An electrode core turning device and an electrode core turning method

Abstract

The application provides an electric core overturning device and an electric core overturning method. The electric core overturning device comprises a rotating assembly, overturning clamps, an electric core up-top assembly and an overturning assembly. The rotating assembly is provided with a rotating shaft, and the rotating assembly can rotate around the rotating shaft as the rotating center. A plurality of overturning clamps are arranged along the circumference of the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly can drive the overturning clamps to rotate around the rotating shaft. The overturning clamps are used for clamping and fixing the electric core. The electric core up-top assembly and the overturning clamps are arranged in one-to-one correspondence. The electric core up-top assembly is used for driving the electric core to move in the vertical direction. The overturning assembly is connected with the overturning clamps in one-to-one correspondence. The overturning assembly is used for driving the overturning clamps to clamp or release the electric core. In addition, the overturning assembly is also used for driving the overturning clamps to overturn so as to overturn the electric core by a preset angle. The application solves the problem that the existing electric core overturning device has a large floor space and is difficult to efficiently overturn the electric core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery processing technology, and more specifically, to a cell flipping device and a cell flipping method. Background Technology

[0002] During the production of battery cells, different surfaces of the cells need to be processed or tested. Therefore, the cells need to be flipped on the production equipment. For example, in the production of cylindrical lithium batteries, the upper and lower surfaces of the cells need to be flipped 180° to exchange their positions, so that the tabs face down and the cells are placed back into the cup to prepare for subsequent shaping and casing.

[0003] However, existing technologies typically require two turntable stations to perform the cell flipping and cup replacement actions, which results in the equipment occupying a large space, affecting the cell flipping efficiency and the cell production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem solved by this invention is that existing cell flipping devices occupy a large space and are difficult to flip cells efficiently.

[0005] To address the above problems, the first aspect of the present invention provides a cell flipping device, comprising:

[0006] A rotating assembly, wherein the rotating assembly is provided with a rotating shaft, and the rotating assembly is capable of rotating about the rotating shaft as a rotation center;

[0007] A plurality of flip-up grippers are arranged circumferentially along the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly can drive the flip-up grippers to rotate along the rotating shaft. The flip-up grippers are used to clamp and fix the battery cell.

[0008] A cell top-mounting assembly is provided, and the cell top-mounting assembly and the flipping gripper are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The cell top-mounting assembly is used to drive the cell to move in the vertical direction.

[0009] A flipping assembly is connected to the flipping jaws in a one-to-one correspondence. The flipping assembly is used to drive the flipping jaws to clamp or release the battery cell, and the flipping assembly is also used to drive the flipping jaws to flip so that the battery cell flips by a preset angle.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a rotating disk, which is vertically disposed between the flipping gripper and the battery cell top assembly. The rotating disk is used to place the battery cell, which is loaded by a cup.

[0011] The battery cell top assembly can pass through the cup and push the battery cell in the cup vertically to the flipping claw, or the battery cell top assembly can pass through the cup and drive the battery cell at the flipping claw vertically into the cup.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a first cam, which is vertically positioned below the rotating disk and surrounds the rotating shaft. The first cam has a first motion trajectory along its circumference. The battery cell upper support assembly includes an upper push rod and a first cam follower. The upper push rod is used to support the battery cell. The first cam follower moves along the first motion trajectory. The first motion trajectory can drive the first cam follower to move vertically, so that the first cam follower drives the upper push rod to move vertically.

[0013] Furthermore, the flipping assembly includes a flipping functional component, which includes a flipping gear shaft, a flipping gear, and a circular rack. The flipping gear is disposed outside the flipping gear shaft, the flipping gripper is connected to the flipping gear shaft, and the flipping gear is connected to the circular rack. The circular rack can drive the flipping gear and the flipping gear shaft to rotate, thereby flipping the flipping gripper.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a second cam, which is disposed inside the first cam, and the second cam has a second motion trajectory along its circumference;

[0015] The flipping assembly further includes a flipping drive assembly, which includes a second cam follower, a guide rod, and a first connecting block. The guide rod connects the second cam follower and the first connecting block. The rack is connected to the first connecting block. The second cam follower moves along the second motion trajectory. The second motion trajectory can drive the second cam follower to move in the vertical direction, causing the rack and the flipping gear to rotate relative to each other, and driving the flipping gripper to flip.

