Restraint tray

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and more particularly to a restraint tray. The restraint tray includes a battery restraint assembly and a support assembly. The battery restraint assembly is used to restrain and clamp the battery. The support assembly includes side plates, a support member, and a support frame. Each end of the support member is connected to a side plate. The battery restraint assembly is located between the two side plates and is positioned above the support member for support. The bottom of the side plates is connected to the support frame, and the support member is positioned above the support frame at a predetermined distance. When a forklift or roller conveyor directly contacts the support frame, the battery restraint assembly located above the support frame will not directly contact the forklift or roller conveyor, thus preventing wear and tear on the battery restraint assembly and protecting it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery generation technology, and in particular to a restraint tray. Background Technology

[0002] After battery manufacturing, the process of activating the positive and negative electrode materials through specific charging and discharging methods to improve the battery's overall performance, including charge / discharge and storage capabilities, is called formation. During formation, lithium salts undergo side reactions with the electrolyte, forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the negative electrode side of the lithium battery. This film prevents further side reactions, thereby reducing the loss of active lithium in the battery. The quality of the SEI significantly impacts the cycle life, initial capacity loss, and rate performance of the lithium battery. However, gases are generated during battery formation, which can affect the quality of the SEI film. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly remove these gases during the formation process.

[0003] A related technology provides a restraint tray that can be moved by a forklift or roller conveyor after battery formation. However, the battery restraint plate of the tray is in direct contact with the roller conveyor or forklift and is worn.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a restraint tray to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a restraint tray that can prevent the battery restraint plate from directly contacting the roller line or forklift and causing wear.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Restraint tray, including:

[0008] Battery restraint assembly for restraining and clamping the battery;

[0009] A support assembly includes side plates, support members, and a support frame. Each end of the support member is connected to one of the side plates. A battery restraint assembly is located between the two side plates and is positioned above the support member to be supported by it. The bottom of the side plates is connected to the support frame. The support member is positioned above the support frame and is set at a predetermined distance from the support frame.

[0010] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The support component and the support frame are set at a preset distance. When a forklift or roller conveyor comes into direct contact with the support frame, the battery restraint assembly located above the support frame will not come into direct contact with the forklift or roller conveyor. This prevents the battery restraint assembly from being worn by the forklift or roller conveyor, thus protecting the battery restraint assembly. In addition, the distance between the support component and the support frame creates a gap. During the battery formation process, airflow through the gap can dissipate heat from the battery, reducing the battery temperature and improving the formation effect. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a restraint tray with a battery provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 A first-view structural schematic diagram of the support component provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 3 A second-view structural schematic diagram of the support component provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the support component and the restraint plate provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a restraint plate with an airbag installed in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a restraint plate with airbags and cooling medium bags installed on both sides, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the picture:

[0020] 1. Battery restraint assembly; 11. Restraint plate; 111. Clamping plate; 112. Positioning component; 113. Groove; 12. Airbag; 13. Cooling medium bag; 2. Support assembly; 21. Side plate; 22. Support component; 23. Support frame; 231. Support frame; 232. Support beam; 233. First heat dissipation hole; 24. Limiting component; 100. Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0025] After battery manufacturing, a crucial step is the battery formation process. This process involves activating the active materials within the battery through initial charge and discharge cycles, and forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film (also known as a passivation film) on the surface of the electrode active layer (usually the negative electrode active layer). The SEI film formed on the electrode active layer prevents redox reactions between the active materials and the electrolyte, thus ensuring the battery's electrochemical stability, cycle life, and self-discharge performance.

[0026] However, during battery formation, some gases are generated simultaneously with the formation of the SEI film on the surface of the electrode active layer. These gases are primarily insulating gases (such as hydrocarbon gases). If these gases are not removed in time, they will obstruct the active ion channels, preventing active ions from migrating smoothly to the electrode active layer. This can lead to problems such as black spots and lithium plating on the electrode, affecting the quality of the SEI film formation, the battery formation effect, and ultimately, the battery's electrochemical stability, cycle life, and self-discharge performance. Therefore, it is essential to remove these gases from the battery promptly during the formation process.

