Formation device and battery cell formation method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of battery production. Disclosed are a formation device and a battery cell formation method. The formation device comprises a formation unit, an air exhaust assembly, and an air supply assembly. The formation unit comprises a cabinet. At least one formation area is provided in the cabinet. The formation areas are communicated with each other. The formation areas are configured to accommodate battery cells to be subjected to formation. The air exhaust assembly is communicated with the at least one formation area. The air exhaust assembly is configured to exhaust air for the formation area. The air supply assembly is communicated with at least one formation area. The air supply assembly is configured to supply air to the formation area.

Description

Formation equipment and formation methods for battery cells

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410502118.8, filed on April 24, 2024, entitled “Formation Equipment and Formation Method for Battery Cells”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a formation apparatus and a formation method for battery cells. Background Technology

[0004] Batteries are being used more and more widely in daily life and production. For example, new energy vehicles equipped with batteries are already widely used, and batteries can provide all or part of the power for these vehicles. In addition, batteries are increasingly being used in energy storage and other fields.

[0005] Currently, in the battery manufacturing process, a formation process is required to improve battery performance. However, this formation process consumes relatively high amounts of energy.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide a formation apparatus and a formation method for battery cells, with the goal of reducing energy consumption during the formation process of battery cells.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a formation apparatus, comprising:

[0009] A formation unit includes a housing, wherein at least one formation zone is provided inside the housing, and the formation zones are interconnected. The formation zones are configured to accommodate battery cells to be formed.

[0010] An exhaust assembly is connected to at least one of the formation zones, and the exhaust assembly is configured to exhaust air from the formation zones.

[0011] An air supply assembly is connected to at least one of the formation zones, and the air supply assembly is configured to supply air to the formation zones.

[0012] In the above technical solution, air is supplied separately to the formation zone via an air supply component, ensuring that the formation zone meets the environmental requirements for the formation of individual battery cells. The formation zone does not require the introduction of air from the formation plant itself, eliminating the need to maintain the formation plant in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment. The formation equipment operates within the formation plant, which has a large space for storing both pre- and post-formulation battery cells; therefore, the formation plant's space is significantly larger than the formation zone's space. By using a separate air supply component to control the formation zone, the formation plant can operate under any environmental conditions. This eliminates the need for temperature control within the formation plant, reducing the space required for temperature control and consequently lowering energy consumption during battery cell production.

[0013] Furthermore, with the reduced environmental requirements of the chemical formation plant, the partition walls of the chemical formation plant can be eliminated, and the environmental conditions inside the chemical formation plant can be closer to the outdoor environmental conditions, thereby improving the maintenance environment for workers. In other words, the chemical formation equipment can also be easily modified in the chemical formation plant to improve the maintenance environment for workers.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a formation assembly, the formation assembly includes two formation zones arranged along a first direction, the air supply assembly includes a main air supply pipe and a branch air supply pipe, along the first direction, a main air supply pipe is provided on both sides of the formation assembly, and any formation zone of the formation assembly along the first direction is connected to the main air supply pipe adjacent to the formation zone through a branch air supply pipe.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the main air supply pipe and the formation zone can be symmetrically arranged along the first direction. In the first direction, adjacent formation zones and the main air supply pipe are connected by a branch air supply pipe. While maximizing the number of formation zones in the box, it also facilitates the structural design of the branch air supply pipes. The structural shape of each branch air supply pipe can be kept consistent, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying the structure of the formation equipment.

[0016] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a charging device disposed within the formation zone, the charging device being configured to charge individual battery cells, and the connection between the air supply branch pipe and the formation zone facing the top of the individual battery cells within the formation zone.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the connection between the air supply branch pipe and the formation zone faces the top of the battery cell in the formation zone, which facilitates air supply between the battery cell and the charging device, thereby helping the battery cell to complete the formation at a more stable and suitable temperature.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air supply assembly further includes an air valve, and each of the air supply branch pipes is provided with the air valve.

[0019] In the above technical solution, by installing air valves on each air supply branch pipe, the air supply volume in each formation zone can be controlled independently, which makes it easy to effectively control the temperature in each formation zone at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to improving the formation effect of the battery cell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the air supply branch pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are interconnected. The first pipe section is also connected to the main air supply pipe, and the second pipe section is also connected to the formation zone. The first pipe section has a square cross-section, and the second pipe section has a flat opening cross-section.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the cross-section of the first pipe section is square and the cross-section of the second pipe section is flat. This allows the cross-section of the air supply at the connection between the air supply branch pipe and the formation zone to be changed while ensuring that most of the structure of the air supply branch pipe is easy to manufacture. This allows the air supply area to better cover the formation zone, which is beneficial for each battery cell in the formation zone to be uniformly exposed to hot air, thus improving the formation effect of the formation equipment.

[0022] In one embodiment, the number of the constituent groups is multiple, and each constituent group is arranged along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

[0023] In the above technical solution, multiple formation groups are formed on a box arranged along the second direction. Under the premise of increasing the number of formation zones of the formation equipment, the number of boxes does not need to be increased, that is, the installation parts of the formation equipment will not be increased, which is conducive to ensuring the production efficiency of the formation equipment.

[0024] In one embodiment, the number of boxes is multiple, and at least some of the boxes are arranged along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the number of formation zones is increased by setting up multiple boxes. When the number of formation zones required is large, the size of a single box is controllable, which is beneficial for the assembly of the formation equipment and the transportation of the boxes.

[0026] In one embodiment, the number of boxes is multiple, and at least some of the boxes are arranged along the first direction.

[0027] In the above technical solution, by arranging multiple boxes along the first direction, on the one hand, the number of formation zones can be increased when the size of the formation equipment is limited in other directions; on the other hand, two adjacent boxes along the first direction can share a single air supply component, thereby effectively controlling the number of air supply components and reducing the total cost of the formation equipment.

[0028] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a first fan disposed at the top of the formation region and a second fan disposed at the bottom of the formation region, wherein both the first fan and the second fan are configured to supply air to the area between the first fan and the second fan.

[0029] In the above technical solution, by setting a first fan and a second fan, the first fan and the second fan blow the hot air sent into the formation zone by the air supply component toward the middle area of ​​the formation zone, thereby making the temperature field in the formation zone more uniform.

[0030] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a charging device disposed within the formation region, the charging device being configured to charge individual battery cells.

