A feeding mechanism, a feeding device and a feeding method

Abstract

The application relates to a feeding mechanism, a feeding device and a feeding method, wherein the feeding mechanism comprises a displacement mechanism connected with a first X-axis linear module and capable of moving in a first direction; the displacement mechanism comprises a first mounting base, a roller, a support, a guide shaft, an elastic piece, a set of limiting blocks and a first suction nozzle assembly; the first mounting base has a space for mounting the support; the support is mounted in the space; the roller is arranged on the support; the limiting blocks are arranged at the bottom of the first mounting base respectively; the guide shaft is fixed to the limiting blocks and penetrates through one side of the support; the elastic piece is sleeved on the guide shaft, one end of the elastic piece abuts against the limiting block, and the other end abuts against the support; the first suction nozzle assembly is mounted at the bottom of the support; the variable-distance mechanism comprises a second mounting plate and a variable-rail plate mounted on the second mounting plate; the second mounting plate is fixedly arranged on the other side of the first X-axis linear module; and the variable-rail plate has a sliding inclined surface opposite to the roller. The application can realize automatic variable distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery module assembly technology, and in particular to a feeding mechanism, feeding device and feeding method. Background Technology

[0002] Battery cells are the energy source for electric vehicles, and their safety directly affects the safety of the entire vehicle. When working, battery cells generate heat and undergo thermal expansion and contraction at different temperatures, causing them to bulge. Long-term contact friction between battery cells may lead to cell damage, resulting in battery failure or even loss of control.

[0003] A common solution is to place foam between the cells in the power battery pack. The foam can provide functions such as heat insulation, cushioning, flame retardancy, sealing, support, and shock absorption to avoid long-term contact friction between the cells.

[0004] Currently, in battery pack assembly, automated machinery is used to pick up foam and attach it to the larger surface area of ​​the battery cell. However, existing automated machinery has poor compatibility, and the foam can only be placed in a specific direction after feeding. Furthermore, due to product and processing errors, the height of the adhesive strip may not be uniform, resulting in the inability to pick up the foam and excessive time consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention discloses a feeding mechanism, a feeding device, and a feeding method.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A feeding mechanism, comprising:

[0008] A first X-axis linear module has a first mounting part and a first movable part, wherein the first movable part moves along a first direction;

[0009] A shifting mechanism is connected to the first movable part; the shifting mechanism includes a first mounting base, rollers, a bracket, a guide shaft, an elastic element, a set of limiting blocks, and a first suction nozzle assembly. The first mounting base has space for mounting the bracket, the bracket is installed vertically in the space, and the rollers are disposed on the bracket. A set of limiting blocks are respectively disposed at the bottom of the first mounting base, both sides of the guide shaft are fixed to the limiting blocks, and the guide shaft passes through one side of the bracket. The elastic element is sleeved on the guide shaft, and one end of the elastic element abuts against the limiting block, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the bracket. The first suction nozzle assembly is mounted at the bottom of the bracket.

[0010] A fixing mechanism is fixedly disposed on one side of the first X-axis linear module; the fixing mechanism includes a second mounting base and a second suction nozzle assembly fixed to the bottom of the second mounting base;

[0011] The pitch-changing mechanism includes a second mounting plate and a track-changing plate mounted on the second mounting plate. The second mounting plate is fixedly disposed on the other side of the first X-axis linear module. The track-changing plate has a sliding surface opposite to the roller. The sliding surface has an inclined section and a straight section, wherein the roller contacts the inclined section first and then contacts the straight section.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting base includes a first sliding plate, a second sliding plate, and a first mounting plate. The first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are detachably connected, and the first sliding plate is connected to the first movable part. The second sliding plate is vertically mounted on the first mounting plate, and the first mounting plate is used to mount the limiting block.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second mounting base includes an adapter and a second connecting plate connected to the adapter, the second connecting plate being used to mount the second nozzle assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction nozzle assembly includes a first suction nozzle holder and a plurality of first suction nozzles mounted on the first suction nozzle holder, wherein the first suction nozzle holder has a vacuum passage communicating with the first suction nozzles.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the first suction nozzles are arranged in an array.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second nozzle assembly includes a second nozzle holder and a plurality of second nozzles mounted on the second nozzle holder, wherein the second nozzle holder has a vacuum passage communicating with the second nozzles.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second suction nozzles are arranged in an array.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the displacement mechanism further includes a first guide component disposed at the bottom of the first mounting base to guide the movement of the bracket relative to the guide shaft.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first guide assembly includes a first guide rail and at least one first slider that slides along the first guide rail, the first guide rail being fixed to the bottom of the first mounting base.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a Z-axis linear module is further included, the Z-axis linear module having a second mounting part and a second movable part, the second movable part moving along a third direction, and the first mounting part being mounted on the second movable part.

