Gapless contactless module stacking tooling

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of gap between battery cell no-contact type module stacking tool, multiple first abutting mechanism is detachably installed in the left and right sides of battery cell placement station, the left and right sides pole of battery cell are inserted into the sawtooth of corresponding first sawtooth tool plate, i. e. sawtooth is positioned the arrangement of battery cell by the pole position of battery cell, ensure that gap can be reserved between each battery cell, while the positioning of the battery cell does not need the previous battery cell as reference, abutting mechanism only single side pushes and leans each time, function is to ensure the flatness of pole. When welding is needed, first abutting mechanism on one side is disassembled, so that the side (machining surface) of battery module is exposed, and the welding robot is used to weld and connect multiple battery cells to connect the battery cells in the module. By analogy, until the battery cells of the battery module corresponding to multiple first abutting mechanism on the other side are welded, the first holding assembly and the second holding assembly can ensure that the position of the battery cell is relatively fixed during the welding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of stacking technology for blade battery cells, and more specifically, to a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the new energy battery industry, stacking battery cells into modules is one of the important process steps in production. In existing processes, commonly used equipment structures are triangular dual-station rotary stacking tables or upper and lower dual-station sliding stacking tables. These two types of equipment are mainly for square cells, i.e., cells with their terminals and machined surfaces facing upwards, and no gaps between cells within the battery module. Along the length of the module, each stacked component (cell) can serve as the reference for its next unstacked component. However, when the battery module structure changes, with blade cells stacked into modules, the terminal machined surfaces facing both sides, and gaps must exist between blade cells, existing stacking fixtures cannot meet the stacking requirements of blade cells. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problem that existing stacking fixtures cannot meet the requirements for stacking blade cells, this utility model provides a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between cells.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, comprising: Tooling base, wherein a cell placement station is formed in the middle of the tooling base; A first abutting mechanism is detachably connected to the tooling base. Multiple first abutting mechanisms are spaced apart and installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station. Each first abutting mechanism includes a first L-shaped base, a first serrated tooling plate, a first linear bearing, a first guide shaft, an abutting plate, and a first quick clamp. The first L-shaped base is detachably connected to the tooling base. The first serrated tooling plate is installed on the side of the vertical plate of the first L-shaped base near the cell. The terminal of the cell is inserted into the serrations of the first serrated tooling plate. The first linear bearing is mounted on the first L-shaped base via reinforcing ribs. The first guide shaft passes through the first linear bearing. The first quick clamp is mounted on the L-shaped base. The output shafts of the first guide shaft and the first quick clamp are respectively connected to the abutting plate. The abutting plate abuts against the lower parts of the left and right sides of the cell. The retaining mechanism includes a welding frame, a first retaining component, and a second retaining component. The welding frame is detachably connected to the tooling base. The first retaining component and the second retaining component are respectively mounted on the welding frame. The first retaining component is used to abut downwards against the narrow surface of the battery cell, and the second retaining component is used to abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the battery cell.

[0005] Optionally, the tooling base includes: Base plate; Four visual positioning blocks are detachably mounted at the four corners of the base plate; and A plurality of support bakelite blocks are provided, which extend along the front-back direction of the base plate and are spaced apart on the top of the base plate in the front-back and left-right directions to form the battery cell placement station.

[0006] Optionally, a plurality of the supporting bakelite pieces are spaced apart and installed at intervals in the front-back and left-right directions at the bottom of the base plate.

[0007] Optionally, the welding frame is detachably connected to the base plate. The number of the first retaining components is multiple, and they are spaced apart along the front-back direction and left-right direction of the base plate. The first retaining components include an upper quick clamp, a second linear bearing, a second guide shaft, and an upper push plate. The upper quick clamp and the second linear bearing are respectively mounted on the welding frame. The second guide shaft passes through the second linear bearing, and both ends of the second guide shaft and the output shaft of the upper quick clamp are respectively connected to the upper push plate. The upper push plate is used to abut against the narrow surface of the battery cell.

