab layers, thus achieving automated control of the assembly process. The stacking device, welding device, adhesive applicator, top cover mounting device, and coating device are arranged sequentially along the process path, ensuring smooth material flow. The adhesive applicator integrates multiple functions, including adhesive applicator at the base of the tabs, adhesive applicator between cell units, and adhesive applicator at the welding points, which helps simplify the production line layout and meet the adhesive applicator requirements at different process locations.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the first connection path in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the second connection path in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the first structure of the T-shaped connecting piece and the electrode connection corresponding to the first connection path in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the first structure sub-flowchart corresponding to the first connection path for the connection between the T-shaped connecting piece and the electrode in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the first structure sub-flowchart corresponding to the first connection path for the connection between the T-shaped connecting piece and the electrode in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the first structure sub-flowchart corresponding to the first connection path for the connection between the T-shaped connecting piece and the electrode in an embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100 cells; JE200; T-shaped connecting piece 300; first connecting part 310; second connecting part 320; Top cover 400; 500g insulating tape. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0020] In the description of the invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. If the terms "first" and "second" are used, they are only for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] This embodiment provides a battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece 300. This method is applicable to the assembly of prismatic batteries. It determines whether an adapter conductor is needed to connect the tabs 200 and the top cover 400 of the cell 100 based on the total number of layers of the tabs 200 of the unit to be assembled. The method uses a stacking method of the cells 100 to replace the folding and joining process in related technologies.

[0023] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 7 The battery assembly method in this embodiment includes the following steps: First, pre-processing of the 100-cell battery unit is performed. The laminated materials are provided, and the multilayer tabs 200 of each 100-cell battery unit are ultrasonically pre-welded and flattened.

[0024] Ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening helps to compress and compact the originally loose multi-layered tabs 200, forming a group of tabs 200 with uniform thickness and tight structure, providing good contact conditions for subsequent connection operations.

[0025] It should be noted that when the number of tabs 200 layers in a single 100-cell battery cell is large, the energy of ultrasonic pre-welding may be difficult to penetrate all 200-layer tabs, resulting in some 200-layer tabs failing to achieve the ideal bonding state.

[0026] In response to this situation, this embodiment introduces a T-shaped connecting piece 300 as a transition path, providing a reliable connection solution for cases with a large number of tab 200 layers. Even if the ultrasonic pre-welding fails to achieve the ideal pressing state for all tab 200 layers, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 can still reliably connect and fix the entire tab 200 assembly to the top cover 400, thereby helping to reduce the impact of insufficient pre-welding on the reliability of subsequent connections.

[0027] After ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening, adhesive is applied at the junction of tab 200 and cell 100 unit body.

[0028] The adhesive is applied at the base of the tab 200. The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500. The tape covers the area where the base of the tab 200 meets the cell 100 body. This helps to provide stress buffering and protection at the junction when the tab 200 is bent in the future, and helps to reduce the risk of damage to the base of the tab 200 due to bending stress.

[0029] After applying adhesive to the base of tab 200, cut tab 200 to the preset length to facilitate subsequent welding and connection operations.

[0030] Next, at least two pre-processed and tab-cut battery cells 100 are stacked. During stacking, the two battery cells 100 are stacked in a preset relative position, so that their tabs 200 are located on the same side or opposite sides.

[0031] The stacked cells 100 are positioned and aligned to ensure that the relative positions of the two cells 100 units meet the assembly accuracy requirements.

[0032] After the positioning and alignment are completed, the aligned battery cell 100 is fixed with adhesive to form a unit to be assembled.

[0033] Specifically, the method of fixing with adhesive is as follows: Refer to Figure 5 Multiple tapes are applied circumferentially to the unit to be assembled. The tapes are insulating tape 500, and each tape spans from one cell 100 unit to another cell 100 unit.

[0034] Understandably, each tape adheres to the surfaces of two different battery cell 100 units at both ends, with the middle section spanning the seam between the two battery cell 100 units. Through multiple such circumferentially distributed bridging tapes, the stacked two battery cell 100 units are fixed together to form a single structure. This single structure is the unit to be assembled, as referred to in subsequent steps.

