Pressure-applying device and battery manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a pressing device and a battery manufacturing equipment. The pressing device comprises a support, a pressing member and a driving mechanism. The pressing member is used for pressing a part to be pressed. The pressing member comprises a flexible packaging structure, a trigger and a phase change medium. The flexible packaging structure has a cavity for accommodating the phase change medium. The phase change medium has a flexible state and a rigid state. The trigger is used for triggering the phase change medium to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. The driving mechanism is installed on the support. The driving mechanism is used for driving the pressing member to move towards the part to be pressed, so that the pressing member presses the part to be pressed. The pressing member in the pressing device can adapt to the part to be pressed with different contour structures, so that the pressing device can be applied to different types of battery devices, and the compatibility of the pressing device is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, specifically to a pressure application device and battery manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry, and electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of this sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development.

[0003] In the adhesive application process of battery packs, a pressure device is typically used to apply pressure to the packing housing to ensure a stable seal after the adhesive cures. However, the housing contours differ between different battery pack models, making the pressure device unsuitable for all models. Therefore, improving the compatibility of the pressure device with different battery pack models is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved during battery pack manufacturing. Utility Model Content

[0004] One of the objectives of this application is to provide a pressure application device and battery manufacturing equipment, aiming to solve the technical problem of poor compatibility of pressure application devices in related technologies.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is as follows: a pressure applying device is provided, including a bracket, a pressure applying element, and a driving mechanism; the pressure applying element is used to press against the component to be pressed, and the pressure applying element includes a flexible encapsulation structure, a trigger element, and a phase change medium. The flexible encapsulation structure has a cavity for accommodating the phase change medium, and the phase change medium has a flexible state and a rigid state. The trigger element is used to trigger the phase change medium to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state; the driving mechanism is mounted on the bracket, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the pressure applying element to move towards the component to be pressed, so that the pressure applying element presses against the component to be pressed.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the pressure application device provided in this application embodiment are as follows: A phase change medium is disposed within the flexible encapsulation structure of the pressure application device provided in this application embodiment. The phase change medium has a flexible state and a rigid state, and a trigger can trigger the phase change medium to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. When the pressure application device is in contact with the component to be pressed, the trigger can make the phase change medium in a flexible state, so that the pressure application device can adapt to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. Subsequently, the trigger can trigger the phase change medium to switch from the flexible state to the rigid state. At this time, the drive mechanism can provide pressure to the pressure application device acting on the component to be pressed, thereby applying pressure to the component. In this way, the pressure application device can adapt to components with different contour structures, making the pressure application device applicable to different types of battery devices, effectively improving the compatibility of the pressure application device.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the phase change medium is a magnetorheological medium and the trigger is an electromagnetic device; when the trigger is de-energized, the phase change medium is in a flexible state; when the trigger is energized, the phase change medium can maintain a rigid state in the electromagnetic field generated by the trigger.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the energization and de-energization of electromagnetic devices can be controlled, thereby enabling precise and rapid control of the magnetorheological medium between the fluid flexible state and the solid rigid state. This makes the automated control of the entire pressure application process easy to achieve, with high stability and reliability.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, both the trigger and the flexible packaging structure are plate-shaped structures, and the trigger and the flexible packaging structure are stacked sequentially along the pressure direction of the pressure application device.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the overall structure of the pressure-applying component becomes compact and flat, providing a large and uniform pressure-applying surface. This is particularly suitable for scenarios such as battery pack housings that require planar or near-planar pressing, which helps to simplify the overall structure of the pressure-applying device and facilitates manufacturing and installation.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the stiffness of the flexible packaging structure is less than or equal to the stiffness of the phase change medium in a flexible state.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, when the phase change medium is in a flexible state, the flexible packaging structure will not hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium due to its excessive stiffness, so that the pressure component can better fit the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and effect of the adaptive fitting of the pressure component.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the pressure-applying member further includes a flexible support member, which is housed within the cavity and connected between the two opposing cavity walls.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible support can support the flexible packaging structure when the phase change medium is in a flexible state, so as to improve the situation of excessive deformation or collapse of the flexible packaging structure when the phase change medium is in a flexible state. At the same time, the flexible support will not significantly hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium, so that the pressure application component can effectively conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the pressure-applying component includes a plurality of flexible support members, which are spaced apart along a first direction. A phase change medium is disposed between two adjacent flexible support members, and the first direction is perpendicular to the pressure-applying direction of the pressure-applying device.