[0021] The present invention also provides a feeding device, comprising:

[0022] The Y-axis linear module has a third mounting part and a third movable part, wherein the third movable part moves along a second direction;

[0023] The second X-axis linear module has a fourth mounting part and a fourth movable part, the third mounting part is disposed on the fourth movable part, and the fourth movable part moves along a first direction;

[0024] The feeding mechanism described above is located in the third moving part.

[0025] The present invention also provides a feeding method, which uses the feeding mechanism as described above to pick up foam, including the following steps:

[0026] In the initial state, the shifting mechanism and the fixing mechanism are both on the same side of the first X-axis linear module, and the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are laid flat and stacked on the same side of the first X-axis linear module;

[0027] Based on the size of the foam, the first X-axis linear module drives the shifting mechanism to move along the first direction to a designated position;

[0028] When the shifting mechanism contacts the pitch-changing mechanism, the roller rolls along the sliding surface of the track-changing plate, the bracket is squeezed, and at the same time, the elastic element is compressed to change the position of the first suction nozzle assembly on the horizontal plane so that the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are flush, and foam is sucked up through the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly.

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0030] The feeding mechanism of the present invention is provided with a fixing mechanism and a shifting mechanism. The shifting mechanism moves relative to the fixing mechanism, which can adjust the spacing, achieve precise positioning, increase the adhesive application range of the battery cell, and improve the compatibility of the foam.

[0031] The feeding mechanism described in this invention reduces labor costs, allows for continuous operation, improves production efficiency, and saves cycle time. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism in this invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the shifting mechanism in this invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the displacement mechanism in this invention from a second perspective.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the feeding mechanism in this invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding device in this invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 100, Z-axis linear module; 200, first X-axis linear module; 300, shifting mechanism; 301, first sliding plate; 302, second sliding plate; 303, first mounting plate; 304, roller; 305, bracket; 306, elastic element; 307, limiting block; 308, first slider; 309, first guide rail; 310, first connecting plate; 311, first suction nozzle holder; 312, first suction nozzle; 400, fixing mechanism; 401, adapter; 402, second connecting plate; 403, second suction nozzle holder; 404, second suction nozzle; 500, pitch changing mechanism; 501, second mounting plate; 502, track changing plate; 600, Y-axis linear module; 700, second X-axis linear module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] The foregoing and other technical contents, features, and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the present invention. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Combination Figures 1-3 A feeding mechanism, comprising:

[0043] The first X-axis linear module 200 has a first mounting part and a first movable part, the first movable part moving along a first direction;

[0044] A shifting mechanism 300 is connected to the first movable part. The shifting mechanism 300 includes a first mounting base, rollers 304, a bracket 305, a guide shaft, elastic elements 306, a set of limiting blocks 307, and a first suction nozzle assembly. The first mounting base has space for mounting the bracket 305, which is installed vertically in the space. The rollers 304 are mounted on the bracket 305. A set of limiting blocks 307 are respectively located at the bottom of the first mounting base. The two sides of the guide shaft are fixed to the limiting blocks 307, and the guide shaft passes through one side of the bracket 305. The elastic elements 306 are sleeved on the guide shaft, with one end of the elastic elements 306 abutting against the limiting block 307 and the other end of the elastic elements 306 abutting against the bracket 305. The first suction nozzle assembly is mounted on the bottom of the bracket 305.

[0045] The fixing mechanism 400 is fixedly disposed on one side of the first X-axis linear module 200; the fixing mechanism 400 includes a second mounting base and a second suction nozzle assembly fixed to the bottom of the second mounting base;

[0046] The pitch-changing mechanism 500 includes a second mounting plate 501 and a track-changing plate 502 mounted on the second mounting plate 501. The second mounting plate 501 is fixedly disposed on the other side of the first X-axis linear module 200. The track-changing plate 502 has a sliding surface opposite to the roller 304. The sliding surface has an inclined section and a straight section, wherein the roller 304 contacts the inclined section first and then contacts the straight section.

