A welding apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of welding equipment.The welding equipment includes: lug folding device, including lug folding mechanism and first transfer mechanism, lug folding mechanism is used to carry electric core and lug of electric core is folded, first transfer mechanism is used to transfer electric core to stacking station;Stacking turnover device, including stacking turnover mechanism and second transfer mechanism, stacking turnover mechanism is used to carry multiple electric cores by first transfer mechanism sequentially transported and is stacked to form electric core group, and electric core group is turned over;Second transfer mechanism is used to transfer electric core group to assembly station;Assembly device is arranged in assembly station, and assembly device is used to receive top cover and electric core group by second transfer mechanism is transported, so that the top cover pin of top cover is consistent with the lug on the lug of each electric core of electric core group;And welding device is used to weld the top cover pin of top cover and the lug on the lug of each electric core of electric core group on assembly device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a welding device. Background Technology

[0002] During battery manufacturing, dual cells need to be combined, which involves stacking two cells and welding the adapter plates on the tabs of each cell to the pins on the top cover.

[0003] Before soldering the adapter plates on the tabs of each battery cell to the top cover pins on the top cover, assembly is required. Because the assembly process involves many steps and is complex, it results in low automation, high labor costs, and low product quality stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a welding device that improves upon the above-mentioned defects in the existing technology, which has a low degree of automation, high labor costs, and low product quality stability due to the numerous and complex assembly processes of the adapter pieces on the tabs of each battery cell and the top cover pins on the top cover.

[0005] A welding device includes an electrode tab folding station, a stacking station, and an assembly station, the welding device comprising:

[0006] A tab folding device is arranged at the tab folding station and includes a tab folding mechanism and a first transfer mechanism. The tab folding mechanism is used to carry the battery cell and fold the tabs of the battery cell. The first transfer mechanism is used to transfer the battery cell on the tab folding mechanism to the stacking station.

[0007] A stacking and flipping device is arranged at the stacking station and includes a stacking and flipping mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The stacking and flipping mechanism is used to carry multiple battery cells that are sequentially transferred by the first transfer mechanism to stack them into a battery cell group and to flip the battery cell group. The second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the battery cell group to the assembly station.

[0008] An assembly device, arranged at the assembly station, is used to receive the top cover and the battery cell assembly transferred by the second transfer mechanism, such that the top cover pins of the top cover are abutted against the adapter tabs on the terminals of each battery cell in the battery cell assembly; and

[0009] A welding device is used to weld the top cover pins of the top cover on the assembly device to the adapter pieces on the tabs of each cell of the cell assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the tab folding mechanism includes a support component and a tab folding component;

[0011] The supporting component is used to support the battery cell, and the tab folding component includes a base, a lifting frame and a folding roller. The lifting frame is controllably connected to the base, and the folding roller is rotatably connected to the lifting frame.

[0012] During the process of the lifting frame driving the folding roller to rise and fall, the folding roller can push the tabs of the battery cell to fold.

[0013] In one embodiment, the tab folding mechanism further includes an adjustment component, which includes a drive component and a first clamping component. The first clamping component is mounted on the drive end of the drive component so that the drive component drives the adapter piece on the tab of the battery cell to move closer to or further away from it. The first clamping component has two opposing first clamping blocks, and each of the two first clamping blocks has a first positioning groove on its side facing each other.

[0014] When the driving component drives the first clamping component to move to the position where the adapter piece enters between the two first clamping blocks, the first clamping component can control the two first clamping blocks to close together so that the adapter piece is limited within the first positioning groove of the two first clamping blocks.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first transfer mechanism includes a mounting base and a second clamping assembly and a first positioning piece mounted on the mounting base;

[0016] The mounting base can be moved controllably between the tab folding station and the stacking station, and can be raised or lowered controllably; the second clamping assembly has two opposing second clamping blocks;

[0017] When the mounting base moves to the tab folding station, the mounting base is located above the bearing assembly. During the descent of the mounting base, the first positioning piece can be inserted between the battery cell and the adapter piece, and the second clamping assembly can control the two second clamping blocks to clamp the battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second clamping assembly further includes two opposing third clamping blocks;

[0019] When the second clamping assembly controls the two second clamping blocks to clamp the battery cell, the second clamping assembly can control the two third clamping blocks to clamp the adapter piece on the electrode of the battery cell.

[0020] In one embodiment, a second positioning groove is provided on the sides of the two third clamping blocks facing each other;

[0021] When the second clamping assembly controls the two second clamping blocks to clamp the adapter piece on the electrode of the battery cell, the adapter piece is limited within the second positioning groove of the two third clamping blocks.

[0022] In one embodiment, the stacking and flipping mechanism includes a fixed base, a flipping base, a second support frame, and a third clamping assembly;

[0023] The flip base is rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the second support frame is connected to the flip base and has a second support position for supporting the battery cell assembly.

[0024] The third clamping assembly is disposed on the second support frame and / or the flip seat, and is used to clamp the battery cell assembly located on the second support position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the stacking and flipping mechanism further includes a plurality of first adapter plate positioning components corresponding one-to-one with each cell of the cell group. Each first adapter plate positioning component includes a second positioning drive and a first positioning block. The second positioning drive is mounted on the second support frame and is driven to connect with the first positioning block to drive the first positioning block to move to the positioning position.

[0026] When the first positioning block moves to the positioning position, the first positioning block contacts the side of the adapter plate on the corresponding battery cell that is away from the battery cell.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second transfer mechanism includes a gripper seat, a gripper, and a second adapter plate positioning assembly;

[0028] The gripper seat is controllably movable between the stacking station and the assembly station, and the gripper is mounted on the gripper seat; the second adapter plate positioning assembly includes a second positioning block and a clamping block, both mounted on the gripper seat;

[0029] When the gripper seat moves the gripper to the stacking station and clamps the battery cell assembly, the second positioning block is inserted into the adapter piece on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly facing the side of the battery cell, and the clamping block is inserted into the adapter piece on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly away from the side of the battery cell. The clamping block can be controlled to move closer to or away from the second positioning block.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second positioning block has a plurality of third positioning slots on the side facing the clamping block, which correspond one-to-one with the adapter pieces of each cell in the cell assembly;

[0031] When the gripper picks up the battery cell assembly, the adapter piece on each cell of the battery cell assembly is inserted into the corresponding third positioning slot.

[0032] In one embodiment, the assembly device includes a third support frame and a guide block. The third support frame has a third support position for supporting the top cover, and the guide block is mounted on the third support frame and has a fourth positioning groove on one side facing the third support position.

[0033] When the top cover is supported on the third support position, the side of the guide block with the fourth positioning groove is in contact with the top cover pin of the top cover;

[0034] The top surface of the guide block has a tab opening that communicates with the fourth positioning groove. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly to the third support position, the adapter tabs on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly are inserted into the fourth positioning groove through the tab opening.

[0035] In one embodiment, the top surface of the guide block has a first chamfered bevel arranged around the opening of the insert.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the fourth positioning groove has a plurality of protrusions, which are spaced apart from each other to divide the fourth positioning groove into a plurality of sub-positioning grooves.

[0037] When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly to the third support position, the adapter pieces on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly are inserted into the multiple sub-positioning slots one by one.

[0038] In one embodiment, the assembly apparatus further includes a first insert positioning assembly, which includes a first insert driving assembly, a first insert mounting base, and a first positioning insert.

[0039] The first insert drive assembly is mounted on the third support frame and is driven to connect with the first insert mounting base; the first positioning insert is mounted on the first insert mounting base.

[0040] The first insert drive assembly is configured to controllably drive the first insert mounting base to move along a third horizontal direction and cause the first positioning insert to be inserted into the top cover pin of the top cover away from the guide block.

[0041] In one embodiment, the assembly apparatus further includes a second insert positioning assembly, which includes a second insert driving assembly, a second insert mounting base, and a second positioning insert;

[0042] The second insert drive assembly is mounted on the third support frame and is drivenly connected to the second insert mounting base. The second positioning insert is mounted on the second insert mounting base and is located on both sides of the third support position in the third horizontal direction, respectively, as is the first positioning insert.

