Mechanical arm for welding electrode tabs of an electric cell to a nickel plate and electric cell assembling machine comprising such a mechanical arm

Abstract

The application discloses a mechanical hand for welding of an electrode lug of an electric core and a nickel sheet and an electric core assembling machine thereof, comprising a driving module and a mechanical head, wherein the driving module is arranged on the top of a support; the mechanical head is connected to the output end of the driving module; the mechanical head comprises a connecting seat, a linear module, a lifting module, a bearing control mechanism, a material suction and holding mechanism and a welding and pressing mechanism, wherein the connecting seat is connected to the output end of the driving module; the linear module is arranged on the bottom of the connecting seat; the lifting module is connected to the output end of the linear module; the bearing control mechanism is arranged on the lifting linear module; the material suction and holding mechanism is arranged on one side of the bearing control mechanism; and the welding and pressing mechanism is connected to the bearing control mechanism. The application ensures the relative stability of the positions of the electric core, the electrode lug and the nickel sheet during the assembling process, realizes the auxiliary positioning and pressing of the electrode lug and the nickel sheet during the welding process while ensuring the transmission of the welding signal, ensures the flatness during the welding, and improves the welding quality and the yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated production equipment for new energy batteries, and in particular to a robotic arm for welding cell tabs to nickel sheets and its cell assembly machine. Background Technology

[0002] A battery cell is the core structure of a lithium-ion battery. It refers to a single electrochemical cell containing positive and negative electrodes. It is not used directly; the cell and the protection circuit board together form a battery that can be used directly. The cell includes the cell body, which is generally a block or columnar structure. It contains multiple layers of positive and negative electrodes, which are filled with electrolyte to form the cell body. One end wall of the cell body has flexible sheet-like positive and negative electrode plates that extend outwards for connection to the circuit to provide power.

[0003] In the manufacturing process of battery cells, after the positive and negative electrode sheets are stacked together to form a battery cell, the battery cell needs to be placed inside the battery casing, and the positive and negative electrode tabs of the battery cell are connected to the welding nickel sheets on the battery casing by welding.

[0004] In the battery cell assembly process, one assembly method uses a flip-type battery cell fixture. First, the battery casing is placed on the fixture base for positioning and fixation. Then, the battery cell to be assembled is placed on the flip-top base of the fixture. Simultaneously, the positive and negative electrode plates of the battery cell are aligned and tightly welded to the nickel plates on the battery casing. The flip-top base is then rotated to insert the battery cell into the battery casing on the fixture base. Based on this flip-type battery cell assembly and welding process, the following technical challenges exist in the battery cell assembly and electrode nickel plate welding process: 1. Due to the flexible nature of the electrode plates and nickel plates, when the battery cell is placed on the tilted flip-top base, it is necessary to ensure the positional stability of the battery cell. Secondly, the electrode plates must be aligned with the nickel plates for subsequent welding. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the relative stability of the position between the electrode plates and the nickel plates on the battery casing during battery cell assembly; 2. During the welding process of the electrode plates and nickel plates, it is necessary to ensure the consistency of the surface flatness of both to guarantee the welding quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a robotic arm and a battery cell assembly machine for flip-type battery cell casing and welding of battery cell tabs to nickel sheets of battery casing. This robotic arm effectively ensures the relative stability of the positions of the battery cell, tabs and nickel sheets during the assembly process, and while ensuring the transmission of welding signals, it also assists in positioning and pressing the tabs and nickel sheets during the welding process, ensuring the flatness during welding, and improving the welding quality and yield.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A robotic arm for welding battery cell tabs to nickel sheets, used to assist in battery cell casing and welding of its tabs to nickel sheets, includes a bracket mounted above a battery fixture, and further includes a drive module and a robotic head. The drive module is located at the top of the bracket and outputs power in a linear direction. The robotic head is connected to the output end of the drive module and moves linearly driven by the drive module. The robotic head includes a connecting seat, a linear module, a lifting module, a load-bearing control mechanism, a material suction and holding mechanism, and a welding and pressing mechanism. The connecting seat is connected to the output end of the drive module. The linear module is located at the bottom of the connecting seat and outputs linear power in a direction perpendicular to the drive module. The lifting module is connected to the... The power is output vertically from the output end of the line module; the load control mechanism is set on the lifting module; the load control mechanism includes an adjustment component and a drive component, the adjustment component is used to adjust the angle, and the drive component is used to drive the welding pressing mechanism connected thereto to move up and down; the suction and holding mechanism is set on one side of the load control mechanism, used to suction the battery cell to be packaged, and to place the battery cell at an angle on the flip seat of the fixture, and to simultaneously press the electrode tabs extending from the outer edge of the battery cell onto the welding nickel sheet when the battery cell is placed in; the welding pressing mechanism is connected to the load control mechanism and is driven by the load control mechanism to move up and down, used to press the battery cell electrode tabs installed in the battery case from above, so that the external welding mechanism can weld the electrode tabs to the welding nickel sheet.

[0007] Preferably, the battery casing is a box-shaped structure with an open top and a cell slot inside; a soldered nickel sheet is provided on one side of the cell slot; the cell is a block-shaped structure with an outwardly extending tab on one side; the battery casing is placed on a fixture base of a jig, with the opening of the cell slot facing upward; the cell is placed on a flip cover connected to one side of the jig base, with the tab and the soldered nickel sheet in contact and conducting with each other, and the flip cover base drives the cell to rotate toward the jig base so as to put the cell into the cell slot.

