A welding apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a welding device, comprising: an operation platform for fixing a cylindrical lithium battery, the operation platform comprising a welding station; a nail pressing device arranged at the welding station, comprising a base, a pressing assembly connected with the base, and a driving assembly connected with the pressing assembly, the driving assembly being used for driving the pressing assembly to swing back and forth; a welding device used for welding an annular welding area, the annular welding area comprising a first preset area and a second preset area connected with each other; and a control module used for controlling the driving assembly to drive the pressing assembly to move to a first target position to press a sealing nail, then controlling the welding device to sequentially and continuously weld the first preset area and the second preset area, and when the welding device finishes welding the first preset area, controlling the driving assembly to drive the pressing assembly to move to a second target position to move away from the annular welding area, and the welding is completed at one time, so that the welding efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium battery packaging technology, specifically to a welding device. Background Technology

[0002] After the electrolyte is injected into the lithium battery, a sealing pin needs to be welded to the injection port to seal the lithium battery.

[0003] During welding, an auxiliary mechanism is required to apply pressure to the sealing nail to ensure a tight fit between the sealing nail and the injection port before welding. Because the auxiliary mechanism partially obstructs the welding device, pre-welding is necessary to fix the sealing nail before removing the auxiliary mechanism to complete the welding of the remaining parts. This sealing process cannot be completed in one go, resulting in low welding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a welding device that enables welding to be completed in one go without pre-welding, thereby improving welding efficiency.

[0005] This application provides a welding device for welding cylindrical lithium batteries. The cylindrical lithium battery includes a casing, a liquid injection port disposed on the top surface of the casing, and a sealing pin disposed on the liquid injection port. The welding device includes:

[0006] An operating platform is used to fix the cylindrical lithium battery, and the operating platform includes a welding station;

[0007] A nail pressing device is provided at the welding station, including a base, a pressing component connected to the base, and a driving component connected to the pressing component. The driving component is used to drive the pressing component to swing back and forth.

[0008] A welding device is provided at the welding station for welding the annular welding area between the sealing nail and the injection port. The annular welding area includes a first preset area and a second preset area that are connected to each other.

[0009] The control module is used to control the drive component to drive the pressing component to move to the first target position to press the sealing nail, and then control the welding device to continuously weld the first preset area and the second preset area in sequence. When the welding device finishes welding the first preset area, the control module controls the drive component to drive the pressing component to move to the second target position to move away from the annular welding area. The projection of the pressing device on the top surface of the housing when pressing the sealing nail does not intersect with the first preset area.

[0010] Optionally, the driving assembly includes a driving member connected to the pressing assembly, and an elastic member connected between the base and the pressing assembly;

[0011] The control module is used to control the driving component to drive the pressing assembly to move to the first target position, and to control the driving component to release the driving force when the welding device finishes welding the first preset area;

[0012] The elastic element is used to move the pressing component from the first target position to the second target position when the driving element releases the driving force.

[0013] Optionally, the pressing component includes:

[0014] The transmission rod includes a pressing end and a transmission end;

[0015] At least two connecting rods are arranged along the length of the transmission rod, one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the base, and the other end is hinged to the transmission rod;

[0016] A pressure block, connected to the pressing end, abuts against the top surface of the sealing nail when the transmission rod moves to the first target position;

[0017] The driving member abuts against the transmission end and is used to drive the transmission rod to the first target position when the driving force is applied to the transmission end, so that the pressure block presses the sealing nail;

[0018] The elastic element is connected between the base and the transmission rod, and is used to provide a restoring force when the transmission rod moves to the first target position.

[0019] Optionally, the transmission end is provided with a rolling element, and the driving element abuts against the rolling element, so that when the transmission rod moves, there is rolling friction between the driving element and the rolling element.

[0020] Optionally, the base is provided with a first groove corresponding to each of the connecting rods. The first groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other. The first sidewall is close to the pressing end, and the second sidewall is close to the transmission end.

