Valve opening assembly, valve opening device, and drying system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of batteries, and provide a valve opening assembly, a valve opening device, and a drying system. The direction in which the upper end of a guide surface inclines is a first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction. A pressure applying assembly is movably arranged on a mounting base in the vertical direction. An actuating member is arranged on the mounting base, and at least one of the pressure applying assembly and / or the actuating member is provided with the guide surface. A self-releasing apparatus is arranged on the mounting base; under the action of external force, the self-releasing apparatus can drive the actuating member to move in the first direction to accumulate potential energy, so that under the action of the guide surface, the actuating member presses the pressure applying assembly downward to open a normally-closed valve of a battery cell; and the self-releasing apparatus can gradually release the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuating member to move in the second direction, and the actuating member moving in the second direction gradually releases the pressure applying assembly, so that the normally-closed valve of the battery cell is closed after a preset duration. The self-releasing apparatus does not relate to conversion between mechanical energy and electric energy, thereby reducing damage of a high-temperature environment to a corresponding electric apparatus.

Description

A valve opening assembly, valve opening equipment and drying system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202410010062.4, application date January 3, 2024, and invention name “A valve opening assembly, valve opening equipment and drying system”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a valve opening assembly, a valve opening device, and a drying system. Background Art

[0004] New energy batteries are being used more and more widely in life and industry. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries have been widely used. In addition, batteries are also being increasingly used in energy storage fields.

[0005] Before injecting liquid into a battery cell, the normally closed valve of the battery cell needs to be opened to dry the space inside the battery cell housing. In the related art, it is difficult to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell during the drying process and close the normally closed valve of the battery cell after the battery cell has been dried for a period of time.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a valve opening assembly, a valve opening device and a drying system, so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell can be opened during the drying process of the battery cell, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell can be closed after a period of drying.

[0008] The present disclosure is achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0009] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a valve opening assembly having a guide surface inclined relative to a vertical direction, wherein the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined is a first direction, and a direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction. The valve opening assembly includes:

[0010] Mounting seat;

[0011] A pressure component is movably provided on the mounting seat along the up-down direction;

[0012] an actuator, disposed on the mounting seat, wherein at least one of the pressure-applying assembly and / or the actuator has the guide surface;

[0013] A self-releasing device is provided on the mounting seat. The self-releasing device can drive the actuator to move along the first direction to accumulate potential energy under the action of external force, so that the actuator presses down the pressure assembly under the action of the guide surface to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The self-releasing device can gradually release the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move along the second direction. The actuator moving along the second direction gradually releases the pressure assembly, so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell is closed after a preset time.

[0014] In the disclosed embodiment, since the first direction is the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined, when the self-release device drives the actuator to move in the first direction under the action of an external force to accumulate potential energy, the height of the guide surface gradually increases in the first direction in which the actuator moves. The guide surface guides the actuator to press the pressure assembly downward to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell held in the container below the pressure assembly, thereby facilitating the drying of the space within the battery cell housing. Since the second direction is opposite to the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined, when the self-release device is able to gradually release the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move in the second direction, the height of the guide surface gradually decreases in the second direction in which the actuator moves. The downward pressure exerted by the actuator on the pressure assembly by the actuator moving in the second direction gradually decreases, and the actuator and the pressure assembly may even completely lose contact, making the pressure assembly insufficient to press open the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The normally closed valve of the battery cell closes, thereby facilitating the maintenance of a relatively dry space within the battery cell housing. Before the valve opening assembly enters the heating furnace, potential energy is accumulated for the self-release device. When the valve opening assembly is about to enter the heating furnace, the potential energy of the self-release device can be gradually released. During the process of the heating furnace drying the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell, the potential energy of the self-release device is converted into kinetic energy to release the pressure component, thereby closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The entire process can be achieved by the conversion of mechanical energy by the self-release device. The self-release device does not involve the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is beneficial to reducing the damage of the high temperature environment in the heating furnace to the corresponding electrical devices.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pressure-applying assembly and the actuator both have the guide surface, and the guide surface of the pressure-applying assembly and the guide surface of the actuator are in contact with each other.

[0016] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the guiding surface of the pressure-applying assembly and the guiding surface of the actuator are in contact with each other, the contact between the pressure-applying assembly and the actuator is surface contact. During the movement of the actuator along the first direction, the pressure of the interaction between the pressure-applying assembly and the actuator is relatively small, which is beneficial to reducing scratches and wear between the pressure-applying assembly and the actuator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pressure-applying assembly has a guide platform, and at least one of the guide platform and / or the actuator has the guide surface. The self-release device can drive the actuator to move along the first direction to accumulate potential energy under the action of external force, so that the actuator presses the guide platform downward under the action of the guide surface. The actuator has an avoidance area. When the self-release device releases the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move along the second direction, the guide platform is arranged in the avoidance area.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide platform is arranged in the avoidance area, so that when the actuator moves along the second direction to release the pressure assembly, the lifted pressure assembly can be avoided, which is conducive to the pressure assembly releasing the normally closed valve of the battery cell as much as possible, thereby closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the avoidance zone passes through the actuator in an up-down direction.