[0008] Preferably, the suction and holding mechanism includes a rotating bracket, a connecting frame, a rotating suction seat, a connecting block, and a discharge pressing block. The rotating bracket is disposed on the side of the bearing control mechanism and connected to an external rotational power source. The connecting frame is connected to the side wall of the rotating bracket and extends downwards at an angle. The rotating suction seat is disposed on the connecting frame and extends downwards at an angle. At least two discharge nozzles are arranged on the bottom surface of the rotating suction seat for vacuum suction of the battery cell to be packaged, and the battery cell is placed on the flip-top seat under the drive of the rotational power. Two connecting blocks are spaced apart above the rotating suction seat. Two discharge pressing blocks are connected to the two connecting blocks respectively and extend downwards to above the electrode tab. The discharge pressing blocks press down on the electrode tab when placing the battery cell.

[0009] Preferably, the material feeding block has an L-shaped structure, with one end fixed to the connecting block and the other end extending downward; the lower end of the material feeding block is provided with a horizontally extending pressing platform, and the pressing platform is provided with a first through groove that runs vertically through; the bottom of the pressing platform is provided with a downward pressing protrusion for pressing the electrode tab downward.

[0010] Preferably, the load-bearing control mechanism includes a load-bearing support, which is vertically connected to the output end of the lifting module and moves up and down driven by the lifting module. The bottom of the side wall of the load-bearing support is provided with a horizontally extending support platform. The adjustment assembly is mounted on the support platform and includes a rotary motor and a rotating seat. The rotary motor is mounted on the support platform with its output end facing downwards. The rotating seat is located below the support platform and connected to the output end of the rotary motor, rotating in a horizontal plane driven by the rotary motor. The driving assembly includes a drive motor, a transmission belt, a drive wheel, a drive shaft, and... The slide rail includes a drive motor mounted on a support platform with its output end facing downwards; a drive shaft vertically rotatably inserted into the support platform and spaced apart from the drive motor; two drive wheels, each sleeved on the output end of the drive motor and the drive shaft; a transmission belt sleeved between the two drive wheels, the inner wall of the transmission belt having a rack, the transmission belt being connected to the two drive wheels via the rack; when the output end of the drive motor rotates, it drives the drive shaft to rotate via the transmission belt and the drive wheels; and two slide rails, each spaced apart on both sides of the drive shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the outer side of the support platform is provided with a vertically downward extending vertical support portion, and two slide rails are arranged parallel and spaced apart on the outer side wall of the vertical support portion; the load-bearing control mechanism further includes a flat pressure assembly, which is located below the vertical support portion. The flat pressure assembly includes a flat pressure support, a connecting rod, an air seat, a flat pressure block, and a flat pressure nozzle. One side of the flat pressure support extends vertically and is used to connect to the inner side wall of the vertical support portion; the air seat is located on the side wall of one side of the flat pressure support and is used to connect to an external vacuum generator; the connecting rod includes at least two rods, one end of which is connected to the flat pressure support, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the support platform; the flat pressure block is located on the other side of the flat pressure support and extends horizontally, with an air passage arranged inside; the flat pressure nozzle includes at least two nozzles, which are arranged at the bottom of the flat pressure block and communicate with the air seat through the air passage inside the flat pressure block to generate vacuum negative pressure adsorption.

[0012] Preferably, the welding pressing mechanism includes a connecting component, a pressing support, a pressing component, and an air blowing component. The connecting component is disposed on the side wall of the pressing support and connected to the driving component, and is driven by the driving component to move the pressing support up and down. The pressing component is flexibly disposed on the connecting component in the vertical direction and extends downward at an angle to press the electrode tab from above during welding. The air blowing component includes two sets, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the pressing component and extend downward at an angle to assist in blowing air to remove dust during the welding process.

[0013] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a connecting sleeve and a sliding sleeve, wherein the connecting sleeve is sleeved on the drive shaft and threadedly connected to the drive shaft, and the connecting sleeve is driven to move up and down when the drive shaft rotates; the sliding sleeve includes two, and the two sliding sleeves are slidably embedded on two slide rails for guiding and limiting.

[0014] Preferably, the pressing assembly includes a support cap, a spring shaft, a slide, a pressing rod, and a pressing block. The support cap is horizontally positioned on top of the pressing support and extends horizontally outward, with a downward-facing shaft hole at its bottom. The slide is slidably embedded in the pressing support in a vertical direction, and a sliding hole is formed inside corresponding to the shaft hole. The spring shaft is vertically inserted into the sliding hole and extends upward into the shaft hole. The pressing rod is connected to the bottom of the slide and extends downward at an angle. The pressing block is positioned at the bottom of the pressing rod and is used to press the electrode tab during welding. A second through slot is formed in the middle of the pressing block, allowing welding signals from the welding mechanism to pass through.

[0015] A battery cell assembly machine that includes a robotic arm for welding battery cell tabs to nickel sheets.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] This invention addresses the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by independently developing and designing a robotic arm and battery cell assembly machine for flip-type battery cell casing and welding of battery cell tabs to nickel sheets in the battery casing. This effectively ensures the relative stability of the positions of the battery cell, tabs, and nickel sheets during the assembly process. While ensuring the transmission of welding signals, it also assists in positioning and pressing the tabs and nickel sheets during the welding process, ensuring the flatness during welding, and improving the welding quality and yield.

