A positioning device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a positioning device. The positioning device includes: a positioning mechanism, including a fixed seat, a sliding seat, a transfer seat and an alignment component; the sliding seat is movably connected to the fixed seat along a first direction, the transfer seat is movably connected to the sliding seat along a first preset direction, and the positioning component is arranged on the transfer seat; and a driving mechanism, including a driving component and a transmission component, the transmission component includes a first transmission structure and a second transmission structure; the first transmission structure is transmission-connected between the driving component and the sliding seat, and the second transmission structure is transmission-connected between the driving component and the transfer seat; wherein, the positioning component can be moved to a picking position; and the positioning component can be moved to an alignment position. In this way, due to the arrangement of the first transmission structure and the second transmission structure, it is achieved that one driving component can drive the positioning mechanism slide and the transfer seat to move separately to complete the positioning action, thereby reducing the number of power sources, simplifying the structure, and reducing the equipment cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of battery manufacturing equipment, and in particular to an alignment device. Background Art

[0002] During battery production, especially for cylindrical batteries, the cells are assembled into a steel casing, with two caps sealing the openings at each end of the casing. Specifically, after the cells are installed in the casing, current collector plates are welded to the ends of the cells, with caps attached to the ends. To ensure weld quality during subsequent welding of the caps to the ends of the steel casing, the caps must be aligned with the ends of the steel casing.

[0003] When aligning the cap, the existing alignment device needs to pick up the cap and then move the cap to a position aligned with the end of the steel shell, that is, precise movement in multiple directions is required. Therefore, multiple power sources need to be configured, resulting in a complex structure and high equipment cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a positioning device that improves the above defects in order to solve the problem that the positioning device in the prior art needs to be equipped with multiple power sources, resulting in a complex structure and high equipment cost.

[0005] A positioning device for aligning ends of a first component and a second component, the positioning device comprising:

[0006] An alignment mechanism comprises a fixed seat, a sliding seat, a transfer seat and an alignment component; the sliding seat is movably connected to the fixed seat along a first direction, the transfer seat is movably connected to the sliding seat along a first preset direction intersecting the first direction, and the alignment component is arranged on the transfer seat; and

[0007] The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly and a transmission assembly, wherein the transmission assembly includes a first transmission structure and a second transmission structure; the first transmission structure is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the slide, and the second transmission structure is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the transfer seat;

[0008] Wherein, driven by the slide, the alignment component can move along the first direction to a picking position for picking up the first component; driven by the transfer seat, the alignment component can move along the first preset direction to an alignment position aligned with the end of the second component.

[0009] In one embodiment, the driving assembly includes a driving shaft and a rotating driving member; the driving shaft is rotatably arranged relative to the fixing seat and is drivingly connected to the rotating driving member;

[0010] The drive shaft is connected to the slide through the first transmission structure to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into movement of the slide along the first direction; the drive shaft is connected to the transfer seat through the second transmission structure to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into movement of the transfer seat along the first preset direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first transmission structure includes a first swing arm, a first cam structure and a first connecting rod structure, the first swing arm has a first end and a second end, and the first end is rotatably disposed relative to the fixing base;

[0012] The first cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft and the first swing arm to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into the swinging motion of the first swing arm around the first end; the first connecting rod structure is transmission-connected between the second end of the first swing arm and the slide to convert the swinging motion of the first swing arm into movement of the slide along the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first cam structure includes a first cam and a first roller, the first cam is mounted on the drive shaft and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft; the first roller is mounted on the first swing arm and rolls with the first cam, so that during the rotation of the first cam, the first swing arm is driven to swing around the first end through the first roller.

[0014] In one embodiment, the alignment mechanism further includes a first guide seat mounted on the slide, the first guide seat having a first guide groove, and the first guide groove extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction;

[0015] The first connecting rod structure includes a first connecting rod, a first driving rod and a second roller. The first connecting rod is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed seat and has a third end and a fourth end; one end of the first driving rod is hinged to the second end, and the other end of the first driving rod is hinged to the third end; the second roller is rotatably connected to the fourth end and rollingly engaged with the first guide groove.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second transmission structure includes a second swing arm, a second cam structure and a second connecting rod structure, the second swing arm has a fifth end and a sixth end, and the fifth end is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed seat; the second cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft and the second swing arm to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into the swinging motion of the second swing arm around the fifth end; the second connecting rod structure is transmission-connected between the transfer seat and the sixth end to convert the swinging motion of the second swing arm into movement of the transfer seat along the first preset direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second cam structure includes a second cam and a third roller. The second cam is mounted on the drive shaft and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The third roller is mounted on the second swing arm and rolls with the second cam so that during the rotation of the second cam, the second swing arm is driven to swing around the fifth end through the third roller.

