Retainer mounting device

Abstract

The application discloses a retainer mounting device, which comprises a feeding mechanism and a buckle retainer mechanism, wherein the buckle retainer mechanism comprises a driving piece, a push plate, a pair of centering plates and a limiting plate; the driving piece is in driving connection with the push plate and drives the push plate to reciprocate; the limiting plate is fixed on the side of the push plate away from the driving piece; the pair of centering plates are respectively arranged on the two sides of the push plate, and at least one of the centering plates is arranged to slide in the direction close to or away from the limiting plate; the limiting plate, the push plate and the pair of centering plates form a placing area for placing the retainer. Through the above arrangement, when the buckle retainer is performed, the centering plates can center and fix the retainer, and the limiting plate can limit the retainer, so that the retainer is kept horizontal, thereby ensuring the accurate position of the retainer when the push plate is pushed, reducing the damage to the battery cell and being beneficial to improving the finished product quality of the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of new energy lithium battery production technology, and in particular to a cage mounting device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the new energy industry, represented by lithium batteries, has developed rapidly. Currently, after lithium-ion power batteries are installed in the casing, the tabs occupy a certain amount of assembly space within the casing. Due to the relatively soft material of the tabs, without support, the battery cell will move back and forth within the casing along the installation direction, easily causing the tabs to come into contact with and collide with the battery casing or battery cover, leading to damage to the tabs, unstable charging and discharging processes, or short circuits. Therefore, after the power battery cell tabs are ultrasonically welded to the battery top cover, a retainer needs to be attached to the battery cover to provide support and protection for the tabs, ensuring the stability of the tabs' position during installation into the casing.

[0003] Among the existing technologies, there is a disclosed technology for assembling a battery cell in a vertical position, which uses a clamping structure to press the upper and lower retainers into the battery casing to complete the retainer snapping action.

[0004] However, in recent years, there has emerged a type of battery with a relatively long dimensions that cannot be installed vertically when its retainer is fastened. The battery cell must be held horizontally to prevent undue stress on it during retainer installation. Therefore, a retainer installation device suitable for this type of battery is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the invention proposes a cage mounting device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is a cage mounting device, including a feeding mechanism and a cage fastening mechanism, wherein the cage fastening mechanism includes:

[0007] Drive components;

[0008] A push plate, wherein the driving component is drivingly connected to the push plate and drives the push plate to reciprocate, and a limit plate is fixed on the side of the push plate opposite to the driving component;

[0009] A pair of centering plates are respectively located on both sides of the push plate, and at least one of the centering plates is slidably disposed in a direction close to or away from the limiting plate;

[0010] The limiting plate, the push plate, and the pair of centering plates form a storage area for placing the retainer.

[0011] Preferably, the height of the storage area is greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the retainer and the thickness of the cover plate of the battery cell.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom surface of the limiting plate is an inclined surface, which is inclined upward or downward.

[0013] Preferably, the driving component is a servo motor, and the driving component is also equipped with a pressure sensor, which is used to detect the magnitude of the power output by the driving component.

[0014] Preferably, the retaining mechanism is provided in pairs, and a working area for placing the battery cell is left between the pair of retaining mechanisms.

[0015] Preferably, the retainer mechanism further includes a frame, on which a clamping member and a clamping cylinder are provided. The clamping cylinder drives the clamping member to move up and down on the frame, and at least a portion of the clamping member is located directly above the working area.

[0016] Preferably, the frame is provided with a pair of clamping sliders, the clamping member includes a pair of connecting arms and a clamping plate located between the pair of connecting arms, the pair of connecting arms are slidably connected to one of the clamping sliders, the clamping cylinder is fixed to the frame, and the telescopic rod of the clamping cylinder is drivenly connected to at least one of the connecting arms.

[0017] Preferably, the feeding mechanism includes a vibratory feeder assembly and a suction cup assembly. The suction cup assembly includes a frame, a linear drive module, and a lifting suction cup module. The linear drive module drives the lifting suction cup module to slide along the frame, and the sliding path of the lifting suction cup module passes through at least the vibratory feeder assembly and the retaining frame mechanism.

