Tab positioning apparatus and method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of batteries, and discloses a tab positioning device and method, which comprises a rack, a rotating assembly and a positioning assembly. The rotating assembly comprises a rotating driving element, the driving end of the rotating driving element is drivingly connected with a battery shell, the positioning assembly comprises a first positioning driving element, a second positioning driving element, a first pair of sensors and a second pair of sensors, the first positioning driving element is drivingly connected with the first pair of sensors to drive the first pair of sensors to move to the outside of the battery shell and close to the opening of the battery shell, the second positioning driving element is drivingly connected with the second pair of sensors to drive the second pair of sensors to move to the inside of the battery shell, the rotating driving element can drive the battery shell to rotate, so that the first tab can move between the first transmitter and the first receiver, and the second tab can move between the second transmitter and the second receiver. The tab positioning device can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting the position of the second tab.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of battery, in particular to a tab positioning device and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The cylindrical battery generally comprises a shell, a pole group and a top cover, wherein the pole group is arranged in the shell, the positive tab of the pole group extends out of the shell and is welded with the positive terminal on the top cover, and the negative tab of the pole group is located in the shell and is welded with the inner side wall of the shell.

[0003] At present, the following three ways are commonly used for welding the negative tab and the inner side wall of the shell: (1) After the pole group is assembled into the shell, the negative tab in the shell is visually observed by manual and the shell is manually rotated so that the negative tab is opposite to the welding head and then welded, which has low efficiency and high labor cost; (2) Before the pole group is assembled into the shell, the negative tab is positioned by welding, then the pole group is assembled into the shell, and finally the negative tab and the inner side wall of the shell are welded, which has the disadvantage that the position of the pole group will be offset during the process of the pole group entering the shell, greatly reducing the positioning accuracy of the negative tab before the pole group enters the shell, so that the positioning position of the negative tab deviates greatly from the actual welding position, which cannot meet the welding position accuracy requirement; (3) After the pole group is assembled into the shell, the opening of the shell is lighted, and a Charge-coupled Device (CCD) is used to detect the position of the negative tab in the shell, but the negative tab is short and thin and is easy to deform, bend or twist, so as to affect the accuracy of the CCD detection, which cannot meet the welding position accuracy requirement.

[0004] Therefore, it is urgent to provide a tab positioning device and method to solve the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0005] The first object of the present application is to provide a tab positioning device which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting the position of the second tab.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] The tab positioning device comprises:

[0008] a rack;

[0009] a rotating assembly, the rotating assembly comprising a rotating driving member, the rotating driving member being arranged on the rack, and the driving end of the rotating driving member being used for driving connection with a battery shell, the battery shell being provided with a pole group, the pole group being provided with a first tab and a second tab at one end thereof facing the opening of the battery shell, the first tab extending out of the opening of the battery shell, and the second tab being located in the battery shell;

[0010] The positioning component includes a first positioning drive, a second positioning drive, a first through-beam sensor, and a second through-beam sensor. Both the first and second positioning drives are mounted on a frame. The drive end of the first positioning drive is driven to the first through-beam sensor to drive the first through-beam sensor to move to the outside of the battery case and close to the opening of the battery case. The drive end of the second positioning drive is driven to the second through-beam sensor to drive the second through-beam sensor to move to the inside of the battery case.

[0011] The rotary drive is used to drive the battery case to rotate about the axis of the battery case, so that the first tab can move between the first transmitter and the first receiver of the first through-beam sensor, and the second tab can move between the second transmitter and the second receiver of the second through-beam sensor.

[0012] Optionally, the rotating assembly also includes a clamping structure connected to the drive end of the rotating drive member, the clamping structure being configured to be detachably connected to the battery housing.

[0013] Optionally, the electrode positioning device also includes a discharge assembly for removing the battery casing from the clamping structure.

[0014] Optionally, the clamping structure is provided with a first through hole, and the rotary drive is a hollow shaft motor. The hollow shaft motor includes a housing and a hollow shaft rotatably connected to the housing. The clamping structure is disposed on the hollow shaft, and the housing is provided with a second through hole. The first through hole, the second through hole, and the hollow shaft are coaxial and connected.

