CELL STACKING APPARATUS AND BATTERY ASSEMBLING APPARATUS

A cell stacking apparatus includes a first limiting device, a second limiting device, and a third limiting device. The first limiting device is configured to limit a bottom face of a cell, the second limiting device is configured to limit a first side of the cell, and the third limiting device is configured to limit a second side of the cell, where the bottom face, the first side, and the second side intersect one another.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the field of battery technologies, and in particular, to a cell stacking apparatus and a battery assembling apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Energy saving and emission reduction are the key to the sustainable development of automobile industry, and electric vehicles have become an important part of the sustainable development of automotive industry due to their advantages of energy saving and environmental protection. For electric vehicles, battery technology is an important factor related to their development.

During assembly of a battery, stacking quality of cells is crucial for whether subsequent battery modules can be formed, and plays a very important role in the assembly of the entire battery.

SUMMARY

The present application provides a cell stacking apparatus and a battery assembling apparatus, which may improve stacking quality of cells and thereby increase success rate when a module is formed subsequently.

In a first aspect, the present application provides a cell stacking apparatus, including:a first limiting device configured to limit a bottom face of a cell;a second limiting device configured to limit a first side of the cell; anda third limiting device configured to limit a second side of the cell,wherein the bottom face, the first side and the second side intersect one another.

By providing the first limiting device, the second limiting device, and the third limiting device, the bottom face, the first side, and the second side of the cell may be limited separately. The first limiting device not only limits the bottom face of the cell, but also may support gravity of the entire cell, and the bottom face, the first side, and the second side intersect one another, that is, the bottom face, the first side, and the second side are adjacent to one another. Therefore it is possible to limit three sides of the cell, thereby positioning the single cell, improving stacking quality, avoiding the problem of rework due to detecting unsatisfactory stacking quality after stacking is complete, and effectively improving stacking efficiency; further, it is also possible to improve the probability of successful forming of a module composed of multiple cells and improve assembly efficiency of an entire battery.

In some embodiments, the cell stacking apparatus further includes at least one of a fourth limiting device, a fifth limiting device, and a sixth limiting device,the fourth limiting device is configured to drive the cell to move along a direction perpendicular to a top face of the cell and is used to limit the top face;the fifth limiting device is configured to drive the cell to move along a direction perpendicular to a third side of the cell and is used to limit the third side, the third side being arranged opposite to the first side; andthe sixth limiting device is configured to drive the cell to move along a direction perpendicular to a fourth side of the cell and is used to limit the fourth side, the fourth side being arranged opposite to the second side.

With the fourth limiting device, the cell may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the top face of the cell, enabling the cell to move to where the bottom face of the cell is in touch with a limiting portion of the first limiting device under the driving of the fourth limiting device. Further, the fourth limiting device may also limit the top face of the cell after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell between the first limiting device and the fourth limiting device, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the bottom and top faces of the cell.

With the fifth limiting device, the cell may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the third side of the cell, enabling the cell to move to where the first side of the cell is in touch with a limiting portion of the second limiting device under the driving of the fifth limiting device. Further, the fifth limiting device may also limit the third side of the cell after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell between the second limiting device and the fifth limiting device, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the first and third sides of the cell.

With the sixth limiting device, the cell may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side of the cell, enabling the cell to move to where the second side of the cell is in touch with a limiting portion of the third limiting device under the driving of the sixth limiting device. Further, the sixth limiting device may also limit the fourth side of the cell after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell between the third limiting device and the sixth limiting device, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the second and fourth sides of the cell.

In some embodiments, the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device and a sixth limiting device, the fourth limiting device includes a first limiting member, and the first limiting member is configured to press against a top face of a cell while the sixth limiting device drives the cell to move along a direction perpendicular to a fourth side.

By providing the first limiting member and causing the first limiting member to press against the top face of the cell while the sixth limiting device drives the cell to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side, the process where the sixth limiting device drives the cell to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side can be achieved under the state of causing the cell to press against at the top face by the first limiting member, that is, the state of limiting the top face of the cell, such that positioning of a second side and the fourth side of the cell is achieved without changing the position of the top face of the cell, thereby preventing the position of the top face of the cell from being affected by the positioning process of the second side and the fourth side. After the positioning of the second side and the fourth side is completed, this, in fact, realizes the positioning of the second side, the fourth side, the bottom face, and the top face at the same time.

In some embodiments, the first limiting member includes a rolling member that is in rolling fit with a cell and/or a sliding member that is in sliding fit with the cell.

By providing the rolling member and/or the sliding member, frictional force between the first limiting member and the cell may be reduced, and resistance for relative movement of the cell relative to the first limiting member may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the first limiting member includes a plurality of rolling members and/or a plurality of sliding members, and the plurality of rolling members and/or the plurality of sliding members are arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the first side.

By providing the plurality of rolling elements and/or the plurality of sliding elements, limiting and supporting for multiple positions of the top face may be achieved, thereby improving limiting effect on the top face.

In some embodiments, the fourth limiting device further includes a second limiting member, the second limiting member is located upstream of the first limiting member in a stacking direction of a plurality of cells, and the second limiting member separately presses against the top faces of the different cells.

By providing the second limiting member and disposing the second limiting member upstream of the first limiting member, it is possible to cause the second limiting member to press against a top face of another cell located upstream while the first limiting member presses against the top face of the cell located downstream, thereby limiting the top face of the cell located upstream and the top face of the cell located downstream at the same time, and avoiding the problem that misalignment of positions of the top faces of the upstream and downstream cells is caused when stacking another cell.

In some embodiments, when the first limiting member and a cell which it presses against move relatively, the second limiting member is configured to remain fixed relative to the cell which it presses against in a direction perpendicular to a second side.

