Workpiece packaging machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a workpiece packaging machine and a control method thereof. The workpiece packaging machine comprises a control center, a battery piece feeding mechanism, a battery piece processing mechanism, a workpiece dividing mechanism, a cotton piece inserting mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, a battery piece boxing mechanism, a packaging box conveying mechanism and a product discharging mechanism. The control center issues corresponding instructions to drive a grabbing mechanism installed on a bottom plate to grab the workpiece from the battery piece feeding mechanism. After being shaped by the battery piece processing mechanism, the workpiece is divided into pieces by the workpiece dividing mechanism to form a piece insertion gap. After the cotton piece is inserted into the piece insertion gap by the cotton piece inserting mechanism, the cotton piece is moved to the defect detection mechanism by the grabbing mechanism to be detected for edge defects and chamfer defects. After the workpiece is detected, the workpiece is moved to a packaging bottom box on a boxing platform by a boxing execution mechanism of the battery piece boxing mechanism. Finally, the packaging top cover is embedded by the packaging box conveying mechanism in the battery piece boxing mechanism, and the workpiece is moved to the product discharging mechanism to be discharged. Thus, the workpiece is automatically shaped, cotton is inserted, defects are detected and the workpiece is packaged, and the packaging efficiency of the workpiece is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of packaging equipment technology, and in particular to a workpiece packaging machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology, the new energy industry is booming. Among them, solar energy, as one of the sustainable energy sources, is attracting more and more countries to conduct research and development due to its low carbon and sustainability. The development and utilization of solar energy is also gradually being applied to more fields. For example, in the field of solar cells, silicon is usually made into thin sheets and coated with a layer of photoelectric conversion material to obtain solar cell wafers.

[0003] Focusing on the production process of solar cells in the photovoltaic industry, after the solar cells are manufactured, they need to be tested and sorted, then manually sorted by film color (that is, similar film colors are grouped together to form 100 or 200 pieces), and finally packaged and shipped. Some of these processes still require manual labor.

[0004] For example, in the traditional battery cell packaging process, the cells are shaped, cotton pads are inserted, and finally they are placed into the packaging box by manual labor. The entire packaging process is done manually, which is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a workpiece packaging machine and its control method, which solves the technical problem that the existing solar cell packaging process is basically carried out manually, resulting in low packaging efficiency.

[0006] This invention provides a workpiece packaging machine, comprising a gripping mechanism, a battery cell processing mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, and a battery cell boxing mechanism mounted on a base plate; the battery cell processing mechanism is used to grip and shape the workpieces via the gripping mechanism, and then insert cotton pads between the workpieces; the defect detection mechanism is used to grip and detect defects in the workpieces via the gripping mechanism; the battery cell boxing mechanism is used to place the workpieces into packaging boxes after the defect detection is passed, and transport them to the target unloading position.

[0007] Optionally, the gripping mechanism includes a gripping mounting bracket and a material handling mechanism; the gripping mounting bracket can rotate horizontally within a preset gripping angle range to drive the material handling mechanism to move horizontally; the material handling mechanism is sleeved on the transmission screw of the first power unit inside the gripping mounting bracket, and the first power unit is used to drive the material handling mechanism to rise and fall through the transmission screw; the material handling mechanism is used to clamp the workpiece.

[0008] Optionally, the battery cell processing mechanism includes a battery cell loading mechanism, a shaping and slitting mechanism, and a cotton pad insertion mechanism; the battery cell loading mechanism includes a battery cell conveyor belt and at least one transport tray; the transport tray is mounted on the battery cell conveyor belt to carry the workpiece and is driven to the battery cell loading position via the battery cell conveyor belt; the gripping mechanism is used to grip the workpiece at the battery cell loading position and transport it to the shaping mechanism; the shaping and slitting mechanism is used to shape the workpiece and slit it into pieces to form insertion gaps, and reset it after inserting a cotton pad; the cotton pad insertion mechanism is used to insert the cotton pad into the insertion gap.

[0009] Optionally, the shaping and segmenting mechanism includes a lever mechanism, a shaping platform, a vibration platform, and a shaping mechanism; the shaping platform is movably mounted on the vibration platform, and the shaping platform can tilt within a preset angle range; the vibration platform is used to activate vibration when the shaping platform is tilted to the preset angle range to shape the shaping platform; the shaping platform is provided with a placement area for placing the workpiece; the shaping mechanism is installed on the top of the shaping platform and located on adjacent sides of the shaping platform, and a reference block, a slant push block, and a segmenting mechanism are respectively installed on the other two sides of the shaping platform; the lever mechanism is used to segment the shaped workpiece to form the insert gap.

[0010] Optionally, the cell processing mechanism further includes a cell counting mechanism; the cell counting mechanism includes a cell counting base, a camera module, a first light source module, and at least two second light source modules; the camera module is rotatably mounted on the cell counting base, and a light source mounting plate is installed under the lens of the camera module; the first light source module and the second light source modules are respectively disposed on the light source mounting plate; when the workpiece is supported by the inclined push block, the camera module can acquire the cell image of the workpiece through the imaging acquisition hole of the first light source module to count the cells.

[0011] Optionally, the cotton pad insertion mechanism includes an insertion pad transfer module, a horizontal material handling module, and a cotton pad feeding frame; the cotton pad feeding frame and the horizontal material handling module are respectively mounted on the base plate, and the horizontal material handling module is used to obtain cotton pads from the cotton pad feeding frame; the insertion pad transfer module is provided with a cotton pad clamping component, which is used to clamp cotton pads from the horizontal material handling module and insert them into the insertion pad gap.

[0012] Optionally, the defect detection mechanism includes a detection and transfer module, a four-sided detection camera, a follow-up pressure plate, an active rotary table, and a chamfer detection camera; the active rotary table is fixedly mounted on the base plate and is used to place the workpiece transferred by the gripping mechanism and rotate it a preset number of times after being fixed by the follow-up pressure plate; the follow-up pressure plate is sleeved on the power output shaft of the detection and transfer module and is used to press down and fix the workpiece; the four-sided detection camera is used to acquire edge images of the workpiece and determine whether the workpiece has edge defects; the chamfer detection camera is used to acquire chamfer images of the workpiece and determine whether the workpiece has chamfer defects.

[0013] Optionally, the battery cell packaging mechanism includes a packaging platform, a packaging transfer module, and a packaging execution mechanism; the packaging box includes a packaging base box and a packaging top cover; the packaging platform is fixedly installed on the base plate, and the packaging base box is placed in the packaging platform; the packaging execution mechanism is connected to the power output shaft of the packaging transfer module; the packaging execution mechanism is used to support the workpiece and place it into the packaging base box.

[0014] Optionally, the battery cell packaging mechanism further includes a packaging box conveying mechanism, a packaging box loading mechanism, and a product unloading mechanism; the packaging box loading mechanism includes a packaging box buffer and a packaging box conveyor belt, the packaging box loading frame is disposed on the base plate and located on one side of the packaging box conveyor belt, and at least two packaging box loading trays are movably mounted on the packaging box conveyor belt; the product unloading mechanism includes a product unloading conveyor belt and at least one product loading tray, the product loading tray is movably mounted on the product unloading conveyor belt, and is used to place the battery cell product and transport it to the target unloading position; the packaging box conveying mechanism is used to grab the packaging bottom box and the packaging top cover from the packaging box loading tray respectively, transfer them to the packaging platform and release them, and grab the battery cell product from the packaging platform and transfer it to the product loading tray.

