A metal shell battery formation clamping positioning mechanism

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of battery formation, and particularly relates to a metal shell battery formation clamping positioning mechanism, which comprises a positioning frame, a lower pressing plate, a lower pressing driving part, an electricity connection probe, a switching contact and a backing plate. The positioning frame is provided with a positioning cavity penetrating through front and back, which is used for positioning the battery. The upper end of the positioning cavity is provided with a guide limiting structure on both sides, and the both ends of the lower pressing plate are slidably connected with the corresponding guide limiting structure. The electricity connection probe is arranged in the lower pressing plate, and the lower end of the electricity connection probe extends out of the bottom end of the lower pressing plate. The lower pressing driving part is connected with the lower pressing plate, and is used for keeping the lower pressing plate, so that the electricity connection probe is connected with the battery in the positioning cavity. The switching contact is arranged on one side of the positioning frame, and is electrically connected with the electricity connection probe. The backing plate is reversibly or translatably arranged on one side of the frame, and the inner side of the backing plate comprises a supporting part which can extend into the positioning cavity. The position of the battery can be ensured, and the pressure of the formation equipment is prevented from being applied to the side wall of the metal shell of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of battery formation technology, and particularly relates to a metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A battery cell refers to a product that can continue to be used after being discharged by recharging to activate the active materials. Battery cells are widely used in electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, and vehicles. Ensuring the safety of battery cells is one of the key research directions in battery technology development.

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned technical deficiencies, Chinese invention patent application CN119133731A discloses a battery cell, a metal casing, and an electrical device. The battery cell includes a casing assembly and a battery cell. The casing assembly includes a metal casing and a cover. The metal casing includes a bottom plate and side plates. The bottom plate and side plates enclose an open battery cell receiving cavity. The side plates include a folded edge structure. The folded edge structure includes two or more folds. The two or more folds are connected sequentially. A buffer space is formed between any two adjacent folds. One fold adjacent to the cover is connected to the cover. The cover closes the battery cell receiving cavity. The battery cell is disposed in the battery cell receiving cavity. When the battery cell is subjected to an impact force causing the battery cell to move relative to the casing assembly, when the battery cell impacts the metal casing, the area of ​​the folded edge structure on the side plate subjected to the impact force can first be deformed outward by the force, so that the folded edge structure unfolds. During the unfolding process of the folded edge structure, the impact force of the battery cell can be effectively absorbed, thereby effectively reducing the impact force that the connection area between the metal casing and the cover needs to bear. Therefore, the battery cell can effectively absorb the impact energy of the cell through the folded edge structure, reduce the load on the connection area between the metal casing and the cover, thereby reducing the possibility of separation between the metal casing and the cover and reducing the possibility of electrolyte leakage from the battery cell.

[0004] Furthermore, the welding process used to connect the metal casing and the cover makes the connection between them easier and more straightforward, while also ensuring a tight seal. Taking a steel casing as an example, a stainless steel billet is stamped using a punching machine and a stamping die to obtain the stainless steel casing. The stainless steel casing includes a base plate and side plates. The side plates have a folded edge. Then, using a bending machine and a bending die, the number of folds is increased on the stainless steel casing to form the metal casing. The fold angle and structure are controlled by the bending die. The battery cell is placed in the cell housing cavity of the metal casing, and then the metal casing and cover are welded together. After vacuum drying, electrolyte injection, settling, and formation processes, the battery cell is formed.

[0005] The aforementioned patent documents disclose that the production process of a single battery generally includes a first-half battery manufacturing process and a second-half formation and capacity grading process. The first-half process can be divided into positive electrode slurry pulling, negative electrode slurry pulling, positive electrode sheet preparation, negative electrode sheet preparation, steel shell assembly, electrolyte injection, testing, and packaging. In the second-half process, battery formation and capacity grading are crucial to ensuring that indicators such as cell consistency and yield meet requirements, and are important parts of cell activation testing. Because after the individual battery cells are manufactured, due to limitations in the battery manufacturing process, the consistency of parameters such as capacity, voltage, current, and internal resistance is not high. Therefore, formation and capacity grading are necessary to maintain the consistency of lithium battery cells.