[0015] The unloading assembly includes an unloading drive and a pusher. The unloading drive is mounted on the frame, and its drive end is connected to the pusher. The unloading drive can drive the pusher to move away from one end of the hollow shaft away from the clamping structure, through the second through hole, the hollow shaft, and the first through hole, and push the battery case away from the clamping structure.

[0016] Optionally, the frame includes a first support part, a second support part, and a connecting part. The rotation drive, the first positioning drive, and the second positioning drive are all disposed on the first support part. The second support part is used to be installed on an external device. The first support part and the second support part are connected by the connecting part.

[0017] Optionally, the frame also includes a locking structure, the first support is parallel to the horizontal plane, the second support includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other, the distance between the second support and the first support gradually increases along the direction from the first end to the second end, the connecting part is movably connected to the second support along a third direction, and the locking structure is used to lock the position of the connecting part on the second support, the third direction being parallel to the direction from the first end to the second end.

[0018] Optionally, the connecting part includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are located on opposite sides of the connecting part and are not parallel. The included angle between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is d. The first sidewall is detachably connected to the first support part, and the second sidewall is detachably connected to the second support part. There are multiple connecting parts, and the d values ​​of the multiple connecting parts are not equal.

[0019] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for locating the second electrode tab, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting the position of the second electrode tab.

[0020] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0021] The electrode positioning method, using the aforementioned electrode positioning device, includes the following steps:

[0022] S1. Rotate the battery case along the first direction and move the first through-beam sensor to the first position. The first position is the outside of the battery case and close to the opening of the battery case. When the first beam emitted by the first transmitter is blocked by the first tab and cannot reach the first receiver, the battery case stops rotating.

[0023] S2. Move the second through-beam sensor to a second position, which is inside the battery case. In the first direction, the second position is located upstream of the first position.

[0024] S3. Rotate the battery case again in the first direction. When the second beam emitted by the second transmitter is blocked by the second tab and cannot reach the second receiver, the battery case stops rotating.

[0025] Optionally, the direction in which the second tab points to the first tab along the circumference of the battery casing includes a first direction and a second direction, and along the first direction, the angle between the second tab and the first tab is α;

[0026] Between step S1 and step S2, the following is also included:

[0027] Rotate the battery casing by an angle b in the second direction, then stop rotating, where b < a.

[0028] Optionally, step S3 further includes:

[0029] If the battery casing rotates by an angle c in step S3, and the second beam emitted by the second transmitter always reaches the second receiver during this process, the battery casing stops rotating, and c = a.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0031] The electrode tab positioning device provided by this invention uses a rotary drive to rotate the battery casing, and a second positioning drive to drive a second through-beam sensor to extend into the battery casing to detect the position of the second electrode tab, thus achieving automated electrode tab positioning, improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs. Secondly, this structural design allows for positioning of the second electrode tab after the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery casing, solving the problem of low positioning accuracy caused by positioning the second electrode tab before the electrode assembly is inserted into the casing. Thirdly, when the second electrode tab moves between the second transmitter and the second receiver, the second beam emitted by the second transmitter is blocked by the second electrode tab, preventing the second receiver from receiving the second beam. Therefore, when the second receiver cannot receive the second beam, the second electrode tab is located between the second receiver and the second transmitter. This structural design significantly improves the accuracy of second electrode tab position detection, which is beneficial for improving the welding position accuracy of the second electrode tab. Finally, the electrode positioning device is equipped with a first through-beam sensor for detecting the position of the first electrode on the outside of the battery case. Therefore, the positions of both the first and second electrodes can be detected by the electrode positioning device, and the first and second electrodes can be distinguished by the first and second through-beam sensors, avoiding the problem of misdetecting the first electrode as the second electrode, and achieving the effect of further improving the accuracy of the second electrode position detection. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode positioning device provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery casing, the first electrode, and the second electrode provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the frame provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the first through-beam sensor, the second through-beam sensor, the battery casing, the first electrode, and the second electrode provided by the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery casing, the first electrode, and the second electrode provided by the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] 10. Battery casing; 21. First tab; 22. Second tab;

[0039] 100. Frame; 110. First support; 120. Second support; 121. First end; 122. Second end; 130. Connecting part; 131. First sidewall; 132. Second sidewall; 200. Rotating assembly; 210. Rotating drive; 220. Clamping structure; 230. First mounting base; 300. Positioning assembly; 310. First positioning drive; 320. Second positioning drive; 330. First through-beam sensor; 331. First transmitter; 332. First receiver; 340. Second through-beam sensor; 341. Second transmitter; 342. Second receiver; 351. Second mounting base; 352. Third mounting base; 353. Fourth mounting base; 400. Unloading assembly; 410. Unloading drive; 420. Fifth mounting base;

