Battery cell stack transfer apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a battery cell stacking and transfer device, relating to the technical field of battery cell stacking and transfer. The device includes a carrier with a material-carrying area capable of holding multiple battery cells. Limiting members and compaction mechanisms are respectively provided on both sides of the material-carrying area on the carrier. Pressure detection elements and distance detection elements are mounted on the compaction mechanism. A first driving member is also provided on one side of the carrier, connected to a clamping member. The first driving member can drive the clamping member to move and clamp any battery cell within the material-carrying area. The device also includes a control module, with both the pressure detection element and the distance detection element connected to the control module. The control module controls the compaction mechanism to operate in response to the detection signals from the pressure and distance detection elements. This application aims to achieve a uniform compaction density among multiple stacked battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of battery cell stacking and transfer, and in particular to a battery cell stacking and transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] With the deepening of global energy transformation, lithium battery packs have become core energy storage components in new energy vehicles, energy storage systems and other fields due to their advantages such as high energy density and long cycle life. Cell stacking is the core process in battery pack assembly, which directly determines the interface contact quality, ion transport efficiency and overall electrochemical performance of the cells. For example, the compaction density of individual cells and the overall cell group is a key indicator affecting the performance of the battery pack assembled later.

[0003] In existing technologies, stacking and transfer equipment is often used as the key equipment to realize this process. Stacking and transfer equipment generally includes a pre-pressing mechanism. The pre-pressing mechanism can usually only press the entire cell assembly and is usually operated manually by workers. The above pressing scheme is prone to different compaction densities of different cells. Individual cells are prone to over- or under-compacting. Over-compacting will cause the electrolyte of the cell to break or the active particles to break, while under-compacting will result in a large number of gaps between cell layers, which will block the ion transport path. The uneven compaction density of multiple stacked cells will affect the performance of the battery obtained by subsequent assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to make the compaction density of multiple stacked cells as uniform as possible, this application provides a battery cell stacking and transfer device.

[0005] The battery cell stacking and transfer device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A battery cell stacking and transfer device includes a carrier, on which a material-carrying area capable of holding multiple battery cells is formed. Limiting components and compaction mechanisms are respectively provided on both sides of the material-carrying area on the carrier. Pressure detection components and distance detection components are installed on the compaction mechanisms. A first driving component is also provided on one side of the carrier, connected to a clamping component. The first driving component can drive the clamping component to move to clamp and fix any battery cell within the material-carrying area. It also includes a control module, and both the pressure detection element and the distance detection element are connected to the control module. The control module controls the compaction mechanism to work in response to the detection signals from the pressure detection element and the distance detection element.

[0006] Preferably, the compaction mechanism includes a reciprocating drive component installed on the bearing component, the reciprocating drive component being connected to a positioning drive component, and the positioning drive component being provided with a pressing block.

[0007] Preferably, it further includes a feeding device; the feeding device includes a transmission component, the transmission component is connected to a mounting base, the mounting base is connected to a support component, and the feeding device further includes an adjustment component.

[0008] Preferably, the support assembly includes a support seat disposed on the mounting base, the support seat including a right-angle positioning groove at one end.

[0009] Preferably, the adjustment component includes an adjustment power component, the adjustment power component is connected to an adjustment block, and the adjustment block includes a right-angle adjustment groove.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes a feeding device; the feeding device includes a second driving component, the second driving component is connected to a mounting frame, and the mounting frame is equipped with a gripping component and an adjusting component.

[0011] Preferably, the gripping assembly includes a gripping power component connected to the mounting frame, and the gripping power component is connected to two clamping frames.

[0012] Preferably, the clamping frame includes a clamping plate at one end, the clamping plate having anti-slip ridges, and the clamping frame further includes a limiting strip located on one side of the clamping plate.