[0008] Optionally, there are multiple second holding components, which are installed at intervals on the left and right sides of the welding frame. The second holding component includes a side quick clamp and a side push plate. The side quick clamp is installed on the welding frame. The output shaft of the side quick clamp is connected to the side push plate. The side push plate is used to laterally abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the battery cell.

[0009] Optionally, the cell-cell gap-free module stacking fixture further includes multiple second abutment mechanisms. These second abutment mechanisms are spaced apart and installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station. Each second abutment mechanism includes a second L-shaped base and a second serrated fixture plate. The second L-shaped base is detachably connected to the bottom support plate. The second serrated fixture plate is installed on the side of the vertical plate of the second L-shaped base near the cell. The serrations of the second serrated fixture plate are used to abut against the foil on the welded cell.

[0010] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: Multiple first abutment mechanisms are detachably installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station. Using the terminals on the left and right sides of the cell as a reference, multiple cells are sequentially inserted into the serrations of the first serrated fixture plate. This allows the user to position the cells according to the serration positions, ensuring a gap can be left between each cell. Furthermore, the positioning of this cell does not require using the previous cell as a reference; the abutment mechanism pushes against only one side at a time, ensuring the flatness of the terminals. The welding frame of the holding mechanism is detachably installed on the fixture base. The first holding component can abut downwards against the top of the cell, and the second holding component can abut against the upper parts of the left and right sides of the cell. When welding is required, one side of the first abutment mechanism is first removed, exposing the side (processed surface) of the battery module. The welding robot then welds the multiple cells together, connecting them in series within the module. This process continues until all the cells of the battery modules corresponding to the multiple first abutment mechanisms on the other side are welded. During the welding process, the first and second retaining components can ensure that the position of the cells is relatively fixed, avoiding changes in the shape of the battery module caused by changes in the position of the cells. This ensures precise alignment and stable installation of the cells, thereby achieving efficient and contactless cell stacking. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure showing a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells. Figure 1 .

[0012] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure showing a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells. Figure 2 .

[0013] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the tooling base in a non-contact module stacking tooling with gaps between battery cells, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of an angle of the first abutting mechanism in a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of a first abutting mechanism at another angle in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure of a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of a second abutting mechanism in a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7This is an isometric view of a holding mechanism in a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Attached figures and numbers: 1. Tooling base; 11. Base plate; 111. Battery cell placement station; 12. Vision positioning block; 13. Support bakelite. 2. First abutting mechanism; 21. First L-shaped base; 22. First serrated tooling plate; 23. First linear bearing; 24. First guide shaft; 25. Abutting plate; 26. First quick clamp; 3. Holding mechanism; 31. Welded frame; 32. First holding assembly; 321. Upper quick clamp; 322. Second linear bearing; 323. Second guide shaft; 324. Upper push plate; 33. Second holding assembly; 331. Side quick clamp; 332. Side push plate; 4. Second abutment mechanism; 41. Second L-shaped base; 42. Second serrated tooling plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0020] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" are used for ease of description based on the drawing orientations of the corresponding figures, while "inner" and "outer" are defined based on the contours of the corresponding components themselves. Terms such as "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are used to distinguish one element from another and do not have sequential or importance implications. Furthermore, when the following description refers to the figures, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 6This disclosure provides a non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, including a fixture base 1, a first abutment mechanism 2, and a holding mechanism 3. The fixture base 1 has a battery cell placement station 111 formed in its center. The first abutting mechanism 2 is detachably connected to the tooling base 1 by screws and quick-release pins. There are multiple first abutting mechanisms 2, which are installed at intervals on the left and right sides of the cell placement station 111. The first abutting mechanism 2 includes a first L-shaped base 21, a first serrated tooling plate 22, a first linear bearing 23, a first guide shaft 24, an abutting plate 25, and a first quick clamp 26. The first L-shaped base 21 is detachably connected to the tooling base 1. The first serrated tooling plate 22 is installed on the side of the vertical plate of the first L-shaped base 21 near the cell. The terminal of the cell is used to insert into the serration of the first serrated tooling plate 22. The first linear bearing 23 is installed on the first L-shaped base 21 by reinforcing ribs. The first guide shaft 24 passes through the first linear bearing 23. The first quick clamp 26 is installed on the L-shaped base. The output shafts of the first guide shaft 24 and the first quick clamp 26 are respectively connected to the abutting plate 25. The abutting plate 25 is used to abut against the left and right sides of the cell. The retaining mechanism 3 includes a welding frame 31, a first retaining component 32, and a second retaining component 33. The welding frame 31 is detachably connected to the tooling base 1 via screws and quick-release pins. The first retaining component 32 and the second retaining component 33 are respectively mounted on the welding frame 31. The first retaining component 32 is used to abut downwards against the narrow surface of the battery cell (the top of the battery cell), and the second retaining component 33 is used to abut against the upper parts of the left and right sides of the battery cell (the upper half of the surface to be welded on the battery cell). The battery cell and quick-release clamps are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. Multiple battery modules are installed in the battery box, and each battery module includes multiple blade cells with gaps between adjacent cells. The position between adjacent serrations of the first serrated tooling plate 22 is customized to meet the size requirements of the gaps between adjacent cells in the battery module. In this embodiment, three battery modules are installed in the battery box. The user can determine the length of the abutment plate 25 according to the number of cells contained in the battery module. That is, the number of blade cells in the battery module is positively correlated with the length of the abutment plate 25 to meet the abutment requirements of the battery module.