[0020] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the avoidance zone passes through the actuator in the up-down direction, the extent to which the guide platform can be lifted into the avoidance zone is almost unrestricted, which is beneficial for lifting the pressure assembly as much as possible to disengage from the normally closed valve of the battery cell, and is beneficial for the normally closed valve of the battery cell to better maintain a closed state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pressure-applying assembly further has a limit platform and a limit area, wherein the limit platform is located above the guide platform, and the limit area is located between the guide platform and the limit platform, and the actuator can be moved along the first direction into the limit area, and the limit platform is used to abut against the actuator along the up and down directions to limit the lowest position of the limit platform.

[0022] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the downward-moving limit platform can abut against the actuator and be constrained by the actuator, it can better limit the lowest position of the limit platform in a vibration environment, which is beneficial to reducing the possibility of the pressure component being affected by vibration impact and crushing the normally closed valve of the battery cell.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pressure assembly includes a pressure body, an actuator and a connecting member. The pressure body is movably arranged on the mounting seat along the up and down directions. The limiting area, the limiting platform and the guide platform are all formed on the actuator. The connecting member passes through the limiting platform and is connected to the pressure body to install the actuator on the pressure body.

[0024] In the disclosed embodiment, the connector penetrates the enhanced protruding stop platform, enabling the connector to better mount the actuator on the pressure-applying body. The hole for the connector to pass through is located on the stop platform, minimizing the impact of the hole for the connector to pass through on the layout of the guide surface.

[0025] In one embodiment, the actuator has a reinforcing platform, which is located on a side of the actuator away from the limiting area. The reinforcing platform protrudes along the side of the actuator away from the limiting area, and is located below the pressure-applying body.

[0026] In the disclosed embodiment, the reinforcement platform protrudes along the side of the actuator facing away from the limiting zone. This protrusion not only increases the vertical strength of the actuator between the limiting zone and the guide platform, but also prevents the reinforcement platform from occupying space in the limiting zone, minimizing its functional impact. The reinforcement platform, located below the pressure-applying body, does not interfere with the actuator's ability to be mounted on the side of the pressure-applying body via the limiting platform.

[0027] In one embodiment, the self-releasing device is a spring-type retractable device, and the retractable end of the spring-type retractable device is connected to the actuator.

[0028] In the disclosed embodiment, the time it takes for the spring to be released to close the normally closed valve of the battery cell will vary depending on the degree to which the spring is tightened. The spring is tightened to a preset degree. When the valve assembly is about to enter the heating furnace, the spring is loosened to gradually release the potential energy of the spring. The potential energy of the spring is released slowly, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell will not close immediately. When the heating furnace dries the space inside the shell of the battery cell with the normally closed valve open for a corresponding period of time to a suitable degree, the potential energy of the spring is roughly released to a degree sufficient to close the normally closed valve of the battery cell. By tightening the spring in the spring retractable device, the timed closing of the opened normally closed valve can be achieved better. The elastic deformation of the spring is torsional deformation, and the overall space occupied by the spring retractable device is relatively small.

[0029] In one embodiment, there are multiple pressure-applying components, and the multiple pressure-applying components are arranged at intervals. Each of the pressure-applying components is correspondingly provided with the mounting seat, the actuator and the clockwork expansion and contraction device. The valve opening assembly also includes a drive shaft. The multiple clockwork expansion and contraction devices are all sleeved on the drive shaft. The multiple clockwork expansion and contraction devices are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the drive shaft. The drive shaft is used to drive the springs in the multiple clockwork expansion and contraction devices to rotate to accumulate potential energy.

[0030] In the disclosed embodiment, the rotation of the drive shaft can drive the rotation of the springs of the multiple spring retracting devices, so that the kinetic energy of the rotation of the drive shaft is converted into the potential energy of the springs of the multiple spring retracting devices, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of tightening the springs.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one end of the pressure assembly is provided with the mounting seat, and the mounting seat includes:

[0032] a main seat, the self-releasing device being arranged on the main seat, and the actuator penetrating the main seat;

[0033] a first limiting block connected to the main seat, wherein the self-releasing device is located on a side of the main seat facing away from the first limiting block;

[0034] A guide shaft connected to the upper side of the first limiting block, wherein the pressure-applying assembly is sleeved on the guide shaft;

[0035] The second limiting block is connected above the guide shaft.

[0036] In the disclosed embodiment, the pressure assembly is sleeved on the guide shaft, and the first and second stop blocks are used to constrain the pressure assembly's extreme positions in the vertical direction. This allows the portion of the pressure assembly sleeved on the guide shaft to move approximately between the first and second stop blocks, which helps prevent the pressure assembly from separating from the guide shaft during vertical movement. The guide shaft is connected above the first stop block, and the guide shaft can effectively constrain the pressure assembly in the radial direction of the guide shaft, allowing the pressure assembly to move smoothly in the vertical direction.

[0037] In one embodiment, the mounting seat further includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is located between the pressure assembly and the first limiting block.

[0038] In the disclosed embodiment, because the elastic member is located between the pressure assembly and the first stopper, when the pressure assembly is pressed downward by the actuator under the action of the guide surface, the elastic member can provide a certain degree of cushioning for the downward pressure of the pressure assembly, thereby reducing damage to the battery cell caused by the pressure assembly. Furthermore, the self-release mechanism gradually releases accumulated potential energy, driving the actuator to move in the second direction. The elastic member located between the pressure assembly and the first stopper can lift the pressure assembly upward, thereby lifting the pressure assembly away from the normally closed valve of the battery cell, causing the normally closed valve of the battery cell to close if it is in the open state.

