Battery cell group and hoisting equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of battery manufacturing, and particularly relates to a battery cell group and hoisting equipment. In order to enable the battery cell group to fall at a preset position, the utility model discloses the battery cell group, the battery cell group comprises two end plates and a battery cell clamped between the two end plates, an end plate guide structure extending along the up-down direction is arranged on the plate surface of each end plate deviating from the battery cell, and the end plate guide structure is used for being matched with a clamping guide structure in a guiding and moving manner along the up-down direction. And the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate. The utility model further discloses hoisting equipment used together with the battery cell group, the hoisting equipment comprises a clamping mechanism used for clamping the battery cell group and a pushing mechanism used for downwards pushing the battery cell group clamped by the clamping mechanism, and the clamping mechanism comprises a clamping guide structure; the clamping guide structure is used for being in guide moving fit with the end plate guide structure in the vertical direction. And the end plate guide structure is in guide fit with the clamping guide structure, so that the battery cell group is ensured to fall at a preset position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of battery manufacturing, and in particular relates to a battery cell assembly and hoisting equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional battery packs mainly consist of a three-tiered structure: cell, module, and pack. To reduce costs, new battery packs now use CTP (Cell To Pack) technology, also known as module-free technology.

[0003] For example, Chinese utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN215496972U and authorization announcement date of January 11, 2022 discloses a CTP battery. The CTP battery includes a row of cells and end plates located on both sides of the row of cells. The end plates are fixed to the cells by cable ties. At this time, the end plate has a groove extending left and right on the plate surface away from the cells. Part of the cable tie is located in the groove to limit the vertical position of the cable tie through the groove.

[0004] In existing technologies, the cells and end plates can also be bonded together with glue to form a cell pack (equivalent to the CTP battery mentioned above). In this case, the end plate surface is flat.

[0005] When hoisting the CTP battery into the battery box, hoisting equipment is required. The hoisting equipment includes clamps for holding the CTP battery. After hoisting the clamps and the CTP battery into the battery box at the same time, the clamps are opened to separate from the CTP battery. Then, the clamps are removed from the battery box.

[0006] The following content is intended only to facilitate understanding of this solution by those skilled in the art and does not represent prior art:

[0007] When using the above-mentioned hoisting equipment, since the clamps need to open inside the battery box, space needs to be reserved inside the battery box for the clamps to open, resulting in a larger battery box volume and thus a lower volumetric energy density of the battery pack (including the battery box and CTP battery).

[0008] To solve the above problems, the new hoisting equipment includes a hoisting and installation base, on which are provided a hoisting structure for cooperating with the hoisting tool, a clamping mechanism for clamping the battery cell assembly, and a pushing mechanism for pressing down on the battery cell assembly clamped by the clamping mechanism. The pushing mechanism includes a direct drive mechanism whose output end moves in the vertical direction, and a pushing surface on the output end that extends into the clamping space of the clamping mechanism and is used to push the battery cell assembly.

[0009] When using the aforementioned new hoisting equipment to hoist the battery cell assembly, the clamping mechanism does not open during the process of the battery cell assembly entering the battery box, and the pushing mechanism pushes the battery cell assembly into the battery box, thereby reducing the volume of the battery box and increasing the volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

[0010] However, during the process of pushing the battery cell assembly into the battery box using the aforementioned hoisting equipment, the contact area between the battery cell assembly and the clamping mechanism gradually decreases. When the contact area between the battery cell assembly and the clamping mechanism is small, the battery cell assembly is prone to swaying during its downward movement, causing it to fail to land in the intended position. This results in a change in the distance between the battery cell assembly and the side wall of the battery box, which is not conducive to the subsequent installation of other structures into the battery box. Utility Model Content

[0011] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a battery cell assembly that can be used in conjunction with hoisting equipment to solve the technical problem that the battery cell assembly cannot be placed in a predetermined position.

[0012] The purpose of this utility model is also to provide a hoisting device to cooperate with the battery cell assembly and solve the technical problem that the battery cell assembly cannot be placed in the predetermined position.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the battery cell assembly provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0014] A battery cell assembly includes two end plates and a battery cell sandwiched between the two end plates. The end plates have an end plate guide structure extending in the vertical direction on the plate surface opposite to the battery cell. The end plate guide structure is used to guide and cooperate with a clamping guide structure in the clamping mechanism of the hoisting equipment in the vertical direction, and the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the end plate guide structure includes an end plate guide groove disposed on the end plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the end plate guide structure includes end plate guide protrusions disposed on the end plate.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model of battery cell assembly are as follows: This utility model is an improved invention. An end plate guide structure is provided on the end plate. During the process of pushing the battery cell assembly into the battery box using hoisting equipment, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure guide and cooperate in the vertical direction. Since the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure continue to guide and cooperate during the final period of the downward movement of the battery cell assembly, thereby ensuring that the battery cell assembly lands in the predetermined position.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the hoisting equipment provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0019] A hoisting device includes a hoisting installation base. The hoisting installation base is provided with a hoisting structure for cooperating with a hoisting tool, a clamping mechanism for clamping a battery cell assembly, and a pushing mechanism for pressing down on the battery cell assembly clamped by the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping guide structure for cooperating with an end plate guide structure extending to the upper end of the end plate on the end plate of the battery cell assembly in a vertical direction. The pushing mechanism includes a linear drive mechanism whose output end moves in a vertical direction, and the output end is provided with a pushing surface that extends into the clamping space of the clamping mechanism and is used to push the battery cell assembly.

