Switching equipment for double-layer graphite boat and switching method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a switching device and a switching method for a double-layer graphite boat, and the switching device comprises a gantry device which comprises a transfer mechanism and a carrying mechanism, and the carrying mechanism is connected with the transfer mechanism; the transverse moving device is located below the carrying mechanism and comprises a first transverse moving mechanism and a second transverse moving mechanism which are oppositely arranged, each of the first transverse moving mechanism and the second transverse moving mechanism comprises an X-axis transverse moving assembly and a Y-axis transverse moving assembly, and the X-axis transverse moving assemblies are connected with the Y-axis transverse moving assemblies; the transmission device is located at one end of the transverse moving device and comprises a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism which are oppositely arranged, and each of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism comprises an X-axis transmission assembly; and the temporary storage assembly is located above the transverse moving device, and the carrying mechanism can carry the graphite boat to the temporary storage assembly. The double-layer graphite boat can be automatically separated and combined, battery pieces can be conveniently inserted into the graphite boat, or the battery pieces can be conveniently moved out of the graphite boat, and the automation degree is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of photovoltaic cells, and in particular to an exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat and an exchange method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A graphite boat is a tool used to hold solar cells. During the cell production process, cells are placed in the boat for coating. The boat ensures that the cells are fixed in position during the coating process, preventing uneven coating due to movement. Traditionally, two six-slot graphite boats were used. However, with the continuous improvement of processes and the demand for higher production capacity, double-layer nine-slot graphite boats are now commonly used for coating.

[0003] During the coating process, double-layer graphite boats must be stacked and simultaneously placed in a furnace for coating. During the insertion or removal of battery cells, the double-layer graphite boats must be separated into upper and lower layers, a process known as "splitting the boat." After the battery cells are inserted, the upper and lower layers must be aligned, a process known as "closing the boat." However, existing equipment for splitting and closing double-layer graphite boats is lacking, leading to an urgent need for a device that can automatically perform this process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a replacement device and a replacement method for a double-layer graphite boat to solve the problems existing in the related art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a switching device for a double-layer graphite boat, comprising:

[0006] The gantry device includes a transfer mechanism and a transport mechanism for transporting the graphite boat, wherein the transport mechanism is connected to the transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism drives the transport mechanism to move in the transverse and longitudinal directions;

[0007] A transverse movement device is located below the transport mechanism, the transverse movement device includes a first transverse movement mechanism and a second transverse movement mechanism that are arranged opposite to each other, the first transverse movement mechanism and the second transverse movement mechanism each include an X-axis transverse movement assembly and a Y-axis transverse movement assembly, the X-axis transverse movement assembly is connected to the Y-axis transverse movement assembly, and the X-axis transverse movement assembly has a placement position for placing a graphite boat;

[0008] A transmission device is located at one end of the transverse movement device, and the transmission device includes a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism arranged opposite to each other. The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism both include an X-axis transmission assembly, and the X-axis transmission assembly also has a placement position for placing a graphite boat;

[0009] The cache assembly is located above the transverse movement device, and the transport mechanism can transport the graphite boat to the cache assembly, or the transport mechanism can move the graphite boat off the cache assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, it further includes:

