Transport and stacking system and method for flow channel electrode plates
Through the adsorption tooling and gas compensation system driven by the servo system, the compensation nozzle and guide sealing rod are used to control the drop of the electrode plate, which solves the damage problem of the electrode plate during the handling and plating process, and achieves cost-effective improvement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411876327.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-12-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing transport and plating tools are prone to damage and scratches during the process of running-channel electrode plates, and damage to the electrode plates, especially the run-channel locations. In addition, traditional methods require high-precision servo systems to avoid damage, resulting in increased costs.
Adsorption tooling driven by servo system, combined with a gas compensation system and a plating platform, a compensation nozzle and a guide sealing rod are set around the electrode plate to control the air flow and position during the drop of the electrode plate, slow down the falling speed and protect the electrode plate.
Effectively protect the electrode plate from damage, reduces the probability of damage, reduces dependence on high-precision servo systems, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN119408971B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of liquid flow battery manufacturing equipment, and in particular to a conveying and stacking system and a conveying and stacking method for flow channel electrode plates. Background Art
[0002] Electrode plates are commonly used in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and flow batteries, where uniform distribution of gases or liquids is required. Typical examples include proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), water electrolysis for hydrogen production (PEM electrolyzers, alkaline electrolyzers), and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs).
[0003] Electrode plates are usually made of porous carbon materials or their composite materials. Common materials include:
[0004] (1) Carbon Fiber Felt: It is a soft carbon-based material with a large specific surface area and good electrical conductivity. Its porous structure facilitates the flow of electrolyte and ion exchange.
[0005] (2) Graphite Felt: Similar to carbon fiber felt, but with a higher degree of graphitization, it has better conductivity and corrosion resistance. The high degree of graphitization helps improve electrochemical performance.
[0006] (3) Carbon Paper: It has a smooth surface and high mechanical strength, making it suitable for some flow batteries with higher requirements. It has good electrical conductivity but a small specific surface area.
[0007] (4) Activated Carbon-Coated Electrode: A layer of activated carbon is coated on the surface of the carbon-based material to further increase the specific surface area and catalytic activity.
[0008] (5) Composite Materials: Metal oxides, polymers or other conductive additives are introduced into carbon-based materials to improve performance.
[0009] Flow channels are provided on the electrode plates, which are used to transport reaction media or transport reaction gases (such as hydrogen, oxygen or air) to the electrode catalyst layer, while removing by-products (water) generated by the reaction. Common designs of flow channels on the surface of the electrode plates include straight lines, serpentines, grids, diamonds, etc. They need to be optimized according to specific applications. The flow channel design can ensure that the electrolyte flows evenly on the electrode surface, promote the efficient exchange of reaction substances, optimize fluid distribution, reduce local concentration polarization, and improve battery performance. Therefore, the integrity of the flow channel structure will affect the functional integrity and battery performance of the battery.
[0010] The electrochemical reaction in the battery takes place on the surface of the electrode. In order to maximize the specific surface area, the electrode plates are usually processed into very thin plates. However, reducing the thickness of the electrode plates will lead to a decrease in their own mechanical strength. Therefore, the electrode plates need additional protection during both the processing and assembly processes. During assembly and use, a frame is added to the electrode plate called an electrode frame. The extrusion prestress for anti-leakage of the battery stack is borne by the electrode frame, and the electrode frame protects the electrode plates from being crushed and damaged. During processing and production, the electrode plates need to be transported and transferred between different workstations. Mechanical fixtures are avoided during transportation, and suction cup fixtures that exert less stress on the workpiece are often used.
[0011] However, when using suction cup tooling to transport and stack electrode plates, there is still a certain probability of damaging the electrode plates. After the flow channels are processed on the electrode plates, the flow channels of the electrode plates may be bumped or scratched. Summary of the Invention
[0012] In order to overcome the problem that existing handling and stacking tools are prone to damaging electrode plates when stacking them, the present invention provides a handling and stacking system for electrode plates with flow channels, the handling and stacking system for electrode plates with flow channels comprising:
[0013] Servo system drives the adsorption tooling to move;
[0014] An adsorption tool is used to adsorb / release the electrode plate. The adsorption tool includes a suction cup frame connected to a servo system, on which a suction cup is mounted. A flat working surface is provided at the bottom of the suction cup, and the working surface has a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports for adsorbing the electrode plate.