[0015] This invention also provides a control method for a workpiece packaging machine, applied in a control center. The control center is communicatively connected to the workpiece packaging machine described in any of the above claims. The workpiece packaging machine includes a gripping mechanism, a battery cell processing mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, and a battery cell boxing mechanism mounted on a base plate. The method includes: responding to a start command, calling the gripping mechanism to grip a workpiece and transfer it to the battery cell processing mechanism; calling the battery cell processing mechanism to shape the workpiece and then inserting cotton pads between the workpieces; calling the gripping mechanism to grip the workpiece from the battery cell processing mechanism and transfer it to the defect detection mechanism; calling the defect detection mechanism to perform defect detection on the workpiece; and when the workpiece passes the defect detection, calling the battery cell boxing mechanism to place the workpiece into a packaging box and transport it to the target unloading position.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] This invention provides a workpiece packaging machine and its control method. The control center sends corresponding instructions to drive a gripping mechanism mounted on a base plate to grip workpieces from a battery cell feeding mechanism. After being shaped by a battery cell processing mechanism, the workpiece is sliced ​​by a lever mechanism to form insert gaps. A cotton pad insertion mechanism inserts cotton pads into these gaps. The workpiece is then transferred to a defect detection mechanism for edge and chamfer defect detection. After passing defect detection, the workpiece is transferred to a packaging box on a packaging platform by a packaging execution mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism. Finally, a packaging box transport mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism inserts the packaging top cover and transfers the workpiece to a product unloading mechanism for product output. This fully automated process of workpiece shaping, cotton pad insertion, defect detection, and packaging effectively improves packaging efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a workpiece packaging machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a gripping mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a material handling mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a shaping and segmenting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structural motion of a shaping and segmenting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a shaping mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the counting process of a counting mechanism is provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a cotton pad insertion mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a defect detection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a battery cell packaging mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cartoning platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a cartoning actuator provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging box transport mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a packaging box cache library provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a control method for a workpiece packaging machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Gripping mechanism; 2. Cell processing mechanism; 3. Defect detection mechanism; 5. Defect unloading mechanism; 6. Workpiece; 7. Cotton pad; 11. Gripping mounting bracket; 12. Material handling mechanism; 41. Packaging platform; 81. Packaging bottom box; 82. Packaging top cover; 111. Transmission screw; 121. Fixed frame; 122. Clamping drive frame; 123. Second power unit; 124. Clamping arm; 1221. Rotating frame; 1222. Connecting rod; 1223. Branch bracket; 1224. Slider; 1224. First pressure plate drive unit; 1241. Movable pressure plate; 1242. Gripper; 1243. Cell loading machine. 21. Counting mechanism; 22. Shaping and separating mechanism; 23. Cotton pad insertion and removal mechanism; 24. Separating mechanism; 2327. Lever mechanism; 231. Shaping platform; 232. Vibration platform; 233. Shaping mechanism; 234. Rotating shaft connecting plate; 235. Inclined push block; 2329. Shaping drive unit; 2321. First transmission plate; 2322. First shaping pressure plate; 2323. Second shaping pressure plate; 2324. Return spring; 2326. Shaping base plate; 2328. Shaping transmission column; 2325. Separating drive unit; 23271. Separating support plate; 23272. Counting base; 221. Camera module. 222, First Light Source Module; 223, Second Light Source Module; 224, Inclined Push Block Drive Unit; 2330, Insert Translation Module; 241, Insert Vertical Transfer Unit; 242, Horizontal Material Picking Module; 243, Cotton Sheet Feeding Frame; 244, Detection Translation Module; 31, Detection Vertical Transfer Unit; 32, Four-Sided Detection Camera; 33, Follow-up Pressure Plate; 34, Active Rotary Table; 35, Chamfer Detection Camera; 36, Boxing Translation Module; 421, Boxing Vertical Transfer Unit; 422, Boxing Actuator; 423, Fixed Base; 411, Rotation Mechanism; 412, Placement Plate; 413, First Limiting Block; 41 4. First positioning cylinder 415, second positioning cylinder 416, second limiting block 417, second pressure plate drive unit 4231, transfer pressure plate 4232, pad cutting drive unit 4233, transfer pad 4234, boxing push plate 4235, packaging box transport mechanism 45, packaging box loading mechanism 43, and product unloading mechanism 44, packaging box translation module 451, packaging box vertical transfer unit 452, transfer mechanism 453, limiting plate 431, packaging box pallet 432, release drive unit 435, packaging box cutting drive unit 433, and third limiting block 434. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This invention provides a workpiece packaging machine and its control method to solve the technical problem that the existing solar cell packaging process is basically carried out manually, resulting in low packaging efficiency.

[0036] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a workpiece packaging machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The present invention provides a workpiece packaging machine, comprising a gripping mechanism 1, a battery cell processing mechanism 2, a defect detection mechanism 3, and a battery cell boxing mechanism mounted on a base plate;

[0039] The battery cell processing mechanism 2 is used to grasp the workpiece 6 through the gripping mechanism 1, shape it, and then insert the cotton pad 7 between the workpiece 6.

[0040] The defect detection mechanism 3 is used to grasp the workpiece 6 through the gripping mechanism 1 to perform defect detection.

[0041] The battery cell packaging mechanism is used to place the workpiece 6 into a packaging box and transport it to the target unloading position after the workpiece 6 passes the defect detection.

[0042] Workpiece 6 can be multiple stacked solar cells or workpieces with a shape similar to solar cells, and the number is within a preset range. Solar cells are semiconductor thin films that can convert solar energy into electrical energy by processing silicon wafers. They are generally made of monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous silicon.

[0043] The gripping mechanism 1 is specifically used to grip the workpiece 6 that has been processed in the current process and transport it to the next process position. It can be constructed by installing a material-grabbing mechanism 12 on a gripping mounting bracket 11. The gripping mounting bracket 11 can be installed on a base plate. The material-grabbing mechanism 12 can be moved at different angles and positions through two sets of connected rotating mechanisms. The material-grabbing mechanism 12 is usually made of steel or other high-strength metal materials to ensure sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of the mechanism and withstand various stresses during movement. The design needs to consider factors such as the overall size of the mechanism, weight distribution, and stress analysis to ensure the stability and safety of the mechanism. Finite element analysis and other methods are usually used to optimize its structure, improve the strength-to-weight ratio, and reduce stress concentration. Its structure can be a welded type made of steel plates or sections, or an integrally cast type.

[0044] The battery cell processing mechanism 2 is used to shape the workpiece 6 to correct the misalignment of the individual battery cells within the workpiece 6. Then, it slices the workpiece 6 according to a preset thickness to insert cotton sheets 7 into it. These cotton sheets 7 can be foam sheets, and their material types can include, but are not limited to, PU, ​​EVA, PE, CR, ECR, and silicone foam. During subsequent operation of the battery cells, a certain amount of heat is generated, and thermal expansion and contraction occur at different temperatures. This causes the battery cells to bulge and generate contact friction. Prolonged contact friction between the battery cells may lead to damage, battery failure, or even runaway. To address this, inserting cotton sheets 7 between the workpieces 6 provides functions such as heat insulation, cushioning, flame retardancy, sealing, support, and shock absorption.

[0045] For each group of battery cells within workpiece 6, defect detection is typically required to ensure factory quality and normal use of the cells. However, traditional methods usually involve manual defect detection, which is inefficient and carries the risk of missed detections. Therefore, this embodiment provides a defect detection mechanism 3. After the gripping mechanism 1 grips and transports workpiece 6 (with the inserted cotton pads) to the defect detection mechanism 3, workpiece 6 is fixed, and edge and chamfer images of workpiece 6 are captured for defect detection to determine whether each battery cell has issues such as chipped edges or missing corners.

[0046] After defect detection of the solar cells is completed, the defect-detected workpiece 6 is clamped and transported to the solar cell boxing mechanism for boxing to complete the packaging of workpiece 6. The clamping action here is realized by the boxing execution mechanism included in the solar cell boxing mechanism. Through the cooperation of the pad and the pressure block, the workpiece 6 located on the defect detection mechanism 3 is horizontally transported to the boxing platform 41 of the solar cell boxing mechanism, and then lowered into the packaging bottom box 81 on the boxing platform 41 and closed by the packaging top cover 82 to complete the boxing action of placing workpiece 6 into the packaging box. The boxed solar cell products are then transported to the target unloading position for storage, awaiting subsequent shipment.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one example of the present invention, the gripping mechanism 1 includes a gripping mounting bracket 11 and a material picking mechanism 12;

[0048] The gripping mounting bracket 11 can rotate horizontally within a preset gripping angle range to drive the material handling mechanism 12 to move horizontally;

[0049] The material handling mechanism 12 is mounted on the transmission screw 111 of the first power unit inside the gripping mounting bracket 11. The first power unit is used to drive the material handling mechanism 12 to lift and lower through the transmission screw 111.

