Electrode plate suction cup type clamp and operation method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of flow battery manufacturing equipment, in particular to an electrode plate suction cup type clamp and an operation method. The electrode plate suction cup type clamp comprises a suction cup frame and a suction cup, the bottom of the suction cup is provided with a flat-plate-shaped working face, and the working face is provided with a plurality of negative pressure adsorption openings used for adsorbing electrode plates; a jet head is arranged on the working surface of the sucker, and the jet direction of the jet head is parallel to the working surface. The operation method comprises the steps that a, the adsorption tool moves to the position over the to-be-sucked electrode plate; b, the negative-pressure adsorption port keeps a negative-pressure adsorption state, and the bottom working face of the suction cup makes contact with the to-be-sucked electrode plate; c, the adsorption tool moves to a release station, d, the negative pressure adsorption opening removes the negative pressure, the adsorbed electrode plate is released, and meanwhile the jet head is started. Through the arrangement, the air jet head accelerates the airflow speed on the upper surface of the electrode plate to reduce static pressure, pressure difference is generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate, and the falling speed of the electrode plate is slowed down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of liquid flow battery manufacturing equipment, and in particular to an electrode plate suction cup clamp and an operating method. Background Art

[0002] Electrode plates are generally used in electrochemical devices that require uniform distribution of gas or liquid, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and flow batteries. Typical examples include proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), water electrolysis to produce hydrogen (PEM electrolyzer, alkaline electrolyzer), such as all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB).

[0003] Electrode plates are usually made of porous carbon materials or their composite materials. Common materials include:

[0004] Carbon Fiber Felt: It is a soft carbon-based material with a large specific surface area and good conductivity. Its porous structure is conducive to the flow of electrolyte and ion exchange.

[0005] Graphite Felt: Similar to carbon fiber felt, but with a higher degree of graphitization, better conductivity and corrosion resistance. High degree of graphitization helps improve electrochemical performance.

[0006] Carbon Paper: It has a smooth surface and high mechanical strength, and is suitable for some flow batteries with higher requirements. It has good conductivity but a small specific surface area.

[0007] 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] Composite Materials: Metal oxides, polymers or other conductive additives are introduced into carbon-based materials to improve performance.

[0009] The electrode plate is provided with flow channels, which are used to transport the reaction medium or to transport the reaction gas (such as hydrogen, oxygen or air) to the electrode catalyst layer, while removing the by-product (water) generated by the reaction. Common designs of the flow channels on the surface of the electrode plate include straight line, serpentine, grid, diamond, etc. It needs to be optimized according to the specific application. The flow channel design can ensure the uniform flow of the electrolyte on the electrode surface, promote the efficient exchange of the reaction substances, optimize the fluid distribution, reduce the local concentration polarization, and improve the battery performance. Therefore, the integrity of the flow channel structure will affect the functional integrity and performance of the battery.

[0010] The electrochemical reaction in the battery takes place on the surface of the electrode, so in order to maximize the specific surface area, the electrode plate is usually processed into a very thin plate. However, reducing the thickness of the electrode plate will lead to a decrease in its own mechanical strength. Therefore, the electrode plate needs additional protection during both the processing and assembly process. During assembly and use, a frame is added to the electrode plate called an electrode frame. The extrusion prestress of the battery stack to prevent leakage is borne by the electrode frame, and the electrode frame protects the electrode plate from being crushed and damaged. During processing and production, the electrode plates need to be transported and transferred to different workstations. Mechanical fixtures are avoided during transportation, and suction cup fixtures that exert less stress on the workpiece are often used.

[0011] 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 on the electrode plates are processed, the flow channels of the electrode plates may be bumped or scratched. Summary of the invention

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problem in the prior art that the suction cup type tooling is easy to scratch and damage the flow channel of the electrode plate during the process of releasing the electrode plate with the flow channel. An electrode plate suction cup type clamp is provided. The suction cup type clamp can accelerate the airflow on the upper surface of the electrode plate during the process of releasing the electrode plate, thereby reducing the air pressure on the upper surface of the electrode plate, forming an air pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate to slow down the fall of the electrode plate and reduce damage to the electrode plate.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electrode plate suction cup fixture in a first aspect, comprising:

[0014] A suction cup frame, wherein the suction cup frame is connected to the servo system and a suction cup is mounted on the suction cup frame;

[0015] A suction cup, which is used to adsorb / release the electrode plate. A flat working surface is provided at the bottom of the suction cup, and a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports are provided on the working surface for adsorbing the electrode plate;

[0016] An air jet head is arranged on the working surface of the suction cup, and the air jet direction of the air jet head is parallel to the working surface; when the electrode plate is released, the air jet head sprays air from the middle of the working surface of the suction cup to the surroundings of the working surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, a mounting hole is provided on the working surface of the suction cup, and the nozzle is disposed in the mounting hole and can move along the mounting hole; an air flow outlet is provided on the peripheral surface of the nozzle, and the direction of the air flow outlet is parallel to the working surface of the suction cup; when the suction cup adsorbs the electrode plate, the nozzle retracts into the mounting hole; when the suction cup releases the electrode plate, the nozzle extends out of the working surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the suction cup clamp further includes an air flow switcher and a vacuum generator; the suction cup clamp has an adsorption station and a release station; the air flow switcher can switch between the adsorption station and the release station; the air flow switcher is connected to a positive pressure air source.

[0019] Adsorption station: The jet head retracts into the mounting hole, and the airflow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the vacuum generator via the airflow switcher. The vacuum generator generates negative pressure and is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port through the airflow channel.

