Welding equipment and welding methods

Abstract

This application provides a welding apparatus and a welding method. The welding apparatus includes a positioning mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a welding mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes a first clamp and a second clamp arranged along a first direction. The first clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold a first welding edge in the first direction; the second clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold a second welding edge in the first direction. The transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece between the first clamp and the second clamp and to rotate the workpiece to switch either the first welding edge or the second welding edge to the first direction. The welding mechanism is used to weld the first welding edge of the workpiece located in the first clamp and to weld the second welding edge of the workpiece located in the second clamp. The welding apparatus reduces manual operation, lowers the difficulty of welding the workpiece, and reduces the welding cost of the workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of welding processing technology, and more specifically, to a welding apparatus and welding method. Background Technology

[0002] When welding a workpiece, multiple welding edges typically need to be welded. However, after welding one edge, the workpiece's position needs to be manually switched to weld the other edges, making the welding operation complex and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a welding apparatus and welding method that can reduce the welding processing cost of workpieces.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a welding apparatus for welding a workpiece having adjacent first and second welding edges. The welding apparatus includes a positioning mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a welding mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes a first clamp and a second clamp arranged along a first direction. The first clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold the first welding edge in the first direction; the second clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold the second welding edge in the first direction; the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece between the first and second clamps and rotate the workpiece to switch either the first or second welding edge to the first direction; the welding mechanism is used to weld the first welding edge of the workpiece located in the first clamp and to weld the second welding edge of the workpiece located in the second clamp.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the positioning mechanism can position the workpiece; the first and second clamps of the positioning assembly can position workpieces in different states, so that the welding mechanism can weld the first welding edge of the workpiece located in the first clamp and the second welding edge of the workpiece located in the second clamp. Furthermore, the welding mechanism can weld both the first and second welding edges, improving its usability. The transfer mechanism can rotate the workpiece on the first clamp and transfer it to the second clamp, and vice versa, reducing manual operation, lowering the difficulty of welding the workpiece, and reducing the welding cost.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first fixture has a first welding station and a first transfer station, and the positioning mechanism further includes a first driving component connected to the first fixture. The first driving component is configured to drive the first fixture to move along a first direction, thereby switching the first fixture between the first welding station and the first transfer station. The welding mechanism is used to weld the first welding edge of the workpiece located on the first fixture at the first welding station, and the transfer mechanism is used to pick up the workpiece located on the first fixture at the first transfer station.

[0007] In this embodiment, the first driving component can drive the first fixture to switch between the first welding station and the first transfer station to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece. The welding mechanism and the transfer mechanism can weld the workpiece at the first welding station and transfer the workpiece at the first transfer station, respectively. The welding and transfer of the workpiece are performed at different positions, reducing the risk of interference between the welding mechanism and the transfer mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, the welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction; the welding apparatus further includes a first clamping mechanism for clamping the workpiece located on the first fixture at the first welding station along the second direction.

[0009] In this embodiment, the workpiece located on the first fixture at the first welding station is clamped by the first clamping mechanism. The first clamping mechanism can further restrict the position of the workpiece, improve the positional stability of the workpiece, thereby improving the welding quality of the workpiece. In addition, the first clamping mechanism clamps the side of the workpiece facing the welding mechanism, making the welding more stable and improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first fixture further includes a loading station, and along a first direction, the first welding station is located between the loading station and the first transfer station. The positioning mechanism and the welding mechanism are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The welding device further includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the workpiece on the first fixture at the loading station to a preset position along the second direction. The first fixture is configured to clamp the workpiece located at the preset position.

[0011] In this embodiment, the workpiece on the first fixture is adjusted to a preset position by the adjustment mechanism, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the workpiece on the first fixture and thus improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second fixture has a second welding station and a second transfer station, and the positioning mechanism further includes a second drive assembly connected to the second fixture. The second drive assembly is configured to drive the second fixture to move along a first direction, thereby switching the second fixture between the second welding station and the second transfer station. The transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece to the second transfer station, and the welding mechanism is used to weld the first weld edge of the workpiece located on the second fixture at the second welding station.

[0013] In this embodiment, the second drive component can drive the second fixture to switch between the second welding station and the second transfer station to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece. The welding mechanism and the transfer mechanism can weld the workpiece at the second welding station and transfer the workpiece at the second transfer station, respectively. The welding and transfer of the workpiece are performed at different positions, reducing the risk of interference between the welding mechanism and the transfer mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments, the welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction; the welding apparatus further includes a second clamping mechanism for clamping the workpiece located on the second fixture at the second welding station along the second direction.

[0015] In this embodiment, the workpiece located on the second fixture at the second welding station is clamped by the second clamping mechanism. The second clamping mechanism can further restrict the position of the workpiece, improve the positional stability of the workpiece, thereby improving the welding quality of the workpiece. In addition, the second clamping mechanism clamps the side of the workpiece facing the welding mechanism, making the welding more stable and improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece.

[0016] In some embodiments, the welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction, and the transfer mechanism includes a clamping assembly, a rotating assembly, and a third driving assembly; the clamping assembly is used to clamp the workpiece; the rotating assembly is connected to the clamping assembly and is used to drive the clamping assembly to rotate about an axis extending along a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; the third driving assembly is connected to the rotating assembly and is configured to drive the rotating assembly to move along the third direction.

[0017] In this embodiment, the clamping assembly can clamp the workpiece for easy picking up or placing; the rotating assembly can rotate the clamping assembly to adjust the state of the workpiece held by the clamping assembly, realizing the switching of the orientation of the first welding edge and the second welding edge; the third driving assembly can drive the rotating assembly to move along a third direction, so that the clamping assembly moves closer to or further away from the first or second fixture where the workpiece is placed, reducing the risk of interference between the transfer mechanism and the first fixture or between the transfer mechanism and the second fixture. The transfer mechanism realizes the transfer of the workpiece on the first and second fixtures and realizes the state change of the workpiece, reducing manual operation, reducing the processing difficulty of the workpiece, and improving the welding processing efficiency of the workpiece.

