Double-row battery cell pushing table feeding device and process thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of battery production devices, in particular to a double-row battery cell pushing table feeding device and a process thereof, which comprises a large-packaged battery cell feeding module used for placing groups of large-packaged battery cells to a feeding station; a battery cell six-axis robot grabbing module used for grabbing single-row battery cells from the feeding station; and a double-row battery cell pushing table module, wherein the double-row battery cell pushing table module comprises two double-row battery cell pushing table feeding mechanisms, and the double-row battery cell pushing table feeding mechanism comprises a feeding area and a pushing and tightening area. In the application, the parallel robot is used as the battery cell gripper, the grabbing end of the parallel robot moves in an arc-shaped track, the grabbing action is more rapid and stable, one battery cell in each of the two rows of battery cells can be grabbed at a time, and the grabbing efficiency is improved; the double-row battery cell pushing table module comprises two double-row battery cell pushing table feeding mechanisms, cooperates with the battery cell six-axis robot grabbing module and the double battery cell feeding module, forms alternate feeding, and the feeding efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery production equipment technology, and in particular to a double-row cell pusher feeding device and its process. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries are typically assembled from multiple cells arranged in a specific pattern. During battery production, cells are prone to shifting due to vibration and collisions with adjacent cells during transport, leading to decreased positioning accuracy. Repositioning is required during cell processing, which can negatively impact processing efficiency. Furthermore, the dispersed distribution of multiple cells after loading during transport makes it difficult to form a neat arrangement, hindering the overall feeding of multiple cells in a tightly stacked manner. This increases the operational complexity of the feeding process and reduces battery production efficiency.

[0003] In existing technologies, a six-axis robot is used to grasp and place battery cells. However, this method results in a low cell conveying speed, and the feeding cycle cannot meet the demands of high-efficiency production, making it impossible to feed cells without stopping the machine. Another method uses cylinders to push multiple cells through pressure plates, feeding them in a close-packed arrangement. However, the rigid contact between the pressure plates and the cells makes them susceptible to damage during the pushing process, hindering cell protection. A third method uses a tapping alignment component, pushing multiple cells closer to a reference plate to achieve alignment. However, if a cell is misaligned and cannot be straightened through alignment, the misaligned cell is difficult to feed accurately, requiring additional straightening operations from staff, thus reducing feeding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as low cell feeding speed, inability to meet the demands of high-efficiency production, and inability to achieve uninterrupted cell feeding. This invention proposes a double-row cell pusher feeding device and its process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A dual-row cell feeding device includes:

[0007] The large-package battery cell loading module is used to place groups of multiple rows of large-package battery cells at the loading station.

[0008] The six-axis robot gripping module for battery cells is used to grip a single row of battery cells from the loading station;

[0009] A dual-row battery cell pusher module, comprising two dual-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanisms, each comprising a feeding area and a pressing area, the end of the pressing area being a discharging area, the dual-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism being used to sequentially push two rows of battery cells placed in the feeding area by the six-axis robot gripping module to the pressing area;

[0010] A dual-cell feeding module, wherein the gripping end of the dual-cell feeding module moves in an arc-shaped trajectory and simultaneously grips two cells in the unloading area;

[0011] The six-axis robot gripping module alternately places battery cells into the feeding areas of the two double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanisms. When one feeding area is full of two rows of battery cells, the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism begins to push the cells into the pressing area. The double battery cell feeding module grips two battery cells from its unloading area, while the six-axis robot gripping module continues to place battery cells into the other feeding area, forming an alternating feeding process.

[0012] Preferably, the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism includes a frame, and further includes components mounted on the frame:

[0013] A load-bearing assembly, comprising two transport frames fixedly connected to a frame, wherein battery cells are placed on the transport frames;

[0014] A centering assembly for aligning cells on two transport frames;

[0015] The pushing mechanism includes a drive assembly connected to the frame. The output end of the drive assembly is connected to a mounting plate. An elastic component is connected to the mounting plate. A clamping plate is connected to the end of the elastic component away from the mounting plate. Two first air pumps are installed on one side of the clamping plate, and two graphite pressure plates are fixedly connected to the other side. The output ends of the two first air pumps are connected to the two graphite pressure plates one-to-one. The two graphite pressure plates correspond to two transport frames one-to-one. When the graphite pressure plates move, they push the battery cells on the transport frames.

[0016] The frame includes a base plate, to which an upper plate is fixedly connected via multiple brackets. The transport frame is fixedly connected to the upper plate, and the centering component and the drive component are both connected to the base plate.