[0020] Release station: The nozzle extends out of the working surface, and the airflow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the nozzle through the airflow switcher and released from the nozzle to between the suction cup working surface and the release electrode plate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air flow switch includes an air inlet, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, a valve core and a driver; the air inlet is connected to a positive pressure air source, the first air outlet is connected to a vacuum generator, and the second air outlet is connected to a nozzle; the driver drives the valve core to an adsorption position or a release position.

[0022] The valve core is located at the adsorption position, the air inlet is connected to the first air outlet and the second air outlet is closed.

[0023] The valve core is located at the air inlet of the release position, communicated with the second air outlet and the first air outlet is closed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the air inlet duct is arranged on the suction cup frame, the valve body of the airflow switch is installed in the mounting hole of the suction cup, the valve core is arranged on the valve body, the valve core can slide up and down within a limited distance on the valve body, and an upper limit structure and a lower limit structure are provided on the valve core to constrain the valve core to slide up and down within a limited distance on the valve body; the top of the valve core is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet duct; a spring is arranged between the valve core and the valve body, and the spring supports the valve core upward.

[0025] The valve core is provided with an air flow channel, the top of which is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet, and the bottom is a second air outlet, which is integrated with the nozzle. When the valve core slides up and down, the nozzle retracts into the installation hole or extends out of the working surface.

[0026] The driver is fixed on the suction cup frame, and a driving rod of the driver is connected to the suction cup and drives the suction cup to move.

[0027] In some embodiments, a blocking structure is provided between the valve body and the valve core, and when the valve core is in the adsorption position, the blocking structure blocks the second air outlet. The blocking structure includes a blocking plate provided at the bottom of the valve core, and the blocking plate is pressed on the end surface of the valve body after the valve core moves upward.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vacuum generator includes a main channel and a negative pressure channel. The inlet section of the main channel is connected to the air outlet of the airflow switcher adsorption station. The main channel has a channel contraction portion. A side hole is opened on the side wall of the channel contraction portion. One end of the negative pressure channel is connected to the side hole, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port.

[0029] The suction cup has a pressure chamber inside, one end of the negative pressure channel away from the main channel is connected to the pressure chamber, and the negative pressure adsorption port is in communication with the pressure chamber.

[0030] In some embodiments, a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports are arranged on the working surface, and the plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports are connected to the same pressure chamber, and a negative pressure maintaining valve is installed in the negative pressure adsorption port.

[0031] The negative pressure maintaining valve includes 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 through the elastic member, and a gap is reserved between the valve cover and the side wall of the lower hole section.

[0032] The external airflow flows into the pressure chamber through the pressure maintaining valve, and 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.

[0033] In some embodiments, the suction cup clamp further comprises a fence mounted on the suction cup frame, the fence is annular and arranged around the electrode plate, and a gap is reserved between the fence and the edge of the electrode plate. The fence is mounted on the suction cup frame via a lifting drive assembly, and the lifting drive assembly drives the fence to move up and down.

[0034] At the same time, the present invention also provides a method for applying the suction cup clamp provided above.

[0035] The method comprises the following steps:

[0036] a. The servo system drives the suction cup fixture to move to the top of the electrode plate to be sucked;

[0037] b. The negative pressure adsorption port maintains the negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the suction cup fixture downward to the bottom working surface of the suction cup to contact the electrode sheet to be adsorbed;

[0038] c. The negative pressure adsorption port maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and the suction cup-type fixture carries the adsorbed electrode plate and moves to the top of the release station, with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate and the stacked electrode plates below;

[0039] d. The negative pressure adsorption port cancels the negative pressure, releases the adsorbed electrode plate, and opens the air jet at the same time;

[0040] The adsorbed electrode plate falls due to gravity, and the airflow from the nozzle flows through the gap between the falling electrode plate and the working surface of the suction cup, forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the falling electrode plate, slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate;

[0041] e. After the falling electrode plate in step d lands on the stacked electrode plate pile, close the nozzle and return to step a.

[0042] Furthermore, step d from the adsorption station to the release station includes the following specific steps:

[0043] d-1. When in the adsorption position, the valve core is supported by the spring and moves to the upper dead center of the valve body. The bottom of the valve core, together with the air flow outlet and the blocking plate, retracts into the installation hole; the blocking plate blocks the air outlet of the jet head, and the jet head is in a non-working state;

[0044] There is a gap between the top of the valve core and the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet, and the gap forms a first air outlet; the gas flows to the vacuum generator through the first air outlet, and the vacuum generator generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port through the air flow channel;

[0045] d-2. The driver drives the suction cup to move upward, and the suction cup, valve body and valve core move upward synchronously, and the top of the valve core is close to the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet;

[0046] At this time, the gap between the valve core and the air outlet of the air inlet disappears, the first air outlet is closed, the vacuum generator stops working, and the negative pressure at the negative pressure adsorption port is cancelled;

[0047] d-3. The top of the valve core presses against the bottom of the air inlet and stops moving upward. The driver drives the suction cup and the valve body to continue to move upward. The valve core slides downward relative to the suction cup and the valve body, and the nozzle on the valve core extends out of the suction cup working surface. The blocking plate at the bottom of the valve core is separated from the end face of the valve body, opening the air outlet of the nozzle. At the same time, the bottom of the blocking plate pushes the electrode plate downward to push the electrode plate away from the working surface.

[0048] The airflow of the air inlet duct is ejected from the nozzle through the airflow channel of the valve core, and the ejected gas flows through the upper surface of the falling electrode plate, forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the electrode plate, slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate.