[0013] Preferably, the feeding device further includes a transfer platform, on which a transfer and storage area is formed, and a calibration power component is also installed on the transfer platform. The calibration power component is connected to a calibration plate, and a displacement measuring component and a pressure measuring component are installed on the calibration plate.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The material loading area allows for the orderly lateral placement of multiple battery cells. Limiting components restrict movement of the cells during compaction, preventing movement. Pressure sensors on the compaction mechanism monitor the pressing pressure on the cells in real time, while distance sensors accurately reflect the contact distance and pressing stroke between the compaction mechanism and the cells. These signals are transmitted to the control module, which dynamically adjusts the compaction mechanism's operation based on preset compaction parameters such as target pressure and standard pressing stroke. When the first driving component drives the clamping component to selectively clamp adjacent cells within the material loading area, the compaction mechanism enables independent compaction of individual cells rather than pressing the entire cell group. Repeating this process allows for the independent compaction of multiple cells. This design avoids the problem of uneven compaction density caused by traditional overall pressing. By individually adjusting the compaction pressure and stroke of each cell, it ensures that the compaction density of all stacked cells tends to be consistent, reducing electrolyte breakage and active particle damage caused by over-compaction or interlayer voids caused by under-compaction, thereby ensuring the interface contact quality, ion transport efficiency and overall electrochemical performance of the subsequent battery pack. 2. The carrier can support the battery cells, and the right-angle positioning groove can limit the corners of the battery cells. Utilizing the positioning characteristics of the right-angle structure, the battery cells are kept neatly placed on the carrier, avoiding tilting or displacement of the battery cells and thus ensuring that the initial posture of each battery cell is consistent; the adjustment power component can drive the adjustment block to move, and the right-angle adjustment groove can fit with the corners of the battery cells to fine-tune the battery cells with slight deviations in posture; 3. The intermediate storage area is used to temporarily place the battery cell packs for unloading and transfer. The calibration power unit drives the calibration plate to move and perform secondary calibration on the battery cell packs in the intermediate storage area. The displacement measuring device can detect the overall size and stacking flatness of the battery cell packs, and the pressure measuring device can detect the overall pressure feedback of the battery cell packs, further verifying whether the compaction quality of the battery cell packs meets the preset standards. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the battery cell stacking and transfer device in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram used to illustrate the material-carrying area; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the first driving component; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram illustrating the feeding device; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the bearing seat; Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the compaction mechanism; Figure 7 It is a top view used to illustrate the compaction mechanism; Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram used to illustrate the second driving component; Figure 9 This is a structural diagram used to illustrate the grabbing and adjusting components; Figure 10 This is a structural diagram used to illustrate the transfer station. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] 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.

[0018] This application discloses a battery cell stacking and transfer device. It is used to ensure that the compaction density of multiple stacked battery cells is as uniform as possible, and the battery cells are cuboid in shape.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment includes a loading device 1, a frame 2, and a unloading device 3. The frame 2 has two workstations, one above the other. Taking one of the workstations as an example: a gear and rack mechanism 21 is installed on the frame 2. The gear and rack mechanism 21 is connected to a carrier 22. The gear and rack mechanism 21 can drive the carrier 22 to move laterally. Multiple material loading areas 23 are formed on the carrier 22. The multiple material loading areas 23 are arranged in parallel. Each material loading area 23 can hold multiple cells laterally, that is, each material loading area 23 can accommodate a cell group. In this embodiment, the cell group consists of thirteen cells.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 A first drive unit 4 is provided between the frame 2 and the feeding device 1. The first drive unit 4 is connected to multiple clamping units 41. The number of clamping units 41 is the same as the number of loading areas 23. The first drive unit 4 is a robotic arm, and the clamping units 41 are gripper cylinders. The first drive unit 4 can drive the clamping units 41 to move and grab the fed battery cells and place them in the loading area 23.

[0021] Multiple battery cells are sequentially fed using the feeding device 1. The first driving component 4 drives the clamping component 41 to move and grab the battery cells and place them in the loading area 23. The above actions are repeated to complete the horizontal stacking of multiple battery cells to form a battery cell group. Then, the unloading device 3 grabs and unloads the battery cell group.

[0022] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The feeding device 1 includes a fixed frame 11, combined with... Figure 1 A transmission component 12 is installed on the fixed frame 11. The transmission component 12 is, for example, a belt conveyor mechanism. The transmission component 12 is connected to a mounting base 13. Multiple support components 14 are connected to the mounting base 13. Multiple adjustment components 15 are also installed on the fixed frame 11.

[0023] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Specifically, the support assembly 14 includes a support seat 141 disposed on the mounting base 13. The support seat 141 includes a right-angle positioning groove 142 at its end. The support seat 141 can support the battery cell, and the right-angle positioning groove 142 can position one corner of the battery cell. The adjustment assembly 15 includes an adjustment power component 151, which is a cylinder. The adjustment power component 151 is connected to an adjustment block 152, and the adjustment block 152 includes a right-angle adjustment groove 153.

[0024] After placing the battery cell on the carrier 141 and positioning one corner of the battery cell on one side of the right-angle positioning groove 142, the drive transmission component 12 moves the battery cell to one side of the adjustment block 152. The drive adjustment power component 151 moves the adjustment block 152 so that the right-angle adjustment groove 153 presses against one corner of the battery cell, thereby making the other corner of the battery cell fit with the right-angle positioning groove 142, thus completing the adjustment of the battery cell.