[0020] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes two clamping plates for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells. At least one clamping plate is equipped with a direct drive mechanism for driving the clamping plate closer to or away from the battery cell group. The two clamping plates are respectively used to clamp the two end plates of the battery cell group, and each clamping plate is provided with a clamping guide structure.

[0021] Furthermore, each clamping plate is provided with a guide plate at its lower end for insertion into the battery box. The guide plate is used to guide and move in the vertical direction with the end plate guide groove on the end plate, and the guide plate constitutes the clamping and guiding structure.

[0022] Furthermore, each clamping plate has a clamping guide protrusion on its opposite side. The clamping guide protrusion is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide groove on the end plate in the vertical direction. The clamping guide protrusion constitutes the clamping guide structure.

[0023] Furthermore, each clamping plate has a clamping guide groove on its opposite side, which extends to the lower end of the clamping plate. The clamping guide groove is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide protrusion on the end plate in the vertical direction. The clamping guide groove constitutes the clamping guide structure.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this hoisting equipment are as follows: This invention is a pioneering creation. During the hoisting of the battery cell assembly into the battery box, a pushing mechanism pushes the battery cell assembly, held by the clamping mechanism, into the battery box. During the movement of the battery cell assembly, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure move and cooperate in the vertical direction. Simultaneously, because the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure remain in coordination during the final period of the battery cell assembly's downward movement, thus ensuring that the battery cell assembly lands in the predetermined position. Throughout the entire process of the battery cell assembly entering the box, the clamping mechanism does not need to open, which reduces the volume of the battery box and increases the volumetric energy density of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell assembly in this utility model when it is located inside the battery box;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure in front of the cell assembly box;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the hoisting equipment, shaping equipment, and lifting gear used in conjunction with this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the shaping equipment when the battery cell assembly is not clamped;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure after the shaping equipment clamps the battery cell assembly;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram from one perspective when hoisting equipment is transferring battery cell packs;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Another structural diagram of the hoisting equipment during the transfer of battery cell packs;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the hoisting equipment pushing the battery cell pack into the battery box.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 1. Battery box; 2. Cell assembly; 21. Cell; 22. End plate; 221. End plate guide groove; 222. Non-guide groove section; 3. Shaping equipment; 31. Support platform; 32. First clamping plate; 321. First moving seat; 33. Second clamping plate; 331. Second moving seat; 332. Slot; 333. Protrusion; 34. First fixed seat; 35. First lead screw; 36. Second fixed seat; 37. Second lead screw; 4. Lifting equipment; 41. Pushing mechanism; 42. Balancing component; 43. Loaded lifting ring; 44. Unloaded lifting ring; 45. Lifting mounting frame; 46. Third clamping mechanism; 461. Third clamping plate; 47. Fourth clamping mechanism; 471. Fourth clamping plate; 48. Clearance groove; 49. Guide plate; 5. Lifting tool; 6. Limiting rod; 61. Stop component; 7. Support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To address the problems in the background technology, the core inventive concept of this utility model is as follows: by setting an end plate guide structure extending to the upper end of the end plate on the end plate, and setting a clamping guide structure in the clamping mechanism that cooperates with the end plate guide structure to guide and move in the vertical direction, the battery cell assembly is guaranteed not to swing during the process of entering the box, and the battery cell assembly is guaranteed to fall into the predetermined position.

[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0037] Specific embodiments of the battery cell assembly provided by this utility model:

[0038] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the battery cell assembly 2 includes two end plates 22 and a battery cell 21 sandwiched between the two end plates 22. The end plate 22 has an end plate guide structure extending in the vertical direction on the plate surface opposite to the battery cell 21. The end plate guide structure is used to guide and cooperate with the clamping guide structure in the clamping mechanism of the hoisting equipment 4 in the vertical direction, and the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate 22.

[0039] In one specific embodiment, the end plate guide structure includes an end plate guide groove 221 disposed on the end plate 22. In this case, the corresponding clamping guide structure is a clamping guide protrusion, which is simple in structure.

[0040] In another specific embodiment, the end plate guide structure includes an end plate guide protrusion disposed on the end plate 22. In this case, the corresponding clamping guide structure is a clamping guide groove, which is simple in structure.