[0027] To address this, related technologies typically use battery trays to facilitate the timely venting of gases from the battery during battery formation. The battery tray's restraint plates clamp and pressurize the battery to suppress the formation of gaps (GAPs) in the electrode assemblies, thus promoting the venting of gases generated during battery formation. The battery tray is moved and transferred via forklifts or roller conveyors. During this movement, the restraint plates come into contact with the forklifts or roller conveyors, causing wear and tear. Furthermore, the restraint plates may be squeezed upwards, which is detrimental to battery clamping.

[0028] Therefore, some embodiments of this application provide a restraint tray, which protects the restraint plate by setting a preset distance between the support frame and the support member, and the support frame directly contacting the forklift or roller conveyor. This avoids direct contact between the restraint plate and the forklift or roller conveyor, prevents the restraint plate from being worn, and also prevents the restraint plate from being lifted by the forklift or roller conveyor, which could cause misalignment between the restraint plate and the battery.

[0029] The restraint tray disclosed in this application can be used to move the battery before and after battery formation in the complete battery formation process, facilitating the timely discharge of gas from the battery during formation. The battery can be a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium-lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, or a magnesium-ion battery, etc. The battery can be cylindrical, flat, cuboid, or other shapes. Different packaging methods can be used to form cylindrical batteries, square batteries, or pouch batteries, etc.

[0030] Some embodiments of this application provide a restraint tray that can be used to protect the restraint plate during the transfer of the restraint tray.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the restraint tray includes a battery restraint assembly 1 and a support assembly 2. The battery restraint assembly 1 is used to restrain and clamp the battery 100. The support assembly 2 includes a side plate 21, a support member 22 and a support frame 23. Each end of the support member 22 is connected to a side plate 21. The battery restraint assembly 1 is located between the two side plates 21 and is located above the support member 22 so as to be supported by the support member 22. The bottom of the side plate 21 is connected to the support frame 23. The support member 22 is located above the support frame 23 and the support member 22 and the support frame 23 are set at a preset distance.

[0032] The support member 22 and the support frame 23 are set at a preset distance. When a forklift or roller conveyor directly contacts the support frame 23, the battery restraint assembly 1 located above the support frame 23 will not directly contact the forklift or roller conveyor. This prevents the battery restraint assembly 1 from being worn by the forklift or roller conveyor, thus protecting the battery restraint assembly 1. In addition, the distance between the support member 22 and the support frame 23 creates a gap. During the battery formation process, airflow through the gap can dissipate heat from the battery 100, reducing its temperature and improving the formation effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the preset distance is H, where 20mm ≤ H ≤ 50mm. This preset distance ensures that the gap between the support frame 23 and the support member 22 will not be accidentally inserted by a forklift, preventing the forklift from directly contacting the battery restraint assembly 1. Considering the structure of the forklift's fork teeth, a preset distance of 20mm prevents wear on the battery restraint assembly 1 from the fork teeth and ensures that the battery restraint assembly 1 will not wobble during movement. A preset distance of 50mm prevents the fork teeth from passing through the bottom of the gap between the support frame 23 and the support member 22 and coming into contact with and causing wear on the battery restraint assembly 1. For example, H can be selected as 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, or 50mm; no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0034] In some embodiments, the support frame 23 includes a support frame 231 and support beams 232. The support beams 232 are located within the area enclosed by the support frame 231 and are connected to the inner wall of the support frame 231. First heat dissipation holes 233 are formed between adjacent support beams 232 and between the support beams 232 and the support frame 231. The connection between the support beams 232 and the inner wall of the support frame 231 improves the overall strength of the support frame 231 and prevents deformation under heavy gravity. In other words, the support beams 232 serve to reinforce the support frame 231. Furthermore, the first heat dissipation holes 233 are formed between the support beams 232 and adjacent support beams 232. The first heat dissipation holes 233 allow air to circulate below the battery 100, carrying away the heat generated during the curing process of the battery 100 and reducing the temperature around the battery 100.

