A module flipping device and its flipping method

Abstract

This invention discloses a module flipping device and its flipping method, relating to the field of new energy battery production equipment technology. It includes a battery module workbench, with conveying structures on both sides for transporting tested battery modules out of the workbench. A first straight rod and a second straight rod are fixed inside the workbench, and a flipping platform for placing the battery module is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the first straight rod. By setting up a flipping platform and a receiving platform, and a linkage structure that drives the flipping platform and the receiving platform to move closer or further apart, this invention ensures that even if the drive motor for flipping suddenly loses power, the flipping platform and the receiving platform will not reverse direction after the battery module is placed on the flipping platform. The flipping requires little space and is equipped with a protective structure. Compared to traditional gripper-type flipping, this structure can not only achieve a 180° flip of the battery module but also prevent damage to the battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of new energy battery production equipment, specifically relating to a module flipping device and its flipping method. Background Technology

[0002] New energy power battery modules require multiple processes during production. Among them, the module flipping process is mentioned in Chinese authorized patent announcement number CN117735220A. Existing module flipping devices generally use clamping components to hold the battery module. If the production line loses power during the flipping process, the clamping components will lose their clamping force, causing the battery module to fall and result in loss.

[0003] This invention discloses a module flipping device and its flipping method. The module flipping device is used to flip a tray loaded with battery modules. It includes a flipping gripper and a clamping mechanism. The flipping gripper is rotatably arranged along an axis in a first direction and has a supporting part for supporting the tray. The clamping mechanism is disposed on the flipping gripper and includes a mounting support, a linear drive device, a clamping part, and a guide structure. The linear drive device includes a drive part that moves relative to the mounting support in a second direction. The clamping part is opposite to the flipping gripper in a third direction and has a connecting end and a pressing end opposite in the second direction. The connecting end is hinged to the drive part. The guide structure includes guide holes and a rolling part respectively disposed on the mounting support and the clamping part to guide the movement of the clamping part so that the pressing end stops and presses the battery module against the tray. This effectively improves the situation where battery modules fall off the module flipping device and reduces production losses caused by accidents.

[0004] The aforementioned module flipping device primarily uses a support unit to support the battery module during flipping, with flipping grippers independently and stably holding the tray. A clamping mechanism is then mounted on the flipping grippers, achieving step-by-step clamping of the battery module and tray to ensure the battery does not fall and become damaged after the flipping grippers are powered off. However, because this device requires sufficient space during flipping, the distance between the module and the tray is relatively high. If the battery module falls during flipping, it may be damaged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a module flipping device and a flipping method thereon, in order to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that the battery module may fall during flipping due to the need for sufficient flipping space, which may damage the battery.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A module flipping device includes a battery module workbench. Both sides of the workbench are equipped with conveying structures for transporting tested battery modules out of the workbench. A first straight rod and a second straight rod are fixed inside the workbench. The outer wall of the first straight rod is rotatably connected to a flipping platform for placing the battery module. The outer wall of the second straight rod is rotatably connected to a receiving platform for placing the flipped battery module. The workbench includes a linkage structure for driving the receiving platform and the flipping platform to rotate, and a lifting structure for detaching the battery module from the receiving platform. One side of the receiving platform is equipped with a protective structure for protecting the flipped battery module. The protective structure includes a support plate, and a spring compression structure is provided between the support plate and the receiving platform.

[0008] Preferably, the linkage structure includes a drive motor, a bracket is fixed inside the battery module workbench by screws, the drive motor is fixedly connected to the bracket by screws, a connecting plate is fixed to the output end of the drive motor, and a first connecting shaft and a second connecting shaft are rotatably connected to both ends of the connecting plate.

[0009] Preferably, the linkage structure further includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod being rotatably connected to a first connecting shaft, the second connecting rod being rotatably connected to a second connecting shaft, the other end of the first connecting rod being rotatably connected to the bottom of the receiving platform, and the other end of the second connecting rod being rotatably connected to the bottom of the tilting platform.

[0010] Preferably, the spring compression structure includes a spring body and guide pins. The guide pins are welded to the four corners on one side of the support plate. The guide pins pass through the receiving platform and are slidably connected to the receiving platform. The spring body is sleeved on the outer wall of the guide pins. Buffer cotton is glued to one side of the support plate.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting structure includes an operating platform and a lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder is fixed inside the battery module workbench. The telescopic end of the lifting cylinder is fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating platform. Guide rods are fixed at the four corners of the lower surface of the operating platform. Guide columns are welded inside the battery module workbench, and the guide rods are slidably connected inside the guide columns.