[0017] Preferably, the centering assembly includes a first motor mounted on the base plate and a reference plate fixedly connected to the upper plate. The reference plate is located between two transport frames. The output end of the first motor is connected to a drive device. The output end of the drive device is connected to two outer push plates. The two outer push plates correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames. When the first motor is working, the drive device pushes the two outer push plates toward multiple battery cells on the two transport frames until the two rows of battery cells contact the reference plate respectively.

[0018] Preferably, the driving component includes a sliding base fixedly connected to the base plate, a second motor is installed at one end of the sliding base, and a sliding frame is slidably connected in the middle. The output end of the second motor is connected to the sliding frame and is used to drive the sliding frame to reciprocate on the sliding base.

[0019] Preferably, the device further includes an air flotation assembly, which includes two graphite strips mounted on a transport frame. The graphite strips abut against the bottom of the battery cell and are connected to an air inlet pipe. The end of the air inlet pipe away from the graphite strips is connected to an external high-pressure air source.

[0020] Preferably, two limiting rods are fixedly connected to the clamping plate, and both limiting rods are slidably connected through the mounting plate.

[0021] Preferably, the feeding mechanism further includes two adsorption components. Each adsorption component includes a second air pump and a processing plate mounted on a pressing plate. The two processing plates correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames. The processing plate is located between two graphite strips on the transport frame and above the battery cell. The processing plate has a flow guiding cavity inside and two flow guiding grooves at the bottom. The air inlet of the flow guiding cavity is connected to the air outlet of the second air pump, and the air outlet is connected to the two flow guiding grooves with multiple air outlets. The air outlets of the air outlets face the gap between the flow guiding grooves and the top of the battery cell.

[0022] Preferably, the graphite pressure plate has a jet channel in the middle, a solenoid valve is installed on the jet channel, the air inlet of the jet channel is connected to the air outlet of the first air pump, and the air outlet faces the battery cell on the transport frame.

[0023] Preferably, a vision detector is installed on the clamping plate. The vision detector is used to detect the posture of the battery cell on the transport frame. The vision detector, solenoid valve, first air pump, second air pump, and external high-pressure air source are all electrically connected to a controller. The controller is installed on the base plate and is used to receive signals from the vision detector and control the working status of each actuator.

[0024] Preferably, the system further includes a cell blocking plate, a material picking detection module, and a material loading detection module mounted on the upper plate. The material picking detection module and the material loading detection module are located at both ends of the transport frame and are used to detect whether there are cells at the corresponding positions on the transport frame. The cell blocking plate is located at the end of the transport frame and is used to block the cells.

[0025] A double-row cell pusher feeding process, using the aforementioned double-row cell pusher feeding device, includes the following steps:

[0026] S1. Large packaged battery cell loading: The large packaged battery cell loading module places multiple rows of large packaged battery cells in groups at the loading station.

[0027] S2. Single-row cell gripping: The six-axis robot gripping module grips a single row of cells from the loading station and alternately places the cells into the loading areas of the two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms in the double-row cell pusher module.

[0028] S3, Cell Pushing: After two rows of cells are placed in a feeding area, the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism will push the two rows of cells in the feeding area to the pushing area one by one.

[0029] S3-1, Battery cell loading: When the loading detection module detects that there are no battery cells in the loading area, the external loading equipment will place multiple battery cells into the loading areas of the two transport frames.

[0030] S3-2, Cell alignment: The first motor operates, using the drive device and two outer push plates to push multiple cells on the two transport frames to both sides of the reference plate.

[0031] S3-3, Cell pressing preparation: High-pressure gas inflation forms an air cushion between the graphite strip and the bottom of the cell, a gas film is formed on the side of the graphite pressure plate that contacts the cell, and a negative pressure adsorption force is formed between the processing plate and the top of the cell.

[0032] S3-4. Cell calibration: When the visual detector detects cell misalignment, the solenoid valve is opened, and high-pressure gas is sprayed onto the misaligned cell through the jet channel, causing the cell to return to the correct position under the combined action of the air cushion and negative pressure adsorption.

[0033] S3-5, The battery cell is pushed tight, the second motor works, and drives the sliding frame to move from the feeding area to the pushing area, and the battery cell is elastically squeezed without contact by the graphite pressure plate and elastic components.

[0034] S3-6, Cell feeding preparation: When the feeding detection module detects that there are cells in the unloading area of ​​the pushing area, it sends a signal to the dual-cell feeding module d.

[0035] S4, Cell feeding: The dual-cell feeding module picks up two cells from the unloading area at the end of the pushing area in S3.