[0016] Furthermore, the flipping function component also includes a splined shaft and a third cam follower connected to each other. The splined shaft is disposed in the middle of the flipping gear shaft along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft. The third cam follower can drive the splined shaft to move along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft, so that the splined shaft opens or closes the flipping jaws.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a third cam, which is disposed on the top of the cell flipping device. The third cam is connected to the rotating shaft. The third cam has a third motion trajectory and a fourth motion trajectory arranged along its circumference. The third motion trajectory and the fourth motion trajectory are smoothly connected. The radius of the third motion trajectory is smaller than the radius of the fourth motion trajectory.

[0018] The third cam follower moves along the third motion trajectory and the fourth motion trajectory. When the third cam follower moves along the third motion trajectory, it drives the spline shaft to close the flipping jaw. When the third cam follower moves along the fourth motion trajectory, it drives the spline shaft to open the flipping jaw.

[0019] Furthermore, the flipping gripper includes a mounting shaft, a gripper, and a second connecting block. Both the gripper and the second connecting block are mounted on the mounting shaft. A fourth cam follower is provided at one end of the second connecting block. The spline shaft can push the fourth cam follower to move, and the gripper can be opened by rotating the second connecting block and the mounting shaft.

[0020] Furthermore, the flipping function component also includes an adjusting block and a limiting block. The limiting block is connected to the flipping gear shaft and is arranged radially at one end of the flipping gear shaft. The limiting block extends to the outside of the flipping gear shaft. The adjusting block is arranged close to the limiting block and can move vertically, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the limiting block.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for flipping a battery cell, which uses a battery cell flipping device as described in the first aspect to flip the battery cell, the method comprising the following steps:

[0022] While the rotating assembly drives the flipping gripper to rotate, the battery cell top-up assembly pushes the battery cell to move vertically, so that the battery cell moves to the flipping gripper, the flipping gripper clamps and fixes the battery cell, and the battery cell top-up assembly moves vertically and away from the flipping gripper.

[0023] The flipping component drives the flipping gripper to flip, causing the battery cell to flip at a preset angle;

[0024] After the battery cell is flipped, the upper component of the battery cell moves vertically to the flipping gripper. The upper component of the battery cell carries the battery cell and drives the flipped battery cell to move vertically, thus unloading the flipped battery cell.

[0025] The battery cell flipping device and method described in this invention utilize a rotating component to drive a rotating disk, flipping grippers, a battery cell top-loading component, and a flipping component to rotate along a rotating axis. Simultaneously, the rotating disk drives the battery cell to rotate, while the top-loading component moves the battery cell vertically to the flipping grippers, where the grippers hold and fix the battery cell. The flipping component then drives the grippers to flip, causing the gripped battery cell to flip by a preset angle. After flipping, the top-loading component unloads the battery cell, thus achieving flipping during the battery cell transport process. This flipping process requires no machine downtime, improving both flipping and production efficiency. Furthermore, this invention achieves battery cell loading, flipping, and unloading with a single rotating component and a rotating disk, significantly reducing the space occupied by the flipping device. The compact arrangement of the components and the more rational timing and operation of their actions further enhance production efficiency, thereby improving overall battery cell production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cell flipping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a side view of the battery cell flipping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell flipping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another cell flipping device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell top assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cam provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a flipping function component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flip drive component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second cam provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third cam provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the flipping gripper provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the flipping gripper provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the flipping gripper provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 14 This is another structural schematic diagram of the flipping function component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and thoroughly described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this description, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are merely for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. Additionally, in the description of the present invention, "at least one" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this specification, the term "as an alternative embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one alternative embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] To provide a more detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments will be described below.