[0050] The material handling mechanism 12 includes a fixed frame 121, a clamping drive frame 122, a second power unit 123, and multiple clamping arms 124;

[0051] The top of the fixed frame 121 is fixedly connected to the transmission screw 111, and the bottom of the fixed frame 121 is provided with the clamping drive frame 122.

[0052] The center of the clamping drive frame 122 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft of the second power unit 123, and the edge end of the clamping drive frame 122 is connected to a plurality of clamping arms 124 respectively. The second power unit 123 is used to drive the clamping arms 124 to perform clamping operations through the first rotating shaft.

[0053] In this embodiment, the gripping mounting bracket 11 is used to provide the material handling mechanism 12 with the function of moving at multiple angles and positions in the horizontal direction. Since the gripping mechanism 1 needs to continuously grip the workpiece 6 between the battery cell feeding mechanism, the shaping and slitting mechanism, the cotton pad insertion mechanism and the defect detection mechanism 3 and move it to different positions, the gripping mounting bracket 11 can be a double-layer rotating structure connected by a rotating shaft. Each layer of the rotating structure can rotate within a preset gripping angle range to drive the material handling mechanism 12 to move to different positions and improve the flexibility of the material handling mechanism 12.

[0054] To grip and pick up components such as battery cells or workpieces, a picking mechanism 12 is mounted on the transmission screw 111 of the first power unit within the gripping mounting bracket 11. The first power unit drives the transmission screw 111 to rotate, and the screw converts the rotational motion of the first power unit into the lifting motion of the picking mechanism 12, thereby raising and lowering the picking mechanism 12 to different height positions. Furthermore, the picking mechanism 12 can be controlled in two stages when gripping the workpiece. The first stage involves controlling the gripping arms 124 to move towards each other on the gripping drive frame 122, bringing the gripping arms 124 closer to the workpiece. After the gripping arms 124 are in position, the second stage involves controlling the opening to narrow, allowing the fixed gripper and movable pressure plate to clamp the workpiece. The mechanism can also be controlled in two stages when lowering the workpiece. In the first stage, the opening is widened, allowing the fixed gripper and movable pressure plate to release the workpiece. In the second stage, the gripping arms 124 are controlled to move in opposite directions on the gripping drive frame 122, moving the gripping arms 124 away from the workpiece to place the workpiece at the target position. The center of the gripping drive frame 122 is fitted onto the first rotating shaft of the second power unit 123. The edge ends of the gripping drive frame 122 are respectively connected to multiple gripping arms 124. The second power unit 123 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in different directions, transmitting the rotation through the edge ends to the gripping arms 124 to perform gripping or releasing operations.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the clamping drive frame 122 further includes a rotating frame 1221, a connecting rod 1222, a branch support 1223, and a slider 1224;

[0056] The branch bracket 1223 is fixed to the lower side of the fixed frame 121, and a slide rail is provided on the branch bracket 1223;

[0057] The rotating frame 1221 includes a transmission arm that corresponds to each slider 1224. The center of the rotating frame 1221 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located between the fixed frame 121 and the branch support 1223. Each transmission arm is connected to the corresponding slider 1224 through the connecting rod 1222.

[0058] The slider 1224 is slidably connected to the slide rail;

[0059] The rotating frame 1221 can drive the slider 1224 to move on the slide rail via the connecting rod 1222, so as to adjust the clamping size of the clamping arm 124.

[0060] The gripping drive frame 122 is used to adjust the gripping size of the gripping arm 124, wherein, for example... Figure 3 As shown, the branch bracket 1223 is fixedly mounted on the lower side of the fixed frame 121. The fixed frame 121 and the branch bracket 1223 are connected by a fixing block at the edge end. The branch bracket 1223 is provided with slide rails, and the number of slide rails, connecting rods 1222, and sliders 1224 are equal. The center of the rotating frame 1221 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft passing through the branch bracket 1223. The second power unit 123, where the first rotating shaft is located, is located on the lower side of the branch bracket 1223. Each transmission arm of the rotating frame 1221 is connected to the slider 1224 through the connecting rod 1222. The slider 1224 is slidably connected to the slide rail. When the second power unit 123 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in the first direction, the first rotating shaft drives the rotating frame 1221 to rotate in the first direction. The rotating frame 1221 pulls the connecting rod 1222 through the transmission arm. The connecting rod 1222 drives the slider 1224 to slide inward. Under the guidance of the slide rail, each slider 1224 drives the clamping arm 124 to move towards the center of the rotating frame 1221, thereby reducing the clamping size.

[0061] When the second power unit 123 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the first rotating shaft drives the rotating frame 1221 to rotate in the second direction. The rotating frame 1221 pushes the connecting rod 1222 through the transmission arm. The connecting rod 1222 drives the slider 1224 to slide outward. Similarly, under the guidance of the slide rail, each slider 1224 pushes the gripping arm 124 to move towards the edge of the rotating frame 1221, thereby increasing the gripping size.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, in one example of the present invention, the lower end of the slider 1224 is fixedly connected to the gripping arm 124;

[0063] The gripping arm 124 includes a pair of first pressure plate drive units 1241, movable pressure plates 1242, and grippers 1243;

[0064] The first pressure plate driving unit 1241 is installed on the inner side wall of the gripper 1243 and connected to the movable pressure plate 1242, and is used to drive the movable pressure plate 1242 to lift and lower, so as to clamp the workpiece 6.

[0065] To achieve stable gripping of the battery cell or workpiece, the gripping arm 124 includes at least a pair of first pressure plate drive units 1241, movable pressure plates 1242, and grippers 1243. The first pressure plate drive unit 1241 is mounted on the inner wall of the gripper 1243 and connected to the movable pressure plate 1242. The first pressure plate drive unit 1241 drives the movable pressure plate 1242 to press down, cooperating with the gripper 1243 to grip the workpiece 6. When it is necessary to release the workpiece 6, the first pressure plate drive unit 1241 drives the movable pressure plate 1242 to rise, cooperating with the gripper 1243 to release the workpiece 6.

[0066] When the gripping arm 124 needs to grip the workpiece 6, the gripping mounting bracket 11 is rotated to move the gripping mechanism 1 above the workpiece 6. The first power unit drives the transmission screw 111 to lower the gripping mechanism 1 to the same plane as the workpiece 6. At the same time, the second power unit 123 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in the second direction, so that the gripping arm 124 opens to a size larger than the workpiece 6. The first pressure plate driving unit 1241 drives the movable pressure plate 1242 to rise to a size greater than the thickness of the workpiece 6, so that the workpiece 6 is located in the space between the movable pressure plate 1242 and the gripper 1243. Then, the second power unit 123 drives the first rotating shaft to rotate in the first direction, so that the gripping arm 124 shrinks to the size of the workpiece 6. The first pressure plate driving unit 1241 drives the movable pressure plate 1242 to press down to a size equal to the thickness of the workpiece 6 and applies a certain force, so that the workpiece 6 is fixed in the space between the movable pressure plate 1242 and the gripper 1243, realizing the gripping action of the workpiece 6. Then, by gripping the mounting bracket 11, the transmission screw 111 is driven by the first power unit, causing the gripping mechanism 1 to rise. The gripping mounting bracket 11 rotates and moves to the next operating position, and the workpiece 6 is released by the gripping mechanism 1.