[0036] S5, Alternating feeding: While S3 and S4 are working, the six-axis robot gripping module continues to place battery cells to another feeding area, forming alternating feeding.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0038] 1. This invention incorporates a six-axis robot gripping module, a double-row cell pusher module, and a double-cell feeding module. The double-cell feeding module uses a parallel robot as the cell gripper, with its gripping end moving along an arc trajectory. Compared to traditional six-axis robots, this gripping action is faster and more stable, and it can grip one cell from each of two rows of cells at once, improving gripping efficiency. The double-row cell pusher module includes two double-row cell feeding mechanisms. Working in conjunction with the six-axis robot gripping module and the double-cell feeding module, while the six-axis robot gripping module feeds one double-row cell pusher mechanism, the other double-row cell pusher mechanism pushes and unloads the cells, forming alternating feeding and improving feeding efficiency. Finally, by connecting the two sets of this device in series, the two double-cell feeding modules are located on the same production line, further enabling non-stop gripping of cells and further improving feeding efficiency, ensuring that the feeding cycle meets the needs of high-efficiency production.

[0039] 2. This invention, through the setting of a pushing mechanism, utilizes the porous characteristics of graphite. After high-pressure gas is introduced, a gas film is formed between the graphite pressure plate and the surface of the battery cell. This not only facilitates the graphite pressure plate to apply pressure evenly to the battery cell, but also prevents the battery cell from being damaged due to excessive local stress, avoiding damage or deformation of the electrode sheets, separator, or tabs. By setting an air flotation component, when the graphite strips on the transport frame are connected to the high-pressure gas source, an air cushion is formed at the bottom of the battery cell, further reducing friction and allowing the battery cell to be smoothly pushed. The combination of air flotation and air cushion technology effectively protects the battery cell and prevents damage during the transmission and pushing process.

[0040] 3. This invention features a feeding mechanism where the adsorption component utilizes a second air pump and a processing plate to spray high-pressure gas through an air outlet, generating negative pressure adsorption at the bottom of the guide channel. This creates a certain fixing effect on the top of the battery cell, improving the stability of the battery cell when it is pushed. When the battery cell is tilted, a visual detector sends a signal, and the controller opens the solenoid valve of the air jet channel on the graphite pressure plate. In conjunction with the adsorption component and the air flotation component, the airflow from the air jet channel smoothly corrects the tilted battery cell without rigid contact, ensuring the correct posture of the battery cell during the feeding process and improving feeding efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of a double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the overall double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism of the double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first motor and drive device in the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism of the double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer push plate and reference plate structure in the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism of the double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pushing mechanism in the double-row cell pushing platform feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air flotation component in the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism of the double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting plate and clamping plate structure in the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism of the double-row cell pusher feeding device proposed in this invention.

[0048] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged schematic diagram of structure A in the middle.

[0049] In the diagram: a) Large packaged battery cell loading module; b) Battery cell six-axis robot gripping module; c) Double-row battery cell pusher module; d) Double battery cell loading module; 1) Base plate; 2) Top plate; 3) Battery cell blocking plate; 4) First motor; 5) Outer push plate; 6) Base plate; 7) Material picking detection module; 8) Loading detection module; 9) Second motor; 10) Sliding base; 11) Drive device; 12) Sliding frame; 13) Pressing plate; 14) Vision detector; 15) Graphite pressure plate; 16) Solenoid valve; 17) First air pump; 18) Second air pump; 19) Processing plate; 20) Guide channel; 21) Air outlet; 22) Mounting plate; 23) Transport frame; 24) Air inlet pipe; 25) Graphite strip; 26) Elastic component. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] Reference Figure 1 A double-row cell pusher feeding device, comprising:

[0053] The large-package battery cell loading module a is used to place groups of multiple rows of large-package battery cells at the loading station.

[0054] The six-axis robot gripping module b is used to grip a single row of battery cells from the loading station.

[0055] The double-row cell pusher module c includes two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms. Each double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism includes a feeding area and a pressing area. The end of the pressing area is the unloading area. The double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism is used to push the two rows of cells placed in the feeding area by the six-axis robot gripping module b to the pressing area one by one.

[0056] The feeding end of the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism is a pusher plate. The pusher plate is made of PUR (polyurethane) material. Its low hardness, high elasticity and fine surface can protect the appearance structure of the cell, while ensuring a smooth and precise pushing process and reducing equipment wear.

[0057] The dual-cell feeding module d has a gripping end that moves in an arc-shaped trajectory and simultaneously grips two cells in the unloading area.

[0058] The six-axis robot gripping module b alternately places battery cells into the feeding areas of the two double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanisms. When one feeding area is full of two rows of battery cells, the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism begins to push the cells into the pressing area. The dual-cell feeding module d grips two battery cells from its unloading area, while the six-axis robot gripping module b continues to place battery cells into the other feeding area, forming an alternating feeding process.

[0059] When this invention is used, the large-package battery cell feeding module a is equipped with a layer height detection device as in the prior art. After the multiple rows of large-package battery cells in each layer are picked up, the layer height detection device performs layer height detection and sends a signal to control the foam picking gantry in the prior art to take out the foam of the packaged battery cells and place it in the foam recycling area.