[0043] The second insert drive assembly is configured to controllably drive the second insert mounting base to move along the third horizontal direction and cause the second positioning insert to be inserted into the top cover pin of the top cover away from the guide block.

[0044] In one embodiment, a contact displacement sensor is installed on the welding device to detect the distance between the welding device and the third support frame.

[0045] In actual use, the aforementioned welding equipment first places the incoming battery cell on the tab folding mechanism, which then folds the tab of the battery cell upwards by 90°, making the adapter plate on the tab parallel to the end face of the battery cell. After the tab is folded into place, the first transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell to the stacking and flipping mechanism at the stacking station for stacking. The individual battery cells stacked on the stacking and flipping mechanism form a battery cell group. When a sufficient number of battery cells have been stacked on the stacking and flipping mechanism, the stacking and flipping mechanism flips the battery cell group by 90°, changing the battery cell group from a vertical stacking state to a horizontal stacking state.

[0046] The assembly unit carries the top cover. After being flipped into place, the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly to the top cover on the assembly unit at the assembly station, so that the top cover pins align with the adapter plates on the tabs of each battery cell in the battery cell assembly, thus completing the assembly of the battery cell assembly and the top cover. After assembly, the welding unit welds the top cover pins and the adapter plates that align with the top cover pins.

[0047] Thus, the welding equipment of the present invention completes the folding of the electrode tabs, the stacking of the battery cells, the flipping of the battery cell group, the assembly and welding of the battery cell group and the top cover through the electrode tab folding device, the stacking and flipping device, the assembly device and the welding device, thereby simplifying the process, reducing the process difficulty, achieving a high degree of automation, reducing labor costs, and ensuring high product quality stability. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a front view of the tab folding device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the electrode tab folding device shown;

[0050] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Side view of the tab folding device shown;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a front view of the battery cell before the tabs are folded over;

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The image shown is a side view of the battery cell before the tabs are folded over.

[0053] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The image shown is a top view of the battery cell before the tabs are folded.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a front view of the battery cell after the tabs have been folded over;

[0055] Figure 8 This is a side view of the battery cell after the tabs have been folded over.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a top view of the battery cell after the tabs have been folded.

[0057] Figure 10 for Figure 1 Front view of the tab folding assembly and adjustment assembly of the tab folding device shown;

[0058] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Front view of the first transfer mechanism of the electrode tab folding device shown;

[0059] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A top view of the first transfer mechanism shown;

[0060] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A side view of the first transfer mechanism shown;

[0061] Figures 14a to 14b They are respectively Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the two third clamping blocks of the first transfer mechanism.

[0062] Figure 15 This is a front view of a stacking and flipping device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A top view of the stacking and flipping device shown;

[0064] Figure 17 for Figure 15 Side view of the stacking and flipping device shown;

[0065] Figure 18 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the second transfer mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Side view of the second transfer mechanism shown;

[0067] Figure 20 for Figure 18 A side view of the second positioning block of the second transfer mechanism shown;

[0068] Figure 21 This is a front view of the assembly device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 22 for Figure 21 Top view of the assembly device shown;

[0070] Figure 23 for Figure 21 Side view of the assembly device shown;

[0071] Figure 24 for Figure 22 A partial structural schematic diagram of the assembly device is shown;

[0072] Figure 25 This is a front view of the top cover in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 26 for Figure 21 A perspective view of the guide block of the assembly device shown;

[0074] Figure 27 for Figure 26 The guide block front view shown;

[0075] Figure 28 for Figure 27 The top view of the guide block shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be 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 the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced 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 the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0077] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0079] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," 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 explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0080] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of 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. "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.

[0081] It should be noted that when 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. When 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. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0082] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 15 , Figure 21 One embodiment of the present invention provides a welding device for folding the tabs A2 of battery cell A1 at a tab-folding station, stacking multiple battery cells A1 to form a battery cell group A4 at a stacking station, flipping the battery cell group A4, and assembling the battery cell group A4 with a top cover B1 at an assembly station. After assembly, the adapter pieces A3 on the tabs A2 of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell group A4 are welded to the top cover pins B2 on the top cover B1.

[0083] The welding equipment includes an electrode tab folding device 1 (see...) Figure 1 ), stacking and flipping device (not shown in the figure), assembly device 4 (see Figure 21 ) and welding equipment (not shown in the figure). Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the tab folding device 1 is arranged at the tab folding station and includes a tab folding mechanism 10 and a first transfer mechanism 20. The tab folding mechanism 10 is used to carry the battery cell A1 and fold the tab A2 of the battery cell A1, so that the adapter piece A3 follows the tab A2 and is folded to be parallel to the end face of the battery cell A1, so that the adapter piece A3 can be tightly fitted with the top cover pin B2 on the top cover B1 during subsequent assembly with the top cover B1. The first transfer mechanism 20 is used to transfer the battery cell A1 on the tab folding mechanism 10 to the stacking station.

[0084] Please see Figure 15 As shown, a stacking and flipping device is arranged at the stacking station and includes a stacking and flipping mechanism 30 and a second transfer mechanism (not shown). The stacking and flipping mechanism 30 is used to carry multiple battery cells A1 that are sequentially transferred by the first transfer mechanism 20, so that the multiple battery cells A1 are stacked to form a battery cell group A4, and the battery cell group A4 is flipped so that the individual battery cells A1 of the battery cell group A4 are flipped from a vertically stacked state to a horizontally stacked state. The second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the horizontally stacked battery cell group A4 to the assembly station.

[0085] Please see Figure 21As shown, assembly device 4 is arranged at the assembly station. This assembly device 4 carries the top cover B1 and the battery cell assembly A4 (in a horizontally stacked state) transferred by the second transfer mechanism, such that the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1 is abutted against the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell assembly A4, facilitating subsequent soldering. A soldering device is used to solder the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1 on the assembly device 4 to the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell assembly A4.

[0086] In actual use, the above-mentioned welding equipment should first (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 4 to 6 The state of the tab A2 before folding, and Figures 7 to 9 (As shown in the diagram, after the tab A2 is folded,) the battery cell A1 is carried on the tab folding mechanism 10, and the tab A2 of the battery cell A1 is folded upward by 90° using the tab folding mechanism 10, so that the adapter plate A3 on the tab A2 is parallel to the end face of the battery cell A1. After the tab is folded into place, the first transfer mechanism 20 transfers the battery cell A1 to the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 at the stacking station for stacking. The battery cells A1 stacked on the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 form a battery cell group A4. When a sufficient number of battery cells A1 are stacked on the stacking and flipping mechanism 30, the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 flips the battery cell group A4 by 90°, so that the battery cell group A4 is flipped from a vertical stacking state to a horizontal stacking state.

[0087] The assembly device 4 carries the top cover B1. After being flipped into place, the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the top cover B1 on the assembly device 4 at the assembly station, so that the top cover pins B2 of the top cover B1 are attached to the adapter pieces A3 on the tabs A2 of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell assembly A4, thus completing the assembly of the battery cell assembly A4 and the top cover B1. After assembly, the welding device welds the top cover pins B2 and the adapter pieces A3 attached to the top cover pins B2.

[0088] Thus, the welding equipment of the present invention completes the folding of the tab A2, the stacking of the cell A1, the flipping of the cell group A4, the assembly and welding of the cell group A4 and the top cover B1 through the tab folding device 1, the stacking and flipping device, the assembly device 4 and the welding device, thereby simplifying the process, reducing the process difficulty, achieving a high degree of automation, reducing labor costs, and ensuring high product quality stability.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, the welding equipment also includes a feeding device (not shown), which is used to transport the battery cell A1 from the battery cell feeding station to the tab-folding mechanism 10 at the tab-folding station. Furthermore, the welding equipment also includes an inspection station. The feeding device first transports the battery cell A1 from the battery cell feeding station to the inspection station for inspection. If the battery cell A1 is unqualified, it is transported to the unloading conveyor belt. If the battery cell A1 is qualified, it is transported to the tab-folding mechanism 10 at the tab-folding station.

[0090] It should be noted that the specific structure of the feeding device is not limited here, as long as it can realize the transportation of battery cell A1.