[0031] In the above technical solution, by setting up a charging device in the formation zone, it is not necessary to introduce external power to perform formation treatment on the battery cells in the formation zone. On the one hand, this facilitates the formation process of the battery cells; on the other hand, the formation zone can better form a closed environment, which is conducive to the stable control of the environmental conditions in the formation zone.

[0032] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a negative pressure module disposed within the formation region, the negative pressure module being configured to evacuate the battery cells.

[0033] In the above technical solution, by setting a negative pressure module in the formation zone, it is convenient to simultaneously extract the gas generated inside the battery cell during the formation process.

[0034] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a thermometer, at least a portion of which is disposed within the formation region and configured to acquire the temperature within the formation region.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the real-time temperature in the formation zone can be obtained through a thermometer, which makes it easier for staff to take corresponding actions to continuously control the temperature in the formation zone at a suitable level.

[0036] In one embodiment, the formation unit further includes a hygrometer, at least a portion of which is disposed within the formation region and configured to acquire the humidity within the formation region.

[0037] In the above technical solution, the humidity meter can obtain the real-time humidity in the formation zone, which makes it easier for staff to take corresponding actions to continuously control the humidity in the formation zone at a suitable level.

[0038] In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a main body, a first door, and a second door. The main body has a formation zone, and the formation zone is open on both sides in a third direction to form a pick-up / placement port and an inspection port. The first door is located at the pick-up / placement port, and the second door is located at the inspection port.

[0039] In the above technical solution, the placement and removal of individual battery cells is facilitated by providing an access port. The maintenance port facilitates the maintenance of components within the formation zone.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first door is a folding door capable of moving in a direction parallel to the plane containing the pick-up and drop-off opening.

[0041] In the above technical solution, the first door does not move in either the direction of entering the formation zone through the pick-and-place port or the direction of leaving the formation zone through the pick-and-place port. That is to say, during the opening and closing process, on the one hand, the first door will not intrude into the formation zone, so that the formation zone can accommodate more battery cells for formation; on the other hand, the first door will not occupy the space of the area connected to the external environment within the pick-and-place port range, so it will not affect the process of placing battery cells into the formation zone through the pick-and-place port.

[0042] In one embodiment, the second door includes at least one revolving door, one side of which is rotatably connected to the box body.

[0043] In the above technical solution, the second door is set as a revolving door. The opening area of ​​the second door is relatively large, which can provide a larger maintenance space. At the same time, the view is better after the second door is opened, and the formation area is brighter. This makes it easier for staff to maintain the components in the formation area.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for forming a battery cell, applied to a formation apparatus, the formation apparatus including a control module, a charging device, and a formation unit, the formation unit including a housing having at least one formation zone, and the formation method including:

[0045] In response to the arrival of the battery cell in the formation zone, the control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions in the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation conditions.

[0046] The control module controls the charging device to charge the battery cells to complete the formation.

[0047] In the above technical solution, by adjusting the implementation conditions in the formation zone to meet the formation conditions before forming the battery cells, the battery cells can be stably formed under suitable conditions, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cells.

[0048] In one embodiment, the real-time operating conditions include temperature and / or humidity.

[0049] In the above technical solution, by controlling the temperature and humidity in the formation zone, the battery cells can better form an SEI film during the formation process, while effectively reducing the possibility of water vapor entering the battery cells, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cells.

[0050] In one embodiment, the formation apparatus includes an air supply assembly connected to at least one formation zone, the air supply assembly being configured to supply air to the formation zone, and the control module adjusting the real-time operating conditions within the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation conditions, including:

[0051] Obtain the real-time temperature within the formation zone;

[0052] If the real-time temperature is determined to be lower than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is controlled to open; if the real-time temperature is determined to be higher than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is controlled to close.

[0053] In the above technical solution, by controlling the air valve, the real-time temperature in the formation zone is always kept at the formation temperature, so that the battery cells can always be formed at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cells.

[0054] In one embodiment, the formation equipment includes a dehumidification component, and the control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions within the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation requirements, including:

[0055] Obtain the real-time humidity within the formation zone;

[0056] If it is determined that the real-time humidity is higher than the formation humidity, the dehumidification component is turned on to dehumidify the formation area.

[0057] In the above technical solution, by acquiring the real-time humidity in the formation zone and then using a dehumidification component to maintain the formation zone in a low-humidity environment, the possibility of water vapor entering the battery cell during the formation process is reduced, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell.

[0058] In one embodiment, the housing includes a housing body and a first door. The housing body has a formation zone, which is open on one side in a third direction to form a pick-and-place opening. The first door is located at the pick-and-place opening. The formation equipment further includes a transfer module. The response to the battery cell arriving at the formation zone includes:

[0059] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cell to the first door and controls the first door to open.

[0060] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cell through the first gate to the formation zone and then leave the formation zone, and then controls the first gate to close.

[0061] In the above technical solution, the battery cells to be formed are transported to the formation area by the transfer module for formation processing. This process does not require manual operation, thereby reducing labor costs. At the same time, the battery cell formation process has a relatively high degree of automation, which is conducive to improving the production efficiency of battery cells.

[0062] In one embodiment, the formation method further includes:

[0063] The transfer module moves to the first door, and the control module controls the first door to open.

[0064] The transfer module enters the formation area through the first gate and carries the formed battery cell out of the formation area;

[0065] The control module controls the first door to close.

[0066] In the above technical solution, the battery cells that have completed formation are transferred by the transfer module. The first gate can automatically cooperate with the transfer module to work. This process does not require manual operation, thereby reducing labor costs. At the same time, the battery cell formation process has a relatively high degree of automation, which is conducive to improving the production efficiency of battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 is a first-view schematic diagram of a chemical formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 2 is a second-view schematic diagram of a chemical formation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cutting plane is parallel to the first direction;

[0070] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the air supply branch pipe and the air valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation of various components in the formation zone of a formation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chemical formation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chemical formation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of a battery cell formation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, formation equipment; 10, formation unit; 11, housing; 111, housing body; 111a, formation area; 111b, loading / unloading port; 111c, maintenance port; 112, first door; 113, second door; 20, exhaust assembly; 30, air supply assembly; 31, main air supply pipe; 32, branch air supply pipe; 321, first pipe section; 322, second pipe section; 33, air valve; 40, charging device; 50, first fan; 60, second fan; 70, negative pressure module; 80, thermometer; 90, hygrometer; 200, support device; 300, battery cell. Detailed Implementation

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are therefore only examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0077] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0078] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0079] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0080] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0081] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0082] The following is a detailed description of this disclosure.