[0044] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a first aspect of this embodiment provides a battery cell flipping device, including: a rotating assembly, a rotating disk 20, a flipping gripper 30, a battery cell top assembly 40, and a flipping assembly, wherein:

[0045] The rotating assembly is equipped with a rotating shaft 10, which allows the assembly to rotate around the shaft 10 as its center. Vertically, a rotating disk 20 is positioned between the flipping gripper 30 and the battery cell top assembly 40. The rotating disk 20 is connected to the rotating assembly and has multiple circumferentially arranged stations for placing battery cells 1. Each battery cell 1 is loaded by a support cup 2, which facilitates protection and positioning of the battery cell 1. As an optional implementation, the rotating disk 20 has an opening for the battery cell 1 to enter and exit. The battery cell 1 to be flipped from the previous process is loaded and transported to the rotating disk 20 by the support cup 2, and the flipped battery cell 1 is loaded and transported to the next station by the support cup 2.

[0046] The number of flip-grip 30 is the same as the number of battery cells 1 placed on the rotating disk 20. Multiple flip-grip 30 are arranged along the circumference of the rotating assembly, and the flip-grip 30 and the battery cells 1 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The flip-grip 30 is used to clamp and fix the battery cells 1. When the rotating assembly rotates with the rotating shaft 10 as the rotation center, the rotating assembly can simultaneously drive the flip-grip 30 and the battery cells 1 on the rotating disk 20 to rotate along the rotating shaft 10.

[0047] The number of battery cell top-mounting assemblies 40 is the same as the number of flipping grippers 30. Multiple battery cell top-mounting assemblies 40 are arranged circumferentially along the rotating assembly, and each battery cell top-mounting assembly 40 corresponds to a battery cell 1. The battery cell top-mounting assembly 40 is used to drive the battery cell 1 to move vertically. Specifically, the battery cell top-mounting assembly 40 can move vertically and can pass through the cup 2 to push the battery cell 1 in the cup 2 vertically to the position of the flipping gripper 30, so that the flipping gripper 30 clamps and fixes the battery cell 1, realizing the feeding of the battery cell 1. Alternatively, the battery cell top-mounting assembly 40 can pass through the cup 2 to drive the battery cell 1 at the flipping gripper 30 vertically into the cup 2, facilitating the unloading of the battery cell 1.

[0048] The number of flipping components is the same as the number of flipping grippers 30. Multiple flipping components are arranged along the circumference of the rotating component, and the flipping components and flipping grippers 30 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. The flipping components are used to drive the flipping grippers 30 to clamp or release the battery cell 1, and the flipping components are also used to drive the flipping grippers 30 to flip, so that the flipping grippers 30 drive the battery cell 1 they clamp to flip by a preset angle.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rotating component drives the rotating disk, flipping gripper, battery cell loading component, and flipping component to rotate along the rotating shaft. Simultaneously, the rotating disk drives the battery cell to rotate, while the battery cell loading component moves the battery cell vertically to the flipping gripper, where the flipping gripper clamps and fixes the battery cell. The flipping component then drives the flipping gripper to flip, causing the battery cell held by the gripper to flip by a preset angle. After the battery cell flips, the battery cell loading component drives the battery cell to unload, thus achieving battery cell flipping during the battery cell conveying process. No machine stoppage is required during the flipping process, which improves the flipping efficiency and overall battery cell production efficiency. Furthermore, this embodiment achieves battery cell loading, flipping, and unloading with only one rotating component and one rotating disk, significantly reducing the space occupied by the battery cell flipping device. The compact arrangement of the various components and the more rational setting of their actions and timing further enhance the production efficiency of the battery cell flipping device, thereby further improving overall battery cell production efficiency.

