Ultrasonic torque welding apparatus

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of tab welding, and discloses an ultrasonic torque welding device, which comprises a supporting table and a pressing part. The supporting table is provided with a cover plate mounting groove and a pole limiting groove, and the pole limiting groove is arranged at the groove bottom of the cover plate mounting groove. The pressing part is arranged opposite to the cover plate mounting groove, and the pressing part is provided with a first pressing part and a second pressing part. The second pressing part extends above the pole limiting groove, and the part corresponding to the pole limiting groove of the second pressing part is provided with a avoiding hole. The first pressing part extends to the outside of the cover plate mounting groove and is connected with the supporting table. The pressing part is used for pressing and fixing the cover plate and the tab to be welded. The ultrasonic torque welding device can effectively press the tab and the cover plate assembly, reduce the risk of tab and pole welding failure, and has a high yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrode welding technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic torque welding equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The battery includes a casing, a cover assembly, and battery cells disposed within the casing. The battery cells are disposed on tabs. The cover assembly includes a top cover and terminals disposed on the top cover. The tabs are welded to the terminals to achieve electrical connection.

[0003] In related technologies, the welding method for tabs and terminals is typically ultrasonic-laser combined welding, which includes an ultrasonic pre-welding step for the tabs and a final laser welding step. However, the ultrasonic-laser combined welding method requires two welding processes, making the procedure complex. Furthermore, the heat input during tab laser welding is high, causing severe burns to the plastic and posing a risk of burns to the terminal seal ring, as well as risks related to internal insulation and airtightness. Ultrasonic torsion welding offers advantages such as simplified procedures and high reliability, making it suitable for tab-terminal welding. However, during ultrasonic torsion welding, there is a risk of relative movement between the tabs and terminals, leading to welding failure and reduced yield. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an ultrasonic torque welding device to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the electrode tabs are prone to move relative to the electrode post.

[0005] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0006] Ultrasonic torque welding equipment, including:

[0007] A support platform, wherein the support platform is provided with a cover plate mounting groove and a pole post limiting groove, and the pole post limiting groove is located at the bottom of the cover plate mounting groove;

[0008] A clamping member is provided opposite to the cover plate mounting groove, and the clamping member has a first clamping part and a second clamping part. The second clamping part extends above the pole post limiting groove, and the second clamping part is provided with a clearance hole corresponding to the pole post limiting groove. The first clamping part extends to the outside of the cover plate mounting groove and is connected to the support platform. The clamping member is used to clamp and fix the cover plate and pole lug to be welded.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows:

[0010] The second clamping part of the clamping member is used to clamp and fix the electrode tab to the cover plate assembly. The clamping member is provided with a clearance hole to avoid the welding head, so that the distance between the welding head and the electrode tab can be smaller, thereby improving the welding effect. On the one hand, the smaller gap between the electrode tab and the pole can increase the welding area during torque welding, thereby improving the welding effect of torque welding. On the other hand, by clamping and fixing the electrode tab to the cover plate assembly, the risk of the electrode tab moving relative to the cover plate assembly can be reduced, thereby ensuring the welding position of the electrode tab and the pole, improving welding accuracy, reducing the risk of welding defects, and thus effectively improving the yield. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this application and these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the ultrasonic torque welding equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the ultrasonic torque welding equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The enlarged view of point A shown;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the welding clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a front view of the welding clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the welding clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a top view of the clamping block provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the clamping block provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the clamping block provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 10This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic torque welding equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the welding clamping device provided in the embodiments of this application when the drive component is in the open state.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10. Welding clamping device; 1. Support platform; 11. Cover plate mounting groove; 12. Pole post limiting groove; 2. Clamping component; 21. First clamping part; 22. Second clamping part; 221. Clearance hole; 2211. First hole section; 2212. Second hole section; 23. Buffer part; 24. Groove; 25. First surface; 26. Second surface; 3. Auxiliary clamping assembly; 31. Auxiliary component; 311. Gravity head; 32. Driving component; 32 1. Rotating structure; 3211. Slide groove; 322. Drive wrench; 33. Connector; 331. First connecting part; 332. Second connecting part; 333. Third connecting part; 34. Abutting part; 4. Support base; 20. Cell support structure; 30. Welding mechanism; 301. Welding head; 100. Cover plate assembly; 1001. Terminal post; 1002. Lower plastic; 200. Cell; 2001. Terminal tab; Z, First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0028] It should be understood that the phrase "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0029] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" specifically refers to two or more.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation. They 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it can be located in between the component.

[0034] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] In related technologies, when using torque welding to weld tabs and terminals, the cover plate assembly is first fixed to one support structure, and then the battery cell is fixed to another support structure. Next, the battery cell's tab is pulled onto the terminal of the cover plate assembly, ensuring alignment between the terminal and the tab to meet welding requirements. Then, a welding head contacts the terminal or tab to weld them. However, when the welding head contacts the terminal or tab, friction can easily cause it to move, leading to changes in their relative positions. In severe cases, this can cause misalignment, resulting in poor welding and affecting the battery yield.