[0041] In another specific embodiment, the end plate guide structure includes both an end plate guide groove 221 and an end plate guide protrusion disposed on the end plate 22. In this case, the corresponding clamping guide structure includes both a clamping guide protrusion and a clamping guide groove, resulting in a better guiding effect.

[0042] In this utility model, the specific structure of the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure is not limited, as long as the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure can guide and move in the vertical direction after the clamping mechanism clamps the end plate 22.

[0043] An end plate guide structure is provided on the end plate 22. During the process of pushing the battery cell assembly 2 into the battery box 1 using the hoisting equipment 4, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure move and cooperate in the vertical direction. Since the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate 22, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure still cooperate in the final time period of the downward movement of the battery cell assembly 2, thereby ensuring that the battery cell assembly 2 falls into the predetermined position.

[0044] Specific embodiments of the hoisting equipment provided by this utility model:

[0045] The hoisting equipment in this specific embodiment is specifically used for the battery cell assembly in the specific embodiment of the battery cell assembly of this utility model.

[0046] In reference Figures 1-2 On the basis of, such as Figures 3-8As shown, the hoisting equipment 4 includes a hoisting installation base, on which are provided a hoisting structure for cooperating with the hoisting device 5, a clamping mechanism for clamping the battery cell assembly 2, and a pushing mechanism 41 for pressing down on the battery cell assembly 2 clamped by the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping guide structure, which is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide structure extending to the upper end of the end plate 22 of the battery cell assembly 2 in the vertical direction. The pushing mechanism 41 includes a linear drive mechanism whose output end moves in the vertical direction, and a pushing surface that extends into the clamping space of the clamping mechanism and is used to push the battery cell assembly 2.

[0047] The direct drive mechanism can be a linear motor, hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, screw jack, or other mechanism. The output end directly pushes against the battery cell assembly 2, and the pushing surface is the end face of the output end. Alternatively, a push plate is fixedly connected to the output end, and the push plate pushes against the battery cell assembly 2, with the pushing surface being the lower plate surface of the push plate.

[0048] During the process of hoisting the battery cell assembly 2 into the battery box 1, the pushing mechanism 41 pushes the battery cell assembly 2, which is held by the clamping mechanism, into the battery box 1. During the movement of the battery cell assembly 2, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure move and cooperate in the vertical direction. Simultaneously, since the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate 22, the end plate guide structure and the clamping guide structure remain in coordination during the final period of the downward movement of the battery cell assembly 2, thereby ensuring that the battery cell assembly 2 lands in the predetermined position. Throughout the entire process of inserting the battery cell assembly 2 into the box, the clamping mechanism does not need to open, which reduces the volume of the battery box 1 and increases the volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

[0049] Preferably, in one specific embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes two fourth clamping plates 471 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21. At least one fourth clamping plate 471 is equipped with a direct drive mechanism for driving the fourth clamping plate 471 to move closer to or away from the battery cell group 2. The two fourth clamping plates 471 are respectively used to clamp the two end plates 22 of the battery cell group 2. Each fourth clamping plate 471 is provided with a clamping guide structure, which is simple in structure.

[0050] In other specific embodiments, the clamping mechanism includes multiple clamping plates for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21. Each clamping plate is used to clamp the end plate guide structure, and each clamping plate is guided and moved in a vertical direction with the end plate guide structure, thus forming a clamping guide structure. For ease of understanding by those skilled in the art, the end plate guide structure is described as a guide groove. When each end plate 22 has three end plate guide grooves 221, the number of clamping plates is six. Each clamping plate is used to clamp the bottom wall of the end plate guide groove 221, and each clamping plate is guided and moved in a vertical direction with the end plate guide groove 221. In this case, each clamping plate needs to be equipped with a direct-drive mechanism.

[0051] With the clamping structure including the fourth clamping plate 471, this utility model proposes several different clamping guide structures.

[0052] In the first specific embodiment, each of the fourth clamping plates 471 is provided with a guide plate 49 for insertion into the battery box 1. The guide plate 49 is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide groove 221 on the end plate 22 in the vertical direction. The guide plate 49 constitutes the clamping guide structure. At this time, the hoisting equipment 4 can hoist the battery cell group 2 clamped by the shaping equipment 3.

[0053] Based on the first type of specific implementation, preferably, in one specific implementation, if the arrangement direction of the two end plates 22 in the cell pack 2 is defined as the front-back direction, the thickness of the guide plate 49 in the front-back direction is less than the thickness of the fourth clamping plate 471 in the front-back direction. The fourth clamping plate 471 is thicker and has higher structural strength, which can ensure that the fourth clamping plate 471 will not break during the transfer of the cell pack 2, thus ensuring safety. The guide plate 49 extending into the battery box 1 is thinner, which can further reduce the volume of the battery box 1 and increase the volumetric energy density of the battery pack.