[0011] The robot is located between the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism. The robot is equipped with a suction cup assembly, which includes a plurality of suction cups arranged at intervals for adsorbing the graphite boat. The robot drives the suction cup assembly to move in multiple directions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transporting mechanism includes a transporting fixture and two relatively arranged clamping assemblies, the transporting fixture is connected to the transferring mechanism, the clamping assembly includes a clamping cylinder, a clamping movable guide rail and a clamping claw, the clamping cylinder and the clamping movable guide rail are fixed on the transporting fixture, the clamping cylinder is connected to the clamping claw, and the clamping claw is slidably connected to the clamping movable guide rail.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transfer mechanism includes a Z-axis transfer component and a Y-axis transfer component, and the conveying mechanism is connected to the Z-axis transfer component; the Y-axis transfer component includes a Y-axis transfer slide rail, a Y-axis transfer drive component, two Y-axis transfer belts and a Y-axis transfer moving component, the Y-axis transfer drive component drives the two Y-axis transfer belts to move, the Y-axis transfer moving component is connected to the two Y-axis transfer belts, the Y-axis transfer moving component is slidably connected to the two Y-axis transfer slide rails, and the Z-axis transfer assembly is connected to the Y-axis transfer moving component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the Y-axis transverse movement assembly includes a Y-axis transverse movement drive motor, a Y-axis transverse movement gear, a Y-axis transverse movement rack and a Y-axis transverse movement slide rail, the Y-axis transverse movement gear is connected to the Y-axis transverse movement drive motor, the Y-axis transverse movement gear is engaged with the Y-axis transverse movement rack, the X-axis transverse movement assembly is slidingly connected to the Y-axis transverse movement slide rail, the Y-axis transverse movement drive motor is fixed on the transverse movement plate, and the X-axis transverse movement assembly is connected to the transverse movement plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism further include a first correction component, the first correction component includes a first correction frame, a second correction frame and a first correction drive member, the first correction frame and the second correction frame are respectively located on the left and right sides of the X-axis transmission component, and a correction plate is fixed on the first correction frame and the second correction frame, the first correction drive member is connected to the first correction frame, and the first correction drive member drives the first correction frame to move toward or away from the X-axis transmission component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism further include a second alignment component, the second alignment component includes a third alignment frame, a fourth alignment frame and a second alignment driving member, the third alignment frame and the fourth alignment frame are respectively located at both ends of the X-axis transmission component, and the third alignment frame and the fourth alignment frame are both provided with an alignment guide wheel, the second alignment driving member is provided on the third alignment frame, the second alignment driving member is connected to the alignment guide wheel on the third alignment frame, and the second alignment driving member drives the alignment guide wheel to move toward or away from the fourth alignment frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second correction component also includes a correction lifting member, which is fixed on the third correction frame and connected to the second correction driving member; a limiting component is also provided on the third correction frame, and the limiting component includes a limiting driving member, a limiting fixing frame and a limiting roller, the limiting driving member is fixed on the third correction frame, the limiting fixing frame is connected to the limiting driving member, and the limiting roller is rotatably connected to the limiting fixing frame.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism both further include a return movement component, wherein the return movement component is connected to the X-axis transmission component, and the return movement component drives the X-axis transmission component to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0019] On the other hand, the present application provides, in another embodiment, an exchange method for an exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0020] The double-layer graphite boat is transported to the placement position of the first transverse movement mechanism;

[0021] The transfer mechanism of the gantry device drives the transport mechanism to move above the double-layer graphite boat, and the transport mechanism transports the graphite boat on the upper layer to the cache component cache;

[0022] The X-axis traverse assembly and the Y-axis traverse assembly of the first traverse mechanism drive the graphite boat located at the lower layer to be transported to the placement position of the second transmission mechanism, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the lower graphite boat;

[0023] The transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat placed on the buffer assembly to the first transverse mechanism, and then transports the upper graphite boat to the placement position of the first transmission mechanism through the first transverse mechanism to complete the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the upper graphite boat;

[0024] The second transmission mechanism transports the lower graphite boat to the second transverse mechanism, and the first transmission mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the first transverse mechanism;

[0025] The transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the top of the lower graphite boat to complete the boat merging operation.

[0026] The advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solution include at least:

[0027] The switching device for double-layer graphite boats according to an embodiment of the present application includes a gantry device, a transverse movement device, a transmission device, and a buffer device. During use, the double-layer graphite boat is first transported by an external device to a placement position on a first transverse movement mechanism. The gantry device's transfer mechanism then drives a transport mechanism to move above the double-layer graphite boat, where the transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to a buffer assembly. The X-axis and Y-axis transverse movement assemblies of the first transverse movement mechanism then drive the lower graphite boat to a placement position on a second transmission mechanism, completing the installation or unloading of cells in the lower graphite boat. The transport mechanism then transports the upper graphite boat, which is placed on the buffer assembly, to the first transverse movement mechanism, where it is then transported to a placement position on the first transmission mechanism, completing the installation or unloading of cells in the upper graphite boat. The second transmission mechanism then transports the lower graphite boat to the second transverse movement mechanism, and the first transmission mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the first transverse movement mechanism. Finally, the transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the top of the lower graphite boat, completing the boat merging operation. The embodiment of the present application can automatically realize the separation and merging of the double-layer graphite boat, making it easy to insert battery cells into the graphite boat or remove battery cells from the graphite boat, with a high degree of automation.