[0050] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the battery cell flipping device further includes a first cam 11. The first cam 11 is vertically positioned below the rotating disk 20. When the rotating assembly rotates, the position of the first cam 11 remains unchanged, i.e., the first cam 11 does not rotate with the rotating assembly. The first cam 11 is circumferentially positioned outside the rotating shaft 10, with a certain distance between the first cam 11 and the rotating shaft 10. The first cam 11 is a circular cam with a certain height, and a first motion trajectory 111 is provided circumferentially on the first cam 11. The height of the first motion trajectory 111 is uneven. (Combined with...) Figure 5As shown, the battery cell top assembly 40 includes a first cam follower 41 and a top push rod 42. One end of the top push rod 42 is used to support the battery cell 1, and the other end of the top push rod 42 is connected to the first cam follower 41. The first cam follower 41 moves along a first motion trajectory 111 with uneven height, causing the first cam follower 41 to rise or fall vertically. Thus, the first cam follower 41 drives the top push rod 42 to move vertically, causing the top push rod 42 to rise or fall. When the top push rod 42 rises, it can push the battery cell 1 in the cup 2 vertically to the position of the flipping gripper 30. Alternatively, the top push rod 42 can pass through the cup 2 and drive the battery cell 1 at the flipping gripper 30 vertically into the cup 2. After the flipping gripper 30 clamps and fixes the battery cell 1, the top push rod 42 falls, making it easier for the flipping gripper 30 to flip the battery cell 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting the first cam 11 to cooperate with the battery cell top assembly 40, when the battery cell top assembly 40 rotates along the first cam 11, the periodic rising and falling of the battery cell top assembly 40 can be achieved. This allows the battery cell top assembly 40 to drive the battery cell 1 to move vertically while conveying the battery cell 1, and ensures the consistency of the vertical movement of all battery cell top assemblies 40, so that each battery cell 1 maintains good consistency during the flipping process.

[0051] It should be noted that the specific height of the first motion trajectory 111 is not further limited in this embodiment. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation, as long as it can ensure that the first cam follower 41 of the battery cell top assembly 40 can maintain periodic rising and falling when it rotates along the first motion trajectory 111.

[0052] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the flipping assembly includes a flipping function component 50 and a flipping drive component 60. The flipping function component 50 includes a flipping gear shaft 51, a flipping gear (not shown in the figure), and a rack 52. The flipping gear is disposed outside the flipping gear shaft 51 and can be fixedly connected to the flipping gear shaft 51. The flipping gripper 30 is connected to the flipping gear shaft 51. The flipping gear and the rack 52 are connected. The rack 52 extends downward in the vertical direction and can move in the vertical direction. During the movement of the rack 52 in the vertical direction, the rack 52 can drive the flipping gear to rotate, thereby driving the flipping gear shaft 51 connected to it to rotate, causing the flipping gripper 30 disposed on the flipping gear shaft 51 to rotate, thus realizing the flipping of the battery cell 1.

[0053] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 9As shown, in one optional embodiment, the cell flipping device further includes a second cam 12. The second cam 12 is vertically positioned below the rotating disk 20. When the rotating assembly rotates, the position of the second cam 12 remains unchanged; that is, the second cam 12 does not rotate with the rotating assembly. The second cam 12 is located inside the first cam 11, meaning the distance between the second cam 12 and the rotating shaft 10 is less than the distance between the first cam 11 and the rotating shaft 10. The second cam 12 is a circular cam with a certain height, and a second motion trajectory 121 is provided along its circumference. The height of the second motion trajectory 121 is uneven. (Combined with...) Figure 8 As shown, the flipping drive assembly 60 includes a second cam follower 61, a guide rod 62, and a first connecting block 63. One end of the guide rod 62 is connected to the second cam follower 61, and the other end of the guide rod 62 is connected to the first connecting block 63. The rack 52 is fixedly connected to the first connecting block 63. For example, the rack 52 can be fixed to the first connecting block 63 by screws to achieve a fixed connection between the rack 52 and the first connecting block 63. The second cam follower 61 moves along a second motion trajectory 121 with uneven height, causing the second cam follower 61 to rise or fall in the vertical direction. Thus, the second cam follower 61 drives the rack 52 to move in the vertical direction through the guide rod 62, so that the rack 52 and the flipping gear generate relative rotation, thereby causing the flipping gear to drive the flipping gear shaft 51 to rotate, and causing the flipping gripper 30 set on the flipping gear shaft 51 to rotate, thereby realizing the flipping of the battery cell 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting the second cam 12 to cooperate with the flipping function component 50 and the flipping drive component 60, when the flipping function component 50 and the flipping drive component 60 rotate along the second cam 12, the flipping gripper 30 set on the flipping gear shaft 51 can be periodically flipped, thereby ensuring that all battery cells 1 maintain good consistency during the flipping process, which is beneficial to improving the production quality of battery cells 1.

