Stacking device and battery storage system

Abstract

The present application relates to a stacking device and a battery storage system. The stacking device comprises a device body, a fork, and an exhaust assembly. The fork is arranged on the device body and is used for bearing battery cells, and the fork has an exhaust position. The exhaust assembly is arranged on the device body and corresponds to the exhaust position. The exhaust assembly and the fork can move relative to each other in a first direction such that the two move close to or away from each other. When formed battery cells are borne at the exhaust position, the exhaust assembly is close to the exhaust position to press against exhaust valves on the battery cells that are aligned with the exhaust assembly, so that the gas inside the battery cells is exhausted through the exhaust valves.

Description

A stacking device and a battery storage system Related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on January 27, 2025, with application number 2025101263695 and entitled "Stacking Equipment and Battery Storage System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery storage technology, and in particular to stacking equipment and battery storage systems. Background Technology

[0003] After electrolyte injection and formation, battery cells are typically transferred to shelves using stacking equipment. Traditional stacking equipment directly forks the battery cells onto the shelves. However, during the electrolyte injection and formation process, a large amount of gas is generated inside the battery cell. This gas remains inside the battery cell, causing it to swell. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, this application provides a stacking device and a battery storage system that can open valves to vent battery cells, solving the problem of battery cells bulging due to residual internal gas.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a stacking device for stacking formed battery cells, the stacking device comprising:

[0006] Equipment body;

[0007] Forks are mounted on the main body of the equipment and are used to support individual battery cells. The forks have a row of positions.

[0008] The exhaust assembly is located on the main body of the equipment and corresponds to the exhaust position. The exhaust assembly and the forks can move relative to each other in the first direction, so that the two move closer to each other or further apart.

[0009] When the formed battery cell is placed in the venting position, the venting assembly and the venting position approach and press against the venting valve on the aligned battery cell, so that the gas inside the battery cell is discharged through the venting valve.

[0010] The stacking equipment provided in this application stacks formed battery cells using forks. The forks have venting positions, and venting components corresponding to these venting positions are installed on the main body of the equipment. These venting components and the forks are movable relative to each other. When a formed battery cell is placed on the venting position, the venting component moves closer to the forks to press against the venting valve on the battery cell, thereby venting the gas inside the battery cell through the venting valve. This alleviates the problem of bulging caused by residual gas inside the battery cell. After venting, the stacking equipment then stacks the battery cells onto a shelf for convenient storage.

[0011] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly is slidable along the device body in a first direction to approach or move away from the exhaust position.

[0012] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment slides the exhaust component along the Z direction, causing relative movement between the exhaust component and the fork, so that the two can move closer to each other until the exhaust component presses against the battery cell at the exhaust position, thereby achieving exhaust of the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly includes:

[0014] The connector is slidably connected to the main body of the equipment along the first direction;

[0015] Multiple pressure-blocking components are installed on the side of the connector facing the exhaust position, and each pressure-blocking component corresponds to a battery cell.

[0016] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment connects multiple pressing members to a support frame by setting a connector, and the connector slides along the support frame to drive the pressing members to move relative to the forks, so as to press and vent the battery cells.

[0017] In some embodiments, each pressing element includes a support arm and a probe, with one end of the support arm connected to a connector and the other end connected to the probe, which is used to press against the exhaust valve.

[0018] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment provides support for the probes by setting multiple support arms that are connected one-to-one with the probes, so as to facilitate the installation of the probes in a position that is aligned with the corresponding battery cell.

[0019] In some embodiments, each probe includes a needle head that opens the exhaust port of the exhaust valve when the needle head presses against the exhaust valve; the needle head is provided with a first through hole that communicates with the exhaust port.

[0020] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment allows the gas inside the battery cell to be discharged through the exhaust valve and not directly enter the workshop environment, but instead enter the needle head, facilitating the subsequent centralized collection of the discharged gas.

[0021] In some embodiments, the probe also includes a sealing portion surrounding the outer periphery of the probe head, which seals the vent hole when the probe head presses against the vent valve.