[0039] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a valve opening device, comprising:

[0040] frame;

[0041] Any of the above-mentioned valve opening assemblies is installed on the frame, and the number of the valve opening assemblies is at least one;

[0042] The container is used to accommodate the battery monomer, and the container is located below the corresponding pressure component and is set on the frame.

[0043] In the disclosed embodiment, a frame is used to provide support for the window and the valve opening assembly, so that the normally closed valves of the battery cells carried in the container can be opened by the corresponding valve opening assembly.

[0044] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drying system, comprising:

[0045] Any of the above valve opening devices;

[0046] The heating furnace is used to dry the battery cells carried by the valve opening device located in the heating furnace.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, heat is released by a heating furnace to heat and dry the space inside the housing of the battery cell with the normally closed valve opened.

[0048] Effects of the invention:

[0049] In the disclosed embodiment, since the first direction is the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined, when the self-release device drives the actuator to move in the first direction under the action of an external force to accumulate potential energy, the height of the guide surface gradually increases in the first direction in which the actuator moves. The guide surface guides the actuator to press the pressure assembly downward to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell held in the container below the pressure assembly, thereby facilitating the drying of the space within the battery cell housing. Since the second direction is opposite to the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined, when the self-release device is able to gradually release the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move in the second direction, the height of the guide surface gradually decreases in the second direction in which the actuator moves. The downward pressure exerted by the actuator on the pressure assembly by the actuator moving in the second direction gradually decreases, and the actuator and the pressure assembly may even completely lose contact. The pressure assembly is insufficient to press open the normally closed valve of the battery cell, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell closes, thereby facilitating the better maintenance of the space within the battery cell housing in a relatively dry state. Before the valve opening assembly enters the heating furnace, potential energy is accumulated for the self-release device. When the valve opening assembly is about to enter the heating furnace, the potential energy of the self-release device can be gradually released. During the process of the heating furnace drying the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell, the potential energy of the self-release device is converted into kinetic energy to release the pressure component, thereby closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The entire process can be achieved by the conversion of mechanical energy by the self-release device. The self-release device does not involve the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is beneficial to reducing the damage of the high temperature environment in the heating furnace to the corresponding electrical devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] 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 disclosure. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same components. In the drawings:

[0051] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the lowermost container;

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve opening device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the arrangement of a pressure-applying assembly relative to a frame;

[0053] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve opening assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first direction and the second direction are not shown;

[0054] FIG4 is an enlarged view of position A in FIG3 ;

[0055] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a valve opening assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first direction and a second direction;

[0056] FIG6 is an enlarged view of position B in FIG5;

[0057] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at position CC in FIG6 after being turned upside down;

[0058] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view at position DD in FIG6 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise;

[0059] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the lower side of the pressure-applying body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG10 is an enlarged view of position E in FIG9 .

[0061] Description of Reference Numerals

[0062] 100. Valve opening assembly; 1. Guide surface; 2. Mounting seat; 21. Main seat; 22. First limit block; 23. Guide shaft; 24. Second limit block; 25. Elastic member; 3. Pressure component; 31. Guide platform; 32. Limit platform; 33. Limit area; 34. Pressure body; 35. Actuator; 351. Reinforcement platform; 36. Connector; 37. First vent groove; 38. Second vent groove; 4. Actuator; 41. Avoidance area; 5. Self-release device; 6. Drive shaft; 200. Frame; 300. Container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present disclosure are 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 disclosure and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0064] 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 disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" of the embodiments of this disclosure and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used solely to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the technical features indicated. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means more than two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0066] 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 disclosure. 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.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 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.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connect," 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; and can refer to internal connectivity between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be understood in a broad sense, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact with essentially no interaction force between the two contacting parties, or contact with interaction force between the two contacting parties.

[0070] In related technologies, the bare cells of a battery cell are enclosed within a relatively closed space within the cell's outer shell. This outer shell is equipped with a normally closed valve. Opening this valve allows the interior and exterior of the cell's outer shell to communicate, facilitating drying of the interior. Before injecting liquid into the battery cell, the cell must be dried in a heating furnace. While the cell is being heated in the furnace, it is difficult to open the normally closed valve. The high temperature within the furnace can damage electric motors and other power-driven devices, hindering their ability to close the normally closed valve.

[0071] The embodiment of the present disclosure accumulates potential energy through a self-release device and gradually releases it, so that in the absence of an electric drive device, the normally closed valve of the battery cell can be opened for a period of time to facilitate drying the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell can be closed after the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell has been dried for a period of time.

[0072] There can be multiple battery cells, and these cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of both series and parallel connections. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery pack. Of course, multiple battery cells can first be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which can then be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery pack. A battery pack may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting multiple battery cells.

[0073] A battery cell is a unit that can convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell is discharged.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cells may be lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, sodium-lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, sodium metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc., but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

[0076] Bare cells can be made by winding or stacking electrodes.

[0077] The pole piece includes a current collector and an active material disposed on at least one side surface of the current collector.

