Clamping mechanism and battery production line

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a clamping mechanism and a battery production line, the clamping mechanism comprising: a first clamping assembly comprising a first driving member and a first moving member, and the first moving member is arranged in pairs, and the first driving member is used to drive the paired first moving member to move along a first linear direction; a second clamping assembly comprising a second driving member and a second moving member, and the second moving member is arranged in pairs, the second driving member is used to drive the paired second moving member to move along a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction, and each second moving member is connected with each first driving member; the first moving member has a first clamping surface in contact with a workpiece along the first linear direction, and the first moving member or the second moving member has a second clamping surface for contacting the workpiece along the second linear direction, so as to clamp the workpiece from two directions of the first linear direction and the second clamping direction, and increase the stability of clamping the workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery production equipment technology, and in particular to a clamping mechanism and a battery production line. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for and emphasis on new energy vehicles in society, the power battery industry has also developed rapidly. As an important part of the power battery manufacturing process, power battery module assembly lines have higher requirements for automation and flexibility.

[0003] In battery manufacturing processes, such as pressing, welding, and transfer, workpieces need to be clamped. However, existing clamping mechanisms can only clamp batteries in a single direction, resulting in insufficient clamping stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a clamping mechanism, comprising:

[0005] The first clamping assembly includes a first driving member and a first moving member, wherein the first moving members are arranged in pairs, and the first driving member is used to drive the pair of first moving members to move along a first linear direction.

[0006] The second clamping assembly includes a second driving member and a second moving member, wherein the second moving members are arranged in pairs, the second driving member is used to drive the pair of second moving members to move along a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction, and each second moving member is connected to each first driving member.

[0007] The first moving member has a first clamping surface that contacts the workpiece along the first linear direction, and the first moving member or the second moving member has a second clamping surface for contacting the workpiece along the second linear direction.

[0008] Optionally, the first moving member includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment, one end of the second connecting segment is connected to the first driving member, and the other end is connected to the first connecting segment, the first connecting segment has the first clamping surface, and the second connecting segment has the second clamping surface.

[0009] Optionally, in the second straight direction, the length of the first connecting segment is less than half the size of the workpiece.

[0010] Optionally, the clamping mechanism further includes a third clamping assembly, which includes a third driving member and a third moving member. The third driving member is used to drive the third moving member to move along a third straight line direction that is perpendicular to both the first straight line direction and the second straight line direction, and the third moving member is connected to the second driving member.

[0011] Optionally, the third moving parts are arranged in pairs, and the third driving member is used to drive the paired third moving parts to move along a third linear direction. Each of the third moving parts is connected to each of the second driving members, and the third linear direction is perpendicular to both the first linear direction and the second linear direction.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of the first clamping assembly, the second clamping assembly, and the third moving member has a third clamping surface that contacts the workpiece along the third linear direction.

[0013] Optionally, the second clamping assembly further includes a clamping member connected to the second driving member and centrally disposed relative to the pair of second moving members, the clamping member having the third clamping surface.

[0014] Optionally, the clamping mechanism further includes a preliminary positioning component, which is connected to the third driving member and is used to drive the third driving member to move in a direction perpendicular to the third straight line.

[0015] Optionally, the first straight line direction is the vertical direction.

[0016] In addition, the present invention also provides a battery production line, comprising:

[0017] Clamping mechanism as described in any of the above;

[0018] A first conveyor line has a first processing section, the first conveyor line is capable of conveying workpieces within the first processing section, and the clamping mechanism is capable of clamping workpieces within the first processing section;

[0019] A second conveyor line has a second processing section corresponding to the first processing section, and the second conveyor line is capable of conveying the clamping mechanism within the second processing section.

