A welding apparatus, a welding method, and a battery production device

Abstract

The application discloses a welding device, comprising: a battery receiving device for receiving a battery; a cell picking device for picking a cell of the battery in the battery receiving device; a tab picking device for picking a tab of the battery in the battery receiving device; a cap picking device and a welding device corresponding to a welding station, the tab picking device and the cell picking device can synchronously move to jointly transfer the battery in the battery receiving device to the welding station, and the cap picking device can transfer the received cap to the tab corresponding to the welding station, so that the welding device can weld the received tab and cap. In summary, the welding device of the application can balance the welding precision and the welding efficiency, thereby ensuring the quality and the yield of the battery. The application also discloses a welding method and a battery production device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery manufacturing technology, and in particular to a welding equipment, welding method and battery manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of cylindrical batteries, the tabs and caps need to be welded together. Commonly used methods include: manually aligning the tabs and then welding them to the caps, and using the clamping device of automated equipment to align the tabs and then weld them to the caps.

[0003] However, manual operation cannot guarantee the overall welding efficiency and the production cost is high. On the other hand, when using automated equipment for welding, the clamping device cannot shape the electrode tab, and the electrode tab is prone to twisting and other abnormalities during the electrode tab transfer process, which makes it impossible to guarantee the welding accuracy of the cap and electrode tab.

[0004] In summary, the welding methods used in related technologies, particularly the welding efficiency and precision of the caps and tabs, are relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses a welding equipment, welding method, and battery production apparatus, which can solve the problems of low welding efficiency and welding precision of caps and tabs in related technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application discloses a welding apparatus, comprising: a battery receiving device for receiving batteries; a cell picking device for picking up battery cells from the battery in the battery receiving device; a tab picking device for picking up tabs from the battery in the battery receiving device; a cap picking device; and a welding apparatus, wherein the welding apparatus corresponds to a welding station, the tab picking device and the cell picking device can move synchronously to jointly transport the battery in the battery receiving device to the welding station, and the cap picking device can transport the received caps to the corresponding tabs at the welding station, so that the welding apparatus can weld the received tabs and caps.

[0007] Optionally, the battery receiving device includes a battery platform for carrying the battery, and an image capturing device for acquiring position parameters of the tabs of the battery on the battery platform. The cell picking device is used to pick up the cell on the battery platform based on the position parameters; the tab picking device is used to pick up the tab on the battery platform based on the position parameters; the cap picking device is used to transfer the received cap to the corresponding tab in the welding station based on the position parameters; and the welding device is used to weld the tab and the cap based on the position parameters.

[0008] Optionally, the electrode tab is marked, and the position parameter is the coordinate parameter of the mark; the electrode tab pickup device is provided with a clearance hole, the clearance hole corresponding to the mark on the electrode tab, the welding device is used to obtain the position parameter through the clearance hole, and to weld the electrode tab and the cap through the clearance hole.

[0009] Optionally, the battery receiving device also includes a tab clamping mechanism, which is connected to a tab clamping block. The tab clamping block is used to correspond to the tab setting. The tab clamping mechanism can drive the tab clamping block to move up and down so that the tab clamping block moves closer to or away from the battery carrier.

[0010] Optionally, the image capturing device includes an imaging module and an imaging module driving mechanism connected in sequence. The imaging module driving mechanism can drive the imaging module to move to the position corresponding to the electrode in the lifting direction of the electrode pressure block, and enable the imaging module to acquire the position parameters of the electrode. Additionally, the imaging module driving mechanism can drive the imaging module to move to a position offset from the electrode in the lifting direction of the electrode pressure block.

[0011] Optionally, the tab pickup device can fix the tab while the welding device is welding the tab.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a transfer device for picking up battery cells, wherein the tab picking device and the cell picking device can move synchronously to transfer the battery in the battery receiving device to the transfer device, and the tab picking device and the transfer device can move synchronously to transfer the battery in the transfer device to the welding station.

[0013] Optionally, the transfer device includes a transfer mechanism, a transfer platform connected to the transfer mechanism, and a first cell pressing mechanism located on the transfer platform. The first cell pressing mechanism is connected to a first cell pressing block. The transfer platform is used to receive the cells transferred by the cell picking device. The transfer mechanism is used to drive the cells to be transferred to the welding station along with the transfer platform. The first cell pressing mechanism can drive the first cell pressing block to perform lifting and lowering movements so that the first cell pressing block moves closer to or further away from the transfer platform.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a cell positioning device for driving the received battery to a preset position; the cell picking device can transfer the battery located at the preset position of the cell positioning device to the battery receiving device.

[0015] Optionally, the battery cell positioning device includes a limiting mechanism, a second battery cell platform, and a battery cell stop mechanism arranged in sequence. The second battery cell platform is used to place the battery cell, and the limiting mechanism is used to drive the battery cell on the second battery cell platform to move along its own axis so that the battery cell moves to abut against the battery cell stop mechanism. A limiting block is provided at one end of the battery cell stop mechanism facing the limiting mechanism, and the battery cell stop mechanism can drive the limiting block to move closer to or away from the limiting mechanism.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a tab alignment device for receiving the battery and driving the cell to rotate until the tab rotates with the cell to a preset posture; a cell pickup device for transferring the battery from a preset position of the cell positioning device to the tab alignment device, and for transferring the battery in the tab alignment device and in the preset posture to the battery receiving device.

[0017] Optionally, the tab alignment device includes: a third cell platform for placing the cell; a tab alignment mechanism connected to a drive wheel; a drive wheel transport mechanism connected to the tab alignment mechanism; and a tab support block spaced apart from the third cell platform and facing each other. The preset posture is that the support surfaces of the tab and the tab support block are parallel to each other. The drive wheel transport mechanism can drive the drive wheel to move with the tab alignment mechanism so that the drive wheel contacts the cell on the third cell platform. The tab alignment mechanism can drive the drive wheel to rotate so as to rotate the cell and keep the battery in the preset posture.