[0078] The current collector has an overall sheet-like structure and can be rolled up.

[0079] The current collector can be a metal foil or a composite current collector.

[0080] For example, the metal foil may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel or titanium.

[0081] For example, the composite material is a combination of a metal material and a polymer matrix.

[0082] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a drying system, comprising a valve opening device and a heating furnace. The heating furnace is used to dry battery cells carried by the valve opening device within the heating furnace.

[0083] For example, the valve opening device can be moved into or out of the heating furnace as a whole.

[0084] For example, the valve opening device may be fixed in the heating furnace.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cells are dried by releasing heat from a heating furnace, so as to facilitate the subsequent liquid injection operation on the battery cells.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , the valve opening device of the present embodiment includes a frame 200, a valve opening assembly 100, and a container 300. The valve opening assembly 100 is mounted on the frame 200, and there is at least one valve opening assembly 100. The container 300 is used to accommodate battery cells and corresponds to the valve opening assembly 100. The container 300 is mounted on the frame 200.

[0087] The frame 200 provides support for other components of the valve opening device and serves as a foundation for the installation of other components.

[0088] The normally closed valve of the battery cell contained in the container 300 is opened by the valve opening assembly 100 corresponding to the container 300 , so that the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell can communicate with the space outside the outer shell of the battery cell.

[0089] Exemplarily, a plurality of valve opening assemblies 100 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and each valve opening assembly 100 is correspondingly provided with a container 300 .

[0090] The container 300 is disposed on the frame 200 , and the frame 200 supports the container 300 .

[0091] In the disclosed embodiment, the normally closed valve of the battery cell carried in the container 300 is opened by the corresponding valve opening assembly 100, thereby facilitating drying the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell and facilitating subsequent liquid injection.

[0092] Referring to Figures 3 to 8 , the valve opening assembly 100 of the present disclosure comprises a guide surface 1 inclined vertically. The upper end of the guide surface 1 is inclined in a first direction, and the direction opposite the first direction is a second direction. The valve opening assembly 100 includes a mounting base 2, a pressure assembly 3, an actuator 4, and a self-release mechanism 5. The pressure assembly 3 is vertically movable on the mounting base 2. The actuator 4 is mounted on the mounting base 2. At least one of the pressure assembly 3 and / or the actuator 4 has a guide surface 1. The self-release mechanism 5 is mounted on the mounting base 2. Under the action of an external force, the self-release mechanism 5 drives the actuator 4 in a first direction to accumulate potential energy. This allows the actuator 4, under the action of the guide surface 1, to press the pressure assembly 3 downward, opening the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The self-release mechanism 5 gradually releases the accumulated potential energy, driving the actuator 4 in a second direction. The actuator 4 gradually releases the pressure assembly 3 as it moves in the second direction, closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell after a predetermined period of time.

[0093] It should be explained that potential energy here refers to a type of mechanical energy. Mechanical energy includes kinetic energy and potential energy, which can be converted into each other. Potential energy includes elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy. The self-release device 5 is mainly used for energy conversion in mechanical energy. The self-release device 5 is mainly a device for converting kinetic energy and potential energy in mechanical energy. During the conversion of kinetic energy and potential energy, some mechanical energy is converted into internal energy.

[0094] It should be emphasized that the potential energy here does not include other non-mechanical energies such as electric potential energy.

[0095] The pressure component 3 is movably disposed on the mounting base 2 along the up-down direction. That is, the pressure component 3 is disposed on the mounting base 2 and can move relative to the mounting base 2 along the up-down direction.

[0096] Please refer to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , in which the direction indicated by arrow R1 is the up-down direction.

[0097] The guide surface 1 is inclined relative to the up-down direction, that is, the guide surface 1 is not parallel to the up-down direction, and the guide surface 1 is arranged to intersect the up-down direction.

[0098] For example, referring to FIG. 7 , the upper end of the guide surface 1 is inclined toward the left side in the figure.

[0099] Please refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , in which the direction indicated by arrow R2 is the first direction.

[0100] Please refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , in which the direction indicated by arrow R3 is the second direction.

[0101] For example, the self-release device 5 can be driven by a driving device to accumulate potential energy, and the kinetic energy output by the driving device is converted into the potential energy of the self-release device 5. After the driving device has completed the accumulation of potential energy by driving the self-release device 5, the driving device can be separated from the self-release device 5, and the valve opening assembly 100 can be placed in a heating furnace to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell to dry the space inside the battery cell housing, but the driving device does not need to be placed in the heating furnace.

[0102] Exemplarily, the driving device may be a motor.

[0103] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the container 300 is located below the corresponding pressure component 3 .

[0104] Exemplarily, the guide surface 1 is a plane.

[0105] For example, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a plurality of valve opening assemblies 100 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and a container 300 is correspondingly provided below the pressure-applying component 3 of each valve opening assembly 100 .

[0106] The preset time may be slightly longer than the time required for the heating furnace to dry the space inside the housing of the battery cell.

