Welding positioning device, battery production line and welding method

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a welding positioning device, a battery production line and a welding method. The welding positioning device comprises a carrier and a press-fitting module, wherein the carrier comprises a press-fitting area and placement areas, the press-fitting area being formed between two placement areas at intervals in a first direction. The press-fitting module comprises a pressing block and a driving device, wherein the driving device is in driving connection with the pressing block to drive the pressing block to move towards the press-fitting area in a second direction, a press-fitting surface and a clearance space are provided on the side of the pressing block that faces the press-fitting area, the press-fitting surface is configured to abut against tabs of some electrode assemblies in the second direction, the clearance space is located on one side of the press-fitting surface in the first direction and is opened towards one side of the press-fitting area, and the clearance space is configured to accommodate tabs of other electrode assemblies when the press-fitting surface abuts against the tabs of some electrode assemblies. The welding positioning device in the embodiments of the present disclosure facilitates a reduction in the probability that the tabs that are not required to be welded during the current welding operation process are subjected to press-fitting force in the second direction.

Description

Welding positioning device, battery production line and welding method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application number 202410123451.8, application date January 30, 2024, and invention name “A welding positioning device, battery production line and welding method”, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into the present disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of battery production, and particularly to a welding positioning device, a battery production line, and a welding method. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, the new energy industry has flourished. As an indispensable part of the new energy industry, battery quality control in the production process is closely related to battery performance, safety, cost and other aspects.

[0005] A battery contains a single cell, which is equipped with an electrode assembly. An electrode assembly is an electrochemical component formed by winding, stacking, or combining a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator.

[0006] This is achieved by electrically connecting the electrode assembly tabs to the poles provided on the cover plate of the battery cell through adapter plates.

[0007] During the production of battery cells, the tabs of the electrode assembly need to be connected to the adapter by welding, and the welding quality between the two is related to the production quality of the electrode assembly.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide a welding positioning device, a battery production line, and a welding method that are beneficial to improving the welding quality between the tab and the adapter of an electrode assembly.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as follows:

[0011] The present disclosure provides a welding positioning device for welding a tab and an adapter of an electrode assembly. The welding positioning device includes:

[0012] A carrier, comprising a pressing area and at least two placement areas for placing a single electrode assembly, wherein the pressing area is formed between the two placement areas along a first direction, and the pressing area is used to place the tab and the adapter;

[0013] A pressing module includes a pressing block and a driving device, wherein the driving device is connected to the pressing block to drive the pressing block to move toward the pressing area along a second direction, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and the pressing block is provided with a pressing surface and an avoidance space on the side facing the pressing area, wherein the pressing surface is used to press the pole ears of a part of the electrode assembly along the second direction, and the avoidance space is located on the side of the pressing surface along the first direction and is open toward the side of the pressing area, and the avoidance space is used to accommodate the pole ears of another part of the electrode assembly when the pressing surface presses the pole ears of a part of the electrode assembly.

[0014] The welding positioning device in the embodiment of the present disclosure provides an escape space on the pressing block of the pressing module that can accommodate the tabs of a portion of the electrode assembly, so that the pressing surface of the pressing block can press the tabs of the electrode assembly that is currently to be welded, while the tabs of the electrode assembly that is not to be welded in the current welding operation can enter the escape space. This helps to reduce the probability that the tabs that are not to be welded in the current welding operation are subjected to the pressing force in the second direction, and reduces the probability that the tabs are subjected to the pressing force in advance before welding, resulting in indentations and damage to the tabs; at the same time, it helps to reduce the probability that the unwelded tabs are lifted by the pressing head due to static electricity, adsorption vacuum, etc. after the pressing head is separated from contact along the second direction, thereby causing the tab stack to bend, intersperse, and other problems, thereby effectively improving the subsequent welding quality of other tabs and adapters, and thus contributing to the production quality of battery cells.

[0015] In some embodiments, the avoidance space is open on a side along the first direction away from the pressing surface.

[0016] In this way, the tabs of the electrode assembly can pass through the open position along the first direction, reducing the probability of the pressing block coming into contact with the tabs that do not need to be welded.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pressing block is provided with a welding cavity, which is located on the side of the pressing surface away from the pressing area, and the welding cavity is open along the second direction on the side away from the pressing surface to form a first opening, and a welding hole is provided on the inner wall on the side close to the pressing surface along the second direction, and the welding hole passes through the pressing block along the second direction.

[0018] In this way, the welding part of the welding equipment can be extended into the welding cavity through the first opening to perform welding operations. The side wall of the welding cavity can shield the dust generated during the welding operation, reducing the adhesion of dust to other welded pole ears, thereby helping to improve the welding quality of the pole ears and adapter plates required for subsequent welding; so that the welding part of the welding equipment can pass through the welding hole to realize the welding operations on the adapter plates and pole ears.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pressure block includes a pressure plate, a first baffle and a second baffle, the first baffle and the second baffle are spaced apart along the first direction and both extend along the second direction, the pressure plate is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle, and is located at one end of the two close to the pressing area along the second direction, at least a portion of the surface of the pressure plate facing the pressing area forms the pressing surface, the pressure plate, the first baffle and the second baffle are jointly arranged to form the welding cavity, the welding hole is provided on the pressure plate, and the avoidance space is provided on the side of the second baffle away from the pressure plate along the first direction.

[0020] In this way, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate can block welding dust during the welding process, which is beneficial to improving the welding quality; in the process of the pressure block moving along the second direction toward the pressing area, the surface of the first pressure plate on the side away from the second pressure plate along the first direction can come into contact with the pressed pole ear, and guide the pole piece to move toward the adapter plate, thereby playing a guiding role, avoiding the pole ear from directly rubbing against the edge of the pressure plate and causing damage to the pole ear; the second pressure plate realizes the separation between the welding cavity and the avoidance space, thereby protecting the pole ear located in the avoidance space.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the second baffle facing away from the first baffle is a slope, which is located at one end of the second baffle close to the pressing area along the second direction, and gradually moves away from the pressing plate in a direction away from the pressing area.

[0022] In this way, the second baffle has a better guiding effect, reducing the probability of the second baffle and the tab being scratched and causing damage to the tab during the contact process between the second baffle and the tab.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pressure block also includes a third baffle, the second baffle is connected to the third baffle at one end away from the pressure plate along the second direction, the third baffle extends along the first direction away from the pressure plate, and the second baffle and the third baffle are jointly arranged to form the avoidance space.

[0024] In this way, the third baffle is provided to better protect the tabs in the avoidance space, which is further helpful in reducing the probability of dust during the welding process adhering to the tabs that do not need to be welded at present.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pressure block further includes a connecting plate and a mounting seat, the connecting plate extends along the second direction and is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle, the connecting plate is connected to the pressure plate at one end close to the pressing area along the second direction, the connecting plate, the pressure plate, the first baffle and the second baffle are jointly arranged to form the welding cavity, the mounting seat is arranged at one end of the connecting plate away from the pressing area along the second direction and is located on the side of the connecting plate away from the welding cavity, the mounting seat extends perpendicular to the second direction, and the mounting seat is driven and connected to the driving device.

[0026] In this way, on the one hand, the surface of the connecting plate facing the pressure plate forms a part of the inner wall of the welding cavity, further improving the dust blocking effect during the welding process, thereby further improving the welding quality of the tab; on the other hand, by connecting the first baffle and the second baffle, the connecting plate suppresses the probability of deformation of the two under the pressing force, which causes the distance between the two to change. At the same time, it supports the pressure plate in the second direction, reducing the probability of bending and deformation of the pressure plate in the second direction, thereby improving the overall connection strength between the connecting plate, the pressure plate, the first baffle and the second baffle, and reducing the risk of deformation of the pressure block under pressure. The mounting seat is arranged on the side of the connecting plate away from the welding cavity to reduce the interference of the mounting seat with the operation of the welding equipment during the welding process. The mounting seat is connected to the driving device by the driving device, which is conducive to increasing the contact area of ​​the connection position between the pressure block and the driving device, thereby reducing the pressure during the pressing process, reducing the risk of deformation of the pressure block under pressure, and improving the connection strength of the pressure block connection position.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one side of the welding cavity along a third direction is open to form a second opening, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0028] In this way, the welding part of the welding equipment can enter and exit the welding cavity from the first opening and the second opening, thereby enriching the number of relative movement paths between the welding part of the welding equipment and the pressing block, improving the flexibility of the operation, and reducing the probability of collision between the two.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pressing module further includes a transfer assembly, which includes a first transfer member, a second transfer member and an elastic member, the first transfer member being driven and connected to the driving device, the first transfer member and the second transfer member being spaced apart along the second direction, the elastic member being connected between the first transfer member and the second transfer member, the elastic member being capable of elastically expanding and contracting along the second direction, and the second transfer member being connected to the pressing block.