[0049] Discovery of technical issues and their causes:

[0050] Problem description: When producing brittle thin plate parts (such as chips, 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.

[0051] For scenes with high release accuracy requirements, the servo system will use high-precision and high-cost industrial robots or high-precision guide rails, etc. For scenes with low release accuracy requirements, the servo system can use a pneumatic component servo system with lower cost and faster response speed.

[0052] Since the precision of the pneumatic servo system is not high, a certain gap needs to be reserved between the adsorption tooling and the load-bearing surface below (the workstation table / the top surface of the stacked thin plates below) when releasing the thin plates. The gap is not designed to be particularly large. According to experience, it is usually released a few centimeters away from the load-bearing surface to ensure a high yield rate.

[0053] The materials used in electrode plates, such as carbon fiber felt and composite materials, have higher mechanical strength than wafers and solar panels. According to conventional thinking, releasing electrode plates from a height of several centimeters using traditional technical means should not damage the electrode plates. However, according to traditional technical means, releasing electrode plates from a height of several centimeters allows the electrode plates to fall freely. During actual stacking and handling operations, there is a certain probability that the electrode plates will be damaged, and the yield rate of electrode plates is even lower than that of solar panels.

[0054] In order to solve the problem of damage to the electrode plate when releasing it, the general idea is to lower the release height and release the electrode plate from a height close to or even close to the bottom bearing surface. This requires the use of a more precise servo system, which will increase the cost of the entire production line.

[0055] Cause of the problem: Through our research, we found that there are two main reasons for the damage of the electrode plate:

[0056] 1. It is related to the appearance of the electrode plate itself: the surface of the plate such as the wafer and the battery plate is flat. The plate falls in a horizontal posture, and the gap between the bottom surface of the plate and the bearing 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 bearing surface will be discharged from all sides. As the gap gradually decreases, the process of discharging the surrounding air will become more difficult, so a protective high-pressure air cushion is formed between the released plate and the bearing surface, thereby slowing down the falling speed of the plate.

[0057] 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 and weaken the high-pressure air cushion in the middle.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Therefore, when releasing the electrode plate from the same height, the falling speed of the electrode plate is much faster than that of a flat plate. Even if the electrode plate falls faster, a height of several centimeters will not damage the overall structure of the electrode plate. After counting 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.

[0060] 2. The strength of the flow channel wall 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 are easily damaged when bumped.

[0061] Solution:

[0062] The electrode plate suction cup fixture using the above technical solution of the present invention has the following effects:

[0063] When the chassis releases the electrode plate, a gap is formed between the electrode plate and the working surface after the electrode plate is separated from the working surface. The nozzle set on the working surface of the suction cup starts to spray, and the sprayed airflow enters the gap between the electrode plate and the working surface. The gas sprayed by the nozzle accelerates the airflow velocity on the upper surface of the electrode plate, reduces the static pressure on the upper surface of the electrode plate, forms a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate, and thus reduces the falling speed of the electrode plate. The pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate is related to the airflow velocity on its upper surface. Therefore, changing the jet flow and jet speed of the nozzle can adjust the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate. The jet direction of the nozzle is parallel to the working surface, and the nozzle sprays from the middle part of the working surface to the surrounding directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the electrode plate suction cup fixture of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 2 The internal structure and principle diagram of the electrode plate suction cup fixture of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the electrode plate suction cup clamp of the present invention at the adsorption station;

[0067] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the electrode plate suction cup clamp of the present invention from the adsorption station to the release station;

[0068] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the electrode plate suction cup clamp of the present invention when it is in the release position;

[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The enlarged view at A is also a schematic diagram of the operation method of the suction cup clamp of the present invention in steps a, b, c, and d-1;

[0070] Figure 7yes Figure 4 The enlarged view at B is also a schematic diagram of the operation method of the suction cup clamp of the present invention at step d-2;

[0071] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The enlarged view at C is also a schematic diagram of the operation method of the suction cup clamp of the present invention at step d-3;

[0072] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 The enlarged view at D in the middle is the schematic diagram of the vacuum generator;

[0073] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing the simulation results of the vacuum generator;

[0074] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the simulation results of the upper and lower pressure differences of the drop suction cup at the release station.

[0075] The above-mentioned Figure 1-11 In the figure, the blue arrows represent the airflow direction.

[0076] Description of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1- Suction cup stand;

[0078] 2-suction cup, 2a-working surface;

[0079] 3-Jet;

[0080] 4-Electrode plate;

[0081] 5-Negative pressure adsorption port;

[0082] 6-air flow switch, 6a-valve body, 6b-valve core, 6c-driver, 6d-air inlet, 6e-first air outlet, 6f-second air outlet, 6g-air flow channel, 6h-blocking plate;

[0083] 7-vacuum generator, 7a-main channel, 7b-channel contraction portion, 7c-negative pressure channel, 7d-pressure chamber;

[0084] 8-Negative pressure maintaining valve;

[0085] 9- Enclosure;

[0086] 10-Lifting drive assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with 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.

[0088] In the present invention, a suction cup clamp for an electrode plate 4 is provided, and the suction cup clamp for an electrode plate 4 comprises a suction cup frame 1 and a suction cup 2. The suction cup frame 1 is connected to a servo system. A suction cup 2 is mounted on the suction cup frame 1. The suction cup 2 is used to adsorb / release the electrode plate 4. A flat working surface 2a is provided at the bottom of the suction cup 2. The working surface 2a is provided with a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports 5 for adsorbing the electrode plate 4. A nozzle 3 is provided on the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2. The jet direction of the nozzle 3 is parallel to the working surface 2a. When releasing the electrode plate 4, the nozzle 3 sprays air from the middle of the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2 to the surroundings of the working surface 2a.