[0054] Of course, in other specific embodiments, the thickness of the guide plate 49 may also be the same as the thickness of the fourth clamping plate 471.

[0055] In the second specific embodiment, each fourth clamping plate 471 is provided with a clamping guide protrusion on the plate surface opposite to another fourth clamping plate 471. The clamping guide protrusion is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide groove 221 on the end plate 22 in the vertical direction. The clamping guide protrusion constitutes the clamping guide structure, which is simple in structure.

[0056] In the third specific embodiment, each fourth clamping plate 471 is provided with a clamping guide groove on the plate surface opposite to another fourth clamping plate 471. The clamping guide groove extends to the lower end of the fourth clamping plate 471. The clamping guide groove is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide protrusion on the end plate 22 in the vertical direction. The clamping guide groove constitutes the clamping guide structure, which is simple in structure.

[0057] In the second and third types of specific embodiments, the lifting equipment 4 is used to lift the battery cell assembly 2 that is not held by the shaping equipment 3. Specifically, when shaping the battery cell assembly 2 using the shaping equipment 3, glue is used to fix the battery cell assembly 2, then the shaping equipment 3 releases the battery cell assembly 2, and finally, the lifting equipment 4 lifts the battery cell assembly 2.

[0058] To facilitate understanding of the specific scheme of the hoisting equipment 4 by those skilled in the art, based on the first type of specific implementation method described above (i.e., the hoisting equipment 4 is used to clamp the battery cell assembly 2 clamped by the shaping equipment 3), the following is combined with Figures 3-8 The entire shaping and packing process of cell pack 2 is described.

[0059] like Figures 3-8 As shown, the battery pack manufacturing system includes a shaping device 3 and a lifting device 4 for cooperating with a lifting device 5 to lift the shaped battery cell assembly 2. The shaping device 3 and the lifting device 4 are compatible.

[0060] In the actual manufacturing process of the battery pack, it is necessary to determine whether to shape only the length direction of the cell group 2, only the width direction of the cell group 2, or both the length and width directions of the cell group 2 are shaped according to the actual working conditions.

[0061] Reference Figures 1-3 As shown in Figures 6-8, taking the use of hoisting equipment 4 in a battery pack manufacturing system, where the length and width of the cell group 2 both need to be shaped, as an example, the hoisting equipment 4 will be introduced.

[0062] The hoisting and installation base is provided with a third clamping mechanism 46 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21 and a fourth clamping mechanism 47 for simultaneously clamping each column of battery cells 21, and the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 are used to clamp the battery cell group 2 that is still being clamped by the shaping equipment 3.

[0063] In the hoisting equipment 4, force sensors can also be set to monitor the clamping force of the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 on the battery cell group 2 respectively. The clamping force is used to determine whether each clamping mechanism clamps the battery cell group 2. Of course, the clamping force of each clamping mechanism can also be directly controlled to ensure that the maximum static friction force corresponding to the clamping force applied by each clamping structure is much greater than the weight of the battery cell group 2, so that there is no need to set up corresponding force sensors.

[0064] In one specific implementation, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, the hoisting installation base is a hoisting installation frame 45. However, in other specific embodiments, the hoisting installation base can also be a hoisting installation plate. Compared with the hoisting installation plate, the hoisting installation frame 45 is lighter and can reduce the total weight of the hoisting equipment 4, thereby facilitating the hoisting of the hoisting equipment 4.

[0065] like Figures 6-8As shown, the fourth clamping mechanism 47 includes two fourth clamping plates 471 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21, and the two fourth clamping plates 471 are respectively used to clamp the end plates 22 at both ends of each row of battery cells 21. One of the fourth clamping plates 471 is equipped with a fourth direct drive mechanism for driving the corresponding fourth clamping plate 471 closer to or away from the battery cell group 2. Meanwhile, the third clamping mechanism 46 includes two third clamping plates 461 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21, and one of the third clamping plates 461 is equipped with a third direct drive mechanism for driving the corresponding third clamping plate 461 closer to or away from the battery cell group 2. The structure is simple and can be applied to battery cell groups 2 of various lengths and widths. The lowermost end of the third clamping plate 461 is higher than the lowermost end of the fourth clamping plate 471 to increase the height of the portion of the third clamping plate 461 that clamps the battery cell group 2, thereby better clamping the battery cell group 2.

[0066] Both the third and fourth direct-drive mechanisms include a fixed seat mounted on the hoisting mounting base, a lead screw threaded to the fixed seat, and a movable seat that guides and moves along the extension direction of the lead screw to the hoisting mounting base. A third clamping plate 461 and a fourth clamping plate 471 are mounted on the corresponding movable seats. A rotary power source is fixedly mounted on each movable seat. The output end of the rotary power source is connected to the lead screw drive. Another third clamping plate 461 and another fourth clamping plate 471 are fixedly mounted on the hoisting mounting frame 45. By controlling the rotation of the lead screw, the third clamping plate 461 and the fourth clamping plate 471 can be controlled to clamp the battery cell assembly 2.