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, the flexible support can better support the flexible packaging structure when the phase change medium is in a flexible state; on the other hand, the pressure application component can apply pressure to multiple parts of the component to be pressured, so as to improve the situation of local stress concentration in the component to be pressured, and at the same time, the amount of phase change medium used can be reduced, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the pressure application device.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the cavity includes at least one first cavity and a plurality of second cavities. The first cavity and the second cavity are isolated from each other and are used to contain the phase change medium. The second cavity is used to contain the flexible support member. At least one first cavity is disposed between two adjacent second cavities.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible support and the phase change medium can be isolated from each other, so as to prevent the flexible support and the phase change medium from absorbing and fusing with each other, thereby improving the reliability of the pressure application device.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the flexible packaging structure has a central plane perpendicular to a first direction, and the first cavity and a plurality of second cavities are symmetrically distributed about the central plane.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, when pressure is applied to the component to be pressed, the pressure of the pressure-applying component can be evenly distributed along the first direction, effectively improving the situation of local stress concentration in the component to be pressed.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the stiffness of the flexible support is greater than the stiffness of the phase change medium in a flexible state and less than the stiffness of the phase change medium in a rigid state.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, since the stiffness of the flexible support is greater than that of the phase change medium in a flexible state, the flexible support can better support the flexible packaging structure when the phase change medium is in a flexible state. On the other hand, since the stiffness of the flexible support is less than that of the phase change medium in a rigid state, the flexible support will not significantly hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium, thereby enabling the pressure application component to effectively conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressured.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the flexible support is a porous elastomer or a polymer elastomer.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, under the premise that the flexible support effectively supports the flexible packaging structure, the flexible support can have good flexibility, so that the flexible support will not significantly hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium, thereby enabling the pressure application component to effectively conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the flexible encapsulation structure is one of a silicone film structure, a rubber film structure, or a polymer film structure.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solutions, the flexible packaging structure can not only have good flexibility and effectively encapsulate the phase change medium to reduce the risk of leakage, but also have stable chemical properties, effectively improving the durability of the pressure-applying component.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the pressure applying device further includes a mounting base connected to the power output end of the drive mechanism, and the pressure applying element is mounted on the mounting base.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, it is not only convenient to install the pressure-applying component, but also the driving force of the drive mechanism can be transmitted to the pressure-applying component more smoothly and evenly through the mounting base, so as to provide sufficient pressure to the component to be pressed, thereby effectively improving the reliability of the pressure-applying device.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery manufacturing apparatus, including the pressure application device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the battery manufacturing equipment provided in this application embodiment are as follows: Since the battery manufacturing equipment provided in this application embodiment adopts the pressure device described in any of the above embodiments, it not only effectively reduces the production cost of the battery device, but also effectively saves the changeover time of the pressure device, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency of the battery device. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or exemplary technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure application device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the pressure application device.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view of the pressure-applying component in the pressure-applying device shown;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the pressure-applying component along line AA.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 100. Pressure application device;

[0039] 10. Bracket;

[0040] 20. Pressure-applying component; 21. Flexible packaging structure; 211. Cavity; 2111. First cavity; 2112. Second cavity; 22. Trigger; 23. Phase change medium; 24. Flexible support component; 25. Vertical surface;

[0041] 30. Drive mechanism;

[0042] 40. Mounting base;

[0043] 200. Battery assembly; 201. Housing; 2011. First housing; 2012. Second housing; 202. Battery cell; 2021. Casing; 2022. Electrode terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of this application can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, all technical features and optional technical features of this application may be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, all steps of this application may be performed sequentially or randomly, preferably sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), indicating that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or it may include steps (b) and (a) performed sequentially. For example, the mention that the method may also include step (c) indicates that step (c) may be added to the method in any order; for example, the method may include steps (a), (b), and (c), or it may include steps (a), (c), and (b), or it may include steps (c), (a), and (b), etc.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0050] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0052] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0054] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" 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. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] In related technologies, to improve the sealing performance of battery devices, adhesive is typically applied to the joints of the battery casing for sealing. During the adhesive application process, pressure is usually applied to the casing using a pressure device to ensure that the adhesive forms a stable sealing interface on the casing after curing.