[0089] Reference Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 The suction cup frame 1 is a structural frame, which serves as the installation basis of other components. The suction cup frame 1 is connected to a servo system that drives the adsorption tooling to move, and the servo system is not a part of the adsorption tooling.

[0090] The suction cup 2 is mounted on the suction cup frame 1. A negative pressure suction port 5 capable of sucking the electrode plate 4 is provided on the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2. The negative pressure suction port 5 is connected to a negative pressure gas source, and can be directly connected to a vacuum pump, or directly connected to a vacuum generator 7 in the manner provided by the present invention. The vacuum generator 7 will be described in detail later.

[0091] The nozzle 3 is connected to the positive pressure gas source and is controlled to be on and off by a valve. The nozzle 3 has a jet direction parallel to the working surface 2a, so that an airflow parallel to the gap can be formed in the gap between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a. One nozzle 3 can be provided or multiple nozzles can be provided.

[0092] Effect demonstration of the present invention: The present invention simulates and analyzes the airflow around the electrode plate 4 during the process of releasing the electrode plate 4. The simulation analysis process is simplified, and the simulation results are only used as a reference for qualitative analysis. Fig.11 , Fig.11 The redder the color, the greater the pressure, and the bluer the color, the smaller the pressure. It can be seen from the figure that the pressure on the lower surface of the electrode plate 4 during the falling process is very stable, approximately equal to the back pressure. The static pressure on the upper surface of the electrode plate 4 is significantly reduced due to the air flow velocity. An effective pressure difference is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode plate 4.

[0093] The working surface 2a needs to adsorb the electrode plate 4 and set the nozzle 3. In order to avoid interference between the nozzle 3 and the electrode plate 4, the following two measures can be adopted:

[0094] (1) The air nozzle 3 is arranged at the through hole of the corresponding electrode plate 4. The electrode plate 4 is adsorbed on the working surface 2a, and the air nozzle 3 is inserted into the through hole of the electrode plate 4.

[0095] (2) The nozzle 3 is configured to be retractable. A mounting hole is provided on the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2, and the nozzle 3 is disposed in the mounting hole and can move along the mounting hole. An airflow outlet is provided on the peripheral surface of the nozzle 3, and the direction of the airflow outlet is parallel to the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2. When the suction cup 2 adsorbs the electrode plate 4, the nozzle 3 retracts into the mounting hole, and when the suction cup 2 releases the electrode plate 4, the nozzle 3 extends out of the working surface 2a.

[0096] The second method can avoid interference between the electrode plate 4 and the nozzle 3 on the one hand, and can also prevent the electrode plate 4 from adhering to the working surface 2a on the other hand. There are a large number of smooth planes on the surface of the electrode plate 4, and the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2 is also a smooth plane. Due to van der Waals force or electrostatic adsorption, the electrode plate 4 will have a certain adsorption and adhesion on the suction cup 2, which will cause the electrode plate 4 not to fall after the negative pressure of the negative pressure adsorption port 5 disappears. When the nozzle 3 extends from the working surface 2a to the outside of the working surface 2a, the bottom end of the nozzle 3 will push the electrode plate 4 downward to overcome the adhesion between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a, and ensure that the electrode plate 4 falls smoothly.

[0097] The suction cup clamp also includes an airflow switch 6 and a vacuum generator 7. The airflow switch 6 is shown in the attached Figure 3 , Attachment Figure 4 , Attachment Figure 5 . For details of vacuum generator 7, please see the attached Fig. 9 .

[0098] The suction cup type fixture has an adsorption position and a release position. The adsorption position is the working state when the adsorption tooling normally adsorbs and carries the electrode plate 4. The release position is the state when the adsorption tooling no longer adsorbs the electrode plate 4.

[0099] The airflow switch 6 can switch between the adsorption position and the release position. The airflow switch 6 is connected to the positive pressure air source. The adsorption tool can switch between the adsorption position and the release position, which is specifically achieved by the airflow switch 6. Figure 3-Figure 5 ,in, Figure 3 For adsorption station, Figure 5 To release the workstation, Figure 4 The vacuum generator 7 can use the incoming airflow as a power source to generate a negative pressure lower than the ambient pressure. By using the cooperation of the airflow switcher 6 and the vacuum generator 7, only a positive pressure air source can be connected, and there is no need to connect an additional negative pressure air source to the negative pressure adsorption port 5.

[0100] Adsorption station: the nozzle 3 retracts into the mounting hole, and the airflow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the vacuum generator 7 via the airflow switch 6, and the vacuum generator 7 generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port 5 through the airflow channel 6g.

[0101] Release station: the nozzle 3 extends out of the working surface 2a, and the airflow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the nozzle 3 via the airflow switch 6, and is released from the nozzle 3 to between the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2 and the release electrode plate 4.

[0102] Airflow Switcher 6:

[0103] The air flow switch 6 includes an air inlet 6d, a first air outlet 6e, a second air outlet 6f, a valve core 6b and a driver 6c.

[0104] The air inlet 6d is connected to a positive pressure air source, the first air outlet 6e is connected to a vacuum generator 7, and the second air outlet 6f is connected to a nozzle 3.