[0015] The gas compensation system includes a plurality of compensation nozzles, which are arranged on the adsorption tooling and are arranged circumferentially around the working surface of the suction cup;
[0016] The stacking platform is provided with at least one guide blocking rod, which is vertically arranged and can be lifted up and down, and the guide blocking rod is directly opposite to the through holes of the stacked electrode plates on the stacking station.
[0017] In some embodiments, the gas compensation system further includes a first lifting driver, which is mounted on the suction cup frame. The execution end of the first lifting driver is connected to the compensation nozzle for driving the compensation nozzle to move up and down.
[0018] In some embodiments, the gas compensation system further includes a lifting baffle, the execution end of the first lifting driver is connected to the lifting baffle, and the compensation nozzle is mounted on the lifting baffle;
[0019] The lifting baffle is annular and arranged around the electrode plate, and a plurality of compensation nozzles are arranged at intervals on the annular lifting baffle, and the jets of the compensation nozzles are horizontally aligned with the inner side of the annular bracket;
[0020] The lifting baffle is provided with a mounting pipe, the compensating nozzle is fixed in the mounting pipe, and the axial direction of the mounting pipe opening is consistent with the jetting direction of the compensating nozzle.
[0021] In some embodiments, a second lifting driver is provided on the suction cup frame, an execution end of the second lifting driver is connected to the suction cup, and the second lifting driver drives the suction cup to move up and down.
[0022] In some embodiments, the stacking table has a plurality of stacking stations for stacking the electrode plates, and a plurality of guide blocking rods are provided at the stacking stations. The guide blocking rods are slidably mounted on the stacking table, and the axes of the guide blocking rods are coaxially arranged with the axes of the through holes of the stacking electrode plates.
[0023] A third lifting driver is provided on the stacking table, an execution end of the third lifting driver is connected to the guide blocking rod, and the third lifting driver drives the guide blocking rod to move up and down;
[0024] A sensor is provided on the stacking table, and the sensor is used to detect the height of the stacked electrode plates on the stacking station.
[0025] In some embodiments, the transport and stacking system further comprises a reversing valve and a vacuum generator, and the transport and stacking system has an adsorption station and a release station;
[0026] The reversing valve can switch between the adsorption position and the release position; the air inlet of the reversing valve is connected to the positive pressure air source;
[0027] Adsorption station: The air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the vacuum generator through the first air outlet of the reversing valve. The vacuum generator generates negative pressure and is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port through the air flow channel;
[0028] Release position: The air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the compensating nozzle through the second air outlet of the reversing valve and is ejected from the compensating nozzle.
[0029] In some embodiments, the vacuum generator includes a main flow channel and a negative pressure flow channel, the inlet section of the main flow channel is connected to the air outlet of the reversing valve adsorption station, the main flow channel has a flow channel contraction portion, and a side hole is formed on the side wall of the flow channel contraction portion. One end of the negative pressure flow channel is connected to the side hole, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port;
[0030] A pressure chamber is provided in the suction cup, one end of the negative pressure flow channel away from the main flow channel is connected to the pressure chamber, and the negative pressure adsorption port is communicated with the pressure chamber.
[0031] In some embodiments, the second air outlet is further connected to a positive pressure ventilation branch tube, and the positive pressure ventilation branch tube is connected to the negative pressure chamber.
[0032] In some embodiments, a blocking structure is provided on the negative pressure flow channel, and the blocking structure cuts off the negative pressure flow channel when the work station is released.
[0033] The present invention also provides a method for transporting and stacking using the above-mentioned transporting and stacking system, comprising the following steps:
[0034] a. The servo system drives the adsorption tooling to move to the top of the electrode plate to be adsorbed;
[0035] b. The negative pressure adsorption port maintains the negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the adsorption tooling to move downward to the bottom working surface of the suction cup to contact the electrode plate to be adsorbed;
[0036] c. The negative pressure adsorption port maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and the adsorption tooling carries the adsorbed electrode plate to be moved to the top of the stacking table, with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate and the stacked electrode plates below;
[0037] d. The guide blocking rod rises until its top height is higher than the top surface of the stacked electrode plates; the negative pressure adsorption port cancels the negative pressure, releasing the adsorbed electrode plate, and at the same time, the compensating nozzle is turned on; the adsorbed electrode plate falls due to gravity, and the compensating nozzle surrounding the electrode plate sprays air downwards to the electrode plate, and the ejected gas enters the gap between the falling electrode plate and the stacked electrode plates below, forming a high-pressure area;
[0038] e. In step d, after the falling electrode plate lands on the stacked electrode plate pile, the compensating nozzle is closed.