[0018] This invention aims to provide an automated cell assembly device for the new energy battery field, specifically for a flip-type cell casing process. Its function is to automatically assemble the cell casing and assist in the automatic welding of the tabs and nickel sheets. In the tab-nickel sheet welding process, laser welding equipment is used. After the tabs and nickel sheets are aligned and stacked, a laser signal is emitted from the laser welding head onto their surfaces, and the laser action fixes them together. During operation, a flip-type cell fixture is used. Before welding, the battery casing is placed on the fixture base for positioning and fixation. This invention moves the cell to be welded onto the flip-top base of the cell fixture, aligning and pressing the tabs of the cell with the nickel sheets of the battery casing so that the laser welding equipment can perform laser welding on the tabs and nickel sheets. After welding, the flip-top base of the cell fixture flips the cell and inserts it into the battery casing. Based on the above battery cell casing and the welding process of its tabs and nickel sheets, this invention mainly solves two technical difficulties: 1. The technical difficulty of ensuring the alignment and overlap of the tabs and nickel sheets when the battery cell is placed on an inclined flip cover and ensuring their flatness; 2. The technical difficulty of ensuring the relative positional stability of the tabs and nickel sheets during the process of the flip cover rotating the battery cell into the battery casing after the tabs and nickel sheets are welded, so as to avoid the pulling force generated by the flipped battery cell causing the tabs to misalign with the nickel sheets or causing the welding connection between the two to fail.

[0019] Overall, this invention uses a support frame mounted above the battery cell fixture as a load-bearing structure. The support frame is equipped with a drive module and a linear module. The drive module is mounted on the support frame, and the linear module is mounted on the drive module. The drive module and the linear module output linear power in the horizontal plane along mutually perpendicular X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively, to control the movement of the lifting module connected to the drive module. The lifting module outputs linear power in the vertical direction. The above structure provides power control during the battery cell handling and casing process.

[0020] The unique feature is the material suction and holding mechanism located below the lifting module. This mechanism uses a rotating bracket as its connecting and supporting structure. The rotating bracket can be connected to an external rotational power source, which drives the connecting frame connected to it to rotate. A rotating suction seat is inclined downwards on the connecting frame, and multiple discharge nozzles are arranged at the bottom of the rotating suction seat. The battery cell is fixed by vacuum negative pressure adsorption. After the rotating suction seat adsorbs the battery cell from the receiving end through the discharge nozzles on its bottom surface, it moves to the top of the battery cell fixture and places the battery cell on the inclined flip-top seat of the battery cell fixture. This allows the subsequent rotation of the flip-top seat to insert the battery cell into the battery case. Because the battery cell is placed on the inclined flip-top seat, there is an angle between the tabs connected to the side wall of the battery cell and the horizontally arranged nickel sheet below. Therefore, the L-shaped discharge pressure block designed by the material suction and holding mechanism presses the tabs firmly from above to the below while placing the battery cell. On the nickel sheet, the inclined tab is pressed to the horizontal plane and attached to the nickel sheet below, thus achieving pre-pressing and shaping of the tab and nickel sheet, ensuring the flatness of the tab and nickel sheet during welding, reducing welding gaps, and improving welding quality. In addition, the lower end of the feeding block is provided with a horizontally inwardly extending pressing platform. The bottom of the pressing platform is provided with a downwardly protruding pressing protrusion. The bottom side of the pressing protrusion is a downwardly protruding pressing strip. The two pressing strips are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, pressing down on the tab surface in a line contact manner. This structural design allows the two pressing strips to stretch the tab surface outward when pressing down the tab, ensuring that the tab between the two pressing strips is in a taut state, improving the flatness of the subsequent welding of this part. At the same time, the pressing platform is also provided with a first through groove that runs vertically through the plate. The first through groove is arranged in the vertical direction corresponding to the gap space between the two pressing strips, so that the external laser passes through the pressing platform from top to bottom and acts on the tab surface. Through the material suction and holding mechanism, this invention realizes the handling and placement of battery cells, and solves the problem of pre-pressing and shaping the tilt angle of the electrode tabs during the process of placing the battery cells on the tilted flip cover. This allows the tilted electrode tabs to be pressed to the horizontal plane and close to the nickel sheet below, and maintains a pressed state during the welding process, effectively ensuring the flatness and relative positional stability of the electrode tabs and nickel sheet before welding.

[0021] Furthermore, the lifting module of the present invention is also provided with a load-bearing control mechanism. A vertically mounted support of the load-bearing control mechanism is connected to the output end of the lifting module and is driven to move up and down by the lifting module. The bottom of the support has a horizontally extending outward support platform, and the outer side of the support platform has a vertically extending downward extension support plate. The drive assembly of the load-bearing control mechanism outputs rotational power from a drive motor mounted on the support platform, and drives a drive shaft mounted on the extension support plate to rotate via a transmission belt. The drive shaft is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve of the welding pressing mechanism, and the threaded connection secures the drive shaft... The rotational motion is converted into the lifting motion of the connecting sleeve, so as to drive the lifting motion of the welding pressing mechanism; further, the bearing control mechanism of the present invention also includes a flat pressing component, the flat pressing component is connected to the flat pressing support on the inner side wall of the extended vertical support plate and extends outward along a Z-shaped path, and its bottom forms a horizontally extending flat pressing block. A flat pressing suction nozzle is arranged at the bottom of the flat pressing block. The flat pressing component can be used to flat press the battery cell from above after the battery cell casing is completed and the fixture is opened, so as to ensure that the battery cell is completely installed in the battery casing, and the flat pressing suction nozzle adsorbs the installed battery cell and battery casing and removes them from the fixture seat.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a welding pressing mechanism, which assists in pressing the electrode tabs and nickel sheets during the welding process and assists in blowing out high-pressure gas during the welding process to ensure the cleanliness of the electrode tab surface and remove dust or mist generated during welding in real time. Specifically, the welding pressing mechanism is threadedly connected to the drive shaft of the load-bearing control mechanism via a connecting sleeve. The power output from the load-bearing control mechanism drives the connecting sleeve to move the support up and down. A sliding sleeve provided on the side wall of the support is embedded in the slide rail of the load-bearing control mechanism for guiding and limiting the movement during the up and down motion. Furthermore, the top of the support is provided with a horizontally extending support cap, and the support cap has a shaft hole with an open bottom. A slide block is slidably connected to the side wall of the support in the vertical direction. The slide block is located below the support cap and has a [missing information - likely a design feature]. The slide has an open top and a vertically mounted spring shaft inside. A pressing rod extends downwards at the bottom of the slide, with a pressing block at its base. The pressing block has a second through-slot. When the connecting sleeve moves the support downwards, the pressing block approaches the electrode tab and presses it firmly against the nickel sheet. This ensures the electrode tab and nickel sheet remain pressed together during welding, maintaining their flatness and improving welding quality. Simultaneously, the spring shaft provides cushioning, allowing for flexible contact between the pressing block and the electrode tab, preventing scratches or damage to the tab surface during pressing. Furthermore, the second through-slot on the pressing block allows the welding laser to contact the electrode tab surface while maintaining the pressed state between the electrode tab and nickel sheet during welding. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is the third three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the component structure of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the component structure of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is the third schematic diagram of the component structure of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the component structure of the mechanical head of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the state structure of the battery cell and casing of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram of the state structure of the battery cell and the casing of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the battery cell of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the battery cell and the casing of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 13 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the material suction and holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the material suction and holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 15 This is the third three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the material suction and holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 16 This is the fourth three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the material suction and holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 17 This is the fifth three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the material suction and holding mechanism of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 18 for Figure 16 Enlarged structural diagram at point I.