[0035] The above method of stacking and fixing the battery cells 100 with adhesive replaces the process of folding and joining two battery cell 100 units that have been connected by the tabs 200 in the related technology. From a process perspective, it avoids the pulling and bending of the tabs 200 during the folding process, which helps to reduce the probability of the tabs 200 being torn off, and also helps to simplify the process flow.

[0036] In some embodiments, the total number of tab 200 layers of the unit to be assembled, which is composed of stacked battery cells 100, is obtained. Since the unit to be assembled is composed of two battery cell 100 units stacked together, and each battery cell 100 unit has a specific number of tab 200 layers, the total number of tab 200 layers is the sum of the number of tab 200 layers of each of the two battery cell 100 units.

[0037] In actual production, the total number of layers of the tab 200 can be directly obtained from the preset database based on the product type corresponding to the unit to be assembled, without the need to count each layer during the assembly process.

[0038] The connection path is determined based on the comparison between the total number of layers in the 200-layer electrode and a preset threshold. The preset threshold can be 120 layers.

[0039] When it is determined that the total number of layers of the electrode 200 exceeds the preset threshold, the first connection path is executed.

[0040] When it is determined that the total number of layers of the electrode 200 does not exceed the preset threshold, either the first connection path or the second connection path can be executed.

[0041] In this first connection path, the stacked tabs 200 are connected and fixed to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 through a transition conductor.

[0042] The second connection path directly connects and fixes the stacked tabs 200 to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, when the total number of layers of the tab 200 exceeds a preset threshold, it is difficult to directly bend the tab 200 and connect it to the top cover 400 due to its large overall thickness, and the stress on the root of the tab 200 is large when it is bent.

[0044] In addition, as mentioned above, when there are many 200 layers of tabs, ultrasonic pre-welding may not be able to fully press together all 200 layers of tabs.

[0045] At this time, using an adapter conductor as an intermediate transition between the tab 200 and the top cover 400 helps to reliably connect the entire tab 200 assembly to the top cover 400 through the adapter conductor. Even if there is insufficient pre-soldering of some tab 200 layers, it will not directly affect the reliability of the connection between the tab 200 assembly and the top cover 400.

[0046] Reference Figure 6 The adapter conductor is specifically a T-shaped connecting piece 300, which includes a first connecting part 310 and a second connecting part 320 arranged perpendicularly to each other.

[0047] The first connecting part 310 and the second connecting part 320 can be integrally formed, or they can be formed by welding or other means of connecting the two parts.

[0048] The first connecting part 310 is used to connect with the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100, and the second connecting part 320 is used to connect with the tab 200.

[0049] It should be noted that the T-shaped connector 300 is compatible with battery cells 100 with more layers of tabs 200. Whether the total number of layers of tabs 200 exceeds or does not exceed a preset threshold, the T-shaped connector 300 can be used in the assembly method of this embodiment. When When the total number of layers of tab 200 exceeds the threshold, T-type connector 300 serves as a necessary adapter to provide a reliable connection transition for multi-layer tab 200.

[0050] When the total number of layers of tab 200 does not exceed the threshold, T-shaped connecting piece 300 can also be used as an optional solution to meet the needs of different product types or process preferences, so that the assembly method of this embodiment can flexibly adapt to the production of different specifications of battery cells 100 without changing the assembly process path due to changes in the number of layers of tab 200.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 When making the connection, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 is first placed in a preset position between the tabs 200 of the two stacked cells 100, so that the end of the second connecting part 320 is close to or abuts against the side of the stacked tabs 200, while the first connecting part 310 is attached to the terminal surface of the cell 100.

[0052] In this application, both the positive electrode tab 200 and the negative electrode tab 200 can be operated in the same way using their respective corresponding T-shaped connecting pieces 300.

[0053] After placing the T-shaped connecting piece 300 in place, fix the tab 200 to the T-shaped connecting piece 300.