[0028] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features of the present application will be readily apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the multiple drawings represent the same or similar components or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat;

[0031] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the combination of the first transverse movement mechanism and the graphite boat;

[0033] Figure 4Schematic diagram of the combination of the second transverse movement mechanism and the gantry device;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the gantry device;

[0035] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the first transmission mechanism;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the robot and suction cup assembly;

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] 1. Gantry device; 2. Transverse movement device; 3. Transmission device; 4. Buffer assembly; 11. Transfer mechanism; 12. Transport mechanism; 21. First transverse movement mechanism; 22. Second transverse movement mechanism; 211. X-axis transverse movement assembly; 212. Y-axis transverse movement assembly; 31. First transmission mechanism; 32. Second transmission mechanism; 311. X-axis transmission assembly; 121. Transport fixture; 122. Clamping assembly; 1221. Clamping cylinder; 1222 , clamping moving guide rail; 1223, clamping claw; 111, Z-axis transfer assembly; 112, Y-axis transfer assembly; 1121, Y-axis transfer slide rail; 1122, Y-axis transfer drive member; 1123, Y-axis transfer belt; 1124, Y-axis transfer moving member; 1125, rotating wheel; 2121, Y-axis transverse drive motor; 2122, Y-axis transverse gear; 2123, Y-axis transverse rack; 2124, Y-axis transverse slide rail; 21 25. Transverse moving plate; 213. First positioning assembly; 214. Second positioning assembly; 2131. First positioning cylinder; 2132. First positioning roller; 2141. Second positioning cylinder; 2142. Second positioning plate; 2143. Positioning pin; 312. First alignment assembly; 3121. First alignment frame; 3122. Second alignment frame; 3123. First alignment drive; 3124. Alignment plate; 3125. First alignment assembly; 3121. First alignment frame; 3122. Second alignment frame; 3123. First alignment drive; 3124. Alignment plate; 3125. First alignment assembly; Return slide rail; 313, second return assembly; 3131, third return frame; 3132, fourth return frame; 3133, second return drive member; 3134, return guide wheel; 3135, return lifting member; 314, limit assembly; 3141, limit drive member; 3142, limit fixing frame; 3143, limit roller; 315, return moving assembly; 5, robot; 6, suction cup assembly; 61, suction cup; 7, double-layer graphite boat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat, comprising a gantry device 1, a transverse movement device 2, a transmission device 3, and a buffer assembly 4. The gantry device 1 comprises a transfer mechanism 11 and a transport mechanism 12 for transporting the graphite boat, the transport mechanism 12 being connected to the transfer mechanism 11, and the transfer mechanism 11 drives the transport mechanism 12 to move in the transverse and longitudinal directions. The transverse movement device 2 is located below the transport mechanism 12, and the transverse movement device 2 comprises a first transverse movement mechanism 21 and a second transverse movement mechanism 22 arranged opposite to each other. The first transverse movement mechanism 21 and the second transverse movement mechanism 22 both comprise an X-axis transverse movement assembly 211 and a Y-axis transverse movement assembly 212, the X-axis transverse movement assembly 211 being connected to the Y-axis transverse movement assembly 212, and the X-axis transverse movement assembly 211 has a placement position for placing the graphite boat. The transmission device 3 is located at one end of the transverse movement device 2, and the transmission device 3 comprises a first transmission mechanism 31 and a second transmission mechanism 32 arranged opposite to each other. The first transmission mechanism 31 and the second transmission mechanism 32 both include an X-axis transmission assembly 311, which also has a placement area for a graphite boat. The buffer assembly 4 is located above the transverse movement device 2, and the transport mechanism 12 can transport a graphite boat to the buffer assembly 4 or remove it from the buffer assembly 4.

[0042] During use of the switching device of the present embodiment, the double-layered graphite boat 7 is first transported by an external device to the placement position of the first transverse mechanism 21. The transfer mechanism 11 of the gantry assembly 1 then drives the transport mechanism 12 to move above the double-layered graphite boat 7. The transport mechanism 12 then transports the upper graphite boat to the buffer assembly 4 for caching. The X-axis and Y-axis transverse assemblies 211 and 212 of the first transverse mechanism 21 then drive the lower graphite boat to the placement position of the second transmission mechanism 32, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the lower graphite boat. The transport mechanism 12 then transports the upper graphite boat, which is placed on the buffer assembly 4, to the first transverse mechanism 21. The first transverse mechanism 21 then transports the upper graphite boat to the placement position of the first transmission mechanism 31, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the upper graphite boat. The second transmission mechanism 32 transports the lower graphite boat to the second transverse mechanism 22, and the first transmission mechanism 31 transports the upper graphite boat to the first transverse mechanism 21. Finally, the transport mechanism 12 transports the upper graphite boat to the top of the lower graphite boat, completing the boat merging operation. The embodiment of the present application can automatically realize the separation and merging of the double-layer graphite boat 7, making it easy to insert battery cells into the graphite boat or remove battery cells from the graphite boat, with a high degree of automation.