[0012] Preferably, the receiving platform has a clearance groove in the middle to facilitate placing the battery module on the operating platform, and both the receiving platform and the flipping platform have steps on one side to facilitate placing the battery module. Both the receiving platform and the flipping platform have a rim welded on one side to prevent the battery module from falling off the side.

[0013] Preferably, both the receiving platform and the tilting platform are fixed with swing arms at their bottoms, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected to the two swing arms respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the conveying structure includes a conveyor belt, and both sides of the battery module workbench are provided with clearance grooves for the conveyor belt to enter. Support plates are welded to both sides of the battery module workbench, and a displacement structure for driving the conveyor belt to move horizontally is provided above the support plates.

[0015] Preferably, the displacement structure includes a horizontal electric slide, which is fixedly connected to a support plate. A guide rail is fixed to the upper surface of the support plate by screws. A movable plate is fixed on the slide of the horizontal electric slide and is slidably connected to the guide rail. A conveyor belt is installed at one end of the movable plate, and a rotary motor for driving the conveyor belt to rotate is fixed above the movable plate.

[0016] Based on the module flipping device described above, the present invention also provides a method of using the module flipping device, comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1. The battery module is placed on the top of the flipping table by the external feeding mechanism of the device. The flipping table is in a horizontal state at this time. The drive linkage structure makes the flipping table rotate the battery module.

[0018] S2. When the flipping platform rotates clockwise, the receiving platform rotates counterclockwise through the linkage structure, so that the receiving platform and the flipping platform move closer to each other until the flipping platform rotates at an angle of 90-95°. The battery module flips into the receiving platform and contacts the support plate. The spring compression structure prevents the battery module from making hard contact with the receiving platform. At this time, the flipping platform and the receiving platform are reset by the linkage structure.

[0019] S3. During the resetting process of the receiving platform, the battery module gradually becomes horizontal until the battery module contacts the lifting structure. The lifting structure passes through the middle of the receiving platform and supports the battery module upward.

[0020] S4. After the battery module moves above the battery module workbench, the conveying structures on both sides move horizontally into the battery module workbench, and the lifting structure resets, so that the two sides of the battery module are placed above the two conveying structures and moved out of the battery module workbench through the conveying structures.

[0021] The module flipping device and flipping method proposed in this invention have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0022] 1. This invention, through the setting of a flipping platform and a receiving platform, and a linkage structure that drives the flipping platform and the receiving platform to move closer or further apart, ensures that after the battery module is placed on the flipping platform, the receiving platform moves closer to the flipping platform during the flipping process. This method ensures that the battery module is always located between the flipping platform and the receiving platform. Even if the drive motor that drives the flipping suddenly loses power, the flipping platform and the receiving platform will not reverse. The battery module will be either inside the flipping platform or inside the receiving platform and will not fall off. Moreover, the space required for flipping is small, and a protective structure is provided. Compared with the traditional gripper-type flipping, this structure can not only achieve a 180° flipping of the battery module, but also will not damage the battery.

[0023] 2. This invention, by setting up a lifting structure and a conveying structure, enables the battery module to be lifted upwards after being flipped, so that the battery module can be placed horizontally after being flipped, which facilitates operations such as battery module testing. After the operation is completed, the flipping device can be sent out through the conveying structure, making it convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the battery module workbench of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving platform structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying structure of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Battery module workbench; 2. Conveying structure; 3. First straight rod; 4. Second straight rod; 5. Tilting table; 6. Receiving platform; 601. Clearance groove; 602. Step; 603. Surrounding edge; 604. Swing arm; 7. Linkage structure; 701. Drive motor; 702. Bracket; 703. Connecting plate; 704. First connecting shaft; 705. Second connecting shaft; 706. First connecting rod; 707. Second connecting rod; 8. Lifting structure; 9. Protective structure; 901. Support plate; 902. Spring body; 903. Guide pin; 904. Buffer cotton; 801. Operating table; 802. Lifting cylinder; 803. Guide rod; 804. Guide column; 201. Conveyor belt; 202. Clearance groove; 204. Horizontal electric slide; 205. Guide rail; 206. Moving plate; 207. Rotating motor. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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. The specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. 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.