[0056] However, different battery pack models have different housing contours, and the pressure-applying components in the pressure system are usually rigid, resulting in poor compatibility and an inability to adapt to housings with varying contours. If the pressure-applying component doesn't fit the housing's contour, localized stress concentration can occur, leading to inconsistent sealing interfaces. Therefore, currently, custom-made pressure-applying components are necessary for each battery pack model. This not only increases production costs but also requires additional time to replace the pressure-applying components when switching from one model to another during battery pack production, hindering production efficiency.

[0057] To improve the compatibility of the pressure application device, the flexible encapsulation structure of the pressure application device provided in this application embodiment contains a phase change medium. The phase change medium has a flexible state and a rigid state, and a trigger can trigger the phase change medium to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. When the pressure application device is in contact with the component to be pressed, the trigger can make the phase change medium in a flexible state so that the pressure application device can adapt to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. Subsequently, the trigger can trigger the phase change medium to switch from the flexible state to the rigid state. At this time, the drive mechanism can provide pressure to the pressure application device to apply pressure to the component to be pressed. In this way, the pressure application device can be adapted to components with different contour structures, making the pressure application device applicable to different types of battery devices, effectively improving the compatibility of the pressure application device.

[0058] The pressure applying device disclosed in this application can be applied to the glue application process of battery devices. For example, the pressure applying device is used to press against the casing of the battery device during the glue application process. Of course, the pressure applying device disclosed in this application can also be applied to the production process of other workpieces, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0059] The battery device disclosed in this application can be used in electrical devices that use batteries as a power source or in various energy storage systems that use batteries as energy storage elements. Electrical devices can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0060] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the battery device 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The battery device 200 mentioned in the embodiments of this application may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. The battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells 202, which are connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection via a busbar.

[0061] In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging a plurality of battery cells 202.

[0062] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells 202 together to form an independent module. As an example, the battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells 202 together with cable ties.

[0063] In some embodiments, the battery device 200 may be a battery pack, which includes a housing 201 and one or more battery cell assemblies, the battery cell assemblies being housed in the housing 201.

[0064] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, and the battery cell assembly can be housed in the housing 201 by fixing the battery module in the housing 201.

[0065] As an example, the battery cell assembly can also be housed in the housing 201 by directly fixing multiple battery cells 202 to the housing 201.

[0066] As an example, the housing 201 may include a first housing 2011 and a second housing 2012. The first housing 2011 and the second housing 2012 are fastened together to form a closed space inside the housing 201 to house the battery cell assembly. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, which can be sealed or unsealed. The first housing 2011 may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0067] As an example, a sealant is provided at the periphery of the first housing 2011. The sealant is used to connect the first housing 2011 and the second housing 2012 to seal the gap between the first housing 2011 and the second housing 2012.

[0068] As an example, the housing 201 may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate. The top cover and the bottom plate are respectively connected to the frame, so that the interior of the housing 201 forms an enclosed space to accommodate the battery cell assembly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the housing 201 may be part of the vehicle's chassis structure. For example, a portion of the housing 201 may be at least a portion of the vehicle's floor, or a portion of the housing 201 may be at least a portion of the vehicle's crossbeams and longitudinal beams.

[0070] In this embodiment of the application, the battery cell 202 can be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell 202 that can be used again after being discharged by recharging to activate the active materials.

[0071] The battery cell 202 can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0072] A battery cell 202 typically includes an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, with the separator positioned between the negative and positive electrodes. During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell 202, active ions (such as lithium ions) repeatedly insert and extract between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing active ions to pass through.

[0073] The electrode assembly can be a wound structure, a stacked structure, or a hybrid structure of wound and stacked.

[0074] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a wound structure. The positive and negative electrode sheets are wound into a wound structure.

[0075] In some implementations, the electrode assembly is a stacked structure.

[0076] As an example, multiple positive and negative electrodes can be set, and multiple positive and multiple negative electrodes can be stacked alternately.

