Operating tool and operating kit
By designing operating tools and kits suitable for battery production, the problems of difficult current collector loading and deformation during long-term storage were solved, achieving efficient current collector operation and storage, and improving battery production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
The lack of dedicated current collector feeding equipment in existing battery manufacturing processes leads to low production efficiency. The current collector is also prone to deformation and is difficult to remove during long-term storage, which affects production efficiency.
A maneuvering tool and maneuvering kit, including a handle and multiple rods, are designed to facilitate the picking and delivery of manifolds and enable long-term storage by carrying the manifold, avoiding deformation and adhesion of the manifold.
This improves the efficiency of battery production, ensures that the current collector does not deform during long-term storage and is easy to remove, and enhances the ease of operation in the production process.
Smart Images
Figure CN223990293U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery manufacturing, specifically to a manipulating tool for manipulating current collectors in a battery manufacturing process and a manipulating kit having the manipulating tool. Background Technology
[0002] In battery production, current collectors are typically introduced into the production line manually. Current manufacturing processes lack dedicated auxiliary feeding equipment, resulting in low production efficiency. Furthermore, existing processes lack devices for loading and containing current collectors; operators usually simply stack multiple current collectors together, tightly wrap them in plastic film, and then use them for transportation, storage, and production. This often leads to the current collectors sticking together during long-term storage, making them difficult to remove, especially given the current manual feeding method, further reducing production efficiency. Moreover, the film used to wrap the current collectors offers limited protection, and they are prone to deformation when stored in stacks for extended periods.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a tool for operating the current collector of a battery and an operating kit having the tool, in order to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handling tool and a handling kit incorporating the tool. The handling tool is adaptable to the current collector and facilitates its pickup and delivery. The carrying tool enables convenient handling and storage of the current collector during battery production, improving production efficiency. The current collector can be stored within the carrying tool for extended periods without deformation or adhesion.
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a manipulating tool for manipulating current collectors of a battery in a battery manufacturing process is provided. The manipulating tool includes a handle and at least three rods extending from the handle along a first direction. The at least three rods extend along the first direction and are radially spaced apart. The at least three rods are configured to engage different positions of the current collectors so that the at least three rods can pick up and drop multiple current collectors.
[0006] In one embodiment, the at least three rods include a first rod positioned on the outer periphery of the current collector and a second rod passing through the center of the current collector, preferably, the radial dimension of the second rod is greater than the radial dimension of the first rod.
[0007] In one embodiment, the operating tool is used to operate a current collector with tabs, and the first rod is configured to be positioned at the connection point between the body of the current collector and the tabs.
[0008] Preferably, the first rod comprises two first rods symmetrically positioned about the electrode tab.
[0009] In one embodiment, the at least three rods are evenly arranged around the center of the operating tool in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction and are all positioned on the outer periphery of the current collector.
[0010] Preferably, all three rods are fitted to the concave portion of the outer periphery of the current collector that is recessed inward toward the center.
[0011] More preferably, the concave portion has a concave point with the smallest distance from the center, and all at least three rods are located at the concave point.
[0012] In one embodiment, the at least three rods have the same radial dimension.
[0013] In one embodiment, the at least three rods are elastic in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, such that the distance between the rods fluctuates slightly to allow the plurality of current collectors to slide slightly along the at least three rods.
[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least three rods is configured to be positioned on the outer periphery of the current collector; preferably, the at least three rods are all cylindrical rods.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a maneuvering kit for maneuvering a current collector in a battery manufacturing process is provided, the maneuvering kit comprising a support tool and a maneuvering tool according to any one of the above embodiments.
[0016] In one embodiment, the carrying tool includes a rigid housing having an elongated configuration extending along a first direction and defining an inner cavity that accommodates a plurality of current collectors arranged along the first direction. The cross-sectional profile of the housing in a section perpendicular to the first direction is at least partially adapted to the outer profile of the current collectors, wherein the housing has an opening at at least one end in the first direction.
[0017] In one embodiment, the carrier tool further includes an end cap that is mounted to the housing and covers the opening.