[0022] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment can prevent gas discharged from the battery cell from leaking from the contact point between the exhaust valve and the probe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the stacking equipment further includes:

[0024] An exhaust drive component has a fixed end located on the main body of the equipment and a drive end connected to a connector for driving the connector to slide along the main body of the equipment in a first direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly further includes an exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected to a first through hole of a plurality of probes, and the other end is connected to the outside.

[0026] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment discharges the gas in the first through hole to the outside through the exhaust pipe, preventing the gas discharged from the battery cell from spreading in the workshop environment.

[0027] In some embodiments, the support arm is provided with a second through hole, which connects the exhaust pipe and the corresponding first through hole.

[0028] In some embodiments, the exhaust duct is provided with a retractable sub-duct.

[0029] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment allows for adjustment of the length of the exhaust pipe via a retractable sub-pipe. When the stacking equipment moves, the exhaust pipe can automatically adjust its length via the extension and retraction of the sub-pipe to adapt to the movement of the main body of the equipment, without interfering with the movement of the main body.

[0030] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly also includes a vacuum pump disposed on the exhaust duct, the vacuum pump being used to generate negative pressure within the exhaust duct.

[0031] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment uses a vacuum pump to accelerate the discharge of gas emitted from individual battery cells to the outside through an exhaust pipe.

[0032] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly also includes a gas collection tank located at the end of the exhaust pipe away from the probe for collecting the gas discharged from the exhaust pipe.

[0033] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment collects the gas emitted by the battery cells by setting up a gas collection tank. After collection, the gas can be purified to prevent it from being directly discharged into the air and causing environmental pollution.

[0034] In some embodiments, the forks are slidably connected to the main body of the equipment along a first direction;

[0035] The stacking equipment also includes a fork drive unit. The fixed end of the fork drive unit is located on the main body of the equipment, and the driving end of the fork drive unit is connected to the fork to drive the fork to slide along the main body of the equipment in a first direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the forks are capable of extending and retracting in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0037] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment forms the aforementioned venting position when the forks retract towards the support. The battery cells carried on the forks are aligned with the venting assembly, enabling the venting assembly to vent the battery cells. When the forks extend, the battery cells carried on the forks can be sent away from the support, making it easier to transport the battery cells to the shelf.

[0038] In some embodiments, the main body of the equipment includes a traveling mechanism and a support frame, the support frame extending along a first direction and disposed on the traveling mechanism, the forks and exhaust assembly disposed on the support frame, and the traveling mechanism being used to drive the support frame to move.

[0039] Secondly, this application provides a battery storage system, including a shelf and a stacking device as described in any of the above embodiments. After formation, the battery cells are transported to the venting position, so that the venting component presses against the venting valve of the battery cell to vent, and the vented battery cells are transported to the shelf for storage.

[0040] In some embodiments, the shelf has multiple storage positions along a first direction, and the forks are slidable along the main body of the equipment in the first direction to transport individual battery cells to the multiple storage positions.

[0041] The aforementioned stacking equipment and battery storage system stacks formed battery cells using forks. The forks have venting positions, and venting components corresponding to these positions are installed on the main body of the equipment. These venting components can move relative to the forks. When a formed battery cell is placed on the venting position, the venting components move closer to the forks to press against the venting valve on the battery cell, thereby expelling the gas inside the battery cell through the venting valve. This alleviates the problem of bulging caused by residual gas inside the battery cell. After venting, the stacking equipment then stacks the battery cells onto a shelf for convenient storage. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a stacking device according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell in the vent valve closed state according to one or more embodiments.

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell in the state of having the vent valve open according to one or more embodiments.

[0046] Figure 4 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a stacking device according to one or more embodiments.

[0047] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a shelf according to one or more embodiments from one perspective.

[0048] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a shelf according to one or more embodiments from another perspective.