[0035] The support frame 231 can be rectangular, circular or other shapes, as long as it can support the battery restraint assembly 1. As shown in the figure, the support frame 231 is formed by connecting metal rods with a rectangular vertical cross section. Using metal rods with a rectangular vertical cross section can increase the bottom area of ​​the support frame 231, thereby improving the overall stability of the support frame 231.

[0036] The vertical cross-section of the support beam 232 in the width direction is also rectangular, which increases the overall base area of ​​the support frame 23 and improves its stability. Furthermore, the support beam 232 can be a hollow rectangular tube, reducing the overall weight of the support frame 23 and facilitating movement.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support member 22 is a rod-shaped structure. This increases the gap area between the support member 22 and the support frame 23, allowing more airflow to pass through and providing a heat dissipation effect.

[0038] The support assembly 2 also includes columns, with both ends connected to the support frame 23 and the support member 22, respectively. The columns connect the support frame 23 and the support member 22, providing support for the support member 22. When the support member 22 is subjected to downward pressure from the battery restraint assembly 1, it is less prone to deformation under the support of the columns, thus ensuring a consistent height of the battery 100 after clamping. The number of columns can be determined based on the length of the support member 22. Furthermore, the space formed between adjacent columns allows airflow without affecting the heat dissipation of the battery 100.

[0039] Of course, in some other embodiments, the support member 22 is a rectangular plate structure, and the bottom of the support member 22 is fixedly connected to the support frame 23. In this way, the support member 22 can not only play a supporting role, but also avoid overall deformation of the support member 22. It should be noted that the plane perpendicular to the height direction of the support component 2 is set as the first preset plane. Along the height direction of the support component 2, the projection of the support member 22 on the first preset plane is located within the projection of the support beam 232 on the first preset plane. Of course, the projection of the support member 22 on the first preset plane overlaps with the projection of the support beam 232 on the first preset plane. In this way, the support beam 232 can fully support the support member 22 and prevent the support member 22 from bending and deforming downward under the gravity of the battery 100.

[0040] To allow airflow to pass smoothly through the support member 22, the support member 22 is provided with a second heat dissipation hole. The number of the second heat dissipation holes is determined according to the length of the support member 22, and the strength of the support member 22 must be ensured.

[0041] During movement, if the battery restraint assembly 1 is not properly positioned, it may easily detach from the support assembly 2. Therefore, in some embodiments, the support assembly 2 further includes limiting members 24. The limiting members 24 are located on both sides of the battery restraint assembly 1 and are positioned above the support assembly 22. Each end of the limiting member 24 is connected to a side plate 21. In this way, the limiting members 24 and the support assembly 22 cooperate to restrain the left, right, and bottom sides of the battery restraint assembly 1, preventing it from detaching from the support assembly 2 during movement.

[0042] Understandably, the limiting member 24 includes limiting plates, with at least two limiting plates arranged parallel to each other between the two side plates 21. The inner sidewall of the limiting plate directly contacts the battery restraint assembly 1 to limit the battery restraint assembly 1.

[0043] The support frame 23 is a stainless steel or low-carbon steel structural component. For example, the support frame 23 is made of US304 stainless steel, or Q235 low-carbon steel. The support frame 23 made of the above materials can meet the load requirements of the pallet in the "gravity direction" to satisfy the strength required by the overall structure.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the battery restraint assembly 1 includes a plurality of restraint plates 11 and airbags 12 arranged at intervals. An airbag 12 is provided on at least one side of the restraint plate 11. The airbag 12 directly contacts the battery 100 to apply a compressive force to the battery 100. A groove 113 is provided at the bottom of the restraint plate 11, and a support member 22 is located in the groove 113. In this way, the support member 22 is inserted into the groove 113, which can constrain the restraint plate 11 in the left, right and down directions.