[0018] In one embodiment, the alignment mechanism further includes a second guide seat mounted on the transfer seat, the second guide seat having a second guide groove extending along a second preset direction intersecting the first preset direction;

[0019] The second connecting rod structure includes a second connecting rod, a fourth roller, a third guide seat, a fifth roller, a fourth guide seat, a sixth roller and a second driving rod, the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the slide seat and has a seventh end and an eighth end; the fourth roller is rotatably connected to the eighth end and is in rolling engagement with the second guide groove; the third guide seat is movably connected to the slide seat along a second direction intersecting with the first direction and has a third guide groove and a fourth guide groove both extending along the first direction; the fifth roller is rotatably connected to the seventh end and is in rolling engagement with the third guide groove;

[0020] The fourth guide seat is movably arranged relative to the fixed seat along the second direction, and the sixth roller is rotatably connected to the fourth guide seat and rollingly cooperates with the fourth guide groove; one end of the second drive rod is hinged to the sixth end, and the other end of the second drive rod is hinged to the fourth guide seat.

[0021] In one embodiment, the alignment mechanism includes two, the two alignment mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, and an alignment station for the second component to pass through is formed between the alignment components of the two alignment mechanisms;

[0022] The transmission components include two, and the two transmission components correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms; the drive shafts include two, and the two drive shafts rotate synchronously and correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms; the first transmission structure of each transmission component is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft and the slide seat of the alignment mechanism, and the second transmission structure of each transmission component is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft and the transfer seat of the alignment mechanism.

[0023] In one embodiment, the alignment component has at least two clamping jaws arranged around a central axis, and the at least two clamping jaws together form a clamping space for accommodating the first element, and can controllably clamp or release the first element located in the clamping space.

[0024] In one embodiment, each of the clamping jaws has a positioning surface on a side facing the clamping space that matches the circumferential surface of the first element;

[0025] When the clamping jaws clamp the first component together, the positioning surface of each clamping jaw fits against the circumferential surface of the first component.

[0026] In one embodiment, the alignment assembly further includes a positioning portion located in the clamping space, and the positioning portion is used to stop the first element entering the clamping space in the first direction.

[0027] During the alignment process, the drive assembly first drives the slide via the first transmission structure in a first direction until the alignment assembly reaches the pickup position, where the alignment assembly picks up the cap. The drive assembly then drives the transfer seat via the second transmission structure in a first predetermined direction until the alignment assembly moves from the pickup position to the alignment position, aligning the cap on the alignment assembly with the end of the steel shell. Finally, the alignment assembly releases the cap and, driven by the drive assembly, returns to its initial position.

[0028] In this way, compared with the prior art that requires the use of multiple power sources, the alignment device of the present invention, due to the setting of the first transmission structure and the second transmission structure, realizes the use of one driving component to drive the slide and the transfer seat of the alignment component to move separately to complete the alignment action, thereby reducing the number of power sources, simplifying the structure, and reducing equipment costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the steel shell and the cap before alignment processing in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the steel shell and the cap after alignment processing in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A rear view of the alignment device is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A top view of the alignment device shown;

[0034] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the driving mechanism of the alignment device in one embodiment of the present invention (some components are omitted);

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A top view of the drive mechanism shown (some components omitted);

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A side view of the alignment components of the alignment mechanism of the middle alignment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more readily apparent, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth numerous specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0039] 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 the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0041] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate 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 implementation methods.

[0043] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a battery cell (not shown) is housed within a steel shell A1. A current collecting plate A2 is welded to the end of the cell, extending through an opening in the end of the steel shell A1. A cap A3 is welded to the end of the current collecting plate A2 that extends outside the steel shell A1, extending downward from the steel shell A1. Therefore, to facilitate welding cap A3 to the end of the steel shell A1, it is necessary to move cap A3 to a position that aligns with the end of the steel shell A1.

[0044] Therefore, the positioning device needs to at least complete the action of picking up the cap A3 and driving the cap A3 to move toward the end of the steel shell A1 until it reaches a position aligned with the end of the steel shell A1. Therefore, at least two power sources need to be configured to realize the positioning action, resulting in a complex structure and high equipment cost.

[0045] In order to improve the above-mentioned technical problem of requiring at least two power sources, resulting in a complex structure and high equipment cost, it is necessary to provide a positioning device that reduces the number of power sources required, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing equipment costs.

[0046] One embodiment of the present invention provides an alignment device for aligning the ends of a first component with those of a second component. It should be noted that the first component may be a cap A3, and the second component may be a steel shell A1. Of course, in other embodiments, the first and second components may also be other components, without limitation. For ease of understanding, the following description uses the example of the first component being the cap A3 and the second component being the steel shell A1.

[0047] See Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the alignment device includes an alignment mechanism 10 and a driving mechanism (not shown). The alignment mechanism 10 includes a fixed seat 11, a slide 13, a transfer seat 14, and an alignment component 12. The slide 13 is movably connected to the fixed seat 11 along a first direction X, and the transfer seat 14 is movably connected to the slide 13 along a first preset direction B1 intersecting the first direction X. The alignment component 12 is arranged on the transfer seat 14, so that the alignment component 12 can move along the first direction X with the slide 13, and can move along the first preset direction B1 with the transfer seat 14.

[0048] The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly and a transmission assembly 22. The transmission assembly 22 includes a first transmission structure 221 and a second transmission structure 223. The first transmission structure 221 is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the slide 13, enabling the drive assembly to drive the slide 13 to move in the first direction X via the first transmission structure 221. The second transmission structure 223 is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the transfer base 14, enabling the drive assembly to drive the transfer base 14 to move in the first predetermined direction B1 via the second transmission structure 223.