[0032] This invention provides, for example Figure 1-6 The illustrated module flipping device includes a battery module workbench 1. Conveying structures 2 are provided on both sides of the battery module workbench 1 for conveying tested battery modules out of the workbench 1. A first straight rod 3 and a second straight rod 4 are fixed inside the battery module workbench 1. A flipping platform 5 for placing the battery module is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the first straight rod 3. A receiving platform 6 for placing the battery module after flipping is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the second straight rod 4. The battery module workbench 1 is equipped with a linkage structure 7 for driving the receiving platform 6 and the flipping platform 5 to rotate, and a lifting structure 8 for detaching the battery module from the receiving platform 6. A protective structure 9 for protecting the battery module during flipping is provided on one side of the receiving platform 6. The protective structure 9 includes a support plate 901, and a spring compression structure is provided between the support plate 901 and the receiving platform 6.

[0033] By setting a support plate 901 above the receiving platform 6, the battery module can be flipped to one side of the support plate 901 and supported by a spring compression structure, thus preventing the battery module from making hard contact with the receiving platform 6 at the moment it is poured from the flipping platform 5 into the receiving platform 6.

[0034] The linkage structure 7 includes a drive motor 701. A bracket 702 is fixed inside the battery module workbench 1 by screws. The drive motor 701 is fixedly connected to the bracket 702 by screws. A connecting plate 703 is fixed to the output end of the drive motor 701. A first connecting shaft 704 and a second connecting shaft 705 are rotatably connected to both ends of the connecting plate 703, respectively.

[0035] By setting up a drive motor 701, after the drive motor 701 is started, the connecting plate 703 rotates, and through the first connecting shaft 704 and the second connecting shaft 705, the first connecting rod 706 and the second connecting rod 707 swing back and forth, driving the tilting table 5 and the receiving table 6 to swing, so that the tilting table 5 and the receiving table 6 move closer or further apart.

[0036] By setting bracket 702, such as Figure 3As shown, the drive motor 701 is fixed to one side of the bracket 702. This structure allows the second connecting shaft 705 to swing counterclockwise from the left side of the drive motor 701 to below the drive motor 701, increasing the stroke of the second connecting shaft 705. This ensures that the second connecting rod 707 can push the tilting table 5 to a 90° position and then slightly tilt it to the right, so that the module can fall onto the receiving platform 6.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, grooves are provided on both sides of the swing arm 604 at the bottom of the flipping table 5 and the receiving table 6. When the first connecting rod 706 and the second connecting rod 707 move, they will not interfere with the position of the swing arm 604, and can smoothly push the flipping table 5 and the receiving table 6 to swing.

[0038] The linkage structure 7 also includes a first connecting rod 706 and a second connecting rod 707. One end of the first connecting rod 706 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 704, and the second connecting rod 707 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 705. The other end of the first connecting rod 706 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the receiving platform 6, and the other end of the second connecting rod 707 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the flipping platform 5.

[0039] The spring compression structure includes a spring body 902 and a guide pin 903. The guide pin 903 is welded to the four corners on one side of the support plate 901. The guide pin 903 passes through the receiving platform 6 and is slidably connected to the receiving platform 6. The spring body 902 is sleeved on the outer wall of the guide pin 903. A cushioning cotton 904 is glued to one side of the support plate 901.

[0040] The moment the battery module is poured into the receiving platform 6, it squeezes the support plate 901. At this time, the guide pin 903 moves into the receiving platform 6 and squeezes the spring body 902.

[0041] The lifting structure 8 includes an operating platform 801 and a lifting cylinder 802. The lifting cylinder 802 is fixed inside the battery module workbench 1. The telescopic end of the lifting cylinder 802 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating platform 801. Guide rods 803 are fixed at the four corners of the lower surface of the operating platform 801. Guide columns 804 are welded inside the battery module workbench 1. The guide rods 803 are slidably connected inside the guide columns 804.

[0042] After the lifting cylinder 802 is activated, it can lift the battery module above the operating platform 801 upwards, making it easier for the two sets of conveyor belts 201 to move to the bottom of both ends of the battery module.

[0043] The receiving platform 6 has a clearance groove 601 in the middle to facilitate placing the battery module on the operating table 801. Both the receiving platform 6 and the flipping table 5 have steps 602 on one side to facilitate placing the battery module. Both the receiving platform 6 and the flipping table 5 have a rim 603 welded to one side to prevent the battery module from falling off the side.