[0006] The technical solution in the aforementioned patent literature involves inserting the battery cell into a metal casing, then sealing the battery cell inside the metal casing with a cover to complete the battery encapsulation before proceeding with liquid injection and formation. During the formation process, the battery requires pressurized formation, and the pressure must be adjusted in real time. Because the metal-cased battery casing is formed by stamping, the sidewalls of the casing have high strength. Furthermore, the bottom of the stamped casing has a rounded structure with high strength, making it resistant to deformation under pressure. Therefore, when the metal-cased battery is placed in the battery formation fixture to undergo pressure formation, it is difficult to apply pressure to the battery cell inside the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism, which solves the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to accurately apply pressure to the battery cell during the pressure formation process of metal-cased batteries due to the factors of the metal casing sidewall.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism, comprising a positioning frame, a lower pressure plate, a lower pressure drive, a contact probe, a rotating contact head, and a pad. The positioning frame has a positioning cavity extending through the front and rear, used for positioning the battery. Guide limiting structures are provided on both sides of the upper end of the positioning cavity. The two ends of the lower pressure plate are slidably connected to the corresponding guide limiting structures. The contact probe is located within the lower pressure plate, with its lower end extending beyond the bottom end of the lower pressure plate. The lower pressure drive connects to the lower pressure plate and holds it in place, allowing the contact probe to connect with the battery within the positioning cavity. The rotating contact head is located on one side of the positioning frame and electrically connected to the contact probe. The pad is rotatably or translatably located on one side of the frame, and its inner side includes a support portion that can extend into the positioning cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, connecting rods extend from both sides of the upper end of the pad; a support groove is provided on the upper side of one side of the positioning frame, the support groove being used to support and limit the connecting rods.

[0010] Furthermore, the support portion includes a rubber pad, the support groove includes a translation section, and the connecting rod can translate within the translation section.

[0011] Furthermore, the support groove is provided with positioning rods at both ends, and the connecting rod is provided with an annular groove for cooperating with the positioning rods.

[0012] Furthermore, the front and rear sides of the positioning frame have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged.

[0013] Furthermore, the width of the positioning cavity is greater than the width of the battery, and the lower ends of both sides of the positioning cavity are provided with inwardly extending limiting protrusions. The bottom end of the lower pressure plate is also provided with a limiting top rod, which is used to keep the battery in the positioning cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the positioning cavity is provided with elastic retaining members extending inward on both sides.

[0015] Furthermore, the elastic retaining member includes a slider, a compression spring, and a limiting pin; the side wall of the positioning frame is provided with a mounting slot, the mounting slot extends to the positioning cavity, the mounting slot has a stepped position, the slider is disposed in the mounting slot, and the slider has a limiting boss; the limiting pin is disposed in the mounting slot, and the compression spring abuts between the limiting pin and the limiting boss; the slider is also provided with a pin hole, and the positioning frame has an oblong hole to avoid the pin hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the positioning cavity extends to the top side of the positioning frame and forms two side frames; the guide limiting structure includes a guide groove provided in the side frame, the end of the lower pressure plate is provided with a connecting part extending into the guide groove, the lower pressure driving member includes a lower pressure spring provided in the guide groove; the lower pressure plate is also provided with an insertion hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the rotating contact head consists of two sets, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the positioning frame.