[0091] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the tab folding mechanism 10 includes a support component 11 and a tab folding component 12. The support component 11 is used to support the battery cell A1, and the tab folding component 12 includes a base 121, a lifting frame 122, and a folding roller 123. The lifting frame 122 is controllably connected to the base 121, meaning the lifting frame 122 can be controlled to rise or fall relative to the base 121. The folding roller 123 is rotatably connected to the lifting frame 122, so that the folding roller 123 rises or falls together with the lifting frame 122. During the process of the lifting frame 122 driving the folding roller 123 to rise, the folding roller 123 can push the tab A2 of the battery cell A1 upward and bend it until the tab A2 is folded upward by 90°.

[0092] Thus, after the battery cell A1 is placed on the support assembly 11, the lifting frame 122 drives the folding roller 123 to rise, so that the folding roller 123 contacts the tab A2 of the battery cell A1, until the folding roller 123 pushes the tab A2 upward and folds it 90°. After the tab A2 of the battery cell A1 is folded into place, the lifting frame 122 drives the folding roller 123 to descend until it returns to the initial position.

[0093] Furthermore, the tab folding assembly 12 also includes a folding and lifting drive 124 mounted on the base 121. The folding and lifting drive 124 is drivably connected to the lifting frame 122 to drive the lifting frame 122 to rise or fall. Optionally, the folding and lifting drive 124 may be a cylinder.

[0094] Please see Figure 10 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the tab folding mechanism 10 further includes an adjustment component 13, which is used to position the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 after the tab A2 is folded into place, that is, to calibrate the position of the adapter piece A3 relative to the tab A2, thereby eliminating the positional deviation of the adapter piece A3 during the folding process of the tab A2.

[0095] The adjustment assembly 13 includes a drive assembly 131 and a first clamping assembly (not shown). The first clamping assembly is mounted on the drive end of the drive assembly 131 to drive the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 of the battery cell A1 closer to or further away from it. The first clamping assembly has two opposing first clamping blocks 132, each with a first positioning groove 133 on its facing sides. When the drive assembly 131 drives the first clamping assembly to move until the adapter piece A3 is between the two first clamping blocks 132, the first clamping assembly can control the two first clamping blocks 132 to close together, so that the adapter piece A3 enters the first positioning groove 133 of the two first clamping blocks 132, thereby positioning the adapter piece A3 using the first positioning groove 133 on the two first clamping blocks 132.

[0096] Thus, once tab A2 is folded into place, drive assembly 131 drives the adapter piece A3 on tab A2 of the first clamping assembly, which is closer to cell A1, to move until the adapter piece A3 is positioned between the two first clamping blocks 132 of the first clamping assembly. Then, the first clamping assembly controls the two first clamping blocks 132 to close together, causing the adapter piece A3 to enter the first positioning groove 133 of the two first clamping blocks 132. After the adapter piece A3 is positioned, the first clamping assembly controls the two first clamping blocks 132 to open together. Then, drive assembly 131 drives the adapter piece A3 on tab A2 of the first clamping assembly, which is away from cell A1, to move until it returns to its initial position.

[0097] Optionally, the drive assembly 131 can drive the first clamping assembly to move along a first horizontal direction X, thereby moving closer to or away from the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 of the battery cell A1. Two first clamping blocks 132 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, thereby clamping the adapter piece A3 in the vertical direction. The first horizontal direction X is parallel to the length direction of the battery cell A1 carried on the support assembly 11.

[0098] It should be noted that both ends of the battery cell A1 have tabs A2, and each tab A2 also has an adapter piece A3. Specifically, in one embodiment, both the tab folding assembly 12 and the adjusting assembly 13 include two components. The two tab folding assemblies 12 are respectively arranged on both sides of the support assembly 11 in the first horizontal direction X, thereby folding the tabs A2 at both ends of the battery cell A1 on the support assembly 11. The two adjusting assemblies 13 are also respectively arranged on both sides of the support assembly 11 in the first horizontal direction X, thereby positioning the adapter pieces A3 on the tabs A2 at both ends of the battery cell A1 on the support assembly 11.

[0099] Please continue reading Figures 1 to 3As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the supporting component 11 includes a first support frame 110, a first positioning drive member 112, a first positioning member 114, and a second positioning member 116. The first support frame 110 has a first support position (not shown) for supporting the battery cell A1. The first positioning drive member 112 is mounted on the first support frame 110, and the first positioning member 114 and the second positioning member 116 are located on both sides of the first support position in the second horizontal direction Y, and are both drivenly connected to the first positioning drive member 112. The first positioning drive member 112 can drive the first positioning member 114 and the second positioning member 116 to move closer or further away from each other, thereby clamping or releasing the battery cell A1 on the first support position. Thus, when the battery cell A1 is placed on the first support position, the first positioning drive member 112 drives the first positioning member 114 and the second positioning member 116 to move closer to each other along the second horizontal direction Y until the battery cell A1 on the first support position is clamped along the second horizontal direction Y. Optionally, the first positioning drive member 112 may be a pneumatic gripper.

[0100] Specifically, in this embodiment, the supporting component 11 further includes an adjustment drive component (not shown) that is motive-connected to the first support frame 110. This adjustment drive component is used to drive the first support frame 110 to move along a first horizontal direction X. The first horizontal direction X is perpendicular to the second horizontal direction Y. Thus, when the battery cell A1 is placed on the first support position on the first support frame 110, firstly, the first positioning drive component 112 drives the first positioning component 114 and the second positioning component 116 to close together until the battery cell A1 is clamped along the second horizontal direction Y, i.e., the battery cell A1 is positioned in the second horizontal direction Y. Then, the adjustment drive component drives the first support frame 110 to move along the first horizontal direction X, thereby adjusting the position of the battery cell A1 on the first support position in the first horizontal direction X. After adjustment, the tab folding component 12 folds the tab A2 of the battery cell A1, and then the adjustment component 13 positions the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2.

[0101] Please see Figures 11 to 1 As shown in Figure 4, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first transfer mechanism 20 includes a mounting base 21 and a second clamping assembly 22 and a first positioning piece 23 mounted on the mounting base 21. The mounting base 21 can be controllably moved between a tab folding station and a stacking station, and can be controllably raised or lowered. The second clamping assembly 22 has two opposing second clamping blocks 221.

[0102] When the mounting base 21 moves to the tab folding position, the mounting base 21 is located above the bearing assembly 11. During the descent of the mounting base 21, the first positioning piece 23 can be inserted between the battery cell A1 and the adapter piece A3 on the battery cell A1, and the second clamping assembly 22 can control the two second clamping blocks 221 to clamp the battery cell A1.

[0103] Thus, when it is necessary to bend the tab A2 of the battery cell A1 on the first support frame 110, firstly, the control mounting base 21 is moved to the tab folding position. Then, the control mounting base 21 is lowered, thereby driving the second clamping assembly 22 and the first positioning piece 23 to move towards the battery cell A1 on the first support frame 110, until the battery cell A1 is located between the two second clamping blocks 221, and the first positioning piece 23 is inserted between the battery cell A1 and the adapter piece A3. Then, the tab folding mechanism 10 is used to fold the tab A2 of the battery cell A1, so that the first positioning piece 23 can be used to position the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2, so that the adapter piece A3 can be folded into place along with the tab A2.

[0104] When it is necessary to transfer the battery cell A1 on the first support frame 110 to the stacking station, the second clamping assembly 22 controls the two second clamping blocks 221 to clamp the battery cell A1 and controls the mounting base 21 to rise to the initial position. Finally, the mounting base 21 is controlled to move towards the stacking station and release the battery cell A1 to the stacking station.

[0105] It should be noted that when the tab A2 on the battery cell A1 is folded over, the first positioning piece 23 inserted between the battery cell A1 and the adapter piece A3 on the battery cell A1 is used to position the adapter piece A3, which helps to improve the positional accuracy of the adapter piece A3 and thus improve the welding quality.