[0049] Driven by the slide 13, the alignment component 12 can move along the first direction X to the picking position of the pick-up cap A3; driven by the transfer seat 14, the alignment component 12 can move along the first preset direction B1 to the alignment position aligned with the end of the steel shell A1.

[0050] During the alignment process, the drive assembly first drives the slide 13 via the first transmission structure 221 to move in the first direction X, until it moves the alignment assembly 12 to the pickup position, whereupon the alignment assembly 12 picks up the cap A3. The drive assembly then drives the transfer base 14 via the second transmission structure 223 to move in the first predetermined direction B1, until it moves the alignment assembly 12 from the pickup position to the alignment position, aligning the cap A3 on the alignment assembly 12 with the end of the steel shell A1. Finally, the alignment assembly 12 releases the cap A3 and, driven by the drive assembly, returns to its initial position.

[0051] Thus, compared with the prior art which requires the use of multiple power sources, the alignment device of the present invention, due to the setting of the first transmission structure 221 and the second transmission structure 223, realizes the use of one driving component to drive the slide 13 and the transfer seat 13 of the alignment component 12 to move respectively to complete the alignment action, thereby reducing the number of power sources, simplifying the structure, and reducing the equipment cost.

[0052] Optionally, the fixed base 11 is provided with a first slide rail 111 extending longitudinally along the first direction X, and the slide base 13 is provided with a first slider 131 slidably engaged with the first slide rail 111. In this way, the movement of the slide base 13 relative to the fixed base 11 along the first direction X is guided by the sliding of the first slider 131 along the first slide rail 111.

[0053] Optionally, the slide 13 is provided with a second slide rail 132 extending longitudinally along the first preset direction B1, and the transfer base 14 is provided with a second slider 141 that slidably cooperates with the second slide rail 132. In this way, the sliding of the second slider 141 along the second slide rail 132 guides the movement of the transfer base 14 relative to the slide 13 along the first preset direction B1.

[0054] See Figures 6 and 7 As shown, in the embodiment, the drive assembly includes a drive shaft 211 and a rotary drive member (not shown). The drive shaft 211 is rotatably disposed relative to the fixed base 11. The rotary drive member is drivingly connected to the drive shaft 211 to drive the drive shaft 211 to rotate. Optionally, the rotary drive member can be a motor.

[0055] The drive shaft 211 is in transmission connection with the slide 13 via a first transmission structure 221, so as to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft 211 into movement of the slide 13 along a first direction X, i.e., drive the slide 13 to move along the first direction X. The drive shaft 211 is in transmission connection with the transfer base 14 via a second transmission structure 223, so as to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft 211 into movement of the transfer base 14 along a first preset direction B1, i.e., drive the transfer base 14 to move along the first preset direction B1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first transmission structure 221 includes a first swing arm 2210, a first cam structure (not labeled), and a first connecting rod structure (not labeled). The first swing arm 2210 has a first end a1 and a second end a2. The first end a1 of the first swing arm 2210 is rotatably disposed relative to the fixed base 11. The first cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft 211 and the first swing arm 2210 to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft 211 into the swinging motion of the first swing arm 2210 about its first end a1. The second end a2 of the first swing arm 2210 is transmission-connected to the first connecting rod structure, which is transmission-connected to the slide 13 to convert the swinging motion of the first swing arm 2210 into movement of the slide 13 along the first direction X. In this way, the rotation of the drive shaft 211 can drive the first swing arm 2210 to swing around the first end a1 through the first cam structure. When the first swing arm 2210 swings around the first end a1, it can drive the slide 13 to move along the first direction X through the first connecting rod structure, so that the slide 13 drives the alignment assembly 12 to move along the first direction X between the initial position and the picking position.

[0057] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first cam structure includes a first cam 2211 and a first roller 2211a. The first cam 2211 is mounted on the drive shaft 211 and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft 211. The first roller 2211a is mounted on the first swing arm 2210 and engages in a rolling manner with the first cam 2211, so that during the rotation of the first cam 2211, the first roller 2211a drives the first swing arm 2210 to swing about the first end a1. In this manner, the first cam 2211 is rotated by the drive shaft 211. When the first cam 2211 rotates, the first roller 2211a rolls along the first cam 2211, thereby driving the first roller 2211a to drive the first swing arm 2210 to swing about the first end a1, thereby driving the slide 13 to move along the first direction X via the first connecting rod structure.

[0058] It should be noted that the rotational motion of the first cam 2211 drives the first swing arm 2210 to swing periodically, so as to drive the slide 13 to move along the first direction X, thereby driving the alignment component 12 to move periodically between the initial position and the picking position, which is conducive to achieving continuous alignment operations and improving production efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, the first cam structure includes a first elastic member 2217, one end of which is connected to the second end a2 of the first swing arm 2210, and the other end of which is fixedly mounted relative to the fixed base 11. The first elastic member 2217 provides a preload force that causes the first swing arm 2210 to drive the first roller 2211a to maintain contact with the first cam 2211. Thus, the configuration of the first elastic member 2217 enables the first roller 2211a to maintain contact with the first cam 2211, ensuring that the first roller 2211a can drive the first swing arm 2210 to periodically swing during the rotation of the first cam 2211.