By configuring the second limiting member to remain fixed relative to the cell which it presses against in the direction perpendicular to the second side, it is possible that there is no relative movement between the second limiting member and the cell which the second limiting member presses against in the direction perpendicular to the second side, thereby improving limiting effect of the second limiting member on the top face in a direction perpendicular to the top face, and in turn, maintaining relative stability of the cell that has been positioned.

In some embodiments, the second limiting member includes a limiting face that contacts a top face of a cell and limits the top face of the cell.

By providing the limiting face on the second limiting member, it is possible that there is face contact between the second limiting member and the top face of the cell, thereby enlarging limiting area for limiting the top face and improving limiting effect for the top face.

In some embodiments, the fifth limiting device includes one or more limiting members for limiting a third side of a cell, and the plurality of limiting members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to a second side.

In some embodiments, the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device, a fifth limiting device, and a sixth limiting device, the fifth limiting device includes one or more limiting members for limiting a third side of a cell, and the plurality of limiting members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to a second side.

In an embodiment in which the fifth limiting device includes one limiting member, when a plurality of cells are stacked along a direction perpendicular to second sides, limiting effect of the limiting member on the plurality of different cells may be achieved in a way of causing the fifth limiting device to move along the direction perpendicular to the second sides.

In an embodiment in which the fifth limiting device includes a plurality of limiting members and the plurality of limiting members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to a second side, limiting effect on a plurality of cells may be achieved through the plurality of limiting members, thereby reducing or omitting movement of the fifth limiting device along a direction perpendicular to the second side.

In some embodiments, at least one of one or more limiting members includes a third limiting member, the third limiting member includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is configured to provide elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the third side.

By providing the elastic member, the elastic force may be provided in the direction perpendicular to the third side, thereby allowing lengths of a plurality of cells to be different in the direction perpendicular to the third side.

During actual production, the lengths of the various cells may be different in the direction perpendicular to the third side due to manufacturing errors etc., and when at least one of the one or more limiting members includes the third limiting member, the third limiting member including the elastic member, the elastic member being configured to provide elastic force in the direction perpendicular to the third side, it may be avoided that difference in the lengths of the plurality of cells in the direction perpendicular to the third side affects limiting effect of other limiting members in the fifth limiting device on the third sides of other cells.

In some embodiments, the third limiting member further includes a first limiting plate connected to the elastic member, and the first limiting plate includes a limiting portion for limiting a third side of a cell.

By providing the first limiting plate, the limiting portion that is smoother and relatively greater in rigidity than the elastic member may be provided, thereby improving the limiting effect.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more limiting members includes a fourth limiting member, and the fourth limiting member is rigid in a direction perpendicular to a third side.

By providing the fourth limiting member as a structure that is rigid in the direction perpendicular to the third side, more certain limiting effect may be provided as compared to the third limiting member including an elastic member.

In some embodiments, the fifth limiting device further includes a mounting bracket, and one or more limiting members are mounted on the mounting bracket.

By providing the mounting bracket, the one or more limiting members may be mounted on the mounting bracket, thereby providing stable support for the one or more limiting members.

Moreover, with the one or more limiting members mounted on the mounting bracket, the one or more limiting members may be driven synchronously by means of driving the mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the fourth limiting device and/or the fifth limiting device are configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a second side, so that when the number of stacked cells increases, limiting action on newly stacked cells may be achieved by means of causing the fourth limiting device and/or the fifth limiting device to move along the direction perpendicular to the second side.

In some embodiments, in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face, the height of the second limiting device is less than that of a cell.

By setting the height of the second limiting device to be less than that of the cell, area of a portion of a first side of the cell in touch with the second limiting device may be reduced, thereby reducing impact of planar flatness of the first side on limiting precision of the second limiting device, and in turn, effectively controlling overall positioning precision for the cell.

In some embodiments, the second limiting device includes a second limiting plate and a plurality of connecting plates disposed in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to a second side, the connecting plates connect the second limiting plate and the first limiting device, the second limiting plate is in a long bar shape extending along the direction perpendicular to the second side, and in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face, the height of the second limiting plate is less than that of a cell.

By providing the connecting plates, the second limiting plate and the first limiting device may be connected together, that is, connection between the second limiting device and the first limiting device is achieved, and relative stability of the second limiting device and the first limiting device is improved.

By providing the connecting plates, a distance between the second limiting plate and the bottom face of the cell may also be increased in the direction perpendicular to the bottom face, thereby raising a limiting position of the second limiting plate for a first side, avoiding the problem that the cell is tipped over due to the limiting position of the second limiting plate for the first side being too low, and effectively improving positioning stability and safety of the cell.

The plurality of connecting plates may have a limiting action on the first side of the cell. By providing the plurality of connecting plates arranged in spaced manner, total area where the plurality of connecting plates limit the position of the cell may be reduced, thereby decreasing the impact of unevenness between limiting portions of the plurality of connecting plates on limiting precision for the first side. Of course, if a distance between a side of the second limiting plate close to the cell and the cell is set to be less than that between a side of the connecting plate close to the cell and the cell, then it is possible to cause the plurality of connecting plates to have no limiting action for the first side of the cell. At which time, the second limiting device limits the first side of the cell through the second limiting plate. The impact of the unevenness of the limiting portions of the plurality of connecting plates on the limiting precision for the cell is minimized.

The second limiting plate is arranged in the long bar shape extending along the direction perpendicular to the second side, and the second limiting plate may then be allowed to be continuous in the direction perpendicular to the second side, thereby ensuring a plurality of cells can all be limited by the second limiting plate when the plurality of cells are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the second side, and avoiding affecting of the limiting action on the certain cell due to there being a gap for the second limiting plate in the direction perpendicular to the second side.

The height of the second limiting plate is less than that of the cell in the direction perpendicular to the bottom face, and in this way, area of a portion of the first side of the cell in touch with the second limiting plate may be reduced, thereby reducing impact of planar flatness of the first side on limiting precision of the second limiting plate, and in turn, effectively controlling overall positioning precision for the cell.