[0018] The above-mentioned technical solutions in the metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects: The battery to be formed is placed into the positioning cavity, with the edge of the battery cover overlapping and limiting the edge of the positioning cavity. Under the action of the downward driving component, the downward pressure plate holds the battery within the positioning cavity, and the connection probe connects to the battery's terminals. A pad is installed on one side of the positioning frame, with the inner support portion of the pad fitting against one side of the battery cover, thus avoiding contact with the sidewalls of the metal casing. During the formation process, the positioning frame containing the battery is placed into the formation equipment. When the formation equipment applies pressure to the battery, it does so by pushing the pad, and then the support portion of the pad applies the pressure to the cover, causing a slight deformation of the cover and transferring the pressure to the battery cell. This prevents the pressure from the formation equipment from being applied to the sidewalls of the battery's metal casing. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the other side of the metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the pad structure of a metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated 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 intended to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of 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, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In one embodiment of the metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism of the present invention, please refer to... Figures 1 to 4 The system includes a positioning frame 100, a lower pressure plate 200, a lower pressure drive 300, a power connection probe 400, a rotating contact head 500, and a pad 600. Specifically, the positioning frame 100 has a positioning cavity 101 that extends from front to back. The positioning cavity 101 is used to position the battery, and the edge of the battery cover can be limited to rest on the edge formed at the opening of the positioning cavity 101. The size of the positioning cavity 101 can be set according to the size of the battery to ensure that the center of the battery positioned in the positioning cavity 101 remains the same. In addition, the thickness of the positioning frame 100 can be set according to the thickness of the battery. Specifically, clearance steps can be provided on the front and rear sides of the positioning frame 100 so that the thickness of the part of the positioning frame 100 that holds the battery is less than the thickness of the battery. Guide limiting structures 700 are provided on both sides of the upper end of the positioning cavity 101, and the two ends of the lower pressure plate 200 are slidably connected to the corresponding guide limiting structures 700. In this embodiment, the guide limiting structure 700 can be a guide rail or other structure.

[0029] Preferably, refer to Figures 1 to 3The guide limiting mechanism 102 can also be a guide groove provided on both sides of the positioning frame 100. The guide groove has a bottom, and the end of the lower pressure plate 200 extends into a connecting part 210. The connecting part 210 extends into the guide groove, and the bottom of the guide groove can limit and support the connecting part 210. Specifically, the positioning cavity 101 extends through to the top side of the positioning frame 100 and forms two side frames 110, and the guide groove is provided on the side frames.

[0030] A contact probe 400 is disposed within the lower pressure plate 200, with its lower end extending beyond the bottom of the lower pressure plate 200. A pressing drive 300 is connected to the lower pressure plate 200, used to hold the lower pressure plate 200 and connect the contact probe 400 to the battery terminals within the positioning cavity 101. Specifically, when the battery is inserted into the positioning cavity 101, the driving force of the pressing drive 300 can be overcome first, causing the lower pressure plate 200 to move away from the positioning cavity 101, allowing the battery to be smoothly inserted into the positioning cavity 101. Then, the pressing drive 300 drives the lower pressure plate 200 to press down, enabling the contact probe 400 to detect the battery terminals. In this embodiment, the pressing drive 300 can be a compression spring, solenoid, or similar device installed in a guide groove.

[0031] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 To automate the insertion of batteries into the positioning cavity 101, a socket 201 is provided on the lower pressure plate 200. The battery can be inserted into the socket 201 using an opening mechanism on an automated production line. Overcoming the driving force of the lower pressure drive 300, the lower pressure plate 200 moves, preventing the contact probe 400 from interfering with the inserted battery. Therefore, a robotic arm on an automated system can grip and insert the battery into the positioning cavity 101. A transfer contact head 500 is located on one side of the positioning frame 100, specifically at the upper end of the frame 110. The transfer contact head 500 has a contact surface extending out of the positioning frame 100, which is used to contact the contact unit of the formation equipment; the transfer contact head 500 is electrically connected to the contact probe 400. More preferably, there can be two sets of transfer contact heads 500, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the positioning frame 100, allowing for contact from both sides. The transfer contact head 500 is a conventional electrical transfer structure in the art and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0032] A pad 600 is rotatably or slidably disposed on one side of the frame 100. The inner side of the pad 600 includes a support portion 610 that can extend into the positioning cavity 101. When the battery is inserted into the positioning cavity, the pad 600 is removed. After the battery is inserted into the positioning cavity 101, the pad 600 is installed on the positioning frame 100.