[0022] Understandably, multiple first abutment mechanisms 2 are detachably installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station 111. The left and right terminals of the cell are inserted into the serrations of the corresponding first serrated fixture plate 22. That is, the serrations position the cell based on the terminal position. The cell is coarsely positioned during placement, ensuring that a gap can be reserved between each cell. At the same time, the positioning of the cell does not need to be based on the previous cell. The abutment mechanism pushes on one side only at a time, ensuring the flatness of the terminal. After the cell is placed, using the first abutment mechanism 2 on one side as a reference, the first quick clamp 26 of the first abutment mechanism 2 on the other side drives the abutment plate 25 to push against the battery module, ensuring the left and right clamping of the cell and accurately shaping the battery module. The welding frame 31 of the holding mechanism 3 is detachably mounted on the tooling base 1. The first holding component 32 can abut downwards against the top of the battery cell (the narrow side of the battery cell), and the second holding component 33 can abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the battery cell (the upper half of the surface to be welded). When welding is required, the first abutting mechanism 2 on one side is first removed to expose the side of the battery module (the surface to be welded). The welding robot then welds multiple battery cells together, connecting the battery cells in series within the module. This process continues until all the battery cells of the battery module corresponding to the first abutting mechanism 2 on the other side are welded. During the welding process, the first holding component 32 and the second holding component 33 ensure that the position of the battery cells is relatively fixed, avoiding changes in the shape of the battery module due to changes in the position of the battery cells. This ensures precise alignment and stable installation of the battery cells, thereby achieving efficient and contactless battery cell stacking.

[0023] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The tooling base 1 includes a base plate 11, four vision positioning blocks 12, and supporting bakelite 13. The four vision positioning blocks 12 are detachably mounted on the four corners of the base plate 11 and have through holes. The welding robot's camera determines the position of the base plate 11 by capturing images through these through holes. The welding robot adjusts the position of its welding mechanism based on the position of the base plate 11 to facilitate welding between adjacent cells within the battery module. Multiple supporting bakelite 13s extend along the front-back direction of the base plate 11 and are spaced apart on the top of the base plate 11 in both the front-back and left-right directions to form a cell placement station 111. The supporting bakelite 13s support the blade cells to ensure the required support accuracy.