In some embodiments, the third limiting device includes a plurality of limiting blocks arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to a first side.

By providing the plurality of limiting blocks arranged in spaced manner, limiting area of the third limiting device may be reduced by means of adding a gap, thereby decreasing impact of the flatness of a second side of a cell upon limiting precision of the third limiting device.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a battery assembling apparatus, including the cell stacking apparatus described above.

The above description is only an overview of the technical solutions of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application to implement same according to the contents of the Specification, and in order to enable the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present application to be more obvious and understandable, Detailed Description of the present application is exemplarily described below.

In the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to actual scale.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and therefore are only used as examples and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art belonging to the technical field of the present application; the terms used herein are intended only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application; the terms “include/comprise” and “have” and any variations thereof in the Specification and the Claims of the present application and in the Description of Drawings above are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms “first”, “second”, and the like are used only to distinguish between different objects, and are not to be understood as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, particular order, or primary and secondary relation of the technical features indicated. In addition, the term “perpendicular” is not strictly perpendicular, but within the margin of errors allowed. “Parallel” is not strictly parallel, but within the margin of errors allowed.

Reference herein to “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be contained in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the Specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiment described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term “and/or” is only an association relationship for describing associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships, for example A and/or B may represent three situations: A exists alone, both A and B exist, and B exists alone. In addition, the character “/” herein generally represents that previous and next associated objects form an “or” relationship. In this disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B, or C” both mean only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term of “a plurality of” refers to two or more, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined. Similarly, “a plurality of sets” refers to two or more sets, and “a plurality of sheets” refers to two or more sheets, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the orientation or position relationship indicated by the technical terms “center”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, “axial”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc. are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings and are intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments of the present application and simplify the description only, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore are not to be interpreted as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms “mount,” “join,” “connect,” “fix,” etc. should be understood in a broad sense, such as, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, an internal connection of two elements, or interaction between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application may be understood according to specific situations.

Currently, from the perspective of development of the market situation, power batteries are more and more widely applied. The power batteries have been not only used in energy storage power supply systems such as hydroelectric power plants, thermal power plants, wind power plants, and solar power plants, but also widely used in many other fields including electric transportation tools such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric vehicles, military equipment, and aerospace. With continuous expansion of application fields of the power batteries, market demands for electric vehicle batteries are also expanding.

The inventor of the present application has noticed that as the demand for power batteries continues to increase, higher requirements have been put forward for assembly efficiency of the battery. During assembly of a battery, cell stacking is a very important step.

After careful study on a cell stacking process, the inventor found that in related art, in order to improve quality of cell stacking, stacking quality will be detected through a detection device after stacking is complete, and if it is discovered that some cells are not aligned, all cells in this module are returned to an original station for re-stacking. This detection way can waste a lot of time, greatly reduce stacking efficiency, and thus reduce assembly efficiency of the battery.

In order to improve the stacking efficiency, the inventor proposes a cell stacking apparatus, the apparatus includes three limiting devices, and these three limiting devices respectively limit three sides of a cell intersecting one another, thereby allowing for three-side positioning of the singe cell, thus achieving precise positioning of the entire module, avoiding the problem of rework due to detecting cells with unsatisfactory stacking quality through inspection after stacking is complete, effectively saving time, and improving the stacking efficiency.

The cell stacking apparatus disclosed in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to a battery assembling apparatus. As a constituent portion of the battery assembling apparatus, the cell stacking apparatus may improve cell stacking efficiency in the cell stacking procedure, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the entire battery.

A battery assembled by using the cell stacking apparatus and battery assembling apparatus disclosed in the embodiments of the present application is applicable to various electrical devices, such as a mobile phone, a portable device, a laptop, an electric bike, an electric vehicle, a ship, a spacecraft, an electronic toy, an electric tool, etc. For example, the spacecraft includes an airplane, a rocket, a space shuttle, a spaceship and the like; the electronic toy includes a fixed or mobile electric toy, such as a game console, a toy electric vehicle, a toy electric ship, a toy electric aircraft and the like; and the electric tool includes a metal-cutting power tool, a grinding power tool, an assembly power tool and a railway power tool, such as an electric drill, an electric grinder, an electric wrench, an electric screwdriver, an electric hammer, an electric impact drill, a concrete vibrator, and an electric planer.

As shown inFIG.1, the electrical device may be a vehicle1000, e.g. a new energy vehicle, the new energy vehicle may be an all-electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an extended-range electric vehicle or the like; or the electrical device may also be an unmanned aerial vehicle, a ship or the like. Specifically, the vehicle1000may include a battery100, an axle200, wheels300connected to the axle200, a motor400, and a controller500, the controller500is used to control working of the motor400, the motor400is used to drive the axle200to rotate, the rotation of the axle200drives the wheels300in rotation, and the battery100may be disposed at the bottom, head or tail of the vehicle1000to provide electrical energy for working of the motor400and other components in the vehicle.

As shown inFIG.2, a battery100assembled by using a cell stacking apparatus and battery assembling apparatus disclosed in an embodiment of the present application may include a box assembly80and a plurality of cells70. The plurality of cells70may be in series connection, in parallel connection, or in parallel-series connection, the parallel-series connection refers to the plurality of cells70being both in series connection and parallel connection, the plurality of cells70may be first connected in series, in parallel, or in parallel-series connection to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules may be then connected in series, in parallel, or in parallel-series connection to form a whole, and are accommodated within the box assembly80. Alternatively, all cells70may be directly connected together in series or in parallel or in parallel-series connection, and then an entirety composed of all the cells70may be accommodated within the box assembly80.