[0018] Optionally, the battery cell pickup head includes a first limiting block, a gripper, and a second limiting block arranged in sequence, wherein the battery cell can be limited between the first limiting block and the second limiting block, and is gripped by the gripper.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes a tensile testing device for performing tensile tests on the welded batteries.

[0020] Secondly, this application discloses a welding method, comprising:

[0021] Step S200: Control the cell pickup device to pick up the cell of the battery in the battery receiving device, and control the tab pickup device to pick up the tab of the battery in the battery receiving device.

[0022] Step S300: Control the cell pickup device and the tab pickup device to move synchronously so that the battery can be transferred to the welding station.

[0023] Step S400: Control the cap picking device to transfer the cap to the welding station so that the cap corresponds to the electrode tab.

[0024] Step S500: Control the welding device to weld the electrode lugs and caps at the welding station.

[0025] Optionally, the welding method includes:

[0026] Step S100: Control the image capture device to acquire the position parameters of the battery tabs on the battery platform.

[0027] Step S200 includes: controlling the cell pickup device to pick up the battery tabs based on position parameters.

[0028] Step S400 includes: controlling the cap picking device to transfer the cap to the welding station based on position parameters so that the cap corresponds to the electrode tab.

[0029] Step S500 includes controlling the welding device to weld the tabs and caps at the welding station based on position parameters.

[0030] Optionally, step S500 includes: controlling the electrode picking device to fix the electrode tab while the electrode tab is being welded by the welding device.

[0031] Optionally, step S300 includes:

[0032] Step S310: Control the tab pickup device and the cell pickup device to move synchronously to transfer the battery to the transfer device.

[0033] Step S320: Control the cell picking device to separate from the cell, and control the transfer device to pick up the cell.

[0034] Step S330: Control the tab pickup device and the transfer device to move synchronously to transfer the battery in the transfer device to the welding station.

[0035] Optionally, prior to step S200, the welding method includes:

[0036] The control cell positioning device drives the received battery to move to a preset position.

[0037] The control cell pickup device transfers the battery located at the preset position of the cell positioning device to the battery receiving device.

[0038] Optionally, controlling the cell pickup device to transfer the battery located at a preset position on the cell positioning device to the battery receiving device includes:

[0039] The control cell picking device transfers the battery from the preset position of the cell positioning device to the tab alignment device.

[0040] The control tab alignment device drives the cell of the received battery to rotate until the tab rotates with the cell to a preset position.

[0041] The control cell pickup device transfers the battery, which is in the tab alignment device and in a preset posture, to the battery receiving device.

[0042] Alternatively, the welding method may also include:

[0043] Step S600: Control the tensile testing device to perform a tensile test on the welded battery.

[0044] Thirdly, this application discloses a battery production apparatus, including welding equipment.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0046] The welding equipment disclosed in this application includes: a battery receiving device for receiving batteries; a cell picking device for picking up the cells of the batteries in the battery receiving device; a tab picking device for picking up the tabs of the batteries in the battery receiving device; a cap picking device; and a welding device. The welding device corresponds to a welding station. The tab picking device and the cell picking device can move synchronously to jointly transport the batteries in the battery receiving device to the welding station. The cap picking device can transport the received caps to the corresponding tabs at the welding station so that the welding device can weld the received tabs and caps.

[0047] As can be seen, compared with the fixtures and other devices in related technologies, the welding equipment of this application allows the tab picking device and the cell picking device to cooperate with each other during the battery transfer process to achieve synchronous picking of the cell and tab. This can prevent the tab from twisting or deforming during the transfer process to the greatest extent, thereby ensuring welding accuracy. Compared with manual welding, the welding equipment of this application is a mechanized operation, so the welding efficiency is greatly improved.

[0048] In summary, the welding equipment described in this application can balance welding precision and welding efficiency, thereby ensuring battery quality and production volume. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the battery structure disclosed in this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a layout diagram of the welding equipment disclosed in this application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a first-view view of the battery receiving device disclosed in this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a second-view view of the battery receiving device disclosed in this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a welding schematic diagram of the welding equipment disclosed in this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the electrode pickup device disclosed in this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the battery cell positioning device disclosed in this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a first-view view of the electrode alignment device disclosed in this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a second-view diagram of the electrode alignment device disclosed in this application;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the battery cell pickup device disclosed in this application;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a plan view of the battery cell pickup device disclosed in this application;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the welding method disclosed in this application.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0063] 1-Battery,

[0064] 1a-Battery cell, 1b-Electrical tab, 1c-Cap, 1d-Identification mark

[0065] 10-Battery receiver

[0066] 11-Battery platform,

[0067] 111-First cell stage, 112-First tab stage

[0068] 12-Image capture device

[0069] 121-Imaging module, 122-Imaging module mounting bracket, 123-Imaging module drive mechanism,

[0070] 13-Electrical tab clamping mechanism,

[0071] 131-Electrode clamping block,

[0072] 20-Cell Pickup Device

[0073] 21-First battery handling mechanism

[0074] 22-Second battery handling mechanism

[0075] 23-Cell Pickup Head

[0076] 231-First limiting block, 232-Gripper, 233-Second limiting block, 234-Capped suction head,

[0077] 23a - First cell pickup head, 23b - Second cell pickup head, 23c - Third cell pickup head, 30 - Tab pickup device.