[0040] D1, first direction; D2, second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0045] This embodiment provides a electrode positioning device that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting the position of the second electrode.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrode positioning device includes a frame 100, a rotating assembly 200, and a positioning assembly 300. The rotating assembly 200 includes a rotating drive 210, which is mounted on the frame 100. The driving end of the rotating drive 210 is used for driving connection with the battery casing 10. An electrode group is provided inside the battery casing 10. A first electrode tab 21 and a second electrode tab 22 are provided at the end of the electrode group facing the opening of the battery casing 10. The first electrode tab 21 extends out of the opening of the battery casing 10, and the second electrode tab 22 is located inside the battery casing 10. The positioning assembly 300 includes a first positioning drive 310, a second positioning drive 320, a first through-beam sensor 330, and a second through-beam sensor 340. The first positioning drive 310 and the second positioning drive 320... All components are mounted on the frame 100. The driving end of the first positioning drive 310 is driven to connect with the first through-beam sensor 330 to drive the first through-beam sensor 330 to move to the outside of the battery case 10 and close to the opening of the battery case 10. The driving end of the second positioning drive 320 is driven to connect with the second through-beam sensor 340 to drive the second through-beam sensor 340 to move into the battery case 10. The rotation drive 210 is used to drive the battery case 10 to rotate around the axis of the battery case 10, so that the first tab 21 can move between the first transmitter 331 and the first receiver 332 of the first through-beam sensor 330, and the second tab 22 can move between the second transmitter 341 and the second receiver 342 of the second through-beam sensor 340.

[0047] Based on the above design, the rotary drive 210 drives the battery case 10 to rotate, and the second positioning drive 320 drives the second through-beam sensor 340 to extend into the battery case 10 to detect the position of the second tab 22, thereby realizing automated tab positioning, improving production efficiency and reducing labor costs.

[0048] Secondly, this structural design enables the positioning of the second tab 22 after the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery casing 10, thus solving the problem of low positioning accuracy caused by positioning the second tab 22 before the electrode assembly is inserted into the casing.

[0049] Furthermore, when the second electrode 22 moves between the second transmitter 341 and the second receiver 342, the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 is blocked by the second electrode 22, preventing the second receiver 342 from receiving the second beam. Therefore, when the second receiver 342 cannot receive the second beam, the second electrode 22 is located between the second receiver 342 and the second transmitter 341. This structural design significantly improves the accuracy of the position detection of the second electrode 22, which is beneficial to improving the welding position accuracy of the second electrode 22.

[0050] Finally, the electrode positioning device is equipped with a first through-beam sensor 330 for detecting the position of the first electrode 21 on the outside of the battery case 10. Therefore, the positions of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be detected by the electrode positioning device, and the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be distinguished by the first through-beam sensor 330 and the second through-beam sensor 340, avoiding the problem of misdetecting the first electrode 21 as the second electrode 22, and achieving the effect of further improving the accuracy of the position detection of the second electrode 22.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first electrode 21 is the positive electrode and the second electrode 22 is the negative electrode. Of course, in other embodiments, the first electrode 21 can also be the negative electrode and the second electrode 22 can be the positive electrode.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first positioning drive 310 and the second positioning drive 320 are both reciprocating cylinders. Of course, in other embodiments, the first positioning drive 310 and the second positioning drive 320 can also be drive components such as lead screw feed motors or robotic arms, which will not be listed here.

[0053] Optionally, the rotating assembly 200 further includes a clamping structure 220 connected to the drive end of the rotating drive member 210. The clamping structure 220 is configured to be detachably connected to the battery housing 10 to achieve a drive connection between the rotating drive member 210 and the battery housing 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, the clamping structure 220 is a gripper, and the battery case 10 is detachably clamped on the gripper. Of course, in other embodiments, the clamping structure 220 can also be a card plate and a card slot, with the card slot formed on the card plate and the battery case 10 detachably inserted into the card slot.

[0055] Optionally, the electrode positioning device also includes a feeding assembly 400, which is used to remove the battery case 10 from the clamping structure 220, so that the electrode positioning device has an automatic feeding function, further reducing manual input.