[0049] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of section AA in Figure 6.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, battery cell; 110, exhaust valve; 111, valve core; 112, valve body; 200, pallet; 1, main body of equipment; 11, walking mechanism; 12, bracket; 2, forks; 21, connecting frame; 22, support plate; 3, exhaust assembly; 31, connector; 311, mounting plate; 312, reinforcing rib; 32, pressing component; 321, support arm; 322, probe; 3221, needle head; 3222, sealing part; 33, exhaust pipe; 331, sub-pipe; 34, vacuum pump; 35, gas collection tank; 4, exhaust drive component; 41, first servo motor; 42, first transmission belt; 43, first pulley; 5, fork drive component; 51, second servo motor; 52, second transmission belt; 53, second pulley; 6, shelf; 61, upright plate; 62, horizontal plate; 621, clearance opening. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0053] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0056] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0057] Currently, judging from market trends, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively used in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing.

[0058] A power battery typically consists of multiple individual cells. Liquid injection and formation are crucial processes in the manufacturing of these cells. A battery cell comprises a casing and the cells within it. The casing has injection holes through which liquid is injected into the cells. After injection, the casing is vacuum-sealed. Following this, the battery cell undergoes formation, and the formed cells are then transferred to shelves for storage. However, during the liquid injection and formation processes, a large amount of gas is generated inside the battery cell. This residual gas can cause the battery cell to swell.

[0059] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of battery cells swelling due to residual internal gas during storage after formation, the inventors of this application have conducted in-depth research and designed a stacking device. By integrating forks and venting components into the stacking device, before the battery cells are transferred to the shelf, they are first transferred to the venting position on the forks. The venting components are used to press against the venting valve of the battery cell, allowing the gas inside the battery cell to be discharged through the venting valve. Then, the forks are used to transfer the vented battery cells to the shelf for storage, thus solving the problem of battery cell swelling and facilitating the storage of battery cells on the shelf.

[0060] The battery cells disclosed in this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. A power system for such an electrical device can be constructed using battery cells and batteries disclosed in this application.

[0061] The power batteries disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be used, but are not limited to, in electrical devices such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft. Specifically, electrical devices can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toys, power tools, electric vehicles, electric cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. Among them, electric toys can include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc., and spacecraft can include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a stacking device according to some embodiments of this application. This application provides a stacking device for stacking formed battery cells 100. The stacking device includes a main body 1, forks 2, and an exhaust assembly 3. The forks 2 are disposed on the main body 1 and are used to support the battery cells 100, and the forks 2 have an exhaust position. The exhaust assembly 3 is disposed on the main body 1 and corresponds to the exhaust position. The exhaust assembly 3 and the forks 2 can generate relative movement in a first direction (the Z direction shown in Figure 1), so that they approach or move away from each other. Specifically, when a formed battery cell 100 is supported on the exhaust position, the exhaust assembly 3 approaches the exhaust position to press against the exhaust valve 110 on the aligned battery cell 100, so that the gas inside the battery cell 100 is discharged through the exhaust valve 110.

[0063] The stacking equipment proposed in this application stacks the formed battery cells 100 using forks 2. The forks 2 have venting positions. A venting assembly 3, corresponding to the venting position, is installed on the main body 1 of the equipment. The venting assembly 3 and the forks 2 are movable relative to each other. When a formed battery cell 100 is placed on the venting position, the venting assembly 3 moves closer to the forks 2 to press against the venting valve 110 on the battery cell 100, thereby venting the gas inside the battery cell 100 through the venting valve 110 and alleviating the problem of bulging caused by residual gas inside the battery cell 100. After venting, the stacking equipment then stacks the battery cells 100 onto a shelf for convenient storage.

[0064] Specifically, the main body 1 of the equipment includes a traveling mechanism 11 and a support 12. The support 12 extends along the Z direction and is disposed on the traveling mechanism 11. The forks 2 and the exhaust assembly 3 are disposed on the support 12. The traveling mechanism 11 is used to drive the support 12 to move. The traveling mechanism 11 can be a traveling trolley, which is a conventional structure of stacking equipment in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] Furthermore, the fork 2 can extend and retract along a second direction (the X direction shown in Figure 1), which is perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, when the fork 2 retracts towards the support 12, the aforementioned venting position is formed, and the battery cell 100 carried on the fork 2 is aligned with the venting assembly 3, allowing the venting assembly 3 to vent air from the battery cell 100. When the fork 2 extends, the battery cell 100 carried on the fork 2 can be conveyed away from the support 12, making it easier to transport the battery cell 100 onto the shelf.

