End cap welding device, battery assembling system, assembly method, and battery cell

Abstract

Provided are an end cap welding device (30) for a battery cell (100), an assembly method, and the battery cell (100). The battery cell (100) comprises a casing (101) and an end cap (102); the end cap (102) is arranged at one end of the casing (101); a first connecting seam and a second connecting seam that are arranged in the circumferential direction of the casing (101) are formed at the connection position between the casing (101) and the end cap (102); the end cap welding device (30) comprises a material conveying assembly (310) and a welding assembly (340); the material conveying assembly (310) comprises a material conveying line (311), a first clamp (312) and a second clamp (313), and the first clamp (312) and the second clamp (313) are spaced apart on the same material conveying line (311); the first clamp (312) is configured to fix the casing (101) and enable the first connecting seam to be visible; the second clamp (313) is configured to fix the casing (101) and enable the second connecting seam to be visible; and the welding assembly (340) is arranged along the material conveying line (311), used for welding the first connecting seam when the first clamp (312) where the battery cell (100) is fixed is conveyed to the welding assembly (340), and used for welding the second connecting seam when the second clamp (313) where the battery cell (100) is fixed is conveyed to the welding assembly (340).

Description

End cap welding device, battery assembly system, assembly method and battery cell

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2023116434461, filed on November 30, 2023, entitled “End cover welding device, battery assembly system, assembly method and battery cell,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of battery processing, and in particular to an end cap welding device, a battery assembly system, an assembly method, and a battery cell. [Background Technology]

[0003] With the advancement of battery technology, battery cells are being used in a growing number of fields and are gradually replacing traditional fossil fuels in the automotive powertrain sector. Battery cells store chemical energy and controllably convert it into electrical energy. In recyclable battery cells, after discharge, the active material can be activated by recharging for continued use.

[0004] In the process of mass production of battery cells, an end cap welding device of the battery cells is often required. However, the current end cap welding device has the problem of high cost.

[0005] In addition, the above statements are only used to provide background technical information related to this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0006] [Summary of the invention]

[0007] In view of the above problems, the present application provides an end cover welding device, an assembly method and a battery cell for a battery cell, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the end cover welding device for a battery cell.

[0008] One embodiment of the present application provides an end cover welding device for a battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a shell and an end cover, the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and the connection between the shell and the end cover has a first connection seam and a second connection seam arranged along the circumference of the shell, and the end cover welding device includes a feeding assembly and a welding assembly: the feeding assembly includes a feeding line, a first clamp and a second clamp, and the first clamp and the second clamp are arranged at intervals on the same feeding line; the first clamp is arranged to fix the shell and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is arranged to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; the welding assembly is arranged along the feeding line, for welding the first connection seam when the first clamp with the battery cell fixed is conveyed to the welding assembly, and for welding the second connection seam when the second clamp with the battery cell fixed is conveyed to the welding assembly.

[0009] Through the above method, when the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the welding assembly can weld the first connecting seam, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the welding assembly can weld the second connecting seam. As a result, the welding assembly can be used to weld both the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a steering assembly, which is arranged at intervals along the conveying line and the welding assembly; the conveying line is used to convey the first clamp and the second clamp from the welding assembly to the steering assembly, and then to the welding assembly after passing through the steering assembly; the steering assembly is used to remove the battery cell after welding the first connecting seam from the corresponding first clamp and turn it, and place it on the second clamp after turning; or, the steering assembly is used to remove the battery cell after welding the second connecting seam from the corresponding second clamp and turn it, and place it on the first clamp after turning.

[0011] In this manner, the steering assembly can move a battery cell placed in the first fixture to the second fixture, or vice versa. When the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the first connecting seam can be welded, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the second connecting seam can be welded. Furthermore, both the first and second connecting seams can be welded using the same welding assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the welding equipment.

[0012] In some embodiments, the steering assembly includes a support frame, a clamping mechanism and a steering motor; the support frame is arranged on the outside of the feed line, the clamping mechanism is located above the feed line, and is rotatably supported on the support frame; the steering motor is transmission-connected to the clamping mechanism, and is used to drive the clamping mechanism to rotate relative to the support frame for steering; the clamping mechanism is used to clamp the battery cell and steer the battery cell.

[0013] In the above manner, the steering motor can drive the clamping mechanism holding the battery cell to rotate, thereby realizing the steering of the battery cell.

[0014] In some embodiments, the steering assembly includes a lifting frame and a lifting motor. The lifting frame can be lifted and lowered on the support frame, and the clamping mechanism can be rotatably arranged on the lifting frame; the lifting motor is arranged on the support frame or the lifting frame and is transmission-connected to the lifting frame for driving the lifting frame to rise and fall relative to the support frame.

[0015] In the above manner, the steering assembly can remove the battery cell from the first clamp or the second clamp and then turn it, thereby reducing the possibility of the battery cell interfering with other devices during the turning process.

[0016] In some embodiments, the feed line includes a first conveyor branch line, a second conveyor branch line, a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism; the first conveyor branch line and the second conveyor branch line are arranged side by side, and the transmission directions of the first conveyor branch line and the second conveyor branch line are opposite; the first transfer mechanism is arranged at one end of the first conveyor branch line and the second conveyor branch line, for transferring the first clamp and the second clamp from the first conveyor branch line to the first conveyor branch line; the second transfer mechanism is arranged at the other end of the first conveyor branch line and the second conveyor branch line, for transferring the first clamp and the second clamp from the second conveyor branch line to the first conveyor branch line; the welding assembly is arranged along the first conveyor branch line, and the steering assembly is arranged along the second conveyor branch line.

[0017] In this way, the first and second clamps can cyclically move along the feed line, allowing the end cap welding device to continuously assemble and weld battery cells. Furthermore, the welding assembly and steering assembly are located in separate areas, making it easier for users to observe and maintain the welding device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the welding assembly includes a first welding mechanism and a second welding mechanism, and the first welding mechanism and the second welding mechanism are arranged at intervals along the feed line; the first welding mechanism is used to pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, and the second welding mechanism is used to further weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after pre-welding.

[0019] Through the above method, the welding quality can be improved.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first welding mechanism includes two pre-welding mechanisms, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the conveying line; the second welding mechanism includes two full-welding mechanisms, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the conveying line; the two pre-welding mechanisms are used to pre-weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam in their respective directions, and the two full-welding mechanisms are used to fully weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam in their respective directions.

[0021] In the above manner, the two first connecting seams / the two second connecting seams can be welded simultaneously, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second welding mechanism is used to perform a first welding on the first connection seam or the second connection seam after pre-welding from a first direction, and to perform a second welding on the first connection seam or the second connection seam after the first welding from a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0023] Through the above method, the welding quality can be improved and the problem of insufficient welding wire molten pool can be solved.

[0024] In some embodiments, the welding assembly includes at least one full welding mechanism, which is used to fully weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

[0025] By adopting the above method, the use of pre-welding mechanisms can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0026] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a rolling assembly, which is spaced apart from the welding assembly and is used to roll the battery cells welded by the welding assembly to roll the solder on the first connection seam or the second connection seam.

[0027] By adopting the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam can be shaped, thereby improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rolling assembly includes two rolling mechanisms, which are arranged oppositely on both sides of the feed line; the two rolling mechanisms are used to press the battery cells from both sides of the feed line to roll the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, as well as the flange of the end cover extending outside the shell.

[0029] By means of the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam and the end cover can be shaped to improve the surface quality of the battery cell.

[0030] In some embodiments, each rolling mechanism includes a bracket and two rollers. The bracket is arranged on the outside of the feed line, and the two rollers are arranged on the bracket at intervals along the extension direction of the feed line, so that the battery cells can pass through the two rollers in sequence; the two rollers are rotatably arranged on the bracket to roll the battery cells.

[0031] In the above manner, the two rollers can perform secondary rolling and shaping on the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, thereby further improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0032] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a slag cleaning assembly, which is arranged along the feeding line and spaced apart from the welding assembly for cleaning the slag on the battery cells after welding by the welding assembly so that the slag is separated from the battery cells.

[0033] By adopting the above-described method, the possibility of foreign matter such as welding slag remaining on the battery cell can be reduced.

[0034] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a pressing assembly, which is arranged along the feeding line and spaced apart from the welding assembly. The pressing assembly is used to press the shell and the end cap before the battery cell is conveyed to the welding assembly; the welding assembly is used to weld the pressed battery cell.

[0035] In the above manner, the press-fit assembly can press the end cover and the housing together, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment between the two during assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a loading assembly, which is spaced apart from the feeding line. The loading assembly is used to place the battery cell to be loaded and welded on the first fixture or the second fixture.

[0037] Through the above method, the end cover welding device can realize automatic loading.

[0038] In some embodiments, the loading assembly includes a storage mechanism and a loading mechanism, the storage mechanism is used to store battery cells to be loaded and welded; the loading mechanism is arranged along the feeding line, and the loading mechanism is used to take out the corresponding battery cells from the storage mechanism and place the battery cells on the first clamp or the second clamp.

[0039] In the above manner, the end cover welding device can be used to assemble batches of battery cells.

[0040] In some embodiments, the storage mechanism is used to store battery cells in a predetermined posture relative to the feeding line, and the loading mechanism is used to take out the battery cells in the predetermined posture from the storage mechanism, and maintain the predetermined posture to transport the battery cells to the first clamp, and the predetermined posture is consistent with the fixed posture required by the first clamp.

[0041] Through the above method, the efficiency of loading the loading assembly can be improved.

[0042] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a discharge assembly, which is spaced apart from the feed line. The discharge assembly is used to remove the welded battery cells from the feed line and transport them outward.

[0043] Through the above method, the end cover welding device can automatically unload materials.

[0044] In some embodiments, the discharge assembly includes a moving mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The moving mechanism is arranged along the conveying line and is used to move the welded battery cells from the conveying line to the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism is used to convey the corresponding battery cells outward.

[0045] In the above manner, the end cap welding device can unload materials through a moving mechanism and a conveying mechanism that are independent of the feed line, thereby reducing the possibility of the feed line being shut down due to unloading.

[0046] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism includes a first conveying sub-mechanism and a second conveying sub-mechanism. The moving mechanism is used to move the battery cells that have been welded and passed the inspection from the conveying line to the first conveying sub-mechanism, and to move the battery cells that have been welded and passed the inspection from the conveying line to the second conveying sub-mechanism; the first conveying sub-mechanism and the second conveying sub-mechanism are used to respectively convey the battery cells they carry outward.

[0047] By adopting the above-mentioned method, qualified and unqualified battery cells can be cut off separately, thereby facilitating the recycling of unqualified battery cells and the post-processing of qualified battery cells.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first conveying sub-mechanism includes a first pull-belt mechanism and a second pull-belt mechanism. The first pull-belt mechanism and the second pull-belt mechanism can move relative to the moving mechanism and can move between the transport position and the output position. The first pull-belt mechanism and the second pull-belt mechanism are used to move to the output position or away from the output position; the first pull-belt mechanism and the second pull-belt mechanism store the battery cells moved by the moving mechanism when they are at the output position; the first pull-belt mechanism and / or the second pull-belt mechanism are used to store the battery cells, and after a pair of battery cells are successfully paired, move to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells.

[0049] Through the above-mentioned method, the first drawing belt mechanism and the second drawing belt mechanism work simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of paired blanking.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first pulling belt mechanism includes a first conveyor pulling belt and a first buffer pulling belt; the second pulling belt mechanism includes a second conveyor pulling belt and a second buffer pulling belt; the first conveyor pulling belt and the first buffer pulling belt are arranged side by side, and the second conveyor pulling belt and the second buffer pulling belt are arranged side by side; the first conveyor pulling belt and the second conveyor pulling belt are arranged side by side and at intervals, and are located on both sides of the output position; the first conveyor pulling belt and the first buffer pulling belt can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the second conveyor pulling belt and the second buffer pulling belt can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the first buffer pulling belt and the second buffer pulling belt are respectively used for moving a battery cell to be paired when it is moved When moved to the second pull belt mechanism, another battery monomer to be paired is cached; the first conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt are respectively used to store the battery monomer to be paired; when the first buffer pull belt has a battery monomer cached, the battery monomer stored on the first conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer cached on the first buffer pull belt; when the second buffer pull belt has a battery monomer cached, the battery monomer stored on the second conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer cached on the second buffer pull belt; when no battery monomer is cached in the first buffer pull belt and no battery monomer is cached in the second buffer pull belt, the battery monomer stored on the first conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer stored on the second conveyor pull belt.

[0051] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the efficiency of pairing can be improved during the unloading process, and the risk of delaying unloading due to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt failing to store qualified battery cells can be reduced.