[0036] Based on this, one embodiment of this application provides an ultrasonic torque welding equipment that can reduce the risk of misalignment between the electrode tab and the electrode post during the welding process and improve the yield.

[0037] For example, such as Figures 1 to 13 As shown, the ultrasonic torque welding equipment includes a welding clamping device 10, a welding mechanism 30, and a cell support structure 20. The welding clamping device 10 is used to position the cover plate assembly 100 and to press and fix the tabs 2001 of the cell 200 onto the cover plate assembly 100, thereby ensuring a tight fit between the tabs 2001 and the posts 1001 and improving the welding effect. The cell support structure 20 is used to support and position the cell 200 to ensure the relative position of the cell 200 and the cover plate assembly 100. The welding mechanism 30 is used to weld the tabs 2001 and the posts 1001 of the cover plate assembly 100.

[0038] It should be noted that ultrasonic torque welding is an advanced joining technology that combines the principles of ultrasonic welding and torque (rotational friction) welding, primarily used for welding metals or thermoplastics. It achieves efficient fusion of material interfaces through the combined action of high-frequency vibration (ultrasound) and rotational friction. Specifically, the basic principle of ultrasonic torque welding is to weld two or more metal parts together using ultrasonic vibration and torque. Ultrasonic vibration generates high-frequency mechanical vibration, which induces frictional heat on the metal surface, causing it to melt. Torque generates friction between the metal parts, increasing the contact area and thus the weld strength.

[0039] More specifically, ultrasonic vibration refers to the transmission of high-frequency ultrasonic waves (typically 20kHz-40kHz) through the welding head to the workpiece contact surface, generating microscopic frictional heat, softening the material, and damaging the surface oxide layer. Torque rotation refers to the application of rotational torque simultaneously with ultrasonic waves, causing relative motion of the workpiece, further generating frictional heat and promoting plastic deformation of the material. Pressure and fusion: Under the combined action of pressure and heat, molecular diffusion occurs at the material interface, forming a strong metallurgical bond or polymer interweaving after cooling. The technical advantages of ultrasonic torque welding are: high efficiency and energy saving, low-temperature welding, high-strength joints, and compatibility with dissimilar materials. High efficiency and energy saving are reflected in the lower energy required compared to traditional friction welding or ultrasonic welding. Low-temperature welding reduces the heat-affected zone, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials (such as aluminum alloys and electronic components). High-strength joints are reflected in the uniform interface bonding and fewer pores and defects. Compatibility with dissimilar materials is reflected in the ability to weld different metal or plastic combinations (such as copper-aluminum, PP-PET).

[0040] In this embodiment, the tab 2001 and the post 1001 can be connected together by torque welding under the action of the welding head 301. When the cell 200 has multiple tabs 2001, the multiple tabs 2001 can also be connected together by torque welding under the action of the welding head 301.

[0041] As can be seen, in this embodiment, only one welding process is required between the tab 2001 and the terminal post 1001. Compared with ultrasonic bonding and laser welding, the tab 2001 can be directly welded to the terminal post 1001, simplifying the welding process and thus improving the welding efficiency between the terminal post 1001 and the tab 2001. Furthermore, torque welding reduces the height requirement for the tab 2001. For example, the torque welding method provided in this embodiment is applicable to tabs 2001 with a height of less than 40 mm, such as tabs 2001 with a height of 35 mm. Additionally, for the case of multilayer cells 200, i.e., applications where the tab 2001 has 100 or more layers, the heat input is relatively small during the welding process of layers 100-140, with a maximum temperature close to 120°C. Therefore, there is no risk of burning the plastic of the cover assembly 100 and the sealing ring, resulting in high reliability.

[0042] In this embodiment, the welding clamping device 10, in conjunction with the torque welding mechanism 30, can improve welding efficiency and ensure welding effect. The welding clamping device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0043] For example, such as Figures 3 to 13As shown, the welding clamping device 10 includes a support platform 1 and a clamping component 2. The support platform 1 is used to limit the cover plate assembly 100, that is, the cover plate assembly 100 can be supported and limited on the support platform 1. The battery cell 200 is supported on the battery cell support structure 20. The relative position of the battery cell support structure 20 and the support platform 1 is fixed, thereby making the relative position of the battery cell 200 and the cover plate assembly 100 fixed as well, which facilitates the alignment of the tab 2001 and the post 1001.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the support platform 1 is provided with a cover plate mounting groove 11 and a pole post limiting groove 12. The pole post limiting groove 12 is located at the bottom of the cover plate mounting groove 11. The cover plate mounting groove 11 is used to install and limit the cover plate of the cover plate assembly 100 (not shown in the figure), and the pole post limiting groove 12 is used to limit the pole post 1001 of the cover plate assembly 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the clamping member 2 is disposed on the support platform 1 and is used to clamp and fix the electrode tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100, so that the electrode tab 2001 and the electrode post 1001 can fit better. It should be noted that the length direction of the clamping member 2 in this embodiment is the same as the length direction of the cover plate assembly 100.