[0078] 31-First electrode transport mechanism, 32-Second electrode transport mechanism, 33-Electrode handle arm, 34-Electrode suction head, 30a-Allowing hole

[0079] 40-Cap Pickup Device

[0080] 41-Cap handling mechanism, 42-Cap picking head,

[0081] 50-Welding equipment,

[0082] 60-Transfer device,

[0083] 61-Transit agencies,

[0084] 62-Transfer Platform

[0085] 621-Cap transfer station, 622-Cell transfer station, 623-Baffle plate

[0086] 63-First cell clamping mechanism,

[0087] 64-First cell clamping block

[0088] 70-Cell positioning device

[0089] 80-Electrical tab alignment device. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0091] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0092] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0093] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0094] Furthermore, the terms "first," "first," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction) and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0095] Batteries in related technologies, such as Figure 1 As shown, caps 1c need to be welded to the tabs 1b at both ends of battery 1. One tab 1b of battery 1 is a plastic tab with high hardness, and welding the cap 1c is relatively easy. The tab 1b of the other end of battery 1 is a flexible tab, which also needs to be welded with caps 1c (dashed line position). However, the flexible tab is longer and has lower hardness. Using commonly used jigs for welding cannot shape the tab well, and the tab is prone to twisting and other abnormalities during the transfer process, which makes it impossible to guarantee the welding accuracy of caps 1c and tabs 1b. Manual welding cannot guarantee welding efficiency. Therefore, in order to solve this problem and ensure the welding accuracy and efficiency of caps 1c and tabs 1b, the technical solution of this application was developed. The following is a detailed explanation. Figures 2 to 12 To elaborate.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 This application discloses a welding device, comprising: a base (not shown in the figure), a battery receiving device 10, a cell picking device 20, a tab picking device 30, a cap picking device 40, and a welding device 50. The base serves as the mounting foundation for the welding device, and the battery receiving device 10, cell picking device 20, tab picking device 30, cap picking device 40, and welding device 50 are all mounted on the base. The battery receiving device 10 receives a battery 1; the cell picking device 20 picks up a cell 1a of the battery 1 within the battery receiving device 10; and the tab picking device 30 picks up a tab 1b of the battery 1 within the battery receiving device 10.

[0097] The welding device 50 corresponds to the welding station. During operation, the tab pickup device 30 picks up the tab 1b, and the cell pickup device 20 picks up the cell 1a. Then, the tab pickup device 30 and the cell pickup device 20 can move synchronously, for example, both moving horizontally, to jointly transfer the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10 to the welding station. At the same time, the cap pickup device 40 can transfer the received cap 1c to the tab 1b corresponding to the welding station, for example, by moving the cap 1c directly below the tab 1b in the welding station, so that the welding device 50 can weld the received tab 1b and cap 1c.

[0098] As can be seen, compared with fixtures and other devices in related technologies, the welding equipment of this application allows the tab pickup device 30 and the cell pickup device 20 to cooperate during the transfer of battery 1, enabling simultaneous pickup of cell 1a and tab 1b. This minimizes the risk of twisting or deformation of tab 1b during transfer, thus ensuring welding accuracy. Furthermore, compared to manual welding, the welding equipment of this application is mechanized, significantly improving welding efficiency. In summary, the welding equipment of this application balances welding accuracy and efficiency, thereby ensuring the quality and yield of battery 1.

[0099] Optionally, regarding the specific structure of the cap picking device 40, the cap picking device 40 includes a cap conveying mechanism 41 and a cap picking head 42 connected to each other. The cap picking head 42 is used to pick up the cap 1c. The cap conveying mechanism 41 can be a cylinder mechanism, a conveyor belt mechanism, etc. The cap conveying mechanism 41 can drive the cap picking head 42 to move in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane, so that the cap 1c in the cap picking head 42 can be positioned adjustable, thereby enabling the cap 1c to be better aligned with the bottom of the electrode tab 1b, thus ensuring the subsequent welding accuracy.

[0100] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery receiving device 10 may include a battery platform 11 for carrying the battery 1, and an image capturing device 12 for acquiring position parameters of the tab 1b of the battery 1 on the battery platform 11, such as a camera, to determine the position of the tab 1b on the battery platform 11 by taking pictures of the tab 1b. A cell picking device 20 is used to pick up the cell 1a on the battery platform 11 based on the position parameters. A tab picking device 30 is used to pick up the tab 1b on the battery platform 11 based on the position parameters. A cap picking device 40 is used to transfer the received cap 1c to the corresponding tab 1b in the welding station based on the position parameters. A welding device 50 is used to weld the tab 1b and cap 1c based on the position parameters.

[0101] In this way, whether it is picking up the battery cell 1a and the tab 1b, or welding the tab 1b and the cap 1c, the position parameters are used as the reference. This ensures a high degree of reference overlap, making it easier to ensure that the tab 1b does not deform during the transfer process, and to ensure the alignment accuracy of the subsequent tab 1b and cap 1c, thereby ensuring the position accuracy of the welding.

[0102] Optionally, the electrode 1b is provided with Figure 1 The mark 1d shown refers to a mark made on the tab 1b. For example, mark 1d could be set as a marking hole, and its position parameter would be the coordinate parameter of mark 1d. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tab pickup device 30 is provided with a clearance hole 30a, which corresponds to the marking 1d of the tab 1b. The welding device 50 is used to obtain the position parameters through the clearance hole 30a, and to weld the tab 1b and the cap 1c through the clearance hole 30a.

[0103] For example, the electrode pickup device 30 may include a first electrode transport mechanism 31, a second electrode transport mechanism 32 and an electrode arm 33 connected in sequence. The electrode arm 33 is provided with an electrode adsorption head 34 at one end away from the second electrode transport mechanism 32. The electrode adsorption head 34 is used to adsorb and pick up the electrode 1b.