[0039] Discovery of technical issues and their causes:
[0040] Problem statement: When producing brittle thin plate parts (such as chips and solar panels), they need to be transferred and transported between different workstations. Some scenarios, such as assembly, have high requirements for the accuracy of the release position, while some scenarios, such as transfer and palletizing, have lower requirements for the accuracy of the release position.
[0041] For scenarios requiring high release accuracy, the servo system will use high-precision and expensive industrial robots or high-precision guide rails. For scenarios requiring lower release accuracy, the servo system can use a pneumatic component servo system with lower cost and faster response speed.
[0042] Because the pneumatic servo system is not very precise, a certain gap must be left between the suction fixture and the supporting surface below (the workstation table or the top surface of the stacked thin plates). This gap is not designed to be too large; based on experience, releasing the thin plate a few centimeters from the supporting surface usually ensures a high yield rate.
[0043] The materials used for electrode plates, such as carbon fiber felt and composite materials, possess inherent mechanical strength exceeding that of wafers and solar panels. Conventional thinking suggests that releasing the electrode plates from a height of several centimeters using conventional techniques should not damage them. However, using conventional techniques, releasing the electrode plates from a height of several centimeters and allowing them to fall freely, creates a certain probability of damage during actual stacking and handling operations, resulting in a yield rate even lower than that of solar panels.
[0044] To address the issue of electrode plate damage during release, the general approach is to lower the release height, allowing the electrode plate to be released from a height close to or even touching the bottom support surface. This requires a more precise servo system, which increases the cost of the entire production line.
[0045] Cause of the problem: Through our research, we found that there are two main reasons for the damage of the electrode plate:
[0046] 1. It is related to the appearance of the electrode plate itself: the surface of plates such as wafers and battery plates is flat. The plate falls in a horizontal position during which the gap between the bottom surface of the plate and the supporting surface below (the upper surface of the plate already stacked below or the table of the workstation) gradually decreases. The air in the gap between the plate and the supporting surface will be discharged from all sides. As the gap gradually decreases, the process of discharging the surrounding air becomes more difficult, so a protective high-pressure air cushion is formed between the released plate and the supporting surface, thereby slowing down the falling speed of the plate.
[0047] 1.1 The surface of the electrode plate is provided with flow channels, which make the air discharge process between the electrode plate and the bearing surface smoother, thus weakening the high-pressure air cushion in the middle.
[0048] 1.2 There are many vias on the electrode plate (for fixing the electrode plate, installing the electrode frame, passing the pipeline, etc.). During the falling process of the electrode plate, the air between the electrode plate and the bearing surface will be discharged from the vias, further weakening the high-pressure air cushion in the middle.
[0049] Therefore, when releasing an electrode plate from the same height, the electrode plate falls much faster than a flat plate. Even if the electrode plate falls faster, a few centimeters of height will not damage the overall structure of the electrode plate. After analyzing the damaged electrode plates, it was found that the damage mainly occurred in the flow channel of the electrode plate, which leads to the second reason.
[0050] 2. The flow channel wall strength of the electrode plate is low: Although the mechanical strength of the electrode plate itself is higher than that of the chip, it has many tiny flow channels, and the flow channel walls are relatively thin, which can be easily damaged when bumped.
[0051] Solution:
[0052] The application of the system for transporting the electrode plate with flow channel provided by the present invention has the following effects:
[0053] In the process of releasing the electrode plate, air is blown into the gap between the falling electrode plate and the supporting surface (the electrode plates stacked below) through a number of compensation nozzles arranged around the electrode plate, thereby slowing down the escape speed around the gap between the empty electrode plate and the supporting surface, and artificially creating a high-pressure area below the falling electrode plate. On the other hand, a guide blocking rod that can be raised and lowered is provided on the stacking table. The guide blocking rod is inserted into the through hole of the electrode plate to prevent air from escaping upward from the through hole and to guide and position the electrode plate. The gas pressure below the electrode plate increases, and the pressure difference formed above and below will lift the electrode plate, slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate, thereby protecting the electrode plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the transport and stacking system with flow channel electrode plates of the present invention at the adsorption station;
[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the transport and stacking system with flow channel electrode plates of the present invention when the workstation is released;
[0056] Figure 3 This is the simulation result diagram of the vacuum generator;
[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction during the falling process of the electrode plate;
[0058] Figure 5 This is the result diagram of the gas compensation system simulation.