[0106] In a specific embodiment, the first transfer mechanism 20 further includes a first moving drive component (not shown), which is drivenly connected to the mounting base 21 to drive the mounting base 21 to move between the tab folding station and the stacking station, and also to drive the mounting base 21 to rise or fall. It should be noted that the first moving drive component can employ relatively mature existing technology, as long as it can drive the mounting base 21 to move between the tab folding station and the stacking station, and also drive the mounting base 21 to rise or fall; no limitation is made here.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second clamping assembly 22 also has two opposingly arranged third clamping blocks 222. When the second clamping assembly 22 controls the two second clamping blocks 221 to clamp the battery cell A1, the second clamping assembly 22 can also control the two third clamping blocks 222 to clamp the adapter piece A3 on the electrode tab A2 of the battery cell A1. Thus, by using the two third clamping blocks 222 to clamp the adapter piece A3, the adapter piece A3 is positioned, further preventing positional displacement of the adapter piece A3 during transport.

[0108] Optionally, two second clamping blocks 221 are arranged opposite each other along the second horizontal direction Y, and two third clamping blocks 222 are arranged opposite each other along the second horizontal direction Y. The second horizontal direction Y is parallel to the width direction of the battery cell A1 supported on the carrier assembly 11. Thus, the battery cell A1 is clamped by the two second clamping blocks 221 along the second horizontal direction Y (i.e., the width direction of the battery cell A1), while the adapter piece A3 is also clamped by the two third clamping blocks 222 along the second horizontal direction Y.

[0109] In a specific embodiment, the second clamping assembly 22 includes a second clamping drive 223 and a first moving block 224 and a second moving block 225 connected to the drive end of the second clamping drive 223. The second clamping drive 223 is used to drive the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225 to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0110] Two second clamping blocks 221 are respectively connected to the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225, thereby moving closer to or further away from each other along with the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225. Two third clamping blocks 222 are respectively connected to the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225, thereby moving closer to or further away from each other along with the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225. Thus, when it is necessary to clamp the battery cell A1, the second clamping drive member 223 drives the first moving block 224 and the second moving block 225 to move closer to each other, thereby causing the two second clamping blocks 221 to move closer to each other until the battery cell A1 is clamped, and at the same time, it also causes the two third clamping blocks 222 to move closer to each other until the adapter piece A3 is clamped. Optionally, the second clamping drive member 223 can be a pneumatic gripper.

[0111] Furthermore, the first movable block 224 can be mounted on the mounting base 21 via a slider and a slide rail, thereby guiding the movement of the first movable block 224 relative to the mounting base 21. Similarly, the second movable block 225 can also be mounted on the mounting base 21 via a slider and a slide rail, thereby guiding the movement of the second movable block 225 relative to the mounting base 21.

[0112] Specifically, in the embodiment, the lower side of the mounting base 21 has an adsorption surface 211 for adsorbing the battery cell A1. Thus, when transferring the battery cell A1, the second clamping component 22 can clamp the battery cell A1 while the adsorption surface 211 on the mounting base 21 can adsorb and fix the battery cell A1, thereby ensuring that the gripping of the battery cell A1 is stable and reliable during the transfer process, and avoiding the battery cell A1 from falling or the parameter position shifting.

[0113] Optionally, the adsorption surface 211 can employ negative pressure adsorption. For example, multiple adsorption holes communicating with an external negative pressure source can be formed on the adsorption surface 211. By generating negative pressure through the adsorption holes, an adsorption force is generated on the battery cell A1. Of course, in other embodiments, a suction cup can also be provided on the adsorption surface 211 to adsorb the battery cell A1.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, each of the two third clamping blocks 222 has a second positioning groove 2221 on its facing sides (see Figure 14). When the second clamping assembly 22 controls the two second clamping blocks 221 to clamp the adapter piece A3 on the tab A2 of the battery cell A1, the adapter piece A3 enters into the second positioning groove 2221 of the two third clamping blocks 222, thereby achieving positioning of the adapter piece A3. Thus, the second positioning groove 2221 on the two third clamping blocks 222 for accommodating the adapter piece A3 improves the positioning effect and accuracy of the adapter piece A3.

[0115] It should be noted that both ends of the battery cell A1 have tabs A2, and each tab A2 has an adapter piece A3. To position the adapter pieces A3 at both ends of the battery cell A1 during transport, in one embodiment, the mounting base 21 is provided with a second clamping assembly 22 and a first positioning piece 23 at both ends along a first horizontal direction X, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell A1 supported on the supporting assembly 11. Thus, the second clamping assembly 22 and the first positioning piece 23 at one end of the mounting base 21 are used to position the adapter piece A3 at one end of the battery cell A1, and the second clamping assembly 22 and the first positioning piece 23 at the other end of the mounting base 21 are used to position the adapter piece A3 at the other end of the battery cell A1. Specifically... Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, a second clamping assembly 22 and a first positioning piece 23 are provided at both the left and right ends of the mounting base 21. The second clamping assembly 22 and the first positioning piece 23 at the left end of the mounting base 21 are used to position the adapter piece A3 at the left end of the battery cell A1. The second clamping assembly 22 and the first positioning piece 23 at the right end of the mounting base 21 are used to position the adapter piece A3 at the right end of the battery cell A1.

[0116] Please see Figures 15 to 17As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 includes a fixed base 31, a flipping base 32, a second support frame 33, and a third clamping assembly (not shown). The flipping base 32 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 31, meaning the flipping base 32 can be controlled to rotate relative to the fixed base 31. The second support frame 33 is connected to the flipping base 32 to rotate together with the flipping base 32 relative to the fixed base 31. Furthermore, the second support frame 33 has a second support position (not shown) for carrying the battery cell assembly A4, i.e., the first transfer mechanism 20 sequentially stacks multiple battery cells A1 at this second support position to form the battery cell assembly A4 supported on the second support position. The third clamping assembly is disposed on the second support frame 33 and / or the flipping base 32 for fixing the battery cell assembly A4 carried on the second support position. Thus, firstly, the second support position of the second support frame 33 carries the battery cells A1 transferred by the first transfer mechanism 20 until a battery cell assembly A4 formed by stacking a certain number of battery cells A1 is formed on the second support position. Then, the cell assembly A4 is fixed using the third clamping component, so that each cell A1 of the cell assembly A4 is fixed relative to the second support frame 33. Then, the flipping seat 32 is controlled to rotate 90° relative to the fixed seat 31, so that the cell assembly A4 on the second support position is flipped from a vertical stacking state to a horizontal stacking state, thereby realizing the stacking and flipping of the cells A1.

[0117] Specifically, in this embodiment, the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 further includes a plurality of first adapter piece positioning components 35 corresponding one-to-one with the adapter pieces A3 on each cell A1 of the cell group A4. Each first adapter piece positioning component 35 includes a second positioning drive 351 and a first positioning block 352. The second positioning drive 351 is mounted on the second support frame 33 and is drivenly connected to the first positioning block 352 to drive the first positioning block 352 to move between a positioning position and a clearance position. When the first positioning block 352 moves to the positioning position, the first positioning block 352 contacts the side of the adapter piece A3 on the corresponding cell A1 that is away from the cell A1. When the first positioning block 352 moves to the clearance position, the first positioning block 352 separates from the adapter piece A3 on the cell A1. Thus, when the first transfer mechanism 20 transfers the first battery cell A1 to the second support position of the second support frame 33, the first positioning block 352 corresponding to the adapter piece A3 of the first battery cell A1 moves to the positioning position under the drive of the second positioning drive member 351, thereby positioning the adapter piece A3 of the first battery cell A1 and preventing the adapter piece A3 from shifting position during the flipping process. When the first transfer mechanism 20 stacks the second battery cell A1 on top of the first battery cell A1, the first positioning block 352 corresponding to the second battery cell A1 moves to the positioning position under the drive of the second positioning drive member 351, thereby positioning the adapter piece A3 of the second battery cell A1 and preventing the adapter piece A3 from shifting position during the flipping process. This process continues until the required number of battery cells A1 are stacked (e.g., stacking three battery cells A1), and the adapter pieces A3 on each battery cell A1 are positioned. Optionally, the second positioning drive member 351 can be a cylinder.

[0118] Furthermore, the first positioning block 352 has a suction cup on its side that contacts the adapter piece A3. Thus, when the first positioning block 352 moves to the positioning position, the suction cup on the first positioning block 352 is attracted and fixed to the adapter piece A3 on the corresponding battery cell A1, thereby achieving the positioning of the adapter piece A3.