[0060] The battery cell gripper of the six-axis robot gripping module b is a fully compatible gripper in the existing technology. It can pick up an entire row of battery cells at a time. Depending on the different sizes of the compatible battery cells, it can pick up 10-28 battery cells at a time and place an entire row of battery cells into the feeding area of ​​the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism. Two rows of battery cells are placed in a single feeding area.

[0061] The battery cell gripper is adjusted using a servo variable pitch component in existing technology to accommodate the width of battery cells of different specifications. The adjustable range is 140-310mm. The entire row of battery cells is clamped by the action of a cylinder. It is equipped with a battery cell bottom support mechanism in existing technology to prevent the battery cells from falling to the ground during operation. The battery cell clamping component in the battery cell gripper is divided into a fixed side and a floating side. The battery cell contact surface on the floating side is designed with a spring clamping structure in existing technology to prevent excessive clamping force on the battery cells.

[0062] After two rows of battery cells are filled in one feeding area, the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism begins to push the cells into the pressing area. The double battery cell feeding module d picks up two battery cells from its unloading area, while the battery cell six-axis robot picking module b continues to place battery cells into another feeding area, forming an alternating feeding process.

[0063] The dual-cell feeding module d is a spider gripper, or parallel robot, in the existing technology. When the parallel robot is working, its gripping end moves in an arc trajectory. Compared with the traditional six-axis robot, the gripping action is faster and more stable. The gripping end of the parallel robot is a dual-cell gripper, which is used in conjunction with two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms. Driven by a cylinder, it can grip two cells at a time.

[0064] The dual-cell gripper can adjust the lateral distance between the two grippers using a gripper pitch-changing component in the existing technology, thus opening up the dual-cell position to adapt to the placement spacing of the two cells on the cell tray. The gripper's claws and the contact surfaces with the cells are made of urethane rubber, which is insulating and anti-static. The claws are also equipped with a cell overvoltage protection component in the existing technology, forming a flexible spring-loaded design. Combined with an overvoltage detection sensor, this prevents excessive force from clamping the cells.

[0065] In actual production, two sets of this device can be used in series. Compared with using a six-axis robot as a battery cell gripper, the battery cell six-axis robot gripping module b, the double-row battery cell pusher module c, and the double battery cell loading module d in the two sets of this device can be distributed in a 180° rotational symmetry, and the two double battery cell loading modules d can share a production line, reducing the space occupied.

[0066] The two dual-cell feeding modules are located on the same production line, which can further enable non-stop cell grabbing, further improve feeding efficiency, and make the feeding cycle meet the needs of high-efficiency production.

[0067] A double-row cell pusher feeding process, using the aforementioned double-row cell pusher feeding device, includes the following steps:

[0068] S1. Large packaged battery cell loading: The large packaged battery cell loading module a places multiple rows of large packaged battery cells in groups at the loading station.

[0069] S2. Single-row cell gripping: The six-axis cell gripping module b grips a single row of cells from the loading station and alternately places the cells into the loading areas of the two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms in the double-row cell pusher module c.

[0070] S3, Cell Pushing: After two rows of cells are placed in a feeding area, the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism will push the two rows of cells in the feeding area to the pushing area one by one.

[0071] S4, Battery cell feeding: The dual battery cell feeding module d picks up two battery cells from the unloading area at the end of the pushing area in S3.

[0072] S5. Alternating feeding: While S3 and S4 are working, the six-axis robot gripping module b continues to place battery cells into another feeding area, forming alternating feeding.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] Reference Figures 1-4 The dual-row cell feeding mechanism includes a frame and components mounted on the frame:

[0075] The frame includes a base plate 1, and the base plate 1 is fixedly connected to an upper plate 2 by multiple brackets.

[0076] The load-bearing assembly includes two transport frames 23 fixedly connected to the frame, and the battery cells are placed on the transport frames 23.

[0077] Alignment assembly, used to align the cells on the two transport frames 23.

[0078] The centering assembly includes a first motor 4 mounted on the base plate 1 and a reference plate 6 fixedly connected to the upper plate 2. The reference plate 6 is located between two transport frames 23. The output end of the first motor 4 is connected to a drive device 11. The output end of the drive device 11 is connected to two outer push plates 5. The two outer push plates 5 correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames 23. When the first motor 4 is working, the drive device 11 pushes the two outer push plates 5 toward multiple battery cells on the two transport frames 23 until the two rows of battery cells contact the reference plate 6 respectively.