[0030] In this way, the first adapter and the second adapter undergo relative movement along the second direction, causing the elastic member to undergo elastic deformation along the second direction. The sum of the elastic force generated by the elastic member and the pressing force of the pressure block achieves a force balance with the driving force of the driving device, which is beneficial for keeping the pressing force applied by the pressure block on the tab within the design requirements, reducing the chance of damage to the tab due to excessive pressing force.

[0031] In some embodiments, the adapter assembly further includes a guide rod and a linear bearing, one of the guide rod and the linear bearing is arranged on the first adapter, and the other is arranged on the second adapter, and the guide rod extends along the second direction and is passed through the linear bearing.

[0032] In this way, by constraining the guide rod and the linear bearing to each other, the first adapter and the second adapter are guided to move in the second direction, thereby reducing the probability that the first adapter and the second adapter will move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, thereby causing the pressure block to be unable to press the tab; at the same time, the probability that the two ends of the elastic member along the second direction will move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the second direction and be subjected to shear force is reduced, thereby playing a certain protective role for the elastic member.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pressing module also includes a frame, and the adapter assembly also includes a shielding member, which is arranged on the second adapter. A pressing position sensor and a separation position sensor are provided on the frame, and the pressing position sensor and the separation position sensor are arranged along the second direction. The pressing position sensor is located on the side of the separation position sensor close to the carrier along the second direction, and the shielding member can enter the sensing area of ​​the pressing position sensor and the sensing area of ​​the separation position sensor respectively along the second direction.

[0034] In this way, the actual position of the pressing block along the second direction can be more accurately obtained through the pressing position sensor and the separation position sensor, thereby reducing the probability of the pressing block being over-pressed or not pressed.

[0035] In some embodiments, one of the pressing area and the pressing block is provided with a positioning pin, and the other is provided with a positioning hole, the positioning pin protrudes along the second direction, the positioning hole is open toward one side of the positioning pin along the second direction, and the positioning pin can be inserted into the positioning hole along the second direction.

[0036] In this way, before the pressure block reaches the preset pressing position, the positioning pin can be inserted into the positioning hole, and the inner wall of the positioning hole and the positioning pin directly form a stop fit perpendicular to the second direction, thereby constraining the relative position between the pressure block and the pressing area perpendicular to the second direction, so that the pressure block can be pressed more accurately against the preset position of the tab.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pressing module further includes at least two flat plates, the two flat plates are spaced apart along the first direction, the pressing block is arranged between the two flat plates, the driving device is connected to the flat plates, and the flat plates are respectively used to press the electrode assembly in the placement area along the second direction.

[0038] In this way, through the contact between the flattening plate and the electrode assembly, the friction between the two suppresses the tendency of the electrode assembly to move during the welding process. At the same time, the flattening plate can shield the electrode assembly and reduce the adverse effects of dust during the welding process on the electrode assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, the carrier includes a support plate and multiple positioning plates, the positioning plates extend along the second direction, the multiple positioning plates are divided into at least two groups, and each group includes at least two positioning plates, the two groups of positioning plates are spaced apart along the first direction and the pressing area is located between the two groups of positioning plates, the placement area is located on one side of a group of positioning plates away from the pressing area along the first direction, the two positioning plates in each group are spaced apart along the third direction to form a gap for the tab to pass through and extend into the pressing area, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0040] In this way, the electrode assembly placed in the placement area abuts against the positioning plate along the first direction, thereby achieving the spacing between different electrode assemblies along the first direction meeting the design requirements through at least two groups of positioning plates, which is conducive to the relative position between the adapter and the tab along the first direction meeting the design requirements, effectively reducing the probability of the electrode assembly moving along the first direction during the welding process, and is conducive to improving the quality of the finished product after welding.

[0041] In some embodiments, the carrier further includes a plurality of first stops, which are divided into at least two groups, each group including at least two first stops spaced apart along the third direction, at least one group of first stops being located on a side of a group of positioning plates away from the pressing area along the first direction, and together with the group of positioning plates, enclosing the placement area, the first stops being used to cooperate with the electrode assembly to stop along the third direction;

[0042] And / or, the carrier also includes at least two second stops, which are located on one side of a group of positioning plates along the first direction and are spaced apart from the group of positioning plates along the first direction to jointly enclose the placement area, and the second stops are used to cooperate with the electrode assembly to stop along the first direction.

[0043] In this way, at least one group of first stops limits the movement range of the electrode assembly in the placement area along the third direction, which is beneficial for the electrode assembly to maintain a stable position during welding, and thus is beneficial to improving the welding quality; the positioning member and the second stop jointly limit the movement range of the electrode assembly in the placement area along the first direction, which is beneficial for the electrode assembly to maintain a stable position during welding, and thus is beneficial to improving the welding quality.

[0044] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery production line for welding the tabs and adapter plates of an electrode assembly. The battery production line includes welding equipment, a conveying module, and the welding positioning device of any one of the aforementioned embodiments. The welding equipment is used to weld the tabs and the adapter plates when the pressing surface is pressed against the tab of one of the electrode assemblies. The conveying module is connected to the carrier drive to drive the carrier to move.

[0045] In this way, the welding positioning device presses and positions the electrode assembly and the adapter, thereby improving the welding operation position accuracy of the welding equipment; by making room to accommodate the pole ears that do not need to be welded at present, it is beneficial to improve the welding quality of subsequent welding operations, and the carrier is driven to move by the conveying module to change the position of the carrier, thereby facilitating loading and unloading operations, and at the same time, facilitating the movement of the unwelded electrode assembly and adapter to the preset operating position corresponding to the welding equipment.

[0046] The present disclosure also provides a welding method for welding tabs and adapters of an electrode assembly in the battery production line of any of the aforementioned embodiments, the welding method comprising:

[0047] Loading operation: placing the adapter in the pressing area, placing the electrode assembly in the placement area, and the tabs of at least two electrode assemblies are located in the pressing area, so that the adapter and the tabs are overlapped along the second direction;

[0048] Pressing operation: determining that the carrier is located at a preset operating position, controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position, so that the tabs and the adapter sheet of one or more electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the pressing surface and the surface of the pressing area, and the tabs of one or more electrode assemblies are located in the avoidance space;

[0049] Welding operation: driving the welding part of the welding equipment to move to a preset welding position, and controlling the welding part to weld the tab and the adapter pressed by the pressing surface.

[0050] The welding method disclosed in the present invention reduces the probability of the tabs that do not need to be welded in the current process being damaged by pressure by avoiding space to accommodate the tabs that do not need to be welded in the current process, so that the welding quality of these tabs after subsequent welding meets the technical requirements.

[0051] In some embodiments, the battery production line further comprises a positioning module, wherein the positioning end of the positioning module is retractable;

[0052] Determining that the carrier is located at the preset operating position specifically includes:

[0053] Controlling the conveying module to drive the carrier to move along the conveying direction to the preset working position;

[0054] The positioning end is controlled to be inserted into the positioning groove of the carrier so that the inner wall of the positioning groove and the positioning end are engaged with each other in a stop manner along the conveying direction.

[0055] In this way, the inner wall of the positioning groove cooperates with the stopper between the positioning end, thereby achieving positioning of the carrier in its conveying direction, thereby reducing the probability of welding failure caused by movement of the carrier during the welding process.

[0056] In some embodiments, before the control driving device drives the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position, the welding method further includes:

[0057] In a state where the electrode assembly in the placement area blocks the light beam emitted by the cell presence sensor, a cell presence signal emitted by the cell presence sensor is obtained.

[0058] In this way, the status of the electrode assembly in the carrier can be better monitored, reducing the risk of the motor assembly falling while moving with the carrier, resulting in waste of materials during subsequent welding operations.

[0059] In some embodiments, controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position specifically includes:

[0060] The driving device is controlled to drive the adapter assembly to move along the second direction toward the pressing area until it is determined that the shielding member in the adapter assembly enters the sensing area of ​​the pressing position sensor.