[0024] In one embodiment, multiple support bakelite blocks 13 are spaced apart and installed at intervals in the front-back and left-right directions at the bottom of the base plate 11. After multiple battery modules are welded, the retaining mechanism 3 and the visual positioning block 12 are removed from the base plate 11. The battery box is then fastened to the multiple battery modules. The battery box containing the multiple battery modules is flipped over. At this time, the base plate 11 located at the top opening of the battery box can be removed. By installing support bakelite blocks 13 at both the top and bottom of the base plate 11, the step of flipping the base plate 11 before using it next time is saved.

[0025] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 7 The welding frame 31 is detachably connected to the base plate 11. Multiple first retaining assemblies 32 are arranged at intervals along the front-back and left-right directions of the base plate 11. Each first retaining assembly 32 includes an upper quick-clamp 321, a second linear bearing 322, a second guide shaft 323, and an upper push plate 324. The upper quick-clamp 321 and the second linear bearing 322 are respectively mounted on the welding frame 31. The second guide shaft 323 passes through the second linear bearing 322, and both ends of the second guide shaft 323 and the output shaft of the upper quick-clamp 321 are connected to the upper push plate 324. The upper push plate 324 is used to abut the narrow surface of the battery cell downwards. Specifically, there are six first retaining assemblies 32, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the middle of the welding frame 31 to meet the downward pressing requirements of three battery modules.

[0026] In one embodiment, there are multiple second holding components 33, which are spaced apart and installed on the left and right sides of the welding frame 31. Each second holding component 33 includes a side quick-clamp 331 and a side push plate 332. The side quick-clamp 331 is mounted on the welding frame 31, and its output shaft is connected to the side push plate 332. The side push plate 332 is used to laterally abut against the upper parts of the left and right sides of the battery cell. Specifically, there are six first holding components 32, symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the welding frame 31. The first holding components 32 are located above the first abutment mechanism 2, and their abutment against each other in the height direction of the battery cell will not interfere with each other.

[0027] In one implementation, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 6The cell-cell gap-free module stacking fixture also includes multiple second abutment mechanisms 4. These second abutment mechanisms 4 are spaced apart and installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station 111. Each second abutment mechanism 4 includes a second L-shaped base 41 and a second serrated fixture plate 42. The second L-shaped base 41 is detachably connected to the bottom support plate 11. The second serrated fixture plate 42 is installed on the side of the vertical plate of the second L-shaped base 41 that is close to the cell. The serrations of the second serrated fixture plate 42 are used to abut against the foil of the welded cell. The welding technology between adjacent cells in the battery module is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] Understandably, multiple first abutting mechanisms 2 are detachably installed on the left and right sides of the cell placement station 111. The left and right poles of the cell are respectively inserted into the serrations of the corresponding first serrated fixture plate 22. That is, the serrations position the cell by the position of the pole, ensuring that a gap can be reserved between each cell. At the same time, the positioning of the cell does not need to be based on the previous cell. The abutting mechanism pushes on one side only each time, and its function is to ensure the flatness of the pole. The welding frame 31 of the holding mechanism 3 is detachably installed on the fixture base 1. The first holding component 32 can abut downwards against the top of the cell (the narrow side of the cell), and the second holding component 33 can abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the cell. When welding is required, the first abutment mechanism 2 on one side is first disassembled to expose the side of the battery module (the surface to be welded). The welding robot then welds multiple cells together, connecting them in series. The second abutment mechanism 4 is then installed on the side of the welded battery module. The serrations of the second serrated fixture plate 42 abut against the tabs on the welded cells. At this time, the terminals of the cells are outside the serrations of the second serrated fixture plate 42, avoiding interference with the position of the welded cells. This process continues until all the cells of the battery module corresponding to the first abutment mechanism 2 on the other side are welded. During the welding process, the first retaining component 32 and the second retaining component 33 ensure that the position of the cells is relatively fixed, preventing changes in the shape of the battery module due to changes in the position of the cells. This ensures precise alignment and stable installation of the cells, thereby achieving efficient and contactless cell stacking. This fixture is compatible with stacking modules of different lengths simultaneously and features a completely symmetrical design, offering flexibility, operability, and interchangeability.