[0052] In some embodiments, the end cap welding device includes a post-weld detection assembly, which is disposed along the feed line between the welding assembly and the moving mechanism. The post-weld detection assembly is used to detect whether the welded battery cells are qualified.

[0053] In the above manner, qualified and unqualified battery cells can be efficiently identified through the post-weld inspection assembly.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first clamp includes a first carrying mechanism and a first retaining member, the first carrying mechanism is used to carry the battery cell, and the first retaining member is arranged on the first carrying mechanism for positioning the battery cell carried on the first carrying mechanism; the second clamp includes a second carrying mechanism and a second retaining member; the second carrying mechanism is used to carry the battery cell, and the second retaining member is arranged on the second carrying mechanism for positioning the battery cell carried on the second carrying mechanism.

[0055] By positioning the battery cells in the above manner, the possibility of the battery cells shaking during the assembly process is reduced.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first clamp also includes two first side buckles, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-limit the battery cell carried by the first supporting mechanism and arranged between the two first side buckles. The second clamp also includes two second side buckles, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-limit the battery cell carried by the second supporting mechanism and arranged between the two first side buckles.

[0057] In the above manner, the first side buckle and the second side buckle can enable the battery cell to be arranged on the first supporting mechanism and the second supporting mechanism in a substantially upright manner, thereby reducing the possibility of the battery cell tipping over.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first clamp also includes a first base, the first supporting mechanism is slidably disposed on the first base, and the sliding direction of the first supporting mechanism is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line; the second clamp also includes a second base, the second supporting mechanism is slidably disposed on the second base, and the sliding direction of the second supporting mechanism is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line.

[0059] In this way, the first supporting mechanism and the second supporting mechanism can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying line, so that the battery cell can be moved to a suitable processing area in any step of the assembly process.

[0060] In some embodiments, the shell includes two first side walls arranged opposite to each other and two second side walls arranged opposite to each other, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are arranged alternately along the circumference of the shell; the first connecting seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumference of the shell, and the second connecting seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumference of the shell.

[0061] In the above manner, the end cover welding device can be used to assemble quadrangular prism-shaped battery cells.

[0062] An embodiment of the present application also provides a battery assembly system, the battery including a shell, an end cover and an electrode assembly; the shell has an open end, and a pole is provided on the wall of the shell opposite to the open end, the pole has a through hole, and the shell and the end cover are connected to form a accommodating cavity connected to the through hole; the active material coating portion of the electrode assembly is arranged in the shell, and the pole ear portion of the electrode assembly is connected to the side of the pole away from the accommodating cavity through the through hole; the battery assembly system includes a conveying device and an assembly device, the conveying device is used to convey the structure to be assembled to each workstation of the assembly equipment; the workstation of the assembly equipment includes at least a pole ear welding device, a shell insertion device, a pole ear piercing device, a pole welding device and an end cover welding device; wherein the pole ear welding device is used to weld multiple pole ear sheets of the electrode assembly to form a pole ear portion; the shell insertion device is used to load the electrode assembly into the shell from the open end; the pole ear piercing device is used to clamp the pole ear portion through the through hole when the electrode assembly is loaded into the shell; the pole welding device is used to weld the pole ear portion passing through the through hole to the side of the pole away from the accommodating cavity.

[0063] An embodiment of the present application also provides an assembly method for a battery cell, wherein the battery cell includes a shell and an end cover, the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and the connection between the shell and the end cover has a first connection seam and a second connection seam arranged along the circumference of the shell. The assembly method includes: loading the battery cell onto a first clamp or a second clamp on the same feeding line; the first clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; controlling the feeding line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the welding assembly; controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp.

[0064] Through the above method, when the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the welding assembly can weld the first connecting seam, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the welding assembly can weld the second connecting seam. As a result, the welding assembly can be used to weld both the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device.

[0065] In some embodiments, after controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connecting seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connecting seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, it includes: controlling the material conveying line to transport the first fixture and the second fixture to the steering assembly; controlling the steering assembly to remove the battery cell after welding the first connecting seam from the first fixture, turn it, and place it on the second fixture, or remove the battery cell after welding the second connecting seam from the second fixture, turn it, and place it on the first fixture; controlling the material conveying line to transport the second fixture and the first fixture from the steering assembly to the welding assembly.

[0066] In this manner, the steering assembly can move a battery cell placed in the first fixture to the second fixture, or vice versa. When the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the first connecting seam can be welded, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the second connecting seam can be welded. Furthermore, both the first and second connecting seams can be welded using the same welding assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the welding equipment.

[0067] In some embodiments, before controlling the feed line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly, the process includes: controlling the discharge assembly to remove the battery cells with the first and second connecting seams welded from the corresponding first clamp or the second clamp; controlling the feed line to transport the battery cells with only the first connecting seams welded on the corresponding first clamp to the steering assembly, and / or transporting the battery cells with only the second connecting seams welded on the corresponding second clamp to the steering assembly.

[0068] By adopting the above method, the welded battery cells can be cut in time.

[0069] In some embodiments, controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp, includes: controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam of the battery cell; controlling the second welding mechanism to fully weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam after pre-welding.

[0070] Through the above method, the welding quality can be improved.

[0071] In some embodiments, controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam of the battery cell includes: controlling two relatively arranged pre-welding mechanisms to synchronously pre-weld the respective portions of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam from both sides of the battery cell; and controlling two relatively arranged full welding mechanisms to synchronously full-weld the respective portions of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam from both sides of the pre-welded battery cell.

[0072] In the above manner, the two first connecting seams / the two second connecting seams can be welded simultaneously, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0073] In some embodiments, after controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp, it includes: controlling the feed line to transport the welded battery cell on the corresponding first clamp or second clamp to the rolling assembly; and rolling the welded battery cell by the rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connection seam or the second connection seam.

[0074] By adopting the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam can be shaped, thereby improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0075] In some embodiments, the welded battery cell is rolled by a rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, including: rolling the respective portions of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam from both sides of the battery cell by two oppositely arranged rolling mechanisms, and rolling the flange of the end cover extending outside the shell.

[0076] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the weld seams of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam and the shell can be shaped to improve the surface quality of the battery cell.

[0077] In some embodiments, after controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connecting seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or welding the second connecting seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp, it includes: controlling the feed line to transport the welded battery cell on the corresponding first clamp or second clamp to the welding slag cleaning assembly; controlling the welding slag cleaning assembly to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell.

[0078] By adopting the above-described method, the possibility of foreign matter such as welding slag remaining on the battery cell can be reduced.

[0079] In some embodiments, controlling the material delivery line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the welding assembly includes: controlling the press-fitting assembly to press-fit the battery cell loaded onto the first clamp or the second clamp to press the shell and the end cover together.

[0080] In the above manner, the press-fit assembly can press the end cover and the housing together, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment between the two during assembly.

[0081] In some embodiments, after controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, it includes: controlling the discharge assembly to remove and unload the welded battery cell from the first fixture or the second fixture.

[0082] Through the above method, automatic unloading can be achieved.

[0083] In some embodiments, controlling the discharge assembly to remove and unload the welded battery cells from the first fixture or the second fixture includes: controlling the moving mechanism to move the welded battery cells from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and controlling the conveying mechanism to convey the corresponding battery cells outward.

[0084] In the above manner, unloading is performed by using a moving mechanism and a conveying mechanism that are independent of the feed line, thereby reducing the possibility of the feed line being shut down due to unloading, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, the moving mechanism is controlled to move the battery monomers that have completed welding from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is controlled to convey the corresponding battery monomers outward, including: controlling the moving mechanism to move the battery monomers that have completed welding and passed the inspection from the feed line to the first conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the moving mechanism to move the battery monomers that have completed welding and passed the inspection unqualified from the feed line to the second conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery monomers outward, and controlling the second conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery monomers outward.

[0086] By adopting the above-mentioned method, qualified and unqualified battery cells can be cut off separately, thereby facilitating the recycling of unqualified battery cells and the post-processing of qualified battery cells.

[0087] In some embodiments, controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery cells outward includes: after a pair of battery cells are stored in the first pull-belt mechanism and / or the second pull-belt mechanism and are successfully paired, controlling the first pull-belt mechanism and / or the second pull-belt mechanism to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward.

[0088] Through the above-mentioned method, the first drawing belt mechanism and the second drawing belt mechanism work simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of paired blanking.

[0089] In some embodiments, after the first pull belt mechanism and / or the second pull belt mechanism stores a pair of battery cells, the first pull belt mechanism and / or the second pull belt mechanism are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward, including: when the pair of battery cells to be paired are moved to the first conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt by the transport mechanism, the second conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position at the same time; when a battery monomer to be paired is moved to the second pull belt mechanism by the transport mechanism, the other battery monomer to be paired is cached by the first buffer pull belt or the second buffer pull belt; when the first buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the first conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the first buffer pull belt, and the first conveyor pull belt and the first buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position; when the second buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the second conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the second buffer pull belt, and the second conveyor pull belt and the second buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position.

[0090] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the efficiency of pairing can be improved during the unloading process, and the risk of delaying unloading due to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt failing to store qualified battery cells can be reduced.

[0091] An embodiment of the present application also provides a battery cell, which is assembled by the above-mentioned end cover welding device, or assembled by the above-mentioned assembly method; wherein, the battery cell includes a shell and an end cover, the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and the connection between the shell and the end cover has a first connecting seam and a second connecting seam arranged along the circumference of the shell, and the shell and the end cover are welded and fixed via the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam.

[0092] In some embodiments, the shell includes two first side walls arranged opposite to each other and two second side walls arranged opposite to each other, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are arranged alternately along the circumference of the shell; the first connecting seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumference of the shell, and the second connecting seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumference of the shell.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0093] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0094] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a battery cell according to one or more embodiments;

[0095] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the layout of an end cap welding device according to one or more embodiments;

[0096] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of welding a first connection seam by a welding assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0097] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of welding a second connection seam by a welding assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0098] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a steering assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0099] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a first transfer mechanism or a second transfer mechanism according to one or more embodiments;

[0100] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a second welding mechanism according to one or more embodiments;

[0101] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a rolling assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0102] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a welding slag cleaning assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0103] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a press-fit assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0104] FIG11 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the press-fit assembly in FIG9 ;

[0105] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a loading assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0106] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a first conveying sub-mechanism according to one or more embodiments;

[0107] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first clamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0108] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a second clamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0109] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a positioning assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0110] FIG17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a positioning assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0111] FIG. 18 is a schematic flow chart of a method for assembling a battery cell according to one or more embodiments.

[0112] The accompanying drawings in the specific implementation manner are as follows:

[0113] 100 battery cells;

[0114] 101 housing; 1011 first side surface; 1012 second side surface; 102 end cap; 103 electrode assembly; 103a open end; 1030 pole ear portion; 104 pole column; 1040 through hole;

[0115] 30 end cover welding device;

[0116] 310 feeding assembly;

[0117] 311 feeding line; 3111 first conveying branch line; 3112 second conveying branch line; 3113 first transfer mechanism; 3114 second transfer mechanism; 3115 translation motor; 3116 transfer member;

[0118] 312 first clamp; 3121 first bearing mechanism; 3122 first retaining member; 3123 first side buckle; 3124 first base;

[0119] 313 second clamp; 3131 second carrying mechanism; 3132 second retaining member; 3133 second side buckle; 3134 second base;

[0120] 320 feeding assembly; 321 material storage mechanism; 322 feeding mechanism; 3221 battery cell picking gripper; 3222 transverse movement motor;

[0121] 330 press-fit assembly; 331 end cover press-fit mechanism; 3310 end cover press-fit block; 3311 first drive motor; 332 first side press-fit mechanism; 3320 first side press-fit block; 3321 second drive motor; 333 second side press-fit mechanism; 3330 second side press-fit block; 3331 third drive motor;

[0122] 340 welding assembly; 341 first welding mechanism; 342 second welding mechanism; 3421 full welding mechanism; 3422 dust removal mechanism;

[0123] 350 rolling assembly; 351 rolling mechanism; 3511 bracket; 3512 roller;

[0124] 360 welding slag cleaning assembly; 361 wire brush; 362 driving motor; 363 synchronous belt; 364 transmission shaft;

[0125] 370 post-weld inspection components;

[0126] 380 discharging mechanism; 381 moving mechanism; 382 conveying mechanism; 383 first conveying sub-mechanism; 384 second conveying sub-mechanism; 3830 first drawstring mechanism; 3831 first conveying drawstring; 3832 first buffer drawstring; 3835 second drawstring mechanism; 3836 second conveying drawstring; 3837 second buffer drawstring;

[0127] 390 steering assembly; 391 support frame; 392 clamping mechanism; 393 steering motor; 394 lifting frame; 395 lifting motor;

[0128] 400 positioning assembly; 401 end cover positioning mechanism; 4010 end cover positioning block; 4011 fourth drive motor; 402 first side positioning mechanism; 4020 first side positioning block; 4021 fifth drive motor; 403 second side positioning mechanism; 4030 second side positioning block; 4031 sixth drive motor. [Specific implementation method]

[0129] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0130] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0131] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0132] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0133] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0134] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0135] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

[0136] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0137] With the advancement of battery technology, battery cells are being used in a growing number of fields and are gradually replacing traditional fossil fuels in the automotive powertrain sector. Battery cells store chemical energy and controllably convert it into electrical energy. In recyclable battery cells, after discharge, the active material can be activated by recharging for continued use.