[0061] This helps to reduce the adverse effects of loose connections between the adapter assembly and the drive device, and loose connections between components within the adapter assembly on the position error of the pressing block along the second direction, and can more accurately know the actual position of the pressing block along the second direction, reducing the probability of over-pressing or non-pressing the pressing block. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a welding positioning device, an electrode assembly, and an adapter sheet in a first viewing angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of position A in the embodiment of FIG2 ;

[0065] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment in FIG2 at a second viewing angle;

[0066] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment in FIG2 at a third viewing angle;

[0067] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a compact in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a pressing module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at a fourth viewing angle;

[0069] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment in FIG7 at a fifth viewing angle;

[0070] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment in FIG7 at a sixth viewing angle;

[0071] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the steps of a welding method in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Description of Reference Numerals

[0073] 100, battery cell; 101, housing; 102, cover; 1021, pole; 10, electrode assembly; 11, pole ear; 20, adapter; 30, carrier; 30a, pressing area; 30b, placement area; 30c, positioning groove; 31, positioning pin; 32, support plate; 33, positioning plate; 34, first stopper; 35, second stopper; 40, pressing module; 41, pressing block; 41a, pressing surface; 41b, avoidance space; 41c, welding cavity; 41d, first opening; 41e, welding hole; 4 1f, second opening; 41g, positioning hole; 411, pressure plate; 412, first baffle; 413, second baffle; 414, third baffle; 415, connecting plate; 416, mounting seat; 42, driving device; 43, adapter assembly; 431, first adapter; 432, second adapter; 433, elastic member; 434, guide rod; 435, linear bearing; 436, shielding member; 44, flat plate; 45, pressing position sensor; 46, separation position sensor; 47, rack; 48, battery cell in position sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation methods should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an improper limitation on the present disclosure.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, for the convenience of explanation, as shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6, the direction of the arrow X is referred to as the "first direction"; as shown in Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6, the direction of the arrow Y is referred to as the "second direction"; as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the direction of the arrow Z is referred to as the "third direction".

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Batteries are increasingly used in everyday life and industry. They are not only used in energy storage systems like hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but are also widely used in electric vehicles like electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in aerospace and other fields. As battery applications continue to expand, market demand is also growing.

[0083] A battery includes a housing and battery cells 100. There may be multiple battery cells 100, which may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration refers to a combination of series and parallel connections among the multiple battery cells 100. Multiple battery cells 100 may be directly connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration, and then the entire structure of the multiple battery cells 100 may be placed in the storage space of the housing. Alternatively, the battery may be constructed by first connecting multiple battery cells 100 in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, which is then connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a complete structure, which is then stored in the storage space of the housing. The battery may also include other structures, such as a busbar assembly for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 100.

[0084] Referring to Figure 1 , a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrode assembly 10 and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly 10 is composed of a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. Battery cell 100 primarily operates by the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode sheets. The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The current collector uncoated with the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the positive active material layer. The current collectors uncoated with the positive active material layer, after being stacked, serve as the positive electrode tab. For lithium-ion batteries, for example, the positive electrode current collector can be made of aluminum, and the positive electrode active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide. The negative electrode sheet includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The current collector uncoated with the negative active material layer protrudes from the current collector coated with the negative active material layer. The current collectors uncoated with the negative active material layer, after being stacked, serve as the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon. The separator can be made of materials such as PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). Furthermore, the electrode assembly 10 can be a wound or laminated structure.

[0085] The battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery. A secondary battery refers to a battery cell 100 that can be continuously used by activating active materials by charging after the battery cell 100 is discharged.

[0086] The battery cell 100 may be a lithium ion battery, a sodium ion battery, a sodium lithium ion battery, a lithium metal battery, a sodium metal battery, a lithium sulfur battery, a magnesium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead storage battery, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] The battery cell 100 may be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a soft-pack battery cell or other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include square-shell battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and polygonal prismatic batteries. Polygonal prismatic batteries are, for example, hexagonal prismatic batteries, etc. There is no particular limitation in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail.

[0089] In the related art, referring to FIG1 , a battery cell 100 includes a shell 101, a cover plate 102, an electrode assembly 10, and a transfer plate 20. A receiving cavity is provided in the shell 101, and the electrode assembly 10 and the transfer plate 20 are provided in the receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity is filled with electrolyte. One side of the receiving cavity is open, and the sealing cover of the cover plate 102 is provided in the open position of the receiving cavity so that the electrode assembly 10 and the transfer plate 20 are in a sealed environment. A pole 1021 is provided on the cover plate 102. The transfer plate 20 is located on the side of the electrode assembly 10 facing the cover plate 102, and the transfer plate 20 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 and is electrically connected to the pole 1021. In this way, the electric energy generated by the electrochemical reaction between the electrode assembly 10 and the electrolyte can be output through the pole 1021 via the transfer plate 20, thereby realizing the discharge of the battery cell 100.

[0090] The electrode assembly 10 is provided with a tab 11 , which serves as the positive electrode or negative electrode of the electrode assembly 10 and is electrically connected to the adapter 20 .

[0091] In order to achieve electrical conduction between the tab 11 and the adapter 20, the two are generally fixedly connected by welding. Therefore, the welding quality between the adapter 20 and the tab 11 has an important impact on the normal charging and discharging of the battery cell 100.

[0092] The electrode assembly 10 is formed by combining a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes by winding or laminating, and a fluffy gap is formed between each layer of positive and negative electrodes. In other words, the electrode tab 11 of a certain polarity is formed by stacking a portion of a plurality of electrode sheets of the same polarity. Therefore, in the process of welding the adapter 20 and the electrode tab 11, it is necessary to first press the electrode tabs 11 of each polarity separately, so that the electrode tabs 11 of the same polarity are tightly stacked and then welded to the adapter 20. If the electrode tabs 11 to be welded are pressed in advance before welding, it is easy to cause quality risks such as the electrode tabs 11 being folded or the electrode tabs 11 being inserted.

[0093] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a welding positioning device, which simultaneously sets a pressing surface 41a and an avoidance space 41b on the pressure head, so that the pressing surface 41a presses the pole ear 11 that needs to be welded while allowing the pole ear 11 that does not need to be welded in the current welding operation process to enter the avoidance space 41b to avoid being squeezed by the pressure head.

[0094] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 , the welding positioning device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used for welding the tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 and the adapter 20 . The welding positioning device includes a carrier 30 and a pressing module 40 .

[0095] The carrier 30 includes a pressing area 30 a and at least two placement areas 30 b for placing a single electrode assembly 10 . The two placement areas 30 b are spaced apart along a first direction to form the pressing area 30 a . The pressing area 30 a is used to place the tab 11 and the adapter 20 .

[0096] The pressing module 40 includes a pressing block 41 and a driving device 42. The driving device 42 is connected to the pressing block 41 to drive the pressing block 41 to move toward the pressing area 30a along the second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The pressing block 41 is provided with a pressing surface 41a and an avoidance space 41b on the side facing the pressing area 30a. The pressing surface 41a is used to press the pole ears 11 of a part of the electrode assembly 10 along the second direction. The avoidance space 41b is located on the side of the pressing surface 41a along the first direction and is open toward the side of the pressing area 30a. The avoidance space 41b is used to accommodate the pole ears 11 of another part of the electrode assembly 10 when the pressing surface 41a presses the pole ears 11 of a part of the electrode assembly 10.

[0097] It can be understood that the adapter plate 20 is located on a side of the tab 11 that is away from the pressing block 41 along the first direction.

[0098] The carrier 30 is used to place the electrode assembly 10 and the adapter 20, so that the tab 11 and the adapter 20 can be clamped between the carrier 30 and the pressure block 41, so that the tab 11 is compacted and kept in contact with the adapter under the support force of the carrier 30 and the pressing force of the pressure block 41 for welding.

[0099] Each placement area 30b is used to place an electrode assembly 10, so that the electrode assemblies 10 can be placed independently of each other, reducing the interference between the electrode assemblies 10 during the welding process; at the same time, multiple electrode assemblies 10 can be placed on a carrier 30, so as to reduce the number of loading and unloading operations during the welding process and improve work efficiency.

[0100] When the electrode assembly 10 is placed in the placement area 30 b , the tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 is located in the pressing area 30 a and on a side of the adapter 20 away from the carrier 30 along the second direction.

[0101] The pressing area 30a is located between the two placement areas 30b, so that the tabs 11 of the electrode assemblies 10 placed in the two placement areas 30b are close to each other. This is beneficial to reducing the total welding time of the tabs 11 of multiple electrode assemblies 10 and the adapter 20, and improving the welding operation efficiency.

[0102] It can be understood that the electrode assembly 10 has at least two tabs 11 , one tab 11 has a positive polarity, and the other tab 11 has a negative polarity.

[0103] It is understood that the specific number of adapter plates 20 placed in the pressing area 30a is not limited. For example, there are at least two adapter plates 20, each adapter plate 20 is used to connect the tabs 11 of the same polarity of two electrode assemblies 10; for another example, there are at least four adapter plates 20, each adapter plate 20 is used to connect a single tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10.

[0104] The driving device 42 has a driving end, and the driving end can move telescopically along the second direction to drive the pressing block 41 to move along the second direction.

[0105] The driving connection between the driving device 42 and the pressing block 41 can be a direct connection between the driving device 42 and the pressing block 41, or the two can form a force transmission path through other structures to achieve indirect driving.