[0105] The driver 6c drives the valve core 6b to the adsorption position or the release position. The valve core 6b is located at the adsorption position, the air inlet 6d is connected to the first air outlet 6e and the second air outlet 6f is closed. The valve core 6b is located at the release position air inlet 6d, connected to the second air outlet 6f and the first air outlet 6e is closed. The driver 6c can be a linear servo driver 6c, an electric push rod, directly connected to the valve core 6b, and directly drive the valve core 6b to move up and down.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, the driver 6c is fixed on the suction cup frame 1, and the driving rod of the driver 6c is connected to the suction cup 2 and drives the suction cup 2 to move.

[0107] The valve body 6a of the airflow switch 6 is installed in the installation hole of the suction cup 2, and the valve core 6b is arranged on the valve body 6a. The valve core 6b can slide up and down within a limited distance on the valve body 6a. An upper limit structure and a lower limit structure are arranged on the valve core 6b to restrict the valve core 6b from sliding up and down within a limited distance on the valve body 6a. Figure 6-Figure 8 The upper limit structure and the lower limit structure are the step formed on the valve body 6a and the blocking plate 6h at the bottom of the valve body 6a. When the valve body 6a moves upward to the upper dead point, the lower limit mechanism, i.e., the blocking plate 6h, presses against the valve body 6a to prevent the valve core 6b from moving further upward. Similarly, when the valve body 6a moves to the lower dead point, the upper limit mechanism, i.e., the step, presses against the shoulder of the valve body 6a to prevent the valve core 6b from moving further downward.

[0108] The top of the valve core 6b is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet 6d. A spring is arranged between the valve core 6b and the valve body 6a, and the spring supports the valve core 6b upward. Thus, the valve core 6b is ensured to be at the top dead center when the valve core 6b is not subjected to other external forces, and the blocking plate 6h presses the valve body 6a to block the second gas outlet 6f.

[0109] First air outlet 6e: The top of the valve core 6b is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet 6d. The top of the valve core 6b is provided with a plugging head made of a flexible material. When the valve core 6b is located at the lower dead center (adsorption position) of the valve body 6a, the top of the valve core 6b is separated from the air outlet of the air inlet 6d, and the gap between the valve core 6b and the air inlet 6d forms the first air outlet 6e. When the valve core 6b is located at the upper dead center (release position) of the valve body 6a, the plugging head at the top of the valve core 6b presses against the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet 6d, and the first air outlet 6e is closed.

[0110] Second gas outlet 6f: The valve core 6b has an airflow channel 6g, the top of the airflow channel 6g is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet 6d, and the bottom is the second gas outlet 6f, and the second gas outlet 6f is connected to the nozzle 3. Preferably, in the present invention, the second gas outlet 6f and the nozzle 3 are connected as a whole, and the second gas outlet 6f is the gas nozzle of the nozzle 3. When the valve core 6b slides up and down, the nozzle 3 formed at the bottom of the valve core 6b moves up and down together, and the nozzle 3 is retracted into the installation hole or extended out of the working surface 2a.

[0111] The driver 6c is fixed on the suction cup frame 1, and the driving rod of the driver 6c is connected to the suction cup 2 and drives the suction cup 2 to move. The driver 6c does not directly drive the valve core 6b, but indirectly drives the valve body 6a to move up and down by driving the suction cup 2. Therefore, a spring needs to be arranged between the valve core 6b and the valve body 6a to support the valve core 6b upward. When the top of the valve core 6b is not subjected to force, the spring keeps the valve core 6b at the top dead center of the valve body 6a, thereby preventing the valve core 6b from sliding down to open the air flow outlet of the valve core 6b.

[0112] Blocking structure: The blocking structure is provided on the valve body 6a. When the valve core 6b is located at the upper dead center position (adsorption position) of the valve body 6a, the blocking structure abuts against the airflow outlet of the valve core 6b, thereby closing the second air outlet 6f. When the valve core 6b is located at the lower dead center position (release position) of the valve body 6a, the blocking structure is offset from the airflow outlet, and the gas in the airflow channel 6g of the valve core 6b flows to the nozzle 3 via the airflow outlet.

[0113] Specifically, when the valve core 6b is located at the adsorption position, the blocking structure blocks the second air outlet 6f (the nozzle 3). The blocking structure includes a blocking plate 6h arranged at the bottom of the valve core 6b. After the valve core 6b moves upward, the blocking plate 6h presses on the end surface of the valve body 6a.

[0114] The valve body 6a is arranged around the airflow outlet of the spray head 3 as a blocking structure: the valve body 6a is also a part of the blocking structure, and the airflow outlet of the spray head 3 is opened along the peripheral surface of the bottom of the valve body 6a. The valve body 6a is sleeved on the valve body 6a. When the valve core 6b moves to the adsorption position, the lower half of the valve body 6a is aligned with and blocks the airflow outlet of the spray head 3. When the valve core 6b moves to the release position, the valve body 6a is staggered from the airflow outlet of the spray head 3.

[0115] Using the lower half of the valve body 6a as a blocking structure to block the airflow outlets arranged circumferentially in the jet head 3 has the following advantages:

[0116] As the electrode plate 4 falls, the gap between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a gradually increases. If the flow rate of the nozzle 3 is kept unchanged, the air flow velocity in the gap will decrease as the gap spacing increases, and then the upper and lower pressure differences will gradually decrease as the electrode plate 4 falls, weakening the protective effect on the electrode plate 4. The solution is to gradually increase the jet volume of the nozzle 3 as the gap between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a expands as the electrode plate 4 falls, so as to keep the gas flow rate in the gap basically unchanged.

