Battery cell balancing device and conveying belt

Abstract

The utility model provides a battery cell balancing device and a conveyer belt, the battery cell balancing device comprises a movable carrier and at least one group of conductor parts, each group of conductor parts comprises two conductor parts which are insulated from each other and are arranged on the carrier in parallel, and the two conductor parts are respectively in contact with poles with different polarities of the battery cells and can bear the battery cells in rows. According to the battery cell balancing device disclosed by the utility model, the battery cells can be connected in parallel when being conveyed, and according to the principle that the voltages of parallel circuits are the same, the battery cells which are prevented from being in contact with the same group of conductor parts at the same time reach the same voltage in a very short time; therefore, the consistency deviation of the state of charge of the battery cells in the assembled module battery pack is relatively small, and the service life of the battery pack using the battery cells is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a cell balancing device. This utility model also relates to a conveyor belt equipped with the aforementioned cell balancing device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of new energy battery technology has been rapid, with energy density continuously increasing, driving the development of new energy electric vehicles and the energy storage industry. A battery cell is the smallest energy storage unit that makes up a battery pack, and a battery system is composed of a certain number of cells connected in series and parallel. If the SOC (State of Charge) of a cell in the battery system is higher or lower than that of the other cells, this cell will either charge to the cutoff voltage first or discharge to the cutoff voltage first during the system's charging and discharging process, causing the system to stop charging and discharging. Therefore, the consistency of the SOC of each cell in the battery system has a significant impact on the performance of the battery system. It not only reduces the system's capacity but also increases the accuracy of the SOC estimation by the BMS (Battery Management System), potentially leading to overcharging and over-discharging, affecting the battery's lifespan and safety.

[0003] Currently, the common battery production process among manufacturers is as follows: cell capacity assessment - cell load adjustment - cell warehousing - cell release - cell assembly at the module level - cell voltage testing - K3 value screening - cell cleaning - cell adhesive application - cell stacking. Because the self-discharge levels of each cell differ, and there is a time interval between cell load adjustment and cell stacking, significant deviations in the consistency of cell state of charge can easily occur, affecting the battery pack's lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a cell balancing device to reduce the consistency deviation of the state of charge of cells within the module, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] A movable carrier and at least one set of conductors;

[0007] Each set of conductor portions is configured as two that are insulated from each other and arranged in parallel on the carrier. The two conductor portions respectively contact different polarity terminals of the battery cell and are capable of supporting rows of battery cells.

[0008] Furthermore, the carrier is the belt body of a conveyor belt, and the conductor portion is fixedly embedded in the belt body.

[0009] Furthermore, the conductor portion is arranged in a closed loop along the circumference of the strip.

[0010] Furthermore, the conductor portion is made from a single strip of metal.

[0011] Furthermore, the conductor section is formed by hinged ends of multiple conductor plates.

[0012] Furthermore, a separator is fixedly connected to the conductor plate, which can separate adjacent cells on the conductor.

[0013] Furthermore, the partition is a plate perpendicular to the conductor plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the conductor portion is made of copper.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0016] The cell balancing device described in this utility model can connect cells in parallel during cell delivery. Based on the principle that the voltage of parallel circuits is the same, the cells with higher voltage will discharge, while the cells with lower voltage will be charged. Circulating currents in different directions will appear on the two conductor sections, allowing the cells that are simultaneously in contact with the same group of conductor sections to reach the same voltage in a very short time. This ensures that the consistency of the state of charge of the cells in the assembled module battery pack is small, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack using these cells.

[0017] Secondly, using the conveyor belt as a carrier allows for smoother cell transport. The conductor section, firmly embedded in the belt, ensures stable movement with the belt. The conductor section's circumferential closure along the belt evenly distributes the cells transported across the entire belt, resulting in a more consistent State of Charge (SOC) among the cells. The conductor section, made entirely of metal strip, adapts to belt deformation, providing excellent electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the design of multiple conductor plates hinged end-to-end provides higher structural strength. If a conductor plate malfunctions, the corresponding plate can be directly replaced, reducing maintenance costs.

[0018] Furthermore, the separator can separate adjacent cells on the conductor section. If a cell on the conductor section tipes over due to vibration or other unexpected events, the separator can prevent it from colliding with adjacent cells, thus reducing the risk of damage. It also improves the safety of the cell balancing device and reduces the occurrence of accidental short circuits. Setting the separator as a plate perpendicular to the conductor plate minimizes its space requirement, provides good support for tipped cells, and is easier to manufacture. Using copper for the conductor section provides excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, as well as good tensile strength and ease of shaping.

[0019] Another objective of this invention is to provide a conveyor belt equipped with the battery cell equalization device described above.