[0119] Furthermore, the first positioning block 352 has a positioning part 3521 protruding from its side for contacting the adapter piece A3. When the first positioning block 352 moves to the positioning position, the positioning part 3521 contacts the top of the adapter piece A3 to achieve positioning of the adapter piece A3 in the height direction.

[0120] Furthermore, the second positioning drive 351 drives the first positioning block 352 to move along the first horizontal direction X, and the third clamping assembly limits the battery cell group A4 along the second horizontal direction Y. The first horizontal direction X is parallel to the length direction of the battery cell A1 on the second support position, and the second horizontal direction Y is parallel to the width direction of the battery cell A1 on the second support position.

[0121] It should be noted that since each battery cell A1 has a tab A2 at both ends of its longitudinal length, and each tab A2 has an adapter plate A3, the second support frame 33 is provided with the same number of first adapter plate positioning components 35 as the battery cells A1 in the battery cell group A4 at both ends of the first horizontal direction X, so as to position the adapter plates A3 at both ends of the longitudinal length of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell group A4.

[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment, the third clamping assembly includes a first lifting drive 341, a fourth clamping block 342, and a fixed clamping block 349. The second support frame 33 is mounted on the flipping seat 32. The first lifting drive 341 is mounted on the second support frame 33 and is drivenly connected to the fourth clamping block 342 to drive the fourth clamping block 342 to move up or down to one side of the second support position in the second horizontal direction Y. The fixed clamping block 349 is mounted on the second support frame 33 and is located on the other side of the second support position in the second horizontal direction Y. Thus, when stacking battery cells A1, the first transfer mechanism 20 transfers battery cells A1 one by one to the second support position and uses the fixed clamping block 349 to position each battery cell A1 stacked on the second support position. After the battery cells A1 are stacked, the first lifting drive 341 drives the fourth clamping block 342 to rise and fall to the side of the second support position away from the fixed clamping block 349. That is, the fourth clamping block 342 and the fixed clamping block 349 limit the individual battery cells A1 between them in the second horizontal direction Y. Optionally, the first lifting drive 341 can be a cylinder.

[0123] Furthermore, the third clamping assembly also includes a fixed plate 343, a pressing drive 36, a clamping drive 344, and a fifth clamping block 345. The fixed plate 343 is vertically and flexibly connected to the second support frame 33. The pressing drive 36 is mounted on the second support frame 33 and is drivenly connected to the fixed plate 343 to drive the fixed plate 343 to rise or fall relative to the second support frame 33. The clamping drive 344 is mounted on the fixed plate 343 and is drivenly connected to the fifth clamping block 345 to drive the fifth clamping block 345 to move in a horizontal direction (e.g., a second horizontal direction Y) to a pressing position or a retraction position.

[0124] When the fifth clamping block 345 moves to the pressing position, it is positioned above the second support position. This allows the fifth clamping block 345 to press against the top surface of the battery cell assembly A4 on the second support position when the pressing drive 36 drives the fixing plate 343 to descend. When the fifth clamping block 345 moves to the avoidance position, it retracts from above the second support position to avoid the action of the first transfer mechanism 20 transferring the battery cells A1 one by one to the second support position. Optionally, the pressing drive 36 can be a cylinder.

[0125] Specifically, in this embodiment, the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 includes a first state and a second state. When the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 is in the first state, the first lifting drive member 341 drives the fourth clamping block 342 to rise and fall away from the second support position on the side in the second horizontal direction Y, and the clamping drive member 344 drives the fifth clamping block 345 to be in the aforementioned clearance position. At this time, the first transfer mechanism 20 stacks the battery cells A1 one by one onto the second support position until the required number of battery cells A1 are stacked onto the second support position. It can be understood that during the stacking of battery cells A1, the fixed clamping block 349 is used to position the battery cells A1 in its width direction, and the first positioning block 352 is used to position the battery cells A1 in its length direction.

[0126] When the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 is in the second state, the first lifting drive 341 drives the fourth clamping block 342 to rise and fall to the side of the second support position in the second horizontal direction Y, so as to limit the battery cell group A4 on the second support position in the second horizontal direction Y together with the fixed clamping block 349. Meanwhile, the clamping drive 344 drives the fifth clamping block 345 to move horizontally to the pressing position. At this time, when the pressing drive 36 drives the fixing plate 343 to descend, it can cause the fifth clamping block 345 to press against the top surface of the battery cell group A4 on the second support position, thus pressing and fixing the battery cell group A4 onto the second support frame 33. Then, the flipping seat 32 is controlled to flip the battery cell group A4 by 90°, so that the battery cell group A4 is flipped from a vertical stacking state to a horizontal stacking state.

[0127] In a specific embodiment, the stacking and flipping mechanism 30 further includes a flipping drive assembly 37, which includes a flipping drive member, a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a transmission belt. The flipping seat 32 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 31 via a flipping shaft 321. The flipping drive member is mounted on the fixed seat 31, the driving wheel is mounted on the output shaft of the flipping drive member, the driven wheel is mounted on the flipping shaft 321, and the transmission belt is sleeved between the driving wheel and the driven wheel. Thus, when it is necessary to drive the flipping seat 32 to flip, the flipping drive member drives the driving wheel to rotate, the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate via the transmission belt, the driven wheel drives the flipping shaft 321 to rotate, and the flipping shaft 321 drives the flipping seat 32 to rotate. Optionally, the flipping drive member can be a motor.

[0128] It should be noted that the flipping drive assembly 37 is not limited to using a belt drive structure to achieve the flipping of the flipping seat 32. Of course, other rotary transmission structures can also be used, such as a structure in which a motor is connected to the flipping shaft 321 through a reducer, which is not limited here.

[0129] Of course, to further improve the positioning effect of the adapter piece A3 during the flipping process, in other embodiments, the third clamping assembly also includes a mounting plate and a second positioning piece. The mounting plate is mounted on the driving end of the clamping drive 344 so as to be driven by the clamping drive 344 to move along the second horizontal direction Y. The fifth clamping block 345 and the second positioning piece are both mounted on the mounting plate. When the fifth clamping block 345 presses the cell group A4 against the second support frame 33, the second positioning piece is inserted between each cell A1 of the cell group A4 and the adapter piece A3 thereon.

[0130] Thus, when the fifth clamping block 345 needs to be used to press the cell assembly A4, the clamping drive 344 drives the fifth clamping block 345 to move along the second horizontal direction Y to the pressing position via the mounting plate. Then, the pressing drive 36 drives the fixing plate 343 to descend until the fifth clamping block 345 presses against the top surface of the cell assembly A4 on the second support position, that is, the cell assembly A4 is pressed and fixed on the second support frame 33. At the same time, the second positioning piece on the mounting plate is inserted from the top of the cell assembly A4 between each cell A1 of the cell assembly A4 and the adapter piece A3 thereon, thereby using the second positioning piece to position each adapter piece A3, further preventing the adapter piece A3 from shifting position during the flipping of the cell assembly A4, which is beneficial to improving the welding quality during subsequent welding.

[0131] Please see Figures 18 to 20 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the second transfer mechanism includes a gripper seat 38, grippers (not shown), and a second adapter plate positioning assembly (not labeled). The gripper seat 38 can be controlled to move between a stacking station and an assembly station, and the grippers are mounted on the gripper seat 38. The second adapter plate positioning assembly includes a second positioning block 381 and a clamping block 382, ​​both mounted on the gripper seat 38.

[0132] When the gripper seat 38 moves the gripper to the stacking station and grips the battery cell assembly A4, the second positioning block 381 is inserted into the side of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell assembly A4 where the adapter piece A3 faces the battery cell A1, and the clamping block 382 is inserted into the side of each battery cell A1 in the battery cell assembly A4 where the adapter piece A3 faces away from the battery cell A1. The clamping block 382 can be controlled to move closer to or further away from the second positioning block 381, thereby pressing the adapter piece A3 against the second positioning block 381 or releasing the clamping of the adapter piece A3.

