Flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charge equipment

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of lithium battery production equipment, specifically to a flat-lay transport-type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries. It includes a support platform, a tray, and a probe mechanism. It also includes a thrust mechanism positioned on the side of the tray, and the probe mechanism positioned on the other side of the tray. A channel for the tray to enter is formed between the thrust mechanism and the probe mechanism. The tray is located between the thrust mechanism and the probe mechanism and is configured to place the square lithium batteries in a flat position, with the bottom of the square lithium batteries facing the thrust mechanism and the terminal ends of the square lithium batteries facing the power supply end of the probe mechanism. The thrust mechanism is configured to use a power component to drive a push plate to contact the bottom of the square lithium batteries, pushing the square lithium batteries to slide towards the probe mechanism, keeping the bottoms of multiple square lithium batteries flush. This flat-lay transport-type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries achieves flat placement of the square lithium batteries, improving positioning stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of lithium battery production equipment, specifically to a flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charging device. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the structural design of existing lithium battery formation equipment, prismatic lithium batteries typically enter the formation working area vertically under the clamping of a fixture. That is, the terminals of the prismatic lithium batteries face the top of the formation equipment. The probe mechanism of the formation equipment, from top to bottom, forms a flexible contact with the terminals through a tapered guide sleeve and a spring.

[0003] However, the vertical placement of prismatic lithium batteries presents the following drawbacks during the formation process: With the top terminal post as the core positioning point, the verticality deviation of the prismatic lithium battery itself, the machining tolerance of the terminal post, and slight tilting during formation clamping result in extremely low alignment tolerance of the probe mechanism during vertical contact. For example, if the deviation exceeds 0.5mm, the probe is prone to contact with the edge of the terminal post, leading to a sharp increase in contact resistance, causing localized heating, uneven distribution of formation current, and even terminal post oxidation, thus affecting the overall quality of the lithium battery.

[0004] Therefore, existing formation equipment typically requires visual recognition and float compensation to improve the positioning accuracy of vertically placed prismatic lithium batteries, thereby reducing formation efficiency. Furthermore, current prismatic lithium batteries are trending towards a flatter shape, essentially through elongated and thinner designs, increasing cell length and reducing thickness to restructure battery space utilization, energy density, and manufacturing adaptability. When flattened prismatic lithium battery structures are placed vertically, their insufficient stability due to the small support substrate, angular deviations due to increased length, and rigidity and tolerance sensitivity caused by thinness make them difficult to adapt to traditional vertical positioning mechanisms, further increasing positioning difficulty. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pre-charge device for the formation process of square lithium batteries, so as to realize the flat placement of square lithium batteries, reduce the interference of the structural deformation of the square lithium batteries on positioning, and improve the stability of positioning.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a flat-lay transport type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries, including a support platform, which defines a support plane for placing a tray, the tray being used to clamp multiple square lithium batteries arranged in parallel, and a probe mechanism for electrically connecting the terminals of the square lithium batteries to the device.

[0007] It also includes a thrust mechanism located on the side of the pallet, and the probe mechanism located on the other side of the pallet, with the thrust mechanism and the probe mechanism forming a channel for the pallet to enter.

[0008] The tray is located between the thrust mechanism and the probe mechanism. The tray is configured to place the square lithium battery in a flat position, such that the bottom end of the square lithium battery faces the thrust mechanism and the terminal end of the square lithium battery faces the power supply end of the probe mechanism.

[0009] The thrust-stop mechanism is configured to use a power component to drive a push plate to contact the bottom of the square lithium battery, pushing the square lithium battery to slide towards the probe mechanism, so that the bottoms of multiple square lithium batteries remain flush.

[0010] This flat-lay transport-type square lithium battery pre-charging equipment utilizes a flat-lay design for the square lithium batteries, overcoming the deformation problems caused by the battery's weight or structural characteristics in traditional vertical placement. In the flat-lay state, the structural stress distribution of the square lithium batteries is more uniform, avoiding positioning deviations caused by deformation and ensuring stable battery position during pre-charging, providing a precise foundation for subsequent probe docking and other processes. Through the cooperation of the thrust mechanism and the probe mechanism, after the tray enters the channel, the push plate of the thrust mechanism can push all the square lithium batteries to slide towards the probe mechanism, keeping the bottom ends of multiple batteries flush. This ensures that the relative position of the terminal end of each battery is consistent with the power supply end of the probe mechanism, reducing contact problems caused by individual positional differences and improving the stability and consistency of the electrical connection.

[0011] Preferably, a limiting groove is provided on the end face of the push plate that contacts the bottom of the square lithium battery. The limiting groove is configured to form an auxiliary limiting on the bottom of the square lithium battery using the side wall.

[0012] Preferably, the thrust restraint mechanism further includes a first guide mechanism, which is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component driving the push plate, and is configured to provide a limiting guide for the pushing of the power component.