[0077] As an example, multiple positive electrode plates can be provided, and negative electrode plates can be folded to form multiple stacked folded sections, with a positive electrode plate sandwiched between adjacent folded sections.

[0078] As an example, both the positive and negative electrode sheets are folded to form multiple stacked folded sections.

[0079] As an example, multiple separators can be provided, each positioned between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0080] As an example, the separators can be continuously arranged, either by folding or rolling between any adjacent positive or negative electrode plates.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal, etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is provided with tabs that allow current to be drawn from the electrode assembly. The tabs include a positive tab and a negative tab.

[0083] In some embodiments, the battery cell 202 may include a housing 2021. The housing 2021 may be a steel housing, an aluminum housing, a plastic housing (such as polypropylene), a composite metal housing (such as a copper-aluminum composite housing 2021), or an aluminum-plastic film, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 2021 may be a sealed structure or a non-sealed structure. As an example, when the housing 2021 is a non-sealed structure, the housing 2021 serves to protect the electrode assembly, and a sealing bag is also included between the housing 2021 and the electrode assembly. The sealing bag is used to encapsulate the electrode assembly and electrolyte. Specifically, the sealing bag may be a bag-shaped insulating component or an aluminum-plastic film. When the housing 2021 is a sealed structure, it is used to encapsulate components such as the electrode assembly and electrolyte.

[0084] As an example, the battery cell 202 can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or a battery cell 202 of other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic battery cells. Multi-prismatic battery cells are, for example, hexagonal prismatic battery cells. This application does not have any particular limitations.

[0085] In some embodiments, the housing 2021 includes an end cap and a housing, the housing having an opening, and the end cap covering the opening. The housing may have one or more openings. The end cap may also be provided with one or more.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least one electrode terminal 2022 is provided on the housing 2021, and the electrode terminal 2022 is electrically connected to the tab. The electrode terminal 2022 can be directly connected to the tab, or it can be indirectly connected to the tab through a current collector. The electrode terminal 2022 can be provided on the end cap or on the housing.

[0087] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals 2022 of a plurality of battery cells 202 are welded to a busbar to achieve electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells 202.

[0088] To illustrate the technical solutions provided in this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific drawings and embodiments.

[0089] Firstly, please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application provides a pressure application device 100 including a bracket 10, a pressure application element 20, and a driving mechanism 30. The pressure application element 20 is used to press against the component to be pressed. The pressure application element 20 includes a flexible encapsulation structure 21, a trigger element 22, and a phase change medium 23. The flexible encapsulation structure 21 has a cavity 211 for accommodating the phase change medium 23. The phase change medium 23 has a flexible state and a rigid state. The trigger element 22 is used to trigger the phase change medium 23 to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. The driving mechanism 30 is mounted on the bracket 10 and is used to drive the pressure application element 20 to move toward the component to be pressed, so that the pressure application element 20 presses against the component to be pressed.

[0090] The bracket 10 provides an installation environment for the drive mechanism 30 and bears the gravitational loads of the pressure-applying component 20 and the drive mechanism 30. The bracket 10 can be made of, but is not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, hard plastic, etc. The bracket 10 can be a one-piece molded component or a modular component.

[0091] The drive mechanism 30 is a mechanism for driving the pressure-applying member 20 to move toward or away from the member to be pressed. Understandably, the drive mechanism 30 drives the pressure-applying member 20 toward the member to be pressed until the pressure-applying member 20 presses against the member to be pressed, thereby applying pressure to the member. The drive mechanism 30 can be, but is not limited to, a motor drive mechanism, a pneumatic drive mechanism, a hydraulic drive mechanism, etc.

[0092] In some embodiments, the pressure applying device 100 further includes a mounting base 40, which is connected to the power output end of the drive mechanism 30, and the pressure applying element 20 is mounted on the mounting base 40. Understandably, the mounting base 40 is made of a rigid material, and the material of the mounting base 40 can be, but is not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, iron, steel, hard plastic, etc. This not only facilitates the installation of the pressure applying element 20, but also allows the driving force of the drive mechanism 30 to be transmitted to the pressure applying element 20 more smoothly and evenly through the mounting base 40, so as to provide sufficient pressure to the component to be pressed, thereby effectively improving the reliability of the pressure applying device 100.