The interior of the box assembly80is of a hollow structure, for example, the box assembly80may include a box body80aand a cover80b. The box body80aand the cover80bare fitted together in covering manner. For example, the box body80aand the cover80bmay each be a hollow cuboid with only one respective face being an open face, an opening of the box body80aand an opening of the cover80bare arranged oppositely, and the box body80aand the cover80bare mutually fitted in covering manner to form a box with a closed chamber. Alternatively, the box body80ais a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening and the cover80bis in a plate shape, or the cover80bis a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening and the box body80ais in a plate shape, the box body80aand the cover80bbeing arranged oppositely and fitted in covering manner to form the box assembly80with a closed chamber. After at least one cell70is connected in parallel or in series or in parallel-series connection, it is placed within the closed chamber formed after the box body80aand the cover80bare fitted in covering manner. The cell70includes a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion primary battery, a lithium-sulfur battery, a sodium/lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a magnesium-ion battery, or the like, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard.

In order to enable more clear understanding of positioning principle of a cell stacking apparatus of the present application, the structure of the cell stacking apparatus is first described in detail.

In some embodiments, with reference toFIGS.3,4, and5, the cell stacking apparatus includes a first limiting device10, a second limiting device20, and a third limiting device30, the first limiting device10is configured to limit a bottom face711of a cell70, the second limiting device20is configured to limit a first side712of the cell70, the third limiting device30is configured to limit a second side713of the cell70, wherein the bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713intersect one another.

By providing the first limiting device10, the second limiting device20, and the third limiting device30, the bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713of the cell70may be limited separately. The first limiting device10not only limits the bottom face711of the cell70, but also may support gravity of the entire cell70, and the bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713intersect one another, that is, the bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713are adjacent to one another. Therefore it is possible to limit three sides of the cell70, thereby positioning the single cell70, improving stacking quality, avoiding the problem of rework due to detecting unsatisfactory stacking quality after stacking is completed, and effectively improving stacking efficiency; further, it is also possible to improve the probability of successful forming of a module composed of multiple cells70and improve assembly efficiency of an entire battery.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, they are structural schematic diagrams of a cell70applicable to an embodiment of a cell stacking apparatus disclosed in the present application.

As shown inFIG.4, the cell70includes a cell body71and two terminals72disposed on the top of the cell body71. The two terminals72are different in polarity. The terminals72are electrically connected to the cell body71, and the terminals72may also be connected to other cells70or electrical components. The cell body71is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the cell body71includes a bottom face711, a first side712, a second side713, a top face714that is disposed opposite and parallel to the bottom face711, a third side715that is disposed opposite and parallel to the first side712, and a fourth side716that is disposed opposite and parallel to the second side713. The bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713are perpendicular to and intersect one another.

For the cell70as shown inFIG.4, when multiple cells70are stacked, liquid glue may be applied on the second side713and/or the fourth side716of the cell70, and two adjacent cells70are adhesively connected through the liquid glue to avoid relative movement between the respective cells70after being stacked.

As shown inFIG.5, the cell70includes a cell body71, two terminals72disposed on the top of the cell body71, and a spacer73disposed on a side of the cell body71. The two terminals72are different in polarity. The terminals72are electrically connected to the cell body71, and the terminals72may also be connected to other cells70or electrical components. The cell body71is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the cell body71includes a bottom face711, a first side712, a second side713, a top face714that is disposed opposite and parallel to the bottom face711, a third side715that is disposed opposite and parallel to the first side712, and a fourth side716that is disposed opposite and parallel to the second side713. The bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713are perpendicular to and intersect one another.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, the spacer73is mounted on the second side713of the cell body71. In other embodiments, the spacer73may also be mounted on the fourth side716of the cell body71or both the second side713and the fourth side716of the cell body71may be provided with the spacer73thereon. A side of the spacer73away from the cell body71is provided with a solid adhesive, and when multiple cells70are stacked, two adjacent cells70are adhesively connected through the spacer73to avoid relative movement between the various cells70after being stacked.

It is be noted that the embodiments of the cell stacking apparatus disclosed in the present application are not limited to stacking of the cell70as shown inFIGS.4and5, and may also be used to stack cells with other structures, such as cells with a bottom face, a first712, and a second side713not perpendicular to one another etc.

In some embodiments, the cell stacking apparatus further includes at least one of a fourth limiting device40, a fifth limiting device50, and a sixth limiting device60. For example, the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device40; the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fifth limiting device50; the cell stacking apparatus further includes a sixth limiting device60; the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device40and a fifth limiting device50; the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fifth limiting device50and a sixth limiting device60; the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device40and a sixth limiting device60; alternatively, the cell stacking apparatus further includes a fourth limiting device40, a fifth limiting device50, and a sixth limiting device60.

The fourth limiting device40is configured to drive a cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to a top face714of the cell70and is used to limit the top face714;the fifth limiting device50is configured to drive the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to a third side715of the cell70and is used to limit the third side715, the third side715being arranged opposite to the first side712;the sixth limiting device60is configured to drive the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to a fourth side716of the cell70and is used to limit the fourth side716, the fourth side716being arranged opposite to the second side713.

With the fourth limiting device40, the cell70may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the top face714of the cell70, enabling the cell70to move to where the bottom face711of the cell70is in touch with a limiting portion of the first limiting device10under the driving of the fourth limiting device40. Further, the fourth limiting device40may also limit the top face714of the cell70after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell70between the first limiting device10and the fourth limiting device40, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the bottom and top faces711and714of the cell70.

With the fifth limiting device50, the cell70may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the third side715of the cell70, enabling the cell70to move to where the first side712of the cell70is in touch with a limiting portion of the second limiting device20under the driving of the fifth limiting device50. Further, the fifth limiting device50may also limit the third side715of the cell70after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell70between the second limiting device20and the fifth limiting device50, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the first and third sides712and715of the cell70.

With the sixth limiting device60, the cell70may be driven to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side716of the cell70, enabling the cell70to move to where the second side713of the cell70is in touch with a limiting portion of the third limiting device30under the driving of the sixth limiting device60. Further, the sixth limiting device60may also limit the fourth side716of the cell70after stopping moving, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the cell70between the third limiting device30and the sixth limiting device60, and achieving simultaneous limiting of the second and fourth sides713and716of the cell70.