[0018] In some embodiments, the welding mechanism includes a welding assembly and a fourth drive assembly; the welding assembly is used to weld a first welding edge of a workpiece located in a first fixture, and to weld a second welding edge of a workpiece located in a second fixture; the fourth drive assembly is connected to the welding assembly and is used to drive the welding assembly to move along a first direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, by setting a fourth driving component, the welding component can be driven to move along the first direction. The welding component can switch between the first fixture and the second fixture by moving to weld the workpiece on the first fixture or the second fixture, thereby reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fourth drive component is further configured to drive the welding component to move along a second direction and a third direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. This allows the welding component to move closer to or further away from the welding position of the workpiece along the second direction, adjusting the welding distance to the workpiece; the welding component can also move along the third direction to adjust the welding position of the workpiece in the third direction, making it more convenient to adjust the welding position and welding focal length.

[0021] In some embodiments, the welding apparatus includes two welding mechanisms, with a positioning mechanism disposed between the two welding mechanisms along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, welding mechanisms are provided on both sides of the positioning mechanism along the second direction, allowing the two welding mechanisms to simultaneously weld the workpiece on both sides along the second direction, thereby improving the welding efficiency of the workpiece.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first clamp includes a first base and a first pressing mechanism; the first base supports the workpiece; the first pressing mechanism is disposed on the first base and configured to press the workpiece firmly against the first base. By using the first base and the first pressing mechanism to fix the workpiece, the workpiece position is fixed, and by pressing the workpiece firmly, the first welding edge or the second welding edge is exposed along the second direction, reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first clamp includes two first pressing mechanisms arranged along a first direction. This allows the workpiece to be more stably secured, reducing the risk of the workpiece detaching from the first clamp.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first pressing mechanism includes a first column, a first pressing swing arm, and a first driving member; one end of the first column is connected to a first base; the first pressing swing arm is rotatably disposed at the end of the first column away from the first base; the first driving member is connected to the first column and is configured to drive the first pressing swing arm to rotate so as to press the workpiece against the first base.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first pressing arm is driven to move by the first driving member. The first pressing arm can swing to press the workpiece tightly against the first base, making the workpiece fixing method more convenient.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first column is provided with a limiting member, which has a slot for the workpiece to be engaged. The slot is used to limit the range of movement of the workpiece along the second direction. The first column extends along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. By providing the slot, the range of movement of the workpiece along the second direction can be limited, reducing the risk of the workpiece detaching from the first fixture.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second clamp includes a second base and a second pressing mechanism; the second base supports the workpiece; the second pressing mechanism is disposed on the second base and configured to press the workpiece firmly against the second base. By using the second base and the second pressing mechanism to fix the workpiece, the workpiece position is fixed, and by pressing the workpiece firmly, the first welding edge or the second welding edge is exposed along the second direction, reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second clamp includes two second pressing mechanisms arranged along a first direction. This allows for more stable workpiece fixation and reduces the risk of the workpiece detaching from the second clamp.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second pressing mechanism includes a second column, a second pressing arm, and a first driving unit; one end of the second column is connected to a second base; the second pressing arm is rotatably disposed at the end of the second column away from the second base; the first driving unit is connected to the second column and is configured to drive the second pressing arm to rotate so as to press the workpiece against the second base.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second pressing arm is driven to move by the first driving unit. The second pressing arm can swing to press the workpiece tightly against the second base, making the workpiece fixing method more convenient.

[0031] In some embodiments, the workpiece is a battery cell, which includes a housing and an end cap. The joint between the housing and the end cap has a first welding edge and a second welding edge. Thus, the positioning mechanism can position the housing and the end cap, and the welding mechanism can weld the first welding edge and the second welding edge respectively to achieve welding of the housing and the end cap of the battery cell.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a welding method, comprising: positioning a workpiece and holding a first welding edge of the workpiece in a first direction; welding the first welding edge of the workpiece; transferring and rotating the workpiece to switch a second welding edge of the workpiece adjacent to the first welding edge to the first direction; repositioning the workpiece and holding the second welding edge of the workpiece in the first direction; and welding the second welding edge of the workpiece. When the first welding edge is held in the first direction, the first welding edge of the workpiece can be welded; when the second welding edge is held in the first direction, the second welding edge of the workpiece can be welded. Therefore, switching and rotating the workpiece can adjust the directions of the first and second welding edges, thereby facilitating welding, reducing welding difficulty, and improving welding accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a welding apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the welding apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of the positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams of the positioning and adjustment mechanisms provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of the positioning mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of the welding mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamp provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamp provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of a single battery cell provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0045] Icons: 1-First clamp; 11-First base; 12-First pressing mechanism; 121-First column; 1211-Limiting component; 1212-Slot; 122-First pressing swing arm; 1221-First clamping section; 1222-First hinge section; 1223-First connecting section; 123-First driving component;

[0046] 2-Second clamp; 21-Second base; 22-Second pressing mechanism; 221-Second column; 222-Second pressing swing arm; 2221-Second clamping section; 2222-Second hinge section; 2223-Second connecting section; 223-First driving part;

[0047] 3-First drive assembly; 4-First guide rail; 5-Second drive assembly;

[0048] 10-Positioning mechanism; 20-Transfer mechanism; 201-Clamping assembly; 2011-Fifth driving component; 2012-First clamping part; 2013-Second clamping part; 202-Rotating assembly; 203-Third driving assembly; 2031-Sixth driving component; 2032-First mounting bracket;

[0049] 30-Welding mechanism; 301-Welding assembly; 302-Fourth drive assembly; 3021-Seventh drive component; 3022-Eighth drive component; 3023-Ninth drive component; 303-Second guide rail;

[0050] 40-First clamping mechanism; 401-Second driving component; 402-First clamping part;

[0051] 50 - Adjustment mechanism; 501 - Third drive component; 502 - Push block;

[0052] 60-Second clamping mechanism; 601-Fourth driving component; 602-Second clamping part;

[0053] 100 - Welding device; 200 - Workpiece; 2001 - First welding edge; 2002 - Second welding edge; 300 - Battery cell; 3001 - Housing; 3002 - End cap; X - First direction; Y - Second direction; Z - Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0056] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0057] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0059] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0060] During the welding process, multiple edges of a workpiece can be welded using a welding mechanism. However, when welding the edges of a workpiece, in addition to considering the welding quality, the efficiency of the welding process is also an issue that cannot be ignored.