[0021] One end of the connecting rod is hinged in the first groove;

[0022] When the transmission rod moves to the first target position, the connecting rod moves to contact the upper edge of the first sidewall. When the transmission rod moves to the second target position, the connecting rod moves to contact the upper edge of the second sidewall.

[0023] Optionally, the elastic element is a tension spring, which is in a stretched state when the transmission rod is in the first target position or the second target position.

[0024] Optionally, the operating platform includes:

[0025] Fixed platform;

[0026] A drive shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed platform;

[0027] A turntable assembly is disposed above the fixed platform and is fixedly connected to the drive shaft. The turntable assembly includes multiple fixing structures for fixing the cylindrical lithium battery. When the drive shaft drives the turntable assembly to rotate, the fixing structures pass through the welding station in sequence.

[0028] Optionally, the turntable assembly includes:

[0029] A disk, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the center of the disk, the edge of the disk is provided with a plurality of first notches, and the disk is provided with insert teeth that can extend and retract radially along the disk at the first notches;

[0030] Multiple cylindrical carriers, each corresponding to the first notch, are used to load the cylindrical lithium battery. When the cylindrical lithium battery is loaded into the cylindrical carrier, it extends from the top of the cylindrical carrier. The outer side of the cylindrical carrier is provided with at least one second groove that mates with the insert tooth.

[0031] Multiple vacuum support columns are provided, each corresponding to a first notch. The vacuum support columns are disposed on the disk and arranged radially along the disk with their corresponding first notches. The side of the vacuum support column facing the first notch is provided with an adsorption hole. The first notch, the insert tooth, the cylindrical carrier, and the vacuum support column constitute the fixing structure.

[0032] The control module is also used to control the adsorption hole to adsorb and fix the side of the cylindrical lithium battery when the cylindrical carrier is located at the first notch and the insert tooth is engaged with the second groove.

[0033] Optionally, the inner side of the cylindrical carrier is provided with an elastic protrusion structure, which is used to elastically deform when the cylindrical lithium battery is loaded into the cylindrical carrier, so as to fix the cylindrical lithium battery.

[0034] Optionally, the protrusion structure includes at least two sets of strip-shaped protrusion structures;

[0035] The strip-shaped protrusion structure includes a first flexible plate and a second flexible plate arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other. The first flexible plate and the second flexible plate extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical carrier and bend in directions away from each other to form a clamping state for the cylindrical lithium battery when it is loaded into the cylindrical carrier.

[0036] Optionally, the fixed platform includes:

[0037] A base plate, the drive shaft being rotatably connected to the base plate, and the disc being disposed above the base plate;

[0038] An annular sidewall extends upward from the top surface of the base plate and surrounds the disk. The annular sidewall is concentric with the disk and confines the cylindrical carrier within the first notch.

[0039] The annular sidewall is also provided with a second notch upstream of the welding station. The second notch is a loading station, which serves as a window for placing the cylindrical carrier containing the cylindrical lithium battery.

[0040] The annular sidewall is also provided with a third notch downstream of the welding station. The third notch is a material unloading station, which serves as a take-out window for the cylindrical carrier loaded with the welded lithium battery.

[0041] Optionally, the vacuum support column includes a support part and an adsorption part connected to each other. The adsorption part is connected to the disk through the support part, and the adsorption part protrudes from the side of the support part facing the cylindrical carrier. The adsorption hole is located on the adsorption part, and the side of the support part facing the cylindrical carrier is provided with a push rod.

[0042] The control module is also used to control the adsorption hole to release the adsorption force when the current fixed structure moves to the third notch, and to control the push rod to push the cylindrical carrier out of the third notch.

[0043] Optionally, the operating platform further includes a pin insertion station, which is located upstream of the welding station and downstream of the loading station, and the fixing structure passes through the pin insertion station in sequence during movement.

[0044] The welding equipment also includes a pin insertion device, which is located at the pin insertion station and is used to insert the sealing pin into the liquid injection port.

[0045] Optionally, the insertion device includes:

[0046] A vision module is used to obtain the position of the injection port;

[0047] A robotic arm is used to pick up the sealing pin and insert the sealing pin into the injection port according to the position of the injection port.