[0054] It should be noted that the specific height of the second motion trajectory 121 is not further limited in this embodiment. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation, as long as it can ensure that when the flipping function component 50 and the flipping drive component 60 rotate along the second cam 12, the flipping gripper 30 set on the flipping gear shaft 51 can achieve periodic flipping.

[0055] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 13As shown, in an optional embodiment, the flipping function component 50 also includes a spline shaft 53 and a third cam follower 54. The spline shaft 53 and the third cam follower 54 are fixedly connected. The spline shaft 53 is arranged in the middle of the flipping gear shaft 51 along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft 51, that is, the flipping gear shaft 51 is sleeved on the outside of the spline shaft 53. The third cam follower 54 can drive the spline shaft 53 to move along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft 51, so that the spline shaft 53 opens or closes the flipping jaw 30.

[0056] Specifically, in combination Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, the cell flipping device also includes a third cam 13, which is fixedly mounted on the top of the cell flipping device. When the rotating assembly rotates, the position of the third cam 13 remains unchanged, that is, the third cam 13 does not rotate with the rotating assembly. The third cam 13 is a circular cam, and a third motion trajectory 131 and a fourth motion trajectory 132 are sequentially connected along its circumference. The third motion trajectory 131 and the fourth motion trajectory 132 are smoothly connected, and the radius of the third motion trajectory 131 is smaller than the radius of the fourth motion trajectory 132. The third cam follower 54 moves along the third motion trajectory 131 and the fourth motion trajectory 132 to drive the spline shaft 53 to move along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft 51, so that the spline shaft 53 opens the flipping mechanism. The rotating jaw 30 or the closed flip-clamping jaw 30, wherein, when the third cam follower 54 moves along the third motion trajectory 131, the third cam follower 54 drives the spline shaft 53 to move inward (i.e. towards the rotating shaft 10), the spline shaft 53 does not contact the flip-clamping jaw 30, the flip-clamping jaw 30 remains in a closed state, at this time the flip-clamping jaw 30 can clamp and fix the battery cell 1; when the third cam follower 54 moves along the fourth motion trajectory 132, the third cam follower 54 drives the spline shaft 53 to move outward (i.e. away from the rotating shaft 10), the spline shaft 53 contacts the flip-clamping jaw 30, and the spline shaft 53 pushes the flip-clamping jaw 30 to move during the outward movement, so that the flip-clamping jaw 30 opens, at this time the flip-clamping jaw 30 can release the battery cell 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting a third cam 13 with a different radius, and the third cam follower 54 moving on the third cam 13, it can drive the spline shaft 53 to close or open the flipping jaw 30, so that the battery cell 1 is clamped or released by the flipping jaw 30. This enables the periodic closing or opening of the flipping jaw 30, allowing the flipping jaw 30 to better cooperate with the battery cell top assembly 40, making the action and timing of the battery cell 1 during the flipping process more compact, which is conducive to further improving the flipping efficiency of the battery cell 1.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the specific lengths of the third motion trajectory 131 and the fourth motion trajectory 132 on the third cam 13 are not further limited, and those skilled in the art can set them according to the actual situation.