[0025] Reference Figure 6 To ensure uniform compaction density across multiple stacked battery cells, taking the structure surrounding one of the loading areas 23 as an example: The carrier 22 is equipped with limiting members 5 and compaction mechanisms 6 on both sides of the loading area 23. The compaction mechanism 6 presses the battery cell towards the limiting members 5, which in turn limit the pressed cell. The compaction mechanism 6 is equipped with pressure and distance sensors. The pressure sensors monitor the pressing pressure on the battery cell in real time, while the distance sensors accurately reflect the contact distance and pressing stroke between the compaction mechanism 6 and the battery cell. The pressure sensors are preferably pressure sensors, and the distance sensors are preferably displacement sensors. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment includes a control module. Both the pressure and distance sensors are connected to the control module, which controls the compaction mechanism 6 in response to the detection signals from the pressure and distance sensors. A photoelectric sensor is also installed on the carrier 22 to detect whether the number of battery cells in the loading area 23 has reached the rated quantity.

[0026] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The compaction mechanism 6 includes a reciprocating drive 61 installed on the bearing member 22. The reciprocating drive 61 is connected to a positioning drive 62. The reciprocating drive 61 is a screw drive mechanism. The positioning drive 62 is preferably a gripper cylinder. The positioning drive 62 is provided with a pressing block 63. The reciprocating drive 61 can drive the positioning drive 62 and the pressing block 63 to move closer to or away from the limiting member 5.

[0027] The first driving component 4 drives the clamping component 41 to selectively clamp adjacent cells of the cell to be compacted within the fixed material loading area 23. The compaction mechanism 6 is driven to achieve independent compaction of a single cell rather than pressing the entire cell group. Repeating the above actions can complete the independent compaction of multiple cells.

[0028] This design avoids the problem of uneven compaction density caused by traditional overall pressing. By individually adjusting the compaction pressure and stroke of each cell, it ensures that the compaction density of all stacked cells tends to be consistent, reducing electrolyte breakage and active particle damage caused by over-compaction or interlayer voids caused by under-compaction. This, in turn, ensures the interface contact quality, ion transport efficiency and overall electrochemical performance of the subsequent battery pack.

[0029] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 and combined Figure 1 The unloading device 3 includes a second drive component 31, which is a robotic arm. The second drive component 31 is connected to a mounting frame 32, on which a gripping assembly 33 and an adjustment assembly 34 are mounted. The gripping assembly 33 includes a gripping power component 331 connected to the mounting frame 32. The gripping power component 331 is connected to two clamping frames 332 and is a screw drive mechanism. The gripping power component 331 can drive the two clamping frames 332 to move closer or further apart. Specifically, taking the clamping frame 332 below as an example: the clamping frame 332 includes a clamping plate 3321 at the end, the clamping plate 3321 has anti-slip protrusions, the clamping frame 332 also includes a limiting strip 3322 located on one side of the clamping plate 3321, the upper end surface of the limiting strip 3322 is higher than the upper end surface of the clamping plate 3321, the clamping plate 3321 is used to press and clamp the battery cell, and the limiting strip 3322 is used to prevent the clamped battery cell from falling off. The adjustment assembly 34 includes a coarse adjustment power component 341 and a fine adjustment power component 342, which are arranged opposite to each other. The coarse adjustment power component 341 includes a coarse adjustment cylinder 3411 connected to the mounting bracket 32 ​​and a coarse adjustment seat 3412 connected to the coarse adjustment cylinder 3411. The fine adjustment power component 342 includes a screw-driven fine adjustment component 3421 connected to the mounting bracket 32 ​​and a fine adjustment seat 3422 connected to the screw-driven fine adjustment component 3421.

[0030] Reference Figure 10 The feeding device 3 also includes a transfer platform 35, on which a transfer storage area 351 is formed. A calibration power unit 36 ​​is also installed on the transfer platform 35. The calibration power unit 36 ​​is connected to a calibration plate 37. A displacement measuring element and a pressure measuring element are installed on the calibration plate 37. The displacement measuring element is, for example, a displacement sensor, and the pressure measuring element is, for example, a pressure sensor.

[0031] The intermediate storage area 351 is used to temporarily place the battery cell groups for unloading and transfer. The verification power unit 36 ​​drives the verification plate 37 to move and perform secondary verification on the battery cell groups in the intermediate storage area 351. The displacement measuring device can detect the overall size and stacking flatness of the battery cell group, and the pressure measuring device can detect the overall pressure feedback of the battery cell group, further verifying whether the compaction quality of the battery cell group meets the preset standard.