[0018] Specifically, the outer casing has openings at both ends in the first direction, and there are two end caps.
[0019] Specifically, the housing has an opening at one end in the first direction and is closed at the other end.
[0020] In one embodiment, the housing has the same cross-sectional profile at each position in the first direction, the cross-sectional profile including at least two mating sections and at least two transition sections, the mating sections being adapted to the outer contour shape of the current collector, and a gap existing between the transition sections and the current collector, wherein the mating sections and the transition sections are alternately arranged.
[0021] In one embodiment, the mating section and the transition section together form an approximate circle or ellipse within the cross section.
[0022] In one embodiment, the mating section is configured to restrict the rotation of the current collector within the plane of the cross section.
[0023] In one embodiment, the mating section is formed as a section that protrudes outward from the center of the cross-sectional profile; in particular, the transition section is also formed as a section that protrudes outward from the center.
[0024] In one embodiment, the mating sections and the transition sections are evenly arranged around the center of the cross-sectional profile.
[0025] Specifically, the width of the mating section is greater than the width of the transition section.
[0026] In particular, the maximum radial dimension of the mating section is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the transition section. Preferably, the maximum radial dimensions of all the mating sections are equal, and the line connecting the maximum radial segments of all the mating sections roughly forms a circle or ellipse.
[0027] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional profile further includes a tab section for accommodating the current collector, the tab section, the mating section, and the transition section together forming a closed shape. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To better understand the above and other objects, features, advantages, and functions of this utility model, reference can be made to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same components. Those skilled in the art should understand that the drawings are intended to schematically illustrate the preferred embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the scope of this utility model in any way. The components in the drawings are not drawn to scale; for the same component, the proportions of its various parts may not be the same in different drawings.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a carrying tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of the end view of the carrier tool after one end cap has been removed;
[0031] Figure 3 To be Figure 2 A schematic view of the current collector moving outside the casing;
[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operating tool of the operating kit in this preferred embodiment;
[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an end view of the carrier tool and the operating tool in their engaged state, with one end cap of the carrier tool removed.
[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a carrying tool according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the end view of the carrier tool after one end cap has been removed;
[0036] Figure 8 To be Figure 7 A schematic view of the current collector moving outside the casing;
[0037] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A separate end view of the housing of the carrier tool in the image;
[0038] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the coordinated state of the carrying tool and the operating tool;
[0039] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows an end view of the structure, with one end cap of the carrying tool removed.
[0040] Figure label:
[0041] 20, 40 load-bearing tools
[0042] 21, 41 outer casing
[0043] 22, 42 end caps
[0044] Sections 211 and 411
[0045] 212, 412 transition sections
[0046] 213, 413 gap
[0047] 24, 44 current collector
[0048] 241 main body of the current collector
[0049] 2411, 441 protrusions
[0050] 2412, 442 concave portions
[0051] 2413 through hole
[0052] 2414 Connection Location
[0053] 242 poles
[0054] 30, 50 operating tools
[0055] 31, 51 handle
[0056] 32, 52 strokes
[0057] 321 First shot
[0058] 322 Second Shot Detailed Implementation
[0059] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are merely preferred embodiments based on this utility model. Those skilled in the art can conceive of other ways to implement this utility model based on the preferred embodiments, and such other ways also fall within the scope of this utility model.
[0060] This invention provides a tool and kit for operating current collectors in battery manufacturing processes. Figures 1-5 The present invention illustrates operating tools and operating kits according to some preferred embodiments. Figures 6-11 The diagram illustrates operating tools and operating kits according to some other preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should first be noted that the directional and positional terms used in this invention should be understood as relative rather than absolute concepts. The directional and positional terms of this invention can be referenced... Figures 1-11 To understand this, we need to look at the placement shown.
[0061] The operating tool of this utility model includes a handle and at least three rods extending from the handle along a first direction. The at least three rods extend along the first direction and are radially spaced apart. The at least three rods are configured to engage different positions of a current collector, allowing the at least three rods to pick up and deliver multiple current collectors. The operating tool can conveniently pick up and deliver current collectors. The operating tool can constitute a major component of an operating kit, which also includes a support tool for carrying the current collectors. The specific structures of the support tool and the operating tool will be discussed separately below.