[0047] This embodiment provides a feeding mechanism that can automatically change the distance, enabling rapid changeover of foam products of different sizes.

[0048] In this embodiment, the feeding mechanism further includes a Z-axis linear module 100, which has a second mounting part and a second movable part. The second movable part moves along a third direction, and the first mounting part is mounted on the second movable part.

[0049] It should be noted that, with Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism shown is illustrated. The length direction of the feeding mechanism is defined as the first direction, i.e., the X-axis; the width direction is defined as the second direction, i.e., the Y-axis; and the height direction is defined as the third direction, i.e., the Z-axis. The Z-axis linear module 100 drives the first X-axis linear module 200 to move in the Z-axis direction, and the first X-axis linear module 200 drives the shifting mechanism 300 to move in the X-axis direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first mounting base includes a first sliding plate 301, a second sliding plate 302, and a first mounting plate 303. Both the first sliding plate 301 and the second sliding plate 302 are within the XOZ plane, and the first sliding plate 301 and the second sliding plate 302 are detachably connected. The detachable connection can be achieved by means such as... Figure 2In the connection method shown, the first slide plate 301 has a slot, and corresponding to the slot, the second slide plate 302 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion, which and the slot can form a snap-fit ​​structure. The first slide plate 301 is connected to the first movable part, and the second slide plate 302 is vertically mounted on the first mounting plate 303, which is used to mount the limiting block 307.

[0051] Preferably, a second guide assembly is further provided on the first mounting plate 303 to guide the movement of the second slide plate 302 relative to the first mounting plate 303. Specifically, the second guide assembly includes a second guide rail and at least one second slider that slides along the second guide rail. The second guide rail is fixed to the first mounting plate 303 along the X-axis direction, and the second slider is fixed to the second slide plate 302.

[0052] It should be noted that since the first mounting base is driven to move to the pitch-changing mechanism 500 by the first X-axis linear module 200, notches are opened on one side of the first slide plate 301 and the second slide plate 302 to avoid collision between the shifting mechanism 300 and the pitch-changing mechanism 500, which would prevent the shifting mechanism 300 from changing pitch.

[0053] Specifically, the first nozzle assembly includes a first connecting plate 310, a first nozzle holder 311 mounted on the first connecting plate 310, and a plurality of first nozzles 312 mounted on the first nozzle holder 311. The first nozzle holder 311 has a vacuum passage communicating with the first nozzles 312.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple first suction nozzles 312 are arranged in an array. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the multiple first suction nozzles 312 are arranged in a 5×2 matrix. Of course, the multiple first suction nozzles 312 can also be arranged in a circular array or other preset path arrays.

[0055] In this embodiment, the shifting mechanism 300 further includes a first guide assembly disposed at the bottom of the first mounting base to guide the movement of the bracket 305 relative to the guide shaft. Specifically, the first guide assembly includes a first guide rail 309 and at least one first slider 308 that slides along the first guide rail 309, the first guide rail 309 being fixed to the bottom of the first mounting base.

[0056] In this embodiment, the elastic element 306 can be a compression spring, which works elastically, deforms under the action of external force, and returns to its original shape after the external force is removed.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second mounting base includes an adapter 401 and a second connecting plate 402 connected to the adapter 401. The second connecting plate 402 is used to mount the second suction nozzle assembly.

[0058] Specifically, the second nozzle assembly includes a second nozzle holder 403 and a plurality of second nozzles 404 mounted on the second nozzle holder 403, wherein the second nozzle holder 403 has a vacuum passage communicating with the second nozzles 404.

[0059] Furthermore, the multiple second suction nozzles 404 are arranged in an array. Similarly, the multiple second suction nozzles 404 are arranged in a 5×2 matrix. Of course, the multiple second suction nozzles 404 can also be arranged in a circular array or other preset path arrays.