[0106] The pressing surface 41 a is used to press the tab 11 along the second direction, so that the tab 11 to be welded is compacted and held in contact with the adapter 20 , so that the adapter 20 can be subsequently welded to the tab 11 to be welded.

[0107] The escape space 41b is located on one side of the pressing surface 41a along the first direction. That is, the pressing surface 41a and the escape space 41b are arranged side by side along the first direction, with the pressing surface 41a adjacent to one placement area 30b along the first direction, and the escape space 41b adjacent to another placement area 30b along the first direction. This facilitates, on a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, at least the projection of the tab 11 in at least one placement area 30b on one side along the first direction to overlap with the projection of the pressing surface 41a, and the projection of the tab 11 in at least one placement area 30b on the other side to overlap with the projection of the escape space 41b.

[0108] The escape space 41 b is open toward one side of the pressing area 30 a , so that the tab 11 can enter and exit the escape space 41 b through the open position of the escape space 41 b .

[0109] The pressing block 41 moves toward the pressing area 30a until the pressing surface 41a contacts the tab 11 of at least one electrode assembly 10. Simultaneously, the tab 11 of at least one electrode assembly 10 located on the other side of the first direction enters the escape space 41b through the open position of the escape space 41b. The pressing block 41 continues to move along the second direction to a predetermined pressing position, so that the tab 11 in contact with the pressing surface 41a is compacted and in contact with the adapter 20, and at least a portion of the tab 11 of at least one electrode assembly 10 is located in the escape space 41b.

[0110] The preset pressing position is the position where the pole piece pressed by the pressing block 41 along the second direction meets the technical requirements of compaction.

[0111] It is understandable that the tab 11 pressed by the pressing surface 41 a is the tab 11 that needs to be welded to the adapter 20 , while the tab 11 at least partially located in the avoidance space 41 b is the tab 11 that does not currently need to be welded.

[0112] The welding positioning device of the disclosed embodiment provides a clearance space 41b on the pressing block 41 of the pressing module 40, which can accommodate a portion of the tabs 11 of the electrode assembly 10. This allows the pressing surface 41a of the pressing block 41 to press the tabs 11 of the electrode assembly 10 currently being welded, while allowing the tabs 11 of the electrode assembly 10 not currently being welded to enter the clearance space 41b. This effectively reduces the probability of the tabs 11 not currently being welded being subjected to the pressing force in the second direction, thereby reducing the probability of the tabs 11 being subjected to the pressing force before welding, resulting in indentations and damage to the tabs 11. Furthermore, the device also reduces the probability of unwelded tabs 11 being lifted by the pressing head due to static electricity, vacuum absorption, and other effects after the pressing head disengages in the second direction, thereby reducing the probability of the tabs 11 being bent or interlaced in the tab stack. This effectively improves the quality of subsequent welding of other tabs 11 to the adapter 20, thereby contributing to the production quality of the battery cell 100.

[0113] It is understood that the pressing surface 41a can be used to press the tab 11 of only one electrode assembly 10, or can be used to press the tabs 11 of multiple electrode assemblies 10. For example, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the pressing surface 41a is used to press the tab 11 of one electrode assembly 10.

[0114] It can be understood that the pressing surface 41a is a plane.

[0115] It is understood that the avoidance space 41b can be used to accommodate only the tab 11 of one electrode assembly 10, or can be used to accommodate the tabs 11 of multiple electrode assemblies 10. For example, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the avoidance space 41b is used only to accommodate the tab 11 of another electrode assembly 10 that is spaced apart from the electrode assembly 10 pressed with the pressing surface 41a along the first direction.

[0116] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the open position of the avoidance space 41b facing the pressing area 30a is on the same plane as the pressing surface 41a, so that the tab 11 is pressed against the pressing surface 41a and the other tab 11 enters the avoidance space 41b simultaneously, which is convenient for improving the production rhythm. At the same time, it is beneficial to reduce the size of the pressing block 41 along the second direction, which is conducive to a more compact structure of the welding positioning device.

[0117] It is understandable that it is necessary to avoid the avoidance space 41 b from coming into contact with the electrode tab 11 that does not need to be welded along the second direction.

[0118] In some embodiments, the size of the avoidance space 41b along the second direction is larger than the size of the tab 11 along the second direction, so that when the pressing surface 41a reaches the preset pressing position, the inner wall of the avoidance space 41b along the second direction will not contact the tab 11 that does not need to be welded.

[0119] In other embodiments, the escape space 41b extends along the second direction through the pressing block 41. That is, the tab 11 that does not need to be welded moves with the pressing block 41, enters the escape space 41b from the end of the escape space 41b that is closer to the pressing area 30a along the second direction, and leaves the escape space 41b from the end that is farther from the pressing area 30a.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first direction is the vertical direction, that is, the linear direction of the gravity direction. In this way, the carrier 30 can directly support the adapter plate 20 and the electrode assembly 10, and the friction generated by the contact reduces the probability of relative movement between the two during the pressing process by the pressing surface 41a.

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the avoidance space 41 b is open at a side away from the pressing surface 41 a along the first direction.

[0122] In this way, the tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 can pass through the open position along the first direction, reducing the probability of the pressing block 41 coming into contact with the tab 11 that does not need to be welded.

[0123] It is understandable that during the welding process of the tabs 11 and the adapter 20 , the welding operation will generate dust, which will be contaminated on other unwelded tabs 11 and affect the subsequent welding quality of other tabs 11 .

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the pressing block 41 is provided with a welding cavity 41 c , which is located on the side of the pressing surface 41 a away from the pressing area 30 a , and the side of the welding cavity 41 c away from the pressing surface 41 a along the second direction is open to form a first opening 41 d .

[0125] In this way, the welding part of the welding equipment can be extended into the welding cavity 41c through the first opening 41d to perform welding operations. The side wall of the welding cavity 41c can shield the dust generated during the welding operation, reducing the adhesion of dust to other welded tabs 11, thereby helping to improve the welding quality of the subsequent required welding tabs 11 and adapter plates 20.

[0126] It is understandable that after the welding portion of the welding equipment is inserted into the welding cavity 41 c , it needs to pass through the pressing block 41 to achieve the welding operation on the adapter plate 20 and the tab 11 .

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , a welding hole 41 e is provided on an inner wall of the welding cavity 41 c near the pressing surface 41 a along the second direction. The welding hole 41 e penetrates the pressing block 41 along the second direction.

[0128] In this way, the welding part of the welding equipment can pass through the welding hole 41 e to achieve the welding operation on the adapter plate 20 and the tab 11.

[0129] It can be understood that, in the projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, the projection of the welding position of the adapter plate 20 and the tab 11 is located within the projection range of the welding hole 41 e.

[0130] The specific structural form of the welding cavity 41c is not limited.

[0131] Exemplarily, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the pressing block 41 includes a pressing plate 411, a first baffle 412 and a second baffle 413. The first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are spaced apart along the first direction and both extend along the second direction. The pressing plate 411 is connected between the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413, and is located at one end of the two close to the pressing area 30a along the second direction. At least a portion of the surface of the pressing plate 411 facing the pressing area 30a forms a pressing surface 41a. The pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are jointly arranged to form a welding cavity 41c. The welding hole 41e is provided on the pressing plate 411, and the avoidance space 41b is provided on the side of the second baffle 413 away from the pressing plate 411 along the first direction.

[0132] That is, the pressing plate 411 is used to press against the tab 11 along the second direction, and the side surface of the first pressing plate 411 facing the second pressing plate 411 and the side surface of the second pressing plate 411 facing the first pressing plate 411 form a part of the inner wall of the welding cavity 41c.

[0133] In this way, the first pressure plate 411 and the second pressure plate 411 play a role in blocking welding dust during the welding process, which is beneficial to improving the welding quality; in the process of the pressure block 41 moving along the second direction toward the pressing area 30a, the side surface of the first pressure plate 411 away from the second pressure plate 411 along the first direction can come into contact with the pressed pole ear 11, and guide the pole piece to move toward the adapter plate 20, thereby playing a guiding role, avoiding the pole ear 11 from directly rubbing against the edge of the pressure plate 411 and causing damage to the pole ear 11; the second pressure plate 411 realizes the separation between the welding cavity 41c and the avoidance space 41b, thereby protecting the pole ear 11 located in the avoidance space 41b.

[0134] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6, at least a portion of the surface of the second baffle 413 facing away from the first baffle 412 is a slope, and the slope is located at one end of the second baffle 413 close to the pressing area 30a along the second direction, and the slope gradually moves away from the pressing plate 411 along the direction away from the pressing area 30a. In this way, the second baffle 413 has a better guiding effect, reducing the probability of the second baffle 413 scratching the tab 11 during the contact with the tab 11, thereby causing damage to the tab 11.