[0059] Attachment Figure 1-5 The blue arrows indicate the direction of airflow.
[0060] Description of Reference Numerals
[0061] 1- adsorption tooling, 1a- suction cup frame, 1b- suction cup, 1c- working surface, 1d- negative pressure adsorption port, 1e- negative pressure maintaining valve, 1f- second lifting drive;
[0062] 2-gas compensation system, 2a-compensation nozzle, 2b-lifting baffle, 2c-first lifting drive, 2d-installation pipeline;
[0063] 3-stacking platform, 3a-guide blocking rod, 3b-third lifting drive;
[0064] 4-vacuum generator, 4a-main channel, 4b-channel contraction, 4c-negative pressure channel, 4d-pressure chamber;
[0065] 5-Electrode plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0067] The present invention provides a transporting and stacking system for electrode plates with flow channels 5 , which comprises a servo system, an adsorption tool 1 , a gas compensation system 2 and a stacking table 3 .
[0068] The servo system is used to drive the adsorption tooling 1 to move, and existing technologies can be used. Its specific structure and working principle are taught in the existing technology, such as three-axis servo guide rails, manipulators, cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, etc. It should be noted that the technical solution of this application has relatively low requirements for the operating accuracy of the servo system.
[0069] The adsorption tooling 1 is used to adsorb / release the electrode plate 5. The adsorption tooling 1 includes a suction cup frame 1a. The suction cup frame 1a is connected to the servo system. A suction cup 1b is installed on the suction cup frame 1a, and a flat working surface 1c is provided at the bottom of the suction cup 1b. The working surface 1c is provided with a number of negative pressure adsorption ports 1d for adsorbing the electrode plate 5. The negative pressure adsorption port 1d is provided on a flat portion of the electrode plate 5 where no flow channel is arranged. Several negative pressure adsorption ports 1d are provided. The suction cup frame 1a serves as an installation platform for connecting to the interface of the servo system, connecting positive pressure and / or negative pressure gas sources, PLC controllers and other components. The negative pressure adsorption port 1d needs to be connected to the negative pressure gas source to function normally.
[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The redder the color, the greater the pressure, and the bluer the color, the smaller the pressure. It can be seen that a pressure difference is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the falling electrode plate 5. The gas compensation system 2 includes a plurality of compensation nozzles 2a. The compensation nozzles 2a are arranged on the adsorption tooling 1. A plurality of compensation nozzles 2a are arranged circumferentially around the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b. Specifically, the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b is provided with a station for adsorbing the electrode plate 5. When the suction cup 1b is working, the electrode plate 5 is adsorbed at a specific position on the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b. The compensation nozzle 2a is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate 5 on the working surface 1c, that is, the compensation nozzle 2a is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate 5 station on the working surface 1c. The jet direction of the compensation nozzle 2a is aligned with the center of the electrode plate 5.
[0071] The stacking table 3 has a stacking station for stacking the electrode plates 5. The stacking table 3 is provided with at least one guide blocking rod 3a. The guide blocking rod 3a is arranged vertically and can be raised and lowered. The guide blocking rod 3a is directly opposite the through-holes of the stacking station for stacking the electrode plates 5. The stacking table 3 is mainly used to support the stacked electrode plates 5. After the electrode plates 5 are stacked on the surface of the stacking table 3, they are packaged, packed, and transported.
[0072] First lifting drive 2c:
[0073] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in order to more smoothly supply air to the gap between the electrode plate 5 and the supporting surface (the upper surface of the stacked electrode plates 5 below), preferably, when the compensating nozzle 2a is working (releasing the workstation), the height of the compensating nozzle 2a is kept in the middle of the gap, and the compensating nozzle 2a sprays air horizontally inward.
[0074] After the electrode plate 5 is released from the suction cup 1b, the supporting surface below remains stationary, and the force of gravity and air resistance on the electrode plate 5 gradually decreases. As a result, the gap between the electrode plate 5 and the supporting surface below gradually decreases, and the center plane height of the gap also decreases as the electrode plate 5 descends. Therefore, as the electrode plate 5 continues to fall, the compensation nozzle 2a needs to continuously lower its own height.
[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the gas compensation system 2 also includes a first lift actuator 2c. The first lift actuator 2c is mounted on the suction cup frame 1a. The actuator end of the first lift actuator 2c is connected to the compensation nozzle 2a, capable of driving the compensation nozzle 2a up and down. The first lift actuator 2c, the second lift actuator 1f, and the third lift actuator 3b are all linear servo actuators, specifically linear servo motors or electric cylinders.