[0058] Combination Figures 11 to 13 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the flipping gripper 30 includes a mounting base 31, mounting shafts 32, grippers 33, and a second connecting block 34. Both mounting shafts 32 are mounted on the mounting base 31. Each mounting shaft 32 includes a first mounting shaft and a second mounting shaft, which are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. A gripper 33 is mounted on each of the first and second mounting shafts, and the first and second mounting shafts are connected by an elastic element 35, giving them a spring force to return to their original shape. A second connecting block 34 is provided on the first mounting shaft, and a fourth cam follower 341 is provided at one end of the second connecting block 34. When the third cam follower 34... When the spline shaft 53 moves outward, it contacts the fourth cam follower 341 and pushes it to move, causing the first mounting shaft to rotate. This causes the first mounting shaft to move the gripper 33 away from the gripper 33 on the second mounting shaft, opening both grippers 33. When the third cam follower 54 moves the spline shaft 53 inward, the spline shaft 53 does not contact the fourth cam follower 341. At this time, there is no external force pushing the fourth cam follower 341 to move. The elastic element 35 drives the first mounting shaft to rotate, causing it to move the gripper 33 towards the gripper 33 on the second mounting shaft, closing both grippers 33. Thus, in this embodiment, by setting the fourth cam follower 341 to cooperate with the spline shaft 53, the opening and closing of the grippers 33 is realized, making the opening and closing process of the grippers 33 smoother. Furthermore, during the conveying of the battery cell 1, the periodic opening and closing of the flipping gripper 30 can be achieved, which is beneficial to further improve the flipping efficiency of the battery cell 1. As an optional embodiment, the gripper 33 can be fixedly mounted on the mounting shaft 32 by a pin, and the second connecting block 34 can be fixedly mounted on the mounting shaft 32 by a pin. As an optional embodiment, the mounting base 31 is mounted vertically on the rotating assembly, and the mounting base 31 can move vertically, thereby driving the mounting shaft 32 and the gripper 33 to move vertically, adjusting the height of the flipped battery cell 1 entering the cup 2.

[0059] As an optional implementation, the flipping gripper 30 further includes a support ring 36, which is connected to the two grippers 33. The support ring 36 is used to ensure good vertical stability of the battery cell 1 after the grippers 33 are opened, preventing the battery cell 1 from tilting in the vertical direction and thus preventing the battery cell 1 from entering the cup 2. As an optional implementation, the side of the support ring 36 that contacts the battery cell 1 is made of a flexible material to avoid damage to the surface of the battery cell 1. For example, the flexible material can be a sponge.

[0060] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 14As shown, in an optional embodiment, the flipping function component 50 further includes an adjusting block 55 and a limiting block 56. The limiting block 56 is connected to the flipping gear shaft 51 and is disposed at one end of the flipping gear shaft 51 along the radial direction of the flipping gear shaft 51. The limiting block 56 extends to the outside of the flipping gear shaft 51, and can rotate with the flipping gear shaft 51 when the flipping gear shaft 51 rotates. The adjusting block 55 is disposed close to the limiting block 56 and can move in the vertical direction, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the limiting block 56. Specifically, the limiting block 56 includes a first part and a second part connected to each other. The first part is disposed inside the flipping gear shaft 51, and the second part extends to the outside of the flipping gear shaft 51. The adjusting block 55 is disposed close to the second part, and the adjusting block 55 and the second part are disposed opposite each other. When the adjusting block 55 moves in the vertical direction, the adjusting block 55 restricts the movement of the second part, so that the second part can only rotate at a preset angle, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the flipping gear shaft 51 by the limiting block 56. As an optional implementation, the flipping gripper 30 rotates the battery cell 1 it holds by a preset angle of 180°, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell 1 exchange positions, preparing for subsequent shaping and casing of the battery cell 1. Thus, in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the flipping gear shaft 51 can be limited by the adjusting block 55 and the limiting block 56, ensuring that the flipping gear shaft 51 can rotate to the preset angle, thereby causing the flipping gripper 30 to rotate to the preset angle, so that the flipped battery cell 1 can smoothly enter the cup 2.

[0061] The second aspect of this embodiment provides a cell flipping method, which uses a cell flipping device as shown in the first aspect to flip the cell 1. The cell flipping method includes the following steps:

[0062] Step S110: While the rotating component drives the flipping gripper 30 to rotate, the battery cell top component 40 pushes the battery cell 1 to move vertically, so that the battery cell 1 moves to the flipping gripper 30. The flipping gripper 30 clamps and fixes the battery cell 1, and the battery cell top component 40 moves vertically and away from the flipping gripper 30.