[0135] The specific method of forming the avoidance space 41b is not limited.

[0136] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3 , the pressing block 41 further includes a third baffle 414 , and one end of the second baffle 413 away from the pressing plate 411 along the second direction is connected to the third baffle 414 , and the third baffle 414 extends along the first direction away from the pressing plate 411 , and the second baffle 413 and the third baffle 414 are jointly enclosed to form an avoidance space 41 b.

[0137] A surface of the third baffle 414 facing the pressing area 30 a forms an inner wall of the avoidance space 41 b away from the pressing area 30 a along the second direction.

[0138] In this way, the third baffle 414 is provided to better protect the tabs 11 in the avoidance space 41 b , which is further helpful in reducing the probability of dust during the welding process adhering to the tabs 11 that do not need to be welded at present.

[0139] It can be understood that the pressing plate 411 and the third baffle 414 are staggered along the second direction, and compared with the third baffle 414 , the pressing plate 411 is closer to the pressing area 30 a.

[0140] It is understandable that, when the pressing block 41 is pressing against the tab 11 , its structural strength is capable of withstanding the force generated by the pressing.

[0141] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 6, the pressing block 41 also includes a connecting plate 415 and a mounting seat 416. The connecting plate 415 extends along the second direction and is connected between the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413. The connecting plate 415 is connected to the pressing plate 411 at one end close to the pressing area 30a along the second direction. The connecting plate 415, the pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are jointly arranged to form a welding cavity 41c. The mounting seat 416 is arranged at one end of the connecting plate 415 away from the pressing area 30a along the second direction and is located on the side of the connecting plate 415 away from the welding cavity 41c. The mounting seat 416 extends perpendicular to the second direction and is driven and connected to the driving device 42.

[0142] The first baffle 412, the second baffle 413, and the pressing plate 411 are all connected to the connecting plate 415. Thus, on the one hand, the surface of the connecting plate 415 facing the pressing plate 411 forms a portion of the inner wall of the welding cavity 41c, further improving the dust blocking effect during the welding process, thereby further improving the welding quality of the tab 11. On the other hand, by connecting the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413, the connecting plate 415 suppresses the probability of deformation of the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 under the compressive force, which would cause a change in the distance between the two. At the same time, the connecting plate 415 supports the pressing plate 411 in the second direction, reducing the probability of bending and deformation of the pressing plate 411 in the second direction. This is conducive to improving the overall connection strength among the connecting plate 415, the pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412, and the second baffle 413, and reducing the risk of deformation of the pressing block 41 under pressure.

[0143] Mounting seat 416 is located on the side of connecting plate 415 facing away from welding cavity 41c to minimize interference with welding equipment during welding. The drive connection between mounting seat 416 and drive device 42 increases the contact area between pressure block 41 and drive device 42, thereby reducing pressure during the pressing process, lowering the risk of pressure block 41 deforming under pressure, and improving the connection strength of pressure block 41 at the connection point.

[0144] In an embodiment with a third baffle 414 , referring to FIG. 3 , both the connecting plate 415 and the mounting seat 416 are connected to the third baffle 414 to suppress deformation of the third baffle 414 caused by the force transmitted to the third baffle 414 during the process of pressing the tab 11 with the pressing block 41 .

[0145] In some embodiments, the pressing block 41 is an integrated structure, that is, the pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412, the second baffle 413, the third baffle 414, the connecting baffle and the mounting seat 416 are not manufactured separately and then spliced ​​together. In this way, the overall structural strength of the pressing block 41 is further improved, and the tendency of the pressing block 41 to deform under the compressive force is suppressed.

[0146] The specific preparation method of the integral structure of the pressing block 41 is not limited, for example, it can be manufactured by milling a single piece of material; or by additive manufacturing.

[0147] It is understandable that the welding portion of the welding device can be moved to extend into the welding cavity 41 c , and therefore, the probability of the welding portion of the welding device colliding with the pressing block 41 needs to be reduced.

[0148] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 3 , at least one side of the welding cavity 41 c along the third direction is open to form a second opening 41 f , and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0149] It can be understood that the first opening 41d and the second opening 41f are in communication.

[0150] In this way, the welding part of the welding equipment can enter and exit the welding cavity 41c from the first opening 41d and the second opening 41f, thereby enriching the number of relative movement paths between the welding part of the welding equipment and the pressing block 41, improving the flexibility of the operation, and reducing the probability of collision between the two.

[0151] It can be understood that, referring to FIG. 3 , the connecting plate 415 is located at an end of the pressing plate 411 away from the second opening 41 f along the third direction.

[0152] In an embodiment where the second direction is a vertical direction, the first direction and the third direction are two directions perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane.

[0153] The specific type of the driving device 42 is not limited, for example, a pen-shaped cylinder, a slide cylinder, a linear module, a slide electric cylinder, etc.

[0154] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 9, the pressing module 40 also includes an adapter component 43, which is connected between the driving end of the driving device 42 and the pressing block 41 to achieve an indirect connection between the driving device 42 and the pressing block 41. At the same time, it is convenient to more flexibly adjust the position of the pressing block 41 through the adapter component 43.

[0155] It is understandable that the driving force of the driving device 42 to drive the pressing block 41 to move and the pressing force of the pressing surface 41 a required for the tab 11 can be the same or different in magnitude.

[0156] When the driving force of the driving device 42 driving the pressing block 41 to move is greater than the pressing force of the pressing surface 41 a required for the tab 11 , there is a risk that the pressing block 41 may damage the tab 11 .

[0157] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 9, the adapter assembly 43 includes a first adapter 431, a second adapter 432 and an elastic member 433. The first adapter 431 is driven and connected to the driving device 42. The first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 are spaced apart along the second direction. The elastic member 433 is connected between the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432. The elastic member 433 can elastically expand and contract along the second direction. The second adapter 432 is connected to the pressure block 41.

[0158] In this way, the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 undergo relative movement along the second direction, so that the elastic member 433 undergoes elastic deformation along the second direction. The sum of the elastic force generated by the elastic member 433 and the pressing force of the pressure block 41 achieves a force balance with the driving force of the driving device 42, which is beneficial for keeping the pressing force applied by the pressure block 41 on the tab 11 within the design requirements, thereby reducing the probability of damage to the tab 11 due to excessive pressing force.

[0159] The specific type of the elastic member 433 is not limited, such as a coil spring.

[0160] The specific number of the elastic members 433 is not limited, and can be one or more.

[0161] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 , the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 are both plate-shaped, and the thickness direction of both is the second direction. This helps to reduce the size of the adapter assembly 43 along the second direction, making the press-fit assembly more compact.

[0162] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 9, the adapter assembly 43 also includes a guide rod 434 and a linear bearing 435, one of the guide rod 434 and the linear bearing 435 is arranged on the first adapter 431, and the other is arranged on the second adapter 432, and the guide rod 434 extends along the second direction and is passed through the linear bearing 435.

[0163] In this way, by constraining the guide rod 434 and the linear bearing 435, the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 are guided to move in the second direction, thereby reducing the probability that the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 will move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, thereby causing the pressure block 41 to be unable to press the tab 11; at the same time, the probability that the two ends of the elastic member 433 along the second direction will move relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the second direction and be subjected to shear force is reduced, thereby playing a certain protective role for the elastic member 433.

[0164] The guide rod 434 and the linear bearing 435 are in rolling fit, thereby reducing the friction between the two.

[0165] The specific number of the guide rods 434 and the linear bearings 435 is not limited, and can be one or more. The number of the guide rods 434 and the linear bearings 435 is equal and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0166] It is understandable that, in the process of the pressing block 41 moving toward the pressing area 30 a , the position of the pressing block 41 is pre-positioned so that the pressing surface 41 a can press against the tab 11 .

[0167] Specifically, referring to Figures 3 and 6, one of the pressing area 30a and the pressing block 41 is provided with a positioning pin 31, and the other is provided with a positioning hole 41g, the positioning pin 31 protrudes along the second direction, and the positioning hole 41g is open along the second direction toward one side of the positioning pin 31, and the positioning pin 31 can be inserted into the positioning hole 41g along the second direction.

[0168] In this way, before the pressure block 41 reaches the preset pressing position, the positioning pin 31 can be inserted into the positioning hole 41g, and the inner wall of the positioning hole 41g and the positioning pin 31 directly form a stop fit perpendicular to the second direction, thereby constraining the relative position between the pressure block 41 and the pressing area 30a perpendicular to the second direction, so that the pressure block 41 can be pressed more accurately on the preset position of the tab 11.