[0056] Furthermore, the clamping structure 220 is provided with a first through hole (not shown in the figure), the rotary drive 210 is a hollow shaft motor, the hollow shaft motor includes a housing and a hollow shaft rotatably connected to the housing, the clamping structure 220 is disposed on the hollow shaft, the housing is provided with a second through hole, the first through hole, the second through hole and the hollow shaft are coaxial and connected; the unloading assembly 400 includes an unloading drive 410 and a pusher (not shown in the figure), the unloading drive 410 is disposed on the frame 100, the drive end of the unloading drive 410 is connected to the pusher, the unloading drive 410 can drive the pusher to move away from one end of the hollow shaft away from the clamping structure 220, pass through the second through hole, the hollow shaft and the first through hole, and push the battery case 10 away from the clamping structure 220 to realize automatic unloading of the battery case 10.

[0057] In other embodiments, the unloading component 400 may also be a robotic arm that directly grips and removes the battery case 10 from the clamping structure 220 to achieve automatic unloading of the battery case 10.

[0058] It should be noted that hollow shaft motors are a common drive component in this field, and their specific structure and working principle will not be elaborated here.

[0059] In this embodiment, the feeding drive 410 is a reciprocating cylinder. Of course, in other embodiments, the feeding drive 410 can also be a lead screw feed motor or a robotic arm, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0060] Optionally, the frame 100 includes a first support portion 110, a second support portion 120, and a connecting portion 130. The rotary drive component 210, the first positioning drive component 310, the second positioning drive component 320, and the unloading drive component 410 are all disposed on the first support portion 110. The second support portion 120 is used to be installed on external equipment (such as welding equipment or other equipment). The first support portion 110 and the second support portion 120 are connected by the connecting portion 130.

[0061] Furthermore, the frame 100 also includes a locking structure (not shown in the figure). The first support portion 110 is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the second support portion 120 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122 disposed opposite to each other. The distance between the second support portion 120 and the first support portion 110 gradually increases along the direction from the first end 121 to the second end 122. The connecting portion 130 is movably connected to the second support portion 120 along a third direction. The locking structure is used to lock the position of the connecting portion 130 on the second support portion 120. The third direction is parallel to the direction from the first end 121 to the second end 122. Thus, the height of the first support portion 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the connecting portion 130 on the second support portion 120, so that the rotating component 200, the positioning component 300, and the unloading component 400 installed on the first support portion 110 can adapt to external equipment of different heights. After adjusting the height of the first support portion 110 to a suitable position, the connecting portion 130 can be locked on the second support portion 120 by the locking structure.

[0062] In this embodiment, the locking structure includes a first through hole, a first threaded hole, and a first bolt. The first through hole is formed on the second support portion 120, and there are multiple first through holes. The multiple first through holes are spaced apart along a third direction. The first threaded hole is formed on the side of the connecting portion 130 facing the second support portion 120. There are multiple first threaded holes. The multiple first threaded holes are spaced apart along a third direction. The first bolt can pass through any of the first through holes and be threaded into any of the first threaded holes.

[0063] In other embodiments, the locking structure includes a second through hole, a protrusion, and a fixing pin. The second through hole is formed on the second support portion 120, and there are multiple second through holes. The multiple second through holes are spaced apart along a third direction. The protrusion protrudes from the side wall of the connecting portion 130 near the second support portion 120. There are multiple protrusions, and the multiple protrusions are spaced apart along a third direction. Each protrusion is provided with a third through hole. The fixing pin can be detachably inserted into any second through hole and any third through hole.