[0133] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second positioning block 381 has multiple third positioning slots 3811 on the side facing the clamping block 382, ​​each corresponding to the adapter piece A3 of each cell A1 in the cell assembly A4. When the gripper picks up the cell assembly A4, the second positioning block 381 is inserted into the side of the adapter piece A3 on each cell A1 of the cell assembly A4 facing the cell A1, and the adapter piece A3 on each cell A1 of the cell assembly A4 is inserted into the corresponding third positioning slot 3811. The clamping block 382 then presses the adapter piece A3 into the third positioning slot 3811, thereby achieving the positioning of the adapter piece A3 of each cell A1 in the cell assembly A4.

[0134] Thus, when it is necessary to transfer the battery cell assembly A4 on the second support frame 33, firstly, the gripper seat 38 is moved to the stacking station and lowered until the battery cell assembly A4 on the second support frame 33 enters the gripper. At this time, the gripper holds the battery cell assembly A4, and the second positioning block 381 is inserted into the side of each battery cell A1 facing the battery cell A1. Each adapter piece A3 is located in the third positioning groove 3811 of the second positioning block 381, and the clamping block 382 is inserted into the side of each battery cell A1 facing away from the battery cell A1. Then, the clamping block 382 is moved toward the second positioning block 381 until the adapter piece A3 is pressed into the third positioning groove 3811 on the second positioning block 381, thereby achieving the positioning of the adapter piece A3. Next, the gripper base 38 is controlled to rise, and then the gripper base 38 is controlled to move to the assembly station, releasing the battery cell assembly A4 to the assembly station. Optionally, the gripper can be an electric gripper or a pneumatic gripper.

[0135] Furthermore, the clamping block 382 has a first region 3821 and a second region 3822 located below the first region 3821 on the side facing the second positioning block 381. The first region 3821 is used to press the adapter piece A3 onto the second positioning block 381, and the second region 3822 is used to adsorb and fix the adapter piece A3. In this way, by using the second region 3822 of the clamping block 382 to adsorb and fix the adapter piece A3, the positioning effect of the adapter piece A3 is further improved, and the positioning accuracy is improved. It can be understood that the second region 3822 can achieve adsorption of the adapter piece A3 by opening an adsorption hole connected to an external air source or by setting a suction cup.

[0136] In a specific embodiment, the second adapter plate positioning assembly further includes a clamping drive 383, which is mounted on the gripper seat 38. A clamping block 382 is mounted on the driving end of the clamping drive 383, so that the clamping drive 383 can drive the clamping block 382 to move closer to or away from the second positioning block 381. Optionally, the clamping drive 383 can be a cylinder.

[0137] In a specific embodiment, the second transfer mechanism further includes a second motion drive component (not shown), which is motive-connected to the gripper seat 38 to drive the gripper seat 38 to move between the stacking station and the assembly station, and also to drive the gripper seat 38 to rise or fall. It should be noted that the second motion drive component can employ relatively mature existing technology, as long as it can drive the gripper seat 38 to move between the stacking station and the assembly station, and also drive the gripper seat 38 to rise or fall; no limitation is made here.

[0138] Please see Figures 21 to 24 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly device 4 includes a third support frame 41 and a guide block 42. The third support frame 41 has a third support position (not shown) for supporting the top cover B1 and the battery cell assembly A4. The guide block 42 is mounted on the third support frame 41 and has a fourth positioning groove 421 on the side facing the third support position. When the top cover B1 is supported on the third support position, the side of the guide block 42 with the fourth positioning groove 421 is in contact with the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1, thereby achieving the positioning effect of the top cover pin B2.

[0139] The top surface of the guide block 42 has an insertion opening a that communicates with the fourth positioning groove 421. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the third support position of the third support frame 41, the adapter pieces A3 on each battery cell A1 of the battery cell assembly A4 are inserted into the fourth positioning groove 421 through the insertion opening a. Thus, the fourth positioning groove 421 positions the adapter pieces A3 and makes the adapter pieces A3 inserted into the fourth positioning groove 421 fit together with the top cover pin B2 of the top cover, so as to facilitate subsequent welding of the two and improve the welding quality.

[0140] Please see 26 to Figure 28 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the top surface of the guide block 42 is provided with a first chamfered bevel 422 arranged around the insertion opening a. Thus, when the second transfer mechanism lowers the battery cell assembly A4 and releases it onto the top cover B1, the first chamfered bevel 422 guides the adapter piece A3 into the fourth positioning groove 421, preventing the adapter piece A3 from failing to insert into the fourth positioning groove 421.

[0141] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the fourth positioning groove 421 has multiple protrusions 423. These protrusions 423 are spaced apart to divide the fourth positioning groove 421 into multiple sub-positioning grooves 4210. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the third support position, the adapter pieces A3 on each battery cell A1 of the battery cell assembly A4 are inserted one-to-one into the multiple sub-positioning grooves 4210. Thus, by using the multiple protrusions 423 to divide the fourth positioning groove 421 into multiple sub-positioning grooves 4210, and by using each sub-positioning groove 4210 to position the adapter piece A3, the positioning accuracy is improved.

[0142] Furthermore, the top of each protrusion 423 has two second chamfered bevels 424 facing the two adjacent sub-positioning slots 4210 respectively. In this way, the two second chamfered bevels 424 on the top of the protrusion 423 guide the adapter pieces A3 of the two adjacent battery cells A1 respectively, so that the adapter pieces A3 of the two battery cells A1 can be accurately inserted into the two sub-positioning slots 4210 on both sides of the protrusion 423 respectively.

[0143] Specifically Figures 26 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall of the fourth positioning groove 421 has two protrusions 423, which divide the fourth positioning groove 421 into three sub-positioning grooves 4210. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the third support position, the adapter pieces A3 on the three battery cells A1 of the battery cell assembly A4 are inserted into the multiple sub-positioning grooves 4210 one by one.

[0144] Please see again Figures 21 to 24 As shown, in some embodiments, the assembly device 4 further includes a first insert positioning assembly 43, which includes a first insert driving assembly 431, a first insert mounting base 432, and a first positioning insert 433. The first insert driving assembly 431 is mounted on the third support frame 41 and is drivenly connected to the first insert mounting base 432. The first positioning insert 433 is mounted on the first insert mounting base 432 so that the first positioning insert 433 moves together with the first insert mounting base 432.

[0145] The first insert drive assembly 431 is configured to controllably drive the first insert mounting base 432 to move along the third horizontal direction Z, and cause the first positioning insert 433 to be inserted into the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1 on the side opposite to the guide block 42.

[0146] Thus, after the top cover B1 is placed on the third support position, the first insert drive assembly 431 drives the first insert mounting base 432 to move along the third horizontal direction Z, thereby causing the first positioning insert 433 to be inserted into the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42, so as to press the top cover pin B2 tightly onto the protrusion 423 of the guide block 42, so that when the adapter A3 is inserted into each sub-positioning slot 4210, each adapter A3 and the top cover pin B2 are tightly fitted. Of course, in other embodiments, after each adapter A3 is inserted into each sub-positioning slot 4210, the first positioning insert 433 can be inserted into the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42 under the driving action of the first insert drive assembly 431, so that the top cover pin B2 is pressed tightly onto each adapter A3.

[0147] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first insert drive assembly 431 is further configured to controllably drive the first insert mounting base 432 to move along a first horizontal direction X perpendicular to the third horizontal direction Z, thereby adjusting the position of the first positioning insert 433 in the first horizontal direction X. This aligns the first positioning insert 433 with the gap on the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42 in the third horizontal direction Z, ensuring that the first positioning insert 433 can be accurately inserted into the gap on the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42 when moving along the third horizontal direction Z. It should be noted that the first insert drive assembly 431 can employ a relatively mature linear drive structure from the prior art, as long as it can drive the first insert mounting base 432 to move along mutually perpendicular first horizontal directions X and third horizontal directions Z; no limitation is imposed here.

[0148] Specifically Figures 21 to 24 In the embodiment shown, the first horizontal direction X is parallel to the longitudinal direction of each cell A1 of the cell group A4 supported on the third support position, and the third horizontal direction Z is parallel to the thickness direction (i.e., the stacking direction of each cell A1) of the cell group A4 supported on the third support position.