[0067] The jacking mechanism 41 includes a fixed seat mounted on the hoisting installation base and a lead screw extending in the vertical direction. A push plate is provided below the fixed seat, and a rotary power source is mounted on the upper surface of the push plate. The output end of the rotary power source is connected to the lead screw drive to drive the push plate to move up and down by rotating the lead screw.

[0068] Of course, in other specific implementations, refer to Figures 6-8As shown, both third clamping plates 461 can be equipped with a third direct drive mechanism; or both fourth clamping plates 471 can be equipped with a fourth direct drive mechanism; or at least one direct drive mechanism is a direct drive mechanism such as an electric push rod, cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric cylinder, with the corresponding clamping plate installed at the output end of the direct drive mechanism; or the pushing mechanism 41 includes a push plate and a direct power source, with the output end of the direct power source being drivenly connected to the push plate to make the push plate move up and down, and the direct power source can be a direct power source such as an electric push rod, cylinder, or electric cylinder; or one third clamping plate 461 is equipped with a rotary power source, with the output end of the rotary power source being drivenly connected to the corresponding third clamping plate 461 to drive the third clamping plate 461 to rotate around its end excluding the lower end. When clamping the battery cell assembly 2, the end of the third clamping plate 461 away from the rotation axis is first rotated outward, and the lifting device 4 is moved downward so that the battery cell assembly 2 is located between the two third clamping plates 461. Then, the corresponding third clamping plates 461 are driven to rotate until the two third clamping plates 461 are parallel to each other. At this time, the distance between the two third clamping plates 461 is constant, so that the battery cell assembly 2 with a set width can be clamped. At this time, the lifting device 4 can only be used for battery cell assemblies 2 with a specific width specification. Similarly, each third clamping plate 461 can also be equipped with a rotation power source, or one or both fourth clamping plates 471 can be equipped with a rotation power source. The rotation power source can be a rotary motor, a rotary cylinder, a rotary hydraulic cylinder, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The following section describes the shaping equipment 3 in conjunction with the hoisting equipment 4.

[0070] like Figures 3-8 As shown, the shaping device 3 includes a support platform 31 for supporting the battery cell assembly 2, a first clamping mechanism for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21, and a second clamping mechanism for simultaneously clamping each column of battery cells 21. The hoisting device 4 includes a third clamping mechanism 46 and a fourth clamping mechanism 47. Each clamping mechanism (including four different clamping mechanisms) is used to clamp different areas on the outer circumference of the battery cell assembly 2, and the clamping mechanisms do not interfere with each other in the vertical direction. The clamping force of the shaping device 3 on the battery cell assembly 2 can be detected by a force sensor to ensure that the battery cell assembly 2 is shaped into the specified size; or, the first and second clamping mechanisms of the shaping device 3 can be directly moved to a set position to directly shape the battery cell assembly 2 into the specified size.

[0071] To simplify the structure, the first clamping mechanism includes two first clamping plates 32 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21. At least one first clamping plate 32 is equipped with a first direct drive mechanism for driving the corresponding first clamping plate 32 closer to or further away from the battery cell group 2. The structure of the third clamping mechanism 46 will not be described in detail here. The distance between the two first clamping plates 32 is equal to the distance between the two third clamping plates 461. The first clamping plates 32 and the third clamping plates 461 are used to clamp the upper half and the lower half of the battery cell group 2, respectively. The structure is simple.

[0072] The second clamping mechanism includes two second clamping plates 33 for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells 21. The two second clamping plates 33 are respectively used to clamp the end plates 22 at both ends of each row of battery cells 21. One of the second clamping plates 33 is equipped with a second direct-acting drive mechanism for driving the corresponding second clamping plate 33 closer to or further away from the battery cell group 2. The specific structure of the fourth clamping mechanism 47 is not described in detail here. When all clamping plates jointly clamp the battery cell group 2, the distance between the two fourth clamping plates 471 is less than the distance between the two second clamping plates 33. The portion of the end plate 22 excluding the end plate guide groove 221 is defined as the non-guide groove portion 222, and the second clamping plates 33 are used to clamp the non-guide groove portion 222 of the end plate 22.

[0073] like Figures 3-8 As shown, the first direct-drive mechanism includes a first fixed seat 34 fixed on the support platform 31, a first lead screw 35 threadedly engaged with the first fixed seat 34, and a first movable seat 321 guided and mounted on the support platform 31. By rotating the first lead screw 35, a first clamping plate 32 mounted on the first movable seat 321 can be driven to move. The support platform 31 is also provided with a first fixed seat 34, and another first clamping plate 32 is mounted on the first fixed seat 34. Of course, in other specific embodiments, both first clamping plates 32 can also be equipped with direct-drive mechanisms. The specific structure of the direct-drive mechanism can refer to the direct-drive mechanism in the specific embodiment of the hoisting equipment 4 of this utility model, and will not be described again here.