[0064] Optionally, such as Figure 3As shown, the connecting portion 130 includes a first sidewall 131 and a second sidewall 132. The first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132 are located on opposite sides of the connecting portion 130 and are not parallel. The included angle between the first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132 is d. The first sidewall 131 is detachably connected to the first support portion 110, and the second sidewall 132 is detachably connected to the second support portion 120. There are multiple connecting portions 130, and the d values ​​of the multiple connecting portions 130 are not equal. For example, the d values ​​of the multiple connecting portions 130 are 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75° respectively. When the inclination angles of the surfaces (hereinafter referred to as mounting surfaces) of different external devices connected to the second support 120 are different relative to the horizontal plane, the included angle between the first support 110 and the second support 120 can be adjusted by replacing different connecting parts 130, so that the second support 120 can be connected to mounting surfaces with different inclinations while keeping the first support 110 in a horizontal state, thereby enabling the rotating component 200, the positioning component 300, and the unloading component 400 mounted on the first support 110 to adapt to different mounting surfaces.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second bolt passes through the first support portion 110 and is threaded into the first sidewall 131 to achieve a detachable connection between the first sidewall 131 and the first support portion 110. In another embodiment, one of the first support portion 110 and the first sidewall 131 is provided with a slide rail, and the other is provided with a slide groove. The slide rail and the slide groove are slidably engaged, and the slide groove is a through groove to achieve a detachable connection between the first sidewall 131 and the first support portion 110.

[0066] It should be noted that the second support 120 can be fixedly connected to the mounting surface or detachably connected to the mounting surface, depending on the actual application requirements.

[0067] Optionally, such as Figure 1As shown, the rotating assembly 200 also includes a first mounting base 230, which is disposed on the first support portion 110, and the fixed end of the rotating drive member 210 is mounted on the first mounting base 230. The positioning assembly 300 also includes a second mounting base 351, a third mounting base 352, and a fourth mounting base 353. The second mounting base 351 is disposed on the first support portion 110 and faces the opening of the battery housing 10. The fixed ends of the first positioning drive member 310 and the second positioning drive member 320 are both mounted on the second mounting base 351, and the first positioning drive member 310 is located above the second positioning drive member 320. The third mounting base 352 is connected to the drive end of the first positioning drive member 310. The first through-beam sensor 330 is fixed on the third mounting base 352, that is, the first transmitter 331 and the first receiver 332 are both fixed on the third mounting base 352. The fourth mounting base 353 is connected to the drive end of the second positioning drive member 320. The second through-beam sensor 340 is fixed on the fourth mounting base 353, that is, the second transmitter 341 and the second receiver 342 are both fixed on the fourth mounting base 353. The feeding assembly 400 also includes a fifth mounting base 420, which is disposed on the first support portion 110, and the fixed end of the feeding drive component 410 is mounted on the fifth mounting base 420.

[0068] This embodiment also provides a method for locating the electrode tab, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting the position of the second electrode tab 22.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electrode positioning method, using the aforementioned electrode positioning device, includes the following steps:

[0070] S1. Rotate the battery case 10 along the first direction D1 and move the first through-beam sensor 330 to the first position. The first position is the outside of the battery case 10 and close to the opening of the battery case 10. When the first beam emitted by the first transmitter 331 is blocked by the first tab 21 and cannot reach the first receiver 332, the battery case 10 stops rotating and the first through-beam sensor 330 is reset.

[0071] S2. Move the second through-beam sensor 340 to a second position, which is inside the battery case 10, in the first direction D1, and the second position is upstream of the first position.

[0072] S3. Rotate the battery case 10 again along the first direction D1. When the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 is blocked by the second tab 22 and cannot reach the second receiver 342, the battery case 10 stops rotating.

[0073] This electrode tab positioning method eliminates the need for manual electrode tab positioning, reducing labor costs and improving detection efficiency. Secondly, this method allows for detection of the position of the second electrode tab 22 after the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery casing 10, avoiding the low positioning accuracy problem caused by positioning the second electrode tab 22 before the electrode assembly is inserted into the casing. Thirdly, in step S3, the second electrode tab 22 rotates synchronously with the battery casing 10. When the second electrode tab 22 rotates between the second transmitter 341 and the second receiver 342, the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 is blocked by the second electrode tab 22 and cannot reach the second receiver 342. In other words, even if the second electrode tab 22 is deformed, bent, or twisted, when the second receiver 342 cannot receive the second beam, the second electrode tab 22 is located between the second receiver 342 and the second transmitter 341 (i.e., the second electrode tab 22 is in the second position). Therefore, this positioning method significantly improves the accuracy of detecting the position of the second electrode tab 22. Finally, in this electrode positioning method, the first through-beam sensor 330 is used to detect the position of the first electrode 21 on the outside of the battery case 10. After the position of the first electrode 21 is detected, the second through-beam sensor 340 is inserted into the battery case 10 to detect the position of the second electrode 22. This avoids the problem of misdetecting the first electrode 21 as the second electrode 22 and has the effect of further improving the accuracy of the position detection of the second electrode 22.

