A sodium battery production line

Abstract

The utility model relates to sodium battery production technical field especially relates to a sodium battery production line. The sodium battery production line includes stacking extrusion device, conveying device, cleaning device, welding preparation device, welding device, nondestructive flaw detection device, post -treatment device, battery package packaging device and liquid -cooling extrusion device. The sodium battery production line adds nondestructive flaw detection device, makes sodium ion production line can automatic detection welding position's quality, avoids destructive detection, has promoted the yield of welding, reduces the problem of misjudgment and the problem of missing judgment, has improved welding quality detection accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sodium battery production technology, and in particular to a sodium battery production line. Background Technology

[0002] Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that work primarily by the movement of sodium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode materials used in these batteries are mainly sodium salts, which are more abundant and cheaper than lithium salts.

[0003] To improve the production efficiency of sodium batteries, large-scale sodium battery production lines have emerged. However, in the production process of sodium battery modules and battery packs, after the welding of the tabs and busbars is completed, the welding quality is mostly inspected manually. This is done by pulling on the busbars to check for looseness. This method is relatively outdated and is a destructive inspection. In addition, manual identification is prone to misjudgment and omission.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, there is an urgent need for a sodium battery production line that solves the problem that, after the welding of the tabs and busbars is completed, the welding quality is mostly inspected manually, which is prone to misjudgment and omission. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose a sodium battery production line that avoids destructive testing, improves the yield rate of welding, reduces misjudgments and omissions, and enhances the accuracy of welding quality inspection.

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

[0007] A sodium battery production line, characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] Stacking and extrusion device for assembling battery cells into an initial module;

[0009] A conveying device, located downstream of the stacking and extrusion device, is configured to convey the initial module;

[0010] A cleaning device is located downstream of the conveying device, and the cleaning device is configured to take pictures for addressing and cleaning the poles of the initial module;

[0011] A welding preparation device is located downstream of the cleaning device, and the welding preparation device is configured to place a busbar at a preset position of the initial module;

[0012] A welding device is disposed downstream of the welding preparation device, and the welding device is configured to weld the initial module and the tab, and the initial module and the busbar to obtain a battery module;

[0013] A non-destructive testing device is disposed downstream of the welding device, and the non-destructive testing device is configured to inspect the welding quality of the initial module and the electrode tab and the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar.

[0014] A post-processing device is located downstream of the non-destructive testing device, and the post-processing device is configured to inspect and clean the weld.

[0015] A battery pack packaging device is located downstream of the post-processing device. The battery pack packaging device is configured to assemble multiple sets of the battery modules and multiple sets of liquid cooling plates, with the battery modules disposed between two adjacent sets of liquid cooling plates.

[0016] A liquid-cooled extrusion device is located downstream of the cleaning device, and the liquid-cooled extrusion device is configured to extrude the battery module and the liquid-cooled plate to form a battery pack.

[0017] In one embodiment, the non-destructive testing device acquires and detects the welding quality of the initial module and the tab, as well as the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar, through a camera mechanism.

[0018] In one embodiment, the non-destructive testing device includes:

[0019] First frame;

[0020] A conveying mechanism is disposed on the first frame, and the conveying mechanism is configured to convey the battery module along a first direction;

[0021] The first motion mechanism is mounted on the first frame;

[0022] The second motion mechanism is disposed at the output end of the first motion mechanism, and the first motion mechanism is configured to drive the second motion mechanism to reciprocate along a first direction;

[0023] A third motion mechanism is disposed at the output end of the second motion mechanism, and the second motion mechanism is configured to drive the third motion mechanism to reciprocate along a second direction.

[0024] A camera mechanism is disposed at the output end of the third motion mechanism, which is configured to drive the camera mechanism to reciprocate along a third direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first motion mechanism includes:

[0026] Two sets of second frames are mounted on the first frame, and the two sets of second frames are parallel to each other along the second direction and spaced apart on both sides of the conveying mechanism;

[0027] A first driving component is mounted on the second frame and is connected to the second motion mechanism.

[0028] A first guide assembly is disposed between the second frame and the second motion mechanism, and the first guide assembly is configured to provide guidance for the movement of the second motion mechanism along the first direction.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second motion mechanism includes:

[0030] The third frame is mounted on the two sets of the second frame.