[0062] First refer to Figures 1-3In some preferred embodiments, the carrier tool 20 includes a housing 21, which is rigid and has an elongated configuration extending along a first direction D1 and defining an inner cavity for accommodating a plurality of current collectors 24 arranged along the first direction D1 (see...). Figure 3 The outer casing 21 has an opening at at least one end in the first direction D1, and an end cap 22 covers the opening. Specifically, the outer casing 21 has openings at both ends in the first direction D1, and there are two end caps 22, each covering one of the two openings. The end caps 22 are independent of the outer casing 21. In other embodiments not shown, the outer casing has an opening at one end in the first direction and is closed at the other end, with only one end cap correspondingly. In other embodiments not shown, the end cap can be connected to the outer casing via a flexible connecting section so that the end cap can change its position relative to the outer casing without detaching from it.
[0063] The housing 21 has a cross-sectional profile in a section perpendicular to the first direction D1. Preferably, the shape and size of the cross-sectional profile are the same at all locations in the first direction D1. Based on this, the cross-sectional profile of the housing 21 in the first direction D1 is almost identical to the end view of the housing 21 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the cross-sectional view in the first direction D1 mentioned in this embodiment can be referred to as the end view in the accompanying drawings from the end view perspective perpendicular to the first direction D1 (e.g., Figures 2-3 , Figure 5 To understand this, we can use the following method:
[0064] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 21 in a section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is at least partially adapted to the outer profile of the current collector 24. Specifically, the cross-sectional profile includes at least two mating sections 211 and at least two transition sections 212. The mating sections 211 are adapted to the shape of the outer profile of the current collector 24, and there is a gap 213 between the transition sections 212 and the current collector 24. The mating sections 211 and the transition sections 212 are alternately arranged and together form a generally circular or elliptical shape.
[0065] Figures 1-3 The carrier tool 20 shown is particularly suitable for carrying positive current collectors, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The current collector 24 is shown in the diagram. Each current collector 24 is formed as a generally flat plate structure extending in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1, comprising a main body portion 241 and tabs 242. The main body portion 241 has a protrusion 2411 extending outward from its center, and a plurality of protrusions 2411 are arranged approximately evenly around the center to form a generally windmill or fan configuration. Adjacent protrusions 2411 have recesses 2412 that are recessed towards the center. The center of the main body portion 241 has a through hole 2413.
[0066] Preferably, the diameter of the circle formed by the cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 21 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the protrusion 2411 of the current collector 24. The portion of the cross-sectional profile facing the protrusion 2411 of the current collector 24 forms a mating section 211, and there is no gap or a very small gap between the mating section 211 and the protrusion 2411 of the current collector 24. The portion of the cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 21 facing the concave portion 2412 of the current collector 24 forms a transition section 212, and there is a large gap 213 between the transition section 212 and the concave portion 2412 of the current collector 24. This large gap 213 allows for... Figure 4 The operating tool 30 shown passes through. Since the transition section 212 and the mating section 211 together define an approximate circle, and the current collector 24 can rotate around the center within this circle, the transition section 212 and the mating section 211 are not clearly defined and fixed. For example, when the current collector 24 rotates by a certain angle, the positions of the transition section 212 and the mating section 212 will change, but no matter how the current collector 24 rotates, the portion of the cross-sectional profile of the outer shell 21 that faces the protrusion 2411 of the current collector 24 is always referred to as the mating section 211, and the portion of the cross-sectional profile of the outer shell 21 that faces the concave portion 2412 of the current collector 24 is always referred to as the transition section 212.
[0067] The cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 21 also includes a tab section for accommodating the tab 242 of the current collector 24. The tab section, mating section 211, and transition section 212 together form a closed shape.