[0060] As described above, the first and second suction nozzle assemblies can simultaneously pick up four pieces of foam. It should be noted that the number of first suction nozzles 312 and second suction nozzles 404 is determined by those skilled in the art as needed. Both the first suction nozzle 312 and the second suction nozzle 404 can be accordion nozzles with built-in adjustment. Accordion nozzles are compatible with errors caused by differences in the height of parts and products, increasing product compatibility and preventing the inability to pick up materials due to changes in material height, thus improving the feasibility of adhesive application.

[0061] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0062] In the initial state, the shifting mechanism 300 and the fixing mechanism 400 are both on the same side of the first X-axis linear module 200, and the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are laid flat and stacked on the same side of the first X-axis linear module 200.

[0063] Based on the size of the foam, the first X-axis linear module 200 drives the shifting mechanism 300 to move along the first direction to a designated position, thereby picking up the foam.

[0064] When the shifting mechanism 300 contacts the pitch-changing mechanism 500, the roller 304 rolls along the sliding surface of the track-changing plate 502, the bracket 305 is squeezed, and at the same time, the elastic element 306 is compressed to change the position of the first suction nozzle assembly on the horizontal plane so that the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are flush, that is, the first suction nozzle 312 and the second suction nozzle 404 are both in the XOY plane, and the foam is sucked up by the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly.

[0065] In addition, the height of the first X-axis linear module 200 can be adjusted by the Z-axis linear module 100 according to the height of the foam to be sucked.

[0066] When the shifting mechanism 300 needs to be reset, the elastic element 306 returns to its initial state, and the shifting mechanism 300 can move to the starting end of the variable track plate 502 of the variable pitch mechanism 500.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, a feeding device includes:

[0069] The Y-axis linear module 600 has a third mounting part and a third movable part, the third movable part moving along the second direction;

[0070] The second X-axis linear module 700 has a fourth mounting part and a fourth movable part, the third mounting part is disposed on the fourth movable part, and the fourth movable part moves along the first direction;

[0071] The feeding mechanism provided in Embodiment 1 is located in the third moving part.

[0072] It is understandable that the Z-axis linear module 100, the Y-axis linear module 600, and the second X-axis linear module 700 constitute an XYZ three-axis gantry module, employing a three-degree-of-freedom linear motion design. It consists of three independent linear actuators, enabling motion control in the X, Y, and Z axes. Therefore, the second X-axis linear module 700 drives the loading mechanism to move along the X-axis, and the Y-axis linear module 600 drives the second X-axis linear module 700 to move along the Y-axis.

[0073] It should be noted that the Z-axis linear module 100, the Y-axis linear module 600, and the second X-axis linear module 700 are selected and adjusted by those skilled in the art according to design requirements.

[0074] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0075] The battery cells to be attached with foam are transported in the channel below the XYZ three-axis gantry module via existing transmission devices such as belt conveyors.

[0076] In the initial state, the shifting mechanism 300 and the fixing mechanism 400 are both on the same side of the first X-axis linear module 200, and the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are laid flat and stacked on the same side of the first X-axis linear module 200.

[0077] Based on the size and location of the foam, the position of the feeding mechanism is adjusted by the Y-axis linear module 600 and / or the second X-axis linear module 700, and the first X-axis linear module 200 drives the shifting mechanism 300 to move along the first direction to a designated position, thereby picking up the foam.

[0078] When the shifting mechanism 300 contacts the pitch-changing mechanism 500, the roller 304 rolls along the sliding surface of the track-changing plate 502, the bracket 305 is squeezed, and at the same time, the elastic element 306 is compressed to change the position of the first suction nozzle assembly on the horizontal plane so that the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are flush, that is, the first suction nozzle 312 and the second suction nozzle 404 are both in the XOY plane, and the foam is sucked up by the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly.

[0079] In addition, the height of the first X-axis linear module 200 can be adjusted by the Z-axis linear module 100 according to the position of the foam to be sucked, so that the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly can contact the foam.

[0080] After the first and second suction nozzle assemblies pick up the foam, the height of the first X-axis linear module 200 is adjusted by one or more of the Z-axis linear module 100, Y-axis linear module 600, and second X-axis linear module 700, so that the foam is attached to the battery cell.

[0081] When the shifting mechanism 300 needs to be reset, the elastic element 306 returns to its initial state, and the shifting mechanism 300 can move to the starting end of the variable track plate 502 of the variable pitch mechanism 500.