[0013] Preferably, the first guiding mechanism includes a slide rail, a slide base, and a connector. The slide rail is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component. One end of the connector is connected to the slide rail through the slide base, and the other end of the connector is connected to the push plate.

[0014] Preferably, the probe mechanism includes a bracket, a probe assembly, and a translation assembly. The probe assembly is mounted on the bracket, and the translation assembly is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component driving the push plate. The translation assembly is used to drive the bracket to move the probe assembly along the pushing direction.

[0015] Preferably, the probe mechanism further includes a second guide mechanism, which is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component driving the push plate, and is configured to limit and guide the movement of the translation component.

[0016] Preferably, the carrying platform is provided with a conveyor roller conveyor, which is arranged perpendicular to the pushing direction of the thrust mechanism. The conveyor roller conveyor is used to transport the pallet into the channel.

[0017] Preferably, a limit baffle is provided at the end of the conveyor roller, which is configured to mechanically limit the pallet by contacting the side wall with the side wall of the pallet.

[0018] Preferably, the conveyor rollers include a driving roller and a driven roller, which are driven by a synchronous belt.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charging device provided by this utility model has the following substantial features and progress: This flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charging device reduces the interference of structural deformation on positioning by laying the square lithium batteries flat, and combines a thrust mechanism to push multiple batteries to slide synchronously to achieve bottom flushing. This not only significantly improves the stability of battery positioning and the consistency of electrical connection between the terminals and probes, but also optimizes the production process through batch clamping of trays and automated alignment design, improves the efficiency of the pre-charging process, and reduces equipment and battery losses caused by positioning deviations. It has the advantages of precision, efficiency and practicality, and is suitable for large-scale production scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a flat-lay transportable square lithium battery pre-charging device according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the tray located in the channel formed by the probe mechanism and the thrust mechanism in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the probe mechanism and thrust mechanism with the support platform in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The main view.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a reference diagram showing the usage state of the tray in the channel in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Supporting platform; 2. Pallet; 3. Probe mechanism; 4. Thrust mechanism; 5. Conveyor roller; 6. Limiting baffle; 31. Support; 32. Probe assembly; 33. Translation assembly; 34. Second guide mechanism; 41. Push plate; 42. Power component; 43. First guide mechanism; 44. Limiting groove; 431. Slide rail; 432. Slide block; 433. Connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] This invention proposes a flat-lay transport type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries, which aims to achieve flat placement of square lithium batteries during the formation process, reduce the interference of the square lithium battery's own structural deformation on positioning, and improve positioning stability.

[0030] This invention presents a flat-lay transport-type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries. The flat-lay design overcomes the deformation problems caused by the battery's weight or structural characteristics in traditional vertical placement. In the flat-lay state, the structural stress distribution of the square lithium battery is more uniform, avoiding positioning deviations caused by deformation and ensuring stable battery position during pre-charging, thus providing a precise foundation for subsequent probe docking and other processes.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charging device includes a support platform 1, which defines a support plane for placing a tray 2. The tray 2 is used to clamp multiple square lithium batteries arranged in parallel, and a probe mechanism 3 for electrically connecting the terminals of the square lithium batteries to the device.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the flat-lay transport type square lithium battery pre-charging equipment also includes a thrust mechanism 4 arranged on the side of the tray 2, and a probe mechanism 3 arranged on the other side of the tray 2. The thrust mechanism 4 and the probe mechanism 3 form a channel for the tray 2 to enter.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, tray 2 is located between thrust mechanism 4 and probe mechanism 3. Tray 2 is configured to place the square lithium battery in a flat position, such that the bottom end of the square lithium battery faces the thrust mechanism 4 and the terminal end of the square lithium battery faces the power supply end of probe mechanism 3.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the thrust mechanism 4 is configured to use the power component 42 to drive the push plate 41 to contact the bottom end of the square lithium battery, pushing the square lithium battery to slide towards the probe mechanism 3, so that the bottom ends of multiple square lithium batteries remain flush.

[0035] To further improve the auxiliary positioning effect of the push plate 41, according to some preferred embodiments of this utility model, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a limiting groove 44 is provided on the end face of the push plate 41 that contacts the bottom of the square lithium battery. The limiting groove 44 is configured to form an auxiliary limiting on the bottom of the square lithium battery using the side wall.