[0138] A battery cell typically consists of a housing and an end cap, with the end cap attached to one end of the housing. When the housing and end cap are assembled, a seam often forms at the joint. To improve the robustness and sealing of the battery cell, this seam is typically welded during the production process. However, due to the shape of the battery housing, the seam cannot be welded in a single pass. Therefore, multiple welding assemblies are often required to weld different areas of the seam, increasing the manufacturing cost of the battery cell end cap welding equipment.

[0139] To reduce the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device, different areas of the connection seam can be welded using the same welding assembly. For example, the end cap welding device may include a feed assembly and a welding assembly: the feed assembly includes a feed line, a first clamp, and a second clamp, the first clamp and the second clamp being spaced apart and arranged on the same feed line; the first clamp is configured to secure the housing and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is configured to secure the housing and expose the second connection seam; the welding assembly is disposed along the feed line and is configured to weld the first connection seam when the first clamp, holding a battery cell, is conveyed to the welding assembly, and is configured to weld the second connection seam when the second clamp, holding a battery cell, is conveyed to the welding assembly.

[0140] Through the above method, when the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the welding assembly can weld the first connecting seam, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the welding assembly can weld the second connecting seam. As a result, the welding assembly can be used to weld both the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device.

[0141] The battery cells disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used in electrical devices that use batteries as power sources or various energy storage systems that use batteries as energy storage elements. Electrical devices may be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, electric tools, battery cars, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, and the like. Among them, electric toys may include fixed or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, and the like, and spacecraft may include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, and the like. The end cap welding device disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used to weld the battery shell and end cap. The battery assembly system disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used to assemble the above-mentioned battery cells. The assembly method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used to assemble the above-mentioned battery cells.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the battery cell may be a secondary battery, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged to activate the active material after discharge and continue to be used. Each battery cell may also be a primary battery.

[0143] Battery cells include, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes.

[0144] Referring to Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, a battery cell 100 may include a shell 101, an end cover 102 and an electrode assembly 103. The shell 101 has an open end 101a. A pole 104 is provided on the wall of the shell 101 opposite to the open end 101a. The pole 104 has a through hole 1040. The shell 101 and the end cover 102 are connected to form a receiving cavity connected to the through hole 104. The active material coating portion of the electrode assembly 103 is provided in the shell 101. The pole ear portion 1030 of the electrode assembly 103 passes through the through hole 1040 and is connected to the side of the pole 104 facing away from the receiving cavity.

[0145] The end cap can be provided at one end of the shell 101, and the connection between the shell 101 and the end cap 102 has a connection seam provided along the circumference of the shell 101. As described above, the battery cell 100 can be in the shape of a quadrangular prism, a cylinder, a hexagonal prism or an octagonal prism. Therefore, the shape of the connection seam will be limited by the shape of the battery cell 100 (shell 101 and end cap 102). For example, the shape of the connection seam can also be a quadrilateral, a circle, a hexagon or an octagon. For ease of description, the following definition of the connection seam includes a first connection seam and a second connection seam, wherein the first connection seam and the second connection seam can correspond to different areas of the connection seam respectively. Of course, the connection seam can also further include a third connection seam and a fourth connection seam.

[0146] Taking the battery cell 100 as a rectangular parallelepiped as an example, the housing 101 may include two first side surfaces 1011 and two second side surfaces 1012. The two first side surfaces 1011 are arranged opposite each other, and the two second side surfaces 1012 are arranged opposite each other. Each first side surface 1011 is used to connect two second side surfaces 1012, and each second side surface 1012 can connect two first side surfaces 1011. The first connecting seam is located at the connection between the first side surface 1011 and the end cover 102, and the second connecting seam is located at the connection between the second side surface 1012 and the end cover 102.

[0147] In other embodiments, the battery cell 100 may be in the shape of a hexagonal prism. In this case, the housing 101 may include two first side surfaces 1011, two second side surfaces 1012, and two third side surfaces. The two first side surfaces 1011 are disposed opposite each other, the two second side surfaces 1012 are disposed opposite each other, and the two third side surfaces are disposed opposite each other. Each second side surface 1012 may connect a first side surface 1011 and a third side surface. The first connecting seam is located at the connection between the first side surface 1011 and the end cap 102, the second connecting seam is located at the connection between the second side surface 1012 and the end cap 102, and the third connecting seam is located at the connection between the third side surface and the end cap 102.

[0148] When the battery cell 100 is cylindrical, the shell 101 can be divided into two first side shell parts and two second side shell parts. The two first side shell parts are arranged opposite to each other, and the two second side shell parts are arranged opposite to each other. Each first side shell part can be located between the two second side shell parts. The first connecting seam is located at the connection between the first side shell part and the end cover 102, and the second connecting seam is located at the connection between the second side shell part and the end cover 102. Of course, the shell 101 can also be divided into two first side shell parts, two second side shell parts and two third side shell parts. The two first side shell parts are arranged opposite to each other, the two second side shell parts are arranged opposite to each other, and the two third side shell parts are arranged opposite to each other. Each second side shell part can connect the first side shell part and the third side shell part. The first connecting seam is located at the connection between the first side shell part and the end cover 102, the second connecting seam can be located at the connection between the second side shell part and the end cover 102, and the third connecting seam is located at the connection between the third side shell part and the end cover 102.

[0149] 2 , 3 and 4 , according to one or more embodiments of the present application, optionally, the end cap welding device 30 of the battery cell 100 includes a feeding assembly 310 and a welding assembly 340: the feeding assembly 310 includes a feeding line 311, a first clamp 312 and a second clamp 313, and the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 are arranged at intervals on the same feeding line 311; the first clamp 312 is configured to fix the shell 101 and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp 313 is configured to fix the shell 101 and expose the second connection seam; the welding assembly 340 is arranged along the feeding line 311, and is used to weld the first connection seam when the first clamp 312 fixing the battery cell 100 is conveyed to the welding assembly 340, and is used to weld the second connection seam when the second clamp 313 fixing the battery cell 100 is conveyed to the welding assembly 340.

[0150] Among them, exposing the first connecting seam / the second connecting seam means not clamping or blocking the first connecting seam / the second connecting seam, so that the first connecting seam / the second connecting seam can be welded. The feeding assembly 310 is used to transport the battery cell 100, and the welding assembly 340 is used to weld the connecting seams (such as the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam) of the battery cell 100. The feeding line 311 can drive the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 to move, thereby driving the battery cell 100 arranged on the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313 to move. The welding assembly 340 can weld the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam by laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0151] In this manner, when the battery cell 100 is placed in the first fixture 312, the welding assembly 340 can weld the first connecting seam. When the battery cell 100 is placed in the second fixture 313, the welding assembly 340 can weld the second connecting seam. Thus, the welding assembly 340 can be used to weld both the first and second connecting seams, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device 30.

[0152] Referring to Figure 5, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a steering assembly 390, which is arranged at intervals from the welding assembly 340 along the conveying line 311; the conveying line 311 is used to transport the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the welding assembly 340 to the steering assembly 390, and then transport them to the welding assembly 340 after passing through the steering assembly 390; the steering assembly 390 is used to remove the battery cell 100 after welding the first connecting seam from the corresponding first clamp 312 and turn it, and place it on the second clamp 313 after turning; or, the steering assembly 390 is used to remove the battery cell 100 after welding the second connecting seam from the corresponding second clamp 313 and turn it, and place it on the first clamp 312 after turning.

[0153] That is, the feed line 311 can drive the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 to move cyclically. The steering assembly 390 is used to steer the battery cell 100 having its first or second joint welded when the feed line 311 moves cyclically, so that the battery cell 100 can further weld the unwelded second joint or unwelded first joint during the cyclic movement.

[0154] In this manner, the steering assembly 390 can place the battery cell 100 placed in the first fixture 312 into the second fixture 313, or vice versa. When the battery cell 100 is placed in the first fixture 312, the first connecting seam can be welded, and when the battery cell 100 is placed in the second fixture 313, the second connecting seam can be welded. Furthermore, welding of both the first and second connecting seams can be accomplished using the same welding assembly 340, thereby reducing the cost of the welding equipment.

[0155] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the steering assembly 390 includes a support frame 391, a clamping mechanism 392 and a steering motor 393; the support frame 391 is arranged on the outside of the feed line 311, the clamping mechanism 392 is located above the feed line 311, and is rotatably supported on the support frame 391; the steering motor 393 is transmission-connected to the clamping mechanism 392, and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 392 to rotate relative to the support frame 391 for steering; the clamping mechanism 392 is used to clamp the battery cell 100 and steer the battery cell 100.

[0156] The clamping mechanism 392 can clamp the battery cell 100, and the steering motor 393 drives the clamping mechanism 392 to rotate, thereby steering the battery cell 100. In this way, the steering motor 393 can drive the clamping mechanism 392 holding the battery cell 100 to rotate, thereby steering the battery cell 100.

[0157] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the steering assembly 390 includes a lifting frame 394 and a lifting motor 395. The lifting frame 394 can be lifted and lowered on the support frame 391, and the clamping mechanism can be rotatably arranged on the lifting frame 394; the lifting motor 395 is arranged on the support frame 391 or the lifting frame 394, and is transmission-connected to the lifting frame 394 for driving the lifting frame 394 to rise and fall relative to the support frame 391.

[0158] As the battery cell 100 moves along with the feed assembly 310, the lifting motor 395 drives the lifting frame 394 to descend, thereby driving the gripping mechanism 392 to descend to pick up the battery cell 100. The lifting frame 394 then rises, allowing the gripping mechanism 392 to separate the battery cell 100 from the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313. After the battery cell 100 is separated from the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313, the steering motor 393 drives the gripping mechanism 392 to rotate, causing the battery cell 100 to turn. After the battery cell 100 has turned, the lifting motor 395 drives the lifting frame 394 to descend, and drives the gripping mechanism 392 to descend. Simultaneously, the feed line drives the components where the second clamp 313 or the first clamp 312 is not placed to move synchronously to the bottom of the gripping mechanism 392 to receive the battery cell 100 placed by the gripping mechanism 392.

[0159] In the above manner, the steering assembly 390 can remove the battery cell 100 from the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313 and then turn it, thereby reducing the possibility of the battery cell 100 interfering with other devices during the turning process.

[0160] 2 and 6, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the feed line 311 includes a first feed branch line 3111, a second feed branch line 3112, a first transfer mechanism 3113 and a second transfer mechanism 3114; the first feed branch line 3111 and the second feed branch line 3112 are arranged side by side, and the transmission directions of the first feed branch line 3111 and the second feed branch line 3112 are opposite; the first transfer mechanism is arranged at one end of the first feed branch line 3111 and the second feed branch line 3112, and is used to transfer the first feed branch line 3111 and the second feed branch line 3112 to the feed branch line 3113. For transferring the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the first conveyor branch line 3111 to the first conveyor branch line 3111; the second transfer mechanism 3114 is arranged at the other end of the first conveyor branch line 3111 and the second conveyor branch line 3112, for transferring the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the second conveyor branch line 3112 to the first conveyor branch line 3111; the welding assembly 340 is arranged along the first conveyor branch line 3111, and the steering assembly 390 is arranged along the second conveyor branch line 3112.

[0161] 6 , the first moving mechanism 3113 / the third moving mechanism may include a linear motor and a moving member 3116 that is movable under the drive of the linear motor. The first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 may be carried on the moving member 3116.

[0162] The first conveying branch line 3111 can convey the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 to the first transfer mechanism 3113. The first transfer mechanism 3113 conveys the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 to the second conveying branch line 3112. The second conveying branch line 3112 conveys the first clamp 312 to the second transfer mechanism 3114. The second transfer mechanism 3114 conveys the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 to the first conveying branch line 3111. In this way, the battery cells 100 can be circulated along with the conveying assembly.

[0163] In this manner, the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 can cyclically move along the feed line 311, thereby enabling the end cap welding device 30 to continuously assemble and weld the battery cells 100. Furthermore, the welding assembly 340 and the steering assembly 390 are located in different areas, making it easier for users to observe and maintain the welding device.