[0079] The drive device 11 uses existing technology to link the two outer push plates 5 together through a linkage structure. When the first motor 4 is working, the drive device 11 transmits the power of the first motor 4 to the two outer push plates 5, causing the outer push plates 5 to rotate upward and approach the multiple battery cells on the transport frame 23 until the two rows of battery cells are pushed onto the reference plate 6 respectively, thus completing the synchronous centering operation of the two rows of battery cells.

[0080] Reference Figures 4-8 The material pushing mechanism includes a drive assembly connected to the frame. The output end of the drive assembly is connected to a mounting plate 22. An elastic component 26 is connected to the mounting plate 22. A pressure plate 13 is connected to the end of the elastic component 26 away from the mounting plate 22. Two first air pumps 17 are installed on one side of the pressure plate 13, and two graphite pressure plates 15 are fixedly connected to the other side. The output ends of the two first air pumps 17 are connected to the two graphite pressure plates 15 one-to-one. The two graphite pressure plates 15 correspond to the two transport frames 23 one-to-one. When the graphite pressure plates 15 move, they push the battery cells on the transport frames 23, pushing multiple battery cells from the feeding area to the pressing area and making the multiple battery cells closely arranged.

[0081] The graphite pressure plate 15 utilizes the porous properties of graphite. After high-pressure gas is introduced into the graphite, it escapes evenly from its surface, realizing the gas from centralized input to dispersed output. This facilitates the formation of an air cushion on the graphite surface, reducing the friction between the graphite pressure plate 15 and the battery cell, and protecting the battery cell when the graphite pressure plate 15 pushes the battery cell.

[0082] The elastic component 26 adopts existing technology and forms a feedback elastic force adjustment method with the drive component. When the graphite pressure plate 15 on the pressure plate 13 pushes the battery cell, it is easy to maintain the stability of the extrusion force of the graphite pressure plate 15 on the battery cell.

[0083] The drive assembly includes a sliding base 10 fixedly connected to the base plate 1. A second motor 9 is installed at one end of the sliding base 10 and a sliding frame 12 is slidably connected in the middle. The output end of the second motor 9 is connected to the sliding frame 12. The second motor 9 adopts a linear drive mechanism in the prior art to drive the sliding frame 12 to reciprocate on the sliding base 10.

[0084] It also includes an air flotation component, which includes two graphite blocks 25 mounted on the transport frame 23. The graphite blocks 25 abut against the bottom of the battery cell and are connected to an air inlet pipe 24. The end of the air inlet pipe 24 away from the graphite blocks 25 is connected to an external high-pressure air source.

[0085] Two limiting rods are fixedly connected to the clamping plate 13. Both limiting rods are slidably connected to the mounting plate 22 to improve the stability of the clamping plate 13 when it moves.

[0086] The feeding mechanism also includes two adsorption components. The adsorption components include a second air pump 18 and a processing plate 19 mounted on the pressing plate 13. The two processing plates 19 correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames 23. The processing plate 19 is located between two graphite strips 25 on the transport frame 23 and above the battery cell. The processing plate 19 has a flow guiding cavity inside and two flow guiding grooves 20 at the bottom. The air inlet end of the flow guiding cavity is connected to the air outlet end of the second air pump 18. The air outlet end is connected to the two flow guiding grooves 20 and has multiple air outlet holes 21. The air outlet end of the air outlet hole 21 faces the gap between the flow guiding groove 20 and the top of the battery cell.

[0087] When the airflow passes quickly through the gap between the guide groove 20 and the top of the battery cell, the pressure inside the guide groove 20 decreases due to the high airflow velocity, thereby creating a negative pressure adsorption effect on the top of the battery cell, which has a certain fixing effect on the battery cell and makes it easier for the battery cell to be pushed stably.

[0088] When a battery cell needs to be straightened, the flow rate of the airflow output by the second air pump 18 is increased to enhance the negative pressure adsorption effect of the guide groove 20 on the top of the battery cell, making it easier for the battery cell to rotate around this point to straighten.

[0089] The graphite pressure plate 15 has a jet channel in the middle, and a solenoid valve 16 is installed on the jet channel. The air inlet of the jet channel is connected to the air outlet of the first air pump 17, and the air outlet faces the battery cell on the transport frame 23.

[0090] A vision detector 14 is installed on the clamping plate 13. The vision detector 14 is used to detect the posture of the battery cell on the transport frame 23. The vision detector 14, the solenoid valve 16, the first air pump 17, the second air pump 18, and the external high-pressure air source are all electrically connected to a controller. The controller is installed on the base plate 1 and is used to receive the signal from the vision detector 14 and control the working status of each actuator.

[0091] It also includes a cell blocking plate 3, a material picking detection module 7, and a material feeding detection module 8 installed on the upper plate 2. The material picking detection module 7 and the material feeding detection module 8 are both existing technologies. The material picking detection module 7 and the material feeding detection module 8 are located at both ends of the transport frame 23, and both are used to detect whether there are cells at the corresponding positions on the transport frame 23. The cell blocking plate 3 is located at the end of the transport frame 23 and is used to block the cells.