[0061] Taking a square-shell battery cell as an example, the battery cell includes an end cap and a housing with an opening. The end cap closes to the opening of the housing, and the joint between the end cap and the housing has two oppositely arranged long welding edges and two oppositely arranged short welding edges. The battery cell is placed on a welding station, and one of the long welding edges or short welding edges is welded. After welding, the battery cell can be manually rotated to weld the other of the long welding edges or short welding edges. Manually rotating the battery cell is inefficient and inefficient, resulting in high labor costs.

[0062] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a welding apparatus for welding a workpiece having adjacent first and second welding edges. The welding apparatus includes a positioning mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a welding mechanism. The positioning mechanism includes a first clamp and a second clamp arranged along a first direction. The first clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold the first welding edge in the first direction; the second clamp is used to clamp the workpiece to hold the second welding edge in the first direction. The transfer mechanism is used to transfer the workpiece between the first and second clamps and rotate the workpiece to switch either the first or second welding edge to the first direction. The welding mechanism is used to weld the first welding edge of the workpiece located in the first clamp and to weld the second welding edge of the workpiece located in the second clamp.

[0063] In such a welding device, the welding process can reduce manual operation, reduce the difficulty of welding the workpiece, and reduce the welding cost.

[0064] The welding apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the welding apparatus 100 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a welding apparatus 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. Embodiments of this application provide a welding apparatus 100 for welding a workpiece 200. The workpiece 200 has adjacent first welding edges 2001 and second welding edges 2002. The welding apparatus 100 includes a positioning mechanism 10, a transfer mechanism 20, and a welding mechanism 30. The positioning mechanism 10 includes a first clamp 1 and a second clamp 2 arranged along a first direction X. The first clamp 1 is used to clamp the workpiece 200 to hold the first welding edge 2001 in the first direction X. The second clamp 2 is used to clamp the workpiece 200 to hold the second welding edge 2002 in the first direction X. The transfer mechanism 20 is used to transfer the workpiece 200 between the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 and to rotate the workpiece 200 to switch either the first welding edge 2001 or the second welding edge 2002 to the first direction X. The welding mechanism 30 is used to weld the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located in the first clamp 1 and to weld the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 located in the second clamp 2.

[0066] The first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 are arranged along the first direction X. Alternatively, the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 can be respectively set at two fixed positions, with the two fixed positions arranged along the first direction X; alternatively, one of the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 can move along the first direction X, while the other is set at a fixed position; or both the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 can move along the first direction X. Both the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 are used to clamp the workpiece 200 to position the workpiece 200 on the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2.

[0067] The first weld edge 2001 remains in the first direction X, meaning the first weld edge 2001 has an extending direction that is parallel to the first direction X. The second weld edge 2002 remains in the first direction X, meaning the second weld edge 2002 has an extending direction that is parallel to the first direction X. It can be understood that the extending directions of the first weld edge 2001 and the second weld edge 2002 intersect.

[0068] The transfer mechanism 20 can transfer the workpiece 200 from the first fixture 1 to the second fixture 2; or the transfer mechanism 20 can transfer the workpiece 200 from the second fixture 2 to the first fixture 1. Alternatively, after picking up the workpiece 200 from the first fixture 1, the transfer mechanism 20 can rotate the workpiece 200 so that its second welding edge 2002 is parallel to the first direction X, and then place the workpiece 200 on the second fixture 2; or after picking up the workpiece 200 from the second fixture 2, the transfer mechanism 20 can rotate the workpiece 200 so that its first welding edge 2001 is parallel to the first direction X, and then place the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1.

[0069] The transfer mechanism 20 can be fixed or movable along the first direction X.

[0070] The welding mechanism 30 is capable of welding the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 and the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 on the second fixture 2. Alternatively, the welding mechanism 30 can move along the first direction X to the welding position of the first fixture 1 or the second fixture 2 to achieve welding of the first welding edge 2001 or the second welding edge 2002; or the first fixture 1 and the second fixture 2 can move along the first direction X to the welding position of the welding mechanism 30 to achieve welding of the first welding edge 2001 or the second welding edge 2002.

[0071] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 10 can position the workpiece 200; the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 of the positioning assembly can position the workpiece 200 in different states, so that the welding mechanism 30 can weld the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located in the first clamp 1 and the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 located in the second clamp 2. Furthermore, the welding mechanism 30 can weld the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002, improving the usability of the welding mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 20 can rotate the workpiece 200 on the first clamp 1 and transfer it to the second clamp 2, and can also rotate the workpiece 200 on the second clamp 2 and transfer it to the first clamp 1, reducing manual operation, lowering the welding processing difficulty of the workpiece 200, and reducing the welding processing cost of the workpiece 200.

[0072] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the positioning mechanism 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The first fixture 1 has a first welding station and a first transfer station. The positioning mechanism 10 also includes a first drive component 3, which is connected to the first fixture 1. The first drive component 3 is configured to drive the first fixture 1 to move along a first direction X, so that the first fixture 1 switches between the first welding station and the first transfer station. The welding mechanism 30 is used to weld the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first welding station. The transfer mechanism 20 is used to pick up the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first transfer station.

[0073] The first welding station and the first transfer station are two stations where the first fixture 1 is arranged along the first direction X. The welding mechanism 30 is capable of welding the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first welding station. The transfer mechanism 20 is capable of picking up the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first transfer station, or placing the workpiece 200 onto the first fixture 1 located at the first transfer station.

[0074] The first drive assembly 3 is capable of driving the first clamp 1 to move along the first direction X. The positioning mechanism 10 may further include a first guide rail 4, and the first drive assembly 3 connects the first guide rail 4 and the first clamp 1; the first guide rail 4 extends along the first direction X, and the first drive assembly 3 is configured to drive the first clamp 1 to move along the first direction X on the first guide rail 4; wherein, the first drive assembly 3 may be a linear motor.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first driving component 3 can drive the first fixture 1 to switch between the first welding station and the first transfer station to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece 200. The welding mechanism 30 and the transfer mechanism 20 can weld the workpiece 200 at the first welding station and transfer the workpiece 200 at the first transfer station, respectively. The welding and transfer of the workpiece 200 are performed at different positions, which reduces the risk of interference between the welding mechanism 30 and the transfer mechanism 20.

