A feeding device and storage and transportation system for battery cells.

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of battery transfer equipment, and provides a feeding device and storage and transportation system for battery cells, mainly including a device frame, a lifting component, and a supporting component. The lifting component is disposed on the device frame and includes a suction mechanism and a first driving mechanism. The supporting component includes a first supporting arm and a second supporting arm, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the device frame. A second driving mechanism is disposed on the device frame. The first supporting arm and the second supporting arm are provided with supporting grooves into which the battery cell can extend. Compared with traditional technology, this solution eliminates the need for rigid clamping of the battery cell, effectively avoiding damage to the battery cell caused by rigid contact between the clamp and the battery cell. It also avoids the situation where the clamp presses on the battery cell's explosion-proof valve, causing the explosion-proof valve to fail, making it safer and more reliable to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of battery transfer equipment technology, and more specifically, relates to a feeding device and storage and transportation system that can be used for battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] With evolving application demands, there is a growing need to manufacture larger lithium-ion cells, such as those around 600mm in length. To meet production requirements, these large cells are typically transported using clamping feeding devices. During transport, grippers hold and secure the cell from both ends, moving it to facilitate seamless transitions between production processes. However, for large cells, the electrodes are located on the end faces of both ends, and the explosion-proof valves are also located on these end faces. Therefore, during clamping, the grippers can easily compress the explosion-proof valves, causing them to malfunction and posing a significant safety hazard during subsequent use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a feeding device and storage and transportation system that can be used for battery cells.

[0004] The technical means adopted in this application to solve the above-mentioned technical problems are:

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a feeding device for battery cells, comprising:

[0006] Device frame;

[0007] A lifting assembly is disposed on the device frame, and the lifting assembly includes a suction mechanism for picking up battery cells and a first drive mechanism for controlling the positional change of the suction mechanism;

[0008] The support assembly includes a first support arm and a second support arm, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a second drive mechanism for controlling the relative movement between the first support arm and the second support arm. The first support arm and the second support arm are provided with support grooves into which the power core portion can extend.

[0009] In this application, a lifting assembly and a supporting assembly are provided on the device frame. The suction mechanism in the lifting assembly can be used to suction the battery cell and lift the suction battery cell to a certain height under the action of the first driving mechanism. At this time, the first supporting arm and the second supporting arm in the supporting assembly will move closer to both ends of the battery cell under the operation of the second driving mechanism, so that the ends of the battery cell extend into the corresponding supporting grooves, thereby realizing the supporting and transporting operation of the battery cell.

[0010] Preferably, the device frame is provided with a mounting bracket for the installation and connection of a robotic arm.

[0011] In the above preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket facilitates the connection and application between the feeding device and the industrial robot, thereby improving the degree of automation.

[0012] Preferably, the suction mechanism includes a mounting plate and a plurality of suction cups disposed on the mounting plate;

[0013] The mounting plate is connected to the first drive mechanism.

[0014] In the above preferred embodiment, by providing a plurality of suction cups on the mounting plate, the reliability of the suction mechanism when suctioning the battery cell can be improved.

[0015] Preferably, the mounting plate is provided with a guide member, and the guide member is provided with a guide groove for the power core portion to be embedded.

[0016] In the above preferred embodiment, the guide member and guide groove can guide the position of the battery cell when the suction mechanism performs the suction operation, thereby improving the positioning accuracy during suction.

[0017] Preferably, at least two suction mechanisms are provided, and the distance between the two suction mechanisms is less than the length of the battery cell to be suctioned.

[0018] In the above preferred embodiment, by setting at least two suction mechanisms, multiple suction force points can be formed when the suction mechanism suctions the battery cell, thereby improving the force balance and reliability of the battery cell in the suction state.

[0019] Preferably, the system also includes pressure tubes, each corresponding to a suction mechanism, and the suction cup is connected to the pressure tubes.

[0020] Each of the pressure tubes is equipped with a pressure sensor.