[0083] The formation apparatus and battery cell formation method provided in this disclosure are both used in the production of the battery of this disclosure. In order to make the formation apparatus and battery cell formation method of this disclosure clearer, the battery of this disclosure will be introduced first before describing the formation apparatus and battery cell formation method of this disclosure.

[0084] The batteries provided in this disclosure can be used individually. Multiple batteries can also be grouped together to form a battery pack. The batteries and battery packs can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices. Electrical devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, vehicles, ships, or spacecraft. Spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0085] Taking a vehicle as an example from one embodiment of this disclosure, the vehicle can be a gasoline-powered vehicle, a natural gas-powered vehicle, or a new energy vehicle. New energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. A battery is installed inside the vehicle, and the battery can be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle. The battery can be used to power the vehicle; for example, the battery can serve as the vehicle's operating power source. In some embodiments, the battery can not only serve as the vehicle's operating power source but also as the vehicle's driving power source, replacing or partially replacing gasoline or natural gas to provide driving power for the vehicle.

[0086] The battery can be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium lithium-ion battery, a lithium metal battery, or a lithium sulfur battery, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this type of battery.

[0087] A battery includes at least one battery cell. The battery cell is the energy storage component of the battery. The battery also includes a battery monitoring and management device for monitoring the charge level and other parameters of the battery cells.

[0088] In a battery, there can be multiple battery cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration. A hybrid configuration means that multiple battery cells are connected in both series and parallel. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration together; of course, a battery can also be composed of multiple battery cells first connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or in a hybrid configuration to form a whole.

[0089] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the battery cell can be a secondary battery cell, which refers to a battery cell that can be recharged after being discharged to activate the active materials and continue to be used.

[0090] The battery cell can be cylindrical, prismatic, or other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic or multi-prismatic cells, such as hexagonal prismatic cells, etc., and there are no particular limitations in this disclosure.

[0091] The internal cavity of a battery cell is used to house the electrode assembly and electrolyte. For example, the battery cell includes a casing, electrode assembly, and electrolyte, with the electrode assembly and electrolyte housed within the casing. The casing encapsulates the electrode assembly and electrolyte, among other components. An injection port is provided on the casing, through which the electrolyte is injected into the internal cavity.

[0092] During the production of battery cells, a formation process is required, which involves initially charging the battery cell to activate it. During this process, gas is generated inside the battery cell. If this gas remains inside, it can cause the cell to expand and deform, negatively impacting its performance. Therefore, it is necessary to remove this gas from the battery cell during the formation process.

[0093] Each battery cell is equipped with an injection port, through which electrolyte can be injected into the cell. Of course, during formation processing, gases generated inside the battery cell can also be extracted through the injection port.

[0094] The formation process for individual battery cells needs to be completed within the formation plant. In related technologies, the electrolyte filling holes of the battery cells are not sealed and remain open. This means that the electrolyte filling holes of the battery cells are open during the process of being transported from the formation plant to the formation machine for formation treatment, and also during the process of being transported from the formation machine to the designated stacking storage location within the formation plant after formation. Therefore, this production process places high demands on the environmental conditions within the formation plant. To facilitate better SEI film formation in the battery cells, the entire formation plant needs to be maintained in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment. This results in high energy consumption. Furthermore, the high-temperature environment of the formation plant makes it difficult for production personnel to maintain the equipment within the plant.

[0095] The battery cell provided in this embodiment also includes a switching valve, which is located at the injection port, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the internal cavity of the battery cell. In other words, the injection port can be closed by the switching valve before and after the formation process, thus reducing the requirements for the environmental conditions within the formation plant.

[0096] In view of the above, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a formation apparatus. The formation apparatus includes a formation unit, an exhaust assembly, and an air supply assembly. The formation unit includes a housing. At least one formation zone is provided within the housing. The formation zones are interconnected. Each formation zone is configured to accommodate a battery cell to be formed. The exhaust assembly is connected to the at least one formation zone and is configured to exhaust air from the formation zone. The air supply assembly is connected to the at least one formation zone and is configured to supply air to the formation zone.

[0097] In the above technical solution, air is supplied separately to the formation zone via an air supply component, ensuring that the formation zone meets the environmental requirements for the formation of individual battery cells. The formation zone does not require the introduction of air from the formation plant itself, eliminating the need to maintain the formation plant in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment. The formation equipment operates within the formation plant, which has a large space for storing both pre- and post-formulation battery cells; therefore, the formation plant's space is significantly larger than the formation zone's space. By using a separate air supply component to control the formation zone, the formation plant can operate under any environmental conditions. This eliminates the need for temperature control within the formation plant, reducing the space required for temperature control and consequently lowering energy consumption during battery cell production.

[0098] Furthermore, with the reduced environmental requirements of the chemical formation plant, the partition walls of the chemical formation plant can be eliminated, and the environmental conditions inside the chemical formation plant can be closer to the outdoor environmental conditions, thereby improving the maintenance environment for workers. In other words, the chemical formation equipment also facilitates the improvement of the maintenance environment for workers.

[0099] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, in a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a formation apparatus. The formation apparatus 100 includes a formation unit 10, an exhaust assembly 20, and an air supply assembly 30. The formation unit 10 includes a housing 11. At least one formation zone 111a is provided within the housing 11. The formation zones 111a are interconnected. Each formation zone 111a is configured to accommodate a battery cell 300 to be formed. The exhaust assembly 20 is connected to at least one formation zone 111a. The exhaust assembly 20 is configured to exhaust air from the formation zone 111a. The air supply assembly 30 is connected to at least one formation zone 111a. The air supply assembly 30 is configured to supply air to the formation zone 111a.

[0101] The formation equipment 100 is used to perform formation treatment on the battery cells 300.

[0102] The function of the enclosure 11 is to isolate the interior from the external environment. The enclosure 11 must be airtight to ensure that the internal gas does not leak out. The specific structure of the enclosure 11 is not limited. For example, multiple interconnected spaces can be opened inside the enclosure 11, and each space can form a formation zone 111a.

[0103] The shape of the enclosure 11 is not limited. For example, it can be square, which makes it easier to install and has a relatively high space utilization rate.