[0043] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, to facilitate the transport of the graphite boat, the transport mechanism 12 includes a transport fixture 121 and two opposing clamping assemblies 122. The transport fixture 121 is connected to the transfer mechanism 11. The clamping assembly 122 includes a clamping cylinder 1221, a clamping guide rail 1222, and a clamping jaw 1223. The clamping cylinder 1221 and the clamping guide rail 1222 are fixed to the transport fixture 121 via bolts or the like. The clamping cylinder 1221 is connected to the clamping jaw 1223, which is slidably connected to the clamping guide rail 1222. Preferably, the two clamping jaws 1223 are located at either end of the transport fixture 121.

[0044] When the graphite boat needs to be transported, the two clamping cylinders 1221 first drive the two clamping jaws 1223 to move away from each other, and the transfer mechanism 11 drives the transport mechanism 12 to move to the upper part of the graphite boat. Next, the two clamping cylinders 1221 drive the two clamping jaws 1223 to move relative to each other, and the two clamping jaws 1223 clamp the upper part of the graphite boat. Finally, the transfer mechanism drives the transport mechanism 12 to move, and the graphite boat is transported.

[0045] In one embodiment, the transfer mechanism 11 can drive the transport mechanism 12 to move along the Y-axis and the Z-axis. To drive the transport mechanism 12, the transfer mechanism 11 includes a Z-axis transfer assembly 111 and a Y-axis transfer assembly 112. The transport mechanism 12 is connected to the Z-axis transfer assembly 111, and the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 is connected to the Z-axis transfer assembly 111. The Z-axis transfer assembly 111 drives the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 to move along the Z-axis, and the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 drives the transport mechanism 12 to move along the Y-axis. Preferably, the Z-axis transfer assembly 111 of this embodiment can be an existing linear module, which is a prior art.

[0046] Further, if Figure 5 As shown, to enable the transport mechanism 12 to move in the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 includes a Y-axis transfer rail 1121, a Y-axis transfer driver 1122, two Y-axis transfer belts 1123, and a Y-axis transfer moving member 1124. The Y-axis transfer moving member 1124 is connected to the Z-axis transfer assembly 111. There are two Y-axis transfer rails 1121, each fixed to either side of the Y-axis transfer moving member 1124.

[0047] The Y-axis transfer drive 1122 drives the two Y-axis transfer belts 1123. Specifically, two rotating wheels 1125 are provided at each end of the Y-axis transfer belts 1123. The Y-axis transfer drive 1122 is a motor connected to the rotating wheel 1125 at one end of the Y-axis transfer belts 1123 and drives the rotating wheel 1125 to rotate, thereby achieving rotation of the Y-axis transfer belts 1123. The Y-axis transfer drive 1122 can be connected to a rotating rod. The rotating wheels 1125 at the same end of the two Y-axis transfer belts 1123 are both connected to the rotating rod, thereby driving the Y-axis transfer belts 1123 to rotate.

[0048] The ends of the Y-axis transfer member 1124 are connected to the two Y-axis transfer belts 1123 via connecting plates. The Y-axis transfer member 1124 is slidably connected to the two Y-axis transfer rails 1121. When the transport mechanism 12 needs to be moved in the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis transfer driver 1122 is activated. This drives the Y-axis transfer belts 1123 to rotate, which in turn drives the Y-axis transfer member 1124 to slide along the Y-axis transfer rails 1121, thereby achieving Y-axis movement of the transport mechanism 12. The Y-axis transfer driver 1122 and the Y-axis transfer rails 1121 can be fixed to an external gantry.

[0049] When a graphite boat needs to be transported, the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 first drives the transport mechanism 12 in the Y-axis direction, moving the clamping jaws 1223 above the graphite boat. The Z-axis transfer assembly 111 then drives the clamping jaws 1223 downward. Finally, the clamping cylinder 1221 controls the clamping jaws 1223 to clamp the graphite boat. After the clamping jaws 1223 clamp the graphite boat, the Z-axis transfer assembly 111 first drives the boat upward, and then the Y-axis transfer assembly 112 transfers the graphite boat to the desired location and places it.