[0093] The pressure-applying component 20 is used to directly contact the component to be pressured and apply pressure to it. The flexible encapsulation structure 21 is used to encapsulate the phase change medium 23. Understandably, the flexible encapsulation structure 21 is made of a flexible material so that its shape can change with the shape of the phase change fluid.

[0094] In some embodiments, the flexible encapsulation structure 21 is one of a silicone film structure, a rubber film structure, or a polymer film structure; that is, the flexible material can be, but is not limited to, silicone, rubber, or polymer film materials. This not only gives the flexible encapsulation structure 21 good flexibility, effectively encapsulating the phase change medium 23 to reduce the risk of leakage, but also gives the flexible encapsulation structure 21 stable chemical properties, effectively improving the durability of the pressure-applying component 20.

[0095] As an example, in order to enable the pressure-applying component 20 to better conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, the wall thickness of the flexible packaging structure 21 can be optimized. For example, the wall thickness of the flexible packaging structure 21 can be 0.5mm-2mm, specifically 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, etc.

[0096] The phase change medium 23 is a medium that can directly switch between at least a flexible state and a rigid state. Understandably, the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in its flexible state is much less than that in its rigid state. The flexible state can refer to the phase change medium 23 being a fluid, meaning it possesses fluidity; or it can refer to the phase change medium 23 being a soft solid, meaning it easily deforms under external forces. The rigid state can refer to the phase change medium 23 being a rigid solid, in which case it has significant yield stress, resists shear and compressive deformation, and effectively transmits loads.

[0097] The trigger element 22 is a component used to trigger the phase change medium 23 to switch directly between a flexible state and a rigid state.

[0098] In some embodiments, the phase change medium 23 is a magnetorheological medium, and the trigger 22 is an electromagnetic device. When the trigger 22 is de-energized, the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, i.e., the magnetorheological medium is in a fluid state; when the trigger 22 is energized, the phase change medium 23 can maintain a rigid state in the electromagnetic field generated by the trigger 22, i.e., the magnetorheological medium is in a solid state. This allows for precise and rapid control of the switching between the fluid flexible state and the solid rigid state of the magnetorheological medium, making the automated control of the entire pressure application process easy to achieve, with high stability and reliability.

[0099] In other embodiments, the phase change medium 23 is a magnetorheological medium, and the trigger 22 is a high-voltage electrical device. When the trigger 22 is de-energized, the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, i.e., the magnetorheological medium is in a fluid state. When the trigger 22 is energized, the polarized particles in the phase change medium 23 can form a chain-like structure in the high-voltage electric field generated by the trigger 22, causing its apparent viscosity and shear strength to increase sharply, thereby keeping the phase change medium 23 in a rigid state, i.e., the magnetorheological medium is in a solid state. This allows for precise and rapid control of the switching between the fluid flexible state and the solid rigid state of the magnetorheological medium by controlling the energization and de-energization of the high-voltage electrical device. This makes the automated control of the entire pressure application process easy to achieve, with high stability and reliability.

[0100] In some embodiments, the phase change medium 23 is a low-melting-point alloy, and the trigger 22 is an electrothermal device. When the trigger 22 is energized, it heats the phase change medium 23, causing it to melt into a fluid, thus keeping the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, i.e., the low-melting-point alloy is in a fluid state. When the trigger 22 is de-energized, the phase change medium 23 gradually cools until it solidifies, thus keeping the phase change medium 23 in a rigid state, i.e., the low-melting-point alloy is in a solid state. This allows control of the energization and de-energization of the electrothermal device, enabling control of the switching of the magnetorheological medium between a fluid flexible state and a solid rigid state, resulting in low cost, high stability, and high reliability.

[0101] As an example, both the trigger element 22 and the flexible encapsulation structure 21 are plate-shaped structures, and the trigger element 22 and the flexible encapsulation structure 21 are stacked sequentially along the pressure direction of the pressure application device 100. This makes the overall structure of the pressure application element 20 compact and flat, providing a large and uniform pressure application plane, which is particularly suitable for scenarios such as battery pack housings that require planar or near-planar pressing. This simplifies the overall structure of the pressure application device 100 and facilitates manufacturing and installation.