[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the gas compensation system 2 also includes a lifting baffle 2b. The execution end of the first lifting drive 2c is connected to the lifting baffle 2b. The compensation nozzle 2a is installed on the lifting baffle 2b. The lifting baffle 2b is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate 5. Several compensation nozzles 2a are arranged at intervals on the annular lifting baffle 2b. The lifting baffle 2b is slightly larger than the outline of the electrode plate 5, and a narrow gap is reserved between the lifting baffle 2b and the edge of the electrode plate 5. The gas in the gap between the electrode plate 5 and the bearing surface will be blocked by the lifting baffle 2b during the overflow process, thereby slowing down the gas overflow speed.
[0077] The compensating nozzle 2a sprays air horizontally toward the inner side of the annular support. The lifting baffle 2b is provided with a mounting pipe 2d. The compensating nozzle 2a is fixed in the mounting pipe 2d, and the axial direction of the opening of the mounting pipe 2d is consistent with the spray direction of the compensating nozzle 2a.
[0078] Guide blocking rod 3a:
[0079] The stacking platform 3 has several stacking stations for stacking the electrode plates 5. Several guide and blocking rods 3a are installed at the stacking stations. The guide and blocking rods 3a are slidably mounted on the stacking platform 3. The axes of the guide and blocking rods 3a are coaxial with the axes of the through holes of the stacking electrode plates 5. The actuator end of a third lift actuator 3b is connected to the guide and blocking rods 3a. The third lift actuator 3b is used to drive the guide and blocking rods 3a in up and down motion.
[0080] Before the electrode plate 5 falls onto the guide rod, the electrode plate 5 lacks effective constraints. In order to prevent the electrode plate 5 from tilting in the left and right directions, the position of the electrode plate 5 should be constrained as soon as possible. Therefore, at the same time as the electrode plate 5 is released, or before the electrode plate 5 is released, the third lifting driver 3b drives the guide blocking rod 3a to move upward, so that the guide rod can penetrate the through hole of the electrode plate 5 as soon as possible. Since the servo system can use a pneumatic servo system with low precision, in order to avoid the guide rod from colliding with the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a second lift actuator 1f is mounted on the suction cup frame 1a. The actuator end of the second lift actuator 1f is connected to the suction cup 1b. The second lift actuator 1f drives the suction cup 1b up and down. As the suction cup 1b releases the working surface 1c, the second lift actuator 1f simultaneously drives the suction cup 1b upward to clear the guide blocking rod 3a.
[0081] In order to accurately control the relative height between the guide blocking rod 3a and the stacked electrode plates 5, a sensor is provided on the stacking platform 3 to detect the height of the stacked electrode plates 5 on the stacking station.
[0082] Air pressure pipeline design:
[0083] Reversing valve: The handling and stacking system also includes a reversing valve and a vacuum generator 4. The handling and stacking system has an adsorption station and a release station. The reversing valve can switch between the adsorption station and the release station. The air inlet of the reversing valve is connected to the positive pressure air source. The reversing valve adopts an electromagnetically controlled reversing valve. Since the negative pressure adsorption port 1d needs to be connected to the negative pressure source to work properly, and the compensation nozzle 2a needs to be connected to the positive pressure air source, the handling and stacking system of this application is provided with a vacuum generator 4 as a negative pressure air source. The handling and stacking system only needs to be connected to a positive pressure air source.
[0084] Adsorption station: The air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the vacuum generator 4 through the first air outlet of the reversing valve. The vacuum generator 4 generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port 1d through the air flow channel.
[0085] Release position: The air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the compensation nozzle 2a through the second air outlet of the reversing valve and is ejected from the compensation nozzle 2a.
[0086] Vacuum generator 4: Figure 3 As shown in the simulation results, vacuum generator 4 includes a main channel 4a and a negative pressure channel 4c. The inlet of main channel 4a is connected to the outlet of the airflow switcher's adsorption station. Main channel 4a has a channel constriction 4b with a side hole formed in its sidewall. One end of negative pressure channel 4c is connected to the side hole, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port 1d.
[0087] In the present invention, a main channel 4a is formed between the lower surface of the suction cup frame 1a and the upper surface of the suction cup 1b. The left and right sides of the main channel 4a can be constrained using elastic materials such as accordion strips. The suction cup 1b defines a pressure chamber 4d. The negative pressure channel 4c, distal to the main channel 4a, is connected to the pressure chamber 4d. The negative pressure suction port 1d communicates with the pressure chamber 4d.