[0104] The formation zone 111a is used to accommodate the battery cell 300, and the battery cell 300 undergoes formation treatment within the formation zone 111a.

[0105] The formation zone 111a can accommodate multiple battery cells 300. The multiple battery cells 300 can be transported as a whole to the formation zone 111a by the carrier device 200 for formation processing.

[0106] The type of support device 200 is not limited. For example, it can be a pallet, etc.

[0107] The number of formation zones 111a can be one or more. When there are multiple formation zones 111a, they are interconnected, so that air supply to all formation zones 111a can be completed by one air supply component 30.

[0108] Understandably, the battery cell 300 needs to undergo formation treatment at a suitable temperature to facilitate better SEI film formation. For example, generally, the SEI film forms better at around 45°C. Therefore, the battery cell 300 is typically formed at a temperature of 45°C.

[0109] The temperature of the air supplied by the air supply component 30 is such that the temperature required for the formation process of the battery cell 300 can be reached in the formation zone 111a.

[0110] The air supply assembly 30 can deliver dry air, thus eliminating the need for dehumidification. Of course, the air supply assembly 30 can also deliver high-humidity air, which can then be dehumidified by the dehumidification assembly in the formation equipment 100 and used for formation treatment in the battery cells 300.

[0111] The exhaust assembly 20 facilitates the exhaust of air from the formation zone 111a.

[0112] It is understandable that by supplying air separately to the formation zone 111a through the air supply component 30, the formation zone 111a can meet the environmental requirements for the formation of the battery cells 300. The formation zone 111a does not need to introduce air from the formation plant to meet the formation requirements of the battery cells 300, meaning the formation plant does not need to be maintained in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment. The formation equipment 100 operates within the formation plant, which has a large space to store both the battery cells 300 to be formed and those that have completed formation. Therefore, the space of the formation plant is much larger than the space within the formation zone 111a. With the formation zone 111a controlled separately by the air supply component 30, the formation plant can operate under any environmental conditions. This eliminates the need for environmental control within the formation plant, reducing the space requiring temperature control and thus reducing energy consumption during the battery cell 300 production process.

[0113] Furthermore, with the reduced environmental requirements of the chemical formation plant, the partition walls of the chemical formation plant can be eliminated, and the environmental conditions inside the chemical formation plant can be closer to the outdoor environmental conditions, thereby improving the maintenance environment for the staff. In other words, the chemical formation equipment 100 is also easier to modify the chemical formation plant to improve the maintenance environment for the staff.

[0114] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, a formation assembly is provided inside the housing 11. The formation assembly includes two formation zones 111a arranged along a first direction. The air supply assembly 30 includes a main air supply pipe 31 and a branch air supply pipe 32. Along the first direction, a main air supply pipe 31 is provided on both sides of the formation assembly. Furthermore, any formation zone 111a of the formation assembly along the first direction is connected to the adjacent main air supply pipe 31 of that formation zone 111a through a branch air supply pipe 32.

[0115] The specific direction of the first direction is not limited. For example, the first direction is the direction shown as X in Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7.

[0116] The number of air supply branch pipes 32 corresponds one-to-one with the number of formation zones 111a, so that the temperature in each formation zone 111a can be individually controlled.

[0117] The phrase "any formation zone 111a in the formation group along the first direction is connected to the adjacent main air supply pipe 31 through an air supply branch pipe 32" means that, specifically, one of the formation zones 111a in a formation group, for example, as shown in FIG3, the formation zone 111a located on the first side of the first direction is connected to the main air supply pipe 31 located on the first side of the first direction through an air supply branch pipe 32.

[0118] The main air supply pipe 31 and the formation zone 111a can be symmetrically arranged along the first direction. In the first direction, adjacent formation zones 111a and the main air supply pipe 31 are connected by a branch air supply pipe 32. While maximizing the number of formation zones 111a in the housing 11, it also facilitates the structural design of the branch air supply pipe 32. The structural shape of each branch air supply pipe 32 can be kept consistent, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying the structure of the formation equipment 100.

[0119] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a charging device 40 disposed within the formation zone 111a. The charging device 40 is configured to charge the battery cell 300. The connection between the air supply branch pipe 32 and the formation zone 111a faces the top of the battery cell 300 within the formation zone 111a.

[0120] The charging device 40 may include a positive electrode module and a negative electrode module, thereby enabling the charging of the battery cell 300.

[0121] It is understandable that during the formation process of the battery cell 300, the charging device 40 performs formation treatment on the battery cell 300 through the terminals of the battery cell 300.

[0122] The connection between the air supply branch pipe 32 and the formation zone 111a faces the top of the battery cell 300 in the formation zone 111a, which facilitates air supply between the battery cell 300 and the charging device 40, thereby helping the battery cell 300 to complete the formation at a more stable and suitable temperature.

[0123] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. In one embodiment, the air supply assembly 30 further includes an air valve 33. Each air supply branch pipe 32 is provided with an air valve 33.

[0124] The type of damper 33 is not limited. For example, it can be a manual regulating valve, an electric regulating valve, etc. Of course, damper 33 can also be a proportional valve that can achieve stepless adjustment of air volume, or a switch control valve that can only be fully open or fully closed, etc. This disclosure does not impose any restrictions.

[0125] It is understandable that the battery cell 300 will generate a certain amount of heat during the formation process. If a large amount of air is continuously supplied into the formation zone 111a, the temperature in the formation zone 111a will become too high, thus affecting the formation effect of the battery cell 300.

[0126] When the temperature in the formation zone 111a becomes too high, the airflow can be appropriately reduced by closing the air valve 33 or decreasing its opening to maintain the temperature in the formation zone 111a at a suitable temperature. Of course, reducing the airflow for a long time will also cause the temperature in the formation zone 111a to gradually decrease. When the temperature is low, the air valve 33 can be opened again or its opening increased to allow the temperature in the formation zone 111a to rise back to a suitable temperature.

[0127] By installing air valves 33 on each air supply branch pipe 32, the air supply volume in each formation zone 111a can be controlled independently, which makes it easier to effectively control the temperature in each formation zone 111a at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to improving the formation effect of the battery cell 300.

[0128] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the air supply branch pipe 32 includes a first pipe section 321 and a second pipe section 322 that are interconnected. The first pipe section 321 is also connected to the main air supply pipe 31. The second pipe section 322 is also connected to the formation zone 111a. The cross-section of the first pipe section 321 is square, and the cross-section of the second pipe section 322 is flat.