[0045] Furthermore, to ensure greater stability after the restraint plate 11 and support member 22 are installed, each restraint plate 11 has at least two grooves 113 and at least two support members 22. That is, each groove 113 has a corresponding support member 22 inserted into it, so that the restraint plate 11 with the groove 113 is supported and fixed. For example, the groove 113 can be a rectangular groove.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the restraint plate 11 includes a clamping plate 111 and two positioning members 112. The two positioning members 112 are disposed on the two end faces of the clamping plate 111. The two positioning members 112 are arranged symmetrically along the vertical central axis of the clamping plate 111, so that the battery 100 can be positioned.

[0047] The airbag 12 has excellent elasticity; it can inflate and deflate. Specifically, the airbag 12 includes a hollow, flexible capsule (somewhat like a balloon, but with better elasticity). By inflating the flexible capsule, it can inflate, and the capsule is less likely to burst. Conversely, by releasing the gas from the capsule, it can deflate, returning to its original deflated shape. Due to the elasticity of the airbag 12, it is less likely to crush the battery 100's casing or the battery itself when the airbag 12 applies pressure.

[0048] When an airbag 12 is provided on one side of the restraint plate 11, the battery 100 is loaded through the clamping space between the airbag 12 and the adjacent restraint plate 11. When airbags 12 are provided on both sides of the restraint plate 11, the battery 100 is loaded through the clamping space between two adjacent airbags 12. The battery restraint assembly 1 also includes an air supply pipe that connects an external air source and each airbag 12 to transfer gas between the external air source and each airbag 12, thereby enabling the airbags 12 to be inflated or deflated. Based on this, when the battery 100 is placed in the clamping space and the battery 100 is in formation, the airbags 12 on one or both sides of the battery 100 can be inflated or deflated to adjust the internal air pressure of the airbags 12, so that the airbags 12 have a certain internal air pressure to press against and apply pressure to the battery 100 in contact with them. Based on the elasticity of the airbag 12 itself, the surface of the airbag 12 can tightly and elastically press against the entire side of the battery 100, so that the pressure of the airbag 12 on the battery 100 can be relatively evenly distributed on the entire side of the battery 100. This allows the battery 100 and the cells inside to be subjected to uniform pressure, thereby effectively promoting the timely discharge of gases generated during the formation of the battery 100. This effectively ensures and improves the venting effect during the formation of the battery 100, and effectively reduces the risk of black spots and lithium plating on the electrode due to gas obstructing the active ion channels. This ensures and improves the film formation quality of the SEI film, the formation effect of the battery 100, and the electrochemical stability, cycle life, and self-discharge performance of the battery 100.

[0049] Furthermore, to further cool the battery 100 during formation, the battery restraint assembly 1 also includes a cooling medium circulation pipe and a gas supply pipe, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, a cooling medium bladder 13 is provided on one side of the restraint plate 11. The cooling medium bladder 13, the cooling medium circulation pipe, and the external cooling medium source form a circulation loop. In this way, the external cooling medium source enters the cooling medium bladder 13 through the cooling medium circulation pipe and then flows out back to the external cooling medium source through the cooling medium pipe. This keeps the temperature of the cooling medium bladder 13 constant, so as to remove the heat generated by the battery 100 during the formation process and cool the battery 100. On the other side of the restraint plate 11, an airbag 12 is provided. The airbag 12 and the cooling medium bladder 13 work together to hold the battery 100.

[0050] It should be noted that the cooling medium circulation pipe is a component used to transport the cooling medium. Specifically, the interior of the cooling medium supply pipe guides the flow of the cooling medium. The cooling medium circulation pipe is connected to the cooling medium bladder 13 and to an external cooling medium source, which may be, but is not limited to, a cooling water tank. The driving force for the flow of the cooling medium in the cooling medium circulation pipe can come from a fluid pump or similar device connected to the external cooling medium source. The air supply pipe is a component used to transport gas. Specifically, the interior of the air supply pipe guides the flow of gas. The air supply pipe is connected to the air bladder 12 and to an external air source, which may be, but is not limited to, an air pump or an air storage tank. The driving force for the flow of gas in the air supply pipe can come from an air pump or similar device.