[0063] Step S120: The flipping component drives the flipping gripper 30 to flip, causing the battery cell 1 to flip at a preset angle;

[0064] In step S130, after the battery cell 1 is flipped, the battery cell top assembly 40 moves vertically to the flipping gripper 30. The battery cell top assembly 40 carries the battery cell 1 and drives the flipped battery cell 1 to move vertically, thus unloading the flipped battery cell 1.

[0065] Specifically, while the rotating assembly rotates along the rotating shaft 10, the battery cell upper push assembly 40 rotates along the first cam 11. The first cam follower 41 moves along the first motion trajectory 111, causing the first cam follower 41 to rise vertically. The first cam follower 41 drives the upper push rod 42 to rise vertically. The upper push rod 42 pushes the battery cell 1 in the cup 2 vertically to the position of the flipping gripper 30. At the same time, the third cam follower 54 moves along the third motion trajectory 131. The third cam follower 54 drives the spline shaft 53 to move inward. The flipping gripper 30 remains closed. At this time, the flipping gripper 30 clamps and fixes the battery cell 1. After the flipping gripper 30 clamps and fixes the battery cell 1, the first cam follower 41 descends vertically. The first cam follower 41 drives the upper push rod 42 to descend vertically, which facilitates the subsequent flipping gripper 30 to flip the battery cell 1.

[0066] Subsequently, the second cam follower 61 moves along the second motion trajectory 121, causing the second cam follower 61 to move in the vertical direction. The second cam follower 61 drives the rack 52 to move in the vertical direction through the guide rod 62, causing the rack 52 and the flip gear to rotate relative to each other. This causes the flip gear to drive the flip gear shaft 51 to rotate, causing the flip gripper 30 set on the flip gear shaft 51 to flip by a preset angle, thereby realizing the flip angle of the battery cell 1.

[0067] After the battery cell 1 is flipped, the first cam follower 41 moves along the first motion trajectory 111, causing the first cam follower 41 to rise vertically. The first cam follower 41 drives the upper push rod 42 to rise vertically. The upper push rod 42 passes through the cup 2 and carries the battery cell 1 at the flipping gripper 30. At the same time, the third cam follower 54 moves along the fourth motion trajectory 132, causing the third cam follower 54 to drive the spline shaft 53 to move outward. The spline shaft 53 contacts the flipping gripper 30, and the spline shaft 53 pushes the flipping gripper 30 to move during the outward movement, causing the flipping gripper 30 to open. At this time, the flipping gripper 30 can release the battery cell 1. The upper push rod 42 carries the battery cell 1 vertically into the cup 2, and the flipped battery cell 1 is unloaded.

[0068] The cell flipping method provided in this embodiment, while driving the cell to rotate, allows the cell top assembly to move the cell vertically to the flipping gripper, where the flipping gripper clamps and fixes the cell. The flipping assembly then drives the flipping gripper to flip, causing the cell held by the gripper to flip by a preset angle. After the cell flips, the cell top assembly drives the cell to unload, thus achieving cell flipping during the cell conveying process. No machine stoppage is required during cell flipping, which improves both flipping and production efficiency. Furthermore, this embodiment achieves cell loading, flipping, and unloading using only a rotating assembly and a rotary disk, significantly reducing the space occupied by the cell flipping device. The compact arrangement of the various components and the more rational action and timing settings further enhance the production efficiency of the cell flipping device, thereby further improving overall cell production efficiency.

[0069] While the disclosure is as stated above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cell flipping device, characterized in that, include: A rotating assembly, wherein the rotating assembly is provided with a rotating shaft, and the rotating assembly is capable of rotating about the rotating shaft as a rotation center; A plurality of flip-up grippers are arranged circumferentially along the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly can drive the flip-up grippers to rotate along the rotating shaft. The flip-up grippers are used to clamp and fix the battery cell. A cell top-mounting assembly is provided, and the cell top-mounting assembly and the flipping gripper are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The cell top-mounting assembly is used to drive the cell to move in the vertical direction. A flipping assembly is provided, which is connected to the flipping jaws one-to-one. The flipping assembly is used to drive the flipping jaws to clamp or release the battery cell, and is also used to drive the flipping jaws to flip so that the battery cell flips by a preset angle. The flipping assembly includes a flipping function component, which includes a spline shaft and a third cam follower connected to each other. The spline shaft is located in the middle of the flipping gear shaft along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft. The third cam follower can drive the spline shaft to move along the axial direction of the flipping gear shaft, so that the spline shaft opens or closes the flipping jaws. The cell flipping device further includes a rotating disk, a first cam, a second cam, and a third cam. The rotating disk is vertically disposed between the flipping gripper and the cell top assembly. The rotating disk is used to place the cell, which is loaded by a cup. The first cam is positioned below the rotating disk in the vertical direction, and the first cam is arranged around the rotating shaft; The second cam is disposed below the rotating disk in the vertical direction, and the second cam is disposed inside the first cam; The third cam is disposed on the top of the cell flipping device and is connected to the rotating shaft.