[0020] Implementing the embodiments of the present invention will have the following beneficial effects:

[0021] After adopting the above-mentioned clamping mechanism, under the drive of the first driving member and the second driving member, the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface can contact the workpiece in the first straight line direction and the second straight line direction, respectively. Moreover, since the paired first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are respectively arranged opposite to each other, the workpiece is clamped from both the first straight line direction and the second clamping direction, thereby increasing the stability of clamping the workpiece. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] in:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery production line in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view of the structure.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Workpiece;

[0029] 2. First conveyor line;

[0030] 3. Second conveyor line; 301. First station; 302. Second station;

[0031] 4. Fixtures;

[0032] 5. Welding mechanism;

[0033] 10. Pressing mechanism;

[0034] 100. Clamping mechanism; 101. Third clamping assembly; 1011. Third driving member; 1012. Third moving member; 102. Second clamping assembly; 1021. Second driving member; 1022. Second moving member; 1023. Clamping member; 103. First clamping assembly; 1031. First driving member; 1032. First moving member; 106. Initial positioning assembly;

[0035] 200. Dust removal mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, a battery production line according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first conveyor line 2, a second conveyor line 3, a clamping mechanism 100, a pressing mechanism 10, and a welding mechanism 5. The first conveyor line 2 and the second conveyor line 3 are mounted on a base (not shown). The first conveyor line 2 has a first processing section, and the second conveyor line 3 has a second processing section corresponding to the first processing section. The first conveyor line 2 can convey workpieces within the first processing section, and the first processing section has a pressing station. The pressing mechanism 10 is mounted on the base and is arranged corresponding to the pressing station to press the workpiece. The clamping mechanism 100 is used to clamp the workpiece, and the second conveyor line 3 can convey the clamping mechanism 100 within the second processing section to clamp the workpiece located on the first conveyor line 2.

[0038] To improve the automation level of the battery production line, enabling the second conveyor line 3 to continuously and automatically supply clamping mechanisms 100 during processing, so that workpieces on the first conveyor line 2 can be clamped by clamping mechanisms 100 when entering the first processing section, the second conveyor line 3 is configured as a circular conveyor line. The second conveyor line 3 has a first station 301 and a second station 302, with the second processing section located between the first station 301 and the second station 302. When the clamping mechanism 100 is at the first station 301, it clamps the workpiece; when it is at the second station 302, it resets and returns to the first station 301 along with the second conveyor line 3.

[0039] In other embodiments, the second conveyor line 3 can also be a straight conveyor line. In this case, after the clamping mechanism 100 on the second conveyor line 3 moves to the end of the second conveyor line 3, it needs to be reinstalled on the second conveyor line before the next work cycle can begin.

[0040] Furthermore, to ensure the workpieces can be stably placed on the first conveyor line 2, the battery production line also includes a fixture 4. The fixture 4 is installed on the first conveyor line 2, and when the fixture 4 is located in the first processing section, it corresponds one-to-one with the clamping mechanism 100. Simultaneously, to increase the automation level of the battery production line, similar to the structure of the second conveyor line 3, the first conveyor line 2 is a circular conveyor line. This allows for a continuous supply of fixtures 4.

[0041] In this embodiment, the workpiece includes a battery cell, an aluminum casing, and a battery cover. During the pressing process, the aluminum casing is fitted onto the battery cell and battery cover. Since friction may occur between the aluminum casing and the battery cover during the pressing process, generating metal shavings, the battery production line also includes a dust removal mechanism 200.

[0042] The following is combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 The specific structure of the clamping mechanism 100 is further explained below:

[0043] The clamping mechanism 100 includes a preliminary positioning assembly 106, a third clamping assembly 101, a second clamping assembly 102, and a first clamping assembly 103 connected sequentially. The preliminary positioning assembly 106 drives the third clamping assembly 101 to move along the preliminary positioning direction. The third clamping assembly 101 includes a third driving member 1011 and at least one pair of third moving members 1012. The third driving member 1011 is connected to the preliminary positioning assembly 106 and can drive the pair of third moving members 1012 to move towards each other along a third linear direction X. The second clamping assembly 102 includes a second driving member 1021 and at least one pair of second moving members 1022. The second driving member 1021 is connected to the third moving members 1012 and can drive the pair of second moving members 1022 to move towards each other along a second linear direction Y. The first clamping assembly 103 includes a first driving member 1031 and at least one pair of first moving members 1032. The first driving member 1031 is connected to the second moving member 1022 and can drive the pair of first moving members 1032 to move towards each other along a first linear direction Z. The third linear direction, the second linear direction, and the first linear direction are perpendicular to each other, and the first linear direction is the same as the initial positioning direction.