[0104] The clearance hole 30a passes through the tab arm 33 and the tab suction head 34, allowing the welding device 50 to weld the tab 1b through the clearance hole 30a. For example, the welding device 50 may include a laser welding head and a laser calibrator. The laser calibrator is used to determine the position parameters of the tab 1b through the clearance hole 30a, while the laser emitted from the laser welding head can pass through the clearance hole 30a to weld the tab 1b and the cap 1c. This clearance hole 30a allows for both direct observation of the marker 1d to facilitate determining the position parameters of the tab 1b and convenient welding through the clearance hole 30a, achieving reuse of the clearance hole 30a and comprehensively improving welding accuracy and operability. Simultaneously, the tab suction head 34 is also used to adhere and fix the tab 1b during welding by the welding device 50, ensuring the tab 1b remains fixed and preventing displacement or deformation during welding, further guaranteeing welding accuracy.

[0105] The driving direction of the first tab transport mechanism 31 intersects with the driving direction of the second tab transport mechanism 32. For example, the driving direction of the first tab transport mechanism 31 is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the driving direction of the second tab transport mechanism 32 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The first tab transport mechanism 31 can drive the tab suction head 34 to move between the battery receiving device 10 and the welding station along with the second tab transport mechanism 32, so as to transfer the tab 1b from the battery receiving device 10 to the welding station. The second tab transport mechanism 32 can drive the tab suction head 34 to move up and down, so that the tab 1b picked up by the tab suction head 34 moves away from or closer to the battery receiving device 10, and away from or closer to the welding station. In this way, when transferring the battery 1, the second tab transport mechanism 32 first lifts the tab 1b to separate the tab 1b from the battery receiving device 10, then the first tab transport mechanism 31 transfers the tab 1b to the position corresponding to the welding station, and then the second tab transport mechanism 32 lowers the tab 1b so that the tab 1b can be in the welding station for subsequent welding.

[0106] Optionally, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery receiving device 10 may also include a tab clamping mechanism 13. The tab clamping mechanism 13 is connected to a tab clamping block 131. The tab clamping block 131 is used to set the tab 1b. The tab clamping mechanism 13 may be a cylinder mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder mechanism, an electric push rod mechanism, etc. The tab clamping mechanism 13 can drive the tab clamping block 131 to move up and down, so that the tab clamping block 131 moves closer to or away from the battery carrier 11, thereby allowing the tab clamping block 131 to flatten and fix the tab 1b on the first tab carrier 112, preventing the tab 1b from warping or moving, thereby ensuring the accuracy of picking up the position parameters of the tab 1b, and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent welding.

[0107] Optionally, the battery platform 11 may include a first cell platform 111 for placing the cell 1a and a first tab platform 112 for placing the tab 1b. The tab pressing block 131 and the first tab platform 112 are arranged facing each other. The tab pressing block 131 is close to or away from the first tab platform 112 to flatten and fix the tab 1b. The first cell platform 111 is composed of multiple V-shaped blocks to position the cylindrical cell 1a.

[0108] Optionally, the image capturing device 12 may include an imaging module 121, an imaging module mounting bracket 122, and an imaging module driving mechanism 123 connected in sequence. The imaging module driving mechanism 123 can drive the imaging module 121 to move in the direction of lifting and lowering the tab 131 to correspond to the tab 1b, enabling the imaging module 121 to acquire the position parameters of the tab 1b. Furthermore, the imaging module driving mechanism 123 can drive the imaging module 121 to move in the direction of lifting and lowering the tab 131 to be offset from the tab 1b, thereby avoiding interference with the lifting and lowering movement of the tab 131. Simultaneously, the imaging module driving mechanism 123 can adjust the position of the imaging module 121 to ensure precise correspondence between the imaging module 121 and the tab 1b, thereby improving the accuracy of the acquired position parameters.

[0109] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the welding equipment may also include a transfer device 60 for picking up battery cell 1a. Specifically, during the transfer, firstly, tab pickup device 30 picks up tab 1b, and battery cell pickup device 20 picks up battery cell 1a. Tab pickup device 30 and battery cell pickup device 20 move synchronously to transfer battery 1 in battery receiving device 10 to transfer device 60. Subsequently, tab pickup device 30 maintains its grip on tab 1b, while battery cell pickup device 20 separates from battery cell 1a, and transfer device 60 picks up battery cell 1a. Tab pickup device 30 and transfer device 60 move synchronously to transfer battery 1 in transfer device 60 to welding station.

[0110] In this way, by having the transfer device 60 avoid the welding device 50 during subsequent transfer, it is possible to effectively prevent abnormalities caused by interference with the welding device 50 and other devices during subsequent transfer, which would result from transferring the battery cells solely through the larger battery cell pickup device 20. Furthermore, the transfer device 60 can compensate for the insufficient travel of the battery cells during transfer when the travel of the battery cell pickup device 20 is insufficient.

[0111] Optionally, the transfer device 60 includes a transfer mechanism 61, a transfer platform 62 connected to the transfer mechanism 61, and a first cell pressing mechanism 63 provided on the transfer platform 62. The first cell pressing mechanism 63 is connected to a first cell pressing block 64, and the first cell pressing block 64 and the transfer platform 62 are arranged facing each other.

[0112] The intermediate transfer platform 62 is used to receive the battery cell 1a transferred by the battery cell pickup device 20. The transfer mechanism 61 is used to drive the battery cell 1a to be transferred to the welding station along with the intermediate transfer platform 62. The first battery cell pressing mechanism 63 can drive the first battery cell pressing block 64 to move up and down so that the first battery cell pressing block 64 moves closer to or away from the intermediate transfer platform 62, so that the first battery cell pressing block 64 can press the battery cell 1a on the intermediate transfer platform 62, preventing the battery cell 1a from shaking or other abnormalities during the transfer process, thereby ensuring the subsequent welding accuracy.