[0102] In some embodiments, the pressure member 20 in the pressure device 100 provided in this application is used to press against the second housing 2012 so that the second housing 2012 and the first housing 2011 can fit tightly together, thereby enabling the sealant located between the second housing 2012 and the first housing 2011 to form a stable sealing interface after curing.

[0103] The pressure application device 100 provided in this application embodiment has a phase change medium 23 disposed within the flexible encapsulation structure 21. The phase change medium 23 has a flexible state and a rigid state, and the trigger 22 can trigger the phase change medium 23 to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. When the pressure application member 20 is in contact with the component to be pressed, the trigger 22 can make the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state so that the pressure application member 20 can be adapted to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. Subsequently, the trigger 22 can trigger the phase change medium 23 to switch from the flexible state to the rigid state. At this time, the drive mechanism 30 can provide pressure to the pressure application member 20 to apply pressure to the component to be pressed. In this way, the pressure application member 20 can be adapted to components with different contour structures, so that the pressure application device 100 can be used for different types of battery devices, effectively improving the compatibility of the pressure application device 100.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, the stiffness of the flexible packaging structure 21 is less than or equal to the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state.

[0105] Understandably, when the pressure-applying component 20 is in contact with the component to be pressed, it is necessary to ensure that the flexible encapsulation structure 21 can deform preferentially, so that the contour structure of the component to be pressed can penetrate into the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state through the flexible encapsulation structure 21. This allows the shape of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state to adapt to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby enabling the pressure-applying component 20 to conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. If the stiffness of the flexible encapsulation structure 21 is too large, the flexible encapsulation structure 21 will support the entire pressure-applying component 20, thereby generating resistance to the component to be pressed. This prevents the contour structure of the component to be pressed from penetrating into the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, resulting in the shape of the phase change medium 23 not being able to adapt to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. This creates a gap between the pressure-applying component 20 and the component to be pressed, preventing true adaptive bonding.

[0106] Therefore, this embodiment designs the mechanical relationship between the flexible packaging structure 21 and the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, so that the stiffness of the flexible packaging structure 21 is less than or equal to the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state. When the stiffness of the flexible packaging structure 21 is less than or equal to the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, during the process of the pressure member 20 and the component to be pressed being pressed, the contact force between the pressure member 20 and the component to be pressed will cause the flexible packaging structure 21 to deform preferentially, so that the contour structure of the component to be pressed can penetrate into the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state through the flexible packaging structure 21. Subsequently, under the continuous action of the driving mechanism 30, the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state can flow more smoothly, so that the shape of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state can be adapted to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby enabling the pressure member 20 to conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0107] By adopting the above technical solution, when the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, the flexible encapsulation structure 21 will not hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium 23 due to its excessive stiffness, so that the pressure application component 20 can better fit the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and effect of the adaptive fitting of the pressure application component 20.

[0108] Please refer to some embodiments of this application as well. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pressure-applying component 20 also includes a flexible support component 24, which is housed within the cavity 211 and connected between the two opposing cavity walls of the cavity 211.

[0109] The flexible support 24 is a component used to support the flexible encapsulation structure 21. Understandably, when the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, the flexible support 24 can support the flexible encapsulation structure 21 to improve the situation of excessive collapse and deformation of the pressure member 20.

[0110] Understandably, the flexible support 24 is made of flexible material.

[0111] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the flexible support 24 is greater than the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in the flexible state and less than the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in the rigid state.

[0112] Understandably, when the pressure-applying component 20 is not in contact with the component to be pressed and the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, the flexible support component 24 needs to have a certain supporting strength to support the flexible packaging structure 21. If the stiffness of the flexible support component 24 is too small, it will fail to support the flexible packaging structure 21. When the pressure-applying component 20 is in contact with the component to be pressed and the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, it is necessary to ensure that the flexible packaging structure 21 can deform preferentially, and the flexible support component 24 needs to deform synchronously, so that the contour structure of the component to be pressed can penetrate into the flexible phase change medium 23 through the flexible packaging structure 21, so that the shape of the flexible phase change medium 23 can be adapted to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby allowing the pressure-applying component 20 to conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed. If the stiffness of the flexible support 24 is too large, the flexible support 24 will resist the component to be pressed, causing the contour structure of the component to be pressed to be unable to penetrate into the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state. Consequently, the shape of the phase change medium 23 cannot be adapted to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, resulting in a gap between the pressure application component 20 and the component to be pressed, making it impossible to achieve true adaptive fitting.