[0068] Figure 4 The specific structure of the operating tool 30 is shown. The operating tool 30 is capable of... Figures 1-3 The carrier tool 20 cooperates with the operating tool 30, which is configured to deliver the current collector 24 to and from the carrier tool 20. The operating tool 30 includes a handle 31 and at least two rods 32 extending from the handle along a first direction D1, all of which may be cylindrical. Figure 5 As shown, at least two rods 32 can extend into the housing 21 along the first direction D1, such that at least a portion of the at least two rods 32 is positioned on the outer periphery of the current collector 24. Specifically, the rods 32 include two first rods 321 and one second rod 322, with the two first rods 321 positioned at the connection position 2414 between the main body 241 of the current collector 24 and the tab 242 (see...). Figure 3 At point ), the second rod 322 is inserted into the through hole 2413 in the center of the current collector 24 (see...). Figure 3 The diameter of the second rod 322 is larger than the diameter of the first rod 321. Preferably, the two first rods 321 are positioned symmetrically about the tab 242.
[0069] In some preferred embodiments, the rods 32 may have a certain degree of elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the distance between the rods 32 may fluctuate slightly, so that when the operating tool 30 picks up multiple collectors 24, the rods 32 do not clamp the collectors 24 tightly. The operating tool 30 allows the multiple collectors 24 to slide slightly along the rods 32, so that the collectors 24 are arranged in a relatively loose manner, avoiding excessive close contact.
[0070] Preferably, the length of the rod 32 of the operating tool 30 is greater than the length of the housing 21 of the carrying tool 20, which facilitates user operation and allows all the current collectors 24 inside the housing 21 to be removed by the operating tool 30.
[0071] Figures 6-11 The carrying tool and operating kit according to some other preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown.
[0072] First refer to Figures 6-9 The carrying tool 40 includes a housing 41, which is rigid and has an elongated configuration extending along a first direction and defining an inner cavity that accommodates a plurality of current collectors 44 arranged along the first direction (see...). Figure 7 The outer casing 41 has openings at both ends in the first direction, and there are two end caps 42, which cover the two openings respectively. The end caps 42 are set independently of the outer casing 41.
[0073] The housing 41 has a cross-sectional profile in a section perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the shape and size of the cross-sectional profile are the same at all locations in the first direction. Based on this, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 41 in the perpendicular to the first direction is almost the same as the end view of the housing 41 in the first direction. Therefore, the cross-sectional view in the perpendicular to the first direction mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the end view in the accompanying drawings from the end view perspective perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., Figures 7-9 , Figure 11 To understand this, we can use the following method:
[0074] refer to Figures 7-9 The cross-sectional profile of the outer casing 41 in a section perpendicular to the first direction is at least partially adapted to the outer profile of the current collector 44. Specifically, the cross-sectional profile includes at least two mating sections 411 and at least two transition sections 412, the mating sections 411 being adapted to the shape of the outer profile of the current collector 44, and a gap 413 existing between the transition sections 412 and the current collector 44.
[0075] Figures 6-9 The carrier tool shown is particularly suitable for carrying negative electrode current collectors, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8The current collector 44 is shown in the figure. Each current collector 44 is formed as a generally flat plate structure extending in a plane perpendicular to a first direction, and has a protrusion 441 extending outward from its center. Multiple protrusions 441 are arranged generally evenly around a center C to form a generally windmill or fan configuration. Adjacent protrusions 441 have recesses 442 that are recessed towards the center. The current collector 44 does not have a through-hole at its center.
[0076] The mating section 411 is formed as a section protruding outward from the center of the cross-sectional profile, and is configured to restrict the rotation of the current collector 44 in the plane of the cross-section. The transition section 412 is also formed as a section protruding outward from the center. The mating section 411 and the transition section 412 are evenly distributed and alternately arranged around the center of the cross-sectional profile, and the width W1 of the mating section 411 is greater than the width W2 of the transition section 412 (see...). Figure 9 ).
[0077] Furthermore, the maximum radial dimension of the mating section 411 is also greater than the maximum radial dimension of the transition section 412. Preferably, the maximum radial dimensions of the three mating sections 411 are equal, such that the maximum radial profile of the three mating sections 411 is a three-segment arc of the same circle, that is, the line connecting the maximum radial profiles of the three mating sections 411 roughly forms a circle. Alternatively, the line connecting the maximum radial profiles of the three mating sections 411 roughly forms an ellipse.