[0020] The conveyor belt described in this invention can connect individual battery cells in parallel during the transport of battery cells. Based on the principle that parallel circuits have the same voltage, the battery cells with higher voltage will discharge, while the battery cells with lower voltage will be charged. Circulating currents in different directions will appear on the two conductor sections, allowing the battery cells that are simultaneously in contact with the same group of conductor sections to reach the same voltage within a very short time. This ensures that the consistency of the state of charge of the battery cells in the assembled module battery pack is relatively small, thereby improving the service life of the battery packs using these battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cell balancing device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cell balancing device carrying a cell according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between conductor plates according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cell balancing device described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Carrier;

[0028] 2. Conductor section;

[0029] 201. Conductor plate; 2011. Protruding part; 2012. Recessed part; 2013. Rotating shaft;

[0030] 3. Divider section;

[0031] 4. Battery cells. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" appear, indicating orientation or positional relationship, they are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, if terms such as "first" or "second" appear, they are also used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "connector" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in light of the specific circumstances.

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] This embodiment relates to a cell balancing device to reduce the consistency deviation of the state of charge of cells within a module, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack.

[0038] In terms of overall structure, the battery cell balancing device of this embodiment includes a movable carrier and at least one set of conductors.

[0039] Each set of conductor sections is configured as two that are insulated from each other and arranged in parallel on the carrier. The two conductor sections contact different polarity terminals of the battery cell and are capable of supporting rows of battery cells.

[0040] As configured above, the cell balancing device in this embodiment can connect the cells in parallel during cell delivery. Based on the principle that the parallel circuit has the same voltage, the cells with higher voltage will discharge, and the cells with lower voltage will be charged. Circulating currents in different directions will appear on the two conductor sections, so that the cells that are simultaneously in contact with the same group of conductor sections will reach the same voltage in a very short time. This ensures that the consistency deviation of the state of charge of the cells in the assembled module battery pack is small, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack using these cells.

[0041] Based on the above overview, specifically, refer to... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cell 4 balancing device in this embodiment is applicable to cells 4 with terminals on the same side. When placing the cell 4, the terminals are placed downwards on two conductor sections 2 of the same group. One conductor section 2 corresponds to the positive terminal of the cell 4, and the other conductor section 2 corresponds to the negative terminal of the cell 4. In specific implementation, all cells 4 in the same module need to be balanced through the same group of conductor sections 2 to ensure the consistency of the SOC of the cells 4 in the same module. This embodiment takes a group of conductor sections 2 on the carrier 1 as an example. In specific implementation, the number of groups of conductor sections 2 can be adjusted according to the working conditions.

[0042] Preferably, the carrier 1 is the conveyor belt body, and the conductor portion 2 is fixedly embedded in the belt body. Using the conveyor belt body as the carrier 1 ensures smoother transport of the battery cell 4. The conductor portion 2, firmly embedded in the belt body, allows for stable movement with the belt body. The contact area between the belt body and the conductor portion 2 is made of insulating material to prevent short circuits between two conductor portions 2 in the same group. A groove structure is formed on the surface of the belt body, and the conductor portion 2 is embedded in the groove structure, engaging with the belt body. Static friction between the conductor portion 2 and the belt body ensures its movement in sync. The conductor portion 2 protrudes above the surface of the belt body to ensure full contact between the terminal of the battery cell 4 and the conductor portion 2.

[0043] It is understandable that the carrier 1 can also be a transport trolley, mobile platform or other transport equipment, as long as the insulation state between the two conductor parts 2 in the same group is guaranteed, and the stability is guaranteed when carrying the transported battery cell 4. The specific and more suitable form of carrier 1 can be selected according to the actual production conditions.

[0044] Specifically, the conductor section 2 is arranged in a closed loop along the circumference of the belt. This closed arrangement of the conductor section 2 along the circumference of the belt ensures that the cells 4 transported along the entire belt are evenly distributed, resulting in a more consistent State of Charge (SOC) for all cells 4 transported by the belt. During transport, the conveyor belt maintains a constant speed, and the loading of the cells 4 can be performed by a robotic arm, placing each cell 4 individually onto the conductor section 2 at the inlet end of the conveyor belt. The two conductor sections 2 continuously balance the voltage of all contacting cells 4. When a cell 4 at the outlet end is removed, the voltage of the multiple cells 4 on the conductor section 2 is consistent with that of the removed cell 4. A new cell 4 is placed from the inlet end and connected in parallel with the multiple cells 4 on the conductor section 2 to balance the voltage, ensuring that the voltage of the newly placed cell 4 is essentially the same as that of the removed cell 4.