[0046] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the clamping member 2 is disposed opposite to the cover plate mounting groove 11. For example, a portion of the clamping member 2 may be disposed above the cover plate mounting groove 11. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the clamping member 2 has a first clamping part 21 and a second clamping part 22. The second clamping part 22 extends above the pole post limiting groove 12, and the second clamping part 22 is provided with a clearance hole 221 corresponding to the pole post limiting groove 12. The clearance hole 221 is used for the welding head 301 of the welding mechanism 30 to pass through, so as to facilitate welding the electrode tab 2001 and the pole post 1001. In this embodiment, the first clamping part 21 extends to the outside of the cover plate mounting groove 11, that is, the first clamping part 21 and the cover plate mounting groove 11 are not opposite to each other. The first clamping part 21 is connected to the support platform 1, thereby realizing the connection between the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1. Adjusting the distance between the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1 can realize the clamping force of the clamping member 2 to clamp the electrode tab 2001.

[0047] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the welding head 301 is positioned opposite to the clearance hole 221, meaning that the welding head 301 can be located directly above the clearance hole 221, and the size of the clearance hole 221 allows the welding head 301 to pass through it. In other words, the clearance hole 221 is used for the welding head 301 to pass through. By providing the clearance hole 221, the clamping member 2, while clamping the tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100, will not interfere with the welding of the tab 2001 and the pole post 1001, thereby ensuring the welding strength and welding effect of the tab 2001 and the pole post 1001.

[0048] When using the ultrasonic torque welding equipment provided in this embodiment, the cover plate assembly 100 can be positioned on the support platform 1 first. Specifically, the cover plate of the cover plate assembly 100 is positioned in the cover plate mounting groove 11, and the electrode post 1001 is limited in the electrode post limiting groove. Then, the battery cell 200 is positioned on the battery cell support structure 20. After that, the tabs 2001 of the battery cell 200 are arranged so that the tabs 2001 are stacked and placed on the cover plate assembly 100, and the positions of the tabs 2001 and the electrode post 1001 are adjusted. For example, the tabs 2001 are controlled to completely cover the electrode post 1001 so that the relative positions of the tabs 2001 and the electrode post 1001 meet the welding requirements. Subsequently, the first clamping part 21 of the clamping member 2 can be connected to the support platform 1, and the second clamping part 22 of the clamping member 2 can be used to press and fix the electrode tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100. At this time, the risk of the electrode tab 2001 moving relative to the cover plate assembly 100 can be reduced. Finally, the welding head 301 of the welding mechanism 30 is controlled to move relative to the clamping member 2 and pass into the clearance hole 221, so that the welding head 301 can be closer to the welding position of the electrode tab 2001 and the electrode post 1001, thereby improving the welding effect and reducing energy loss.

[0049] The welding clamping device 10 provided in this embodiment has a second clamping part 22 for clamping and fixing the electrode tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100. The clamping part 2 is provided with a clearance hole 221 for avoiding the welding head 301, so that the distance between the welding head 301 and the electrode tab 2001 can be smaller, thereby improving the welding effect. On the one hand, the smaller gap between the electrode tab 2001 and the pole post 1001 can increase the welding area during torque welding, thereby improving the welding effect of torque welding. On the other hand, by clamping and fixing the electrode tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100, the risk of the electrode tab 2001 moving relative to the cover plate assembly 100 can be reduced, thereby ensuring the welding position of the electrode tab 2001 and the pole post 1001, improving welding accuracy, reducing the risk of welding defects, and thus effectively improving the yield.

[0050] In at least one possible implementation, such as Figure 7As shown, the minimum distance between the edge of the clearance hole 221 and the edge of the second pressing part 22 is H2mm, where H2mm is greater than or equal to 2mm. For example, H2mm can be 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. The minimum distance between the edge of the clearance hole 221 and the edge of the second pressing part 22 cannot be too small. If it is too small, the structural strength of the part of the pressing member 2 with the clearance hole 221 will be significantly reduced, which will lead to a reduction in the overall strength of the pressing member 2 and affect the effect of the pressing member 2 in pressing the electrode tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100.

[0051] It should be noted that the edge of the clearance hole 221 can also be understood as the hole wall of the clearance hole 221, or as the edge of the clearance hole 221 on the surface of the second pressing part 22. Typically, the pressing member 2 is a rectangular plate structure. In this case, the minimum distance between the edge of the clearance hole 221 and the edge of the second pressing part 22 is specifically the distance between the edge of the clearance hole 221 and the side surface of the second pressing part 22 in the width direction of the pressing member 2.