2. The cell flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell top assembly can pass through the cup and push the battery cell in the cup vertically to the flipping claw, or the battery cell top assembly can pass through the cup and drive the battery cell at the flipping claw vertically into the cup.

3. The cell flipping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cam is provided with a first motion trajectory along its circumference. The battery cell upper push assembly includes an upper push rod and a first cam follower. The upper push rod is used to support the battery cell. The first cam follower moves along the first motion trajectory. The first motion trajectory can drive the first cam follower to move in the vertical direction, so that the first cam follower drives the upper push rod to move in the vertical direction.

4. The cell flipping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flipping function component also includes a flipping gear shaft, a flipping gear, and a circular rack. The flipping gear is disposed outside the flipping gear shaft. The flipping gripper is connected to the flipping gear shaft. The flipping gear is connected to the circular rack. The circular rack can drive the flipping gear and the flipping gear shaft to rotate, causing the flipping gripper to flip.

5. The cell flipping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second cam has a second motion trajectory along its circumference; The flipping assembly further includes a flipping drive assembly, which includes a second cam follower, a guide rod, and a first connecting block. The guide rod connects the second cam follower and the first connecting block. The rack is connected to the first connecting block. The second cam follower moves along the second motion trajectory. The second motion trajectory can drive the second cam follower to move in the vertical direction, causing the rack and the flipping gear to rotate relative to each other, and driving the flipping gripper to flip.

6. The cell flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third cam is provided with a third motion trajectory and a fourth motion trajectory along its circumference. The third motion trajectory and the fourth motion trajectory are smoothly connected. The radius of the third motion trajectory is smaller than the radius of the fourth motion trajectory. The third cam follower moves along the third motion trajectory and the fourth motion trajectory. When the third cam follower moves along the third motion trajectory, it drives the spline shaft to close the flipping jaw. When the third cam follower moves along the fourth motion trajectory, it drives the spline shaft to open the flipping jaw.

7. The cell flipping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flipping gripper includes a mounting shaft, a gripper, and a second connecting block. Both the gripper and the second connecting block are mounted on the mounting shaft. A fourth cam follower is provided at one end of the second connecting block. The spline shaft can push the fourth cam follower to move, and the gripper can be opened by rotating the second connecting block and the mounting shaft.

8. The cell flipping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flipping function component also includes an adjusting block and a limiting block. The limiting block is connected to the flipping gear shaft and is arranged radially at one end of the flipping gear shaft. The limiting block extends to the outside of the flipping gear shaft. The adjusting block is arranged close to the limiting block and can move vertically, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the limiting block.

9. A method for cell flipping, characterized in that, The battery cell is flipped using the battery cell flipping device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the battery cell flipping method includes the following steps: While the rotating assembly drives the flipping gripper to rotate, the battery cell top-up assembly pushes the battery cell to move vertically, so that the battery cell moves to the flipping gripper, the flipping gripper clamps and fixes the battery cell, and the battery cell top-up assembly moves vertically and away from the flipping gripper. The flipping component drives the flipping gripper to flip, causing the battery cell to flip at a preset angle; After the battery cell is flipped, the upper component of the battery cell moves vertically to the flipping gripper. The upper component of the battery cell carries the battery cell and drives the flipped battery cell to move vertically, thus unloading the flipped battery cell.

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