[0044] By setting up step 602, after the battery module is placed on step 602, half of its thickness is located on step 602 of the receiving platform 6, and the other half of its thickness is located on step 602 of the flipping platform 5. When the flipping platform 5 tilts to the right, the battery module can be located inside the receiving platform 6.

[0045] Both the receiving platform 6 and the flipping platform 5 are fixed with swing arms 604 at their bottoms, and the first connecting rod 706 and the second connecting rod 707 are rotatably connected to the two swing arms 604 respectively.

[0046] The conveying structure 2 includes a conveyor belt 201. Both sides of the battery module workbench 1 are provided with clearance grooves 202 for the conveyor belt 201 to enter. Support plates 901 are welded to both sides of the battery module workbench 1. A displacement structure for driving the conveyor belt 201 to move horizontally is provided above the support plates 901.

[0047] By setting up a displacement structure, the conveyor belt 201 does not affect the rotation of the receiving platform 6, and the battery module is delivered by subsequent displacement into the battery module workbench 1.

[0048] The displacement structure includes a horizontal electric slide 204, which is fixedly connected to a support plate 901. A guide rail 205 is fixed to the upper surface of the support plate 901 by screws. A movable plate 206 is fixed on the slide of the horizontal electric slide 204. The movable plate 206 is slidably connected to the guide rail 205. A conveyor belt 201 is installed at one end of the movable plate 206. A rotary motor 207 for driving the conveyor belt 201 to rotate is fixed above the movable plate 206.

[0049] Based on the module flipping device described above, the present invention also provides a method of using the module flipping device, comprising the following steps:

[0050] S1. The battery module is placed on the flipping table 5 through the feeding mechanism outside the device. The flipping table 5 is in a horizontal state at this time. The drive motor 701 is driven to rotate the connecting plate 703. Through the first connecting shaft 704 and the second connecting shaft 705, the first connecting rod 706 and the second connecting rod 707 swing back and forth, causing the flipping table 5 and the receiving table 6 to swing.

[0051] S2. When the flipping platform 5 rotates clockwise, the receiving platform 6 rotates counterclockwise at the same time, so that the receiving platform 6 and the flipping platform 5 move closer to each other until the flipping platform 5 is flipped at an angle of 90-95°. The battery module is then poured into the receiving platform 6 and comes into contact with the support plate 901. At the moment the battery module is poured into the receiving platform 6, it presses against the support plate 901. At this time, the guide pin 903 moves into the receiving platform 6 and presses the spring body 902. The spring pressing structure prevents the battery module from making hard contact with the receiving platform 6. At this time, the flipping platform 5 and the receiving platform 6 are reset by the reverse drive motor 701.

[0052] S3. During the resetting process of the receiving platform 6, the battery module gradually becomes horizontal until it contacts the operating platform 801 through the clearance groove 601. When the receiving platform 6 becomes horizontal, the battery module is placed horizontally on the operating platform 801, with the four sides of the battery module extending beyond the operating platform 801. The operating platform 801 passes through the middle of the receiving platform 6 to support the battery module upward. At this time, after the lifting cylinder 802 is activated, it can lift the battery module above the operating platform 801 upward, making it convenient for the two sets of conveyor belts 201 to move to the bottom of both ends of the battery module.

[0053] S4. After the battery module moves above the battery module workbench 1, the horizontal electric slides 204 on both sides drive the two sets of conveyor belts 201 to move horizontally into the battery module workbench 1. When the two sets of conveyor belts 201 move to the bottom of both ends of the battery module, the lifting structure 8 resets, so that the two sides of the battery module are placed on the two conveyor belts 201. The rotating motor 207 drives the conveyor belts 201 to rotate, so that the battery module is moved out of the battery module workbench 1.