[0129] In this embodiment, the air valve 33 of the air supply assembly 30 is disposed on the first pipe section 321.

[0130] The cross section of the first pipe section 321 refers to the cross section formed by cutting the first pipe section 321 with a surface perpendicular to the airflow direction within the first pipe section 321.

[0131] The cross-section of the second pipe section 322 can be understood in accordance with the cross-section of the first pipe section 321.

[0132] The square shape can be either a square or a rectangle. That is, the first pipe section 321 is roughly square columnar, and the square columnar shape of the first pipe section 321 is easy to manufacture.

[0133] A flat mouth shape refers to a mouth-shaped structure formed by two long sides and two short sides.

[0134] The diameter of the second pipe section 322 gradually increases from the side of the first pipe section 321 to the side of the second pipe section 322 closer to the housing 11, that is, the second pipe section 322 is similar to a flared structure.

[0135] The flow channel within the second pipe section 322 is generally conical and flat.

[0136] The flat end of the second pipe section 322 extends roughly in the third direction.

[0137] For example, the third direction is the direction shown as Z in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

[0138] A formation zone 111a typically accommodates multiple battery cells 300 undergoing formation simultaneously.

[0139] The first pipe section 321 has a square cross-section, and the second pipe section 322 has a flat opening cross-section. This allows the cross-section of the air supply at the connection between the air supply branch pipe 32 and the formation zone 111a to be changed while ensuring that most of the structure of the air supply branch pipe 32 is easy to manufacture. This allows the air supply area to better cover the formation zone 111a, which is beneficial for each battery cell 300 in the formation zone 111a to be uniformly exposed to hot air, thus improving the formation effect of the formation equipment 100.

[0140] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 3. There are multiple groups of compounds, and each group of compounds is arranged along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

[0141] The specific direction of the second direction is not limited. For example, it is the direction shown by Y in Figures 1 to 3.

[0142] In this embodiment, the formation device 100 may consist of only one housing 11.

[0143] Multiple formation groups are formed on a housing 11 along the second direction. While increasing the number of formation zones 111a in the formation equipment 100, the number of housings 11 does not need to be increased, that is, the number of installation parts of the formation equipment 100 is not increased, which helps to ensure the production efficiency of the formation equipment 100.

[0144] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3, 6 and 7. In one embodiment, there are multiple boxes 11. At least some of the boxes 11 are arranged along a second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0145] Of course, in this embodiment, multiple formation groups can also be provided on each housing 11. For example, two formation groups can be provided on each housing 11, that is, each housing 11 has four formation areas 111a.

[0146] By setting up multiple boxes 11 to increase the number of formation zones 111a, when the number of required formation zones 111a is large, the size of a single box 11 can be controlled, which is beneficial to the assembly of the formation equipment 100 and the transportation of the boxes 11.

[0147] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7. In one embodiment, there are multiple boxes 11. At least some of the boxes 11 are arranged along a first direction.

[0148] Generally speaking, when the formation equipment 100 is in use, the first direction is the horizontal direction and the second direction is the vertical direction.

[0149] The height of the formation equipment 100 should not be too high. The height of the formation zone 111a at the top of the formation equipment 100 should not be too high, so as to facilitate the maintenance of the formation zone 111a and the insertion or removal of the battery cell 300.

[0150] By arranging multiple boxes 11 along the first direction, on the one hand, the number of formation zones 111a can be increased when the size of the formation equipment 100 is limited in other directions; on the other hand, two adjacent boxes 11 along the first direction can share a single air supply assembly 30, thereby effectively controlling the number of air supply assemblies 30 and reducing the total cost of the formation equipment 100.

[0151] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a first fan 50 disposed at the top of the formation region 111a and a second fan 60 disposed at the bottom of the formation region 111a. Both the first fan 50 and the second fan 60 are configured to supply air to the area between the first fan 50 and the second fan 60.

[0152] The type of the first fan 50 and the second fan 60 is not limited. For example, they can be electrically controlled, etc.

[0153] There is no limit to the number of the first fan 50 and the second fan 60.

[0154] The first fan 50 can be an adjustable fan, or it can only be fully on or fully off. The second fan 60 is similar.

[0155] The first fan 50 and the second fan 60 are arranged along the second direction.

[0156] When the formation equipment 100 also includes a charging device 40 and a negative pressure module 70, the charging device 40 and the negative pressure module 70 are disposed between the first fan 50 and the second fan 60. The battery cell 300 is also located between the first fan 50 and the second fan 60.

[0157] By setting up a first fan 50 and a second fan 60, the first fan 50 and the second fan 60 blow the hot air sent by the air supply assembly 30 into the formation zone 111a toward the middle area of ​​the formation zone 111a, thereby making the temperature field in the formation zone 111a more uniform.

[0158] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a charging device 40 disposed within the formation region 111a. The charging device 40 is configured to charge the battery cell 300.

[0159] The charging device 40 includes a positive electrode module and a negative electrode module.

[0160] When the battery cell 300 is undergoing formation treatment, the power assembly charges the battery cell 300 through the terminals of the battery cell 300.

[0161] By setting up a charging device 40 in the formation zone 111a, it is not necessary to introduce external power to perform formation processing on the battery cells 300 in the formation zone 111a. On the one hand, this facilitates the formation process of the battery cells 300; on the other hand, the formation zone 111a can better form a closed environment, which is conducive to the stable control of the environmental conditions in the formation zone 111a.

[0162] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a negative pressure module 70 disposed within the formation region 111a. The negative pressure module 70 is configured to evacuate the battery cell 300.

[0163] It is understandable that during the formation process, the battery cell 300 undergoes a chemical reaction and generates a certain amount of gas. Extracting the generated gas from inside the battery cell 300 can prevent it from affecting the performance of the battery cell 300.

[0164] The structure of the negative pressure module 70 is not limited. For example, it can be a suction nozzle connected to a negative pressure source. The negative pressure source can be a negative pressure pump. After the suction nozzle engages with the liquid injection hole of the battery cell 300, the gas generated inside the battery cell 300 can be extracted.

[0165] By setting a negative pressure module 70 in the formation zone 111a, it is convenient to simultaneously extract the gas generated inside the battery cell 300 during the formation process.

[0166] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a thermometer 80. At least a portion of the thermometer 80 is disposed within the formation region 111a and configured to acquire the temperature within the formation region 111a.