[0067] Among them, the first power unit, the second power unit 123 and other power units can be motors, and the first pressure plate drive unit 1241 and other drive units can be cylinders. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0068] In one example of the present invention, the battery cell processing mechanism 2 includes a battery cell feeding mechanism 21, a shaping and slitting mechanism 23, and a cotton pad insertion mechanism 24;

[0069] The cell loading mechanism 21 includes a cell conveyor belt and at least one transport tray;

[0070] The transport tray is installed on the battery cell conveyor belt to carry the workpiece 6 and is driven to the battery cell loading position via the battery cell conveyor belt.

[0071] The gripping mechanism 1 is used to grip the workpiece 6 located at the battery cell loading position and transport it to the shaping mechanism;

[0072] The shaping and segmenting mechanism 23 is used to shape the workpiece 6 and then segment it to form insert gaps, and to reset it after inserting the cotton pad 7.

[0073] The cotton pad insertion mechanism 24 is used to insert the cotton pad 7 into the insertion gap.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell processing mechanism 2 is used to perform operations such as feeding, shaping and inserting cotton pads on the workpiece 6 to complete the pre-processing for defect detection of the workpiece 6.

[0075] Specifically, the cell loading mechanism 21 may include a cell conveyor belt and at least one transport tray. To prevent the cell conveyor belt from directly transporting the workpieces 6 and causing them to be partially offset, thus preventing the gripping mechanism 1 from accurately gripping the appropriate number of workpieces 6, a transport tray is installed on the cell conveyor belt to carry the entire stack of cells transported upstream as a group of workpieces 6, which are then transported to the cell loading position via the cell conveyor belt. The gripping mechanism 1 grips the workpieces 6 at the cell loading position and transports them to the shaping and slitting mechanism 23. During the transport of the battery cells on the conveyor belt, although the transport tray plays a certain role in standardization, mechanical vibration and other factors inevitably cause some displacement of the individual battery cells within workpiece 6. Therefore, the gripping mechanism 1 transports the workpiece 6 to the shaping and slicing mechanism 23 for further shaping and standardization. The workpiece 6 is then sliced ​​according to the preset battery cell thickness to form insertion gaps within the workpiece 6. The cotton pad insertion mechanism 24 inserts cotton pads 7 into the insertion gaps, and the workpiece 6 is then reset by the shaping and slicing mechanism 23 to complete the processing of the workpiece 6, which then awaits further defect detection by the gripping mechanism 1.

[0076] The number of cotton pads 7 inserted varies depending on the required number of workpieces 6. At least three pads are inserted, that is, cotton pads 7 are inserted at the top, bottom and middle positions of workpieces 6 respectively, or cotton pads 7 can be inserted between every two battery pads.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the shaping and segmenting mechanism 2327 includes a lever mechanism 231, a shaping platform 232, a vibration platform 233, and a shaping mechanism 234;

[0078] The shaping platform 232 is movably mounted on the vibration platform 233. A rotating shaft connecting plate 235 is connected to the bottom of the vibration platform 233. The rotating shaft connecting plate 235 is used to respond to the rotation of the rotating shaft and drive the vibration platform 233 and the shaping platform 232 to tilt within a preset angle range.

[0079] The vibration platform 233 is used to activate vibration when the shaping platform 232 is tilted to a preset angle range, so as to shape the shaping platform 232.

[0080] The shaping platform 232 is provided with a placement area for placing the workpiece 6;

[0081] The shaping mechanism 234 is installed on the top of the shaping platform 232 and is located on the adjacent two sides of the shaping platform 232. The other two sides of the shaping platform 232 are respectively equipped with a reference block, a slanted push block 2329 and a slicing mechanism 2327.

[0082] The lever mechanism 231 is used to divide the shaped workpiece 6 into pieces to form the insert gap.

[0083] Please see Figure 5 In this embodiment, the shaping and segmenting mechanism 2327 is used to drive the shaping platform 232 to vibrate and shape the workpiece 6 via the vibration platform 233, and the shaping mechanism 234 mounted on the shaping platform 232 further assists in shaping the workpiece 6. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown in configuration a, under normal conditions, the shaping platform 232 is movably mounted on the vibration platform 233 and is positioned vertically to the base plate. The vibration platform 233 is mounted on the rotating shaft connecting plate 235, which has a rotating shaft on its lower side. This rotating shaft is connected to the power unit. After receiving the workpiece 6 transferred by the gripping mechanism 1 through the placement area on the shaping platform 232, the power unit responds to the issued PLC command and drives the rotating shaft to rotate. This causes the shaping platform 232 to tilt and flip within a preset angle range via the rotating shaft connecting plate 235. The preset angle range can be 50° to 85°. Figure 5 The shape shown is b.

[0084] like Figure 5As shown in configuration b, when the shaping platform 232 is tilted to a preset angle range or reaches a predetermined position, the workpiece 6 in the placement area is subjected to gravity and the limiting effects of the reference block, inclined push block 2329, and segmentation mechanism 2327 set on the shaping platform 232. The workpiece 6 is shaped with these two sides as references. At the same time, the vibration platform 233 can be activated to vibrate, thereby driving the shaping platform 232 to shape the workpiece 6 in the placement area. The vibration platform 233 can be a vibrator or other vibration source device.

[0085] Furthermore, to further improve shaping efficiency and effect, a shaping mechanism 234 can be installed on top of the shaping platform 232. The shaping pressure block within the mechanism 234 provides pressure from top to bottom, ensuring that all sides of the workpiece 6 are subjected to pressure for rapid shaping. After shaping the workpiece 6, which is still in an inclined state, the lever mechanism 231 divides the shaped workpiece 6 into pieces to create insert gaps, facilitating the insertion of the cotton pad 7 by the cotton pad insertion mechanism 24.

[0086] In one example of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shaping mechanism 234 includes a shaping drive unit 2321, a first transmission plate 2322, a second transmission plate, a first shaping pressure plate 2323, a second shaping pressure plate 2324, and a return spring 2326;

[0087] The first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate are movably mounted on the shaping base plate 2328 in the placement area, and the shaping drive unit 2321 is fixedly mounted on the shaping base plate 2328.

[0088] One end of the return spring 2326 is movably connected to the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate respectively, and the other end is fixed on the shaping base plate 2328, which is used to return the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate to their original positions.

[0089] The first transmission plate 2322 is connected to the power output end of the shaping drive unit 2321, and the first transmission plate 2322 is provided with a shaping transmission column 2325 and a first shaping pressure plate 2323.

[0090] The first shaping plate 2323 is located on one side of the shaping platform 232 and is used to shape the workpiece 6 in the placement area in response to the power provided by the first transmission plate 2322.

[0091] The second shaping plate 2324 is fixedly mounted on the second transmission plate, located on the other side of the shaping platform 232 and adjacent to the first shaping plate 2323. The second transmission plate and the shaping transmission column 2325 can touch each other.

[0092] The number of the first shaping plate 2323 and the second shaping plate 2324 is at least two.

[0093] In this embodiment, the shaping platform 232, in order to shape the workpiece 6, not only uses the vibration platform 233 to drive it in an inclined vibration manner, but also uses the shaping mechanism 234 therein to provide top-down shaping pressure. Specifically, the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate are mounted vertically on the shaping base plate 2328 in the placement area, and a shaping drive unit 2321 is also fixedly mounted on the shaping base plate 2328. At least two first shaping pressure plates 2323 are fixedly mounted on the first transmission plate 2322, and at least two second shaping pressure plates 2324 are fixedly mounted on the second transmission plate, with the first shaping pressure plates 2323 and the second shaping pressure plates 2324 located on adjacent sides of the placement area, respectively. To achieve the shaping of workpiece 6, the first transmission plate 2322 is connected to the power output end of the shaping drive unit 2321, and a shaping transmission column 2325 is provided after the first shaping pressure plate 2323. The second transmission plate can touch the shaping transmission column 2325. The power output of the shaping drive unit 2321 is transmitted to the second transmission plate through the shaping transmission column 2325, so that the first shaping pressure plate 2323 and the second shaping pressure plate 2324 can be driven simultaneously by a single shaping drive unit 2321 to shape workpiece 6.