[0169] The specific number of the positioning pins 31 and the positioning holes 41g is not limited, and can be one or more. The number of the positioning pins 31 and the positioning holes 41g are equal and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0170] It is understandable that one end of the positioning pin 31 facing the positioning hole 41g is provided with an arc chamfer or a bevel to play a guiding role, which is conducive to more accurate insertion of the positioning pin 31 into the positioning hole 41g.

[0171] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 , the positioning holes 41 g or the positioning pins 31 are provided on the pressing surface 41 a .

[0172] It is understandable that when the pressing block 41 presses against the tab 11, the electrode assembly 10 may move relative to the carrier 30 perpendicular to the second direction due to the drag force generated by the tab 11 under the pressing force, thereby posing a risk of affecting the welding quality.

[0173] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 to 9, the pressing module 40 also includes at least two flat plates 44, the two flat plates 44 are arranged at intervals along the first direction, the pressing block 41 is arranged between the two flat plates 44, the driving device 42 is connected to the flat plates 44, and the flat plates 44 are used to press the electrode assembly 10 in the placement area 30b along the second direction.

[0174] That is, under the driving action of the driving device 42 , the flattening plate 44 and the pressing block 41 move together toward the carrier 30 , and when the pressing surface 41 a presses against the tab 11 , the flattening plate 44 presses against the electrode assembly 10 .

[0175] In this way, through the contact between the flattening plate 44 and the electrode assembly 10, the friction between the two suppresses the tendency of the electrode assembly 10 to move during the welding process. At the same time, the flattening plate 44 can shield the electrode assembly 10, reducing the adverse effects of dust during the welding process on the electrode assembly 10.

[0176] 8 , the flattening plate 44 is disposed on the second adapter 432 , such that the flattening plate 44 can move along the second adapter 432 along with the second adapter 432 .

[0177] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8 , the pressing module 40 further includes a frame 47 , and the frame 47 is used to securely place the driving device 42 .

[0178] It can be understood that the adapter assembly 43 and the pressing block 41 are both disposed on a side of the frame 47 close to the carrier along the third direction.

[0179] It is understandable that after the pressing module 40 has been pressing for a long time, there is a risk that the connection position between the driving end of the driving device 42 and the adapter assembly 43 will become loose, which will increase the error between the actual stroke and the theoretical stroke of the pressing block 41 driven by the driving device 42 along the second direction, and there is a risk of over-pressing or non-pressing.

[0180] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the adapter assembly 43 also includes a shielding member 436, which is arranged on the second adapter 432. The frame 47 is provided with a pressing position sensor 45 and a separation position sensor 46. The pressing position sensor 45 and the separation position sensor 46 are arranged along the second direction. The pressing position sensor 45 is located on the side of the separation position sensor 46 close to the carrier 30 along the second direction. The shielding member 436 can enter the sensing area of ​​the pressing position sensor 45 and the sensing area of ​​the separation position sensor 46 respectively along the second direction.

[0181] The driving device 42 drives the second adapter 432 and the pressing block 41 to move along the second direction toward the electrode assembly 10, and the shielding member 436 enters the sensing area of ​​the pressing position sensor 45 along the second direction along the second direction, triggering the pressing position sensor 45 to send a signal that the pressing block 41 has reached the preset pressing position, thereby controlling the driving device 42 to stop driving the second adapter 432 and the pressing block 41 to continue moving along the second direction.

[0182] The driving device 42 drives the second adapter 432 to move along the second direction away from the electrode assembly 10, and the shielding member 436 enters the sensing area of ​​the separation position sensor 46 along the second direction with the second adapter 432, triggering the separation position sensor 46 to send a signal that the pressure block 41 has reached the preset separation position, thereby controlling the driving device 42 to stop driving the second adapter 432 and the pressure block 41 to continue moving along the second direction.

[0183] In this way, the actual position of the pressing block 41 along the second direction can be more accurately obtained through the pressing position sensor 45 and the separation position sensor 46, thereby reducing the probability of the pressing block 41 being over-pressed or not pressed.

[0184] The specific types of the pressing position sensor 45 and the separation position sensor 46 are not limited. For example, both are slot-type photoelectric sensors, and a portion of the blocking member 436 can enter the slot-type sensing area of ​​the slot-type photoelectric sensor.

[0185] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8 , the pressing module 40 includes a cell position sensor 48 . The cell position sensor 48 is used to determine whether the electrode assembly 10 is placed on the carrier 30 .

[0186] In this way, the probability of the electrode assembly 10 falling out of the carrier 30 and causing subsequent operation failure during the process of the carrier 30 transporting the electrode assembly 10 is reduced.

[0187] The specific type of the cell position sensor 48 is not limited, for example, a through-beam optical fiber sensor, a reflective optical fiber sensor, etc.

[0188] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the carrier 30 includes a support plate 32 and multiple positioning plates 33, the positioning plates 33 extend along the second direction, the multiple positioning plates 33 are divided into at least two groups, and each group includes at least two positioning plates 33, the two groups of positioning plates 33 are spaced apart along the first direction and the pressing area 30a is located between the two groups of positioning plates 33, the placement area 30b is located on one side of a group of positioning plates 33 away from the pressing area 30a along the first direction, the two positioning plates 33 in each group are spaced apart along the third direction to form a gap for the tab 11 to pass through and extend into the pressing area 30a, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0189] That is, the surface of the tray between the two groups of positioning plates 33 along the first direction forms a pressing area 30 a , and each placement area 30 b is configured corresponding to a group of positioning plates 33 .

[0190] In this way, the electrode assembly 10 placed in the placement area 30b abuts against the positioning plate 33 along the first direction, so that the spacing between different electrode assemblies 10 along the first direction meets the design requirements through at least two groups of positioning plates 33, which is conducive to the relative position between the adapter plate 20 and the tab 11 along the first direction meeting the design requirements, effectively reducing the probability of the electrode assembly 10 moving along the first direction during the welding process, and is conducive to improving the quality of the finished product after welding.

[0191] It can be understood that the pressing area 30 a , the placement area 30 b and the positioning plate 33 are all located on the same side of the support plate 32 .

[0192] The specific method of forming the placement area 30b is not limited.

[0193] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the carrier 30 also includes a plurality of first stops 34, and the plurality of first stops 34 are divided into at least two groups, each group including at least two first stops 34 spaced apart along the third direction, at least one group of first stops 34 is located on a side of a group of positioning plates 33 away from the pressing area 30a along the first direction, and is jointly enclosed with the group of positioning plates 33 to form a placement area 30b, and the first stops 34 are used to cooperate with the electrode assembly 10 to stop along the third direction.

[0194] In this way, the movement range of the electrode assembly 10 in the placement area 30b along the third direction is limited by at least one set of first stops 34, which is beneficial for the electrode assembly 10 to maintain a stable position during the welding process, thereby improving the welding quality.

[0195] It can be understood that at least a portion of the first stopper 34 and the positioning plate 33 are located on the same side of the supporting plate 32 .

[0196] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the carrier 30 also includes at least two second stops 35, which are located on one side of a group of positioning plates 33 along the first direction and are spaced apart from the group of positioning plates 33 along the first direction to jointly enclose a placement area 30b, and the second stops 35 are used to cooperate with the electrode assembly 10 to stop along the first direction.

[0197] In this way, the positioning member and the second stopper 35 jointly limit the movement range of the electrode assembly 10 in the placement area 30b along the first direction, which is beneficial for the electrode assembly 10 to maintain a stable position during the welding process, thereby improving the welding quality.

[0198] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , the carrier 30 is provided with a positioning groove 30 c, which is open on one side perpendicular to the conveying direction of the carrier 30 so that other components on the production line can be inserted into the positioning groove 30 c and cooperate with the inner wall stop of the positioning groove 30 c, thereby realizing the positioning of the carrier 30 in its conveying direction and reducing the probability of welding failure caused by movement of the carrier 30 during the welding process.

[0199] It can be understood that at least a portion of the second stopper 35 and the positioning plate 33 are located on the same side of the supporting plate 32 .