[0113] Therefore, this embodiment designs the mechanical relationship between the flexible support 24 and the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, ensuring that the stiffness of the flexible support 24 is greater than the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state but less than the stiffness of the phase change medium 23 in a rigid state. Even when the stiffness of the flexible support 24 is greater than that of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state, the flexible support 24 possesses a certain supporting strength, thereby effectively supporting the flexible packaging structure 21. When the stiffness of the flexible support 24 is less than that of the phase change medium 23 in a rigid state, during the process of the pressure application 20 and the component to be pressed being pressed, the contact force between the pressure application 20 and the component to be pressed will cause the flexible encapsulation structure 21 to deform preferentially, and the flexible support 24 will deform synchronously, so that the contour structure of the component to be pressed can penetrate into the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state through the flexible encapsulation structure 21. Subsequently, under the continuous action of the driving mechanism 30, the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state can flow more smoothly, so that the shape of the phase change medium 23 in a flexible state can be adapted to the contour structure of the component to be pressed, thereby enabling the pressure application 20 to conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0114] In some embodiments, the flexible support 24 is a porous elastomer or a polymer elastomer. This allows the flexible support 24 to effectively support the flexible encapsulation structure 21 while possessing good flexibility, ensuring that it does not significantly impede the flow and shape change of the phase change medium 23. This, in turn, allows the pressure-applying member 20 to effectively conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0115] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible support member 24 can support the flexible packaging structure 21 when the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state, so as to improve the situation of excessive deformation or collapse of the flexible packaging structure 21 when the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state. At the same time, the flexible support member 24 will not significantly hinder the flow and shape change of the phase change medium 23, so that the pressure member 20 can effectively conform to the contour structure of the component to be pressed.

[0116] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5 The pressure-applying component 20 includes multiple flexible support components 24, which are spaced apart along a first direction. A phase change medium 23 is provided between two adjacent flexible support components 24. The first direction is perpendicular to the pressure-applying direction of the pressure-applying device 100.

[0117] It should be noted that the pressure applying device 100 has a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The third direction can be the downward pressing direction of the pressure applying member 20, meaning the pressure applying member 20 can move along the third direction towards the component to be pressed, thereby pressing against the component. The third direction can be... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The Z direction is shown. Both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the third direction, and one of the first and second directions can be... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The X direction shown, the other of the first and second directions can be... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Y direction shown.

[0118] The number of flexible support members 24 can be determined according to the actual application requirements, specifically two, three, four, five, etc.

[0119] By adopting the above technical solution, on the one hand, the flexible support member 24 can better support the flexible packaging structure 21 when the phase change medium 23 is in a flexible state; on the other hand, the pressure member 20 can apply pressure to multiple parts of the component to be pressed, so as to improve the situation of local stress concentration in the component to be pressed, and at the same time, the amount of phase change medium 23 can be reduced, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the pressure device 100.

[0120] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5The cavity 211 includes at least one first cavity 2111 and a plurality of second cavities 2112. The first cavity 2111 and the second cavity 2112 are isolated from each other and are used to contain the phase change medium 23. The second cavity 2112 is used to contain the flexible support member 24. At least one first cavity 2111 is provided between two adjacent second cavities 2112.

[0121] Understandably, the cavity 211 of the flexible packaging structure 21 is provided with necessary partitioning structures, which are used to divide the cavity 211 of the flexible packaging structure 21 into a first cavity 2111 and a second cavity 2112.

[0122] As an example, the cavity 211 of the flexible packaging structure 21 is provided with a plurality of partition ribs, which are arranged along a first direction to divide the cavity 211 of the flexible packaging structure 21 into a first cavity 2111 and a second cavity 2112.

[0123] Each second cavity 2112 can be used to accommodate one flexible support 24 or multiple flexible support 24.