[0054] This invention uses two sets of rotating platforms 5 and receiving platforms 6, which are driven by a single motor and move synchronously closer to each other, to perform a 180° rotation of the battery module. Compared with traditional rotating structures, it requires less space for rotation, and even if the drive is powered off, the battery module will not fall off the rotating device and will not be damaged.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A module flipping device, characterized in that: The battery module workbench (1) includes a conveying structure (2) on both sides of the workbench (1) for conveying the tested battery modules out of the workbench (1). A first straight rod (3) and a second straight rod (4) are fixed inside the workbench (1). A flipping platform (5) for placing the battery module is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the first straight rod (3). A receiving platform (6) for placing the battery module after flipping is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the second straight rod (4). A linkage structure (7) for driving the receiving platform (6) and the flipping platform (5) to rotate and a lifting structure (8) for detaching the battery module from the receiving platform (6) are provided inside the workbench (1). A protection structure (9) for protecting the battery module from flipping is provided on one side of the receiving platform (6). The protection structure (9) includes a support plate (901). A spring compression structure is provided between the support plate (901) and the receiving platform (6). The linkage structure (7) includes a drive motor (701), a bracket (702) is fixed inside the battery module workbench (1) by screws, the drive motor (701) is fixedly connected to the bracket (702) by screws, a connecting plate (703) is fixed to the output end of the drive motor (701), and a first connecting shaft (704) and a second connecting shaft (705) are rotatably connected to both ends of the connecting plate (703). The linkage structure (7) further includes a first connecting rod (706) and a second connecting rod (707). One end of the first connecting rod (706) is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft (704), and the second connecting rod (707) is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft (705). The other end of the first connecting rod (706) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the receiving platform (6), and the other end of the second connecting rod (707) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the flipping platform (5). The conveying structure (2) includes a conveyor belt (201). Both sides of the battery module workbench (1) are provided with clearance grooves (202) for the conveyor belt (201) to enter. Mounting plates are welded to both sides of the battery module workbench (1). A displacement structure for driving the conveyor belt (201) to move horizontally is provided above the mounting plates. The displacement structure includes a horizontal electric slide (204), which is fixedly connected to a mounting plate. A guide rail (205) is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate by screws. A movable plate (206) is fixed on the slide of the horizontal electric slide (204). The movable plate (206) is slidably connected to the guide rail (205). A conveyor belt (201) is installed at one end of the movable plate (206). A rotary motor (207) for driving the conveyor belt (201) to rotate is fixed above the movable plate (206).

2. The module flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring compression structure includes a spring body (902) and a guide pin (903). The guide pin (903) is welded to the four corners on one side of the support plate (901). The guide pin (903) passes through the receiving platform (6) and is slidably connected to the receiving platform (6). The spring body (902) is sleeved on the outer wall of the guide pin (903). A cushioning cotton (904) is glued to one side of the support plate (901).

3. The module flipping device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting structure (8) includes an operating table (801) and a lifting cylinder (802). The lifting cylinder (802) is fixed inside the battery module workbench (1). The telescopic end of the lifting cylinder (802) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the operating table (801). Guide rods (803) are fixed at the four corners of the lower surface of the operating table (801). Guide columns (804) are welded inside the battery module workbench (1). The guide rods (803) are slidably connected inside the guide columns (804).

4. The module flipping device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The receiving platform (6) has a clearance groove (601) in the middle to facilitate placing the battery module on the operating table (801). The receiving platform (6) and the flipping table (5) are both provided with steps (602) to facilitate placing the battery module. The receiving platform (6) and the flipping table (5) are both welded with a rim (603) to prevent the battery module from falling off the side.

5. A module flipping device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both the receiving platform (6) and the flipping platform (5) are fixed with swing arms (604), and the first connecting rod (706) and the second connecting rod (707) are rotatably connected to the two swing arms (604) respectively.

6. A method for flipping a module flipping device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. The battery module is placed on the top of the flipping table by the external feeding mechanism of the device. The flipping table is in a horizontal state at this time. The drive linkage structure makes the flipping table rotate the battery module. S2. When the flipping platform rotates clockwise, the receiving platform rotates counterclockwise through the linkage structure, so that the receiving platform and the flipping platform move closer to each other until the flipping platform rotates at an angle of 90-95°. The battery module falls over into the receiving platform and contacts the support plate. The spring compression structure prevents the battery module from making hard contact with the receiving platform. At this time, the flipping platform and the receiving platform are reset by the linkage structure. S3. During the resetting process of the receiving platform, the battery module gradually becomes horizontal until the battery module contacts the lifting structure. The lifting structure passes through the middle of the receiving platform and supports the battery module upward. S4. After the battery module moves above the battery module workbench, the conveying structures on both sides move horizontally into the battery module workbench, and the lifting structure resets, so that the two sides of the battery module are placed above the two conveying structures and moved out of the battery module workbench through the conveying structures.

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