[0167] The type of thermometer 80 is not limited. For example, it can be a temperature sensor, etc.

[0168] The phrase "at least a portion of the thermometer 80 is located within the formation zone 111a" means that, based on a thermometer 80 with leads, the temperature probe of the thermometer 80 is located within the formation zone 111a, and the leads extend out to connect to the control module of the formation equipment 100. Alternatively, based on a thermometer 80 capable of non-contact signal transmission, the entire thermometer 80 can also be located within the formation zone 111a.

[0169] The thermometer 80 can obtain the real-time temperature in the formation zone 111a, which makes it easier for staff to take corresponding actions to continuously control the temperature in the formation zone 111a at a suitable level.

[0170] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, in one embodiment, the formation unit 10 further includes a hygrometer 90. At least a portion of the hygrometer 90 is disposed within the formation region 111a and configured to acquire the humidity within the formation region 111a.

[0171] The type of hygrometer 90 is not limited. For example, it can be a humidity sensor, etc.

[0172] The phrase "at least a portion of the hygrometer 90 is located within the formation zone 111a" means that, based on a hygrometer 90 with leads, the probe of the hygrometer 90 is located within the formation zone 111a, and the leads are extended to connect to the control module of the formation device 100. Alternatively, based on a hygrometer 90 capable of contactless signal transmission, the hygrometer 90 can also be entirely located within the formation zone 111a.

[0173] The humidity meter 90 can obtain the real-time humidity in the formation zone 111a, which makes it easier for staff to take corresponding actions to continuously control the humidity in the formation zone 111a to a suitable level.

[0174] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. In one embodiment, the enclosure 11 includes a main body 111, a first door 112, and a second door 113. The main body 111 has a formation zone 111a. The formation zone 111a is open on both opposite sides along a third direction, forming a loading / unloading port 111b and a maintenance port 111c. The first door 112 is located at the loading / unloading port 111b. The second door 113 is located at the maintenance port 111c.

[0175] The inlet 111b is used to insert the battery cell 300 into the formation zone 111a or to remove the formed cell from the formation zone 111a.

[0176] The inspection port 111c facilitates maintenance of components within the formation zone 111a by staff.

[0177] The specific direction of the third direction is not limited. For example, it is the direction shown as Z in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0178] The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other pairwise. Specifically, they can be orthogonal to each other.

[0179] With air supply components 30 installed on both sides of the first direction, the third direction is intersecting with the first direction. During the process of picking up and putting in battery cells 300 in the formation zone 111a through the pick-up and put-out port 111b, and during the process of inspecting the interior of the formation zone 111a through the inspection port 111c, the air supply components 300 will not be affected.

[0180] The first door 112 facilitates the opening and closing of the pick-up and drop-off port 111b. During the process of picking up and dropping the battery cell 300, the first door 112 opens the pick-up and drop-off port 111b. During the formation process of the battery cell 300, the first door 112 closes the pick-up and drop-off port 111b.

[0181] The second door 113 facilitates the opening and closing of the inspection port 111c. When it is necessary to maintain the components inside the formation zone 111a, the inspection port 111c is opened through the second door 113. After the maintenance is completed, the inspection port 111c is closed through the second door 113.

[0182] The placement and removal of the battery cell 300 is facilitated by the access port 111b. The maintenance port 111c facilitates the maintenance of the components inside the formation zone 111a.

[0183] Please refer to Figure 1. In one embodiment, the first door 112 is a folding door that can move in a direction parallel to the plane where the pick-up and drop-off opening 111b is located.

[0184] Of course, the first door 112 can also be a swing door, a sliding door, a partition door, etc.

[0185] The first door 112 will not move in either the direction of entering the formation zone 111a through the pick-up / placement port 111b or the direction of leaving the formation zone 111a through the pick-up / placement port 111b. In other words, during the opening and closing process, on the one hand, the first door 112 will not intrude into the interior of the formation zone 111a, so that the interior of the formation zone 111a can accommodate more battery cells 300 for formation; on the other hand, the first door 112 will not occupy the space of the area connected to the external environment within the pick-up / placement port 111b, so that it will not affect the process of placing battery cells 300 into the formation zone 111a through the pick-up / placement port 111b.

[0186] Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the second door 113 includes at least one revolving door. One side of the revolving door is rotatably connected to the box body 111.

[0187] There are no restrictions on the way the revolving door is rotatably connected to the box body 111. For example, it can be a hinge connection, a pin connection, etc.

[0188] For example, as shown in FIG2, the second door 113 includes two revolving doors, thus the second door 113 is similar to a double door.

[0189] The second door 113 is a revolving door with a relatively large opening area, which provides a larger maintenance space. At the same time, the second door 113 provides a better view and makes the formation zone 111a brighter, thus facilitating the maintenance of the components in the formation zone 111a by the staff.

[0190] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7. In one specific embodiment, the formation device 100 includes a formation unit 10, an exhaust assembly 20, and an air supply assembly 30. The formation unit 10 includes a housing 11, which contains four formation zones 111a. Each pair of formation zones 111a is arranged along a first direction to form a formation group. Two formation groups are located on one housing 11, and these two formation groups are arranged along a second direction. All formation zones 111a within each housing 11 are interconnected. There are multiple housings 11, and each housing 11 is arranged in a matrix along the first and second directions. An air supply assembly 30 is provided on both sides of any housing 11 along the first direction. Air is exhausted between each housing 11 along the second direction through an exhaust assembly 20. The air supply assembly 30 includes a main air supply pipe 31 and branch air supply pipes 32. Each branch air supply pipe 32 corresponds one-to-one with the number of formation zones 111a, and each formation zone 111a is connected to its nearest main air supply pipe 31 along the first direction via a branch air supply pipe 32. Two adjacent housings 11 along the first direction share a single main air supply pipe 31. Each branch air supply pipe 32 includes a first pipe section 321 and a second pipe section 322. The main air supply pipe 31 supplies air to the formation zones 111a sequentially through the first pipe section 321 and the second pipe section 322. The air supply assembly 30 also includes an air valve 33, which is mounted on the first pipe section 321. The first pipe section 321 is a square pipe, and the second pipe section 322 is a tapered flat-mouth pipe.