[0074] like Figures 3-8 As shown, the second direct-drive mechanism includes a second fixed seat 36 fixed on the support platform 31, a second lead screw 37 threadedly engaged with the second fixed seat 36, and a second movable seat 331 guided and mounted on the support platform 31. By rotating the second lead screw 37, a second clamping plate 33 mounted on the second movable seat 331 can be driven to move. The support platform 31 is also provided with a second fixed seat 36, and another second clamping plate 33 is mounted on the second fixed seat 36. Of course, in other specific embodiments, both second clamping plates 33 may be equipped with direct-drive mechanisms, which will not be described in detail here.

[0075] The first and second clamping mechanisms are used to perform row and column shaping of the battery cell group 2. After the shaping is completed, the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 can be used to clamp the battery cell group 2 which is still clamped by the shaping equipment to prevent the battery cell group 2 from springing back (when the battery cells in the battery cell group 2 are glued together with double-sided adhesive, the amount of springback of the battery cell group 2 is relatively large). After that, the shaping equipment 3 can release the battery cell group 2.

[0076] During lifting, the lifting device 5 is connected to the structure being lifted, and the lifting equipment 4 and the battery cell assembly 2 are lifted simultaneously through the lifting device 5. At this time, the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 clamp the battery cell assembly 2, and the friction between the corresponding clamping mechanism and the battery cell assembly 2 is used to ensure that the battery cell assembly 2 will not detach from the lifting equipment 4 under the action of gravity. When the lifting equipment 4 moves directly above the battery box 1, the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 maintain the state of clamping the battery cell assembly 2, and the pushing mechanism 41 pushes the battery cell assembly 2 downward to overcome the friction of the battery cell assembly 2 and push the battery cell assembly 2 into the battery box 1.

[0077] In summary, the shaping equipment 3 in this technical solution can perform aligning and row-aligning shaping of the cell pack 2, and the hoisting equipment 4 can clamp each row and column of the shaped cell pack 2 to prevent the cell pack 2 from springing back, thus adapting to the manufacturing of the battery pack. At the same time, the pushing mechanism 41 in this technical solution can push the cell pack 2 into the battery box while the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 are still clamping the cell pack 2, without reserving the space required for the third clamping mechanism 46 and the fourth clamping mechanism 47 to open in the box. Therefore, under the premise that the volume of the cell pack 2 remains unchanged, when manufacturing the battery pack using the battery pack manufacturing system in this technical solution, the volume of the battery box 1 can be reduced and the volumetric energy density of the battery pack can be increased.

[0078] When a guide plate 49 is provided at the lower end of the fourth clamping plate 471, the guide plate 49 is used to insert into the battery box 1 and move in a guiding manner with the inner wall of the battery box 1. Preferably, when clamping the end plate 22, the two guide plates 49 are used to embed into the end plate guide groove 221 on the end plate 22, so that when all clamping plates clamp the cell assembly 2 together, the distance between the planes where the back surfaces of the guide plates 49 on the two fourth clamping plates 471 are located is equal to the distance between the two second clamping plates 33, that is, the thickness of the guide plate 49 is equal to the groove depth of the end plate guide groove 221, and the guide plate 49 is completely embedded in the end plate guide groove 221 of the end plate 22.

[0079] When the length of the battery cell assembly 2 is determined, the dimensions of the battery box 1 in the length direction depend on the following conditions: (1) a reserved gap needs to be reserved between the end plate 22 and the inner wall of the battery box 1; (2) a reserved gap needs to be reserved between the guide plate 49 and the inner wall of the battery box 1, which is at least the same as the reserved gap in condition (1).

[0080] Under the premise that the guide plate 49 is fully embedded in the end plate guide groove 221 of the end plate 22, when condition (1) is satisfied, condition (2) is automatically satisfied. Therefore, the length of the battery box 1 is the shortest, that is, the volume of the battery box 1 is the smallest, and the volumetric energy density of the battery pack is the largest. At the same time, the thickness of the guide plate 49 is the thickest, which can effectively increase the structural strength of the guide plate 49.

[0081] At this time, each of the second clamping plates 33 and the other second clamping plate 33 has a slot 332 on the plate surface opposite to it for the guide plate 49 to be inserted. In the arrangement direction of the two second clamping plates 33, the thickness of the slot 332 is greater than the thickness of the guide plate 49.