[0124] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The flexible packaging structure 21 has a vertical plane 25 perpendicular to the first direction, and the first cavity 2111 and multiple second cavities 2112 are symmetrically distributed about the vertical plane 25. When pressure is applied to the component to be pressed, the pressure of the pressure-applying component 20 can be evenly distributed along the first direction, effectively improving the situation of local stress concentration in the component to be pressed.

[0125] As an example, there are three flexible support members 24 and three second cavities 2112. Each second cavity 2112 contains a flexible support member 24. Along the first direction, a first cavity 2111 is provided between two adjacent second cavities 2112. The layout structure formed by the three second cavities 2112 and the two first cavities 2111 is symmetrical about the above-mentioned vertical plane 25.

[0126] certainly, Figure 5 The pressure-applying component 20 shown is only an example illustrating the quantitative and distributional relationships of the flexible support component 24, the second cavity 2112, and the first cavity 2111, but it is not limited to this and can be set according to actual application needs.

[0127] By adopting the above technical solution, the flexible support 24 and the phase change medium 23 are isolated from each other, so as to prevent the flexible support 24 and the phase change medium 23 from absorbing and fusing with each other, thereby improving the reliability of the pressure device 100.

[0128] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery manufacturing apparatus, including the pressure application device 100 described in any of the above embodiments.

[0129] The battery manufacturing equipment provided in this application embodiment, by employing the pressure application device 100 described in any of the above embodiments, not only effectively reduces the production cost of the battery device, but also effectively saves the changeover time of the pressure application device 100, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency of the battery device.

[0130] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A pressure application device characterized by, The pressure application device includes: support; A pressure-applying component is used to press against a component to be pressed. The pressure-applying component includes a flexible encapsulation structure, a trigger, and a phase change medium. The flexible encapsulation structure has a cavity for accommodating the phase change medium. The phase change medium has a flexible state and a rigid state. The trigger is used to trigger the phase change medium to switch between the flexible state and the rigid state. A drive mechanism, mounted on the bracket, is used to drive the pressure-applying component to move toward the part to be pressed, so that the pressure-applying component presses against the part to be pressed.

2. The pressure application device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change medium is a magnetorheological medium, and the trigger is an electromagnetic device; When the trigger is in a de-energized state, the phase change medium is in the flexible state; When the trigger is energized, the phase change medium can maintain its rigid state in the electromagnetic field generated by the trigger.

3. The pressure application device of claim 2, wherein Both the trigger and the flexible packaging structure are plate-shaped structures, and the trigger and the flexible packaging structure are stacked sequentially along the pressure direction of the pressure application device.

4. The pressure application device of claim 1, wherein The stiffness of the flexible packaging structure is less than or equal to the stiffness of the phase change medium in the flexible state.

5. The pressure application device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The pressure-applying component also includes a flexible support component, which is housed within the cavity and connected between the two opposing cavity walls.

6. The pressure application device of claim 5, wherein The pressure-applying component includes a plurality of flexible support members, which are spaced apart along a first direction. A phase change medium is disposed between two adjacent flexible support members, and the first direction is perpendicular to the pressure-applying direction of the pressure-applying device.

7. The pressure application device of claim 6, wherein The cavity includes at least one first cavity and a plurality of second cavities. The first cavity and the second cavity are isolated from each other and are used to accommodate the phase change medium. The second cavity is used to accommodate the flexible support member. At least one first cavity is disposed between two adjacent second cavities.

8. The pressure application device of claim 7, wherein The flexible packaging structure has a central vertical plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the first cavity and a plurality of second cavities are symmetrically distributed about the central vertical plane.

9. The pressure application device of claim 5, wherein The stiffness of the flexible support is greater than that of the phase change medium in the flexible state and less than that of the phase change medium in the rigid state.

10. The pressure application device of claim 5, wherein The flexible support is a porous elastomer or a polymer elastomer.

11. The pressure application device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The flexible packaging structure is one of the following: silicone film structure, rubber film structure, and polymer film structure.

12. The pressure application device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein The pressure application device also includes a mounting base, which is connected to the power output end of the drive mechanism, and the pressure application element is mounted on the mounting base.

13. A battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The battery manufacturing equipment includes a pressure application device as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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