[0107] In the disclosed embodiment, since the first direction is the direction of inclination of the upper end of the guide surface 1, when the self-release mechanism 5, under the action of an external force, drives the actuator 4 in the first direction to accumulate potential energy, the height of the guide surface 1 gradually increases in the first direction of the actuator 4's movement. The guide surface 1 guides the actuator 4 to press the pressure assembly 3 downward, thereby opening the normally closed valve of the battery cell held in the container 300 below the pressure assembly 3, thereby facilitating drying of the space within the battery cell housing. Since the second direction is opposite to the direction of inclination of the upper end of the guide surface 1, when the self-release mechanism 5 gradually releases the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator 4 in the second direction of movement, the height of the guide surface 1 gradually decreases in the second direction of movement of the actuator 4. The downward force exerted by the actuator 4 on the pressure assembly 3 gradually decreases, and the actuator 4 may even completely lose contact with the pressure assembly 3. The pressure assembly 3 is insufficient to press open the normally closed valve of the battery cell, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell closes, thereby effectively maintaining a relatively dry space within the battery cell housing. Before the valve opening assembly 100 enters the heating furnace, potential energy is accumulated for the self-release device 5. When the valve opening assembly 100 is about to enter the heating furnace, the potential energy of the self-release device 5 can be gradually released. In the process of the heating furnace drying the space inside the outer shell of the battery cell, the potential energy of the self-release device 5 is converted into kinetic energy to release the pressure component 3, so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell is closed. The entire process can be achieved by the conversion of mechanical energy by the self-release device 5. The self-release device 5 does not involve the conversion of mechanical energy and electrical energy, which is beneficial to reduce the damage of the high temperature environment in the heating furnace to the corresponding electrical devices.

[0108] It is understood that during the heating process of a battery cell with an open normally closed valve in the heating furnace, the interior of the heating furnace can be evacuated to a vacuum. Since the normally closed valve is open, the space inside the battery cell's shell is connected to the space outside the shell, and the space inside the battery cell's shell is correspondingly evacuated to a vacuum. After the self-release device 5 gradually releases the accumulated potential energy to close the normally closed valve of the battery cell, even if the vacuum in the heating furnace is broken, the space inside the battery cell's shell can still remain in a relatively dry and vacuum state due to the closed normally closed valve, which is conducive to the subsequent injection of liquid into the space inside the battery cell's shell.

[0109] In one embodiment, the self-releasing device 5 is a spring-type retractable device, and the retractable end of the spring-type retractable device is connected to the actuator 4 .

[0110] By tightening the spring of the clockwork retractable device to accumulate potential energy, the telescopic end of the clockwork retractable device contracts and pulls the actuator 4 to move in the first direction. By releasing the accumulated potential energy of the clockwork retractable device, the telescopic end of the clockwork retractable device extends and drives the actuator 4 to move in the second direction.

[0111] The mainspring undergoes elastic deformation during the winding process, and the potential energy accumulated in the mainspring during the winding process is elastic potential energy.

[0112] For example, the motor can be used to drive the mainspring to rotate so as to tighten the mainspring of the mainspring expansion and contraction device to accumulate potential energy. After tightening the mainspring, the motor is separated from the mainspring expansion and contraction device, and the entire valve opening assembly 100 including the mainspring expansion and contraction device is placed in a heating furnace. The motor does not enter the heating furnace, which is beneficial to protect the motor from being damaged by the high temperature environment of the heating furnace.

[0113] For example, a wrench or other tool may be used to tighten the spring of the spring expansion and contraction device to accumulate potential energy, and then the entire valve opening assembly 100 including the spring expansion and contraction device may be placed in a heating furnace.

[0114] In the disclosed embodiment, the time it takes for the spring to be released to close the normally closed valve of the battery cell will vary depending on the degree of tightening of the spring. The spring is tightened to a preset degree. When the valve opening assembly 100 is about to enter the heating furnace, the spring is loosened to gradually release the potential energy of the spring. The potential energy of the spring is released slowly, and the normally closed valve of the battery cell will not close immediately. When the heating furnace dries the space inside the shell of the battery cell with the normally closed valve open for a corresponding period of time to a suitable degree, the potential energy of the spring is roughly released to a degree sufficient to close the normally closed valve of the battery cell. By tightening the spring in the spring retractable device, the timed closing of the opened normally closed valve can be achieved better. The elastic deformation of the spring is torsional deformation, and the overall space occupied by the spring retractable device is relatively small.

[0115] It is understandable that the self-releasing device 5 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to a clockwork retractable device.

[0116] Exemplarily, a spring is arranged in one of the two chambers separated by the piston in the piston cylinder, and gas is filled in the other chamber of the two chambers separated by the piston in the piston cylinder to push the piston to compress the spring, so as to convert it into elastic potential energy of the spring, and push the actuator 4 to move in the first direction through the piston rod of the piston cylinder. The inflation port of the piston cylinder is closed so that the gas in the piston cylinder is gradually depressurized through the smaller pressure relief port in the process of the spring pushing the piston to move, thereby pushing the actuator 4 to move in the second direction through the piston rod of the piston cylinder, so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell is opened for a corresponding time and then closed.

[0117] For example, it is also possible to consider accumulating gravitational potential energy through the self-release device 5 to move the actuator 4 in the first direction to open the valve of the battery cell, and slowly release the gravitational potential energy so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell is closed after being opened for a period of time.