[0041] Figure 19for Figure 17 Enlarged structural diagram at point II.

[0042] Figure 20 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the load control mechanism of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 21 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the bearing control mechanism of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 22 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the flat pressure component of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 23 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the flat pressure component of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 24 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the welding pressing assembly of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 25 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the welding pressing assembly of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 26 This is the third three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the welding pressing assembly of the present invention.

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 1. Bracket; 2. Drive module; 3. Mechanical head; 4. Battery cell assembly;

[0051] 31. Connecting seat; 32. Linear module; 33. Lifting module; 34. Load control mechanism; 35. Material suction and holding mechanism; 36. Welding and pressing mechanism;

[0052] 01. Battery casing; 02. Battery cell; 03. Electrode tabs; 04. Welded nickel sheet; D. Battery cell slot;

[0053] 351. Rotating bracket; 352. Connecting frame; 353. Rotating suction base; 354. Connecting block; 355. Discharge pressure block; 356. Pressing table section; 357. Lowering protrusion; A. Discharge suction nozzle; B. First through groove;

[0054] 341. Bearing support; 342. Rotary motor; 343. Rotary seat; 344. Drive motor; 345. Transmission belt; 346. Drive wheel; 347. Drive shaft; 348. Slide rail; 349. Flat pressing assembly;

[0055] 3491. Flat pressure support; 3492. Connecting rod; 3493. Air seat; 3494. Flat pressure block; 3495. Flat pressure nozzle;

[0056] 361. Connecting sleeve; 362. Sliding sleeve; 363. Pressing support; 364. Support cap; 365. Spring shaft; 366. Sliding block; 367. Pressing rod; 368. Pressing block; 369. Air tube support; 3610. Air tube; C. Second through groove. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0058] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0060] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, this invention proposes a robotic arm for welding battery cell tabs to nickel sheets, used to assist in battery cell casing and welding of the tabs to nickel sheets. It includes a support 1 mounted above a battery fixture, a drive module 2, and a robotic head 3. The drive module 2 is located at the top of the support 1 and outputs power in a linear direction. The robotic head 3 is connected to the output end of the drive module 2 and moves linearly driven by the drive module 2. The robotic head 3 includes a connecting base 31, a linear module 32, a lifting module 33, a load-bearing control mechanism 34, a material suction and holding mechanism 35, and a welding and pressing mechanism 36. The connecting base 31 is connected to the output end of the drive module 2. The linear module 32 is located at the bottom of the connecting base 31 and outputs linear power in a direction perpendicular to the drive module 2. The lifting module 33 is connected to the output end of the linear module 32. The power is output vertically from the outlet end; the bearing control mechanism 34 is set on the lifting module 33; the bearing control mechanism 34 includes an adjustment component and a drive component, the adjustment component is used to adjust the angle, and the drive component is used to drive the welding pressing mechanism 36 connected thereto to move up and down; the material suction and holding mechanism 35 is set on one side of the bearing control mechanism 34, used to suction the battery cell 02 to be packaged, and to place the battery cell 02 at an angle on the flip seat of the fixture, and to simultaneously press the electrode tab 03 extending from the outer edge of the battery cell 02 onto the welding nickel sheet 04 when the battery cell 02 is placed in; the welding pressing mechanism 36 is connected to the bearing control mechanism 34, and is driven by the bearing control mechanism 34 to move up and down, used to press the electrode tab of the battery cell 02 installed in the battery case 01 from above, so that the external welding mechanism can weld the electrode tab 03 to the welding nickel sheet 04.

[0061] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown in the figure, as an embodiment of the present invention, the battery casing 01 of the present invention is a box-shaped structure with an open top, and a cell slot D is provided inside; a welding nickel sheet 04 is provided on one side of the cell slot D; the cell 02 is a block-shaped structure, and an outwardly extending tab 03 is provided on one side of the cell 02; the battery casing 01 is placed on the fixture seat of the fixture, and the opening of the cell slot D faces upward; the cell 02 is placed on a flip cover seat connected to one side of the fixture seat, and the tab 03 and the welding nickel sheet 04 are in contact and conductive with each other, and the flip cover seat drives the cell 02 to rotate towards the fixture seat so as to put the cell 02 into the cell slot D.