[0074] Furthermore, step S3 also includes: after the battery case 10 stops rotating, the second through-beam sensor 340 is reset; the electrode positioning method also includes: S4, moving the welding head to the second position to weld the second electrode 22 and the inner wall of the battery case 10.

[0075] Furthermore, the electrode positioning method also includes: S5, the unloading drive 410 is activated, causing the pusher to pass through the second through hole, the hollow shaft and the first through hole, pushing the battery case 10 away from the clamping structure 220 to complete the unloading.

[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the direction from which the second tab 22 points to the first tab 21 along the circumference of the battery casing 10 includes a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, that is, the first direction D1 is opposite to the second direction D2. Along the first direction D1, the angle between the second tab 22 and the first tab 21 is α. Between steps S1 and S2, the battery casing 10 is rotated by an angle b along the second direction D2, and then the rotation is stopped, where b < a. When α is small, that is, when the distance between the second tab 22 and the first tab 21 along the first direction D1 is small, there is a situation where the second tab 22 has already passed the second position when the first tab 21 reaches the first position. If this situation occurs, the second through-beam sensor 340 cannot detect the second tab 22 at the second position in step S3, and there will be a problem where the second through-beam sensor 340 collides with the first tab 21 that has rotated one revolution at the second position. The tab positioning method provided in this embodiment, after step S1 is completed, slightly rotates the battery casing 10 by a certain angle before executing step S2. This design can reduce the probability of the above-mentioned problem occurring and increase the probability that the second tab 22 has not yet rotated to the second position when the second photoelectric sensor 340 is in the second position in step S2. This can further increase the probability that the second photoelectric sensor 340 detects the second tab 22 in the second position in step S3 and reduce the probability that the second photoelectric sensor 340 collides with the first tab 21 in the second position. It can be seen that this method design improves the reliability of detecting the position of the second tab 22.

[0077] Furthermore, step S3 also includes: if the battery case 10 rotates by an angle c in step S3, and the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 always reaches the second receiver 342 during this process, the battery case 10 stops rotating, and the electrode positioning device reports an error, c = a. If the second electrode 22 is severely deformed, bent, or twisted, so that the second electrode 22, when it reaches the second position, does not block the second beam, then the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 can always be received by the second receiver 342. In this case, when step S3 is executed, the first electrode 21, which has rotated one revolution along the first direction D1, will collide with the second through-beam sensor 340 at the second position. The electrode positioning method provided in this embodiment allows the battery case 10 to stop rotating if the battery case 10 rotates by an angle c in step S3, and the second receiver 342 can always receive the second beam emitted by the second transmitter 341 during this process. This design can reduce the probability of the first electrode 21 rotating to the second position and colliding with the second through-beam sensor 340 in step S3, thus protecting both the first electrode 21 and the second through-beam sensor 340.

[0078] It should be noted that, since both the second tab 22 and the first tab 21 are generally sheet-like, and there is an angle (e.g., angle α) between the second tab 22 and the first tab 21 along the circumference of the battery casing 10, in order for the first tab 21 reaching the first position to pass smoothly through the gap between the first transmitter 331 and the first receiver 332, and for the second tab 22 reaching the second position to pass smoothly through the gap between the second transmitter 341 and the second receiver 342, therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, in the first direction D1, the first through-beam sensor 330 and the second through-beam sensor 340 are set at an angle, and the size of the angle is equal to α. That is, in the first direction D1, the angle between the first transmitter 331 and the second transmitter 341 is α, and the angle between the first receiver 332 and the second receiver 342 is α.