[0033] Preferably, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The pad 600 is installed on one side of the positioning frame 100 in a flip-up and detachable manner. Specifically, connecting rods 620 extend from both sides of the upper end of the pad 600. A support groove 102 is provided at the upper end of one side of the positioning frame 100. The support groove 102 is used to support and limit the connecting rods 620. When the connecting rods 620 are placed in the support groove 102, the pad can swing and cover one side of the positioning cavity 101. Specifically, in this embodiment, after the battery is installed into the positioning cavity 101, the connecting rods 620 of the pad 600 are installed into the support groove 102, so that the pad 600 can cover one side of the battery cover. When the metal-cased battery forming clamping and positioning mechanism containing the battery is installed into the forming fixture for forming, the forming equipment is electrically connected to the battery through the rotating contact head 500. The pressure forming power of the formation equipment is applied to the pad 600, and the support part 610 in the pad 600 then applies the pressure to the battery. This ensures that the battery receives balanced pressure while allowing for slight deformation of the battery cover, thus transferring the pressure to the battery cell. This prevents the pressure from the formation equipment from being applied to the sidewalls of the battery's metal casing, thereby ensuring precise control of the pressure experienced by the battery cell during formation.

[0034] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 A positioning rod 103 can be installed within the support groove 102. The connecting rod 620 has an annular groove 621. When the connecting rod 620 is positioned within the support groove 102, the annular groove 621 is positioned on the positioning rod 103. This maintains the position of the pad 600 in the width direction, ensuring that when the pad 600 presses against the battery cover, it avoids the side plates of the battery's metal casing, facilitating deformation of the battery cover and thus allowing pressure to be applied to the battery cells within the battery casing without being affected by the side plates of the metal casing.

[0035] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The support portion 610 includes a rubber pad, and the support groove 102 includes a translation section 104, through which the connecting rod 620 can translate. Specifically, in this embodiment, after the battery is inserted into the positioning cavity 101, the connecting rod 620 of the pad 600 is inserted into the support groove 102, so that the pad 600 can cover the side of the battery with the limiting edge. The pressure applied to the battery by the formation equipment acts directly on the pad 600, allowing the pad 600 to translate and apply pressure to the battery, thus further ensuring that the battery receives balanced pressure. In this embodiment, the pad 600 can be a stainless steel plate, which has a certain degree of elastic deformation, making it easier to apply pressure to the battery. In addition, the connecting rod 620 is bent and wrapped around the upper end of the pad 600 for fixed connection. 102 Furthermore, refer to Figure 1The positioning cavity 101 is wider than the battery. The lower ends of both sides of the positioning cavity 101 are provided with inwardly extending limiting protrusions 105. The bottom end of the lower pressure plate 200 is also provided with a limiting top rod 220, which is used to keep the battery within the positioning cavity 101. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the battery is positioned within the positioning cavity 101, the limiting protrusions 105 limit the sidewalls of the battery. The portion above the limiting protrusions 105 avoids the sidewalls of the battery. Therefore, when the battery is installed into the positioning cavity 101, it can be inserted from the portion above the limiting protrusions 105. Under the action of the battery's gravity, it is guided into the space formed by the two limiting protrusions 105, facilitating the installation of the battery into the positioning cavity 101. Furthermore, after the battery is installed into the positioning cavity 101, the limiting top rod 220 of the lower pressure plate 200 limits the top plate of the battery.

[0036] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 The positioning cavity 101 is further provided with inwardly extending elastic retaining members 120 on both sides. The elastic retaining members 120 can further hold the battery in the positioning cavity 101, avoiding the problem of the battery falling out of the positioning cavity 101 during the transportation of the metal-cased battery clamping and positioning mechanism.