[0031] The second driving component is disposed on the third frame, and the output end of the second driving component is connected to the third motion mechanism.

[0032] A second guide assembly is disposed between the third frame and the third motion mechanism, and the second guide assembly is configured to provide guidance for the third motion mechanism to move in the second direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the third motion mechanism includes:

[0034] The third driving component is connected to the output end of the second driving component, and the output end of the third driving component is connected to the camera mechanism. The third driving component drives the camera mechanism to reciprocate along the third direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, the conveying mechanism includes:

[0036] A conveyor drive unit is mounted on the frame.

[0037] A conveying drive assembly is connected to the output end of the conveying drive component, and the conveying drive assembly is configured to convey the battery module along a first direction.

[0038] In one embodiment, the stacking and pressing device includes:

[0039] An extrusion fixture is used to extrude and fix multiple battery cells in parallel along a first direction, forming the initial module.

[0040] In one embodiment, the battery cell is arranged laterally on the extrusion fixture such that one side of the battery cell is located at the bottom.

[0041] In one embodiment, the initial module is rotated 90° on the stacking and extrusion device to orient the bottom side of the cell to a vertical position before being conveyed to the conveying device.

[0042] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0043] This utility model provides a sodium battery production line, including a stacking and extrusion device, a conveying device, a cleaning device, a welding preparation device, a welding device, a non-destructive testing device, a post-processing device, a battery pack packaging device, and a liquid-cooled extrusion device. The stacking and extrusion device is used to assemble battery cells into an initial module; the conveying device is located downstream of the stacking and extrusion device and is configured to convey the initial module; the cleaning device is located downstream of the conveying device and is configured to photograph and clean the terminals of the initial module; the welding preparation device is located downstream of the cleaning device and is configured to place a busbar at a preset position on the initial module; the welding device is located downstream of the welding preparation device and is configured to weld the initial module and the terminals, and the initial module and the busbar, to obtain a battery module; the non-destructive testing device is located downstream of the welding preparation device. Downstream of the welding device, a non-destructive testing (NDT) device is configured to inspect the welding quality of the initial module and the tab, as well as the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar. A post-processing device is located downstream of the NDT device and is configured to inspect and clean the weld seams. A battery pack packaging device is located downstream of the post-processing device and is configured to assemble multiple sets of battery modules and multiple sets of liquid cooling plates, with the battery modules positioned between adjacent sets of liquid cooling plates. A liquid-cooled extrusion device is located downstream of the cleaning device and is configured to extrude the battery modules and liquid cooling plates to form a battery pack. This sodium battery production line incorporates an NDT device, enabling the sodium-ion production line to automatically detect the quality of the welding positions, avoiding destructive testing, improving the weld yield, reducing false positives and false negatives, and enhancing the accuracy of welding quality inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sodium battery production line provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery module provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-destructive testing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-destructive testing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-destructive testing device provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 3 .

[0051] The markings in the image are as follows:

[0052] 100 - Stacking extrusion device; 110 - Extrusion tooling;

[0053] 200 - Conveying device;

[0054] 300 - Cleaning device;

[0055] 400 - Welding preparation device;

[0056] 500 - Welding equipment;

[0057] 600 - Non-destructive testing device; 610 - Camera mechanism; 620 - First frame; 630 - Conveying mechanism; 631 - Conveying transmission assembly; 640 - First motion mechanism; 641 - Second frame; 642 - First guide assembly; 6421 - Slider; 6422 - Slide rail; 650 - Second motion mechanism; 651 - Third frame; 652 - Second guide assembly; 660 - Third motion mechanism; 661 - Third drive component;

[0058] 700 - Post-processing unit;

[0059] 800 - Battery pack packaging device;

[0060] 900-Liquid-cooled extrusion unit;

[0061] 1000 - Battery cell; 2000 - Battery module; 3000 - Battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only partial structures relevant to the present invention, not the complete structure.

[0063] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the connection of the internal structures of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0065] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0066] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a sodium battery production line for producing battery packs. The battery pack production process includes assembling multiple battery cells 1000 into battery modules 2000, and then assembling multiple battery modules 2000 into a battery pack 3000.