[0060] Please continue to see Figures 3 to 5 As shown, specifically in the embodiment, the alignment mechanism 10 further includes a first guide seat 2212 mounted on the slide 13, so that the first guide seat 2212 moves along the first direction X along with the slide 13. The first guide seat 2212 has a first guide groove d1 (see Figure 4 ), the first guide groove d1 extends along a second direction Y intersecting with the first direction X. Preferably, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction X is the left-right direction, and the second direction Y is the up-down direction.

[0061] The first connecting rod structure includes a first connecting rod 2213, a first driving rod 2214, and a second roller 2216. The first connecting rod 2213 is rotatably disposed relative to the fixed base 11 and has a third end a3 and a fourth end a4. One end of the first driving rod 2214 is hingedly connected to the second end a2 of the first swing arm 2210, and the other end of the first driving rod 2214 is hingedly connected to the third end a3 of the first connecting rod 2213. The second roller 2216 is rotatably connected to the fourth end a4 of the first connecting rod 2213 and is in rolling engagement with the first guide groove d1. In this way, when it is necessary to drive the alignment component 12 to move along the first direction X, the control driving shaft 211 is controlled to rotate and drive the first cam 2211 to rotate. The first cam 2211 drives the first swing arm 2210 to swing around the first end a1 through the first roller 2211a. The first swing arm 2210 drives the first driving rod 2214 to move. The first driving rod 2214 drives the first connecting rod 2213 to rotate. The first connecting rod 2213 drives the second roller 2216 thereon to roll along the first guide groove d1, thereby driving the first guide seat 2212 and the slide 13 to move together along the first direction X. The slide 13 drives the transfer seat 14 and the alignment component 12 thereon to move between the initial position and the picking position along the first direction X.

[0062] Specifically in the embodiment, the position of the first guide seat 2212 relative to the slide 13 in the first direction X is adjustable, thereby adjusting the position of the slide 13 and the alignment assembly 12 in the first direction X to use steel shells A1 of different specifications to improve the compatibility of the equipment.

[0063] Optionally, the first connecting rod structure further includes a locking member and a first adjustment screw 2215. The slide 13 is provided with a waist-shaped hole 131. The locking member is disposed through the waist-shaped hole 131 and is threadedly connected to the first guide seat 2212 to lock and secure the first guide seat 2212 to the slide 13. The first adjustment screw 2215 is rotatably connected to the slide 13 and is threadedly connected to the first guide seat 2212. Thus, when the position of the first guide seat 2212 needs to be adjusted, the locking member is first loosened to allow the first guide seat 2212 to move relative to the slide 13 in the first direction X. Then, the first adjustment screw 2215 is screwed to adjust the position of the first guide seat 2212 relative to the slide 13 in the first direction X. When the first guide seat 2212 is adjusted to the desired position, the first adjustment screw 2215 is stopped and the locking member is tightened to lock the first guide seat 2212 to the slide 13. Optionally, the locking member may be a locking screw.

[0064] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the second transmission structure 223 includes a second swing arm 2230, a second cam structure (not labeled in the figure) and a second connecting rod structure (not labeled in the figure), and the second swing arm 2230 has a fifth end a5 and a sixth end a6. The fifth end a5 of the second swing arm 2230 is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed base 11. The second cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft 211 and the second swing arm 2230 to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft 211 into the swinging motion of the second swing arm 2230 around the fifth end a5. The second connecting rod structure is transmission-connected between the sixth end a6 of the second swing arm 2230 and the transfer seat 14 to convert the swinging motion of the second swing arm 2230 into movement of the transfer seat 14 along the first preset direction B1, thereby driving the alignment component 12 to move between the picking position and the alignment position along the first preset direction B1.

[0065] Optionally, the transmission assembly 22 further includes a mounting shaft F and a support base. The support base is fixed relative to the fixed base 11, and the mounting shaft F is fixedly mounted on the support base. The first end a1 of the first swing arm 2210 is mounted on the mounting shaft F via a bearing, allowing the first swing arm 2210 to swing about the mounting shaft F. The fifth end of the second swing arm 2230 is also mounted on the mounting shaft F via a bearing, allowing the second swing arm 2230 to swing about the mounting shaft F.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second cam structure includes a second cam 2231 and a third roller (not shown). The second cam 2231 is mounted on the drive shaft 211 and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft 211. In other words, rotation of the drive shaft 211 drives the second cam 2231 to rotate synchronously. The third roller is mounted on the second swing arm 2230 and engages with the second cam 2231 in a rolling manner, so that during rotation of the second cam 2231, the third roller drives the second swing arm 2230 to swing about the fifth end a5. Thus, when the second cam 2231 rotates, the drive shaft 211 drives the second cam 2231 to rotate. When the second cam 2231 rotates, the third roller rolls along the second cam 2231, thereby driving the third roller to drive the second swing arm 2230 to swing about the fifth end a5. This, in turn, drives the transfer base 14 and the alignment assembly 12 on the transfer base 14 to move along the first predetermined direction B1 via the second connecting rod structure.