[0018] Preferably, the retainer mechanism is provided in pairs, and the suction cup assembly includes a pair of synchronously sliding lifting suction cup modules, and each lifting suction cup module includes a lifting cylinder and a material-picking suction cup, wherein the lifting cylinder drives the material-picking suction cup to lift and lower.

[0019] Preferably, the vibratory feeder assembly includes a spiral vibratory feeder and a buffer slider. The spiral vibratory feeder is provided with a discharge chute, and the buffer slider has at least one storage trough. The storage trough has an inlet and an open top. The inlet of the storage trough is directly opposite to and connected to the discharge chute.

[0020] Preferably, the vibratory feeder assembly further includes a storage cylinder, and the buffer slider has two storage slots. The storage cylinder drives the buffer slider to slide and switch between different storage slots that are connected to the discharge chute.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. When fastening the retainer, the centering plate can center and fix the retainer, while the limiting plate limits the retainer to keep it horizontal. This ensures that the retainer is accurately positioned when the push plate is pushed in, reduces damage to the battery cell, and helps improve the quality of the finished battery.

[0023] 2. Due to the setting of the limiting plate, and the height of the placement area being greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the retainer and the thickness of the cover plate of the battery cell, the retainer will not jump excessively when it crosses the step formed at the cover plate of the battery cell during the pushing process of the pusher plate. The limitation of the retainer by the limiting plate ensures that even if the retainer jumps, it will still be within the required position range.

[0024] 3. The bottom surface of the limiting plate is sloped. When the slope is downward, it gradually tightens the retainer, ensuring that the retainer and the tab are properly engaged when the retainer is fastened to the cell. When the slope is upward, the retainer crosses the step formed by the cell cover. Due to the gap between the slope and the retainer, the front end of the retainer can be raised and then fall into the cell cover as a whole, thereby reducing the degree of bounce and further helping to maintain the positional accuracy of the retainer. 4. The drive component uses a servo motor, which can precisely control the pushing force to avoid damage to the cell and tab. In addition, the pressure sensor further improves the control accuracy.

[0025] 5. The clamping components and clamping cylinder are provided to clamp the battery cells, preventing them from shifting during the cage fastening process and ensuring that the cage can be smoothly fastened to the set position.

[0026] 6. The buffer slider has two storage slots, which can buffer two retainers at a time. With the help of a pair of pick-up suction cups, the pick-up requirements of the retainers at both ends of the cell can be met simultaneously in one stroke, saving pick-up time and improving efficiency. Moreover, the pick-up suction cups are independently controlled for lifting and lowering, making the pick-up and placement of retainers more flexible and free. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view after hiding the vibratory feeder components;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the image;

[0031] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the retainer mechanism in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Isometric view of the concealed clamping component;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Side view;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a magnified view of point B in area 6;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the push plate and the limiting plate in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the push plate and the limiting plate in another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a pair of lifting suction cup modules;

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point C.

[0039] 10. Buckle retainer mechanism; 11. Storage area; 12. Working area; 13. Frame; 14. Clamping component; 141. Connecting arm; 142. Clamping plate; 15. Clamping cylinder; 16. Clamping slider;

[0040] 20. Drive components; 21. Pressure sensor;

[0041] 30. Push plate; 31. Limiting plate; 32. Inclined surface;

[0042] 40. Centering plate; 41. Centering cylinder;

[0043] 50. Feeding mechanism; 51. Vibratory feeder assembly; 511. Spiral vibratory feeder; 512. Buffer slider; 513. Discharge chute; 514. Storage trough; 515. Storage cylinder; 516. Storage box; 52. Suction cup assembly; 53. Rack; 54. Linear drive module; 55. Lifting suction cup module; 551. Lifting cylinder; 552. Picking suction cup; 60. Fixture; 61. Battery cell; 62. Cover plate; 63. Electrode; 64. Cage. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the invention clearer, the embodiments of the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0045] A cage mounting device, mainly used in the assembly process of lithium-ion batteries, is used to fasten the cage onto the cover plate 62 of the cell 61 and to provide support and protection for the tabs 63. Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes a feeding mechanism 50 and a retainer fastening mechanism 10. The feeding mechanism 50 is used to provide the retainer, while the retainer fastening mechanism 10 is used to fasten the retainer to a set position on the cover plate 62.