[0066] Optionally, the fork 2 includes a connecting frame 21 and a support plate 22. The connecting frame 21 is connected to the bracket 12, and the support plate 22 is slidably disposed on the connecting frame 21 in the X direction so that the fork 2 can extend and retract in the X direction by sliding the support plate 22 along the connecting frame 21.

[0067] In order to drive the support plate 22 to slide along the connecting frame 21, the fork 2 also includes a drive mechanism (not shown in the figure). The drive mechanism can be a cylinder, electric cylinder or motor screw module, etc., as long as it can drive the support plate 22 to move linearly. The specific structural form is not limited here.

[0068] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly 3 can slide along the device body 1 in the Z direction to approach or move away from the exhaust position. By sliding the exhaust assembly 3 in the Z direction, a relative movement is generated between the exhaust assembly 3 and the fork 2, so that the two can move closer to each other until the exhaust assembly 3 presses against the battery cell 100 on the exhaust position, thereby achieving exhaust of the battery cell 100.

[0069] In other embodiments, the forks 2 may be configured to slide along the bracket 12 in the Z direction to move closer to or further away from the exhaust assembly 3. This also allows relative movement between the exhaust assembly 3 and the forks 2, enabling them to move closer together until the exhaust assembly 3 presses against the battery cell 100 at the exhaust position.

[0070] In this embodiment, both the exhaust assembly 3 and the forks 2 can slide along the bracket 12 in the Z direction. When the forks 2 pick up the battery cell 100, they can be moved along the bracket 12 to a position convenient for picking up the battery cell. During exhaust, the exhaust assembly 3 and / or the forks 2 can be moved toward each other until the exhaust assembly 3 presses against the exhaust valve 110 of the battery cell 100. After exhaust is completed, the exhaust assembly 3 and / or the forks 2 can be moved away from each other, and the forks 2 can be moved along the bracket 12 to a height adapted to the shelf 6 to transfer the battery cell 100 onto the shelf 6.

[0071] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the battery cell 100 provided in some embodiments of this application with the vent valve 110 closed; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the battery cell 100 provided in some embodiments of this application with the vent valve 110 open. When the battery cell 100 is placed in the venting position, the end with the vent valve 110 faces upwards to facilitate the downward movement of the venting assembly 3 to press against the vent valve 110. Specifically, the vent valve 110 includes a valve body 112 and a valve core 111. In the closed state of the vent valve 110, the valve core 111 extends outside the valve body 112, and the venting assembly 3 opens the vent hole of the vent valve 110 by pressing against the valve core 111 inside the valve body 112. The vent valve 110 is a conventional structure in the battery cell 100, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail here.

[0072] Optionally, the forks 2 can handle multiple battery cells 100 at a time, placing the multiple battery cells 100 in a pallet 200. The forks 2 lift the pallet 200 to handle the multiple battery cells 100, and stack the battery cells 100 and the pallet 200 together on the rack 6.

[0073] Specifically, the tray 200 can accommodate multiple rows and columns of battery cells 100, and the exhaust assembly 3 can simultaneously exhaust the multiple rows and columns of battery cells 100 by applying pressure.

[0074] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1, the exhaust assembly 3 includes a connector 31 and multiple pressing members 32. The connector 31 is slidably connected to the bracket 12 along the Z direction. Multiple pressing members 32 are disposed on the side of the connector 31 facing the exhaust position, and each pressing member 32 corresponds to a battery cell 100. By connecting the multiple pressing members 32 to the bracket 12 via the connector 31, and by sliding the connector 31 along the bracket 12, the pressing members 32 move relative to the forks 2 to press and exhaust the battery cells 100.