[0062] Furthermore, this invention designs a robotic arm and its cell assembly machine for cell flip-type casing assembly and cell tab welding to battery casing nickel sheet, which effectively ensures the relative stability of the cell, tab and nickel sheet position during assembly, and while ensuring welding signal transmission, realizes auxiliary positioning and pressing of tab and nickel sheet during welding, ensures flatness during welding, and improves welding quality and yield.

[0063] This invention aims to provide an automated cell assembly device for the new energy battery field, specifically for a flip-type cell casing process. Its function is to automatically assemble the cell casing and assist in the automatic welding of the tabs and nickel sheets. In the tab-nickel sheet welding process, laser welding equipment is used. After the tabs and nickel sheets are aligned and stacked, a laser signal is emitted from the laser welding head onto their surfaces, and the laser action fixes them together. During operation, a flip-type cell fixture is used. Before welding, the battery casing is placed on the fixture base for positioning and fixation. This invention moves the cell to be welded onto the flip-top base of the cell fixture, aligning and pressing the tabs of the cell with the nickel sheets of the battery casing so that the laser welding equipment can perform laser welding on the tabs and nickel sheets. After welding, the flip-top base of the cell fixture flips the cell and inserts it into the battery casing. Based on the above-mentioned battery cell assembly and the welding process between the tabs and nickel sheets, this invention mainly solves two technical difficulties: 1. The technical difficulty of ensuring the alignment and overlap of the tabs and nickel sheets when the battery cell is placed on an inclined flip-top seat, and ensuring their flatness; 2. The technical difficulty of ensuring the relative positional stability of the tabs and nickel sheets during the process of the flip-top seat rotating the battery cell into the battery case after the tabs and nickel sheets are welded, so as to avoid the pulling force generated by the flipped battery cell causing misalignment between the tabs and nickel sheets or failure of the welding connection between them. Overall, this invention uses a bracket mounted above the battery cell fixture as the supporting structure. The bracket is equipped with a drive module and a linear module. The drive module is mounted on the bracket, and the linear module is mounted on the drive module. The drive module and the linear module output linear power in the horizontal plane along mutually perpendicular X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively, to control the movement of the lifting module connected to the drive module; the lifting module outputs linear power in the vertical direction. The above structure provides power control during the battery cell handling and assembly process. Example 2

[0064] like Figures 13 to 19As shown in the figure, as an embodiment of the present invention, the material suction and holding mechanism 35 of the present invention includes a rotating bracket 351, a connecting frame 352, a rotating suction seat 353, a connecting block 354, and a material discharge pressing block 355. The rotating bracket 351 is disposed on the side of the bearing control mechanism 34 and connected to an external rotational power source; the connecting frame 352 is connected to the side wall of the rotating bracket 351 and extends downward at an angle; the rotating suction seat 353 is disposed on the connecting frame 352 and extends downward at an angle, rotating to hold the material. The bottom surface of the base 353 is provided with at least two feeding nozzles A for vacuum adsorption of the battery cell 02 to be packaged, and the battery cell 02 is placed on the flip cover under the drive of rotational power; the connecting block 354 includes two blocks, which are spaced apart above the rotating suction base 353; the feeding pressing block 355 includes two blocks, which are respectively connected to the two connecting blocks 354 and extend downward to the top of the electrode 03. When the battery cell 02 is placed, the feeding pressing block 355 presses the electrode 03 downward.

[0065] The material feeding block 355 has an L-shaped structure, with one end fixed to the connecting block 354 and the other end extending downward. The lower end of the material feeding block 355 is provided with a horizontally extending pressing platform 356, and the pressing platform 356 is provided with a first through groove B that runs vertically through the top and bottom. The bottom of the pressing platform 356 is provided with a pressing protrusion 357, which is used to press the electrode tab 03 downward.

[0066] The material suction and holding mechanism of this invention uses a rotating bracket as a connecting and bearing structure. The rotating bracket can be connected to an external rotational power source, which drives the connecting frame connected to it to rotate. A rotating suction seat is inclined downwards on the connecting frame. The bottom of the rotating suction seat is provided with multiple feeding nozzles. The battery cell is fixed by vacuum negative pressure adsorption. After the rotating suction seat adsorbs the battery cell from the incoming end through the feeding nozzles on its bottom surface, it moves to the top of the battery cell fixture and places the battery cell on the tilted flip-top seat of the battery cell fixture so that the subsequent rotation of the flip-top seat can insert the battery cell into the battery case. Since the battery cell is placed on the tilted flip-top seat, there is an angle between the tab connected to the side wall of the battery cell and the horizontally arranged nickel sheet below. Therefore, the L-shaped feeding block designed by the material suction and holding mechanism presses the tab tightly onto the nickel sheet below from above while placing the battery cell, so that the tilted... The tab is pressed to the horizontal plane and adheres to the nickel sheet below, thus achieving pre-pressing and shaping of the tab and nickel sheet. This ensures the flatness of the tab and nickel sheet during welding, reduces welding gaps, and improves welding quality. In addition, the lower end of the feeding block has a horizontally extending inward pressing platform. The bottom of the pressing platform has a downwardly protruding pressing protrusion, and the bottom side of the pressing protrusion is a downwardly protruding pressing strip. The two pressing strips are arranged parallel and spaced apart, pressing down on the tab surface in a line contact manner. This structural design allows the two pressing strips to stretch the tab surface outward when pressing down the tab, ensuring that the tab between the two pressing strips is in a taut state, improving the flatness of the subsequent welding of this part. At the same time, the pressing platform also has a vertically penetrating first through groove, which is vertically aligned with the gap space between the two pressing strips, so that the external laser passes through the pressing platform from top to bottom and acts on the tab surface. Through the material suction and holding mechanism, this invention realizes the handling and placement of battery cells, and solves the problem of pre-pressing and shaping the tilt angle of the electrode tabs during the process of placing the battery cells on the tilted flip cover. This allows the tilted electrode tabs to be pressed to the horizontal plane and close to the nickel sheet below, and maintains a pressed state during the welding process, effectively ensuring the flatness and relative positional stability of the electrode tabs and nickel sheet before welding. Example 3