[0067] It should be noted that the rotational motion of the second cam 2231 drives the second swing arm 2230 to swing periodically, driving the transfer seat 14 to move along the first preset direction B1, thereby driving the alignment component 12 to move periodically between the picking position and the alignment position, which is conducive to achieving continuous alignment operations and improving production efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the second cam structure includes a second elastic member 2239. One end of the second elastic member 2239 is connected to the sixth end a6 of the second swing arm 2230, and the other end is fixed relative to the fixing base 11. The second elastic member 2239 provides a preload force that causes the second swing arm 2230 to drive the third roller to maintain contact with the second cam 2231. In this way, the second elastic member 2239 ensures that the third roller can always maintain contact with the second cam 2231, ensuring that the third roller can drive the second swing arm 2230 to periodically swing during the rotation of the second cam 2231.

[0069] Please continue to see Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in the embodiment, the alignment mechanism 10 further includes a second guide seat 2232 mounted on the transfer seat 14. The second guide seat 2232 has a second guide groove d2 extending along a second preset direction B2 intersecting the first preset direction B1. Optionally, the second preset direction is perpendicular to the first preset direction.

[0070] The second connecting rod structure includes a second connecting rod 2233, a fourth roller 2234, a third guide seat 2235, a fifth roller (not shown), a fourth guide seat (not shown), a sixth roller E, and a second driving rod 2237. The second connecting rod 2233 is rotatably connected to the slide 13 and has a seventh end a7 and an eighth end a8. The fourth roller 2234 is rotatably connected to the eighth end a8 of the second connecting rod 2233 and is engaged in a rolling manner with the second guide groove d2, so that when the second connecting rod 2233 rotates, it can drive the fourth roller 2234 to roll along the second guide groove d2, thereby driving the second guide seat 2232 and the transfer seat 14 to move together along the first preset direction B1. The third guide seat 2235 is movably connected to the slide 13 along the second direction Y and has a third guide groove (not shown) and a fourth guide groove d3, both extending along the first direction X. The fifth roller is rotatably connected to the seventh end a7 of the second connecting rod 2233 and rollingly cooperates with the third guide groove, so that when the slide 13 moves along the first direction X, it can drive the fifth roller to move along the third guide groove. Since the third guide groove also extends along the first direction X, when the slide 13 moves along the first direction X, it will not cause the second connecting rod 2233 to rotate, and will not cause the transfer seat 14 and the alignment assembly 12 to move along the first preset direction B1.

[0071] The fourth guide seat is movably arranged relative to the fixed seat 11 along the second direction Y, and the sixth roller E is rotatably connected to the fourth guide seat and rollingly cooperates with the fourth guide groove d3 on the third guide seat 2235, so that when the slide 13 moves along the first direction X, it can drive the sixth roller E to roll along the fourth guide groove d3. Since the fourth guide groove d3 also extends along the first direction X, when the slide 13 moves along the first direction X, it will not cause the third guide seat 2235 to move along the second direction Y, thereby not causing the second connecting rod 2233 to rotate, and further will not cause the second guide seat 2232, the transfer seat 14 and the alignment assembly 12 to move along the first preset direction B1.

[0072] One end of the second driving rod 2237 is hinged to the sixth end a6 of the second swing arm 2230 , and the other end of the second driving rod 2237 is hinged to the fourth guide seat. In this way, when the alignment component 12 needs to move along the first preset direction B1, the driving shaft 211 rotates and drives the second cam 2231 to rotate, the second cam 2231 drives the second swing arm 2230 to swing around the fifth end a5 through the third roller, the second swing arm 2230 drives the fourth guide seat to move along the second direction Y through the second driving rod 2237, the fourth guide seat drives the third guide seat 2235 to move along the second direction Y through the sixth roller E, the third guide seat 2235 drives the second connecting rod 2233 to rotate through the fifth roller, the second connecting rod 2233 drives the second guide seat 2232 to move along the first preset direction B1 through the fourth roller 2234, the second guide seat 2232 drives the transfer seat 14 and the alignment component 12 to move along the first preset direction B1 together, thereby realizing the movement of the alignment component 12 between the picking position and the alignment position.

[0073] Specifically in the embodiment, the position of the fifth roller on the second connecting rod 2233 is adjustable, so that the position of the alignment component 12 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the fifth roller on the second connecting rod 2233, so as to use steel shells of different specifications and improve the compatibility of the equipment.

[0074] Optionally, the second connecting rod structure further includes an adjustment seat 2237 and a second adjustment screw 2238. The adjustment seat 2237 is movably connected to the second connecting rod 2233, and the fifth roller is rotatably mounted on the adjustment seat 2237. The second adjustment screw 2238 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 2233 and is threadedly connected to the adjustment seat 2237. Thus, when the second adjustment screw 2238 is turned, the adjustment seat 2237 is moved relative to the second connecting rod 2233, thereby driving the fifth roller to adjust its position. When the position is adjusted to the desired position, the second adjustment screw 2238 is stopped.

[0075] Optionally, the slide 13 is provided with a third slide rail 133 extending longitudinally along the second direction Y, and the third guide seat 2235 is provided with a third slider 2235a that slidably cooperates with the third slide rail 133. In this way, the sliding of the third slider 2235a along the third slide rail 133 guides the movement of the third guide seat 2235 relative to the slide 13 in the second direction Y.