[0052] In some embodiments, the axial direction of the clearance hole 221 and the axial direction of the pole post limiting groove 12 are both the first direction Z, and the axis of the clearance hole 221 and the axis of the pole post limiting groove 12 are collinear; wherein, the first direction Z is the thickness direction of the clamping member 2. With this configuration, after the welding head 301 passes through the clearance hole 221, it can be directly aligned with the pole post limiting groove 12, and thus directly aligned with the pole post 1001. Moreover, the welding head 301 can be coaxial with the pole post 1001, thereby improving the uniformity of the welding strength distribution when welding the tab 2001 and the pole post 1001, and ensuring that the welding strength of each area of ​​the end face of the pole post 1001 and the tab 2001 is relatively high.

[0053] In at least one possible implementation, please combine Figure 6 and Figure 8 The clamping member 2 has a first surface 25 and a second surface 26 disposed opposite to the first surface 25. The first surface 25 and the second surface 26 are two surfaces opposite each other in the thickness direction of the clamping member 2. The first surface 25 faces the cover plate mounting groove 11. A clearance hole 221 is provided through the first surface 25 and the second surface 26.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the clearance hole 221 in this embodiment is a tapered hole, meaning that the diameter of the clearance hole 221 varies along its axial direction. Furthermore, the orifice area of ​​the clearance hole 221 on the first surface 25 is smaller than that on the second surface 26. This can also be understood as the diameter (or area) of the clearance hole 221 gradually increasing along the direction from the first surface 25 to the second surface 26. This design results in a larger diameter at the top of the clearance hole 221, facilitating alignment of the welding head 301 with the clearance hole 221 and making it easier for the welding head 301 to penetrate into the clearance hole 221. The smaller diameter at the bottom of the clearance hole 221 allows the clamping member 2 to better press the area of ​​the tab 2001 near the edge of the pole post 1001, enabling better contact between the tab 2001 and the pole post 1001 without affecting welding.

[0055] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 8 As shown, the clearance hole 221 includes a first hole segment 2211 and a second hole segment 2212. The first hole segment 2211 extends to the second surface 26, and the second hole segment 2212 extends to the first surface 25. The diameter of the first hole segment 2211 is larger than the diameter of the second hole segment 2212, allowing the portion of the clamping member 2 with the second hole segment 2212 to be closer to the pole post 1001. This further tightens and fixes the portion of the electrode tab 2001 near the pole post 1001, resulting in a better fit between the electrode tab 2001 and the pole post 1001.

[0056] In some embodiments, please continue to see Figure 8 The first hole segment 2211 is a polygonal hole; for example, in this embodiment, the first hole segment 2211 is a quadrilateral hole. Furthermore, the first hole segment 2211 is a tapering hole along the direction from the second surface 26 to the first surface 25, meaning that the area of ​​the first hole segment 2211 gradually decreases along this direction. This configuration allows the first hole segment 2211 to guide the welding head 301, ensuring that the welding head 301 is aligned with the pole post 1001, thereby improving the welding effect. By providing a quadrilateral hole in the first hole segment 2211, while ensuring sufficient distance between the wall of the clearance hole 221 and the welding head 301, the impact of the clearance hole 221 on the structural strength of the clamping member 2 can be reduced, thus ensuring the clamping and fixing effect of the second clamping part 22 on the pole tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100.

[0057] In at least one possible implementation, the second hole segment 2212 is a circular hole so as to match the shape of the pole post 1001, thereby further improving the effect of pressing the tab 2001.

[0058] In order to ensure that the welding head 301 can be smoothly inserted into the clearance hole 221, in this embodiment, the projected area of ​​the clearance hole 221 along the first direction Z on the support platform is greater than the projected area of ​​the welding head along the first direction Z on the support platform, and the projection of the welding head along the first direction Z on the support platform is located within the projection of the clearance hole along the first direction Z on the support platform.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the minimum distance between the wall of the clearance hole 221 and the welding head 301 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z is H1mm, where H1mm ranges from 1mm to 5mm. For example, H1mm can be located within multiple intervals such as 14mm≤H1≤60mm, 14mm≤H1≤40mm, 14mm≤H1≤30mm, 20mm≤H1≤30mm, etc. Specifically, H1mm = 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, or 5mm, or any value between the two mentioned above. The minimum distance between the wall of the clearance hole 221 and the welding head 301 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z cannot be too large. If it is too large, the diameter of the clearance hole 221 will be too large, which will affect the structural strength of the clamping part 2, thereby affecting the clamping effect and resulting in poor clamping effect. The minimum distance between the wall of the clearance hole 221 and the welding head 301 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z should not be too small. If it is too small, it will increase the risk of jamming between the welding head 301 and the wall of the clearance hole 221, thus affecting the welding effect.

[0060] In addition, the clamping part 2 can be made of plastic materials such as PE and PP. The melting point of the clamping part 2 is lower than that of the tab 2001. If the minimum distance between the wall of the clearance hole 221 and the welding head 301 in the direction perpendicular to the first direction Z is too small, the clamping part 2 will be easily affected by the welding energy and deform.