[0164] Referring to Figures 2 and 7, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the welding assembly 340 includes a first welding mechanism 341 and a second welding mechanism 342, and the first welding mechanism 341 and the second welding mechanism 342 are arranged at intervals along the feed line 311; the first welding mechanism 341 is used to pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, and the second welding mechanism 342 is used to further weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after pre-welding.

[0165] The first welding mechanism 341 and the second welding mechanism 342 may include a laser. The laser may be controlled by a galvanometer to achieve pre-welding or further welding, or the laser may be configured to be movable as a whole to achieve pre-welding or further welding.

[0166] Pre-welding can refer to welding the first connection seam or the second connection seam by spot welding. In this way, the welding quality can be improved.

[0167] Generally, pre-welding may be performed on the first or second connecting seam whose length exceeds the preset length, while pre-welding may not be performed on the connecting seam whose length does not exceed the preset length. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the first connecting seam exceeds the preset length, while the length of the second connecting seam does not exceed the preset length. In this case, pre-welding may be performed on only the first connecting seam.

[0168] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first welding mechanism 341 includes two pre-welding mechanisms, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the conveying line 311; the second welding mechanism 342 includes two full welding mechanisms 3421, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the conveying line 311; the two pre-welding mechanisms are used to pre-weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam in their respective directions, and the two full welding mechanisms 3421 are used to fully weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam in their respective directions.

[0169] The two pre-welding mechanisms can simultaneously pre-weld the two first connecting seams or the two second connecting seams by spot welding. The two full welding mechanisms 3421 can simultaneously fully weld the two first connecting seams or the two second connecting seams by continuous welding.

[0170] In the above manner, the two first connecting seams / the two second connecting seams can be welded simultaneously, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0171] In addition, the second welding mechanism 342 may include a full welding mechanism 3421 and a dust removal mechanism 3422. The dust removal mechanism 3422 may be fixed relative to the full welding mechanism 3421 and is used to preliminarily clean the smoke and dust generated during welding by airflow or negative pressure when the full welding mechanism 3421 is welding.

[0172] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the second welding mechanism 342 is used to perform a first welding on the first connection seam or the second connection seam after pre-welding from a first direction, and to perform a second welding on the first connection seam or the second connection seam after the first welding from a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0173] The second welding mechanism 342 can weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam twice. By the above method, the welding quality can be improved and the problem of insufficient welding pool can be solved.

[0174] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the welding assembly 340 includes at least one full welding mechanism 3421, which is used to fully weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

[0175] By adopting the above method, the use of pre-welding mechanisms can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0176] Referring to Figure 8, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a rolling assembly 350, which is spaced apart from the welding assembly 340 and is used to roll the battery cell 100 after welding by the welding assembly 340 to roll the solder on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

[0177] By adopting the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam can be shaped, thereby improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0178] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the rolling assembly 350 includes two rolling mechanisms 351, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the feed line 311; the two rolling mechanisms 351 are used to press the battery cell 100 from both sides of the feed line 311 to roll the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, as well as the flange of the end cover 102 extending outside the shell 101.

[0179] By the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam and the end cover 102 can be shaped to improve the surface quality of the battery cell 100 .

[0180] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, each rolling mechanism 351 includes a bracket 3511 and two rollers 3512. The bracket 3511 is arranged on the outside of the feed line 311. The two rollers 3512 are arranged on the bracket 3511 at intervals along the extension direction of the feed line 311, so that the battery cells 100 can pass through the two rollers 3512 in sequence; the two rollers 3512 are rotatably arranged on the bracket 3511 to roll the battery cells 100.

[0181] In the above manner, the two rollers 3512 can perform secondary rolling and shaping on the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, further improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0182] Referring to Figure 9, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a welding slag cleaning assembly 360, which is arranged at intervals from the welding assembly 340 along the feeding line 311 and is used to clean the welding slag on the battery cell 100 after welding by the welding assembly 340, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell 100.

[0183] The welding slag cleaning assembly 360 may include a wire brush 361 , which may be cylindrical and rotatable. In addition, the welding slag cleaning assembly 360 may also clean the welding slag of the battery cell 100 through airflow.

[0184] In this manner, the possibility of foreign matter such as welding slag remaining on the battery cell 100 can be reduced.

[0185] Additionally, the welding slag cleaning assembly 360 may further include an active motor 362, a synchronous belt 363, and a transmission shaft 364. A wire brush 361 may be fixed to the transmission shaft 364. The active motor 362, via the synchronous belt 363, drives the transmission shaft 364 to rotate, thereby driving the wire brush 361 to rotate. This arrangement further reduces the likelihood of welding slag residue.

[0186] 10 and 11 , according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a pressing assembly 330, which is spaced apart from a welding assembly 340 along a feed line 311. The pressing assembly 330 is used to press the shell 101 and the end cap 102 together before the battery cell 100 is conveyed to the welding assembly 340; the welding assembly 340 is used to weld the pressed battery cell 100.

[0187] In the above manner, the press-fit assembly 330 can press the end cover 102 and the housing 101 together, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment between the two during assembly.

[0188] The press-fit assembly 330 may include an end cap press-fit mechanism 331, a first side press-fit mechanism 332, and a second side press-fit mechanism 333. The end cap press-fit mechanism 331 may include a first drive motor 3311 and an end cap press-fit block 3310 transmission-connected to the first drive motor 3311. The end cap press-fit block 3310 may press-fit and position the battery cell 100 from the side where the end cap 102 of the battery cell 100 is located. The first side press-fit mechanism 332 may include a second drive motor 3321 and a first side press-fit block 3320 transmission-connected to the second drive motor 3321. The first side press-fit block 3320 may press-fit and position the first side 1011 of the housing 101. The second side press-fit mechanism 333 may include a third drive motor 3331 and a second side press-fit block 3330 transmission-connected to the third drive motor 3331. The second side press-fit block 3330 may press-fit and position the second side 1012 of the housing 101. In this way, the battery cell 100 can be positioned during the press-fitting process, which is beneficial for the laser to accurately weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam.

[0189] There can be two first side pressing mechanisms 332, which can be disposed on opposite sides to press-fit the two first side surfaces 1011. There can be two second side pressing mechanisms 333, which can be disposed on opposite ends to press-fit the two second side surfaces 1012.

[0190] Referring to Figure 12, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a loading assembly 320, which is spaced apart from the feed line 311. The loading assembly 320 is used to place the battery cell 100 to be loaded and welded on the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313.

[0191] Through the above-mentioned method, the end cover welding device 30 can realize automatic loading.

[0192] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the loading assembly 320 includes a storage mechanism 321 and a loading mechanism 322. The storage mechanism 321 is used to store battery cells 100 to be loaded and welded; the loading mechanism 322 is arranged along the feeding line 311, and the loading mechanism 322 is used to take out the corresponding battery cells 100 from the storage mechanism 321 and place the battery cells 100 on the first clamp 312 or the second clamp 313.

[0193] In the above manner, the end cap welding device 30 can be used to assemble batches of battery cells 100 .

[0194] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the storage mechanism 321 is used to store the battery cell 100 in a predetermined placement posture relative to the feed line 311, and the loading mechanism 322 is used to take out the battery cell 100 in the predetermined placement posture from the storage mechanism 321, and maintain the predetermined placement posture to convey the battery cell 100 to the first clamp 312, and the predetermined placement posture is consistent with the fixed posture required by the first clamp 312.

[0195] The loading mechanism 322 may include a cell pickup gripper 3221 and a transverse motor 3222. The cell pickup gripper 3221 may be used to pick up battery cells 100 from the storage mechanism 321. The transverse motor 3222 may drive the cell pickup gripper 3221 to reciprocate between the storage mechanism 321 and the feed line 311, thereby reciprocatingly transporting battery cells 100 from the storage mechanism 321 to the first fixture 312.

[0196] Through the above method, the loading efficiency of the loading component 320 can be improved.

[0197] 2 and 13 , according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a discharge assembly, which is spaced apart from the feed line 311 , and is used to remove the welded battery cells 100 from the feed line 311 and transport them outward.

[0198] In the above manner, the end cover welding device 30 can automatically unload materials.

[0199] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the discharge assembly includes a moving mechanism 381 and a conveying mechanism 382. The moving mechanism 381 is arranged along the conveying line 311 and is used to move the battery cells 100 that have completed welding from the conveying line 311 to the conveying mechanism 382. The conveying mechanism 382 is used to convey the corresponding battery cells 100 outward.

[0200] In the above manner, the end cap welding device 30 can unload materials through the moving mechanism 381 and the conveying mechanism 382 that are independent of the feeding line 311, thereby reducing the possibility of the feeding line 311 being shut down due to unloading.

[0201] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the conveying mechanism 382 includes a first conveying sub-mechanism 383 and a second conveying sub-mechanism 384, and the moving mechanism 381 is used to move the battery cells 100 that have been welded and passed the inspection from the conveying line 311 to the first conveying sub-mechanism 383, and to move the battery cells 100 that have been welded and failed the inspection from the conveying line 311 to the second conveying sub-mechanism 384; the first conveying sub-mechanism 383 and the second conveying sub-mechanism 384 are used to respectively convey the battery cells 100 they carry outward.

[0202] The first conveying sub-mechanism 383 may also be called a blanking belt, and the second conveying sub-mechanism 384 may also be called an NG belt.

[0203] By the above-mentioned method, qualified and unqualified battery cells 100 can be cut separately, thereby facilitating the recycling of unqualified battery cells 100 and the post-processing of qualified battery cells 100 .

[0204] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first conveying sub-mechanism 383 includes a first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and a second pulling belt mechanism 3835. The first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 can move relative to the moving mechanism 381 and can move between the transport position and the output position. The first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 are used to move to the output position or away from the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 store the battery cells 100 moved by the moving mechanism 381 at the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and / or the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 are used to store the battery cells 100, and move to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells 100 after a pair of battery cells 100 are successfully paired.

[0205] In the above manner, the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 work simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of paired blanking.

[0206] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 includes a first conveyor pulling belt 3831 and a first buffer pulling belt 3832; the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 includes a second conveyor pulling belt 3836 and a second buffer pulling belt 3837; the first conveyor pulling belt 3831 and the first buffer pulling belt 3832 are arranged side by side, and the second conveyor pulling belt 3836 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 are arranged side by side; the first conveyor pulling belt 3831 and the second conveyor pulling belt 3836 are arranged side by side and at intervals, and are located on both sides of the output position; the first conveyor pulling belt 3831 and the first buffer pulling belt 3832 can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the second conveyor pulling belt 3836 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the first buffer pulling belt 3832 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 are respectively used to move a battery cell 100 to be paired to be moved to the second The second pulling belt mechanism 3835 caches another battery cell 100 to be paired; the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the second conveyor pull belt 3836 are respectively used to store the battery cell 100 to be paired; when the first buffer pull belt 3832 has a battery cell 100 cached, the battery cell 100 stored on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 is paired with the battery cell 100 cached on the first buffer pull belt 3832; when the second buffer pull belt 3837 has a battery cell 100 cached, the battery cell 100 stored on the second conveyor pull belt 3836 is paired with the battery cell 100 cached on the second buffer pull belt 3837; when no battery cell 100 is cached in the first buffer pull belt 3832 and no battery cell 100 is cached in the second buffer pull belt 3837, the battery cell 100 stored on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 is paired with the battery cell 100 stored on the second conveyor pull belt 3836.

[0207] When battery cells 100 are stored on the first conveyor belt 3831 and no battery cells 100 are stored on the second conveyor belt 3836 (for example, the battery cells 100 originally intended to be placed on the second conveyor belt 3836 are defective and have been transferred to the second conveying sub-mechanism 384), the battery cells 100 on the first conveyor belt 3831 cannot be paired, and the battery cells 100 on the first conveyor belt 3831 can be transferred to the first buffer belt 3832. Similarly, when battery cells 100 on the second conveyor belt 3836 cannot be paired, they can also be transferred to the second buffer belt 3837.

[0208] When the first buffer pull belt 3832 is buffered with battery cells 100, the battery cells 100 stored on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 are paired with the battery cells 100 buffered on the first buffer pull belt 3832, and then the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the first buffer pull belt 3832 move together to the output position to unload the paired battery cells 100.

[0209] When the second buffer pull belt 3837 is buffered with battery cells 100, the battery cells 100 stored on the second conveyor pull belt 3836 and the battery cells 100 buffered on the second buffer pull belt 3837 are paired, and then the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the first buffer pull belt 3832 move together to the output position to unload the paired battery cells 100.

[0210] When neither the first buffer pull belt 3832 nor the second buffer pull belt 3837 has any buffered battery cells 100, and the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the second conveyor pull belt 3836 store battery cells 100 at the same time, the battery cells 100 on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the second conveyor pull belt 3836 can be paired and unloaded in pairs.