[0075] Optionally, the connector 31 includes a mounting plate 311 and a reinforcing rib 312. The mounting plate 311 is slidably connected to the bracket 12, and the pressing member 32 is disposed on the side of the mounting plate 311 facing the fork 2. One end of the reinforcing rib 312 is connected to the mounting plate 311, and the other end is slidably connected to the bracket 12, thereby strengthening the connection between the mounting plate 311 and the bracket 12. Specifically, the reinforcing rib 312, the mounting plate 311, and the bracket 12 form a triangle to further improve the structural reinforcement effect of the reinforcing rib 312.

[0076] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1, each pressing member 32 includes a support arm 321 and a probe 322. One end of the support arm 321 is connected to the connector 31, and the other end is connected to the probe 322. The probe 322 is used to press against the exhaust valve 110. By providing multiple support arms 321, which are connected one-to-one with the probes 322, support is provided for the probes 322, making it convenient to install the probes 322 in a position that is aligned with the corresponding battery cell 100.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, each probe 322 includes a needle head 3221. When the needle head 3221 presses against the exhaust valve 110, it opens the exhaust port of the exhaust valve 110. The needle head 3221 is provided with a first through hole, which communicates with the exhaust port of the exhaust valve 110. In this way, the gas inside the battery cell 100, after being discharged through the exhaust valve 110, will not directly enter the workshop environment, but will enter the needle head 3221, facilitating the subsequent centralized collection of the discharged gas.

[0078] Correspondingly, the support arm 321 is provided with a second through hole, which communicates with the first through hole of the needle head 3221 to further guide the gas discharged from the exhaust valve 110. One end of the multiple support arms 321 is connected, and the second through holes of the multiple support arms 321 are connected to the same outlet to facilitate the collection of gas discharged from the multiple second through holes through the same outlet. The other end of the multiple support arms 321 extends outwards and is arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the multiple battery cells 100, so that the probe 322 at the end of the support arm 321 can be aligned with the battery cell 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the probe 322 also includes a sealing portion 3222 surrounding the needle head 3221. When the needle head 3221 presses against the exhaust valve 110, the sealing portion 3222 seals the exhaust port. In this way, gas discharged from the battery cell 100 can be prevented from leaking from the contact point between the exhaust valve 110 and the probe 322.

[0080] Optionally, the sealing part 3222 is made of rubber or silicone to provide good sealing performance.

[0081] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly 3 further includes an exhaust pipe 33, one end of which is connected to the first through holes of the plurality of probes 322, and the other end is connected to the outside. Specifically, the support arm 321 is provided with a second through hole, which connects the exhaust pipe 33 and the corresponding first through hole. In this way, the gas in the first through hole is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe 33, preventing the gas discharged from the battery cell 100 from spreading in the workshop environment.

[0082] In some embodiments, the exhaust pipe 33 is provided with a retractable sub-pipe 331. The length of the exhaust pipe 33 can be adjusted via the retractable sub-pipe 331. When the stacking equipment moves, the exhaust pipe 33 can automatically adjust its length by extending and retracting the sub-pipe 331 to adapt to the positional movement of the equipment body 1 without interfering with the movement of the equipment body.

[0083] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly 3 further includes a vacuum pump 34 disposed on the exhaust duct 33, the vacuum pump 34 being used to generate a negative pressure within the exhaust duct 33. By providing the vacuum pump 34, the gas discharged from the battery cell 100 is accelerated to be discharged outdoors through the exhaust duct 33.

[0084] In some embodiments, the exhaust assembly 3 further includes a gas collection tank 35, which is disposed at the end of the exhaust pipe 33 away from the probe 322, and is used to collect the gas discharged from the exhaust pipe 33. By setting the gas collection tank 35 to collect the gas emitted by the battery cell 100, the collected gas can be purified to prevent the gas from being directly discharged into the air and causing environmental pollution.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 1. The stacking equipment also includes an exhaust drive 4. The fixed end of the exhaust drive 4 is located on the main body 1 of the equipment, and the driving end of the exhaust drive 4 is connected to the connector 31 to drive the connector 31 to slide along the main body 1 in the Z direction.