[0076] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The welding mechanism 30 and the positioning mechanism 10 are arranged along the second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. The welding device 100 also includes a first clamping mechanism 40, which is used to clamp the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first welding station along the second direction Y.

[0077] The welding mechanism 30 can be one, located on one side of the positioning mechanism 10 along the second direction Y; or it can be two, located on both sides of the positioning mechanism 10 along the second direction Y.

[0078] The first clamping mechanism 40 can be arranged along the third direction Z with the first welding station. The first clamping mechanism 40 may include a second drive member 401 and two first clamping parts 402. The second drive member 401 is connected to the two first clamping parts 402. The second drive member 401 is configured to drive the two first clamping parts 402 to move closer or further apart from each other along the second direction Y to clamp or release the workpiece 200.

[0079] In the embodiment where workpiece 200 is a battery cell 300, after the end cap 3002 covers the opening of the housing 3001, the battery cell 300 can be placed on the first clamp 1, such that the opening of the housing 3001 faces away from the first clamping mechanism 40. The two first clamping parts 402 can clamp the position of the housing 3001 of the battery cell 300 near the end cap 3002, thereby ensuring close contact between the opening of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002, thus improving the welding accuracy of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002, and making the welding of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002 more stable. The two first clamping parts 402 can clamp to a position 2mm-5mm away from the first welding edge 2001 to improve the contact effect between the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002. The first welding edge 2001 is the edge formed at the joint of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002.

[0080] In this embodiment, the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1 at the first welding station is clamped by the first clamping mechanism 40. The first clamping mechanism 40 can further restrict the position of the workpiece 200, improve the positional stability of the workpiece 200, thereby improving the welding quality of the workpiece 200. In addition, the first clamping mechanism 40 clamps the side of the workpiece 200 facing the welding mechanism 30, making the welding more stable and improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece 200.

[0081] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism 10 and the adjustment mechanism 50 provided in some embodiments of this application. The first fixture 1 also has a loading station along the first direction X, and the first welding station is located between the loading station and the first transfer station. The positioning mechanism 10 and the welding mechanism 30 are arranged along the second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. The welding device 100 also includes an adjustment mechanism 50, which is configured to adjust the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 at the loading station to a preset position along the second direction Y. The first fixture 1 is configured to clamp the workpiece 200 located at the preset position.

[0082] The unwelded workpiece 200 can be provided to the first fixture 1 located at the loading station; the position of the workpiece 200 located at the first fixture 1 at the loading station can also be adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 50.

[0083] There can be one adjustment mechanism 50, which moves the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y to adjust the workpiece 200 to a preset position; or there can be multiple adjustment mechanisms 50, which are located on both sides of the first clamp 1 along the second direction Y, and the multiple adjustment mechanisms 50 move the workpiece 200 together to adjust the workpiece 200 to a preset position.

[0084] The preset position is a location on the first fixture 1. Regardless of its position, the first fixture 1 has a preset position for placing the workpiece 200. During the welding process of the workpiece 200, in order for the workpiece 200 to be loaded and transferred to the first welding station for direct welding, it is necessary to position the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 to reduce welding defects caused by inconsistent welding focus.

[0085] It is understandable that when the adjusting mechanism 50 adjusts the position of the workpiece 200 on the first clamp 1, the first clamp 1 does not clamp the workpiece 200. After the workpiece 200 is adjusted to the preset position, the first clamp 1 clamps the workpiece 200.

[0086] The adjustment mechanism 50 may include a third drive member 501 and a push block 502. The third drive member 501 is connected to the push block 502. The third drive member 501 is configured to drive the push block 502 to move toward the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y, so as to push the workpiece 200. The third drive member 501 may be a cylinder.

[0087] In this embodiment, the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 is adjusted to a preset position by the adjustment mechanism 50, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1, which is beneficial to improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece 200.

[0088] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning mechanism 10 provided in some embodiments of this application. The second fixture 2 has a second welding station and a second transfer station. The positioning mechanism 10 also includes a second drive component 5, which is connected to the second fixture 2. The second drive component 5 is configured to drive the second fixture 2 to move along a first direction X, so that the second fixture 2 switches between the second welding station and the second transfer station. The transfer mechanism 20 is used to transfer the workpiece 200 to the second transfer station, and the welding mechanism 30 is used to weld the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located on the second fixture 2 at the second welding station.

[0089] The second welding station and the second transfer station are arranged along the first direction X. Alternatively, the positions of the first transfer station and the second transfer station may overlap. After the transfer mechanism 20 picks up the workpiece 200 from the first fixture 1, the first fixture 1 leaves the first transfer station, and the second fixture 2 enters the second transfer station. The transfer mechanism 20 then rotates the workpiece 200 and places it onto the second fixture 2. Alternatively, the first transfer station and the second transfer station may be arranged along the first direction X. After the transfer mechanism 20 picks up the workpiece 200 from the first fixture 1, the transfer mechanism 20 rotates the workpiece 200 to reach the second transfer station, thus placing the workpiece 200 onto the second fixture 2 located at the second transfer station.

[0090] The second drive assembly 5 is capable of driving the second clamp 2 to move along the first direction X. The second drive assembly 5 is connected to the first guide rail 4 and the second clamp 2; the second drive assembly 5 is configured to drive the second clamp 2 to move along the first direction X on the first guide rail 4; wherein, the second drive assembly 5 may be a linear motor.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second drive component 5 can drive the second fixture 2 to switch between the second welding station and the second transfer station to facilitate the transfer of the workpiece 200. The welding mechanism 30 and the transfer mechanism 20 can weld the workpiece 200 at the second welding station and transfer the workpiece 200 at the second transfer station, respectively. The welding and transfer of the workpiece 200 are performed at different positions, which reduces the risk of interference between the welding mechanism 30 and the transfer mechanism 20.

[0092] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of region A. The welding mechanism 30 and the positioning mechanism 10 are arranged along the second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. The welding device 100 also includes a second clamping mechanism 60, which is used to clamp the workpiece 200 located on the second fixture 2 at the second welding station along the second direction Y.