[0094] Furthermore, to prevent the first shaping plate 2323 and the second shaping plate 2324 from deflecting outward due to the power output of the shaping drive unit 2321, return springs 2326 are respectively connected to the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate 2324. One end of the return spring 2326 is movably connected to the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate 2324 respectively, and the other end is fixed to the shaping base plate 2328, so as to return the first transmission plate 2322 and the second transmission plate 2324 to their original positions when the shaping drive unit 2321 outputs power. The shaping drive unit 2321 can be a cylinder.

[0095] In one example of the present invention, the segmentation mechanism 2327 includes a segmentation driving unit 23271 and a segmentation support plate 23272 connected to the power output end of the segmentation driving unit 23271;

[0096] The height of the segmented support plate 23272 is higher than that of the reference block, and when the segmented support plate 23272 is in the reset position, it is on the same plane as the inner side of the reference block;

[0097] The slicing drive unit 23271 is used to drive the slicing tray 23272 to retract to the slicing position, so that multiple target battery cells of preset thickness are staggered from the remaining workpiece 6, and when the target battery cell is pushed away by the lever mechanism 231 to form the insertion gap, the slicing tray 23272 is driven to reset to the reset position.

[0098] The lever mechanism 231 includes a lever drive mechanism, a stationary dividing column, and a retractable movable dividing column, wherein the stationary dividing column and the movable dividing column are installed alternately on the lever drive mechanism.

[0099] See Figure 6 The slitting mechanism 2327 includes a slitting drive unit 23271 and a slitting support plate 23272. To enable subsequent slitting of multiple target battery cells of a preset thickness, the height of the slitting support plate 23272 needs to be higher than that of the reference block. Simultaneously, the slitting support plate 23272 also needs to provide support during the shaping of the workpiece 6. Therefore, when the slitting support plate 23272 is in the reset position, its inner surface is on the same plane as the inner surface of the reference block. When it is necessary to slice the workpiece 6, the slicing drive unit 23271 can drive the slicing support plate 23272 to move back to a slicing position away from the shaping platform 232. Since the shaping platform 232 is still tilted and the height of the reference block is lower than that of the slicing support plate 23272, the remaining workpiece 6 is still limited by the reference block and remains in its original position. Meanwhile, some target battery cells that are higher than the height of the reference block are offset from the workpiece 6 in the shaping platform 232 due to gravity and are supported only by the slicing topology.

[0100] Meanwhile, the lever mechanism 231 drives the retractable separating movable column to insert into the staggered workpiece 6 and target battery cell. The lever drive mechanism drives the separating movable column and the separating stationary column to move a preset distance away from the shaping platform 232, so that an insertion gap is formed between the target battery cell held by the separating movable column and the separating stationary column and the remaining workpiece 6. At this time, the separating movable column exits the insertion gap and releases the clamping of the target battery cell. The slicing drive unit 23271 drives the slicing tray 23272 to reset to the reset position, so as to form an insertion gap for the cotton sheet 7 to be inserted between the workpieces 6.

[0101] Please see Figure 7 In one example of the present invention, the cell processing mechanism 2 further includes a cell counting mechanism 22;

[0102] The chip counting mechanism 22 includes a chip counting base 221, a camera module 222, a first light source module 223, and at least two second light source modules 224;

[0103] The camera module 222 is rotatably mounted on the multi-plate base 221. A light source mounting plate is installed under the lens of the camera module 222. The first light source module 223 and the second light source module 224 are respectively disposed on the light source mounting plate. The second light source module 224 is installed on both sides of the first light source module 223. The first light source has an imaging acquisition hole.

[0104] When the workpiece 6 is supported by the inclined push block 2329, the camera module 222 can acquire multiple images of the battery cells of the workpiece 6 through the imaging acquisition hole.

[0105] In this embodiment, a multi-plate mechanism 22 is also provided on the opposite side of the lever mechanism 231. The multi-plate mechanism 22 may include a multi-plate base 221, a camera module 222, a first light source module 223, and at least two second light source modules 224. The multi-plate base 221 is mounted on a base plate, and a mounting plate is provided on the multi-plate base 221 to rotatably mount the camera module 222. A detachable light source mounting plate is mounted below the lens of the camera module 222. The first light source module 223 and the second light source modules 224 are respectively disposed on the light source mounting plate, with the second light source modules 224 mounted on both sides of the first light source module 223. The first light source has an imaging acquisition hole.

[0106] In the specific production process, to further ensure that the number of battery cells in each workpiece 6 meets the requirements, the workpiece 6 can be counted by the counting mechanism 22 while being shaped in the shaping platform 232 or before the formal shaping begins to ensure that the number of workpieces 6 meets the requirements. Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown in configuration a, the shaping platform 232 rotates and tilts downwards in the direction of the arrow. Simultaneously, the shaping platform 232 and the vibration platform 233 rotate relative to each other at a certain angle. The inclined push block 2329 is powered by the inclined push block drive unit 2330 towards the placement area, causing the inclined push block 2329 to move forward a certain distance towards the placement area. At this time, the edge of the workpiece 6 is limited by the shape of the inclined push block 2329, forming an inclined surface. The positional relationship between the shaping platform 232 and the counting mechanism 22 is... Figure 7 As shown in configuration b, the counting mechanism 22 acquires an image of the workpiece 6 at the current moment through the camera module 222. A first light source is used as the main light source to illuminate the workpiece 6 from the side, creating a bright scene for the workpiece 6. Two second light sources serve as auxiliary light sources to avoid interference from the cotton sheets at the top and bottom of the battery cells. After the counting mechanism 22 acquires several images of the workpiece 6, the inclined push block 2329 is driven back to its original position by the inclined push block driving unit 2330 to prevent the shape of the inclined push block from affecting the shaping of the workpiece 6.

[0107] The original position of the inclined push block 2329 is on a different plane from that of the L-shaped reference block. When the inclined push block 2329 is reset to its original position, there is no contact between the workpiece 6 and the inclined push block 2329. The inclined push block 2329 is a limiting structure that gradually increases in size from bottom to top and has a notch in the middle for the camera module 222 to take pictures. Its shape gradually increases as it moves away from the shaping base plate 2328. When the workpiece 6 is supported by the inclined push block 2329, it forms an inclined surface, creating a larger picture gap on the inclined push block 2329 to improve the accuracy of counting the number of battery cells.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the cotton pad insertion mechanism 24 includes an insertion pad transfer module, a horizontal material picking module 243, and a cotton pad feeding frame 244; the insertion pad transfer module includes an insertion pad translation module 241 and an insertion pad vertical transfer unit 242.

[0109] The cotton sheet feeding frame 244 and the horizontal material picking module 243 are respectively installed on the base plate. The horizontal material picking module 243 is used to pick up cotton sheets 7 from the cotton sheet feeding frame 244.

[0110] The insert vertical transfer unit 242 is connected to the insert translation module 241 via a first connecting plate;

[0111] The vertical transfer unit 242 for inserts is equipped with a cotton pad clamping component, which is used to clamp cotton pads 7 from the horizontal material handling module 243 and insert them into the gap of the inserts.

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, after the slitting mechanism completes the slitting of workpiece 6, a cotton pad insertion mechanism can be set near the shaping platform, for example, on the same side as the lever mechanism, to facilitate the insertion of cotton pads 7. This lever mechanism can also be mounted on the base plate. Furthermore, a cotton pad feeding frame 244 and a horizontal picking module 243 are also mounted on the base plate. The horizontal picking module 243 moves horizontally to absorb cotton pads 7 from the cotton pad feeding frame 244. The cotton pad gripper moves downwards via the vertical transfer unit 242, gripping the cotton pads 7 from the horizontal picking module 243. The cotton pads then move upwards via the translation module 241 and the vertical transfer unit 242, causing the cotton pad gripper to insert into the insertion gap and release the cotton pads 7, thus completing one insertion operation for workpiece 6.