Structures of some constituent components in some embodiments of the cell stacking apparatus provided in the present application will be introduced below with reference toFIGS.6to12.

As shown inFIG.6, the first limiting device10may in a flat plate structure. This structure may provide a relatively flat limiting face so as to limit and support a bottom face711of a cell70, and may also improve flatness for touching of the limiting face with the bottom face711, improving limiting effect and supporting stability.

In other embodiments, the first limiting device10may also in other structural forms such as a plurality of slats or cylindrical bars arranged in spaced manner, which will not be described in detail here.

In some embodiments, in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, the height of the second limiting device20is less than that of a cell70.

By setting the height of the second limiting device20to be less than that of the cell70, area of a portion of a first side712of the cell70in touch with the second limiting device20may be reduced, thereby reducing impact of planar flatness of the first side712on limiting precision of the second limiting device20, and in turn, effectively controlling overall positioning precision for the cell70.

As shown inFIG.6, in some embodiments, the second limiting device20includes a second limiting plate21and a plurality of connecting plates22disposed in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, the connecting plates22connect the second limiting plate21and the first limiting device10, the second limiting plate21is in a long bar shape extending along the direction perpendicular to the second side713, and in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, the height of the second limiting plate21is less than that of a cell70.

By providing the connecting plates22, the second limiting plate21and the first limiting device10may be connected together, that is, connection between the second limiting device20and the first limiting device10is achieved, and relative stability of the second limiting device20and the first limiting device10is improved.

By providing the connecting plates22, a distance between the second limiting plate21and the bottom face711of the cell70may also be increased in the direction perpendicular to the bottom face711, thereby raising a limiting position of the second limiting plate21for a first side712, avoiding the problem that the cell70is tipped over due to the limiting position of the second limiting plate21for the first side712being too low, and effectively improving positioning stability and safety of the cell70.

The plurality of connecting plates22may have a limiting action on the first side712of the cell70. By providing the plurality of connecting plates22arranged in spaced manner, total area where the plurality of connecting plates22limit the position of the cell70may be reduced, thereby decreasing the impact of unevenness between limiting portions of the plurality of connecting plates22on limiting precision for the first side712. Of course, if a distance between a side of the second limiting plate21close to the cell70and the cell70is set to be less than that between a side of the connecting plate22close to the cell70and the cell70, then it is possible to cause the plurality of connecting plates22to have no limiting action for the first side712of the cell70. At which time, the second limiting device20limits the first side712of the cell70through the second limiting plate21. The impact of the unevenness of the limiting portions of the plurality of connecting plates22on the limiting precision for the cell70is minimized.

The second limiting plate21is arranged in the long bar shape extending along the direction perpendicular to the second side713, and the second limiting plate21may then be allowed to be continuous in the direction perpendicular to the second side713, thereby ensuring a plurality of cells can all be limited by the second limiting plate21when the plurality of cells are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the second side713, and avoiding affecting of the limiting action on the certain cell70due to there being a gap for the second limiting plate21in the direction perpendicular to the second side713.

The height of the second limiting plate21is less than that of the cell70in the direction perpendicular to the bottom face711, and in this way, area of a portion of the first side712of the cell70in touch with the second limiting plate21may be reduced, thereby reducing impact of planar flatness of the first side712on limiting precision of the second limiting plate21, and in turn, effectively controlling overall positioning precision for the cell70.

In other embodiments, the second limiting device20may also in structural forms such as a plurality of slats or cylinders arranged in vertically spaced manner, which will not be described in detail here.

As shown inFIG.6, in some embodiments, the third limiting device30includes a plurality of limiting blocks31arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to a first side712.

By providing the plurality of limiting blocks31arranged in spaced manner, limiting area of the third limiting device30may be reduced by means of adding a gap, thereby decreasing impact of the flatness of a second side713of a cell70upon limiting precision of the third limiting device30.

Of course, in other embodiments, the third limiting device30may also in other structural forms such as a long slat or a plurality of cylinders arranged in spaced manner, which will not be described in detail here.

As shown inFIG.7, in some embodiments, the fourth limiting device40includes a first limiting member41, and the first limiting member41is configured to press against a top face714of a cell70while the sixth limiting device60drives the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to a fourth side716.

By providing the first limiting member41and causing the first limiting member41to press against the top face714of the cell70while the sixth limiting device60drives the cell70to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side716, the process where the sixth limiting device60drives the cell70to move along the direction perpendicular to the fourth side716can be achieved under the state of causing the cell70to press against at the top face714by the first limiting member41, that is, the state of limiting the top face714of the cell70, such that positioning of a second side713and the fourth side716of the cell70is achieved without changing the position of the top face714of the cell70, thereby preventing the position of the top face714of the cell70from being affected by the positioning process of the second side713and the fourth side716. After the positioning of the second side713and the fourth side716is completed, this, in fact, realizes the positioning of the second side713, the fourth side716, the bottom face711, and the top face714at the same time.

There are many choices for specific structure of the first limiting member41. For example, the first limiting member41may include a rolling member411that is in rolling fit with the cell70, a sliding member that is in sliding fit with the cell70or the like.

In some embodiments, the first limiting member41includes a plurality of rolling members411and/or a plurality of sliding members, and the plurality of rolling members411and/or the plurality of sliding members are arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the first side712.

By providing the plurality of rolling elements411and/or the plurality of sliding elements, limiting and supporting for multiple positions of the top face714may be achieved, thereby improving limiting effect on the top face714.

In some embodiments, the first limiting member41further includes a first connecting shaft412, and the first connecting shaft412is connected between two adjacent rolling members411or connected between two adjacent sliding members.

By providing the first connecting shaft412, two rolling members411may be connected together, improving relative stability between the two rolling members411, and also enabling synchronization for movement of the two rolling elements411. The first connecting shaft412may be in a structural form such as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped.