[0093] The second clamping mechanism 60 can be located above the second welding station. When the second fixture 2 is in the second welding station, the second clamping mechanism 60 can clamp the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y. The second clamping mechanism 60 may include a fourth drive member 601 and two second clamping parts 602. The fourth drive member 601 is connected to the two second clamping parts 602. The fourth drive member 601 is configured to drive the two second clamping parts 602 to move closer or further apart along the second direction Y to clamp or release the workpiece 200.

[0094] In the embodiment where workpiece 200 is a battery cell 300, after the end cap 3002 covers the opening of the housing 3001, the battery cell 300 can be placed on the second clamp 2, such that the opening of the housing 3001 faces away from the second clamping mechanism 60. The two second clamping parts 602 can clamp the position of the housing 3001 of the battery cell 300 near the end cap 3002, thereby ensuring close contact between the opening of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002, improving the welding accuracy of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002, and making the welding of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002 more stable. The two second clamping parts 602 can clamp to a position 2mm-5mm away from the second welding edge 2002 to improve the contact effect between the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002. The second welding edge 2002 is the edge formed at the joint of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002.

[0095] In this embodiment, the workpiece 200 located on the second fixture 2 at the second welding station is clamped by the second clamping mechanism 60. The second clamping mechanism 60 can further restrict the position of the workpiece 200, improve the positional stability of the workpiece 200, thereby improving the welding quality of the workpiece 200. In addition, the second clamping mechanism 60 clamps the side of the workpiece 200 facing the welding mechanism 30, making the welding more stable and improving the welding accuracy of the workpiece 200.

[0096] In some embodiments, when the welding mechanism 30 welds the workpiece 200, the workpiece located on the first clamp 1 or the second clamp 2 can move along the first direction X following the first clamp 1 or the second clamp 2, thereby adjusting the relative displacement of the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200 along the first direction X. The co-movement of the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200 along the first direction X helps to reduce the relative movement speed of the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200, thereby increasing the strength of the welded workpiece 200 by the welding assembly 301. Furthermore, when the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200 move in the same direction along the first direction X toward the second clamp 2, the processing time of the workpiece 200 can be reduced, improving processing efficiency. The relative movement of the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200 along the first direction X helps to increase the welding speed and improve the processing efficiency of the workpiece 200.

[0097] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transfer mechanism 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The welding mechanism 30 and the positioning mechanism 10 are arranged along the second direction Y. The transfer mechanism 20 includes a clamping assembly 201, a rotating assembly 202, and a third driving assembly 203. The clamping assembly 201 is used to clamp the workpiece 200. The rotating assembly 202 is connected to the clamping assembly 201 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 201 to rotate about an axis extending along the third direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other. The third driving assembly 203 is connected to the rotating assembly 202 and is configured to drive the rotating assembly 202 to move along the third direction Z.

[0098] The transfer mechanism 20 can be fixedly installed above the first transfer station and the second transfer station; or the transfer mechanism 20 can be movable along the first direction X, switching between the first transfer station and the second transfer station.

[0099] The clamping assembly 201 may include a fifth drive member 2011, a first clamping part 2012, and a second clamping part 2013. The fifth drive member 2011 is connected to the first clamping part 2012 and the second clamping part 2013. The fifth drive member 2011 is configured to drive the first clamping part 2012 and the second clamping part 2013 to move closer or further apart to clamp or release the workpiece 200. The fifth drive member 2011 may be a cylinder.

[0100] The rotating assembly 202 can be connected to the fifth driving member 2011. The rotating assembly 202 is configured to drive the fifth driving member 2011 to rotate, thereby causing the workpiece 200 held by the first clamping part 2012 and the second clamping part 2013 to rotate about an axis extending in the third direction Z. The rotating assembly 202 can be a motor.

[0101] The third drive assembly 203 may include a sixth drive member 2031 and a first mounting bracket 2032. The sixth drive member 2031 is connected to the first mounting bracket 2032. The rotating assembly 202 is disposed on the first mounting bracket 2032. The sixth drive member 2031 is configured to drive the first mounting member to move along the third direction Z, so as to drive the first clamping part 2012 and the second clamping part 2013 to clamp the workpiece 200 and move it along the third direction Z.

[0102] In this embodiment, the clamping assembly 201 can clamp the workpiece 200 for easy picking up or placing; the rotating assembly 202 can rotate the clamping assembly 201 to adjust the state of the workpiece 200 held by the clamping assembly 201, realizing the switching of the orientation of the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002; the third driving assembly 203 can drive the rotating assembly 202 to move along the third direction Z, so that the clamping assembly 201 moves closer to or further away from the first fixture 1 or the second fixture 2 where the workpiece 200 is placed, reducing the risk of interference between the transfer mechanism 20 and the first fixture 1 or between the transfer mechanism 20 and the second fixture 2. The transfer mechanism 20 realizes the transfer of the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 and the second fixture 2, and realizes the state change of the workpiece 200, reducing manual operation, reducing the processing difficulty of the workpiece 200, and improving the welding processing efficiency of the workpiece 200.

[0103] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a welding mechanism 30 provided in some embodiments of this application. The welding mechanism 30 includes a welding assembly 301 and a fourth drive assembly 302; the welding assembly 301 is used to weld a first welding edge 2001 of a workpiece 200 located in a first fixture 1, and to weld a second welding edge 2002 of a workpiece 200 located in a second fixture 2; the fourth drive assembly 302 is connected to the welding assembly 301 and is used to drive the welding assembly 301 to move along a first direction X.

[0104] Both the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002 extend along the first direction X during welding. When the first fixture 1 is located at the first welding station, the fourth drive assembly 302 can drive the welding assembly 301 to move along the first direction X, so that the welding assembly 301 welds the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1. When the second fixture 2 is located at the second welding station, the fourth drive assembly 302 can drive the welding assembly 301 to move along the first direction X, so that the welding assembly 301 welds the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 located on the second fixture 2. The fourth drive assembly 302 can also drive the welding assembly 301 to move along the first direction X, so that the fourth drive assembly 302 can switch between the first welding station and the second welding station.

[0105] The welding mechanism 30 also includes a second guide rail 303, and the fourth drive component 302 is capable of driving the welding component 301 to move along the first direction X on the second guide rail 303.

[0106] In this embodiment, by setting the fourth driving component 302, the welding component 301 can be driven to move along the first direction X. The welding component 301 can switch between the first fixture 1 and the second fixture 2 by moving, so as to weld the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 or the second fixture 2, thereby reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece 200.