[0078] It should be noted that the "width" mentioned in this utility model refers to the dimension of the mating section 411 / transition section 412 in the approximate circumferential direction around the center C, and the "radial dimension" mentioned in this utility model refers to the dimension in a plane perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., Figure 9 The radial dimension of ) about the center C.
[0079] Figure 10 It shows and Figures 6-9 A carrying tool 40 in the middle is coupled with a rotating tool 50, which is configured to deliver a current collector 44 to and from the carrying tool 40. The rotating tool 50 includes a handle 51 and three rods 52 extending from the handle 51 along a first direction. All three rods 52 may be cylindrical rods with the same diameter. Figure 10As shown, three rods 52 can extend into the housing 41 along the first direction, such that all three rods 52 are positioned on the outer periphery of the collector 44. Specifically, the three rods 52 are evenly arranged around the bearing tool 40 at the center of a section perpendicular to the first direction and are all positioned on the outer periphery of the collector 44. All three rods 52 are in contact with the concave portion 442 on the outer periphery of the collector 44. More preferably, the concave portion 442 has a concave point with the smallest distance from the center, and all three rods 52 are located at this concave point. In this embodiment, the gaps 413 of the transition section 412 are all used to accommodate the rods 52 of the operating tool 50.
[0080] In some preferred embodiments, the rods 52 may have a certain degree of elasticity in the radial direction, and the radial distance between the rods 52 may fluctuate slightly, so that when the operating tool 50 picks up multiple collectors 44, the rods 52 do not clamp the collectors 44 tightly. The operating tool 50 allows the multiple collectors 44 to slide slightly along the rods 52, so that the arrangement of the collectors 44 can be relatively loose, avoiding excessive close contact.
[0081] Preferably, the length of the rod 52 of the operating tool 50 is greater than the length of the housing 41 of the carrying tool 40, which facilitates user operation and allows all the current collectors 44 inside the housing 41 to be removed by the operating tool 50.
[0082] Figures 1-5 The carrier, operating kit and shown Figures 6-11 The carrier tools and operating kits in the package can be combined or substituted for each other, unless otherwise specified. Figures 1-5 The description of the embodiments shown can also be applied to Figures 6-11 The implementation methods shown; Figures 6-11 The description of the embodiments shown can also be applied to Figures 1-5 The implementation shown is illustrated.
[0083] Figures 1-11 The materials of the various components shown can also have some preferred configurations. For example, the housing of the carrying tool can be made of metal or non-metal. Non-metallic materials can be plastic or wood, and plastics can be rigid or semi-rigid. Rigid plastics include, for example, ABS, POM, PS, PMMA, PC, PET, PBT, or PPO, while semi-rigid plastics include PP, PE, PA, or PVC. The aforementioned metallic materials can be copper, iron, aluminum, carbon steel, alloy steel, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy.
[0084] The support tool and operating kit provided by this invention facilitate the loading and unloading of current collectors during battery production, thereby improving production efficiency. The current collectors can be stored in the support tool for extended periods without deformation or adhesion.
[0085] The above description of various embodiments of this utility model is provided for descriptive purposes to a person skilled in the art. It is not intended to exclude or limit the utility model to a single disclosed embodiment. As taught above, those skilled in the art will understand that various alternatives and variations of this utility model are possible. Therefore, although some alternative embodiments have been specifically described, those skilled in the art will understand or relatively easily develop other embodiments. This utility model is intended to include all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the utility model described herein, as well as other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the utility model described above.
Claims
1. A handling tool for handling a current collector of a battery in a battery manufacturing process, characterized by, The operating tool (30, 50) comprises a handle (31, 51) and at least three rods (32, 52) extending from the handle in a first direction, the at least three rods (32, 52) being radially spaced apart, the at least three rods being configured to engage different positions of a current collector (24, 44) so that the at least three rods can take a plurality of current collectors.