[0032] In this application, the measures to ensure uniform compaction density of multiple battery cells and that the overall battery cell assembly meets the required dimensions are accomplished through four actions: pre-contact, pressurization, pressure holding, pressure release, and verification. The first driving member 4 is driven to move the clamping member 41 to grasp the battery cell and place it within the material loading area 23, where it is supported by the bearing member 22. Repeating this action, arranging multiple battery cells laterally and ensuring contact between adjacent cells constitutes pre-contact. The limiting member 5 is used to limit the battery cell's position. The compaction mechanism 6, in conjunction with the first driving member 4 and the clamping member 41, presses down on each battery cell to achieve pressurization. Once all battery cells within the same material loading area 23 have been compacted... After individual pressing is completed, the compaction mechanism 6 is used to press and maintain the entire battery cell assembly. The pressing amount usually does not deviate too much. This action is called pressure holding. Then, the second drive component 31, the gripping component 33, and the adjustment component 34 are used to unload the battery cell assembly. The gripping component 33 can grip the battery cell assembly, while the adjustment component 34 can continue the pressure holding action of the battery cell assembly to maintain the pressure for a period of time. Subsequently, the battery cell assembly will be placed on the transfer table 35, the battery cell assembly will be depressurized, and the overall size of the battery cell assembly will rebound slightly. The degree of compaction of the overall size of the battery cell assembly is estimated by the displacement measuring component and the pressure measuring component.

[0033] The implementation principle of the battery cell stacking and transfer device in this embodiment is as follows: After placing the battery cell on the carrier 141 with one corner of the cell positioned on one side of the right-angle positioning groove 142, the drive transmission component 12 moves the battery cell to the side of the adjustment block 152. The drive adjustment power component 151 moves the adjustment block 152, causing the right-angle adjustment groove 153 to press against one corner of the battery cell, thus making the other corner of the battery cell fit with the right-angle positioning groove 142 to complete the adjustment of the battery cell. The drive first drive component 4 moves the clamping component 41 to grab the battery cell and place it in the material loading area 23. The above actions are repeated to complete the horizontal stacking of multiple battery cells to form a battery cell group. While the battery cells are being horizontally stacked, the drive first drive component 4 moves... The movable clamping member 41 selectively clamps adjacent cells of the battery cell to be compacted within the fixed material loading area 23. The compaction mechanism 6 drives the independent compaction operation of each battery cell. After all the battery cells in the same material loading area 23 have been individually pressed, the compaction mechanism 6 presses and maintains the battery cell group as a whole. Then, the second driving member 31, the gripping component 33, and the adjusting component 34 grip the battery cell group and maintain the pressure. After that, the battery cell group is placed on the transfer table 35, the battery cell group is depressurized, and the driving verification power member 36 and the verification plate 37 work together to use the displacement measuring component and the pressure measuring component to infer the overall size and compaction degree of the battery cell group.

[0034] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape, and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell stacking and transfer device, characterized in that: The device includes a carrier (22), on which a material-carrying area (23) capable of holding multiple battery cells is formed. On both sides of the material-carrying area (23), the carrier (22) is provided with a limiting member (5) and a compaction mechanism (6). The compaction mechanism (6) is equipped with a pressure detection member and a distance detection member. On one side of the carrier (22), a first driving member (4) is also provided. The first driving member (4) is connected to a clamping member (41). The first driving member (4) can drive the clamping member (41) to move to clamp and fix any battery cell in the material-carrying area (23). It also includes a control module, wherein the pressure detection element and the distance detection element are both connected to the control module, and the control module controls the compaction mechanism (6) to work in response to the detection signals of the pressure detection element and the distance detection element.

2. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compaction mechanism (6) includes a reciprocating drive (61) installed on the bearing member (22), the reciprocating drive (61) is connected to a positioning drive (62), and the positioning drive (62) is provided with a pressing block (63).

3. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding device (1); the feeding device (1) includes a transmission component (12), the transmission component (12) is connected to a mounting base (13), the mounting base (13) is connected to a support component (14), and the feeding device (1) also includes an adjustment component (15).

4. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support assembly (14) includes a support seat (141) disposed on the mounting base (13), the support seat (141) including a right-angle positioning groove (142) at the end.

5. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjustment component (15) includes an adjustment power component (151), which is connected to an adjustment block (152), and the adjustment block (152) includes a right-angle adjustment groove (153).

6. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a feeding device (3); the feeding device (3) includes a second driving member (31), the second driving member (31) is connected to a mounting frame (32), and the mounting frame (32) is equipped with a gripping component (33) and an adjusting component (34).

7. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gripping assembly (33) includes a gripping power member (331) connected to the mounting bracket (32), and the gripping power member (331) is connected to two clamping brackets (332).

8. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The clamping frame (332) includes a clamping plate (3321) at the end, the clamping plate (3321) having anti-slip protrusions, and the clamping frame (332) also includes a limiting strip (3322) located on one side of the clamping plate (3321).

9. The battery cell stacking and transfer equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The feeding device (3) also includes a transfer platform (35), on which a transfer storage area (351) is formed. A calibration power unit (36) is also installed on the transfer platform (35). The calibration power unit (36) is connected to a calibration plate (37), on which a displacement measuring element and a pressure measuring element are installed.

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