[0036] Therefore, the limiting groove 44 forms a wrapping constraint on the bottom of the square lithium battery through its sidewall, effectively limiting the lateral displacement of the battery in the horizontal direction during the sliding process of the thrust mechanism 4. Even if there is slight shaking of the tray 2 or a slight relative displacement between the battery and the tray 2, the sidewall of the limiting groove 44 can provide stable guidance for the battery, ensuring that multiple batteries always maintain a parallel posture when sliding towards the probe mechanism 3, further ensuring the consistency of the bottom end being flush. For example, the limiting groove 44 is arranged in a linear array on the push plate 41 along the arrangement direction of the square lithium battery.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the thrust-stopping mechanism 4 also includes a first guide mechanism 43. The first guide mechanism 43 is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the pusher plate 41 driven by the power component 42. The first guide mechanism 43 is configured to provide a limiting guide for the pushing of the power component 42. This avoids lateral deviation or swaying that may occur in traditional power drives, ensuring that the pusher plate 41 always pushes the square lithium battery smoothly in a preset direction. Whether it is a single battery or multiple batteries moving synchronously, the consistency of the thrust direction can be guaranteed, preventing uneven force, deviation or jamming of the battery caused by the tilt of the pusher plate 41, further consolidating the effect of the battery bottom being flush.

[0038] The power unit 42 can be selected from either a power cylinder or an electric push rod, depending on the design requirements. In actual use, the power cylinder can work with a limit sensor to achieve closed-loop control, ensuring that the push plate 41 stops in time after pushing the battery to the preset position, thus ensuring the consistency of the bottom ends of multiple batteries being flush.

[0039] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first guiding mechanism 43 includes a slide rail 431, a slide block 432, and a connecting member 433. The slide rail 431 is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component 42. One end of the connecting member 433 is connected to the slide rail 431 through the slide block 432, and the other end of the connecting member 433 is connected to the push plate 41. Thus, the slide block 432 and the slide rail 431 form a high-precision sliding fit, which can strictly limit the movement of the push plate 41 to a preset straight trajectory. The large contact area and small gap between the slide rail 431 and the slide block 432 can effectively counteract the lateral swaying or deflection torque that may be generated during the pushing process of the push plate 41, ensuring that the push plate 41 always moves smoothly along the direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the square lithium batteries.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the probe mechanism 3 includes a support 31, a probe assembly 32, and a translation assembly 33. The probe assembly 32 is mounted on the support 31. The translation assembly 33 is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power unit 42 driving the push plate 41. The translation assembly 33 is used to drive the support 31 to move the probe assembly 32 along the pushing direction.

[0041] Therefore, the translation component 33 drives the bracket 31 to move the probe component 32 along the pushing direction of the push plate 41, making the movement trajectory of the probe component 32 completely parallel to the movement trajectory of the terminal end of the square lithium battery. When the thrust mechanism 4 pushes the battery level, the translation component 33 can precisely adjust the position of the probe component 32 to ensure that the contact point between the probe and the battery terminal is always aligned, avoiding probe misalignment or poor connection caused by relative directional deviation. This unidirectional movement design is particularly suitable for multiple parallel batteries, ensuring consistent docking accuracy between each probe and its corresponding terminal, fundamentally improving the stability of the electrical connection during pre-charging.

[0042] The translation component 33 can be selected from either a power cylinder or an electric push rod, depending on the design requirements.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the probe mechanism 3 also includes a second guide mechanism 34. The second guide mechanism 34 is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component 42 driving the push plate 41. The second guide mechanism 34 is configured to provide limiting guidance for the movement of the translation component 33. For example, the second guide mechanism 34 has the same structure as the first guide mechanism 43.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a conveyor roller conveyor 5 is provided on the carrying platform 1. The conveyor roller conveyor 5 is arranged perpendicular to the pushing direction of the thrust mechanism 4. The conveyor roller conveyor 5 is used to transport the pallet 2 into the channel, which is suitable for batch production scenarios and can realize the continuous supply of pallets 2. With the coordinated action of the thrust mechanism 4 and the probe mechanism 3, the processing efficiency of a single batch of square lithium batteries is significantly improved.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a limiting baffle 6 is provided at the end of the conveyor roller 5. The limiting baffle 6 is configured to contact the side wall of the tray 2, forming a mechanical limit on the tray 2. Through rigid contact with the side wall of the tray 2, the limiting baffle 6 can precisely constrain the tray 2 transported by the conveyor roller 5 to a preset position, avoiding overshoot or stopping deviation of the tray 2 due to roller inertia or conveying speed fluctuations. This ensures that the consistency error of the initial position of the tray 2 is controlled within a very small range each time it enters the channel between the thrust mechanism 4 and the probe mechanism 3. The precise positioning of the tray 2 directly determines the initial arrangement accuracy of the internal square lithium batteries, providing a low-deviation prerequisite for the subsequent thrust mechanism 4 to push the batteries level and for the probe mechanism 3 to dock with the terminals.

[0046] The conveyor roller conveyor 5 includes a driving roller and a driven roller, which are connected by a synchronous belt. This ensures that the speeds of the driving roller and the driven roller are completely synchronized. When the pallet 2 is placed on the conveyor roller conveyor 5, all rollers rotate at the same speed, preventing the pallet 2 from tilting or jamming due to local differences in roller speed, thus improving the stability of the transported pallet 2.