[0048] Optionally, the loading station, the pin insertion station, the welding station, and the unloading station are evenly distributed along the turntable assembly.

[0049] In this embodiment of the welding equipment, the control module first controls the drive component to move the pressing component to the first target position to press the sealing nail. Then, it controls the welding device to continuously weld the first preset area and the second preset area sequentially. Since the projection of the pressing device on the top surface of the housing when pressing the sealing nail does not intersect with the first preset area, the first preset area is an area where the welding device and the pressing component will not interfere. Therefore, the welding device can continuously weld the first preset area. When the welding device finishes welding the first preset area, it simultaneously controls the drive component to move the pressing component to the second target position to move away from the annular welding area, thereby removing the obstruction of the pressing component on the second preset area. After welding the first preset area, the welding device can continuously weld the second preset area. The entire welding process is completed in one go, without the need for pre-welding, which can improve welding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The technical solution and its beneficial effects will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cylindrical lithium battery;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a top view of the welded area in the welded state.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a welding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation setup of a welding equipment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of a nailing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a cylindrical carrier provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Please refer to the illustrations, where the same component symbols represent the same components. The following description is based on the specific embodiments illustrated in this application and should not be construed as limiting other specific embodiments not detailed herein.

[0059] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe various types of information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this document, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in this document are intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0060] It should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cylindrical lithium battery. Figure 2 This is a top view of the welding area in the welding state. The cylindrical lithium battery 100 includes a casing 101, a liquid injection port 102 disposed on the top surface of the casing 101, and a sealing pin 103 disposed on the liquid injection port 102, forming an annular welding area 104 between the sealing pin 103 and the liquid injection port 102. During welding, a welding auxiliary device 105 presses down on the sealing pin 103, and a welding device (not shown) welds the annular welding area from above. Because the welding auxiliary device 105 obstructs the annular welding area 104, pre-welding is required to fix the sealing pin 103 first, and then the welding auxiliary device 105 is removed to complete the welding of the remaining parts. This sealing process cannot be completed in one go, resulting in low welding efficiency. Based on this, this application provides a welding device.

[0062] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a welding device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded structure diagram shows the welding equipment, which includes: an operating platform 10, a nail clamping device 20, a welding device 30, and a control module (not shown in the figure).

[0063] The operating platform 10 is used to fix the cylindrical lithium battery 100. The operating platform 10 includes a welding station S3. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workstation setup of a welding equipment according to an embodiment of this application. A nail-pressing device 20 and a welding device 30 are disposed at welding station S3, through which a cylindrical lithium battery 100 can be welded. The nail-pressing device 20 includes a base 21, a pressing component 22 connected to the base 21, and a driving component 23 connected to the pressing component 22. The driving component 23 is used to drive the pressing component 22 to perform reciprocating oscillations. The welding device 30 is used to weld the annular welding area 104 between the sealing nail 103 and the injection port 102. Please refer to... Figure 2 The annular welding area 104 includes a first preset area 104a and a second preset area 104b that are interconnected. The control module controls the drive assembly 23 to drive the pressing assembly 22 to move to the first target position to press the sealing nail 103, and then controls the welding device 30 to continuously weld the first preset area 104a and the second preset area 104b in sequence. When the welding device 30 finishes welding the first preset area 104a, the drive assembly 23 drives the pressing assembly 22 to move to the second target position to move away from the annular welding area 104. The projection of the pressing device 20 on the top surface of the housing 101 when pressing the sealing nail 103 does not intersect with the first preset area 104a.

[0064] It should be noted that the first preset area 104a and the second preset area 104b can be preset. For example, the welding device 30 can be set to start welding from point A, and welding to point B completes the welding of the first preset area 104a. The length of the first preset area 104a is not limited, as long as it can basically fix the sealing nail 103 and the projection of the nail pressing device 20 on the top surface of the housing 101 when pressing the sealing nail 103 does not intersect with the first preset area 104a, that is, it can avoid the pressing component 22.