[0117] Under the condition that the pressure of the positive pressure source remains unchanged, the jet volume of the jet head 3 is proportional to the size of the opening of the jet head 3. Figure 8 As shown in the technical solution of using valve body 6a to block the airflow outlet of the nozzle 3, during the process of switching from the adsorption station to the release station, the valve core 6b gradually moves downward relative to the valve body 6a, the area where the airflow outlet of the nozzle 3 is offset from the valve body 6a gradually increases, and the jet volume of the nozzle 3 gradually increases, which can just increase the gas flow between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a as the electrode plate 4 gradually falls, thereby maintaining the airflow velocity on the upper surface of the electrode plate 4.

[0118] Vacuum generator 7:

[0119] The vacuum generator 7 includes a main channel 7a and a negative pressure channel 7c. The inlet section of the main channel 7a is connected to the air outlet of the adsorption station of the air flow switch 6. The main channel 7a has a channel contraction portion 7b, and a side hole is provided on the side wall of the channel contraction portion 7b. One end of the negative pressure channel 7c is connected to the side hole, and the other end is connected to the negative pressure adsorption port 5.

[0120] In the present invention, the main channel 7a is formed between the lower surface of the suction cup frame 1 and the upper surface of the suction cup 2. The left and right sides of the main channel 7a can be constrained by elastic materials such as organ rubber strips.

[0121] The suction cup 2 has a pressure chamber 7d in it, one end of the negative pressure channel 7c away from the main channel 7a is connected to the pressure chamber 7d, and the negative pressure suction port 5 is in communication with the pressure chamber 7d.

[0122] The simulation results of vacuum generator 7 are as follows: Fig.10 As shown, Fig. 9 The red part in the middle represents the ambient pressure (one atmosphere), and the bluer the color, the lower the pressure. The gas has a significant pressure drop when passing through the flow channel contraction part 7b, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 7d will leak from the negative pressure flow channel 7c, so that the entire pressure chamber 7d maintains a negative pressure state. The pressure chamber 7d is directly connected to the negative pressure adsorption port 5, and the negative pressure adsorption port 5 is kept in an adsorption state.

[0123] The flow channel contraction portion 7b is formed as follows Fig. 9 As shown, a flow channel contraction portion 7b is formed by setting a flexible rubber block at the top of the main flow channel 7a (the lower surface of the suction cup frame 1) or the bottom of the main flow channel 7a (the upper surface of the suction cup 2), and the side holes are directly opened on the rubber block or aligned with the rubber block.

[0124] A plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports 5 are provided on the working surface 2a, and a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports 5 are connected to the same pressure chamber 7d, and a negative pressure maintaining valve 8 is installed in the negative pressure adsorption port 5. Fig. 9 As shown in , the negative pressure maintaining valve 8 includes a stepped hole, a valve cover and an elastic member. The aperture of the upper hole section of the stepped hole is small, and the aperture of the lower hole section is large. 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 through the 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 7d through the pressure maintaining valve, and the valve cover overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member and clings to the shoulder of the stepped hole to block the stepped hole.

[0125] Fence 9:

[0126] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the adsorption tooling also includes a fence 9 installed on the suction cup frame 1. The fence 9 is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate 4, and a gap is reserved between the fence 9 and the edge of the electrode plate 4. The fence 9 is located at the outer periphery of the falling electrode plate 4 and the bearing surface (the upper surface of the electrode plates 4 stacked below), which can further slow down the escape of gas from between the electrode plate 4 and the bearing surface and increase the pressure between the electrode plate 4 and the bearing surface.

[0127] Preferably, in order to avoid interference from the enclosure 9 when grabbing the electrode plate 4, the enclosure 9 is installed on the suction cup frame 1 through a lifting drive assembly 10, and the lifting drive assembly 10 drives the enclosure 9 to move up and down.

[0128] The present invention also provides an operation method using the suction cup clamp described above, comprising the following steps:

[0129] a. The servo system drives the suction cup fixture to move to the top of the electrode plate 4 to be sucked;

[0130] b. The negative pressure adsorption port 5 maintains the negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the suction cup type clamp to move downward to the bottom working surface 2a of the suction cup 2 to contact the electrode sheet to be adsorbed;

[0131] c. The negative pressure adsorption port 5 maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and the suction cup-type fixture carries the adsorbed electrode plate 4 and moves to the top of the release station, with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate 4 and the stacked electrode plates 4 below;

[0132] d. The negative pressure adsorption port 5 cancels the negative pressure, releases the adsorbed electrode plate 4, and opens the air jet 3 at the same time;

[0133] The adsorbed electrode plate 4 falls due to gravity, and the airflow ejected from the air jet head 3 flows through the gap between the falling electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2, forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the falling electrode plate 4, slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate 4;

[0134] e. After the falling electrode plate 4 falls on the stacked electrode plates 4 in step d, the nozzle 3 is closed and the process returns to step a;

[0135] When the suction cup clamp provided in claim 6 is used, step d from the adsorption station to the release station includes the following specific steps:

[0136] d-1, such as Figure 6 As shown, when in the adsorption position, the valve core 6b is supported by the spring and moves to the upper dead center of the valve body 6a, and the bottom of the valve core 6b, together with the air flow outlet and the blocking plate 6h, retracts into the installation hole; the blocking plate 6h blocks the air outlet of the spray head 3, and the spray head 3 is in a non-working state;

[0137] There is a gap between the top of the valve core 6b and the outlet at the bottom of the air inlet 6d, and the gap forms a first air outlet 6e; the gas flows to the vacuum generator 7 through the first air outlet 6e, and the vacuum generator 7 generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port 5 through the air flow channel 6g;