[0149] In a specific embodiment, the assembly device 4 further includes a second insert positioning assembly 44, which includes a second insert driving assembly 441, a second insert mounting base 442, and a second positioning insert 443. The second insert driving assembly 441 is mounted on the third support frame 41 and is drivenly connected to the second insert mounting base 442. The second positioning insert 443 is mounted on the second insert mounting base 442 and is located on both sides of the third support position in the third horizontal direction Z, respectively, as is the first positioning insert 433.

[0150] The second insert drive assembly 441 is configured to controllably drive the second insert mounting base 442 to move along the third horizontal direction Z, and drive the second positioning insert 443 to be inserted into the side of the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1 away from the guide block 42. In this way, the first positioning insert 433 and the second positioning insert 443 are respectively inserted from both sides of the cell assembly A4 in the third horizontal direction Z to the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42, so that the top cover pin B2 is tightly fitted with each adapter piece A3 under the pressing action of the first positioning insert 433 and the second positioning insert 443.

[0151] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second insert drive assembly 441 is further configured to controllably drive the first insert mounting base 432 to move along a first horizontal direction X perpendicular to the third horizontal direction Z, thereby adjusting the position of the second positioning insert 443 in the first horizontal direction X. This aligns the second positioning insert 443 with the gap on the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42 in the third horizontal direction Z, ensuring that the second positioning insert 443 can be accurately inserted into the gap on the side of the top cover pin B2 away from the guide block 42 when moving along the third horizontal direction Z. It should be noted that the second insert drive assembly 441 can employ a relatively mature linear drive structure from the prior art, as long as it can drive the second insert mounting base 442 to move along the mutually perpendicular first horizontal direction X and third horizontal direction Z; no limitation is imposed here.

[0152] It should also be noted that the second insert positioning component 44 is not necessary; only the first insert positioning component 43 may be provided. In embodiments where only the first insert positioning component 43 is provided, the top cover pin B2 is positioned using only the first positioning insert 433. Therefore, the length of the first positioning insert 433 is relatively long, making it prone to deformation and affecting the positioning effect.

[0153] Of course, the first insert positioning component 43 and the second insert positioning component 44 can also be provided simultaneously. In the embodiment where the first insert positioning component 43 and the second insert positioning component 44 are provided simultaneously, since the first positioning insert 433 and the second positioning insert 443 are used to position the top cover pin B2 at the same time, the length of a single positioning insert can be greatly reduced, avoiding deformation due to the long length of a single positioning insert, and greatly improving the positioning accuracy.

[0154] It should also be noted that each cell A1 in cell group A4 has a tab A2 at both ends along its length, and each tab A2 has an adapter plate A3. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 25As shown, the top cover B1 has top cover pins B2 at both ends of the longitudinal length of the battery cell A1. To ensure that the various adapter pieces A3 located at the same end of the battery cell assembly A4 are tightly fitted with the top cover pins B2, guide blocks 42, a first insert positioning assembly 43, and a second insert positioning assembly 44 are provided at both ends of the third support frame 41 in the first horizontal direction X. The guide blocks 42, the first insert positioning assembly 43, and the second insert positioning assembly 44 located at one end of the third support frame 41 position the various adapter pieces A3 and the top cover pins B2 at one end of the battery cell assembly A4 to ensure a tight fit. The guide blocks 42, the first insert positioning assembly 43, and the second insert positioning assembly 44 located at the other end of the third support frame 41 position the various adapter pieces A3 and the top cover pins B2 at the other end of the battery cell assembly A4 to ensure a tight fit.

[0155] For example in Figure 22 In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell assembly A4 has adapter pieces A3 at both its left and right ends. The top cover B1 has top cover pins B2 at both its left and right ends. The third support frame 41 has guide blocks 42, first insert positioning components 43, and second insert positioning components 44 at both its left and right ends. The guide blocks 42, first insert positioning components 43, and second insert positioning components 44 located at the left end of the third support frame 41 are used to position the adapter pieces A3 and top cover pins B2 at the left end of the battery cell assembly A4 so that they fit together tightly. The guide blocks 42, first insert positioning components 43, and second insert positioning components 44 located at the right end of the third support frame 41 are used to position the adapter pieces A3 and top cover pins B2 at the right end of the battery cell assembly A4 so that they fit together tightly.

[0156] In some embodiments, the assembly device 4 further includes a fourth clamping assembly (not shown), which includes a clamping drive assembly (not shown) and two sixth clamping blocks 451. The clamping drive assembly is mounted on the third support frame 41, and the two sixth clamping blocks 451 are respectively located on both sides of the third support position in the third horizontal direction Z, and are driven to be driven by the clamping drive assembly to move closer or further apart from each other, thereby clamping or releasing the battery cell assembly A4 along the third horizontal direction Z. Thus, after the respective adapter pieces A3 of the battery cell assembly A4 and the top cover pin B2 of the top cover B1 are positioned, the clamping drive assembly drives the two sixth clamping blocks 451 to move closer to each other along the third horizontal direction Z until the battery cell assembly A4 is clamped, so that the battery cell assembly A4 will not be displaced when transferred to the next station. When the various adapter pieces A3 of the battery cell assembly A4 are soldered to the top cover pins B2 and need to be unloaded, the clamping drive assembly drives the two sixth clamping blocks 451 to move away from each other along the third horizontal direction Z, thereby releasing the clamping of the battery cell assembly A4. At this time, the battery cell assembly A4 and the top cover B1 on the third support frame 41 can be unloaded.

[0157] It should be noted that the clamping drive component can be an electric gripper, a pneumatic gripper, or other drive components, as long as it can drive the two sixth clamping blocks 451 to move closer or further apart, and there is no limitation here.

[0158] In embodiments of the present invention, the welding equipment further includes a top cover loading device, which is used to transfer the top cover B1 of the top cover loading station to the third support position of the third support frame 41 of the assembly device 4. The top cover B1 transferred to the third support position has its top cover pins B2 facing upwards, so that when the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the top cover B1 of the third support position, each adapter piece A3 of the battery cell assembly A4 is inserted into the corresponding sub-positioning groove 4210 and tightly fits against the top cover pins B2.

[0159] It should be noted that the top cover feeding device can adopt relatively mature existing technologies, such as feeding robots, etc., and is not limited here.

[0160] In embodiments of the present invention, the welding equipment further includes a welding station and a material unloading station. The welding equipment also includes a conveying device (not shown), on which the assembly device 4 is mounted. The conveying device is used to transport the assembly device 4 sequentially between the assembly station, the welding station, and the material unloading station.

[0161] When assembly device 4 is at the welding station, the welding device welds the adapter piece A3 and the top cover pin B2 on assembly device 4. When assembly device 4 is at the unloading station, the battery cell assembly A4 and the top cover B1 on assembly device 4 are unloaded. Thus, in actual use, firstly, the conveying device transports assembly device 4 to the assembly station. At this time, the top cover loading device transfers the top cover B1 to the third support position of the third support frame 41, and the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly A4 to the top cover B1 at the third support position, so that each adapter piece A3 of the battery cell assembly A4 is inserted into the corresponding sub-positioning groove 4210 and tightly fits against the top cover pin B2. The fourth clamping assembly clamps the battery cell assembly A4, fixing the battery cell assembly A4 on the third support position of the third support frame 41. Then, the conveying device transports assembly device 4 to the welding station, where the welding device welds the tightly fitted adapter piece A3 and the top cover pin B2. After welding is completed, the conveying device transports the assembly device 4 to the unloading station. At this time, the unloading device unloads the battery cell group A4 and the top cover B1 from the assembly device 4. After unloading, the conveying device transports the assembly device 4 to the assembly station so that the assembly device 4 can be reused.

[0162] Further, the unloading device transfers the battery cell assembly A4 and top cover B1 from the assembly device 4 to the inspection station. At the inspection station, the battery cell assembly A4 and top cover B1 are inspected. If the welding is unqualified, the unloading device moves the battery cell A1 and top cover B1 to the unloading conveyor line. If the welding is qualified, the unloading device moves the battery cell A1 and top cover B1 to the adhesive application station to apply adhesive to the welded area.

[0163] It should be noted that the conveying device is equipped with multiple assembly devices 4, which are circulated on the conveying device. That is, each assembly device 4 performs the corresponding process at different workstations at the same time, which is conducive to improving production efficiency.