[0076] Optionally, the fourth guide base includes a guide sleeve 2236a, a guide rod 2236b, a connecting block 2236c, and a roller seat 2236d. The guide sleeve 2236a is fixed relative to the fixed base 11. The guide rod 2236b extends through the guide sleeve 2236a along the second direction Y and slidably engages with the guide sleeve 2236a. The connecting block 2236c is connected to one end of the guide rod 2236b and is hingedly connected to the second drive rod 2237. The roller seat 2236d is connected to the other end of the guide rod 2236b. The sixth roller E is rotatably connected to the roller seat 2236d. Optionally, the fourth guide seat may include two guide sleeves 2236a and two guide rods 2236b, the two guide rods 2236b are respectively inserted into the two guide sleeves 2236a, the connecting block 2236c is fixedly connected to the two guide rods 2236b, and the roller seat 2236d is also fixedly connected to the two guide rods 2236b, so that the two guide rods 2236b are used to guide the connecting block 2236c and the roller seat 2236d at the same time.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, the positioning device further includes a base plate 30, to which the fixed base 11 of the alignment mechanism 10 is fixedly connected. The first connecting rod 2213 is rotatably connected to the base plate 30, allowing the first connecting rod 2213 to rotate relative to the fixed base 11. The guide sleeve 2236a is mounted on the base plate 30, such that the guide sleeve 2236a is fixed relative to the fixed base 11. The end of the first elastic member 2217 facing away from the first swing arm 2210 is fixedly connected to the base plate 30, and the end of the second elastic member 2239 facing away from the second swing arm 2230 is also fixedly connected to the base plate 30.

[0078] See Figure 8 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the alignment assembly 12 has at least two clamping jaws 121 arranged around a central axis. The at least two clamping jaws 121 collectively enclose a clamping space 124 for receiving the cap A3 and can controllably clamp or release the cap A3 in the clamping space 124. Preferably, the central axis is parallel to the first direction X.

[0079] In this way, the at least two clamping jaws 121 are used to jointly clamp the cap A3, not only to pick up the cap A3 at the picking position, but also to position the cap A3. That is, when the cap A3 is clamped, the center line of the cap A3 is aligned with the central axis of the at least two clamping jaws 121. When the alignment assembly 12 moves to the alignment position, the center line of the cap A3 is ensured to be aligned with the center line of the steel shell A1, thus completing the alignment of the cap A3 and the end of the steel shell A1. Preferably, there are three clamping jaws 121.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment, the alignment assembly 12 further includes a positioning portion 122 located within the clamping space 124. The positioning portion 122 is used to stop the cap A3 entering the clamping space 124 in the first direction X, thereby achieving positioning of the cap A3 in the first direction X. Thus, as the alignment assembly 12 moves toward the cap A3 along the first direction X, the cap A3 gradually enters the clamping space 124 between the at least two clamping jaws 121 (the at least two clamping jaws 121 are in an open state) until the cap A3 contacts the positioning portion 122 (i.e., the positioning portion 122 stops the cap A3). At this point, the alignment assembly 12 is in the pickup position. Then, the at least two clamping jaws 121 jointly clamp the cap A3, completing the pickup of the cap A3.

[0081] Furthermore, the alignment assembly 12 includes a clamping jaw driver 123, which is fixedly mounted on the transfer base 14 and moves with the transfer base 14. The clamping jaw driver 123 has at least two driving ends, each of which is mounted with a clamping jaw 121. The clamping jaw driver 123 can drive each clamping jaw 121 to clamp or release the cap A3. Alternatively, the clamping jaw 121 cylinder can be used as the clamping jaw 121.

[0082] Optionally, each jaw 121 has a positioning surface on the side facing the clamping space 124 that matches the circumferential surface of the cap A3. When in the clamped state, the positioning surface of each jaw 121 fits the circumferential surface of the cap A3, so that the center line of the cap A3 is colinear with the center axis around which each jaw 121 revolves, ensuring the positioning effect of the cap A3.

[0083] Furthermore, the outer circumference of the cap A3 is a circular surface. The positioning surfaces of the respective clamping jaws 121 are all arc surfaces. When the clamping jaws 121 are in a clamped state, the positioning surfaces of the respective clamping jaws 121 are located on the same circular surface, so that the clamping space 124 formed by the clamping jaws 121 is in the shape of a circular hole. That is, the outer circumference of the cap A3 clamped by the respective clamping jaws 121 is tightly fitted with the positioning surfaces of the respective clamping jaws 121, ensuring that the central axis around which the respective clamping jaws 121 are located is collinear with the centerline of the cap A3, thus achieving precise positioning of the cap A3.

[0084] It should be noted that in some cases, both ends of the steel shell A1 may have openings. Current collecting plates A2 are welded to both ends of the battery cell, and the two current collecting plates A2 extend out of the steel shell A1 through the openings at both ends. Two caps A3 are welded to the ends of the two current collecting plates A2 that extend out of the steel shell A1, and both caps A3 extend downward from the steel shell A1. Therefore, in order to weld the two caps A3 to the ends of the steel shell A1, the two caps A3 need to be moved to a position that aligns with the ends of the steel shell A1. See Figure 3 、 Figure 4、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the alignment mechanism 10 includes two, and the two alignment mechanisms 10 are arranged relative to each other along the first direction X, so that an alignment station F for the steel shell A1 to pass through is formed between the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10. The transmission components 22 include two, and the two transmission components 22 correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms 10. The drive shafts 211 include two, and the two drive shafts 211 rotate synchronously and correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms 10. The first transmission structure 221 of each transmission component 22 is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft 211 and the slide 13 of the alignment mechanism 10, and the second transmission structure 223 of each transmission component 22 is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft 211 and the transfer seat 14 of the alignment mechanism 10.