[0061] Optionally, when the clearance hole 221 includes a first hole segment 2211 and a second hole segment 2212, H1mm can be the minimum distance between the hole wall of the second hole segment 2212 and the circumferential side of the welding head 301 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction Z.

[0062] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 8As shown, the first clamping part 21 and the second clamping part 22 are connected by a buffer part 23. The buffer part 23 can be used to buffer the clamping member 2 and the cover plate assembly 100 to reduce the risk of damage to the cover plate assembly 100 due to hard contact. For example, by providing the buffer part 23, when the clamping member 2 is clamped, it can act as a buffer, so that the second clamping part 22 is flexibly clamped on the tab 2001, avoiding indentation or misalignment of the tab 2001. Optionally, the buffer part 23 is disposed opposite to the cover plate mounting groove 11 so that the buffer part 23 can be disposed opposite to the cover plate assembly 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the buffer portion 23 can deform so that the portion of the cover assembly 100 corresponding to the buffer portion 23 will not be deformed or damaged due to the compression of the buffer portion 23, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the cover assembly 100. In other embodiments, the buffer portion 23 can be made of an elastic material capable of elastic deformation. Of course, it is understood that the buffer portion 23 can also be made of a plastic material, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0064] In other embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the thickness of the buffer portion 23 is less than the thickness of the first pressing portion 21 and less than the thickness of the second pressing portion 22. With this configuration, the structural strength of the portion of the pressing member 2 where the buffer portion 23 is located is weakened, thus buffering the corresponding structure of the cover plate assembly 100, while the structural strength of the second pressing portion 22 is not weakened, thereby ensuring the effective clamping of the clamping tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100. In this embodiment, as... Figure 10 As shown, the thickness of the first pressing part 21 is W1mm, the thickness of the second pressing part 22 is W2mm, and the thickness of the buffer part 23 is W3mm, wherein W1mm is greater than W3mm and W2mm is greater than W3mm.

[0065] In at least one embodiment, please continue to see Figure 10 W1mm is greater than W2mm, meaning the thickness of the first pressing part 21 is greater than the thickness of the second pressing part 22. This arrangement ensures that the first pressing part 21 has a strong connection with the support platform 1, thereby guaranteeing the pressing effect of the pressing member 2 on the tab 2001 and the cover assembly 100. Furthermore, since the cover assembly 100 typically protrudes from the support platform 1, setting the thickness of the second pressing part 22 to be less than that of the first pressing part 21 allows the cover assembly 100 to protrude from the support platform 1, ensuring that the second pressing part 22 can be pressed flat against the tab 2001.

[0066] Typically, the cover plate assembly 100 includes a cover plate and pole posts 1001 and a lower plastic piece 1002 both disposed on the cover plate. The plastic piece protrudes from the surface of the cover plate on the welding side of the pole posts 1001 and the tabs 2001. When the clamping member 2 is disposed on the cover plate, it will interfere with the lower plastic piece 1002.

[0067] Regarding the situation where the plastic protrudes from the surface of the cover plate, such as Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the surface of the buffer portion 23 facing the cover plate mounting groove 11, the first pressing portion 21, and the second pressing portion 22 cooperate to form a groove 24. That is, the pressing member 2 has a groove 24 on the side facing the cover plate mounting groove 11, and the groove 24 can be used to avoid the protrusions of the cover plate assembly 100. With this configuration, when the pressing member 2 presses the tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100, the setting of the pressing member 2 will not interfere with the structure on the cover plate assembly 100, and the protrusions of the cover plate assembly 100 will not interfere with the pressing member 2 pressing the tab 2001, making the pressing member 2 have high versatility and reliability. Furthermore, the cooperation between the groove 24 and the buffer portion 23 further reduces the risk of damaging the cover plate assembly 100, improving safety and reliability.

[0068] It should be noted that the protruding part can be the lower plastic 1002 of the cover plate assembly 100, or other structures protruding from the cover plate in the cover plate assembly 100. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0069] In at least one embodiment, the clamping member 2 is detachably connected to the support platform 1, that is, the first clamping part 21 is detachably connected to the support platform 1. For example, the clamping member 2 can be detachably connected to the support platform 1 by means of bolts or other components so that the clamping member 2 will not cause interference when assembling the tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100.

[0070] In one embodiment provided in this application, the clamping member 2 can be positionally adjustable to the support platform 1, that is, the first clamping part 21 is positionally adjustable to the support platform 1. Thus, when assembling the electrode tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100, the relative position of the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1 can be adjusted so that the clamping member 2 avoids the installation position of the cover plate assembly 100. Furthermore, the clamping member 2 does not need to be separated from the support platform 1. After the electrode tab 2001 and the electrode post 1001 on the cover plate assembly 100 are aligned, the clamping member 2 is pressed onto the electrode tab 2001, and the fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws) connecting the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1 are tightened, making the operation more convenient and flexible.