[0082] When lifting the battery cell assembly 2, first insert the guide plate 49 into the slot 332 (at this time, the fourth clamping plate 471 has not yet clamped the battery cell assembly 2), then clamp the battery cell assembly 2 with the fourth clamping plate 471 (at this time, the guide plate 49 leaves the slot 332 and moves into the end plate guide groove 221 of the end plate 22), and finally release the battery cell assembly 2 with the shaping device 3. During the process of inserting the guide plate 49 into the slot 332, the lifting device 4 descends slowly. The slot 332 and the guide plate 49 can guide the lifting device 4, making it easier for the lifting device 4 to move downwards in the vertical direction, avoiding collision between the lifting device 4 and the battery cell assembly 2, and facilitating the lifting of the battery cell assembly 2.

[0083] However, in other specific implementations, refer to Figures 1-8 As shown, slot 332 can also be omitted, and the depth of end plate guide groove 221 on end plate 22 is greater than the thickness of guide plate 49. During hoisting, guide plate 49 can be directly inserted into end plate guide groove 221; or, the total depth of slot 332 and end plate guide groove 221 is greater than the thickness of guide plate 49.

[0084] To better perform column reshaping, as a specific implementation method, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, each of the second clamping plates 33 has a protrusion 333 at its upper end for clamping the corresponding end plate 22 and protruding upwards. Each of the fourth clamping plates 471 has a corresponding clearance groove 48. The protrusion 333 can be used to squeeze the upper half of the battery cell assembly 2, thereby better shaping the battery cell assembly 2. However, in other specific embodiments, the protrusion 333 may not be provided. In this case, the second clamping plate 33 can only clamp the lower half of the battery cell assembly 2, and the shaping effect is poor, but shaping can still be performed.

[0085] Reference Figure 8As shown, a limit rod 6 is hinged to the trolley used to place the battery box 1. Before the pushing mechanism 41 pushes the battery cell assembly 2 downward, the limit rod 6 cooperates with the stop of the hoisting assembly to prevent the hoisting assembly from swinging horizontally. When the pushing mechanism 41 pushes the battery cell assembly 2 downward, the battery box 1 and the fourth clamping plate 471 cooperate with the stop in the vertical direction (equivalent to the battery box 1 supporting the fourth clamping plate 471) to prevent the hoisting equipment 4 from shaking. At the same time, a support plate 7 is also provided between the third clamping plate 461 and the battery box 1 so that the battery box 1 indirectly cooperates with the third clamping plate 461 in the vertical direction through the support plate 7 (equivalent to the battery box 1 indirectly supporting the third clamping plate 461), thereby increasing the area supported by the hoisting assembly, reducing the pressure on the fourth clamping plate 471, and preventing the fourth clamping plate 471 from deforming.

[0086] During the battery pack manufacturing process, workers apply adhesive to the bottom of the battery box. The pushing mechanism 41 pushes the cell assembly 2 downwards to make the cell assembly 2 come into contact with the adhesive. However, when the pressure between the cell assembly 2 and the adhesive rises to a certain level, even if the output end of the direct drive mechanism continues to extend, the output end can no longer move downwards. Instead, the hoisting and installation base will move upwards, resulting in a smaller pressure applied by the cell assembly 2 to the adhesive, which is not conducive to the full mixing of the cell assembly 2 and the adhesive.

[0087] To overcome the above problems, a stop 61 is also installed on the limiting rod 6. The stop 61 can be a rod, plate or other structure. When the limiting rod 6 rotates to the vertical position, the stop 61 is located above the hoisting and mounting base. When the hoisting and mounting base moves downward to a certain extent, the stop 61 cooperates with the stop of the hoisting and mounting base, thereby preventing the hoisting and mounting base from moving upward. After that, as the output end of the direct drive mechanism continues to extend, the output end will move downward, thereby causing the cell group 2 to apply greater pressure to the adhesive, so that the cell group 2 and the adhesive are fully mixed, and the structural strength of the battery pack is improved.

[0088] Since the center of gravity of the hoisting equipment 4 when it is not clamping the battery cell assembly 2 is not on the same vertical line as the center of gravity of the hoisting equipment 4 after it is clamping the battery cell assembly 2, in order to facilitate repeated hoisting of the hoisting equipment 4, refer to Figures 6-8As shown, the structure to be lifted includes at least three balancing components 42 mounted on the lifting installation base. Each balancing component 42 is provided with a loaded lifting point for cooperating with the lifting device 5 after the lifting equipment 4 clamps the battery cell assembly 2, so as to keep both the battery cell assembly 2 and the lifting equipment 4 in a horizontal state when the lifting device 5 lifts the lifting equipment 4 with the battery cell assembly 2 clamped. Each balancing component 42 is also provided with an unloaded lifting point for cooperating with the lifting device 5 when the lifting equipment 4 is not clamping the battery cell assembly 2, so as to keep the lifting equipment 4 in a horizontal state when the lifting device 5 lifts the lifting equipment 4 without clamping the battery cell assembly 2. By setting two sets of lifting points, without changing the lifting device 5, different lifting points can be used to lift the lifting equipment 4 with and without clamping the battery cell assembly 2 using the same set of lifting devices 5, which facilitates repeated lifting of the lifting equipment 4. Figure 6 The number of balancing components 42 is four, but in other specific embodiments, the number of balancing components 42 may be three, five or more.