[0046] Among them, such as Figure 4-7 As shown, the retainer mechanism 10 includes:

[0047] Drive component 20;

[0048] Push plate 30, the driving member 20 is drivingly connected to the push plate 30 and drives the push plate 30 to reciprocate, and a limit plate 31 is fixed on the side of the push plate 30 away from the driving member 20;

[0049] A pair of centering plates 40 are respectively located on both sides of the push plate 30, and at least one of the centering plates 40 is slidably disposed in a direction close to or away from the limiting plate 31; in one embodiment, each centering plate is connected to a centering cylinder 41, so that the pair of centering plates can perform opening and closing actions.

[0050] The limiting plate 31, the push plate 30, and the pair of centering plates 40 form a storage area 11 for placing the retainer.

[0051] After the feeding mechanism 50 removes the retainer, a pair of centering plates 40 first clamp and fix the retainer 64, and at the same time complete the horizontal centering action. Then, the push plate 30 and the limiting plate 31 move forward until the push plate 30 abuts against one side of the retainer and the limiting plate 31 is directly above the retainer 64. At this time, the limiting plate 31, the push plate 30 and the pair of centering plates 40 form the placement area 11 for placing the retainer 64. Moreover, the limiting plate 31 also plays a corrective role in the horizontality of the retainer in the vertical direction. In addition, the side of the push plate 30 also has a position adjustment effect on the retainer, thus ensuring the accurate position of the retainer in three dimensions, which is conducive to accurately fastening the retainer onto the battery cell 61.

[0052] When actually fastening the retainer, such as Figure 1-3As shown, the battery cell 61 with cover plate 62 needs to be placed on fixture 60 first. Fixture 60 moves the battery cell 61 to the position for attaching the retainer. The feeding mechanism 50 places the retainer at one end of fixture 60, and then pusher plate 30 pushes the retainer to the tab 63 of battery cell 61. Because the cover plate 62 of the battery has a certain thickness, the retainer is prone to jumping during the pushing process of pusher plate 30, resulting in misalignment and difficulty in attaching it to the correct position, and it is easy to damage the tab 63.

[0053] Therefore, in one embodiment, the height of the storage area 11 is greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the retainer and the thickness of the cover plate 62 of the battery cell 61. This configuration prevents excessive bouncing when the retainer crosses the step formed at the cover plate 62 of the battery cell 61 during the advancement of the push plate 30. The limiting plate 31 restricts the retainer, ensuring that even if bouncing occurs, the retainer remains within the required position range. Preferably, the height of the storage area 11 is slightly greater than the sum of the height of the retainer and the thickness of the cover plate 62 of the battery cell 61, such as 0.1-0.5 mm. The specific dimensions need to be designed according to the actual product dimensions and assembly process requirements.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and 7 As shown, there is also a gap between the bottom surface of the push plate 30 and the fixture. The height of this gap is greater than or equal to the thickness of the battery cover plate. This can prevent the push plate from interfering with the cover plate 62 during the process of pushing the push plate into the retainer 64.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 and 8 As shown, the bottom surface of the limiting plate 31 is an inclined surface 32, which slopes upwards. That is, along the direction of the push plate 30, the gap between the bottom surface of the limiting plate 31 and the retainer gradually increases. With the above arrangement, when the retainer crosses the step formed at the cover plate 62 of the cell 61, the gap between the inclined surface and the retainer makes it easier for the front end of the retainer to lift up, and then the retainer 64 falls onto the cover plate 62 of the cell 61 as a whole, thereby avoiding the entire retainer from jumping, that is, reducing the degree of jumping, and further helping to maintain the positional accuracy of the retainer.

[0056] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5 and 9 As shown, the bottom surface of the limiting plate 31 is a downward-sloping inclined surface 32, meaning that the gap between the bottom surface of the limiting plate 31 and the retainer gradually decreases along the direction of the push plate 30's advancement. Through the above arrangement, the limiting plate 31 has a gradually tightening effect on the retainer, ensuring that the retainer and the tab 63 are properly engaged when the retainer is fastened to the cell 61.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4-6 As shown, the drive component 20 is a servo motor, and a pressure sensor 21 is also provided on the drive component 20. The pressure sensor 21 is used to detect the magnitude of the power output by the drive component 20, so that the force when fastening the retainer can be precisely controlled and monitored in real time to avoid situations such as excessive or insufficient pressure.