[0107] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 8 The fourth drive component 302 is also configured to drive the welding component 301 to move along the second direction Y and the third direction Z, wherein the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0108] The fourth drive assembly 302 may include a seventh drive member 3021, an eighth drive member 3022, and a ninth drive member 3023. The eighth drive member 3022 is connected to the seventh drive member 3021 and the ninth drive member 3023. The seventh drive member 3021 is connected to the second guide rail 303. The ninth drive member 3023 is connected to the welding assembly 301. The ninth drive member 3023 is configured to drive the welding assembly 301 to move along a third direction Z to adjust the position of the welding assembly 301 along the third direction Z. The eighth drive member 3022 is configured to drive the ninth drive member 3023 to move along a second direction Y to adjust the position of the welding assembly 301 along the second direction Y, thereby adjusting the distance between the welding assembly 301 and the workpiece 200 to adapt to the welding focal length. The seventh drive member 3021 is configured to drive the eighth drive member 3022 to move along a first direction X to adjust the position of the welding assembly 301 along the first direction X.

[0109] In this embodiment, the welding assembly 301 can also move closer to or further away from the welding position of the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y to adjust the welding distance of the workpiece 200; the welding assembly 301 can also move along the third direction Z to adjust the welding position of the workpiece 200 in the third direction Z, making it more convenient to adjust the welding position and welding focal length.

[0110] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 8 The welding apparatus 100 includes two welding mechanisms 30 along a second direction Y, and a positioning mechanism 10 is disposed between the two welding mechanisms 30. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0111] The two welding mechanisms 30 are located on both sides of the positioning mechanism 10 along the second direction Y. The two welding mechanisms 30 can move synchronously along the first direction X, or they can move independently along the first direction X.

[0112] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 10 is provided with welding mechanisms 30 on both sides along the second direction Y. The two welding mechanisms 30 can simultaneously weld the workpiece 200 on both sides along the second direction Y, thereby improving the welding efficiency of the workpiece 200.

[0113] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first clamp 1 provided in some embodiments of this application. The first clamp 1 includes a first base 11 and a first pressing mechanism 12; the first base 11 is used to support the workpiece 200; the first pressing mechanism 12 is disposed on the first base 11 and is configured to press the workpiece 200 against the first base 11.

[0114] The workpiece 200 is placed on the first base 11, and the first pressing mechanism 12 can press the workpiece 200 down along the third direction Z so that the first base 11 and the first pressing mechanism 12 cooperate to press the workpiece 200.

[0115] Taking workpiece 200 as a battery cell 300 as an example, the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002 of the battery cell 300 need to extend along the first direction X during welding. The first pressing mechanism 12 presses down on the outer shell of the battery cell 300 along the third direction Z, which helps to press the end cap 3002 through the shell 3001 and improves the positional stability of the end cap 3002 and the shell 3001 before welding. Moreover, the outer shell and the end cap 3002 are arranged along the third direction Z, so that the first welding edge 2001 can extend along the first direction X, which is a more reasonable arrangement.

[0116] By setting the first base 11 and the first pressing mechanism 12 to fix the workpiece 200, the position of the workpiece 200 is fixed on the one hand, and the workpiece 200 is pressed down by pressing, which helps to expose the first welding edge 2001 or the second welding edge 2002 along the second direction Y, thus reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece 200.

[0117] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 9 The first clamp 1 includes two first pressing mechanisms 12, which are arranged along the first direction X.

[0118] Two first pressing mechanisms 12 are arranged along the first direction X, so that the first pressing mechanism 12 can press the workpiece 200 on both sides along the first direction X along the third direction Z, making the position of the workpiece 200 on the first fixture 1 more stable.

[0119] In this embodiment, the two first pressing mechanisms 12 can make the workpiece 200 more stable and reduce the risk of the workpiece 200 falling off the first clamp 1.

[0120] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 9 The first pressing mechanism 12 includes a first column 121, a first pressing swing arm 122, and a first driving member 123; one end of the first column 121 is connected to the first base 11; the first pressing swing arm 122 is rotatably disposed at the end of the first column 121 away from the first base 11; the first driving member 123 is connected to the first column 121 and is configured to drive the first pressing swing arm 122 to rotate so as to press the workpiece 200 against the first base 11.

[0121] The first base 11 is used to support the workpiece 200. In the embodiment where the workpiece 200 is a battery cell 300, the end cap 3002 of the battery cell 300 contacts the first base 11, and the first pressing swing arm 122 and the first base 11 clamp the end cap 3002 and the housing 3001.

[0122] There may be one first column 121. In an embodiment where there are two first pressing mechanisms 12, each first pressing mechanism 12 includes one first column 121, and the two first columns 121 are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction X, and the workpiece 200 may be disposed between the two first columns 121.

[0123] The first pressing swing arm 122 may include a first pressing section 1221, a first hinge section 1222, and a first connecting section 1223. The first hinge section 1222 connects the first pressing section 1221 and the first connecting section 1223. The first hinge section 1222 is located at the end of the first column 121 away from the first base 11. The first connecting section 1223 is connected to a first driving member 123. The first driving member 123 is used to drive the first connecting section 1223 to move, so as to drive the first pressing section 1221 to press the workpiece 200. The first driving member 123 may be a pneumatic telescopic rod.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first pressing arm 122 is moved by the first driving member 123. The first pressing arm 122 can swing to press the workpiece 200 against the base, making the fixing method of the workpiece 200 more convenient.

[0125] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 9 The first column 121 is provided with a limiting member 1211, and the limiting member 1211 is provided with a slot 1212 for the workpiece 200 to be inserted into. The slot 1212 is used to limit the range of movement of the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y. The first column 121 extends along the third direction Z, and the first direction X, the second direction Y and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0126] The size of the slot 1212 along the second direction Y is greater than the size of the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y when it is on the first fixture 1. The workpiece 200 can move along the second direction Y within the slot 1212. The slot 1212 can restrict the position of the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y so as to adjust the workpiece 200 to a preset position.

[0127] By setting the slot 1212, the slot 1212 can limit the range of movement of the workpiece 200 along the second direction Y, reducing the risk of the workpiece 200 falling off the first fixture 1.