[0113] The insertion operation can be performed multiple times. After each operation, the segmentation mechanism and the lever mechanism are activated again to create a new insertion gap until the insertion requirements of workpiece 6 are met.

[0114] like Figure 9As shown, in one example of the present invention, the defect detection mechanism 3 includes a detection transfer module, a four-sided detection camera 33, a follow-up pressure plate 34, an active rotary table 35, and a chamfer detection camera 36; the detection transfer module includes a detection translation module 31 and a detection vertical transfer unit 32.

[0115] The active rotary table 35 is fixedly installed on the base plate and is used to place the workpiece 6 transferred by the gripping mechanism 1 and rotate a preset number of times after being fixed by the follow-up pressure plate 34.

[0116] The detection vertical transfer unit 32 is connected to the detection translation module 31 via a second connecting plate;

[0117] The follow-up pressure plate 34 is sleeved on the power output shaft of the detection vertical transfer unit 32 and is used to press down and fix the workpiece 6.

[0118] The quadrilateral detection camera 33 is used to acquire edge images of the workpiece 6 and determine whether the workpiece 6 has edge defects.

[0119] The chamfer detection camera 36 is used to acquire chamfer images of the workpiece 6 and determine whether the workpiece 6 has chamfer defects.

[0120] In this embodiment, since the workpiece 6 may be damaged due to bumps or collisions during the shaping or moving process, after the insertion operation of the workpiece 6 is completed, the shaping platform is reset to the vertical base plate state, and the gripping mechanism 1 grips the workpiece 6 again from the shaping platform and transfers it to the active rotating table 35 of the defect detection mechanism 3 for further defect detection.

[0121] Specifically, see Figure 9 After the gripping mechanism 1 places the workpiece 6 on the active rotary table 35, the detection translation module 31 translates the workpiece, and the detection vertical transfer unit 32 outputs power to move the follow-up pressure plate 34 above the workpiece 6 and press it down to fix the position of the workpiece 6. The follow-up pressure plate 34 continues to rotate with the workpiece 6 after pressing down, rotating a preset number of times (e.g., 3-4 times) in response to PLC commands from the active rotary table 35. Simultaneously, the four-sided detection camera 33 and the chamfer detection camera 36 acquire edge images of the four sides and chamfer images of the four corners of the workpiece 6, respectively. Multiple images can be acquired simultaneously. The chamfer images and edge images are uploaded to the back-end processor by the four-sided detection camera 33 and the chamfer detection camera 36 to be combined with relevant defect detection algorithms to determine whether the workpiece 6 has edge defects or chamfer defects.

[0122] The four-sided inspection camera 33 and the chamfer inspection camera 36 are fixedly mounted on the base plate. The height of their lenses is the same as the height of the workpiece 6. The four-sided inspection camera 33 and the chamfer inspection camera 36 are connected to a power unit in the horizontal direction to adjust the distance between them and the workpiece 6 at any time, so as to ensure the clarity of the chamfer and edge images obtained.

[0123] See Figure 1 In another example of the invention, the workpiece packaging machine further includes a defect unloading mechanism 5;

[0124] The defect unloading mechanism 5 includes at least one defect piece loading tray and a defect unloading conveyor belt;

[0125] The defect loading tray can be movably installed on the defect unloading conveyor belt and is used to place the defective workpiece 6 grabbed by the gripping mechanism 1 from the defect detection mechanism 3.

[0126] The defective workpiece 6 includes workpieces 6 with edge defects or chamfer defects.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the defect detection of workpiece 6 fails, the follow-up pressure plate 34 releases workpiece 6 and moves away from its position, driving the gripping mechanism 1 to grip the workpiece 6 and move it to the defect piece loading tray on the defect unloading conveyor belt. The defect unloading conveyor belt then transports the workpiece to the preset defect piece storage position, awaiting further defect judgment.

[0128] Please see Figure 10 In one example of the present invention, the battery cell packaging mechanism includes a packaging platform 41, a packaging transfer module, and a packaging execution mechanism 423; the packaging box includes a packaging bottom box 81 and a packaging top cover 82; the packaging transfer module includes a packaging translation module 421 and a packaging vertical transfer unit 422.

[0129] The boxing platform 41 is fixedly mounted on the base plate;

[0130] The boxing actuator 423 is connected to the power output shaft of the boxing vertical transfer unit 422, and the boxing vertical transfer unit 422 is connected to the boxing translation module 421 through a third connecting plate.

[0131] Please see Figure 11 Furthermore, the boxing platform 41 includes a fixed base 411, a rotating mechanism 412, and at least two placement trays 413;

[0132] The placement trays 413 are connected by a fifth connecting plate, and each of the four corners of the placement trays 413 is provided with a first limiting block 414;

[0133] The rotating mechanism 412 is mounted on the fixed base 411, and the rotating shaft of the rotating mechanism 412 is connected to the center of the fifth connecting plate for rotating the placement disk 413 according to a predetermined cycle and angle.

[0134] The fixed base 411 is also equipped with a first positioning cylinder 415 and a second positioning cylinder 416 on the side near the boxing execution mechanism 423.

[0135] Both the first positioning cylinder 415 and the second positioning cylinder 416 are provided with a second limiting block 417. The second limiting block 417 is located on the adjacent side wall of the placement tray 413 and is used to limit the workpiece 6 and the packaging bottom box 81.

[0136] In this embodiment, since the boxing execution mechanism 423 always performs the boxing operation from the placement tray 413, after the previous packaging bottom box 81 is loaded into the workpiece 6 by the boxing execution mechanism 423, the placement tray 413 is rotated 180° by the rotating mechanism 412 on the fixed base 411. This causes the empty packaging bottom box 81 placed on the other placement tray 413 to rotate to the side closer to the boxing execution mechanism 423, and the boxed battery cell product is rotated to the side away from the boxing execution mechanism 423. In addition, to prevent the packaging bottom box 81 in the placement tray from shifting due to movement, a first limiting block 414 is provided at each of the four corners of the placement tray 413 to limit the position of the packaging bottom box 81. To further prevent the placement tray 413 from rotating and causing the packaging base box 81 or workpiece 6 to shift, thus preventing the boxing execution structure from accurately completing the boxing of workpiece 6, a first positioning cylinder 415 and a second positioning cylinder 416 are also installed on the side of the fixed base 411 near the boxing execution mechanism 423. A second limiting block 417 is connected to the power output end of the first positioning cylinder 415 and the second positioning cylinder 416 respectively, and the second limiting block 417 limits the workpiece 6 and the packaging base box 81 respectively.

[0137] Please see Figure 12 In one example of the present invention, the cartoning execution mechanism 423 includes a second pressure plate driving unit 4231, a transfer pressure plate 4232, a pad cutting driving unit 4233, a transfer pad 4234, and a cartoning pusher plate 4235.

[0138] The bottom edge of the boxing push plate 4235 has at least two notches. The transfer pad 4234 is connected to the power output end of the pad cutting drive unit 4233 and can pass through the notches to support the workpiece 6 and place it into the packaging bottom box 81.

[0139] The boxing pusher plate 4235 is fixedly connected to the boxing vertical transfer unit 422, and is used to push the workpiece 6 against the inner wall of the packaging bottom box 81 when the transfer pad 4234 is pulled out.

[0140] The transfer pressure plate 4232 is connected to the power output end of the second pressure plate driving unit 4231. The second pressure plate driving unit 4231 is installed on the pad cutting driving unit 4233 through the sixth connecting plate. The transfer pressure plate 4232 is used to press down and fix the workpiece 6.

[0141] In this embodiment, the piston rod of the cylinder is driven by the pad plate, which drives the cylinder mounting plate connected to it to move forward or backward. The cylinder mounting plate is connected to the transfer pad plate 4234, which in turn drives the transfer pad plate 4234 to perform a forward extension or a reset action.