[0065] It is understood that the swinging motion of the pressing component 22 can be decomposed into horizontal reciprocating motion and vertical reciprocating motion. The horizontal reciprocating motion allows the pressing component 22 to move above and away from the sealing nail 103. After moving away from the sealing nail 103, the pressing component 22 can avoid the annular welding area 104 and avoid interference with the welding device 30. The vertical reciprocating motion allows the pressing component 22 to press the sealing nail 103 and lift it off the sealing nail 103. Therefore, the pressing component 22 can be implemented by a mechanism similar to a pendulum driven by a motor to rotate the pressing element, or by a mechanism controlled by a motor to move a crank-rocker mechanism. This application embodiment does not impose any particular limitation.

[0066] The working principle of the welding device in this embodiment is as follows: The control module first controls the drive component 23 to drive the pressing component 22 to move to the first target position to press the sealing nail 103. Then, the control module controls the welding device 30 to continuously weld the first preset area 104a and the second preset area 104b in sequence. Since the projection of the pressing device 20 on the top surface of the housing 101 when pressing the sealing nail 103 does not intersect with the first preset area 104a, that is, the first preset area 104a is the area where the welding device 30 and the pressing component 22 will not interfere. Therefore, the welding device 30 can continuously weld the first preset area 104a. When the welding device 30 finishes welding the first preset area 104a, it simultaneously controls the drive component 23 to drive the pressing component 22 to move to the second target position to move away from the annular welding area 104, thereby removing the obstruction of the pressing component 22 to the second preset area 104b. After welding the first preset area 104a, the welding device 30 can continuously weld the second preset area 104b. The entire welding process is completed in one go, without the need for pre-welding, which can improve welding efficiency.

[0067] For an example of a driver component, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of a nail-pressing device provided in an embodiment of this application. The driving component 23 includes a driving member 231 and an elastic member 232. The driving member 231 is connected to the pressing component 22 and is used to provide a pushing force to the pressing component 22. The elastic member 232 is connected between the base 21 and the pressing component 22 and is used to provide a restoring force to the pressing component 22. Specifically, the control module can control the driving member 231 to drive the pressing component 22 to move to the first target position, thereby pressing the sealing nail 103. When the welding device 30 finishes welding the first preset area 104a, the control module can also control the driving member 231 to release the driving force. At this time, the elastic member 232 can drive the pressing component 22 to move from the first target position to the second target position, away from the annular welding area 104, to avoid interference between the welding device 30 and the welding device 30 when welding the second preset area 104b. For example, the driving component 231 can be a driving cylinder, the elastic component 232 can be a tension spring, and the tension spring is in a stretched state to provide restoring force when the pressing component 22 is in the first target position or the second target position.

[0068] As an example of a press component, please continue reading. Figure 6The pressing assembly 22 may include: a transmission rod 221, at least two connecting rods 222 arranged along the length of the transmission rod 221, and a pressing block 223. The transmission rod 221 includes a pressing end 221a and a transmission end 221b; one end of the connecting rod 222 is hinged to the base 21, and the other end is hinged to the transmission rod 221, thereby allowing the transmission rod 221 to rotate relative to the base 21. As an example, four connecting rods 222 may be provided, divided into two groups, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the transmission rod 221, to avoid eccentric force at the hinges of the transmission rod 221 during movement, which would affect the structural stability. The pressing block 223 is connected to the pressing end 221a, and when the transmission rod 221 moves to the first target position, the pressing block 223 abuts against the top surface of the sealing nail 103. The driving element 231 abuts against the transmission end 221b and is used to drive the transmission rod 221 to the first target position when a driving force is applied to the transmission end 221b, so that the pressure block 223 presses the sealing nail 103. For example, the driving element 231 can be a driving cylinder, and a clamping block 2311 can be connected to the output shaft of the driving cylinder to apply a thrust to the transmission end 221b. The elastic element 232 is connected between the base 21 and the transmission rod 221 and is used to provide a restoring force when the transmission rod 221 moves to the first target position. For example, the elastic element 232 can be a tension spring. When the transmission rod 221 is in the first target position or the second target position, the tension spring is in a stretched state. When the driving element 231 releases the driving force, the tension spring can reset the transmission rod 221. At this time, the second target position is the starting position of the transmission rod 221.