[0067] like Figures 20 to 23As shown in the figure, as an embodiment of the present invention, the load-bearing control mechanism 34 of the present invention includes a load-bearing support 341, which is vertically connected to the output end of the lifting module 33 and is driven to move up and down by the lifting module 33. The bottom of the side wall of the load-bearing support 341 is provided with a support platform extending horizontally outward. The adjustment component is disposed on the support platform and includes a rotary motor 342 and a rotating seat 343. The rotary motor 342 is disposed on the support platform and its output end faces downward. The rotating seat 343 is disposed below the support platform and is connected to the output end of the rotary motor 342, and is driven to rotate in the horizontal plane by the rotary motor 342. The driving component includes a drive motor 344, a transmission belt 345, a drive wheel 346, a drive shaft 347, and a sliding mechanism. The drive motor 344 is mounted on a support platform with its output end facing downwards. A drive shaft 347 is vertically rotatably inserted into the support platform and spaced apart from the drive motor 344. Two drive wheels 346 are respectively fitted onto the output end of the drive motor 344 and the drive shaft 347. A transmission belt 345 is fitted between the two drive wheels 346, and the inner wall of the transmission belt 345 is provided with a rack. The transmission belt 345 is toothedly connected to the two drive wheels 346 through the rack. When the output end of the drive motor 344 rotates, it drives the drive shaft 347 to rotate through the transmission belt 345 and the drive wheels 346. Two slide rails 348 are respectively spaced apart on both sides of the drive shaft 347.

[0068] The outer side of the support platform is provided with a vertically downward extending vertical support section, and two parallel and spaced slide rails 348 are arranged on the outer side wall of the vertical support section; the load-bearing control mechanism 34 also includes a flat pressure assembly 349, which is located below the vertical support section. The flat pressure assembly 349 includes a flat pressure support 3491, a connecting rod 3492, an air seat 3493, a flat pressure block 3494, and a flat pressure suction nozzle 3495. One side of the flat pressure support 3491 extends vertically and is used to connect to the inner side wall of the vertical support section; the air seat 3493 is located on the flat pressure support 3491... On the side wall, it is used to connect to an external vacuum generator; the connecting rod 3492 includes at least two rods, one end of which is connected to the flat pressure support 3491, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the support platform; the flat pressure block 3494 is located on the other side of the flat pressure support 3491 and extends horizontally, and an air passage is arranged inside it; the flat pressure suction nozzle 3495 includes at least two nozzles, which are arranged at the bottom of the flat pressure block 3494 and communicate with the air seat 3493 through the air passage inside the flat pressure block 3494 to generate vacuum negative pressure adsorption.

[0069] The vertically mounted support of the bearing control mechanism of this invention is connected to the output end of the lifting module and is driven to move up and down by the lifting module. The bottom of the support has a horizontally extending support platform, and the outer side of the support platform has a vertically extending extension support plate. The driving component of the bearing control mechanism outputs rotational power from the drive motor mounted on the support platform, and drives the drive shaft mounted on the extension support plate to rotate through the transmission belt. The drive shaft is threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve of the welding pressing mechanism. The threaded connection converts the rotational motion of the drive shaft into the lifting motion of the connecting sleeve, so as to drive the lifting motion of the welding pressing mechanism. Furthermore, the bearing control mechanism of this invention also includes a flat pressing component. The flat pressing component is connected to the flat pressing support on the inner wall of the extension support plate and extends outward along a Z-shaped path. Its bottom forms a horizontally extending flat pressing block. The bottom of the flat pressing block is provided with a flat pressing suction nozzle. The flat pressing component can be used to flat press the battery cell from above after the battery cell is installed and the fixture is opened, so as to ensure that the battery cell is completely installed in the battery case. The flat pressing suction nozzle is used to pick up the installed battery cell and battery case and remove them from the fixture. Example 4

[0070] like Figures 24 to 26 As shown in the figure, as an embodiment of the present invention, the welding pressing mechanism 36 of the present invention includes a connecting component, a pressing support 363, a pressing component, and an air blowing component. The connecting component is disposed on the side wall of the pressing support 363 and connected to the driving component, and is driven by the driving component to drive the pressing support 363 to move up and down. The pressing component is flexibly disposed on the connecting component in the vertical direction and extends downward at an angle, and is used to press the electrode tab 03 from above during welding. The air blowing component includes two sets, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the pressing component and extend downward at an angle, and are used to assist in blowing air to remove dust during the welding process.

[0071] The connecting assembly includes a connecting sleeve 361 and a sliding sleeve 362. The connecting sleeve 361 is sleeved on the drive shaft 347 and threadedly connected to the drive shaft 347. When the drive shaft 347 rotates, it drives the connecting sleeve 361 to move up and down. There are two sliding sleeves 362, which are slidably embedded on two slide rails 348 for guiding and limiting.