[0118] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 3 and 5. There are multiple pressure-applying components 3, and the multiple pressure-applying components 3 are arranged at intervals. Each pressure-applying component 3 is correspondingly provided with a mounting seat 2, an actuator 4 and a spring expansion and contraction device. The valve opening assembly 100 also includes a drive shaft 6. The multiple spring expansion and contraction devices are all sleeved on the drive shaft 6. The multiple spring expansion and contraction devices are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the drive shaft 6. The drive shaft 6 is used to drive the springs in the multiple spring expansion and contraction devices to rotate to accumulate potential energy.

[0119] For example, the drive shaft 6 is driven by a motor so that the rotating drive shaft 6 tightens the spring of the spring expansion and contraction device to accumulate potential energy. After the spring is tightened, the motor can be separated from the drive shaft 6, and the entire valve opening assembly 100 including the drive shaft 6 and the spring expansion and contraction device and other structures can be placed in a heating furnace without the motor entering the heating furnace.

[0120] For example, the drive shaft 6 can be rotated by a tool such as a wrench, so that the rotating drive shaft 6 tightens the spring of the spring retractable device to accumulate potential energy.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotation of the driving shaft 6 drives the mainspring to rotate, so that the mainspring accumulates potential energy. Since multiple mainspring expansion and contraction devices are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the driving shaft 6, the rotation of the driving shaft 6 can drive the mainsprings of multiple mainspring expansion and contraction devices to rotate, so that the kinetic energy of the rotation of the driving shaft 6 is converted into the potential energy of the mainsprings of multiple mainspring expansion and contraction devices, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of tightening the mainspring.

[0122] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 , both the pressure component 3 and the actuator 4 have a guide surface 1 , and the guide surface 1 of the pressure component 3 and the guide surface 1 of the actuator 4 are in contact with each other.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the guide surface 1 of the pressure-applying component 3 and the guide surface 1 of the actuator 4 are in contact with each other, the contact between the pressure-applying component 3 and the actuator 4 is surface contact. During the movement of the actuator 4 along the first direction, the interaction pressure between the pressure-applying component 3 and the actuator 4 is relatively small, which is beneficial to reducing scratches and wear between the pressure-applying component 3 and the actuator 4.

[0124] It can be understood that the specific arrangement of the guide surface 1 is not limited.

[0125] For example, the pressure component 3 may have the guide surface 1 , but the actuator 4 may have the guide surface 1 .

[0126] For example, the actuator 4 may have a guide surface 1 , but the pressure component 3 may not have a guide surface 1 .

[0127] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 7 and 8, the pressure-applying component 3 has a guide platform 31, and at least one of the guide platform 31 and / or the actuator 4 has a guide surface 1. The self-release device 5 can drive the actuator 4 to move along the first direction to accumulate potential energy under the action of an external force, so that the actuator 4 presses the guide platform 31 downward under the action of the guide surface 1. The actuator 4 has an avoidance area 41. When the self-release device 5 releases the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator 4 to move along the second direction, the guide platform 31 is arranged in the avoidance area 41.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide platform 31 is provided in the avoidance area 41, and when the actuator 4 moves along the second direction to release the pressure component 3, the lifted pressure component 3 can be avoided, which is beneficial for the pressure component 3 to release the normally closed valve of the battery cell as much as possible, thereby closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell.

[0129] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 , the avoidance area 41 passes through the actuator 4 in the vertical direction.

[0130] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the avoidance zone 41 passes through the actuator 4 in the up-down direction, the extent to which the guide platform 31 can be lifted up into the avoidance zone 41 is almost unrestricted, which is beneficial for lifting the pressure component 3 as much as possible to disengage from the normally closed valve of the battery cell, and is beneficial for the normally closed valve of the battery cell to better maintain a closed state.

[0131] It is understandable that the specific arrangement of the avoidance zone 41 is not limited. For example, the avoidance zone 41 may be located below the actuator 4 , and the avoidance zone 41 does not pass through the actuator 4 .

[0132] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 6 to 8, the pressure-applying component 3 also has a limit platform 32 and a limit area 33. The limit platform 32 is located above the guide platform 31, and the limit area 33 is located between the guide platform 31 and the limit platform 32. The actuator 4 can move along the first direction to the limit area 33. The limit platform 32 is used to abut with the actuator 4 along the up and down directions to limit the lowest position of the limit platform 32.

[0133] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator 4 can move along the first direction to the limit area 33 between the limit platform 32 and the guide platform 31, and the pressure assembly 3 is pressed down by the actuator 4 to open the normally closed valve. Even if the pressure assembly 3 moves downward under a vibration environment and drives the limit platform 32 to move downward, since the downward-moving limit platform 32 can abut against the actuator 4 and is constrained by the actuator 4, it can better limit the lowest position of the limit platform 32 under the vibration environment, thereby correspondingly limiting the lowest position of the pressure assembly 3 under the vibration environment, which is beneficial to reducing the possibility of the pressure assembly 3 being affected by vibration shock and damaging the normally closed valve of the battery cell.

[0134] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 4 and 8, the pressure assembly 3 includes a pressure body 34, an actuator 35 and a connecting member 36. The pressure body 34 is movably arranged on the mounting seat 2 in the up and down directions. The limiting area 33, the limiting platform 32 and the guide platform 31 are all formed on the actuator 35. The connecting member 36 passes through the limiting platform 32 and is connected to the pressure body 34 to install the actuator 35 on the pressure body 34.