[0211] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the pairing efficiency can be improved during the unloading process, and the risk of delaying unloading due to the first conveyor belt 3831 or the second conveyor belt 3836 not storing qualified battery cells 100 can be reduced.

[0212] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 includes a post-weld detection component 370, which is arranged between the welding component 340 and the moving mechanism 381 along the feed line 311. The post-weld detection component 370 is used to detect whether the welded battery cell 100 is qualified.

[0213] The post-weld inspection component 370 can use a 2D camera or a 3D camera to perform imaging and identification on the battery cells 100. In this way, the post-weld inspection component 370 can efficiently identify qualified and unqualified battery cells 100.

[0214] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first clamp 312 includes a first supporting mechanism 3121 and a first retaining member 3122, the first supporting mechanism 3121 is used to support the battery cell 100, and the first retaining member 3122 is arranged on the first supporting mechanism 3121, for positioning the battery cell 100 supported on the first supporting mechanism 3121; the second clamp 313 includes a second supporting mechanism 3131 and a second retaining member 3132; the second supporting mechanism 3131 is used to support the battery cell 100, and the second retaining member 3132 is arranged on the second supporting mechanism 3131, for positioning the battery cell 100 supported on the second supporting mechanism 3131.

[0215] By positioning the battery cell 100 in the above manner, the possibility of the battery cell 100 shaking during the assembly process is reduced.

[0216] Considering that the battery cell 100 needs to be steered by the steering assembly 390 while moving along the feed line 311, the first retaining member 3122 can have a holding state and a released state. When the battery cell 100 needs to be welded, inspected, or soldered, the first retaining member 3122 can be in the holding state to position the battery cell 100. When the battery cell 100 moves to the steering assembly 390, the first retaining member 3122 can be in the released state to enable the steering assembly 390 to steer the battery cell 100. Before the battery cell 100 is press-fitted by the press-fitting assembly 330, the first retaining member 3122 / second retaining member 3132 can be in the released state. After press-fitting is complete, the first retaining member 3122 / second retaining member 3132 can remain in the holding state until the battery cell 100 moves to the steering assembly 390, at which time they can switch to the released state.

[0217] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first clamp 312 further includes two first side buckles 3123, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-position the battery cell 100 supported on the first supporting mechanism 3121 and disposed between the two first side buckles 3123. The second clamp 313 further includes two second side buckles 3133, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-position the battery cell 100 supported on the second supporting mechanism 3131 and disposed between the two first side buckles 3123. The spacing between the two first side buckles 3123 is different from the spacing between the two second side buckles 3133.

[0218] Pre-positioning the battery cell 100 may refer to maintaining the battery cell 100 substantially in a predetermined position, such as a substantially upright position. The first side buckle 3123 / second side buckle 3133 may be in a semi-enclosed structure, so that when the battery cell 100 is placed between the two first side buckles 3123 / second side buckles 3133, the battery cell 100 contacts the battery cell 100 and provides lateral support. Alternatively, when the battery cell 100 is placed between the two second side buckles 3133, a gap is created between the battery cell 100 and the housing 101 of the battery cell 100, thereby providing lateral support for the battery cell 100 in the event of a fall.

[0219] In the above manner, the first side buckle 3123 and the second side buckle 3133 can enable the battery cell 100 to be arranged in a roughly upright manner on the first supporting mechanism 3121 and the second supporting mechanism 3131, thereby reducing the possibility of the battery cell 100 tipping over.

[0220] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the first clamp 312 also includes a first base 3124, the first supporting mechanism 3121 is slidably disposed on the first base 3124, and the sliding direction of the first supporting mechanism 3121 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line 311; the second clamp 313 also includes a second base 3134, the second supporting mechanism 3131 is slidably disposed on the second base 3134, and the sliding direction of the second supporting mechanism 3131 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line 311.

[0221] Specifically, when the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313 moves to the welding area of ​​the welding assembly 340, the first supporting mechanism 3121 can be pushed relative to the first base 3124, or the second supporting mechanism 3131 can be pushed relative to the second base 3134, so that the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam can be accurately positioned in the processing area of ​​the welding assembly 340. When the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313 moves to the rolling assembly 350, if the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313 is fixed to the feed line 311, the rolling assembly 350 may not be able to roll the two welds evenly, thereby reducing the efficiency of the rolling shaping. When the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313 moves to the slag cleaning assembly 360, if the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313 is not positioned appropriately, the effectiveness of the slag cleaning assembly 360 in cleaning the weld slag may also be reduced. Therefore, the first supporting mechanism 3121 or the second supporting mechanism 3131 can be pushed to move by an external mechanism, so that the welding slag cleaning assembly 360 can clean the welding slag of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

[0222] In this way, the first supporting mechanism 3121 and the second supporting mechanism 3131 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying line 311, so that the battery cell 100 can be moved to a suitable processing area in any step of the assembly process.

[0223] Considering that the steering assembly 390 may not be accurate enough when it is turning the battery cell 100 in the first fixture 312 and placing it in the second fixture 313, or when it is turning the battery cell 100 in the second fixture 313 and placing it in the first fixture 312, the position of the battery cell 100 may be random to a certain extent, which may affect subsequent processing.

[0224] Therefore, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the end cap welding device 30 may include a positioning assembly 400 for positioning the battery cell 100 after it has been turned. The positioning assembly 400 may include an end cap positioning mechanism 401, a first side positioning mechanism 402, and a second side positioning mechanism 403. The end cap positioning mechanism 401 may include a fourth drive motor 4011 and an end cap positioning block 4010 that is transmission-connected to the fourth drive motor 4011. The end cap positioning block 4010 may position and limit the battery cell 100 from the side where the end cap 102 of the battery cell 100 is located. The first side positioning mechanism 402 may include a fifth drive motor 4021 and a first side positioning block 4020 that is transmission-connected to the fifth drive motor 4021. The first side positioning block 4020 may position and limit the first side 1011 of the shell 101. The second side positioning mechanism 403 may include a sixth drive motor 4031 and a second side positioning block 4030 that is transmission-connected to the sixth drive motor 4031. The second side positioning block 4030 may position and limit the second side surface 1012 of the shell 101. In this way, the battery cell 100 can be positioned during the positioning process, which is conducive to the laser being able to accurately weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam. In addition, the number of first side positioning mechanisms 402 may be two, and the two first side positioning mechanisms 402 may be arranged on opposite sides for positioning the two first side surfaces 1011. The number of second side positioning mechanisms 403 may be two, and the two second side positioning mechanisms 403 may be arranged on opposite ends for positioning the two second side surfaces 1012.

[0225] After the battery cell is turned by the steering assembly and before the turned battery cell is positioned by the positioning assembly, the second retaining member / first retaining member can be in a released state. When the turned battery cell is positioned by the positioning assembly, the second retaining member / first retaining member can be in a retaining state.

[0226] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the shell 101 includes two first side walls and two second side walls that are opposite to each other, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are staggered along the circumference of the shell 101; the first connecting seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumference of the shell 101, and the second connecting seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumference of the shell 101.

[0227] In the above manner, the end cover welding device can be used to assemble quadrangular prism-shaped battery cells.

[0228] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the battery assembly system includes a conveying device and an assembly device, the conveying device is used to convey the structure to be assembled to each workstation of the assembly equipment; the workstations of the assembly equipment include at least a pole tab welding device, a shell insertion device, a pole tab piercing device, a pole column welding device and an end cover welding device; wherein, the pole tab welding device is used to weld multiple pole tab sheets of the electrode assembly to form a pole tab portion; the shell insertion device is used to load the electrode assembly into the shell from the open end; the pole tab piercing device is used to clamp the pole tab portion through the through hole when the electrode assembly is loaded into the shell; the pole column welding device is used to weld the pole tab portion passing through the through hole to the side of the pole facing away from the accommodating cavity.

[0229] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the conveying equipment includes a conveyor line, which can be a conveying structure formed by a motor-driven conveyor roller and a conveyor belt, or a conveying structure formed by a motor-driven conveyor chain link, or an AGV conveyor cart, which can realize conveying in at least one direction and can support and ensure the stability of the structure to be assembled.

[0230] The purpose of the tab welding device is to form the tab portion after pre-welding the tab sheet. It can be an ultrasonic welding device that can ensure that the tab is welded in a clamped and stable state. The shell entry device is a pushing mechanism or a clamping mechanism that can stably move the electrode assembly toward the open end of the shell and enter the accommodating cavity through the open end. Similarly, the tab piercing device can adopt a clamping structure or a guiding structure that can guide the tab portion to pass through the through hole smoothly without interfering with the shell. The pole welding device is intended to achieve welding of the tab portion and the pole. It can be a laser welding device. The end cover welding device is intended to achieve welding of the circumferential edges of the end cover and the open end of the shell. It is also a laser welding device.

[0231] In addition, the assembly equipment is not limited to including a tab welding device, a shell insertion device, a tab insertion device, a pole welding device and an end cap welding device. For example, when the number of electrode assemblies is multiple, for example, two, the assembly equipment also includes a matching device, which is used to stack and arrange multiple electrode assemblies so that the tabs of the two electrode assemblies are roughly opposite, so that the conveying structure can convey the matched electrode assemblies to the tab welding device for welding the tabs to facilitate the formation of the tab portion. For example, in order to ensure the reliability of the battery assembly process, dust removal, NG detection stations, etc. can also be added between any two adjacent stations, which is not limited in this embodiment. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the conveying equipment includes a conveyor line, which can be a conveying structure formed by a motor-driven conveyor roller and a conveyor belt, or a conveying structure formed by a motor-driven conveyor chain link articulated, or an AGV conveying trolley, which can realize conveying in at least one direction and can support and ensure the stability of the structure to be assembled.

[0232] The purpose of the tab welding device is to form the tab portion after pre-welding the tab sheet. It can be an ultrasonic welding device that can ensure that the tab is welded in a clamped and stable state. The shell entry device is a pushing mechanism or a clamping mechanism that can stably move the electrode assembly toward the open end of the shell and enter the accommodating cavity through the open end. Similarly, the tab piercing device can adopt a clamping structure or a guiding structure that can guide the tab portion to pass through the through hole smoothly without interfering with the shell. The pole welding device is intended to achieve welding of the tab portion and the pole. It can be a laser welding device. The end cover welding device is intended to achieve welding of the circumferential edges of the end cover and the open end of the shell. It is also a laser welding device.

[0233] In addition, the assembly equipment is not limited to including a tab welding device, a shell insertion device, a tab insertion device, a pole welding device, and an end cap welding device. For example, when the number of electrode assemblies is multiple, for example, two, the assembly equipment also includes a pairing device, which is used to stack the multiple electrode assemblies so that the tabs of the two electrode assemblies are roughly opposite each other, so that the conveying structure can convey the matched electrode assemblies to the tab welding device for welding the tabs to facilitate the formation of the tab portion. For example, in order to ensure the reliability of the battery assembly process, dust removal, NG detection stations, etc. can also be added between any two adjacent stations, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0234] Referring to Figure 18, according to one or more embodiments of the present application, the assembly method of the battery cell includes: step S100: loading the battery cell onto the first clamp or the second clamp on the same feed line; the first clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; step S200: controlling the feed line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the welding assembly; step S250: controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp.

[0235] Through the above method, when the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the welding assembly can weld the first connecting seam, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the welding assembly can weld the second connecting seam. As a result, the welding assembly can be used to weld both the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap welding device.

[0236] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, step S200 includes: controlling the press-fitting assembly to press-fit the battery cell loaded into the first fixture or the second fixture to press the shell and the end cover together.

[0237] In the above manner, the press-fit assembly can press the end cover 102 and the housing 101 together, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment between the two during assembly.

[0238] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, step S250 includes: controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam of the battery cell; and controlling the second welding mechanism to fully weld the pre-welded first connection seam or the second connection seam.

[0239] Through the above method, the welding quality can be improved.

[0240] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam of the battery cell includes: controlling two relatively arranged pre-welding mechanisms to synchronously pre-weld the respective portions of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam from both sides of the battery cell; and controlling two relatively arranged full welding mechanisms to synchronously full-weld the respective portions of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam from both sides of the pre-welded battery cell.

[0241] In the above manner, the two first connecting seams / the two second connecting seams can be welded simultaneously, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0242] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, after step S250, the process includes: controlling the feed line to transport the welded battery cells on the corresponding first clamp or the second clamp to the rolling assembly (step S300); and rolling the welded battery cells by the rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam (step S350).

[0243] By adopting the above method, the welds of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam can be shaped, thereby improving the surface quality of the welds.

[0244] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, step S350 includes: rolling the respective portions of the first connection seam and the second connection seam from both sides of the battery cell through two oppositely arranged rolling mechanisms, and rolling the flange of the end cover extending outside the shell.