[0050] In one embodiment, the X-axis traverse assembly 211 is a conveyor belt driven by a motor and placed on the conveyor belt. When the motor drives the conveyor belt to move, the graphite boat is moved in the X-axis direction, thereby transporting the graphite boat in the X-axis direction.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, to drive the X-axis traverse assembly 211 to move in the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis traverse assembly 212 includes a Y-axis traverse drive motor 2121, a Y-axis traverse gear 2122, a Y-axis traverse rack 2123, and a Y-axis traverse slide 2124. The Y-axis traverse gear 2122 is connected to the Y-axis traverse drive motor 2121, which drives the Y-axis traverse gear 2122 to rotate. The Y-axis traverse gear 2122 engages with the Y-axis traverse rack 2123. The X-axis traverse assembly 211 is slidably connected to the Y-axis traverse slide 2124. The Y-axis traverse drive motor 2121 is fixed to a traverse movable plate 2125, and the X-axis traverse assembly 211 is connected to the traverse movable plate 2125.

[0052] When the X-axis traverse assembly 211 needs to be driven to move along the Y-axis, the Y-axis traverse drive motor 2121 is activated, which drives the Y-axis traverse gear 2122 to rotate. Since the Y-axis traverse gear 2122 is engaged with the Y-axis traverse rack 2123, the Y-axis traverse gear 2122 moves along the length of the Y-axis traverse rack 2123, thereby driving the Y-axis traverse drive motor 2121 and the traverse plate 2125 to move, thereby driving the X-axis traverse assembly 211 to move along the Y-axis traverse rail 2124.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first transverse movement mechanism 21 and the second transverse movement mechanism 22 may also share the same Y-axis transverse movement rack 2123 , thereby saving space and cost.

[0054] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, to position the graphite boat on the X-axis traverse assembly 211, the first traverse mechanism 21 and the second traverse mechanism 22 further include a first positioning assembly 213 and a second positioning assembly 214, respectively located at opposite ends of the X-axis traverse assembly 211. The first positioning assembly 213 includes a first positioning cylinder 2131 and a first positioning roller 2132, which are connected to the first positioning roller 2132. The X-axis traverse assembly 211 has two spaced-apart conveyor belts, with the first positioning assembly 213 located between them. The second positioning assembly 214 includes a second positioning cylinder 2141 and a second positioning plate 2142, which are connected to the second positioning plate 2142. The second positioning cylinder 2141 drives the second positioning plate 2142 to move toward or away from the first positioning assembly 213. A positioning pin 2143 is fixed on the second positioning plate 2142 .

[0055] When the graphite boat is delivered to the X-axis traverse assembly 211 and requires positioning, the first positioning cylinder 2131 drives the first positioning roller 2132 upward, and the second positioning cylinder 2141 drives the positioning pin 2143 toward the first positioning assembly 213, thereby driving the graphite boat to move and achieve positioning. When the first positioning cylinder 2131 drives the first positioning roller 2132 downward, it does not affect the X-axis transmission assembly 311 in conveying the graphite boat to the X-axis traverse assembly 211.

[0056] In one embodiment, the X-axis transmission assembly 311 is also a conveyor belt driven by a motor, and is also two conveyor belts spaced apart and placed on the conveyor belt. The motor drives the conveyor belt and thereby drives the graphite boat thereon to move.

[0057] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, after the graphite boat is transferred to the X-axis transmission assembly 311, it needs to be aligned on the X-axis transmission assembly 311 to facilitate the subsequent insertion and unloading of battery cells. To align the graphite boat, the first transmission mechanism 31 and the second transmission mechanism 32 further include a first alignment assembly 312. The first alignment assembly 312 includes a first alignment frame 3121, a second alignment frame 3122, and a first alignment driver 3123. The first alignment frame 3121 and the second alignment frame 3122 are located on the left and right sides of the X-axis transmission assembly 311, respectively. An alignment plate 3124 is fixed to each of the first alignment frame 3121 and the second alignment frame 3122. The first alignment driver 3123 is connected to the first alignment frame 3121 and drives the first alignment frame 3121 to move toward or away from the X-axis transmission assembly 311. The first alignment driving member 3123 is a cylinder, and the first alignment driving member 3123 is fixed to one side of the first alignment frame 3121 .

[0058] In one embodiment, the first alignment assembly 312 may further include a first alignment slide 3125, and the first alignment frame 3121 is slidably connected to the first alignment slide 3125. The first alignment driver 3123 drives the first alignment frame 3121 to move, thereby aligning the graphite boat on the X-axis transmission assembly 311.

[0059] To position the two ends of the graphite boat, the first and second transmission mechanisms 31 and 32 also include a second alignment assembly 313. The second alignment assembly 313 includes a third alignment frame 3131, a fourth alignment frame 3132, and a second alignment driver 3133. The third and fourth alignment frames 3131 and 3132 are located at either end of the X-axis transmission assembly 311. Alignment guide wheels 3134 are provided on each of the third and fourth alignment frames 3131 and 3132. A second alignment driver 3133 is provided on the third alignment frame 3131 and connected to the alignment guide wheel 3134 on the third alignment frame 3131. The second alignment driver 3133 drives the alignment guide wheel 3134 toward or away from the fourth alignment frame 3132. The second alignment driver 3133 is also a pneumatic cylinder.