[0045] Furthermore, the conductor section 2 is formed by hinged ends of multiple conductor plates 201. Setting the conductor section 2 in the form of multiple conductor plates 201 hinged ends provides high structural strength. If a section of conductor plate 201 has a problem, the corresponding conductor plate 201 can be directly replaced, resulting in low maintenance costs.

[0046] Specifically, conductor plate 201 is a rectangular plate with one end protruding and the other end recessed along the conveying direction of the belt. At the connection between adjacent conductor plates 201, the protruding portion 2011 of one conductor plate 201 is inserted into the recessed portion 2012 of another conductor plate 201, and a conductive pivot 2013 is provided to pivotally connect the protruding portion 2011 and the recessed portion 2012, realizing the hinge connection between the two adjacent conductor plates 201. When it is necessary to remove the conductor plate 201, the adjacent conductor plates 201 can be quickly separated simply by removing the pivot 2013.

[0047] Furthermore, to enhance the safety of the cell 4 balancing device, a separator 3 is fixedly connected to the conductor plate 201. The separator 3 separates adjacent cells 4 on the conductor section 2. By separating adjacent cells 4 on the conductor section 2, the separator 3 prevents a cell 4 from colliding with adjacent cells 4 if it tipes over due to vibration or other unexpected events, thus reducing the risk of damage. This also improves the safety of the cell 4 balancing device and reduces the occurrence of accidental short circuits.

[0048] Preferably, the separator 3 is a plate perpendicular to the conductor plate 201, and the height of the plate is greater than half the height of the battery cell 4. The separator 3 is made of an insulating material such as plastic, which prevents conductivity when the separator 3 comes into contact with the battery cell 4. Regarding the specific connection method between the separator 3 and the conductor plate 201, this embodiment uses an adhesive connection method, that is, the separator 3 is bonded to the conductor plate 201 using insulating adhesive, and the bonding position is located at the rear of the conductor plate 201 in the conveying direction. When the battery cell 4 is placed on the conductor plate 201, it can directly abut against the separator 3 to improve the stability of the battery cell 4 during conveying.

[0049] As an feasible embodiment, the conductor plate 201 is made of copper. Copper has excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, as well as good tensile strength and is easy to shape. Using copper to make the conductor part 2 can not only give the conductor part 2 a longer service life, but also reduce the production cost of the conductor part 2.

[0050] The cell 4 balancing device in this embodiment can connect each cell 4 in parallel during cell 4 transport, so that the cells 4 that are simultaneously in contact with the same group of conductors 2 will reach the same voltage in a very short time. This ensures that the consistency deviation of the state of charge of the cells 4 in the assembled module battery pack is small, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack using these cells 4.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] This embodiment relates to a cell 4 equalization device, referring to... Figure 4 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the conductor portion 2 is made of a single metal strip and does not have a separator portion 3.

[0053] The conductor section 2, made entirely of metal strip, can change shape according to the deformation of the strip, with relatively uniform dimensions in each longitudinal section, resulting in good electrical conductivity. Specifically, copper strip can be embedded along the strip body, with the two ends of the copper strip connected by welding or riveting to form a closed loop.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] This embodiment relates to a conveyor belt, which is equipped with the cell balancing device described in Embodiment 1.

[0056] By incorporating the equalization device described in Embodiment 1, the conveyor belt in this embodiment can connect the individual battery cells in parallel during transport. Based on the principle that parallel circuits have the same voltage, the battery cells with higher voltage will discharge, while those with lower voltage will be charged. Circulating currents in different directions will appear on the two conductor sections, causing the battery cells that simultaneously contact the same group of conductor sections to reach the same voltage within a very short time. This ensures that the consistency deviation of the state of charge of the battery cells in the assembled module battery pack is small, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack using these battery cells.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A cell balancing device, characterized in that, include: A movable carrier and at least one set of conductors; Each set of conductor portions is configured as two that are insulated from each other and arranged in parallel on the carrier. The two conductor portions respectively contact different polarity terminals of the battery cell and are capable of supporting rows of battery cells.

2. The cell balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The carrier is the belt body of a conveyor belt, and the conductor portion is fixedly embedded in the belt body.

3. The cell balancing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conductor portion is arranged in a closed loop along the circumference of the strip.

4. The cell balancing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conductor section is made from a single metal strip.

5. The cell balancing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conductor section is formed by hinged ends of multiple conductor plates.

6. The cell balancing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A separator is fixedly connected to the conductor plate, and the separator can separate adjacent cells on the conductor plate.

7. The cell balancing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The partition is a plate perpendicular to the conductor plate.

8. The cell balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductor is made of copper.

9. A conveyor belt, characterized in that: The conveyor belt is equipped with a cell balancing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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