[0067] Please continue reading Figure 1The sodium battery production line includes a stacking extrusion device 100, which is used to assemble battery cells 1000 into an initial module. Specifically, the stacking extrusion device 100 includes an extrusion fixture 110, on which multiple battery cells 1000 are arranged parallel to each other along a first direction. The extrusion fixture 110 is configured to extrude and fix the multiple battery cells 1000 to form the initial module. During operation, the operator places the battery cells 1000 and other assembly materials in corresponding positions on the stacking extrusion device 100, and then uses the extrusion fixture 110 to extrude the battery cells 1000 to form the initial module, which facilitates the processing of battery modules 2000. This stacking extrusion device 100 can realize the automatic extrusion of battery cells 1000, which helps to ensure the consistency of multiple initial modules in mass production and improves assembly efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the battery cell 1000 is arranged laterally on the extrusion fixture 110, that is, the top of the battery cell 1000 faces the side of the extrusion fixture 110, and the side of the battery cell 1000 is located at the bottom. This ensures that when multiple battery cells 1000 arranged parallel to each other along the first direction are extruded and fixed, the sides of the multiple battery cells 1000 remain flat. This is beneficial for preparing for the subsequent production of battery packs and improves the flatness of the relative surfaces between two adjacent battery modules 2000 when multiple battery modules 2000 are assembled and processed into a battery pack. In turn, it improves the uniformity and consistency of the thickness of the adhesive applied to the side of the battery module 2000 when it is glued and fixed between two adjacent battery modules 2000.

[0069] Furthermore, the initial module is rotated 90° on the stacking and extrusion device 100 so that the side of the cell 1000 at the bottom is turned to a vertical position before being conveyed to the conveying device 200. Through this process, the initial module is rotated to a vertical orientation to facilitate subsequent welding of the tabs and busbars.

[0070] In one embodiment, the sodium battery production line also includes a conveying device 200 disposed downstream of the stacking extrusion device 100. The conveying device 200 is configured to convey the initial module so as to convey the initial module after rotating 90° to a lower station.

[0071] The sodium battery production line also includes a cleaning device 300, which is located downstream of the conveying device 200. The cleaning device 300 is configured to perform photo-based addressing and cleaning of the terminals of the initial modules. Specifically, the cleaning device 300 is a device for terminal addressing and laser cleaning. The cleaning device 300 can operate automatically after manual debugging of the equipment's PC-side software, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0072] The sodium battery production line also includes a welding preparation device 400, which is located downstream of the cleaning device 300. The welding preparation device 400 is configured to set busbars at preset positions of the initial modules. After the modules flow out of the cleaning device 300 and enter the welding preparation device, busbars need to be manually set at the preset positions of the initial modules to facilitate the next process.

[0073] The sodium battery production line also includes a welding device 500, which is located downstream of the welding preparation device 400. The welding device 500 is configured to weld the initial module and the tabs, and the initial module and the busbar, to obtain the battery module 2000. The welding device 500 is communicatively connected to the cleaning device 300, enabling it to directly weld the electrode positions according to the program stored in the cleaning device 300. During welding, dust is sucked out at the copper head, and nitrogen protective gas is blown out to protect the welding quality.

[0074] The sodium battery production line also includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) device 600, located downstream of the welding unit 500. The NDT device 600 is configured to inspect the welding quality of the initial module and electrode tabs, as well as the welding quality of the initial module and busbar. Through this NDT device 600, the sodium-ion production line can automatically detect the quality of the welding positions, avoiding destructive testing, improving the weld yield, reducing false positives and false negatives, and enhancing the accuracy of weld quality inspection.

[0075] Traditional welding inspection processes often rely on manual checks of weld quality after welding, such as pulling on the busbar to check for looseness. This method is outdated, destructive, and prone to misjudgments and omissions. This embodiment eliminates the need for manual inspection, avoiding destructive testing, improving weld yield, reducing misjudgments and omissions, and enhancing the accuracy of welding quality inspection.

[0076] like Figures 4-6 In one embodiment, the non-destructive testing device 600 acquires and inspects the welding quality of the initial module and the tab, as well as the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar, through the camera mechanism 610. This non-destructive testing device 600 can perform non-destructive testing on the welded surfaces, i.e., by imaging and taking pictures, and screening out unqualified, incomplete, or missing weld points according to inspection standards, eliminating the need for manual destructive pull-out testing.