[0138] d-2, such as Figure 7 As shown, the driver 6c drives the suction cup 2 to move upward, and the suction cup 2, together with the valve body 6a and the valve core 6b, moves upward synchronously, and the top of the valve core 6b is close to the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet 6d; at this time, the gap between the valve core 6b and the air outlet of the air inlet 6d disappears, the first air outlet 6e is closed, the vacuum generator 7 stops working, and the negative pressure suction port 5 cancels the negative pressure;

[0139] d-3, such as Figure 8 As shown, the top of the valve core 6b presses against the bottom of the air inlet 6d and stops moving upward, the driver 6c drives the suction cup 2 and the valve body 6a to continue to move upward, the valve core 6b slides downward relative to the suction cup 2 and the valve body 6a, and the nozzle 3 on the valve core 6b extends out of the working surface 2a of the suction cup 2; the blocking plate 6h at the bottom of the valve core 6b is separated from the end surface of the valve body 6a, the air outlet of the nozzle 3 is opened, and at the same time, the bottom of the blocking plate 6h pushes the electrode plate 4 downward to push the electrode plate 4 away from the working surface 2a;

[0140] The airflow of the air inlet 6d passes through the airflow channel 6g of the valve core 6b and is ejected from the nozzle 3. The ejected gas flows over the upper surface of the falling electrode plate 4, forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the electrode plate 4, slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate 4.

[0141] In step d-3, the valve core 6b and the blocking plate 6h on the valve core 6b remain stationary, and the suction cup 2 and the working surface 2a gradually move upward; at the beginning, the bottom of the blocking plate 6h contacts and supports the electrode plate 4 to overcome the adhesion and adsorption between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a. Then the electrode plate 4 gradually falls, and the gap between the electrode plate 4 and the working surface 2a gradually increases. At the same time, as the suction cup 2 rises, the valve body 6a gradually staggers with the nozzle 3 at the bottom of the valve core 6b, and the airflow outlet opening area of ​​the nozzle 3 gradually increases, and the jet volume gradually increases.

[0142] 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 specification 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. An electrode plate suction cup fixture, characterized in that: include: A suction cup frame (1), wherein the suction cup frame (1) is connected to a servo system, and a suction cup (2) is mounted on the suction cup frame (1); A suction cup (2), the suction cup (2) being used for adsorbing / releasing an electrode plate (4), a flat working surface (2a) being provided at the bottom of the suction cup (2), and a plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports (5) being provided on the working surface (2a) for adsorbing the electrode plate (4); A nozzle (3) is arranged on the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2), and the nozzle head (3) sprays air in a direction parallel to the working surface (2a); when the electrode plate (4) is released, the nozzle head (3) sprays air from the middle of the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2) to the surroundings of the working surface (2a).

2. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting hole is provided on the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2), and the nozzle head (3) is arranged in the mounting hole and can move along the mounting hole; an air flow outlet is provided on the peripheral surface of the nozzle head (3), and the direction of the air flow outlet is parallel to the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2); When the suction cup (2) adsorbs the electrode plate (4), the nozzle (3) retracts into the mounting hole; When the suction cup (2) releases the electrode plate (4), the nozzle (3) extends out of the working surface (2a).

3. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrode plate suction cup clamp further comprises an airflow switch (6) and a vacuum generator (7); the electrode plate suction cup clamp has an adsorption station and a release station; The air flow switch (6) is capable of switching between the adsorption position and the release position; the air flow switch (6) is connected to a positive pressure air source; Adsorption station: the jet head (3) is retracted into the mounting hole, and the airflow from the positive pressure air source is directed to the vacuum generator (7) via the airflow switch (6), and the vacuum generator (7) generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port (5) through the airflow channel (6g); Release station: the nozzle (3) extends out of the working surface (2a), the airflow from the positive pressure air source is guided to the nozzle (3) via the airflow switch (6), and is released from the nozzle (3) to between the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2) and the release electrode plate (4).

4. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air flow switch (6) comprises an air inlet (6d), a first air outlet (6e), a second air outlet (6f), a valve core (6b) and a driver (6c); The air inlet (6d) is connected to a positive pressure air source, the first air outlet (6e) is connected to a vacuum generator (7), and the second air outlet (6f) is connected to a spray head (3); The driver (6c) drives the valve core (6b) to an adsorption position or a release position; The valve core (6b) is located at the adsorption position, the air inlet (6d) is connected to the first air outlet (6e) and the second air outlet (6f) is closed; The valve core (6b) is located at the release position air inlet (6d), is connected to the second air outlet (6f) and the first air outlet (6e) is closed.

5. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air inlet (6d) is arranged on the suction cup frame (1), the valve body (6a) of the airflow switch (6) is installed in the installation hole of the suction cup (2), the valve core (6b) is arranged on the valve body (6a), and the valve core (6b) can slide up and down within a limited distance on the valve body (6a); an upper limit structure and a lower limit structure are arranged on the valve core (6b) to restrict the valve core (6b) from sliding up and down within a limited distance on the valve body (6a); The top of the valve core (6b) is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet (6d); a spring is arranged between the valve core (6b) and the valve body (6a), and the spring supports the valve core (6b) upward; The valve core (6b) is provided with an air flow channel (6g), the top end of the air flow channel (6g) is aligned with the gas outlet of the air inlet (6d), the bottom end is a second air outlet (6f), the second air outlet (6f) is connected to the spray head (3) as a whole, and the valve core (6b) slides up and down, and the spray head (3) is retracted into the installation hole or extended out of the working surface (2a); The driver (6c) is fixed on the suction cup frame (1), and a driving rod of the driver (6c) is connected to the suction cup (2) and drives the suction cup (2) to move.

6. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that: A blocking structure is provided between the valve body (6a) and the valve core (6b), and when the valve core (6b) is located at the adsorption position, the blocking structure blocks the second air outlet (6f); The blocking structure comprises a blocking plate (6h) arranged at the bottom of the valve core (6b); after the valve core (6b) moves upward, the blocking plate (6h) is pressed against the end surface of the valve body (6a).

7. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vacuum generator (7) comprises a main flow channel (7a) and a negative pressure flow channel (7c); the inlet section of the main flow channel (7a) is connected to the air outlet of the adsorption station of the air flow switch (6); the main flow channel (7a) has a flow channel contraction portion (7b); a side hole is provided on the side wall of the flow channel contraction portion (7b); one end of the negative pressure flow channel (7c) is connected to the side hole, and the other end is communicated with the negative pressure adsorption port (5); The suction cup (2) has a pressure chamber (7d) therein, one end of the negative pressure channel (7c) away from the main channel (7a) is connected to the pressure chamber (7d), and the negative pressure adsorption port (5) is in communication with the pressure chamber (7d).

8. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that: A plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports (5) are arranged on the working surface (2a), and the plurality of negative pressure adsorption ports (5) are connected to the same pressure chamber (7d), and a negative pressure maintaining valve (8) is installed in the negative pressure adsorption port (5); The negative pressure maintaining valve (8) comprises a stepped hole, a valve cover and an elastic member, wherein the aperture of the upper hole section of the stepped hole is small, and the aperture of the lower hole section is large; the diameter of the valve cover is larger than the upper hole section and smaller than the lower hole section, the valve cover is installed in the lower hole section through the 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 (7d) via the pressure maintaining valve, and 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.

9. The electrode plate suction cup fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suction cup clamp further comprises a baffle (9) mounted on the suction cup frame (1), wherein the baffle (9) is annular and is arranged around the electrode plate (4), and a gap is reserved between the baffle (9) and the edge of the electrode plate (4); The enclosure (9) is installed on the suction cup frame (1) via a lifting drive assembly (10), and the lifting drive assembly (10) drives the enclosure (9) to move up and down.

10. A method of using the suction cup clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: a. The servo system drives the suction cup fixture to move to the position directly above the electrode plate (4) to be sucked; b. The negative pressure adsorption port (5) maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and at the same time, the servo system drives the suction cup type clamp to move downward to the bottom working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2) to contact the electrode sheet to be adsorbed; c. The negative pressure adsorption port (5) maintains a negative pressure adsorption state, and the suction cup-type fixture carries the adsorbed electrode plate (4) and moves to the top of the release station, with a gap between the adsorbed electrode plate (4) and the stacked electrode plates (4) below; d. The negative pressure adsorption port (5) cancels the negative pressure, releases the adsorbed electrode plate (4), and opens the air injection head (3) at the same time; The adsorbed electrode plate (4) falls due to gravity, and the airflow ejected by the air jet head (3) flows through the gap between the falling electrode plate (4) and the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2), forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the falling electrode plate (4), thereby slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate (4); e. After the falling electrode plate (4) in step d falls on the stacked electrode plates (4), the nozzle (3) is closed and the process returns to step a; When the suction cup clamp provided in claim 6 is used, step d from the adsorption station to the release station includes the following specific steps: d-1. When in the adsorption position, the valve core (6b) is supported by the spring and moves to the upper dead center of the valve body (6a), and the bottom of the valve core (6b) together with the air flow outlet and the blocking plate (6h) retracts into the installation hole; the blocking plate (6h) blocks the air outlet of the spray head (3), and the spray head (3) is in a non-working state; There is a gap between the top of the valve core (6b) and the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet (6d), and the gap forms a first air outlet (6e); the gas flows to the vacuum generator (7) through the first air outlet (6e), and the vacuum generator (7) generates negative pressure and communicates with the negative pressure adsorption port (5) through the air flow channel (6g); d-2. The driver (6c) drives the suction cup (2) to move upward, and the suction cup (2) together with the valve body (6a) and the valve core (6b) move upward synchronously, and the top of the valve core (6b) is close to the air outlet at the bottom of the air inlet (6d); At this time, the gap between the valve core (6b) and the air outlet of the air inlet (6d) disappears, the first air outlet (6e) is closed, the vacuum generator (7) stops working, and the negative pressure at the negative pressure adsorption port (5) is cancelled; d-3, the top of the valve core (6b) presses against the bottom of the air inlet (6d) and stops moving upward, the driver (6c) drives the suction cup (2) and the valve body (6a) to continue to move upward, the valve core (6b) slides downward relative to the suction cup (2) and the valve body (6a), and the nozzle (3) on the valve core (6b) extends out of the working surface (2a) of the suction cup (2); the sealing plate (6h) at the bottom of the valve core (6b) is separated from the end surface of the valve body (6a), the air outlet of the nozzle (3) is opened, and at the same time, the bottom of the sealing plate (6h) pushes the electrode plate (4) downward, pushing the electrode plate (4) away from the working surface (2a); The air flow of the air inlet (6d) passes through the air flow channel (6g) of the valve core (6b) and is ejected from the nozzle (3). The ejected gas flows over the upper surface of the falling electrode plate (4), forming a low-pressure area on the upper surface of the electrode plate (4), thereby slowing down the falling speed of the electrode plate (4).

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