[0085] Thus, the rotational motion output by one drive shaft 211 is converted into movement of the slide 13 of one alignment mechanism 10 along the first direction X via the first transmission structure 221, and then into movement of the transfer base 14 of the alignment mechanism 10 along the first preset direction B1 via the second transmission structure 223. The rotational motion output by the other drive shaft 211 is converted into movement of the slide 13 of the other alignment mechanism 10 along the first direction X via the first transmission structure 221, and then into movement of the transfer base 14 of the alignment mechanism 10 along the first preset direction B1 via the second transmission structure 223. In other words, the two drive shafts 211 respectively drive the alignment assemblies 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 to align the caps A3 at both ends of the steel shell A1.

[0086] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the driving component utilizes two synchronously rotating driving shafts 211 to respectively drive the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 to align the two caps A3, thereby avoiding the need to configure two driving components to drive the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 to move, further reducing the number of power sources, and being conducive to simplifying the structure and reducing equipment costs.

[0087] It is understandable that, because the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 respectively pick up different caps A3 and drive the picked up caps A3 to align with different ends of the steel shell A1, the respective pick-up positions and alignment positions of the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 are different. Therefore, it cannot be understood that the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 pick up the caps A3 at the same pick-up position and align them with the ends of the steel shell A1 at the same position. It should be understood that the pick-up positions of the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 are different, and the alignment positions of the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 are also different.

[0088] Specific to Figure 3In the embodiment shown, the first direction X is the left-right direction, the first preset direction B1 of the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10 is an inclined direction to the right and upward, and the first preset direction B1 of the alignment component 12 of the right alignment mechanism 10 is an inclined direction to the left and upward. During the alignment process, initially, the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 are both located at their respective initial positions. First, the driving component drives the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10 and the alignment component 12 of the right alignment mechanism 10 to approach each other until they reach their respective picking positions, so that the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10 picks up the cap A3 on the left at its own picking position (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ), the alignment assembly 12 of the alignment mechanism 10 on the right side picks up the cap A3 on the right side at its own picking position (see Figure 1 ). Then, the driving component drives the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10 to move along the rightward and upward inclined direction (i.e., the first preset direction B1 of the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10) toward the left end of the steel shell A1 until it reaches the alignment position of the left end of the steel shell A, so that the cap A3 on the alignment component 12 of the left alignment mechanism 10 is aligned with the left end of the steel shell A1; at the same time, the driving component drives the alignment component 12 of the right alignment mechanism 10 to move along the leftward and upward inclined direction (i.e., the first preset direction B1 of the alignment component 12 of the right alignment mechanism 10) toward the right end of the steel shell A1 until it reaches the alignment position of the right end of the steel shell A, so that the cap A3 on the alignment component 12 of the right alignment mechanism 10 is aligned with the right end of the steel shell A1. At this time, the alignment processing of the two caps A3 at both ends of the steel shell A1 and the two ends of the steel shell A1 is completed.

[0089] Specifically in the embodiment, the drive assembly also includes a third transmission structure, which is connected between the two drive shafts 211 so that when one drive shaft 211 rotates, the other drive shaft 211 also rotates synchronously. The rotating drive member is connected to either of the two drive shafts 211 so that when the rotating drive member drives the drive shaft 211 connected thereto to rotate, the other drive shaft 211 can also rotate synchronously. Optionally, the third transmission structure can adopt a belt transmission structure, a gear transmission structure, or a chain transmission structure, as long as it can achieve the simultaneous rotation of the two drive shafts 211, and is not limited here.

[0090] Specifically in the embodiment, the alignment device also includes a conveyor line for conveying the steel shell A1. The steel shell A1 contains a battery cell, and current collecting plates A2 are connected to both ends of the battery cell. The two current collecting plates A2 extend from the openings at both ends of the steel shell A1 to the outside of the steel shell A1, and are both connected to caps A3. The conveyor line conveys the steel shell A1 through the above-mentioned alignment station F. When the steel shell A1 arrives at the alignment station F, the alignment components 12 of the two alignment mechanisms 10 respectively perform alignment processing on the two caps A3 located at both ends of the steel shell A1. In this way, under the conveying action of the conveyor line, each steel shell A1 passes continuously through the alignment station F to complete the alignment processing, which is conducive to improving production efficiency. Optionally, the conveyor line can be a belt conveyor line or other types of conveyor lines, which are not limited here.

[0091] See Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, each alignment mechanism 10 is equipped with multiple alignment components 12 on its transfer base 14. The multiple alignment components 12 on the transfer base 14 of one alignment mechanism 10 correspond one-to-one with the multiple alignment components 12 on the transfer base 14 of another alignment mechanism 10. Each pair of corresponding alignment components 12 forms an alignment station F. This allows simultaneous alignment of caps A3 on multiple steel shells A1 at each alignment station F, further improving production efficiency.