[0044] At the first station 301, the initial positioning component 106 drives the third clamping component 101 to move the second clamping component 102 and the first clamping component 103 along the initial positioning direction, so that at least a portion of the workpiece structure is located between the paired first moving members 1032. Then, the third driving member 1011, the second driving member 1021, and the first driving member 1031 operate respectively, so that the paired first moving members 1032 approach the workpiece in the third linear direction, the second linear direction, and the first linear direction, so as to clamp the workpiece in at least one of the third linear direction, the second linear direction, and the first linear direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the initial positioning component 106 includes a lifting motor to drive the third clamping component 101, the second clamping component 102, and the first clamping component 103 closer to the workpiece, so that the workpiece is located within the space formed by the multiple first moving parts 1032 of the multiple first clamping components 103, thus achieving initial positioning. Further precise control is then achieved through the third clamping component 101, the second clamping component 102, and the first clamping component 103 to accurately clamp the workpiece. In this embodiment, the initial positioning direction is vertical, i.e., the first straight line direction; in other embodiments, it can also be the second straight line direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the third clamping component 101, the second clamping component 102 and the first clamping component 103 are all gripper cylinders. Taking the third clamping component 101 as an example, the third driving member 1011 is the cylinder part of the gripper cylinder, and the paired third moving member 1012 is the gripper of the gripper cylinder.

[0047] In this embodiment, to enable the first moving member 1032 to better clamp the workpiece, the first moving member 1032 has a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The first clamping surface is perpendicular to a first linear direction, and the second clamping surface is perpendicular to a second linear direction. The first clamping surfaces of the paired first moving members 1032 are arranged opposite to each other to clamp the workpiece in the first linear direction. The second clamping surfaces of the paired first moving members 1032 are coplanar to clamp the workpiece together with the second clamping surfaces of the oppositely arranged first moving members 1032 of the first clamping assembly 103 in the second linear direction.

[0048] Specifically, the first moving member 1032 in this embodiment includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. One end of the second connecting segment is connected to the first driving member 1031, and the other end is connected to the first connecting segment. The first connecting segment has a first clamping surface, and the second connecting segment has a second clamping surface. That is, the first moving member 1032 is bent at the end away from the first driving member 1031 to form the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to press-fit the workpiece while the clamping mechanism 100 is clamping it, the length of the first connecting segment in the second straight direction is less than half the size of the workpiece. The end of the first connecting segment furthest from the second connecting segment and parallel to the first straight direction is simply referred to as the end face. Thus, when the first moving member 1032 clamps the workpiece, the end faces of the two opposing first moving members 1032 along the second straight direction are spaced apart, allowing the pressing mechanism 10 to contact the workpiece through the gap between the two end faces for workpiece tooling. It should be noted that although the end face in this embodiment is parallel to the first straight direction, in other embodiments, the end face may also be inclined.

[0050] In other embodiments, the first moving member 1032 may also have only a first clamping surface to clamp the workpiece only in the first linear direction. Meanwhile, the second moving member 1022 has a second clamping surface to clamp the workpiece in the second linear direction. That is, the first moving member 1032 clamps the workpiece in the first linear direction, and the second moving member 1022 clamps the workpiece in the second linear direction.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second clamping assembly 102 also includes a clamping member 1023, which is connected to the second driving member 1021 and centrally disposed relative to the paired second moving members 1022. The clamping member 1023 has a third clamping surface that contacts the workpiece along a third linear direction. When the third driving member 1011 drives the third moving member 1012 to move along the third linear direction, the second driving member 1021 connected to the third moving member 1012 will move together with the clamping member 1023 to contact the workpiece in the third linear direction, thereby clamping the workpiece.

[0052] In other embodiments, the third clamping surface may also be formed on the first moving member 1032, or on the first driving member 1031, or on the third moving member 1012. The only requirement is that it can contact the workpiece in the third linear direction when the workpiece is finally clamped.