[0191] The enclosure 11 includes a main body 111, a first door 112, and a second door 113. A formation zone 111a is located within the main body 111, and both sides of the formation zone 111a are open along a third direction, forming a loading / unloading port 111b and a maintenance port 111c. The first door 112 is located at the loading / unloading port 111b, and the second door 113 is located at the maintenance port 111c. The first door 112 can be a folding door, a sliding door, or a swing door, etc. The second door 113 is a double door. The first door 112 and the second door 113 can open and close automatically.

[0192] Each formation zone 111a is equipped with a hygrometer 90, a thermometer 80, a negative pressure module 70, a first fan 50, a second fan 60, and a charging device 40. The two thermometers 80 are respectively located at two opposite corners of the top of the formation zone 111a. The probe of the hygrometer 90 is introduced into the connection between the exhaust assembly 20 and the formation zone 111a.

[0193] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8. In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for forming a battery cell. This method is applied to a formation apparatus 100. The formation apparatus 100 includes a control module, a charging device 40, and a formation unit 10. The formation unit 10 includes a housing 11 having at least one formation region 111a. The formation method includes:

[0194] S100: In response to the arrival of a single battery cell in the formation zone, the control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions in the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation requirements.

[0195] S200: The control module controls the charging device to charge the individual battery cells to complete the formation.

[0196] It should be noted that the chemical formation apparatus 100 can be any of the chemical formation apparatus 100 of any embodiment of this disclosure. The chemical formation apparatus 100 may also include any of the components mentioned above. Since the chemical formation apparatus 100 has been described in detail above, it will not be repeated here.

[0197] There are no restrictions on the type of control module. For example, it could be a control motherboard.

[0198] By adjusting the operating conditions within the formation zone 111a to meet the formation conditions before forming the battery cell 300, the battery cell 300 can be stably formed under suitable operating conditions, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell 300.

[0199] In one embodiment, real-time operating conditions include temperature and / or humidity.

[0200] Specifically, the battery cell 300 needs to undergo formation treatment at a relatively high temperature. For example, the SEI film can be formed better at around 45°C.

[0201] Of course, since the gas generated inside the battery cell 300 needs to be extracted during the formation process, the liquid injection hole of the battery cell 300 needs to be kept open. By keeping the humidity at a low level, the possibility of water vapor entering the battery cell 300 can be effectively reduced.

[0202] In other words, by controlling the temperature and humidity within the formation zone 111a, the battery cell 300 can better form an SEI film during the formation process, while effectively reducing the possibility of moisture entering the battery cell 300, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell 300.

[0203] In one embodiment, the formation apparatus 100 includes an air supply assembly 30. The air supply assembly 30 is in communication with at least one formation zone 111a. The air supply assembly 30 is configured to supply air to the formation zone 111a. A control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions within the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation conditions, including:

[0204] Obtain the real-time temperature within the formation zone.

[0205] If the real-time temperature is determined to be lower than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is opened; if the real-time temperature is determined to be higher than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is closed.

[0206] A thermometer 80 can be installed within the formation zone 111a to obtain the real-time temperature within the formation zone 111a. The thermometer 80 will then transmit the obtained real-time temperature via an electrical signal or other signal.

[0207] The formation temperature can have a smaller value and a larger value. When the real-time temperature falls below the minimum formation temperature, the control module controls the air valve 33 to open. After the air valve 33 opens, the air supply assembly 30 can supply air into the formation zone 111a, and the real-time temperature in the formation zone 111a can gradually increase. When the real-time temperature exceeds the maximum formation temperature, the control module controls the air valve 33 to close. After the air valve 33 closes, the real-time temperature in the formation zone 111a can gradually decrease.

[0208] It should be noted that when the air valve 33 is a valve that can only be fully open or fully closed, opening the air valve 33 means controlling it to be fully open, and closing the air valve 33 means controlling it to be fully closed. When the air valve 33 is a proportional valve that can steplessly adjust its opening, opening the air valve 33 can be based on the difference between the real-time temperature and the minimum formation temperature, increasing the opening of the air valve 33 by a certain amount; closing the air valve 33 can be based on the difference between the real-time temperature and the maximum formation temperature, decreasing the opening of the air valve 33 by a certain amount.

[0209] By controlling the air valve 33 to keep the real-time temperature in the formation zone 111a at the formation temperature, the battery cell 300 can always be formed at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the battery cell 300.

[0210] In one embodiment, the formation equipment 100 includes a dehumidification component. The control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions within the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation requirements, including:

[0211] Obtain the real-time humidity within the formation zone.

[0212] If the real-time humidity is determined to be higher than the formation humidity, the dehumidification unit is turned on to dehumidify the formation area.

[0213] A hygrometer 90 can be installed within the formation zone 111a to obtain the real-time humidity within the formation zone 111a. The hygrometer 90 will then transmit the obtained real-time humidity data via an electrical signal or other signal.

[0214] By acquiring the real-time humidity within the formation zone 111a and then maintaining the formation zone 111a in a low-humidity environment through a dehumidification component, the possibility of moisture entering the battery cell 300 during the formation process is reduced, thereby improving the performance of the battery cell 300.

[0215] In one embodiment, the housing 11 includes a housing body 111 and a first door 112. The housing body 111 has a formation zone 111a, which is open on one side in a third direction, forming a pick-and-place opening 111b. The first door 112 is located at the pick-and-place opening 111b. The formation equipment 100 also includes a transfer module. In response to a battery cell arriving at the formation zone, the following steps are included:

[0216] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cell 300 to the first door 112 and controls the first door 112 to open.

[0217] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cells through the first gate to the formation zone and then leave the formation zone, and then controls the first gate to close.

[0218] There are no restrictions on the type of transfer module. For example, it could be a stacker crane.

[0219] Multiple battery cells 300 can enter a formation zone 111a for simultaneous formation processing. For example, multiple battery cells 300 can be carried by a carrier 200. The carrier 200 can be a pallet. Before the pallet is automatically fed into the first door 112 by the stacker crane, the first door 112 automatically opens. After the stacker crane delivers the pallet into the formation zone 111a, it leaves the formation zone 111a, and then the first door 112 closes.

[0220] The battery cells 300 to be formed are transferred to the formation zone 111a by the transfer module for formation processing. This process does not require manual operation, thereby reducing labor costs. At the same time, the formation process of battery cells 300 has a relatively high degree of automation, which is conducive to improving the production efficiency of battery cells 300.

[0221] In one embodiment, the formation method further includes:

[0222] The transfer module moves to the first gate, and the control module controls the first gate to open.