[0037] Specifically, the elastic retainer 120 includes a slider 121, a compression spring 122, and a limiting pin 123. Please refer to [reference needed] for details. Figure 4 The positioning frame 100 has a mounting slot 106 on its side wall, which extends into the positioning cavity 101. A step 107 is provided within the mounting slot 106. A slider 121 is located within the mounting slot 105 and has a limiting boss 124. A limiting pin 123 is located within the mounting slot 105, and a compression spring 122 abuts against the limiting pin 123 and the limiting boss 124. The slider 121 also has a pin hole 125, and the positioning frame 100 has an oblong hole to avoid the pin hole 125. In this embodiment, when the battery is inserted into the positioning cavity 101, a pin can be inserted into the pin hole 125 and the slider 121 can be moved to push the slider 121 out of the positioning cavity 101, which makes it convenient to insert the battery. After the battery is inserted, the slider 121 can be pushed back to its original position by the reset action of the compression spring 122, and the slider 121 can be held on the side wall of the battery.

[0038] Furthermore, the front and back sides of the positioning frame 300 have the same symmetrical structure, and the left and right sides also have the same symmetrical structure, with electrical contacts 500 on both sides. Therefore, the battery positioning clamp 300 can be used in either direction.

[0039] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism, characterized in that: The device includes a positioning frame, a lower pressure plate, a lower pressure drive, a power-connecting probe, a rotating contact head, and a pad. The positioning frame has a positioning cavity that extends through the front and rear, used for positioning the battery. Guide and limiting structures are provided on both sides of the upper end of the positioning cavity. The two ends of the lower pressure plate are slidably connected to the corresponding guide and limiting structures. The power-connecting probe is located inside the lower pressure plate, with its lower end extending beyond the bottom end of the lower pressure plate. The lower pressure drive is connected to the lower pressure plate to hold it in place, allowing the power-connecting probe to connect with the battery inside the positioning cavity. The rotating contact head is located on one side of the positioning frame and is electrically connected to the power-connecting probe. The pad is rotatably or laterally openable and is located on one side of the frame. The inner side of the pad includes a support portion that can extend into the positioning cavity.

2. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: Connecting rods extend from both sides of the upper end of the pad; a support groove is provided on the upper side of one side of the positioning frame, and the support groove is used to support and limit the connecting rods.

3. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support portion includes a rubber pad, the support groove includes a translation section, and the connecting rod can translate within the translation section.

4. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support groove has positioning rods at both ends, and the connecting rod has an annular groove for cooperating with the positioning rods.

5. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The front and rear sides of the positioning frame have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged.

6. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The width of the positioning cavity is greater than the width of the battery. The lower ends of both sides of the positioning cavity are provided with inwardly extending limiting protrusions. The bottom end of the lower pressure plate is also provided with a limiting top rod. The limiting top rod is used to keep the battery in the positioning cavity.

7. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The positioning cavity is also provided with elastic retaining members extending inward on both sides.

8. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic retaining element includes a slider, a compression spring, and a limiting pin; the side wall of the positioning frame is provided with a mounting slot, the mounting slot extends to the positioning cavity, the mounting slot has a stepped position, the slider is disposed in the mounting slot, and the slider has a limiting boss; the limiting pin is disposed in the mounting slot, and the compression spring abuts between the limiting pin and the limiting boss; the slider is also provided with a pin hole, and the positioning frame has an oblong hole to avoid the pin hole.

9. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The positioning cavity extends to the top side of the positioning frame and forms two side frames; the guide limiting structure includes a guide groove provided in the side frame, the end of the lower pressure plate is provided with a connecting part extending into the guide groove, the lower pressure driving member includes a lower pressure spring provided in the guide groove; the lower pressure plate is also provided with an insertion hole.

10. The metal-cased battery formation clamping and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating contact head consists of two sets, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the positioning frame.

Images