[0053] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 100 includes a first clamping component 103, a second clamping component 102, and a third clamping component 101, so as to enable precise control in three mutually perpendicular directions. In other embodiments, the clamping mechanism 100 may also include only the first clamping component 103 and the second clamping component 102, so as to clamp the workpiece only in the first linear direction and the second linear direction.

[0054] In summary, the following is a complete description of the press-fitting production process in this embodiment:

[0055] Workpiece 1 is placed on the first conveyor line 2 via fixture 4. As the first conveyor line 2 transports the workpiece to the corresponding first processing section, the second conveyor line 3 transports the clamping mechanism 100 to the first station 301 of the second processing section. At this time, the initial positioning component 106 of the clamping mechanism 100 drives the third clamping component 101, the second clamping component 102, and the first clamping component 103 to move downwards, so that the workpiece is located within the clamping space of the clamping mechanism 100. Then, the third clamping component 101, the second clamping component 102, and the first clamping component 103 operate respectively, causing multiple first moving parts 1032 to clamp the workpiece and position it.

[0056] While the clamping mechanism 100 is operating, the first conveyor line 2 and the second conveyor line 3 continue to operate. When the clamping mechanism 100 clamps the workpiece and moves it to the pressing station, it is pressed by the pressing mechanism 10. During the pressing process, the dust removal mechanism 200 can also remove metal shavings and other debris generated during the pressing process. After the pressing is completed, the pressing mechanism 10, the workpiece, and the clamping mechanism 100 continue to move in the conveying direction.

[0057] It should be noted that in this embodiment, both the first conveyor line 2 and the second conveyor line 3 are magnetic drive production lines. In other embodiments, the first conveyor line 2 and the second conveyor line 3 may also be conveyor lines with structures such as drive belts.

[0058] The above description discloses only preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism, characterized in that, include: The first clamping assembly includes a first driving member and a first moving member, wherein the first moving members are arranged in pairs, and the first driving member is used to drive the pair of first moving members to move along a first linear direction. The second clamping assembly includes a second driving member and a second moving member, wherein the second moving members are arranged in pairs. The second driving member drives the paired second moving members to move along a second linear direction perpendicular to the first linear direction, and each second moving member is connected to each first driving member. The second clamping assembly also includes a clamping member, which is connected to the second driving member and is centrally arranged relative to the paired second moving members. The clamping member has a third clamping surface. The third clamping surface clamps the workpiece along a third linear direction, wherein the third linear direction, the second linear direction, and the first linear direction are perpendicular to each other. The first moving member has a first clamping surface that contacts the workpiece along the first straight direction, and the first moving member has a second clamping surface that contacts the workpiece along the second straight direction. The first moving member includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. One end of the second connecting segment is connected to the first driving member, and the other end is connected to the first connecting segment. The first connecting segment has the first clamping surface, and the second connecting segment has the second clamping surface. The first moving member is bent at the end away from the first driving member to form the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment.

2. The clamping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the second straight direction, the length of the first connecting segment is less than half the size of the workpiece.

3. The clamping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism further includes a third clamping assembly, which includes a third driving member and a third moving member. The third driving member is used to drive the third moving member to move along a third straight line direction that is perpendicular to both the first straight line direction and the second straight line direction, and the third moving member is connected to the second driving member.

4. The clamping mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The third moving parts are arranged in pairs, and the third driving part is used to drive the paired third moving parts to move along a third linear direction. Each third moving part is connected to each second driving part, and the third linear direction is perpendicular to both the first linear direction and the second linear direction.

5. The clamping mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism further includes a preliminary positioning component, which is connected to the third driving member and is used to drive the third driving member to move in a direction perpendicular to the third straight line.

6. The clamping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first straight line is in the vertical direction.

7. A battery production line, characterized in that, include: The clamping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-6; A first conveyor line has a first processing section, the first conveyor line is capable of conveying workpieces within the first processing section, and the clamping mechanism is capable of clamping workpieces within the first processing section; A second conveyor line has a second processing section corresponding to the first processing section, and the second conveyor line is capable of conveying the clamping mechanism within the second processing section.

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