[0088] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the red part represents the ambient pressure (one atmosphere), and the bluer the color, the lower the pressure. Figure 3 As can be seen, the main channel 4a forms a distinct low-pressure zone at the channel constriction 4b. Negative-pressure channel 4c communicates with this low-pressure zone, allowing the pressure within pressure chamber 4d to leak through negative-pressure channel 4c, maintaining a negative pressure in the entire pressure chamber 4d. Pressure chamber 4d is directly connected to negative-pressure adsorption port 1d, maintaining the adsorption state.
[0089] The flow channel contraction portion 4b is formed as follows Figure 1 As shown, a flexible rubber block is provided at the top of the main channel 4a (the lower surface of the suction cup frame 1a) or the bottom of the main channel 4a (the upper surface of the suction cup 1b) to form a flow channel contraction portion 4b.
[0090] A plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports 1d are provided on the working surface 1c. Several negative pressure adsorption ports 1d are connected to the same pressure chamber 4d. A negative pressure maintaining valve 1e is installed in the negative pressure adsorption port 1d. The negative pressure maintaining valve 1e comprises a stepped hole, a valve cover and an elastic member. The upper hole section of the stepped hole has a small aperture, while the lower hole section has a large aperture. The valve cover has a diameter larger than the upper hole section and smaller than the lower hole section. The valve cover is installed in the lower hole section via an elastic member, and a gap is reserved between the valve cover and the side wall of the lower hole section. The external airflow flows into the pressure chamber 4d through the pressure maintaining valve. The valve cover overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member and clings to the shoulder of the stepped hole to seal the stepped hole.
[0091] Positive pressure ventilation branch: The second air outlet is also connected to the positive pressure ventilation branch, and the positive pressure ventilation branch is connected to the negative pressure chamber. The electrode plate 5 is in close contact with the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b. Due to reasons such as van der Waals force or electrostatic adsorption, the electrode plate 5 will have a certain adsorption and adhesion on the suction cup 1b, which will cause the electrode plate 5 to not fall after the negative pressure of the negative pressure adsorption port 1d disappears. Therefore, the adsorption tooling 1 also includes a positive pressure ventilation pipe, one end of which is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port 1d and connected to the second air outlet of the reversing valve. When the workstation is released, the gas is ejected from the second air outlet, and part of the air flow is guided into the negative pressure adsorption port 1d through the positive pressure ventilation branch, so that the negative pressure adsorption port 1d is in a positive pressure state, overcoming the adhesion and adsorption of the electrode plate 5 to the working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b, and pushing the electrode plate 5 away from the working surface 1c.
[0092] Blocking structure: A blocking structure is provided on the negative pressure flow channel 4c. The blocking structure cuts off the negative pressure flow channel 4c when the station is released. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the side hole is directly opened on the rubber block or aligned with the rubber block. When the work station is released, after the suction cup 1b moves upward, the side hole will press against the flow channel contraction part 4b, thereby blocking the side hole and preventing the positive pressure injected into the pressure chamber 4d by the positive pressure ventilation branch pipe from escaping from the side hole through the negative pressure ventilation pipe.
[0093] The present invention also provides a method for transporting and stacking the transporting and stacking system with the flow channel electrode plate described above, comprising the following steps:
[0094] a. The servo system drives the adsorption tool 1 to move directly above the electrode plate 5 to be adsorbed. In the initial state, the height of the guide blocking rod 3a is higher than the height of the stacked electrode plates 5 on the stacking table 3, and the top of the guide blocking rod 3a extends above the stacked electrode plates 5.
[0095] b. The negative pressure adsorption port 1d maintains the negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the adsorption tool 1 downward to the bottom working surface 1c of the suction cup 1b to contact the electrode plate 5 to be adsorbed. At this time, the negative pressure adsorption port 1d adsorbs the electrode plate 5.
[0096] c. The negative pressure adsorption port 1d maintains the negative pressure adsorption state, and the adsorption tool 1 carries the adsorbed electrode plate 5 and moves to the top of the stacking table 3, with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate 5 and the stacked electrode plates 5 below.
[0097] When the adsorption tooling 1 carries the electrode plate 5 and moves to the top of the stacking table 3, the guide blocking rod 3a moves downward to the top and is flush with the top height of the stacked electrode plates 5, thereby preventing the extended guide blocking rod 3a from colliding with the moving adsorption tooling 1.