[0077] The non-destructive testing device 600 includes a first frame 620, a conveying mechanism 630, a first motion mechanism 640, a second motion mechanism 650, a third motion mechanism 660, and a camera mechanism 610. The conveying mechanism 630 is mounted on the first frame 620 and configured to convey the battery module 2000 along a first direction. The first motion mechanism 640 is mounted on the first frame 620. The second motion mechanism 650 is located at the output end of the first motion mechanism 640 and is configured to drive the second motion mechanism 650 to reciprocate along the first direction. The third motion mechanism 660 is located at the output end of the second motion mechanism 650 and is configured to drive the third motion mechanism 660 to reciprocate along a second direction. The camera mechanism 610 is located at the output end of the third motion mechanism 660 and is configured to drive the camera mechanism 610 to reciprocate along a third direction. The structure of the non-destructive testing device 600 enables the camera module 610 to move along the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, which is beneficial for the camera module 610 to take pictures of multiple welding positions of the battery module 2000 and detect the welding quality.

[0078] Specifically, the non-destructive testing device 600 also includes a control system, which is connected to the camera mechanism 610 via a signal connection, so that the control system can acquire the shooting results of the camera mechanism 610 and screen them according to the inspection standards.

[0079] The first motion mechanism 640 includes a first drive member, a first guide assembly 642, and two sets of second frames 641. The two sets of second frames 641 are mounted on the first frame 620, and are parallel and spaced apart along a second direction on both sides of the conveying mechanism 630. The first drive member is mounted on the second frames 641 and connected to the second motion mechanism 650. The first guide assembly 642 is located between the second frames 641 and the second motion mechanism 650, and is configured to guide the second motion mechanism 650 as it moves along the first direction. This first motion mechanism 640 enables the camera mechanism 610 to reciprocate along the first direction, and the first guide assembly 642 helps improve the stability of the camera mechanism 610's movement and prevents jamming.

[0080] Specifically, the first guide assembly 642 includes a slide rail 6422 and a slider 6421. The slide rail 6422 is disposed on the second frame 641, and the slider 6421 is disposed on the third frame 651. The slider 6421 slides in cooperation with the slide rail 6422, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the third frame 651.

[0081] Furthermore, the second motion mechanism 650 includes a third frame 651, a second drive member, and a second guide assembly 652. The third frame 651 is mounted on two sets of second frames 641, and the second drive member is mounted on the third frame 651, with its output end connected to the third motion mechanism 660. The second guide assembly 652 is positioned between the third frame 651 and the third motion mechanism 660, and is configured to provide guidance for the third motion mechanism 660 to move in a second direction. This second motion mechanism 650 enables the camera mechanism 610 to move in a second direction.

[0082] For example, the second guide component 652 may also be a slider 6421 and a slide rail 6422 working together for guidance.

[0083] The third motion mechanism 660 includes a third drive member 661, which is connected to the output end of the second drive member. The output end of the third drive member 661 is connected to the camera mechanism 610, and the third drive member 661 drives the camera mechanism 610 to reciprocate along a third direction.

[0084] The conveying mechanism 630 includes a conveying drive and a conveying transmission assembly 631. The conveying drive is mounted on the frame; the conveying transmission assembly 631 is connected to the output end of the conveying drive and is configured to convey the battery module 2000 along a first direction.

[0085] For example, the first driving member, the second driving member, the third driving member 661 and the conveying driving member can be driving structures such as stepper motors, servo motors, rotary motors or linear motors.

[0086] The conveyor drive assembly 631 can be belt driven.

[0087] The sodium battery production line also includes a post-processing unit 700, located downstream of the non-destructive testing unit 600, which is configured to inspect and clean the welds.

[0088] The sodium battery production line also includes a battery pack packaging device 800, located downstream of the post-processing device 700. The battery pack packaging device 800 is configured to assemble multiple battery modules 2000 and multiple sets of liquid cooling plates, with the battery modules 2000 positioned between adjacent sets of liquid cooling plates. This battery pack packaging device 800 is an assembly area where multiple battery modules 2000 are assembled into a battery pack 3000. In this device, multiple battery modules 2000 enter the battery pack packaging fixture, and accessories such as liquid cooling plates also enter the battery pack packaging process, followed by assembly.