[0113] Optionally, the welding equipment may further include a cell positioning device 70, which drives the received battery 1 to move along its own axis to a preset position; the cell picking device 20 can transfer the battery 1 located at the preset position of the cell positioning device 70 to the battery receiving device 10. In this way, the consistency of the battery 1 picked up by the cell picking device 20 each time is better, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10, reducing the error when the subsequent cell picking device 20 and the tab picking device 30 pick up the battery 1 simultaneously, and thus improving the welding accuracy.

[0114] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery cell positioning device 70 may include a limiting mechanism 71, a second battery cell platform 72, and a battery cell stop mechanism 73 arranged sequentially. The second battery cell platform 72 is used to place the battery cell 1a. The limiting mechanism 71 is used to drive the battery cell 1a on the second battery cell platform 72 to move along its own axial direction, so that the battery cell 1a moves to abut against the battery cell stop mechanism 73. When the battery cell 1a moves to abut against the battery cell stop mechanism 73, it is in a preset position. A limiting block is provided at one end of the battery cell stop mechanism 73 facing the limiting mechanism 71. The battery cell stop mechanism 73 can drive the limiting block to move closer to or away from the limiting mechanism 71 to adjust the preset position according to different battery specifications, thereby improving the flexibility of the device of this application.

[0115] Optionally, the cell positioning device 70 may further include a second cell pressing mechanism 74, which is connected to a second cell pressing block 75. The second cell pressing mechanism 74 can drive the second cell pressing block 75 to move up and down, so that the second cell pressing block 75 moves closer to or further away from the second cell platform 72, thereby pressing the cell 1a on the second cell platform 72, preventing abnormal shaking from causing the cell 1a to be mispositioned, and thus improving the positioning accuracy of the battery 1.

[0116] Optionally, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the welding equipment may further include a tab alignment device 80, which is used to receive the battery 1 and drive the cell 1a to rotate around its own axis until the tab 1b rotates with the cell 1a to a preset posture. The cell pickup device 20 is used to transfer the battery 1 from the preset position of the cell positioning device 70 to the tab alignment device 80, and to transfer the battery 1, which is in the tab alignment device 80 and in the preset posture, to the battery receiving device 10.

[0117] In this way, the tab alignment device 80 and the cell positioning device 70 can cooperate with each other to position the battery 1 in both the axial and circumferential directions, making the consistency of the battery 1 picked up by the cell picking device 20 better, further improving the positional accuracy of the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10, reducing the error of the subsequent cell picking device 20 and tab picking device 30 picking up the battery 1 at the same time, and thus improving the welding accuracy.

[0118] Optionally, the electrode alignment device 80 may include a third cell platform 81, an electrode alignment mechanism 82, a drive wheel transport mechanism 84, an electrode support block 85, and an alignment sensor 86. The third cell platform 81 is used to place the cell 1a. The electrode alignment mechanism 82 is connected to the drive wheel 83, and the drive wheel transport mechanism 84 is connected to the electrode alignment mechanism 82. The electrode support block 85 is spaced apart from the third cell platform 81, and the electrode support block 85 and the electrode 1b face each other. The alignment sensor 86 is positioned corresponding to the electrode support block 85 and may be a dual-beam optical fiber. The preset orientation is that the support surfaces of the electrode 1b and the electrode support block 85 are parallel to each other, so that the electrode support block 85 supports the electrode 1b, and the support surface of the electrode support block 85 is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0119] When aligning battery 1, the active wheel transport mechanism 84 can drive the active wheel 83 to move with the tab alignment mechanism 82, so that the active wheel 83 contacts the cell 1a on the third cell platform 81. The tab alignment mechanism 82 can drive the active wheel 83 to rotate, so as to drive the cell 1a to rotate. The alignment sensor 86 is used to send an alignment signal when the tab 1b rotates with the cell 1a to a preset posture, and sends the alignment signal to the controller of the welding equipment of this application. The controller stops the operation of the tab alignment mechanism 82 based on the alignment signal so that the battery 1 maintains the preset posture.

[0120] Optionally, the electrode alignment device 80 may also include rollers 87, which are rotatably mounted on the third cell platform 81. Multiple rollers 87 are arranged along the axial direction of the cell 1a. The multiple rollers 87 are used to roll and contact the cell 1a to reduce the frictional force of the cell 1a rolling during alignment.

[0121] Optionally, such as Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the cell pickup device 20 may include a first battery transport mechanism 21, a second battery transport mechanism 22, and a cell pickup head 23 connected in sequence.

[0122] The cell pickup head 23 is used to pick up the cell 1a. The first battery transport mechanism 21 is used to drive the cell pickup head 23 to move in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane along with the second battery transport mechanism 22. The cell positioning device 70, the tab alignment device 80, and the battery receiving device 10 are arranged sequentially along the driving direction of the first battery transport mechanism 21. In this way, the cell pickup head 23 can correspond to any one of the cell positioning device 70, the tab alignment device 80, and the battery receiving device 10 under the drive of the first battery transport mechanism 21.

[0123] The second battery transport mechanism 22 is used to drive the cell pickup head 23 to move in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, so that when the cell pickup head 23 is in the cell positioning device 70, it can move away from or towards the cell positioning device 70 by lifting and lowering; or when it is in the tab alignment device 80, it can move away from or towards the tab alignment device 80 by lifting and lowering; or when it is in the battery receiving device 10, it can move away from or towards the battery receiving device 10 by lifting and lowering.