[0098] d. The guide blocking rod 3a rises until its top is higher than the top surface of the stacked electrode plates 5. Then, the negative pressure in the negative pressure port 1d is released, releasing the adsorbed electrode plate 5 and simultaneously activating the compensating nozzle 2a. The adsorbed electrode plate 5 falls due to gravity. The compensating nozzle 2a, surrounding the electrode plate 5, sprays air downward. The ejected gas enters the gap between the falling electrode plate 5 and the stacked electrode plates 5 below, creating a high-pressure zone.
[0099] Furthermore, step d specifically includes the following steps:
[0100] d-1. The guide blocking rod 3 a is raised for the first time, so that the guide blocking rod 3 a is raised until the height of its top is higher than the top surface of the stacked electrode plates 5 .
[0101] d-2. The first lifting driver 2c drives the lifting baffle 2b and the compensation nozzle 2a to descend, and the height of the compensation nozzle 2a drops to between the electrode plate 5 on the suction cup 1b and the supporting surface (the top surface of the stacked electrode plates 5 below).
[0102] d-3. The negative pressure in the negative pressure adsorption port 1d is removed, the adsorbed electrode plate 5 is released, and the compensation nozzle 2a is opened at the same time.
[0103] Specifically, the reversing valve switches the outlet direction from the first outlet to the second outlet. Deactivating the first outlet stops the vacuum generator 4, eliminating the negative pressure at the negative pressure suction port 1d. Most of the gas ejected from the second outlet is directed to the compensation nozzle 2a, from which it is ejected between the electrode plate 5 and the bearing surface. A small amount of gas flows through the positive pressure vent branch to the pressure chamber 4d, creating a positive pressure in the pressure chamber 4d. This also creates a positive pressure at the negative pressure suction port 1d, pushing the adsorbed electrode plate 5 away from the working surface 1c.
[0104] d-4. The electrode plate 5 falls due to gravity. The first lift actuator 2c drives the compensating nozzle 2a to fall with the electrode plate 5, maintaining the height of the compensating nozzle 2a between the falling electrode plate 5 and the support surface. Simultaneously, the third lift actuator 3b drives the guide blocking rod 3a to rise a second time, and the second lift actuator 1f drives the suction cup 1b upward. The first and second rises of the guide blocking rod 3a can be a continuous process.
[0105] e. After the falling electrode plate 5 lands on the stacked electrode plates 5 in step d, the compensating nozzle 2a is closed. The specific operation method is opposite to step d-3, and the outlet of the reversing valve is switched from the second outlet to the first outlet.
[0106] Repeat steps a to e to complete the stacking operation of the electrode plates 5 .
[0107] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A transport and stacking system with flow channel electrode plates, characterized in that: include: A servo system drives the adsorption tool (1) to move; An adsorption tool (1) is used for adsorbing / releasing an electrode plate (5), the adsorption tool (1) comprising a suction cup frame (1a), the suction cup frame (1a) being connected to a servo system, a suction cup (1b) being mounted on the suction cup frame (1a); a flat working surface (1c) being provided at the bottom of the suction cup (1b), the working surface (1c) being provided with a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports (1d) for adsorbing the electrode plate (5); A gas compensation system (2) includes a plurality of compensation nozzles (2a), wherein the compensation nozzles (2a) are arranged on the adsorption tooling (1), and the plurality of compensation nozzles (2a) are arranged circumferentially around the working surface (1c) of the suction cup (1b); A stacking platform (3), the stacking platform (3) is provided with at least one guide blocking rod (3a), the guide blocking rod (3a) is vertically arranged and can be raised and lowered, and the guide blocking rod (3a) is directly opposite to the through hole of the stacked electrode plates (5) on the stacking station; During the process of releasing the electrode plate with flow channel (5), the compensation nozzle (2a) blows air into the gap between the falling electrode plate (5) and the bearing surface, and the guide blocking rod (3a) penetrates into the through hole of the electrode plate to prevent air from escaping upward from the through hole.
2. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas compensation system (2) further comprises a first lifting driver (2c), the first lifting driver (2c) being mounted on the suction cup frame (1a), and an execution end of the first lifting driver (2c) being connected to the compensation nozzle (2a) for driving the compensation nozzle (2a) to move up and down.
3. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gas compensation system (2) further comprises a lifting baffle (2b), the execution end of the first lifting driver (2c) is connected to the lifting baffle (2b), and the compensation nozzle (2a) is mounted on the lifting baffle (2b); The lifting baffle (2b) is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate (5); a plurality of compensation nozzles (2a) are arranged at intervals on the annular lifting baffle (2b); the compensation nozzles (2a) spray air laterally toward the inner side of the annular bracket; The lifting baffle (2b) is provided with a mounting pipe (2d), the compensating nozzle (2a) is fixed in the mounting pipe (2d), and the axial direction of the opening of the mounting pipe (2d) is consistent with the jetting direction of the compensating nozzle (2a).
4. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second lifting driver (1f) is provided on the suction cup frame (1a), an execution end of the second lifting driver (1f) is connected to the suction cup (1b), and the second lifting driver (1f) drives the suction cup (1b) to move up and down.
5. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stacking table (3) has a plurality of stacking stations for stacking the electrode plates (5), and a plurality of guide blocking rods (3a) are provided at the stacking stations. The guide blocking rods (3a) are slidably mounted on the stacking table (3), and the axes of the guide blocking rods (3a) are coaxially arranged with the axes of the through holes of the stacking electrode plates (5); A third lifting driver (3b) is provided on the stacking platform (3), an execution end of the third lifting driver (3b) is connected to the guide blocking rod (3a), and the third lifting driver (3b) drives the guide blocking rod (3a) to move up and down; A sensor is provided on the stacking table (3), and the sensor is used to detect the height of the stacked electrode plates (5) on the stacking station.
6. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport and stacking system further comprises a reversing valve and a vacuum generator (4), and the transport and stacking system has an adsorption station and a release station; The reversing valve can switch between the adsorption position and the release position; the air inlet of the reversing valve is connected to the positive pressure air source; Adsorption station: the air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the vacuum generator (4) via the first air outlet of the reversing valve flow, and the vacuum generator (4) generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port (1d) through the air flow channel; Release position: The air flow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the compensation nozzle (2a) via the second air outlet of the reversing valve and is ejected from the compensation nozzle (2a).
7. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vacuum generator (4) comprises a main flow channel (4a) and a negative pressure flow channel (4c), the inlet section of the main flow channel (4a) is connected to the air outlet of the reversing valve adsorption station, the main flow channel (4a) has a flow channel contraction portion (4b), a side hole is provided on the side wall of the flow channel contraction portion (4b), one end of the negative pressure flow channel (4c) is connected to the side hole, and the other end is communicated with the negative pressure adsorption port (1d); The suction cup (1b) has a pressure chamber (4d) therein, and one end of the negative pressure flow channel (4c) away from the main flow channel (4a) is connected to the pressure chamber (4d), and the negative pressure adsorption port (1d) is in communication with the pressure chamber (4d).
8. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second air outlet is also communicated with the positive pressure ventilation branch tube, and the positive pressure ventilation branch tube is communicated with the negative pressure cavity.
9. The transport and stacking system for flow channel electrode plates according to claim 8, characterized in that: A blocking structure is provided on the negative pressure flow channel (4c), and the blocking structure cuts off the negative pressure flow channel (4c) when the work station is released.
10. A method for transporting and stacking the transporting and stacking system for the flow channel electrode plate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The transport and stacking method comprises the following steps: a. The servo system drives the adsorption tool (1) to move to the position directly above the electrode plate (5) to be adsorbed; b. The negative pressure adsorption port (1d) maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the adsorption tooling (1) downward to the bottom working surface (1c) of the suction cup (1b) to contact the electrode plate (5) to be adsorbed; c. The negative pressure adsorption port (1d) maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and the adsorption tool (1) carries the adsorbed electrode plate (5) and moves to the top of the stacking table (3), with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate (5) and the stacked electrode plates (5) below; d. The guide blocking rod (3a) rises until its top height is higher than the top surface of the stacked electrode plates (5); the negative pressure adsorption port (1d) cancels the negative pressure, releases the adsorbed electrode plate (5), and simultaneously opens the compensation nozzle (2a); the adsorbed electrode plate (5) falls due to gravity, and the compensation nozzle (2a) surrounding the electrode plate (5) sprays gas toward the bottom of the electrode plate (5), and the ejected gas enters the gap between the falling electrode plate (5) and the stacked electrode plates (5) below, forming a high-pressure area; e. In step d, after the falling electrode plate (5) falls on the stacked electrode plates (5), the compensating nozzle (2a) is closed.
Citation Information
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