2. The operating tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least three rods (32) comprise a first rod (321) positioned at an outer periphery of the current collector (24) and a second rod (322) passing through a center of the current collector.
3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein The second rod (322) has a radial dimension greater than a radial dimension of the first rod (321).
4. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein The operating tool is used to operate a current collector (24) having a tab (242), the first rod (321) being configured to be positioned at a main body portion (241) of the current collector and a connection position (2414) of the tab (242).
5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The first rod (321) comprises two first rods (321) positioned symmetrically with respect to the tab (242).
6. The operating tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least three rods (52) are uniformly arranged around a center of the operating tool in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction and are all positioned at an outer periphery of the current collector (44).
7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein The at least three rods (52) are all fitted to an inner recess (442) of the outer periphery of the current collector (44) inwardly recessed toward the center.
8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The inner recess (442) has an inner recess point having a smallest distance from the center (C), and the at least three rods (52) are all positioned at the inner recess point.
9. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, The at least three rods (52) have the same radial dimension.
10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The at least three rods have elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that a distance between the rods slightly floats to allow a plurality of the current collectors to slightly slide along the at least three rods.
11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein At least a portion of the at least three rods are configured to be positioned at an outer periphery of the current collector (24, 44).
12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, The at least three rods (32, 52) are all cylindrical rods.
13. A handling kit for handling a current collector of a battery in a battery manufacturing process, characterized in that, The operating kit comprises a carrying tool (20, 40) and the operating tool according to any one of claims 1-12.
14. The running kit of claim 13, wherein, The carrying tool comprises a rigid housing (21, 41) having an elongated configuration extending in a first direction (D1) and defining an inner cavity accommodating a plurality of the current collectors (24, 44) arranged in the first direction (D1), a cross-sectional profile of the housing (21, 41) in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction at least partially matching an outer profile of the current collectors (24, 44), wherein at least one end of the housing in the first direction has an opening.
15. The running kit of claim 14, wherein, The carrying tool (20, 40) further comprises an end cap (22, 42) mounted to the housing and covering the opening.
16. The running kit of claim 15, wherein, The housing (21, 41) has openings at both ends in the first direction (D1), and the end cap is two.
17. The running kit of claim 15, wherein, The housing has an opening at one end in the first direction and is closed at the other end.
18. The running kit of claim 14, wherein, The housing (21, 41) has the same cross-sectional profile at each position in the first direction (D1), the cross-sectional profile comprising at least two mating sections (211, 411) and at least two transition sections (212, 412), the mating sections (211, 411) fitting the outer contour shape of the current collector (24, 44), there being a gap (213, 413) between the transition sections (212, 412) and the current collector (24, 44), wherein the mating sections (211, 411) and the transition sections (212, 412) are arranged alternately.
19. The running kit of claim 18, wherein, The mating sections (211) and the transition sections (212) together form a substantially circle or ellipse within the cross-section.
20. The running kit of claim 18, wherein, The mating sections (411) are configured to limit rotation of the current collector (44) in a plane in which the cross-section lies.
21. The running kit of claim 18, wherein, The mating sections (411) are formed as sections projecting outward away from a center (C) of the cross-sectional profile.
22. The running kit of claim 21, wherein, The transition sections (412) are also formed as sections projecting outward away from the center (C).
23. The running kit of any one of claims 18 or 20-22, wherein, The mating sections (411) and the transition sections (412) are arranged uniformly around the center (C) of the cross-sectional profile.
24. The running kit of claim 23, wherein, The width (W1) of the mating sections (411) is greater than the width (W2) of the transition sections (412).
25. The running kit of claim 23, wherein, The maximum radial dimension of the mating sections (411) is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the transition sections (412).
26. The running kit of claim 23, wherein, The maximum radial dimensions of all the mating sections (411) are equal, and such that the line connecting the maximum radial sections of all the mating sections (411) forms a substantially circle or ellipse.
27. The running kit of any of claims 18-22, wherein, The cross-sectional profile further comprises a tab section for accommodating a tab (242) of the current collector (24), the tab section and the mating sections (211), the transition sections (212) together forming a closed shape.