[0086] Optionally, the exhaust drive component 4 includes a first servo motor 41, a first transmission belt 42, and a first pulley 43. The fixed end of the first servo motor 41 is disposed on the walking mechanism 11, the first pulley 43 is disposed on the top of the bracket 12, the first transmission belt 42 is wound around the first pulley 43, and the two ends of the first transmission belt 42 are respectively connected to the connector 31 and the output shaft of the first servo motor 41. By rotating the first servo motor 41, the first transmission belt 42 is wound or released to pull the connector 31 to slide along the bracket 12 in the Z direction.

[0087] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4, FIG4 illustrates a partial structural schematic diagram of a stacking device provided in some embodiments of this application. The fork 2 is slidably connected to the device body 1 along the first direction Z; the stacking device also includes a fork drive member 5, the fixed end of the fork drive member 5 is disposed on the device body 1, and the drive end of the fork drive member 5 is connected to the fork 2 for driving the fork 2 to slide along the device body 1 in the Z direction.

[0088] Optionally, the fork drive component 5 includes a second servo motor 51, a second transmission belt 52, and a second pulley 53. The fixed end of the second servo motor 51 is disposed on the traveling mechanism 11, the second pulley 53 is disposed on the top of the bracket 12, the second transmission belt 52 is wound around the second pulley 53, and the two ends of the second transmission belt 52 are respectively connected to the connecting frame 21 and the output shaft of the second servo motor 51. By rotating the second servo motor 51, the second transmission belt 52 is wound or released to pull the connecting frame 21 to slide along the bracket 12 in the Z direction.

[0089] It is understood that the exhaust drive 4 and the fork drive 5 are not limited to the above structures. In some other embodiments, cylinders, electric cylinders or motor screw modules can also be used, which can drive the exhaust assembly 3 and the fork 2 to move linearly along the bracket 12 and stop at the desired position.

[0090] The stacking equipment provided in this application embodiment is used for venting and stacking formed battery cells 100. The stacking equipment includes a main body 1, forks 2, and a venting assembly 3. The main body 1 can drive the forks 2 and the venting assembly 3 to move, thereby realizing the handling of the battery cells 100. The forks 2 have a venting position, and the venting assembly 3 is disposed on the main body 1 and corresponds to the venting position. Through the relative movement between the venting assembly 3 and the forks 2, the venting assembly 3 can pressurize and vent the battery cells 100 at the venting position. The venting assembly 3 includes a connector 31, a pressing member 32, a venting pipe 33, and a gas collection tank 35. The pressing member 32 is connected to the main body 1 through the connector 31, and the venting pipe 33 connects the pressing member 32 and the gas collection tank 35. The gas discharged from the battery cells 100 enters the venting pipe 33 through the pressing member 32 and is discharged into the gas collection tank 35 through the venting pipe 33. When the forks 2 pick up the formed battery cell 100 to the venting position, the pressing member 32 moves closer to the venting position to press against the venting valve 110 on the aligned battery cell 100, so that the gas inside the battery cell 100 is discharged through the venting valve 110 and finally discharged into the gas collection tank 35 through the venting pipe 33. After venting, the battery cell 100 is stacked on the rack 6 by the forks 2 for storage, which alleviates the problem of bulging caused by residual gas during storage and facilitates the storage of the battery cell 100.

[0091] This application embodiment also provides a battery cell storage system, including a shelf 6 and a stacking device as described in any of the above embodiments. After formation, the battery cell 100 is transported to the venting position, so that the venting component 3 presses against the venting valve 110 of the battery cell 100 to vent, and the vented battery cell 100 is transported to the shelf 6 for storage.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the shelf 6 provided in some embodiments of this application from one perspective. The shelf 6 has multiple storage positions along the Z direction, and the forks 2 can slide along the main body 1 in the Z direction to transport the battery cells 100 to the multiple storage positions.