[0124] Three cell pickup heads 23 are provided, namely, a first cell pickup head 23a, a second cell pickup head 23b, and a third cell pickup head 23c, which are arranged sequentially along the driving direction of the first battery transport mechanism 21. All three cell pickup heads 23 are located in the second battery transport mechanism 22, and the three cell pickup heads 23 can move synchronously under the driving action of the second battery transport mechanism 22 and / or the first battery transport mechanism 21.

[0125] In this way, through the cooperation of the first battery transport mechanism 21 and the second battery transport mechanism 22, the three cell pickup heads 23 synchronously undergo various movements such as lateral movement, lifting, and lowering. Thus, the first cell pickup head 23a can transfer the battery 1 from the cell positioning device 70 to the tab alignment device 80; the second cell pickup head 23b can transfer the battery 1 in the tab alignment device 80 to the battery receiving device 10; and the third cell pickup head 23c can move synchronously with the tab pickup device 30 to jointly transfer the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10 to the transfer device 60. Then, the transfer device 60 and the tab pickup device 30 move synchronously to transfer the battery 1 to the welding station.

[0126] It can be seen that the above-mentioned three cell pickup heads 23 can shorten the travel of each cell pickup head 23 in the battery 1 process, thereby shortening the cycle time and improving welding efficiency.

[0127] Optionally, the battery cell pickup head 23 may include a first limiting block 231, a gripper 232, and a second limiting block 233 arranged in sequence. The battery cell 1a can be limited along its own axis between the first limiting block 231 and the second limiting block 233, and is held by the gripper 232 to prevent the battery cell 1a from moving along its own axis and to ensure the accuracy of the battery cell pickup head 23 pickup.

[0128] As mentioned above, both ends of battery 1, tabs 1b, need to be welded with caps 1c. Therefore, the cell pickup device 20 may also include a cap adsorption head 234. One working condition in the specific welding process of battery 1 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown: One end of the battery has a cap 1c welded on it. The other end of the battery (dashed line position) needs to have its cap 1c welded on. In this situation, the cap suction head 234 picks up the cap 1c already welded on one end of the battery 1, the gripper 232 holds the battery cell 1a, and the tab pickup device 30 picks up the tab 1b on the other end of the battery that has not had its cap 1c welded on. Then, it is transferred to the transfer device 60, and from there to the welding station, so that the cap 1c can be welded to the tab 1b on the other end of the battery 1. Figure 1 (The position of the dotted line in the middle).

[0129] Optionally, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the welding equipment may also include a tensile testing device 90, which is used to perform a tensile test on the welded battery 1. Specifically, the welding equipment is provided with a testing station spaced apart from the welding station. The tensile testing device 90 is set corresponding to the testing station. The tensile testing device 90 may include a sliding plate 92 with a hook 91 and a hook driving mechanism 93 connected to the sliding plate 92. After the battery 1 is welded, the tab pickup device 30 separates from the tab 1b, and the transfer device 60 drives the welded battery 1 to be transferred from the welding station to the testing station. At this time, the hook driving mechanism 93 drives the hook 91 to approach the testing station through the sliding plate 92 so that the hook 91 can hook the cap 1c welded on the tab 1b. Then, the hook driving mechanism 93 can drive the hook 91 to pull back the cap 1c with a preset tensile force, so that the tensile testing device 90 can detect whether the weld can resist the preset tensile force, thereby detecting whether the weld is qualified.

[0130] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the transfer platform 62 may include a cap transfer platform 621 and a cell transfer platform 622 arranged sequentially. One end of the cell 1a has a tab 1b with a cap 1c already welded on it. The cap 1c is placed on the cap transfer platform 621, and the cell 1a is placed on the cell transfer platform 622. The tab 1b at the other end of the cell 1a is attracted by the tab pickup device 30 and extends away from the cap transfer platform 621 and beyond the cell transfer platform 622 to be welded to the cap 1c in the cap pickup device 40.

[0131] The cell transfer platform 622 has a recessed placement area, in which at least a portion of the cell 1a is accommodated to ensure the stability of the cell 1a. The cell transfer platform 622 has a baffle 623 that covers the recessed placement area. The baffle 623 can abut against the end of the cell 1a facing the cap pickup device 40. Thus, when the battery 1 is transferred to the testing station with the transfer platform 62, the baffle 623 is located between the cell 1a and the tensile testing device 90. The abutment of the cell 1a by the baffle 623 allows the tensile testing device 90 to apply a better tensile force to the cap 1. c. To prevent the battery cell 1a from moving along its own axis, the baffle 623 alone is not enough to fix the battery cell 1a. When the hook 91 is used for tensile testing, the battery cell 1a may tip over abnormally. Therefore, when the tensile test is performed, the first battery cell clamping mechanism 63 drives the first battery cell pressing block 64 to continuously press the battery cell 1a to provide a clamping force intersecting the tensile force direction, that is, a clamping force along the radial direction of the battery cell 1a. In this way, the battery cell 1a is fixed in two degrees of freedom during the tensile test, preventing abnormal movement of the battery cell 1a and thus ensuring the accuracy of the tensile test.

[0132] like Figure 12 As shown, this application also discloses a welding method for the above-mentioned welding equipment, comprising:

[0133] Step S100: Control the image capture device 12 to acquire the position parameters of the tab 1b of the battery 1 on the battery platform 11.

[0134] Step S200: Control the cell pickup device 20 to pick up the cell 1a of the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10, and control the tab pickup device 30 to pick up the tab 1b of the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10 based on the position parameters.

[0135] Step S300: Based on position parameters, control the cell pickup device 20 and the tab pickup device 30 to move synchronously so that the battery 1 is transferred to the welding station.

[0136] Step S400: Based on the position parameters, control the cap picking device 40 to transfer the cap 1c to the welding station so that the cap 1c corresponds to the tab 1b.