[0054] Before the T-shaped connecting piece 300 is inserted, the tabs 200 of the two stacked battery cells 100 are pre-positioned. For example, a clamp can be used to separate the tabs 200 of the two battery cells 100 to a predetermined distance, forming a gap to accommodate the second connecting portion 320 of the T-shaped connecting piece 300. After the T-shaped connecting piece 300 is inserted, the tabs 200 are released, and the tabs 200 spring back to a state close to or abutting against the end of the second connecting portion 320.

[0055] Alternatively, a visual positioning system (such as a CCD camera) can be used to identify the position of the tab 200, and the control system can adjust the picking and placing position of the T-shaped connecting piece 300 according to the visual feedback, so that the end of the second connecting part 320 is aligned with the center position between the two tabs 200 before being inserted.

[0056] Specifically, refer to Figure 7 The tab 200 is bent toward the second connecting portion 320 so that the tab 200 and the second connecting portion 320 are in close contact. After bending, the end region of the tab 200 forms surface contact with the surface of the second connecting portion 320.

[0057] While maintaining this close contact state, the tab 200 and the second connecting part 320 are welded and fixed to form a reliable conductive connection between them.

[0058] Laser welding can be used as one of the welding methods.

[0059] After the electrode tab 200 and the second connecting part 320 are welded and fixed, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 and the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 are then fixedly connected.

[0060] Specifically, the first connecting part 310 is fixedly connected to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100. Since the first connecting part 310 is in contact with the terminal surface of the battery cell 100 at this time, and the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 is placed in a preset assembly position on the first connecting part 310, the first connecting part 310 and the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 are fixedly connected together by welding (e.g., laser welding).

[0061] After the first connecting part 310 is fixedly connected to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100, and before the first connecting part 310 is bent toward the main body of the battery cell 100, the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 is applied with adhesive. The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500.

[0062] The adhesive is applied at the welding point between the first connecting part 310 and the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100. The tape covers the welding area and the surrounding area, which helps to provide insulation protection for the welding point.

[0063] After applying the adhesive, bend the first connecting part 310 toward the main body of the cell 100 to assemble the top cover 400 of the cell 100 onto the cell 100.

[0064] When bent, the first connecting part 310 deforms, causing the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 on it to fold toward the main body of the battery cell 100.

[0065] For the positive electrode top cover 400 and the negative electrode top cover 400, a similar bending method can be used to fold the top cover 400 to the preset installation positions at both ends of the main body of the cell 100.

[0066] For the negative electrode top cover 400 side, after bending and assembly, the negative electrode top cover 400 can be separately glued, and the glued tape is insulating tape 500.

[0067] In addition, refer to Figure 5 or Figure 6 Before bending the tab 200, it is necessary to apply adhesive at the junction of the stacked tab 200 and the cell 100 body (i.e., the root of the tab 200). The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500, which can provide insulation protection and stress buffering for the root of the tab 200 when bending.

[0068] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 When the total number of tabs 200 does not exceed the preset threshold, since the overall thickness of tabs 200 is relatively small, it is possible to choose not to use an adapter conductor and directly connect and fix the stacked tabs 200 to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100.

[0069] In the second connection path, the stacked tabs 200 are first subjected to ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening treatment, so that the multiple layers of tabs 200 are compressed and flattened to form a relatively dense integral tab 200 group. Since the number of tab 200 layers is relatively small at this time, the energy of ultrasonic pre-welding is sufficient to penetrate all tab 200 layers, which helps to reliably press all tab 200 layers together.

[0070] Then, the flattened stacked tabs 200 are directly fixedly connected to the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100.

[0071] The fixed connection can be achieved by laser welding, which directly welds the end area of ​​the tab 200 to the corresponding position on the top cover 400 of the cell 100.

[0072] Similarly, after the tab 200 and the top cover 400 of the cell 100 are fixedly connected, adhesive is applied to the welded joint between the tab 200 and the top cover 400 of the cell 100. The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500, which covers the welded area to provide insulation protection.