[0072] The pressing assembly includes a support cap 364, a spring shaft 365, a slide 366, a pressing rod 367, and a pressing block 368. The support cap 364 is horizontally positioned on top of the pressing support 363 and extends horizontally outward, with a downward-facing shaft hole at its bottom. The slide 366 is slidably embedded in the pressing support 363 in a vertical direction, and has a sliding hole corresponding to the shaft hole inside. The spring shaft 365 is vertically inserted into the sliding hole and extends upward into the shaft hole. The pressing rod 367 is connected to the bottom of the slide 366 and extends downward at an angle. The pressing block 368 is located at the bottom of the pressing rod 367 and is used to press the electrode tab 03 during welding. A second through groove C, penetrating vertically, is provided in the middle of the pressing block 368 for the welding signal of the welding mechanism to pass through.

[0073] The welding pressing mechanism of this invention is used to assist in pressing the electrode tabs and nickel sheets during the welding process and to assist in blowing out high-pressure gas during the welding process, ensuring the cleanliness of the electrode tab surface and removing dust or mist generated during welding in real time. Specifically, the welding pressing mechanism is threadedly connected to the drive shaft of the bearing control mechanism via a connecting sleeve. The power output from the bearing control mechanism drives the connecting sleeve to move the pressing support up and down. A sliding sleeve provided on the side wall of the pressing support is embedded in the slide rail of the bearing control mechanism for guiding and limiting the movement during the up and down motion. Furthermore, the top of the pressing support is provided with a horizontally extending support cap, and the support cap has a shaft hole with an opening at the bottom. A sliding block is slidably connected to the side wall of the pressing support in the vertical direction. The sliding block is located below the support cap and has a top opening inside. The slide hole contains a spring shaft vertically mounted inside. A pressing rod extends downwards at the bottom of the slide block, with a pressing block at its bottom. A second through-slot is formed on the pressing block. When the connecting sleeve moves the pressing support downwards, the pressing block approaches the electrode tab and presses it firmly against the nickel sheet. This ensures that the electrode tab and nickel sheet remain pressed together during welding, guaranteeing the flatness of both surfaces and improving welding quality. Simultaneously, the buffer force provided by the spring shaft allows for flexible contact between the pressing block and the electrode tab, preventing scratches or damage to the electrode tab surface during pressing. Furthermore, the second through-slot on the pressing block allows the welding laser to contact the electrode tab surface while maintaining the pressed state between the electrode tab and nickel sheet during welding. Example 5

[0074] As an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention discloses a battery cell assembly machine including a robotic arm for welding battery cell tabs to nickel sheets.

[0075] The embodiments of this invention are merely illustrative of specific implementation methods and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on these embodiments; therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the scope of this invention's patent claims fall within the scope of this invention's patent claims.

Claims

1. A mechanical arm for welding the tab of an electrode and a nickel sheet, used to assist the electrode to be housed in a shell and the welding of the tab and the nickel sheet, comprising a bracket (1) erected above a battery fixture, characterized in that: It also includes a driving module (2) and a mechanical head (3), wherein, The driving module (2) is arranged on the top of the support (1) and outputs power in a straight line direction; The mechanical head (3) is connected to the output end of the driving module (2) and is driven by the driving module (2) to move linearly; The mechanical head (3) includes a connecting seat (31), a linear module (32), a lifting module (33), a bearing control mechanism (34), a material suction and holding mechanism (35), and a welding and pressing mechanism (36), wherein the connecting seat (31) is connected to the output end of the driving module (2); the linear module (32) is arranged on the bottom of the connecting seat (31) and outputs linear power in a direction perpendicular to the driving module (2); the lifting module (33) is connected to the output end of the linear module (32) and outputs power in a vertical direction; the bearing control mechanism (34) is arranged on the lifting module (33); the bearing control mechanism (34) includes a driving assembly for driving the welding and pressing mechanism (36) connected thereto to move up and down; The material suction and holding mechanism (35) is arranged on one side of the bearing control mechanism (34) and is used for adsorbing the battery cell (02) to be housed and placing the battery cell (02) on the flip seat of the jig in an inclined manner, and simultaneously pressing the tab (03) extending out of the battery cell (02) on the welding nickel sheet (04) when the battery cell (02) is placed; The welding and pressing mechanism (36) is connected to the bearing control mechanism (34) and is driven by the bearing control mechanism (34) to move up and down, and is used for pressing the tab of the battery cell (02) placed in the battery shell (01) from above, so that the external welding mechanism welds the tab (03) and the welding nickel sheet (04); The material suction and holding mechanism (35) includes a rotating support (351), a connecting frame (352), a rotating suction seat (353), a connecting block (354), and a material placing and pressing block (355), wherein the rotating support (351) is arranged on the side of the bearing control mechanism (34) and is connected to the external rotating power; the connecting frame (352) is connected to the side wall of the rotating support (351) and extends downward in an inclined manner; the rotating suction seat (353) is arranged on the connecting frame (352) and extends downward in an inclined manner, and the bottom surface of the rotating suction seat (353) is provided with at least two material placing suction nozzles (A) for vacuum adsorbing the battery cell (02) to be housed and placing the battery cell (02) on the flip seat under the driving of the rotating power; the connecting block (354) includes two blocks, and the two connecting blocks (354) are arranged above the rotating suction seat (353) in a spaced manner; the material placing and pressing block (355) includes two blocks, and the two material placing and pressing blocks (355) are respectively connected to the two connecting blocks (354) and extend downward above the tab (03), and the material placing and pressing block (355) presses the tab (03) downward when the battery cell (02) is placed.