[0092] When this invention is used, under the detection of the feeding detection module 8, the external feeding device places multiple battery cells onto two transport frames 23 to perform the feeding operation.

[0093] After the battery cells are loaded, the first motor 4 is started. Its output end pushes the two outer push plates 5 onto the multiple battery cells on the two transport frames 23 through the drive device 11 until the two rows of battery cells contact the reference plate 6 respectively, completing the centering work and making the battery cells accurately placed on the two transport frames 23 for subsequent processing.

[0094] After the battery cells are aligned, the second motor 9 is started, which drives the sliding frame 12 to move on the sliding base 10. The two graphite pressure plates 15 are moved by the mounting plate 22, the elastic component 26 and the pressing plate 13, which push the multiple battery cells on the two transport frames 23, pushing the battery cells from the feeding area to the pressing area, so that the dispersed battery cells are arranged tightly and the edges are fed as a whole.

[0095] Next, the air flotation component operates. An external high-pressure air source supplies air to the graphite strip 25 through the air inlet pipe 24. The high-pressure gas escapes from the surface of the graphite strip 25, forming an air cushion between the graphite strip 25 and the bottom of the battery cell. This reduces the friction between the bottom of the battery cell and the graphite strip 25, making it easier for the battery cell to be pushed by the feeding mechanism. Furthermore, the low coefficient of friction of graphite itself further improves the smoothness of the battery cell during movement.

[0096] When the graphite pressure plate 15 pushes the battery cell, the first air pump 17 is started and the solenoid valve 16 in the middle of the graphite pressure plate 15 is closed. The high-pressure gas charged at the output end of the first air pump 17 escapes evenly from the surface of the graphite pressure plate 15, forming an extremely thin and evenly distributed gas film between the graphite pressure plate 15 and the surface of the battery cell. This gas film allows the pressure to be applied very evenly to the entire contact surface of the battery cell. Compared with the rigid contact of the pressure plate with the battery cell, it significantly reduces the risk of excessive local stress caused by minor unevenness, thickness tolerance or slight tilt of the battery cell surface, and prevents the electrode, separator or tab of the battery cell from being damaged by pressure.

[0097] Meanwhile, the gas film significantly reduces the physical contact area and friction coefficient between the graphite plate 15 and the surface of the battery cell. During the process of moving the battery cell, the battery cell can be easily, smoothly and smoothly pushed, effectively avoiding jamming, scratching or wear on the surface of the battery cell, and maintaining the integrity of the battery cell's appearance and internal structure.

[0098] When the graphite pressure plate 15 pushes and presses the battery cell, the elastic component 26 on the back of the pressure plate 13 provides a compressible backing. The elastic component 26 absorbs the slight differences caused by the battery cell thickness, the flatness of the transport frame 23 and the positioning of the mechanism, ensuring that each battery cell is subjected to basically uniform pressure, avoiding some battery cells being over-pressurized while others are not pressed; and provides cushioning at the moment of pressing or when encountering unexpected resistance, preventing rigid impacts from damaging the battery cell or equipment. In the state of pressing the battery cell, the elastic component 26 can maintain a relatively constant pressing force to avoid excessive pressure.

[0099] During the process of the graphite pressure plate 15 pushing the battery cell, the second air pump 18 is started, and its outlet end introduces high-pressure gas into the interior of the flow guide cavity of the processing plate 19. The high-pressure gas is ejected from the air outlet 21 and, guided by the flow guide groove 20, escapes at high speed in the gap between the bottom of the flow guide groove 20 and the top of the battery cell. Because the air velocity is high and the pressure is low in the gap, an appropriate negative pressure adsorption force is generated at the flow guide groove 20, which produces an appropriate adsorption effect on the top of the placed battery cell, which can play a certain fixing effect and improve the stability of the battery cell when it is pushed.

[0100] When a cell is tilted during loading and fails to be aligned by the outer push plate 5, the vision detector 14 detects this state and sends a signal. The controller receives the signal and starts working, opening the solenoid valve 16 in the middle of the graphite pressure plate 15. At this time, the high-pressure gas ejected by the first air pump 17 is sprayed onto the tilted cell through the air jet channel. The middle of the upper surface of the cell is adsorbed by the negative pressure of the guide groove 20 at the bottom of the processing plate 19, and the two sides of the lower surface are subjected to the air flotation effect of the two graphite strips 25. This makes it easier for the tilted cell to return to the correct position under the action of the airflow ejected from the air jet channel. While returning the cell to the correct position, rigid contact is also avoided, thus protecting the cell.