[0060] To ensure that the alignment guide wheel 3134 on the third alignment frame 3131 does not interfere with the transport of the graphite boat between the X-axis traverse assembly 211 and the X-axis transmission assembly 311, the second alignment assembly 313 further includes an alignment lift 3135. This lift 3135 is fixed to the third alignment frame 3131 and connected to the second alignment driver 3133. This lift 3135 drives the second alignment driver 3133 upward or downward. This lift 3135 is also a pneumatic cylinder.

[0061] After the graphite boat is transferred to the X-axis transmission assembly 311, the alignment lift 3135 drives the second alignment driver 3133 downward. The second alignment driver 3133 drives the alignment guide wheel 3134 toward the fourth alignment frame 3132, thereby aligning the graphite boat. After alignment, the two ends of the graphite boat respectively abut or contact the two alignment guide wheels 3134.

[0062] In one embodiment, a limit assembly 314 is further provided on the third alignment frame 3131. The limit assembly 314 includes a limit driver 3141, a limit fixture 3142, and a limit roller 3143. The limit driver 3141 is fixed to the third alignment frame 3131, the limit fixture 3142 is connected to the limit driver 3141, and the limit roller 3143 is rotatably connected to the limit fixture 3142 via a rotating shaft. When the graphite boat on the X-axis transmission assembly 311 is installed and transported to the X-axis traverse assembly 211, the limit driver 3141 drives the limit roller 3143 downward, causing it to roll on the graphite boat, further ensuring that the battery cells in the graphite boat are properly installed. The limit driver 3141 is also a cylinder.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first transmission mechanism 31 and the second transmission mechanism 32 both further include a return movement component 315, which is connected to the X-axis transmission component 311 and drives the X-axis transmission component 311 to move along the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the return movement component 315 includes a return movement cylinder and a return movement slide (not shown in the figure). The return movement cylinder is connected to the X-axis transmission component, and the X-axis transmission component is slidably connected to the return movement slide. The return movement cylinder can drive the X-axis transmission component 311 to move in the X-axis direction. The present application can adjust the position of the X-axis transmission component 311 in the X-axis direction by setting the return movement component 315.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, to facilitate inserting or unloading battery cells into or from the graphite boat, in one embodiment, the exchange equipment for a double-layer graphite boat further includes a robot 5. The robot 5 is positioned between the first transmission mechanism 31 and the second transmission mechanism 32. A suction cup assembly 6 is mounted on the robot 5. The suction cup assembly 6 includes multiple suction cups 61 spaced apart for adsorbing the graphite boat. The robot 5 drives the suction cup assembly 6 in multiple directions. Preferably, the robot 5 can be a conventional four-axis robot 5 or a six-axis robot 5. The suction cups 61 can adsorb the battery cells through vacuum suction.

[0065] The cache component 4 in the embodiment of the present application is a cache tray, and the graphite boat can be placed directly on the cache tray.

[0066] The following is a specific example to illustrate this application:

[0067] The bottom of the double-layer graphite boat 7 has a boat drag. Each graphite boat has nine slots and forty-one boat leaves. The suction cup assembly 6 has forty suction cups 61, spaced 13.5 mm apart, and each suction cup 61 can hold one cell. During use, the first double-layer graphite boat 7 is first transported by an external device to the placement position of the first transverse mechanism 21. The gantry mechanism 1 then moves the upper graphite boat of the first double-layer graphite boat 7 to the buffer assembly 4 for buffering, completing the boat separation operation. The lower graphite boat of the first double-layer graphite boat 7 is then driven by the Y-axis transverse assembly 212 of the first transverse mechanism 21 to one end of the second transmission mechanism 32, where the X-axis transverse assembly 211 is aligned with the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the second transmission mechanism 32. The X-axis transverse assembly 211 then transports the lower graphite boat to the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the second transmission mechanism 32, where the robot 5 performs the cell installation or removal operation.

[0068] At this point, a boat holder is placed manually or by external equipment on the X-axis traverse assembly 211 of the first traverse mechanism 21, and the upper graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 is transferred from the buffer assembly 4 to the boat holder of the first traverse mechanism 21 via the gantry device 1. The upper graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 is then moved by the first traverse mechanism 21 to one end of the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the first transmission mechanism 31, and is then transferred by the X-axis traverse assembly 211 to the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the first transmission mechanism 31. After the battery cells are loaded or unloaded on the lower graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7, the battery cells are loaded or unloaded on the upper graphite boat.