[0079] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tab positioning device, characterized in that, include: Rack (100); A rotating assembly (200) includes a rotating drive (210) disposed on the frame (100). The driving end of the rotating drive (210) is used to drively connect with the battery case (10). The battery case (10) is provided with an electrode group. The end of the electrode group facing the opening of the battery case (10) is provided with a first electrode tab (21) and a second electrode tab (22). The first electrode tab (21) extends out of the opening of the battery case (10), and the second electrode tab (22) is located inside the battery case (10). A positioning component (300) includes a first positioning drive (310), a second positioning drive (320), a first through-beam sensor (330), and a second through-beam sensor (340). The first positioning drive (310) and the second positioning drive (320) are both disposed on the frame (100). The driving end of the first positioning drive (310) is driven to be connected to the first through-beam sensor (330) to drive the first through-beam sensor (330) to move to the outside of the battery case (10) and close to the opening of the battery case (10). The driving end of the second positioning drive (320) is driven to be connected to the second through-beam sensor (340) to drive the second through-beam sensor (340) to move to the inside of the battery case (10). The rotary drive (210) is used to drive the battery case (10) to rotate about the axis of the battery case (10), so that the first tab (21) can move between the first transmitter (331) and the first receiver (332) of the first through-beam sensor (330), and the second tab (22) can move between the second transmitter (341) and the second receiver (342) of the second through-beam sensor (340); The electrode positioning method using the electrode positioning device includes the following steps: S1. Rotate the battery case (10) along the first direction (D1) and move the first through-beam sensor (330) to a first position. The first position is outside the battery case (10) and close to the opening of the battery case (10). When the first beam emitted by the first transmitter (331) is blocked by the first tab (21) and cannot reach the first receiver (332), the battery case (10) stops rotating. S2. Move the second through-beam sensor (340) to a second position, which is inside the battery case (10) in the first direction (D1), and the second position is upstream of the first position. S3. Rotate the battery case (10) again along the first direction (D1). When the second beam emitted by the second transmitter (341) is blocked by the second tab (22) and cannot reach the second receiver (342), the battery case (10) stops rotating. The direction in which the second electrode (22) points to the first electrode (21) along the circumference of the battery case (10) includes the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). Along the first direction (D1), the angle between the second electrode (22) and the first electrode (21) is α. Between step S1 and step S2, the following is also included: Rotate the battery casing (10) along the second direction (D2) by an angle b, and then stop rotating, where b < a; Step S3 further includes: If the battery case (10) rotates by an angle c in step S3, and the second beam emitted by the second transmitter (341) always reaches the second receiver (342) during this process, the battery case (10) stops rotating, and c = a.

2. The electrode positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating assembly (200) further includes a clamping structure (220) connected to the driving end of the rotating drive (210), and the clamping structure (220) is configured to be detachably connected to the battery housing (10).

3. The electrode positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode positioning device further includes a feeding assembly (400) for removing the battery case (10) from the clamping structure (220).

4. The electrode positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping structure (220) is provided with a first through hole, the rotary drive (210) is a hollow shaft motor, the hollow shaft motor includes a housing and a hollow shaft rotatably connected to the housing, the clamping structure (220) is disposed on the hollow shaft, the housing is provided with a second through hole, the first through hole, the second through hole and the hollow shaft are coaxial and connected; The unloading assembly (400) includes an unloading drive (410) and a pusher. The unloading drive (410) is disposed on the frame (100). The drive end of the unloading drive (410) is connected to the pusher. The unloading drive (410) can drive the pusher to move away from one end of the hollow shaft away from the clamping structure (220), through the second through hole, the hollow shaft and the first through hole, and push the battery case (10) away from the clamping structure (220).

5. The electrode positioning device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The frame (100) includes a first support part (110), a second support part (120), and a connecting part (130). The rotation drive (210), the first positioning drive (310), and the second positioning drive (320) are all disposed on the first support part (110). The second support part (120) is used to be mounted on an external device. The first support part (110) and the second support part (120) are connected through the connecting part (130).

6. The electrode positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame (100) further includes a locking structure. The first support (110) is parallel to the horizontal plane. The second support (120) includes a first end (121) and a second end (122) disposed opposite to each other. The distance between the second support (120) and the first support (110) gradually increases along the direction from the first end (121) to the second end (122). The connecting part (130) is movably connected to the second support (120) along a third direction. The locking structure is used to lock the position of the connecting part (130) on the second support (120). The third direction is parallel to the direction from the first end (121) to the second end (122).

7. The electrode positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting part (130) includes a first sidewall (131) and a second sidewall (132). The first sidewall (131) and the second sidewall (132) are located on opposite sides of the connecting part (130) and are not parallel. The included angle between the first sidewall (131) and the second sidewall (132) is d. The first sidewall (131) is detachably connected to the first support part (110), and the second sidewall (132) is detachably connected to the second support part (120). There are multiple connecting parts (130), and the d values ​​of the multiple connecting parts (130) are not equal.

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