[0223] The transfer module enters the formation zone through the first gate and leaves the formation zone carrying the formed battery cells.

[0224] The control module controls the first door to close.

[0225] After the battery cell 300 is formed, the stacker crane reaches the first door 112, the first door 112 opens automatically, the stacker crane takes out the pallet from the formation area 111a, and the pallet carrying multiple formed battery cells 300 leaves the formation area 111a. After that, the first door 112 closes automatically.

[0226] The battery cells 300 that have completed formation are transferred by the transfer module. The first gate 112 can work automatically in coordination with the transfer module. This process does not require manual operation, thereby reducing labor costs. At the same time, the battery cell 300 formation process has a relatively high degree of automation, which is conducive to improving the production efficiency of battery cells 300.

[0227] Furthermore, the transfer module can automatically remove the formed battery cells 300 from the carrier device 200 and stack the formed battery cells 300 to a designated position, thereby performing the formation process of the next batch of battery cells 300.

[0228] In one specific embodiment, the formation method of the battery cell 300 includes:

[0229] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cells to be formed to the first gate and controls the first gate to open.

[0230] The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cells through the first gate to the formation zone and then leave the formation zone, and then controls the first gate to close.

[0231] The real-time temperature in the formation zone is obtained by a thermometer. If the real-time temperature is determined to be lower than the formation temperature, the control module controls the air valve of the air supply component to open and controls the air supply component to supply air into the formation zone; if the real-time temperature is determined to be higher than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is controlled to close.

[0232] After confirming that the real-time temperature in the formation zone meets the formation conditions, the control module controls the charging device to charge the battery cells to complete the formation.

[0233] The control module controls the opening of the first gate and controls the transfer module to transfer the formed battery cells out of the formation area, and then controls the closing of the first gate.

[0234] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this disclosure. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A chemical formation apparatus, comprising: A formation unit includes a housing, wherein at least one formation zone is provided inside the housing, and the formation zones are interconnected. The formation zones are configured to accommodate battery cells to be formed. An exhaust assembly is connected to at least one of the formation zones, and the exhaust assembly is configured to exhaust air from the formation zones. An air supply assembly is connected to at least one of the formation zones, and the air supply assembly is configured to supply air to the formation zones.

2. The chemical formation equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The housing contains a formation assembly, which includes two formation zones arranged along a first direction. The air supply assembly includes a main air supply pipe and a branch air supply pipe. Along the first direction, a main air supply pipe is provided on both sides of the formation assembly, and each formation zone of the formation assembly along the first direction is connected to the main air supply pipe adjacent to that formation zone through a branch air supply pipe.

3. The chemical formation equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The formation unit also includes a charging device disposed within the formation zone, the charging device being configured to charge individual battery cells, and the connection between the air supply branch pipe and the formation zone facing the top of the individual battery cells within the formation zone.

4. The formation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The air supply assembly also includes an air valve, and each of the air supply branch pipes is equipped with the air valve.

5. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The air supply branch pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are interconnected. The first pipe section is also connected to the main air supply pipe, and the second pipe section is also connected to the formation zone. The cross-section of the first pipe section is square, and the cross-section of the second pipe section is flat.

6. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The number of the constituent groups is multiple, and each constituent group is arranged along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction; or... The number of boxes is multiple, and at least some of the boxes are arranged along a second direction, which intersects with the first direction.

7. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The number of boxes is multiple, and at least some of the boxes are arranged along the first direction.

8. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The formation unit further includes a first fan disposed at the top of the formation zone and a second fan disposed at the bottom of the formation zone, wherein both the first fan and the second fan are configured to supply air to the area between the first fan and the second fan.

9. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The formation unit further includes a charging device disposed within the formation region, the charging device being configured to charge individual battery cells; and / or The formation unit also includes a negative pressure module disposed in the formation region, the negative pressure module being configured to evacuate the battery cells.

10. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The formation unit further includes a thermometer, at least a portion of which is disposed within the formation region and configured to acquire the temperature within the formation region; and / or, The formation unit further includes a hygrometer, at least a portion of which is disposed within the formation region and configured to acquire the humidity within the formation region.

11. The chemical formation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The enclosure includes a main body, a first door, and a second door. The main body has a formation zone, and the formation zone is open on both sides in a third direction to form a pick-up / placement port and an inspection port. The first door is located at the pick-up / placement port, and the second door is located at the inspection port.

12. The chemical formation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first door is a folding door capable of moving in a direction parallel to the plane containing the retrieval opening; and / or, The second door includes at least one rotating door, one side of which is rotatably connected to the box body.

13. A method for forming a battery cell, applied in a formation apparatus, the formation apparatus comprising a control module, a charging device, and a formation unit, the formation unit comprising a housing having at least one formation zone, the formation method comprising: In response to the arrival of the battery cell in the formation zone, the control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions in the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation conditions. The control module controls the charging device to charge the battery cells to complete the formation.

14. The formation method according to claim 13, wherein, The real-time operating conditions include temperature and / or humidity.

15. The formation method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The formation equipment includes an air supply component connected to at least one of the formation zones. The air supply component is configured to supply air to the formation zones. The control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions within the formation zones to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation requirements, including: Obtain the real-time temperature within the formation zone; If the real-time temperature is determined to be lower than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is controlled to open; if the real-time temperature is determined to be higher than the formation temperature, the air valve of the air supply component is controlled to close.

16. The formation method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein, The formation equipment includes a dehumidification component, and the control module adjusts the real-time operating conditions within the formation zone to ensure that the real-time operating conditions meet the formation requirements, including: Obtain the real-time humidity within the formation zone; If it is determined that the real-time humidity is higher than the formation humidity, the dehumidification component is turned on to dehumidify the formation area.

17. The formation method according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein, The enclosure includes a main body and a first door. The main body contains the formation zone, which is open on one side in a third direction, forming a pick-and-place opening. The first door is located at the pick-and-place opening. The formation equipment also includes a transfer module. The response to the battery cell arriving at the formation zone includes: The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cell to the first door and controls the first door to open. The control module controls the transfer module to transfer the battery cell through the first gate to the formation zone and then leave the formation zone, and then controls the first gate to close.

18. The formation method according to claim 17, wherein, The formation method further includes: The transfer module moves to the first door, and the control module controls the first door to open. The transfer module enters the formation area through the first gate and carries the formed battery cell out of the formation area; The control module controls the first door to close.

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