[0137] Step S500: Based on position parameters, control the welding device 50 to weld the tab 1b and cap 1c at the welding station.

[0138] As mentioned above, the cell pickup device 20 and the tab pickup device 30 cooperate with each other to synchronously pick up the tab 1b. At the same time, they both use position parameters as a reference to improve the reference overlap. This makes it easier to ensure that the tab 1b does not deform during the transfer process, and to ensure the alignment accuracy of the subsequent tab 1b and cap 1c, thereby ensuring the position accuracy of the welding.

[0139] Optionally, step S500 includes: when welding tab 1b in welding device 50, controlling tab pickup device 30 to fix tab 1b and cell 1a. This keeps tab 1b in a fixed state to prevent displacement or deformation of tab 1b during welding.

[0140] Optionally, step S300 includes:

[0141] Step S310: Control the tab pickup device 30 and the cell pickup device 20 to move synchronously to transfer the battery 1 to the transfer device 60.

[0142] Step S320: Control the cell pickup device 20 to separate from the cell 1a, and control the transfer device 60 to pick up the cell 1a.

[0143] Step S330: Control the tab pickup device 30 and the transfer device 60 to move synchronously to transfer the battery 1 in the transfer device 60 to the welding station.

[0144] This allows the transfer device 60 to avoid the welding device 50 during subsequent transfer, thus preventing interference, and also allows for stroke compensation during cell transfer via the transfer device 60.

[0145] Prior to step S200, the welding method includes:

[0146] The control cell positioning device 70 drives the received battery 1 to move to a preset position.

[0147] The control cell picking device 20 transfers the battery 1 from the preset position of the cell positioning device 70 to the tab alignment device 80.

[0148] The control tab alignment device 80 drives the battery cell 1a of the received battery to rotate until the tab 1b rotates with the battery cell 1a to a preset position.

[0149] The control cell pickup device 20 transfers the battery 1, which is in the tab alignment device 80 and in a preset posture, to the battery receiving device 10.

[0150] In this way, the battery 1 is positioned in both the axial and circumferential directions, resulting in better consistency of the battery 1 picked up by the cell picking device 20, further improving the positional accuracy of the battery 1 in the battery receiving device 10, and thus improving the welding accuracy.

[0151] Optionally, the welding method further includes step S600: controlling the tensile testing device 90 to perform a tensile test on the welded battery 1. This is to detect whether the weld can resist a preset tensile force, thereby detecting whether the weld is qualified.

[0152] This application also discloses a battery production apparatus, including welding equipment.

[0153] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A welding device, characterized in that, include: A battery receiving device (10) is used to receive a battery (1). A cell pickup device (20) is used to pick up a cell (1a) of the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10). A tab pickup device (30) is used to pick up the tab (1b) of the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10). The cap picking device (40) and the welding device (50) are provided. The welding device (50) corresponds to the welding station. The tab picking device (30) and the cell picking device (20) can move synchronously to jointly transfer the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10) to the welding station. The cap picking device (40) can transfer the received cap (1c) to the welding station corresponding to the tab (1b) so that the welding device (50) can weld the received tab (1b) and cap (1c). The tab picking device (30) is also used to fix the tab (1b) when the welding device (50) welds the tab (1b).

2. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery receiving device (10) includes a battery platform (11) for carrying the battery (1) and an image capturing device (12) for acquiring position parameters of the tabs (1b) of the battery (1) on the battery platform (11). The cell picking device (20) is used to pick up the cell (1a) located on the battery platform (11) based on the position parameters. The tab pickup device (30) is used to pick up the tab (1b) on the battery platform (11) based on the position parameters. The cap pickup device (40) is used to transfer the received cap (1c) to the corresponding electrode (1b) in the welding station based on the position parameters. The welding device (50) is used to weld the tab (1b) and the cap (1c) based on the position parameters.

3. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode (1b) is provided with a mark (1d), and the position parameter is the coordinate parameter of the mark (1d); The electrode pickup device (30) is provided with a clearance hole (30a), which corresponds to the mark (1d) on the electrode (1b). The welding device (50) is used to obtain the position parameters through the clearance hole (30a) and to weld the tab (1b) and the cap (1c) through the clearance hole (30a).

4. The welding equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The battery receiving device (10) further includes a tab clamping mechanism (13), which is connected to a tab clamping block (131). The tab clamp (131) is used to correspond to the tab (1b). The tab clamping mechanism (13) can drive the tab clamp (131) to move up and down so that the tab clamp (131) moves closer to or away from the battery carrier (11).

5. The welding equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The image capture device (12) includes an imaging module (121) and an imaging module drive mechanism (123) connected in sequence. The imaging module drive mechanism (123) can drive the imaging module (121) to move to the position corresponding to the tab (1b) in the lifting direction of the tab pressure block (131), and enable the imaging module (121) to obtain the position parameters of the tab (1b). as well as, The imaging module drive mechanism (123) can drive the imaging module (121) to move so that the lifting direction of the tab pressure block (131) is offset from that of the tab (1b).

6. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a transfer device (60) for picking up the battery cell (1a). The tab pickup device (30) and the cell pickup device (20) can move synchronously to transfer the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10) to the transfer device (60). The tab pickup device (30) and the transfer device (60) can move synchronously to transfer the battery (1) in the transfer device (60) to the welding station.

7. The welding equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer device (60) is provided with a transfer mechanism (61), a transfer platform (62) connected to the transfer mechanism (61), and a first cell pressing mechanism (63) provided on the transfer platform (62). The first cell pressing mechanism (63) is connected to a first cell pressing block (64). The intermediate transfer platform (62) is used to receive the battery cell (1a) transferred by the battery cell picking device (20). The transfer mechanism (61) is used to drive the battery cell (1a) to be transferred to the welding station along with the intermediate transfer platform (62). The first battery cell pressing mechanism (63) can drive the first battery cell pressing block (64) to move up and down so that the first battery cell pressing block (64) moves closer to or away from the intermediate transfer platform (62).

8. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cell positioning device (70), which is used to drive the received battery (1) to move to a preset position; The cell picking device (20) can transfer the battery (1) located at a preset position of the cell positioning device (70) to the battery receiving device (10).

9. The welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery cell positioning device (70) includes a limiting mechanism (71), a second battery cell platform (72), and a battery cell stop mechanism (73) arranged in sequence. The second cell platform (72) is used to place the cell (1a), and the limiting mechanism (71) is used to drive the cell (1a) on the second cell platform (72) to move along its own axis so that the cell (1a) moves to abut against the cell stop mechanism (73). The cell stop mechanism (73) has a limit block at one end facing the limit mechanism (71), and the cell stop mechanism (73) can drive the limit block to move closer to or away from the limit mechanism (71).

10. The welding equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a tab alignment device (80). The tab alignment device (80) is used to receive the battery (1) and drive the cell (1a) to rotate until the tab (1b) rotates with the cell (1a) to a preset posture; The cell pickup device (20) is used to transfer the battery (1) from the preset position of the cell positioning device (70) to the tab alignment device (80), and, Used to transfer the battery (1) in the tab alignment device (80) and in a preset posture to the battery receiving device (10).

11. The welding equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrode alignment device (80) includes: The third cell carrier (81) is used to place the cell (1a). The electrode alignment mechanism (82) is connected to the drive wheel (83); Active wheel transport mechanism (84), connected to electrode alignment mechanism (82); The electrode support block (85) is spaced apart from the third cell stage (81) and is oriented towards the electrode (1b); The preset posture is: the support surfaces of the electrode tab (1b) and the electrode tab support block (85) are parallel to each other; The active wheel transport mechanism (84) can drive the active wheel (83) to move with the tab alignment mechanism (82) so that the active wheel (83) contacts the cell (1a) on the third cell platform (81). The tab alignment mechanism (82) can drive the active wheel (83) to rotate so as to drive the cell (1a) to rotate and keep the battery (1) in a preset posture.

12. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell pickup device (20) includes a battery cell pickup head (23), which includes a first limiting block (231), a gripper (232), and a second limiting block (233) arranged in sequence. The battery cell (1a) can be limited between the first limiting block (231) and the second limiting block (233) and is held by the gripper (232).

13. The welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tensile testing device (90). The tensile testing device (90) is used to perform tensile testing on the welded battery (1).

14. A welding method for use in the welding equipment of claim 1, characterized in that, include: Step S200: Control the cell pickup device (20) to pick up the cell (1a) of the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10), and control the tab pickup device (30) to pick up the tab (1b) of the battery (1) in the battery receiving device (10). Step S300: Control the cell pickup device (20) and the tab pickup device (30) to move synchronously so that the battery (1) is transferred to the welding station; Step S400: Control the cap picking device (40) to transfer the cap (1c) to the welding station so that the cap (1c) corresponds to the electrode tab (1b). Step S500: Control the welding device (50) to weld the tab (1b) and cap (1c) at the welding station.

15. The welding method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The battery receiving device (10) includes a battery platform (11) and an image capturing device (12). The battery platform (11) is used to carry the battery (1). Before step S200, the welding method includes: Step S100: Control the image capturing device (12) to acquire the position parameters of the tab (1b) of the battery (1) located on the battery platform (11); Step S200 includes: controlling the cell pickup device (20) to pick up the tab (1b) of the battery (1) based on the position parameters. Step S400 includes: based on the position parameters, controlling the cap picking device (40) to transfer the cap (1c) to the welding station so that the cap (1c) corresponds to the electrode tab (1b). Step S500 includes controlling the welding device (50) to weld the tab (1b) and cap (1c) at the welding station based on the position parameters.

16. The welding method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The step S500 includes: when the welding device (50) welds the tab (1b), controlling the tab pickup device (30) to fix the tab (1b).

17. The welding method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a transfer device (60) for picking up the battery cell (1a). Step S300 includes: Step S310: Control the tab pickup device (30) and the cell pickup device (20) to move synchronously to transfer the battery (1) to the transfer device (60). Step S320: Control the cell pickup device (20) to separate from the cell (1a), and control the transfer device (60) to pick up the cell (1a). Step S330: Control the tab pickup device (30) and the transfer device (60) to move synchronously to transfer the battery (1) in the transfer device (60) to the welding station.

18. The welding method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a cell positioning device (70). Prior to step S200, the welding method includes: The cell positioning device (70) is controlled to drive the received battery (1) to move to a preset position; Control the cell picking device (20) to transfer the battery (1) located at a preset position of the cell positioning device (70) to the battery receiving device (10).

19. The welding method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a tab alignment device (80). The control of the cell pickup device (20) to transfer the battery (1) located at a preset position of the cell positioning device (70) to the battery receiving device (10) includes: Control the cell picking device (20) to transfer the battery (1) from the preset position of the cell positioning device (70) to the tab alignment device (80). The control device (80) drives the battery cell (1a) of the received battery to rotate until the electrode (1b) rotates with the battery cell (1a) to a preset position. The cell picking device (20) is controlled to transfer the battery (1) which is in the tab alignment device (80) and in a preset posture to the battery receiving device (10).

20. The welding method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The welding equipment also includes a tensile testing device (90). The welding method further includes: Step S600: Control the tensile testing device (90) to perform a tensile test on the welded battery (1).

21. A battery production apparatus, characterized in that, The welding equipment included in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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