[0058] Furthermore, the retaining mechanism 10 is provided in pairs, and a working area 12 for placing the battery cell 61 is left between the pair of retaining mechanisms 10. That is, the fixture 60 drives the battery cell 61 to flow to the working area 12, and the pair of retaining mechanisms 10 respectively perform retaining actions on both ends of the battery cell 61, which further improves efficiency.

[0059] To reduce cell movement during the cage clamping process and improve manufacturing quality, such as Figure 4-6 As shown, in one embodiment, the retaining mechanism 10 further includes a frame 13, on which a clamping member 14 and a clamping cylinder 15 are provided. The clamping cylinder 15 drives the clamping member 14 to move up and down on the frame 13, and at least a portion of the clamping member 14 is located directly above the working area 12, so that the clamping cylinder 15 can drive the clamping member 14 to clamp the battery cell 61 and maintain stability throughout the retaining process.

[0060] Specifically, the frame 13 is provided with a pair of clamping sliders 16. The clamping member 14 includes a pair of connecting arms 141 and a clamping plate 142 located between the pair of connecting arms 141. The pair of connecting arms 141 are slidably connected to one of the clamping sliders 16. The clamping cylinder 15 is fixed to the frame 13, and the telescopic rod of the clamping cylinder 15 is drivenly connected to at least one of the connecting arms 141. The number of clamping cylinders 15 can be one or more, and they can be fixed to both sides of the frame 13 respectively.

[0061] Preferably, in another embodiment, the retainer mechanism 10 is provided as a pair, and the clamping member 14 and the clamping cylinder 15 can also be provided as two sets, respectively installed on different retainer mechanisms 10.

[0062] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 10-11, the feeding mechanism 50 includes a vibratory feeder assembly 51 and a suction cup assembly 52. ​​The suction cup assembly 52 includes a frame 53, a linear drive module 54, and a lifting suction cup module 55. The linear drive module 54 drives the lifting suction cup module 55 to slide along the frame 53, and the sliding path of the lifting suction cup module 55 passes through at least the vibratory feeder assembly 51 and the retaining mechanism 10. The linear drive module 54 can be a common linear motor, lead screw module, or other linear motion structure.

[0063] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 10-11, the vibratory feeder assembly 51 mainly includes a spiral vibratory feeder 511 and a buffer slider 512. The spiral vibratory feeder 511 is provided with a discharge slide 513, and the buffer slider 512 has at least one storage slot 514. The storage slot 514 has an inlet and an open top. The inlet of the storage slot 514 is directly opposite to and connected to the discharge slide 513. The spiral vibratory feeder 511 is also connected to a storage box 516 for storing retainers 64. After the spiral vibratory feeder 511 is started, the retainers 64 in the storage box 516 will be screened out, slide out through the discharge slide 513, and enter the storage slot 514 of the buffer slider 512. At this time, with the help of the lifting suction cup module 55, the retainer can be picked up and transported to the fixture 60.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 10-11, the retainer mechanism 10 is provided with a pair of suction cup assemblies 52, which include a pair of synchronously sliding lifting suction cup modules 55. Each lifting suction cup module 55 includes a lifting cylinder 551 and a material-picking suction cup 552. The lifting cylinder 551 drives the material-picking suction cup 552 to rise and fall. Correspondingly, the vibratory feeder assembly 51 also includes a storage cylinder 515. The buffer slider 512 has two storage slots 514. The storage cylinder 515 drives the buffer slider 512 to slide and switch between different storage slots 514 that are connected to the discharge slide 513.

[0065] With this configuration, the buffer slider 512 can buffer two retainers 64 at a time, and together with a pair of pick-up suction cups 552, it can simultaneously meet the pick-up requirements of the retainers at both ends of the cell 61 in one stroke, saving pick-up time and improving efficiency; moreover, the pair of pick-up suction cups 552 are independently controlled for lifting and lowering, making the pick-up and placement of retainers more flexible and free.