[0089] The sodium battery production line also includes a liquid-cooled extrusion device 900, which is located downstream of the cleaning device 300. The liquid-cooled extrusion device 900 is configured to extrude battery modules 2000 and liquid-cooled plates to form battery packs 3000 between two adjacent battery modules 2000. The battery packs are installed, glued, and then extruded using specific battery pack packaging fixtures to complete the battery pack packaging fixtures.

[0090] Note that the above description illustrates and describes the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. All such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sodium battery production line, characterized in that, include: Stacking and extrusion device for assembling battery cells into an initial module; A conveying device, located downstream of the stacking and extrusion device, is configured to convey the initial module; A cleaning device is located downstream of the conveying device, and the cleaning device is configured to take pictures for addressing and cleaning the poles of the initial module; A welding preparation device is located downstream of the cleaning device, and the welding preparation device is configured to place a busbar at a preset position of the initial module; A welding device is disposed downstream of the welding preparation device, and the welding device is configured to weld the initial module and the tab, and the initial module and the busbar to obtain a battery module; A non-destructive testing device is disposed downstream of the welding device, and the non-destructive testing device is configured to inspect the welding quality of the initial module and the electrode tab and the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar. A post-processing device is located downstream of the non-destructive testing device, and the post-processing device is configured to inspect and clean the weld. A battery pack packaging device is located downstream of the post-processing device. The battery pack packaging device is configured to assemble multiple sets of the battery modules and multiple sets of liquid cooling plates, with the battery modules disposed between two adjacent sets of liquid cooling plates. A liquid-cooled extrusion device is located downstream of the cleaning device, and the liquid-cooled extrusion device is configured to extrude the battery module and the liquid-cooled plate to form a battery pack.

2. The sodium battery production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-destructive testing device acquires and detects the welding quality of the initial module and the electrode tab, as well as the welding quality of the initial module and the busbar, through a camera mechanism.

3. The sodium battery production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The non-destructive testing device includes: First frame; A conveying mechanism is disposed on the first frame, and the conveying mechanism is configured to convey the battery module along a first direction; The first motion mechanism is mounted on the first frame; The second motion mechanism is disposed at the output end of the first motion mechanism, and the first motion mechanism is configured to drive the second motion mechanism to reciprocate along a first direction; A third motion mechanism is disposed at the output end of the second motion mechanism, and the second motion mechanism is configured to drive the third motion mechanism to reciprocate along a second direction. A camera mechanism is disposed at the output end of the third motion mechanism, which is configured to drive the camera mechanism to reciprocate along a third direction.

4. The sodium battery production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first motion mechanism includes: Two sets of second frames are mounted on the first frame, and the two sets of second frames are parallel to each other along the second direction and spaced apart on both sides of the conveying mechanism; A first driving component is mounted on the second frame and is connected to the second motion mechanism. A first guide assembly is disposed between the second frame and the second motion mechanism, and the first guide assembly is configured to provide guidance for the movement of the second motion mechanism along the first direction.

5. The sodium battery production line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second motion mechanism includes: The third frame is mounted on the two sets of the second frame. The second driving component is disposed on the third frame, and the output end of the second driving component is connected to the third motion mechanism. A second guide assembly is disposed between the third frame and the third motion mechanism, and the second guide assembly is configured to provide guidance for the third motion mechanism to move in the second direction.

6. The sodium battery production line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third motion mechanism includes: The third driving component is connected to the output end of the second driving component, and the output end of the third driving component is connected to the camera mechanism. The third driving component drives the camera mechanism to reciprocate along the third direction.

7. The sodium battery production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes: A conveyor drive unit is mounted on the first frame. A conveying drive assembly is connected to the output end of the conveying drive component, and the conveying drive assembly is configured to convey the battery module along a first direction.

8. The sodium battery production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacking and extrusion device includes: An extrusion fixture is used to extrude and fix multiple battery cells in parallel along a first direction, forming the initial module.

9. The sodium battery production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery cell is arranged laterally on the extrusion fixture such that one side of the battery cell is located at the bottom.

10. The sodium battery production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The initial module is rotated 90° on the stacking and extrusion device so that the side of the cell at the bottom is turned vertically, and then conveyed to the conveying device.

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