As shown inFIG.8, in some embodiments, the fourth limiting device40further includes a second limiting member42, the second limiting member42is located upstream of the first limiting member41in a stacking direction of a plurality of cells70, and the second limiting member42and the first limiting member41separately press against the top faces714of the different cells70.

By providing the second limiting member42and disposing the second limiting member42upstream of the first limiting member41, it is possible to cause the second limiting member42to press against a top face714of another cell70located upstream while the first limiting member41presses against the top face714of the cell70located downstream, thereby limiting the top face714of the cell70located upstream and the top face714of the cell70located downstream at the same time, and avoiding the problem that misalignment of positions of the top faces714of the upstream and downstream cells70is caused when stacking another cell70.

In some embodiments, the second limiting member42and the first limiting member41separately press against the top faces714of two adjacent cells70.

In some embodiments, when the first limiting member41and a cell70which it presses against move relatively, the second limiting member42is configured to remain fixed relative to the cell70which it presses against in a direction perpendicular to a second side713.

By configuring the second limiting member42to remain fixed relative to the cell70which it presses against in the direction perpendicular to the second side713, it is possible that there is no relative movement between the second limiting member42and the cell70which the second limiting member42presses against in the direction perpendicular to the second side713, thereby improving limiting effect of the second limiting member42on a top face714in a direction perpendicular to the top face714, and in turn, maintaining relative stability of the cell70that has been positioned.

In some embodiments, the second limiting member42includes a limiting face that contacts a top face714of a cell70and limits the top face714of the cell70.

By providing the limiting face on the second limiting member42, it is possible that there is face contact between the second limiting member42and the top face714of the cell70, thereby enlarging limiting area for limiting the top face714and improving limiting effect for the top face714.

As shown inFIG.8, the second limiting member42is in flat plate structure, which facilitates providing a relatively flat limiting face, thereby improving limiting effect on the top face714of the cell70.

In other embodiments, the second limiting member42may also in structural forms such as a plurality of bar-shaped plates arranged in spaced manner, which will not be described in detail here.

In some embodiments, the first limiting member41and the second limiting member42may separately press against two terminals72of a cell70. Top faces of the two terminals72are relatively flat, which may improve stability of contact with the first limiting member41and the second limiting member42.

As shown in FIGS. and9and10, in some embodiments, the fifth limiting device50includes one or more limiting members for limiting a third side715of a cell70, and the plurality of limiting members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to a second side713.

In an embodiment in which the fifth limiting device50includes one limiting member, when a plurality of cells70are stacked along a direction perpendicular to second sides713, limiting effect of the limiting member on the plurality of different cells70may be achieved in a way of causing the fifth limiting device50to move along the direction perpendicular to the second sides713.

In an embodiment in which the fifth limiting device50includes a plurality of limiting members and the plurality of limiting members are arranged along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, limiting effect on a plurality of cells70may be achieved through the plurality of limiting members, thereby reducing or omitting movement of the fifth limiting device50along a direction perpendicular to the second side713.

The plurality of limiting members may be arranged in spaced manner or continuously in the direction perpendicular to the second side713, which may be determined depending on a size of limiting area for limiting a third side715of the cell70.

As shown inFIG.9, the fifth limiting device50includes two limiting members arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the second side713; as shown inFIG.10, the fifth limiting device50includes 12 limiting members arranged in spaced manner along the direction perpendicular to the second side713.

In some embodiments, at least one of one or more limiting members includes a third limiting member51, the third limiting member51includes an elastic member511, and the elastic member511is configured to provide elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the third side715.

By providing the elastic member511, the elastic force may be provided in the direction perpendicular to the third side715, thereby allowing lengths of a plurality of cells70to be different in the direction perpendicular to the third side715.

During actual production, the lengths of the various cells70may be different in the direction perpendicular to the third side715due to manufacturing errors etc., and when at least one of the one or more limiting members includes the third limiting member51, the third limiting member51including the elastic member511, the elastic member511being configured to provide elastic force in the direction perpendicular to the third side715, it may be avoided that difference in the lengths of the plurality of cells70in the direction perpendicular to the third side715affects limiting effect of other limiting members in the fifth limiting device50on the third sides715of other cells70.

The elastic member511may be made with a spring or elastic rubber etc.

In some embodiments, the third limiting member51further includes a first limiting plate512connected to the elastic member511, and the first limiting plate512includes a limiting portion for limiting a third side715of a cell70.

By providing the first limiting plate512, the limiting portion that is smoother and relatively greater in rigidity than the elastic member511may be provided, thereby improving the limiting effect.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more limiting members includes a fourth limiting member52, and the fourth limiting member52is rigid in a direction perpendicular to a third side715.

By providing the fourth limiting member52as a structure that is rigid in the direction perpendicular to the third side715, more certain limiting effect may be provided as compared to the third limiting member51including an elastic member511.

The fourth limiting member52may include one thick limiting block, or may include a plurality of limiting blocks that are thin and connected as a whole.

In some embodiments, the fifth limiting device50further includes a mounting bracket53, and one or more limiting members are mounted on the mounting bracket53.

By providing the mounting bracket53, the one or more limiting members may be mounted on the mounting bracket53, thereby providing stable support for the one or more limiting members.

Moreover, with the one or more limiting members mounted on the mounting bracket53, the one or more limiting members may be driven synchronously by means of driving the mounting bracket53.

In an embodiment in which the mounting bracket53is not provided, the one or more limiting members may be driven individually and separately.

As shown inFIG.11, it is a structural schematic diagram of a cell stacking apparatus using a fifth limiting device50embodiment shown inFIG.10.

In this embodiment, before the number of stacked cells70does not exceed 12, the fifth limiting device50does not need to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713.