[0142] In addition, to further prevent the workpiece from falling during the movement, a transfer pressure plate 4232 can be provided in addition to the transfer pad 4234. A pressure plate cylinder is installed on the outer surface of the cylinder mounting plate, and its piston rod drives the transfer pressure plate 4232 to press down to fix the workpiece. When the transfer pad 4234 is reset, the pressure plate cylinder drives the piston rod to move the transfer pressure plate 4232 upward, releasing the workpiece to complete the reset action.

[0143] In this embodiment, the packaging bottom box 81 is placed in the placement tray 413. The support assembly is driven to extend forward by the pad cutting cylinder in the boxing execution mechanism 423 so as to pass through the movable notch on the boxing push plate 4235 to support and fix the workpiece from the upstream mechanism. After the workpiece is moved above the placement tray 413 by the vertical transfer module, the workpiece is placed into the packaging bottom box 81 from top to bottom. At this time, the pad cutting cylinder drives the support structure to perform a reset action so that the support structure is pulled out from the bottom of the workpiece. The boxing execution mechanism 423 is driven to reset to the original position of the upstream mechanism by the vertical transfer module to support the workpiece again.

[0144] Furthermore, during the resetting of the supporting structure, gravity and friction may cause the workpiece to move, leading to workpiece displacement and preventing the packaging top cover 82 from closing. To address this, a boxing pusher plate 4235 is installed on the movable bracket. This plate limits the position of the workpiece. Since the supporting structure extends or resets from the movable notch below the boxing pusher plate 4235, it does not affect the state of the boxing pusher plate 4235. Therefore, during the resetting of the supporting structure, the boxing pusher plate 4235 can limit the position of the workpiece and push it closer to the inner wall of the packaging bottom box 81, effectively preventing workpiece displacement.

[0145] Please see Figure 1In one example of the present invention, the battery cell packaging mechanism further includes a packaging box transport mechanism 45, a packaging box feeding mechanism 43, and a product unloading mechanism 44;

[0146] The packaging box feeding mechanism 43 includes a packaging box buffer and a packaging box conveyor belt. The packaging box feeding frame is set on the base plate and located on one side of the packaging box conveyor belt. At least two packaging box loading trays are movably installed on the packaging box conveyor belt.

[0147] The product unloading mechanism 44 includes a product unloading conveyor belt and at least one product loading tray. The product loading tray is movably mounted on the product unloading conveyor belt and is used to place the battery cell products and transport them to the target unloading position.

[0148] The packaging box transport mechanism 45 is used to grab the packaging bottom box 81 and the packaging top cover 82 from the packaging box loading tray and transfer them to the boxing platform 41 and then release them, and grab the battery cell product from the boxing platform 41 and transfer it to the product loading tray.

[0149] In this embodiment, to achieve automated packaging of workpiece 6, the battery cell boxing mechanism further includes a box conveying mechanism 45, a box loading mechanism 43, and a product unloading mechanism 44. The bottom box 81 and top cover are retrieved from the box buffer and placed into different box loading trays. The box conveyor belt moves the loading trays to a preset box loading position. The box conveying mechanism 45 then picks up the bottom box 81 and top cover 82, with the top cover 82 located closer to the packaging execution mechanism and the bottom box 81 located further away. The box conveying mechanism 45 transfers them to two placement trays 413 on the boxing platform 41. The top cover 82 and bottom box 81 are then lowered and released, allowing the bottom cover to engage with the bottom box 81 already loaded with workpiece 6, thus obtaining the battery cell product. A new bottom box 81 is placed on the other placement tray 413 for the next batch of workpiece 6.

[0150] After the production of the battery cells is completed, the boxing platform 41 rotates 180 degrees, and the packaging box conveying mechanism 45 moves down again. The transfer mechanism on the side away from the packaging execution mechanism grabs the battery cells and transfers them to the product loading tray on the product unloading conveyor belt. The product loading tray is then moved to the target unloading position by the product unloading conveyor belt.

[0151] like Figure 13 As shown, in one example of the present invention, the packaging box transport mechanism 45 includes a packaging box translation module 451, a packaging box vertical transfer unit 452, and at least two transfer mechanisms 453;

[0152] The transfer mechanism 453 is connected to the power output end of the vertical transfer unit 452 of the packaging box and is fixedly connected by a bracket. The vertical transfer unit 452 of the packaging box is connected to the translation module 451 of the packaging box through a fourth connecting plate.

[0153] In this embodiment, the top cover 82, the bottom box 81, and the battery cell products are transported by the transfer mechanisms 453 on both sides of the packaging box, thereby completing the transportation of the battery cell products and improving the production efficiency of the battery cell products.

[0154] The transfer mechanism 453 may have different suction cups, gripping mechanisms or other adsorption mechanisms.

[0155] Please see Figure 14 In one example of the present invention, the packaging bottom box 81 and the packaging top cover 82 are stored in different packaging box buffers. The packaging box buffer is composed of multiple L-shaped limiting plates 431, and one side is provided with a mounting plate with a tray cutting opening. The mounting plate is provided with a release slide rail.

[0156] The packaging box buffer is equipped with a packaging box tray 432, a release drive unit 435 and a packaging box cutting drive unit 433;

[0157] The packaging box cutting drive unit 433 is movably connected to the packaging box tray 432 and is used to drive the packaging box tray 432 to cut off from the tray cutting opening, so that the packaging bottom box 81 or the packaging top cover 82 falls into the packaging box loading tray and then resets.

[0158] The release drive unit 435 is connected to a third limiting block 434 that is slidably connected to the release slide rail. The third limiting block 434 is driven to separate, so that the packaging bottom box 81 or the packaging top cover 82 falls onto the packaging box tray 432.

[0159] In this embodiment, the packaging bottom box 81 and the packaging top cover are stored in different packaging box buffers. Each packaging box buffer is equipped with four corner limiting plates 431 for positioning, and a tray is provided at the bottom to support the lowest layer of packaging bottom box 81 or packaging top cover 82. For the second to last packaging bottom box 81 and packaging top cover 82, the position is limited by a third limiting block 434 to prevent them from falling. When the packaging bottom box 81 and packaging top cover 82 are needed, the packaging box cutting drive unit 433 drives the packaging box tray 432 to cut off from the tray cutting opening, so that the packaging bottom box 81 or the packaging top cover 82 falls into the packaging box loading tray and resets. After the tray resets, the release drive unit 435 drives the third limiting block 434 to cut off, so that the packaging bottom box 81 or the packaging top cover 82 falls onto the packaging box tray 432. This cycle is repeated to transport the packaging bottom box 81 and packaging top cover 82.

[0160] This invention provides a workpiece packaging machine. A gripping mechanism mounted on a base plate grips workpieces from a battery cell feeding mechanism. After being shaped by a battery cell processing mechanism, the workpiece is sliced ​​by a lever mechanism to create insert gaps. A cotton pad insertion mechanism inserts cotton pads into these gaps. The workpiece is then transferred to a defect detection mechanism for edge and chamfer defect detection. After passing defect detection, the workpiece is transferred to a packaging box on a packaging platform by a packaging execution mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism. Finally, a packaging box transport mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism inserts the packaging top cover and transfers the workpiece to a product unloading mechanism for product output. This fully automated process of sizing, inserting cotton pads, defect detection, and packaging of the workpiece effectively improves packaging efficiency.

[0161] Please see Figure 15 , Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a control method for a workpiece packaging machine provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0162] This invention provides a control method for a workpiece packaging machine, applied in a control center. The control center is communicatively connected to the workpiece packaging machine as described in any embodiment of this invention. The workpiece packaging machine includes a gripping mechanism, a battery cell processing mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, and a battery cell boxing mechanism mounted on a base plate. The method includes:

[0163] Step 151: In response to the start command, the gripping mechanism is invoked to grip the workpiece and transfer it to the battery cell processing mechanism;

[0164] Step 152: After the battery cell processing mechanism shapes the workpiece, cotton pads are inserted between the workpieces.