[0029] This utility model has been described through embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Furthermore, under the teachings of this utility model, modifications can be made to these features and embodiments to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A non-contact module stacking fixture with gaps between battery cells, characterized in that, include: Tooling base (1), wherein a cell placement station (111) is formed in the middle of the tooling base (1). The first abutting mechanism (2) is detachably connected to the tooling base (1). Multiple first abutting mechanisms (2) are installed at intervals on the left and right sides of the cell placement station (111). Each first abutting mechanism (2) includes a first L-shaped base (21), a first serrated tooling plate (22), a first linear bearing (23), a first guide shaft (24), an abutting plate (25), and a first quick clamp (26). The first L-shaped base (21) is detachably connected to the tooling base (1), and the first serrated tooling plate (22) is installed on the first L-shaped base. The vertical plate of the base (21) is located on the side near the battery cell. The terminal of the battery cell is inserted into the serration of the first serrated tooling plate (22). The first linear bearing (23) is mounted on the first L-shaped base (21) by reinforcing ribs. The first guide shaft (24) passes through the first linear bearing (23). The first quick clamp (26) is mounted on the L-shaped base. The output shafts of the first guide shaft (24) and the first quick clamp (26) are respectively connected to the abutment plate (25). The abutment plate (25) is used to abut against the left and right sides of the battery cell. The retaining mechanism (3) includes a welding frame (31), a first retaining component (32), and a second retaining component (33). The welding frame (31) is detachably connected to the tooling base (1). The first retaining component (32) and the second retaining component (33) are respectively installed on the welding frame (31). The first retaining component (32) is used to abut downwards against the narrow surface of the battery cell, and the second retaining component (33) is used to abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the battery cell.

2. The cell-cell gap-filled, non-contact module stacking fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tooling base (1) includes: Bottom support plate (11); Four visual positioning blocks (12) are detachably mounted at the four corners of the base plate (11); and Support bakelite (13) extends along the front-back direction of the base plate (11). There are multiple support bakelite (13) and they are installed at intervals on the front-back and left-right directions of the top of the base plate (11) to form the battery cell placement station (111).

3. The cell-cell gap-filled, non-contact module stacking fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple of the supporting bakelite (13) are installed at intervals on the bottom of the base plate (11) in the front-back and left-right directions.

4. The cell-cell gap-filled, non-contact module stacking fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The welding frame (31) is detachably connected to the base plate (11). There are multiple first retaining components (32), which are spaced apart along the front-back and left-right directions of the base plate (11). The first retaining component (32) includes an upper quick clamp (321), a second linear bearing (322), a second guide shaft (323), and an upper push plate (324). The upper quick clamp (321) and the second linear bearing (322) are respectively mounted on the welding frame (31). The second guide shaft (323) passes through the second linear bearing (322), and both ends of the second guide shaft (323) and the output shaft of the upper quick clamp (321) are respectively connected to the upper push plate (324). The upper push plate (324) is used to abut the narrow surface of the battery cell downward.

5. The cell-cell gap-filled, non-contact module stacking fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the second retaining components (33) is multiple and they are installed at intervals on the left and right sides of the welding frame (31). The second retaining components (33) include a side quick clamp (331) and a side push plate (332). The side quick clamp (331) is installed on the welding frame (31). The output shaft of the side quick clamp (331) is connected to the side push plate (332). The side push plate (332) is used to laterally abut against the upper part of the left and right sides of the battery cell.

6. The cell-cell gap-filled, non-contact module stacking fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cell-cell gap-free module stacking fixture also includes multiple second abutment mechanisms (4). The multiple second abutment mechanisms (4) are installed at intervals on the left and right sides of the cell placement station (111). The second abutment mechanism (4) includes a second L-shaped base (41) and a second serrated fixture plate (42). The second L-shaped base (41) is detachably connected to the bottom support plate (11). The second serrated fixture plate (42) is installed on the side of the vertical plate of the second L-shaped base (41) near the cell. The serrations of the second serrated fixture plate (42) are used to abut against the foil on the welded cell.

Images