[0200] A welding positioning device according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is described as follows:

[0201] The welding positioning device includes a carrier 30 and a pressing module 40. The pressing module 40 includes a pressing block 41, a driving device 42 and an adapter assembly 43. The pressing block 41 includes a pressing plate 411, a first baffle 412, a second baffle 413, a third baffle 414, a connecting plate 415, a mounting seat 416 and at least two flat plates 44. The first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are spaced apart along the first direction and extend along the second direction. The pressing plate 411 is connected to the first baffle 41. 2 and the second baffle 413, and is located at one end of the two along the second direction close to the pressing area 30a. At least a portion of the surface of the pressing plate 411 facing the pressing area 30a forms a pressing surface 41a. The pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are jointly surrounded to form a welding cavity 41c. The pressing plate 411 is provided with a welding hole 41e that passes through along the second direction. The avoidance space 41b is provided on a side of the second baffle 413 along the first direction away from the pressing plate 411. The second baffle 413 is connected to the third baffle 414 at one end away from the pressing plate 411 along the second direction, and the third baffle 414 extends along the first direction away from the pressing plate 411, and the second baffle 413 and the third baffle 414 are jointly enclosed to form an avoidance space 41b, and the connecting plate 415 extends along the second direction and is connected between the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413, and the connecting plate 415 is connected to the pressing plate 411 at one end close to the pressing area 30a in the second direction, and the connecting plate 415, the pressing plate 411, the first baffle 412 and the second baffle 413 are jointly enclosed to form a welding cavity 41c, and the mounting seat 416 is provided at one end of the connecting plate 415 away from the pressing area 30a along the second direction and is located on the side of the connecting plate 415 away from the welding cavity 41c, and the mounting seat 416 extends perpendicular to the second direction, and the mounting seat 416 is connected to the driving device 42, and the pressing surface 41a is used When pressing the pole ear 11 of a part of the electrode assembly 10 along the second direction, the avoidance space 41b is used to accommodate the pole ear 11 of another part of the electrode assembly 10 when the pressing surface 41a presses the pole ear 11 of a part of the electrode assembly 10; the adapter assembly 43 includes a first adapter 431, a second adapter 432, an elastic member 433, a guide rod 434 and a linear bearing 435, the first adapter 431 is drivingly connected to the driving device 42, the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432 are spaced apart along the first direction, the elastic member 433 is connected between the first adapter 431 and the second adapter 432, and the elastic member 433 can elastically extend and retract along the second direction, one of the guide rod 434 and the linear bearing 435 is provided on the first adapter 431, and the other is provided on the second adapter 432, and the guide rod 434 extends along the first direction and is passed through the linear bearing 435. One of the pressing area 30a and the pressing block 41 is provided with a positioning pin 31, and the other is provided with a positioning hole 41g, the positioning pin 31 protrudes along the first direction, and the positioning hole 41g is open along the first direction toward one side of the positioning pin 31, and the positioning pin 31 can be inserted into the positioning hole 41g along the first direction.Two flattening plates 44 are spaced apart along a first direction, a pressing block 41 is disposed between the two flattening plates 44, and a driving device 42 is drivably connected to the flattening plates 44. The flattening plates 44 are each configured to press the electrode assembly 10 in the placement region 30b along a second direction. The carrier 30 includes a support plate 32 and a plurality of positioning plates 33. The positioning plates 33 extend along a second direction. The plurality of positioning plates 33 are divided into at least two groups, each group including at least two positioning plates 33. The two groups of positioning plates 33 are spaced apart along the first direction, and the pressing region 30a is located between the two groups of positioning plates 33. The placement region 30b is located on one side of one group of positioning plates 33 facing away from the other group of positioning plates 33 along the first direction. The two positioning plates 33 in each group are spaced apart along a third direction to form a gap for the electrode tab 11 to pass through and extend into the pressing region 30a. The first, second, and third directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0202] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a battery production line for welding the tab 11 and the adapter plate 20 of an electrode assembly 10. The battery production line includes welding equipment, a conveying module, and a welding positioning device of any one of the aforementioned embodiments. The welding equipment is used to weld the tab 11 and the adapter plate 20 when the pressing surface 41a is pressed against the tab 11 of an electrode assembly 10. The conveying module is driven and connected to the carrier 30 to drive the carrier 30 to move.

[0203] In this way, the welding positioning device presses and positions the electrode assembly 10 and the adapter plate 20, thereby improving the welding operation position accuracy of the welding equipment; by accommodating the electrode ear 11 that does not need to be welded at present through the avoidance space 41b, it is beneficial to improve the welding quality of subsequent welding operations; the carrier 30 is driven to move by the conveying module to change the position of the carrier 30, thereby facilitating loading and unloading operations, and at the same time, facilitating the movement of the unwelded electrode assembly 10 and adapter plate 20 to the preset operating position corresponding to the welding equipment.

[0204] The specific type of welding equipment is not limited, for example, an ultrasonic welding device.

[0205] The specific type of the conveying module is not limited. For example, the conveying module includes a guide rail, a conveyor belt and a driving member. The carrier 30 slides with the guide rail, the conveyor belt is fixedly connected to the carrier 30, and the driving member is connected to the conveyor belt to drive the transmission belt to move, thereby pulling the carrier 30 to move.

[0206] In some embodiments, the battery production line further includes a positioning module, and the positioning end of the positioning module is retractable to be inserted into the positioning groove 30 c to fix the position of the carrier 30 .

[0207] The specific type of the positioning module is not limited. For example, the positioning module is a cylinder, and the positioning end is the end of the driving rod of the cylinder.

[0208] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a welding method for welding the tabs and adapter plates of the electrode assembly in the battery production line of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The welding method is applied to a control device, and the specific type of the control device is not limited, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) device, an industrial computer, etc.

[0209] Referring to FIG10 , the welding method includes:

[0210] Step S10: Loading operation: placing the adapter in the pressing area, placing the electrode assembly in the placement area, and the tabs of at least two electrode assemblies are located in the pressing area, so that the adapter and the tabs are overlapped along the second direction.

[0211] It can be understood that the adapter is located between the pressing area and the tab.

[0212] Step S20: Pressing operation: determine that the carrier is located at a preset working position, control the driving device to drive the pressing block to move toward the pressing area along the second direction to a preset pressing position, so that the tabs and adapter sheets of one or more electrode assemblies are clamped between the pressing surface and the surface of the pressing area, and the tabs of one or more electrode assemblies are located in the avoidance space.

[0213] The preset working position refers to the pre-set position for welding work.

[0214] The adapter plate 20 and the tab 11 that need to be welded in the current process are pressed together through the pressing surface 41a and the pressing area 30a, so that the welding equipment can weld the two together. The tab 11 that does not need to be welded in the current process can be accommodated by the avoidance space 41b.

[0215] Step S30: Welding operation: driving the welding part of the welding equipment to move to a preset welding position, and controlling the welding pressing surface of the welding part to press the tab and the adapter.

[0216] The welding method disclosed in the present invention reduces the probability of the tabs 11 that do not need to be welded in the current process being damaged by pressure by leaving space 41b to accommodate the tabs 11 that do not need to be welded in the current process, so that the welding quality of these tabs 11 after subsequent welding meets the technical requirements.

[0217] It is understandable that after the welding operation, the electrode assembly 10 that has been welded is removed from the carrier 30 , or the carrier 30 is moved to a preset operation position corresponding to another electrode tab 11 that has not been welded.

[0218] In some embodiments, determining that the carrier is located at a preset operating position specifically includes:

[0219] Control the conveying module to drive the carrier to move along the conveying direction to the preset working position;

[0220] The positioning end of the positioning module is controlled to be inserted into the positioning groove of the carrier so that the inner wall of the positioning groove and the positioning end are engaged with each other along the conveying direction.

[0221] In this way, the inner wall of the positioning groove 30c cooperates with the stopper between the positioning end, thereby achieving the positioning of the carrier 30 in its conveying direction, reducing the probability of welding failure caused by movement of the carrier 30 during the welding process.

[0222] The specific method in which the conveying module drives the carrier 30 to move to the preset working position is not limited. For example, the carrier 30 is arranged on a slide rail, and multiple carriers 30 are connected end to end. The mover of the linear motor is connected to at least one of the carriers 30, so that each carrier 30 is dragged to move and stop through the movement of the mover of the linear motor. In this way, the purpose of controlling the movement of the carrier 30 to the preset working position is achieved by controlling the position of the mover of the linear motor.

[0223] In some embodiments, before controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to the preset pressing position, the welding method further includes:

[0224] When the electrode assembly located in the placement area blocks the light beam emitted by the cell presence sensor, a cell presence signal emitted by the cell presence sensor is obtained.

[0225] When the carrier 30 is in the preset working position, the light beam emitted by the emitting end of the cell presence sensor 48 is directed to the placement area 30b. If the light beam can pass through the placement area 30b and be received by the receiving end of the cell presence sensor 48 located on the other side of the placement area 30b, or if the intensity of the reflected light received by the receiving end of the cell presence sensor 48 does not meet the set value range, it means that the electrode assembly 10 in the placement area 30b is detached, and the cell presence sensor 48 sends a cell not in place signal, thereby stopping subsequent operations. If the receiving end of the cell presence sensor 48 located on the other side of the placement area 30b fails to receive the light beam, or if the intensity of the reflected light received by the receiving end of the cell presence sensor 48 meets the set value range, it means that there is an electrode assembly 10 in the placement area 30b, and the cell presence sensor 48 sends a cell in place signal. The control device responds to the signal and controls the subsequent operations to continue.