[0071] In some embodiments, the adjustable positions of the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1 can be achieved by providing a strip-shaped hole or an elongated hole. In this embodiment, the first clamping part 21 is provided with an elongated hole, and the fastener passes through the elongated hole and connects the first clamping part 21 and the support platform 1. The fastener can slide along the length direction of the elongated hole, and when it slides into place, it achieves a fixed connection with the support platform 1. The adjustable positions of the clamping member 2 and the support platform 1 can also be achieved by a slide rail slider assembly, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0072] It should be noted that the clamping member 2 can be adjusted to be connected to the support platform 1 in any horizontal direction. For example, the thickness direction of the support platform 1 is the same as the gravity direction. The clamping member 2 can be adjusted to be connected to the support platform 1 in the length direction or in the width direction. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments, since the clamping member 2 is mainly used for clamping the tab 2001 and the terminal 1001 during welding, the size of the clamping member 2 does not need to be too large. For example, the width of the clamping member 2 can be smaller than the width of the cover plate assembly 100, so that the clamping member 2 will not touch the non-welded parts of the cell 200 and the tab 2001. However, the width of the clamping member 2 should be larger than the diameter of the terminal 1001, so that the clamping member 2 can press the tab 2001 located on the periphery of the terminal 1001, so that the part of the tab 2001 welded to the terminal 1001 can fit tightly with the terminal 1001, ensuring the welding effect.

[0074] In at least one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic torque welding equipment also includes an auxiliary clamping assembly 3 and a support base 4. The support base 4 is connected to the support platform 1, and the auxiliary clamping assembly 3 is positioned above the first clamping part 21 and movably connected to the support base 4. The auxiliary clamping assembly 3 is used to press the first clamping part 21 to indirectly apply clamping force to the electrode tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100, thereby further improving the clamping and fixing of the electrode tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100.

[0075] For example, the auxiliary pressing component 3 selectively abuts against the first pressing part 21. That is, the auxiliary pressing component 3 has a state of abutting against the first pressing part 21 and a state of not abutting against the first pressing part 21. When the auxiliary pressing component 3 abuts against the first pressing part 21, it can assist the pressing member 2 in pressing the tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The auxiliary clamping assembly 3 includes an auxiliary component 31 and a driving component 32. The auxiliary component 31 is slidably connected to the support platform 1 along the direction of gravity, and the auxiliary component 31 and the clamping component 2 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of gravity Z. For example, in... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the indicated orientation, the auxiliary component 31 is located directly above the clamping component 2 and can abut against the clamping component 2 to provide greater clamping force to the electrode tab 2001 and the cover plate assembly 100 through the clamping component 2. The driving component 32 is connected to the auxiliary component 31 and is rotatably connected to the support base 4. When the driving component 32 rotates relative to the support base 4, it can drive the auxiliary component 31 to abut against the clamping component 2. That is, the auxiliary component 31 can abut against the clamping component 2 under the drive of the driving component 32, thereby increasing the clamping pressure of the clamping component 2 on the electrode tab 2001, so that the electrode tab 2001 can fit tightly against the electrode post 1001. In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary component 31 is equipped with a gravity head 311, which has a large cross-sectional area. The gravity head 311 contacts the tab 2001, allowing it to press the tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100 using its own weight. It should be noted that the drive component 32 can be manually driven, or driven by components such as cylinders or linear motors; this embodiment does not limit this. It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the first direction Z can be the direction of gravity.

[0077] When in use, the auxiliary clamping assembly 3 controls the rotation of the drive component 32 relative to the support platform 1, causing the drive component 32 to move the auxiliary component 31, which then moves closer to the clamping component 2 until it comes into contact with it. At this point, the auxiliary component 31 applies pressure to the clamping component 2 under the influence of gravity, while the drive component 32 is not subjected to external force and will not cause the auxiliary component 31 to return to its original position. Therefore, the force on the tab 2001 includes the weight of the clamping component 2 and the weight of the auxiliary component 31. In this way, the tab 2001 can be firmly pressed onto the cover plate assembly 100, reducing the risk of movement during the welding process.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the drive component 32 can be rotatably connected to the support base 4 via a rotating shaft, and there is a certain amount of damping between the drive component 32 and the rotating shaft to reduce the risk of the drive component 32 rotating automatically without being subjected to external force. The damping between the drive component 32 and the rotating shaft can be achieved by using a material with a large coefficient of friction, setting a helical tooth and groove structure, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment.

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, the auxiliary component 31 and the driving component 32 may be indirectly connected. For example, as shown... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the auxiliary clamping assembly 3 also includes a connector 33. One end of the connector 33 is rotatably connected to the auxiliary component 31, and the other end is rotatably connected to the driving component 32. When the driving component 32 rotates relative to the support base 4, it can drive the auxiliary component 31 to move vertically through the connector 33, thereby causing the auxiliary component 31 to move closer to or further away from the clamping component 2. By setting the connector 33, the driving direction can be changed, allowing the auxiliary component 31 to move smoothly in the vertical direction.