[0073] In addition, adhesive is required at the junction of the stacked tabs 200 and the cell 100 body (i.e., the root of the tabs 200). The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500. This adhesive application step is completed before bending the tabs 200 so as to provide protection for the root of the tabs 200 when bending.

[0074] After the adhesive is applied, the tab 200 is bent to deform it, causing the top cover 400 of the battery cell 100 on it to fold into the preset assembly position on the main body of the battery cell 100.

[0075] In the first or second connection path described above, the same connection, fixing and bending steps are used for both the positive electrode tab 200 and the negative electrode tab 200.

[0076] It is understandable that, regardless of whether the solution has a connector or not, the execution steps on the positive and negative sides are corresponding and consistent.

[0077] After the battery cell 100 top cover 400 is installed and fixed, the final step is to cover it with an insulating film. Specifically, the outer surface of the battery cell 100 body and the outer surface of the battery cell 100 top cover 400 of the unit to be assembled are covered with an insulating film.

[0078] Optionally, the insulating film is a Mylar film (polyester film). The Mylar film covers the outside of the cell 100 body and the top cover 400, which helps to provide overall insulation protection, helps to reduce the possibility of external short circuits of the cell 100, and also helps to provide physical protection during battery module assembly.

[0079] The battery assembly method provided in this embodiment introduces a judgment mechanism based on the total number of tab 200 layers and a preset threshold, and adaptively selects whether to use a T-shaped connecting piece 300, so that the assembly process can be compatible with battery cell 100 products with different numbers of tab 200 layers.

[0080] When there are many layers of tab 200, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 serves as an intermediate adapter. Tab 200 only needs to complete the connection with the second connecting part 320, without having to directly bear the large-angle bending required to fold the top cover 400 into place. This helps to reduce the concentrated stress at the root of tab 200 and helps to reduce the risk of tab 200 breaking during assembly.

[0081] Meanwhile, when the number of tab 200 layers is large, making it difficult for ultrasonic pre-welding to fully press all 200 layers together, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 can serve as a supplementary connection method, reliably connecting the entire tab 200 assembly to the top cover 400. This helps to compensate for connection reliability issues that may arise from insufficient pre-welding. The T-shaped connecting piece 300 is compatible with tab 200 layers of the cell 100. Regardless of whether the total number of tab 200 layers exceeds a preset threshold, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 can be used in this assembly method, providing a consistent connection solution for cell 100 with different layer counts and specifications, thus simplifying the process changeover between different product models.

[0082] When the number of tabs is relatively small (e.g., 200 layers), the use of connecting pieces can be flexibly selected based on the actual situation, which helps to balance assembly efficiency and structural simplification.

[0083] In addition, the use of 100 stacked cells to form the assembly unit avoids the folding and assembling process, reducing the possibility of the tabs 200 being stretched from the source of the process, which helps to improve the assembly yield of the product.

[0084] In addition, the adhesive tape used for each application in this embodiment is insulating tape 500, which helps to provide reliable insulation protection at each connection, weld, and the base of the tab 200.

[0085] In another embodiment, this application also provides a battery assembly line for performing the above-described battery assembly method.

[0086] Specifically, the battery assembly line includes a controller and stacking devices, welding devices, adhesive application devices, top cover 400 mounting devices, and wrapping devices arranged sequentially along the process path.

[0087] The stacking device, welding device, adhesive application device, top cover 400 installation device, and wrapping device are arranged sequentially along the straight conveyor line. The material passes through each device from upstream to downstream to complete the corresponding process.

[0088] The controller is configured to obtain the total number of layers of the tab 200, determine whether the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, and control each device to execute the corresponding connection path based on the determination result.

[0089] In actual production, the controller retrieves the total number of layers of tab 200 from the preset database according to the product type corresponding to the unit to be assembled.

[0090] The stacking device is located at the upstream end of the production line and is used to stack at least two cells 100 in the vertical direction to form a unit to be assembled with stacked tabs 200.