[0226] In this way, the state of the electrode assembly 10 in the carrier 30 can be better monitored, reducing the risk of the electrode assembly 10 falling while moving with the carrier 30 and causing waste of materials in subsequent welding operations.

[0227] In some embodiments, controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position along the second direction specifically includes:

[0228] The control driving device drives the adapter assembly to move along the second direction toward the pressing area until it is determined that the shielding member in the adapter assembly enters the sensing area of ​​the pressing position sensor.

[0229] In this way, it is helpful to reduce the adverse effects of the loose connection between the adapter assembly 43 and the drive device and the loose connection between the components in the adapter assembly 43 on the position error of the pressure block 41 along the second direction, and the actual position of the pressure block 41 along the second direction can be known more accurately, reducing the probability of the pressure block 41 being over-pressed or not pressed.

[0230] The various embodiments / implementations provided in the present disclosure can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction.

[0231] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure shall be included within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A welding positioning device for welding a tab and a transfer plate of an electrode assembly, the welding positioning device comprising: A carrier, comprising a pressing area and at least two placement areas for placing a single electrode assembly, wherein the pressing area is formed between the two placement areas along a first direction, and the pressing area is used to place the tab and the adapter; A pressing module includes a pressing block and a driving device, wherein the driving device is connected to the pressing block to drive the pressing block to move toward the pressing area along a second direction, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction, and the pressing block is provided with a pressing surface and an avoidance space on the side facing the pressing area, wherein the pressing surface is used to press the pole ears of a part of the electrode assembly along the second direction, and the avoidance space is located on the side of the pressing surface along the first direction and is open toward the side of the pressing area, and the avoidance space is used to accommodate the pole ears of another part of the electrode assembly when the pressing surface presses the pole ears of a part of the electrode assembly.

2. The welding positioning device according to claim 1, wherein: The avoidance space is open along the first direction at a side away from the pressing surface.

3. The welding positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pressing block is provided with a welding cavity, which is located on the side of the pressing surface away from the pressing area. The welding cavity is open along the second direction on the side away from the pressing surface to form a first opening, and a welding hole is provided on the inner wall of the side close to the pressing surface along the second direction, and the welding hole passes through the pressing block along the second direction.

4. The welding positioning device according to claim 3, wherein: The pressing block includes a pressing plate, a first baffle and a second baffle, the first baffle and the second baffle are spaced apart along the first direction and both extend along the second direction, the pressing plate is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle, and is located at one end of the two close to the pressing area along the second direction, at least a portion of the surface of the pressing plate facing the pressing area forms the pressing surface, the pressing plate, the first baffle and the second baffle are jointly arranged to form the welding cavity, the welding hole is provided on the pressing plate, and the avoidance space is provided on the side of the second baffle away from the pressing plate along the first direction.

5. The welding positioning device according to claim 4, wherein: At least a portion of the surface of the second baffle facing away from the first baffle is a slope, which is located at one end of the second baffle close to the pressing area along the second direction and gradually moves away from the pressing plate in a direction away from the pressing area.

6. The welding positioning device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The pressing block also includes a third baffle, the second baffle is connected to the third baffle at one end away from the pressing plate along the second direction, the third baffle extends along the first direction away from the pressing plate, and the second baffle and the third baffle are jointly arranged to form the avoidance space.

7. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The pressing block also includes a connecting plate and a mounting seat, the connecting plate extends along the second direction and is connected between the first baffle and the second baffle, the connecting plate is connected to the pressing plate at one end close to the pressing area along the second direction, the connecting plate, the pressing plate, the first baffle and the second baffle are jointly arranged to form the welding cavity, the mounting seat is arranged at one end of the connecting plate away from the pressing area along the second direction and is located on the side of the connecting plate away from the welding cavity, the mounting seat extends perpendicular to the second direction, and the mounting seat is drivingly connected to the driving device.

8. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: At least one side of the welding cavity along a third direction is open to form a second opening, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

9. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The pressing module also includes a transfer assembly, which includes a first transfer member, a second transfer member and an elastic member. The first transfer member is drivingly connected to the driving device, and the first transfer member and the second transfer member are spaced apart along the second direction. The elastic member is connected between the first transfer member and the second transfer member, and the elastic member can elastically expand and contract along the second direction. The second transfer member is connected to the pressing block.

10. The welding positioning device according to claim 9, wherein: The adapter assembly further includes a guide rod and a linear bearing, one of which is disposed on the first adapter, and the other is disposed on the second adapter, and the guide rod extends along the second direction and passes through the linear bearing.

11. The welding positioning device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The pressing module also includes a frame, and the adapter assembly also includes a shielding member, which is arranged on the second adapter. A pressing position sensor and a separation position sensor are provided on the frame, and the pressing position sensor and the separation position sensor are arranged along the second direction. The pressing position sensor is located on the side of the separation position sensor close to the carrier along the second direction, and the shielding member can enter the sensing area of the pressing position sensor and the sensing area of the separation position sensor respectively along the second direction.

12. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: One of the pressing area and the pressing block is provided with a positioning pin, and the other is provided with a positioning hole. The positioning pin protrudes along the second direction, and the positioning hole is open toward one side of the positioning pin along the second direction. The positioning pin can be inserted into the positioning hole along the second direction.

13. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The pressing module also includes at least two flat plates, which are spaced apart along the first direction. The pressing block is arranged between the two flat plates. The driving device is connected to the flat plates, and the flat plates are used to press the electrode assemblies in the placement area along the second direction.

14. The welding positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The carrier includes a support plate and multiple positioning plates, the positioning plates extend along the second direction, the multiple positioning plates are divided into at least two groups, and each group includes at least two positioning plates, the two groups of positioning plates are spaced apart along the first direction and the pressing area is located between the two groups of positioning plates, the placement area is located on one side of a group of positioning plates away from the pressing area along the first direction, the two positioning plates in each group are spaced apart along the third direction to form a gap for the tab to pass through and extend into the pressing area, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

15. The welding positioning device according to claim 14, wherein: The carrier further includes a plurality of first stoppers, the plurality of first stoppers being divided into at least two groups, each group including at least two first stoppers spaced apart along the third direction, at least one group of first stoppers being located on a side of a group of positioning plates away from the pressing area along the first direction, and together with the group of positioning plates, enclosing the placement area, the first stoppers being configured to cooperate with the electrode assembly to stop along the third direction; And / or, the carrier also includes at least two second stops, which are located on one side of a group of positioning plates along the first direction and are spaced apart from the group of positioning plates along the first direction to jointly enclose the placement area, and the second stops are used to cooperate with the electrode assembly to stop along the first direction.

16. A battery production line for welding the tabs and adapter plates of an electrode assembly, the battery production line comprising welding equipment, a conveying module and the welding positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the welding equipment being used to weld the tabs and the adapter plates in a state where the pressing surface presses against the tab of one of the electrode assemblies, the conveying module being connected to the carrier drive to drive the carrier to move.

17. A welding method for welding the tabs and adapters of the electrode assembly in the battery production line of claim 16, wherein: The welding method comprises: Loading operation: placing the adapter in the pressing area, placing the electrode assembly in the placement area, and the tabs of at least two electrode assemblies are located in the pressing area, so that the adapter and the tabs are overlapped along the second direction; Pressing operation: determining that the carrier is located at a preset operating position, controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position, so that the tabs and the adapter sheet of one or more electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the pressing surface and the surface of the pressing area, and the tabs of one or more electrode assemblies are located in the avoidance space; Welding operation: driving the welding part of the welding equipment to move to a preset welding position, and controlling the welding part to weld the tab and the adapter pressed by the pressing surface.

18. The welding method according to claim 17, wherein: The battery production line further comprises a positioning module, wherein the positioning end of the positioning module is retractable; Determining that the carrier is located at the preset operating position specifically includes: Controlling the conveying module to drive the carrier to move along the conveying direction to the preset working position; The positioning end is controlled to be inserted into the positioning groove of the carrier so that the inner wall of the positioning groove and the positioning end are engaged with each other in a stop manner along the conveying direction.

19. The welding method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: Before the control driving device drives the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position, the welding method further includes: In a state where the electrode assembly in the placement area blocks the light beam emitted by the cell presence sensor, a cell presence signal emitted by the cell presence sensor is obtained.

20. The welding method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: Controlling the driving device to drive the pressing block to move along the second direction toward the pressing area to a preset pressing position specifically includes: The driving device is controlled to drive the adapter assembly to move along the second direction toward the pressing area until it is determined that the shielding member in the adapter assembly enters the sensing area of the pressing position sensor.

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