[0101] After the battery cells are pushed and pressed, all the battery cells are removed one by one through the alternating operation of the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism and the double battery cell loading module d. The material detection module 7 works and sends a signal to the double battery cell loading module d. The double battery cell loading module d removes two battery cells from the unloading area at the end of the pushing area. The unloading area can just accommodate one battery cell from each of the two rows of battery cells. After the two battery cells in the unloading area are removed, the graphite pressure plate 15 continues to push the battery cells until the double battery cell loading module d removes all the battery cells in the pushing area.

[0102] Step S3, cell clamping, in a dual-row cell feeding process includes the following sub-steps:

[0103] S3-1, Battery cell loading: When the loading detection module 8 detects that there are no battery cells in the loading area, the external loading equipment will place multiple battery cells into the loading areas of the two transport frames 23.

[0104] S3-2, the battery cells are aligned. The first motor 4 operates and pushes multiple battery cells on the two transport frames 23 to the two sides of the reference plate 6 through the drive device 11 and the two outer push plates 5.

[0105] S3-3, Cell pressing preparation: High-pressure gas inflation forms an air cushion between the graphite strip 25 and the bottom of the cell, a gas film is formed on the side of the graphite pressure plate 15 that contacts the cell, and a negative pressure adsorption force is formed between the processing plate 19 and the top of the cell.

[0106] S3-4, Cell calibration: When the visual detector 14 detects cell misalignment, it opens the solenoid valve 16, and high-pressure gas is sprayed onto the misaligned cell through the jet channel, so that the cell returns to the correct position under the combined action of the air cushion and negative pressure adsorption force.

[0107] S3-5, the battery cell is pushed tight, the second motor 9 works, driving the sliding frame 12 to move from the feeding area to the pushing area, and the battery cell is elastically squeezed without contact by the graphite pressure plate 15 and the elastic component 26.

[0108] S3-6, Battery cell material preparation: When the material detection module 7 detects that there are battery cells in the unloading area of ​​the pushing area, it sends a signal to the dual battery cell loading module d.

[0109] When switching between different sized battery cells, the detection positions of the feeding detection module 8 and the unloading detection module 7 are manually adjusted, and the parameters of other components are adjusted accordingly.

[0110] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A double-row cell pusher feeding device, characterized in that, include: The large-package battery cell loading module (a) is used to place groups of multiple rows of large-package battery cells at the loading station; The six-axis robot gripping module (b) for gripping a single row of battery cells from the loading station; A double-row cell pusher module (c) includes two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms. Each double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism includes a feeding area and a pressing area. The end of the pressing area is the unloading area. The double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism is used to push the two rows of cells placed in the feeding area by the six-axis robot gripping module (b) to the pressing area one by one. A dual-cell feeding module (d) has a gripping end that moves in an arc-shaped trajectory and simultaneously grips two cells in the unloading area. The six-axis robot gripping module (b) alternately places battery cells into the feeding areas of the two double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanisms. When one feeding area is filled with two rows of battery cells, the double-row battery cell pusher feeding mechanism begins to push the cells into the pressing area. The double battery cell feeding module (d) grips two battery cells from its unloading area. At the same time, the six-axis robot gripping module (b) continues to place battery cells into the other feeding area, forming an alternating feeding process. The dual-row cell pusher feeding mechanism includes a frame, a load-bearing component, a centering component, and a pushing mechanism mounted on the frame. The load-bearing component includes two transport frames (23) fixedly connected to the frame, and the battery cells are placed on the transport frames (23); It also includes an air flotation assembly, which includes two graphite strips (25) mounted on a transport frame (23). The graphite strips (25) abut against the bottom of the battery cell and are connected to an air inlet pipe (24). The end of the air inlet pipe (24) away from the graphite strips (25) is connected to an external high-pressure air source. The pushing mechanism includes a drive assembly connected to the frame. The output end of the drive assembly is connected to a mounting plate (22). An elastic component (26) is connected to the mounting plate (22). A clamping plate (13) is connected to one end of the elastic component (26) away from the mounting plate (22). Two first air pumps (17) are installed on one side of the clamping plate (13), and two graphite pressure plates (15) are fixedly connected to the other side. The output ends of the two first air pumps (17) are connected to the two graphite pressure plates (15) one by one. The two graphite pressure plates (15) correspond to the two transport frames (23) one by one. When the graphite pressure plates (15) move, they push the battery cells on the transport frames (23). The feeding mechanism also includes two adsorption components. The adsorption components include a second air pump (18) and a processing plate (19) mounted on the pressing plate (13). The two processing plates (19) correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames (23). The processing plate (19) is located between two graphite strips (25) on the transport frame (23) and above the battery cell. The processing plate (19) has a flow guiding cavity inside and two flow guiding grooves (20) at the bottom. The air inlet of the flow guiding cavity is connected to the air outlet of the second air pump (18). The air outlet is connected to the two flow guiding grooves (20) with multiple air outlets (21). The air outlets (21) are directed towards the gap between the flow guiding groove (20) and the top of the battery cell.

2. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering assembly is used to center the cells on the two transport frames (23); The frame includes a base plate (1), which is fixedly connected to an upper plate (2) by multiple brackets. The transport frame (23) is fixedly connected to the upper plate (2), and the centering component and the drive component are both connected to the base plate (1).

3. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The centering assembly includes a first motor (4) mounted on the base plate (1) and a reference plate (6) fixedly connected to the upper plate (2). The reference plate (6) is located between two transport frames (23). The output end of the first motor (4) is connected to a drive device (11). The output end of the drive device (11) is connected to two outer push plates (5). The two outer push plates (5) correspond one-to-one with the two transport frames (23). When the first motor (4) is working, the drive device (11) pushes the two outer push plates (5) towards the multiple battery cells on the two transport frames (23) until the two rows of battery cells contact the reference plate (6) respectively.

4. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a sliding base (10) fixedly connected to the base plate (1). A second motor (9) is installed at one end of the sliding base (10), and a sliding frame (12) is slidably connected in the middle. The output end of the second motor (9) is connected to the sliding frame (12) and is used to drive the sliding frame (12) to reciprocate on the sliding base (10).

5. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The graphite pressure plate (15) has a jet channel in the middle, and a solenoid valve (16) is installed on the jet channel. The air inlet of the jet channel is connected to the air outlet of the first air pump (17), and the air outlet faces the battery cell on the transport frame (23).

6. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A vision detector (14) is installed on the clamping plate (13). The vision detector (14) is used to detect the posture of the battery cell on the transport frame (23). The vision detector (14), solenoid valve (16), first air pump (17), second air pump (18) and external high-pressure air source are all electrically connected to a controller. The controller is installed on the base plate (1) and is used to receive the signal from the vision detector (14) and control the working status of each execution component.

7. The double-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a cell blocking plate (3), a material picking detection module (7) and a material loading detection module (8) installed on the upper plate (2). The material picking detection module (7) and the material loading detection module (8) are located at both ends of the transport frame (23) and are used to detect whether there are cells at the corresponding positions on the transport frame (23). The cell blocking plate (3) is located at the end of the transport frame (23) and is used to block the cells.

8. A double-row cell feeding process, characterized in that, Using the dual-row cell pusher feeding device according to claim 7 includes the following steps: S1. Large packaged battery cell loading: The large packaged battery cell loading module (a) places multiple rows of large packaged battery cells in groups at the loading station. S2. Single-row cell gripping: The six-axis robot gripping module (b) grips a single row of cells from the loading station and alternately places the cells into the loading areas of the two double-row cell pusher feeding mechanisms in the double-row cell pusher module (c). S3, Cell Pushing: After two rows of cells are placed in a feeding area, the double-row cell pusher feeding mechanism will push the two rows of cells in the feeding area to the pushing area one by one. S3-1, Battery cell loading, when the loading detection module (8) detects that there are no battery cells in the loading area, the external loading equipment will place multiple battery cells into the loading area of ​​the two transport frames (23); S3-2, the battery cells are aligned, the first motor (4) works, and through the drive device (11) and the two outer push plates (5), the multiple battery cells on the two transport frames (23) are pushed to both sides of the reference plate (6); S3-3, Prepare the battery cell by pressing it tightly. By high pressure inflation, an air cushion is formed between the graphite strip (25) and the bottom of the battery cell. A gas film is formed on the side of the graphite pressure plate (15) that contacts the battery cell. A negative pressure adsorption force is formed between the processing plate (19) and the top of the battery cell. S3-4, Cell calibration: When the visual detector (14) detects the cell deviation, it opens the solenoid valve (16), and high-pressure gas is sprayed through the jet channel to the deviated cell, so that the cell returns to the correct position under the combined action of the air cushion and the negative pressure adsorption force. S3-5, the battery cell is pushed tight, the second motor (9) works, driving the sliding frame (12) to move from the feeding area to the pushing area, and the battery cell is elastically squeezed without contact by the graphite pressure plate (15) and the elastic component (26); S3-6, Battery cell material preparation, when the material detection module (7) detects that there are battery cells in the unloading area of ​​the pushing area, it sends a signal to the dual battery cell loading module (d); S4, Battery cell feeding, the dual battery cell feeding module (d) grabs two battery cells from the unloading area at the end of the pushing area in S3; S5, Alternating feeding: While S3 and S4 are working, the six-axis robot gripping module (b) continues to place battery cells into another feeding area, forming alternating feeding.

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