[0021] In the above preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor can be used to monitor the pressure state of the suction cup during the suction operation, thereby improving the reliability of the application.

[0022] Preferably, the device frame is provided with a first correction sensing mechanism, which includes a first distance sensor and a second distance sensor.

[0023] The distance between the first distance sensor and the second distance sensor is less than the length of the battery cell to be detected.

[0024] In the above preferred embodiment, the first correction sensing mechanism can make a preliminary judgment on the state of the battery cell before absorption. For example, the absorption operation can only continue when the current state of the battery cell meets the preset standard, which makes the operation safer.

[0025] Preferably, the device frame is equipped with a photoelectric sensor for detecting the battery cells to be collected.

[0026] In the above preferred embodiment, the photoelectric sensor can detect the state of the battery cell before it is picked up, thereby guiding the subsequent actions of the feeding device.

[0027] Preferably, the second drive mechanism includes a bidirectional lead screw and a servo motor for controlling the rotation of the bidirectional lead screw;

[0028] The first support arm and the second support arm are respectively disposed at both ends of the bidirectional lead screw and are connected to the bidirectional lead screw for transmission.

[0029] In the above preferred embodiment, the bidirectional lead screw and servo motor facilitate the control of the relative movement of the first support arm and the second support arm. At the same time, the lead screw transmission provides better synchronization and stability.

[0030] Preferably, the first support arm and the second support arm include a slider, an arm seat, and a telescopic mechanism; the slider is connected to the bidirectional lead screw, the telescopic mechanism is disposed on the slider, the arm seat is disposed on the movable end of the telescopic mechanism, and the support groove is disposed on the arm seat.

[0031] In the above preferred embodiment, the telescopic mechanism allows the arm to move relative to the slider. Compared to the screw drive, using a telescopic mechanism for position adjustment provides a faster response speed and allows for a more compact production cycle.

[0032] Preferably, the device frame is provided with a first limit sensor for detecting when the first support arm and the second support arm move to a first preset position.

[0033] In the above preferred embodiment, the positional changes of the first support arm and the second support arm can be detected by the first limit sensor, so as to improve the operational accuracy and reliability of the first support arm and the second support arm.

[0034] Preferably, the device frame is provided with a second correction sensing mechanism, which includes an industrial camera that can be used to acquire images of the battery cell to be absorbed.

[0035] In the above preferred embodiment, the second correction sensing mechanism can detect the state of the battery cell to be absorbed under another preset judgment condition, making the operation safer and more reliable.

[0036] Preferably, the second correction sensing mechanism further includes an auxiliary light source, which is disposed at the camera end of the industrial camera.

[0037] In the above preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light source can be used to improve the accuracy of the industrial camera during operation.

[0038] On the other hand, this application provides a storage and transportation system which is equipped with the feeding device described above.

[0039] Preferably, the device also includes a robotic arm, with the feeding device located at the movable end of the robotic arm.

[0040] In the above preferred embodiment, the operation of the feeding device can be controlled by the robotic arm, thereby reducing labor costs and improving the degree of automation.

[0041] Preferably, the battery cell tray is also included, which is provided with a plurality of receiving slots for placing battery cells.

[0042] The cell tray forms a clamping engagement with the first support arm and the second support arm.

[0043] In the above preferred embodiment, the battery cell tray facilitates the temporary placement of battery cells; at the same time, the battery cell tray forms a clamping engagement with the first support arm and the second support arm, so that one feeding device can simultaneously perform the two functions of moving the battery cell tray and moving the battery cells on the tray, thereby better optimizing the process and reducing application costs.

[0044] Preferably, the first support arm and the second support arm are provided with support strips, and the battery cell tray is provided with positioning grooves for the support strips to be embedded in.

[0045] The top end face of the support strip is not higher than the bottom side wall of the support groove.

[0046] In the above preferred embodiment, the support strip can form an embedded connection with the positioning groove on the battery cell tray, thereby driving the movement of the entire battery cell tray through the operation of the feeding device; at the same time, the support strip can also be used to support the battery cells, further improving the reliability of the battery cells during the support-type movement process.