[0092] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned 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.

[0093] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A positioning device for aligning the ends of a first component and a second component, characterized in that: The alignment device comprises: An alignment mechanism comprises a fixed seat, a sliding seat, a transfer seat and an alignment component; the sliding seat is movably connected to the fixed seat along a first direction, the transfer seat is movably connected to the sliding seat along a first preset direction intersecting the first direction, and the alignment component is arranged on the transfer seat; and The drive mechanism includes a drive assembly and a transmission assembly, wherein the transmission assembly includes a first transmission structure and a second transmission structure; the first transmission structure is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the slide, and the second transmission structure is transmission-connected between the drive assembly and the transfer seat; Wherein, driven by the slide, the alignment component can move along the first direction to a picking position for picking up the first component; driven by the transfer seat, the alignment component can move along the first preset direction to an alignment position aligned with the end of the second component; The drive assembly includes a drive shaft and a rotary drive member; the drive shaft is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed seat and is drivingly connected to the rotary drive member; the drive shaft is transmission-connected to the slide seat via the first transmission structure to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into movement of the slide seat along the first direction; the drive shaft is transmission-connected to the transfer seat via the second transmission structure to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into movement of the transfer seat along the first preset direction; The first transmission structure includes a first swing arm, a first cam structure, and a first connecting rod structure. The first swing arm has a first end and a second end, and the first end is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed base. The first cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft and the first swing arm to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into the swinging motion of the first swing arm around the first end. The first connecting rod structure is transmission-connected between the second end of the first swing arm and the slide to convert the swinging motion of the first swing arm into movement of the slide along the first direction. The second transmission structure includes a second swing arm, a second cam structure and a second connecting rod structure, the second swing arm has a fifth end and a sixth end, and the fifth end is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed seat; the second cam structure is transmission-connected between the drive shaft and the second swing arm to convert the rotational motion of the drive shaft into the swinging motion of the second swing arm around the fifth end; the second connecting rod structure is transmission-connected between the transfer seat and the sixth end to convert the swinging motion of the second swing arm into movement of the transfer seat along the first preset direction.

2. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The first cam structure includes a first cam and a first roller. The first cam is installed on the drive shaft and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The first roller is installed on the first swing arm and rolls with the first cam so that when the first cam rotates, the first swing arm is driven to swing around the first end through the first roller.

3. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment mechanism further includes a first guide seat mounted on the slide, the first guide seat having a first guide groove extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; The first connecting rod structure includes a first connecting rod, a first driving rod and a second roller. The first connecting rod is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed seat and has a third end and a fourth end; one end of the first driving rod is hinged to the second end, and the other end of the first driving rod is hinged to the third end; the second roller is rotatably connected to the fourth end and rollingly engaged with the first guide groove.

4. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The second cam structure includes a second cam and a third roller. The second cam is installed on the drive shaft and rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The third roller is installed on the second swing arm and rolls with the second cam so that during the rotation of the second cam, the second swing arm is driven by the third roller to swing around the fifth end.

5. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment mechanism further includes a second guide seat mounted on the transfer seat, the second guide seat having a second guide groove extending along a second preset direction intersecting the first preset direction; The second connecting rod structure includes a second connecting rod, a fourth roller, a third guide seat, a fifth roller, a fourth guide seat, a sixth roller and a second driving rod, the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the slide seat and has a seventh end and an eighth end; the fourth roller is rotatably connected to the eighth end and is in rolling engagement with the second guide groove; the third guide seat is movably connected to the slide seat along a second direction intersecting with the first direction and has a third guide groove and a fourth guide groove both extending along the first direction; the fifth roller is rotatably connected to the seventh end and is in rolling engagement with the third guide groove; The fourth guide seat is movably arranged relative to the fixed seat along the second direction, and the sixth roller is rotatably connected to the fourth guide seat and rollingly cooperates with the fourth guide groove; one end of the second drive rod is hinged to the sixth end, and the other end of the second drive rod is hinged to the fourth guide seat.

6. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment mechanisms include two, the two alignment mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, and an alignment station for the second component to pass through is formed between the alignment components of the two alignment mechanisms; The transmission components include two, and the two transmission components correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms; the drive shafts include two, and the two drive shafts rotate synchronously and correspond one-to-one to the two alignment mechanisms; the first transmission structure of each transmission component is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft and the slide seat of the alignment mechanism, and the second transmission structure of each transmission component is transmission-connected between the corresponding drive shaft and the transfer seat of the alignment mechanism.

7. The alignment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The alignment component has at least two clamping jaws arranged around a central axis. The at least two clamping jaws together form a clamping space for accommodating the first component and can controllably clamp or release the first component located in the clamping space.

8. The alignment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the clamping jaws has a positioning surface on a side facing the clamping space that matches the circumferential surface of the first element; When the clamping jaws clamp the first component together, the positioning surface of each clamping jaw fits against the circumferential surface of the first component.

9. The alignment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The alignment assembly further includes a positioning portion located in the clamping space, and the positioning portion is used to stop the first element entering the clamping space in a first direction.

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