In some embodiments, the fourth limiting device40and/or the fifth limiting device50are configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to a second side713, so that when the number of stacked cells70increases, limiting action on newly stacked cells70may be achieved by means of causing the fourth limiting device40and/or the fifth limiting device50to move along the direction perpendicular to the second side713.

As shown inFIG.12, the sixth limiting device60includes a third limiting plate61and a second connecting shaft62mounted on a side of the third limiting plate61away from the cell70. The second connecting shaft62is used to connect a driving component to drive the third limiting plate61to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713.

The third limiting plate61is in flat plate structure, which may provide a relatively flat limiting face, improving limiting effect on a fourth side716. The second connecting shaft62may be in a cylindrical structural form, or may be in other structural forms such as a rectangular parallelepiped.

In other embodiments, the sixth limiting device60may also in structural forms such as a plurality of bar-shaped blocks arranged in spaced manner, which will not be described in detail here.

Based on the cell stacking apparatus in the above embodiments, the present application also provides a battery assembling apparatus.

Structures and working processes of some embodiments of the cell stacking apparatus provided in the present application will be introduced below with reference toFIGS.3to12.

In an embodiment shown inFIG.3, the cell stacking apparatus includes a first limiting device10, a second limiting device20, a third limiting device30, a fourth limiting device40, a fifth limiting device50, and a sixth limiting device60.

As shown inFIG.4, the cell70includes a cell body71and two terminals72disposed on the top of the cell body71. The cell body71is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the cell body71includes a bottom face711, a first side712, a second side713, a top face714that is disposed opposite and parallel to the bottom face711, a third side715that is disposed opposite and parallel to the first side712, and a fourth side716that is disposed opposite and parallel to the second side713. The bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713are perpendicular to and intersect one another.

As shown inFIG.5, the cell70includes a cell body71, two terminals72disposed on the top of the cell body71, and a spacer73disposed on a side of the cell body71. The cell body71is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the cell body71includes a bottom face711, a first side712, a second side713, a top face714that is disposed opposite and parallel to the bottom face711, a third side715that is disposed opposite and parallel to the first side712, and a fourth side716that is disposed opposite and parallel to the second side713. The bottom face711, the first side712, and the second side713are perpendicular to and intersect one another.

The first limiting device10is used to limit the bottom face711of the cell70, the second limiting device20is used to limit the first side712of the cell70, the third limiting device is used to limit the second side713of the cell70, and the fourth limiting device40is used to drive the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to the top face714of the cell70and to limit the top face714; the fifth limiting device50is used to drive the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to the third side715of the cell70and to limit the third side715; the sixth limiting device60is used to drive the cell70to move along a direction perpendicular to the fourth side716of the cell70and to limit the fourth side716.

As shown inFIG.6, the first limiting device10includes a flat plate limiting plate, and the limiting plate has a limiting face in contact with the bottom face711of the cell70.

The second limiting device20includes a long bar shaped second limiting plate21and two connecting plates22, and the two connecting plates22are used to connect the second limiting plate21and the first limiting device10. In a direction perpendicular to the bottom face711, the height of the second limiting plate21is less than that of the cell70.

The third limiting device30includes two limiting blocks31extending along a direction perpendicular to the bottom face711, and the two limiting blocks31are arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the first side712. The two limiting blocks31are mounted on the first limiting device10.

In an embodiment as shown inFIG.6, the first limiting device10, the second limiting device20, and the third limiting device30are connected as a whole.

As shown inFIG.7, the first limiting member41includes two rolling members411and a first connecting shaft412connected between the two rolling members411, and the first connecting shaft412is in cylindrical shape.

As shown inFIG.8, the second limiting member42includes a flat plate limiting plate, and the limiting plate has a limiting face in contact with the top face714of the cell70.

As shown inFIG.9, the fifth limiting device50includes a mounting bracket53, as well as one third limiting member51and one fourth limiting member52mounted on the mounting bracket53, the third limiting member51includes an elastic member511and a first limiting plate512, and the elastic member511is connected between the mounting bracket53and the first limiting plate512. The elastic member511provides elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the first side712. The fourth limiting member52is rigid in the direction perpendicular to the first side712.

As shown inFIG.10, the fifth limiting device50includes a mounting bracket53and 12 third limiting members51mounted on the mounting bracket53. The 12 third limiting members51are arranged in spaced manner along a direction perpendicular to the second side713.

As shown inFIG.3, it is a structural schematic diagram of a cell stacking apparatus embodiment using the fifth limiting device50as shown inFIG.9; as shown inFIG.11, it is a structural schematic diagram of a cell stacking apparatus embodiment using the fifth limiting device50as shown inFIG.10.

As shown inFIG.12, the sixth limiting device60includes a third limiting plate61and a second connecting shaft62mounted on a side of the third limiting plate61away from the cell70. The third limiting plate61is in flat plate structure, and the second connecting shaft62is in cylindrical shape.

For the cell70structure as shown inFIG.4, to improve relative stability of various cells70after being stacked, liquid glue may be applied on the second side713and/or the fourth side716of the cell70, so that two adjacent cells70are adhesively connected through the liquid glue.

For the cells70adhesively connected using the liquid glue, the cell stacking apparatus embodiment as shown inFIG.11may be used for their stacking. Even if positions of two cells70are misaligned during adhesive connection due to fluidity of the liquid glue, flexible positioning may be performed through the elastic member511included in the third limiting member51.

The specific operating process is as follows:as shown inFIG.11, a stacking direction of a plurality of cells70is a direction perpendicular to the second side713, and the fourth limiting device40and/or the fifth limiting device50are movable along the stacking direction, the fifth limiting device50including 12 third limiting members51.