[0164] Furthermore, the conveying device can also transport the assembly device 4 to the first transfer station and the second transfer station. The first transfer station is adjacent to the welding station, and the second transfer station is adjacent to the unloading station. Thus, since the processing time of each station is different, the first transfer station and the second transfer station are set up to coordinate the turnover rate of each assembly device 4 at each station.

[0165] Furthermore, the conveying device can also transport the assembly device 4 to the dust removal station located downstream of the welding station. When the assembly device 4 arrives at the dust removal station, it cleans and collects the impurities generated after welding.

[0166] It should be noted that before the welding device welds the adapter piece A3 and the top cover pin B2, the defocusing amount needs to be calibrated, that is, the distance between the welding head of the welding device and the welding surface needs to be calibrated. In the prior art, a laser displacement sensor is often used to detect the defocusing amount. However, the inventors of this application have found that because the welding surface of the adapter piece is made of copper and aluminum, the welding surface is highly reflective, making the stability of the displacement detection method using reflection unable to meet production requirements, frequently causing false alarms, and affecting the overall welding yield of the machine.

[0167] To address the aforementioned issue of false alarms, in this embodiment of the invention, a contact displacement sensor is installed on the welding device. This contact displacement sensor is used to detect the distance between the welding device and the third support frame 41, thereby indirectly obtaining the distance between the welding head of the welding device and the welding surface (i.e., the defocusing amount).

[0168] 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.

[0169] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A welding device, characterized in that, The welding equipment includes a tab folding station, a stacking station, and an assembly station. A tab folding device is arranged at the tab folding station and includes a tab folding mechanism and a first transfer mechanism. The tab folding mechanism is used to carry the battery cell and fold the tabs of the battery cell. The first transfer mechanism is used to transfer the battery cell on the tab folding mechanism to the stacking station. A stacking and flipping device is arranged at the stacking station and includes a stacking and flipping mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The stacking and flipping mechanism is used to carry multiple battery cells that are sequentially transferred by the first transfer mechanism to stack them into a battery cell group and to flip the battery cell group. The second transfer mechanism is used to transfer the battery cell group to the assembly station. An assembly device, arranged at the assembly station, is used to receive the top cover and the battery cell assembly transferred by the second transfer mechanism, such that the top cover pins of the top cover are abutted against the adapter tabs on the terminals of each battery cell in the battery cell assembly; and A welding device is used to weld the top cover pins of the top cover on the assembly device to the adapter pieces on the tabs of each cell of the cell assembly. The welding equipment also includes a feeding device for transporting the battery cell onto the tab folding mechanism.

2. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode flap folding mechanism includes a support component and an electrode flap folding component; The supporting component is used to support the battery cell, and the tab folding component includes a base, a lifting frame and a folding roller. The lifting frame is controllably connected to the base, and the folding roller is rotatably connected to the lifting frame. During the process of the lifting frame driving the folding roller to rise and fall, the folding roller can push the tabs of the battery cell to fold.

3. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tab folding mechanism further includes an adjustment component, which includes a drive component and a first clamping component. The first clamping component is installed on the drive end of the drive component so that the drive component drives the adapter piece on the tab of the battery cell to move closer to or further away from it. The first clamping component has two opposing first clamping blocks, and each of the two first clamping blocks has a first positioning groove on its side facing each other. When the driving component drives the first clamping component to move to the position where the adapter piece enters between the two first clamping blocks, the first clamping component can control the two first clamping blocks to close together so that the adapter piece is limited within the first positioning groove of the two first clamping blocks.

4. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first transfer mechanism includes a mounting base and a second clamping assembly and a first positioning piece mounted on the mounting base; The mounting base can be moved controllably between the tab folding station and the stacking station, and can be raised or lowered controllably; the second clamping assembly has two opposing second clamping blocks; When the mounting base moves to the tab folding station, the mounting base is located above the bearing assembly. During the descent of the mounting base, the first positioning piece can be inserted between the battery cell and the adapter piece, and the second clamping assembly can control the two second clamping blocks to clamp the battery cell.

5. The welding equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second clamping assembly also has two opposing third clamping blocks; When the second clamping assembly controls the two second clamping blocks to clamp the battery cell, the second clamping assembly can control the two third clamping blocks to clamp the adapter piece on the electrode of the battery cell.

6. The welding equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two third clamping blocks each have a second positioning groove on their sides facing each other; When the second clamping assembly controls the two second clamping blocks to clamp the adapter piece on the electrode of the battery cell, the adapter piece is limited within the second positioning groove of the two third clamping blocks.

7. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stacking and flipping mechanism includes a fixed base, a flipping base, a second support frame, and a third clamping assembly; The flip base is rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the second support frame is connected to the flip base and has a second support position for supporting the battery cell assembly. The third clamping assembly is disposed on the second support frame and / or the flip seat, and is used to clamp the battery cell assembly located on the second support position.

8. The welding equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stacking and flipping mechanism also includes a plurality of first adapter plate positioning components corresponding one-to-one with each cell of the cell group. Each first adapter plate positioning component includes a second positioning drive and a first positioning block. The second positioning drive is mounted on the second support frame and is driven to connect with the first positioning block to drive the first positioning block to move to the positioning position. When the first positioning block moves to the positioning position, the first positioning block contacts the side of the adapter plate on the corresponding battery cell that is away from the battery cell.

9. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transfer mechanism includes a gripper base, grippers, and a second adapter plate positioning assembly; The gripper seat is controllably movable between the stacking station and the assembly station, and the gripper is mounted on the gripper seat; the second adapter plate positioning assembly includes a second positioning block and a clamping block, both mounted on the gripper seat; When the gripper seat moves the gripper to the stacking station and clamps the battery cell assembly, the second positioning block is inserted into the adapter piece on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly facing the side of the battery cell, and the clamping block is inserted into the adapter piece on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly away from the side of the battery cell. The clamping block can be controlled to move closer to or away from the second positioning block.

10. The welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second positioning block has multiple third positioning slots on the side facing the clamping block, which correspond one-to-one with the adapter pieces of each cell in the cell assembly; When the gripper picks up the battery cell assembly, the adapter piece on each cell of the battery cell assembly is inserted into the corresponding third positioning slot.

11. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly device includes a third support frame and a guide block. The third support frame has a third support position for supporting the top cover. The guide block is mounted on the third support frame and has a fourth positioning groove on one side facing the third support position. When the top cover is supported on the third support position, the side of the guide block with the fourth positioning groove is in contact with the top cover pin of the top cover; The top surface of the guide block has a tab opening that communicates with the fourth positioning groove. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly to the third support position, the adapter tabs on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly are inserted into the fourth positioning groove through the tab opening.

12. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The top surface of the guide block has a first chamfered slope arranged around the opening of the insert.

13. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner wall of the fourth positioning groove has multiple protrusions, which are spaced apart from each other to divide the fourth positioning groove into multiple sub-positioning grooves. When the second transfer mechanism transfers the battery cell assembly to the third support position, the adapter pieces on each battery cell of the battery cell assembly are inserted into the multiple sub-positioning slots one by one.

14. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The assembly device further includes a first insert positioning component, which includes a first insert driving component, a first insert mounting base, and a first positioning insert. The first insert drive assembly is mounted on the third support frame and is driven to connect with the first insert mounting base; the first positioning insert is mounted on the first insert mounting base. The first insert drive assembly is configured to controllably drive the first insert mounting base to move along a third horizontal direction and cause the first positioning insert to be inserted into the top cover pin of the top cover away from the guide block.

15. The welding equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that, The assembly device further includes a second insert positioning assembly, which includes a second insert driving assembly, a second insert mounting base, and a second positioning insert. The second insert drive assembly is mounted on the third support frame and is drivenly connected to the second insert mounting base. The second positioning insert is mounted on the second insert mounting base and is located on both sides of the third support position in the third horizontal direction, respectively, as is the first positioning insert. The second insert drive assembly is configured to controllably drive the second insert mounting base to move along the third horizontal direction and cause the second positioning insert to be inserted into the top cover pin of the top cover away from the guide block.

16. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The welding device is equipped with a contact displacement sensor, which is used to detect the distance between the welding device and the third support frame.

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