[0047] Preferably, the device frame is provided with a second limit sensor for detecting when the first support arm and the second support arm move to a second preset position.

[0048] In the above preferred embodiment, the positional changes of the first support arm and the second support arm can also be detected by the second limit sensor. This improves the operational accuracy and reliability of the first support arm and the second support arm, while also meeting the operational coordination requirements of the first support arm and the second support arm in different modes.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0050] This application provides a feeding device that, through its frame, lifting components, and support components, can perform pick-up, lifting, and support-type transfer operations on battery cells. Compared to traditional technologies, this solution eliminates the need for rigid clamping of the battery cells, effectively preventing damage caused by rigid contact between the clamps and the cells. It also avoids the situation where the clamps press on the explosion-proof valve of the battery cells, causing the explosion-proof valve to fail, making it safer and more reliable to use.

[0051] This application also provides a storage and transportation system that, through the installation of a feeding device, a robotic arm, and a battery cell tray, can improve the automation level of the operation process and increase production efficiency. At the same time, the feeding device can handle both the transfer operation of the battery cell tray and the transfer operation of the battery cells on the tray, resulting in better process connection, reduced application costs, and better overall benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the storage and transportation system of this application.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a front view structural diagram of the storage and transportation system of this application.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a side view of the storage and transportation system of this application.

[0056] Marker explanation:

[0057] 1-Equipment frame, 11-Second drive mechanism, 111-Bidirectional lead screw, 112-Servo motor, 121-First distance sensor, 122-Second distance sensor, 131-Industrial camera, 132-Auxiliary light source, 14-Mounting bracket, 15-Photoelectric sensor, 16-First limit sensor, 17-Second limit sensor;

[0058] 2-Lifting component, 21-Suction mechanism, 211-Mounting plate, 212-Suction cup, 213-Guide component, 2131-Guide groove, 214-Pressure sensor, 22-First drive mechanism;

[0059] 3-Supporting assembly, 31-First support arm, 32-Second support arm, 301-Supporting groove, 311-Slider, 312-Arm seat, 313-Telescopic mechanism, 314-Supporting strip;

[0060] 4-Battery cell;

[0061] 5-Cell tray, 51-Receiving slot, 52-Positioning slot. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention; the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0063] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. Similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following figures; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0064] Currently, in the transfer of large-size battery cells, clamping feeding devices are typically used. The grippers of the feeding device clamp and fix the battery cell from both ends, enabling the cell to move and transfer. However, using grippers for clamping and transfer has several drawbacks. These include the possibility of rigid contact between the grippers and the battery cell, which can damage the cell's surface structure, and the grippers pressing on the cell's explosion-proof valve, potentially causing the valve to malfunction.

[0065] In addition, large-size battery cells are usually placed in corresponding pallets. Currently, moving the pallets requires additional equipment for the integrated transport of the pallets and battery cells, such as palletizing robots and forklifts. This results in longer cycle times between processes and higher overall investment costs.

[0066] In this regard, this embodiment aims to provide a feeding device and storage and transportation system that can be used for battery cells. When applied to the transfer operation of battery cells, it can improve the protection of battery cells during the transfer operation, improve the connection between processes, and improve economic efficiency.

[0067] In some applications, the feeding device and storage and transportation system can also be used in the transfer of similar objects, and should not be understood as being only applicable to the transfer of large-size battery cells.

[0068] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a feeding device for battery cells, which mainly includes a device frame 1, a lifting component 2, and a supporting component 3. The lifting component 2 and the supporting component 3 are both mounted on the device frame 1. The lifting component 2 is mainly used to temporarily lift the battery cell 4, and then the supporting component 3 is used to support and move the battery cell 4.