[0165] Step 153: The gripping mechanism is invoked to grip the workpiece from the battery cell processing mechanism and transfer it to the defect detection mechanism;

[0166] Step 154: Call the defect detection mechanism to perform defect detection on the workpiece;

[0167] Step 155: After the workpiece passes the defect detection, the battery cell packaging mechanism is invoked to place the workpiece into a packaging box and transport it to the target unloading position.

[0168] This invention provides a control method for a workpiece packaging machine. The control center sends corresponding commands to drive a gripping mechanism mounted on a base plate to grip workpieces from a battery cell feeding mechanism. After being shaped by a battery cell processing mechanism, the workpiece is sliced ​​by a lever mechanism to form insert gaps. A cotton pad insertion mechanism inserts cotton pads into these gaps. The gripping mechanism then transfers the workpiece to a defect detection mechanism for edge and chamfer defect detection. After passing defect detection, the workpiece is transferred to a packaging box on a packaging platform by a packaging execution mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism. Finally, a packaging box transport mechanism within the battery cell packaging mechanism inserts the packaging top cover and transfers the workpiece to a product unloading mechanism for product output. This fully automated process of workpiece shaping, cotton pad insertion, defect detection, and packaging effectively improves packaging efficiency.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the above-described device and module can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In the several embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or modules may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0171] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0172] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0173] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A workpiece packaging machine, characterized in that, This includes a gripping mechanism, a cell processing mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, and a cell packaging mechanism mounted on the base plate; The battery cell processing mechanism is used to grasp the workpieces through the gripping mechanism, shape them, and then insert cotton pads between the workpieces. The defect detection mechanism is used to grasp the workpiece through the gripping mechanism for defect detection. The battery cell packaging mechanism is used to place the workpiece into a packaging box and transport it to the target unloading position after the workpiece passes the defect detection. The battery cell processing mechanism includes a battery cell feeding mechanism, a shaping and separating mechanism, and a cotton pad insertion and removal mechanism. The shaping and segmenting mechanism is used to shape the workpiece into segments to form insert gaps, and to reset after inserting the cotton pad; The cotton pad insertion mechanism includes an insertion pad transfer module, a horizontal material picking module, and a cotton pad feeding frame. It is used to obtain cotton pads from the cotton pad feeding frame through the horizontal material picking module, and to pick up cotton pads from the horizontal material picking module through the insertion pad transfer module and insert them into the insertion pad gap.

2. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism includes a gripping mounting bracket and a material handling mechanism; The gripping mounting bracket can rotate horizontally within a preset gripping angle range to drive the material handling mechanism to move horizontally; The material handling mechanism is sleeved on the transmission screw of the first power unit inside the gripping mounting bracket. The first power unit is used to drive the material handling mechanism to lift and lower through the transmission screw. The material handling mechanism is used to clamp the workpiece.

3. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell loading mechanism includes a battery cell conveyor belt and at least one transport tray; The transport tray is installed on the battery cell conveyor belt to carry the workpiece and is driven to the battery cell loading position via the battery cell conveyor belt. The gripping mechanism is used to grip the workpiece located at the battery cell loading position and transport it to the shaping and slitting mechanism. The cotton pad insertion mechanism is used to insert the cotton pad into the gap of the insert pad.

4. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shaping and segmenting mechanism includes a lever mechanism, a shaping platform, a vibration platform, and a shaping mechanism. The shaping platform is movably mounted on the vibration platform, and the shaping platform can tilt within a preset angle range; The vibration platform is used to activate vibration when the shaping platform is tilted to a preset angle range, so as to shape the shaping platform. The shaping platform is provided with a placement area for placing the workpiece; The shaping mechanism is installed on the top of the shaping platform and located on adjacent sides of the shaping platform. A reference block, a slant push block, and a segmentation mechanism are respectively installed on the other two sides of the shaping platform. The lever mechanism is used to divide the shaped workpiece into pieces to form the insert gap.

5. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cell processing mechanism also includes a cell counting mechanism; The chip counting mechanism includes a chip base, a camera module, a first light source module, and at least two second light source modules; The camera module is rotatably mounted on the plurality of base plates, and a light source mounting plate is installed under the lens of the camera module. The first light source module and the second light source module are respectively disposed on the light source mounting plate. When the workpiece is supported by the inclined push block, the camera module can acquire multiple images of the workpiece's battery cells through the imaging acquisition hole of the first light source module.

6. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cotton sheet feeding frame and the horizontal material picking module are respectively installed on the base plate, and the horizontal material picking module is used to pick up cotton sheets from the cotton sheet feeding frame; The insert transfer module is equipped with a cotton pad clamping component, which is used to clamp cotton pads from the horizontal material handling module and insert them into the insert gap.

7. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defect detection mechanism includes a detection transfer module, a four-sided detection camera, a follow-up pressure plate, an active rotary table, and a chamfer detection camera; The active rotary table is fixedly installed on the base plate and is used to place the workpiece transferred by the gripping mechanism and rotate a preset number of times after being fixed by the follow-up pressure plate. The follow-up pressure plate is sleeved on the power output shaft of the detection and transfer module and is used to press down and fix the workpiece. The quadrilateral detection camera is used to acquire edge images of the workpiece and determine whether the workpiece has edge defects. The chamfer detection camera is used to acquire chamfer images of the workpiece and determine whether the workpiece has chamfer defects.

8. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell packaging mechanism includes a packaging platform, a packaging transfer module, and a packaging execution mechanism; the packaging box includes a packaging base box and a packaging top cover. The boxing platform is fixedly installed on the base plate, and the packaging bottom box is placed in the boxing platform; The boxing actuator is connected to the power output shaft of the boxing transfer module; The boxing mechanism is used to support the workpiece and place it into the packaging box.

9. The workpiece packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The battery cell packaging mechanism also includes a packaging box transport mechanism, a packaging box feeding mechanism, and a product unloading mechanism; The packaging box feeding mechanism includes a packaging box buffer and a packaging box conveyor belt. The packaging box buffer is disposed on the base plate and located on one side of the packaging box conveyor belt. At least two packaging box loading trays are movably mounted on the packaging box conveyor belt. The product unloading mechanism includes a product unloading conveyor belt and at least one product loading tray. The product loading tray is movably mounted on the product unloading conveyor belt and is used to place the battery cell products and transport them to the target unloading position. The packaging box transport mechanism is used to grab the bottom packaging box and the top packaging cover from the packaging box loading tray and transfer them to the boxing platform and then release them, and grab the battery cell product from the boxing platform and transfer it to the product loading tray.

10. A control method for a workpiece packaging machine, characterized in that, The method is applied to a control center, which is communicatively connected to the workpiece packaging machine as described in any one of claims 1-9, the workpiece packaging machine including a gripping mechanism, a battery cell processing mechanism, a defect detection mechanism, and a battery cell boxing mechanism mounted on a base plate, the method comprising: In response to the start command, the gripping mechanism is invoked to grip the workpiece and transfer it to the battery cell processing mechanism; After the battery cell processing mechanism shapes the workpiece, cotton pads are inserted between the workpieces. The gripping mechanism is invoked to grab the workpiece from the battery cell processing mechanism and transfer it to the defect detection mechanism; The defect detection mechanism is invoked to perform defect detection on the workpiece. After the workpiece passes the defect detection, the battery cell packaging mechanism is invoked to place the workpiece into a packaging box and transport it to the target unloading position; The battery cell processing mechanism includes a battery cell feeding mechanism, a shaping and separating mechanism, and a cotton pad insertion and removal mechanism. The shaping and segmenting mechanism is used to shape the workpiece into segments to form insert gaps, and to reset after inserting the cotton pad; The cotton pad insertion mechanism includes an insertion pad transfer module, a horizontal material picking module, and a cotton pad feeding frame. It is used to obtain cotton pads from the cotton pad feeding frame through the horizontal material picking module, and to pick up cotton pads from the horizontal material picking module through the insertion pad transfer module and insert them into the insertion pad gap.

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