[0135] In the disclosed embodiment, since the limiting platform 32 is located above the guide platform 31, the limiting area 33 is located between the guide platform 31 and the limiting platform 32, and both the limiting platform 32 and the guide platform 31 protrude from the actuator 35 toward the avoidance area 41, this helps to enhance the strength of the position where the limiting platform 32 and the guide platform 31 are located. The connecting member 36 penetrates the strength-enhanced protruding limiting platform 32, allowing the connecting member 36 to better install the actuator 35 on the pressure-applying body 34. The hole for the connecting member 36 to pass through is located in the limiting platform 32, which can minimize the impact of the hole for the connecting member 36 to pass through on the layout of the guide surface 1, facilitating the layout of the guide surface 1 according to actual needs.

[0136] It is understandable that the specific connection method between the pressure-applying body 34 and the actuating member 35 is not limited.

[0137] Exemplarily, the actuating member 35 is integrally formed with at least a portion of the structure of the pressure-applying body 34 .

[0138] For example, the actuating member 35 and the pressure applying body 34 may be welded.

[0139] It is understandable that the specific structure of the pressure assembly 3 is not limited. For example, the pressure assembly 3 may not be provided with the actuator 35 , and the guide platform 31 is provided on the pressure body 34 .

[0140] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the actuator 35 has a reinforcement platform 351 , which is located on a side of the actuator 35 away from the limiting region 33 . The reinforcement platform 351 protrudes along the side of the actuator 35 away from the limiting region 33 , and is located below the pressure-applying body 34 .

[0141] In the disclosed embodiment, the reinforcement platform 351 protrudes along the side of the actuator 35 facing away from the limiting area 33. This protrusion increases the vertical strength of the actuator 35 between the limiting platform 32 and the guide platform 31. Furthermore, the protrusion of the reinforcement platform 351 away from the limiting area 33 does not occupy space within the limiting area 33, thus minimizing the impact on the function of the limiting area 33. The reinforcement platform 351 is located below the pressure body 34 and does not interfere with the actuator 35 being mounted on the side of the pressure body 34 via the limiting platform 32.

[0142] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 8 , a mounting base 2 is provided at at least one end of the pressure assembly 3. The mounting base 2 includes a main base 21, a first stopper 22, a guide shaft 23, and a second stopper 24. A self-releasing device 5 is provided on the main base 21, and the actuator 4 extends through the main base 21. The first stopper 22 is connected to the main base 21, and the self-releasing device 5 is located on the side of the main base 21 facing away from the first stopper 22. The guide shaft 23 is connected above the first stopper 22, and the pressure assembly 3 is sleeved on the guide shaft 23. The second stopper 24 is connected above the guide shaft 23.

[0143] For example, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8 , the pressure-applying body 34 is sleeved on the guide shaft 23 .

[0144] For example, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 , mounting seats 2 are provided at both ends of the pressure component 3 .

[0145] The actuator 4 passes through the main seat 21 , and the main seat 21 has a certain guiding effect on the actuator 4 passing through, and can better guide the actuator 4 to move along the first direction or the second direction.

[0146] In the disclosed embodiment, the pressure assembly 3 is sleeved on the guide shaft 23. The first stopper 22 and the second stopper 24 constrain the pressure assembly 3 to its upper and lower limits. This allows the portion of the pressure assembly 3 sleeved on the guide shaft 23 to move approximately between the first stopper 22 and the second stopper 24. This helps prevent the pressure assembly 3 from separating from the guide shaft 23 during its upper and lower movement. The guide shaft 23 is connected above the first stopper 22. The guide shaft 23 effectively constrains the pressure assembly 3 in its radial direction, allowing the pressure assembly 3 to move more effectively in the upper and lower directions.

[0147] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8 , the mounting base 2 further includes an elastic member 25 . The elastic member 25 is located between the pressure assembly 3 and the first limiting block 22 .

[0148] Exemplarily, the elastic member 25 may be a spring.

[0149] In the disclosed embodiment, since the elastic member 25 is located between the pressure assembly 3 and the first stopper 22, when the pressure assembly 3 is pressed downward by the actuator 4 under the action of the guide surface 1, the elastic member 25 can provide a certain cushioning effect on the downward pressure of the pressure assembly 3, thereby reducing damage to the battery cell caused by the pressure assembly 3. Furthermore, the self-release mechanism 5 gradually releases its accumulated potential energy, driving the actuator 4 to move in the second direction. The elastic member 25 located between the pressure assembly 3 and the first stopper 22 can push the pressure assembly 3 upward, thereby lifting the pressure assembly 3 away from the normally closed valve of the battery cell, closing the normally closed valve of the battery cell that was in the open state.

[0150] It is understandable that the specific structure of the mounting base 2 is not limited. For example, the pressure component 3 can be movably provided on the mounting base 2 by means of a guide rail slider, so that the pressure component 3 can move in the up and down directions.

[0151] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 9 and 10, a plurality of first air permeable grooves 37 and a plurality of second air permeable grooves 38 are formed on the lower side of the pressure-applying component 3. The plurality of first air permeable grooves 37 are arranged at intervals, the plurality of second air permeable grooves 38 are arranged at intervals, and the first air permeable grooves 37 and the second air permeable grooves 38 are arranged crosswise.