[0047] When using the flat-lay transport-type square lithium battery pre-charging device proposed in this embodiment of the utility model, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the square lithium batteries to be precharged are placed flat in tray 2. The square lithium batteries are arranged in parallel, with the bottom facing one side of tray 2 and the terminal end facing the other side of tray 2, ensuring that all batteries are placed in the same position and the exposed terminal position is neat.

[0048] The loaded pallet 2 is placed at the entrance end of the conveyor roller 5, and the conveyor system is started. The pallet 2 moves smoothly on the roller 5 in a direction perpendicular to the thrust mechanism 4. When the pallet 2 is conveyed to the end of the roller 5, its side wall contacts the side wall of the limiting baffle 6, and the mechanical limiting achieves precise stopping, ensuring that the pallet 2 enters the channel between the thrust mechanism 4 and the probe mechanism 3.

[0049] After tray 2 is in place, thrust mechanism 4 is activated, and power component 42 drives push plate 41 to slide along first guide mechanism 43. Push plate 41 contacts the bottom end of all square lithium batteries and pushes the batteries to slide towards probe mechanism 3. Under the action of thrust, the bottom ends of multiple batteries gradually become flush, eliminating individual positional deviations and providing a unified benchmark for the docking of the terminal ends.

[0050] After the batteries are aligned, the translation component 33 of the probe mechanism 3 is activated, and the drive bracket 31 moves the probe assembly 32 in a direction parallel to the thrust direction, so that the power supply end of the probe assembly 32 gradually approaches the battery terminal. Since the probe movement direction is consistent with the battery alignment direction and the battery terminal positions are uniform, the probe can accurately connect to the terminal of each battery, forming a stable electrical connection.

[0051] This utility model is not limited to the specific technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Besides the above embodiments, this utility model may have other implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flat-lay transport-type pre-charging device for square lithium batteries, comprising a support platform (1), the support platform (1) defining a support plane for a tray (2), the tray (2) being used to clamp multiple square lithium batteries arranged in parallel, and a probe mechanism (3) for electrically connecting the terminals of the square lithium batteries to the device, characterized in that: It also includes a thrust mechanism (4) arranged on the side of the tray (2), and the probe mechanism (3) arranged on the other side of the tray (2). The thrust mechanism (4) and the probe mechanism (3) form a channel for the tray (2) to enter. The tray (2) is located between the thrust mechanism (4) and the probe mechanism (3). The tray (2) is configured to place the square lithium battery in a flat position, such that the bottom end of the square lithium battery faces the thrust mechanism (4) and the terminal end of the square lithium battery faces the power supply end of the probe mechanism (3). The thrust-stopping mechanism (4) is configured to use a power component (42) to drive the push plate (41) to contact the bottom of the square lithium battery, pushing the square lithium battery to slide towards the probe mechanism (3), so that the bottoms of multiple square lithium batteries remain flush.

2. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 1, wherein, A limiting groove (44) is provided on the end face of the push plate (41) that contacts the bottom of the square lithium battery. The limiting groove (44) is configured to form an auxiliary limiting on the bottom of the square lithium battery using the side wall.

3. The flat-lay transportable square lithium battery pre-charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thrust-stopping mechanism (4) further includes a first guide mechanism (43), which is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component (42) driving the push plate (41). The first guide mechanism (43) is configured to provide a limiting guide for the pushing of the power component (42).

4. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first guide mechanism (43) includes a slide rail (431), a slide block (432), and a connector (433). The slide rail (431) is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component (42). One end of the connector (433) is connected to the slide rail (431) through the slide block (432), and the other end of the connector (433) is connected to the push plate (41).

5. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe mechanism (3) includes a bracket (31), a probe assembly (32), and a translation assembly (33). The probe assembly (32) is mounted on the bracket (31), and the translation assembly (33) is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component (42) driving the push plate (41). The translation assembly (33) is used to drive the bracket (31) to move the probe assembly (32) along the pushing direction.

6. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The probe mechanism (3) further includes a second guide mechanism (34), which is arranged parallel to the pushing direction of the power component (42) driving the push plate (41). The second guide mechanism (34) is configured to limit and guide the movement of the translation component (33).

7. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrying platform (1) is provided with a conveyor roller (5), which is arranged perpendicular to the pushing direction of the thrust mechanism (4). The conveyor roller (5) is used to transport the pallet (2) into the channel.

8. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the conveying roller way (5) is provided with a limiting baffle (6), which is configured to be in contact with the side wall of the tray (2) by a side wall, and mechanically limit the tray (2).

9. The square lithium battery pre-charging apparatus for flat transportation according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying roller way (5) comprises a driving roller and a driven roller, and the driving roller and the driven roller are driven by a synchronous belt.

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