[0080] It should be noted that the connector 33 and the drive component 32 can be rotatably connected by a rotating shaft, and the auxiliary component 31 and the connector 33 can also be rotatably connected by a rotating shaft, which makes the structure of the auxiliary pressing assembly 3 simpler.

[0081] It is understandable that the auxiliary component 31 and the driving component 32 can also be directly connected, but this embodiment does not limit this.

[0082] In the case where the auxiliary clamping assembly 3 includes a connector 33, this embodiment provides a connector 33, such as in one embodiment... Figure 11 As shown, the connector 33 includes a first connecting portion 331, a second connecting portion 332, and a third connecting portion 333 connected in sequence. The first connecting portion 331 and the third connecting portion 333 are located on the same side of the second connecting portion 332 and are both set at an angle to the second connecting portion 332; that is, the connector 33 in this embodiment has a C-shaped structure. The end of the first connecting portion 331 facing away from the second connecting portion 332 is rotatably connected to the auxiliary member 31, and the end of the third connecting portion 333 facing away from the second connecting portion 332 is rotatably connected to the driving member 32. The first connecting part 331, the second connecting part 332, and the third connecting part 333 of the connector 33 satisfy the positional relationship, so that when the drive member 32 rotates, it can drive the auxiliary member 31 to generate displacement in the vertical direction through the connector 33. Thus, when assembling the cover plate assembly 100 and the battery cell 200, the auxiliary member 31 will not interfere with the cover plate assembly 100 and the battery cell 200. Furthermore, when it is necessary to press the electrode tab 2001, the auxiliary member 31 can smoothly abut against the pressing member 2.

[0083] In some alternative implementations, to ensure that the force exerted by the auxiliary component 31 on the clamping component 2 can be relatively large when the electrode tab 2001 needs to be clamped, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 12 As shown, an abutment 34 is fixedly disposed on the driving member 32, and the abutment 34 moves with the driving member 32. In this embodiment, the driving member 32 has a pressing position and an opening position, wherein... Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drive component 32 in the clamping position. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the drive component 32 in the open position. When the drive component 32 is in the pressed position, as shown... Figure 5As shown, the end of the second connecting part 332 opposite to the first connecting part 331 abuts against the abutting member 34, and the auxiliary member 31 abuts against the clamping member 2. The clamping member 2 can press the tab 2001 onto the cover plate assembly 100. When the driving member 32 is in the open position, as... Figure 13 As shown, the connector 33 is separated from the abutment 34, and the auxiliary part 31 is separated from the clamping part 2.

[0084] In this embodiment, by providing the abutment member 34, in the pressed position, the drive member 32 can ensure that the auxiliary member 31 always provides downward pressure to the first pressing part 21 of the pressing member 2 by utilizing the damping between it and the support base 4. This allows the pressing force provided by the auxiliary member 31 to the pressing member 2 to include not only the gravity of the auxiliary member 31, but also the pressure indirectly applied by the drive member 32, further reducing the risk of the tab 2001 moving relative to the cover plate assembly 100.

[0085] In some alternative embodiments, the abutment 34 can be a fixed shaft, which is fixedly connected to the drive member 32. When the drive member 32 is in the pressing position, the second connecting portion 332 of the connector 33 abuts against the abutment 34 to effectively limit the connector 33.

[0086] In at least one possible implementation, this embodiment provides a driving element 32, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the driving member 32 includes a rotating structure 321 and a driving wrench 322 connected together. The rotating structure 321 is rotatably connected to the support base 4, the connecting member 33 is rotatably connected to the rotating structure 321, and the abutment member 34 is also disposed on the rotating structure 321. The rotating structure 321 is provided with a groove 3211, and at least a portion of the connecting member 33 slides within the groove 3211. When the connecting member 33 includes a second connecting portion 332 and a third connecting portion 333, at least a portion of the second connecting portion 332 and the third connecting portion 333 can be located within the groove 3211. Specifically, when the driving member 32 is in a pressed state, such as... Figure 5 As shown, one end of both the third connecting part 333 and the second connecting part 332 is located in the slide groove 3211. When the driving member 32 is in the open state, as... Figure 13 As shown, the second connecting part 332 is located outside the slide groove 3211.

[0087] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the drive component 32 is in the clamping position, the rotating wrench extends horizontally. Figure 13 As shown, when the drive unit 32 is in the open position, the rotating wrench is located diagonally above.

[0088] Optionally, the rotating structure 321 may include two rotating plates connected to each other by a drive wrench 322, the two rotating plates being spaced apart and forming a groove 3211 between them.