[0091] The stacking device includes a positioning and alignment unit for positioning and aligning the stacked battery cells 100. A portion of the functional modules of the adhesive applicator are located downstream of the positioning and alignment unit for applying adhesive to fix the positioned and aligned battery cells 100. Specifically, multiple insulating tapes 500 are applied circumferentially to the units to be assembled, with each insulating tape 500 spanning from one battery cell 100 unit to another, to fix the stacked battery cells 100 units into a whole.

[0092] In addition, a pre-processing device is located on the upstream side of the stacking device to perform ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening of the multilayer tabs 200 of each cell 100 unit before stacking.

[0093] Another functional module of the adhesive applicator is located between the pretreatment device and the stacking device. It is used to apply adhesive at the junction of the tab 200 and the cell 100 unit body after ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening and before stacking. The adhesive tape is insulating tape 500.

[0094] The welding device is located on the downstream side of the stacking device and is used to weld and fix the connection position between the tab 200, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 and the top cover 400.

[0095] When the controller determines that the total number of layers exceeds the preset threshold, it controls the welding device to weld and fix the T-shaped connecting piece 300 to the tab 200, and then welds and fixes the T-shaped connecting piece 300 to the top cover 400.

[0096] When the controller determines that the total number of layers has not exceeded the preset threshold, it can selectively control the welding device to weld and fix the T-shaped connecting piece 300 to the tab 200 and the top cover 400, or directly weld and fix the tab 200 to the top cover 400.

[0097] In the scheme using T-shaped connecting piece 300, the T-shaped connecting piece 300 includes a first connecting portion 310 and a second connecting portion 320 arranged perpendicularly to each other.

[0098] When fixing the T-shaped connecting piece 300 to the stacked tabs 200, the end of the second connecting portion 320 is close to or abuts against the side of the stacked tabs 200, and the first connecting portion 310 is attached to the terminal surface of the cell 100. The welding device first bends the tab 200 toward the second connecting portion 320, so that the tab 200 and the second connecting portion 320 are in contact, and then welds and fixes the tab 200 and the second connecting portion 320.

[0099] After welding and fixing, the welding device welds and fixes the first connecting part 310 to the top cover 400.

[0100] The adhesive applicator is located downstream of the welding device and upstream of the top cover 400 mounting device. It is used to apply adhesive to the base of the tab 200, between the stacked battery cells 100, and at the welding points.

[0101] Specifically, after the first connecting part 310 is welded and fixed to the top cover 400, the adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the welded joint between the first connecting part 310 and the top cover 400; or, after the stacked tabs 200 are directly welded and fixed to the top cover 400, the adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the welded joint between the tabs 200 and the top cover 400. The adhesive tape applied by the adhesive applicator is all insulating tape 500.

[0102] The top cover 400 mounting device is located downstream of the adhesive applicator and is used to assemble the top cover 400 onto the battery cell 100. After the welding and adhesive application are completed between the first connecting part 310 and the top cover 400, the top cover 400 mounting device bends the first connecting part 310 toward the battery cell 100 body to assemble the top cover 400 onto the battery cell 100.

[0103] In the scheme without T-shaped connecting piece 300, the top cover 400 mounting device bends the tab 200 so that the top cover 400 is folded into the preset assembly position on the main body of the cell 100.

[0104] The coating device is located at the very bottom of the production line and is used to coat the outer surface of the main body of the battery cell 100 of the unit to be assembled, as well as the outer surface of the top cover 400, with an insulating film.

[0105] The controller automatically determines and controls each device to execute the corresponding connection path based on the total number of layers of tab 200, which helps to achieve automated control of the assembly process.

[0106] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions 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 one or more embodiments or examples.

[0107] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery assembly method based on a T-shaped connecting piece (300), characterized in that, include: At least two cells (100) are stacked in the vertical direction to form a unit to be assembled, the unit to be assembled having stacked tabs (200). Obtain the total number of layers of the electrode (200); When the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, the T-shaped connecting piece (300) is connected and fixed to the tab (200) and the top cover (400).

2. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the total number of layers does not exceed the preset threshold, the T-shaped connecting piece (300) is connected and fixed to the tab (200) and the top cover (400), or the tab (200) is directly connected and fixed to the top cover (400); The preset prefabrication layer is 120 layers.

3. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Connecting and fixing the T-shaped connecting piece (300) to the electrode tab (200) and the top cover (400) includes: Secure the T-shaped connecting piece (300) to the stacked electrode tabs (200); The T-shaped connecting piece (300) is fixed to the top cover (400); The T-shaped connecting piece (300) is bent. Directly connecting and fixing the tab (200) to the top cover (400) includes: The stacked tabs (200) are fixed to the top cover (400); The tab (200) is bent.

4. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The T-shaped connecting piece (300) includes a first connecting part (310) and a second connecting part (320) arranged perpendicularly to each other. When the adapter conductor is fixed to the stacked electrode (200), the end of the second connecting part (320) is close to or abuts against the side of the stacked electrode (200), and the first connecting part (310) is attached to the electrode surface of the cell (100).

5. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 4, characterized in that, After bringing the end of the second connecting portion (320) close to or against the side of the stacked tabs (200), the method further includes: The electrode tab (200) is bent toward the second connecting part (320) so that the electrode tab (200) and the second connecting part (320) are in close contact, and the electrode tab (200) and the second connecting part (320) are welded and fixed. After the electrode tab (200) and the second connecting part (320) are welded and fixed, the first connecting part (310) is fixedly connected to the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100); After the first connecting part (310) is fixedly connected to the top cover (400) of the cell (100), the first connecting part (310) is bent toward the body of the cell (100) to assemble the top cover (400) of the cell (100) onto the cell (100).

6. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of stacking at least two battery cells (100) vertically to form a unit to be assembled includes: At least two cells (100) are stacked, and the stacked cells (100) are positioned and aligned. The aligned and positioned battery cells (100) are fixed with adhesive to form the assembly unit. Multiple tapes are applied circumferentially to the unit to be assembled, with each tape spanning from one cell (100) unit to another cell (100) unit to fix the stacked cell (100) units into a whole.

7. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that, After the first connecting part (310) is fixedly connected to the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100), and before the first connecting part (310) is bent toward the body of the battery cell (100), the method further includes: applying adhesive to the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100).

8. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the first connecting part (310) is welded and fixed to the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100), the welding joint between the first connecting part (310) and the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100) is treated with adhesive. or, After directly welding and fixing the stacked tabs (200) to the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100), the welding joint between the tabs (200) and the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100) is treated with adhesive. or, Before stacking at least two cells (100), the following are also included: The multilayer tabs (200) of each cell (100) unit are subjected to ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening treatment; After completing the ultrasonic pre-welding and flattening process, adhesive is applied at the junction of the tab (200) and the cell (100) unit body.

9. The battery assembly method based on the T-shaped connecting piece (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the installation and fixing of the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100) is completed, the method further includes: covering the outer surface of the main body of the battery cell (100) of the unit to be assembled and the outer surface of the top cover (400) of the battery cell (100) with an insulating film, wherein the insulating film is a Mylar film.

10. A battery assembly line for performing the battery assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: The controller and stacking devices, welding devices, adhesive application devices, top cover mounting devices, and wrapping devices arranged along the process path; The controller is configured to obtain the total number of layers of the electrode, determine whether the total number of layers exceeds a preset threshold, and control each device to execute the corresponding connection path according to the determination result; The stacking device is used to stack at least two cells in the vertical direction to form a unit to be assembled with stacked tabs; The welding device is used to weld and fix the connection positions between the electrode tab (200), the T-shaped connecting piece (300) and the top cover (400); The adhesive applicator is used to apply adhesive to the base of the tab (200), between stacked battery cells, and at the solder joints. The top cover mounting device is used to assemble the top cover onto the battery cell; The wrapping device is used to wrap the unit to be assembled after the top cover has been installed with an insulating film.

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