[0069] Furthermore, since the movement of the transmission rod 221 can be decomposed into horizontal and vertical movements, when the driving component 231 (or the clamping block 2311) directly abuts against the transmission end 221b, a vertical frictional force will exist, causing significant wear to the components and affecting their service life. In one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 6 The transmission end 221b can also be provided with a rolling element 224, and the driving element 231 abuts against the rolling element 224, so that when the transmission rod 221 moves, there is rolling friction between the driving element 231 and the transmission end 221b. For example, a U-shaped groove 225 can be provided in the transmission end 221b, the U-shaped groove 225 extends vertically through the transmission end 221b, the rolling element 224 is a roller, the roller is mounted in the U-shaped groove 225 and protrudes from the end face of the transmission end 221b. Alternatively, a universal wheel can be directly provided on the end face of the transmission end 221b to achieve rolling friction between the driving element 231 and the transmission end 221b.

[0070] In one embodiment, please continue reading Figure 6The base 21 is also provided with a first groove 211 corresponding to the connecting rod 222. The first groove 211 includes a first side wall 211a and a second side wall 211b arranged opposite to each other. One side wall 211a is close to the pressing end 221a, and the second side wall 211b is close to the transmission end 221b. One end of the connecting rod 222 is hinged in the first groove 211. For example, the connecting rod 222 can be hinged to the bottom wall of the first groove 211, or it can be hinged to the side wall connecting the first side wall 211a and the second side wall 211b. A crossbeam can also be erected on the first side wall 211a and the second side wall 211b, and the connecting rod 222 is hinged to the side of the crossbeam. When the transmission rod 221 moves to the first target position, the connecting rod 222 moves to contact the upper edge of the first side wall 211a to limit the first target position. When the transmission rod 221 moves to the second target position, the connecting rod 222 moves to contact the upper edge of the second side wall 211b to limit the second target position and prevent the transmission rod 221 from impacting the drive component 231 when it resets.

[0071] In one embodiment, please continue reading Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operating platform 10 includes a fixed platform 11, a drive shaft 12, and a turntable assembly 13. The drive shaft 12 is rotatably connected to the fixed platform 11, for example, the drive shaft 12 can be connected to the fixed platform 11 via a bearing. The turntable assembly 13 is disposed above the fixed platform 11 and is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 12, so that when the drive shaft rotates, it can drive the turntable assembly 13 to rotate. The turntable assembly 13 includes multiple fixing structures for fixing the cylindrical lithium battery 100, and when the drive shaft 12 drives the turntable assembly 13 to rotate, the fixing structures pass through the welding station S3 in sequence, thereby realizing automated continuous welding. In this embodiment, the fixing structures serve to fix the cylindrical lithium battery 100, and their specific structural form is not particularly limited in this application embodiment.

[0072] As an example of a fixed structure, please continue reading. Figure 4The turntable assembly 13 includes a disc 131, multiple cylindrical carriers 134, and multiple vacuum support columns 135. A drive shaft 12 is connected to the center of the disc 131. The edge of the disc 131 has multiple first notches 132, and the disc 131 has insert teeth 133 that can extend and retract radially along the disc 131 at the first notches 132. The cylindrical carriers 134 correspond one-to-one with the first notches 132 and are used to load cylindrical lithium batteries 100. When the cylindrical lithium batteries 100 are loaded into the cylindrical carriers 134, they extend from above the cylindrical carriers 134. The outer surface of the cylindrical carriers 134 has at least one second groove 1341 that mates with the insert teeth 133. In application, the cylindrical lithium batteries 100 can be first fixed in the cylindrical carriers 134, and then the cylindrical carriers 134 can be installed into the first notches 132 of the disc 131. Vacuum support columns 135 correspond one-to-one with the first notches 132. The vacuum support columns 135 are disposed on the disk 131 and arranged radially along the disk 131 with their corresponding first notches 132. The side of the vacuum support column 135 facing the first notch 132 has an adsorption hole 1351. In this embodiment, the first notch 132, the insert teeth 133, the cylindrical carrier 134, and the vacuum support columns 135 constitute a fixing structure. When the cylindrical carrier 134 is located at the first notch 132 and the insert teeth 133 engage with the second groove 1341, the control module can also control the adsorption holes 1351 to adsorb and fix the side of the cylindrical lithium battery 100.