[0089] Obviously, the above embodiments of this application are merely examples for clear illustration and are not intended to limit the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic torque welding equipment, characterized in that, include: Support platform (1), the support platform (1) is provided with cover plate mounting groove (11) and pole post limiting groove (12), the pole post limiting groove (12) is located at the bottom of the cover plate mounting groove (11); A clamping member (2) is provided, at least a portion of which is disposed opposite to the cover plate mounting groove (11), and the clamping member (2) has a first clamping part (21) and a second clamping part (22). The second clamping part (22) extends above the pole post limiting groove (12), and the second clamping part (22) is provided with a clearance hole (221) at the part corresponding to the pole post limiting groove (12). The first clamping part (21) extends to the outside of the cover plate mounting groove (11) and is connected to the support platform (1). The clamping member (2) is used to clamp and fix the cover plate assembly (100) and the pole lug (2001) to be welded.

2. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the edge of the clearance hole (221) and the edge of the second pressing part (22) is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

3. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping member (2) has a first surface (25) facing the cover plate mounting groove (11) and a second surface (26) disposed opposite to the first surface (25), wherein the orifice area of ​​the clearance hole (221) on the first surface (25) is smaller than the orifice area on the second surface (26).

4. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clearance hole (221) includes a first hole segment (2211) and a second hole segment (2212); the first hole segment (2211) extends to the second surface (26), and the second hole segment (2212) extends to the first surface (25); and the first hole segment (2211) is a polygonal hole, the first hole segment (2211) is a tapered hole along the direction from the second surface (26) to the first surface (25), and the second hole segment (2212) is a circular hole.

5. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pressing part (21) and the second pressing part (22) are connected by a buffer part (23).

6. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer part (23) is disposed opposite to the cover plate mounting groove (11), and the thickness of the buffer part (23) is less than the thickness of the first pressing part (21) and less than the thickness of the second pressing part (22).

7. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the buffer part (23) facing the cover plate mounting groove (11), the first pressing part (21) and the second pressing part (22) cooperate with each other to form a groove (24).

8. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The ultrasonic torque welding equipment further includes a welding mechanism (30); the welding mechanism (30) includes a welding head (301), the projection area of ​​the clearance hole (221) along the first direction (Z) on the support table (1) is greater than the projection area of ​​the welding head (301) along the first direction (Z) on the support table (1), and the projection of the welding head (301) along the first direction (Z) on the support table (1) is located within the projection of the clearance hole (221) along the first direction (Z) on the support table (1); wherein, the first direction (Z) is the thickness direction of the clamping member (2).

9. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the wall of the clearance hole (221) and the welding head (301) in the direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z) is H1mm, and the value of H1mm ranges from 1mm to 5mm.

10. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first clamping part (21) is detachably connected to the support platform (1).

11. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first clamping part (21) is adjustablely connected to the support platform (1).

12. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first pressing part (21) is provided with an elongated hole, through which the fastener passes and connects the first pressing part (21) and the support platform (1).

13. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The ultrasonic torque welding equipment also includes an auxiliary clamping component (3) and a support base (4); the support base (4) is connected to the support platform (1), the auxiliary clamping component (3) is located above the first clamping part (21) and is movably connected to the support base (4), and the auxiliary clamping component (3) selectively abuts against the first clamping part (21).

14. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The auxiliary pressing assembly (3) includes an auxiliary component (31) slidably connected to the support base (4) along the direction of gravity and a driving component (32) connected to the auxiliary component (31). The auxiliary component (31) is disposed opposite to the first pressing part (21), and the driving component (32) is rotatably connected to the support base (4). The auxiliary component (31) selectively abuts against the pressing component (2).

15. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that, The auxiliary clamping assembly (3) further includes a connector (33), one end of which is rotatably connected to the auxiliary component (31), and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the driving component (32).

16. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connector (33) includes a first connecting part (331), a second connecting part (332), and a third connecting part (333) connected in sequence. The first connecting part (331) and the third connecting part (333) are located on the same side of the second connecting part (332) and are both set at an angle to the second connecting part (332). The end of the first connecting part (331) facing away from the second connecting part (332) is rotatably connected to the auxiliary member (31), and the end of the third connecting part (333) facing away from the second connecting part (332) is rotatably connected to the driving member (32).

17. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that, The driving member (32) is provided with an abutment (34). The driving member (32) has a pressing position and an open position. In the pressing position, the end of the second connecting part (332) away from the first connecting part (331) abuts against the abutment (34), and the auxiliary part (31) stops against the pressing member (2). In the open position, the connecting part (33) separates from the abutment (34), and the auxiliary part (31) separates from the pressing member (2).

18. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, The driving component (32) includes a rotating structure (321) and a driving wrench (322) connected together. The rotating structure (321) is rotatably connected to the support base (4). The connecting component (33) is rotatably connected to the rotating structure (321). The rotating structure (321) is provided with a sliding groove (3211). At least a portion of the connecting component (33) slides in the sliding groove (3211).

19. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The axial direction of the clearance hole (221) and the axial direction of the pole post limiting groove (12) are both the first direction (Z), and the axis of the clearance hole (221) and the axis of the pole post limiting groove (12) are collinear; wherein, the first direction (Z) is the thickness direction of the clamping member (2).

20. The ultrasonic torque welding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The thickness of the first pressing part (21) is greater than the thickness of the second pressing part (22).

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