[0128] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamp 2 provided in some embodiments of this application. The second clamp 2 includes a second base 21 and a second pressing mechanism 22; the second base 21 is used to support the workpiece 200; the second pressing mechanism 22 is disposed on the second base 21 and is configured to press the workpiece 200 against the second base 21.

[0129] The workpiece 200 is placed on the second base 21, and the second pressing mechanism 22 can press the workpiece 200 down along the third direction Z so that the second base 21 and the second pressing mechanism 22 cooperate to press the workpiece 200.

[0130] The second pressing mechanism 22 can be one or more.

[0131] Taking workpiece 200 as a battery cell 300 as an example, the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002 of the battery cell 300 need to extend along the first direction X during welding. The second pressing mechanism 22 presses down on the outer shell of the battery cell 300 along the third direction Z, which helps to press the end cap 3002 through the shell 3001 and improves the positional stability of the end cap 3002 and the shell 3001 before welding. Moreover, the outer shell and the end cap 3002 are arranged along the third direction Z, so that the second welding edge 2002 can extend along the first direction X, which is a more reasonable arrangement.

[0132] By setting the second base 21 and the second pressing mechanism 22 to fix the workpiece 200, the position of the workpiece 200 is fixed on the one hand, and the workpiece 200 is pressed down by pressing, which helps to expose the first welding edge 2001 or the second welding edge 2002 along the second direction Y, thus reducing the welding difficulty of the workpiece 200.

[0133] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 10 The second clamp 2 includes two second pressing mechanisms 22, which are arranged along the first direction X.

[0134] Two second pressing mechanisms 22 are arranged along the first direction X, so that the second pressing mechanisms 22 can press the workpiece 200 along the first direction X on both sides along the third direction Z.

[0135] In this embodiment, the two second pressing mechanisms 22 can make the workpiece 200 more stable and reduce the risk of the workpiece 200 falling off the second clamp 2.

[0136] In some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 10 In some embodiments, the second pressing mechanism 22 includes a second column 221, a second pressing swing arm 222, and a first driving part 223; one end of the second column 221 is connected to the second base 21; the second pressing swing arm 222 is rotatably disposed at the end of the second column 221 away from the second base 21; the first driving part 223 is connected to the second column 221 and is configured to drive the second pressing swing arm 222 to rotate so as to press the workpiece 200 against the second base 21.

[0137] The second base 21 is used to support the workpiece 200. In the embodiment where the workpiece 200 is a battery cell 300, the end cap 3002 of the battery cell 300 contacts the second base 21, and the second pressing arm 222 and the second base 21 clamp the end cap 3002 and the housing 3001.

[0138] There may be one second column 221. In an embodiment where there are two second pressing mechanisms 22, each second pressing mechanism 22 includes one second column 221, and the two second columns 221 are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction X, and the workpiece 200 may be disposed between the two second columns 221.

[0139] The second pressing arm 222 may include a second pressing section 2221, a second hinge section 2222, and a second connecting section 2223. The second hinge section 2222 connects the second pressing section 2221 and the second connecting section 2223. The second hinge section 2222 is located at the end of the second column 221 away from the second base 21. The second connecting section 2223 is connected to a first driving unit 223. The first driving unit 223 is used to drive the second connecting section 2223 to move, so as to drive the second pressing section 2221 to press the workpiece 200. The first driving unit 223 may be a pneumatic telescopic rod.

[0140] In this embodiment, the second pressing arm 222 is moved by the first driving unit 223. The second pressing arm 222 can swing to press the workpiece 200 against the second base 21, making the fixing method of the workpiece 200 more convenient.

[0141] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell 300 provided in some embodiments of this application. The workpiece 200 is the battery cell 300, which includes a housing 3001 and an end cap 3002. The joint position of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002 has a first welding edge 2001 and a second welding edge 2002.

[0142] The joint position of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002 has two first welding edges 2001 and two second welding edges 2002 arranged opposite to each other. The two first welding edges 2001 and the two second welding edges 2002 enclose and form an annular shape, with the opening located in the annular area.

[0143] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 10 can position the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002, and the welding mechanism 30 can weld the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002 respectively, so as to realize the welding of the housing 3001 and the end cap 3002 of the battery cell 300.

[0144] This application provides a welding method, which includes: positioning a workpiece 200 and holding a first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 in a first direction X; welding the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200; transferring and rotating the workpiece 200 to switch a second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200, which is adjacent to the first welding edge 2001, to the first direction X; repositioning the workpiece 200 and holding the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 in the first direction X; and welding the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200.

[0145] Taking the application of this method in the welding apparatus 100 and the workpiece 200 as a battery cell 300 as an example:

[0146] The first clamp 1 is located at the loading station. After the end cap 3002 of the battery cell 300 is covered with the housing 3001, the battery cell 300 is placed on the first base 11 of the first clamp 1, with the end cap 3002 located below the housing 3001. The battery cell 300 is adjusted to a preset position by the adjusting mechanism 50 so that the first welding edge 2001 of the battery cell 300 is parallel to the first direction X, and the battery cell 300 is pressed onto the first base 11 by the first pressing mechanism 12.

[0147] The first clamp 1 moves along the first direction X to the first welding station, and the first clamping mechanism 40 clamps the housing 3001 along the second direction Y. The two welding components 301 located on both sides of the positioning mechanism 10 along the second direction Y move along the first direction X under the driving action of the two fourth driving components 302, so as to realize the welding of the two first welding edges 2001 of the battery cell 300.

[0148] The first fixture 1 moves along the first direction X to the first transfer station, the clamping assembly 201 clamps the workpiece 200 located on the first fixture 1, the third drive assembly 203 drives the first fixture 1 to rise along the third direction Z, the rotation assembly 202 rotates the clamping assembly 201 so that the second welding edge 2002 of the battery cell 300 is in the first direction X, the third drive assembly 203 descends along the third direction Z, and the clamping assembly 201 places the battery cell 300 on the second fixture 2 located at the second transfer station.

[0149] The second clamp 2 moves to the second welding station, and the second clamping mechanism 60 clamps the housing 3001 of the battery cell 300 along the second direction Y. The two welding components 301 located on both sides of the positioning component along the second direction Y move along the first direction X under the driving action of the two fourth driving components 302, so as to realize the welding of the two second welding edges 2002 of the battery cell 300.