[0089] Among them, Figures 6-8 In the specific embodiment shown, the loaded lifting point is composed of a loaded lifting ring 43, and the unloaded lifting point is composed of an unloaded lifting ring 44. Of course, in other specific embodiments, the lifting point can also be composed of a lifting hole, a hook, or other structures.

[0090] In other specific embodiments, refer to Figures 6-8 As shown, the structure to be lifted may also consist of only one set of lifting points, which are composed of lifting rings, lifting holes, hooks, and other structures set on the lifting and installation base. There are two sets of lifting tools (hereinafter referred to as the first lifting tool and the second lifting tool) in the factory. The battery box 1 and the shaping equipment 3 are located on different trolleys. After the shaping is completed, firstly, the first lifting tool is used to lift the lifting equipment 4 to the shaping equipment 3 and clamp the battery cell group 2. Secondly, the first lifting tool is removed and the trolley where the shaping equipment 3 is located is pushed to push the lifting equipment 4 under the second lifting tool. After that, the second lifting tool is used to transfer the battery cell group 2 and push the battery cell group 2 into the battery box 1. Finally, the second lifting tool is removed and the trolley where the battery box 1 is located is pushed to push the lifting equipment 4 under the first lifting tool. The first lifting tool is then used to lift the lifting equipment 4.

[0091] In other specific embodiments, when the battery cell assembly only needs to be shaped in one direction, the shaping equipment 3 only includes the first clamping mechanism or the second clamping mechanism, and the hoisting equipment only includes the corresponding third clamping mechanism or the fourth clamping mechanism.

[0092] It should be noted that when using the same battery pack manufacturing system to produce battery packs of various specifications, if the force applied by the pushing mechanism 41 to the cell assembly 2 cannot act on the vertical line where the center of gravity of the cell assembly 2 is located, the cell assembly 2 will be subject to offset and tend to swing. By guiding the cell assembly 2 through the clamping guide structure, the swaying of the cell assembly 2 can be avoided, and the cell assembly 2 can be ensured to fall into the predetermined position.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, thereby combining them into appendices. Figures 1-8 The specific embodiments described herein are provided, but those skilled in the art can certainly devise other specific embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A battery cell assembly, comprising two end plates and a battery cell sandwiched between the two end plates, characterized in that, An end plate guide structure extending in the vertical direction is provided on the plate surface opposite to the battery cell. The end plate guide structure is used to guide and cooperate with the clamping guide structure in the clamping mechanism of the hoisting equipment in the vertical direction, and the end plate guide structure extends to the upper end of the end plate.

2. The battery cell assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end plate guide structure includes an end plate guide groove disposed on the end plate.

3. The cell assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end plate guide structure includes end plate guide protrusions disposed on the end plate.

4. A hoisting device, characterized in that, The system includes a hoisting and installation base, on which are provided a hoisting structure for cooperating with a hoisting device, a clamping mechanism for clamping the battery cell assembly, and a pushing mechanism for pressing down on the battery cell assembly clamped by the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping guide structure for cooperating with an end plate guide structure extending to the upper end of the end plate on the battery cell assembly end plate in a vertical direction. The pushing mechanism includes a linear drive mechanism whose output end moves in a vertical direction, and the output end is provided with a pushing surface that extends into the clamping space of the clamping mechanism and is used to push the battery cell assembly.

5. The hoisting equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes two clamping plates for simultaneously clamping each row of battery cells. At least one clamping plate is equipped with a direct drive mechanism for driving the clamping plate closer to or away from the battery cell group. The two clamping plates are respectively used to clamp the two end plates of the battery cell group. Each clamping plate is provided with a clamping guide structure.

6. The hoisting equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each clamping plate has a guide plate at its lower end for insertion into the battery box. The guide plate is used to guide and move in the vertical direction with the end plate guide groove on the end plate. The guide plate constitutes the clamping and guiding structure.

7. The hoisting equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each clamping plate has a clamping guide protrusion on its opposite side. The clamping guide protrusion is used to guide and cooperate with the end plate guide groove on the end plate in the vertical direction. The clamping guide protrusion constitutes the clamping guide structure.

8. The hoisting equipment as described in claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, Each clamping plate has a clamping guide groove on its opposite side. The clamping guide groove extends to the lower end of the clamping plate and is used to guide the end plate guide protrusion on the end plate in the vertical direction. The clamping guide groove constitutes the clamping guide structure.

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