[0069] As one application example, the lifting component 2 includes a suction mechanism 21 and a first driving mechanism 22. The suction mechanism 21 is used to suction the battery cell 4, while the first driving mechanism 22 is used to control the positional movement of the suction mechanism 21. For example, driving the first driving mechanism 22 moves the suction mechanism 21 to the side of the battery cell 4 to be suctioned, thereby forming a reliable adsorption connection between the suction mechanism 21 and the battery cell 4. At this time, driving the first driving mechanism 22 in the opposite direction drives the suction mechanism 21 and the battery cell 4 to lift synchronously, thereby lifting the battery cell 4 to a certain height to coordinate with the action of the supporting component 3.

[0070] In some embodiments, the suction mechanism 21 includes a mounting plate 211 and a plurality of suction cups 212, and the suction cups 212 can be vacuum suction cups; the plurality of suction cups 212 are arranged in a column on the mounting plate 211. By arranging the plurality of suction cups 212 in a columnar form, it can better adapt to the upper end surface of the battery cell 4 in the placed state, thereby increasing the adsorption area and increasing the adsorption force points, and improving the reliability and stability during adsorption.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first driving mechanism 22 can adopt the structural form of a telescopic cylinder. At this time, the first driving mechanism 22 is fixedly arranged on the device frame 1, the movable end of the first driving mechanism 22 is arranged downward, the mounting plate 211 is connected to the movable end of the first driving mechanism 22, and the suction cups 212 are arranged downward to facilitate the suction of the battery cell 4 in the placed state.

[0072] In some embodiments, a guide member 213 is provided on the mounting plate 211, and a guide groove 2131 is provided on the guide member 213; wherein, the opening of the guide groove 2131 is arranged downward, and the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 2131 is U-shaped or "Ji" shaped, that is, the notch of the guide groove 2131 can be set as a flared structure to facilitate better guiding of the battery cell 4.

[0073] As an application example, at this time the battery cell 4 is placed vertically, and the groove width of the guide groove 2131 should not be less than the width of the battery cell 4; at the same time, the height of the position where the notch of the guide groove 2131 is located should be lower than the height of the position where the suction cups 212 are located. When performing the suction operation, first, the guide groove 2131 guides the position state of the battery cell 4, so that the battery cell 4 is partially embedded in the guide groove 2131, which can facilitate the alignment between the suction cups 212 and the battery cell 4 at this time, and then perform the adsorption operation between the suction cups 212 and the battery cell 4, thereby improving the positioning accuracy and reliability during suction.

[0074] In some embodiments, at least two suction mechanisms 21 are provided. For example, the two suction mechanisms 21 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the midline of the feeding device; and the distance between the two suction mechanisms 21 is less than the length of the battery cell 4 to be sucked, so as to suck the battery cell 4 at both ends of the top end surface of the battery cell 4. By providing at least two suction mechanisms 21, when the suction mechanism 21 sucks the battery cell 4, multiple suction force points can be formed, improving the force balance of the battery cell 4 in the suction state; at the same time, the error tolerance rate in the suction state can be increased, avoiding the occurrence of suction failure and the dropping of the battery cell 4 caused by an accidental failure of a single suction force point, and improving the application reliability of the device.

[0075] In some embodiments, the suction mechanism 21 is provided with a corresponding pressure tube (not shown in the figure), and each suction mechanism 21 should be provided with at least one set of pressure tubes. The suction cup 212 is connected to and communicates with the pressure tubes to provide negative pressure through the pressure tubes to form and maintain the adsorption effect.

[0076] In addition, each pressure tube in the set is equipped with a pressure sensor 214, such as a pressure sensor; the pressure sensor 214 can be used to monitor the pressure status of the suction cup 212 during the suction operation, so as to detect abnormal pressure in time and improve the reliability of the application.