[0245] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the weld seams of the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam and the shell can be shaped to improve the surface quality of the battery cell.

[0246] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, after step S250, the steps include: controlling the feed line to transport the welded battery cell on the corresponding first fixture or the second fixture to the welding slag cleaning assembly (step S400); controlling the welding slag cleaning assembly to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell (step S450).

[0247] By adopting the above-described method, the possibility of foreign matter such as welding slag remaining on the battery cell can be reduced.

[0248] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, after step S250, the process includes: controlling the feed line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly (step S500); controlling the steering assembly to remove the battery cell after welding the first connecting seam from the first clamp, turn it, and place it on the second clamp, or removing the battery cell after welding the second connecting seam from the second clamp, turn it, and place it on the first clamp (step S550); controlling the feed line to transport the second clamp and the first clamp from the steering assembly to the welding assembly (step S600).

[0249] In this manner, the steering assembly can move a battery cell placed in the first fixture to the second fixture, or vice versa. When the battery cell is placed in the first fixture, the first connecting seam can be welded, and when the battery cell is placed in the second fixture, the second connecting seam can be welded. Furthermore, both the first and second connecting seams can be welded using the same welding assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the welding equipment.

[0250] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, before step S600, the steps include: controlling the discharge assembly to remove the battery cells with the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam welded from the corresponding first fixture or the second fixture; controlling the conveying line to transport the battery cells with only the first connecting seam welded to the steering assembly on the corresponding first fixture, and / or transporting the battery cells with only the second connecting seam welded to the steering assembly on the corresponding second fixture.

[0251] By adopting the above method, the welded battery cells can be cut in time.

[0252] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, after step S250 , the process includes: controlling the discharge assembly to remove and discharge the welded battery cells from the first fixture or the second fixture.

[0253] Through the above method, automatic unloading can be achieved.

[0254] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, controlling the discharge assembly to remove and unload the welded battery cells from the first fixture or the second fixture includes: controlling the moving mechanism to move the welded battery cells from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and controlling the conveying mechanism to convey the corresponding battery cells outward.

[0255] In the above manner, unloading is performed by using a moving mechanism and a conveying mechanism that are independent of the feed line, thereby reducing the possibility of the feed line being shut down due to unloading, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0256] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the moving mechanism is controlled to move the battery monomers that have completed welding from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is controlled to convey the corresponding battery monomers outward, including: controlling the moving mechanism to transport the battery monomers that have completed welding and passed the inspection from the feed line to the first conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the moving mechanism to move the battery monomers that have completed welding and passed the inspection unqualified from the feed line to the second conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery monomers outward, and controlling the second conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery monomers outward.

[0257] By adopting the above-mentioned method, qualified and unqualified battery cells can be cut off separately, thereby facilitating the recycling of unqualified battery cells and the post-processing of qualified battery cells.

[0258] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery cells outward includes: after a pair of battery cells are stored in the first pulling strap mechanism and / or the second pulling strap mechanism and are successfully paired, controlling the first pulling strap mechanism and / or the second pulling strap mechanism to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward.

[0259] Through the above-mentioned method, the first drawing belt mechanism and the second drawing belt mechanism work simultaneously, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of paired blanking.

[0260] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, after the first pull belt mechanism and / or the second pull belt mechanism stores a pair of battery cells, the first pull belt mechanism and / or the second pull belt mechanism are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward, including: when the pair of battery cells to be paired are moved to the first conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt by the transport mechanism, the second conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position at the same time; when a battery monomer to be paired is moved to the second pull belt mechanism by the transport mechanism, the other battery monomer to be paired is cached by the first buffer pull belt or the second buffer pull belt; when the first buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the first conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the first buffer pull belt, and the first conveyor pull belt and the first buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position; when the second buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the second conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the second buffer pull belt, and the second conveyor pull belt and the second buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position.

[0261] By adopting the above-mentioned method, the efficiency of pairing can be improved during the unloading process, and the risk of delaying unloading due to the first conveyor belt or the second conveyor belt failing to store qualified battery cells can be reduced.

[0262] An embodiment of the present application also provides a battery cell, which is assembled by the above-mentioned end cover welding device, or assembled by the above-mentioned assembly method; wherein, the battery cell includes a shell 101 and an end cover 102, the end cover 102 is arranged at one end of the shell 101, and the connection between the shell 101 and the end cover 102 has a first connecting seam and a second connecting seam arranged along the circumference of the shell 101, and the shell 101 and the end cover 102 are welded and fixed via the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam.

[0263] In some embodiments, the shell 101 includes two first side walls and two second side walls that are oppositely arranged, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are staggered along the circumference of the shell 101; the first connecting seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumference of the shell 101, and the second connecting seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumference of the shell 101.

[0264] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the end cap welding device 30 of the battery cell 100 includes a feeding assembly 310, a loading assembly 320, a pressing assembly 330, a welding assembly 340, a rolling assembly 350, a welding slag cleaning assembly 360, a post-weld inspection assembly 370, a discharging assembly and a steering assembly 390.

[0265] The feeding assembly 310 includes a feeding line 311, a first clamp 312 and a second clamp 313, and the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 are arranged at intervals on the same feeding line 311; the first clamp 312 is configured to fix the shell 101 and expose the first connecting seam; the second clamp 313 is configured to fix the shell 101 and expose the second connecting seam; the welding assembly 340 is arranged along the feeding line 311, and is used to weld the first connecting seam when the first clamp 312 fixing the battery cell 100 is transported to the welding assembly 340, and is used to weld the second connecting seam when the second clamp 313 fixing the battery cell 100 is transported to the welding assembly 340.

[0266] The material conveying line 311 includes a first conveying branch line 3111, a second conveying branch line 3112, a first transfer mechanism 3113 and a second transfer mechanism 3114; the first conveying branch line 3111 and the second conveying branch line 3112 are arranged side by side, and the transmission directions of the first conveying branch line 3111 and the second conveying branch line 3112 are opposite; the first transfer mechanism is arranged at one end of the first conveying branch line 3111 and the second conveying branch line 3112, and is used to transfer the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the first conveying branch line 3111 to the first conveying branch line 3111; the second transfer mechanism 3114 is arranged at the other end of the first conveying branch line 3111 and the second conveying branch line 3112, and is used to transfer the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the second conveying branch line 3112 to the first conveying branch line 3111; the welding assembly 340 is arranged along the first conveying branch line 3111, and the steering assembly 390 is arranged along the second conveying branch line 3112.

[0267] The first clamp 312 includes a first base 3124, a first supporting mechanism 3121, a first retaining member 3122 and two first side buckles 3123. The first supporting mechanism 3121 is used to support the battery cell 100. The first retaining member 3122 is arranged on the first supporting mechanism 3121 and is used to position the battery cell 100 supported on the first supporting mechanism 3121; the two first side buckles 3123 are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-limit the battery cell 100 supported on the first supporting mechanism 3121 and arranged between the two first side buckles 3123; the first supporting mechanism 3121 is slidably provided on the first base 3124, and the sliding direction of the first supporting mechanism 3121 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line 311.

[0268] The second clamp 313 includes a second base 3134, a second supporting mechanism 3131, a second retaining member 3132 and two second side buckles 3133; the second supporting mechanism 3131 is used to support the battery cell 100, and the second retaining member 3132 is arranged on the second supporting mechanism 3131, and is used to position the battery cell 100 supported on the second supporting mechanism 3131; the two second side buckles 3133 are arranged opposite to each other, and are used to pre-limit the battery cell 100 supported on the second supporting mechanism 3131 and arranged between the two first side buckles 3123; the second supporting mechanism 3131 is slidably provided on the second base 3134, and the sliding direction of the second supporting mechanism 3131 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line 311.

[0269] Welding assembly 340 includes a first welding mechanism 341 and a second welding mechanism 342, which are spaced apart along feed line 311. The first welding mechanism 341 is used to pre-weld the first or second connecting seam, while the second welding mechanism 342 is used to further weld the pre-welded first or second connecting seam. The first welding mechanism 341 includes two pre-welding mechanisms, which are positioned oppositely on either side of feed line 311. The second welding mechanism 342 includes two full-welding mechanisms 3421, which are positioned oppositely on either side of feed line 311. The two pre-welding mechanisms are used to pre-weld portions of the first or second connecting seam, respectively, while the two full-welding mechanisms 3421 are used to full-weld portions of the first or second connecting seam, respectively. The second welding mechanism 342 is used to perform a first weld on the pre-welded first or second connecting seam from a first direction and a second weld on the pre-welded first or second connecting seam from a second direction, with the first and second directions being opposite.

[0270] The welding assembly 340 includes at least one full welding mechanism 3421, which is used to fully weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

[0271] The steering assembly 390 is arranged at intervals from the welding assembly 340 along the conveying line 311; the conveying line 311 is used to convey the first clamp 312 and the second clamp 313 from the welding assembly 340 to the steering assembly 390, and then convey them to the welding assembly 340 after passing through the steering assembly 390; the steering assembly 390 is used to remove the battery cell 100 after welding the first connecting seam from the corresponding first clamp 312 and turn it, and place it on the second clamp 313 after turning; or, the steering assembly 390 is used to remove the battery cell 100 after welding the second connecting seam from the corresponding second clamp 313 and turn it, and place it on the first clamp 312 after turning. The steering assembly 390 includes a support frame 391, a clamping mechanism 392, a steering motor 393, a lifting frame 394 and a lifting motor 395; the support frame 391 is arranged on the outside of the feed line 311, the clamping mechanism 392 is located above the feed line 311, and is rotatably supported on the support frame 391; the steering motor 393 is transmission-connected to the clamping mechanism 392, and is used to drive the clamping mechanism 392 to rotate relative to the support frame 391 for steering; the clamping mechanism 392 is used to clamp the battery cell 100 and steer the battery cell 100, the lifting frame 394 is liftably supported on the support frame 391, and the clamping mechanism is rotatably arranged on the lifting frame 394; the lifting motor 395 is arranged on the support frame 391 or the lifting frame 394, and is transmission-connected to the lifting frame 394, and is used to drive the lifting frame 394 to rise and fall relative to the support frame 391.

[0272] The rolling assembly 350 is spaced apart from the welding assembly 340 and is used to roll the battery cells 100 after welding by the welding assembly 340 to roll out the solder on the first or second connecting seam. The rolling assembly 350 includes two rolling mechanisms 351, which are positioned opposite each other on either side of the feed line 311. The two rolling mechanisms 351 are used to press the battery cells 100 from either side of the feed line 311 to roll out the first or second connecting seam, as well as the flange of the end cap 102 that extends beyond the housing 101. Each rolling mechanism 351 includes a bracket 3511 and two rollers 3512. The bracket 3511 is arranged on the outside of the feeding line 311. The two rollers 3512 are arranged on the bracket 3511 at intervals along the extension direction of the feeding line 311, so that the battery cells 100 can pass through the two rollers 3512 in sequence; the two rollers 3512 are rotatably arranged on the bracket 3511 to roll the battery cells 100.

[0273] The welding slag cleaning assembly 360 is arranged along the material feeding line 311 and spaced apart from the welding assembly 340 , and is used to clean the welding slag on the battery cells 100 after welding by the welding assembly 340 , so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cells 100 .

[0274] The post-weld inspection assembly 370 is disposed along the material conveying line between the welding assembly 340 and the moving mechanism 381 . The post-weld inspection assembly 370 is used to inspect whether the welded battery cells 100 are qualified.

[0275] The pressing assembly 330 is spaced apart from the welding assembly 340 along the feeding line 311 . The pressing assembly 330 is used to press the shell 101 and the end cover 102 before the battery cell 100 is conveyed to the welding assembly 340 . The welding assembly 340 is used to weld the pressed battery cell 100 .

[0276] The loading assembly 320 is spaced apart from the feed line 311 and is used to place battery cells 100 to be loaded and welded onto the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313. The loading assembly 320 includes a storage mechanism 321 and a loading mechanism 322. The storage mechanism 321 is used to store battery cells 100 to be loaded and welded. The loading mechanism 322 is located along the feed line 311 and is used to remove corresponding battery cells 100 from the storage mechanism 321 and place them onto the first fixture 312 or the second fixture 313. The storage mechanism 321 is used to store battery cells 100 in a predetermined position relative to the feed line 311. The loading mechanism 322 is used to remove battery cells 100 in the predetermined position from the storage mechanism 321 and transport them to the first fixture 312 while maintaining the predetermined position. The predetermined position is consistent with the fixed position required by the first fixture 312.