[0152] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , the plurality of first ventilation grooves 37 are parallel.

[0153] 9 and 10 , the plurality of second air-permeable grooves 38 are parallel.

[0154] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , the first air-permeable groove 37 and the second air-permeable groove are both formed on the lower side of the pressure-applying body 34 .

[0155] Exemplarily, the pressure-applying assembly 3 presses down the normally closed valve of the battery cell at the intersection of the first vent groove 37 and the second vent groove 38 to open the normally closed valve. When the normally closed valve is open, the space inside the battery cell housing communicates with the space outside the battery cell housing through the open normally closed valve, the first vent groove 37, and the second vent groove 38.

[0156] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the space inside the battery cell shell and the space outside are connected by the cross-arranged first ventilation grooves 37 and the second ventilation grooves 38, which is conducive to better drying the space inside the battery cell shell.

[0157] It is understood that the pressure assembly 3 is not limited to connecting the interior and exterior spaces of the battery cell through the first and second vent grooves 37 and 38. For example, a boss is formed on the underside of the pressure assembly 3, and the boss presses down to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The boss is small and does not block the valve opening of the normally closed valve, thereby allowing the interior and exterior spaces of the battery cell housing to communicate.

[0158] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions and are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts.

Claims

1. A valve opening assembly, comprising a guide surface inclined relative to a vertical direction, wherein the direction in which the upper end of the guide surface is inclined is a first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is a second direction, the valve opening assembly comprising: Mounting seat; A pressure-applying assembly, movably disposed on the mounting seat along the up-down direction; An actuator is disposed on the mounting seat, and at least one of the pressure-applying assembly and / or the actuator has the guide surface; A self-releasing device is arranged on the mounting seat. The self-releasing device can drive the actuator to move along the first direction to accumulate potential energy under the action of external force, so that the actuator presses down the pressure assembly under the action of the guide surface to open the normally closed valve of the battery cell. The self-releasing device can gradually release the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move along the second direction. The actuator moving along the second direction gradually releases the pressure assembly, so that the normally closed valve of the battery cell is closed after a preset time.

2. The valve opening assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure-applying component and the actuator both have the guide surface, and the guide surface of the pressure-applying component and the guide surface of the actuator are in contact with each other.

3. The valve opening assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pressure-applying component has a guide platform, and at least one of the guide platform and / or the actuator has the guide surface. The self-release device can drive the actuator to move along the first direction to accumulate potential energy under the action of an external force, so that the actuator presses the guide platform downward under the action of the guide surface. The actuator has an avoidance area. When the self-release device releases the accumulated potential energy to drive the actuator to move along the second direction, the guide platform passes through the avoidance area.

4. The valve opening assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The avoidance zone passes through the actuator in an up-down direction.

5. The valve opening assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The pressure-applying assembly also has a limit platform and a limit zone, wherein the limit platform is located above the guide platform, and the limit zone is located between the guide platform and the limit platform, and the actuator can move along the first direction into the limit zone, and the limit platform is used to abut against the actuator along the up and down directions to limit the lowest position of the limit platform.

6. The valve opening assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The pressure assembly includes a pressure body, an actuator and a connecting member. The pressure body is movably arranged on the mounting seat along the up and down directions. The limit area, the limit platform and the guide platform are all formed on the actuator. The connecting member passes through the limit platform and is connected to the pressure body to install the actuator on the pressure body.

7. The valve opening assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The actuating member has a reinforcing platform, which is located on a side of the actuating member away from the limiting area, and the reinforcing platform protrudes along the side of the actuating member away from the limiting area, and is located below the pressure-applying body.

8. The valve opening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The self-releasing device is a spring retractable device, and the retractable end of the spring retractable device is connected to the actuator.

9. The valve opening assembly according to claim 8, wherein, There are multiple pressure-applying assemblies, which are arranged at intervals. Each of the pressure-applying assemblies is correspondingly provided with the mounting seat, the actuator and the spring expansion and contraction device. The valve opening assembly also includes a driving shaft. The multiple spring expansion and contraction devices are all sleeved on the driving shaft. The multiple spring expansion and contraction devices are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the driving shaft. The driving shaft is used to drive the springs in the multiple spring expansion and contraction devices to rotate to accumulate potential energy.

10. The valve opening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, At least one end of the pressure assembly is provided with the mounting seat, and the mounting seat includes: A main seat, the self-releasing device is arranged on the main seat, and the actuator passes through the main seat; A first limit block is connected to the main seat, and the self-releasing device is located at a side of the main seat away from the first limit block; A guide shaft connected to the upper part of the first limit block, and the pressure-applying assembly is sleeved on the guide shaft; The second limiting block is connected above the guide shaft.

11. The valve opening assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The mounting seat further comprises an elastic member, and the elastic member is located between the pressure-applying assembly and the first limiting block.

12. A valve opening device, comprising: frame; The valve opening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, mounted on the frame, wherein the number of the valve opening assembly is at least one; The container is used to accommodate a battery cell, the container is located below the corresponding pressure assembly, and the container is arranged on the frame.

13. A drying system comprising: The valve opening device according to claim 12; The heating furnace is used to dry the battery monomers carried by the valve opening device located in the heating furnace.

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