[0093] Optionally, referring to Figures 6 and 7, Figure 6 shows a structural schematic diagram of the rack 6 provided in some embodiments of this application from another perspective; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 6. The rack 6 includes uprights 61 and horizontals 62. Multiple horizontals 62 are arranged along the Z direction and connected to the uprights 61 to support the pallet 200. To facilitate the forks 2 placing the pallet 200 onto the horizontals 62, clearance openings 621 are provided on the horizontals 62 along the X direction. The forks 2 move along the X direction to insert into the clearance openings 621, and the two sides of the pallet 200 are supported on the horizontals 62.

[0094] In the battery cell storage system, multiple racks 6 can be arranged along the Y direction. A stacking device is located on one side of the rack 6 along the X direction and can be transferred between multiple racks 6 along the Y direction to stack battery cells 100 onto multiple racks 6 using a single stacking device. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X and Z directions.

[0095] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0096] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stacking device for stacking formed battery cells, the stacking device comprising: Equipment body; Forks are disposed on the main body of the equipment and are used to support the battery cells, and the forks have a row of positions; An exhaust assembly is disposed on the main body of the equipment and corresponds to the exhaust position. The exhaust assembly and the forks can generate relative movement in a first direction, so that the two move closer to each other or further apart. When the formed battery cell is placed on the venting position, the venting assembly moves close to the venting position to press against the venting valve on the aligned battery cell, so that the gas inside the battery cell is discharged through the venting valve.

2. The stacking equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust assembly is capable of sliding along the device body in the first direction to move closer to or further away from the exhaust position.

3. The stacking equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The exhaust assembly includes: A connector is slidably connected to the main body of the device along the first direction; Multiple pressure-blocking components are disposed on the side of the connector facing the exhaust position, and each pressure-blocking component corresponds to a single battery cell.

4. The stacking equipment according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the aforementioned pressing components includes a support arm and a probe. One end of the support arm is connected to the connector, and the other end is connected to the probe. The probe is used to press against the exhaust valve.

5. The stacking equipment according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the probes includes a needle head, which opens the exhaust port of the exhaust valve when the needle head presses against the exhaust valve; the needle head is provided with a first through hole, which communicates with the exhaust port.

6. The stacking equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The probe also includes a sealing portion surrounding the outer periphery of the needle head, which seals the vent hole when the needle head presses against the vent valve.

7. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein, The stacking equipment also includes: An exhaust drive component, wherein the fixed end of the exhaust drive component is disposed on the main body of the device, and the driving end of the exhaust drive component is connected to the connector, for driving the connector to slide along the main body of the device in the first direction.

8. The stacking equipment according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The exhaust assembly also includes an exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected to the first through holes of the plurality of probes, and the other end is connected to the outside.

9. The stacking equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The support arm is provided with a second through hole, which connects the exhaust pipe and the corresponding first through hole.

10. The stacking equipment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The exhaust pipe is equipped with a retractable sub-pipe.

11. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The exhaust assembly also includes a vacuum pump disposed on the exhaust pipe, the vacuum pump being used to generate negative pressure within the exhaust pipe.

12. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein, The exhaust assembly also includes a gas collection tank, which is located at the end of the exhaust pipe away from the probe, and is used to collect the gas discharged from the exhaust pipe.

13. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The forks are slidably connected to the main body of the equipment along the first direction; The stacking equipment also includes a fork drive unit, the fixed end of which is disposed on the equipment body, and the driving end of which is connected to the fork, for driving the fork to slide along the equipment body in the first direction.

14. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The forks are capable of extending and retracting along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The stacking equipment according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The main body of the equipment includes a traveling mechanism and a support frame. The support frame extends along the first direction and is disposed on the traveling mechanism. The forks and the exhaust assembly are disposed on the support frame. The traveling mechanism is used to drive the support frame to move.

16. A battery storage system, wherein, The device includes a shelf and a stacking device as described in any one of claims 1-15. After formation, the battery cells are transported to the venting position, and the venting assembly presses against the venting valve of the battery cell to vent. After venting, the battery cells are transported to the shelf for storage.

17. The battery storage system according to claim 16, wherein, The shelf has multiple storage positions along the first direction, and the forks are capable of sliding along the main body of the equipment in the first direction to transport the battery cells to the multiple storage positions.

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