[0051] Based on this, the injection pipe can transfer the cooling medium output from the external cooling medium source to the interior of the cooling medium bladder 13, filling it with liquid and causing it to gradually inflate. As the cooling medium bladder 13 inflates, the internal air pressure gradually increases. Conversely, the return pipe can transfer the cooling medium in the cooling medium bladder 13 from another cooling medium bladder 13 to the external cooling medium source, circulating the cooling medium within the cooling medium bladder 13 to achieve cooling of the battery 100. When no cooling medium flows into the injection pipe but cool medium flows out of the return pipe, the cooling medium bladder 13 deflates, and the internal pressure gradually decreases. The gas supply pipe can transfer the gas output from the external gas source to the interior of the gas bladder 12, inflating it and causing it to gradually inflate. As the gas bladder 12 inflates, the internal air pressure gradually increases. Conversely, the air supply pipe can reverse the gas in the airbag 12 to an external air source to deflate the airbag 12, causing the airbag 12 to gradually deflate. As the airbag 12 deflates, the internal air pressure of the airbag 12 will gradually decrease.

[0052] In this way, the battery 100 located between any two adjacent airbags 12 and cooling medium bags 13 can be compressed, pressurized, and cooled to achieve the effects of compression, clamping, restraint, confinement, and cooling. The airbags 12 can be inflated to increase the pressure on the battery 100, and the cooling medium bags 13 can be filled with more cooling medium to increase the pressure on the battery 100. Conversely, the pressure on the battery 100 can be reduced by venting air and releasing the cooling medium to ensure that the pressure on the battery 100 can meet the venting requirements.

[0053] Furthermore, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A restraint tray, characterized in that, include: Battery restraint assembly (1) for restraining and clamping battery (100); The support assembly (2) includes a side plate (21), a support member (22), and a support frame (23). Each end of the support member (22) is connected to one of the side plates (21). The battery restraint assembly (1) is located between the two side plates (21) and is located above the support member (22) to be supported by the support member (22). The bottom of the side plate (21) is connected to the support frame (23). The support member (22) is located above the support frame (23) and the support member (22) and the support frame (23) are set at a preset distance.

2. The restraint tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset distance is H, where 20mm≤H≤50mm.

3. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support frame (23) includes a support frame (231) and a support beam (232). The support beam (232) is located within the area enclosed by the support frame (231) and is connected to the inner wall of the support frame (231). A first heat dissipation hole (233) is formed between adjacent support beams (232) and between the support beam (232) and the support frame (231).

4. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member (22) is a rod-shaped structure.

5. The restraint tray according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support assembly (2) also includes a column, the two ends of which are connected to the support frame (23) and the support member (22) respectively.

6. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support member (22) is a rectangular plate structure, and the bottom of the support member (22) is fixedly connected to the support frame (23).

7. The restraint tray according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support member (22) is provided with a second heat dissipation hole.

8. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support component (2) further includes a limiting member (24), which is disposed on both sides of the battery restraint component (1) and above the support component (22). Each end of the limiting member (24) is connected to a side plate (21).

9. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support frame is a stainless steel structural component or a low-carbon steel structural component.

10. The restraint tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The battery restraint assembly (1) includes a plurality of restraint plates (11) and airbags (12) arranged at intervals. An airbag (12) is provided on at least one side of the restraint plate (11). A groove (113) is provided at the bottom of the restraint plate (11). The support member (22) is located in the groove (113).

11. The restraint tray according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the restraint plates (11) has at least two grooves (113) and at least two support members (22).

12. The restraint tray according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery restraint assembly (1) further includes: The cooling medium circulation pipeline includes an injection pipe and a return pipe. The cooling medium circulation pipeline is used to communicate with an external cooling medium source. A cooling medium bladder (13) is provided on one side of the restraint plate (11). The cooling medium bladder (13) is connected to the injection pipe and the return pipe respectively. An air supply pipe is provided for connecting to an external air source. An airbag (12) is provided on the other side of the restraint plate (11), and the airbag (12) is connected to the air supply pipe.

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