2. The robot for welding the electrode tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 1, wherein: The battery shell (01) is a box-like structure with an open top, and an electric core groove (D) is arranged in the battery shell (01); one side of the electric core groove (D) is provided with a welded nickel sheet (04); the electric core (02) is a block-like structure, and one side of the electric core (02) is provided with an outwardly extending tab (03); the battery shell (01) is placed on a jig seat of a jig, and the opening of the electric core groove (D) faces upwards; the electric core (02) is placed on a flip seat connected to one side of the jig seat, and the tab (03) and the welded nickel sheet (04) are in contact and conductive with each other, and the flip seat drives the electric core (02) to rotate towards the direction of the jig seat, so as to put the electric core (02) into the electric core groove (D).

3. The robot for welding the electrode tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge pressure block (355) is an L-shaped structure, one end of which is fixed on the connecting block (354), and the other end extends downward; the lower end of the discharge pressure block (355) is provided with a horizontally extending pressure table part (356), and the pressure table part (356) is provided with a first through groove (B) extending upward and downward; the bottom of the pressure table part (356) is provided with a downward pressure protrusion (357) for pressing the tab (03) downward.

4. The robot for welding the electrode tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 1, wherein: The bearing control mechanism (34) comprises a bearing support (341) vertically connected to the output end of the lifting module (33) and driven by the lifting module (33) to move up and down, and the side wall bottom of the bearing support (341) is provided with a horizontally outwardly extending support table; the driving assembly comprises a driving motor (344), a transmission belt (345), a driving wheel (346), a driving shaft (347) and a slide rail (348), wherein the driving motor (344) is arranged on the support table, and the output end is arranged downward; the driving shaft (347) is vertically rotatably inserted into the support table and is arranged in a spaced manner with the driving motor (344); the driving wheel (346) comprises two, and the two driving wheels (346) are respectively sleeved on the output end of the driving motor (344) and the driving shaft (347); the transmission belt (345) is sleeved between the two driving wheels (346), and the inner wall of the transmission belt (345) is provided with a rack; the transmission belt (345) is respectively connected with the two driving wheels (346) through the rack; when the output end of the driving motor (344) rotates, the driving shaft (347) is driven to rotate by the transmission belt (345) and the driving wheel (346); the slide rail (348) comprises two, and the two slide rails (348) are respectively arranged in a spaced manner on the two sides of the driving shaft (347).

5. The robot for welding the electrode tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 4, wherein: The outer side of the support table is provided with a vertical downward extending vertical support part, and the two slide rails (348) are arranged in parallel and in a spaced manner on the outer side wall of the vertical support part; The bearing control mechanism (34) further comprises a flat pressing assembly (349) arranged below the vertical support part, the flat pressing assembly (349) comprising a flat pressing support (3491), a connecting rod (3492), an air seat (3493), a flat pressing block (3494) and a flat pressing nozzle (3495), wherein one side of the flat pressing support (3491) extends in the vertical direction and is connected to the inner side wall of the vertical support part; the air seat (3493) is arranged on the side wall on one side of the flat pressing support (3491) and is connected to an external vacuum generator; the connecting rod (3492) comprises at least two connecting rods (3492), one end of each connecting rod (3492) is connected to the flat pressing support (3491), and the other end is connected to the bottom of the support table; the flat pressing block (3494) is located on the other side of the flat pressing support (3491) and extends horizontally, and an air passage is arranged in the flat pressing block (3494); the flat pressing nozzle (3495) comprises at least two flat pressing nozzles (3495), the flat pressing nozzles (3495) are arranged at the bottom of the flat pressing block (3494) and are in communication with the air seat (3493) through the air passage in the flat pressing block (3494), and are used to generate vacuum suction.

6. The robot for welding the tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 4, wherein: The welding and pressing mechanism (36) comprises a connecting assembly, a pressing support (363), a pressing assembly and a blowing assembly, wherein the connecting assembly is arranged on the side wall of the pressing support (363) and is connected to the driving assembly, and drives the pressing support (363) to move up and down through the driving assembly; the pressing assembly is flexibly arranged on the connecting assembly in the vertical direction and extends downwardly and obliquely, and is used to press the tab (03) from above during welding; the blowing assembly comprises two groups, and the two groups of blowing assemblies are arranged on the two sides of the pressing assembly and extend downwardly and obliquely, and are used to assist blowing and dust removal during welding.

7. The robot for welding the electrode tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting assembly comprises a connecting sleeve (361) and a sliding sleeve (362), wherein the connecting sleeve (361) is sleeved on the driving shaft (347) and is threadedly connected with the driving shaft (347), and the driving shaft (347) rotates to drive the connecting sleeve (361) to move up and down; the sliding sleeve (362) comprises two sliding sleeves (362) which are slidably embedded in two slide rails (348) respectively and are used for guiding and limiting.

8. The robot for welding the tab of the battery cell to the nickel plate according to claim 6, wherein: The pressing assembly comprises a support cap (364), a spring shaft (365), a sliding seat (366), a pressing rod (367) and a pressing block (368), wherein the support cap (364) is horizontally arranged on the top of the pressing support (363) and horizontally extends outward, and the bottom of the support cap (364) is provided with an axis hole opening downward; the sliding seat (366) is slidably embedded on the pressing support (363) in the vertical direction, and a sliding hole is formed in the inside of the sliding seat (366) corresponding to the axis hole; the spring shaft (365) is vertically inserted into the sliding hole and extends upward into the axis hole; the pressing rod (367) is connected to the bottom of the sliding seat (366) and extends downward obliquely; the pressing block (368) is arranged at the bottom of the pressing rod (367) and is used for pressing the tab (03) during welding, and a second through groove (C) is formed in the middle of the pressing block (368) and penetrates upward and downward, which is used for the welding signal of the welding mechanism to penetrate.

9. An electric core assembling machine comprising the mechanical hand for welding the tab of the electric core and the nickel sheet according to claim 1.

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