[0077] As one application example, the support assembly 3 includes a first support arm 31 and a second support arm 32, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the device frame 1. The device frame 1 is provided with a second drive mechanism 11 for controlling the relative movement between the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32. The first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 are provided with support grooves 301 into which the battery cell 4 can partially extend. During operation, the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32, driven by the second drive mechanism 11, simultaneously move closer to or further away from both ends of the battery cell 4. During the simultaneous approaching operation, the end of the battery cell 4 can extend into the corresponding support groove 301. At this time, the interaction between the battery cell 4 and the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 is mainly between the bottom end face of the battery cell 4 and the bottom sidewall of the support groove 301, thereby realizing the support-type transfer operation of the battery cell 4.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second drive mechanism 11 includes a bidirectional lead screw 111 and a servo motor 112. The servo motor 112 is mainly used to control the rotation of the bidirectional lead screw 111. The first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 are respectively disposed at both ends of the bidirectional lead screw 111 and are connected to the bidirectional lead screw 111 for transmission. By using the bidirectional lead screw 111 and the servo motor 112, it is easy to control the relative movement of the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32, including the relative approach or relative distance between the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32. At the same time, the use of lead screw transmission can provide better synchronization and stability.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 each include a slider 311, an arm seat 312, and a telescopic mechanism 313; the slider 311 is slidably disposed on the device frame 1, and the slider 311 is connected to the bidirectional lead screw 111; the telescopic mechanism 313 is fixedly disposed on the slider 311; the arm seat 312 is disposed on the movable end of the telescopic mechanism 313; and the support groove 301 is disposed on the arm seat 312.

[0080] In some embodiments, the telescopic mechanism 313 may also be in the form of a telescopic cylinder.

[0081] In some embodiments, the telescopic mechanism 313 is arranged horizontally, and the movable ends of the telescopic mechanism 313 provided on the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 are arranged facing each other. At this time, the support groove 301 provided on the arm seat 312 is also arranged facing each other.

[0082] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the support groove 301 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the battery cell 4.

[0083] The telescopic mechanism 313 allows the arm seat 312 to change position relative to the slider 311. Compared to the lead screw drive, using the telescopic mechanism 313 to adjust the position of the arm seat 312 can have a faster response speed, making the production cycle more compact.

[0084] As one application example, a first correction sensing mechanism is provided on the device frame 1. The first correction sensing mechanism includes a first distance sensor 121 and a second distance sensor 122. The distance between the first distance sensor 121 and the second distance sensor 122 is less than the length of the battery cell 4 to be detected.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first distance sensor 121 and the second distance sensor 122 may be laser displacement sensors, and the detection ends of the first distance sensor 121 and the second distance sensor 122 are arranged facing downwards. The first distance sensor 121 and the second distance sensor 122 are mainly used to detect the relative distance between themselves and the battery cell 4 to be absorbed.

[0086] By using the first correction sensing mechanism, the state of the battery cell 4 can be preliminarily judged before the absorption process. For example, the relative distance between the first distance sensor 121 and the battery cell 4, and the relative distance between the second distance sensor 122 and the battery cell 4 can be detected to determine whether there is a height difference between the two ends of the battery cell 4 to be absorbed, or whether the existing height difference falls within the allowable range. Only when the current state of the battery cell 4 meets the preset standard can the absorption operation continue, making the absorption operation of the battery cell 4 safer and more reliable.

[0087] As one application example, a second correction sensing mechanism is also provided on the device frame 1. The second correction sensing mechanism includes an industrial camera 131 and an auxiliary light source 132. The industrial camera 131 can be a CCD vision camera, mainly used to acquire images of the battery cell 4 to be picked up, and to feed back and analyze the acquired image information; the auxiliary light source 132 is used to provide light when the industrial camera 131 is working, so as to improve the accuracy of the image information acquired by the industrial camera 131.

[0088] In some embodiments, the industrial camera 131 can capture images of the battery cell 4 to be picked up, thereby comparing the current position information of the battery cell 4 with a preset standard value to determine whether the battery cell 4 to be picked up has a positional offset, or whether the offset magnitude falls within the allowable range, thereby facilitating the subsequent adjustment of the feeding device's operation, and realizing the detection and judgment of the state of the battery cell 4 to be picked up under another preset judgment condition, which will be safer and more reliable in operation.