[0073] As an example, please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical carrier provided in an embodiment of this application. The inner surface of the cylindrical carrier 134 is provided with an elastic protrusion structure 1342, which is used to elastically deform when the cylindrical lithium battery 100 is loaded into the cylindrical carrier 134, thereby fixing the cylindrical lithium battery 100. The elastic protrusion structure 1342 can be a dot-shaped protrusion, and multiple dot-shaped protrusions can be provided and evenly distributed on the inner surface of the cylindrical carrier 134. The elastic protrusion structure 1342 can also be a strip-shaped protrusion. For example, the strip-shaped protrusion extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical carrier 134, and two or more strip-shaped protrusions can be provided and evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylindrical carrier 134. In one embodiment, each strip-shaped protrusion may include two parallel and adjacent first flexible plates L1 and second flexible plates L2. The first flexible plates L1 and second flexible plates L2 extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical carrier 134 and are bent in directions away from each other to clamp the cylindrical lithium battery 100 when it is loaded. The strip-shaped protrusion structure of this embodiment can combine the deformation of the flexible material and the bending deformation of the flexible plates to better fix the cylindrical lithium battery 100.

[0074] In one embodiment, please continue reading Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The fixed platform 11 includes a base plate 111 and an annular sidewall 112. A drive shaft 12 is rotatably connected to the base plate 111, and a disc 131 is disposed above the base plate 111. The annular sidewall 112 extends upward from the top surface of the base plate 111 and surrounds the disc 131. The annular sidewall 112 is concentrically arranged with the disc 131, and the annular sidewall 112 confines the cylindrical carrier 134 within a first notch 132. Taking the counterclockwise rotation of the disc 131 as an example, the annular sidewall 112 also has a second notch 113 upstream of the welding station S3. The second notch 113 is the loading station S1, serving as an insertion window for the cylindrical carrier 134 containing the cylindrical lithium battery 100. The annular sidewall 112 is also provided with a third notch 114 downstream of the welding station S3. The third notch 114 is the unloading station S4, which serves as the take-out window for the cylindrical carrier 134 loaded with the welded lithium battery.

[0075] The welding equipment of this embodiment can realize continuous production of material loading, welding, and unloading. Furthermore, when the carrier is fed into the turntable assembly 13 from the second notch 113, even if the first notch 132 is not aligned with the second notch 113, or the second groove 1341 of the cylindrical carrier 134 is not aligned with the insert tooth 133, the cylindrical carrier 134 rotates under the obstruction of the disc 131 and the annular sidewall 112, eventually allowing the cylindrical carrier 134 to enter the first notch 132, and the second groove 1341 of the cylindrical carrier 134 engages with the insert tooth 133. To improve the fixing efficiency of the cylindrical carrier 134 on the turntable assembly 13, multiple second grooves 1341 can be provided on the same circumference of the cylindrical carrier 134. In this embodiment, the welding equipment can load materials at any time window, without requiring the first notch 132 to be exactly aligned with the second notch 113, thus simplifying the control system.

[0076] In one embodiment, please continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 The vacuum support column 135 includes a support portion 1352 and an adsorption portion 1353 connected to each other. The adsorption portion 1353 is connected to the disk 131 through the support portion 1352, and the adsorption portion 1353 protrudes from the side of the support portion 1352 facing the cylindrical carrier 134. An adsorption hole 1351 is located on the adsorption portion 1353. A push rod 136 is provided on the side of the support portion 1352 facing the cylindrical carrier 134. Since the adsorption portion 1353 protrudes from the side of the support portion 1352 facing the cylindrical carrier 134, space can be reserved for the installation of the push rod 136. The control module is also used to control the adsorption hole 1351 to release the adsorption force and control the push rod 136 to push the cylindrical carrier 134 out of the third notch 114 when the current fixed structure moves to the third notch 114. The welding equipment of this embodiment can realize automated material unloading.