First, a first cell70is placed on the first limiting device10;then, the first limiting member41and/or the second limiting member42in the fourth limiting device40are driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, so that the bottom face711of the cell70is in touch with the first limiting device10;the fifth limiting device50is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a first side712, so that the first side712of the cell70is in touch with the second limiting plate21in the second limiting device20; andthe sixth limiting member60is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, so that the second side713of the cell70is in touch with a limiting block31in the third limiting device30;wherein there is no limitation on the order of steps of driving the fourth limiting device40, driving the fifth limiting device50, and driving the sixth limiting device60;next, a second cell70is placed the first limiting device10;the sixth limiting device60is first driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, so that the second side713of the second cell70is close to a fourth side716of the first cell70, and there is a preset distance between the second side713of the second cell70and the fourth side716of the first cell70;then, the fifth limiting device50is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a first side712(here, whether the fifth limiting device50needs to move along the direction perpendicular to the first side712movement may be judged according to the position of the fifth limiting device50), so that one of the third limiting members51is caused to oppose the first cell70, and the other third limiting member51is caused to oppose the second cell70; driving the fifth limiting device50to move along the direction perpendicular to the first side712is then continued, so that the first side712of the second cell70is in touch with the second limiting plate21in the second limiting device20;next, the fourth limiting device40is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, the first limiting member41is contacted with a top face714of the second cell70, and the second limiting member42is contacted with a top face714of the first cell70, allowing touching between the bottom face711of the second cell70and the first limiting device10;while the first limiting member41is in contact with the top face714of the second cell70and the second limiting member42is in contact with the top face714of the first cell70, the sixth limiting device60is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to the second side713, so that the second side713of the second cell70is in contact the fourth side716of the first cell70;at this point, stacking of the second cell70is complete;and a third battery cell70, a fourth battery cell70. . . are stacked in sequence according to the stacking process of the second cell70.

For the cell70structure as shown inFIG.5, a spacer73is provided on a side of the cell body71, a side of the spacer73away from the cell body71is provided with a solid adhesive, and when multiple cells70are stacked, two adjacent cells70are adhesively connected through the spacer73to avoid relative movement between the various cells70after being stacked.

For the cells70that are adhesively connected using the spacer73provided with solid glue, the cell stacking apparatus embodiment as shown inFIG.3may be used for their stacking. Before two cells70are adhesively connected, precise positioning is first performed through the fourth limiting member52with strong rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the first side712, positioning in the direction perpendicular to the second side713is then performed through the sixth limiting device60, and adhesive connection is achieved, avoiding the problem that misalignment occurs after adhesive connection and two cells70are difficult to separate and adhesively connect again.

The specific operating process is as follows:as shown inFIG.3, a stacking direction of a plurality of cells70is a direction perpendicular to the second side713, and the fourth limiting device40and/or the fifth limiting device50are movable along the stacking direction, the fifth limiting device50including one third limiting member51and one fourth limiting member52.

First, a first cell70is placed on the first limiting device10;then, the first limiting member41and/or the second limiting member42in the fourth limiting device40are driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, so that the bottom face711of the cell70is in touch with the first limiting device10;the third limiting member51and/or the fourth limiting member52in the fifth limiting device50are driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a first side712, so that the first side712of the cell70is in touch with the second limiting plate21in the second limiting device20; andthe sixth limiting member60is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, so that the second side713of the cell70is in touch with a limiting block31in the third limiting device30;wherein there is no limitation on the order of steps of driving the fourth limiting device40, driving the fifth limiting device50, and driving the sixth limiting device60;next, a second cell70is placed the first limiting device10;the sixth limiting device60is first driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a second side713, so that the second side713of the second cell70is close to a fourth side716of the first cell70, and there is a preset distance between the second side713of the second cell70and the fourth side716of the first cell70;then, the fifth limiting device50is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a first side712(here, whether the fifth limiting device50needs to move along the direction perpendicular to the first side712movement may be judged according to the position of the fifth limiting device50), so that the third limiting member51is caused to oppose the first cell70, and the fourth third limiting member52is caused to oppose the second cell70; driving the fifth limiting device50to move along the direction perpendicular to the first side712is then continued, so that the first side712of the second cell70is in touch with the second limiting plate21in the second limiting device20;next, the fourth limiting device40is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to a bottom face711, the first limiting member41is contacted with a top face714of the second cell70, and the second limiting member42is contacted with a top face714of the first cell70, allowing touching between the bottom face711of the second cell70and the first limiting device10;while the first limiting member41is in contact with the top face714of the second cell70and the second limiting member42is in contact with the top face714of the first cell70, the sixth limiting device60is driven to move along a direction perpendicular to the second side713, so that the second side713of the second cell70is in contact the fourth side716of the first cell70;at this point, stacking of the second cell70is complete;and a third battery cell70, a fourth battery cell70. . . are stacked in sequence according to the stacking process of the second cell70.

The cell stacking apparatus embodiment provided in the present application can effectively improve precision of cell stacking, improve positioning stability, improve stacking quality, ensure that side misalignment never occurs between the cells, and prevent failure of modules to form later; dimensional qualification rate of the modules (including but not limited to side profile and bottom profile/planarity of the modules) can be effectively increased.

In the cell stacking apparatus embodiment provided in the present application, with a fourth limiting device pressurizing a top face of a cell, the cell may be precisely positioned in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face; the fourth limiting device includes a first limiting member with a rolling member, allowing for positioning in a direction perpendicular to a second side while pressurizing at the top; the fourth limiting device further includes a second limiting member that may mutually cooperate with the first limiting member to allow for stepwise pressurization for the top of the cell and stepwise withdrawal of the fourth limiting device; by using a third limiting member including an elastic member, tolerance for the length of the cell in a direction perpendicular to the first side may be improved to achieve progressive precise positioning of cells of different lengths; by providing the fourth limiting member that is rigid in the direction perpendicular to the first side, rigid positioning may be achieved in the direction perpendicular to the first side, which is applicable to the cell adhesively connected using a spacer provided with solid glue; the height of a second limiting device is less than that of the cell, and then impact of the planarity of the cell on positioning precision may be reduced.

While the present application has been described with reference to some embodiments, various modifications may be made and components therein may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.