[0066] Furthermore, the gap between the two storage slots 514 on the buffer slider 512 is the same as the gap between the pair of lifting suction cup modules 55, so that the pair of lifting suction cup modules 55 can lift and lower simultaneously to synchronously complete the material picking of their respective retainers.

[0067] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "Embodiment 1," "this embodiment," or "in one embodiment" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example; moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0068] In the description of this specification, the terms "connection," "installation," "fixing," "setting," and "having" are interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In the description of this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0069] The above description of the embodiments is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and apply the technology of this invention. Those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to these examples and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without creative effort. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications in the following situations should be within the scope of protection of this invention:

[0070] ①A new technical solution implemented based on the invention and combined with existing common knowledge, where the technical effect of the new technical solution does not exceed the effect of the invention.

[0071] ② The technical effect produced by using a known technology to replace some features of the invention's technical solution with an equivalent one is the same as the effect of the invention's technical solution;

[0072] ③ The invention is based on the technical solution of the invention and can be extended, but the substantive content of the extended technical solution does not exceed the technical solution of the invention.

[0073] ④ The equivalent transformations made using the contents of the invention specification and drawings are directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields.

Claims

1. A cage mounting device, comprising a feeding mechanism and a pair of cage-fastening mechanisms, wherein a working area for placing battery cells is provided between the pair of cage-fastening mechanisms, characterized in that, The fastening and retaining mechanism includes: The driving component is a servo motor, and a pressure sensor is also provided on the driving component. The pressure sensor is used to detect the magnitude of the power output by the driving component. A push plate, wherein the driving component is drivingly connected to the push plate and drives the push plate to reciprocate, and a limit plate is fixed on the side of the push plate opposite to the driving component; A pair of centering plates are respectively located on both sides of the push plate, and at least one of the centering plates is slidably disposed in a direction close to or away from the limiting plate; A frame is provided with a clamping component and a clamping cylinder. The clamping cylinder drives the clamping component to move up and down on the frame, and at least a portion of the clamping component is located directly above the working area. A pair of clamping sliders are provided on the frame. The clamping component includes a pair of connecting arms and a clamping plate located between the pair of connecting arms. The pair of connecting arms are slidably connected to one of the clamping sliders. The clamping cylinder is fixed to the frame, and the telescopic rod of the clamping cylinder is drivenly connected to at least one of the connecting arms. The limiting plate, the push plate, and the pair of centering plates form a placement area for the retainer; after the retainer and the battery cell are placed on the horizontal fixture, the pair of centering plates clamp and fix the horizontal sides of the retainer, and the push plate and the limiting plate extend between the pair of centering plates in the clamping state and push the retainer to the electrode tab of the battery cell; The feeding mechanism includes a vibratory feeder assembly and a suction cup assembly. The suction cup assembly includes a frame, a linear drive module, and a lifting suction cup module. The linear drive module drives the lifting suction cup module to slide along the frame, and the sliding path of the lifting suction cup module passes through at least the vibratory feeder assembly and the retaining frame mechanism.

2. The cage mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the storage area is greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the retainer and the thickness of the cover plate of the battery cell.

3. The cage mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the limiting plate is an inclined surface, which is inclined upward or downward.

4. The cage mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer mechanism is provided in pairs, and the suction cup assembly includes a pair of synchronously sliding lifting suction cup modules. Each lifting suction cup module includes a lifting cylinder and a material-picking suction cup. The lifting cylinder drives the material-picking suction cup to lift and lower.

5. The cage mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibratory feeder assembly includes a spiral vibratory feeder and a buffer slider. The spiral vibratory feeder is provided with a discharge slide, and the buffer slider has at least one storage trough. The storage trough has an inlet and an open top. The inlet of the storage trough is directly opposite to and connected to the discharge slide.

6. The cage mounting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vibratory feeder assembly also includes a storage cylinder. The buffer slider has two storage slots. The storage cylinder drives the buffer slider to slide and switch between different storage slots that are connected to the discharge chute.

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