[0077] In one embodiment, please continue reading Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operating platform 10 also includes a pin insertion station S2, which is located upstream of the welding station S3 and downstream of the loading station S1. The fixed structure passes through the pin insertion station S2 sequentially during movement. The welding equipment also includes a pin insertion device 40, which is disposed at the pin insertion station S2 and is used to insert the sealing pin 103 into the liquid injection port 102. The welding equipment of this embodiment can further realize automated pin insertion.

[0078] As an example, please continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 The pin insertion device 40 may include a vision module (not shown) and a robotic arm 41. The vision module is used to obtain the position of the injection port 102. The robotic arm 41 is used to pick up the sealing pin 103 and insert the sealing pin 103 into the injection port 102 according to the position of the injection port 102.

[0079] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the loading station S1, the pin insertion station S2, the welding station S3, and the unloading station S4 can be evenly distributed along the turntable assembly 13 or non-uniformly distributed, and can be set according to the actual situation.

[0080] The above provides a detailed description of a welding device provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A welding apparatus for welding cylindrical lithium batteries, wherein, The cylindrical lithium battery includes a casing, a liquid injection port disposed on the top surface of the casing, and a sealing pin disposed on the liquid injection port, characterized in that the welding equipment includes: An operating platform is used to fix the cylindrical lithium battery, and the operating platform includes a welding station; A nail-pressing device, disposed at the welding station, includes a base, a pressing component connected to the base, and a driving component connected to the pressing component. The driving component drives the pressing component to reciprocate between a first target position and a second target position. The reciprocating motion is decomposed into a horizontal reciprocating motion and a vertical reciprocating motion. The horizontal reciprocating motion moves the pressing component above and away from the sealing nail. The vertical reciprocating motion presses down on the sealing nail and lifts it off the sealing nail. A welding device is provided at the welding station for welding the annular welding area between the sealing nail and the injection port. The annular welding area includes a first preset area and a second preset area that are connected to each other. The control module is used to control the drive component to drive the pressing component to move to a first target position to press the sealing nail, and then control the welding device to continuously weld the first preset area and the second preset area in sequence. When the welding device finishes welding the first preset area, the control module is used to drive the pressing component to move to a second target position to move away from the annular welding area to release the obstruction of the pressing component to the second preset area. After welding the first preset area, the second preset area is continuously welded. The projection of the pressing device on the top surface of the housing when pressing the sealing nail does not intersect with the first preset area. The drive assembly includes a drive member connected to the pressing assembly, and an elastic member connected between the base and the pressing assembly; The control module is used to control the driving component to drive the pressing assembly to move to the first target position, and to control the driving component to release the driving force when the welding device finishes welding the first preset area; The elastic element is used to move the pressing component from the first target position to the second target position when the driving element releases the driving force; The pressing component includes: The transmission rod includes a pressing end and a transmission end; At least two connecting rods are arranged along the length of the transmission rod, one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the base, and the other end is hinged to the transmission rod; A pressure block, connected to the pressing end, abuts against the top surface of the sealing nail when the transmission rod moves to the first target position; The driving member abuts against the transmission end and is used to drive the transmission rod to the first target position when the driving force is applied to the transmission end, so that the pressure block presses the sealing nail; The elastic element is connected between the base and the transmission rod, and is used to provide a restoring force when the transmission rod moves to the first target position.

2. The welding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The transmission end is provided with a rolling element, and the driving element abuts against the rolling element so that when the transmission rod moves, there is rolling friction between the driving element and the rolling element.