[0082] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0083] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A feeding mechanism, characterized in that, include: The first X-axis linear module (200) has a first mounting part and a first movable part, the first movable part moving along a first direction; A shifting mechanism (300) is connected to the first movable part; the shifting mechanism (300) includes a first mounting base, a roller (304), a bracket (305), a guide shaft, an elastic element (306), a set of limiting blocks (307), and a first suction nozzle assembly. The first mounting base has a space for mounting the bracket (305), the bracket (305) is mounted vertically in the space, and the roller (304) is disposed on the bracket (305); a set of limiting blocks (307) are respectively disposed at the bottom of the first mounting base, both sides of the guide shaft are fixed to the limiting blocks (307), and the guide shaft passes through one side of the bracket (305); the elastic element (306) is sleeved on the guide shaft, and one end of the elastic element (306) abuts against the limiting block (307), and the other end of the elastic element (306) abuts against the bracket (305); the first suction nozzle assembly is mounted at the bottom of the bracket (305). The first mounting base includes a first sliding plate (301), a second sliding plate (302), and a first mounting plate (303). The first sliding plate (301) and the second sliding plate (302) are detachably connected, and the first sliding plate (301) is connected to the first movable part. The second sliding plate (302) is vertically mounted on the first mounting plate (303). The first mounting plate (303) is used to mount the limiting block (307). A fixing mechanism (400) is fixedly disposed on one side of the first X-axis linear module (200); the fixing mechanism (400) includes a second mounting base and a second suction nozzle assembly fixed to the bottom of the second mounting base; The pitch-changing mechanism (500) includes a second mounting plate (501) and a track-changing plate (502) mounted on the second mounting plate (501). The second mounting plate (501) is fixedly disposed on the other side of the first X-axis linear module (200). The track-changing plate (502) has a sliding surface opposite to the roller (304). The sliding surface has an inclined section and a straight section, wherein the roller (304) contacts the inclined section first and then contacts the straight section.

2. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second mounting base includes an adapter (401) and a second connecting plate (402) connected to the adapter (401), the second connecting plate (402) being used to mount the second nozzle assembly.

3. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first nozzle assembly includes a first nozzle holder (311) and a plurality of first nozzles (312) mounted on the first nozzle holder (311). The first nozzle holder (311) has a vacuum passage communicating with the first nozzles (312).

4. The feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple first suction nozzles (312) are arranged in an array.

5. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second nozzle assembly includes a second nozzle holder (403) and a plurality of second nozzles (404) mounted on the second nozzle holder (403), wherein the second nozzle holder (403) has a vacuum passage communicating with the second nozzles (404).

6. The feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple second suction nozzles (404) are arranged in an array.

7. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism (300) further includes a first guide assembly disposed at the bottom of the first mounting base to guide the movement of the bracket (305) relative to the guide shaft.

8. The feeding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide assembly includes a first guide rail (309) and at least one first slider (308) that slides along the first guide rail (309), the first guide rail (309) being fixed to the bottom of the first mounting base.

9. The feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a Z-axis linear module (100), which has a second mounting part and a second movable part, the second movable part moving in a third direction, and the first mounting part mounted on the second movable part.

10. A feeding device, characterized in that, include: The Y-axis linear module (600) has a third mounting part and a third movable part, the third movable part moving along a second direction; The second X-axis linear module (700) has a fourth mounting part and a fourth movable part, the third mounting part is disposed on the fourth movable part, and the fourth movable part moves along a first direction; The feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9 is located in the third movable part.

11. A feeding method, characterized in that, The method of using the feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9 to pick up foam includes the following steps: In the initial state, the shifting mechanism (300) and the fixing mechanism (400) are both on the same side of the first X-axis linear module (200), and the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are laid flat on the same side of the first X-axis linear module (200). According to the size of the foam, the first X-axis linear module (200) drives the shifting mechanism (300) to move along the first direction to the designated position; When the shifting mechanism (300) contacts the pitch-changing mechanism (500), the roller (304) rolls along the sliding surface of the track-changing plate (502), the bracket (305) is squeezed, and at the same time, the elastic element (306) is compressed to change the position of the first suction nozzle assembly on the horizontal plane so that the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly are flush, and the foam is sucked up through the first suction nozzle assembly and the second suction nozzle assembly.

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