[0277] The discharge assembly is spaced apart from the feed line 311 and is used to remove welded battery cells 100 from the feed line 311 and transport them externally. The discharge assembly includes a transport mechanism 381 and a transport mechanism 382. The transport mechanism 381 is located along the feed line 311 and is used to transport welded battery cells 100 from the feed line to the transport mechanism 382. The transport mechanism 382 is used to transport the corresponding battery cells 100 externally. The transport mechanism 382 includes a first transport sub-mechanism 383 and a second transport sub-mechanism 384. The transport mechanism 381 is used to transfer welded and tested battery cells 100 from the feed line 311 to the first transport sub-mechanism 383, and to transfer welded but unqualified battery cells 100 from the feed line 311 to the second transport sub-mechanism 384. The first and second transport sub-mechanisms 383 and 384 are used to transport the battery cells 100 they carry externally. The first conveying sub-mechanism 383 includes a first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and a second pulling belt mechanism 3835. The first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 can move relative to the moving mechanism 381 and can move between the transport position and the output position. The first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 are used to move to the output position or away from the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 store the battery cells 100 moved by the moving mechanism 381 at the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism 3830 and / or the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 are used to store the battery cells 100, and move to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells 100 after a pair of battery cells 100 are successfully paired.The first pulling belt mechanism 3830 includes a first conveying pulling belt 3831 and a first buffer pulling belt 3832; the second pulling belt mechanism 3835 includes a second conveying pulling belt 3836 and a second buffer pulling belt 3837; the first conveying pulling belt 3831 and the first buffer pulling belt 3832 are arranged side by side, and the second conveying pulling belt 3836 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 are arranged side by side; the first conveying pulling belt 3831 and the second conveying pulling belt 3836 are arranged side by side and at intervals, and are located on both sides of the output position; the first conveying pulling belt 3831 and the first buffer pulling belt 3832 can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the second conveying pulling belt 3836 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the first buffer pulling belt 3832 and the second buffer pulling belt 3837 are respectively used to move a battery cell 100 to be paired to the second pulling belt mechanism 383 5, another battery cell 100 to be paired is cached; the first conveyor pull belt 3831 and the second conveyor pull belt 3836 are respectively used to store the battery cell 100 to be paired; when the first buffer pull belt 3832 has a battery cell 100 cached, the battery cell 100 stored on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 is paired with the battery cell 100 cached on the first buffer pull belt 3832; when the second buffer pull belt 3837 has a battery cell 100 cached, the battery cell 100 stored on the second conveyor pull belt 3836 is paired with the battery cell 100 cached on the second buffer pull belt 3837; when no battery cell 100 is cached in the first buffer pull belt 3832 and no battery cell 100 is cached in the second buffer pull belt 3837, the battery cell 100 stored on the first conveyor pull belt 3831 is paired with the battery cell 100 stored on the second conveyor pull belt 3836.

[0278] According to one or more embodiments of the present application, the assembly method of the battery cell includes: step S100: loading the battery cell onto the first clamp or the second clamp on the same feeding line; the first clamp is used to fix the shell 101 and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; step S200: controlling the feeding line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the welding assembly; step S250: controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp; step S300: controlling the feeding line to transport the welded battery cell on the corresponding first clamp or second clamp to the rolling assembly; step S350: rolling the welded battery cell by the rolling assembly Rolling is performed to roll the solder on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam; step S400: controlling the feeding line to transport the welded battery cell on the corresponding first clamp or second clamp to the welding slag cleaning assembly; step S450: controlling the welding slag cleaning assembly to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell; step S500: controlling the feeding line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly; step S550: controlling the steering assembly to remove the battery cell after welding the first connecting seam from the first clamp, turn it and place it on the second clamp, or remove the battery cell after welding the second connecting seam from the second clamp, turn it and place it on the first clamp; step S600: controlling the feeding line to transport the second clamp and the first clamp from the steering assembly to the welding assembly.

[0279] Before step S200 , the process includes: controlling the press-fitting assembly to press-fit the battery cell loaded into the first fixture or the second fixture, so as to press the shell and the end cover together.

[0280] Step S250 includes: controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first or second connecting seam of the battery cell; and controlling the second welding mechanism to fully weld the pre-welded first or second connecting seam. Controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first or second connecting seam of the battery cell includes: controlling two opposed pre-welding mechanisms to simultaneously pre-weld the respective portions of the first or second connecting seam from both sides of the battery cell; and controlling two opposed full-welding mechanisms to simultaneously fully weld the respective portions of the first or second connecting seam from both sides of the pre-welded battery cell.

[0281] After step S250 , the method includes controlling the discharge assembly to remove and discharge the welded battery cells from the first fixture or the second fixture.

[0282] Step S350 includes: rolling the first and second connecting seams facing each other from both sides of the battery cell by two oppositely arranged rolling mechanisms, and rolling the flange of the end cover extending outside the shell.

[0283] Prior to step S500, the process includes: controlling the discharge assembly to remove and unload battery cells with welded first and second connecting seams from the corresponding first or second fixture; controlling the feed line to transport battery cells with only welded first connecting seams from the corresponding first fixture to the steering assembly, and / or transporting battery cells with only welded second connecting seams from the corresponding second fixture to the steering assembly. Controlling the discharge assembly to remove and unload welded battery cells from the first or second fixture includes: controlling the transfer mechanism to transfer welded battery cells from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and controlling the conveying mechanism to transport the corresponding battery cells outward. Controlling the transfer mechanism to transfer welded battery cells from the feed line to the conveying mechanism, and controlling the conveying mechanism to convey the corresponding battery cells outward includes: controlling the transfer mechanism to transfer welded and qualified battery cells from the feed line to the first conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the transfer mechanism to transfer welded and unqualified battery cells from the feed line to the second conveying sub-mechanism; controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery cells outward, and controlling the second conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery cells outward. Controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery cells outward includes: after a pair of battery cells are stored on the first and / or second pull-belt mechanisms and paired successfully, controlling the first and / or second pull-belt mechanisms to move from a transfer position to an output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward. After the first pulling belt mechanism and / or the second pulling belt mechanism stores a pair of battery cells, the first pulling belt mechanism and / or the second pulling belt mechanism are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells outward, including: when the pair of battery cells to be paired are moved to the first conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt by the transport mechanism, the second conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position at the same time; when a battery monomer to be paired is moved to the second pulling belt mechanism by the transport mechanism, the other battery monomer to be paired is cached by the first buffer pull belt or the second buffer pull belt; when the first buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the first conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the first buffer pull belt, and the first conveyor pull belt and the first buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position; when the second buffer pull belt has battery monomers cached, the battery monomers stored on the second conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery monomers cached on the second buffer pull belt, and the second conveyor pull belt and the second buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position.

[0284] In a specific embodiment, the assembly method may be to weld the first connection seam first and then weld the second welding seam.

[0285] Specifically, the assembly method may include: loading a battery cell onto a first fixture on a feeding line so that a first connection seam of the battery cell is visible; controlling a press-fitting assembly to press-fit the battery cell loaded onto the first fixture so as to press the shell and the end cover together, and switching a first retaining member of the first fixture from a released state to a retained state after the pressing is completed; controlling the feeding line to transport the first fixture to a welding assembly; controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture; controlling the feeding line to transport the battery cell with the first connection seam welded to a rolling assembly on the corresponding first fixture; The battery cell after the first connecting seam is welded is rolled by the rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connecting seam; the feeding line is controlled to transport the battery cell after the first connecting seam is welded on the corresponding first clamp to the welding slag cleaning assembly; the welding slag cleaning assembly is controlled to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell; the first connecting seam is inspected by the post-weld inspection assembly to see whether it is qualified; the feeding line is controlled to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly; the first retaining member of the first clamp is controlled to switch from the holding state to the releasing state, and the steering assembly is controlled to remove the welding slag after the first connecting seam is welded The battery cell is taken out from the first fixture, turned and placed on the second fixture so that the second connection seam of the battery cell is visible; the battery cell placed on the second fixture is positioned by the positioning assembly, and after positioning, the second retaining member of the second fixture is switched from the release state to the holding state; the feeding line is controlled to transport the second fixture to the welding assembly; the welding assembly is controlled to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture; the feeding line is controlled to transport the battery cell with the second connection seam welded to the corresponding second fixture to the rolling assembly; the battery cell with the second connection seam welded is rolled by the rolling assembly The battery cell is rolled to roll the solder on the second connecting seam; the feeding line is controlled to transport the battery cell with the second connecting seam welded to the welding slag cleaning assembly on the corresponding second fixture; the welding slag cleaning assembly is controlled to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell; the second connecting seam is inspected by the post-weld inspection assembly to see whether it is qualified; the discharging assembly is controlled to take out the battery cell with the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam welded from the corresponding second fixture; the qualified battery cell is placed on the first conveying sub-mechanism for paired unloading, and the unqualified battery cell is placed on the second conveying sub-mechanism for unloading.

[0286] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An end cap welding device, characterized in that: The battery cell comprises a shell and an end cover, wherein the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and a connection between the shell and the end cover comprises a first connection seam and a second connection seam arranged along the circumference of the shell, and the end cover welding device comprises: A material feeding assembly, comprising a material feeding line, a first clamp and a second clamp, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are arranged on the same material feeding line at intervals; the first clamp is arranged to fix the shell and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is arranged to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; A welding assembly is arranged along the feeding line, and is used to weld the first connecting seam when the first clamp fixing the battery cell is conveyed to the welding assembly, and is used to weld the second connecting seam when the second clamp fixing the battery cell is conveyed to the welding assembly.

2. The end cap welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap welding device comprises a steering assembly, which is arranged along the feeding line and spaced apart from the welding assembly; the feeding line is used to transport the first fixture and the second fixture from the welding assembly to the steering assembly, and then transport them to the welding assembly after passing through the steering assembly; The steering assembly is used to remove the battery cell from the corresponding first fixture and turn it after welding the first connecting seam, and place it on the second fixture after turning; or, the steering assembly is used to remove the battery cell from the corresponding second fixture and turn it after welding the second connecting seam, and place it on the first fixture after turning.

3. The end cover welding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering assembly includes a support frame, a clamping mechanism and a steering motor; the support frame is arranged outside the feeding line, the clamping mechanism is located above the feeding line and is rotatably supported on the support frame; The steering motor is in driving connection with the clamping mechanism and is used for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate relative to the support frame for steering; the clamping mechanism is used for clamping the battery cell and steering the battery cell.

4. The end cover welding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steering assembly includes a lifting frame and a lifting motor. The lifting frame is supported on the support frame in a liftable manner, and the clamping mechanism is rotatably arranged on the lifting frame. The lifting motor is arranged on the support frame or the lifting frame and is transmission-connected to the lifting frame for driving the lifting frame to rise and fall relative to the support frame.

5. The end cover welding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conveying line includes a first conveying branch line, a second conveying branch line, a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism; the first conveying branch line and the second conveying branch line are arranged side by side, and the transmission directions of the first conveying branch line and the second conveying branch line are opposite; the first transfer mechanism is arranged at one end of the first conveying branch line and the second conveying branch line, and is used to transfer the first clamp and the second clamp from the first conveying branch line to the first conveying branch line; the second transfer mechanism is arranged at the other end of the first conveying branch line and the second conveying branch line, and is used to transfer the first clamp and the second clamp from the second conveying branch line to the first conveying branch line; the welding assembly is arranged along the first conveying branch line, and the steering assembly is arranged along the second conveying branch line.

6. The end cap welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding assembly includes a first welding mechanism and a second welding mechanism, and the first welding mechanism and the second welding mechanism are arranged at intervals along the feed line; the first welding mechanism is used to pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, and the second welding mechanism is used to further weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after pre-welding.

7. The end cap welding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first welding mechanism includes two pre-welding mechanisms, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the feeding line; the second welding mechanism includes two full-welding mechanisms, which are relatively arranged on both sides of the feeding line; the two pre-welding mechanisms are used to pre-weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam that they are facing, and the two full-welding mechanisms are used to fully weld the parts of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam that they are facing.

8. The end cover welding device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second welding mechanism is used to perform a first welding on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after pre-welding from a first direction, and to perform a second welding on the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after the first welding from a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

9. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding assembly includes at least one full welding mechanism, and the full welding mechanism is used to fully weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam.

10. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap welding device includes a rolling assembly, which is spaced apart from the welding assembly and is used to roll the battery cells welded by the welding assembly to roll the solder on the first connection seam or the second connection seam.

11. The end cover welding device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rolling assembly includes two rolling mechanisms, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the feeding line; the two rolling mechanisms are used to press the battery cells from both sides of the feeding line to roll the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam, and the flange of the end cover extending beyond the shell.

12. The end cover welding device according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the rolling mechanisms includes a bracket and two rollers, wherein the bracket is arranged on the outside of the feed line, and the two rollers are arranged on the bracket at intervals along the extension direction of the feed line so that the battery cells can pass through the two rollers in sequence; the two rollers are rotatably arranged on the bracket to roll the battery cells.

13. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cover welding device comprises a welding slag cleaning assembly, which is arranged along the feeding line and spaced apart from the welding assembly, and is used to clean the welding slag on the battery cell after welding by the welding assembly, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell.

14. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cover welding device includes a pressing assembly, which is arranged along the feeding line and spaced apart from the welding assembly. The pressing assembly is used to press the shell and the end cover before the battery cell is conveyed to the welding assembly; the welding assembly is used to weld the pressed battery cell.

15. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cover welding device comprises a loading assembly, which is spaced apart from the feeding line and is used to place the battery cell to be loaded and welded onto the first fixture or the second fixture.

16. The end cover welding device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The loading assembly includes a storage mechanism and a loading mechanism, wherein the storage mechanism is used to store the battery cells to be loaded and welded; the loading mechanism is arranged along the feeding line, and the loading mechanism is used to take out the corresponding battery cells from the storage mechanism and place the battery cells on the first clamp or the second clamp.

17. The end cover welding device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The storage mechanism is used to store the battery cells in a predetermined posture relative to the feeding line, and the loading mechanism is used to take out the battery cells in the predetermined posture from the storage mechanism and convey the battery cells to the first clamp while maintaining the predetermined posture. The predetermined posture is consistent with the fixed posture required by the first clamp.

18. The end cover welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cover welding device comprises a discharge assembly, which is spaced apart from the feed line and is used to take out the battery cells that have been welded from the feed line and transport them outward.

19. The end cover welding device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The discharge assembly includes a moving mechanism and a conveying mechanism. The moving mechanism is arranged along the feed line and is used to move the battery cells that have been welded from the feed line to the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism is used to convey the corresponding battery cells outward.

20. The end cover welding device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism includes a first conveying sub-mechanism and a second conveying sub-mechanism. The moving mechanism is used to move the battery cells that have completed welding and passed the inspection from the material conveying line to the first conveying sub-mechanism, and to move the battery cells that have completed welding and passed the inspection from the material conveying line to the second conveying sub-mechanism. The first conveying sub-mechanism and the second conveying sub-mechanism are used to respectively convey the battery cells they carry to the outside.

21. The end cover welding device according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first conveying sub-mechanism includes a first pulling belt mechanism and a second pulling belt mechanism, the first pulling belt mechanism and the second pulling belt mechanism can move relative to the transporting mechanism, can move between a carrying position and an output position, the first pulling belt mechanism and the second pulling belt mechanism are used to move to the output position or away from the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism and the second pulling belt mechanism store the battery cells moved by the transporting mechanism when they are at the output position; the first pulling belt mechanism and / or the second pulling belt mechanism are used to store the battery cells, and after a pair of the battery cells are successfully paired, move to the output position to output a corresponding pair of the battery cells.

22. The end cover welding device according to claim 21, characterized in that: The first belt-pulling mechanism includes a first conveyor belt and a first buffer belt; the second belt-pulling mechanism includes a second conveyor belt and a second buffer belt; the first conveyor belt and the first buffer belt are arranged side by side, and the second conveyor belt and the second buffer belt are arranged side by side; the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are arranged side by side and at intervals, and are located on both sides of the output position; the first conveyor belt and the first buffer belt can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; the second conveyor belt and the second buffer belt can move together to the output position, or away from the output position; The first cache pull belt and the second cache pull belt are respectively used to cache the battery monomer to be paired when the battery monomer to be paired is moved to the second pull belt mechanism; the first conveyor pull belt and the second conveyor pull belt are respectively used to store the battery monomer to be paired; when the first cache pull belt caches the battery monomer, the battery monomer stored on the first conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer cached on the first cache pull belt; when the second cache pull belt caches the battery monomer, the battery monomer stored on the second conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer cached on the second cache pull belt, and when the first cache pull belt does not cache the battery monomer and the second cache pull belt does not cache the battery monomer, the battery monomer stored on the first conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer stored on the second conveyor pull belt.

23. The end cover welding device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The end cover welding device comprises a post-weld detection assembly, which is arranged between the welding assembly and the moving mechanism along the material conveying line, and is used to detect whether the welded battery cell is qualified.

24. The end cap welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fixture comprises a first carrying mechanism and a first retaining member, the first carrying mechanism is used to carry the battery monomer, and the first retaining member is arranged on the first carrying mechanism and is used to position the battery monomer carried on the first carrying mechanism; The second clamp includes a second carrying mechanism and a second retaining member; the second carrying mechanism is used to carry the battery monomer, and the second retaining member is arranged on the second carrying mechanism to position the battery monomer carried on the second carrying mechanism.

25. The end cover welding device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The first clamp further includes two first side buckles, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-limit the battery cell carried by the first carrying mechanism and arranged between the two first side buckles. The second clamp further includes two second side buckles, which are arranged opposite to each other and are used to pre-limit the battery cell carried by the second carrying mechanism and arranged between the two first side buckles.

26. The end cover welding device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The first fixture further comprises a first base, the first bearing mechanism is slidably disposed on the first base, and the sliding direction of the first bearing mechanism is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line; The second clamp further includes a second base, the second bearing mechanism is slidably disposed on the second base, and the sliding direction of the second bearing mechanism is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the feed line.

27. The end cap welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell comprises two first side walls and two second side walls which are arranged opposite to each other, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are arranged alternately along the circumference of the shell; The first connection seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumferential direction of the shell, and the second connection seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumferential direction of the shell.

28. A battery assembly system, characterized in that: The battery comprises a shell, an end cover and an electrode assembly; the shell has an open end, a pole is arranged on a wall of the shell opposite to the open end, the pole has a through hole, the shell and the end cover are connected to form a receiving cavity connected to the through hole; the active material coating part of the electrode assembly is arranged in the shell, and the pole ear part of the electrode assembly passes through the through hole and is connected to a side of the pole away from the receiving cavity; The battery assembly system comprises a conveying device and an assembly device, wherein the conveying device is used to convey the structure to be assembled to each station of the assembly device; the stations of the assembly device at least comprise a tab welding device, a shell insertion device, a tab insertion device, a pole welding device and an end cap welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 27; Among them, the pole ear welding device is used to weld multiple pole ear sheets of the electrode assembly to form a pole ear part; the shell insertion device is used to load the electrode assembly into the shell from the open end; the pole ear penetration device is used to clamp the pole ear part through the through hole when the electrode assembly is loaded into the shell; the pole column welding device is used to weld the pole ear part passing through the through hole to the side of the pole away from the accommodating cavity.

29. An assembly method, characterized in that: The battery cell comprises a shell and an end cover, wherein the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and a connection between the shell and the end cover comprises a first connection seam and a second connection seam arranged along the circumference of the shell, and the assembly method comprises: Loading the battery cell to a first clamp or a second clamp on the same feeding line; the first clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the first connection seam; the second clamp is used to fix the shell and expose the second connection seam; Controlling the feeding line to transport the first fixture and the second fixture to the welding assembly; The welding assembly is controlled to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first clamp, or to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second clamp.

30. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: After controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, the method includes: Controlling the feeding line to convey the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly; Control the steering assembly to remove the battery cell after welding the first connection seam from the first fixture, turn it, and place it on the second fixture, or remove the battery cell after welding the second connection seam from the second fixture, turn it, and place it on the first fixture; The feeding line is controlled to transport the second clamp and the first clamp from the steering assembly to the welding assembly.

31. The assembly method according to claim 30, characterized in that: Before controlling the feeding line to transport the first clamp and the second clamp to the steering assembly, the method includes: Controlling the discharging assembly to remove the battery cell to which the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam have been welded from the corresponding first clamp or the second clamp; The feeding line is controlled to transport the battery cell with only the first connecting seam welded to the steering assembly on the corresponding first fixture, and / or to transport the battery cell with only the second connecting seam welded to the steering assembly on the corresponding second fixture.

32. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: The controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or to weld the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, comprises: Controlling a first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam of the battery cell; The second welding mechanism is controlled to fully weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam after pre-welding.

33. The assembly method according to claim 32, characterized in that: The controlling the first welding mechanism to pre-weld the first connection seam or the second connection seam of the battery cell comprises: Controlling two pre-welding mechanisms disposed opposite to each other to simultaneously pre-weld the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam to which they are directed from both sides of the battery cell; The two relatively arranged full welding mechanisms are controlled to synchronously perform full welding on the respective portions of the first connecting seam or the second connecting seam from both sides of the pre-welded battery cell.

34. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: After controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, the method includes: Controlling the feeding line to convey the welded battery cells to the rolling assembly on the corresponding first clamp or the second clamp; The welded battery cells are rolled by the rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connection seam or the second connection seam.

35. The assembly method according to claim 34, characterized in that: The step of rolling the welded battery cells by a rolling assembly to roll the solder on the first connection seam or the second connection seam includes: The first connecting seam and the second connecting seam facing each other are rolled from both sides of the battery cell by two rolling mechanisms arranged opposite to each other, and the flange of the end cover extending beyond the shell is rolled.

36. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: After controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, the method includes: Controlling the feeding line to transport the welded battery cells on the corresponding first fixture or the second fixture to the welding slag cleaning assembly; The welding slag cleaning assembly is controlled to clean the welding slag attached to the battery cell after welding, so that the welding slag is separated from the battery cell.

37. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: The controlling the feeding line to feed the first fixture and the second fixture to the welding assembly comprises: The press-fitting assembly is controlled to press-fit the battery cell loaded into the first clamp or the second clamp, so as to press the housing and the end cover together.

38. The assembly method according to claim 29, characterized in that: After controlling the welding assembly to weld the first connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the first fixture, or welding the second connection seam of the battery cell fixed on the second fixture, the method includes: The discharging assembly is controlled to take out and discharge the battery cells that have been welded from the first clamp or the second clamp.

39. The assembly method according to claim 38, characterized in that: The control discharging assembly removes and discharges the welded battery cells from the first fixture or the second fixture, including: The moving mechanism is controlled to move the battery monomers that have been welded from the material conveying line to the conveying mechanism, and the conveying mechanism is controlled to convey the corresponding battery monomers outward.

40. The assembly method according to claim 39, characterized in that: The control moving mechanism moves the battery monomers that have been welded from the material conveying line to the conveying mechanism, and controls the conveying mechanism to convey the corresponding battery monomers outward, including: Controlling the transport mechanism to transport the battery cells that have been welded and passed the inspection from the material conveying line to the first conveying sub-mechanism; Controlling the transfer mechanism to transfer the battery cells that have been welded and tested as unqualified from the material conveying line to the second conveying sub-mechanism; The first conveying sub-mechanism is controlled to convey the carried battery monomer outward, and the second conveying sub-mechanism is controlled to convey the carried battery monomer outward.

41. The assembly method according to claim 40, characterized in that: The controlling the first conveying sub-mechanism to convey the carried battery monomer outwards comprises: After the first drawstring mechanism and / or the second drawstring mechanism store a pair of battery cells and pair them successfully, the first drawstring mechanism and / or the second drawstring mechanism are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells.

42. The assembly method according to claim 41, characterized in that: After the first and / or second strapping mechanisms store a pair of battery cells, the first and / or second strapping mechanisms are controlled to move from a transport position to an output position to output the corresponding pair of battery cells, including: When the pair of battery cells to be paired are moved by the moving mechanism to the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, the second conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are controlled to move simultaneously from the transfer position to the output position; When one of the battery cells to be paired is moved to the second pull belt mechanism by the moving mechanism, another of the battery cells to be paired is cached by the first cache pull belt or the second cache pull belt; When the battery monomer is cached in the first cache pull belt, the battery monomer stored on the first conveyor pull belt is paired with the battery monomer cached on the first cache pull belt, and the first conveyor pull belt and the first cache pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position; When the second buffer pull belt buffers the battery cells, the battery cells stored on the second conveyor pull belt are paired with the battery cells buffered on the second buffer pull belt, and the second conveyor pull belt and the second buffer pull belt are controlled to move from the transport position to the output position.

43. A battery cell, characterized in that: It is assembled by the end cover welding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 27 or the battery assembly system as described in claim 28, or assembled by the assembly method as described in any one of claims 29 to 42; wherein, the battery cell includes a shell and an end cover, the end cover is arranged at one end of the shell, and the connection between the shell and the end cover has a first connecting seam and a second connecting seam arranged along the circumference of the shell, and the shell and the end cover are welded and fixed by the first connecting seam and the second connecting seam.

44. The battery cell according to claim 43, characterized in that The shell comprises two first side walls and two second side walls which are arranged opposite to each other, and the two first side walls and the two second side walls are arranged alternately along the circumference of the shell; The first connection seam is located between the two first side walls along the circumferential direction of the shell, and the second connection seam is located between the two second side walls along the circumferential direction of the shell.

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