3. The welding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The base is provided with a first groove corresponding to each of the connecting rods. The first groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are disposed opposite to each other. The first sidewall is close to the pressing end and the second sidewall is close to the transmission end. One end of the connecting rod is hinged in the first groove; When the transmission rod moves to the first target position, the connecting rod moves to contact the upper edge of the first sidewall. When the transmission rod moves to the second target position, the connecting rod moves to contact the upper edge of the second sidewall.

4. The welding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The elastic element is a tension spring, and the tension spring is in a stretched state when the transmission rod is in the first target position or the second target position.

5. The welding apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The operating platform includes: Fixed platform; A drive shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed platform; A turntable assembly is disposed above the fixed platform and is fixedly connected to the drive shaft. The turntable assembly includes multiple fixing structures for fixing the cylindrical lithium battery. When the drive shaft drives the turntable assembly to rotate, the fixing structures pass through the welding station in sequence.

6. The welding apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The turntable assembly includes: A disk, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the center of the disk, the edge of the disk is provided with a plurality of first notches, and the disk is provided with insert teeth that can extend and retract radially along the disk at the first notches; Multiple cylindrical carriers, each corresponding to the first notch, are used to load the cylindrical lithium battery. When the cylindrical lithium battery is loaded into the cylindrical carrier, it extends from the top of the cylindrical carrier. The outer side of the cylindrical carrier is provided with at least one second groove that mates with the insert tooth. Multiple vacuum support columns are provided, each corresponding to a first notch. The vacuum support columns are disposed on the disk and arranged radially along the disk with their corresponding first notches. The side of the vacuum support column facing the first notch is provided with an adsorption hole. The first notch, the insert tooth, the cylindrical carrier, and the vacuum support column constitute the fixing structure. The control module is also used to control the adsorption hole to adsorb and fix the side of the cylindrical lithium battery when the cylindrical carrier is located at the first notch and the insert tooth is engaged with the second groove.

7. The welding apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The inner surface of the cylindrical carrier is provided with an elastic protrusion structure, which is used to elastically deform when the cylindrical lithium battery is loaded into the cylindrical carrier, so as to fix the cylindrical lithium battery.

8. The welding apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The protruding structure includes at least two sets of strip-shaped protruding structures; The strip-shaped protrusion structure includes a first flexible plate and a second flexible plate arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other. The first flexible plate and the second flexible plate extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical carrier and bend in directions away from each other to form a clamping state for the cylindrical lithium battery when it is loaded into the cylindrical carrier.

9. The welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixed platform includes: A base plate, the drive shaft being rotatably connected to the base plate, and the disc being disposed above the base plate; An annular sidewall extends upward from the top surface of the base plate and surrounds the disk. The annular sidewall is concentric with the disk and confines the cylindrical carrier within the first notch. The annular sidewall is also provided with a second notch upstream of the welding station. The second notch is a loading station, which serves as a window for placing the cylindrical carrier containing the cylindrical lithium battery. The annular sidewall is also provided with a third notch downstream of the welding station. The third notch is a material unloading station, which serves as a take-out window for the cylindrical carrier loaded with the welded lithium battery.

10. The welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vacuum support column includes a support part and an adsorption part connected to each other. The adsorption part is connected to the disk through the support part, and the adsorption part protrudes from the side of the support part facing the cylindrical carrier. The adsorption hole is located on the adsorption part, and the side of the support part facing the cylindrical carrier is provided with a push rod. The control module is also used to control the adsorption hole to release the adsorption force when the current fixed structure moves to the third notch, and to control the push rod to push the cylindrical carrier out of the third notch.

11. The welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating platform also includes a pin insertion station, which is located upstream of the welding station and downstream of the loading station, and the fixing structure passes through the pin insertion station in sequence during movement. The welding equipment also includes a pin insertion device, which is located at the pin insertion station and is used to insert the sealing pin into the liquid injection port.

12. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insertion device includes: A vision module is used to obtain the position of the injection port; A robotic arm is used to pick up the sealing pin and insert the sealing pin into the injection port according to the position of the injection port.

13. The welding equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The loading station, the pin insertion station, the welding station, and the unloading station are evenly distributed along the turntable assembly.

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