[0150] The second fixture 2 continues to move away from the second transfer station to the unloading station and removes the welded battery cell 300.

[0151] In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 10 can position the workpiece 200; the first clamp 1 and the second clamp 2 of the positioning assembly can position the workpiece 200 in different states, so that the welding mechanism 30 can weld the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 located in the first clamp 1 and the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 located in the second clamp 2. Furthermore, the welding mechanism 30 can weld both the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002, improving its usability. The transfer mechanism 20 can rotate the workpiece 200 on the first clamp 1 and transfer it to the second clamp 2, and vice versa, reducing manual operation, lowering the welding difficulty of the workpiece 200, and reducing the welding cost of the workpiece 200. When the first welding edge 2001 is held in the first direction X, the first welding edge 2001 of the workpiece 200 can be welded; when the second welding edge 2002 is held in the first direction X, the second welding edge 2002 of the workpiece 200 can be welded. Therefore, switching and rotating the workpiece 200 can adjust the direction of the first welding edge 2001 and the second welding edge 2002, which is beneficial to the welding process, reduces the welding difficulty, and improves the welding accuracy.

[0152] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0153] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A welding apparatus for welding a workpiece having adjacent first and second welding edges, characterized in that, The welding device comprises: a positioning mechanism comprising a first guide rail and a first clamp and a second clamp arranged along a first direction, the first clamp and the second clamp are movably arranged on the first guide rail along the first direction, the first clamp is used for clamping the workpiece to keep the first welding edge in the first direction, and the second clamp is used for clamping the workpiece to keep the second welding edge in the first direction; a transfer mechanism used for transferring the workpiece between the first clamp and the second clamp and rotating the workpiece to switch the first welding edge or the second welding edge to the first direction; two welding mechanisms arranged along a second direction between the positioning mechanism and the welding mechanisms, the welding mechanisms are used for welding the first welding edge of the workpiece located on the first clamp and welding the second welding edge of the workpiece located on the second clamp, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; wherein the welding mechanism comprises: a welding assembly used for welding the first welding edge of the workpiece located on the first clamp and welding the second welding edge of the workpiece located on the second clamp; a fourth driving assembly connected to the welding assembly, the fourth driving assembly is used for driving the welding assembly to move along the first direction.

2. The welding device of claim 1, wherein The first clamp has a first welding station and a first transfer station, and the positioning mechanism further comprises a first driving assembly connected to the first clamp, the first driving assembly is configured to drive the first clamp to move along the first direction, so as to switch the first clamp between the first welding station and the first transfer station; the welding mechanism is used for welding the first welding edge of the workpiece located on the first clamp of the first welding station, and the transfer mechanism is used for picking up the workpiece located on the first clamp of the first transfer station.

3. The welding device of claim 2, wherein The welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The welding device further comprises a first clamping mechanism used for clamping the workpiece located on the first clamp of the first welding station along the second direction.

4. The welding device of claim 2, wherein The first clamp further has a feeding station, and the first welding station is located between the feeding station and the first transfer station along the first direction, the positioning mechanism and the welding mechanism are arranged along a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The welding device further comprises an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the workpiece located on the first clamp of the feeding station to a preset position along the second direction, and the first clamp is configured to clamp the workpiece located at the preset position.

5. The welding device of claim 1, wherein The second clamp has a second welding station and a second transfer station, and the positioning mechanism further comprises a second driving assembly connected to the second clamp, which is configured to drive the second clamp to move along the first direction and switch between the second welding station and the second transfer station. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the workpiece to the second transfer station, and the welding mechanism is configured to weld the first welding edge of the workpiece on the second clamp at the second welding station.

6. The welding apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The welding device further comprises a second clamping mechanism configured to clamp the workpiece on the second clamp at the second welding station along the second direction.

7. The welding device of claim 1, wherein The welding mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged along a second direction, and the transfer mechanism comprises: a clamping assembly configured to clamp the workpiece; a rotating assembly connected to the clamping assembly, which is configured to drive the clamping assembly to rotate around an axis extending along a third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction being perpendicular to each other; a third driving assembly connected to the rotating assembly, which is configured to drive the rotating assembly to move along the third direction.

8. The welding device of claim 1, wherein, The fourth driving assembly is further configured to drive the welding assembly to move along a second direction and a third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction being perpendicular to each other.

9. The welding device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first clamp comprises: a first base configured to support the workpiece; a first pressing mechanism arranged on the first base, which is configured to press the workpiece against the first base.

10. The welding device of claim 9, wherein, The first clamp comprises two first pressing mechanisms arranged along the first direction.

11. The welding apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The first pressing mechanism comprises: a first column connected to the first base at one end; a first pressing swing arm rotatably arranged at the end of the first column away from the first base; a first driving member connected to the first column, which is configured to drive the first pressing swing arm to rotate and press the workpiece against the first base.

12. The welding apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The first column is provided with a limiting member, which is provided with a clamping groove for clamping the workpiece, and the clamping groove is configured to limit the range of movement of the workpiece along a second direction; The first column extends along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

13. The welding device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The second clamp comprises: a second base configured to support the workpiece; a second pressing mechanism arranged on the second base, which is configured to press the workpiece against the second base.

14. The welding apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The second clamp comprises two second pressing mechanisms arranged along the first direction.

15. The welding apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The second pressing mechanism comprises: a second column connected to the second base at one end; a second pressing swing arm rotatably arranged at the end of the second column away from the second base; A first driving part is connected to the second upright column, and is configured to drive the second downward pressing swing arm to rotate, so as to press the workpiece against the second base.

16. The welding device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The workpiece is a battery cell, and the battery cell includes a shell and an end cover, and a joint position of the shell and the end cover has the first welding edge and the second welding edge.

17. A welding method for a welding device according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized by The method includes: positioning a workpiece and holding a first welding edge of the workpiece in a first direction; welding the first welding edge of the workpiece; transferring and rotating the workpiece to switch a second welding edge of the workpiece, which is arranged adjacent to the first welding edge, to the first direction; positioning the workpiece again and holding the second welding edge of the workpiece in the first direction; welding the second welding edge of the workpiece.

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