[0089] In some embodiments, the adjustment of the feeding device includes state maintenance, correcting the current state of the battery cell 4 through manual intervention; or, the feeding device can be offset compensated to adapt to the current state of the battery cell 4 so as to continue the feeding operation.

[0090] In some embodiments, the auxiliary light source 132 is arranged in a ring shape and positioned at the camera end of the industrial camera 131 to provide a more uniform lighting effect.

[0091] Furthermore, this embodiment also provides a storage and transportation system, which includes a robotic arm (not shown in the figure), a battery cell tray 5, and the aforementioned loading device. The loading device is located at the movable end of the robotic arm, and its operation can be controlled by the robotic arm; the battery cell tray 5 is used for temporary storage of the battery cells 4.

[0092] In some embodiments, the specific structural form of the robotic arm can be found in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. By using the robotic arm, the operation of the feeding device can be controlled, reducing labor costs and improving the degree of automation.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device frame 1 is provided with a mounting bracket 14 for mounting and connecting a robotic arm. The mounting bracket 14 facilitates the installation, connection, and application of the feeding device and the industrial robotic arm.

[0094] As one application example, the battery cell tray 5 is provided with a plurality of receiving slots 51 for placing the battery cell 4, the depth of the receiving slots 51 being less than the height of the battery cell 4; at the same time, a clamping engagement is formed between the battery cell tray 5 and the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32.

[0095] The battery cell tray 5 facilitates the temporary placement of several battery cells 4. At the same time, the battery cell tray 5 forms a clamping engagement with the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32, so that a feeding device can simultaneously perform the functions of overall transportation of the battery cell tray 5 and individual transportation of the battery cells 4 on the tray, thereby better optimizing the process and reducing application costs.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 are provided with support strips 314, and the battery cell tray 5 is provided with positioning grooves 52 for the support strips 314 to be embedded in; wherein, in the vertical position, the top end face of the support strip 314 is not higher than the bottom side wall of the support groove 301.

[0097] The support strip 314 can be embedded with the positioning groove 52 on the cell tray 5, so that the entire cell tray 5 can be moved by the operation of the feeding device. At the same time, the support strip 314 can also be used to support the cell 4, further improving the reliability of the cell 4 during the support movement process.

[0098] As one application example, a photoelectric sensor 15 is provided on the device frame 1. For example, the photoelectric sensor 15 is located in the middle of the device frame 1, and the detection end of the photoelectric sensor 15 is arranged facing downward.

[0099] The photoelectric sensor 15 can detect the state of the battery cell 4 before it is picked up. For example, it can detect the current position to be picked up on the battery cell tray 5 to determine whether there is a battery cell 4 at the current position. Alternatively, the photoelectric sensor 15 can detect the battery cell tray 5 to determine whether there is a corresponding battery cell tray 5 at the current position, thereby guiding the subsequent actions of the feeding device.

[0100] As one application example, a first limit sensor 16 is provided on the device frame 1 for detecting the movement of the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 to a first preset position.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first preset position can be set as the preparation position when the support component 3 supports and docks the battery cell 4. When the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 move to the first preset position, the first limit sensor 16 feeds back a signal to stop the second drive mechanism 11 from operating. At this time, the operation of the telescopic mechanism 313 is used to realize the docking operation between the battery cell 4 and the arm seat 312.

[0102] As one application example, a second limit sensor 17 is provided on the device frame 1 for detecting the movement of the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 to a second preset position.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second preset position can be set as the predetermined position when the supporting component 3 clamps and docks the cell tray 5. When the first supporting arm 31 and the second supporting arm 32 move to the second preset position, the second limit sensor 17 feeds a signal to stop the second drive mechanism 11 from operating. At this time, the supporting strip 314 is embedded in the positioning groove 52.

[0104] By using the first limit sensor 16 and the second limit sensor 17, the positional changes of the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32 can be detected. This improves the operational accuracy and reliability of the first support arm 31 and the second support arm 32, while also ensuring their coordinated operation in different modes.