[0069] The lower graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 is then transported by the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the second transmission mechanism 32 to the X-axis transverse assembly 211 of the second transverse mechanism 22 to await the next operation. Meanwhile, the second double-layered graphite boat 7 is transported by an external device to the placement position of the first transverse mechanism, and the gantry device 1 moves the upper graphite boat of the second double-layered graphite boat 7 to the buffer assembly 4 for buffering. The lower graphite boat of the second double-layered graphite boat 7 is then transported by the first transverse mechanism 21 to the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the second transmission mechanism 32 to await the installation or unloading of battery cells. After the upper graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 completes the installation or unloading operation of the battery cells, the robot 5 proceeds to install or unload the battery cells of the lower graphite boat of the second double-layered graphite boat 7.

[0070] After the cell loading or unloading operation is completed, the upper graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 is transported to the X-axis traverse assembly 211 of the first traverse mechanism 21 via the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the first transmission mechanism 31. The gantry assembly 1 then places the upper graphite boat of the first double-layered graphite boat 7 on top of the lower graphite boat of the second traverse mechanism 22 to complete the boat assembly. The double-layered graphite boat 7 is then transported out by external equipment.

[0071] The gantry device 1 then removes the upper graphite boat of the second double-layer graphite boat 7 from the buffer assembly 4 and places it on the boat support placed on the X-axis transverse assembly 211 of the first transverse mechanism 21. The upper graphite boat of the second double-layer graphite boat 7 is transported by the first transverse mechanism 21 to the X-axis transmission assembly 311 of the first transmission mechanism 31 to await the next operation. After the lower graphite boat of the second double-layer graphite boat 7 completes the installation or unloading of battery cells, the robot 5 installs or unloads the battery cells of the upper graphite boat of the second double-layer graphite boat 7, and the two operations alternate, ensuring that the robot 5 can continuously install or unload battery cells. The operation of installing the first double-layer graphite boat 7 is then followed by the next boat merging operation, and the cycle continues.

[0072] The exchange device of the embodiment of the present application can realize the operations of separating / combining the double-layer graphite boat 7 and exchanging the boat, with a high degree of automation, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0073] Example 2:

[0074] In another embodiment, the present application provides a method for exchanging a double-layer graphite boat applied to the exchanging device described in the first embodiment, comprising the following steps:

[0075] The double-layer graphite boat 7 is transported to the placement position of the first transverse movement mechanism 21;

[0076] The transfer mechanism 11 of the gantry device 1 drives the transport mechanism 12 to move above the double-layer graphite boat 7, and the transport mechanism 12 transports the graphite boat on the upper layer to the buffer assembly 4 for buffering;

[0077] The X-axis traverse assembly 211 and the Y-axis traverse assembly 212 of the first traverse mechanism 21 drive the graphite boat located at the lower layer to be transported to the placement position of the second transmission mechanism 32, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the lower graphite boat;

[0078] The transport mechanism 12 transports the upper graphite boat placed on the buffer assembly 4 to the first transverse mechanism 21, and then transports the upper graphite boat to the placement position of the first transmission mechanism 31 through the first transverse mechanism 21, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the upper graphite boat;

[0079] The second transmission mechanism 32 transports the lower graphite boat to the second transverse mechanism 22, and the first transmission mechanism 31 transports the upper graphite boat to the first transverse mechanism 21;

[0080] The transport mechanism 12 transports the upper graphite boat to the top of the lower graphite boat, completing the boat merging operation.

[0081] The exchange device of the embodiment of the present application can realize the operations of separating / combining the double-layer graphite boat 7 and exchanging the boat, with a high degree of automation, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0083] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0084] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat, characterized in that: include: The gantry device includes a transfer mechanism and a transport mechanism for transporting the graphite boat, wherein the transport mechanism is connected to the transfer mechanism, and the transfer mechanism drives the transport mechanism to move in the transverse and longitudinal directions; A transverse movement device is located below the transport mechanism, the transverse movement device includes a first transverse movement mechanism and a second transverse movement mechanism that are arranged opposite to each other, the first transverse movement mechanism and the second transverse movement mechanism each include an X-axis transverse movement assembly and a Y-axis transverse movement assembly, the X-axis transverse movement assembly is connected to the Y-axis transverse movement assembly, and the X-axis transverse movement assembly has a placement position for placing a graphite boat; A transmission device is located at one end of the transverse movement device, and the transmission device includes a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism arranged opposite to each other. The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism both include an X-axis transmission assembly, and the X-axis transmission assembly also has a placement position for placing a graphite boat; The cache assembly is located above the transverse movement device, and the transport mechanism can transport the graphite boat to the cache assembly, or the transport mechanism can move the graphite boat off the cache assembly.

2. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The robot is located between the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism. The robot is equipped with a suction cup assembly, which includes a plurality of suction cups arranged at intervals for adsorbing the graphite boat. The robot drives the suction cup assembly to move in multiple directions.

3. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transporting mechanism includes a transporting fixing and two relatively arranged clamping components, the transporting fixing is connected to the transferring mechanism, the clamping component includes a clamping cylinder, a clamping movable guide rail and a clamping claw, the clamping cylinder and the clamping movable guide rail are fixed on the transporting fixing, the clamping cylinder is connected to the clamping claw, and the clamping claw is slidably connected to the clamping movable guide rail.

4. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism includes a Z-axis transfer component and a Y-axis transfer component, and the conveying mechanism is connected to the Z-axis transfer component; the Y-axis transfer component includes a Y-axis transfer slide rail, a Y-axis transfer driving component, two Y-axis transfer belts and a Y-axis transfer moving component, the Y-axis transfer driving component drives the two Y-axis transfer belts to move, the Y-axis transfer moving component is connected to the two Y-axis transfer belts, the Y-axis transfer moving component is slidably connected to the two Y-axis transfer slide rails, and the Z-axis transfer assembly is connected to the Y-axis transfer moving component.

5. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Y-axis transverse movement assembly includes a Y-axis transverse movement drive motor, a Y-axis transverse movement gear, a Y-axis transverse movement rack and a Y-axis transverse movement slide rail. The Y-axis transverse movement gear is connected to the Y-axis transverse movement drive motor, the Y-axis transverse movement gear is engaged with the Y-axis transverse movement rack, the X-axis transverse movement assembly is slidably connected to the Y-axis transverse movement slide rail, the Y-axis transverse movement drive motor is fixed on the transverse movement plate, and the X-axis transverse movement assembly is connected to the transverse movement plate.

6. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism also include a first correction component, which includes a first correction frame, a second correction frame and a first correction driving member. The first correction frame and the second correction frame are respectively located on the left and right sides of the X-axis transmission component. Correction plates are fixed on the first correction frame and the second correction frame. The first correction driving member is connected to the first correction frame, and the first correction driving member drives the first correction frame to move toward or away from the X-axis transmission component.

7. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism also include a second correcting assembly, the second correcting assembly includes a third correcting frame, a fourth correcting frame and a second correcting driving member, the third correcting frame and the fourth correcting frame are respectively located at both ends of the X-axis transmission assembly, and the third correcting frame and the fourth correcting frame are both provided with a correcting guide wheel, the second correcting driving member is provided on the third correcting frame, the second correcting driving member is connected to the correcting guide wheel on the third correcting frame, and the second correcting driving member drives the correcting guide wheel to move toward or away from the fourth correcting frame.

8. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second correction component also includes a correction lifting member, which is fixed on the third correction frame and connected to the second correction driving member; a limiting component is also provided on the third correction frame, and the limiting component includes a limiting driving member, a limiting fixing frame and a limiting roller, the limiting driving member is fixed on the third correction frame, the limiting fixing frame is connected to the limiting driving member, and the limiting roller is rotatably connected to the limiting fixing frame.

9. The exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism also include a return movement component, which is connected to the X-axis transmission component and drives the X-axis transmission component to move along the Y-axis direction.

10. An exchange method applied to an exchange device for a double-layer graphite boat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: The double-layer graphite boat is transported to the placement position of the first transverse movement mechanism; The transfer mechanism of the gantry device drives the transport mechanism to move above the double-layer graphite boat, and the transport mechanism transports the graphite boat on the upper layer to the cache component cache; The X-axis traverse assembly and the Y-axis traverse assembly of the first traverse mechanism drive the graphite boat located at the lower layer to be transported to the placement position of the second transmission mechanism, completing the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the lower graphite boat; The transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat placed on the buffer assembly to the first transverse mechanism, and then transports the upper graphite boat to the placement position of the first transmission mechanism through the first transverse mechanism to complete the installation or unloading of the battery cells in the upper graphite boat; The second transmission mechanism transports the lower graphite boat to the second transverse mechanism, and the first transmission mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the first transverse mechanism; The transport mechanism transports the upper graphite boat to the top of the lower graphite boat to complete the boat merging operation.

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