[0105] Compared with the prior art, the solution in this embodiment has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0106] This embodiment provides a feeding device. Through the device frame 1, lifting component 2 and supporting component 3, it can perform suction, lifting and supporting transfer operations on the battery cell 4. Compared with traditional technology, this solution does not require rigid clamping of the battery cell 4, which can effectively avoid damage to the battery cell 4 caused by rigid contact between the clamp and the battery cell 4. It also avoids the situation where the clamp presses on the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell 4, causing the explosion-proof valve to fail. It is safer and more reliable to use.

[0107] This embodiment also provides a storage and transportation system. By setting up a feeding device, a robotic arm, and a battery cell tray 5, the automation level of the operation process can be improved, and the production efficiency can be increased. At the same time, the feeding device can take into account both the transfer operation of the battery cell tray 5 and the transfer operation of the battery cells 4 on the tray, which has better process connection and can reduce application costs, resulting in better overall benefits.

[0108] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should also be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0109] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, 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. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A feeding device for battery cells, wherein the end faces of both ends of the battery cell have explosion-proof valves, characterized in that, include: Device frame; A lifting assembly is disposed on the device frame, and the lifting assembly includes a suction mechanism for picking up battery cells and a first drive mechanism for controlling the positional change of the suction mechanism; The support assembly includes a first support arm and a second support arm, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a second drive mechanism for controlling the relative movement between the first support arm and the second support arm. The first support arm and the second support arm are provided with support grooves into which the end of the battery cell can extend. The interaction between the bottom end face of the battery cell and the bottom sidewall of the support groove realizes the support-type transfer operation of the battery cell. The first support arm and the second support arm are provided with support strips, the cell tray is provided with positioning grooves for the support strips to be embedded in, and the cell tray is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves for placing the cells; the top end face of the support strip is not higher than the bottom side wall of the support groove.

2. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a mounting bracket for attaching and connecting a robotic arm.

3. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The suction mechanism includes a mounting plate and a plurality of suction cups disposed on the mounting plate; The mounting plate is connected to the first drive mechanism.

4. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting plate is provided with a guide member, and the guide member is provided with a guide groove that allows the power core portion to be embedded.

5. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 3, characterized in that, The suction mechanism is provided in at least two parts, and the distance between the two suction mechanisms is less than the length of the battery cell to be suctioned.

6. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes pressure tubes, which correspond one-to-one with the suction mechanism, and the suction cup is connected to the pressure tubes; Each of the pressure tubes is equipped with a pressure sensor.

7. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 2 or 6, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a first correction sensing mechanism, which includes a first distance sensor and a second distance sensor. The distance between the first distance sensor and the second distance sensor is less than the length of the battery cell to be detected.

8. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a photoelectric sensor that can be used to detect the battery cells to be collected.

9. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The second drive mechanism includes a bidirectional lead screw and a servo motor for controlling the rotation of the bidirectional lead screw; The first support arm and the second support arm are respectively disposed at both ends of the bidirectional lead screw and are connected to the bidirectional lead screw for transmission.

10. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first support arm and the second support arm each include a slider, an arm base, and a telescopic mechanism; The slider is connected to the bidirectional lead screw, the telescopic mechanism is disposed on the slider, the arm seat is disposed on the movable end of the telescopic mechanism, and the support groove is disposed on the arm seat.

11. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a first limit sensor for detecting when the first support arm and the second support arm move to a first preset position.

12. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a second correction sensing mechanism, which includes an industrial camera for acquiring images of the battery cell to be absorbed.

13. The feeding device for battery cells according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second correction sensing mechanism also includes an auxiliary light source, which is disposed at the camera end of the industrial camera.

14. A storage and transportation system, characterized in that, It is equipped with a feeding device as described in any one of claims 1-13 above.

15. The storage and transportation system according to claim 14, characterized in that, It also includes a robotic arm, with the feeding device located at the movable end of the robotic arm.

16. The storage and transportation system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The device frame is equipped with a second limit sensor for detecting when the first support arm and the second support arm move to a second preset position.

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